By RaptorTalk


Bryan Colangelo was on the FAN 590 yesterday with Jack Armstrong in a brief segment where he mentioned that the Raptors are a perfect 3-0 in the Sonny Weems 'as a starter' era!

While that's good news for the Weems' family, it wasn't the most important nugget of info to come from the lips of the Raptors GM. Colangelo also provided some valuable insight into his state-of-mind moving forward through the trade deadline period later this month.

         

Bryan acknowledged that while the Raptors are undoubtably playing well of late - he is fully aware that his Raptors are still a level below elite teams like Cleveland, Boston, Orlando and Atlanta.

Colangelo emphatically stated that Toronto is NOT trading Chris Bosh. He went on to say that he fully intends Toronto to re-sign Bosh this summer.

As far as any upcoming moves to improve the roster prior to the trade deadline, Colangelo made it crystal clear that if the Raptors do anything it will be as BUYERS and NOT sellers. Bryan indicated that if Toronto can make a significant acquisition to upgrade the roster and bring in the missing piece to the puzzle (assuming it makes sense), then he'll do it.

The Raptors GM went on to add that with luxury cap and CBA issues looming, there may be some unique opportunities out there. Reading the tea leaves, it seems that Bryan knows that MLSE's financial muscle can absorb a contract or two while some small market teams are looking to dump salary - even if it means the struggling team ships out a very, talented player.

Bryan then elaborated when he spoke to the Globe & Mail:

“We're talking to a few teams to see if there's anything we can do to improve our basketball club,” said Colangelo. “We've never sat back and been comfortable. We're always going to compete and improve our levels of competition.

“I'm talking about not only a tweak, but in a big deal, we're going to be a buyer, not a seller.”


Bryan is looking to upgrade the roster

Here's the good news for Raptor fans.

Clearly Colangelo is aware that the Raptors are not yet an elite team. Unlike some (like a few delusional Pollyana callers to the Raps postgame radio show on Sunday), Bryan knows he can't sit still and get past the first playoff round with the group of players he has now.

So if the right deal presents itself, Bryan will definitely try to upgrade the roster - even if that means preying on the league's weak sisters.

Quite often in these pre-deadline interview situations, a GM will be careful with his words and say something like, "we're always looking at what's available ..... but we're pleased with what we've got." That wasn't Bryan's approach at all. Maybe, its the pressure he's feeling from Brian Burke, his Maple Leaf counterpart. Whatever it is, Raptor fans don't care. Most knowledgable fans understand that the Men in Red could benefit from an upgrade or two.

I defintely get the sense that Colangelo has a lot of irons in the fire and those irons will only get hotter as we move through the All-Star break next week.


It's all about Bosh

As I've said repeatedly since the preseason - this year is all about giving Chris Bosh every reason to re-sign with Toronto in the summer. If Bryan can add another key piece in the next couple of weeks, then it becomes very difficult for Bosh to turn down a contract from the only team that can offer him a no-strings attached max money deal.

If not for Bosh, Bryan might be willing to sit on his hands and be more cautious. But with Bosh's future potentially hanging in the balance, Colangelo knows he needs to swing for the fences.

If I was to place odds, I'd have to say there is a better than 80% chance that Bryan Colangelo makes a move before the deadline. He certainly doesn't sound like someone who's prepared to ride out the season with the status quo in place.

Stay tuned. The next shoe will be dropping soon.

 By Raptortalk


RaptorTalk has just obtained a top secret transcript of the soon to be released follow-up conversation between The Coach, Jack Armstrong and the Turkish Jordan, Hedo Turkoglu. This exclusive interview occurred shortly after they arrived back in Toronto.
 
First, here is the original 'Ball' interview from the court at Madison Square Garden. 

        


Now, here’s the exclusive RaptorTalk follow-up Q&A between Hedo Turkoglu and The Coach, Jack Armstrong:


The Coach: H E L L O !  I’m here with Hedo Turkoglu enjoying a smooth MGD.
 
Hedo: Hi, Coach

The Coach: Hedo, our interview from New York is all over television, radio and the internet.

Hedo: Yes, Coach

The Coach: What do you need more of to regain your scoring touch?

Hedo: Ball

The Coach: This summer when Orlando gave you a lowball offer, what did you tell Otis Smith you were going to do?

Hedo: Bolt

The Coach: You play the Nets next week -  tell me who you'll be guarding?

Hedo: Yi, Coach.

