Time to Forgive and Forget

If you’ve been a Raptor fan for a long time, chances are you have a Purple Vince Carter jersey hiding somewhere in the recesses of your basement or hanging in a closet somewhere in your house. You likely also recall (in slow motion) the shot Vince rimmed out during the 7th game of the Eastern Conference Final against Philadelphia. You likely own a Todd McFarlane plastic statue of Air Canada himself and have fond memories of jumping up and down on your couch during the 2000 Slam Dunk Championship when Vince hit that between the legs dunk.

These are some of the fondest memories a Raptor fan can possibly have in the history of this young franchise; a history that is still very much in its infancy stage.

But Vince is still very much a part of the present in Toronto. Fans have not been able to let go of their anger toward Carter for the way he left town, nor have fans enjoyed Carter coming back to town and showing up his old team with game winning shots, ferocious dunks and all around good play. He’s beaten us at the buzzer and in the playoffs. The boos continue to rain down on the man who was once lovingly refered to as “half man, half amazing” every time he touches a ball at the ACC.

If you’re a current Raptor fan chances are you’ve gone down to the ACC and booed Vince Carter relentlessly as a member of the opposing team. You booed him for quitting on the team, for forcing a terrible trade out-of-town and for setting the franchise back for year and years.

How can one man elicit such joyous memories and such disdain at the exact same time?

Such is the legacy of Vince Carter in Toronto.

But maybe it’s time for all of us to let that hatred go. Let that anger dissipate and finally let bygones be bygones. Time has passed and surely the wounds of the past are, at least, somewhat healed.

The team currently playing for the Raptors are having a surprisingly successful season and there is an air of optimism surrounding the team, even in the midst of a three game losing streak. There is a lot to be positive about in Toronto these days; so why focus on the negative? Let’s try to remember the positivity that Carter brough the franchise.

Vince was the best basketball player to ever put on the Raptors uniform and he should be remembered for what he did. He gave the city the most exciting 6 years of basketball that have ever been seen around these parts. He brought the franchise respectability, notoriety and a sense of belonging in this league.

Should we have been mad when he asked for a trade, quit on the team and lowered his trade value before leaving town? absolutely.

But it’s time to let it go.

He is the greatest player to ever put on the Raptor jersey and he has never been properly thanked for the good he brought this franchise.

Now, fans pay money to come and see the Raptors play. They pay good money and should be able to cheer or boo any player if they so choose, but doesn’t Vince deserve that one last ‘thank you’ from the fans before he gracefully heads for the exit?

Carter is in his 16th NBA season and is likely near the tail end of a solid career. There wont be many chances remaining to see Carter visit the ACC as a member of the opposing team. Wouldn’t it be nice to see him finally get the ovation that his tenure as a Raptor truly deserves?

Now there are two sides to this Carter debate.

The first (which I have been a part of since he left town) refuses to forgive and forget. They want Carter to pay for holding the team back and for the way he unceremoniously left town all those years ago. It doesn’t matter how much time has passed, there is no forgiveness to be had.

To that group Carter is an outlet to vent the many frustrations that being a fan of this team has brought them.

The second group is more willing to let bygones, be bygones. They would be willing to welcome the star back to Toronto with open arms should he want to return for a victory lap or a “Roy Halladay contract” at the very end of his career. A popular suggestion online would see Carter return to Toronto this summer as a free agent to finish his career where it began.

Vince was a star in Toronto. Though his departure hurt, he should be remembered for greatness he brought to the city.

Whether that fits into the plan Masai Ujiri and Tim Leiweke have long-term for the franchise remains to be seen, but it’s a cute idea.

In truth, Carter’s exit did start the Raptors on a downward spiral that didn’t end until their Atlantic Division championship in 06-07. The team was seen as a disaster around the league and that perception took years to rectify. Had he stayed (and played to his ability), maybe he could have helped the franchise return to the playoffs. Maybe he could have given us another few years of that old VC magic. So disgruntled fans are certainly entitled to their frustration.

Another popular Raptor fantasy involves an alternate universe where both Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady stayed with the franchise long-term. Such a pairing could have resulted in a dynasty for the Raptors.

