Wednesday April 29 2009 - 1:33pm Eastern (Toronto, ON)
I’m going to keep this short and sweet.
One year ago today was locker clean-out day for the Raptors.
They were stumbling into the ACC … fresh off their 4-1 series loss to the Orlando Magic (similar to what the Spurs are doing today - after dropping 4-1 to the Mavs last night).
The Raps were licking their wounds from another 20/20 performance by Dwight Howard (21 points, 21 rebounds, 3 blocks) and Toronto was left wondering what maybe “could have been” had they been able to close out that game on a higher note - getting out-scored 18-10 in the final 5 minutes (after trailing by only 2) to eventually lose, 102-92.
Toronto led at the half and led by as many as 7 in the game, but when all was said and done, the Raptors fell flat.
TJ Ford - 6/14 FG - 14 points, 5 assists, 4 turnovers, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
Jose Calderon - 5/10 FG - 12 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds
Chris Bosh - 7/19 FG - 16 points, 9 rebounds
Andrea Bargnani - 2/4 FG - 4 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists (15:55 minutes)
Jason Kapono - 6/13 FG - 13 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists
Carlos Delfino - 3/11 FG - 14 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 6/6 FT
Those were some of the players that stood out for the right and wrong reasons.
A long year came to an end a year ago today.
And the year that followed was (has been) just as long.
Let’s hope Summer 2009 starts the turn-around and bigger and brighter things are to come.
E. Smith
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A 24/24 night would be absolutely unbelievable if Howard hadn’t done it before and more than a few times. Guys go off for 30 points every night but NOBODY gets 24 rebounds; it shows an absolute commitment at both ends of the floor (even if you do live in the 3 :-0 )
The nasty elbow was an intent to injure as well and SHOULD get a 1 game suspension but likely won’t.
It’s great to live in an era where we have at least 10 more years of watching Howard and LeBron.
They stand out amongst the best imo. LeBron for being the most explosive player on the court and Howard for becoming the most complete.
And neither has been arrested yet this year…
Off topic question: If Bosh went to Miami, are they a legit top 2-3 in the East and conversely, if Wade came to TO, are the Raptors?
- GaryI dare say *longer*
- DaleTop 3 for sure in my eyes - on either side
- E. SmithHey E,
- Lanny from WhitbyHas Stu Jackson lost it? The Howard foul is accurate, but Rajon!?! Are you kidding me? Yes its in the act of playing the ball but the recklessness in which he attempted that play should have been considered and suspended! In the situation why didn’t Vinny hold Miller out and let someone else take the shots? isn’t that how that rule works or am I wrong?
I agree, Eric.
But, is it possible for the Raps to have all of Wade, Bosh, Calderon and Bargnani ALL on the same roster?
I don’t see how it can happen. But, believe me, I’d love to see the four of those guys play. The only issue I have, which is always an issue for any NBA player, is Wade’s health long-term.
I wonder if his style of play will one day come back to haunt him. He is tough as nails, but I wonder if he will stand up as well as, for example, a guy like Allen Iverson.
I’m not comparing the two — I’ve always thought AI to be a complete waste of unbelievable talent and really admire Dwayne Wade’s killer instinct– but they both have similar ways of playing big out of small bodies.
I’m just really confused about how four $10 million-plus players all fit onto one roster (assuming Bargs continues to progress and signs a nice, fat contract).
- brento50 Mill for 5 players and the rest leaves for players wanting to come, sort of like Boston, you think that would work guys??
- Lanny from WhitbyThere is no excuse for the way this team has gone from a 47-35 playoff team to one that ended this season 25-40 , despite a 9-4 finish .
In baseball, there is a huge difference in payrolls. The NBA does not have that inequality as much .
Our GM is making approx $4 mill a year– ie $2000. an hour ..
Don’t you think it’s about time he earned it ?
MLSE got rid of Pat Quinn, Paul Maurice and Sam Mitchell, all who imo did their jobs far better than BC.
- Chas CalzIsn’t it about time the media stopped protecting this teflon GM?
Yet another ingenious post by the Chasmaster.
Bryan Colangelo is the most overrated, overpaid General Manager in the NBA.
Why is he paid $4 million per year? I really, truly, honestly do not get it. His moves have, generally, been either failures or neutral and his communication are close to the worst I’ve ever seen.
He is the perfect example of why a talking GM is sometimes even worse than the one who never addresses the public.
When he speaks, my tv/radio gets muted…everytime. He has absolutely nothing to say that I don’t already know…and I earn slightly less than him.
Name a similarly paid GM who has done as much damage to his team over the past two seasons.
Yes, that is a challenge.
- brentoBrento/Chas,
- TimA beer for your tears! Let’s go Raptors!
Hey Tim:
Sorry to break the news, dude…the Raps finished 20 games under .500 and missed the playoffs.
In the Eastern Conference.
I know, I know…it’s crazy…but it’s true.
Just wanted to let you know, so you can put away your Raptors flag.
- brentoMissed the playoffs? 20 games under? WHAT AN OUTRAGE! Thanks for the update Brento. I enjoy the enlightening facts you contribute.
I hope you taped your ankles when you jumped off the bandwagon. I’ll extend a hand to help you back on when things turn for the better.
- TimTim…a bandwagoner I am not!
A season seat holder for 9 years, I am!
But, that doesn’t mean I have to put up with the garbage MLSE continues to throw at fans.
You can choose to wear your happy hat from now until the Raptors finally get deep into the playoffs.
I choose accountability and commitment from an organization I’ve supported for nearly a decade.
My position has nothing to do with cheering or booing. It’s about building a winning culture and a successful organization. Since Bryan Colangelo began putting his stamp on this team, it has faded to the point it is no longer even in the discussion of which teams can make the conference final.
- brento