The Coach: I noticed your new ‘do, kind of a 'faux hawk'. What’s next?

Hedo: Bald

The Coach: What did the training staff put near your locker in case you got sick from all that Sprite and Pizza Pizza?

Hedo: Bowl

The Coach: Do you even like Sprite and Pizza Pizza?

Hedo: No, Coach.

The Coach: Which Italian Raptor do you think is best at taking it to the hole – Andrea or Marco?

Hedo: Bell

The Coach: Who is the best big man in the game today?

Hedo: Yao, Coach

The Coach: Back in 'da day, which long, tall center gave you the most trouble?

Hedo: Bol

The Coach: You spent a year down south in San Antonio - tell me what you said to Greg Popovich?

Hedo: Y’all, Coach

The Coach: We know the Leafs are a mess, but what's the worst run franchise in pro sports?

Hedo: Bills

The Coach: In training camp, what did you say to Jay Triano when you first met?

Hedo: Yo, Coach

The Coach: Bryan Colangelo said you were badly out of shape to start the season.

Hedo: Bull

The Coach: Jay’s been bustin’ your chops lately. What do you say to Coach Triano when he says you’re dogging it?

Hedo: F you, Coach

The Coach: If Jay Triano gets fired, who should the Raptors hire?

Hedo: You, Coach

The Coach: In the Lakers game, what did you say when Jay asked if you wanted the ball in your hands for the final shot?

Hedo: F**king Yea, Coach

The Coach: Well Hedo, thanks for another awkward interview.

Hedo: I got nuttin’ else to say.

The Coach: Get 'dat gah-bage outta here!

Hedo: BALL!

  By RaptorTalk


Shirley he’s joking. Sadly he’s not – Paul Shirley that is.

This former NBA scrub with the Hawks, Suns and Bulls who today is a professional basketball player in Spain made some very controversial and insensitive comments regarding the recent earthquake disaster in Haiti. He defended his decision to not make a personal donation to Haitian relief and to urge others to not donate.


        

Paul Shirley, the now ex-ESPN contributor suggests that money donated to help Haitians rebuild their shattered lives will be wasted because Haiti itself is a mess, in large part caused by the Haitians themselves. To make matters worse, he penned a letter mocking the Haitian people in addition to his lengthy blog comments.

Shirley wrote:

Dear Haitians –

First of all, kudos on developing the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Your commitment to human rights, infrastructure, and birth control should be applauded.

As we prepare to assist you in this difficult time, a polite request: If it’s possible, could you not re-build your island home in the image of its predecessor? Could you not resort to the creation of flimsy shanty- and shack-towns? And could some of you maybe use a condom once in a while?

Sincerely,
The Rest of the World


I wonder if Paul Shirley would hold the same point of view if he had the misfortune of being born in Haiti instead of America? It is easy to be smug and pass judgement when you are born and live in one of the world's most prosperous nations. Shirley's cold Darwinian view of the world and its people, where only a strong few survive is appalling in its ignorance.

Shirley also needs a history lesson. Haiti’s African slaves (who were brought to Haiti against their will) were the first in the Western Hemisphere to negotiate their freedom some 200 years ago – but with a huge price.

They were forced to pay a form of reparations to France which were not repaid until 1947. So while other countries like Canada and the USA were well established and prosperous – Haiti was stuck in the third world having repaid a massive unfair debt that sucked valuable cash out of the country that should have been used to make Haiti stronger.

While North American settlers were blessed with a land full of natural resources upon which to build a sound economy, Haiti is a small country with few marketable natural resources. Paul, remind me again how that’s the fault of the Haitian people?

Shirley argues that Haitians should not be living in an earthquake zone either. Honest question, Paul? What choice do they have?

Paul, do you know the average Haitian ekes out a meagre existence on $2 per day, including food, shelter, medicine and transportation? Their average life expectancy is only 60 years of age (Canada is 81 and the US is 78).

There are 9 million people in Haiti, almost all who would love to move – but only a small percentage of Haitian immigrants are allowed to leave. Where does Shirley expect they go and who covers the costs for them to leave? Haitians routinely risk their lives navigating the Caribbean on makeshift boats headed for Florida - only to be turned back upon arrival or to lose their lives before getting there.

For the record, Canada has one of the largest Haitian communities with 100,000 Haitians living here, primarily in Montreal. But that’s only a small percentage of those who want to leave.


Should California, Florida, Oklahoma and Alaska be evacuated now?

