War is Declared

VS 

War may be to strong a word for what is going on between Spain Basketball and Toronto Raptors. That is not to say that both parties have serious concerns. You all will recall that Jorge Garbajosa played for Spain this past summer and Raptors were not really crazy about the idea. But they came to an agreement that if Spain and Garbajosa could find insurance he could play. Well Raptors are now looking for the money from Spain as they have filed legal action to get the money from that policy. A legal battle has started between the 2 parties. I know what does this matter to you as a Raptor Fan. So MLSE is out a few dollars on a contract why should you care about that. I agree that you should not. However you do care about Jose Calderon I am guessing right?

The fact of two things is going to put Jose in the middle of this war. The first is the fact that Spain needs Calderon to play in the Olympic games in China. The Raptors need to resign Jose. However as a restricted free agent have the option to keep him no matter what. The Toronto Raptors have been painted as the bad guys in this story from day one in Spain. They wouldn't let Garbo play and were seen as the evil North American sports franchise.  Now with taking legal action against Spanish basketball that is not likely to improve that. Jose will get pressure from his country to depart from the Raptors. Most fans in Spain would love to seem him join Pau Gasol with the Lakers. But they may not realize that Raptors can prevent him from going anywhere. 

Where things get cloudy is what about the Olympics in China. Could the Raptors effectively hold Calderon hostage by not allowing him to play to make Spain pay up. Well if he was under contract and did not have his right to play for Spain in that contract than they would. However Jose will not have a contract until he resigns. I do not claim to be an expert in the way the collective bargaining agreement works. I do not know if Calderon signs a offer sheet with another team if things like playing for Spain would be part of that. I would think not that it is just about money and term that the Raptors would have to match. 

What all could happen is very confusing to be honest. But in the simple terms things just got a little more complicated in re-signing Jose Calderon. It is not that Calderon is unhappy in Toronto but the fact his entire country may not be would not sit well with him. If Raptors attempted to stop him from playing in China that also would not go to well. They even might have to buy out his friend Jorge Garbajosa which is another thing that would not make Jose happy.

The news of this legal action came out just yesterday. But you must think that Jose was made aware of the matter. I think it is a huge stretch but it could be that Raptors not getting a long with his native land could be at least on his mind. He has not played to the high level he had early in the year in replacement of Ford. Things are not going well for Calderon or the Raptors.

So things off the court are not all that good for Raptors as well. The whole Garbogate issue has become a big under the radar story through out this season. The impact on Jose Calderon and his future could be the greatest issue out of all of it. Should the trouble with Garbajosa has lead to a feud between his country and the Raptors.  It is in both Spanish Basketball and the Toronto Raptors to get this issue resolved and re-establish a relationship that will benefit both parties. No one wants to see this situation get ugly but the potential is there for a messy situation. 

Mark Cuban has always been strongly against NBA participation in international events. While I do not completely agree with Cuban, I do agree the time has come for David Stern to regulate these situations and limit the amount of time that players under contract to  can play for any other organization such as national teams. Player like Jose get put in unfair spots and deserve not to have to choose between country and team.

No ANSWERS

Not even a broken right ring finger would stop Allen Iverson from being in the line-up for the Nuggets. He has always been big in games vs. Toronto through his NBA career. Chris Bosh remains sidelined with his knee injury. Some speculation that he might be back when the Raptors get back from this road trip. The Raptors would rather he was here to help try to save this west coast trip but he does not look like he will. So that being said it was time to take on the Nuggets. The Raps had not scored a win in Denver since 2003 so it would not be easy.

The start would be better than the one a few nights earlier in Oakland. The Raps were down 18 after one quarter vs. the team Denver is chasing for the last playoff spot in the west. Closer but still the same defense that has been torched for 117 points in two straight games. Easy lay ups happen on Raptor defense will not make the NBA commercial campaign but it was happening. An Iverson circus shot and a 3 point play gave the Nuggets a 21-17 lead and gave Anthony Parker foul number two. Not good news as he has been playing well on offense and had the defensive assignment of Iverson. Sam Mitchell would roll the dice and leave Parker in the game. Rasho Nesterovic was hot as he got off to a good start having 9 points early and was making jump shots from 17 feet away. But the Nuggets were playing to the script that had been laid out for them by the Laker and Warriors as they would go on a 7-0 run sparked by who else Allen Iverson who had 9 points to this point and his team a 28-19 lead. Raps were in a track meet again which they would prefer not to be in. The difference between the Raptors and Western Conference are many but most of all it is about desperation. Raps didn't have it and the Nuggets did. More foul trouble for the Raptors as well as Rasho Nesterovic got a foul and a technical and was on the bench with 3 fouls. Nuggets would extend the lead and much like in Golden State T.J Ford would enter the game down 12. Remember that better start? FORGET ABOUT IT!!! Ex-Raptor Marcus Camby as to add insult to injury would drain a 3 point shot to close out a 23-4 run to end the quarter and the Nuggets end up one up Golden State with a 44-23 lead after one.

