Thursday April 16 2009 - 12:15pm Eastern (Toronto, ON)
RE: If he’s had a chance to sit down with Bryan Colangelo yet
“We’ve only talked briefly. We haven’t had a chance to sit down and talk about everything (yet).”
RE: What he will talk to Colangelo about
“See where we can get better. See where I can get better.”
RE: His thoughts on the season right now
“I think we had a good run in the last part of the season. It took a while for us to gel … but once we got the confidence … we played better basketball.”
“It’s been a very tough year. We would have liked to have a better record - and make the playoffs - but that didn’t happen. Every year is a growing year - and this one too.”
RE: Looking ahead to the team next year and if improvements are needed
“I think we need to get better with the talent that we have - that’s first and foremost. I think we can take that responsibility as individuals. And just come together as a team.”
RE: If there’s a component missing from this current team
“It’s hard for me to say that right now - ’cause we won most of our games down the stretch.”
RE: Thoughts on Colangelo as a GM
“Bryan has a vision for the big picture and that’s why he’s a professional at what he does.”
“He’s done a good job … and you just learn from things and move forward.”
RE: Thoughts on Jay Triano and what he’d say to Colangelo about Triano
“Jay did a good job. He always had positive vibes. He loves the game of basketball and he knows what he’s doing. He really has a knack for basketball and everyone else is comfortable with him.”
RE: His status with the Raptors next year and what he can say to the fans
“I plan on being here next year. I understand how things go, but if I haven’t said anything then everyone is being skeptical. Until I say something or something happens - you can’t worry.”
“I’m just worried about the summer right now. I finally have some time to rest. I’m here right now - and this is where I want to be. This is where I want to play basketball.”
“All the contract talks and everything - I’ll just put that to the side and focus on what I can do to get better.”
RE: If anything this year (finishing 33-49) changed his mind about maybe sticking long-term with T.O.
“No. Not at all.”
RE: The possibility of signing an extension this summer
“I don’t know if we’re even going to discuss that. I don’t know … what he’s going to bring to the table with me. That’s something we may want to talk about.”
RE: Would he ask to get out of Toronto …
“No. I’m not going to demand a trade this summer.”
RE: What this team needs for next year and future years …
“I just want to see progress. I want to have good, hard workers. That’s really all we need.”
RE: Thoughts on Shawn Marion
“I would like to see him back - I would like to see him play basketball. He’s easy to play with. He’s always in the right place at the right now; he just knows how to play basketball.”
RE: Why free agents should want to come to Toronto
“So they can win basketball games and play with me.”
E. Smith
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FYI folks … these are direct quotes. However, they’re not always “full” quotes. I can only type so fast! So don’t read into things too much if answers are short - or not as “in depth”. Chances are, the players said much more than what I’ve typed — I just couldn’t keep up. I’m not a court stenographer!
- E. SmithGood luck CB over the Summer, let’s hope that BC pulls off some minor surprises and builds more talent into the Raps - totally agree with Bosh that they need a work ethic (esp defence) and high basketball IQ.
It’s interesting to hear today that Kevin Garnett may be gone for the playoffs. I remember when the “big trades” went down for Boston, all the talk was
1/ how to keep all the egos/demands for the ball in check
2/ Was the supporting cast/bench strong enough?
3/ As these guys were aging, could they keep up over the long haul?
Maybe the first cracks are showing, wear and tear on Pierce, Allen and Garnett?
-although it hasn’t shown the last few weeks, they’ll be even more hard pressed to knock Cleveland/Orlando out.
- GaryGreat questions! Eric
Hope CB stays next year and I think POP’s might stay right? Because he wants hard workers! And notice that he said that Bryan.C and Jay.T are good understandably.
- Raps FanGreat piece Eric - exc info!
- Tom (Toronto)Good job Eric with the questions and getting the answers about Bosh`s intentions.
- - Another Raps FanDon’t forget to check out “Hoops” tonight from 7-9pm
LIVE on Raptors TV and on Fan590.com
- E. SmithHey Eric,
Doug Smith on HOOPS indicated that it was not possible for Bosh to sign an
extension this off-season.
I’m pretty sure he’s wrong, as even Colangelo discussed
doing it.
Marshall
- MarshallWhy does Chris Bosh say that he “wants to watch Shawn Marion play basketball” and that “he just knows how to play basketball”?
To begin with, what else would he want to watch Marion play? Tennis?
And, second, why wouldn’t Marion know how to play basketball? He is an former NBA all-star who earns millions of dollars per year.
Of course he knows how to play basketball…sheesh…
- brentoMarshall,
- SteveCheck out the NBAPA site for contract info. Players can sign an extension 3 years after their last extension - so Bosh can sign one this summer - if he wants too!
Thanks Steve,
- MarshallI was pretty sure that was the case.
I think Doug Smith could stand to do a bit more research before making definitive statements on this sort of thing.