Tonight’s starters:

F – Jason Kapono
F – Chris Bosh
C – Andrea Bargnani
G – Anthony Parker
G – TJ Ford

INACTIVE:  Maceo Baston, Jamario Moon, Darrick Martin

F – Andre Iguodala
F – Reggie Evans
C – Samuel Dalembert
G – Willie Green
G – Andre Miller

Be sure to tune in at 7pm for play by play action with Paul Jones and me.  We’ll have full post-game coverage as well … right up until 11pm.

Folks heading down to the ACC tonight will get more than just the Sixers and Raptors.

Prior to tonight’s tip … a number of 2006-07 awards will be handed out.

Sam Mitchell and Bryan Colangelo will each be presented with their respective Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year awards by “The Sporting News”.

Chris Bosh will receive his “2ND Team All-NBA” award.

And Jorge Garbajosa and Andrea Bargnani will be honoured for their “1ST Team All-Rookie” selections.

Be sure to catch all of the action on the FAN 590 beginning at 7pm.  Paul Jones and I will have all of the action – including post-game coverage til 11pm.

E. Smith
ericsmithfan590@yahoo.com

For the first time in team history, the Raptors will open up a season as the defending Atlantic Division champs … and I think they’ve got a legit shot at defending that title.  Granted, the division formerly-known-as the “Titanic” has done a 1-80 in less than 6 months … but Toronto still has one thing going for them that Boston, New Jersey, New York and Philly maybe can’t claim:  Chemistry.

Yes, Garnett, Pierce, and Allen have looked sharp in Boston during the pre-season.  Yes, Kidd, Carter, and Jefferson (along with Magloire, Nachbar, and Kristic) help form a pretty solid core for Jersey.  But neither team compares to the Raptors in my eyes — and I’m not even going to bother throwing the Knicks or Sixers into the mix.

Toronto’s greatest asset this season may be their familiarity.  Carlos Delfino, Jamario Moon, Maceo Baston, and Jason Kapono are fresh on the scene for the Raps … but the guts of this team are the same.  One year ago we all were wondering how TJ Ford would look on his new team; if Anthony Parker could bring his Euro success back to the NBA; and how newcomers like Jorge Garbajosa and top-pick Andrea Bargnani would adjust to life (and basketball) on this side of the pond.

However, this season it’s different.  We’re now talking about division championships and 50-win seasons?  We’re talking about guys knowing each other’s games.  Players know their teammates’  tendencies and likes and dislikes.  And maybe more important than anything else … Sam Mitchell knows his players – knows their strengths – and he understands that he can lean on his guys to take some personal responsibility themselves … knowing what the coach wants, what he expects, and what has become the style of play for the Raptors to live by.

Basically, the foundation has been built.  The mission statement has been written.

And with a potent starting 5 – Kapono, Chris Bosh, Bargnani, Parker, and Ford – teams should be scrambling to figure out how they’ll slow down this quietly-building storm.

E. Smith
ericsmithfan590@yahoo.com

I’m honestly not a big fan of “predictions”.  From injuries to attitudes; chemistry to colds … there are so many factors that can make or break a team’s season or a broadcaster’s prognostications.  And if you’re a fan, what do you care?  You’re going to go down to the ACC or tune in to your TV/Radio … and support the Raps either way. 

That said, I’ve received a ton of emails from folks wanting to know what I think of ESPN, SI, etc. – and what my “picks” would be.  So, reluctantly, here it goes:

ATLANTIC DIVISION:
It’ll be a 3-way dog-fight between the Raptors, Nets, and Celtics.  Philly is a distant 5TH and the Knicks aren’t ready for primetime yet.  In the end, I think the lack of overall depth will hurt the Celts.  Thus, it’s a toss-up between the Raptors and Nets.  But I’m not convinced that Jason Kidd’s back will hold up all year so I’m sticking with the “to be the champ, you have to beat the champ” theory.
Raptors: 50-32

CENTRAL DIVISION:
Cleveland will miss Varejao BIG TIME.  Detroit is still solid, and they could be very dangerous in the post-season.  Milwaukee is better, if healthy … but not good enough for the playoffs … and Indiana’s best days are behind them.  This division is there for the Bulls’ taking.  Even without Kobe Bryant, Chicago may be the best team in the conference.
Bulls:  55-27

