3 in the Key - Raptors' Game-Day Preview vs Nets
by Sean Tepper on Jan 6, 2012 8:35 AM EST
in 3 in the Key
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PrintThe Raps have a big chance to get over .500 tonight with a win against the Nets. The HQ's Sean Tepper breaks this one down...
You know you're only six games into the NBA season when:
-DeMar Derozan has a better three point shooting percentage than he does field goal percentage,
-Andrea Bargnani is sixth in the league with scoring and playing at an all-star level
-and at .500, the Toronto Raptors are looking like a legitimate playoff team.
Like every other Raptors fan, I'm prepared to be let down and disappointed but right now I'm just enjoying the ride and with the New Jersey Nets in town tonight, that ride shouldn't end anytime soon.
While early success doesn't necessarily breed late season success, it's comforting to see that Toronto is staying competitive in this young season, regardless of the fact that two of their three wins have come against the porous Cleveland Cavaliers.
So how about tonight's match?
Well, for the first time, in a long time, I can finally say without a single doubt that the Toronto Raptors will beat the New Jersey Nets. Scratch that, the Toronto Raptors are going to manhandle the New Jersey Nets.
As of yesterday, the Toronto Raptors are seventh in the league in points allowed, and they lead the league in defensive field goal percentage allowed, a statistic that they were second to last in last season. Add that to the fact the Nets will be without Brooke Lopez and will start an injured Deron Williams and Kris Humphries, and there is just no logical way for the Dinos to lose.
With that being said, here are three things that the Raptors need to do to win their fourth game of the season.
1) Andrea Bargnani: I never in a million years thought that I would ever say this, but Andrea Bargnani is playing like an All-Star. In six games this season, the 7'0 centre is on a tear, averaging a team leading 24 points and six rebounds per game. With Bargnani likely being guarded by either Mehmet Okur or Kris Humphries, who is fresh off of what was initially believed to be a serious shoulder injury, expect Toronto's go-to guy to have yet another big night at the Air Canada Centre and lead the Dinos to their third straight win.
2) Keep Playing D: Toronto's defence got significantly better the second that they hired Dwane Casey as their head coach, and that was even before they had a single practice. Now, with over a month of instilling his young squad with a defensive mindset into a team that at times last season looked scared to get in anyone's way, we are finally getting a preview as to what Dwane Casey has to offer over the long haul. While almost every player is playing above average defence, James Johnson has quickly separated himself as the team's best and most aggressive stopper. A sparkplug off the bench, Johnson will play a pivotal role in stopping any sort of run that New Jersey may attempt to make.
3) Don't Mess Up: Here are some fun facts about the visiting New Jersey Nets. They are 1-6; they are 30th in points per game, 23rd in rebounds per game and 22nd in points allowed per game; they are in the midst of a six-game losing streak and will take to the court without their all-star centre and two of their best players will be at less than 100 per cent. To put it simply, unless the Nets can acquire Dwight Howard by tip-off there is no excuse for the Raptors not to win. With that being said, if the Dinos let this game slip away, Raptors fans should stop dreaming about a potential playoff team and start preparing for yet another long year.
SEAN TEPPER
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Comments
First of all
A slight correction; Bargnani is not a “center”. They are just one injury away from their preseason predicted finish. Bargnani or Jose goes down and the lottery chances improve substantially.
Depends
On how long they are out for.
Watch out for wishing for bad Karma if that is what you are doing for the Raptors.
I don't think he was advocating one of them volunteer to get injured...
Unless you somehow read that he was “wishing” for them to get hurt…
Which I don’t think anyone with any sense would infer…
He is merely stating a fact about how precarious this season is…
"the Truth"
In The Same Vein
How well do you think
The Thunder would fare if KD went down with a serious injury? Maybe make the playoffs eh?
How about Lebron in Miami or D12 in Orlando
I would never wish an injury on any athlete even Garnott, but the fact is that if D12 were to go down for the entire year beginning in the Magic’s next game I doubt that the Magic would make the playoffs and you can say this about a number of potential 2011 playoff teams.
I keep hearing this...
but it bothers the heck out of me.
This is basketball, one of tnhe few sports 1 or 2 guys make for winning programs.
So MOST teams are only 1 ingury away from their “plan” being in the dumpster.
Teams are built around individuals…not entirely the team.
So yes…THE player going down kind of puts a damper on the team.
The EARLY stats certainly have us pegged as a playoff team.
Here are some choice numbers to show where we rack up against the rest of the pack:
6th in the League (4th in the East) in Opposition points per game (91.50).
6th in the League (4th in the East) in Field Goal Percentage (0.470).
1st in the League in Opposition Field Goal Percentage (0.398).
6th in the League (4th in the East) in 3 Point Field Goal Percentage (0.398).
4th in the League (3rd in the East) in Assists Per Game (23.83)
3rd in the League (2nd in the East) in Assists Per Game/Assists Against Per Game Differential (+5.16).
