Toronto Raptors 2007-2008 edition

[angel_luv]

Get the stop AND the rebound.

Bosh stay out of foul trouble please. We need you!

[angel_luv]

Nooooooooo.

Another three.

What I wouldn't give for league pass right now.

Bosh is seriously a beast!

[angel_luv]

Oh. my. gosh.

GET REBOUNDS RAPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[angel_luv]

:clap

[angel_luv]

NBA: Where Amazing Happens

Indeed! :fro

[angel_luv]

My boys!!!!!!!!! :D

[angel_luv]

Defense!!!!!!!!!!

[angel_luv]

Moon- you are forgiven! :)

[angel_luv]

Jose!!!!!!!!!!!

[angel_luv]

Hooray Jose!

[angel_luv]

Play smart Raps- almost there guys!

[angel_luv]

Holla!!!!!!!!! :)

[angel_luv]

My day is made!!!!!!!!!!!! :elephant :elephant

Gutsy win, Raps!

[angel_luv]

Time for shopping and then some football.

I enjoy being a girl... and a sports fan! :)


Later all! :)

[Armando]

Damn how do the refs not call the foul on Bosh. He was obvious in fouling Webster.

[sribb43]

Damn how do the refs not call the foul on Bosh. He was obvious in fouling Webster.

it would have been side out anyways, not a shooting foul. webster forced up that shot

[Armando]

it would have been side out anyways, not a shooting foul. webster forced up that shot


Still it should have been Blazers ball regardless.

[Kobayagi]

AB with 4 pts, 2 rebs on 2-8 FG. Wow, that guy is really something, no wonder he was 1st pick. :/

[ploto]

AB with 4 pts, 2 rebs on 2-8 FG. Wow, that guy is really something, no wonder he was 1st pick. :/
Brandon Roy
52 minutes 33 points 10 assists

[Kobayagi]

you should NEVER waste first pick by choosing a white european big. NEVER!

[Hemotivo]

:lol

[Hemotivo]

Toronto 139, Portland 125
nice game Delfino!

[Hemotivo]

Raptors' Moon Invited To Dunk Contest
http://multimedia.thestar.com/images/7c/08/97d0aa7d435cbe0ce6c9c9ba5fbf.jpeg
http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/293532

[AFBlue]

Wow, Bosh is crazy good.

I can't wait until he's in a Spurs uni....

2010 BABY!

[lefty]

I had a dream last night that Rasho hugged me for no apparent reason, which is weird because a few weeks ago, I had a dream that I tried to introduce Rasho to my ( I guess, future) daughter, but he basically ignored me.


Holy sh.... :wtf

[ploto]

Chris Bosh named Player of the Week

The Toronto Raptors’ Chris Bosh and the Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant today were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Jan. 7 through Sunday, Jan. 13.

Bosh led Toronto to a 3-0 week, averaging 33.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per contest. Bosh shot .552 from the field and .806 from the foul line for the week. After divisional wins over the 76ers and Knicks, Bosh capped Toronto’s undefeated week with a 38-point, 14-rebound performance against the streaking Portland Trail Blazers. At 20-17, the Raptors own the second best record in the Atlantic Division and the fourth best record in the Eastern Conference.

http://www.nba.com/news/pow_bryant_bosh_080114.html

[Mixability]

Holy sh.... :wtf

She has problems and is beyond help.

[ploto]

Raptors- Pistons tonight
NBA TV in hi-def

Few Updates:

Breaking Bargnani
Mitchell shuns young centre for three weeks to teach him lesson about attitude


But while Mitchell and his coaching staff have endeavoured to help Bargnani through this transition, their efforts have not always been met by an appreciative Bargnani in Mitchell's opinion. Mitchell has seen Bargnani go through the one-on-one drills that would help him make the transition with a half-hearted effort.

Mitchell said Bargnani needed to be broken of that and his weapon of choice was a cold shoulder that stayed frosty for the past three weeks.

Not a conversation, not a hello, nothing was exchanged between coach and player for the better part of the past month. Bargnani needed to be shown the error of his ways and Mitchell was determined to get that message across...

Whereas in the past Bargnani would be pulled by a coach down to a free basket for some extra tutelage at the end of practice, now it is Bargnani grabbing the coach and asking for extra work.

And while Bargnani's statistical production remains down, Mitchell views this type of progress as every bit as important and pulled his young centre aside yesterday for the first time in 21 days to tell him as much. The normally stoic Bargnani even cracked a smile according to Mitchell.

What Bargnani is going through is nothing any of the other Raptors haven't experienced at one time or another. As Mitchell points out, all of these guys have been the best player somewhere at one time or another and often have to be "broken" before they'll accept the guidance being offered them.

Bargnani remains a work in progress but in Mitchell's mind the Raps first overall pick of two years ago has turned a major corner.
http://torontosun.com/Sports/Basketball/2008/01/15/4773487-sun.html

Raptors Notebook: Mitchell ain't got game


Sam Mitchell is the NBA’s reigning coach of the year. He is also a retired player who, according to Jamario Moon — the current Raptor Mitchell played one-on-one with at practice Monday — should never entertain any ideas of making a comeback.

“His defence is terrible,” Moon said. “The coach has got a terrible game. He can’t move. That’s why he’s the coach.”

Informed of Moon’s low regard for his defence Mitchell admitted most players hang up their high tops for a reason.

“I can’t play, not only my defence, my quickness, my movement, I suck,” he said. “I can’t play no more and that’s why I quit. I knew when to say when.”
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/postedsports/archive/2008/01/14/raptors-notebook-mitchell-ain-t-got-game.aspx

[ChumpDumper]

D-League coming to T.O.?

Colangelo believes bringing minor basketball team to area would benefit Raptors, Canadian players

Jan 15, 2008 04:30 AM
Doug Smith
Sports Reporter

Bryan Colangelo sees the D-League as a basketball "incubator," a place to train players and coaches and front office staff and Canadians, an extension of the Raptors in every aspect of the game.

And he sees that parallel organization coming to the Toronto area in the next couple of years.

With the D-League holding its annual showcase this week in Idaho, the prospect of having a Raptor-owned and operated minor league team in Southern Ontario is gaining even more traction in Colangelo's mind.

"We're exploring possible involvement similar to what you see in Los Angeles and San Antonio," Colangelo said yesterday, citing examples of two NBA teams with ownership stakes in minor league teams that operate geographically close to the parent organization.

An Ontario-based D-League team works at many levels, Colangelo thinks. Not only does it "extend the brand" of the Raptors, it gives the team far more control that it has now with its affiliate in Colorado.

Colangelo envisions a team "fairly close to Toronto" that would allow the Raptors to keep tabs on not only their own D-League-eligible players (draft picks in their first or second seasons) but on other prospects as well. The 14-team league doesn't have a franchise closer to Toronto than Indiana, making it a chore just to scout....

http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/293974

[lefty]

Thanks Ploto and Chump :tu

[Amuseddaysleeper]

the raptors are terrible

bosh is great, but they have absolutely no second option whatsoever.

and no, I don't think Ford was really the answer for a #2 option.

[dave]

the raptors are terrible

bosh is great, but they have absolutely no second option whatsoever.

and no, I don't think Ford was really the answer for a #2 option.

well it should've been bargnani

unfortunately he has been complete shit so far this season

[Pistons < Spurs]

well it should've been bargnani

unfortunately he has been complete shit so far this season

It's only his second year. He looked pretty good in November, and it seems he hasn't received consistent minutes since then.

[ploto]

...it seems he hasn't received consistent minutes since then.
He has not earned any consistent minutes because of his lackluster effort in practice, foul trouble, and overall poor play.

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2177934&postcount=528

[resistanze]

It's only his second year. He looked pretty good in November, and it seems he hasn't received consistent minutes since then.
He was injured for a bit, and he hasn't returned to form since. He's simply not getting minutes because his performances are so poor. Traveling, forcing shots, lack of rebounding, foul trouble and non-existant defense. Hell, he's not even shooting well.

Mitchell was being forced, for a while to to play Bargnani for the majority of the minutes (Thus benching Neseterovic for whole games) . But Bargnani's been so bad they had to go back to Rasho/Humpries combo to absorb minutes.

Bottom line, I don't see him as a center in the NBA. I think the Raps realize this and that he'd be more suited @ the PF position a la Dirk Nowitizki. Problem is, we have Bosh already there and they don't wanna admit that they made the wrong choice drafting him.

[Pistons < Spurs]

Bottom line, I don't see him as a center in the NBA. I think the Raps realize this and that he'd be more suited @ the PF position a la Dirk Nowitizki. Problem is, we have Bosh already there and they don't wanna admit that they made the wrong choice drafting him.
Bingo!!!



But more patience is still needed w/ Bargnani. Not every player is going to come into the league like Lebron and be ready for it. He needs to be developed. And playing him at the wrong position, and then punishing him because he doesn't do so well isn't gonna get anyone anywhere.

Joey Graham was given almost as many minutes as Bargnani tonight. And he only played twice in the month of December. Terrible.

[ploto]

And playing him at the wrong position, and then punishing him because he doesn't do so well isn't gonna get anyone anywhere.
He wasn't being punished for poor play but for lazy effort and a bad attitude.

[ChumpDumper]

More on the possible D-League team:

Hey, it ain't the NBA ...
But Raptors placing a D-League farm team in Copps will draw drafted players

January 16, 2008
Scott Radley
The Hamilton Spectator

Talks are under way that could bring a new Toronto Raptors' farm team to Hamilton.

However, there's differing opinions on how close any such deal is to being consummated.

Two sources familiar with the situation made clear yesterday that Copps Coliseum is one of two locations being considered -- Oshawa is the other -- for a franchise that would begin play either this fall or next in the NBA's Developmental League.

Outside of the NBA itself, the D-League is considered the highest-level basketball in North America. Dozens of players have moved through the system and jumped to the NBA, including the Raptors' Jamario Moon, former Raptor and current Houston Rocket Rafer Alston, and Sacramento's Mikki Moore.

One source says Hamilton is the clear front-runner for a team and put the chances of one landing here at 81/2 out of 10. Barring unforeseen glitches, the source said things could be finalized very quickly.

"I would say within weeks."

A second source insists Hamilton is in the mix, but says things aren't quite that far along and putting any deal together would almost certainly take longer than that, if it happened at all.

However, in a Toronto Star report yesterday, Raptors' president Bryan Colangelo said he's been considering for some time the possibility of starting a team in southern Ontario as a way to have better control over the development of some of his non-roster players.

"We're exploring possible involvement similar to what you see in Los Angeles and San Antonio," Colangelo told The Star.

