Where Do We Go From Here?

These are dark days for the Raptors and their fans.  Things have gone from bad, to worse, to downright awful really fast.  The Raptors now find themselves way out of contention and without many positives to rest their hat on.  Losses are piling up and the patience of the fan base is at an all-time low.  It’s getting Babcock bad.

Another loss in Portland, in what is fast becoming one of the worst road trips in recent memory, did nothing to instill any confidence in this team.

Raptor fans are openly wondering whether the team should “blow it up” and trade everyone with any ounce of value for whatever exchange they can get on the dollar and start fresh.  Or do they keep a select few of the young stars and try to retool for next season?

For the first time in his tenure as Raptor President and GM, Bryan Colangelo is facing the real possibility of being let go.

Fire the GM, fire the coach, trade all the players.  All of these bold suggestions have been made.

Many believe Bargnani is at the root of the problem and that he should be moved.  It is hard to argue with that logic as he has been disappointing at the best of times.  A change of scenery might be exactly what the doctor ordered for everyone involved.  There is still a good player in that seven-foot frame, but he will not become that player here.

But what becomes of everyone else? This isn’t the situation a lot of them signed up for.

Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan have shown themselves to be solid, dependable NBA players.  Players that would be welcome on any team, but also players that are still very young and could fit into the plans of a rebuilding club.

To make matters worse, this team doesn’t have a first round pick unless they finish with one of the top three selections.  So the draft isn’t even a guaranteed option.

So what to do?

The GM, the one that makes the decisions, is not signed to a contract past this summer and is unlikely to earn a renewal if this debauchery keeps up. What do you do with him? Fire him now? give him the rest of the year?

And what becomes of Dwane Casey? He was brought in only a year ago to fix the Raptors defense and to turn this team into a defensively sound unit.  Is it his fault he couldn’t turn Bargnani into Dirk Nowitzki? Is it his fault he had to build a defensive system around Jose Calderon? Shouldn’t he get the benefit of the doubt here?

The Raptors have a lot of questions and there are not easy answers.

They could look for trades where they bring back older veteran players with expiring contracts. Try to make a run at a game changer like Pau Gasol and attempt to turn this ship around.  They could bust out their “tank Nation” flags and try to muster up enough luck to bring in Shabazz Muhammad.

No matter which route they choose, the fans are gonna rebel.  Even without the NHL attendance will likely drop if the Raptors “blow it up”.

It says here that there is a lot of basketball to be played yet and the Raptors should consider holding on to Lowry, DeRozan and Jonas long-term.  Trade any and all others for picks, young players and expiring contracts and hope the season turns around.  Try to sneak into the playoffs or get close enough that the lost draft pick doesn’t hurt so much.

Trade Bargnani.  Or maybe better put: Free Bargnani.  let him go somewhere where there isn’t so much pressure.  Where he can just blend in, come off the bench and be a small part of a bigger puzzle. The fans are done with him and he doesn’t deserve to be berated in his home arena.  A change of scenery to anywhere else will do him and this team a world of good.

Casey has not had a successful second season as the head man for the Raptors, but despite the terrible year, he deserves another shot.

Keep Casey.  When he was brought here, he was asked to turn water into wine.  He was asked to bring his defensive system that worked wonders for the World Champion Mavericks and build it around Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon.  It just didn’t work.  He didn’t have a Tyson Chandler to back up Bargnani, he didn’t have a Shawn Marion to take on the best offensive players on opposing teams.  He could not turn Jose Calderon into Jason Kidd, he couldn’t turn Bargnani in Dirk. He was asked to do too much.  He needs to be given a chance to work with better players.  It was only one short year ago that fans were calling for Casey to be among the COY candidates.

It takes longer than a year to implement a systematic change, especially when the players you have don’t fit the mould of that system.

Give him another year.

Let Colangelo go.  He needs to fall on his sword for this team.  He put them together, he hasn’t gotten results. I know he will not be out of work long and there may not be a significantly better replacement out there, but he needs to take the fall for the team.  In the end, he is responsible for the shortcomings of this team.

Acquire draft picks.  There is no guarantee, no matter where we end up in the standings, that our pick won’t land  in OKC, so get a few more, stock up and get as many good young players as you can.

Don’t lose hope.  It’s hard not to in these dark days, but at the end of the dark tunnel is light, however slight it might be.  Jonas Valanciunas is going to be a good NBA talent. DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry are solid NBA talents.  Enjoy watching them for however long they remain Raptors. Draft picks are on the horizon and capspace is likely in the forseeable future.

Things will get better, they have to.

***

Kristoffer Pedlar
The Zan Tabak Herald

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The Landry Fields Era Begins

The small Forward position, as it tends to be,  is filled with intrigue this year.  The Raptors went out this summer and added Landry Fields to the fold.  He provides defense, high basketball IQ and the ability to mesh with anyone you put on the floor with him.

His path to Toronto is well documented.  The short version of the story goes something like this.

The Raptors and Bryan Colangelo really wanted Steve Nash, but it looked as though Nash was going to head to the Knicks in a sign and trade deal that centered around Landry Fields.  The Raptors quickly moved to sign Fields to an offer sheet they knew the Knicks couldn’t match which effectively eliminated them from contention for Nash.  Toronto was then seen as the clear front-runner for Nash’s services until the Lakers entered the fray, stole Nash away from Toronto with promises of championship glory and the Raptors were left with a pretty large contract offer to Landry Fields which he was then signed to.

Some contend the Raptors contract to Fields was a huge mistake and will set the franchise back.  Others, myself included, feel that while they overspent to get Fields, he brings a work ethic and defensive presence that will markedly improve this team and will specifically bring tough wing defense, something the Raptors have not seen for a long time.  Though more expensive than he should have been, the Raptors are still likely to get decent return for their money.

Landry Fields has a lot of doubters in Toronto after signing a big contract. It will be interesting to see if his hard work and defensive intensity can win over fans the way he was able to in New York.

The Toronto Raptors haven’t really had a strong presence at the Small Forward since the days of Tracy McGrady.  Recent starters have included (in no particular order) Jason Kapono, Jamario Moon, Hedo Turkoglu, Shawn Marion and Sonny Weems.

While the small forwards for the Raptors have had varying degrees of success, a few (see Turkoglu) were cataclysmic failures, but  none made a significant impact for the club during their time as a starter.