4th in the League in Opponenet Rebounds Per Game (39.17).
2nd in the League (1st in the East) in Opponent Blocks Per Game (3.67).
Most impressive to me is the Field Goal Percentage, 3 Point Percentage (considering we have Rasaul Butler playing), and Assists Per Game.
It’s amazing to look at these numbers and not see the Raptors dwelling in the bottom 5 for anything.
Before this season started, and to a lesser degree now, I have been hoping that all that happens this season is an above average shot at Harrison Barnes, Jared Sullinger, Perry Jones and the like. But, hey if we make the playoffs great – I just hope we then trade up to get a good pick in a VERY GOOD draft. Currently we are pegged to pick at 11, and even if we do there is likely a great SF available at that position in Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
So far this season has been awesome, and if it all evaporates – no big deal, we go back to getting excited about a top five pick. It’s a win win situations and it delightful!
Formerly known as timboslice85
by Rebrand_the_Raps on Jan 6, 2012 10:18 AM EST reply actions
This is going to be really interesting. Love Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, but no way Raps get him if they make the playoffs. Tanking is a hard strategy to endorse in many ways, but this team simply CAN’T afford to not get a top pick this year if they REALLY want to make a leap in the East.
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
by Adam Francis on Jan 6, 2012 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
+1
I’m tortured by this early start – in a good way ; )
In my estimation, a NBA coach’s value can be determined primarily by to what degree he gets the most out of the resources allocated to him. Based on the history of these players, Casey and his staff are excelling in this regard. Demar, Andrea, Jose, Amir and to a lesser extent James Johnson and even Jamal F’n Maglore are over achieving. I think Dwayne Casey may be the best thing that has happened to the Raptors since they drafted Vince Carter and signed Charles Oakley. This is great for the fortunes of the franchise.
However, to your point Adam, if this team wants to cement its path to perennial success and contention, they need another blue chip talent.
Agreed
It don’t appear that the Raps are going to get a franchise player regardless how poorly they do this year does it? So it may be that they should be trading as soon as possible for a young point guard already in the league (not for a draft pick) perhaps giving up Jose now and that would likely lower their win total. Then spend some money on a scoring three that Cassey would a gree too next summer after taking their best draft pick.
Finally, sign Derozen long term as soon as possible
Dirk Was The 8th Pick
It don’t appear that the Raps are going to get a franchise player regardless how poorly they do this year does it?
I can’t wait until Jonas arrives. Then after his second season with the Raptors we can all talk more intelligently about whether or not Jonas can become a franchise player.
Solid point. We’re all pining for Jonas, but he has a lot to prove obviously. We may not be able to judge this team’s future for another two seasons therefore.
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
He Won't Have To Score A Lot
Bargnani and DeRozan will probably still be around and by then and I think BC will fix the problem at SF by then one way or another. Either though Kleiza, a draft pick or a trade.
So all Jonas will need to do is what Amir is doing but only do it better; i.e., play defense and rebound. Of course I do expect him to score more than Amir but his defense and rebounding will be more important.
Last I saw he weighed 240 though it could actually be a bit more by now. He needs about another 30-35 pounds of he correct type of weight to be able to hold his own and then some. I don’t see adding the proper kind and amount of weight as as a problem. I think he will grow into it like Amir has and many others have.
If he eventually becomes a 20 – 10 guy or better that wouldn’t hurt provided his overall defense is up to snuff. I don’t see his NBA defense being a problem once he adds more weight.
I see him as a Chandler type but as a better scorer than Chandler.
While having a dominate center is a good way to lead to a championship we don’t even know if Jonas will last long in the NBA so putting all out eggs in that basket when you need at least 2 studs on your team is probably not a good idea.
2 Would Be Better Than 1
Formerly known as timboslice85
by Rebrand_the_Raps on Jan 6, 2012 5:10 PM EST up reply actions
That's been my point exactly
I’m not a Tanker either, not traditionally anyway, but this is the year to have a high draft pick as there are some potential franchise changers at the top. It’s a deep draft in terms of finding guys that can contribute something even if you’re picking in the teens but in terms of all-star potential, you gotta be picking top 5.
Gilchrist by the way is an awsome player. I like Barnes better but MKG may end up being more of an impact player when it’s all said and done.
MKG
Check out this review of MKG by Chad ford in a recent ESPN insider piece… At this point (for me at least) it’s a toss up between MKG and Barnes:
“Stock Check
In our first Top 100 of the year in late June, we had Kentucky’s Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Top 100 Rank: 7) at No. 5 on our Big Board. A number of scouts and many more media members scoffed at the high placement. While everyone acknowledged Kidd-Gilchrist had the right physical profile and boundless energy on the court, folks questioned his ability to be a consistent scorer at the next level. We relented and pushed Kidd-Gilchrist into the late lottery.
