Tip In, Toronto Raptors' Post Game: Out of Position

by RaptorsHQ - Archives on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST

Is Bosh laughing about his chances of sticking around Toronto after next year?

Franchise and I had a conversation earlier about who was covering this game.

You see, we at the HQ divide up the games and schedule who is going to do what for the following week pretty early. It allows us to plan our lives around games and such, and I just happened to volunteer for this Magic game.

Franchise, wanting to double-check things, asked me if I wanted him to handle it. I said, "It'll be fine. I'm going to the game anyways. But if you have something pressing on your mind, you can go ahead and take this game." Franchise replied to me by saying, "No, that's ok. I don't want to cover a demolition of mass proportions."

Well, I don't know if being out-worked and routed by 23 points counts, but I can tell you one thing: I'm now merely waiting to see what roster change is in store before the trade deadline.

When it comes down to it, I don't see why we should have expectations about this team anymore. In fact, I wonder if the team itself has any expectations of making the playoffs anymore.

The Raptors continue to choose to make life difficult for themselves by being a team of players that don't play according to the normally defined roles of the NBA. Two years ago, such a structure was to our advantage as our players were confident in their abilities yet managed to play with the humility of knowing that effort is 90% of the battle. However, now when we have holes on defense, brain cramps on offense, and no more speeches or words to comfort ourselves or the players, we're left with a team that couldn't score 100 points in a game and instead allowed the opposing team to impose their will. In this league, no other club relies solely on their point guard to spark drives to the rim. No other team in the NBA looks for their power forward to make jump shots from 10-15 ft out on a consistent basis. No other team has a starting small forward who just camps around the arc and takes 3's and perimeter shots all night long.

Chris Bosh admitted his own fault in the situation. When it's midway through the second quarter and your star power forward has exactly zero points, you have to wonder whether it's going to be anyone's night. And when Bosh finally did score, he did absolutely nothing to help his cause by making stupid decisions with his shot selection. The Raptors, keeping things close in the second quarter, had plenty of opportunities to make the game interesting. With Howard sitting out a lot of the 1st and 2nd quarters thanks to a brilliant play by Bargnani to give the Magic big man two fouls, the Raptors in the 2nd quarter were able to get to the penalty with four minutes to go. How long did it take for them to take advantage of the penalty situation? TWO MINUTES. How many fouls did Dwight have at the end of the game? THREE. In fact, it was by some minor miracle that the Raptors were only down by five after the first half after shooting 40% from the floor.

Or at least they should have been, had Bosh not slammed the ball into the court and let it fly high up into the air, resulting in a technical foul shot at the beginning of the third.

Bosh is obviously frustrated, and according to ESPN's resident loud-mouth Stephen A. Smith, won't be a Raptor after 2010, but so are fans. The Magic gave him the open jumper all night long and he kept missing, a rarity for someone who was shooting almost 50 per cent from the field this season. However when Bosh couldn't get it going from outside, he should have tried to go to the interior. Even if he wasn't scoring, at least that could have moved around Orlando's defence to open things up for this team of jump shooters.

Unfortunately, Bosh wasn't alone. While both Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon kept the Raptors in the game until the end of the half, the Raptors completely shot themselves in the foot in the third. Up in the Sprite Zone, we pleaded with the team to go inside on a consistent basis. Jermaine O'Neal received his touches for most of the night, but O'Neal regressed into a jump shooter who simply wasn't getting his calls. He was also stripped of the ball in the post three times for three turnovers. Moon, of course, was his usual outside presence. Sure, he scored, but once again, everything was from the perimeter. Anthony Parker was quiet for most of the night as Will Solomon made his return back into the rotation. However, the offense stayed stilted with little ball movement and a lot of jump shooting.

So you can imagine my frustration when the Raptors coupled their offensive deficiencies with their lackluster defense.

But you have to credit Orlando for doing things the way you're supposed to. Dwight Howard got his touches on every play and more often than not, got deep post position. When the Raptors helped out on the Man-Child, the ball either swung around the arc to the open man or was passed to a cutter who went to the basket for an easy lay-up. Heck, sometimes Howard simply just powered his way into the hoop despite having the Raptors draped all over him. And when Howard came out of the game, the Raptors still had their hands full. Having Mickael Pietrus come off the bench just made the team that much more relentless. When I think back on the game, it's no wonder the Raptors were simply overpowered.