If we take Shirley’s misguided argument one step further regarding the alleged stupidity of settling in an area prone to natural disasters - is he prepared to take the same stance with Floridians living in a hurricane zone or Californians and Alaskans living in earthquake zones or Oklahomans living in Tornando Alley? Should he ask that the tens of millions of residents in these states resettle elsewhere on their own personal dimes?

No doubt, there are some things that Haitians can do better. Yes, the Haitian government is riddled with corruption. But in the time of a major catastrophe that has killed over 100,000 and left millions homeless, I am stunned by the lack of caring and compassion shown by Shirley and his (few) supporters.

His arrogance says a lot about the person - none of it good.

At a time when men, women and children are left with nothing – no food, no homes, no jobs and no future – Paul Shirley is rejecting their pleas for humanitarian aid on the grounds they bear a large part of the responsibility for the dire situation they find themselves in. It’s a view that is stunningly reprehensible in so many ways.

Fortunately, most Canadians reject this ridiculous point of view and we are leading the world in cash donations to Haiti on a per capita basis. And Americans are equally as generous.


Paul Shirley unwittingly raises awareness of Haiti's plight

If something good comes out of the nonsense spewed by Paul Shirley, it’s that he’s inadvertently raised awareness about the tragedy in Haiti which I’m sure has caused many decent-minded folks to reach into their pockets and donate to Haitian Relief Efforts.

By the way, I’m kind of hoping that reincarnation is a reality because it would be sweet justice to see what Paul Shirley’s take on the situation would be, if in his next life, he was reborn as a poor black Haitian living in ramshackle hut in Port-au-Prince instead of being a well-off white Californian earning hundreds of thousands of dollars using his god-given skills to play professional basketball in Europe.

I think he’d have a whole different perspective.

That said, I am blown away that someone can be so cold and insulated from the struggles of his fellow man. That a natural disaster that has killed over 100,000 innocent people and has left millions of lives in a state of despair and turmoil is not enough to evoke any compassion.

Soulless and heartless are words that come to mind.

So let's all of us thank Paul Shirley for keeping the Haitian tragedy in the forefront by reaching into our pockets and making a donation to help the good people of Haiti make it through another day.

Oh yes. Thanks to the NBA, the Toronto Raptors and our very own Haitian Canadian, Samuel Dalembaert for their fund-raising efforts in support of Haiti, too. 

The NBA does care! Paul Shirley? Does not.

 By RaptorTalk


Recently, Michael Grange of the Globe & Mail questioned whether Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment were the ownership group that might be best suited to help the Toronto Raptors bring an NBA Championship to the Centre of the Universe.

Good question and its one that's crossed my mind before.

The criticism of MLSE goes like this. As a professional sports franchise owner, their number one priority is ensuring their profitable bottom line. Frankly, truer words have not been spoken.

The unanswered question is – will MLSE spend what is necessary for the Raptors to become an elite NBA team even if it means reduced profitability for the corporation? Fact is that the NBA’s elites are all deep in luxury tax territory. Will MLSE ever go there? 

     

Toronto sports fans fear that MLSE cares more about selling million dollar suites in the new 50 story Maple Leaf Square condos outside the ACC than they do about putting a competitive product on the court or the ice.

First, let me say I’m far from an MLSE apologist. In the past I have been very critical of MLSE’s treatment of Raptor season ticketholders and Dave Feschuk has twice quoted me in Toronto Star columns about unhappy Raps fans.


Be careful what you wish for

That said, unless you can find a Toronto based multi-billionaire who is passionate about NBA basketball and is willing to spend anything to win - then Raptor fans had better be happy with MLSE's deep pockets.

MLSE may not be the best ownership group in the NBA, but they are far from the worst.

Even with a rich passionate owner, let’s remember that Paul Allen's and Mark Cuban's deep pockets didn't bring championships to either Portland or Dallas.

Right now, there is no Toronto billionaire willing to step up and rescue this franchise- so it’s largely a moot point. Plus, if you get an outsider with billions to step up and buy the Raptors, then you run the risk of the team moving – albeit remote. Then again, look at Vancouver and Seattle.

I believe the Raptors are secure in Toronto and will never be moved - but , never say never. Over the years, major markets like Los Angeles, New York, Houston and the Bay Area have all lost professional sports franchises.

Ten years ago did anyone seriously think that small markets like Oklahoma City and Memphis would have NBA franchises? Who would have predicted that the largest media market in the USA would have gone 20 years without an NFL franchise? You just never know what a billionaire may do with his or her sports franchise.