Those two cities have their own D-League teams -- unlike most NBA teams which share with one or two others -- nearby in Los Angeles and Austin. That allows a team to have its hand-selected coaches implement its philosophy and its systems, so players who are called up are already familiar with how things run and are ready to step in and play immediately.

The Raptors share a franchise in Colorado with the Denver Nuggets and New Jersey Nets.

This entire situation muddies the water significantly for the arrival of a previously announced American Basketball Association team that vowed to set up shop at Copps but has yet to sign a lease.

Brian Luckman, the owner of that team -- nicknamed the Hamilton Rockstars -- couldn't be reached for comment last night. However, the CEO of Hamilton Entertainment and Convention Facilities Inc. that operates Copps says negotiations with Luckman have at least temporarily stopped, meaning that while the Raptors have not yet stepped forward to express interest, the door is open to them if they want to talk.

"Negotiations with the ABA are on hold at the moment," Duncan Gillespie says.

"Nothing precludes HECFI from negotiating with any party at this point."

Gillespie stressed that he's exceedingly interested in finding a second pro sports franchise for the arena.

Truth is, given a choice between the D-League and the ABA, most would argue the former is a far superior situation for this city.

While the ABA has had its share of difficulties, plays in smaller arenas, is scheduled to usher in as many as 49 expansion franchises next season, and is seen as the most minor of minor leagues, the D-League comes with the weight and significant resources of the National Basketball Association brand.

Stocked with drafted players in their first or second year of pro hoops and top undrafted players, the level of play is high and those involved are hungry to make the jump to the next level.

Further, with the Raptors clearly interested in further developing their fan base throughout southern Ontario, a team here would be properly financed and carefully run.

"It would work," says local businessman and basketball legend Ron Foxcroft. "They'd probably get 4,000-5,000 people. Hamilton is no doubt a (basketball) hotbed and most important, it's affordable."

Throughout the league, tickets range in price from a high of $148 for a courtside seat in Anaheim, to $5 for a seat in Bakersfield, Calif. Most tickets come in between $8 and $25.

Foxcroft believes the connection with basketball's best league alone would be beneficial to the city's image.

"Having that NBA brand associated with Hamilton and Copps Coliseum would be nothing but a plus."

http://www.thespec.com/Sports/Local%20Sports/article/310148

During the Toros broadcast, D-League president Dan Reed said they are very close to announcing two new teams for next season.

[ploto]

RAptors blow out Sacramento. Bosh was huge!

[Hemotivo]

Delfino!

[ploto]

Light week for the Raptors-- only 2 games in the next 7 days.

Teaching Bargnani centre job
Raps might bring in extra help


The Raptors are considering bringing in some extra coaching help for struggling centre Andrea Bargnani, who has not shown any signs that he is ready to break out of a sophomore slump.

General manager Bryan Colangelo said that the Raptors have discussed the idea of bringing in a coach to specifically help Bargnani get used to, and learn the nuances of, playing the centre position...

Bargnani has not scored in double digits since Jan. 4, a stretch of eight games. During that time, he has averaged just 4.1 points and 2.75 rebounds and rarely has played more than 20 minutes, either because of foul trouble or as a result of his poor play...

"That's the toughest thing for young players to understand -- there's a lot of things you can do to help influence a basketball game other than scoring," Mitchell said. "You try to tell players you can always play defence, you can always rebound, you can always make that extra pass, you can always make the team better -- it has nothing to do with if you're scoring or not."

http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Basketball/2008/01/21/4784352-sun.html

[ploto]

Ford making progress


Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo said that he is pleased with reports out of Houston, where the team's starting point guard, T.J. Ford, is training in preparation of his return to the lineup ... was given clearance to begin working out again on Jan. 9 and since then has been training in his hometown with former NBAer John Lucas.

But while Colangelo acknowledged that reports out of Houston are good, there is still no timetable for Ford's return -- meaning that the Toronto GM will continue to search for another point guard to back up Jose Calderon, who has been averaging big minutes with Ford out.

http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Basketball/2008/01/21/4784352-sun.html

[ploto]

Here are some thoughts from Raptors coach Sam Mitchell on one of his heroes.


Do people in the league understand the significance of Martin Luther King jr. Day?

I don’t know how much our young culture gets. It’s not that long ago, you’re talking about 45 years ago, something like that. But what he stood for and what he died for – he was just truly a remarkable individual. To do what he did under the circumstances in which he did it, knowing how his life was probably going to turn out.

You understand how important life is, and to have enough inside of you to still stand and do what’s right, even though it’s going to cost you your life, understanding how precious life is to everybody, to still have the courage to say the things he said and stand up for what he stood for, it’s remarkable.

Has anyone carried his message in the same manner?

Not in his manner, but I’m sure they’ve done it in their own way. But to that extent? First of all, no one can wake up in the morning and decide they’re going to do that. I think when you listen to Dr. King, the way he talked and the things he talked about, I’ve heard times when he’s said he didn’t know that he wanted to do it.

In his “I have a dream speech” he talked about wanting to live, but yet understanding that there was something inside of him that had a higher calling to do what he needed to do. It was God’s calling for him to stand up for injustice around the world. But he talked at length about being afraid of death, of not knowing if he wanted to do the things he was called to do.

My point is, you can’t wake up tomorrow and say you’re going to be like Dr. King. It has to truly be a calling. I know all of don’t believe in that spiritual higher being [he might be looking in my direction here] but for a person to feel what he felt ….the thing I loved about him was he was just a man, but he was a man who listened to a voice, and that voice was from God.

I feel like God speaks to us all, but do we all listen? Do we all want to go through those things, especially when it calls for sacrificing your life to do what you’re called to do?

We all want to enjoy life, we all want to live. To me you don’t wake up and do that, it’s a higher calling.”

Do you have any memories from when you were younger?

I remember when I got older and my Mom and Dad talking about when he was assassinated and they just felt like someone close in your family had just died. People were just devastated. For weeks you didn’t know what to do with yourself, how to feel, how to think. He was fighting for all this progress and you go, “where do we go now?”

He had an unbelievable mark on our future. I tell our guys all the time, I probably wouldn’t be standing here today if it wasn’t for some of the things he stood for. And it was for everyone, women, everybody.”

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080121.WBwbbasketball20080121151652/WBStory/WBwbbasketball

[ludda]

Bottom line, I don't see him as a center in the NBA. I think the Raps realize this and that he'd be more suited @ the PF position a la Dirk Nowitizki. Problem is, we have Bosh already there and they don't wanna admit that they made the wrong choice drafting him.

There is no way Bargnani will ever become a dominant center...the guy has like 3 rebounds a game and is too soft. He had a good rookie season, but he's still very one-dimensional and can't do much except shoot 3s. I see him more as an Okur type player, definitely not Nowitzki. Too make things worse, he is getting badly outplayed by Roy, Aldridge, Gay from his draft class and he has to live up to the hype of a #1 and being the next Dirk.

Bosh is balling though, he needs more help.

[ata]

General manager Bryan Colangelo said that the Raptors have discussed the idea of bringing in a coach to specifically help Bargnani get used to, and learn the nuances of, playing the centre position. The 7-foot Italian was moved to centre this season after a fine rookie campaign last year at forward.

http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Basketball/2008/01/21/4784344-sun.html

It looks like Bargs is 7 ft SF.

[ploto]

General manager Bryan Colangelo said that the Raptors have discussed the idea of bringing in a coach to specifically help Bargnani get used to, and learn the nuances of, playing the centre position. The 7-foot Italian was moved to centre this season after a fine rookie campaign last year at forward.

http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Basketball/2008/01/21/4784344-sun.html

It looks like Bargs is 7 ft SF.
If he could defend SF's that would be fine-- but he can't.

And why does the article claim he was moved to center this season. They spent all last year teaching him how to play center, as well.

[ploto]

Rasho-- the ever dutiful teammate

Lucas visit eyed to help Bargnani
Raptor's toughness would come out: Mitchell


Mitchell believes that his young centre should spend some time next summer working out with former NBAer John Lucas, who has established himself as one of the best trainers of professional basketball players in the world.

Raptors point guard T.J. Ford, who recently has been given the green light to begin training after suffering an arm stringer on Dec.11, is in Houston working with Lucas.

Mitchell acknowledged that part of Bargnani's game which needs work is his toughness, particularly under the boards, and that's something he would be able to work on next summer, as the scrimmages at the Lucas camp reportedly are as tough as it gets.

"It's like a war down there. It's like, hold, grab, hit. And that's what our guys need," said Mitchell, who also will encourage other young Raptors, such as Jamario Moon and Joey Graham, to attend Lucas' camp during the off-season. "They've got everything they need (treatment-wise) but when you go in that hellhole of a gym, they beat the s--- out of each other. And that's good. That's where you really learn how to play. There are no referees blowing their whistle, you have to call your own fouls. You argue a little bit. It will be good for all of them.

"And that's when the (hard-ass) in Andrea will come out. Because he has it in him," Mitchell continued.


"He's a young guy, he's a great player, a great person, just give him a break," said teammate Rasho Nesterovic, who lost his starting centre job to Bargnani this season.

"He doesn't need a thousand people around him telling him what to do, and what not to do," Nesterovic added. "He doesn't need a thousand coaches, just one. And that's the only one he should listen to."

Nesterovic acknowledged that Bargnani set the bar high for himself by having such a solid rookie campaign, in which he averaged 11.6 points and 3.9 boards.

"So now it's his second year and everyone expected him to do much better than last year," Nesterovic said. "So you put a lot a pressure on yourself, so it's normal.

"He's struggling, but he's going to be there and we just have to have confidence in him," the Slovenian national team star added. "We can't quit on him after one year."

http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Basketball/2008/01/23/4788766-sun.html

[Amuseddaysleeper]

While I always thought Rasho was a useless stiff on the Spurs, I def. give him props for being so assertive vocally to the press :tu


ploto, I don't know if you live in toronto or not, but are you going to the Spurs/Raps game in february?

[lefty]

I wanted to go to the Raptors - Spurs game, but they'll play during the week (Monday), and I have a job (I live in Montreal, which is a 6 h drive from Toronto)

They could have scheduled that game on Sunday, now that I can afford good seats !! :bang :bang :bang

[Tippecanoe]

raptor fans, i'd be a little worried. your getting stomped on by freakin tony allen

[Tippecanoe]

yet somehow, we're losing! screw this.

[jay014]

I wanted to go to the Raptors - Spurs game, but they'll play during the week (Monday), and I have a job (I live in Montreal, which is a 6 h drive from Toronto)

They could have scheduled that game on Sunday, now that I can afford good seats !! :bang :bang :bang Fly and use some vacation time.

[lefty]

Fly and use some vacation time.