Nevertheless, defense has to be about effort, and the Raptors continually gave up defensively. Sure, Triano has often preached about leaving the arc open and risking to see if a team can make 3 pointers consistently. "Protect the interior" seems to be his mantra. I don't believe though, that Triano wanted the Raptors to simply abandon their post and allow the Magic to shoot open 3s for most of the game. I know that the fans in my section certainly didn't accept it either.

There is a drill that I see every year from Byron Scott and the New Orleans Hornets. It happens every year that they've been a part of NBA TV's Real Training Camp show. The Hornets will run a drill where everyone is standing on the arc. A help defender drops down. The pass heads to the outside arc and begins to be passed around the arc. It's up to the defensive player that's dropped down to help against the big man to properly rotate over to the open shooter so that the team at least contests the three point shot.

It's something that we've hardly seen the Raptors ever do in a defensive rotation.

How many open looks did the Magic get? I honestly don't know. But what's obvious to me is that we simply don't have players that are smart enough or have the proper effort to run out against open shooters on a consistent basis. Not even an EFFORT was made, which was just simply the most frustrating part about watching a game like this as a fan and as a blogger.

Now in my mind, there were two bright spots for the afternoon. They were both Bargnani and Calderon. While Bargnani's shooting night descended into trouble in the third and fourth, I still felt the effort there defensively. There were plenty of times that he managed to work Howard. While Howard did best Bargnani on more than a couple plays, at least our Italian gunner managed to draw a charge on one play and keep Howard outside of his comfort range at times, which is more than could be said about the other Howard defenders.

Calderon, on the other hand, kept the Raptors in the game early with an assortment of jumpers. He also seemed to be one of the few players unafraid of trying to get to the hoop, despite having a hamstring that again was less than 100 per cent, and despite going up against the big and dominating presence of the Magic's front-court. But that's far from enough to take on one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.

When I went into this game, I went knowing that the Raptors were likely going to drop it against one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. The Magic have been 8-2 in their last 10 games, have gotten a key player back from injury and are one of the few teams that just might challenge Cleveland and Boston in the playoffs. But seeing everything live just gave me a new perspective on the situation. The ACC is far from being a dead arena and the fans are not without hope. They are willing to cheer effort. Chants of "Joey-Joey" arose from the crowd in the second quarter. Even in the fourth, down twenty, the crowd tried to bring the Raptors back into it when they cut the lead to 15 points.

But you know what? The fans can't be the only ones bringing it. We will yell, scream, shout our way into trying to give the Raptors some reason to play better. Fans care. That's why, in the end, we boo'd.

We boo'd because we care so much about our team that it's unacceptable to us to watching a team fail so badly at being competitive.

We boo'd because we know that taking the ball to the hoop can hurt and taking an open jumper is easier, but when your shot isn't falling, you need to change your tactics.

We boo'd because every day we see this same team stepping out onto the floor and on any given night, they just might give up.

Something's gotta give before the fans stop caring enough to boo too.

Vicious D

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Comments

What a mess.

I expected the team to lose yesterday, but I definitely thought they'd show more fight. Joey and Jose were the only two who showed up and while Bosh is allowed to have a bad game now and then, it was the manner in which the bad game occurred that irked everyone. Pure jumpers even when they weren't falling, and way too many turnovers. On defense he was jogging back too many times and the whole team just seemed to exude an air of "well, we weren't going to win this one anyways."

It also speaks volumes about our talent when someone like Pietrus can come off the bench and be made to look like Dwyane Wade.

And now this Stephen A. Smith garbage.

What an idiot. I still don't think Bosh has made up his mind one way or another (I mean give me a break, he'd be leaving $30 Million on the table if he bolted so I doubt he's made up his mind just yet) but this year definitely hasn't done much to make him think he should stay.

BC has his work cut out for him and Toronto's next few games are the epitome of tough.

Thank goodness for UConn vs. Louisville tonight...

by Franchise on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I missed the game yesterday, but from the articles I've read, sounds like another less than steller effort from the Raps. Who would have guessed we'd be sitting in this position come Feb 1st? I can't stand Stephen A Smith, but apparently he stated such findings based on an interview he had with Bosh. If this is the case, Raptorland has just gotten worse. Many a people are eagerly waiting to see how BC responds to the many situations at hand.

Man, this sucks.

by Nick on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Does anyone here seriously care if Bosh gets traded or leaves after 2010? His act has grown tired and I simply don't want to pay such a lazy defensive player $18 million+ when he barely tries anymore.