That was a mistake too. Not only has Kidd-Gilchrist proven he has the athletic ability and motor to compete, but he’s also shown two more things scouts didn’t expect — scoring acumen and freshman leadership. First, he’s been a much more consistent offensive threat than anyone imagined. On a team loaded with guys who can score, Kidd-Gilchrist is Kentucky’s leading scorer and, more importantly, their most consistent option. Everyone from Davis to Terrence Jones (Top 100 Rank: 13) to Marquis Teague (Top 100 Rank: 23) to Doron Lamb (Top 100 Rank: 33) has had his ups and downs, but when the Wildcats need a bucket, somehow Kidd-Gilchrist is involved.
In a huge game against Louisville on Saturday, Kidd-Gilchrist put on the performance of his life, scoring 24 points and grabbing 19 rebounds. Yet somehow, that terrific box score couldn’t totally capture how important Kidd-Gilchrist was to the Wildcats on both ends of the floor. He is, unquestionably, the team’s leader.
“You get what you deserve in life and in basketball,” UK coach John Calipari said after the game. "You want to spend the extra time, do more, get out and do extra things. It’s going to start showing. Something is going to happen good for you, those guys who do that.
“[Kidd-Gilchrist] was vicious today. He was vicious.”
Over the past week, stories have emerged about the “Breakfast Club” Kidd-Gilchrist started to encourage teammates to work out and eat breakfast together. He’s forged a special bond with his teammates that very few freshmen can do.
“He’s a winner,” one GM said. “He always has been. He cares about the game. Every game. He loves to play, and it’s infectious. The NBA desperately needs guys like this. My team needs them. He makes everyone better.”
Davis might be Kentucky’s best NBA prospect, but Kidd-Gilchrist is its best player and has all the makings of being one of those intangible greats at the next level as well."
Sounds like a Casey-kinda Player.
Formerly known as timboslice85
by Rebrand_the_Raps on Jan 6, 2012 5:11 PM EST up reply actions
winning does not equal either of these guys
If we keep winning half our games we will not be picking either of these two guys.
These are the two most promising players in the draft IMO and they both play the position we so badly need help filling.
by defensive rap on Jan 6, 2012 5:31 PM EST up reply actions
He’s currently slotted 7-8 in most mock drafts, I believe, somewhere the Raps could find themselves. I hope he doesn’t rise with all these kisses being blown his way
It Will Depend To A Certain Extent On How KY Does In March Madness
as to where he ends up in the draft.
Pass on Sullinger and Perry Jones III
The Raptors biggest needs are for a SF and backup SG not another big.
Sullinger is undersized
And I have read in places that he will most likely be utilized as a SF in the NBA.
Jones probably has the biggest upside of all players in this draft, but he might be the kind of player to never realize it. I like going for the guys with the work ethic, so Barnes or Kidd-Gilchrist for me please.
Formerly known as timboslice85
by Rebrand_the_Raps on Jan 6, 2012 5:13 PM EST up reply actions
Sullinger Reminds Me A Lot Of Boozer
More so than Kanter reminded (notice past tense) me of Blake.
Both a bit undersized for the #4. Both can score on the block and have a nice mid-range game. The question I have with Sullinger is, is he big, tall enough to guard PFs in the NBA? It may turn out that he can however even he will be able to I doubt he winds up in Toronto.
draft picks
Right now, with the team 3-3 and about to play six bad teams out of the next seven games, we should wait to see what we hope to draft. If we are drafting in the top 10, we should have a nice pick but right now, I can’t predict how many wins we will get this year.
It could be as low as 15 (injury likely needed for that to happen)
It could be as high as 35. Obviously it will probably be somewhere in the middle but we don’t know, that is why they play the games.
by defensive rap on Jan 6, 2012 6:07 PM EST up reply actions
Source: Raptors Made Inquiries About AK-47
• The timing of Andrei Kirilenko’s announcement Saturday that he intends to play the entire season with CSKA Moscow was curious, considering the Russian forward still had another week to opt out for a return to the NBA without his new team being on the hook for the standard $500,000 buyout. Sources say the Raptors, who could use Kirilenko’s production and versatility at the small forward position, were among the teams that registered inquiries with Kirilenko’s representatives. But the Raptors took a pass and opted to preserve 2012 cap flexibility as new coach Dwane Casey tries to establish a new defensive culture in a transition year for the franchise.
Wow – good find Buddah, hadn’t seen this. Love to have a AK47 at the 3 on a cheap contract…again though, not sure who they’d cut to make the numbers work.
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
by Adam Francis on Jan 6, 2012 10:21 AM EST up reply actions
No, I hope the raptors don't do this
Let’s play the season with the players we have. If they do well, that’s good from a player development POV. AK47 is what he is and there really isn’t prospect of development with him. If the Raptors get hit with injuries or just fade because of lack of depth, that’s fine too because, again, it’s all about player development this year. It’s just with this result, the Raps end up with a good draft pick.
He’s playing the year in Europe, so he could be at the top of the list next off-season – say if we draft a star PF, we move one of Ed or Amir for a young PG (possibly through the draft) and a backup C, and sign Kirilenko to play the 3 with Johnson backing him up.