I'll look into that, but I just got promoted, so I have to be careful

[resistanze]

Damn, I'm proud of the RAps tonight.

Even though they their rebounding has been dogshit, and their points in the paint differential is horrible, they keep fighting.

Props to Bargnani for actually playing well for once, and Delfino. They've been crazy from behind the arc!

Now on to the finale...

[Tippecanoe]

i blame james posey

[ludda]

Good Job Raps! Exciting game.

[endrity]

You should blame the defense overall, the Raptors seemed not to miss the last four minutes. Calderon is a stud, debate closed. He is their pg of the future, not TJ. And maybe this game kind of kicks Bargnani into gear. It seems like Bosh freezes him out at points, like he is too worried about getting his own stats.

[ploto]

Big win for the Raptors-- despite giving up 16 offensive rebounds and an uncharacteristic 18 turnovers, they pulled it out. When they are shooting like that, it is unbelievable!!

Calderon 8/10 (3/4 3's)
Bosh 8/11
Parker 8/12 (4/6 3's)
Delfino 5/7 (5/5 3's)
Bargnani 7/14 (3/6 3's)
Rasho 2/3

Also, some nice assists numbers-- 32 total (Calderon 13, Bargnani 7!!!!, Rasho 3)

[resistanze]

You should blame the defense overall, the Raptors seemed not to miss the last four minutes. Calderon is a stud, debate closed. He is their pg of the future, not TJ. And maybe this game kind of kicks Bargnani into gear. It seems like Bosh freezes him out at points, like he is too worried about getting his own stats.
Believe me, Bosh has nothing to do with Bargnani sucking it up over the past 2 months :lol

Even in this game, Bosh only attempted 11 FGs, and made 8 of them. Bargnani has been getting his looks, he just wasn't making them, nor playing D or rebounding. He just needs to find some consistency, something I doubt he will as I still believe he can never play center in the NBA.

On a different note, Calderon was a beast! 24 points, 11 assists, 8-10 FG, 3-4 3PT.

[Tippecanoe]

15/21 3PT, 19/19 FT, 58% FG overall

had it been raptors over spurs, SD woulda been up all night

[ploto]

I liked the fact that Sam played Bargs with Rasho in the second quarter tonight when Bosh was on the bench. It lets Andrea play PF with Rasho at center for part of the game. I think that allows him to be more comfortable.

[Armando]

Oh well I guess the Raptors were due to beat Boston, Boston still wins the season series 3-1. BTW Calderon needs some happy meals. Damn he looks like Skeletor.

[Armando]

I liked the fact that Sam played Bargs with Rasho in the second quarter tonight when Bosh was on the bench. It lets Andrea play PF with Rasho at center for part of the game. I think that allows him to be more comfortable.


Bargs is overrated.

[angel_luv]

Oh my gosh!!!!!!!!!!

How thrilling!!!!!!

I just caught the highlights and then the final score of the game.

I am posting from work at the arena which is taboo but I am just too proud!


Way to go Raps!


Raps are the truth!!!!!!!!

Gotta go! Later all!

Whoosh! So proud! :D

[Armando]

Oh my gosh!!!!!!!!!!

How thrilling!!!!!!

I just caught the highlights and then the final score of the game.

I am posting from work at the arena which is taboo but I am just too proud!


Way to go Raps!


Raps are the truth!!!!!!!!

Gotta go! Later all!

Whoosh! So proud! :D


Is just 1 game. The Celts already beat the Boshes 3 times this season.

[jay014]

Also, some nice assists numbers-- 32 total (Calderon 13, Bargnani 7!!!!, Rasho 3)
Yeah, same old Rasho more assists than rebounds.

[ploto]

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/0f/fullj.40658138f304d9804e34b045fd4189e9/40658138f304d9804e34b045fd4189e9-getty-76075454eg012_toronto_rapto.jpg

[ploto]

Raptors beat Celtics in Boston and Spurs in San Antonio :D

[sribb43]

Nice win...Love Jose with the AND 1 on PP...Raps got lucky though Ray Ray had a great look

[Armando]

Nice win...Love Jose with the AND 1 on PP...Raps got lucky though Ray Ray had a great look


Plus they got away with a foul on Pierce when he drove to the basket. Is just me or has any notice that teams are allowed to be more pysical with him? I mean some of the defense the Raptors were playing on him if that had been LeBron the whistle would have been blowing all game long.

[sribb43]

Plus they got away with a foul on Pierce when he drove to the basket. Is just me or has any notice that teams are allowed to be more pysical with him? I mean some of the defense the Raptors were playing on him if that had been LeBron the whistle would have been blowing all game long.

only players that get that call are D-Wade, Lebron or Kobe, everyone else gets screwed

[jay014]

Raptors beat Celtics in Boston and Spurs in San Antonio :D
Celtics have some,Spurs have a couple. Do you have one?http://hoopedia.nba.com/images/b/b0/Larry_obrien_championship.jpg betting a team in the regular season doesn't mean shit ask any Cavs fan. :D

[lefty]

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/0f/fullj.40658138f304d9804e34b045fd4189e9/40658138f304d9804e34b045fd4189e9-getty-76075454eg012_toronto_rapto.jpg

No wonder this guy is going to the dunk contest. He can really fly

[angel_luv]

Is just 1 game. The Celts already beat the Boshes 3 times this season.


Maybe so! But it was exciting nonetheless and therefore is worth celebrating. :)

So either join the happy dance or step aside.

:elephant :elephant

[endrity]

Ok, at some point you Spurs fan have to stop using the reference to the 4 titles over anything. I understand talking trash to Mavs fans, but to Raps????? No, reg season wins don't mean someone will win a championshi, but that is no reason why someone should not be happy. If you can't enjoy any success from your team why watch sports at all. Why even play the regular season. Add 2 more teams, 16 in each conference and play a straight up playoffs. Just because a Raps fan is happy that they beat you, doesn't mean you have to show them the trophy. Are you scared that people don't know that you are the champions. Are you really that complexed? We know ok, we know. Now can we enjoy the regular season for what it is, and be happy when our teams win.

[ploto]

For a young team every victory is important, especially those against quality teams on the road. This season the Raptors have beaten the teams with the best records in each conference (Boston and New Orleans) on the road in two exciting games. They also beat the Spurs in SA and beat Dallas and Portland in Toronto. That is something upon which they can build their confidence for the future.

[ploto]

Nice blow out of the Bucks. The box score won't show it but Rasho played well and his entry into the game in the third quarter started a 19-0 run. :) He had 3 points, 2 assists, and 6 rebounds in 20 minutes.

[ploto]

Raptors thriving under Mitchell's tough-love approach

A very nice long article from SI. A few highlights:


"I tell my players this all the time," Mitchell said. "If you want me to judge you on making shots, then you will play as you make shots. But if you want to have an opportunity to remain on the court on the night that you're not making shots -- by rebounding, [playing] defense, help defense, moving without the basketball, being active, getting deflections -- if you want me to judge you on those things which are going to keep you on the court longer, (as opposed to) if you're making shots ... which one do you want? Because you're not going to make shots every night. Does that mean you don't want to play that night? So that's the thing we tell Andrea...

And is it painful sometimes? Yes. But what's wrong with a young player going through some struggles? Isn't that what we do in life? Doesn't it build character? Doesn't it make you better when you come out on the other end? Don't it build toughness -- mental toughness -- and don't it make you appreciate everything? Andrea's working harder than he's ever worked before. So those are all the things you want him to learn. And I'm fine with that because his attitude's been great, his work ethic has been great. Him accepting what we're trying to teach him and working on it and bringing it to the practices and to the games has been great. So I look at those four things and I see all positive things. He's got talent, he wants to be great but it takes time. So my whole thing with Andrea is as long as he's in the right frame of mind and continues to get better, he'll make shots eventually."


"Did you see Jose in his first year?" said Mitchell. "A lot of people in this league didn't think Jose could play in the NBA his first year. After that season I had a lot of guys -- in the media -- say he can't play, he's not that good. Now look at him. He went through some struggles. Look at the results. So what's wrong with that? Haven't you been through some struggles in your life?"

"No," I said. "Never."

"Well, I don't believe that," said Mitchell, looking away. "I'm pleased with Jose. I have the utmost respect for Jose. He's worked, and I was tough on Jose. Ask Jose what was his name his rookie year. It wasn't 'Jose Calderon.' I'll let him tell you."

...Afterwards I asked Calderon what Mitchell used to called him.

"I cannot say that for the media," he said in his thick Spanish accent. "It was 'beeeeep rook.'" He made a long beeping noise to emphasize the abundance of syllables.

"In the beginning it was tough, because, you know, we didn't win many games," Calderon said. "He didn't let me practice sometimes. It was hard. But right now I am here because of him too. It was tough on me, but look, everything worked out. I feel really comfortable with him and with my teammates, so it's OK."

So Mitchell made you stronger?

"For sure, for sure," said Calderon. "I'm a better player because I have to wake up every day and work hard just to try to make it so he doesn't call me nothing."


http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/ian_thomsen/01/25/weekly.countdown/index.html

[lefty]

For a young team every victory is important, especially those against quality teams on the road. This season the Raptors have beaten the teams with the best records in each conference (Boston and New Orleans) on the road in two exciting games. They also beat the Spurs in SA and beat Dallas and Portland in Toronto. That is something upon which they can build their confidence for the future.

Lol at your sig !!!! :lmao

[ploto]

Lol at your sig !!!! :lmao
I borrowed it from someone. I hope he doesn't mind. I could not get in touch with him. I'll only use it a couple of days for fun. I wondered if anyone would even see it!

[angel_luv]

Your sig is cute Ploto.

I have signatures turned off and so logged off especially to see it.
Was entirely worth it.

[lefty]

Rasho is cute Ploto.

I have signatures turned off and so logged off especially to see it.
Was entirely worth it.

Innuendo

[angel_luv]

:lol Lefty

I was never subtle about the fact that I think Rasho is cute.

Rasho will always be a favorite of mine.
However, as Sho is now married and since it is a brand new '08, I have decided to keep the Raps but find myself a new crush.

[ata]

Nice blow out of the Bucks. The box score won't show it but Rasho played well and his entry into the game in the third quarter started a 19-0 run. :) He had 3 points, 2 assists, and 6 rebounds in 20 minutes.
This link shows http://www.popcornmachine.net/cgi-bin/gameflow.cgi?date=20080125&game=MILTOR

[angel_luv]

Good work Raps. Good work Sho. :)

[ploto]

Do you think Rasho’s the king of the tap-back offensive rebound? Did it twice Friday night, giving the Raptors the kind of extra possessions they usually give up rather than get.

