Raptors HQ: FanPosts

For the coming NBA Draft ...

2010-03-02T16:35:44Z

What are the Raps looking to pick up to help solidify the team? Another power forward? A third point? What would be the position that could be strengthened through the Draft?

Raps season could end earlier than expected

2010-02-28T19:54:42Z

Ok...no need to hit the panic button, but the best case scenario for this team is that it makes a visit to the first round of the playoffs and before they can blink, they will be watching the playoffs from the outside...like the other lottery teams.

Let's breakdown the Raps schedule over the remaining 20 plus games

Sun 28	@ Oklahoma City	7:00pm	L	FAN590 Radio
March	Opponent	Time		Radio
Mon 01	@ Houston	8:30pm	L	FAN590 Radio
Fri 05	vs New York	7:00pm	W	FAN590 Radio
Sun 07	vs Philadelphia	12:00pm	W	FAN590 Radio
Tue 09	@ LA Lakers	10:30pm	L	FAN590 Radio
Wed 10	@ Sacramento	10:00pm	W	FAN590 Radio
Sat 13	@ Golden State	10:30pm	W/L split	FAN590 Radio
Sun 14	@ Portland	9:00pm	L	FAN590 Radio
Wed 17	vs Atlanta	7:00pm	L	FAN590 Radio
Fri 19	vs Oklahoma City	7:00pm	L	FAN590 Radio
Sat 20	@ New Jersey	7:30pm	W	FAN590 Radio
Mon 22	@ Minnesota	8:00pm	W	FAN590 Radio
Wed 24	vs Utah	7:00pm	L	FAN590 Radio
Fri 26	vs Denver	7:00pm	L	FAN590 Radio
Sun 28	@ Miami	6:00pm	L	FAN590 Radio
Mon 29	@ Charlotte	7:00pm	L	FAN590 Radio
Wed 31	vs LA Clippers	7:00pm	W	FAN590 Radio
April	Opponent	Time		Radio
Sat 03	@ Philadelphia	1:00pm	W	FAN590 Radio
Sun 04	vs Golden State	6:00pm	W.L split	FAN590 Radio
Tue 06	@ Cleveland	7:00pm	L	FAN590 Radio
Wed 07	vs Boston	7:00pm	L	FAN590 Radio
Fri 09	@ Atlanta	7:30pm	L	FAN590 Radio
Sun 11	vs Chicago	6:00pm	W	FAN590 Radio
Mon 12	@ Detroit	7:30pm	W	FAN590 Radio
Wed 14	vs New York	8:00pm	W	FAN590 Radio

So...that's 11 WINS and 14 LOSSES,

Considering their easy schedule post December and their difficulty schedule as teams began to make a run over the last quarter of the season, the will probably finish with a record of:

31 WINS (11 WINS) + 26 LOSSES (14 LOSSES) = 42 WINS AND 40 LOSSES after 82 games.

Let's be serious...for all of those who were predicting that this team was going to wins 45 plus games this year, I really don't think that was a fair assessment. In fact, given their run post December and relatively injury free season this team has had, I think 42 wins will be quite an acheivement. What I saying is that this team has overacheived. I know the argument people are going to use...the injury or the lack of production from big off season signing (Mr Hedo), but each end every team goes through injuries during the course of the year every single team heading into the playoffs have had to deal with their share of injury (Laker- Bryant, Mavs - Howard pre-trade, Cleveland - Oneal, Miami - Wade...and on and on).

As for Toronto, the production that they got from their replacements was more than they could have asked for. In fact, one could argue that had Calderon not been injured, the chemistry of the current five players without Calderon probably wouldn't have been discovered. Who knows how long Calderon would have run this team into the ground. I am not trying to be harsh on Jose...I love his play, but the reality is that he has not been the same player since we had TJ Ford in the mix. May be he's the type of player that plays well when he's not expected to play 35 minutes? As for Reggie Evan's injury, there's no way he would have had that much impact in wins and losses plus Amir Johnson really stepped and essentially would have taken up his minutes had he been healthy.