Bargnani is pretty useless too, but at least he's trying to prove something--Bosh seems to think he's an accomplished player just because they let him play 15 minutes per game at the Olympics. His teams have NEVER won a playoff series. What kind of leader is that?

I would LOVE!!!!!!!! to see Colangelo flip Bosh for a young small forward and a first rounder. Let O'Neal's contract expire here and then go after some players who give a shit about winning in 2010.

It's the only plan.

by Aaron on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

We are the fools - the fans of Toronto sports teams. We financially & vocally support the undeserved and let MLSE & the Rogers Empire spit on our loyalty. Owners and GMs give no credit to our basketball, baseball,hockey acumen. They expect (demand!) that we support unfailingly with our cash. Woe is us if we dare boo the putrid product. We risk banishment from the premises for showing raging displeasure. What successful
(winning) franchise skimps on salaries ("we have a cap, we
have a budget that cannot be
expanded for better talent")?
The time is coming to overthrow the status quo.

by Old Joe on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Well it didn't take long for BC to respond to SAS:

http://sports.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090202.wsptraps0202/GSStory/GlobeSportsBasketball/home

by HOWLAND on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Wow don’t I feel like a fool…

I predict Bosh to have one of those comeback nights with 30 & 12 but wow was I far off. Damn!!!

Now, as much as I love Bball and the Raptors I got to say my optimistic attitude is simply withering away. I really lost hope and the will to watch this team. At the end of this first half, when the Raptors where still in the game I actually change the channel. My son came to me and said why you always angry when watching basketball (he only 3 years old) and that when I realize that it time to give up, I don’t enjoy the games anymore, there is no hope left for this team. It was one of those insightful moments.

As a big Fan of CB4 I don’t know if he has quit or not. Are the rumors true?

At this point who give a //censored// …really if there is any truth to it then BC please do something know before it’s too late. Even If it just garbage I hope CB4 come out and give a simply explanation truth or not. Your loyal fans desire it. If not, I would loss all respect for a guy I defend time after time even during the worst of times, so I hope he man up and address the media in a positive and professional manner about this issue.

I really believe CB4 is a critical part of the team future but he is not a Franchise player yet and possible will not be. But he is a very good player. But if there is any indication on his part to BC or is agent that he won’t sign back trade is ass now.

Last point - I think we should as a team try to build this best team possible and stop worry about one guy. To be honest not even KG I wouldn’t worry about resigning as good as he is. Bosh is not Wade or Lebron. Not because there are more talent and popular than him but those guys never quit even during the hardest of times. Especially Wade, as talented as he his he has a passion and fire to make a losing team look good even when there were the worst in the league. The guy never gives up. Did anyone ever hear Wade want out during that awful season? Even when fans were throwing him under the bus?

You can lose the will to play for a team but you can never lose the passion and for the game. This is one factor that separate good players for been great. I think Bosh is on the verge of losing both….Sad times to be a Raptor Fan.

by JordanFanatic on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I actually turned this game off about 5 minutes in to the third... I've been watching this team lose for 9 years and always found some entertainment value... but their weaknesses are just so predictable and easy to exploit and we've got one position that brings a negative value defensively every single night... it's just gotten incredibly boring...

we've been talking about it for two years:
Plan A: Make shots
Plan B: ---

It's the worst to watch Orlando too because I really wanted SVG as coach...

by axl on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

JordanFanatic

I asks you

"I really believe CB4 is a critical part of the team future but he is not a Franchise player yet and possible will not be"

What should a player like this be paid? Should His pay be so much that the Raps cannot build a team around Him?

I am on the trade Bosh side!

by Davl on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Love it:

"It's a non-story. Stephen A. got a little carried away. I've e-mailed him to talk about it but he's in bed with the flu. Maybe the basketball Gods have something to do with that. I don't know where that story came from."

by fromlongrange on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

SVG

Sure put a stop to JC taking off in the 3rd.

He is a great coach no bs allowed!

by Davl on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Well said Vicious D,

I'm starting to despise Bosh's attitude because he constantly blames fans for his own lackluster performance. Take a page from New Jersey's fans (or lack thereof), they don't support their team and the players still manage to play with energy. Give me an f***in break! That's why I will always respect KG because he always came out with the same intensity that he had as a rookie.