Or we play well this year, get a PG prospect later in the draft and just sign Kirilenko outright.
by dhackett1565 on Jan 6, 2012 10:39 AM EST up reply actions
Neither Amir or Ed Will Be Traded This Season
despite what the CBA allows.
Next offseason is my prediction, if they do get traded.
by dhackett1565 on Jan 6, 2012 10:45 AM EST up reply actions
Buddah, I trust you about as far as I can throw you.
by dhackett1565 on Jan 6, 2012 11:50 AM EST up reply actions
What Is Your Point?
This discussion is about you,.
Your CBA posts are a lot more informative than your other posts.
I don’t doubt it.
So, if one of the two get traded, when is the likeliest timetable for that? Since that was the assumption stated in my post, could you enlighten all of us who are making sub-par basketball posts with your wisdom?
by dhackett1565 on Jan 6, 2012 12:29 PM EST up reply actions
Buddha, order of operations dictates...
That if dhackett said the trade of Ed or Amir would be after we draft a top PF, that logically this means AFTER this season, as that is when the draft occurs…
So you slag a guy for agreeing with your point that you don’t likely foresee either getting traded THIS SEASON…
You just keep piling on the douchiness dude…
"the Truth"
Pass on this one for me...
There are far too many good draftees at the SF position to not take a stab at snagging an All-Star…
Even with a deeper pick if the team plays above expectations, there are some real candidates for stardom in this draft…
"the Truth"
Or...
We draft a PF and trade Bargnani for a good return on assets after he hits his mid-season usual swoon ; )
Oh, and amnesty Kleiza…
Why bother amnestying Kleiza? He doesn’t make enough to bother, at least until this team is actually on the verge of something and they need the cap room for a FA or trade.
As you can only use the amnesty for certain intervals in the off season, why not use it immediately. What happens if a trade comes up mid-season and we need cap space? Would hate to lose out on an opportunity that could have been had because we are carrying Kleiza’s dead weight contract.
Depends on what he shows this year. If he never gets over the injury completely and can only show what he showed last year, he should certainly be amnestied. If he proves to be a contributor, he is not really overpaid and should not be amnestied unless we have a very specific reason to do so (such as an exact dollar amount of cap space needed to be freed up for a certain free agent).
by dhackett1565 on Jan 6, 2012 12:30 PM EST up reply actions
Ya, the context of my post was that I’m convinced the injury and subsequent micro fracture surgery will mean that Klieza will no longer be a contributor.
Further to MAS' point...
I think that after this season, from what I’ve seen so far, J Johnson as a stopper of the bench behind a heralded rookie, or even a F.A. scorer at SF, is the future for this squad…
I think Kleiza as our main SF is the same as us getting the last playoff spot…
Treadmill city…
"the Truth"
Agreed – we’ll have to see who wins out between JJ and Kleiza. I’m just not ready to assume anything about this team considering the surprises we’ve seen in these first few games.
by dhackett1565 on Jan 6, 2012 12:41 PM EST up reply actions
True, I never thought Bargs would cut the horn off his unicorn and turn it into a stallion...
"the Truth"
That, the defense as a whole, Ed’s disappearance, Jose’s resurgence, Demar’s 3’s… Some foreseeable, some not, but none really expected.
by dhackett1565 on Jan 6, 2012 12:44 PM EST up reply actions
Hahaha!
So true! Derozan’s nailing threes, Bargnani is playing well and actually giving what could be classified as “effort”, Maglore grabbed 10 boards in one game…. Dogs are living with cats in harmony… Who the hell knows these days! Maybe Kleiza will come back and be able to dribble without bouncing it off his foot or move better than francenstien… Anything seems possible these days ; )
Kleiza
Can you imagine if Casey gets him going too? He’d be coach of the year hands down.
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
Massive +1 on that.
If Casey turns Kleiza into a productive two-way player who can shoot efficiently, then religious folks need to ask the man to turn water into wine and heal the sick while he’s on a roll.
by RaptorsHQ - Defensive Stance on Jan 6, 2012 3:50 PM EST up reply actions
According To CBS Sports The Raptors Are Now A "Serviceable Defensive Team"
Speaking of Casey, the former Mavs’ defensive guru, early returns have been positive in his effort to gradually transform the perennially deficient Raptors defense into a serviceable one. Toronto (3-3) is 14th in the league in defensive efficiency, allowing 99.3 points per 100 possessions after being dead last a year ago with 109.8
“It’s one of the toughest things you have to do in sports, whether it’s football, baseball or basketball, is to change an offensive-minded team into a defensive-minded team,” Casey said. “We had to do it in Dallas. Avery Johnson had started that process, and we kind of got in the middle of it.” Casey equates the challenge of instilling a defensive mentality in his offensive star, Andrea Bargnani, to the process he went through with Dirk Nowitzki in Dallas. “Dirk was a great offensive player, but by the end he was talking defense,” Casey said. “That’s the process we’re going to go through here. … I’m selling it every day, the guys are buying it right now and the proof is in the pudding.”
