Tip-In, Toronto Raptors’ Post-Game: The Snooze Button

by RaptorsHQ - Archives on Jan 11, 2009 12:00 AM EST

Allen may have hit the dagger 3's, but it was Rondo who stood the tallest for Boston this afternoon...

You know those mornings were you can’t get out of bed?

Those ones where you lay there half asleep, and know that while you should get out of bed, another few minutes of sleep would really be beneficial?

Of course this is all ridiculous, even an extra 10 minutes after you’re already awake isn’t going to undo any damage from the night before.

However at 6 or 7 am, logic is probably not your forte, nor your concern and so you reach over and hit that magic button.

SNOOZE.

Maybe you only hit it once, or maybe you hit it another five times but whatever the case, it just takes you that long to decide to finally get going.

Listening to the post-game interviews with the Toronto Raptors after their 94 to 88 loss to the Celtics yesterday, it would be safe to assume that many would admit to falling guilty to the previous analogy.

It took the Raptors three quarters to wake up from their slumber this afternoon and when they finally did late in the game, they found themselves down by 20 points to the defending champion Boston Celtcis.

Granted these are not the Celtics of old as Boston came into this afternoon’s game, losers of seven of their last nine. The team that at one point had won 19 straight, was suddenly hearing whispers of age worries, and Stephon Marbury trade proposals. If there was ever a time for Toronto (which had lost six of their last seven to the Celtics) to play Boston, it was now.

That’s why as fans, it was extremely disappointing to see the lack of energy and effort brought forth by the club through the majority of the game.

Jump shots were settled for, defense was non-existent, and second efforts were unheard of. None of Howland’s "3 Keys" from Saturday were adhered to and I’m guessing most fans shut this one down early.

Only surprise, Toronto did not fold.

Down 71 to 51 with about four minutes to go in the third quarter, suddenly the Raptors reserves started to pick up the pace, spearheaded by Roko Ukic.

I had commented yesterday that I felt strongly about giving Ukic a good chunk of playing time simply because he was the only player on the Raptors who could match up with Rajon Rondo. No, defensively he’d still probably have some issues, but I felt that Roko could at least keep Rondo busy at the other end, something that Jose Calderon has historically struggled with. (And that’s when he’s been healthy.)

Roko did just that AND put in work defensively, keeping the lighting-quick Rondo under control. In addition, Jay Triano replaced a complacent Chris Bosh and struggling Anthony Parker with a smaller and more athletic and aggressive lineup featuring the likes of Joey Graham and Jamario Moon, with a little Jason Kapono mixed in.

Again, this was something I had been yearning for all game but for an extended period. Having seen a few of Boston’s last bunch of losses, the club really struggled when the opposing team pushed the tempo, and attacked the basket with more athletic players. Suddenly Toronto was doing this in droves, opening up shots for Kapono and Bargs, the one big on the floor, and these started to fall.

A 20 point deficit was reduced to 15, then 10, and then 8, and suddenly the Boston Celtics looked much more like the team that had recently dropped games to the Knicks and Bobcats, instead of the club that finished off Kobe and the Lakers last spring.

However even when Toronto got as close as five points, there just wasn’t enough time to complete the comeback and in the end, the C’s prevailed. It was inspiring attempt, and one that hopefully will motivate the Dinos tomorrow night when they travel to Boston for the rematch, but one that came up short.

The frustrating thing for Raptors fans, was seeing a club that had played so well recently, come out so flat.

There really was no excuse and while yes, shots didn’t fall that were dropping in previous games, the Raps didn’t exactly do themselves any favours by repeatedly settling for perimeter shots. Even when Toronto got within striking distance near the game’s end, it was Jason Kapono uncharacteristically looking to drive the ball in effort to pin a sixth foul on Ray Allen, while Jamario Moon kept jacking up 3’s. This club still needs to be much more aggressive offensively and it needs to be a complete team mentality. This game was there for the taking had the club started attacking from the get-go.

Interestingly, this loss was a carbon copy of another defeat earlier this season for Toronto. It was the Raptors’ fourth game, and at the time, the team was riding a three game winning streak. However at home against Detroit, the club came out flat, and even though they fought back to nearly snatch the victory from the jaws of defeat, they just didn’t have enough to pull it out.

After that loss to Detroit, Toronto dropped 3 of their next 4 games and suddenly the season began to unravel. The Raptors have made some great strides lately to get back on track so it’s crucial for them to follow up this afternoon’s loss with a solid game tomorrow night.