Landry Fields may change that.

Fields is known around the NBA as a hard worker, a defensive presence and good teammate.  His his focus on the defensive side of the ball will certainly come in handy for a team that has had significant issues guarding the perimeter over the years.

Fields is a positive personality and will certainly endear himself to the Toronto media.  Truth be told, he already has.

But that contract….

Many pundits, bloggers and journalists choose to focus on the length and cost of the contract Fields has.  To be fair it is an expensive and longer term deal for a guy with only two years of experience under his belt, but certainly not a contract that is going to cause cap issues for a long period of time and it is likely flexible enough to become a tradeable asset if the situation presents itself.

Fields is an upgrade at the position and if he can improve on his woeful 3-pt shooting he could become a solid offensive piece to the Raptors game plan going forward as well.

If not, the Raptors have a host of solid pieces to back Fields up and offer the Raptors a number of different matchup possibilities.

Linas Kleiza is a pure scorer who brings instant offense off the bench.  There are some in the Raptors fan base that believe he should have been the starter to maximize Fields defense on the second unit with Jose Calderon, a noted deficiency on the defensive end.  Though Kleiza has had great success internationally, he has yet to put it together consistently for the Raptors.  He’s been injured and inconsistent in his time in Toronto, but still offers the Raptors great flexibility. He is a natural small forward and can also slide over to the 4 if need be and create a strong smaller lineup when Casey wants to go small.

If Kleiza can shoot the ball well and play the way he did in the World Championships then he may see increased minutes throughout the season, maybe even some time in the starting lineup.  Especially if Fields struggles on the offensive side of the ball where he has not been as effective.

Alan Anderson is another interesting option for Dwane Casey off the bench.  The journeyman really impressed the coach in limited time last season and continued his strong effort throughout the pre-season.  Anderson is a smart and savvy veteran who knows what his role is.  He provides strong defensive ability (like Fields) and can score, mostly because he has a knack for getting into great position to score.

Dwane Casey is going to have struggles at times finding enough minutes for everyone, but he has something a lot of coaches do not have: options. He can pull out an almost pure scorer in Kleiza or go for defense with Anderson and Fields.  If he wants to go small he can easily move Kleiza over to the 4 and both Fields and Anderson can slide over to the two if need be.

Casey has a great deal of depth at his disposal and can utilize it to exploit the matchups he wants.  The fact that these three players are versatile enough to play other positions and do not usually get into foul trouble could mean that we could see any of the three on the court in various positions.

The forward position is sure to be a strength for the Raptors and it is clear that with Landry Fields in the starting role the focus will continue to be on the defensive side of the ball.

Landry Fields will get his opportunity to prove fans and doubters wrong even if he isn’t a high scoring small forward in the mould of Tracy McGrady.

Hey, at least he isn’t Hedo Turkoglu.

***

ZTH

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Raptors have the Right man in Charge

It’s been a pretty crazy few days in Raptor land.  Steve Nash may be coming home to Canada to lead the Raptors back to the playoffs with the hope of  hosting a postseason game for the first time in four years.

There have been all kinds of wild rumours and big time dollar figures being thrown around over the “twittersphere” and beyond.  While you may agree or disagree with the players names and dollar figures being tossed around.  One thing should be very clear for Raptor fans.

We are lucky to have Bryan Colangeloas our General Manager.

Colangelo has been a steady hand for this Raptors franchise. His decisions are not always successdul, but they are bold.

In his time in charge of the Raptors he has been active and creative in trying to build a team that will be competitive.  True, his attempts haven’t always brought success on the court, but he has shown resiliency and an ability to admit his mistakes, which keeps the Raptors active every year.

In the past he presided over shrewd business decisions like trading highly regarded rookie Charlie Villanueva for TJ Ford, going overseas and bringing in fairly unknown international players like Jorge Garbajosa and Anthony Parker.  Those moves won him an Atlantic division title.

He tried to take the next step by trading to acquire Jermaine O’neal, but that didn’t work out so he turned him into Shawn Marion and then ultimately Hedo Turkoglu.

Now the Hedo acquisition, at the time, was a stroke of genius.  A trade that simply should not have been able to happen. The Raptors acquired the biggest fish in the pond that year.  A calculated and complicated transaction that, in the end, didn’t pan out.

Hedo was moved quickly (he was likely to be run out of town anyway) for Barbosa who was moved to clear capspace.

And here we are.

Many will look to Colangelo’s record and see a whole lot of failures.  Jermaine O’neal didn’t mesh with Bosh, Turkoglu was an unmitigated disaster.  But what I see is a GM trying to improve every year and who continues to take risks.  Better yet, none of the risks he has taken has cemented the raptors into Salary cap hell or left the team stuck with an untradeable contract.

He’s taken risks, but, unlike other GMs, has been able to get himself out of situations that haven’t worked.

Now this offseason has started with a bang.

Colangelo is throwing a lot of money in an attempt to lure Steve Nash back to his homeland and has made a gigantic offer to Landry Fields.

The Steve Nash signing is about building a culture and selling tickets (lets not kid ourselves here).  Nash would instantly become the face of Toronto sports.  Sorry Jose Bautista and Phil Kessel, but Nash would instantly become the most marketable athlete the city has seen in a long time.  That is instant cash for MLSE.

Steve Nash coming home to Canada, is a dream that is on the verge of reality.

A three-year offer is also safe in many ways.  Nash is older but there is every indication his body can continue to withstand the grind of an 82 game season.  Three year contracts are shorter terms and become tradeable assets in the final year.  If the Nash thing doesn’t work out, his contract is a chip to play in that third year.

Nash to Toronto would mean butts in seats.  But let us not forget the basketball side of this story.  Nash would be a steady hand at the driver’s seat for a team filled with young talent.  His addition instantly makes Demar DeRozan, Jonas Valanciunas and Bargnani that much better.  It takes a lot of pressure off of them as well.

Nash has made a career out of creating superstars.  Players that have played with Nash have made names for themselves because they were given the ball in the right places. Shawn Marion, Joe Johnson, Amare Stoudamire, Channing Frye, Jared Dudley, and more have all benefited greatly from playing alongside Nash.

There is every reason he can do the same with Toronto’s young, talented lineup.

Nash to Toronto makes sense.  Basketball wise and money wise as MLSE stands to make millions on jersey sales and merchandise.

Hence the signing yesterday of Landry Fields.

The New York Knicks are one of the few competitors for Steve Nash (yes LA and Dallas are hanging around too but they aren’t really in play).  Colangelo, in a brilliant move, effectively eliminated his stiffest competition for the prize he wants.

New York can’t use Fields in a sign and trade, they’ve taken their eye off of Jeremy Lin (their now biggest concern) and likely have no money left for Nash.

A stroke of genius.

Also, assuming the Raptors do not rescind the offer after signing Nash, Landry Fields represents a significant upgrade at the 3 for Toronto.  He’s tough, can score and plays strong on the defensive end. A trait I’m sure that is not lost on Dwane Casey.  He’s also likely to improve his game with Nash distributing the ball.

Now this decision could all blow up in the face of Colangelo again.  He could lose Nash to Dallas or Nash could sign and be a bust in the mould of a Hedo Turkoglu.  Maybe we watch Nash deteriorate in Toronto and he isn’t able to take us anywhere.

Something tells me that if given the opportunity, Colangelo will right his wrong, clean up his mess and be able to point the ship back in the right direction.  That’s what he’s always done.

For now we get to enjoy one of the most exciting off seasons the Raptors have had in years.  There is a real buzz surrounding the team and in the eyes of most, a real shot at achieving some success.

We have Colangelo to thank for that.

***

Kristoffer Pedlar
The Zan Tabak Herald

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Raptors Offseason Plan Beginning to Take Shape

It has been an intriguing offseason thus far for the Toronto Raptors, that is to be sure.  They haven’t even done anything yet and there has already been plenty of chatter surrounding the team and potential free agent signings since the day the season ended.  Whether these rumours are based in truth or conjecture remains to be seen.  Regardless of the eventual results, people are talking about the Raptors and fans are getting excited.

I’m not one to get caught up in rumours, but these rumours seem to have some weight to them and all of them could change the course of the Raptors hopes for next season as well as the  long-term status of GM Bryan Colangelo, who has one year remaining on his contract.

First came the Steve Nash rumours.  Now Steve Nash rumours are nothing new around these parts.  He’s Canada’s greatest basketball talent ever and would look fantastic playing for Canada’s only basketball team. Over the years Toronto has heard lots about Nash coming to town, but there wasn’t really any way to get a deal like that done.   But now the “Nash to Toronto” rumours have a certain weight to them.

He’s long been rumoured to be leaving the Phoenix Suns after this year and his recent appointment as President and General Manager of Canada’s Mens National Team would seem to indicate he wouldn’t mind spending more time closer to his homeland.

A Steve Nash arrival in Toronto would mean improved play on the offensive end and a whole lot of jerseys being sold at the ACC.

Nash would fit in swimmingly here in Toronto, despite the fact Jose Calderon already occupies the starting point guard spot.  Calderon has been quite willing and ready to share time whenever necessary and the depth at point guard could give the Raptors a leg up on competition in the Atlantic division.  Calderon seems better suited to the backup role anyway and could become valuable trade bait down the road with a large expiring contract.

The Nash rumours also have weight as his former Canadian National team coach, Jay Triano is employed by the Raptors and Bryan Colangelo, the GM that drafted and then re-acquired Nash in Phoenix is currently the Raptors President and GM.

Nash has a knack for bringing the very best out of his teammates.  Shawn Marion, Joe Johnson, Amare Stoudamire, Channing Frye, Jason Richardson all owe much of their success (and large pay cheques) to the point guard that gave them the ball.

Nash has always put himself second and his team first.  His teammates were the beneficiaries on and off the court.  How much could a point guard like Nash improve Andrea Bargnani’s game? or DeMar DeRozan’s?

Makes you wonder.

Nash makes good players great.  He brings the best out of his teammates and could certainly benefit some of the underachieving Raptor players.

And just imagine the jersey sales at the ACC.

Nash would therefore seem to be a perfect fit in Toronto.  Unless, of course Jeremy Lin is.

Jeremy Lin is a restricted free agent and there are now reports from a host of sources claiming the Raptors will be very much in the mix for his services, should the Knicks decide to let him go.

Lin is much younger than Nash, could be cheaper and may fit better into the core that is developing in Toronto.

Jeremy Lin is a rumoured Raptor target this offseason. His acquisition could be the spark this young Raptor team needs.

He is a restricted free agent, so how much stalk can we put into these Lin to Toronto Rumours?  It is very possible that the Knicks get out-priced for his services.  Lin is not a player that has  been around long and therefore may not have earned the lucrative deal he seeks in the eyes of NBA GM’s.  His stats are good, but the sample size is small, and he was never really able to mesh with franchise player Carmelo Anthony suggesting he may need to be a number one option. 

Lin, who missed the Knicks’ run to the playoffs, could be the odd man out in New York, making him very much available to Toronto.  A move for Lin would be very reminiscent of Colangelo’s other signing of a young point guard that changed his Phoenix Suns back in 2004.  That, of course being, Steve Nash.

Lin has shown he can be a game changer, a superstar, a go-to guy.  At the point guard position that is simply something the Raptors have never had.  

It is clear that Lin’s stats are a small sample size and his median numbers are not nearly as good as his 2011/12 stats, but he could be worth the risk.

He is explosive and can certainly shoot the ball with confidence.  He can drive the net and get his teammates involved in the offense. His defensive ability is weak but his deficiencies could be fit into Dwane Casey’s system.  If Calderon worked out, Lin likely could too.

He would also become a big fan favourite here in Toronto, a city with a large Asian fan base.  It could be a big marketing opportunity that the new owners at Rogers and Bell, simply cannot pass up.

Still the odds of landing Lin rest in the hands of Glen Grunwald and the New York Knicks and what they are attempting to do this offseason.  The Knicks maintain the right to match any offers the young point guard gets, meaning the Raptors will likely have to overpay to get him.

Lin presents an interesting option for the Raptors, but one that they ultimately dont have complete control over.

Then there are the murmurs about Nicolas Batum.  Now, none of these rumours are anything but pure and utter speculation, but he would fit very nicely into the Raptors lineup.  A small forward with that kind of ability has alluded the Raptors since the days of Tracy McGrady.  Batum would instantly become one of the best small forwards the franchise has ever seen.  A great fit for the short and long-term. Plus his European background would be a plus in the locker room. 