Which Raptors player is leading on this? Watch the interview of Amir from from Jan 4th. All he talks about the entire interview is defense. Got to love the mindset.
Ever notice
How J. Magliore looks like the “Rock”.
Ever notice how he looks like he is constantly trying to not let drool fly out of his mouth when he gives interviews?
Seriously his body language (facially anyways) really irritates me when I watch clips of him speaking…
"the Truth"
-1
I think he is consciously trying to mold himself into a “veteran leader” and therefore has been overly self-aware when giving interviews and that may give an appearance of being pre-meditated when speaking. Which I suppose could translate to “irritating”… But I kind of appreciate his effort in this regard and would love to see him take an assistant coach’s role with the team when he’s done playing. You can really tell he takes his veteran role seriously and is giving an effort.
It's only his mannerisms that bother me, it's totally superficial and has nothing to do with who he is or what he's saying...
I think he’s excellent for this team and presents himself well…
But, much like someone with a lazy eye, I would find it hard to listen to him give a speech… face to face…
"the Truth"
LOL
Fair enough. I don’t disagree, just think that his over self-awareness are in part at least driving his “irritating” mannerisms.
what a difference a few days can make
Now Andrea (the amnestied and couch potato award candidate) is alegedly bound to the ASG and… Ed Davis is bein benched for lack of effort?
a few days?
or do you mean what a difference 5 seasons, 3 coaches, and 54 different players can make to get to the point where he will actually put in an effort?
by Not so Friendly Stranger on Jan 6, 2012 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
you are really unfriendly
just roll back the tape a few days and you’ll get what I mean
+ whatever
it still means that some people (and you among them) talk too much for what they “know” as you actually know very little
Yup and for 5 years you sounded like an ass. And by the grace of Dwayne Casey, you are trying to get all high and mighty… If I were you I would slow my roll.
read below
I have nothing to slow down to, somebody just jumped to conclusions too early
I need a bigger sample size on Bargs but happy to be wrong if he keeps this pace up and has an All-Star season. Problem is, as NSFS notes, we’ve had five years of evidence contrary to this. I want him to be a stud, but it’s a bit confounding that he’s suddenly doing it now in year 6…something that’s unheard of in the NBA. By this pace, Bayless is still a few seasons away from turning into Westbrook!
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
He Is Happier Now
and wants to be a Canadian.
I think that has also contributed to his improved performance.
He never was really happy playing for the Raptors in the past. You could tell by his effort and body language on the court. I don’t think he ever bonded with the Rap guys on the team. I think that has changed and Casey had nothing to do with that.
-1
Disagree with just about everything here except your highlighting of his poor effort and body language. I think Casey has A LOT to do with it.
Casey Is Making Andrea Work On Both Ends Of The Court
That is probably reducing Andrea’s level of happiness. LOL
I don’t see the father-son relationship with Casey and Andrea like there was between Chuck Daly and Rodman.
Andrea is happier partially because he is playing PF but that was BC’s decision.
Andrea is happier because the team has bonded and he has not been left out in the cold like he was by Bosh. It is normal for most people to want to be members of groups and to be accepted within that group especially by the leader.
After reading all the stuff about the lockout it is a bit hard to honestly say that coaches are part of the player bonding group or have much impact on it.
Its is like in the military. The Lieutenant has a higher rank than the First or Master Sargent. The Lieutenant may give the orders but the First Sargent or Master Sargent has a greater impact on the moral of the squadron than the Lieutenant. Why? The Master Sargent or Head Sargent are noncoms just like those below them in rank. He is part of the group and the leader. The Lieutenant parties with Commissioned officers.
Maybe Moving Him To PF Has Had An Impact
However, I am not sure that that was even Casey’s decision. I think it was BC’s decision. That is why he drafted Jonas.
Casey is just going along with the player program and trying to change the culture. I doubt that Bargnani is happy because he will now be held accountable for his defensivive effort and results.
I doubt that Casey has had much to do with Bargnani being happier now. Did Andrea decide to apply for Canadian citizenship because Casey was made head coach? LOL
Canadian?
He wants to be Canadian for tax purposes.
But he always liked Toronto. The city has more Italians in it than any other outside of Italy.
What has changed? The culture has changed, and it’s exciting for Andrea as much as anyone to see how different winning feels than losing. That’s the only argument we have for wanting to get that 8th spot and lose out a bit in the draft. The general positive effect winning has on every player on the team. It’s still early and we will have to wait and see.
by defensive rap on Jan 6, 2012 5:15 PM EST up reply actions
It Could Be
He wants to be Canadian for tax purposes.
However, this is the first time I heard that.
How long does a foreigner have to work and live in Canada before applying for citizenship?
Naturalization as a Canadian citizen
A person who is a permanent resident may apply for Canadian citizenship by naturalization (grant) subject to the following conditions.