If life is so bad in T.O. LEAVE! (Vince Carter may have played crappy in his last days with the Raptors, but he never blamed them for booing)

by SlickRick on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

A) Don't get me wrong, Bosh is a good player. I'm just not sure he's the answer here. He really isn't in the same league as D-wade, Kobe, Lebron or even CP3. These guys, when they want to, can take over a game and get the W. D-wade is a primary example. Now that he's healthy, he's propelled his team into a playoff position. He's not surrounded by a stellar support crew, yet he's still carrying his team. Bosh hasn't ever really done this. Sure, we could test every possible combination of supports to surround him with, but I don't think we'll find an easy answer - simply b/c he needs a lot of help to take this team to the top. I'd be fine if BC traded him.

by Nick on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

It looks like our team has given up on the season, with the effort they mailed in yesterday. Although maybe they were just looking forward to the superbowl party they must have had planned. (don't tell me that bosh and howard didn't hang out after the game!)

What I find funniest is that these US columnists who normally don't even bother to report that we have an NBA team at all in this city , are all over exclusive news about our stars.

I sincerely doubt these 'reports' are anything more than their imaginations running amok.

It's too bad that Jay can't seem to find the fire to start up the team. It seems that since JT took over we've seen new life from AB7 and JG14, but a regression from CB4, who seems a bit lost on the floor and unsure of how to play.

I don't have any magical solutions for our team (although I think we need to trade JK24 since he's never seemed to fit right for us), but I'm mentally resigned to us grabbing a place in the draft lottery. Let's hope BC's luck holds up and we've got a top 3 pick again. That'll at least get us started back on track.

by modelTJford on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I checked the media reports from the previous game and Bosh once again mentioning that their team's lack of energy comes from the fans booing. I have never heard anything so preposterous in my life. He makes as if "we" Canadians are still so uneducated about the game. We pay $12.50-$1000 for a game and we "expect" to see a good product on the floor. Toronto fans are as loyal as they come despite the Raptors being 10 games below .500. Raptors management are lucky that we still come out to support them at all. Bryan Colangelo and Co. should have a serious chat with Bosh or any other player that figures that lack of fan support decides how to play the game. I would never diss the people who play your God damn salary.

by SlickRick on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Could be because CB4 is fighting for touches with AB and JO

It would of been something if the Raps managed to be in the game and lost by "1" who would CB blame then?

by Davl on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

When Bosh was drafted, he proved to be a solid player with the promise of being very good. But at no time could we honestly say that he was as "special" as the other top picks in his draft class. I never saw Chris Bosh play in college, I watched Wade carry a not so highly regarded team deep into the tournament, and heard the world rave about Carmelo Anthony as he ultimately proved to be up to the hype to carry his team to the national title. What we got in Bosh was the very top of the second tier group of that draft , and with VC's subsequent abandonment, as a collection of fans we found ourselves in a difficult position. We didn't have a star but in what has been a star driven league for the longest time we needed one to feel relevant, not as a team but more so as a group of fans. So we projected our aspirations onto the best player on a very bad team in those days. Perhaps it was an issue of suspended disbelief. Bosh is what he is, solid, not spectacular, very good, not special. Some would say, he's young and still has room to grow, but the deficiencies have been the same for a while...with age will come experience, but will it necessarily bring more skill, more sustained intensity, more of a knack for thinking the game? What about when we factor in potential for injury and other unknowns.

I know right now it's a low point for us Raptor fans, but as fans of basketball, there is still a lot of quality stories to follow this season.

by Interloper on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

So I ask this question again

For those who follow nba contracts

How much is Bosh worth per year in a new contract?

by Davl on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

No low balling CB4 a 24 year old all-star not yet a leader or a Franchise player but has the potential (come on guys it low point in the season but really be honest from a basketball perspective, A PF like this does not come along too often, although he does as his problems) deserved 22 - 25 million.

Many of you might argue this but again think of it not as a Raptors fan but as a Fan of the game. Think about the free agent class and what other teams are looking for in 2010?

Let face it most American media already try to low ball Toronto as a franchise. And to keep Bosh we going to have to over pay him.

Does he deserve 30+ million...HELL NO but he is going get with out a doubt in my mind. If not here he will get it somewhere else.

He might not have the toughness yet or the killer instinct plus he does not have a mental leader or motivator(Sam anybody!!!)but the guy could flat out play.

Last question as good as Chris is and can be are we asking too much from a 24 year old guy? Don't think about money but what we have expect from him and what he has done in the past.

Think About your Top 10 PF since late 80's early 90's did any of them flat out lead there teams to a Conference final by them self?

