5:10pm Eastern
* BRYAN COLANGELO
How do you look back at this season, right now?
“It’s a constant process of evaluating of where we are … Let’s face it, season-long we have needed to address certain things and I’m not sure that we ever did. And let’s start with the absence of (Jorge) Garbajosa. Not having that component on this team - that savvy and experience … made it difficult.”
“So what do we do today? We sit down and have exit interviews with the players … But today it’s far too early to make any rash decisions on who is going to be here and who is not going to be here.”
“We need to address defense and rebounding areas … a 20-point scorer … We need to get some more help for Chris Bosh … to help shoulder some of that burden.”
“My biggest disappointment is that we didn’t get better.”
Thoughts on the job Sam Mitchell did …
“All things should be put to rest right now. I have absolutely no plans to make a coaching change right now.”
“Nobody’s saying it’s all Sam Mitchell’s fault. Nobody’s saying it’s all Bryan Colangelo’s fault. Nobody’s saying it’s all Andrea Bargnani’s fault. It’s a collective effort in everything we do.”
“He’s the coach of this basketball team.”
His thoughts on TJ Ford and Jose Calderon and the fact that Ford said “I want to be a starter”, while Calderon said “I just want to win” …
“This is not a new issue. It’s an issue that’s been talked about quite a bit. I don’t blame (TJ) and I applaud the fact that that’s his position.
“It’s a very safe assumption that Jose will be back in a Raptors uniform next season.”
“We’ve got a problem that needs to be resolved and it will be resolved in time.”
“You know I don’t like to sit on my hands in terms of trying to improve our basketball team … whether or not they include TJ Ford going to another team - or anybody else - it all needs to play out.”
Thoughts on Andrea Bargnani’s struggles in his second season …
“He’s a young player with a tremendous amount of upside. For everyone that is ready to throw him out with the bath water, I beg to differ. He’s a 22 year old young kid who is making his way in the league.
“We need to do a better job of nurturing what we have - not just Andrea - but the entire team.”
On whether or not Garbajosa will suit-up for Spain this summer if he’s declared fit/healthy …
“I think it’s a pretty safe assumption that he will not be playing in the Olympics if he’s under contract with us.”
On the fans … and how fired-up they are right now about the Raptors’ disappointing year:
“I prefer that they’re anxious and not unresponsive”
E. Smith
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Garbo- lies lies lies He will solve our rebounding problem?
His legendary year
28 min per game
42% from field
34% behind 3
73% foul line
4.9 rebounds per game
1.9 assist per game
8.5 points per game
This is the performance that would have saved this season.
- MilesGive me a break. The myth is great the numbers talk.
Miles I think your missing the point. Colangelo said “the absence of (Jorge) Garbajosa. Not having that component on this team - that savvy and experience”. Success in sports is not always about the numbers. Ask the Spurs about the intangibles Bowen brings. Look at Reggie Evans in Philly. Garbo is not needed for gawudy stats but as a leader, defender and toughness both physically and mentally.
- AlessioI agree miles, Garbo is a nice piece but a great solution to the teams flaws is rediculous. He wasn’t the main reason the 06/07 season went well. It went well because Bargnani had a pretty good rookie season, Calderon took a major leap forward and Bosh had a career year.
I hope Colangelo doesn’t pin next years improvment of the Raps on Garbo.He was missed as a character guy, but he’s no saviour.
- jeffLies, damn lies, and statistics. You just keep going with the numbers, Miles, but tell me, how many titles have numbers won? And how many NBA games have you managed your team to? Apparently way more than BC, so you have every right to talk. Problem is, talk like that and nobody will listen.
And please point out where ANYONE made reference to the “Myth” of Garbo?
- TabberNumbers do not always express everything Miles, Garb definately would have helped on the defensive end altering shots, taking charges, etc. I’m not saying he is the saviour but he definately could have helped the Raps improve some of the games this season.
- ScottGarbo,
i find it interesting that Bryan C admitted losing GARBO was part of the problem as it was him and i assume Maricio G that let him play and look what happened ! A lawsuit against the SPANISH ASSOCIATION and a player who will problay will never be able to play to the same level as he was rushed in his recovery to play for his country !
Kevin
- kevin brown