Andrea Balboa???

Andrea Bargnani took a big step in the eyes of many Raptor fans last night. I hate to admit this but there still is a very hockey influence to the Toronto Raptor Fan base. Those people have a new found respect for Andrea Bargnani now I would think. The guy took a shot picked himself off the ground spit out some blood and drained two free throws. It was a watershed moment in the career of Andrea Bargnani. To this point he had the label of "soft" and was not thought to be tough. But this night will change some minds about that and it did change this blogger's mind. I think even his team will look at Andrea with a new found respect after the events of last night. The major issue still remains the same for Andrea though he must become more consistent. However this display will allow him some space to grow with fans I would think. They have been very hard on him and so have I for that matter. But If he is willing to take a shot like he did and get up and show some grit I am willing to giving him a little rope as far as his development. Bargnani would have preferred to not have a shiner and loose teeth to gain this respect from everyone but he has made a major step in his NBA career. I don't think he realizes how many fans he may have earned himself last night. But I am confident it was a lot. Andrea"Rocky"Bargnani? OK maybe not but he did show a little of the Rocky Character in him. 

This being said a concern I had after the T.J Ford injury in Atlanta is once again in the front of my mind. The Toronto Raptors can not continue to get pushed around. Charles Oakley in a suit would make me feel much better than Derek Martin. I understand Oakley can't play anymore in the NBA. He was on the T.V show PROS VS JOES on Spike T.V which is the true sign your career is over. But we need an Oakley type Enforcer. I know that is a hockey term but I can't think of a better word for what this guy needs to be. A guy that sits on the bench and when Sam calls his name his one mission is 6 HARD fouls. I always hear what a tough guy Joey Graham is suppose to be and let's face it not like he is playing much so how bout him? He is to nice a guy to be that kinda thug. O.K maybe Brezec the newest Raptor. He may think he is a thug gangster but looking at his body I am not convince he is tough enough to do it. Kurt Thomas who landed in San Antonio would have been a good fit in this role. He can even still play a little basketball. He maybe to old but a name to think about to fill this role. I just know that the Raptors need to stop getting pushed around by other NBA Teams and they need a real legit tough guy. If he can rebound even better he could fill 2 important roles for this team.

We are on paragraph number three and just are mentioning the fact the Raptors actually won. Thank God the losing streak is over. Now the Raptors can be NBA CHAMPS AGAIN. I get amazed every time by the wild swings in fan reaction over wins and loses it is truly amazing. I am happy the streak is over if for nothing else that fans can take a rest at playing G.M and trading T.J Ford and Firing Sam Mitchell. But all this being said the true test is what happens vs. Washington. The other thing that was clear was Miami is bad VERY BAD. Pat Riley took his entire team and threw it under the bus after the loss. It is going to be an interesting off-season in south beach. I won't feel a bit sorry for Riley though he screwed Stan Van Gundy and this is his Karma not unlike Alonzo got his ring thanks to Rob Babcock and now Zoe is history. Karma is a great thing. But like I was saying beat the Wizards and Sonics and build some momentum  for a very tough road swing West.

By the way that whole cheering for the Cavs idea. I say well done Raptor fans. Lebron dropped 50 on Knicks. It is no doubt due to his new found supporters in Toronto. Keep it up Lebron and hopefully we see you in the Conference Finals. That would be the scenario if Raps can beat the Magic than they likely face Boston and the Winner of a Detroit vs Cleveland. But getting a little back to reality Lebron James has more than lived up to his hype and honestly when I first heard the name Lebron James I never thought he could match the hype but he did and continues to do so. He truly is earning his crown. I have often hinted that the Knicks could eventually steal Lebron from Cleveland some day. If I am right that was a heck of a coming attractions video at MSG last night. Just ask Spike lee he was impressed. Almost as impressed as he is by getting another mention in the Dino Nation Blog. He is the only Knick Fan I will ever like. that is right I like Spike!!!

Chris Bosh may be back vs. Washington hopefully but as I stated last night if he doesn't play vs. Wizards he will not play till the west coast trip. They need a health Chris Bosh for that road trip where Raps will be underdog in 4 of the 5 games. That is going to be a tough test and if they still remain in 5th or better after that trip you can make them a lock to finish 5th or better in my mind. But the Raptors really have not hit a stride this year and the best time to do that would be April. Ask Portland what that long win streak got them now? Not much and in the west it doesn't even buy them playoff security. Speaking of streaks the rockets keep rolling without Yao. A mature Tracy McGrady wow that is a surprise. But he still has NEVER won a playoff series. Even Cousin Vince has won a couple. T-Mac needs to get it done or no streak or amount of points will matter. If not he will be labeled a LOSER. Many Raptors fans would have no problem with that. What is the point? As Much as we live and die with the day to day of the regular season. In the end all that matters is if you get in the playoffs and what you do when you get there. That is the first step in becoming a contender understanding when it matters most and coming up with the goods in those times. Remember to listen to HOOPS on the Fan 590 it is a great show and I always call in myself and contribute to a great show with Eric Smith, Paul Jones and "THE COACH" Jack Armstrong. 7pm On Fan 590 and Raps TV.