SOUTHEAST DIVISION:
You still have to respect the Heat – with Shaq and a rejuvenated Ricky Davis.  But how long can they go on – and keep their head above water – without D-Wade?  I was ready to give the Bobcats a ton of love this year, but losing May and Morrison knocks them down a few pegs again.  I’m from the show-me state when it comes to the Hawks … so until they can prove they can win – CONSISTENTLY – I can’t pick them for ANYTHING.  The Wizards will only go as far as Gilbert Arenas’ knee(s) take them, and thus, the division belongs to Stan Van and his cast of merry Magic.  Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis will be dangerous!
Magic:  52-30

EASTERN CHAMPS: Chicago Bulls

—–

SOUTHWEST DIVISION:
This is the best division in basketball.  The Atlantic is MUCH improved.  The Central is solid too.  But with Memphis likely coming back from their deadly, brutal season … the case can be made that four teams could make the playoffs from the Southwest.  Dallas won’t win 67 games again but they’ll still snag 55 or more and the Rockets have finally broken-free from the Van Gundy restraints!  Hopefully Yao can get up and down the floor!  New Orleans is decent, but clearly the worst of the 5 … and the Spurs are the same team that won their fourth championship in 9 years last season!
Spurs:  60-22.

MIDWEST DIVISION:
If it’s not Denver or Utah, somebody did something very, very wrong!  Portland can still scare a few teams because of Brandon Roy alone.  But he’s not good enough to make them a division contender.  Ditto for Durant in Seattle.  Those two teams will fight with the T-Wolves for ‘worst in the division’ … and my bet may be on Minny after they picked up the distraction known as Antoine Walker.  Utah won’t catch anybody by surprise anymore and the Nuggets may be better than advertised if K-Mart can stay healthy following yet another surgery.
Nuggets:  50-32

PACIFIC DIVISION:
Even if Kobe Bryant sticks it out with the Lakers, they’re not the division champs.  Post-season potential?  Maybe.  But they’re not winning this division.  I’m expecting the Warriors to take a bit of a step back (hey, they got rid of my boy Troy Murphy!) and the Kings are going to get crowned more often than not.  The Clippers appear to be the Clippers again … unless Elton Brand can come back early and save this team following a major, major injury.  Phoenix should run and hide with this thing.
Suns:  62-20

WESTERN CHAMPS:  San Antonio Spurs

—–

NBA CHAMPIONS:  San Antonio Spurs

E. Smith
ericsmithfan590@yahoo.com

7       Andrea Bargnani    
9       Maceo Baston              
4       Chris Bosh                   
8       Jose Calderon              
20      Carlos Delfino              
3       Juan Dixon                   
11      T.J. Ford                      
15      Jorge Garbajosa         
14      Joey Graham                
43      Kris Humphries            
24      Jason Kapono             
2       Darrick Martin             
33      Jamario Moon (R)
12      Rasho Nesterovic         
18      Anthony Parker            

Farewell to now-former-Raptors-swingman, Luke Jackson.  It would seem like the writing has been on the wall for at least a few days now, but Jackson was a pro right til the end, working hard in practice and trying to stay positive around his teammates.  

It’s a tough break for Jackson … given that he came to Toronto towards the end of last season … thinking the he had finally found a home!  He played sparingly down the stretch but clearly proved his value by having the team lock him up at the end of the year.  But when off-season moves were made – with the Raps acquiring Carlos Delfino from the Pistons and signing Jason Kapono away from the Heat, Jackson was suddenly pushed down the depth chart again.

And then came Jamario Moon.  27-years-old, and having bounced around every basketball league imaginable, nobody (including Jackson I’m sure) really thought Moon would have the kind of impact on the Raps that he did during training camp and the pre-season.  He proved his value.  He hustles.  He rebounds.  He blocks shots, and he cleans the dust from the rafters with his extreme vert and athleticism.  That overall package — and the fact that he plays a different ’style’ than Jason Kapono and Anthony Parker (even Joey Graham) … something Jackson couldn’t say/do — made Moon a chip worth betting on. 

Selfishly, I enjoyed my time with Luke Jackson.  He was always approachable, and he’s a very down-to-earth guy.  I wish him all the best, and hope he can catch on with an NBA team – which is always tough to do at this late stage of the game … when teams are all trimming their rosters and trying to get set for the regular season. 

E. Smith
ericsmithfan590@yahoo.com  

Luke Jackson has been waived by the Toronto Raptors.