The person:
is aged 18 years or over
is a permanent resident
has lived in Canada for a total of three years out of the four years preceding the application for citizenship, including two years as a permanent resident
has knowledge of Canada (as demonstrated by taking a test, which is required as part of the application process, but only if the applicant is between 18 and 54 years of age)
is not a subject to any criminal prohibitions
is not a war criminal
is able to speak English or French well enough to communicate with people6
Maybe he hadn’t done it up until now because he wasn’t able to speak English or French well enough to communicate with people. LOL After all some have said that Bargnani’s English seems improved this season.
He has been with the Raptors since the fall of 2006. Maybe he didn’t didn’t become a permanent resident until he signed his new contract two years ago. The time line seems to fit.
In the summer of 2009 he got his new contract
He then became a permanent resident
Two years later in 2011 he applied for citizenship.
I guess if he is doing it for tax purposes he doesn’t expect to be traded. There is a tax treaty between Canada and Italy
Renato, it’s great to FINALLY see Andrea giving a crap and FINALLY playing with a modicum of effort in the defensive/rebounding department – in addition to finally being more efficient. However, before you start riding your high-horse, two points:
1) Up until this season, all – and I mean every last piece – of the criticism he received was absolutely justified. The fact that he finally started to care and play better is only testament to this. He was bad before based on every statistical value available and deserved criticism. There was no objective evidence that would lead one to conclude this was going to change. He’s playing well now however, and deserves some credit.
2) Before we start drawing final conclusions, let’s give it a bit more time. Bargnani is a notorious front runner and typically slows down considerably as the season progresses. How soon we forget last January and February…. I (as I’m sure all Raptors fans) hope this is a new benchmark standard for his play. However, we will need more than 6 games to be secure in this is in fact the truth.
you got me wrong
I was not supporting or endorsing anybody, I was just talkking about difference in perception and the difference there is, sometimes between perception and reality
Nope. You were out of touch with reality for 5 years as the reality was based on every piece of objective, statistical and empirical evidence available. Your perception was incongruent with reality for a very long time.
I start to believe
you either do not know how to read english or you have your own agenda.
I may be clear to wthe whole planet, albeit not to you I guess, that I do not command what the general perception is, I can just register what it is. And, yet again, what a difference a few days can make (wheter you like it or not)
Oh Renato....
Here’s what you said
“Now Andrea (the amnestied and couch potato award candidate) is alegedly bound to the ASG”
Considering your history of posts as context, my response makes absolute sense.
I also went further to explain your “perception vs. reality” positioning. So, not sure where you’re going with this because I believe you and I both know that my interpretation of your post was appropriate…
Just to further clarify for you...
My post (read it again if necessary) was explaining why Andrea was LEGITIMATELY considered “the amnestied and couch potato award candidate”.
Have to agree. Six games does not erase five seasons of inefficient, uninspired play. Dwane Casey is proving that a lot of that lies at the feet of Bargnani’s enablers (Colangelo and Triano). But Bargs has to shoulder some of the blame as well.
Do you honestly think LeBron James’ numbers would’ve suffered under Mitchell or Triano? Probably not. There’s a certain amount of personal responsibility that forces the great ones to work on and expand their games.
by RaptorsHQ - Defensive Stance on Jan 6, 2012 11:53 AM EST up reply actions
All true
point is, I was talking about something else
I do understand that you were making the comment that you thought it was ironic that...
After only “a few days” Bargnani went from a consensus amnesty candidate (by the general fan base) to a not-ridiculous possibility of making the ASG…
You also insinuate in that statement that it’s enough of a swing in opinion to be poked fun at as it happened in such a short time and without past demonstrable proof of continuance…
I get that totally, maybe it was missed by some…
My point is you called NSFS unfriendly (albeit likely just a joke derived from his moniker) and then went on to totally insult a fellow poster who absolutely has a ton of knowledge to back up his stance… even though his stance may have been against something you didn’t say and he misconstrued…
You went ape-shit on MAS when all you really had to do was clarify your initial comment…
I hope I have helped to do this clarification for you…
Now get back to class, recess is over…
"the Truth"
Bargnani went from a consensus amnesty candidate (by the general fan base) to a not-ridiculous possibility of making the ASG…
ISTM that real Raptors fans would want to see a Raptors player in the all-star game. Didn’t we get all excited about DeMar being in the dunk contest?
Bargnani was not amnestied
Bargnani continues to play for the Raptors
Bargnani so far has played pretty good
The vote for the NBA all-star game is now.
Raptors fans should vote for Bargnani as an all-star game choice. Even if you might feel dumb doing it, you don’t have to tell anyone you voted for him. LOL
I voted twice... and for Jose too...