I’m telling you know, if Rasho’s still here come playoff time, he’s going to be hugely valuable. He’s got the size, experience and savvy to help anchor halfcourt defences and that’s what you need in the post-season.

I asked one of the zillion ex-Raptor assistants on the Milwaukee staff what he thought of Rasho and the answer was quick: “Smartest guy on the team.”


http://thestar.blogs.com/raptors/2008/01/the-morning-a-8.html

[jay014]

I’m telling you know, if Rasho’s still here come playoff time, he’s going to be hugely valuable. He’s got the size, experience and savvy to help anchor halfcourt defences and that’s what you need in the post-season.

:lol Where is he going? Trade rumors for Rasho :lol who wants him? Look at his numbers in the playoffs he disappears.

[ploto]

Raptors only had 2 games last week, so things seem to have gotten a little silly...


Jason Kapono, the defending NBA three-point champion, won't know who his competition is for the event until Feb. 7, but he already is gearing up and with plenty of help from the entire Raptors organization.

Kapono spent a good half hour after practice yesterday working on his stroke as he went station to station firing three-pointers on the clock just like he will be in New Orleans on Feb. 16.

But this was much more than just one guy working on his three-point shooting.

The Raptors did their best to imitate the all-star atmosphere complete with blaring music for the UCLA alumnus. Marc Eversley, the Raptors' director of basketball operations, was mimicking a cameraman just off Kapono's elbow shooting the event. General manager Bryan Colangelo (in sweats, no less) provided additional distraction while acting as head official and waving off that last shot Kapono let fly just after the buzzer went off...
http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Basketball/2008/01/28/4797594-sun.html


In preparation for Tuesday's game against Washington, the Toronto Raptors participated in a drill on Sunday in which they had to run wind sprints every time they missed a free throw.

Even the coaches got involved. Sam Mitchell, Alex English, Jay Triano, Mike Evans and Eric Hughes combined to hit nine of their 15 shots, meaning they had a lot of distance to cover.

How did they handle it?

"You see where Sam is sitting, don't you?," Chris Bosh said, pointing at the coach, slumped on a chair to the side of the practice court. "He hasn't moved."

Mitchell said he was hurting after the sprints. "I can get over my feelings a lot better than picking up my body," he said.

Bosh added the drill will likely not become routine. "They can only do that once a year. Today was that day. So they're done."
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/postedsports/archive/2008/01/27/raptors-notebook-coaches-run-players-laugh.aspx


Like the Raptors' defending three-point shooting champ Jason Kapono, Moon is getting plenty of help from teammates, coaches, the team's public relations staff as well as the team website.

"I think Jay is the most creative guy I every met," Moon said in reference to assistant coach Jay Triano, who along with reserve guard Juan Dixon has been helping Moon out with some new dunks. "He has come up with some crazy ideas.

"I think the ideas we are taking into the dunk contest are going to be the most creative," Moon said.
http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Basketball/2008/01/28/4797595-sun.html

[angel_luv]

Cute articles.

I so want Moon to win the slam dunk contest. Bring it home for the Raptors. :)

[ploto]

Calderon takes out the trash


The concept of trash talking is lost on Jose Calderon.

He doesn't do it himself and when it is directed at him, which is happening more frequently, rarely does he realize it.

Calderon's first experience with this predominantly North American practice was in his rookie season.

"The only guy I remember doing it was in my first few games (with the Raptors)," Calderon said.

"It was Gary Payton. He was talking to me for the whole game. After one whistle I said, "Look, the only thing I can say in English is I don't understand what you are saying."

Calderon will be the first to acknowledge his English-language skills have come a long way since the Glove showed him no love, but he insisted he is unaware of teams paying him any more attention.

"Maybe you see something from outside and I don't realize they are talking to me," Calderon said. "I am concentrating."

Calderon is bang on with that assumption. Take the game against the Boston Celtics last Wednesday night, for example.

Celtics backup point guard Eddie House was trying to get Calderon's attention both when he was in the game and when he was on the bench. Calderon said he did not realize it.

There was the Anthony Johnson incident that Calderon had to be aware of after the Atlanta Hawk threw an elbow at the back of his head.

But Calderon said that was an isolated act.

"I don't know what happened with him," Calderon said.

"That was just a one-time thing.

"I don't have anything else like that happen with anyone else in the league."

Calderon says he does all his talking (to the opposition) at the start of the game.

"Only at the beginning of the game I say how are you, how are you doing to everyone," Calderon said. "That's it."

Chris Bosh doesn't see or hear Calderon doing much baiting, but he routinely sees him make his opponents look bad and suggested that might be the reason for the increased resentment Calderon has been receiving lately.

"He's a focal point and he plays hard," Bosh said. "And he's strong, man. You don't think that when you look at him, but he's very fast and he's a physical player and when a guy is getting busted you know he's going to be upset a little bit.

"It happens. Sometimes people try to intimidate you out of your play, but that doesn't work with Jose. He just plays basketball."

While Bosh agreed the international players, particularly those who are new to the NBA, probably will get a little more in the way of intimidation tactics from opponents, he said everyone is fair game.

"It's kind of a test, but ask any player, if they don't know you and they think you are friendly or something they are going to test you," Bosh said.

"That's fair. I do it. I play hard against someone, get physical and see if they respond. If they do you have a game and if they don't that's a plus for you."

Raptors head coach Sam Mitchell believes Calderon when he says he is unaware of any extra attention, but has seen it for himself and said it's a badge of honour for the young Spaniard.

"I wouldn't say they're testing him," Mitchell said. "When they do stuff like that I would say it's a sign of respect. Guys don't talk to people they don't worry about. You don't get in a guy's face you're not worried about. You don't cheap-shot a guy who can't play. You want that guy to be in the game. That's a sign of respect."

http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Basketball/2008/01/28/4797584-sun.html

[ploto]

TJ Ford update:


Ford's rehab is being conducted under the watchful eye of former NBA head coach, John Lucas, at the John Lucas Basketball Resource Centre in Houston, Texas.

Lucas has a wide variety of programs that work to help players in developing their individual game on many levels including mental and physical therapy, and recovery programs that aid players that have had issues with substance abuse...

It's the second time that Ford has gone through a basketball-specific rehab treatment to endure the rigours of the NBA. Ford has been out of the Raptors lineup since Dec. 11th when a flagrant foul by Al Horford of the Atlanta Hawks snapped his head back as he was about to attempt a reverse lay up.

Ford left the court on a stretcher.

"The first time it (the rehab) happened, he had been still for so long (following surgery) that we had to get his posture back," said Lucas.

Lucas and Ford are currently focusing on the mental aspect surrounding Ford's return to competitive play.

"We have focused on his mindset as far as getting his body back and getting it strong," said Lucas. "I've explained to him the maintenance that he has to do to be able to play like he wants to play is now going to be a daily thing until his body builds itself back up."

Lucas has talked to Ford about some players that can come to practice just before it starts and put on their sneakers and play while others need to get there early and prepare to practice. As it stands now, Ford is part of the latter group.

Ford's recovery effort is taking place in familiar surroundings and he has the support of his family, in particular his father, who has been a source of strength according to Lucas.

Lucas, the No. 1 overall selection in the 1976 draft, knows Ford well because his son, John Lucas III, played AAU basketball with him.

A typical day for Ford sees him arrive at the gym around 9 a.m. and work for half an hour on core and stability exercises.

The next 30-45 minutes focus on shooting with Ford needing to make 100 shots from five different spots on the floor.

But Lucas is also working on another important aspect of the game with Ford.

"We've been working on learning how to fall," said Lucas. "We use mats and he is working on how to fall and protect himself."

Ford also plays one-on-one with D-league players and before some additional physical rehab close to noon that centers on strengthening muscles in his neck area.

There is more weight training and when the lifting is done, Ford is back in the gym from 2:30 to 4:15 p.m. for more basketball drills.

Last week Ford and Lucas worked on defense and getting over screens set by an offensive player.

When asked about a possible return to coaching after working with numerous NBA players, including Raptor Kris Humphries and free agent Damon Stoudamire, Lucas quickly shifted the conversation back to Ford.

"My focus is on T.J. right now," said Lucas. "His mental approach has been outstanding. I keep telling T.J. that life is a bunch of start overs and if he gets hurt again, we have to be willing to start over again."

Lucas who has been connected to the NBA game for 30-plus years has high praise for Ford and his skill set as a point guard.

"In my 35 years in the NBA, I haven't seen five better point guards than T.J. when he is right, and that's saying a lot because I've seen a lot of them," said Lucas. "Those guys aren't developed they are born."

When asked about Calderon's play in Ford's absence Lucas was complimentary.

"I like Calderon a lot, I think he has done a great job" said Lucas. "He is the perfect complement for T.J."

According to Lucas it sounds like Ford will be very close to his old self when he returns.

And just when will that be?

"Very shortly" according to Lucas.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/2008/01/28/jones_ford/

[ploto]

Mitchell thinks long term at centre

That means more floor time for youngster Bargnani, less for veteran Nesterovic


Any comparisons between Andrea Bargnani and Rasho Nesterovic as Raptors' starting centre should focus not just on any perceived lessening of Nesterovic's abilities. They should also look at the changing nature of the NBA's big men. It's a reality that fewer fives are traditional back-to-the-basket centres, like the Slovenian veteran.

"Andrea needs to play," coach Sam Mitchell simply said. "He's the No. 1 pick in the draft and we like him. He was the second best rookie last year. It's just a matter of how the game is going and if we feel that it's a guy that Rasho matches up against. I'm not going to put Rasho out there and put him on (a guy like) Antawn Jamison.'

It's not like the move at starter from Nesterovic to Bargnani has transformed the Raps into the team to beat in the Eastern Conference. Far from that.

In fact the change, in the short term, may have set the Raps back a couple of notches. But since Mitchell is inked to a long-term deal as coach, he does not need to live for the moment. He has a comfortable view of the future.

"Andrea's got to learn and he's not going to learn sitting over there with me," Mitchell said. "Andrea's got to find out who and what he is. He's one of the guys that is the future of this franchise. We wouldn't have taken him No. 1 if he wasn't."

Bargnani, the 22-year-old sophomore has struggled since early this season. In fact, since he took over, first quarters have resembled track meets with both teams routinely eclipsing the quarter-century mark. Early defence in the middle might help.

"Andrea is our future," the third-year coach reiterated. "If he is coming off the bench, he'll probably get more plays run for him with the second unit, getting better shots, but he's got to figure out how to get his shots with Chris (Bosh) on the court, with Jose (Calderon), Anthony Parker and those guys."

As for Nesterovic, he is not necessarily happier backing up his younger teammate than starting, but as a multi-year veteran, he recognizes the inevitability.

"I know Andrea's the future," Nesterovic shrugged. "I'm just going to try and do what I can do where they need me, whenever they need me. Believe me, we're in it together. I think we just need to give him time. He came here not because he was like Shaq or some other big guys. He came here because he has some other potential that other guys don't have. We need to give him time and be patient."

The comparison that has been made most often is to the big man with the outside touch, Dirk Nowitzki of the Mavericks. But is it fair at this point in Bargnani's struggles?

"Even the big stars from Europe like Pau Gasol and Nowitzki and Peja (Stojacovic), they didn't come on their first year," Nesterovic said. "They needed time to build up and once they got doing everything consistently, they became really big superstars. Sooner or later, he's going to become that."

Nesterovic is certain that as the playoffs approach, his own value to the team will increase.

It's at that time of year that the value of solid defence becomes appreciated.

"It's never 120-115 in the playoffs," Nesterovic explained. "Everything is going to be around 90 or 95. We can go deep into the playoffs, especially since the other teams in the East are not that dominant. Even Boston has started to lose some games. It doesn't mean they're not going to be better in the playoffs. But we're going to get better."

In the meantime, against teams like the Wizards, the Raps' next opponent, Rasho patiently waits, hoping to make a good enough impression in his brief minutes on the floor to remain in the rotation and part of an improving team.
http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/298305

[angel_luv]

All right Sho! Ready for the play offs. :)

[ploto]

Now Starring . . . Chris Bosh

Few highlights of long article:

Let's talk about The Video. You know the one. That grainy, 77-second window into Chris Bosh's personality that has made the Toronto Raptors' All-Star power forward an overnight Internet sensation, one on par with Andy Milonakis, Numa Numa and Paris Hilton. (O.K., maybe not Paris, but definitely Perez.) Thanks to a $300 Sony Handicam, a Western wardrobe and a little tech savvy, Bosh has emerged from the relative anonymity that comes with playing on the only NBA team north of the border. His now famous YouTube clip -- which features the 6' 10", 230-pound Bosh, clad in a black cowboy hat, a black blazer, a white shirt and a bolo tie that would have made John Wayne proud, channeling his inner used-car salesman in a pronounced Texas drawl while urging fans to punch his name on the All-Star ballot -- has become more popular than an average NHL broadcast. (Through Sunday it had been viewed 440,803 times on YouTube, plus an untold number more on Bosh's website, chris-bosh.com.) "It has become bigger than I could have imagined," says Bosh. "The Internet is the most powerful tool in the world. It's everywhere."

Since Bosh first posted The Video in late December, it has also run on CNN, ESPN, TSN and virtually every regional sports network in the United States and Canada. Over the last few weeks the team's public relations office has been inundated with requests from TV stations looking for original copies. Fans approach Bosh almost daily wanting to talk about it. "It's the accent," says Bosh, a Dallas native. "People keep coming up to me asking me to do it." When the Raptors were in New York last month, one fan shouted at Bosh that he had watched the video but still didn't vote for him. "Now that was funny," says Bosh...

"It's not politicking," insists Toronto coach Sam Mitchell. "I've got a stack of mail on my desk from coaches asking me to vote for their players. I got a fruit basket. That's [politicking]. What Chris did was for fun."


With his girlfriend, Allison Mathis, filming and with Joel on hand to play a supporting role, Bosh parked his white Escalade EXT in front of a fence across the street from his house in Dallas and delivered an inspired performance. A few takes later ("We had to stop once," says Bosh, "because my mom came over and burst out laughing"), the video was ready to be uploaded.

The clip showed a side of the smooth NBA superstar that few have seen. "I always thought he was a country bumpkin," says his coach, Mitchell. "Now I know." Bosh is in fact a bit of a homebody. He goes out at night, but "it's only for an hour or two," he says. "Then I'm back on the couch or asleep." He's friendly with all his teammates but isn't particularly close to any of them, save, perhaps, fellow Texan Ford, who hasn't played since early December because of a neck injury. That's probably why so many Raptors were stunned to see their quiet superstar on television hamming it up and looking like a Brobdingnagian cowboy.

"It was hilarious," says shooting guard Anthony Parker. "I've been telling him to show some more personality because he can be a funny guy."

"It worked," says point guard José Calderón. "I didn't vote for him before, but I did after." :lol


The truth is, he's a nerd. A supernerd, really -- think Lewis Skolnick with twists. He's as comfortable talking about gigabytes and hard drives as he is defense and jump shots. He reads PC World and Wired magazines. He blogs. He has his own MySpace page and spends his free time instant messaging. ("I would be on there more often," says Bosh, "but no one hits me back.") He has two Treos, and his laptop is constantly humming as it downloads music. He has a second PC that he custom-configured to run an entertainment center that includes nearly every video game system in existence. "What can I say," says Bosh. "I like gadgets." During last season's All-Star weekend in Las Vegas, Bosh dropped by the NBA's Technology Summit, an event usually attended only by corporate executives and a smattering of media (and, of course, Mark Cuban). His presence attracted notice: At this year's Summit, Bosh will sit on a panel moderated by Wolf Blitzer to discuss social networking and blogging. Says NBA deputy commissioner Adam Silver, "He's a computer geek trapped in an NBA player's body."

Moreover, The Video opened the door to other opportunities. Shortly after it was posted, YouTube officials contacted Bosh about starting his own online channel. Hence, the birth of Chris Bosh TV (CBTV), which includes behind-the-scenes footage of Bosh recording his podcast and attending various events. On the channel he will also periodically answer questions submitted on his website or YouTube. "It's my way of interacting with the fans," says Bosh, who, thanks to The Video, now has a lot more of them.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/chris_mannix/01/29/bosh0204/index.html

[ploto]

Wizards getting Rash-owned!! After a game against the same team last night where Rasho hardly played because Sam thinks he does not match up with the Wizards, Rasho comes into the game tonight with Bosh in foul trouble. First half-- 14 minutes; 4-4; 8 points; 6 rebounds; 1 assist. Rasho ended the half with the put back dunk off the Calderon miss!!

[ploto]

Blow out-- Raptors 122 Washington 83

Rasho 20 minutes; 9 points 4/4; 1/2; 8 rebounds; 2 assists

Just wish Sam had played him last night. Maybe they could have won both these games against the Wizards.

[angel_luv]

Blow out-- Raptors 122 Washington 83

Rasho 20 minutes; 9 points 4/4; 1/2; 8 rebounds; 2 assists

Just wish Sam had played him last night. Maybe they could have won both these games against the Wizards.

Holy moley!

Congrats team.

Good game, Sho. :)

[ploto]

Stoudamire joins Spurs; Ford set to join Raptors


Damon Stoudamire is not coming back, but T.J. Ford is and things are looking up in the Raptor backcourt.

While Stoudamire has decided to join the San Antonio Spurs as a free agent, the Raptors will get a boost when Ford rejoins the team to start practising as early as the beginning of next week.

Ford, who hasn't played since suffering a neck and back injury in a fall during a Dec.11 game, is ready to return to the team after spending a couple of weeks in his hometown of Houston working out with former NBA star John Lucas.

It's unclear when Ford may play again – it's going to take some time for him to get used to the speed of an NBA game again – but it's not out of the realm of possibility he could be back in uniform right around the Feb.15-17 all-star break....

http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/299120

[ploto]

Enjoyable game until the fourth quarter. :bang :bang

[Rip-Hamilton32]

andrea with 28 pts but only 4 rbs in 40 mins of play

[ploto]

andrea with 28 pts but only 4 rbs in 40 mins of play
At least he is back to shooting with confidence. I would have never thought I would see a game where Andrea would have 3 dunks in one half! And Rasho even had one in the same half, as well!!!

[ata]

Toronto's GM Bryan Colangelo, head of scouts Masai Ujiri and scout Albert Buzzav will attend final game of Slovenian's cup on Sunday.

I guess they will scout Goran Dragić and maybe Jan Vesely http://www.adriaticbasket.com/player.php?id=914
I've seen Vesely playing, very quick, atlethic + very young and big.

[ploto]

Toronto's GM Bryan Colangelo, head of scouts Masai Ujiri and scout Albert Buzzav will attend final game of Slovenian's cup on Sunday.

I guess they will scout Goran Dragić and maybe Jan Vesely http://www.adriaticbasket.com/player.php?id=914
I've seen Vesely playing, very quick, atlethic + very young and big.
I don't know about him-- I see he is only 17 years old. I do know that Rasho has a lot of info on European basketball; he still follows it really closely and he has in the past shared his personal knowledge with his NBA team. I have long thought that should be his post-NBA career- scout of European players for an NBA team.

[ploto]

Clippers-Raptors Preview


No matter how much T.J. Ford is able to contribute, the Toronto Raptors believe having him on the court will only make them better.

After seeing limited time in his first game back from a left arm stinger, Ford could have more of an impact as the Raptors try for a fourth straight victory over the visiting Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night.

In his first game since Dec. 11, Ford had four points and four assists in almost 17 minutes of Toronto's 114-82 win at Miami on Wednesday.

Ford should provide good depth for the Raptors as he's eased back into action since colliding with Atlanta's Al Horford in that December contest where he had 26 points and eight assists.

The point guard, whose neck injury in February 2004 while with Milwaukee forced him to miss the 2004-05 season, averaged 14.1 points and 6.8 assists in 17 games before missing the next 24.

"It's about me getting back into a flow and the guys getting used to my style," Ford told the team's official Web site. "I don't think people expected me to come in and do the things that I normally do."'

It's uncertain how Ford will be used with Jose Calderon averaging 14.5 points and 9.7 assists since Ford went down. It would seem the two together could only benefit the Raptors, one of five Eastern Conference teams with a winning record.

"(Ford's) fast and quick and he can get to that basket at will,"' said forward Chris Bosh, who had 24 points Monday. "He can find guys. Yes, Jose's been playing well, but imagine if you can have two guys playing at the same rate, splitting time. That's a good thing for us."

Ford has a chance to see more time Friday against the Clippers (15-31), who have lost three in a row in this series since a 115-113 overtime win in Toronto on Feb. 5, 2006. Ford has totaled 31 points and 16 assists in his last two appearances against them.

The Raptors are looking to build off Monday's win where they shot a season-high 59.5 percent from the field and went 10-for-19 from 3-point range.

"It would be hard for us to play much better," said Toronto coach Sam Mitchell, whose team has won nine of 13...