More details to come shortly

By: David Alter

The Raptors have decided that they have seen enough performance in Joey Graham to exercise the 4th year option on his current contract. Head Coach Sam Mitchell says Joey has earned it and praised Joey for being a key part in the Raptors performance down the stretch last season. “I think Joey has earned it, in the last 16 games of last season he averaged something like 16 points, and 8 rebounds while shooting over 50% from the field.” Combined with his performance during the pre-season, Joey was rewarded with some security.
Joey says he’s happy to be around, and isn’t worried about being in the starting lineup. “Last season, as a team, there wasn’t a big drop off between the starters and bench players, and the lineups changed everyday.” It’s expected that Jason Kapono will likely occupy a starting spot in place of Joey Graham when the Raps open the season on Wednesday against the Sixers.

As of this writing (3:50pm eastern on October the 29th), no word has come out as to who will be cut from the team as the Raptors have until 6pm to trim their roster down 15 players. With one cut to make, it is likely that it will be either Luke Jackson or newcomer Jamario Moon. Earlier in the day Sam Mitchell said a decision has already been made but we (the media) will find out when a release is distrubuted later in the day. One move could see Moon be sent down the D-League in an effort to keep Jackson. Luke Jackson is not eligible to be sent to the D-League.

Following back-to-back blowout wins over the Cavs and Wizards, Sam Mitchell gave the Raptors the day off on Saturday.  Thus, I guess I’m off too.  I was ready to work – and breakdown what might be coming up for the Raps this weekend – but I’m ‘stuck’ looking for a new car instead (my lease is up).

We’ll get back at it on Sunday or Monday as we try to figure out who might make the final cut (Toronto has to trim their roster by one player) or if Bryan Colangelo is able to swing a deal. 

For those starved for all-things-Raptor … head on down to the ACC on Sunday for the annual open practice – “FAN FEST” – brought to you by the FAN 590.  Doors open at 1pm, and the festivities run between 2pm-4pm.  Best of all, it’s *FREE*. 

Have a good one folks,
E. Smith

ericsmithfan590@yahoo.com

For the second straight night, the folks at the ACC witnessed a Raptor blowout … as Toronto demolished the Washington Wizards, 98-64.

The Raps jumped on the Wiz early, never looking back … en route to the 34-point thrashing. 

Andrea Bargnani led the charge for Toronto with 17 points and 8 rebounds (both ‘team’ and ‘game’ highs), and TJ Ford notched another solid night with 8 assists and 0 turnovers in 22:19 minutes.  That’s 21 assists and only 2 turnovers in the past two games combined.

Chris Bosh suited-up for the second straight night as well – showing little-to-no ill effects of his left knee issues – tallying 8 points on  4 of 5 shooting … with 3 rebounds and 0 turnovers in 16:36 minutes.

Toronto’s offence looks scary folks – with Bosh, Bargnani, and Ford out there with snipers Anthony Parker and Jason Kapono.  Ford can score, but he won’t need to this year with that 4some around him.  If he can accept that new ‘role’ – distributing and doing the little things – the Raps will be a nightmare for a lot of opposing clubs.  And based on the assist-to-turnover stat I threw out just a moment ago, it seems like he’s already buying-in!

The Raptors finish the pre-season 5-2 and they’ve got a chance to rest up and get ready for 4-5 days to get set for the regular season – opening next Wednesday with Toronto hosting the Philadelphia 76ers.

E. Smith
ericsmithfan590@yahoo.com

Gilbert Arenas will not play tonight.  Whether this has anything to do with his left knee being drained last week … is anyone’s guess.  But he did suit up in Washington’s last game on – on Wednesday – a 104-85 loss to the Detroit Pistons.

It could simply be a case of letting a star player sit out the final pre season game.  Why risk further injury or reaggravation?  The Wizards don’t play again until next Wednesday, when they open up the regular season in Indiana.  So that’ll give Agent Zero almost 5 full days of rest. 

Tonight’s starters:
F – Jason Kapono
F – Chris Bosh
C – Andrea Bargnani
G – Anthony Parker
G – TJ Ford

F – Caron Butler
F – Antawn Jamison
C – Brendan Haywood
G – Deshawn Stevenson
G – Antonio Daniels

Thanks,
E. Smith

ericsmithfan590@yahoo.com