This may not be what fans want to hear, but having the Toronto Raptors under the MLSE umbrella with their deep pockets, may very well be the best option for our Heroes of the Hardcourt.

    
             
Back in the day the Raptors were a financial mess

Everyone forgets how fragile the Raptor's financial situation was before they were purchased by MLSE in the late 90's and became part of the Maple Leafs' family.

Many Raptor fans who look at the ACC’s near sellouts fail to realize that buyers of prime Maple Leafs tickets MUST also buy those same Raptor tickets. So, if MLSE decided to spin off the Raptors to some hoops-crazed billionaire, the Raptors could potentially lose a few thousand prime season ticket holders who are only interested in Leafs tickets.

To a certain degree, the Raptors are profitable because they are part of MLSE. A large portion of the Raptors’ profit is a result of a shared arena, shared marketing, shared administration, shared media production, shared luxury box sales, shared premium ticket sales and so on between the Leafs and the Raptors. That's the new model for successful sports franchises - a single corporation owns the arena, the NBA team, the NHL team, concert revenues and so on.

Face facts. Most nights, the Raptors draw flies on TV. On the past weekend, the Raptors TV ratings were worse than Olympic Bobsleigh Trails. Outside of a hardcore following in the GTA, most people in Canada could care less about the Raptors.

Right now, Toronto has solid attendance. Yet, not too long ago under Rob Babcock, there were games in with attendance in the 12,000 range. Without a good product on the floor, Raptors attendance might drop again into that range which is the time a new owner might say, "I'm losing money and I'd rather move the Raptors to a new arena in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Pittsburgh or even a second team in suburban Chicago.”

Granted, the Raptors have been very profitable under Bryan Colangelo. That said, season ticket sales are down nearly 25% from last year and Raptor-generated  profits will be down too.

Remember, Leaf fans who are forced to buy Raptors tickets generate somewhere around $30 million annually in revenues (based on my simple calculations). That's a lot of money driven to the Raptors by the Maple Leafs.

After Vince Carter was traded, attendance dropped and according to Forbes, the Raptors lost $8 million. Who is to say that if Bosh leaves (which likely won't happen) that the team won't go into rebuilding mode and all of sudden be back losing money when attendance drops?


If Bryan builds it, will they spend it?

Look, I understand that most Raptor fans wish we had our own version of Jim Balsille who would rescue Canada’s team from the evil, profit-first clutches of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. In reality, it just ain’t happening.

Our best hope for an NBA Championship lies first in Bryan Colangelo making the right moves talent-wise. Once the pieces are in place, Bryan the ultimate salesman, needs to sell the MLSE on the benefits of taking a big dip into Lake Luxury Tax.

MLSE certainly has the cash! Question is will they spend it?

 By RaptorTalk


If there is one thing that surprised even an Il Mago fan like me, it is the significant positive step that Andrea Bargnani has taken in all facets of his game this season.

Sitting at the ACC and watching him hold his own against Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks on both sides of the ball was a real treat considering where his skill level was at the start of last season.

The turnaround started last January and continued in the pre-season where he was arguably the best Raptor while Bosh sat out due to injury. And it’s now continued through 41 regular season games.

With last week’s career high of 17 rebounds, an average of nearly two blocks per game and his vastly improved defense (particularly one-on-one) and his newfound ability to guard his man without fouling - Bargnani is doing all the things his critics claimed he could never do. His three point stroke is back and he's scoring the ball as well as he ever has.


      

Has Bargnani had his ups and downs? Absolutely. But Andrea's play has generally been very consistent throughout this season.

Andrea has always been a player whose game is driven by his offence. Yet when he struggled mightily on offense against Indy, he still played hard - particularly on the defensive side. The 'old' Andrea would have found himself nailed to the bench with 5 bad fouls.


Patience Is Paying Off

As I’ve said before, Raptor fans needed to be patient with Il Mago because while he had all the physical tools, it was what was going on between his ears that was holding him back. First (as I posted ad nauseum for two years), while Sam Mitchell was the right coach for Chris Bosh, he was the wrong coach for Andrea Bargnani. Jay Triano has given him the confidence he needs.

Second, Andrea struggled more than most players in adjusting to North American life, the English language and the NBA. Now that he has the peace of mind of a new contract, he is much more comfortable with his position in Toronto and it shows on the court.