Note: I'm in no way defending Chris!!!!

by JordanFanatic on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Think About your Top 10 PF since late 80's early 90's did any of them flat out lead there teams to a Conference final by them self at age 23-25 years old?

by JordanFanatic on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Haven't you guys all learned from the "V.C. is NOT going to resign" ordeal? And wasn't it SAS who was leading that badwagon?

Remember what Bosh thought of SAS??

"Bosh takes shot at Smith"
http://www.thestar.com/Sports/NBA/article/416349

by ustation on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

OMG.. just the mere thought of SAS has ruined my day. Here are some past SASisms:

At the 2006 NBA Draft, Stephen A. heavily criticized (ridiculed almost) Portland Trailblazers GM Kevin Pritchard for making a series of draft day trades that netted them LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy.

At the 2007 NBA Draft, upon hearing that the New York Knicks traded for Zach Randolph, Stephen A. went on to proclaim that the Knicks would drastically improve and be a contender in the East.

Prior to the 2007/08 season, when asked who he thought were NBA title contenders, Stephen A. confidently predicted the Denver Nuggets.

Idiot!

by ustation on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

If Bosh were traded

is this a good trade?

Incoming Players

Udonis Haslem
Salary: $6,575,000
Years Remaining: 2
PTS: 10.8 REB: 8.4
AST: 1.2 PER: 13.42

Yakhouba Diawara
Salary: $875,000
Years Remaining: 2
PTS: 3.4 REB: 1.2 AST: 0.4 PER: 6.58

Dorell Wright
Salary: $2,612,835
Years Remaining: 2
PTS: 2.0 REB: 0.0 AST: 0.0 PER: 4.88

Daequan Cook
Salary: $1,273,200
Years Remaining: 2
PTS: 10.3 REB: 2.5
AST: 1.1 PER: 11.38

Michael Beasley
Salary: $4,314,960
Years Remaining: 2
PTS: 13.3 REB: 5.5
AST: 0.9 PER: 15.39

Roberto Duenas
Salary: $0 Years Remaining: 0

Outgoing Players: Chris BoshMiami Heat

Outgoing Players: Udonis Haslem, Yakhouba Diawara, Dorell Wright, Daequan Cook, Michael Beasley, Roberto Duenas

I do like Haslem and Beasley.

by Davl on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

ustation, Don't forget that SAS thought Charlie V was going to be a bust.

by SlickRick on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Instead of giving SAS the satisfaction of even entertaining his fabrications (in the same interview he said that Phoenix were looking to deal Shaq... the resurgent All-Star version), I haven't seen anyone mention that the Raps changed their intro video. I was at the Bucks game and it was still the cruising intro, but on Sunday it changed. And of note, only one shot of JO, and no Moon if my memory serves me correctly. Bosh, Calderon, Bargnani all got their share of screen time, even Humph and Graham, but the rest of the raps were left out...

To me, that's more news worthy than anything SAS spewed this morning.

by lessthanzero on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Davl, you know I love me some good trade talk. But I just can't get behind your deal. Sorry man. I love beasley too, and Haslem is solid. But just too much filler to make it work.

There are a lot of deals the Raps could work out that would not make the team significantly worse. I mean, we could even do a Bosh for Amare Stoudemire and a pick kind of deal and we wouldn't be too far off where we were with Bosh.

We could even go after a guy like Brand, who the 76ers are shopping. Get him and a guy like Louis Williams and some picks and we're doing alright.

Or we could look at beefing up the supporting cast. A Raja Bell + Boris Diaw + Ajinca + a pick for Bosh would give us a deep bench. Then we take the money that O'neal will give us and turn it into a slashing 2 and we're back to being competitive.

Or, go another route and try and trade Bosh to NY for Lee + Harrington + Gallinari.

Bottom line, next year, Bosh and O'Neal will account for $38 million in salary. Even if we do nothing and let Bosh and O'Neal walk, we only have $20 million tied up in salary for the 2010/11 season. That's about $55 million to build a team with. Not too shabby.

I want to say though, that I'm neither for nor against trading Bosh definitively. There are pro's and con's to both. If he does intend to leave the $30 million on the table and walk away from the Raps and his max deal, he needs to be honest with Colangelo and try and make this team better in his absence. He doesn't owe it to us, but it would be a classy move from a player who has been nothing but classy since he arrived.

by Casey on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Some great points about Stephen A. and CB4 here...

