Best Raptor Ever?

Toronto Raptors Franchise has had three clear eras. The Mighty Mouse era which was all about Damon Stoudamire. He was the first star of a new franchise. He won Rookie of the year and seemed to be on his way to stardom. Things would end faster than expected and he would exit not long after the man that made him the first ever Raptor draft pick did. When Thomas was out Damon would follow and eventually be traded home to Portland. But Mighty Mouse would never be the same as he was in his days in Toronto. He now is on San Antonio and may have a shot at an NBA Title and good luck to him. Damon will always hold a special place in my heart and that will never change. But his time with the Raps was far to short to be considered the best Raptor ever.

The Next era would take a little while to come along. Tracy McGrady was drafted but before he ever got to get started the next season the Raptors would draft his cousin Vince. Carter would like Stoudamire go on to win Rookie of the Year. In the early years of Vinsanity he was just amazing. He most likely even to this day is the most famous ever to wear a Raptor jersey. The first ever all star in franchise history. He had one of the best performances ever in the dunk contest in Oakland. Superman was cool but it was not like what happened in Oakland. That was just a event for all-time. Things of course would start of bright with a playoff series win over the Knicks and a V.C three away from the conference finals. But after that it all went wrong and Vince would eventually demand a trade and the once most popular Raptors was now it's most hated villain. He based on his accomplishments should have a number 15 hanging in the ACC someday. However the way he went out may prevent that from ever happening.

The Next Era is the one we are living in right now. Chris Bosh was handed the keys to the car when Vince was sent to the swamps of New Jersey. Bosh has slowly grown into his era on and off the floor. He was interviewed last night on CBC's talk show "the hour" and he looks so much different from the shy skinny kid that walked in the door five years ago. He now seems at easy out in the media. He has made an effort to show fans his wacky funny side through is crazy UTube videos. He has come along way in his public persona. His on court one grows by leaps and bounds. He now has 3 all star appearances and is widely respected throughout the NBA. He just passed Morris Peterson to become second all time in Raptor scoring behind Vince Carter. When Bosh's Career is done you will see his name all over the Raptor Record Books.

We have heard the debate on if Vince Carter's #15 would hang in the rafters of the ACC. But I am here to tell you Chris Bosh will have #4 get there long before Vince and if ever for Vince. Bosh to his credit has made himself the face of the franchise and he represents it well on and off the floor. Becoming a fixture in the community helping with many charities mostly to do with children. While on the floor he has become the BEST LEADER this team has EVER had. High praise for such a young guy. He still has many chapters to write in his story. But I can not see any scenario that does not leave him being the Best Raptor ever. A American publication recently had the ALL TIME RAPTOR TEAM and it went like this:

• PG Damon Stoudamire
• SG Vince Carter
• SF Tracy Mcgrady
• PF Chris Bosh
• C Antonio Davis

Of the five players listed there only one will have his number retired and that is Chris Bosh you can take that to the bank. He is the best Raptor ever not just based on talent and skill but on the overall package.

Moving to some news in Raptorland. Jorge Garbajosa was back with the team. Still long way from coming back and likely not this year. But he was able to at least put up some shots standing on his own two feet. Garbajosa is hoping to return to the level he was at last season I wish him well.

NBA wise. I told you that the whole Yao Injury thing would start to get ugly and it didn't take long. A blame game has begun between the Chinese Basketball Association and the Houston Rockets. Both Blame the other for Yao's Injury. I think the answer lies somewhere in the middle. China claims that Houston was playing Yao far to many minutes and they should have found a capable back-up to spell him for minutes. Sorry Dikembe Mutumbo seems China thinks you suck. I agree that you may want a better back up than the good old cookie monster. Houston has said that the constant off season playing with China has been to blame for Yao's injury. If you need to understand what a huge issue this is to China. One man said he would gladly quit his job and dump his girlfriend if it meant Yao could play for China in the Olympics. Next time you say your a big fan remember that guy. But seriously this is an international incident. It would be a huge blow if Yao is not able to play in the Olympic Games in China. NBA is rapidly going to have to look at NBA players international commitments. But don't expect them to do anything until after the games in China.

It is a double edged sword really because take a look at a guy like Steve Nash. His play with team Canada helped him improve as a player and a leader. But Athletes can not play in competition 12 months a year. The body takes a beating and needs time to recover. Nash has decided not to play with team Canada in recent years based on that. Chris Bosh also stepped away from team U.S.A in order to be healthy for this season. These are hard choices to make but in the end players owe it to themselves and the teams that pay them to be healthy to compete in the NBA. For the growing number of international players it is a much more difficult choice. Guys like Jose Calderon, Rasho Nesterorvic, Jorge Garbajosa, Carlos Delfino and any international player you can name. The countries they come from value things much different than here in North America. World Championships and Gold Medals for the country are far more important than NBA Championships. David Stern owes it to these players to step in and take the choice out of these players hands. He must come up with a system that will allow players to compete in the Olympics but limit the amount of time they can participate for National teams in non-Olympic years.

Turning back to the Raptors they take on the Pacers tonight bringing in a few winning streaks into the game. The start will be key. On Hoops on Fan 590 last night I said it and I'll repeat it here you can't get away with these slow starts come playoff time. The push for 3rd in the Conference is going to be tough. As always I will have the Raptor Rewind with all that went on in the Pacer vs Raptor tilt.