After Andrea had a disastrous sophomore year, the Bargnani cynics starting using 'historical precedent' as definitive proof that Andrea could never improve much from where he was at that fixed point in time. Whether it was in blogs, forums or call-in radio the underlying message was the same – after two years of mediocrity it was virtually impossible for anyone to expect Andrea to make a marked improvement in his game. They (wrongly) claimed the die was cast.

Of course, I countered by pointing out here in RaptorTalk that Hall of Famers like Warren Moon, Guy Lafleur and Roger Staubach were all late bloomers. Yet, the critics said ‘those aren’t basketball players”.

Some even tried to prove through statistical analysis that Andrea Bargnani could not take the next step. However, historical precedent is totally irrelevant as it related to Bargnani because the big kid from Italy  is a 'one-of-a-kind' story.


Socrates Meets Bargnani

Bargnani's detractors used historical precedent in a manner which defied basic logic, as anyone who took an Intro to Logic course would know. This is what Socrates wrote and it's the basis for all logical arguments.

All men are mortal. (true)
Socrates is a man.  (true)
Therefore, Socrates is mortal. (TRUE)

That is a sound logical argument. What the Bargnani critics used to support their point-of-view was illogical. Basically they argued:

No NBA player has ever achieved X. (true)
Bargnani is an NBA player.  (true)
Therefore, Bargnani will never achieve X.  (FALSE)

The historical precedent argument was no more valid than this flawed argument which is taught on the first day of every university Logic course:

All apples are fruit. (true)
Bananas are fruit. (true)
Therefore, all bananas are apples. (FALSE)

While watching Bargnani live at the Air Canada Centre, I saw an underlying skill level in Andrea that I felt could be nurtured and eventually unlocked.

Was I absolutely sure Andrea would turn it around? No. I certainly had my doubts. But I always felt there was a decent chance he could improve. Nonetheless, the so-called experts said "no way - period." In their opinion Bargnani sucked then and therefore he would suck forever. Somehow it made sense to the critics.

Well, it looks like Andrea is proving all his critics dead wrong!

Based on the second half of last year and the first 41 games this season, it definitely appears that Andrea Bargnani is well on his way to becoming the player many of us thought he would be.

I’m happy for Raptor fans and I’m happy for Andrea. The cynics are being silenced and the quiet is sweet.

 By RaptorTalk


The decade with no name (the 00’s maybe) is now in the history books. I thought it would be a good idea to look back at the best and the worst that the Toronto Raptors had to offer over the last ten years.

        

Best Raptors Team of the Decade
The 2000-2001 Raptors- This squad beat the New York Knicks at MSG and came within a shot of defeating the 76ers in the second round. Loaded with talent and chemistry, if not for the VC Graduation Ceremony fiasco – this team would have gone deeper in the playoffs.

Raptor Player of the Decade
Vince Carter – There was a time when most Raptor fans wouldn’t trade Air Canada straight up for Kobe Bryant because VC was so gifted. No doubt in my mind that Vince Carter was Toronto’s MVP of the past decade. Bosh is a close second and will surpass Vince overtime, but the nod goes to Air Canada. Carter brought more excitement to the ACC than any other Raptor this decade.

Game of the Decade
Game Five/Raptors vs. Knicks 2001– Alvin Williams picks up Vince Carter’s fumble and calmly nails a 20 foot jumper to lead the Raptors to their only playoff series win.

All-Raptors Team of the Decade
PG- Alvin Williams: Boogie was everything you wanted in a player. He was tough, determined and had ice water in his veins when a big play was needed.

SG – Vince Carter: Air Canada electrified Raptor fans and put Toronto on the NBA map. When he was at the top of his game, he was one of the best.

SF – Morris Peterson: The master of the wild shot, Mo Pete was a solid contributor who played both sides of the ball. Unlike T-Mac who left in 2000, Mo Pete loved Toronto.

PF – Chris Bosh: CB4 has become an elite player who, to his credit, gets better each year.

C- Andrea Bargnani: At a position that has arguably been the Raptors’ weakest link, Il Mago has played as well as anyone when he was given the chance and he continues to improve every season. Antonio Davis had his moments, but in my opinion, his openness about not wanting to be here in Canada negated much of what he contributed on the floor.

Coach of the Decade
Sam Mitchell: Despite his shortcomings in the X’s and O’s, Sam was a master motivator who got a moderately talented group of players to over-achieve and play team basketball.