I unfortunately didn’t vote for DeMar with my other Guard selection…
"the Truth"
I always consider the latter half of the previous season and playoffs in my All-Star voting vs. “hey, a guy got hot in the first 6 games of the season”.
by RaptorsHQ - Defensive Stance on Jan 6, 2012 3:17 PM EST up reply actions
oh man
are the nets ever bad so far. I kind of feel bad for their fans…. all excited with a new (uber rich) owner, the team looking for superstar calibre talent around every corner (Deron, Dwight and to a smaller degree Carmelo) and hoping to escape their cycle of mediocrity they were stuck in for years. And here they are…. missed out on Carmelo. They got Deron, but it wasn’t cheap and if things don’t improve he may end up bolting. Looked like Dwight was a realistic opportunity and then Lopez broke his foot. Oh, and on that note the injuries to their, arguably, best 3 players (Deron, Lopez and Humphries) are turning them into a terrible team (do they have a draft pick this year or was that sent to Utah?)
I have nothing but sympathy for the fans. The organization on the other hand can suck Mas11’s nuts as far as I’m concerned (not to get you involved Mas but I just don’t feel comfortable with that kind of stuff). Seriously the Williams ‘brothers’ (I know not brothers) and some not so great picks for Vince and the opportunity to buyout Alonzo Mourning? Ok so Babcock accepted it, but still…….
All that said, this is the type of game that concerns me… the rare ‘sure’ win…..
by Not so Friendly Stranger on Jan 6, 2012 11:36 AM EST reply actions
It isn't the first time if you recall...
I seem to remember the size of your nuts getting drawn into a discussion last season…
"the Truth"
MAS...
This also reminds me of a long and heated debate we had on the mentality of the players for this season…
I am glad to see the guys all busting their asses to try and win and have faith that our talent level will still have us coming up “ballin” as it were in the lottery…
It seems like such a pointless argument to have had considering we are both on the same side of the argument huh?
"the Truth"
You're going to have to refresh my memory Mikthaniel...
Maybe I’m interpreting incorrectly, but I would never suggest the PLAYERS should have a mentality of tanking.
Meh, it was a long drawn out argument (for the sake of being argumentative) that actually stemmed from someone else's perception of a comment you made...
I agreed with your position but tried to clarify the other guys perspective and you went all “Buddha” on me, mistaking my interjection as opposing your position… when in fact we were in agreeance…
Then because you got defensive and aggressive, I got argumentative and we went on for days… lol… all the while agreeing with each other…
Good times, good times…
"the Truth"
I only involved your nuts
because you are one of the few who can appreciate my deprived sense of humour without getting offended.
by Not so Friendly Stranger on Jan 6, 2012 12:22 PM EST up reply actions
I FIND THAT OFFENSIVE THAT YOU THINK I WOULD GET OFFENDED THAT YOU USED MY NUTS IN YOUR COMMENT!!!
"the Truth"
p.s. Buddha is melting our minds with his severe disdain "of our obvious lifestyle choice" as we speak...
because you know, Barbosa held a dudes hand once so he’s obviously flaming gay… which clearly Buddha disapproves of…
"the Truth"
sorry Mik
The New Jersey Nets can suck your nuts to!
I don’t want people to think I discriminate based on nut size
by Not so Friendly Stranger on Jan 6, 2012 1:06 PM EST up reply actions
I see...
Feel free to involve my nuts as you see fit. Um… err… that didn’t come out right. LOL
Besides MAS ' nuts...
Anyone think Deron Williams is mailing it in?
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
He's got bruised ribs, he won't be trying to be a one man superman tonight... You can almost guarantee it...
Add on the comments he made about being smart, playing overseas while the lockout hit and planning for the future…
He isn’t going to put himself on the line for a meaningless season with no supporting cast…
"the Truth"
yes
he doesn’t see a chance to win and he has never lost before. Of course it will hurt his focus and desire. He’s a fighter, but he’s not that stupid. He knows he won’t win this season and it is extremely unlikely he will stay after this year. The only way he stays is if they offer him max money and get someone like Dwight in there as well. Very unlikely but you never know.
by defensive rap on Jan 6, 2012 5:08 PM EST up reply actions
Neil Olshey Sounds Like Bryan Colangelo - LOL
Changing Clippers culture, from inside out
“The ability to do something special here is just that much more magnified because of the history,” Olshey said Thursday in his office at the team’s Playa Vista practice facility.
“And I think that’s the kind of people we want around here. We want guys that want to be here, that want to prove something and want to build their own tradition.
We will crush the Nets tonight
I am not sure what level we are at as a team with the season being so young but I do think I have seen enough to know the Raps should win convincingly tonight. If they don’t, then they may be a lot farther away from the playoffs then they have some people hoping. The Nets are awful, and without Williams and Lopez, or even just Lopez, they are terrible. The game should be over in the middle of the third and we should be able to rest Jose a bit at the end.
We should dominate the boards and keep them under 80 points.
Doug Smith reporting...
that Kleiza will be on the bench in a uniform rather than a suit possibly tonight, and likely tomorrow…
Not that he’ll play necessarily, but that he will dress…
Seems his return is increasingly imminent…
"the Truth"
Wow, what an opportunity for Linas
If he believes in himself, which I am sure he does, he must see this as a truly good opportunity for him. A perfect storm in effect.
The team is playing well and getting some wins. His replacement cannot hit the broad side of a barn and he has a chance to come in and play well enough to be a big boost for his team and not play on a lower tier team, if they can keep it up. If I were him, i would be very excited to get in there and play.
He will not be a revelation on D, but Linas should bring more toughness to the floor and he can’t shoot worse then Butler has so far. Plus is offensive game, as long as he doesn’t force it, is much better than Butler’s. And since we are already paying him, it doesn’t cost us anything extra for the upgrade. I am excited too although i have severe doubts on Kleiza.
Lately I feel like Casey can fix anything and he will help Linas out as well.
And Ed Davis will turn the corner, respect the coach and benefit from doing so. Watch tonight, Ed will play well and get extended minutes at the end of the game. If not tonight very soon. Ed is not forgotten, he has just been placed with higher expectations and he is adapting to it. Good.
Nothing can be worse than Butler – he’s set the bar extremely low.
by RaptorsHQ - Defensive Stance on Jan 6, 2012 3:18 PM EST up reply actions
Very low indeed
He’s shooting so poorly and he’s taking 3.5 threes per game. So our offence is generating the opportunities, he is just not converting. Most of his threes are wide, wide open.
So, if the system stays the same and the player filling the role improves, then the team will improve. We need to think of our team has having a system that depends on accountability. Players can be changed but the system in place is what we rely upon, not player loyalty. Create a winning environment and people will want to come to Toronto.
And do you notice how the player’s are bonding? We could be 0-6 and on our way to Barnes or Kidd-Gilchrist, which would be nice as well but the competitor in me can’t endorse tanking and i can’t be upset my team is exceeding expectations? When’s the last time you could say that as a Raptor fan?
by defensive rap on Jan 6, 2012 6:03 PM EST up reply actions
Awesome jeopardy line dj
Talkinf fantasy bball on twitter http://twitter.com/FinalsFantasy#
by JumpShootersRUS on Jan 6, 2012 4:51 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I Wouldn't Put Much Value
into someone having a good night tonight vs the Nets.
Ed did show more bounce in his step in the last game. However, I think that was because he finally again got some extended burn. Ed seems to me to be one of these guys who is more worried about his minutes and numbers than the team winning. Not that he doesn’t care about the Raptors winning. I am sure he does. I just think that he cares more about Ed Davis than the Raptors and Toronto.
Minutes allocation
Another tricky thing about Kleiza’s return…this could mean even less minutes for guys like Davis and Forbes.
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
Encouraging That He Has Returned
about a month or so before originally scheduled. I hope he hasn’t returned to early. Casey said during the pre-season that he would be monitoring Amir’s and Linas’ minutes. For how long I have no idea.
Trap game
This game smells like a trap. This is the first game in which the Raptors are heavily favoured to win and I hope they don’t ease up because of that.
This will be a good test of the Raptors willingness to work hard for the win, not because it will be hard to do, but because it looks easy.
Bargs and DeMar featured by Zach Lowe in his SI article about players performing above expectation.
2 Raps in the 11 players mentioned, I wish that was because our play has been so good this year, but most likely it is because everyone – especially in the States – just thinks we are bad regardless without looking in to it whatsoever.
• Andrea Bargnani, F-C, Toronto Raptors
The punchline is lighting it up, with a Player Efficiency Rating equal to that of Kevin Durant, a scorching shooting percentage on two-pointers, a small uptick in free throws and a better feel for help defense. Bargnani’s legendarily awful rebounding numbers are still pretty bad, but the Raps are sixth overall in defensive rebounding rate, thanks to a gang rebounding mentality.
Bargnani won’t hit 79 percent of shots at the rim or 55 percent of his long two-pointers all season, but good things will happen if he keeps attacking, and new coach Dwane Casey has Bargnani cutting off the ball and curling around screens a bit more on offense. Keep up that kind of dynamism, and Bargnani should flourish as a scorer.
• DeMar DeRozan, G-F, Toronto Raptors
You know the numbers: DeRozan has made more threes already this season (10) than he made combined in his first two seasons (nine), and that is crucial for a team that needs floor-spacing on the wing — and for DeRozan to develop into a valuable franchise piece.
Something interesting to watch: Casey has so far turned DeRozan into less of an offensive centerpiece and more of a spot-up guy — one capable of working off the dribble as well as launching outside shots. About 12 percent of the possessions DeRozan used last season came via isolation plays, and another 15 percent saw DeRozan run the pick-and-roll. Those numbers are down this season to 5.7 percent and 8.5 percent, respectively, and nearly all of those possessions have shifted to spot-up tries, per Synergy.
The shift has worked, but it also reflects how much room for improvement there is in DeRozan’s passing and decision-making with the ball. That’s the next step. One thing at a time.
Formerly known as timboslice85
by Rebrand_the_Raps on Jan 6, 2012 6:11 PM EST reply actions
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