Thursday November 20 2008 - 5:30pm Eastern
I just finished exchanging emails with Spurs forward Matt Bonner … and I can now confirm that he’ll be on the “Hoops” show tonight at 8:25pm
Paul Jones, Jack Armstrong and I will talk to the former Raptor about an injury-riddled year thus far for San Antonio, and how the Spurs are trying to keep their heads above water in the tough Western Conference.
“Hoops” is on the FAN and Raptors TV from 7:00pm-9:00pm tonight.
VC TOO?
We’ve been in touch with the New Jersey Nets as well … in the hopes of getting Vince Carter on the air tonight. Carter was usually gracious with his time when he was a member of the Raptors, and he’s been on “Hoops” many times in the past.
If we’re not able to track him down tonight, I’ve been told we’ll have him at some point this year.
Speaking of VC and the Nets, the Raptors have to be thrilled with the win they got last night in Miami. A loss would have brought Toronto home below .500 … facing back to back games against divisional rivals. After tomorrow’s game against New Jersey, the Raps will host the Boston Celtics on Sunday.
JOSE NOT 100%
Thankfully, Jose Calderon suited-up for the Raptors last night - and his impact was immediate - as Toronto cleaned-up their turnover rate (20+ in each of the two games Calderon missed). But his return MAY come with a long-term cost.
Not to be the leader of the “sky is falling” brigade, but Calderon said before the game last night that he was at about “90%”. And he and the team trainers decided that was good enough to get him back on the floor. I’ve got no problem with that. It was the right call.
However, Lady Luck wasn’t on Toronto’s side … as Calderon appeared to tweak an ankle during the game (and possibly tweak the hammy again as well). He was walking with a noticeable limp after the ball game.
I don’t think Calderon will miss Friday’s game - or any game in the near future … unless he truly aggravates any of these injuries in a major way - but I think it’s safe to say that the Spanish guard won’t be playing at 100% anytime soon. In fact, without time to properly heal, these could be the kinds of things that linger throughout the season.
For his sake, let’s hope that’s not the case.
E. Smith
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Hey Eric just wondering where you think the raps end up in the playoffs
- Justin Jays11 games in, I don’t think anybody can make that call Justin
Before the season started, I “predicted” the Raptors to be a top 5 team in the East. I won’t back down on that now … though it’s been a bit of a rocky start thus far.
- E. SmithEric, what is your relationship with VC? How did you react back then when VC said he wanted out of Toronto?
- andrewEric,
- JoeI missed the first hour of hoops tonight. Did Jack make the suggestion that the Raps go after D.Wade in 2010? If he did, the numbers may just allow that to happen. If they could resign Bosh for $20 million, get Wade for about the same, Calderon at $8 million and resign O’Neal for $8-10 million, you could make that happen. What a backcourt that would be. It’s pure speculation for now but it would be fun to see.
What do you guys think of bringing in another established veteran point guard? I bet they wish they traded for Andre Miller. How about a guy lost in Milwaukee by the name of Richard Jefferson? Please forward this message to Jack Armstrong, you guys must love this guy. To Maurizio Gihardini, Did you bring Andrea some of his mom’s Tomato sauce from Italy?
- DreIt would never happen but could you imagine Vince taking calls from the people on “Hoops” I swear that would be must listen radio and also likely X Rated. I have been around V.C a few times from back in his time in Toronto. I have never had the hate for him that a lot do. But not many people feel that way. Still hope you get V.C on this year. I would love to hear the answer to one question. Would you EVER come back and play in Toronto and does he think that is even possible? I would love to hear the answer.
- James BorbathRaptors could use Vince right now. The nets are rebuilding let them have the number one and eat the contract. Its not like the raptors couldnt aquire vince. WHAAA! trade talk. Sorry Eric but players are traded all the time.
- Rob from BrantfordHow about the Nets wearing there reds when the whole crowd was wearing red. The Nets are public enemy number one and i hope nothing has changed because the nets are now rebuilding. I have a good hate on for the nets no matter who is wearing their uniform and how bad their team is.
- Rob from BrantfordI don’t know what your “whaa” is referring to Rob, but, okay then.
If you heard the show last night, both Jack and I (and Jonesy for that matter) actually said that Vince is exactly the kind of player Toronto could use right now
And, yes, I think the Nets (and moreso VC) will still be public enemy number 1. I don’t think it matter that they have a whole new crop of players now, as long as VC is there, most fans will still hate NJ
- E. SmithGetting a player on the phone for 5-10 minutes for an interview is hard enough, let alone getting them for an hour to take calls James! But you’re right, it would be great radio
- E. SmithAndre Miller isn’t going anywhere now, and Richard Jefferson may be lost in Milwaukee, but the Bucks gave up Yi and more to get him … so … they’ll want something ‘good’ in return for RJ (if they’d even consider dealing him)
- E. SmithAndrew
I always got along with VC. I had no problem with him and we had a good working relationship. I think he respected who I am, and the work I do. That’s probably why I was able to get the first 1 on 1 interview with him after the trade to NJ
Did I like the way he handled things in the end in T.O? Absolutely not Did I think he could have been more durable at times? Absolutely. But overall, I think there were more pros to Vince than cons.
- E. SmithI think they should sit Jose until he is 100%. If his injury gets worse you can kiss the post season goodbye.
- D12Isnt that a big problem if Jose isnt 100%? He can aggravate the injury and be out longer if he plays. What good is that for the team if if hes not 100%? Thats the reason Deron Williams has been out for 6 weeks.The team needs Jose to be fully healthy and play at his max level. He really shouldnt be playing but it hurts me to say it since Solomon and Ukic are awful.
- avi