He certainly won’t be cheap and the Blazers are very unlikely to let him go for nothing.  Expect the Blazers to match everything and anything for Batum and then work out a trade with a team if they have to.

If the Raptors are serious about acquiring Batum, which they should be in my opinion, then they are going to have to put together a trade package that will make it happen.  That is much more difficult than just signing a player, but if anyone knows how to work out a complicated off-season trade it’s Colangelo.

So despite the fact the Playoffs are going on without the Raptors, there is plenty for a fan to sit and ponder.  This summer will be another chapter in the remaking of this Raptors team and it is exciting to imagine the possibilities.  So far three of the most solid offseason rumours would offer the Raptors definite upgrades in talent at two key positions.  All three rumoured acquisitions are big name players that would raise the talent level and profile of basketball in Toronto.

Like most Raptor fans, I can’t wait to see what happens on July first. Judging from the early offseason rumours, it is likely to be one of the more exciting ones yet.

***

Kristoffer Pedlar
The Zan Tabak Herald

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Ex Raptors Could Be Keys to Success in Playoffs

So the Raptors are once again not in the post season, but there is still plenty for a Raptor fan to enjoy as this years playoff series’ get under way.

How about all the familiar faces playing key roles in this years playoffs?  Players that maybe didn’t get the chance to excel, or even play, in the postseason in Toronto have opportunities to make major contributions to their teams’ playoff run this year.

From big name talent like Chris Bosh to role players like Matt Bonner and Reggie Evans, there are plenty of ex-dinos out there that could play pivotal roles in the first round of the playoffs.

Make sure you watch out for these guys:

1) Chris Bosh – Although the Heat will live and die by the hand of Lebron James in the fourth quarter, Chris Bosh will once again be an important part of any hope Miami has of coming out of the East.  Bosh will have to match up against some very stiff talent and his offensive efforts could be what makes or breaks it for the Heat.  With all three members of the “big 3” firing on all cylinders there really is no stopping the Heat.

Chris Bosh will be a key reason the Miami Heat win or lose a game this year in the playoffs.

Bosh will have to score when needed and will really have to help contain the bigger bodies of Kevin Garnett, Tyson Chandler and Carlos Boozer if the Heat hope to advance back to the NBA finals.  Last year he played well offensively but wasn’t as effective on the defensive end (a trait that plagued him during his Raptors days).

If Chris Bosh excels this year the Heat will likely win it all.  If he buckles under the pressure, the load his teammates are left to carry may be too much to handle.

Chris Bosh may be the difference between championship and heartache for the Heat.  

2) Leandro Barbosa – When the Indiana Pacers acquired Barbosa at the trade deadline for a 2nd round pick they didn’t acquire him for the regular season.  They really acquired him for the playoffs.  After one game in the series against Orlando it is already clear why this young team needs the veteran Barbosa to step up.

Most of the Indiana players really lack playoff experience and success.  They’re a young team and they showed their youth in Game 1, dropping it in catastrophic fashion to the veteran Magic.  Orlando dominated the last four minutes of the game and stole the victory from a stronger Pacers squad.

Barbosa will likely get more minutes in game 2.  He’s been to the dance before and has had some great playoff success in Phoenix.  He’s a crafty veteran and knows how to handle the pressures of the playoffs.  His presence on and off the court will be of great help, specifically, to George Hill and Paul George, who were not sharp in game 1.

Barbosa has experience in the playoffs and can hopefully help the young Indiana backcourt shrug off their difficulties and get the Pacers back into the series.

When Barbosa was with the Raptors he was instant offense off the bench.  Indiana, with only 77 points in game 1, could use that bench production especially when their starting back court is having difficulty.

The Pacer bench, and Barbosa in particular, are going to be key factors in this series. 

Matt Bonner is a perfect example of a bench player that could have a huge impact off the bench for San Antonio.

3) Matt Bonner – The San Antonio Spurs came into the playoffs playing some pretty darn good basketball.  They captured the number one seed in a very difficult Western Conference and looked primed for a good run at the championship.  Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobli, once again, lead this team into battle with their eyes on yet another championship ring.

The Spurs also have a phenomenal supporting cast as well consisting of Stephen Jackson, Boris Diaw, Kawhi Leonard and Matt Bonner.

When the starters need a rest, the bench doesn’t miss a beat.  Jackson does the scoring, Diaw defends the paint and Bonner is there to throw in some dagger three’s.

When Matt Bonner used to hit three-point shots for the Toronto Raptors it would send the ACC crowd into a frenzy.  There almost wasn’t a more exciting play at the ACC during his tenure in Toronto.  When he hits them for San Antonio there is that same excitement in the air.

There is something about a Bonner three-point shot that sends electricity through a crowd.  When he hits a big shot it usually has an impact on the game as well.  I have a feeling Matt Bonner is going to be hitting big shots throughout the playoffs for the San Antonio Spurs.

In Toronto, we’d call Matt Bonner an “X-factor”. In this series, he could help San Antonio steal a game or two.  

4) Reggie Evans – Every year it seems that a rare playoff performer emerges to the forefront and helps a team win a game a series or even a championship.  Last year names like Ian Mahinmi and Tyson Chandler became household names.  This year one of those names could be Reggie Evans.

In the playoffs in hockey you need toughness and forechecking. Someone who is going to bang it out and do the dirty work that doesn’t get noticed on the score sheet.  Throwing a pick, chasing down a loose ball, tapping an offensive board back to your teammates are some of the intangibles that give teams a better chance to win and become far more valuable in a playoff series.

Reggie Evans is a player that does those things.  He’s tough, he’s strong and if he’s defending you, you are going to have to work.  Watch out Gasol, watch out Rudy Gay, the lane is about to be clogged.

Reggie is one of those X-factor type players that could end up making a huge difference for LA, even if it doesn’t show up on the score sheet.  

5) Shawn Marion – He wasn’t a Raptor for very long, but it was clear during his time in Toronto that Shawn was a very offensively gifted player.  He is lightning quick and can get to the rim easily.  He has quick feet and can keep up with defenders. He has also shown throughout his time in Dallas that he is a valuable defensive presence as well.

Marion is another playoff veteran, having had successful runs in Phoenix and he finally won a championship in Dallas last year.  Marion was a key reason Dallas was able to win and provided stellar defense during their championship run last year.  He took care of Lebron James in last years final and is becoming more known for his defense around the league.

This year he has been handed the task of guarding Kevin Durant.  Not an easy task, but if anyone is up to it, it’ll be Marion.

A playoff veteran, Marion has been handed the most difficult defensive assignment of anyone in the playoffs.  It’s not going to be easy, but something tells me Marion’s defensive abilities could make or break his team this year.  

So, Many former Raptor players are going to potentially play large roles in how this years championship is ultimately decided.  Lots to watch during the playoffs, even if the Raptors aren’t a part of them.

Enjoy!

***

Kristoffer Pedlar
The Zan Tabak Herald

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The Excitement of Draft Night

Is there anything more exciting than draft night?

It really is a night when all teams fill their heads with dancing sugar plumbs.

Any and all of the players drafted on Thursday night could become the next Kobe, Jordan or D Wade.  There will be a few GM’s looking for that hidden gem in the late first round or early second round.  A player in the mould of a JJ Barea or Gilbert Arenas.

The beauty of it all is that no one will really know who won or lost until end of next season (assuming it even happens) and will be debated years from now.  How many pundits and experts question why Kobe Bryant hung around the green room until #13 or why he was later traded by the Hornets.  Of course Sam Bowie being taken over a young shooter from UNC will forever haunt everyone that works for or cheers for the New Jersey Nets.

Hopes, dreams, worries, visions of what can be.  Is there anything better?

For the Toronto Raptors the draft is an important step in their continued rebuilding/retooling.  With the addition os Dwane Casey to the coaching staff one would have to think that defense is going to play a part in whatever they decide to do with the pick.

Bismack Biyombo? I’d take him for his name alone. Can’t wait to write about how Biyombo Bismacked the opposition. Kemba Walker? He is a point guard and one that just won as much as you can in college ball.  Vesley? An interesting project.  Dare I say Jimmer? On second thought, maybe not.  Or the more prefered Brandon Knight? Although he likely won’t be in play.

In the end the player Toronto chooses will be very much an egg and no where close to a chicken.  What I mean to say here is that the Raptor faithful need to be patient with whoever is selected and need to see the pick as a small part of a much larger puzzle.

Rome wasn’t built in a day and this club will not be reborn with this pick.

One thing Raptor fans should be confident about is the person who is making the choices.

Draft Night is an exciting one for all involved. Who will wear Raptor Red on Draft Night?

Bryan Colangelo has a pretty solid track record when it comes to drafting talent.  Yes, he passed up Lamarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy in favour of Andrea Bargnani.  But, Bargnani ain’t that bad (someone needs to say it).  Demar Derozan was an inspired choice at the #9 slot and Ed Davis was an absolute steal at #13.  Plus while with Phoenix he was responsible for Michael Finley, Steve Nash, Shawn Marion, Amare Stoudamire, Leandro Barbosa (in a draft day trade), Luol Deng, and Stephen Jackson.  To name a few.

Is there another GM you’d rather have making the choice than this guy?  Not me.

Add to this that Dwane Casey is now part of the decision-making team and will likely make a push for a more defensive minded player.

Mix all of these ingredients together and you have the recipe for a very intriguing draft from the perspective of the Toronto Raptors.

In the end, they Raps will make their choice, we will all applaud or jeer and ultimately debate the pick for the next several years.  Hopefully our pick is more MJ and less Sam Bowie.  More Derozan and less Araujo.

Happy Draft Day everyone!

Kristoffer Pedlar
Zan Tabak Herald

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@kpedlar

Ex Raptors become X-Factors in Round Two

As round two begins in the NBA, we’ve said goodbye to a few old allies.  Jarrett Jack and Marco Belinelli have packed their bags after a very succesful first round series against the Lakers.  Matt Bonner had a disappointing first round with San Antonio as they were bounced by the Grizzlies and Roy Hibbert and TJ Ford find themselves spectators as round two begins.

As the second round begins,  a few former Raptor favourites could tip the scales in their second round series.  Let’s take a look at the key Ex-Raptors that will likely be X-Factors for their respective teams.

Miami vs. Boston

The Big three vs. the Big Three.  This is a dream matchup for the NBA and any fan who enjoys good basketball.  We know that Lebron and Wade are going to score in bunches and we know that Ray Allen will be tossing key three pointers throughout the series and Kevin Garnett will be intense.  What we don’t know is how Chris Bosh will play against some really tough playoff competition.

If Miami has dreams of championship glory, they will need Chris Bosh to fight like he has never fought before.

Chris Bosh will be the key to winning this series for Miami.  Bosh has played very well thus far against Philly, but he is about to match up against Kevin Garnett who he has never played well against.  He will also have to play against the likes of Big Baby and Jermaine Oneal.  These are not finesse players.  They get dirty and fight with everything they have for a loose ball or a rebound.

If Chris Bosh is to be successful against these tough players he is going to have to channel is inner Reggie Evans and JYD.  Bosh needs to be less finesse and more banger.  He will need to fight like he has never fought before and be the player that keeps possessions alive and gives Wade and Lebron second chances.

On the flip side, Boston will rely heavily on Jermaine O’neal.  There likely won’t be a Shaq appearnce until later on in the series so Jermaine will be handed the task of containing Chris Bosh.  This is someone he knows quite well from his days in the T-dot.

Jermaine O’neal has been through the rigors of playoff basketball and is no newcomer to intensity in the playoffs.  His Indiana teams played their fare share of tough games.  He will need to be defensively sound and provide help defense when Lebron and Wade bust through the key.  If you need a hard foul to send a message, Jermaine O’neal is your guy.  He backs down from no one and may be the last line of defense for the Celtics.  He will be a key if the Celtics hope to head to the Eastern Conference Finals.

If Bosh can find that inner fight, Miami wins this series.  If he gets bullied on the glass by Garnett and O’neal and is shut down on the offensive end then it will be a second round exit for the boys from South Beach.

Dallas vs. LA Lakers

This series will be a shoot out.  Scoring is going to happen in bunches and defense will likely take a back seat as it often does in Dallas.  The mavericks have a number of players that can score in bunches in Nowitzki, Terry and Jason Kidd.  These three will score but might have trouble keeping up with Kobe, Gasol and Bynum.  If they are going to keep up, they will need their supporting cast members to step up.

Enter Shawn Marion and Peja Stojakovic.  These two players have the offensive skill set to be deadly to an opposing team.  While the defense focuses on Dirk and Terry,  Peja and Marion will likely get their fair share of good looks.  Marion is a player that makes those around him better.  He can pass effectively, shoots the ball well and knows how to get to the foul line (a valuable asset in the playoffs).  Peja Stojakovic has enjoyed a resurgence with Dallas and simply needs to stand on that three-point line and deliver.

Neither player was in Toronto for very long so we never had the chance to see them at their best.  But this is the playoffs an both are very familiar with the battles of playoff ball.  If used properly these players will help Dallas overthrow the defending champs.

Throw in “Almost Raptor” Tyson Chandler and you have an absolutely lethal rotation that can beat you in a number of different ways.

If Dallas spreads the floor, shares the ball and gets plenty of supporting effort from their bench they will win the series.  If the bench can’t contribute against the defending champs then the Lakers will continue their quest for another title.

Atlanta vs. Chicago

Do not underestimate the Atlanta Hawks.  Pundits and “experts” are already counting them out.

Don’t.

They are a young team finally coming into their own and might surprise the Bulls, who looked a little sluggish against Indiana.  This is a Hawks team that was able to defeat a pretty good team in Orlando.

Although I expect the Bulls to win the series I think it will be a longer  series than anyone thinks.

Watch out for Al Horford.  He will be a tough matchup for Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah inside. He is tough to match up against in the post and provides sturdy defense that could give Chicago’s Bigs fits on the inside.

The ex-Raptor to watch here is Chuck Swirsky, who may just faint when his team reaches theEastern Conference finals.  If the Bulls win he’ll likely look more lost than Tomas Kaberle during the Bruins game 7 celebration earlier this week.

It is likely that the Salami and Cheese will be brought out for the Hawks.

Oklahoma vs. Memphis

This series has no Raptor connections, but the Raptors should take note of these young teams and how they have built themselves into winning franchises.  It wasn’t long ago that a 22 win season was considered a success for the Thunder and Grizz.  These teams were able to build themselves back into contenders and the Raptors should hope they follow a similar path.

Neither of these teams became a success overnight and they surely didn’t do it by trading draft picks or signing  a slew of veteran players to bad contracts.  They built themselves slowly through the draft and then added veteran pieces to compliment those young players.

Watching Durant, Westbrook and Ibaka face Randolph, Gasol and Conely could very well be what Raptor fans will see in a few years from Derozan, Davis and Amir.

In terms of X-Factors for this series I would go with Shane Battier and Kendrick Perkins.  Perkins has been a non-factor thus far in the playoffs but he will need to help lead this young team as they focus on Playoff advancement.  He’s been through the wars before and they will need him to help contain the beast that is Randolph. Hopefully he wakes up soon or the surging Grizzlies might be too difficult to defeat.

Lots to watch as a Raptor fan, as some old friends will likely be keys to the teams that ultimately prevail.

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Kristoffer Pedlar

The Zan Tabak Herald

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Is Bargnani Finally Ready?

As the season draws closer and closer and the Raptors get another day closer to the start of the 2010-2011 season there are a lot of questions surrounding this team.  “how will they succeed without Chris Bosh?”,  “Do the ‘Young Guns’ have what it takes to lead a team?”, “How will this team be competitive enough to make a playoff run?”.

Of all the questions that are being asked about the current Raptors’ roster, none is more important, for the short and long-term, than whether or not Andrea Bargnani is ready to take the next step as an NBA player and leader of this franchise.

Bargnani came into the league with a lot of eyes watching him.  He was a first overall draft pick and a with that came a lot of pressure.  He fit well into the team, despite playing the same position as Chris Bosh and was eventually moved to the starting unit as a centre.

The move was more about keeping Chris Bosh happy than moving Bargnani to a position he was comfortable with.  Andrea hasn’t been your typical centre and doesn’t have the strong inside presence that one might want from the centre position.

Andrea didn’t fight, kick or wine.  He learned the position as best he could and did the best job he could.  As a centre that could hit a three pointer, he became a very difficult player to defend.  By drawing some of the bigger players out to the wings he was able to open up floor space for the raptors wing players.

Andrea Bargnani takes over the leadership role in Toronto, vacated by the departing Chris Bosh.

With Chris Bosh gone the Raptors have another decision to make with Bargnani.  Allow him to move back to his natural power forward position by acquiring a legit centre to start games.  Or keep him as a centre and pair him up with Amir Johnson.

It will be a tough choice and should really come down to whether the Raptors are able to find a centre for the right price to play in Toronto.

No matter where he plays this season, Bargnani is going to have to take on a much greater role on the team.

Chris Bosh and Hedo Turkoglu are gone.  Last year they represented the “leadership” of the Raptors and much of the offense flowed through their hands.  This year the bulk of touches will likely go to Bargnani.

That means he will be defended more aggressively and will have to find ways to create his own shot, rebound the basketball to increase second chance opportunities and the offense will flow through his hands.

Bargnani is a great passer a skill he developed well in Europe and one that makes him a logical candidate to facilitate the ball from the high and low post.  He is very capable at creating his own shot and is a tough matchup for many of the Power forwards and centres in the league.

For his entire career as a Raptor, he has played #2 and #3 to Bosh, Jermaine O’neal, Hedo Turkoglu and Shawn Marion.  Now, with the franchise in what Bryan Colangelo is calling a “retooling mode”, Bargnani will be asked to be the #1 guy.

That means taking more shots, playing aggressive defence, learning to deal with double teams and to vary his arsenal enough that he can frustrate defenders.

Bargnani has given fans reason to believe he will become that number one guy.  His statistics have steadily increased every season and his rebounding numbers, although not good enough for a 7 foot centre, have increased as well.

On the flip side, he hasn’t shown he can consistently guard some of the bigger players out there and often finds himself in foul trouble.  This is something that will spell doom for the Raptors next season.  Bargnani has also shown a lack of rebounding ability that has drawn the ire of fans around the city.  With a 7 foot frame, Bargnani needs to get inside and battle players for the ball.  Bargnani was often manhandled inside last year and Chris Bosh picked up the rebounding slack.  With no Bosh, Bargnani needs to step up this aspect of his game.

No player in Raptors history has been as adorned and dismissed at the same time as Andrea Bargnani.  He is a polarizing player.  He is the “next big thing”, the second coming of Dirk Nowitzki,  or a “bust” depending on who you ask.

The “bust” argument is a weak one as Andrea has proven he belongs in the league and can be a successful player.  Perhaps not a superstar, the level of a Dirk Nowitzki, as many had hoped.  But the kid is 25, has quite the skill set and is only getting better.

Bargnani is the key to the Raptors aspirations this season and possibly the future of one Bryan Colangelo.

Bryan has banked on Bargnani, first drafting him no. 1 overall in 2006 and then signing him to a 5 year contract extension last summer.   Colangelo has defended him to anyone that will listen.  Bargnani, now, becomes the “Face of the Franchise”. Bargnani will finally play the number one role, 4 years after being drafted no. 1 overall.  Bryan Colangelo’s pet project will become the focal point of the team.  If Bargnani passes with flying colours then the GM will have a feather to stick in his cap.  If Andrea falters, Bryan may not be re-signed.

There are many out there that believe Bargnani was the wrong choice with the first overall selection and will never amount to more than a “solid bench player.”  There are others that believe he could end up being a consistent All-Star and the leader that Chris Bosh wasn’t able to be.

Whatever you believe, this is the year all Raptor fans will discover whether or not Bargnani is a true star in this league and was worthy of his no. 1 overall selection in 2006.

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Kristoffer Pedlar

The Zan Tabak Herald

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Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @Zantabakherald

Bosh and Colangelo: A Messy Divorce

When any relationship ends there is bound to be bitterness.  Very rarely do former partners hang out and “shoot the breeze”after a break up.  There are often hard feelings and things you blame the other side for.

In Toronto the latest divorce between basketball team and star player has finally gotten to the finger-pointing stage.

It has not been a picture perfect off-season for Bryan Colangelo. Much is left to be done to get the Toronto Raptors ready for competition next season.

First, Bryan Colangelo had his turn talking about how things didn’t work out with Chris Bosh and where it all went wrong in his opinion.  And now Chris Bosh has taken his turn setting the record straight.

Colangelo came out on the FAN590 recently and implied that Bosh had talked with people over the All-Star break and came back a different player.  He didn’t play through pain at a pivotal moment in the season and wasn’t the dominant player in the second half of the season that he was in the first half.  That ultimately helped cost the Raptors what seemed like a sure-fire playoff berth.  “Whether he was mentally checked out or just wasn’t quite into it down the stretch, he wasn’t the same guy. I think everybody saw that, but no one wanted to acknowledge it.”

Colangelo went on to add that the Raptors were never really an option for Bosh during free agency and much of the decision-making on Bosh’s future had been done long before July 1st.  “I never felt we were in the game. There was too much out there, too much built up for him to take an easy out here…”

Bosh refuted these claims, in a recent interview with Rogers Sportsnet, saying he “never gave anything less than his best.” “I play this game as hard as I can everytime I step on the court.”  He seemed to take personal offense to the insinuation he had given anything but his best.

Colangelo had a right to say what he said although it did come off as a little harsh and is definitely getting blown way out of proportion by Raptor fans and media in both Canada and the U.S.  Many Raptor fans held the belief that Bosh would leave after the season was through and that he played poorly in the second half, along with the rest of the team.  Hedo Turkoglu probably helped hide some of Bosh’s effort issues with his off-court distractions and clearly lackadaisical play.

Bosh didn’t quit on the team, of that I am certain.  He played his heart out down the stretch and tried, in vain, to get the Raptors to the playoffs.  One needs only look to the Golden State game down the stretch where Bosh lay on the floor inconsolable in a defeat as a thrilling victory slipped through his hands.  Perhaps, in the back of his mind though he was starting to think about free agency.  Perhaps he took a bit longer coming back from his injury because he didn’t want to hurt his future.  That is fair.

It is hard to argue Bosh quit down the stretch, but it was clear something changed at the All-star break. Was Colangelo justified in questioning his commitment to the team?

Colangelo feels a little jilted by Chris Bosh and for good reason.  The Raptors offered him more money than anyone else and he barely looked Toronto’s way.  Colangelo and the MLSE  tried effortlessly to make Bosh the focal point of everything in Raptor land.  Bosh was consulted on trades and free agent signings.  His friends (Jarrett Jack) were brought on board to help keep him happy.  He was given everything that a #1 guy in this league is given.  This is where Colangelo went wrong.

Chris Bosh was never meant to be the focal point of the team.  He is a power forward and it is hard to point at a top-tier team in this league that is built around a power forward.  Jermaine O’neal, Shawn Marion, Hedo Turkoglu all came in to help Chris Bosh along with a plethora of other role players and no mixture of players ever really got it done.

Chris Bosh should never have been made a focal point of the team.  This is Colangelo’s mistake.  It is ultimately what cost him the power forward in free agency.  The fact that Colangelo is now talking smack about Bosh really isn’t necessary.

Even Hedo Turkoglu has weighed in on the subject, claiming that Bosh “isn’t the type of player to quit o his teammates.”  He also took shots at the organization on his way out of town saying that “no one wants to go there anymore.”

Obviously Hedo Turkoglu is far from an expert on anything other than Pizza and Balls.  But his comments ring loudly in a city that hasn’t seen a winning team in a long time.  Hopefully this isn’t a sign of things to come for this team or this city.  Fans have come to see Vince, Tracy, Antonio, Delgado, Sundin, Halladay all leave town for greener pastures.  The city has a wee bit of a complex when it comes to its star players.

Colangelo’s words came at a time when he is feeling very frustrated.  The Jose Calderon-Tyson Chandler deal fell through at the last-minute after it had been reported and Matt Barnes publicly announced his signing before it was completed and then ended up not happening.  The organization has gotten a little bit of flack for the large contract handed out to Amir Johnson and now the war of words with two of the teams high-profile players.

Colangelo was mearly speaking the voice of the fans.  But sometimes the vice of the fans should come from the fans.  Many felt Bosh was gone, checked out, packed and ready to go to LA, Chicago or Miami at the end of the year.  He received mixed reactions in his last appearance at the ACC, in a suit.  It was clear there was going to be hard feelings.  But from the GM?

Yes, to the casual fan, Bosh did look like a different player after the All-Star Break and his numbers dipped right along with everyone else’s.  Maybe there was something going on, Colangelo talked about it during the season and Bosh never refuted those claims.  Maybe Pat Riley, Lebron and Wade had this planned all along.  But there is nothing that can be done about that now.

Bosh couldn’t get the job done as the #1 guy and Colangelo couldn’t build a team to compliment him.  They should share the blame in this mess.

Chris Bosh will be booed upon his return to Toronto, of this I am also certain.  He was this city’s best player and he left town for nothing.  That hurts if you’re a fan.  What hurts more is that he realized what Colangelo could or would not.  Bosh isn’t a #1 player.  Bosh is off to Miami to be a #3 player behind Lebron and Dwayne Wade.  That is what burns Raptor fans up.  He was our number one, our first, our last, our everything and now he is happy to be another teams #3.  For that Bosh will hear the boos.

As for Colangelo, I think it is fair to say that the honeymoon is now over.  He came here and rebuilt this franchise from its darkest days into a perennial playoff contender and Atlantic division champions in one year.  He will now have to work his magic again.  The Raptors have once again lost their number one player, find themselves owing a lot of money to players who don’t necessarily deserve it, and don’t have the luxury of being able to tank for a high pick in this market starved for a winner.  Colangelo and his brain trust will have to put on their thinking caps or Bosh won’t be the only one getting booed this season at the ACC.

Sometimes in a divorce, both sides lose out and trying to throw the other under the bus will only help in losing the respect of the ones you truly care about: the kids, or in this case the fans.

So are you Team Bosh or Team Colangelo?  I’m thinking the way to go is Team Raptor.

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Kristoffer Pedlar

The Zan Tabak Herald

The Turkoglu Era Ends in Toronto

We knew it was going to happen eventually, although with the way deals seem to be completed in Toronto lately you never could tell, but Hedo Turkoglu is now a member of the Phoenix Suns.  It has to be a bittersweet moment for the Raptors organization as so much was expected from the Turkish forward coming into the season.

Turkoglu was coming off one of the most impressive post-seasons in recent memory and almost led his underdog Magic to an upset over the Lakers.  Hedo looked to be a perfect complement to Chris Bosh in Toronto.  Hedo could score, pass, drive and had a tendency to make players around him better.

That, of course, did not happen.

It was a rough and lonely year for Turkoglu in Toronto and his time as a Raptor has finally come to an end.

Hedo had a rough season, never really finding his groove.  He wore out his welcome with lackadaisical play and a rumoured night of partying the same day he missed a game with “flu-like symptoms”.

All of this could have been forgiven had the veteran led Toronto to a playoff berth, but he couldn’t do that.

Turkoglu’s style of game never really fit with Toronto because Chris Bosh needed the ball so much and because Jose Calderon needed o be the one to give it to him.  Turkoglu plays best when he is creating off of the dribble, but he was used more as a spot up shooter.   The marriage never seemed to work and now Colangelo has found a new suitor for the disgruntled forward.

In Phoenix Turkoglu is already getting off to a better start.  He looks happy and in good shape.  Last year he came into the year out of shape and missed parts of training camp.

He is coming to a Phoenix Suns team that is missing the backbone of its offense in Amare Stoudamire.  He also joins perennial All-Star Steve Nash.

Now if Turkoglu likes the ball in his hands he won’t get a chance to have it in his hands very often as Nash commands the ball most of the time.  However, that being said, it is apparent that Turkoglu will be a big part of their offensive plan.  If anyone can bring Turkoglu back to his days of success it is Steve Nash.

You can look at all the players that have come and gone in Phoenix and see that Nash was the common element that led to their success.  Amare, Joe Johnson, Shawn Marion, Quentin Richardson, Channing Frye, Jared Dudley, Barbosa, Boris Diaw, Raja Bell, Jason Richardson and the list goes on.  All have come to Phoenix and achieved high levels of success.  You can almost certainly add Hedo Turkoglu and Josh Childress to that group for next year.

Mark my words Hedo Turkoglu will be a different player this coming season.  He has never had a year more personally embarrassing for him and he will be determined to prove to himself and those around the league that last year was a fluke.  He will benefit from having a very creative coach at the helm and from being in the presence of an NBA player that excels on making those around him better.

Turkoglu looks to rebuild his image in Phoenix and with Steve Nash in control he just may do it.

It is a sad end to his time in Toronto and possibly poorly timed on Managements part.  Yes, it was very apparent that Turkoglu was nothing close to a fan favourite and likely would have been booed every time he touched the ball,  but this season more so than last, Turkoglu fits well with what the Raptors are trying to achieve.

Chris Bosh is gone.  Jose Calderon is likely gone.  Jarrett Jack and slew of young players will be the focal point of the offense next season.  These young players are fast and great at slashing to the basket and driving the ball.  Jarrett Jack worked fairly well with Hedo when both were on the court last season because Jack didn’t need to have the ball to be effective.  Turkoglu could have provided a great deal of veteran leadership for this young team and would have probably had the ball in his hands on many possessions.  He also plays a position that the Raptors still don’t have a starting calibre player for, unless you believe the hype on Sonny Weems.

Many fans will not miss the Turkoglu of last season, but I think fans will miss what could have been.  When chatter comes up later this season about a piece of the puzzle that is missing pundits will likely mention a forward that can handle the ball, hit open shots and control the offense.  This player was there, he just wasn’t allowed to come out and play.

The end of the Turkoglu era in Toronto needed to happen.  For the long-term it serves the Raptors by not having to pay Turkoglu for the next five years and in Leandro Barbosa the Raptors got back a player that will fit their new look offense.  But the deal serves Turkoglu even more because he will be free to be himself next year and will surely reap the benefits of playing with Nash and a coach, in Alvin Gentry, that will be able to make him work in their system.

So, best of luck to Hedo Turkoglu next year.  I have a feeling he is in for a much better season.

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Kristoffer Pedlar

The Zan Tabak Herald