I CRINGE when I find out that Smith is covering things like the draft. He called CV Smooth a bust and went off on the Knicks for picks like Wilson Chandler and Rolando Balkman...both of whom are far more serviceable than many others drafted around them, especially Chandler. And then yes, he touted Randolph as being the solution to the Knicks' problems.

Just a mouthpiece with no credibility whatsoever. How ESPN employs him, Jalen Rose or many of the other "talking heads" is beyond me.

End rant.

I still think you pay Bosh the max here folks. I'll be talking about this more tomorrow in my preview but losing him or trying to trade him (as much as I like Beasley) is a no-win situation. Yes, the club is a mess now in many ways - but I still think that with the addition of a solid wing and some help behind Jose, suddenly we're cooking with gas as long as Bargs keeps developping.

by Franchise on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Bosh is a rare one on one offensive talent at the 4, an above average rebounder for his size (weight) and always puts in 100% (say what you want about his games recently, he is still putting in the effort most would not). Put him along side a skilled 3 who can create off the dribble and shoot a little (in abundance in the league but non-existent in these parts since Vincenzo's pronto departo) and Bosh would be extremely difficult to contain on offense. His one on one D is generally weak due to his thin physique for a 4 but it's difficult to access his true D prowess (or lack of) because his teams have generally been weak defenders on the perimeter making the front-court constantly over compensate for the deficiencies (thus looking poor themselves). Bosh is definitely as max player.

by Raptoronto on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I actually think Sam's shadow is still lingering. Most of these players had not had another NBA head coach outside of Smitch. IMO he was here to instill a mindset and work ethic for the young players on how to be true NBA pros (mentally and physically) and he was effective at that, for the most part, until he lost the locker room in the last portion of last season. The problem is that now we are stuck watching a bunch of players who don’t know how to play in an NBA system on either side of the floor. Sam ran an unorthodox defensive system and a very limited number of effective O-sets (can’t recall who made the comment but "29 teams run the same D system and one does not" is very telling). Most of the Raptors haven’t got a clue how to function in a true NBA defensive system and the concept of sharing the ball and running "rotations" on offense seems also to be very foreign (heck, I’m convinced JakeV was brought in not to be a bruiser but to show the rest of the guys how to set simple picks/screens). The players don’t trust each other to make simple plays (when and where to fill space on D and anticipate open space on O) and this has a layering affect that has been tough to dig out of. It also doesn’t help that the talent vacuum at the 2 and 3 positions is sucking the life out of our 1, 4 and 5’s.

by Raptoronto on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I THINK THAT S.A.SMITH HAS "EARNED" THE RIGHT TO BE A REGULAR "PHOTOSHOP FIXTURE" ON THIS WEBSITE.

MAY I SUGGEST HIS HEAD ON A PIKE - AS A GOOD START FOR THE FIRST IMAGE?

by JENGE on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

The play of the Raptors these last two games is the most disappointed I've felt in this squad for a long time. Things are not proceeding as expected, to say the least. I am now convinced I over-estimated this squad from day one.

Now I brought up trading Bosh, or exploring trade options for Bosh, about three weeks ago in the comments section and got blasted by most. Let me say I am still all for exploring trade scenario's involving CB4.
Personally I haven't seen much chemistry between Bosh and Bargnani from Bargnani's rookie year, and to be honest I think Bargnani is turning into a real good player and I'd rather keep him over Bosh. Also feel his market value is higher.
I'm from the group that thinks Bosh is an allstar but nowhere near "superstar" status. Nor do I think he has it in him to be. Thats not a knock against him. He is what he is.
Lets look at a draft day deal involving CB4, maybe involving a top 4 pick, a starting SG or SF and some change.
Yes, get younger and probably take a step back next season but it will supply me something that this unit has not showed, and thats promise. Look at the competition within the East, with the exception of the C's just about every team shows more potential to get better. Our future, with this line-up, faced with our improving competition, is bleak.
Hawks, Magic, Heat, Lebrons, shit you could argue even the Bulls, Nets, 76ers, Knicks, Bucks, and Bobcats all have better young talent then our beloved Raptors.

But I also have to say the suggestion that he has quit seems to go against everything I have seen from him as a rookie. Lets give the guy the benefit of the doubt - two off nights.

by Tinman on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

"Our future, with this line-up, faced with our improving competition, is bleak.
Hawks, Magic, Heat, Lebrons, shit you could argue even the Bulls, Nets, 76ers, Knicks, Bucks, and Bobcats all have better young talent then our beloved Raptors."