So what does 42 wins equal to in the Eastern Conference. Anywhere from 5th through the 7th seed. Which means the could be matched up with either Atlanta, Boston or Orlando, Of those team, my best would be either Atlanta or Boston.

There's no way the Raps can match up with either ones of these teams. They don't have the talent, match ups or the man power to win a seven game series. My bet would be that they would probably be eliminated in anywhere from five to six games and I wouldn't be at all surprised if they get sweeped (although there is way too much pride on this team so I don't see that really happening but it wouldn't be a shocker).

With a bitter early exit out of the playoffs, do you think the Raps will have a chance to convince Bosh that this team is heading into the right direction? I know money talks and Toronto can offer almost 30 million more, but if Toronto feels like they don't really have a shot at signing him, they would probably do a sign and trade. In which case, he would get more money with his new team. I think I am also partly bitter about the fact that the Raps and Mr Colangelo to be specific threw away 50 million on a player who looks so not interested in playing basketball. Hedo is an example of a player whose team managed to salvage the most out of him...and it happened to be his contract year. He was a good fit for the team as he wasn't expected to do much for 3 quarters and then make some plays in the last 5 minutes of the game. But please... don't call him Mr. Clutch...I don't think he's done enough even to be put in the breath of players such as Fischer, Horry in terms of the players of his calibre.

And now the Raps will have to ponder what they could have actually gotten for him at the trade deadline?

DeMar Makes It Past First Round

2010-02-14T03:39:46Z

With an absolutely beautiful second dunk off a bank alley oop on the side of the back board from Sonny Weems, DeMar DeRozan makes it into the second round.

Everyone, get ready to vote for DeMar at nba.com once voting opens

Edit - Voting is open now. Go vote

Edit 2 - Voting closed. Demar lost with 49% of the voting. We'll have more in the morning, but please read the comments for now as there is a small discussion going on.

Facebook Connect

2010-02-12T13:58:02Z

As some of you have noticed, SB Nation has integrated Facebook more readily into the website using Facebook Connect. Doing so will allow you to share your fanposts and interesting links more readily with your friends and allow you to share Raptors HQ content through to your Facebook feed.

We hope that you will take the short amount of time to link your SB Nation account with Facebook.

Thanks!

Countdown to the NBA Trade deadline...

2010-02-09T16:00:00Z

As we draw closer to the trade deadline, I decided to save my article about Elite status and focus in on the importance of keeping up with the rest of the league. Thought I'd give you an update on all the trade rumours that i've been seeing in the last couple of weeks.

Currently the Toronto Raptors sit in 5th place overall with a record of 28-23, 5 game ahead of the bubble pack(Chicago, Charlotte, Miami, Milwaukee; ) With the trade dealine looming on February 18th 2010, the rumour among the league should draw the interest of the Toronto Raptors.

Of the top 4 teams in the Eastern Conference, the Atlanta Hawks are the only team that seems like they will stand pat. Cleveland Cavs are dangling Ilgauskas, the Celtics are ready to part with Ray Allen, and the Orlando Magic have enough depth to make a move to shore up the hole that Vince Carter was supposed to fill this year. Meanwhile below them, Charlotte will most likely stay pat, Chicago is itching to make some big moves, Miami is starting to realize that Wade can't be the answer to everything, and Milwaukee knows they need to make a key move, if they are to compete for the playoffs this year.

Amare Stoudemire has been the centre of much trade discussion, his impact in coming to the East could really hurt the Raptors come playoff time. Rumours for Amare have him being sent to Philadelphia(who sits in the 10spot) or Miami(which would give them a serious 1-2 punch), or New York. There's even speculation over Stoudemire going to Chicago, especially with all the loose pieces that Chicago can deliver. Speaking of the Chicago Bulls, they have been linked to rumours about the organization being unhappy with the growth of Tyrus Thomas. Both Hinrich and Deng have been linked to rumoured deals as well. As well, another significant mention is, Andre Igoudala, who has also been linked to rumours of going to Boston or even Phoenix.