Executive of the Decade
Glen Grunwald: He built some of the best teams in Raptors history. If he could have persuaded T-Mac to stay, Glen would still be the GM today.

Fan Favourite of the Decade
Matt Bonner: The Red Rocket loved Toronto and Toronto fans loved him. He was an intelligent, blue collar kind of guy whose personality and work ethic clicked with the fans. What’s not to like about a guy who went so far as to become a Canadian citizen after he was traded!

Game Changer of the Decade
Tracy McGrady: T-Mac’s departure had a profound effect on the future of the franchise. If McGrady had stayed, he and Vince  Carter would have been the cornerstones of a franchise that most certainly would have found itself in the NBA finals at some point during the decade.

Disappointment of the Decade
Vince Carter: Who knew that his incredible talent was not matched by the same level of heart and desire? VC had the raw skill to be a dominant player in the NBA. While he was extraordinary at times, he lacked the killer instinct that all great players have.

Draft Pick of the Decade
2003 Chris Bosh: Selecting Bosh with the 4th pick overall definitely had a huge impact on the franchise.

Best Trade of the Decade
Chris Childs and a 1st Rounder for Mark Jackson and Muggsy Bogues: This deadline deal in 2001, energized a mediocre club and catapulted them into the playoffs. Childs added defensiveness grit, while the move of Jackson allowed Alvin Williams to become a starter.

Worst Trade of the Decade
Vince Carter for Nobody: Proved to be one of the worst trades of all time. Ouch.

Surprise of the Decade
The 2006-2007 Raptors: No one expected this edition of the Toronto Raptors to breakout and win the Atlantic Division crown. Watching this team go on a sustained run after Christmas was amazing.

Bust of the Decade
Rafael Araujo: Rob Babcock’s dim-witted selection of the Brazilian big man was a huge mistake. Imagine how different things might have been if Andre Igoudala was wearing a Raptors uniform instead?

Dumbest Move of the Decade
Hakeem Olajuwon: The acquisition of an over-the-hill Hakeem for a couple of draft picks was made even worse when Toronto inked him to a ridiculous 3 year/ $15 million deal.


Embarrassment of the Decade
Kobe Bryant: 81 points. Nothing else to say.

ACC Event of the Decade
Raptors vs 76ers Playoffs: The ACC was absolutely electric as Vince Carter and Allen Iverson took turns dropping 50's. The decisive Game 6 Raptors victory ranks as the greatest game at the ACC.


Fun to Watch Event of the Decade
Donyell Marshall's Threes: Donyell tied Kobe Bryant's NBA single game mark with 12 made three balls on a 2005 Sunday afternoon vs. Philly at the ACC. It was a remarkable event to witness live - albeit totally unexpected. I've never seen a shooter seem to be so automatic (he shot 12 for 19 from behind the line).


Funniest Moment of the Decade:
Darrick Martin's Three Ball: With the Raptors three ball streak apparently ending, Darrick Martin hit an improbable buzzer beating three ball to keep the streak alive.


Broadcaster of the Decade
Chuck Swirsky: No one got fans interested in Raptor ball like the Swirsk. Was he an over-the-top homer? Yes. But he was exactly what the franchise needed.

Beat Writer of the Decade
Doug Smith: The Star’s #1 grunt has delivered more Raptors info to news-starved fans than any other local scribe over the past decade. His daily blog is a must read for serious Raptor fans.

Raptors TV Program of the Decade:
Full Court Press: Back in the day, Norma Wick hosted a weekly hour of impromptu Raptor talk with the likes of Jack Armstrong, Doug Smith, Michael Grange, Bruce Arthur, Eric Smith and other media types who followed the team. Production values were low, but the entertainment and news value was always high.

Well, let's consider this a rap for another decade!
 

 By RaptorTalk


The next ten games of the Raptors schedule will be very telling, beginning with what should be an easy home win over the hapless New Jersey Nets.

With the recent emphatic losses in Orlando and Miami, the so-called 'tough part' of the Raptors schedule is over. Today, the Raptors sit at 11-17. At this point, I expected them to be much closer to .500 and even as high as 16-12 based on their raw talent. 
      