Heck they are only ahead of 1 team in the East!

by Davl on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I got it!

Bosh + Kapono to the Lakers for Gasol + Vujacic + Ariza + a 1st rounder.

Think about it. It makes sense for both teams....

by Trap on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Franchise,

Just read your post and thank you for being the voice of reason (as usual).

Some of the comments here are just completely out to lunch... Trading Bosh for bit parts etc. uuuugghhh.

I'm glad we are all posting on a blog and not running this team.

Here's a news flash people: You don't improve your team by trading your best part for 50 cents on the dollar. How you improve is build off of your strengths.

Why would you trade Bosh, a 24 year old who hasn't even peaked yet for scraps? When you truely evaluate his talent versus the rest of the league there are maybe 5 to 6 players I would put ahead of him in terms of talent, potential and his mental make-up. He is arguably the top (if not slightly behind Dirk) Power Forward in the game right now. I'm not sure what everyone is expecting from this kid considering he is surrounded by youth (Bargs) D-leaguers (Moon, Jawai, Voshkul) inconsistant Euro leaguers (Parker, Solomon, Ukic) useless contract burdens (Kapono, maybe even O'Neil) etc.

I just don't get how everyone is putting this on Bosh???

by MAS on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Keep Bosh.

Unless it's Bosh to NJ for Aaron & Eric Williams, and A. Mourning, then gotta consider it.

Well Kapono was never dealt as I predicted the last year or so, but , I think this time he will be gone.

by DayOner on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Tinman, perhaps that is the most dispiriting aspect of the season. In this league, everything changes. To assume your competition is going to sit still and not strive to get better is an invitation to ineptitude and I think for some reason, the Raptor's brain trust has been satisfied with simply tweaking around the core, relying heavily on internal development. Two draft years since Bargnani and no legitimate prospects to show for it. The best way to improve your team and maintain financial flexibility is through the draft. Good teams keep their picks, have confidence in their scouting staffs enough to buy additional picks when the potential warrants, and make strides on draft night. The team has failed to do this each of the last two years and lo and behold is back to where it was before 06/07 in terms of promise. Sometimes you have to stop trying to do things differently and just focus on doing it right. Going to Europe for the likes of Parker and Garbajosa was a nice piece of work, but what has happened since except overspending on journeymen (at best), some of which don't see playing time, and trades to fix the mistakes of these journeymen signings.

While I'm at it, I would like to suggest we adopt the Score as our Raptors broadcaster of choice and begin a fundraising drive amongst ourselves to ensure they can secure the majority of Raptors games next year. I'm tired of this TSN2 situation. Ridiculous. We can call it Project Free Raptors.

by Interloper on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Despite all this trade talk, I still feel this team has the pieces to make the next step. And that includes Bosh, who we would be crazy to trade at this point. Worry about next year … next year.

Sure, this season has been dismal – from a statistical point of view (wins). But that aside, the silver lining has been AB’s progress. My belief (and the stats bare this out), is that we have one of the best 4/5 tandems in the league. We also have a very good PG in Calderon – despite all the venom that gets spewed on him. Ukic is a raw talent, and cheap, so why worry about that right now. Give him a little slack, and maybe, just maybe, he’ll pull a Barg on us. I also like Joey, and I’d like to see him play more regular. Moon – not so much.

I haven’t changed on this team, despite the losses. We still don’t have the 2/3 positions filled with Starter quality. Joey would make a great back-up, as would AP.

As far as I’m concerned, getting frustrated because we’re losing, and calling out everybody on the team is a waste of neurons. We DON’T have a full team, so don’t expect (or wish) for a close game against a team like Orlando. It’s basically 3 against 5. And yeah, we gave up on that game, but that’s only human. If our back-ups play phenomenal games, and the Bobs play good b-ball, then we can win those games. Or come very close like we did with Boston – a team that has been on a tear again, since we last saw them. Put a guy like Marion in the line-up, and the defeatism we’ve displayed will more than likely subside. And by the way, I hate the Killer B's moniker.