Of course, that’s all just theory. One which admittedly McGrady, himself, even agrees with.

“In hindsight, looking back, obviously I wish I had stayed in Toronto…There’s no doubt we could have contended for a championship. I think about that often.”

So, true, there is a lot to be bitter about when reflecting on the legacy of Vince Carter. A lot of ‘what ifs’ and ‘could have been’. So many unanswered questions and unrealized potential.

But one fact remains true; For six and a half years this city had one of the greatest players in the world to call their own. He excited us, wowed us, took us to heights we never thought possible and then, yes, even broke our hearts.

This city has never seen his equal (and may never again). It is time we celebrate the best player this city has ever had. He’s paid his debt.

On Wednesday night Carter returns to the ACC as a member of the Dallas Mavericks; let’s finally give him the welcome he deserves.

Kristoffer Pedlar
Zan Tabak Herald

Carter Eats Boos for Breakfast

It was a tough one to lose today as Vince Carter once again got the better of his former team.  Watching him out there is both energizing and demoralizing if you are a fan.  The crowd was once again all over him for the entire game but he seemed to feed off of the poisonous energy for one of his better games since coming back from injury.  The Raps went cold in the 4th quarter and Carter stuck it to them like an ex girlfriend dating your best friend.

Vince drives past Turkoglu on his way to another dominating performance against his old club

Zan for Three

Perimeter Defense

Is it just me, or could we put this one in here every game?  Gee, I wonder if word is getting around the league that Calderon, Jack, and Derozan can’t guard the outside.  The Magic took advantage of the terrible D all afternoon.  JJ Reddick looked like he was wearing his Duke uniform as he knocked down big jumper after big jumper, Jason Williams glided to the net with ease and then there was Dark Lord of the ACC that once again dominated, especially in the fourth quarter.  You can handle Carter having a big game from a coaching standpoint but making Reddick look like an All Star is where you have to draw the line.  Get a hand in his face, hell, force him to the basket where he isn’t that effecient.  The guy is about as one-dimensional as they come so why not get up on him and guard the three? Belinelli was seriously missed today.

Derozan

Heir Canada got schooled today, plain and simple.  The teacher dominanted  the pupil.  Derozan didn’t really show up today and ended the game with only 1 point.  If he plans on keeping his starting job he is going to have to pull up his socks and start living up to his self annointed nickname. He looked more like Air Canada circa 2004 when he started phoning it in.

Vince

The guy loves to stick it to Toronto fans.  It hurts a little inside everytime he does it. It’s like a slow motion car crash:  you know it’s coming but you can’t  look away.  Once again he used our hate to fuel the Magic’s victory, that and our terrible defence on the perimeter.   He was a true game changer and snatched away what could have been a huge victory.  It is scary to think this guy now plays with Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson….the Magic are stacked.

Honorable Mention…

Amir Johnson

Quickly becoming a fan and blogger favourite.  Provided key minutes and points off the bench today.  Looks like a keeper.  Keep your feet moving on defence and avoid that foul trouble though.

Zan of the Night

Air Canada

Who else?  The guy is pure Evil.  He has been dubbed ‘He who shall not be Named’ and tonight he gave the Raptors D the Imperius curse.  Once again the Evil one shoved our boos right back down our throats and enjoyed every minute in doing so.

Not Zan of the Night

Jose Calderon

Dude, play some D! He’s beginning to resemble a pylon out there on a regular basis. He is a black hole and everyone in the building knows it. Offensively he missed three big buckets in the 4th that sealed victory for the Magic…not a good day at the office.

Another thing: Did anyone see Jay break the clipboard over his knee?  That was awesome! The only thing that would have been better would be have been if he turned green and his arms ripped through his suit.  I like the passion and anger.  This is what Jose’s Defence is doing to all of us.

Calderon Ready for Return to Form

Even after all the acquisitions this summer by Brian Colangelo one thing remains constant:  The key to success this season is not whether Hedo Turkoglu can spark the offense or whether Demar Derozan becomes the next “Air Canada”.  This year will really come down to whether or not Jose Calderon is ready to lead this team to the “promised land”.

Last season Jose came to training camp having been cemented as the staring point guard and came in with a huge new contract and was coming off a successful summer with the Spanish National team.  He also came in as the sole leader of the team as TJ Ford was sent out of town.  He was expected to carry this team on his back and lead them back to the playoffs.

Instead of a season full of highs it was full of lows.  He saw his production limited as he only averaged 12.8 ppg and 8.9 assists.  Decent numbers, career highs in fact, but still far from what was supposed to be.  He was injured for long stretches of the season and only played in 68 games leaving much of the point guard work to Will Solomon and Roko Ukic.  His defensive breakdowns on the perimeter gave raptor fans fits all season and was a major reason the Raptors lost games.

When he returned from injury he was much more productive and led the team with energy and enthusiasm but barely got any rest as Jay Triano could not trust the team in the hands of Solomon and Ukic for large stretches of time. His defense improved with a healthy hamstring but he was still considered a weak link on the Raptors defense. The Raptors were a disorganized mess for much of the season and the team missed the playoffs as a result.  Not the season that Calderon, or Colangelo, had originally envisioned.

Calderon’s injury issues were a major factor in his struggles during the first half of the season and nothing is more important than making sure Calderon is healthy and ready for the full season.  Jay Triano recently told the Fan590,  “The most important thing is to have him out there for a full 82 games because we’re a better team when he’s on the floor.”

This summer Calderon has been active in resting and rehabilitating his hamstring and index finger, which he had surgery on during the off-season.  He refused to, or was convinced by Brian Colangelo not to,  play for Spain in this summers European championships in order to get himself prepared for the upcoming season.  He appears focused and intent on doing whatever it takes to lead the Raptors to new heights this season.

According to Doug Smith the Raps point guard has the right attitude towards this upcoming season as well.  “It’s very important for our team that I am better… I know I can compete against all the point guards in the league.”  He also admitted that he has been working on his shortcomings as a player and is focused on improving his game, specifically on the defensive end.  “I can be faster…I can be better”. With an attitude like that Jose seems geared up to lead the new look Raptors back to the playoffs.

Jose looks to improve on a disappointing season

Colangelo has supplied Calderon with possibly the most potent collection of players for the pass-first point guard to spread the ball around to since Calderon has been with the Raptors.  Not only that but, with the acquisition of Jarrett Jack and Hedo Turkoglu, Colangelo has ensured that his point guard will receive adequate rest this coming season as well, something he was unable to do last season.  Both Turkoglu and Jack can run the offence and create for their teammates.  This extra flexibility allows Calderon the freedom to rest during the game and not have to worry about rushing back in.  It also ensures that Jose can give the ball up to other playmakers and focus on one of his strong points: shooting.  He averaged 49.7% shooting last season and was a 40% 3-pt shooter.  With the new additions this summer he will be free more often to receive passes than being the only one dishing them out.

Calderon has also been working on improving aspects of his game specifically his perimeter defense and his ability to quickly lead the Raptors down the floor in transition.  This doesn’t seem to be a concern for  Jay Triano who when asked about Calderons’ shortcomings said, “Jose is always going to be cautious but I think the one thing that we have liked about him since we drafted him is that he understands and learns and  gets better at anything we ask him to do.  We told him we wanted him to be a better shooter and he came back and was a better shooter, this year we want him to be better defensively and better at pushing the ball up the floor.”

The effort and energy that Calderon has been putting in this summer has not gone unnoticed.  Both his general manager and coach are confident and pleased to see Calderon happy, recovering and resting his wounds for the battle that lies ahead.

One thing is for sure; when Calderon is on his game so are the Raptors.  The first half of the season saw Calderon struggle at the point and the raptors found themselves near the bottom of the league.  When he returned to find Shawn Marion and Jay Triano in the locker room he thrived under the new offence and finished the season with confidence showing the leadership he was expected to bring after signing his large extension.

Hopefully a full season under Triano, the added rest, rehabilitation, and hard work this off-season and the addition of a legitimate back-up and potent offensive weapons will equal a return to greatness for the Raptors point guard.