This trade deadline has also been about the moving of big contracts, in order to position teams for next year's game changing offseason. Chicago is one of those teams that could make a move to free up contract space to make them a contender in the FA market next year. Another player worth mentioning that could land a spot on a top calibre team is Carlos Boozer. Utah definitely would love to move him so that they could sneak in under the luxury tax. If he lands on an East coast team, that could strike havoc in the Raptor's quest for the playoffs as well.

With all these possiblities, Brian Colangelo really has to stay active in trade talks and be ready to make a move.

Here are my rankings on teams in the Eastern Conference that are most likely to make a move(@-least likely):

RANK	TEAM	GAMES BEHIND	TRADE?
1	Cleveland	--	@@@
2.	Orlando	6.5	@
3.	Boston	7.5	@@@@
4.	Atlanta	7.5	@
5.	Toronto	12.5	@@
6.	Chicago	15.5	@@@@@
7.	Charlotte	15.5	@
8.	Miami	16.5	@@@
9.	Milwaukee	16.5	@@@
10.	Philadelphia	21	@@@@
11.	New York	21	@@

I really wish I could include some sources but honestly, I read these through surfing on the internet or watching tweets in twitter over the past couple of weeks. By no means have I made anything up, its out there, go find it yourself if you don't believe....

Rumour - Mavs Trading Howard to the Raptors??

2010-02-04T15:21:16Z

Yahoo Sports is citing a report from DallasBasketball.com, which indicates that Dallas Mavericks' guard/forward, Josh Howard, believes he'll be traded by the NBA's trade deadline.

One of the teams in consideration apparently? - The Toronto Raptors.

That's all fine, but what would Toronto part with to make such a trade happen?

A quick look at the ESPN.com's Trade Machine shows that it would take about $10 Million in salary (Howard's making $10.8M in the last year of his deal) to make this work financially meaning that outside of Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon (both unlikely to be moved), Hedo Turkoglu would really be the only player with a big enough contract to make a deal like this work for only Howard in return.

However considering Hedo plays the 3 just like Shawn Marion, AND has essentially 5 years left on his deal, this doesn't look likely either.

The only thing that might make sense is something like this...and even then, that means giving up DeRozan...

Hedo Turkoglu Injury Update

2010-02-01T01:54:53Z

According to The Score's Sid Seixeiro, Hedo Turkoglu has a small, non-displaced fracture of his right orbital bone. Turkoglu's status is unclear for Tuesday's game in Indiana. There is speculation that he could be fitted with a mask and continue to play through the injury.

In Context: The Bosh and Lebron free agencies

2010-01-30T00:46:12Z

It is predictable that with the imminent free agencies of Chris Bosh and Lebron James, some print journalists are writing stories about 'rumours' that both will leave their current teams for more lucrative markets or a chance to win a championship. Typically, these articles ignite discussions in other mediums, primarily sports radio and Internet sites, and talks of upcoming trades gain momentum. Then reporters approach general mangers to check if the 'rumour' is true.

The catalyst for the aforementioned cycle: bad journalism. The Bosh and Lebron situation is similar to what basketball fans witnessed when Vince Carter and Chris Webber were about to become free agents. For example, the Bosh for Andrew Bynum trade rumour became omnipotent after a Peter Vecsey column titled "Laker deal for Raptors star has a shot." It is filled with innuendo, such as 'It is commonly believed Bosh is almost certain to flee Toronto after this season, when he has the right to opt out of the final year ($17.1 million) of his contract."

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/more_sports/lakers_deal_for_raptors_star_has_FbaSSsePPGi1gsgGsfES9M

However, in the same article Vecsey acknowledges that a one-for-one is impossible because Bynum's contract is in its 'base year' and L.A. can only take back 50% of Bynum's $12.5 salary. (For Leafs fans now understandably jumping on the Raptors bandwagon, the NBA has the 'base year compensation' rule to stop teams from circumventing the salary cap by signing their own player to a contract and then trading for another at the same or higher value in the 'base year' of their player's contract). Furthermore, Vecsey states that he emailed Bryan Colangelo, who was unequivocal when saying he is not shopping Bosh and wanted to resign him. So why does this deal have 'a shot?'

Now, is Vescey a credible journalist? Absolutely not. Here is what he wrote about Vince Carter in 2001:

In the end, mark my words, Carter is going to bolt Toronto. If he's fortunate, he'll wind up on a team that won't kowtow to exalted talent.

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/item_qXqH0t5jKoM7AJw7lFFOtL/1

That summer, Vince signed a max deal with Toronto.

The New York media assumes every big-name free agent intends to sign with the Knicks. Question- When was the last time a major free agent left their team to sign with New York? Unless you consider Clarence Weatherspoon a prominent free agent (which I am sure you don't), I cannot think of one in the past decade.

When Chris Webber publicly complained about having to drive to Oakland to find a soul food restaurant in Northern California, there were tons of articles about how he was going to bolt Sacramento, possibly for Orlando or Gotham City. After the end of the Lakers-Kings series in 2001, Shaq went up to Webber and whispered something in his ear and Doug Collins, who was doing color-commentary for NBC, said '"I am sure Shaq told him that he will see him in New York." Webber, contrary to the coach's prognostication, signed a max deal with the Maloofs.

With respects to Lebron, many websites and newspapers say he will be going to the 'Brooklyn' Nets because Jay-Z is his friend and would love to have him on the marquee when he tries to sell tickets for his new arena. Well sure Jay-Z would love to have him, as Knick fans would; but a lot of guys would love to cut in on an Adriana Lima-Marko Jarić slow dance and tell the former Clipper scrub to screw off, but it doesn't mean it is going to happen.

People should not confuse someone making up trades that he thinks are good for legitimate trade talks. If that was case, every Leaf fan that calls a post-game show and suggests packaging three mediocre players and a second round draft pick for Crosby, Ovechin, or Iginla is starting a 'rumour.' Although it may cause anxiety for many Raptor fans to hear the wannabe Nostradamus' tell you Bosh is leaving, the truth is, none of these reporters know what CB4 is going to do. Perhaps he doesn't know either.

Ball...

'Ball'er the Turkish Delights.

2010-01-29T17:33:46Z

Let me start by outright stating I'm in no way a Hedo Fan, however I've been forced to write the counter argument because the level of Hate-On has become ridiculous. Last nights interview, "Ball!" and those stupid Pizza Pizza "Yes Coach!" commercial definitely doesn't endure him to anyone.

I never thought Hedo would be a great fit on this team, but not for the same reasons most of you have. I currently don’t feel his current salary is the issue, nor his points production. Hedo is an ultra rare class of the position of "Point Forward", and with the guards the Raps have right now, this "Point Forward" position isn’t required. However on a team like Orlando, especially when Nelson is on the bench, it’s where Hedo shines. Having only watched a handful of Magic games this year, including last nights against Boston, they’re showing how much they miss a Hedo.

I really think there’s only 4 other "point forwards" in the NBA: LeBron James, Lamar Odom, Boris Diaw, Andrei Kirilenko. LeBron’s in a different universe, and really he’s a unique position onto himself. We can argue the value of a Point Forward, but they’re all relatively similar. They can all do everything just decently enough. All are about 6’9ish, can handle the ball, can pass, can shoot with some range, can drive a little and grab some boards.

"Hedo Sucks"

2010

Diaw: FGA: 9.2, FG 46.2%, 3% 32.7, FT 75.7%, R 4.8, A 3.7, TO 2.3, PPG10.5

Odom: FGA: 8.6, FG 43.5%, 3% 30.1, FT 67%, R 9.9, A 3.7, TO 1.8, PPG, 9.6

Kirilenko: FGA: 8.2, FG 49.5%, 3% 33.9, FT 71.9%, R 4.6, A 2.7, TO 1.3, PPG 11.7

Hedo: FGA: 10, FG 40.1%, 3% 38.9, FT 80%, R 4.6, A 4.5, TO 1.8, PPG 12.6

It’s funny how eerily similar their stats are. Yes Hedo is struggling with the FG%, but his career FG% isn't that great to begin with. Clearly he is a better play maker and has a bit more range. Fan expecations just aren't in line with reality here.

"He’s being paid too much"

Salary (over the length of remaining contract):

Diaw: 9M, 9M, 9M

Odom: 7.5M, 8.2M, 8.9M, 8.2M

Kirilenko: 16.4M, 17.8M

Hedo: 9M, 9.8M, 10.6M, 11.4M, 12.2M

Salary for Hedo is right in the same ball park, but yes a bit over paid, and crazy length for the contract. BUT it doesn’t bother me as much as it’s bothering most of you. People are so upset over the total value of the contract, however, as much as we think we can predict future returns on a player we can’t. What I mean is, Hedo’s performance is relatively stable over his career, and it doesn’t mean that this team won’t lose Jose or Jack to injury or trade, which in that case the value of Hedo would rise. Think back over the last two years where we’ve had to use AP and Delfino at the point position. In the reverse scenario, even if he was performing well right now, it wouldn’t necessarily mean the value of the contract was good, as he could get hurt at any point or then suck later. You wouldn't go around saying what a great contract and we've got Hedo locked in for 5 years if he was playing well, so you can't really do that when he's not playing well now (which I still disagree about). The longer the contract the greater the risk, yes. But there’s also no indicator’s as to what the salary cap will be in 3 or 4 years time. In the NBA, the relative % of team salary is way more important that what the exact number is. We just know it’s going down next year. So long story short, I’m okay with the contract. I definitely don’t love it, and it’s 2 years too long, however I understand why it needs to be there.

"But we could have used the money to sign someone else!"

I’d like to ask who? Last year’s crop of F/As: Allen Iverson, Lamar Odom, Jason Kidd, Shawn Marion, Andre Miller, Anthony Parker, Drew Gooden, Chris Wilcox, Mike Bibby, Rasheed Wallace.

Who in that crop 1) Would have come here (or stayed), 2) Made this team better?

"But what about 2010 F/As"

Ok say we did nothing over the summer. This team is worse than the previous year. We lose Bosh. You think we’re going to sign future F/As? Best case scenario is, BC gambles to improve this team and have a chance to resign Bosh and have ok seasons the next few years.

Hedo is a gamble not just for today, but for the future. He was the best F/A available last season, and I’m okay with doing something vs. nothing. The alternate universe could have been very very ugly for the franchise. We could have kept last years team, but I much prefer this one. Even if it means including Hedo.

RUMOUR: Bosh to the Kings?

2010-01-27T18:17:43Z

On the Kings' side, the idea of giving up any of their core players for one with an expiring contract and the inherent uncertainty thereafter is equally unappealing. The same outlook applies to Toronto forward Chris Bosh, who Kings officials are believed to see as a good fit but who also comes with too much inherent risk because of his expiring contract.

RUMOUR: Spurs interested in Bosh

2010-01-27T18:15:02Z

The Spurs have always maintained an interest in Toronto Raptors forward Chris Bosh(notes), a Texas native, but Raptors’ general manager Bryan Colangelo has yet to show a strong inclination to trade his star before his impending free agency this summer.

RUMOUR: Heat looking at Stoudemire over Bosh

2010-01-27T18:12:49Z

For the Heat, which likely would have to part with forward Michael Beasley in such a deal, a move for Stoudemire essentially would be a move away from the hope of a potential signing of the Toronto Raptors' Chris Bosh or Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James next summer.