    

Here are the next 10 games and the records of the teams they face:

Remaining December Games
v. New Jersey (2-24)
v. New Orleans (11-13)
@ Detroit (11-14)
v. Detroit (11-14)
v. Charlotte (10-14)

Early January Games
@ Boston (20-4)
v. San Antonio (13-10)
@ Orlando (19-6)
@ Philadelphia (6-19)
v. Boston (20-4)

The Raps play 6 home and 4 away. If the Raptors are going to turn around this season, it has to start in the next 10 games. That said, Toronto will be lucky to get through this stretch at 5-5 and I wouldn't be surprised to see them go only 4-6.

The most interesting stretch of games occurs between now and the end of December. I’ll be at three of those home games starting with the Nets game.

Prior to the season, I would have projected a 4-1 record over that stretch. Now, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Raptors struggled to go 3-2 and thus sit at 14-19 to start the New Year. Problem is that any ground they may gain will likely be surrendered in the 10 days following New Year’s Day when they face Boston twice, Orlando and San Antonio.

My quasi optimistic 5-5 prediction means that on January 10th, the Raptors will sport a mediocre record of 16-22 – six games under .500 with 44 games left.


The Bosh Challenge

The challenge moving forward is to win enough games to keep Bosh happy so that he will re-sign with Toronto. A 44 win season would likely do that. Toronto would then finish in 5th or 6th in the East and could point to some positive momentum.
 
If this team is to win 44 games, then after January 10th they need to go on a 28W-16L run. Even with an easier schedule that is a tough task.

Without a trade that shakes up the line-up (making the team stronger defensively) and the dismissal of Jay Triano (and the hiring of a coach who demands the Raptors play gritty and hard every night) - I simply can’t see it happening.

Right now, all we can do is watch and see if the Dino’s can start winning consistently and often with the team and coach they have now.

 By RaptorTalk


Does anyone really think that Chris Bosh is re-signing in Toronto next summer? It’s clear to me that there is virtually no chance as it stands now.

Why would Bosh want to be part of this train wreck moving forward?

With two terrible losses, the good vibes from the short-lived three game win streak is gone – albeit that the three victories against Washington, Chicago and Minnesota were not worthy of a parade.

    

Believe it or not, there is talent in Toronto

Talent wise, I still maintain the Raptors have more talent than they’ve had in years. Surprisingly, they continue to struggle mightily.

If you were to take most of the individual Raptors and put them on a different squad, most of them would be solid NBA players with their new team. Yet, with this edition of the Toronto Raptors they simply do not fit together.

When is Bryan Colangelo going to take steps to fix this mess? Colangelo himself said he would know  by the end of November after 18 games as to what he had in this team. Even the most ardent homers were saying you should have a good idea by 25 games. Well, we are at the 25 game mark (10 wins - 15 losses) and there is no consistency and it looks like nothing is changing.

What is troubling is that the Raptors are getting worse and not better. The Raptors show no sense of urgency, no heart, no effort and no pride.

On the Raptors broadcast it was said that Toronto is only 3-8 against teams with a winning record.

Guess what? It's actually worse than that.

One of those +.500 teams was New Orleans who are now two games under .500. So the reality is that the Raptors are 2-9 versus +.500 teams - with one of those squads, Miami, sporting an unimpressive 11-10 record. So outside of the season opener against the Cavs, the Raptors have not performed well when matched up with the better teams in the NBA.

That's a huge concern, because even if the Raptors squeak into the playoffs - it virtually guarantees a first round exit for Toronto in 4 games.


Triano is not the answer

Jay Triano is not all to blame, but he is one of the big reasons this team is so horrible.

Back in the preseason, Triano showed no sense of urgency and his laissez faire attitude has carried on into the regular season. When fans we’re calling for Turkoglu to start building on-court chemistry with his new team, Jay seemed content to let him rest. When the Raptors needed time together on the floor so they could gel, Jay took them bowling.

Look, Jay was a fine assistant coach but he is terribly over-matched as the head honcho. This Raptor team is a reflection of their head coach, which is without any noticeable passion, fire or edge. Triano did nothing to distinguish himself as an interim head coach and he has done nothing to change my mind with his mediocre coaching this season.

When you look at upcoming opponents like Miami and Houston, you see teams with better records and yet they don’t have the raw talent that Toronto has. I don’t think Jay Triano and his staff have the ability to motivate and build a culture that leads to winning.


It's up to Bryan Colangelo

Here is the botton line.

The time for patience is over. Bryan Colangelo needs to make a major decision NOW. Either he is going to make major changes and try to win now or he needs to start rebuilding with his first move being the trade of Chris Bosh.