Saying things are worse now, is to forget that nothing has changed since the beginning of this season. BC took on JO. Yes, it was a reactionary move, and a way to remove TJ from the scene, but somewhere along the line, AB stepped up (a little late maybe). We just need that 2 & 3, or at least one of them, and then CB might see a future here. We can only hope it unfolds that way. Fill those Starter positions, and this team moves to the next level. And stop wasting those neurons on Stephen Ass Smith.

by RapthoseLeafs on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

"On ESPN's dinner-hour Sportscentre, Smith said he stands by his remarks and is not backing down, telling viewers he did speak with Colangelo. That being said, it is still a wait-and-see proposition on how it all concludes." - Paul Jones

by Raptoronto on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

RapTorononto:

1. Smith will always 'stand by his comments';

2. Smith did speak to Colangelo - this is true.

3. Colangelo told him he's full of it... (this he of course will omit)

4. Ever hear of 'manufacturing consent'? As far as I am concerned its Bosh and his agent who handle the signing of any legal contracts;

5. Everybody take a chill pill. Let's hope Smith pulls a Britney...

by JENGE on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

http://stephenablog.typepad.com

What a guy...

by Raptoronto on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Heard a sports economist say the other day that no major league sports franchise had gine bankrupt in living memory (is that true), and so he expected sports to weather the current storm.

Still...the NBA relies more on ad revenues than gate, esp. as compared to hockey. The NYT says that the cap has been raised by 25% THIS YEAR to accomodate rising salaries:
"The salary cap for National Basketball Association teams will increase to more than $6 million next season, an increase of 25 percent over the previous year. As a result, the average player's salary is expected to increase from $440,000 to $510,000 a year. Each team will be allowed to spend a maximum of $6,164,000 on player salaries in 1987-88, compared with $4,945,000 last season."

Where is this money going to come from? Are sponsor companies in the middle of this crisis going to INCREASE their TV ad budgets, when marketing typically takes the first hit when it comes to budget cuts?

Back the Raps. Is CB4 worth 30 million? Is any player worth 30 million? Discussions about salaries will take on a whole new light if the current legislation about capping exec pay / bonuses goes through. How many sports teams are owned by stockholders (with a majority owner)? If the equity is not going up in value, will management sit idly by and merely accomodate the ever-sloping-upward increase in pay?

Two things: 1. I will see the reported insolvency proceedings on a major league sports team as one possible litmus test of the health of the economy; if a sports team, or several, close up shop, then we are heading for deeper darker waters.

2. Observing the increasing frequency of protests across Europe, China (20 million migrant workers were sent back home to the countryside in the last 3 months; how long will that last), Russia (riots in Vladivostock/Far east). Heck, the crime rate of seniors for petty theft here in Tokyo, Japan is higher than that of 20 somethings for the first time ever (3 million of their pensions were "lost", and so they have no money to pay for groceries/medicine; and their overall pension nightmare is only just beginning) - think about that for a minute.

If the social fabric starts to unravel, will people continue to pay to watch unmotivated millionaires go through the motions, complaining about tough they have it?

I personally do not know how you folks can afford to pay for the tickets that you do to watch these games. I am returning to Ontario in about 5 weeks, and I will not even get cable to save funds, much less shell out to go to a sports event.

It is interesting to hear you talk about salaries about hundreds of thousands, millions, tens of millions - these figures are just unreal. I just hope to get a job when I get back. Is this sports business model sustainable, right now, and for the long term? How long can 25% per annum growth rate concievably continue, even 2 or 3 more years from now?

by gerry on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

gerry, I think the thing people sometimes forget about sports economics is that so few athletes are of the skill level that allows them to properly contribute to an entertainment product that the few that are able must be compensated appropriately. Yes, we complain about the players salaries because they are the most publicly available compensation figures vs. other entertainers, but the situation is unique because we really don't know what revenues the teams are generating to allow for these figures. If more people could do what these players did, logic would dictate that the earnings for each would go down. The owners who have been part of sports for a while are realizing enough of a return to justify continuing at it or are simply deriving enough non-financial benefit from their involvement that they can accommodate the losses realized in any given year. Now ad budgets are a different thing, tied to audience, with rates set by networks which buy the rights to broadcast. It all depends on the entertainment options available and how compelling the story is to justify watching the sporting event, which in some sense ties into the skill level of the players and their respective personnas. Companies have to sell product, to do that people have to be aware of them, the most efficient way to achieve this awareness is through an entity that draws a large audience, and on most nights a good game is the most entertaining thing on television. To justify any increases broadcasters might promise more air time for commercials, meaning more opportunities to enter the public mind space and potentially generate sales. We could see more breaks in the action for our favourite games, but that's the trade off to keep things favourable for all involved.

by Interloper on Feb 3, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions