Toronto Raptors – Delivering Damaged Goods

Delivering Damaged Goods

Picture this: You are the delivery boy. Ding Dong rings the door bell. The purchaser opens the door. He has ordered the worlds finest crystal wine glasses for his wife. He’s excited to see the box with the Crystal Classics brand name on it and signs off on the delivery. He then opens up the box only to find his crystal wine glasses shattered! “Forget the name brand; what’s the point of having these if I can’t use them.” Such is the story of the Toronto Raptors center Jermaine O’Neal. The name carries accolades such as 6 times All-Star and 3 times All-NBA team. All which sound promising and attractive especially to teams that need help at their forward-center position. But what’s the point of signing off on such a delivery if you can’t use it?

A trade seems IMMINENT
Jermaine O’Neal is an attractive piece for playoff teams. Don’t expect teams like the Sacramento Kings or Memphis Grizzlies to make trade offers for Jermaine O’Neal. Although he has great experience and an All-Star presence in the low post he is also expensive and injury prone and does not solve solutions for any young or non-playoff team this year. With the Raptors slowly fading from the playoff picture it might be wise for Bryan Colangelo to move O’Neal’s contract for a contract that would be coming off the books at the end of this year. Most teams want to see if O’Neal is healthy enough to play before pulling the trigger on any blockbuster deals. A trade possibility includes:

Miami Heat: Shawn Marion, Marcus Banks


The Miami Heat need a dominant Center. Especially one that will prove to be serviceable during their playoff runs this year. Basketball usually tends to slow down to a half-court game in the playoffs and the value of Big Men are truly tested and appreciated during this time. This is where O’Neal can truly prove to be beneficial as the Heat could face Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic or Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics.

In return the Raptors would get Shawn Marion. Marion would rejoin with a familiar face in Bryan Colangelo, who was Marion’s general manager until he joined the Raptors in 2006.

Financially this move makes sense as well. O’Neal (who makes $21.3 million this season, has a player option for $23 million next season) while Marion’s contract, bit over $17 million will come off the books at the end of the season.

NO INSIDE-OUT GAME
The Raptors must use their strengths wisely and to their advantage! They are tied for 5th in the NBA for 3-point field goal percentage. The Raptors are surrounded by reliable 3-point shooters in Jose Calderon, Anthony Parker, Jason Kapono, and Andrea Bargnani. The Raptors need to start using these guys more thoughtfully with an inside-out game. Jermaine O’Neal is selfish! There is no inside-out game with him. Of course it’s not fair to call a player of his calibre selfish but this is a team game. Plenty of times the ball gets thrown into the paint and O’Neal forces up tough shots. He gets double-teamed and when that happens there is usually a Raptors player open on the perimeter.

Toronto Raptors: Its all MENTAL! Chris Bosh, Carlos Delfino, NYE pics

Toronto Raptors - Two in a row!
The Raptors are doing more with less, seems to be the theme through last couple of games. With their starting point-guard Jose Calderon and center Jermaine O'Neal out (day-to-day) it was the Raptors trade baits that stepped up to close the win against the Orlando Magic this past Sunday. Andrea Bargnani is slowly, but surely proving that he could be a sufficient center. Given starters minutes Bargnani has displayed his offensive skills (scoring in double-figures 5 out of his last 6). Bargnani also provides a rare combination of blocks (1.3 per game) and threes (1.2). Anthony Parker is the Raptors premier defender and can be relied on to shoot a high percentage. Parker silenced his critics with a 26 point effort (13-16) against the Magic. The Raptors have now consecutively beat two prominent teams in the NBA (Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic). The Magic are the NBAs best road team and still couldn’t manage to bring down the crippled Raptors. These past couple of wins could indicate a few things.

1) "IT’S ALL MENTAL." The Raptors might NOT have to make a drastic change after all. What is needed is a change of mentality. Why should they look to make drastic changes each time they loose a game? They shouldn't its more so the pressure of the fans and the critics that suggest something so imminent. Any drastic change will ruin any form of chemistry that existed. To prevent this, the Raptors would have to continue developing their winning mentality. A major problem for the Raptors is rebounding. The Raptors have two All Star Bigs in Chris Bosh and Jermaine O’Neal. It’s not like they don’t have the body to rebound. Bosh and O'Neal should try to transfer the rebounding mentality to the rest of the team so that guys like Bargnani, Jamario Moon and Parker get more involved. This is where coaching comes in and Jay Triano has to enforce rebounding not just by talking about it but running rebounding drills and building that fearless “the ball is mine” mentality. Again we come back to a change of mentality. The Raptors have the talent, they have the acclaimed players and now it’s just a matter of having the right mentality.

2) Point Guard DEVELOPMENT. Roko Ukic is starting to look more confident on the floor as he’s been able to get minutes and develop due to Calderon’s injury. This in turn can be beneficial for the Raptors down the stretch when the season starts to tear into the starter’s physique. Will Solomon also received a solid run against the Magic and managed to control his turnovers! Sure the Magic back-court is nothing to rave about but the rookie PGs should be credited for stepping up and making the right plays to win the game.

3) FIVE in a ROW? The Raptors have won their last two games and have shown a promising start to 2009. Can they make it five in a row? Next the Raptors play the Milwaukee Bucks, Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies. Tonight they will face a resilient scoring Bucks team that is currently holding on to the 8th seed in the East. If Andrew Bogut remains out due to back spasms then the Raptors have a good chance of abusing the Bucks inside and coming away with a win; granted they contain Michael Redd. Then the Raptors play a Wizards team that is starting to show some life with a recent win over LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. From there the Raptors take on the Memphis Grizzlies who are also coming off a convincing win against the Dallas Mavericks. After the Grizzlies Raptors face the NBA champs Boston Celtics (back to back). The next three games should give us an indication if the Raptors are starting to turn things around! The Celtics have been struggling and since anything is possible in the NBA, maybe the Raptors can notch SIX in a row! But lets not get ahead of ourselves and focus on the next three first. Although we seem to do better against stronger teams and loose against Oklahoma City in what should be an obvious win.

QUOTE OF THE DAY
Chris Bosh talks about trade talks
From Doug Smith's blog

"The only cloud is this losing streak. I don’t think it’s the GM thinking about it as much as everybody else is. He’s always looking to get better, that’s whether you’re doing well or you’re doing poorly. It’s more outside people saying we need change.

We traded this summer, and now we have a new coach, how much change do we need? The only thing that has to change is our mentality coming into the games. I think we can work on that first because I think obviously we know new players don’t necessarily guarantee you success.

You can look around the league, I think everybody that’s made trades this summer is still trying to find themselves as a team. You just have to work with what you have.
You just have to change the mentality. If you continue to do that, you can really turn things around."

RUMOR OF THE DAY
Raptors interested in re-signing Carlos Delfino
from rotoworld.com

“The Raptors are interested in re-signing swingman Carlos Delfino, who is currently playing in Russia. Delfino signed a three-year deal this past summer, but could follow Nenas Kristic’s lead and defect to the NBA. Signing Delfino would be an easy way to shore up their weak perimeter game, though a trade or two is still likely.”

PICTURES OF THE DAY
New Years Eve @ GOSSIP
Wheres Waldo? Andrea Bargnani (Toronto Raptors)

Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors)

J.R. Smith and Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets)

Dahntay Jones and Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets)

Pick em UP; Drop EM; the IT Factor!

Who to Pick Up, Drop Off, and who is the IT Factor in the NBA Atlantic Division during the 1st quarter of the 2008/09 season.

BOSTON CELTICS
Pick up: Kendrick Perkins
Kendrick Perkins: To be honest with you I can’t stand Perkins because he plays like he thinks he’s the best player on the court. He’s got this grill on his face when he plays as if he should be getting the type of calls that Kevin Garnett does. He must be confused! What he isn’t confused about though is the rise of his production. Perkins is averaging 11.3 points and 9.7 rebounds in the first half of December!! On the season Perkins is seeing the highest points (8.2) and rebounds (8.1) total in his career. Although his FG% has dropped from last year; still a 56.0% is nothing to frown upon! His FT% is touching a horrid 55.1% (eewww) but he doesn’t get to the line more then a couple times a game so I take that with a grain of salt. If you need reliable boards and blocks Perks is your man! He is averaging a career high 27:53 minutes per game and I see that trend continuing throughout the season as the Celtic vets get their rest. Expect to see more of Perkins grill!

Drop off: Eddie House
Eddie House: Unless you need a cheap source of 3s House should not be owned. He is Mr. Efficiency. He averages about 17:00 minutes per game and makes the most of it by providing an average of 1.3 a game and some scoring. Unfortunately, like in most leagues I like for a player to give me a bit more then just 2 categories. If you don’t need 3s you don’t need Edie.

The IT factor: Ray Allen
Ray Allen: Like wine Ray Allen gets better with time. Ok really not really but check this out. Ray Ray is averaging a career best 49.8 FG% and is logging 35:00 minutes per game. He is averaging 2.4 threes per game at almost 40% (39.5)! He is one of my favourite shooters in the NBA and he hasn’t lost his touch. For a SG he provides a decent 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. What make’s Jesus Shuttlesworth attractive is his high scoring, consistent 3s and his reliable FG, FT, and 3PT %s. On December 7th he hit 7 of 12 threes. If you need a reliable SG, Ray Ray is your man.


TORONTO RAPTORS
Pick up: Jamario Moon, Jason Kapono, Joey Graham
Jamario Moon: I’ll keep this one simple and self-explanatory. The Raptors new coach Jay Triano is trying to run a more up tempo offence, creating some fast break points. Andrea Bargnani does not fit this type of offense as well as someone like Jamario Moon does. I think that Moon is a lock in the SF position for now. Given 30+ minutes a game Moon can be stat-stuffer. I would recommend picking him up and stashing Bargnani remains on the bench!

Jason Kapono: I am going a bit out on a limb here and recommending Kapono for a few reasons. First and foremost of course because of his hot play the past couple of games. Kapono filled in nicely for Anthony Parker while he was injured. Kapono is showing that when given 30 minutes per game he can average 15/4/2 with two 3s per game all while providing reliable %s across the board. The problem of course is his defence. The 2nd reason I mention picking him up, and this is where I am going out on a limb, is because I think Anthony Parker could soon be traded. Brian Colangelo has hinted that he is not finished making moves this year and I think that Anthony Parker could be one of the players he trades next. Although Toronto does not have many attractive players available for trade; AP is known for his great defensive skills and efficient play. If he gets traded Kapono will likely become the starting SG for the season. Going out on a further limb, I think Andrei Bargnani could be traded as well if the right deal comes along for Toronto (ie: Bargnani for Corey Maggette)

Joey Graham: You know your league is deep when Joey Graham is getting picked up. Such was the case in both my Roto and H2H league. He is another beneficiary under Coach Jay Triano. Although Graham doesn’t offer much else then scoring and a few rebounds it is important to note that he provides very attractive 52.0 FG% and 87.9 FT%. He has hit double digit scoring during the first 6 games in December. But lately his playing time has been limited and shared with players like Anthony Parker, so don’t rush to pick him up unless you are in a 15+ deep league.

Drop off: Anthony Parker
Anthony Parker: Recent injuries have kept him out and Kapono has been shining in his absence. I think that he can be more productive in the 33:30 minutes per game that he is averaging. Also there is a possibility of him being traded.

The IT factor: Chris Bosh
Chris Bosh: From the beginning of the season Bosh has been on a tear!!!!!! Earlier in the season, in my 15 team, 12 cat Roto league Bosh was traded for Kobe Bryant strait up, 1for1! That should indicate to you the value that Bosh has had. He averages about 7 FTM per game at 83.4%. He is playing close to 40 minutes a game and thus has the time to produce his massive stats. His jump-shot has been money all year. As a Toronto Raptors fan I watch the games and have developed full trust in his 18-foot jump-shot. He also takes it to the basket enthusiastically and has developed an even more explosive game this year. My only knock on Bosh is his lack of shot-blocking. He is averaging just less than 1 blocked-shot per game and that is something that causes a slight concern for fantasy owners. Having a C that barely blocks a shot per game is like having a PG that barely gives you a steal or three per game. But that is my only knock on Bosh; otherwise he is an MVP candidate if he continues to play the way he has…and if the Raptors start winning.


NEW JERSEY NETS
Pick up: Brook Lopez
Brook Lopez: Let me introduce you to the Nets new Center for the next 10 years to come. This rookie is playing great and efficiently! While Josh Boone was absent, due to injuries, Lopez has been starting and giving double-double type production with close to 2 blocks per game. Think of Al Horford from last year. Lopez gives you consistent production with efficient %s (47.3 FG, 77.8 FT). He has a lot of upside! Kudos goes out to Nets management on this draft-pick! He makes for a solid number 2 Center on your team. He’s had 1+ block in 12 of his last 13 games and leads the Nets in rebounds with 7.4 per game.

Drop off: Sean Williams
Sean Williams: I like Sean Williams’ upside and I must admit my mistake. Before the season started I predicted him to have a break out season granted he was given decent playing time. Now he is on the bench behind Lopez and Boone. I still believe that Sean Williams has a lot of upside and if he is traded to a team that will give him the playing time, he will produce. He is an athletic Big with crazy shot blocking abilities. Until he is traded to a team that will give him some playing time he should be dropped.

The IT factor: Devin Harris
Devin Harris: Who won the Devin Harris and Jason Kidd trade? The Mavs are doing great recently and Kidd has been on a tear (ranked 10th in yahoo fantasy and is 2nd in the NBA in steals). But Harris has truly come into-his-own on the Nets. I think this move NEEDED to be made in order for Harris to produce the way that he has. This is a great stepping stone for an All Star in the making. Harris is averaging career highs in points (23.8), assists (6.3), rebounds (3.3), steals (1.4), and FTM (8.8). The difference has been Harris’ ability to get to penetrate defences and get to the line. He is becoming a premium PG, he is young and in the run for most-improved player of the year with Nene Hilario and Danny Granger. Harris, Vince Carter and Lopez are really doing a great job at keeping this team afloat when I really thought they would sink this season.


NEW YORK KNICKS
Pick up: Everyone on the New York Knicks!! Pick up their Towel Boy!
Thank you Mike D’Antoni! You have made me a believer. Wow I am actually enjoying watching the Knicks play. These guys are running, gunning and don’t look to be stopping anytime soon. Al Harrington is on a tear! David Lee is having a career season. Their guards Chris Duhon and Nate Robinson are not only very reliable but consistent. Little Nate has shown that he has crazy upside this season and deserves to be on your team as a second guard. Think of how versatile Boris Diaw was a few seasons ago under D’Antoni. Nate Robinson is just as versatile with the Knicks, offering scoring in the mid-teens, and career best 4.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 3PTM, 1.6 steals, 47.4% FG, 80.4 FT%. Nate the Great is a multi-category guard! D’Antoni came to the Knicks and his philosophy and style of play has set all of these players free!

Drop off: No One!
No one! You should own all of the Knicks 7-men rotation! All put up useful stats. If I had to be picky and had to pick someone then I’ll say Quinton Richardson. But this is only compared to the rest of the Knicks.
Quinton Richardson: If the Knicks get another guard (like they have been talking about doing so) then Q Rich’ value could decline. Only if you are in a 10+ team league and really need 3s then I would consider owning Q Rich. He is a nice source of 3s and rebounds.

The IT factor: David Lee
David Lee: CAREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEER season. Congratulations David Lee. You are making me look stupid =) I say that only because I traded Baron Davis and David Lee for Allen Iverson and Andre Iguodala. Although I don’t regret it I am looking back like damn! His window of opportunity is so high it’s incredible. He is not the biggest guy on the team but he runs the pick-and-rolls with Chris Duhon extremely well (seen especially when they played the Warriors and he had a career high 37 points and 21 rebounds). He manages to grab offensive rebounds and get plenty of put-backs. He is in a perfect opportunity with the Knicks as plenty of shots will go up, so rebound and put-back opportunities will remain plenty. My only knock on him is the same as such players like Zach Randolph. They are great for scoring and rebounding but don’t offer much when it comes to defensive stats. He’s to a block per game. But that’s just me being picky! He has a great 56.2 FG% and a decent 73.3 FT%.


PHILIDELPHIA 76ERS
Pick up: Samuel Dalembert
Samuel Dalembert: Don’t look know but Sammy D is back. Or is he? He is a bit of a paradox. He has been a bit of a let-down from last year. Last year he averaged 2.3 blocks per game and a career high 10.4 rebounds per game. The addition of Elton Brand has caused a decline in those categories as the chemistry is still being developed. The 76ers have great expectations and with the recent firing of coach Mo Cheeks it should be known that they will not accept a loosing season. Dalembert needs to get back on track and unfortunately for Brand; his shoulder injury should pave the way for Dalembert's re-emergence of fantasy value. Dalembert has been coming on lately and his recent 17 rebound game is an indication of his re-emergence.

Drop off: Thaddeus Young
Thaddeus Young: This applies to leagues with no more then 10 teams! Young has been demoted to the bench. As a starter Young has been a reliable scorer offering his owners a rare combination of rebounds and threes with reliable %s. He has been demoted in order to make sure that players like Andre Miller, Elton Brand and Iggy get their shots up and offense running. UPDATED I just heard that Brand will be out for about a month due to his shoulder injury. On that note don’t drop Thaddeus Young just yet. He will be inserted back in the starting line up and should see an increase in Playing Time while Brand is out.

The IT factor: Andre Iguodala
Andre Iguodala: Iggy has always been the IT factor for the 76ers. He was their star after Allen Iverson left and before Elton Brand came in. His stats have been suffering as he finds ways to gel with Brand. The 76ers should have Iggy, Brand and Dalembert as their focal offensive players and guys like Andre Miller should take more of a Rajon Rondo role, and not try to score as much. In doing so Iggy will see more shot attempts and re-establish his offensive presence on the team. He seems to have faded in and out and back in again. For the 76ers to be successful they’ll have to get Iggy involved regularly and put together a more up-tempo system, especially now that Brand is out for some time. Despite the 76ers adding an All Star big man to the starting line up, Iggy is averaging a career high in 6.6 rebounds per game. He is versatile and rebounds, assists very well for a SF!

TORONTO WE HAVE A PROBLEM

TORONTO WE HAVE A PROBLEM!!!
It’s obvious that the Toronto Raptors are having a disappointing start to the season. But with 25 games into the season the phrase “start to the season or early in the season” can’t be used anymore. We are at the 1/3 mark of the season and Brian Calengelo has to make some moves, and soon!! What the Raptors are doing right now is not working. They don’t seem to have a style of play and are still trying to figure it out!? Even with two All-Star Bigs such as Chris Bosh and Jermaine O’Neal the team is getting out-rebounded on a nightly basis. There’s no more time left for this team to gel. Patience is running quick and the longer it takes the sooner you scratch this season and begin to rebuild for the next. We have $20 million players (Jermaine O’Neal 2008/09 $21,352,200). The fans, the city, the GM do not have time for everyone to become best buddies and then decide Ok we’re ready to play at full speed now. They had the meet and greets, they practiced together and now its time to play with some Passion and Grit. They are making the same mistakes over and over again and are constantly getting beat in the 4th quarter. Do we need a coaching change yet again?

The PROBLEM:
1) Lack of grit and passion = poor mentality = beat before 4th quarter starts.
2) Out rebounded = paid 20 million more to get out rebounded more?!!
3) Out scored in the 4th quarter = need a scoring SG/SF (think Corey Magette)
4) Lack true-tough leadership = Bosh needs to toughen up even more.

The ANSWER:
Lacklustre leadership sets a lacklustre example! Either Jermaine O’Neal or Chris Bosh will have to show some passion to fire up their team. Think of what Kevin Garnett brings to the Celtics each game. Even on the bench KG is yelling and getting his team fired up, or in some cases crying (lol Big Baby Glen Davis, I couldn’t let that one go). Get MAD Damn it! CB4 and new coach Jay Triano (Mr. Nice Guy) have to pick up some technical fouls. Do Bosh or J.O need to grab a chair and throw it on the court, or call out their team mates, dunk and scream, stare down opponents? They need to do what they must to become a problem! The Raptors aren’t considered a problem in the East. They are soft on the court and need to get rid of the less-passionate, soft personalities and bring in some grit and attitude….some gangsters!

Trade BAIT: Andrea Bargnani, Anthony Parker
At the start of the season I was excited to see how Bargnani had developed in the offseason. I thought he was progressing quite nicely until all the sudden he hit the rookie wall…but there lies the problem…HE’S NOT A ROOKIE ANYMORE. This is Bargnani’s 3rd season! How many more does he need to develop some consistency? The fans can see the effort but we’re at a point where we need to see the RESULT! There are plenty of teams that are interested in Bargnani. Let them test their patience with the number 1 pick. Offer him to the Warriors since Don Nelson loves his European Bigs (think Andris Biedrins) in exchange for Corey Maggette. We need a scoring SG with some grit! I’d love to see the Raptors bring in a personality like Stephen Jackson!


Pick EM UP?
Corey Maggete, Ben Gordon, Gerald Wallace, Tyrus Thomas, Shawn Marion (seems impossible BUT it can be done if the HEAT are interested in Bargnani, Jason Kapono or AP).

We SHOULDN’T HAVE:
We shouldn’t have drafted Bargnani with our 1st pick. I understand the pick from a business perspective but it hasn’t worked to our advantage. Bringing Bargnani into a metropolis like Toronto attracted the Italian fans the same way that Jose Calderon did with the Spanish fans. Now we have Italian night at the ACC which is great but this is basketball and games need to be won; not fans! Brian Colangelo could have drafted regarded players such as LaMarcus Aldridge or NBA ready Brandon Roy! Instead he pulled a Joe Dumars (think Darko Milicic 2nd pick in the 2003 draft). At least he had a marketing scheme behind the pick. I hate to be harsh on Bargnani but that’s how Toronto fans are. We are passionate and impatient. We BOO the Raptors even when they are down by 3 (Raptors vs. Mavericks, December 17, 2008)

A FEW STEPS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION:
To step in the right direction the Raptors must:
1) Bring in a true scoring SG/SF.
HOW?
A) Trade away Bargnani or Anthony Parker and bring in a gritty player. Someone that has a winning attitude and toughness (S. Jackson type)
B) Take the 6 million that they will have to spend next summer, and use it now (there’s a way of doing this) to sign a true SG to a mid. level contract.
2) Play a more up-tempo style. Although Jose Calderon is a great point guard to build from he does not push up the ball as much as he used to (nor does he drive to the basket for easy layups like he did last year). Make note that you DO NOT need to pass the ball to the PG in order to run a fast-break. As soon as they rebound or inbound the ball push it up quick through 1-2 passes. What I see the Raptors doing a lot of the times is grabbing a rebound and waiting for Calderon. Then they give the ball to Jose as he trots up the court and run’s a VERY PREDICTABLE half-court offense.

If the Raptors loose this season they loose Bosh! I strongly believe this is a determining season of whether Bosh will remain a Raptor come 2010. He will have plenty of tempting offers thrown at him and it will be tough to say no to possible combinations such as Mike D’Antoni and LeBron James. Though the Raptors seem to be falling...Chris Bosh will have plenty of parachutes thrown at him.