Do I want to see Bosh traded? Hell no. But I’m realistic enough to know that he’s not going to stay here and be part of a franchise moving in the wrong direction.

Hopefully, Bryan the ‘dealer’ steps up and (1) fires Triano and (2) adjusts his roster through a couple of crucial deals. If he can work his magic and the team starts some serious winning, then there remains an outside chance that Bosh might consider staying long term.

Otherwise, Bryan should put Bosh on the trade block and let the bidding war begin.

 By RaptorTalk


Mercifully, November is over and the Raptors are sitting at a less than stellar mark of 7-11. Based on a tough early schedule and nine new players, the team’s record is understandable – but it’s not acceptable. Frankly, the excuses ring hollow.

Why? Because it’s the way the Raptors have been losing. Repeatedly, the Raptors have taken comfortable leads and blown them or they have been close at the half, only to collapse miserably in the third quarter and lose.

Outside of the first Phoenix game, there have been very few losses where the Raptors have been within striking distance. Basically, by the midway mark of the 4th quarter we’re watching the other team’s lay-up line while the Raptors scrubs are putting in garbage time minutes.

           
         The pressure is on Bryan Colangelo


Here are some thoughts as we start a new month with a difficult stretch of 4 games in 5 nights which promise to make life in Raptorland worse, not better over the near term.

Talent: IMO, this team is significantly better than last year's team. There is more overall talent, yet we are playing worse. At least part of the blame falls on Jay Triano. Yes, the Raptors have lost to some good teams like Orlando, Boston and Phoenix, but they’ve also been embarrassed by Charlotte and Memphis. Losses to the elite teams have generally been pretty good spankings.

Defense: Is this really the worst defence in NBA history? The stats say yes - but I think they can play better D than they've shown. During the Boston Celtics radio broadcast Eric Smith was wondering "why doesn't Jay try something different because clearly his system isn't working?" I couldn’t agree more. What have you got to lose? Remember, this team is dead last on defense - even when they play a weak offensive team like the Bobcats. The definition of 'insanity' is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

Underachieving: I would be OK with a 7-11 record, if our losses were close. Outside of the Phoenix game, we are generally out of reach midway through the 4th quarter. Typically, we're fighting a double digit deficit by the end of the third quarter, often when we're close at the half. Not being close in the second half of most games is a real concern that should tell Bryan Colangelo that his team has a ways to go before it becomes competitive.

Chris Bosh: This season is all about Chris Bosh. He’s played like an absolute beast and has done everything asked of him. While this column has been critical of Bosh in the past – this guy has absolutely busted his tail, night in and night out.

Max Money: Either the Raptors want to keep CB4 or they don't. Bosh will definitely get his max money contract in the off-season. But, if the Raptors don't shape up - then Bosh will more than likely force a S&T like T-Mac did. Then the Raptors are screwed.

One and Done: Even if the Raptors turn it around as they gel and the schedule gets easier, the best case scenario is 43 wins and a 6th seed. That said, we could very well be looking at 'missing the playoffs' or squeaking by with 40 wins and the 8th seed. Anyway you look at it, the best 'playoff' scenario sees Toronto blown out in the 1st round by Orlando, Boston or Cleveland. Chris Bosh wants to win. CB4 will not re-sign based on any of those likely scenarios.

Sense of Urgency: Bryan needs a sense of urgency. Firing Jay Triano and making a significant trade that will alter the Raptors' fortunes must all be on the table. Bryan can't wait unti January or February. Look at the December schedule and I can't see how the Raptors as they are now constructed will even play .500 ball during the month. He must take action now. Otherwise, Bosh will walk at season's end.

Plan B: If Colangelo doesn't think he can make moves that will lead the Raptors to achieve at a higher level - then he should focus on Plan B - which is trade Chris Bosh because he's not going to want to stay in Toronto and play on a sub .500 team for the next 6 or 7 years.

Its Bryan’s Move: So, while watching this team suck through 20 games or more may be fine with some of the fan base who are prepared to wait and see- it’s simply not going to satisfy Chris Bosh. Success this season is not measured by satisfying you, me or other fans .... it’s all about re-signing Bosh. I hate to say it - but CB4 is going to walk unless massive changes occur before the new year.

So it is up to Bryan Colangelo to assess where the Raptors are now and make his next move. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have the luxury of waiting to start fixing what is broken. He needs to begin now or risk watching Chris Bosh sour on the Raptors and move to a winning environment elsewhere on July 1st.

Can't say I'd blame him.