Here are our 3 keys.

1) Perimeter Defense.

Yes, Ray Allen absolutely killed Toronto today. 8 of 10 from beyond the arc will do that. So one might say that his dead-eye shooting was simply bad luck, especially considering that Allen had been shooting below 40 per cent from the field and below 30 per cent from long-range in January up until this game. However even if Allen comes back down to earth tomorrow, it’s unlikely that KG and P squared will shoot a combined 8 of 27 again.

The real problem today wasn’t so much Allen’s shooting, although it certainly would have helped if he had missed a few, but Rajon Rondo. Rondo finished with near triple-double numbers (14-11-6) and simply got anywhere he wanted on the court through the first three quarters. As a result, Ray Allen had more wide-open looks than he’s had in weeks and Toronto, under Jay Triano’s pack-the-paint defence, paid the price time and time again.

Tomorrow night, the Raptors need to do a much better job on Rondo and while this is easier said than done, I really believe this the key to everything. If Toronto can turn Rajon into a jump-shooter, this grinds the Celtics’ offense to a halt and takes away many of the open looks the team had this afternoon. The onus again will be on Jose to do this but if he can’t early, I’ll be looking for Triano to give a quick hook and try his luck with either Roko or Will.

2) Attack, Attack, Attack.

There can be no snooze button tomorrow night. Toronto now has seen how they can beat this Celtics club and they need to do it right from the tip-off. That means driving to the hole, pushing the rock in transition, and playing to their strengths. That means unless the Raps are up by 20, I under no circumstances want to see Chris Bosh shooting 3-pointers. It also means I want to see the rest of the team looking to for mismatches, in particular, Bargs if he’s being guarded by Scalabrine. Andrea had a rough afternoon percentage-wise (he was 5 of 14) but still looked for his shot and did a good job on the glass. He really can be the difference-maker in this contest tomorrow evening and I’ll be looking for him to help set the tone early.

In addition, Boston’s bench is decimated at present due to injuries and this could be a big advantage for Toronto. One thing Toronto did do well this afternoon was get to the line and the bench, Joey Graham in particular, played a big role in this. If this bench production can help off-set any lapses by the starting unit, it could go a long way towards a W.

3) Break the Mental Hold.

From the time Ray Allen hit a game-winner last season against Toronto up until now, this Celtics team has had some sort of mental trance on the Raptors. Chris Bosh seems to disappear behind KG’s shadow, Toronto’s perimeter defence makes Rajon Rondo look like the second-coming of Oscar Robertson, and generally the team either waves the white flag by the time the third quarter rolls around, or chokes down the stretch after leading for most of the game.

My hope is that this afternoon’s loss broke this chain. Finally towards the end Bosh looked to attack Garnett, Roko Ukic played as if to say "Rajon who?", and Joey Graham threw his weight around and knocked heads with Brian Scalabrine. I even thought Jamario Moon did a good job at times, especially on the defensive side of the ball guarding Paul Pierce. After watching KG’s antics up close for most of the season, he and his team are starting to remind me of that neighbor’s dog…the one that was all bark and no bite. The team talks of mental toughness but Boston’s fold job down the stretch was on par with any Toronto’s done this year…and they don’t have a player like KG running beaches at dawn for Zen-like inspiration.

Tomorrow night, I’d like to see the Dinos finally shatter this whole Celtics mystique. Other teams have done it recently and Toronto took steps in that direction in the fourth quarter today, but tomorrow night is really when it’s time to show and prove.

A win would give this team a huge mental boost, not to mention another notch in their belt in terms of securing a playoff spot, and would also suddenly make something that’s an increasing possibility very interesting.

A first-round playoff date with the men in green.

FRANCHISE

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Comments

Kapono and Roko are really seeming to click at times. Hopefully this relationship is further exploited in coming games. Parker just takes too many games off. I wish a reporter would ask Bosh what he thinks his chances are for the MVP at mid-season. Can't disappear so often my man.

by Branden on Jan 11, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Nice summary. I thought the Raptors fell back into their one and done offense too often. If you're like me then you were probably screaming at them to move the ball, set a pick, cut, anything just don't stand there. The Celtics probably thought they could mail it in the 4th but I hope the Raps play with the same feistiness for all of tomorrow's game.

by melon on Jan 11, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

bang on recap, can't believe how cb plays against garnett, just starstruck, if he can get over that hump, hopefully rasheed would be next.

by axl on Jan 11, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Great post - why on earth this team takes so long to get going will always be beyond me - like they need to drink 17 red bulls or something.

Proud of bargs - he missed shots at first but kept stepping into them and attacking. Boston has no answer for him so if bosh would step it up and they could get some stops on rondo, could be a win monday night.

by fromlongrange on Jan 11, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Does Moon drive anybody else crazy?

Why does he do what he does? Why does he keep taking open 3's. Who cares if he makes one, he just shouldn't be shooting them, let Bargs or Kapono do that. Why can't Triano just straight up tell him to drive to the net. I think that is the main reason shy the offense grinds to a halt. If Bargs is gonna stand around the 3 point arc, how can Moon think he should too. I seriously think Moon is really bad, he shyte the bed in the Slam dunk contest, and he refuses to slam it during a game.
Roko is way better than Solomon. Pretty sure Solomon is a 2 guard and Roko is a point guard. Plus I don't think Roko gets tired so just play him the whole game.
I find Calderon is always(3rd year) late in getting the ball to a cutting open man. Now I realize that this happens like 2 a game, but he'll look at them not pass and then put a hand up and call a play. If he does pass it inside it's almost too late. Moon should have at least 1 ally oop a game.
Let's go Raps, they can beat Boston, just no turnovers!

by Doug on Jan 11, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

was at the game this afternoon and I was looking forward to it as if it were a playoff game.

too bad so sad for me.

a couple of things though:

joey is a beast. he still screws up defensively sometimes - leaving allen alone for a 3??? - but the guy is afraid of no one. he played KG hard when bosh was out; he practically head butted bonner 2.0; he threw down some nice hard fouls when he needed to.

2) calderon should not have played. especially against rondo. he should have come off the bench playing against the 2nd stringers. whenever he was on the bench, comebacks happened.

3) as good as roko played, he had this thing were he kept talking to kapono during breaks, and then handing the ball off to him during play. and by handing it off, I don't mean setting him up for open looks - he would give him the ball and run away, leaving kapono to create. not good. should never, ever happen. ever. never. never ever.

by papa on Jan 11, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

You know what Doug... You're bang on (with your comments about Jamario). I'd didn't watch the game, but I can bet that Moon didn't drive once. Just thinking about the route that he had to travel to get to where he's at confuses the crap out of me. I mean he played in just about every league possible and he still doesn't have an edge to his game. If you look at players who have played in numerous leagues they have certain characteristics. John Starks, Antonio Davis, Anthony Carter are some examples of players that played in the countless leagues and have a lot more passion and heart. Time is ticking on Moon right now because unless he shows some commitment to come out of the shadows and play properly he will not be picked up be another team in 2009/10.

by SlickRick on Jan 11, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Is Jose Calderon's style of point guard play a good fit for this team? We really need a defensive point guard who can set people up and make the occasional shot. Yes, Calderon's numbers are good but something just doesn't seem to work. The other team always has an easier time setting up their own offense because he offers no resistance to the rhythm of the opposing point guard and when he's not one hundred percent, the team is at a greater disadvantage. The evidence is anecdotal at best but maybe we're not getting the most out of this team as it's presently constructed with him playing the 1. Thoughts

by Interloper on Jan 11, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

My thoughts?
My honest thought is Calderon is Great! If any guy can learn something, or digest the game, it's him. So he's good. But I would like him to either not play if he's under 100% or...Play, but play smart hard defense, keep buddy in front of you. Interloper said it best. That rhythm is never broken by Calderon. On Offense run,run,run and try passing too guys while the're running. When he's tired put Roko in. It's that easy. If Bosh and Bargnani could run hard and get good position close to the basket, he could be great at that. I do love Calderon because he's a team guy first.

by Doug on Jan 11, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Well put Franchise. The raptors are just sloppy today, both at offense and at defense. I don't know if you can credit Boston's defense but if the raptors played like today not sure if they can beat any team.

A lot of offensive woes are mental, the starters, Parker, Moon, Calderon and Bosh are intimidated by Boston and their plays lack confidence. It is the young guys like Roko and Joey G, and Barg that took it to Boston. If toronto want to beat Boston they must starting believing they can beat boston. And this starts with Bosh. If Bosh start to out play KG then it changes the Psyche of the game.

by JYD on Jan 11, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

interloper i do think u have something there, but i think roko could be that guy that could offset calderon's inability to disrupt the flow of the other team and roko's minutes should be somewhere around 20 a night with calderon at full strength, because there's no question calderon is one of the best floor generals in the league right now when it comes to offense but when it comes tiring your man out and taking away his flow you need energy and speed and hunger which roko has...in my opinion.. so what im gettin at is lets see some more minutes for roko and i unlike others liked when he let jk run the offense a little bit because it threw the defense off and kapono was able to drop some dimes and score some points...also lets see the unit of joey g roko kapono bargns a bit more and put like either jamario or ap with em so they can get out and run a bit more i like that cuz ap can spot up and so can jk and joey g and roko take it hard to the rim, we saw what that unit did to fight back against boston like franchise mentioned.... you can see the fire on the bench i think jay should let it spread...

by symmetry on Jan 11, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

PLEASE TRADE KAPONO!!!

by Jomar on Jan 11, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Nothing wrong with Bosh and Bargnani's efforts, they just could not make enough shots, but the defense was there ( CB 11rbs,3blks, AB 9rbs, 1blk). KG held to 3/16 10pts and PP 11pts only.
AP/JM let Allen have perfect shooting practice in the 1st qtr, and game over.
Rap's as a team shot 31% in the 1st 3 qtrs, and 22% in the 3rd, on wide open shots, before finally making some shots in the 4th.
The Celtics defense covered Bosh well in the post, and the PG's had trouble getting the ball deep. CB & AB's JS was not falling, I guess they were due after shooting so well lately, and keying the offense. No one else was able to pick them up.

O'Neal and Calderon are not going to Boston, staying home for treatment as Calderon's hamstring is still sore, the reason he only played 22 mins.

by Johnn19 on Jan 11, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

The reason Ukic got to play the 4th qtr was for the experience, due to the Rap's down 20 pts it was game over, and Calderon was hurting, and Solomon had been inefective when he was in.
Just a coincidence that Rap's finally made some shots in the 4th and Boston let up some with the big lead, so Rap's got back in the game a bit.
Ukic can be effective sometimes if he can get to the basket and score, but his jump shot is still not good enough to play big numbers, as teams lay off him and cover the shooters.

by Johnn19 on Jan 11, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

No knock on Jose but seems to me either the training staff or the coaching staff erred in allowing him to start. I hope this does not extend his time off.

Was nice that we fought back.

by Tinman on Jan 12, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I think everyone is forgetting that the Raps did make a run in the 2nd quarter as well. Solomon was hardly ineffective although Roko had a better game. Sometimes I think people allow their prejudices to shade their views on any particular game a player has.
Speaking of prejudice, I am still confused as to why Joey isn't starting. I realise he has a better chance of getting it going coming off the bench then Moon does but I think it is time that the Raps admit that Moon doesn't fit with this team anymore. There were two plays that highlighted this. Joey went up for a 3 with only a few ticks left but with rebounders in place and the ball came back out to him and he one timed a pass to Kapono in the corner for the open 3. Moon received a pass with about 8 seconds left on the shot clock and had a massive freeway to the basket and instead elected to jack up a 3 with everyone boxed out. Moon is not a good enough 3 point shooter to take that shot with 8 ticks left especially since no one was closing out on him and he could have walked to the basket. Joey continues to show that he is willing to attack the rim and he provides more flexibility on defense as he can hold his own against bigger players. Joey needs to start over Moon and if Moon cannot bring it from the bench, then cut him and eat his salary. I know Joey is still inconsistent at times but he still has more upside then Moon and Joey deserves the minutes.

by McGateway on Jan 12, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Reality Check:
J. Moon will never ever become a banger or a slashing SF, not in this life time or the next. Moon is what he is a finesse leaper. At 28 he is not going to change is game period!

What we expect from Moon is to use is leaping ability to grab 6-8 rebounds per night and few backdoor cuts and screens to get 8-10 points per game, play hard noise defense (he is an average defender) and again used is athletic ability to get the hustle plays and be a sound help side defender. As for is jump shoot he needs to pick is spot, simply. Moon is not a bad shooter, he does not have the perfect form but he is effective when he OPEN and pick is spot.

Moon stats this year:
3P% - .303 FG% - .458 These are not good stats but there are average. Now if Moon just pick is spot when to take OPEN jump shot (3 or 2) then I ‘m satisfied. Was it a good shot he took late last night at the end of the game...Maybe! He was open. Was it the right shoot? Hell No. This is where Moon needs to focus and used is basketball IQ (which is seems below average at times) to recognize who is on the floor and what going on.

