Sunday December 28 2008 - 10:15am Eastern
Our pre-game show was cancelled last night after the Marlies game ran long (due to a long delay in the first period - when a piece of glass was broken and needed to be replaced).
Thus, you missed out on a very candid interview I had with Raptors television analyst (and FAN 590 host), Jack Armstrong.
I received a number of emails the other day … asking me for my opinion on Jack’s stance RE: Andrea Bargnani and why “The Coach” seems to be talking-up / defending the big man so much of late.
That was news to me; I obviously don’t hear Jack very much … given that I’m on the radio at the same time … calling the games with Jonesy.
And while I agree with the basic premise that Jack has — that Andrea still has it in him to be a solid player — I went to the man himself and asked him to explain the statements that have apparently riled-up a bunch of you in Raptorland!
Check out the link below for my chat with Jack and be sure to tune-in tomorrow at 10:00pm for the pre-game show of the Raptors and Warriors on the FAN. The tip-off goes just after 10:30pm
E. Smith
Click here to subscribe to Smith's blog
Andrea Bargnani, Potential,Potential, im sick about hearing about this kid. Maybe on another Team he might blossom later in his career, but for now the Raptors need consistency at the 2 and 3Spots on this Team. The Wings we have are Garbage. We need a Big/A Veteran guy that knows his Role, to come off the bench,score/rebound/play tough and Do his job. Hump needs more Minutes he brings what this Team is lacking off the bench and again Bargnani eats into those Minutes. It’s time to make a trade this Team needs better Perimeter players. Sam Mitchell was right, Colangelo was still strong on this lineup, he didn’t want to hear the Truth. But the Truth is obvious Now,that these players aren’t good enough….
- roscoAfter hearing Jack’s comments on Bargnani, it was a very limited endorsement .
- Chas CalzI don’t think most NBA experts would consider Bargnani a good 1st overall pick .. Many would say it was a major blunder by Colangelo.
Hopefully Bargnani continues to improve and becomes a valuable role player for Raps ..
We have no hope unless the Bosh- O’Neal tandum leads us to the playoffs by being supportive team leaders imo.
In one sequence in the game b4 last, I watched Bargnani slam one home under the rim, run back and make an athletic block and down the other end for a long 3.
He’s youngn still gangly and still learning. Why do we all know it takes NHL goalies longer to mature but not NBA big men???
He’s hard to watch some days as I wish he was a bit more mentally tough but if he’s traded, there will be regrets as he matures.
He just needs 3 things:
- Garytime, patience and not to have been selected number one…
I like Jack but he is making excuses for Bargs. The fact that Bargs was selected 1st overall means that he should work just as hard, if not harder, than Roy and Aldridge to prove that he was deserving of the 1st overall selection. I am not necessarily looking for points with Bargs, but rebounds and hustle plays when those points aren’t there, and since he does not do that, he is a liability on the ball court. Too often, I see Bargs standing around being a reactionary player instead of an initiator. In year 3 if you haven’t figured it out yet its time he figure it out on another team before we lose another near franchise type player in Bosh.
- O.J.