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/scores108/108039/NBA776431.htm

[ploto]

The well-rested Toronto Raptors will celebrate the franchise's 1,000th game
when they host the Los Angeles Clippers Friday night (7 p.m. ET) at the Air Canada Centre.

http://www.photoshopessentials.com/images/photo-effects/fireworks/fireworks.jpg

[ata]

I don't know about him-- I see he is only 17 years old. I do know that Rasho has a lot of info on European basketball; he still follows it really closely and he has in the past shared his personal knowledge with his NBA team. I have long thought that should be his post-NBA career- scout of European players for an NBA team.
Vesely will not play since his club Slovan was taken out yesterday by Helios. Sorry, my bad.

[ploto]

Kapono practices for the three-point contest- looks like he only misses one!

http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/nba/nbacom/allstar/2008/kapono_3pt_practice.asx

[ploto]

Interesting set of back-to-backs for Rasho, as he plays against his two former teams on consecutive days.

Tonight in Minnesota to face the Wolves- who are now coached by Randy Witmann with whom Rasho was quite close in Minnesota- and then the Spurs in Toronto and Rasho is reunited with the coach who said he was in love with him.

[ploto]

Hi, Slovenians-- I need some confirmation of the language here.

Did BC leave early from SLO to attend to business matters in Toronto? The fact that he specifically left makes it seem like some trade speculation could be well-founded.

http://www.siol.net/sportal/kosarka/nba/2008/02/colangela_ne_bo_v_ljubljani.aspx

There has been a lot of speculation about Mike Miller and Kirilenko.

Of course a trade for AK 47 would have to mean Rasho is on his way to Utah. There have been reports that Utah was looking at saving money by trading AK 47 for Ben Wallace. If that won't work out, Rasho woudl be an OK alternative to dealing with Shaq... in the West. Plus, Utah would save even more $$. The Raptors did try to trade for Kirilenko last year.

[velik_m]

It says he had to leave for Canada to make an "urgent business decision".

[ploto]

It says he had to leave for Canada to make an "urgent business decision".
That's what I thought. With all the trades going on, it seems like it could be that. I mean what other business decision is so urgent he misses this part of his trip to Europe.

[angel_luv]

That's what I thought. With all the trades going on, it seems like it could be that. I mean what other business decision is so urgent he misses this part of his trip to Europe.


Please, keep me posted on what's going on with changes to the team- especially if it includes Sho.

[Rip-Hamilton32]

im going to raps vs spurs tonight if you see me i'll be the guy yelling at bargnani to play defence and rebound, and making fun of chuck swirsky i can't stand that guy

[ploto]

I think this is actually why Bryan left Europe:

Sam Mitchell will not be with the Raptors until after the NBA all-star break, having returned to his Atlanta home Monday to be with his family after the death of his father-in-law, the team announced.

Mitchell will return to his head coaching duties for the Feb. 23 game against the Orlando Magic, giving him more than a week to spend with his wife, their four children and his wife’s family.

Assistant Mike Evans will be the acting head coach for Monday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs while Jay Triano will fill that role on Wednesday against the New Jersey Nets.

They were named to the jobs because Evans was in charge of the scouting report for the Spurs while Triano handled the Nets. Had the Raptors faced any of the teams that assistant Alex English is charged with scouting, he would have filled in as the head coach.

http://thestar.blogs.com/raptors/20...game-leave.html

[Pistons < Spurs]

Gilbert running smack on Calderon in his blog.



"On the East side, I don’t know if there were any big snubs. I mean, some people wanted Jose Calderon. Jose Calderon? Who? Come on man, this is All-Star, people. When I’ve seen some of the names that are being thrown around on the ticker as snubs, it’s killing me. I understand Calderon has the best assist-turnover ratio in the league, but you know what’s funny? All back-up point guards have the best assist-turnover ratios. Screw it, Kevin Ollie should be an All-Star then! For like five or six years, Ollie was No. 1 in assist-turnover ratio!

An All-Star is an All-Star! He’s playing at a high level. That means, if you take him off the team, that team should fall down if he’s that one guy. An All-Star means that he is dominating the game of basketball. It’s not even about numbers necessarily, it’s about dominating.

I could probably say that Richard Jefferson got snubbed maybe Josh Smith too. His 18 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks puts him at No. 14. Richard Jefferson is No. 13. Turkoglu is No. 15. But, El Calderon? Come on.

I’ve been loving the way he’s been playing for the last two years. When he first came into the league he was a little timid and scared to shoot the ball, but he’s taking over that team. But All-Star? He’s about 20 years away from being an All-Star.

This is the difference between Antawn and Caron stepping up with me out and Calderon stepping up with T.J. Ford out: Antawn is second in the league in double-doubles and there’s only five players in the league averaging 20 and 10 – he’s one of them. There’s Dwight Howard, Al Jefferson, Carlos Boozer, Chris Bosh and Antawn. Four of those five are All-Stars and their teams are winning. Caron is playing at a high level. He’s taking over the game when he’s been playing – All-Star. Calderon is managing a team. If he was up for Rookie All-Star, Sophomore All-Star … BOOM … he’d get in. He might even be MVP! But for the big show? The big game? No.

You know what? I’m sorry people. I think I’m biased because my team was fifth in the Eastern Conference and I was averaging 29, five and five and I got snubbed off the All-Star game. So maybe I’m a little biased. I was in that Larry Brown era, so, my fault. You know what? Calderon might have been an All-Star. I can’t look at my situation and judge everybody else’s situation in the All-Star game. I guess my 29, five and five and being in fifth place wasn’t good enough at the time.

You know what’s funny about that? All-Star is the top 24 players. I wasn’t top 24, I was number 25 for the All-Star team, but, at the end of the season I was All-NBA Third Team, so that means top 15. I was confused at the time. How was I top 15 a couple months later? But anyway, the All-Star game is a time where people are happy and people are having fun. I don’t know how fun it’s going to be this year. Two of the comedians are out, me and Shaq. You’re going to have a whole bunch of guys over there serious and stuff.

My surprise was T-Mac. I think I lost a bet on that one. T-Mac is averaging like 20-something and … yeah, Brendan Haywood won that bet. "

http://my.nba.com/thread.jspa?threadID=300023403

[jman3000]

did gilbert arenas just state that he himself isnt an allstar?

[jman3000]

An All-Star is an All-Star! He’s playing at a high level. That means, if you take him off the team, that team should fall down if he’s that one guy.



http://my.nba.com/thread.jspa?threadID=300023403

[ata]

Nice win tonight.

I just don't get, why Mitchell doesn't play Rasho more against Howard. Tonight Howard scored exactly 1 point against Rasho in Q1!
During 5:49 min at the end of Q1 Rasho scored 6 pts (3/4), got blocked once (by Howard) + managed 1 steal and 2 blocks, also got 1 PF (on Howard)
Howard managed 1 poitnt, 1 block (on Rasho) and went 0/2 from field (once fouled by Rasho) - Howard missed only 3 FGs during the game!.

At the same period both recorded 0 rebounds (Howard 15 in the game) while Toronto outrebounded Orladno 6-4

Please, don't get me wrong. Howard is better and more complete player as Rasho, I just don't get Mitchell. Rasho manages to limit Howard very well, why Mitchell doesn't use him more?

[ploto]

Rasho played Howard very well in the first half of this game. In the second half, both teams went small. It was mostly just Bosh and four perimeter guys in the second half. I think the idea for Orlando was to force Bosh to have to guard Howard and so they both scored a ton! But Rasho looked very good.

[ploto]

Few trade day rumblings...

Dixon is the guy most likely to be traded-- he wants to be somewhere he will get more playing time as he is in a contract year.

Raptors talked to GS about Dixon and Graham for Pietrus.

Raptors tried to pry Joe Smith away from the Bulls- reunite those old Minneosta days.

There seems to be a low feeling that something really could happen with Kapono because teams are interested in him.

BC spending most of his time telling teams who want Jose Calderon-- NO!

So, I think some trade will happen today involving the Raptors- but not Rasho.

[ploto]

All-American forward Candace Parker will skip her senior season at Tennessee.

The redshirt junior will graduate at the end of this season and wants to participate in the summer Olympics and pursue a professional career, coach Pat Summitt said Thursday...

Parker redshirted her freshman season to recover from surgeries to repair a torn knee ligament.

The 6-foot-4 Naperville, Ill., native leads the team in scoring with 20.6 points per game and rebounds with 8.8 per game and is one of six women to have dunked in the college game. She made her seventh career dunk earlier this month against Kentucky...

By skipping her final year of eligibility, Parker has the chance to enter the WNBA draft in April. She would likely go as the top pick.

The Los Angeles Sparks hold the top pick, which would give Parker the opportunity to play alongside Lisa Leslie and former teammates Sidney Spencer and Tye'sha Fluker.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jKf576nkI464k5kDcEkR75XiHeVAD8UUQHQ04

[ploto]

Chad Ford: (2:18 PM ET ) ... I've done some checking ... nothing to report out of Toronto.

[ploto]

Dixon traded to Pistons

Feb 21, 2008 04:02 PM
Doug Smith
Sports Reporter

The Raptors are stocking up on Slovenian centres.

In a deal consummated right before the NBA's trade deadline, Toronto moved unhappy guard Juan Dixon to the Detroit Pistons for Primoz Brezec, a 7-footer who joins fellow Slovenian Rasho Nesterovic in the Raptors front court.

Brezec, traded earlier this year from Charlotte to Detroit, is in the final year of a contract that pays him about $2.75 million (U.S.) this season. Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo said Toronto will also receive "cash considerations" as part of the deal for Dixon.

With Dixon gone and a big man coming back, Colangelo said the Raptors will be okay with Carlos Delfino acting as a backup to point guard Jose Calderon while T.J. Ford recovers from various injuries.

"I feel comfortable between the guards that we have and Darrick Martin and Carlos Delfino that it's the right play," said the general manager. "There were several transactions that were available to us for back-up point guards that ultimately would have cost us flexibility going forward. In most cases, they were looking for draft picks and that's something we weren't entertaining."

Dixon, obtained a year ago from Portland for Fred Jones, wanted out of Toronto once his role diminished to the point where he was third behind Calderon and Ford at point guard and buried behind the likes of Delfino, Anthony Parker, Jamario Moon and Jason Kapono.

His agents had made it known to Colangelo that the 29-year-old, who is in the last year of a contract that pays him about $3 million, wanted out.

http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/305735

And actually playing Carlos at back-up PG means more minutes for Jason which is a good thing, too.

[angel_luv]

Whoosh! :clap

Welcome Brezec!

:)

[ploto]

It was a deal much more about the departure than the arrival, a swap of little for big, expiring contract for expiring contract. A tweak more than anything else.

The Raptors made a small move at the NBA's trade deadline yesterday, moving the unhappy Juan Dixon to the Detroit Pistons for Primoz Brezec, hardly a blockbuster but all that general manager Bryan Colangelo felt comfortable doing.

"It's important to have players that want to be here," Colangelo said after the trade. "Juan and his representatives made it pretty clear that he wasn't content with his role.

"You want to make players happy and you don't want unhappy players around. Not that he was handling himself in an unprofessional way, I want to be very clear. I only want players here that want to be here and want to be part of this culture."

Colangelo said he had a chance to make other, bolder moves but the need to maintain financial flexibility – primarily to re-sign Jose Calderon this summer without bumping up against the NBA's luxury tax threshold – made him back away from potential deals.

"We didn't want a knee-jerk reaction to everything else happening out there," he said. "We like where we are, we like our team, we're moving in a positive direction. (With) the need to re-sign Jose Calderon to a contract it was very important we did not put ourselves in a position to jeopardize the flexibility that we have."

It's hard to imagine Brezec, a 7-foot-1 centre, having much of an impact with the Raptors. After one good season with the expansion Charlotte Bobcats in 2004-05, he's been a non-entity both in Charlotte and Detroit, which obtained him earlier this season.

The native of Slovenia, a countryman and national team teammate of Toronto's Rasho Nesterovic, is another seven-footer, though, who might come in handy against the bigger teams the Raptors have to face. But his inclusion in the deal was made much more amenable by the fact his contract expires at the end of this season, as Dixon's did.

The departure of Dixon, though, does thin out Toronto's backcourt, at least until T.J. Ford returns from his latest injury. Colangelo said he expects coach Sam Mitchell to use Carlos Delfino in that backup role when Ford, or Jose Calderon, are unavailable.

"There were several transactions that were available to us for backup point guards that ultimately would have cost us flexibility going forward," Colangelo said. "In most cases, they were looking for draft picks and that's something we weren't entertaining."

Colangelo also said he resisted any urge to make a blockbuster trade because he thinks his team is on the right path.

"Last year, I think we finished with the third seed (in the playoffs) and winners of the Atlantic (Division)," he said. "This year, we find ourselves currently in the fourth seed and not far behind where we were. Obviously not first in the Atlantic because of Boston's success but we don't think we're too far way from the top of the East."

http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/305950

[ploto]

Gotta' love Primoz:

Word was that Brezec - who chatted with fellow countrymen Rasho Nesterovic after the deal went down - was going to drive from Detroit to Toronto on Thursday night and hook up with some of the Raptors staff. There is an outside chance that the Slovenian center could still get on a plane to NYC this afternoon … but it would probably be a long shot to think that Brezec would be able to suit-up against New York.


http://blog.rogersradiointernet.com/ericsmith/2008/02/22/primo-deals-on-deadline-day/

[ata]

Nice win/payback!

Good to see Brezec actually got some PT and responded excelent

[ploto]

Nice win/payback!

Good to see Brezec actually got some PT and responded excelent
He and Rasho looked nice there playing together. :D The Slovenian Twin Towers.

[Texas_Ranger]

WOW Breza!!! I just hope he continues with games like today.

[SlovenianGuy]

Can Brezec play? We don’t know. Can he talk? Absolutely, and the Slovenian big man does it in almost perfect gangsta slang. Why does a Slovenian talk like a rapper? Fellow Slovenian Rasho Nesterovic speculates it might be because he broke into the NBA in Indiana.

“[Your English] depends on where you start in the NBA,” said Nesterovic. “I started in Minnesota, he started in Indiana. That’s a pretty tough organization to pick up English.”

link (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080223.WBwbbasketball20080223115950/WBStory/WBwbbasketball)

[velik_m]

Nice game for Breza, hope he gets some playing time.

[angel_luv]

He and Rasho looked nice there playing together. :D The Slovenian Twin Towers.


aww. I missed it!

[ploto]

Toronto fans love Primoz and his gangster attitude. So funny....

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/1c/fullj.35080f09054a1c9fe7e1c9ddfdb7c44a/35080f09054a1c9fe7e1c9ddfdb7c44a-getty-76075062rt07_knicks_raptors.jpg

[ploto]

Primoz From The Block?

Some debut, wasn’t it? A couple of Tiger-esque fist pumps, some pointing to the heavens, bunch of baskets and some general running around. (Although the next time Sam looks up and sees a 7-footer leaking out on the break instead of boxing his guy out, ol’ Primoz is going to get some gangsta pimp stuff right on his noggin). But I digress.

As a fourth big, behind Bosh, Bargnani and Rasho, he might be all right. Or he might regress to the guy who couldn’t get off the bench in Charlotte or Detroit. He’s definitely got the energy but he was playing the Knicks so you might want temper the Hall of Fame talk at the moment.

One of the best lines comes from Rasho when he’s pestered to give his opinion of his countryman and how it’ll play back home: “What am I, the ambassador?"

http://thestar.blogs.com/raptors/2008/02/the-morning-a-8.html

[Kobayagi]

Rasho cracks me up. :lol

[angel_luv]

Sho's funny. :)

Glad the fans like Brezec, although I knew they would.

[ploto]

Raptors sneak into the fourth seed in the East tonight and only 3 games back of Orlando.

In their last 10 games, they are 7-3. In those 3 losses, they have lost by 4, 4, and 5 points. In the 7 wins, they have won by an average of almost 16 PPG. In this span of 10 games, they have outscored opponents by a total of 98 points.

Thriller- Raptors style

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyT5-bXfAJQ

[ploto]

TORONTO -- Primoz Brezec is a seven-footer with a difference.

The-seven-foot-one Slovenian Centre is as garrulous as countrymate Rasho Nesterovic is quiet...


http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/ulmerprimoz_022808.html

[ploto]

Ten under-the-radar storylines to watch down the stretch

1. The Mighty Raptors


I've been getting a lot of puzzled e-mails lately about the Toronto Raptors, who are fourth in this morning's Hollinger Power Rankings despite having the league's 13th-best record.

The Raptors didn't have a big reputation coming into the season, have only one household name in the lineup, and haven't been past the first round of the playoffs in half a decade. So what gives?

Here's the deal: They're a lot better than their record. As I keep saying, victory margin is a better indicator of future success than win-loss record, and the Raptors' average margin of plus-4.64 is better than that of the Mavs, Magic, Rockets, Warriors and Nuggets -- all of whom have better win-loss records.

Additionally, that number has ballooned of late. The Raptors haven't put together an impressive win streak, so they have slipped past everyone's attention -- the Raptors are a solid but hardly awe-inspiring 10-6 in their past 16 games.

But look closer and you'll see what an impressive stretch it's been. Five of the six losses were by five points or less, while eight of the 10 wins were by 17 or more; one of the two that wasn't was a 114-112 win in Boston that was the best shooting display a team has put on all season.

Let's put it more simply: The Raps aren't beating people, they're killing them. Toronto topped Milwaukee by 31, Washington by 39, Miami by 32, Minnesota by 23 and 22, New Jersey by 18, Orlando by 17, and New York by 23. In a 16-game stretch, half their games were blowout wins.

Sum it up and you'll see in that modest-looking 16-game stretch the Raptors are outscoring opponents by an impressive 10 points per game.

And although the Raps may seem short on star power, you might want to revisit that assumption. Check out what Chris Bosh has done lately -- he's risen to fifth in the league in player efficiency rating thanks to a huge two-month stretch. Since New Year's Day he's averaging 25.7 points per game and shooting 56.9 percent from the field.

Not much further down the list is Jose Calderon, who ranks 16th in PER thanks to his insanely high efficiency. I've already expounded on his unique combination of high assists, low turnovers and high-percentage shooting so I won't repeat myself here; suffice it to say that he's been far superior to several players with much greater reputations.

And although their supporting cast lacks stars, it also lacks duds. Everybody can shoot -- the Raps lead the league at 42.2 percent on 3-pointers -- and they have the second-lowest turnover rate in the league. So even though the Raptors attack doesn't seem that awe-inspiring, they're actually fourth in the league in offensive efficiency and first in the Eastern Conference.

And it gets better. With T.J. Ford back from injury, Toronto has a third dynamic offensive player to plug into the equation.

Yet despite their weapons, I don't see anybody taking this team seriously as a contender in the East. So I must report that they are, most definitely, a contender in the East. I still like Boston and Detroit's odds better, but if you're looking for a dark horse and thinking Cleveland, I'd suggest shifting your gaze further north.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=Storylines-080228a&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnba %2finsider%2fcolumns%2fstory%3fcolumnist%3dholling er_john%26page%3dStorylines-080228a

[velik_m]

Poor defense = not much fun in playoffs.

[resistanze]

Depending where they end up in the seedings, I can see them getting past the first round. They should've beaten NJ last year if it didn't take the coach 5.5 games to finally adjust.

They can beat NJ, Indiana, Atlanta, and maybe Chicago and Washington in the playoffs. Anyone else (except for maybe Orlando) is not happening.

[ata]

Ten under-the-radar storylines to watch down the stretch

1. The Mighty Raptors



http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=Storylines-080228a&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnba %2finsider%2fcolumns%2fstory%3fcolumnist%3dholling er_john%26page%3dStorylines-080228a

1. Bosh
2. Calderon
3. Ford

No Bargnani??

[ploto]

Bosh will miss the next couple of games with a knee problem and Rasho will be back in the starting line-up.


Bosh went to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he underwent an MRI. The tests revealed no structural damage, although there was some minor swelling.

[Warlord23]

The Raptors blow

[ata]

The Raptors blow
It takes one to know one...

[angel_luv]

Get better Bosh.

Yea about Sho starting though. :)

[Warlord23]

It takes one to know one...

Don't get your panties in a bunch, just stating the facts. Or are you trying to tell me that a mediocre East team that would be in 10th place in the West, that hasn't won a playoff series recently, and that is one of the softest teams in the league is something to write home about?

Just because your favorite soft Slovenian plays for the Raps, doesn't mean you can't be realistic and admit that they'll get bounced in the first round.

[ata]

Just a different perspective. I don't use word blow with a team with a winning record. With team under 0.5 yes.
Raptors can go to 2nd round, ECF would be major upset, and finals is SF. I am staying realistic here. Just don't call *any* team with winning record crapy.

It is privelege to be (primarly) Spurs fan, however I don't see any need to be sublime.

[Pero]

Rasho starting, 13 pts (6-8 fgs) 5 rb 2 blk at half-time.

[Kamnik]

Go Rasho!

[angel_luv]

Nice game by Sho so far.

Raps need to step it up majorly in order to get the win though.

[ploto]

Rasho played very well and was obviously the highlight of the game. Anthony Parker also stepped up in Bosh's absence. Unfortunately, the "core" of Bargnani, Ford, and Calderon pretty much sucked. Even though Jose had 10 assists, he had 4 uncharacteristic turnovers- and Ford and Andrea were useless.

