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Close Calls & Calderon
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012
Wednesday February 22 2012 – 4:08pm Eastern – Toronto, ON
There is NO denying that the Raptors’ last game – a home loss to Charlotte – SHOULD have been a win. When you’re on your home floor and you’ve been playing well against higher-end, playoff teams like Boston (whom they beat), LA, New York, and San Antonio…you have to jump on a Bobcats team that had lost 16 in a row before coming to Toronto. That was a bad loss for Dwane Casey and company. But at the end of the day, the Raptors last 7 losses (they’ve won only once in 8 games) have come by a combined total of only 34 points. That’s less than 5 points per game. Yes, a loss is a loss, and some could argue that there are no ‘moral victories’ when you’re losing, but those in ‘Tank Nation’ (which I’m NOT a part of) might disagree with you – they’d say it’s games like these that are perfect for Toronto…compete and entertain, but don’t win.
Feb 17 vs Charlotte (-7)
Feb 15 vs San Antonio (-7)
Feb 14 vs New York (-3)
Feb 12 vs LA Lakers (-2)
Feb 8 vs Milwaukee (-6)
Feb 6 @ Washington (-3 in OT)
Feb 5 @ Miami (-6)
One of the biggest reasons why Toronto has been able to hang tight in a lot of these games is the offensive production from veteran point guard, Jose Calderon. Normally more reserved offensively, Calderon has picked up his scoring while not seeing a major drop-off in his assist totals as well. He’s still playing the role of the ultimate (sure-handed / low-turnover) distributor…while consistently knocking down open jumpers when coming off screens, etc.
Over the last 5 games, the ‘Ocho Special’ (a term we’ve dubbed on the FAN radio broadcasts for years) is putting up some lofty totals:
PPG – 20.4
ASST – 9.6
T/O – 1.6
FG% – 60.3
3PT FG% – 58.8
Calderon’s solid play has led many to think that Bryan Colangelo could be entertaining offers for his Spanish guard. And teams MAY be calling. But while I see that ‘sell high’ mentality, I don’t know if Calderon is going anywhere. The question has to be asked: What would you do without Jose and who is the future point guard of this team?
Jerryd Bayless’ contract was NOT extended by the Raptors prior to the deadline earlier this season. Thus, Bayless will become a restricted free agent at the end of the year. Toronto will still hold his rights but there are questions about whether the Arizona product is in the Raps’ long-term plans. He’s a good combo guard with decent defensive skills and an edgy competitive nature as well. He’s simply a ‘good guy’ as well. But whether or not Bayless is an every-day starting point guard remains very-much ‘undecided’ right now.
Anthony Carter, simply, is a veteran guard on a 1-year deal. He’s not part of the future (may not even be a part of ‘next year’).
In 2012-13, Calderon will be entering into the final year of his contract. If Colangelo was to deal him NOW…there’s no denying that Toronto would be shedding $10 million from the payroll for next year (and what’s left of this year as well) but who would run the point?
Short-term, I suppose you’d ‘get by’ with Bayless and Carter (and even find spot-duty for Leandro Barbosa and Gary Forbes) but what would the long-term answer be? Ask yourself THAT question while factoring into the equation the idea that no college point guard is currently ranked or projected in the Top 10 (maybe even Top 15) for the 2012 NBA Draft in June.
Yes, the Raptors will have a whack of cash to spend on Free Agents this summer (and/or next summer)…but convincing a TOP point guard to come to Toronto after (likely) 4 straight seasons on the outside of the post-season will not be easy. Colangelo and his management team will have a lot of work to do IF Calderon has already been moved and there is a vacancy at the point that must be filled ASAP.
Keep in mind…most of the ‘notable’ free agent PG’s this summer include a TON of veterans like Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, Andrea Miller and Kirk Hinrich. Unrestricted options like Deron Williams do exist, but how realistic is it to think he’ll land with the Raptors? And would Toronto be happy with other UFA’s like Raymond Felton or Jonny Flynn?
Keeping Calderon, for now, may be the best option while the Raps try to sift through the trade market over the next 12-18 months.
Time will tell!
Paul Jones and I are on the air at 7pm tonight with the Raptors and Pistons…and we’ll have full post-game coverage (on ‘The Rap’) until 11pm.
Have a good one.
E. Smith
Sweet. 16…See Ya
Friday, February 17th, 2012
Friday February 17 2012 – 11:49pm Eastern – Toronto, ON
You saw it coming.
Try to say you didn’t!
That’s not an excuse — Toronto should have protected the home floor against a 3-26 team, NO doubt — but it’s a fact. You know a letdown was coming at SOME point after strong games (in spite of the W or L) against Boston, LA, New York, and San Antonio.
The Raptors fell to 0-9 when trailing at the half at home this year…losing to the Bobcats, 98-91. Paul Jones and I break it down:
Game Highlights:
D.J. Augustin:
The Rap:
We’ll both now enjoy some time with family and friends (and sprinkle-in some work too, no doubt!) before getting back on the air NEXT WEDNESDAY when the Raptors host the Pistons.
Have a good one folks.
E. Smith
Cat Nap
Friday, February 17th, 2012
Friday February 17 2012 – 12:01pm Eastern – Toronto, ON
On the post-game show on Wednesday evening (on Sportsnet 590), Paul Jones and I were chatting about the current home-stand for the Raptors and how T.O. has managed to win only 1 game (out of 5) thus far. But the total combined number for their margin of defeat is only 18 points.
TV stat man, John Rusin, took it even further …
If the final two road games before this 7-game stop at the ACC were included — in Miami and Washington — the number would sit at 27 (total). That equates to the Raptors losing their last 6 games by an average of exactly 4.5 points.
vs San Antonio: -7
vs New York: -3
vs LA Lakers: -2
vs Milwaukee: -6
@ Washington: -3 (OT)
@ Miami: -6
Toronto will hope to “get off the schnide” tonight against the Bobcats. Charlotte has lost an incredible 16 games in a row…sitting at just 3-26 overall this season.
It wasn’t long ago that many believed the Cats – with a move here and there – could solidify themselves as, at the very least, a consistent 6th-to-8th-seed-contender in the Eastern Conference. But moves (see: Stephen Jackson, Gerald Wallace, and more), money, and injuries have buried the Bobcats and a top pick in the 2012 Draft is the only thing in Charlotte’s path now.
As bad as their THREE victories are, the Bobcats have only 1 win on the road this season (1-15). With, basically, half of their road sked already in the books, the math is simple: They’re on pace for 2 wins away from home this season. And if that goes down, Kemba Walker and Company will go down in history:
Worst Road Records – All Time
Baltimore, 1953-54: 0-20
Sacramento, 1990-91: 1-40
Washington, 2010-11: 1-30
Philadelphia, 1952-53: 1-28
Finally, speaking of Walker, there were many people who believed the Raptors would reach out and select the UCONN guard during last June’s Draft (before they ultimately decided on Jonas Valanciunas at #5). In fact, some felt Toronto had their eyes on another player that ended up landing with the Bobcats as well, Bismack Biyombo.
But none of that happened…and Charlotte was happy to have the depth in the back and front courts with those two additions. And Walker is having a solid season in his rookie campaign, in spite of his TEAM’S struggles:
Rookie Points 13.1 3RD
Rookie Assists 3.6 3RD
Rookie Rebounds 4.0 13TH
Rookie Minutes 29.3 5TH
Paul Jones and I will have the call of the game tonight beginning at 7pm … and we’ll stay on the air ’til 11pm with full post-game coverage on “The Rap”.
Have a good one!
E. Smith
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Don’t forget…tonight is FAN NIGHT at the ACC. There will be discounts on merchandise, give-aways, and much more … including a special halftime performance from Grammy Award Winners (from the 90′s): NAUGHTY BY NATURE
http://youtu.be/GaXb1G93KDo
Battled But Beaten
Wednesday, February 15th, 2012
Wednesday February 15 2012 – 11:52pm Eastern – Toronto, ON
As they did against the Lakers and Knicks … the Raptors battled the Spurs and refused to give-in to the #2 seed in the Western Conference. But at the end of the night, San Antonio led from opening tip to final buzzer and handed Toronto its 3rd straight loss.
Paul Jones and I break it all down in our latest video recap:
For more on the game, click on the audio links below…
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Game highlights:
Download – Spurs at Raptors
“The Rap” (SN590 Raptors post-game show) with special appearances by former Raptor, Jerome Williams and “The Coach” Jack Armstrong.
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For more coverage of the Raptors and the NBA, be sure to tune in to “HOOPS” at 7pm on Thursday night.
Have a good one folks
E. Smith
The Big Fundamental
Wednesday, February 15th, 2012
Wednesday February 15 2012 – 3:17pm Eastern – Toronto, ON
Remember how Tim Duncan was supposed to be on the decline; only seeing his numbers drop with every month and year that went by and got tacked onto his age?
Well, after starting the season slowly for the Spurs, Duncan has dipped his toe in the Fountain of Youth at the best possible time…..helping San Antonio reel-off 8-straight wins while putting up numbers THIS MONTH that exceed and/or come close to his career averages (including, currently, 5 straight double-doubles):
DUNCAN IN 2011-2012:
Points Rebounds
December 9.0 6.0
January 13.8 7.8
February 17.6 11.7
(His career average is 20.4 PPG and 11.3 REB).
The veteran big man has proven to be quite durable over the years as well. Prior to this season, Duncan played in 75 or more games in 10 of his 14 seasons (and all 50 during the shortened season in 1998-1999). The 3 remaining campaigns in question? 74…69…and 66 games played respectively. This season he has appeared in 28 of 29 games and the Spurs sit atop the Southwest Division (#2 overall in the Western Conference) with a 20-9 record.
Duncan has 18 blocks and 10 steals during this 8-game winning streak, and perhaps it’s San Antonio’s new attention to DEFENCE that has turned things around for Gregg Popovich:
SAN ANTONIO 2011-12:
1ST 21 games Last 8 games
Record 12-9 8-0
Opp PPG 95.6 87.4
Opp FG% 45.9 42.3
Rebounds 41.2 43.5
Blocks 4.19 5.25
Paul Jones and I will be on the air at 7pm tonight with all of the action. We’ll have full post-game coverage as well (“The Rap”) ’til 11pm.
Have a good one
E. Smith
That’s LINcredible
Wednesday, February 15th, 2012
Wednesday February 15 2012 – 2:36am Eastern – Toronto, ON
Paul Jones and Eric Smith break down a WILD night at the ACC last night; heroics from the Knicks and poster-boy-of-the-moment, Jeremy Lin.
Game highlights:
Iman Shumpert – post game interview on the FAN w/ Smith and Jones:
“The Rap” post game show (10pm-11pm with phone-ins, etc (with Smith and Jones)):
We’ll be back on the air later tonight for the tip-off of the Raptors and Spurts. 7pm tip off on Sportsnet 590 the FAN. Full post-game coverage on “The Rap” ’til 11pm.
Have a good one folks.
E. Smith
VaLINtine’s Day
Tuesday, February 14th, 2012
Jeremy Lin, the bit part in Golden State that was picked up off the scrap heap by the Knicks and nearly dumped by New York before Mike D’Antoni gave the Harvard grad a last-ditch chance, brings his Gotham City crew to town with 5 wins in a row.
It remains to be seen how Lin will perform when asked to run the offence WITH Amare Stoudemire and/or Carmelo Anthony … but for now there’s no denying the numbers he has posted while shocking the NBA world and taking the basketball community and fan base by storm:
LIN AS A STARTER:
Games – 4
Points – 27.2
Assists – 8.2
Rebounds – 4.0
Steals – 2.0
FG% – 51.3
As wild as it may be, Lin’s first four games as a STARTER in the NBA puts him atop a very impressive list of elite NBA’ers over the past 35 years (including some Hall of Famers):
Most TOTAL POINTS in first 4 career STARTS since 1976-77:
Jeremy Lin – 109
Allen Iverson – 101
Shaquille O’Neal – 100
Michael Jordan – 99
Billy Ray Bates – 99
Jerry Stackhouse – 97
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Lin’s totals would be even more impressive if they included his first game of significance with the Knicks…..the one that started-off this 5-game winning streak. Lin played 35:52 minutes — but did NOT start — against New Jersey on February 4. He tallied 25 points on 10/19 FG that night, including 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals. D’Antoni started the California-native for the first time two nights later (against Utah) and the rest is history (as documented above).
LIN’S LINE:
Feb. 11 @ MIN (100-98 win) – 20 PTS, 8 ASST, 6 REB, 3 STL, 6 TO
Feb. 10 vs LAL (92-85 win) – 38 PTS, 7 ASST, 4 REB, 2 STL, 6 TO
Feb. 8 @ WAS (107-93 win) – 23 PTS, 10 ASST, 4 REB, 1 STL, 2 TO
Feb. 6 vs UTH (99-88 win) – 28 PTS, 8 ASST, 2 REB, 2 STL, 8 TO
Feb. 4 vs NJ (99-92 win) – 25 PTS, 7 ASST, 5 REB, 2 STL, 1 TO * (did not start)
Prior to this igniting this 5-game winning streak, Lin appeared in 9 games for the Knicks…playing less than 5 minutes in five of those games…peaking in 1 contest at 20:10 minutes and TOTALING (in those 9 games) less than 55 minutes.
E. Smith
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* Thanks to TV stats guru, Jumpin’ Johnny Rusin – for his help with some of these numbers!
Thrilling, Dramatic, Controversial
Sunday, February 12th, 2012
Sunday February 12 2012 – 6:26pm Eastern – Toronto, ON
What a wild day at the ACC.
From a 70% 1st QRT for the Lakers (and an 18-point lead) … to a 4-point Raptors lead late in the 4th … to Kobe Bryant heroics and a rare 5-second violation on an in-bound pass that altered the outcome too!
Jonesy and I break it down in our latest video recap:
Be sure to leave your thoughts on the game – and “The Call” – in the COMMENTS section below. For what it’s worth…the replays that I’ve seen seem to confirm what official, Scott Foster, saw as well.
We’re back on the air on Tuesday at 7pm for LINsanity — Knicks vs Raptors.
Have a good one folks.
E. Smith
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Game Highlights – LAKERS vs RAPTORS
Steve Blake – post game interview from the floor of the ACC
The Rap – post game from the Real Sports Apparel store
Raptor Revenge
Friday, February 10th, 2012
Friday February 10 2012 – 10:55pm Eastern – Toronto, ON
The Raptors finally got the Celtic monkey off their back…beating the boys from Beantown for the first time this season, 86-74.
This was also the first time in 6 games that Toronto has beaten Boston.
Paul Jones and I break it all down in our latest VLOG:
Post game audio:
Game highlights:
Raptors forward, James Johnson post game interview:
“The Rap” post game show for Real Sports:
The Raptors led from beginning to end against the Celtics … and they’ll have to bring that same kind of effort from the get-go against the Lakers on Sunday as well.
We’ll be on the air for LA and Toronto on Sunday at 1230pm (pre-game show) and we’ll have the tip-off just after 1pm
Have a good one folks.
E. Smith
Game Day vs Boston
Friday, February 10th, 2012
Friday February 10 2012 – 11:47am Eastern – Toronto, ON
Coffee Shop bloggin’ near U of T on a game day…
The Celtics are playing on the back-to-back following last night’s loss (at home) against the LA Lakers. While the Raptors had the day ‘off’ (they did practice) yesterday after their loss to Milwaukee at the ACC on Wednesday.
With the help of stats guru John Rusin, let’s take a look at some of the key storylines surrounging Toronto as they get set to host Boston.
Raptors vs Boston – This Season
BOS TOR
PPG 98.0 68.5
FG% 50.0 35.9
3PT FG% 45.0 34.5
REB 45.5 38.5
ASST 25.5 14.0
TOs 11.5 16.0
There’s no denying the Raptors have struggled mightily this season without Andrea Bargnani in the line up … but with Jerryd Bayless now sidelined (again) with a left ankle injury … how do you think T.O. has faired without BOTH Bargnani and Bayless in uniform? Well, here ya go:
Record – 0-5
PPG – 79.0
FG% – 39.1
Opp FG% – 27.5
FT% – 67.9
Finally…a little more on the CELTICS specifically for tonight …
We all remember how bad Boston was when the season began. Doc Rivers’ crew came out of the gate very slowly and looked to be showing their age, big-time. But even with Rajon Rondo sidelined for a couple of weeks, the Celts were able to turn things around and get their season back on track. The window on the original Big Three (Pierce, Allen, and Garnett) is still closing but the boys from Beantown are holding down a playoff position right now and looking for one last chance at a Championship.
1st 14 GM Last 11
Record 5-9 9-2
PPG 88.8 92.9
Opp PPG 90.1 82.1
FG% 44.7 47.1
Opp FG% 43.4 39.4
Pierce PPG 14.6 22.2
Paul Jones and I will be on the air at 7pm tonight with all of the action. And we’ll stay on the Sportsnet 590 airwaves til 11pm with full post-game coverage (and your phone calls) on “The Rap”.
Have a good one!
E. Smith
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