I also what to point out that is 3P% over the last five games is not pretty. He is horrific shoot a catastrophic 0.181 (2 for 11). Still we can’t blame him for the lost. There were so many other guys which did not show up for this one.

Starting an injury Jose against Rando did not help. Pretty bad coaching decision, Jay could try explained this one all he wants but if he wanted to work Jose back into shape he should have come off the bench against Eddie House. Better match up for an injury Jose.

AB is the KEY to victory tonight. If he continues is aggressive play, hot shooting and hard noise defence than we have a chance to win. Also Bosh is still the Man but against KG he looks like a Boy. Time to step it up Bosh!!! Predication Raps win by 5 ^_^

by JordanFanatic on Jan 12, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I also think Joey should start. He is a better player than Moon. More aggresive and better basketball IQ.

by JordanFanatic on Jan 12, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Agreed. Joey should be getting way more PT than Moon. His intensity was fantastic, as evidenced by his interaction with Scalabrine. There was also a point where he made a hard (not dirty) foul on someone with a decently clear path to the basket, and then just walked away. Imagine anyone else on the Raptors doing that. Maybe Jake the Snake.

Joey G. also made a beautiful assist on a three, as described above.

He's improving significantly.

by observer on Jan 12, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Doug,
I almost LOST IT yesterday when I saw Moon take the open three with Kapono standing WIDE OPEN to his left with the Raptors down five with possesion of the ball. ANY idiot (even Hoffa) would have known that Kapono should have been takin that shot. Triano should have lit him up for that!!!

by mycall on Jan 12, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

What's even more frustrating about Moon, is that at times he shows that he CAN be aggressive. For instance in the third quarter yesterday, he posted Ray Allen up near the hoop, faked, spun, and went up drawing contact and the foul!

I almost fell off my couch!

He's not programmed right now to play that way but hopefully through the rest of the season he realizes he has a quickness and athletic advantage over nearly everyone who tries to guard him. The post-up situation is especially useful because that way, he doesn't need to create off the dribble, but can just spin, drop-step or use one or two bounces to get to the rim.

by Franchise on Jan 12, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

so true franchise, it must be something they worked on recently because I've seen him get in position a couple times over the last few games, but the ball hasn't come. makes sense because of his quick hops he should really have a lot of mismatches...

by axl on Jan 12, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

hey guys, whats up with oneal? theres not much talk about him. he's been missing a lot of games, and his knee just collided with another players kneww which has kept him away from the games. it shouldnt take that long to heal, does it?

i dont know but theres something telling me that BC has blocked oneal from playing so he wont get injured before a possible TRADE. that what i think, but if yall know the really reason, please keep updated with the information. thanks

by tea time on Jan 12, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Interloper here is my thoughts Calderone is a BACK UP PG, He will do great against other teams 2nd unit but he is no match for the starting pg in this league, and its not because he is injured when he is healthy its the same thing, guys like Rondo, DWill, Chauncy, CP3 they all have him for breakfast, the other teams run there offence flawlessly against Jose, he plays like he playing against the Euro league pg's. He need to step it up or offer to come off the bench like he did with TJ......Raps4Life.

by RAPS4LIFE on Jan 12, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Teatime - We're wondering the same things about JO. He's not on the bench, he's not around the club, and there hasn't been an injury update on him in ages.

The whole thing is a bit strange - especially given how important he was supposed to be to the club this year...

by Franchise on Jan 12, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

TS% (True Shooting Percentage) allows us to see who are the most efficient shooters from all distances (FGA, 3FGA, FTA).

Jose is rank #1 as the most effective shooter from the PG spot
Player TS%
Jose Calderon 63.1
Jameer Nelson 61.6
Steve Nash 61.1
Chris Paul 60.9
Devin Harris 59.0

How about assist leader: Jose is rank #4 in assist and #3 in assist%
Player AST% AST
Chris Paul 56.5 11.3
Deron Williams 44.8 9.9
Jose Calderon 41.0 8.5
Steve Nash 39.0 8.7

He is in the Top 2 with the assist turn-over ratio (aka PPR – Pure Point Rating – 10.6 Paul is at an amazing 12.5) at 4.01 just behind Chris Paul.

As for NBA Assists Per 48 Minutes is rank #4
Player AST%
Chris Paul 14.6
Deron Williams 13.7
Jose Calderon 12.4
Steve Nash 11.7

And lastly he is rank #9 in rebounding among PG yes 9th. He has a DRB% of 10.0 so he actually doing is part on the glass. Not enough space and time to finish this but come on stop the Jose bashing. We all know he is an average or below average defender but if you look at is OPP PER48 it is 16.6 and OPP PER48 is actually 4.2 which is better than Rando, Nash, Derrick Rose and Bibby. This might change after last night but is not the horrific at Defense then most of would bash him for. Yes he his not great but not that poor either.

by JordanFanatic on Jan 12, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Jose needs to be more aggressive and push the ball more and stop pick up is dam dribble at the top of the key. He also needs to work on creating plays with is pass by this I mean but the ball in a position so when the player catch the ball it is easy for them to make plays.

By been aggressive I also meant taking more jump shot after the pick and roll so guys stop cheat on Bosh and AB. He is the most effective shooter as a PG

Yesterday he was injury so please don’t bring the crap up.

After this I hope you guys stop bashing the guy without any clear evidence. Yes he needs to push and be more aggressive and yes is defense is questionable but when he is 100% he does so so so much more.

Please also don’t give me that he make the easy pass bull if that was the case other PG other than Paul, Nash and Jose would also make the easy pass and be in the top 10 in also ever offensive stats for a PG.

So is your version of been a BACK UP PG?

by JordanFanatic on Jan 12, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I will definitely post this again if the Jose is crap, back-up nonsense comes up again.

by JordanFanatic on Jan 12, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Question for JordanFanatic..what good are all those stats if you can't lead your team to victory

by RAPS4LIFE on Jan 12, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Can't lead is team to victory?
Is the Raptors losing because of Jose or is it because of multiple problems. Mainly at the wing position, lack of intensity, lack of rebounding and we can throw in lack of consistency for the bench at all position.

Jose is not cause of losing, as I stated above yes he has a few things to work on to push him into that all-star status and to be a better player but he does so many good things only few in this league can do.

Jose is not the first or second option for scoring on this team he is a pure point guard who runs the team like a 'General' sometimes too slow, cautions and not aggressive enough and YES is DEFENSE IS QUESTIONABLE.

There is lot of guys out there most would consider better than Jose and there not winners this is because there team is not good enough.

Trying to make Jose look like a back-up and saying he not a winner because the Raptors is not a complete team is just plain bull and low

I hope you stick to your gun when the Raptors get a good wing SF who is a slasher and will definitely see what Jose game is made of....and I will stick with mine. We are need a more consistence SG.

Jose is more than a starter in this league is his a very good PG, but not all-star. With a few tweaks in his game he will definitely become one. Trying to bash him and bring him down due to injury and been on a team consist of jump shooters and jump shooters and players which might show in 1 in ever 6 games with only Bosh and a consistence basic taking the ball to the hole is just low. Give the guy credit where credit is due.

by JordanFanatic on Jan 12, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I have been reading this blog since the beginning of the season and I can't remember anyone on this site blaming Jose for a lose? Can you?

Franchise and others are very good writers and have good insight to the games but he and others have never blame Jose for not wining...

by JordanFanatic on Jan 12, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Jamario Moon must have spent the entirety of last summer hoisting jumpers, and his J is improved. But he needs to spend all of this next summer practising taking it to the rack. I've seen 7th graders who finish better than Jamario, if Moon doesn't have an open dunk, he has no clue what to do.

by Chris on Jan 12, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Welcome to Boston and the cheating Refs. Seriously, Raptors need to pay-off the Refs for the NBA to get a call.

by JordanFanatic on Jan 12, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I can see BC and JO coming to a mutual agreement to find a better situation for him. Bargnani has stepped up his game, and JO has proven that he's fully healthy. In light of past performance, I don't think BC anticipated having this "problem" until sometime next season at the earliest.

IF JO was making himself available to media and sitting on the bench, the media frenzy would start up and the controversy could take the focus away from the team's solid performance of late, and Bargnani's improved play.

If and when JO does return to the lineup, I expect everyone to tote the company line, and situation where while Bargnani returns to the bench, he'll be considered on a equal footing to JO regarding minutes. Having gone through so much turmoil in Indiana, as the captain no less, JO will take the high road on this one.

by yardly on Jan 12, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions