Tip-In: Toronto Raptors' Post-Game Report - Free Falling
by Adam Francis on Mar 11, 2010 7:15 AM EST
Email
PrintRemember the Tom Petty song by this same title? After one of the Toronto Raptors' worst losses of the season, Franchise expresses concerns over the club's mental make-up, and worries that if the ship isn't righted asap, this track could very well be the team's theme song for 2009-2010 when all is said and done...
After the loss to Philly, things looked a bit shaky.
After last night's loss to Sacramento, it's hard not to think that the wheels might have come right off.
The Raptors let a five point half-time lead completely evaporate a few minutes into the third quarter, and suddenly found themselves down by 10 and on the ropes. The Kings never looked back, and were up by nearly 30 points before settling on a 23 point blowout of the Dinos.
So what gives?
I noted after the loss to Philly that things were going to be ok. Do I still feel like that?
In a word, no. The reason why? Chris Bosh.
I'm not sure what's going on with Chris right now, but this is not the same Bosh as the one who dominated his match-up nearly each and every night prior to the All-Star break. No, his play in fact has been something reminiscent of the 2005 version of CB4. Last night was a perfect example of this as he had 14 points and 5 rebounds, almost half of his season averages. I've said it before and I'll say it again, minus a dominant CB4, this club is not even mediocre by an Eastern Conference standpoint. With Bosh middling along, the club doesn't have much of a chance, even against poor foes like the Kings.
Most telling however for me regarding his performance? His free-throw attempts. CB4 was averaging nearly 9 trips to the line per game on the season but since his return from injury that number has dropped to a pettty 3 an outing.
Yes, the Raptors need all the help they can get in the free-throw department but I think more importantly, that stat underscores the fact that he's simply not been aggressive enough since his return. Is he still hurt? Perhaps. But then he shoudn't be playing a team-high 38 minutes, like he did last night if that's the case, because he's only hurting his club. Last time Toronto met Sacramento Bosh had 36 points and 11 rebounds, simply dominating an undersized King's interior. It should have been no different last night, even with Sacto's recent addition of Carl Landry. However CB4 settled for jumper after jumper, an incredibly frustrating thing to watch considering Toronto's success early in the game when they attacked the rim. The Kings' series of undersized "bigs" just didn't have the size or mobilarity to keep players like Bosh and Bargnani at bay, and yet on the night, Toronto was pummeld in terms of "points in the paint," being outscored 62 to 42 on the night.
This therefore extended to Andrea Bargnani as well, who did post a team-high 20 points on the night off of 8 of 12 shooting, but who didn't get nearly enough touches. I'm usually quite hard on Bargs for his lack of aggression or consistent production, but last night I did indeed notice that there were far too many times when Toronto's point guards looked him off down low, settling for perimeter shots themselves. Jack for instance took as many shots as Andrea, something that should be making Jay Triano scratch his head this morning considering his assistant coach at halftime stressed the need to get the ball down low to the Raps' "bigs."
Of course it doesn't help that at times when Andrea did get the ball, he made some horrific decisions passing out of double-teams...
...but the same could be said I suppose about the entire team last night.
The point guards (Jose in particular) did a terrible job running the show, the Raptors' wings were essentially invisible, and the club folded like cheap suit once Sacto got up by 13 points late in the game.
And as one reader put it, you gotta question Jay Triano's decisions in this one too. Can you see a Sam Mitchell-led team allowing this sort of effort once again to start a second half? Toronto has been outscored in each third quarter of the past 11 games and last night's record-complacency (the Dinos allowed Sacto to post 43 points on them in the Q) took things to another level. (As an aside, if your team is getting pounded to start every second half, doesn't that maybe speak volumes as to the combination of players you keep trotting out there??)
For me this loss is up there with two others on the season; the November 25th blowout in Charlotte, and the January 11th debacle in Indiana, a game the Raps should have had wrapped up but let slip away. Both along with a few poundings at the hands of the Hawks, were ugly views of how fragile this team's psyche can be, and from an outsiders perspective, ones that probably make you wonder if this is indeed a playoff team.
Last night you'd be hard-pressed to look at the 2009-10 version of the Dinos as a playoff club, even in the East. The talent is there, but much like previous incarnations of this club, what really concerned me is that not a single player looked to step up to rally the troops when the going got tough. Not Bosh, not Bargs, not the Ottoman...not even Reggie Evans. You can't be paying X millions of dollars to your supposed top players, and not get that element of leadership from at least one of them. This wasn't the Raptors vs the Mavs or Jazz...this was Toronto taking on one of the least effecient offensive clubs in the league, they should have been able to stop the bleeding.
But for some reason the club got miles away from their game-plan earlier in the match, and could never get back on track.
This has to be a huge concern for fans.
As part of what I assumed would be a 42ish win team this year, I figured that the much like the 47 win Raptors of a couple seasons ago, this current iteration of the club would excel at beating the league's bottom-feeders, and struggle against the cream of the crop. That was indeed the case until recently, but if the Dinos start to struggle against the Sacramento's and Phildelphia's, then what?
Perhaps I'm answering my own question by noting that our first NCAA prospect look is going to be up on the site tomorrow...
...because if Toronto keeps playing like this, suddenly the 2010 NBA Draft takes on a whole new level of importance for Raptors' fans...
32 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I don't get it.
How do you go from fighting the Lakers tooth and nail down to the final seconds and losing by one buasket to getting blown out by the Kings. What the hell is going on?
Right Where we should be
Nice post as usual. I think the Raptors are right where they should be, battling for 6,7or8th spot in the playoffs. I never saw this team as top 4, even when we were playing at out best. I still believe we’re going to make the playoffs but if we dont it wouldn’t be a bad thing because we could use another solid/cheap talented draft pick to add to our core; Damion James anyone?
Most years I’d encourage a lottery visit instead of mediocrity and a first round playoff exit however the stakes are so much higher this year. No one knows, not even Bosh I’d argue, what he’s going to do this summer, but missing the playoffs can’t help matters.
And funny you mentioned James. Bad to say but I was watching him recently and found myself wondering if he wouldn’t have had a bigger impact than DeMar this season.
by Adam Francis on Mar 11, 2010 9:14 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
What's going on?
I look at the club last night and they are not a playoff team. They are a very soft bunch of players. They make the same mistake over and over. CB4 seems afraid to drive on his ankle. I really believe that he is still hurt. Team defence is non existent. Getting outscored in the paint by 20 in Sacramento is totally rediculous. You can’t keep settling for jumpers after jumpers and they are no falling and then when you miss you get down on yourself and don’t get back and play defence. One team out of the bottom 4 will be left out of the playoff and I really feel it will be the Raps after what I see have been happening. Turks is a bust, Bargs is the only hot player last night and the guards could not find him….But all is not lost, we still have GSW and Portland if they take those two then we have a chance if they lose one, I hate to say it but lottery…Raps4life
More on Bosh
This might deserve a full blog post but if CB4 can’t get his groove back, and the Raps miss the playoffs, would this actually HELP the team retain him? Wouldn’t clubs be wary of paying him max dollars??
by Adam Francis on Mar 11, 2010 9:17 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Lottery protected. Raps lose it to the Heat if they make the dance this year.
by Adam Francis on Mar 11, 2010 9:34 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Miami could have a couple of nice picks just outside the lottery, which they could package to move up, put in a trade for another player, or simply draft a couple of guys who could help next season and beyond.
by RaptorsHQ - Defensive Stance on Mar 11, 2010 9:47 AM EST up reply actions
Postgame
Jay says that the team was “selfish” in the third quarter, saying that they kept trying to get their own on offense and then getting ticked off when they didn’t get touches, resulting in them not getting back on defense or rebounding. That’s about as harsh of public criticism as Jay has provided of his team since his hire.
When specifically asked about Bosh and Turkoglu hoisting up a pile of jumpers, he said that you have to let them do that because they need them…..taking all of the teeth out of his previous comment.
The reason Sam Mitchell teams didn’t play like this as often as they do under Jay is because when they did play like this, heads would roll. Jay has not cracked the whip with any of his main guys this year. Bosh, Bargnani, Turkoglu, Jack and Calderon have had free reign to play like crap without repercussions. Until that changes, this is going to keep happening.
Agree completely. As a coach, you can’t be afraid to make an example of your star players. No one’s asking you to butt heads but at least make it known that they can’t coast through games and they still have to play hard. He needs to make it clear that your salary has no correlation to your playing time and the amount of freedom given to you on the court. I would say Jack and Bosh at least look like they come out and play hard almost all the time. Really his comments about the team being selfish disgust me. How is that even an excuse? Isn’t it his job to get players on the court who won’t give up 43 in one quarter? Where was Weems that whole quarter? Where was Reggie? I liked how Marco was playing in the 4th quarter, but that’s just me. Triano is baffling.
This is a good point. I can only remember one instance when Jay sat Hedo for an entire half essentially. And what’s frustrating is that I know Jay has the fire in him to do it. I mean he’s out there breaking clipboards!! I worry that he feels he’s limited by the size of contracts in terms of yanking players chains. Next media session, which will be later this month, I’m going to get into this with him.
by Adam Francis on Mar 11, 2010 11:37 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
He really needs to make an example out of at least one of the guys that I mentioned. He probably can’t do it to Bosh (don’t want to piss him off), Hedo (make BC look bad), or Bargnani (he’ll cry), so that leaves the PG’s. I’d dress Banks and the first of Calderon and Jack to give a half-assed effort gets nailed to the bench for the rest of the game. Benching Derozan, Weems or Belinelli sends no message to the top guys.
Either that, or when they start a third quater like they did last night, you sub all 5 off at the same time…and quickly.
I’d love to hear an honest answer by Triano to that question Franchise, but I suspect you will get a PR answer and alot of hostility from Jay.
I’d love to see Triano do a few things:
- Tighten the rotation to 9 guys (11 played against the Lakers, for example)
- Bring DeRozan off the bench
- Cut Hedo’s minutes until he starts showing consistent effort and production
Of course, none of these things will happen.
by RaptorsHQ - Defensive Stance on Mar 11, 2010 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
Unfortunately
Punishing Hedo won’t do very much as he is set for life as far as contracts go. This is where NFL may have the right idea, why do you have to pay a player his contract if he isn’t delivering? IF Hedo were in the NFL, he would be a free agent again.
Hedo
Was Hedo just playing for a contract in Orlando. He has been useless since he came here. What …too much good Greek food in TO. He is playing like a slouch, He wants ball so he gets Ball and what does he do, turn it over or gets called for the wierdest fouls. I can see it now, another trade by BC to correct the problem. If he can get rid of JO 22mil a year he should be able to give Turk to someone for 10mil. My goodness what is happening to the Raps…I know …fire Jay for Byron Scott.
Bad idea
Scott was getting less out of a better team than the Raps.
Schedule
Davl I know……I am so pissed, I stayed up all night thinking this is Sacramento the Raps will come back and get the W, but it just keep getting worst and worst and I blame JT for keeping those guys out there after he sees that none of them and I mean none of them was going to the basket in the 2nd half. If this game was in Toronto they would have been booed off the court and you know how Bosh feels about booing…….But I am OK….I still think we can salvage the trip with a W in GSW and a steal in Portland.
The only good thing, I was looking at the remaing schedule for all 4 teams( Raps/heat/bulls/cats) and Miami should finish 5 they have all teams under 500 and then the bobcats, the Raps and Bulls have the most difficult schedule but Chicago is much more difficult than the Raptors but the way the Raps are playing its hard to say. Realistically we will make the playoffs, but position seem to be 8th and we know who they will face at 8th. Boy it doesn’t get any easier unless these guys decide to play to their potential….raps4life.
Doug Smith
expects Calderon and Wright to be inserted into the starting lineup soon. Not exactly what I was hoping for. Kind of like shuffling deckchairs on the Titanic if you ask me.
Oh lord. Jose in the starting line-up? I HATE that idea. I think he’s been fine off the bench and like you said Mistafitz, at best it’s a lateral move. I like the Wright insertion for DeMar, but that still leaves our buddy Hedo…
by Adam Francis on Mar 11, 2010 4:34 PM EST up reply actions
Hey guys
I know you don’t watch us, but we were overdue for a game where we put it all together. The Kings have been right There in so many games against the Mavs, Lakers, Suns, Celtics (when they were playing well).
No doubt though that there was little sign of fighting back from your Raps which should be a concern. Your guard play, or lack of it led to most of the problems IMO.
By the by, with the way Tyreke and Beno go to the rim, we’re actually very good at points in the paint, We’re not usually that great at stopping them – but good at scoring there, top ten.
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
You should feel better now.
Kings put together a great game in the second half last night. Just as lietothegirls said, we’ve been working on it for awhile and have been close with some elite teams.
I think we will hold onto Tyreke and Beno, but thanks anyway.
To be the best, you have to do your best. Otherwise, you are only second-rate.
You sure?
How about Hedo? He makes great comercials.
Triano
It is not the losses, it is the nature of the losses that make me go hmmm. The teams chasing or passing the Raptors in the playoff chase seem to get the most out of their available talent (outside of Chicago). This is a reflection of their coaches. I look at Larry Brown, Scott Skiles, and Dave Spoelstra and I’m thinking, yeah, they are good coaches because their teams are really performing well.
Look back at the blow out losses, now consider HOW MANY there have been this year. How do you sell any player on the prospect of joining this team if they face the prospect of being embarrassed quite a bit. New Jersey loses but I don’t think they’ve been blown out as often as the Raptors and at least there is a clearer sense of what their longterm plan is.
Coaching is more important than anything else because it allows for accurate decisions to made about a team’s talent level. If the talent on the team plays a system that regularly puts it in a position of embarrassing failure, such that the talent can’t be compelled to apply itself appropriately, how does one assess whether this team can compete at an upper level over the course of the next three to four years.
In the course of a season, teams enter playing to win, eventually settle into playing for pride, and the saddest groups get to the point of only playing for a pay cheque. It has reached that point with some of the players.
Why is Reggie Evans having plays called for him such that the point guards would look to pass it to his stone hands in the interior more than they would to pass it to Bargnani when he’s in rhythm. Why is the “Who the F—k Else Will Score” lineup of Reggie Evans, Amir Johnson, Antoine Wright, DeRozan/Weems and Jose out there at all?
Turkoglu has revealed himself as a player who underwhelms when not held accountable. Paid and retired.
When the season’s done this might be one of the worst season’s in team history
Boston is clearly fading
Philly might be what it is for a while
New York is the great unknown
and New Jersey is maybe 2 seasons away from respectability
The Raptors, had their heads been in the right place, would have made major inroads in establishing themselves, establishing an identity that even if it didn’t pay immediate dividends would have served as a good step toward the next tier as soon as next season – think of OKC as an example of what might have been in terms of franchise momentum.
Promise and optimism goes a long way, but as a fan, I feel as if I’ve been here too many times to even really care anymore what happens with this team. Entering Blue Jay level apathy territory right now.
C. Wesson Bosh frustrates me to the point of my willing to concede that it’s time to use him to get pieces that will take us beyond mediocrity. But how, and what are those pieces? The major problem with him is that he doesn’t “think” the game. Very few times have I thought “smart play” when it comes to his game. Also, why has it always taken him so long to get into game shape after sitting out with injuries for long periods. This isn’t the first time he’s underwhelmed upon his return.
Calderon? I’ve beat on him so much with my comments in the past that sometimes I wonder if he owes me money from a past life. Another player whose money could be used better elsewhere. Strangely, last summer with all the moves made, we’re at the same frustrating point we always are at this time of year.
Lastly, bring back Butch Carter.
Getting rid of Triano is the easy part. While I like Bosh and thinks he’s a player worth keeping, the team built around him was sore poorly conceived that we’re in a “damned if we do – damned if we don’t” situation.
Here is the reality:
-This team that we’ve put together isn’t nearly good enough
-This will likely force Bosh’s hand to leave
-If we let him go for nothing, we’re still in a bad cap situation
-Whatever garbage we manage to get in a sign & trade will not help that cap situation
-Turkoglu’s contract is atrocious and is impossible to move for anything of value
-Calderon’s contract is bad and will limit what we could get for him
-The existence of these two bad contracts will limit what we can pay for developing players (Derozan, Johnson & Weems) , which will hurt our ability to resign them.
There’s no quick fix. This is the team that we will have for the next 4 years; minus Bosh potentially.
Maybe if all else fails
A sign and trade for Bosh, package Hedo with him in the deal and bring back talent or expiring contracts.
It's Erik Spoelstra.
I’ll give you Larry Brown and maybe even Scott Skiles, but there is no way Spoelstra is a better coach than JT. Triano has got some issues he needs to work on (discipline and accountability), but I still think he has the potential to be a great coach.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