The Raptors defense was being abused the Nuggets were shooting 72% after one quarter of play. Raptors were in the high mountain air of Denver but were drowning on the basketball court. It looked more like a Nugget shoot around than a NBA contest. Allen Iverson was 7of 7 from field with 17 points. Raptor fans have seen this movie before many times. Sam Mitchell would get frustrated to the point of drawing a technical of his own. Had he been smart he'd have got 2 to avoid watching his teams disgraceful effort.How bad did it get? A Raptor Record for an opposition in First Quarter scoring with the 44 points and in a half of basketball with 79 points.

Talking about the second half would be a waste of time. Other than to make mention of the fact that Denver fans are really classy as they gave a round of applause for Raptors assistant coach Alex English who stared for the Nuggets in the 1980's. Basically the second half was all garbage time. We will find out just what kind of leader Chris Bosh is when he comes back. This team is disoriented and dysfunctional. Can he pull everyone back together upon his return. He was ironically on the bench watching this game. The other 2 games he was not seen as he was rehabbing in the back. What he saw mush be very concerning. the fact the Raptors are losing to good teams in the west is not the issue. The way they are is. For the record the Final score was 137-105. Raptors now lead Washington by just 1 game in the lose column with their 31st lost of the season and a record of 34-31. Iverson had 28 points in just 32 minutes with his busted Finger.
 
Boxscore:http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280314007

Podcast: http://dinoblogger.podbean.com/2008/03/14/denver-aftermath/

How Would AI Be???

I think it is common knowledge to most Raptor Fans that if not for the franchise agreement signed by Toronto to enter the NBA that Allen Iverson could have been A Raptor.  It makes you sit back and wonder what would be different about this franchise and Iverson himself. Toronto had won the draft lottery but as stated in the agreement moved back to pick 2nd and would select Marcus Camby. In a touch of Irony both Iverson and Camby are now wearing Denver Nugget uniforms.  Former Raptor G.M Isiah Thomas has stated on the record that even if Toronto had selected first it would have been Camby not Iverson selected #1. It is not often you can say Isiah makes sense these days but in this case it did. Toronto had rookie of the year Damon Stoudamire and the need on the team was defense and size.  Iverson was not a fit for Toronto at the time.  Camby was the national player of the year and could have a case made to be picked #1 in the draft at the time.  So the obvious first difference would have been Toronto trading the Rookie of the Year which would seem unlikely. Bring in Iverson as the back up to Stoudamire another unlikely scenario as Iverson was far to talented. Third to take Iverson and trade him for some depth as just starting out Raptors needed a lot of things.  However it still even though it might not be logical to think about is something that makes you think "WHAT IF".

The major difference between Camby and Iverson other than the obvious things of position and size is that or durability. Iverson is a guy you have to tie to a chair to ensure he will not play a basketball game. If he is allowed to do so Iverson will play through almost anything.  Camby has been plagued with injuries and his far less tough minded in comparison to Iverson.  It likely is a result of the fact that Iverson saw himself as a football star not a basketball star. He was pushed into basketball by his mother and mom was right in the end. Iverson had not liked basketball because he saw the game as SOFT. He was use to taking hits on a football field and did not think basketball offered that same type of physical challenge. But he would change his mind and bring his football like aggression and toughness to the basketball court. The would be NFL star has become one of the NBA's Brightest Stars. It was not always that way though. Iverson was though of has not only tough on the floor but off it as well. He became the Poster Boy of what was wrong with the NBA. He had tattoos didn't much care for the establishment and was basketball's ultimate Bad Boy in the model of a Dennis Rodman minus the bizarre nature.  Loved by urban youth and the growing Hip Hop culture. If he had come to Canada a far more race friendly society would he have grown into this image. Which seemed to be odd to begin with given he came out of Georgetown and had John Thompson as a coach. He was like a father figure to many of his players and followed them into the NBA and always made time to get to games despite still coaching at Georgetown.  The thing about Iverson was he had the "Street Cred" but it seems walking the streets of Toronto would not seem to support this image. Many African American Athletes have stated they love Toronto. It is a much different city than the urban environments that they came from. Race was far less an issue to deal with. So would being in Canada have mellow Iverson and his larger live image. Probably it would have. The safest thing to say is that Iverson and The Raptors would both look a lot different from what we know them as today.

What has happened throughout Iverson's Career is he has been a Raptor Killer. Maybe he heard Thomas say that he would have picked Camby and he gets motivated like the New AI in Philly does when he sees a Raptor Uniform. Andre Igudala was passed on for Hoffa and he and Raptor fans too will not son forget that. Whatever the case or motivation behind it the fact is Iverson has had some of his best games as a pro vs. Toronto. The classic battle with Vince Carter in the playoffs. It was fun to watch. Just like Vince his time in Philly would come to an end same as Vince in Toronto. Major difference the Sixers got far more than Toronto for the face of it's franchise.  Iverson needed a change and was able to find it in Denver. He also found players with talent he could count on. Trust for any kid form a background in a ghetto type environment is very hard to give and get. More importantly believe in. I wouldn't know this personally but based on what you read hear and see I think it is accurate. Iverson trusted few in his time in Sixer Uniform.

You may have heard a few Raptor fans are upset with T.J Ford. I have to wonder what kind of fan reaction Allen Iverson would have got in Toronto. If you are dismayed by what T.J does you would go nuts at what Iverson did in the past. T.J Ford is not surprisingly an Iverson Fan. It makes complete sense. The 2 players are very much a like. Size and attitude and basketball skills. This is not to say they are equal but are of the same type.  Iverson is a better shooter but in his early days was not as good. If Toronto fans get upset by Ford Iverson would have been a whole new level of frustration. That frustration lead him out of Philadelphia. He learned has learned in Denver with better talent to develop some element of trust. He does not always feel he has to carry the team on his back. T.J feels that he does at this point without Bosh. However that is not the case. But Iverson did it because he wanted to Win. He desperately wanted to win. So much so that he could not trust anyone beyond the guy in his jersey to make it happen.  T.J has that same mindset and care deeply about his team winning. Iverson has learned and T.J will have to learn to trust others. It is not that he doesn't trust anyone. He trusts Chris Bosh but without him he is left to trust himself. However guys like Anthony Parker and some others can get it done too. T.J needs to realize he can have faith in them just like he does with Bosh. It took a trade out of town ultimately to teach Allen Iverson that fact. A trade that Iverson wanted. T.J Ford I do not thinks wants out of Toronto though. Fans may want him gone but he is happy here I think. He has a coach that gives him a lot of freedom that trusts him and has faith in him. A fellow Texan in Bosh that is a friend on and off the court. He needs to turn things around though or he like Iverson may be elsewhere. Perhaps Iverson who respects Ford will talk to him and help T.J get it. If anyone can understand who and what T.J Ford is, Iverson would be the guy.

Fans in general have not been so understanding. I will say that some people are taking things to far. Not with this blog but in general around the Internet. This is a game and it is entertainment. It is not life or death. There is no good reason to attack any other fan or player or coach. Ask Ron Artest if you need help with this. He was suspended a year for hitting a fan. I wish they had same stiff justice here on the Internet.  The levels that people go to in attacking people in just wrong. You do not have to like T.J or Sam Or Joey or your fellow fan. That is fine. We sadly can't all get along. But to resort to personal mudslinging is stupid and pointless. I hope that the people that read my blog are the ones that would not go to those levels. Be good fans and be good people. I know it is a bit moralistic and freedom of speech and all of that. I just think we all should keep in mind we all want the same thing A win each night the team plays.

BLOGGER NOTE:

On a side note. I have always took minor shots for the lack of editing skill I have. I was proof reading and tried to change something and lost the whole thing. What does it mean? Maybe this blog just isn't meant to be perfect. That is part of why things were so late today. Raptor Rewind Podcast and all of that later tonight. I can edit audio better than words.

Ford and Mitchell Always Cause Debate

If you feel the need to get into a knock down drag out debate. Find a Raptor Forum and have a strong opinion on T.J Ford Or Sam Mitchell. The fact that Sam Mitchell and T.J Ford have a relationship that extends back to the time they both spent with the Bucks. I don't think this was a huge national secret. Does it mean that Sam Mitchell has a blind spot towards T.J Ford? Some Raptor fans suggest that it does. But realistically does this debate old any water? I am willing to say a little bit. I mean to have been there when T.J Ford had his original injury with the Bucks Mitchell being a human being as to have been touched by Ford's recovery and return to the NBA. However to suggest that it impacts on him to this day would also suggest he has a bias against Jose Calderon. That is where the theory gets flawed. I think Sam Mitchell respect Jose Calderon and I point back to game 6 in last year's playoffs for the evidence. Jose was the point guard when it mattered most. If there is a Ford Bias where was it on that night. Sam Mitchell also has never been a guy that plays favorites. He benched Vince Carter, sent Jalen Rose to the Bench and sent Rafer Alston packing. It real comes down to this ultimately..... DO YOU RESPECT SAM MITCHELL? A lot of Raptor fans do not.  I am not among them.  I think he has done a reasonable job and fought through some tough times and remains true to his values and I for one respect that. I try to do the same in this blog. It would be easy to turn my back on Sam Mitchell and T.J Ford but I stay true to my values and support them. It does not mean that I can not say they have flaws. Sure they do. 

But so does Jose Calderon but that fact is far less written or talked about. That is likely due to the fact that he is a very easy guy to like. Ford and Mitchell are not as fan friendly as they both have a personality that can be taken in a negative way. Jose is a very easy guy to like. In fact I like him it is possible to like Jose and T.J. Not to common maybe as it seems to be a very divided issue like a quarterback debate in football. Jose was the Back-up Quarterback that seemed to be the favorite of the fan base. He got the chance to be the starter thanks to an injury and took the ball and ran with it. Make no mistake if not for Jose the Raptors would be in a bad spot. He stepped up to the challenge and was able to fill in for Ford and to an excellent job and can take pride in the fact that the Raptors are going to playoffs as a result of the job he did. He offers a very different and safer style than T.J Ford does. There are many ways to play the point guard position and there is no right answer. Steve Nash, Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Jason Kidd are all great point guards but all play the game in a different way. Ford and Calderon is as much a debate over styles as it is over who should start. I hope the debate goes on for years cause that will mean Calderon and Ford are both still here. I think they are both key parts to the future.

Chris Bosh is slowly making his way back from injury. Fans are even a bit divided on this issue. Some think we have not heard the whole story on Chris Bosh's knee. It would not be the first time a Toronto Sports Franchise had lied about an injury. However I have always found the Raptors to be pretty good in this regard. No Upper or Lower Body injuries and no back injury that turns into an arm injury. Bosh is taking the careful approach and wants to be ready for the playoffs. After all when this season started many people said the Raptor season would be judged based on the playoffs and how they perform. So it makes sense that the Raptors would want it's biggest weapon at full strength. So the talk that Bosh is more injured than people think is not exactly easy to see.  People have tried to read into things and jump to conclusions. But I will not do that and just hope when Bosh comes back he is ready to hit the ground running.

Raptor Fans can agree on this point I think though. Anthony Parker has been the Raptor M.V.P during the Bosh injury. He is picking up his game and becoming a scoring threat. The hope will be he can maintain that when Bosh returns. Parker can be a bigger part of the puzzle if he takes the control. He is the best of the Raptor options at the 2 or 3. He makes solid choices when he gets the basketball and is able to mix drive and shoot better than anyone on the Raptor roster. A better Parker is a better Raptor Offense. 

When you add all of what is going on together. The Raptors are going to come out a better team on the other side of this Bosh injury. Parker has becoming a legit scoring option. Andrea Bargnani also has been able to score more. T.J Ford has been able to get his confidence back. All these things will help the Raptors as they move towards the post season. The idea is to peek when it matters most. Houston is hot right now winners of 20 games in a row but that does not get them anything right now. Just like the Mavericks great regular season it can all go up in smoke. The idea is to have the best Raptor team at the end of April and even though it may not be obvious there are good things going on despite the losses that will help the Raptors when it matters most. So relax and understand the things that matter most. Like who is in the game at point guard at the end of games not the start. If Raptors can get some good out of games they were expected to lose anyway that can't be such a bad thing as well.

Raps Rally But Fall

Could the Toronto Raptors give a same type of effort that they did the night before in L.A? That is the thing Raptor fans would hope for from them in Oakland. The run and gun Warriors are a tough test for any team coming of a game the night before. Warriors started the season 0-6 but when Stephen Jackson returned in a win against the Raptors they have not looked back. Hanging on to the 8th spot in the western conference fighting off the Denver Nuggets who were winners earlier in the night. Golden State would do what they do by getting off to a big run 18-4 to start the game. Raptors were shooting blanks and Warriors were taking advantage. Raptors were in danger of getting run right out of the gym. Raptors were taking on water and sinking fast down 25-11 with 4:00 minutes to play in the first and were making things far to easy for the home side. Turnovers and bad shooting were not helping matters.

T.J Ford would enter the game hoping to spark the Raptors back to life. He was coming off a great night in L.A and with the team far behind he would need to get everyone on track and find away to get some points for himself along the way.However Ford was not able to help matters in fact he just added to the troubles as the Warriors lead 35-17 after one quarter. Warriors had got the track meet style of game that they love to play. The Raptors were running the track meet with cement shoes just shooting 34%.

The only thing going right for the Raptors was the play of Antony Parker who would have 13 on the half. However no one was playing defense as the Golden State team exposed the Raptors in transition. Monte Ellis was outstanding for the Warriors and he just was tearing it up . He has become a key player for the Warriors and is one of the rising stars in the NBA and Raptors and their fans were seeing just why. He would end up with 33 points on the evening. But as good as the Warriors can be on Offense they can be just as bad on defense. At one point the Warriors lead by 20 points Raps were chipping away and got back to with in 11. Against any other NBA team that would not be worth mention. But against Golden State that 11 does not hold the same value. They give themselves and the team they play much more chances to score.If a pizza place in Oakland ran the same promotion they do at the ACC than they would go out of business fast. Speaking of fast that is what was happening to the Warrior lead it was shrinking fast. After struggling in the start T.J Ford had 10 points and 7 assists leading the Raptor comeback. Kris Humphries had 10 points as well off the bench. The Raps would end the half down 10 but looking much better than they had in quarter number one.

The Raptors seem to have developed a new duo to combat the loss of Bosh. Ford and Parker were good in L.A and good through 1 half in Oakland. Could they lead the Raps back to a improbable victory. We would have to wait and see as Jose Calderon would return to start the second half along with Parker. He would start to take a page from T.J Ford's book taking and making his shoot with some regularity. A Parker three point shot and Raps got to within 6 points. But the Warriors would sense the game slipping away and extend the lead back to 11 with in about 20 seconds. The track meet was back on and the Raps now had on some track shoes as well. Defense in this game was a myth or some kind of urban legend cause you were not seeing it. It looked more like a video game at times than a NBA contest. In an attempt to continue the mad pace Sam Mitchell would add Ford and Calderon would remain on the floor. When the smoke from the burning nets would clear the Raptors were still behind by 9 points 88-79. Both teams were shooting above 50% and were having no trouble finding the basket.

Andrea Bargnani would break the ice with a three in the fourth quarter. Both teams had misfired on their first few times with the ball in the quarter. It sparked the Raps to rally getting within 4 points the closest they had been since the early moments of this ball game. The rally would continue and the Raps had got all the way back with seven plus minutes to play tied at 90. T.J Ford would hit a runner and the Raptors were in the lead after being down 20 points. Golden State pushed back encouraged by the crowd and jumped back ahead by 5 points. Raptors had used a lot of energy to climb back would they have enough to make one last push? They would look to use both point guards on the floor to try and do just that. It just was not in the cards as Golden State road the energy in the arena to close out the Raptors. Baron Davis was a big reason why with 23 points and 15 assists a lot of which he racked up coming down the stretch. He single handedly closed it out for his team. Raptors just had run out of gas and fell 117-106.

Boxscore: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280312009

Podcast: http://dinoblogger.podbean.com/2008/03/13/golden-state-vs-toronto-post/

Parker, Rasho and Humphries

I am just as guilt as everyone else of not giving enough love to the Raptor role players. Anthony Parker has taken his game to a new level and is game in and game out defensive effort often goes without much thought or praise. He was a star in Europe and since coming to the NBA he has been a solid rotation player as a starter for the Raptors. He may not be the biggest star even in his own family. Parker's Sister Candice is going to be the first pick in the WNBA and likely will be the face of that league for years to come. She was a star at Tennessee which is a far cry from her brother's college of Bradley. But the Bradley Brave has taken the long route to the NBA and he is now rounding into for as a key contributor for a winning team in the NBA. The biggest key for Anthony will be to continue the play he has displayed when Chris Bosh returns. He has stepped it up and become a key scorer and this must continue when Bosh returns. If he can do that than the Raptors are a better offense for it. There is no reason Anthony Parker should not average 16-20 points within the Raptor offense. Sam Mitchell should make plays that will feature Parker as the number one option. I am confident in his ability to know when to drive and when to shoot more than any of the other Raptor Options at the wing positions. He has shown an aggressive nature that guys like Jamario Moon could learn from. Moon to often will take a jump shot far to often than he will drive to bucket with aggression. Parker is a far better shooter but still understands the value of mixing it up. Moon needs to learn that people want him to shot. If you are a team facing the Raptors one of the best scenarios you could hope for is a long Jamario Moon jumper.

Next man who deserves an amount of praise is Rasho Nesterovic. Often over looked but always a professional Rasho has been in the words of former teammate Tim Duncan "Rasho is Awsome". I agree he is but in that same boring effective way that Tim Duncan is.  He is however a effective defender and when given the chance can be just as effective on the offensive end of the floor. Nesterovic has shown the numbers he can get with more time on the floor and being a bigger part of the game plan. It seems that Rasho is likely to be moving on after this season as he would be an easy answer to add some salary to a trade for Bryan Colangelo. However Colangelo does understand that Rasho is a key part to the team he has put together and under a different contract number may want to hang on to the big man. Rasho has an option that will pay him a huge sum of money and it is unlikely he would pass that up. However the idea on a little long term security may be attractive if he could get a deal that would pay him a little more money but spread out over a few years. Rasho gets his money and the Raptors get some cap room. It is a long shot but it could be something you would at least want to offer to him. He seems happy in Canada and was so much so he had his child born here. Something that was good news for the Canada's National team in about 18 years. I think it is unlikely Rasho will stay but he is showing you a reason why you may want to consider it as of late.

Kris Humphires is likely part of the best ever trade in Raptor history. Given up on by the Utah Jazz he was traded for Babcock mistake Hoffa. I am not even saying the last name because there is no need. Some are known by one name for stardom like Magic, Larry, Sir Charles and than there are people like Hoffa that are remembered for wrong reasons like Sam Bowie. He was the guy picked #1 in Micheal Jordan's draft year. But back to Hump, he was signed to an new contract extending his time with Raptors before this season. Proof that he is held in high regard by the Raptor management. He has taken his second chance in Toronto and run with it. Sure he is very rough around the edges. I can also guarantee you that he will never lead the team in assists like Rasho Nesterovic did the other day. But I am fine with Kris Humphries trying to get his. After all he goes through stretches where he will not play. He never complains and when that #43 is called he goes out and be it 2 minutes or 22 minutes he gives you all he has got. It is easy to forget that Kris was a star at Minnesota with the Golden Gophers. The Big Ten Freshman of the Year. However he unlike Chris Bosh would have been bettered served to return to college for his sophomore year. However Kris was fortunate to be able to remain in the NBA and learn on the job. Some kids that make that mistake do not end up so lucky. See Gerald Green for proof of the fact that entering the NBA Draft to early may not be such a good idea. Other than adding to his Slam Dunk Legend he build in High School by winning an NBA Dunk off not much else has been good for Green. Kris Humphries can take pride in the fact he has a contract rather than a dunk contest trophy. That means a little more and gets you a check on the 1st and 15th.

Raptors are in Oakland tonight and if you are part of the late night crew that stays up you can expect a full Raptor Rewind complete with sleepy podcast. If not it will be here with your morning cup of coffee. While on the West Coast Trip the Blogs will be little later then you may be use too. But I am living on West Coast Time even though I am writing in the East Coast.  After all it is only 12:35 pm Oakland time. So Till later take care and rest your neck muscles for tonight's game vs the Warriors.

Raps Battle Hard

For all the Stats Click on the Link:

http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280311013

Podcast Post Game:

http://dinoblogger.podbean.com/2008/03/12/raps-post-game-vs-lakers/

Raps Try To Manage The West

There is no excuses Raptor Fans you have been told about this trip for well over a month. Just like that project in school that you might have forgot about it does not matter the due date is what it is. The Raptors can not ask for an extension form the NBA till Chris Bosh is healthy.  He is not expected to be in the line-up tonight against the Lakers and still no clue as to when he will be. Raptors will face a motivated Laker squad that dropped a contest to the Kings. There have been few games that the Lakers have not looked dominant since trading for Pau Gasol. Still No Andrew Bynum for the Lakers and that should make them even tougher to deal with. So it could be worse for the Raptors. That being said this is not a easy start to the west coast trip. However it likely is the toughest challenge so why not have it first. The Raptors may catch a break when they get to Denver as Allen Iverson is a question mark for the Nuggets as he deals with an injury. The Kings are banged up to with Ron Artest in and out of the line-up. But even the most optimistic of Raptor supporters are saying the Raps can get 2 out of 5 on this trip. The reality of getting none is real without Chris Bosh if he does not return as part of the trip.

That is not a lot of motivation to stay up late and watch the Raptors. Truth is the west coast road trip separates the casual fans from the diehard fans. If you can stay up late and watch the Raptors when they are expected to have little chance to win you have the DNA of a true Raptor Fan.  So when you go to school or work the next day with heavy eyes and frustration of a loss take heart in the fact that you are part of the true and strong breed of Raptor Fan. This season has brought into the fold a lot more fans that were gone for awhile waiting to jump back on the bandwagon. These people are the same ones that were saying this team was going to win 50 games. They will not be happy with the result of the Raptor season. However it is part of a process. In my travels around the Internet and watching T.V I heard this said "At this point every playoff game and series is a important step in the development of this team and it's players. The more competitive games they play and series they play the better at this point". That may not be a direct quote but I agree with the thought of the statement. Raptors are not ready for prime time and the chances they get to play impactive games can only help this team grow. Challenge individuals to perform under pressure and deliver.  I mean last season the Raptors could have drawn the easy match-up with the Wizards and got an easy trip to the second round. But playing Jersey taught them more and it was worth it.  There is talk that Raptors would much better off to face the Magic. However to go against Lebron James and the Cavs would be the better series growth wise. It all comes down to how you see things. Honestly the Raptors are not at the point of a true contender in the East. So it would be better for the future of this team to have the tougher road through Cleveland. Still you want the Raptors to win and Magic are the best chance at that but if that doesn't work out don't lose heart in facing Cleveland the reality is that Lebron James is always going be a force you will always have to deal with in the Eastern Conference sooner or later. 

So if the Raptors don't exactly do well on this west coast trip. Remember when all are freaking out around you it really isn't all that bad.  Raptors are minus the best player on the roster and are not fighting life and death to make the playoffs. In the West everyone is battling in on of the closest races in pro sports I can remember in a long time. From top to bottom the west is tough. I have a beef to with the media pointing to the Raptors as the example of what is wrong with the balance between the East and West. Yes it is true if Toronto was located where Vancouver is on the map they would not be in the post season. However Toronto is not the Problem with the Eastern Conference. They are over .500 and a decent to good basketball team. The problem with the East is the teams far below the .500 mark that are still in the race. Philadelphia, Chicago, Milwaukee and Atlanta. They are the the ones to blame not the RAPTORS. Even New Jersey was a playoff team for most of the season. Pathetic and shameful but again Raptors are not the issue. So put the blame where it belongs.

Dino Nation Blog News

I just wanted to say that I am deeply grateful that so many of you have made my blog a part of your world. I work at this like it is a job to me and take it as such. Yes it is not a perfect publication and it does at times have it's share of mistakes from time to time. But it is a adjustment for me to be a writer. My background is in radio and T.V. I am no longer able to work in that forum because I am responsible for care of a disabled family member. So this is how I try to stay doing what I am trained and love to do. The blog takes abuse sometimes for what is said and it is more than your right to do that and in fact sometimes I write in with the hopes it will spark debate and conversation.  I have no problem with anyone questioning what is said. I just get frustrated with people that take it to a personal level. It is not really needed. I can easily take it but I feel the need to point out that I put in hours a day into it being produced and on that alone deserve some element of respect. 

I have recently added the Podcasts to the mix and I hope you all enjoy them as well I think you will find them of equal if not a better quality than the blog itself. The best things you can do for me is enjoy my work and beyond that make others aware of it. Eventually it would be nice to have a larger audience for my work. 

I also use ADSENSE from google as a way of getting a very minor profit from my efforts. I understand if some people do not agree with the use of advertising and there is far to much of it on the Internet. But understand that it is just a small attempt at getting something for all the time and effort that goes into this project. I can tell you it is not a quick way to get rich for me. Far from it. 

So please if you enjoy this blog share that love with other folks that you think will enjoy it as well. I understand this last section was all about Me and it will be far from a regular feature. But I wanted to take a opportunity to share some thoughts on the Blog and it's motivation and Future. You all are what makes this blog worthwhile and are the reason it continues everyday. You all can also be part of it's growth and feel a small part of it's success.

Not The Same Kobe Anymore

Basketball is the major sport I follow but I am a fan of other sports and teams. One of those would be the Dallas Cowboys. Just like Chris Bosh before all you anti-Cowboy people hiss at your computer screens. Reason I bring this up in a basketball blog is that in all sports there are moments that stick with us for a lifetime. Some good like when Dallas won the Super Bowl over the Buffalo Bills in the Rose Bowl. Some Bad like the moment sports fans refer to as just "The Catch". A Joe Montana pass to Dwight Clark that won the NFC Championship for 49ers. It was the key moment of that dynasty and will never be forgot but Niner fans or Cowboy Fans.

Kobe Bryant Scoring 81 points against the Toronto Raptors is like that too. It was not for a championship and it really was just suppose to be another NBA game in a typical night of basketball. But what would take place was perhaps the greatest individual performance I have ever witnessed as a sports fan. That is high praise seeing as I never have been a Laker fan at anytime. Still great is great and that performance was amazing. The guy just hit everything and had a truly remarkable game and season. The fact that a guy like that does not have a M.V.P Trophy is really amazing. That season he did more than just that 81 he was dropping huge nights on many other teams as well. But a little guard with Suns from Canada was leading his team in a different way and a more respected way by making the guys around him better. 

The ghost of Kobe's 81 is alive to this day in the Raptor broadcast booth. The tired routine on if and when Chuck Swirsky brings out the Salami and Cheese is based on that game. A much more confident Chuck in those days brought out the salami and cheese early in the 3rd. Kobe had not started to catch fire but after he did and Chuck was left holding the bag. Kobe stole Chuck's Salami his Cheese and yes HIS ONIONS.  Chuck from that point on has been very aware of not making that mistake again and he gets abuse from his often side kick Leo. The whole thing is just a painful reminder of that night. But that being said as a Raptor Fan although it was painful to watch at some point you just stopped and said wow I am watching history here. Not many of us before that night could imagine how on earth Wilt Chamberlin could score 100 points. It seemed impossible. Kobe even as great as he played fell 19 points short of Wilt. There is talk of records are made to be broken. Well show me the man that is going to break that one cause I haven't seen him.

Kobe will never be that guy. He has finally figured out how he can win without Shaq. He needs to put faith in someone beyond himself. Just like the guy that beat him for the M.V.P in that season he dropped 81. Steve Nash trusts his team to make shots and contribute. Kobe after starting the season with zero faith in his team has turned around and now is a believer. Andrew Bynum was the biggest reason that Kobe was converted. Still out but before he was injured he was having a break out year. No worries for Kobe losing faith though cause Lakers made that BIG MOVE he had been asking for since Shaq left. Enter Pau Gasol Via the Memphis Grizzles. The Spanish  Star has been great since sporting the purple and gold. Kobe is now to the front runner to win the M.V.P. it all seems so amazing when you think at the beginning of this year he was as much as traded to the Bulls. Larry Hughes is no Kobe Bryant in Chicago.

So no worry of another 80+ from Kobe for Raptor fans. However with likely no Chris Bosh there is still lots to be worried about. Oh and just in case you think the Lakers will over look the wounded Raptors think again. You can thank another team the Raptors will play on this trip for that as the Sacramento Kings shocked the Lakers on Sunday. They by the way are the easy game of this Raptor 5 game road trip. Fasten your seat belts Raptor Fans it is going to be a bumpy ride.

However I will finish the thoughts on Kobe. He has had many ups and downs in his career and can be hated and loved by many. However you have to give the devil his due in the sense that Kobe no matter what you may think of him personally is an amazing talent on the floor the likes of which will may never see again. Is he better than Jordan? Does it matter if he is or not? I don't care personally I am just happy to have had the chance too see 2 great superstars like that in my lifetime. With more on the way like the man who is the King Lebron James. I feel fortunate same way older people feel about seeing guys like Bill Russell,Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlin.  So enjoy your NBA stars while they are here. Cause game to game and year to year we have no idea how long we will have that joy.

 A.P= ALL PRO!!!

Raptors without Chris Bosh are a much different animal. They just seem to be a team missing it's heart and soul. There is just no sense of desire in the way they play. The start of the the game against the Seattle Sonics was proof of that. Last season without Bosh it was T.J Ford that took that role and ran with it. So for all of you that have Jose Calderon pegged as the starter for this team going forward I have a question for you. Why has Jose not been able to lead in this way. The numbers and his play is not in question here but he is a player that is not the guy that leads like a Bosh or even a Ford. Team first is a fine quality to have and admirable but a leader needs to know when it is about team and when it is about leading. Ford has not shown that ability this year since returning either. But has in the past. This is why all of this talk of trading T.J is crazy talk. Jose and T.J offer the team different things at different times and it is rare when one or the other has nothing to offer to the team. The team has chosen to support T.J where a lot of fans have not.

Sonics came out and took it to Toronto in the first quarter a team that came in 30 games under .500. They lead the game 31-24 after 1 quarter of play. The Raptors in a real must win situation, as they have many times this year failed to answer the bell at the start of this game. The second quarter started with more of the same. Seattle Sonics are just not good enough to be able to beat up on the Toronto Raptors it shoudn't happen. But the reality is it was and the Raptors lack of defensive intensity was a big reason why. Once again something that Bosh always provides. Bryan Colangelo took to the airwaves to do some damage control about the Chris Bosh injury situation saying that the organization was just being cautious with it's star player and does not expect this to be a long term issue for Bosh that would last the entire season or into the playoffs. But there was no answer to the really question that Raptor fans want to know which is when he will return.

Transition defense was just ugly for the Raptors. Every time they would make a big basket the sonics would storm back and get an easy bucket. If not for Seattle turnovers the Raptors could have got blown right out of this game. The young Sonics were beat really bad by the Sixers so this start should not have been a surprise. The Raps being in a funk maybe can be explained by a heartbreaking loss to Washington but still there just is no excuse that covers what went on for the first quarter and a half. The Raptors have fallen back into an age old Raptor problem. That problem is to many 3 point shots when they make them it is great when they miss them it is a nightmare. This has been a issue int Toronto for as long as I can remember. Still Seattle Turnovers would allow the Raps chances to stay in the game. Raptors had 20 points off 13 Seattle turnovers allowed the Raps to hang in the game heading to the half down 58-54.

Raptors would finally start to take control starting the 3rd quarter on a 6-0 run to take a lead for first time since early in the first. From that point the teams would battle back and forth and keep it close till mid third when Raptors would have another run of 8-0 to lead by 6. Anthony Parker would be the catalyst to the Raptor offense leading the way with 18 points and 2 big shots from long range. Rasho Nesterovic also in his quiet way had 13 points and lead the team in assists with 6. It all lead to Raptors taking a 10 point advantage into the final quarter of play by outscoring Sonics 35-21 in the 3rd quarter.

Unlike versus the Wizards The Raptors would start out the fourth extending the advantage. Kevin Durant would be kept in check by the Raptors throughout this game. He would only have 20 points and it was done in a very quiet way. Chris Wilcox had a very loud 28 to lead the Sonics.The Raptors just seemed to have woke up to the fact that they were the better team in this match-up and once they took control back in this game they would never let go. The biggest reason why would be the turnovers that Seattle had throughout this game. Despite a late Seattle push the Raps would close it out and get a very important win 114-106.

Six Raptors in double figures lead by Anthony Parker who had 23 points. Rasho Nesterovic lead the Raps in assists with 6 and he had 6 rebounds and 17 points as well. Others that we part of the fun included were Andrea Bargnani who shot a bad percentage going 6-21 but had 16 points and 7 rebounds. Three of the six came from the bench Delfino had 15 and Kapono had 10 along with a solid 12 points and 6 rebounds for Kris Humphries in just 14 minutes on the floor. Jose Calderon had 3 steals and 5 assists with just 7 points but he only took 5 shot attempts. A solid game and he also showed a solid effort at being a good team mate by trying to encourage T.J Ford who struggled again with 4 turnovers and 4 assists with just 6 points going 3-9 shooting. Despite the stats Sam Mitchell in his post game press conference was very supportive of Ford and stressed the things he did well and sounded almost like his agent more than his coach. Seems that the Raptors as a whole have decided to rally behind T.J in hopes to get him back to the player fans are use to seeing when he is good. What started off bad ended up acceptable as a lose vs. the Sonics heading into this tough Western swing would have been a very bad thing. The next time out Kobe Bryant and the Lakers are a confident team since adding Pau Gasol and will show the Raptors no sympathy as in the West wins and loses are difference between positions in the playoff race. Bosh still a unknown and unlikely to be in this game will make a hard task a almost impossible one.

To Hear The Post Game Podcast use the link below:

http://dinoblogger.podbean.com/2008/03/09/sonics-raptors-post-game/