Raptors Player's Family Helped Jews During Holocaust

2010-01-25T20:04:38Z

A glimpse into the bravery of the past, a Toronto Raptors player shares his family history with ShalomLife.

Shalom Life was in attendance at the Toronto Raptors-LA Lakers game on Sunday, January 24th and was able to speak to Marco Belinelli, the high energy Italian import who was traded to the Raptors in the off season and had just come off a wonderful game in a win against the Lakers.

Belinelli was able to confirm a story which is little known but of great interest to the Jewish community. During the Holocaust, Belinelli's grandparents, who at the time were living in France, risked their own lives to help save those of French Jews. They helped hide and transport them out of France and into safety.

CTN'd at the source.

Source: http://www.shalomlife.com/eng/4228/Raptors_Player%27s_Family_Helped_Jews_During_Holocaust/

Jets Too Confident ?

2010-01-23T07:54:23Z

Are The Jets too Confident?

The New York Jets Coach is more than serious! He thinks that the Jets jerseys are capable of creating the stun and beat the NFL

Best football team 2010, Inianapolis Colts during their upcoming NFL football match.

I dont know how the jets are going to beat the NFL stats leader, Colts, but i respect every team with a similar consistency to win despite all the difficulties that the Jets football shirts might face during the game.

Jets Too Confident ?

2010-01-23T07:53:08Z

Are The Jets too Confident?

The New York Jets Coach is more than serious! He thinks that the Jets jerseys are capable of creating the stun and beat the NFL

Best football team 2010, Inianapolis Colts during their upcoming NFL football match.

The New York Jets Coach is more than serious! He thinks that the Jets jerseys are capable of creating the stun and beat the NFL

Friday Night Raptors-Bucks In-Game Blog RIGHT HERE

2010-01-23T00:08:51Z

Let's use this to blog, since the HQ didn't set one up for us in absentia. Here's my thoughts for the keys to the game: score more points than Milwaukee does. Also, allow fewer points than we score. It will also help to shoot the ball accurately and stop the Bucks from shooting the ball accurately (possibly by positioning bodies between the Milwaukee players and the basket). I think if we can execute those keys, Raptors will prevail.

Chris Bosh- Best Power Forward in the NBA??

2010-01-21T21:44:28Z

This is my first blog, my friends say I have a good blogs ideas but I never publish them, so when I heard Matt Devlin during the broadcast of the Raptors vs. Cavaliers game talk about my exact article idea that I started last week, I thought I better finish it and get it this out to the fans

Is Chris Bosh the best true power forward(PF) in the league?

This year, Bosh came into the season after bulking up during the summer and has been the leader for the Toronto Raptors. In past seasons, once in awhile you could see the hunger in his eyes to compete and to win but it was never consistent. In his contract year, that look has been more consistent; his play getting better and better, and his focus is unmatched. Win or lose, Bosh has been approaching every game as if he is playing his last game.

The Competition

Eastern Conference: Kevin Garnett, Gerald Wallace, and Antawn Jamison

The East has always been weak when it comes to power forwards, Garnett has been plagued with injuries and playing for a team rich in resources, and his stats have dropped since he came from Minnesota. Gerald Wallace has moved to PF recently with the addition of Stephen Graham, but is considered more of a combo forward rather than a true power forward. Antawn Jamison deserves mention in this category as he IS one of the few good PF’s in the East.

Western Conference: Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol

This is where the REAL race for the best power forward in the NBA is, in the past both Duncan and Nowitzki have held or shared the best PF crown. Both these elite players have time and time again shown why they are one of the best.

Watching the San Antonio Spurs game vs. the Toronto Raptors, it literally looked like a changing of the "guard"/forward. Chris Bosh played like Tim Duncan in his prime. Bosh was unstoppable and dominating, while Duncan struggled against the Raptors’ defence. Duncan’s year has been very inconsistent and is nowhere near the calibre of his prime.

