Saturday August 2 2008 - 9:00am Eastern
I was hosting the afternoon show yesterday - the 1:00pm-4:00pm slot formerly known as “The Chuck Swirsky Show” - and I had a chance to hook up with Raptors swingman Jamario Moon.
If you’re interested in hearing the interview, you can click on the Audio On Demand section of the main page of this website.
Anyway, Moon had some bold words on the airwaves on Friday … when he told me that he believes the Raps are now the #2 team in the Eastern Conference … behind only the Boston Celtics. He believes the acquisition of Jermaine O’Neal has vaulted Toronto ahead of teams like Detroit, Orlando, and Cleveland … at least on paper.
Moon said the biggest thing that stands out for him RE: O’Neal joining the team … is the big man’s defence, low post scoring and attitude. His presence alone - according to Moon - will make teams think twice about strolling down the lane. The 1-2 punch of O’Neal and Chris Bosh should provide some D this town hasn’t seen in quite some time.
Whether or not Toronto truly is the 2nd best team in the East is a moot point right now; the fact that Moon believes it is all that matters. It’s that kind of confidence that he - and his teammates - will need when Training Camp opens in about 8 weeks. If you believe in yourself and believe as a team, you’re already halfway there.
Other than his thoughts on O’Neal and the Raptors overall, Moon told me he’s spent most of his summer playing ball every day - either in workouts or pick up games - and lifting weights. Apparently Sam Mitchell told Moon to work on getting stronger this summer so Moon is pumping a little iron. I’m not sure if we’ll be seeing a pose-down with Joey Graham anytime soon though!
E. Smith
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I think Raps are the 4th best behind Boston, Detorit and Orlando. Good to see Moon’s confidence though.
- Beburg aka The 88mph manIt would be awesome if we could somehow fuse Joey and Moon together into one player.
- AndrewLOL, POSE DOWN. That being said as long as Jamario is winning on basketball court that is all that matters. 2nd in the East? Perhaps all the lifting has made Jamario a bit light headed. I hope he is right but that seems a tad bit optimistic to me at this point. But players should think that way I guess. As long as it drives them to play hard. Which in Moon’s case I don’t worry about that.
- James Borbathwhy not think the raps can be 2nd? if jo can stay healthy and everyone does what they are best for….contenders for a championship is a high possibility
- JenkinI have taken a wait and see approach. The first thing you said was IF, so that is why I have taken the approach I have. There are a few more IF’s beyond J.O.
- James BorbathHey, how about Olojuwan and Antonio Davis down low…They were tough!
- Sean H