On Sunday’s meeting against Dallas Mavericks, Nowitzki didn’t look as deadly as he is considered. Maybe it was Toronto’s defence but nonetheless Bosh went hard at Dallas. The victories against both Dallas and San Antonio should be considered statement games to the rest of the league.

Arguably, the best power forward in the NBA in past years is Dirk Nowitzki and thus is Chris Bosh’s main competition. This year, Nowitzki’s numbers are right up there with Bosh’s but where Bosh starts to make his run at crown are in some other areas. There is a strong argument that Nowitzki’s past play in the playoffs is what should make him the best, but that was last year and we really don’t know what Bosh is capable of this year in the playoffs.

On top of all the remarkable numbers that Bosh has put up, his supporting cast does not come close to the calibre of players that his competition plays with. Nowitzki, Duncan and Gasol play with at least 2 other All Star calibre players, while Bosh’s supporting cast is still in chemistry class looking through their textbook. Yet Chris Bosh continues to excel and prove why he should be considered the best power forward in the NBA today.

The Numbers

Looking at last month’s numbers(as of Jan 14, 2010):

Name	min/g	pts/g	3/g	reb/g	ast/g	stl/g	blk/g	fg%	fga/g	ft%	fta/g
Chris Bosh	35.9	23.9	0.0	10.2	2.5	0.8	1.2	0.578	14.4	0.833	8.8
Gerald Wallace	44.1	20.3	0.7	10.4	2.5	1.8	1.5	0.509	13.5	0.762	7.8
Tim Duncan	32.1	21.6	0.0	10.7	2.8	0.7	1.8	0.562	15.7	0.750	5.3
Dirk Nowitzki	36.3	21.2	0.7	8.2	2.0	0.8	0.9	0.470	16.7	0.912	5.2
Pau Gasol	37.8	16.0	0.0	11.5	2.7	0.4	2.2	0.525	11.1	0.800	5.5

Bosh’s game has elevated to the next level in the last month. He’s played great overall this season but in the last month, he’s showing that he can be even better. Dirk Nowitzki’s numbers may be just as good but Bosh’s extra effort is where he starts to move away. Bosh leads the league in double doubles and is also in the top 5 for players that get to the free throw line. He’s joined in the top 5 by Carmelo Anthony, Dwayne Wade, Lebron James and Dwight Howard - that’s some pretty elite company!

Being part of the elite is the only category that puts to rest all claims for who is the best. Dirk already has his elite status but Bosh’s excellent play this year shows he is ready for his membership to this class of players.

At the end of this season, Chris Bosh will become a free agent, most of the media attention will be focused on where Lebron James and Dwayne Wade will land. But teams are starting to realize that if they can land Chris Bosh, they could be getting one of the best power forwards in the NBA today.

I plan to follow up this article with what is defined as the elite class and how Bosh is making his way into the elite. Just as an FYI, I'm not some Chris Bosh crazy fan, I felt that he deserved some recognition for his play for the Raptor's this year. I could say I'm a Dwayne Wade crazy fan, but isn't everybody? LOL

Bargnani to Improve increasingly

2010-01-19T09:24:58Z

Mavericks vs Raptors coverageBargnani, often criticized for the lack of performance onto the basketball court, was able to hush the NBA Live TV commentators by a stunning 22-points demonstration, aside of Chris bosh's 23 dots.

I definitely hope that Bargnani will be able to maintain that level, in order to craft better NBA scores and NBA results in favor of the Raptors.

As the Raptors meet the Cavaliers of LeBron James for their upcoming match, all eyes are set on Chris bosh, Bargnani and on the new era's Michael Jordan, LeBron James.

Bargnani extension looks even better now

2010-01-18T17:22:03Z

Thank you Bryan Colangelo. As this season has progressed, one player's game has really stood out. Il Mago play over the last 3 weeks has been playing extremely well. Minus the one bad game against the Indiana Pacers where the team blew a huge lead and pretty much every player played poorly, he has put up at least 15 points 10 of the 11 games. Here's the look at what Bargnani has done since Dec 23, 2009.

Date	Opponent	Result	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	OFF	DEF	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PF	PTS
Regular
Jan 17	vs. DAL	W 110 - 88	35	9 - 17	3 - 6	1 - 3	3	3	6	1	0	2	1	0	22
Jan 15	@ NYK	W 112 - 104	39	9 - 13	5 - 6	1 - 2	0	12	12	1	1	0	2	3	24
Jan 11	@ IND	L 101 - 105	36	4 - 14	1 - 7	3 - 4	4	13	17	0	0	3	2	1	12
Jan 10	vs. BOS	L 107 - 114	37	8 - 16	4 - 7	3 - 4	0	5	5	0	1	2	2	3	23
Jan 08	@ PHI	W 108 - 106	40	10 - 21	2 - 4	1 - 1	2	4	6	1	0	3	1	2	23
Jan 06	@ ORL	W 108 - 103	31	7 - 16	2 - 5	2 - 2	1	7	8	2	0	1	1	6	18
Jan 03	vs. SAS	W 91 - 86	42	5 - 16	1 - 4	4 - 6	2	6	8	1	0	5	1	4	15
Jan 02	@ BOS	L 96 - 103	40	8 - 15	2 - 5	3 - 4	2	2	4	1	0	1	2	4	21

Dec 30	vs. CHA	W 107 - 103	41	11 - 20	2 - 6	4 - 4	3	1	4	0	1	1	4	3	28
Dec 27	vs. DET	W 102 - 95	42	7 - 13	0 - 1	2 - 3	0	6	6	1	0	2	3	5	16
Dec 23	@ DET	W 94 - 64	33	9 - 15	2 - 4	1 - 2	1	3	4	0	0	2	0	0	21

What's more impressive is that the Raps have a record of 8-3 in those 11 games and Bargnani's average during this stretch is a respective 20.2ppg, 7.2 rpg and 2bpg. He's putting up these numbers as a second and often third option on the team. Aside from the low rebounding number (more a product of his offensive game as his perimeter play leads to weaker positioning on the offensive end), he has been playing like a man possessed.

I all of the sudden don't feel bad if Bosh leaves and what he can bring back for the Raps either at the trade deadline or at season's end. I wonder if Colangelo had thought about this possibility during the past summer when he signed to him to what many people thought was a ridiculous contract. I was also one of those who really questioned this extension but as the season has progressed and the way that Bargnani has played, I think that when (and not if) Bosh leaves, there will be a player waiting at the side ready to step in and become the man to lead the team. In comparison to our last 2 superstars who were paid like max players, Bargnani would be coming at a reasonable 10 million a year.

The best part about this signing is that he's not even close to his prime and the type of player he can become down the road with another two or three years under his belt...he should be flirting with the same type of numbers at least what Bosh is producing in points and with some more work on defense, he can bring his rbg to modest 8-9 per game.

No wonder Colangelo signed his so quickly this summer, he wasn't just preparing for some insurance in the case Bosh does leave, but also in the type of player that Bargnani can become with more touches and becoming the primary key point of a team on offense.

A Question for Raptors HQ

2010-01-18T04:43:12Z

Hello all,

I'm doing a little research for an article on SactownRoyalty.com, and I'm going to all the managers of each NBA teams respective SBN blog to get some answers to a few questions. If you wouldn't mind, it would be a big help to my article.

My questions:

* What are your teams needs?
* Which two players on the Kings (excluding Tyreke Evans), would you like to see the Raptors acquire most if they were available and why.
* What do you think a reasonable and realistic trade involving both sides could look like? * Completely hypothetical, but if Chris Bosh was traded at the deadline to the Sacramento Kings, what would you want back for him?

Full list of Kings Players and salaries: http://www.shamsports.com/content/pages/data/salaries/kings.jsp

One person who is missing is the recently acquired Hilton Armstrong who is at 2.8 Million owed this season with a qualifying offer next season.

Thank you for your time.