A few Rasho highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLKzpwh06d8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCJPStbGcBI

Now, if someone could just explain to me why the Spurs Coyote was at this game in Charlotte. :wtf

[remingtonbo2001]

Now, if someone could just explain to me why the Spurs Coyote was at this game in Charlotte. :wtf

He got bumped from his flight.

[velik_m]

Bargnani blows.

[Pero]

Brezec, who accused Vincent before the game for not using him properly, had four points and four fouls in 11 minutes against his former team. ...

WTF??? Did Breza think he's going to get starter minutes or something? :lol

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Rasho played very well and was obviously the highlight of the game. Anthony Parker also stepped up in Bosh's absence. Unfortunately, the "core" of Bargnani, Ford, and Calderon pretty much sucked. Even though Jose had 10 assists, he had 4 uncharacteristic turnovers- and Ford and Andrea were useless.

A few Rasho highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLKzpwh06d8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCJPStbGcBI

Now, if someone could just explain to me why the Spurs Coyote was at this game in Charlotte. :wtf


It probably had a score to settle with you for your anti-Spurs rants

:lol

[ata]

It probably had a score to settle with you for your anti-Spurs rants

:lol

Sorry, I am still Spurs fan first!
Yes, I am Rasho's fan also (and hence Toronto's) and I still think that Rasho was not appreciated enough by most of Spurs fans. His contract was (is) maybe to costly for Spurs, however he still remains best Spurs center after Robinson era.

Cheering for Rasho doesn't exclude cheering for Spurs!

[ploto]

News for the Slovenians:

The newest Raptor, centre Primoz Brezec, said that Toronto will be his last stop in the NBA, whether he plays with the Raptors for a long time or not. The colourful Brezec said his next stop after Toronto will be Europe, and not another team in the NBA .

http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Basketball/2008/03/03/4892501-sun.html

[ata]

Pretty much expected.

[ploto]

More minutes for Rasho Nesterovic with Bosh out. Watching Rasho defend Howard should be mandatory viewing for anyone who thinks that savvy and under-stated toughness (read: the willingness to take the odd elbow to the chops and/or get dunked on) are no match for outrageous athleticism. I mean, I’m like you: I’d rather have the outrageous athleticism – I was talking to an advance scout for the Magic who suggested Howard might be the most athletic (defined narrowly as speed, power, size – though he’s pretty co-ordinated too) person on earth. I can’t argue, really. Rasho is not that, but he’s heady and determined and relies on a fairly simple formula to defend Howard: meet him early in the possession to make it hard for Howard to get deep post position and then box him out almost to the point where he sacrifices getting the rebound as long as Howard doesn’t.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/wbbasketball

[ploto]

Raptors' Mitchell prefers his indoor voice


Toronto Raptors head coach Sam Mitchell is not a screamer. He thinks it is important that the world knows that about him.

He says that he does not berate his team after a bad loss, such as the one Sunday in Charlotte. He says that he does not single players out in the locker room. No, Sam Mitchell will only scream when it is functional.

"That's the thing I'm trying to get people to understand," a cheery Mitchell said during the Raptors' Tuesday morning shoot-around at Amway Arena in Orlando. Toronto plays the Magic Tuesday night. "They see me walking down the sidelines yelling. I'm not yelling. I'm yelling out instructions.

"Why? There are 20,000 people in the arena. So I can't be like," Mitchell said, before adopting a hushed tone, "'‘Pssst, hey Jose. Hey, Hey. Jose. This is coming.'"

The topic came up because of Sunday's ugly loss in which Toronto allowed 32 second-chance points off 18 offensive rebounds. How does a coach approach his team after a game like that?

Mitchell said there is simply little sense to yelling at most of his players. He will get vocal with Jamario Moon for repeating mistakes. Sometimes, he screams at Kris Humphries for failing to roll to the basket, or at Joey Graham for doing any number of things that Graham does frequently.

"There's no point of me really yelling at Jose [Calderon], Chris , A.P. [Anthony Parker]. Even Andrea [Bargnani], for the most part, you can just tell Andrea what you need, whether he makes a mistake or not," Mitchell said. "If he makes a mistake, he sort of understands what he did. [B]Rasho. I mean, you don't yell at Rasho. Rasho knows."

Still, the fact that he has to scream at all irritates Mitchell. In fact, it might be more exhausting than pacing down the sideline.

"After the game, the last thing I have to do is go anywhere where I got to talk to people. I have just been talking and yelling and screaming for two-and-a-half hours," Mitchell said. "A lot of times I don't even eat after games. I just get something to drink. Drink an orange juice or something like that. Then I go home, man. Then I want to go turn on the TV and listen to someone else talk."

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/postedsports/archive/2008/03/04/nba-mitchell-prefers-to-use-his-indoor-voice.aspx

[ploto]

But if the Raptors have one of those unexpected wins in them than Rasho Nesterovic will be a key reason to why it happened. He has shown that he can guard guys like Howard and have some success. Rasho is rarely given much love by Rap Fans and I understand that. But he is a value to the Raptors maybe not matching his high contract number but still a value. It is likely if the Raps make a major move in the off-season or next season Rasho will be part of it based on his contract more than his play. I will miss Rasho if that happens. Rap fans will too when he is gone. So give Rasho some love while you have a chance.

http://www.blogtext.org/Jbstar/article/18971.html

[jay014]

Sorry, I am still Spurs fan first!
Yes, I am Rasho's fan also (and hence Toronto's) and I still think that Rasho was not appreciated enough by most of Spurs fans. His contract was (is) maybe to costly for Spurs, however he still remains best Spurs center after Robinson era.

Cheering for Rasho doesn't exclude cheering for Spurs!
Sorry, Rasho sucks! he remains the softest and most overpaid Spurs center in post Robinson era. Still wonder how did they pulled it off? R.C. or Pop should've have got executive of the year for that move. He had Dunk of the Night as a Spur. just what I expected.Rasho NBA Dunk of the Night (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/radoslav_nesterovic/index.html) click on dunk of the night under watch video.

[angel_luv]

But if the Raptors have one of those unexpected wins in them than Rasho Nesterovic will be a key reason to why it happened. He has shown that he can guard guys like Howard and have some success. Rasho is rarely given much love by Rap Fans and I understand that. But he is a value to the Raptors maybe not matching his high contract number but still a value. It is likely if the Raps make a major move in the off-season or next season Rasho will be part of it based on his contract more than his play. I will miss Rasho if that happens. Rap fans will too when he is gone. So give Rasho some love while you have a chance.

http://www.blogtext.org/Jbstar/article/18971.html


I wish the Spurs would resign Sho. That would be so awesome.

I know that it probably won't happen, but gotta keep hope alive. :)

[velik_m]

Raptors suck right now.

[Kobayagi]

Without Bosh they're a lottery team.

[jay014]

I wish the Spurs would resign Sho. That would be so awesome.

I know that it probably won't happen, but gotta keep hope alive. :)
The Spurs just got rid of him again, in Elson. As long as R.C. and Pop are running the show Rasho will never wear a Spurs jersey again.

[angel_luv]

I saw a guy that looked a lot like Elson here in San Antonio today. Maybe it is a sign. :)

[jay014]

Not a sign. It was Ian Mahinmi.

[lefty]

Ouch Andrea.

Hard hit

[dave]

What you didn’t see

And neither did I but a spy sitting courtside tells me during one timeout the Magaic mascot, a not particularly fearsome looking dragon, was goofing around near the Raptor bench.

Seems Primoz Brezec, for some reason known only to Primoz Brezec, took great umbrage at a stuffed animal having fun and slugged the thing. Then he tells him, ‘bleep you, I’ll bleep you up.’

http://thestar.blogs.com/raptors/2008/03/the-morning-a-2.html

[lefty]

Brezec is an idiot

He made a fool of himself tonight when missing an "extra dunk" after being fouled in the paint.

what a douche

[ploto]

What you didn’t see

And neither did I but a spy sitting courtside tells me during one timeout the Magaic mascot, a not particularly fearsome looking dragon, was goofing around near the Raptor bench.

Seems Primoz Brezec, for some reason known only to Primoz Brezec, took great umbrage at a stuffed animal having fun and slugged the thing. Then he tells him, ‘bleep you, I’ll bleep you up.’

http://thestar.blogs.com/raptors/2008/03/the-morning-a-2.html
Brezec cusses more than just about any player in the NBA- and that is saying alot.

[ploto]

The Spurs just got rid of him again, in Elson. As long as R.C. and Pop are running the show Rasho will never wear a Spurs jersey again.
Rasho and Elson could not be more different players if they tried. The truth is Pop would love someday to have Rasho back for the veteran's minimum as his career winds down, but it's not going to happen.

[ploto]

Rasho wth the nice double-double tonight- as the Raptors blow out the Heat. Rasho led the Raptors both in scoring and rebounds- with 8/12; 16 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists.

Andrea hit the court hard tonight- yet another Raptor banging the back of his head off the court. His mouth was bleeding pretty good. They x-rayed his cheek- which is what they were worried about- and said nothing was broken.

[Kobayagi]

I love Brezec's heart and will but I gotta feeling something's not right in that head of his. His latest comments remind me of Beno's statements when he was a spur. I wonder if sitting on the bench for too long does that to you.

[ploto]

Rasho's highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDYD4BuNiog

http://i29.tinypic.com/2l9tdfl.jpg

[ploto]

Bargnani hits head on court after collision with Heat F Johnson


Toronto forward Andrea Bargnani was shaken up early in the third quarter of the Raptors' game against the Miami Heat on Wednesday night, after a nasty collision under the basket.

Bargnani, the first overall pick in the 2006 NBA draft, was driving the right baseline with 9:57 left in the period when he went airborne near the basket. He collided with Miami forward Alexander Johnson, who was called for a flagrant foul on the play.

The back of Bargnani's head slammed on the court. He remained down for about three minutes, before walking to the Raptors' bench assisted by medical personnel from both teams.

Even after the hit, Bargnani returned to the court to make the two free throws, doing so even while Heat team neurologist Dr. Allan Herskowitz was being summoned to the Raptors' locker room, where Bargnani met him after the second foul shot.

Heat team dentist Dr. Larry Brown was also brought in to examine Bargnani, who entered the game averaging 10.3 points.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3278942


However, Bargnani left the game in the third quarter after a collision with Miami's Alexander Johnson. X-rays taken were negative and there were no signs of a concussion, although Bargnani's front left tooth was shifted. He will be examined on Thursday.
http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=nba/news/news.aspx?id=4136207

[angel_luv]

Feel better AB!

Good work Sho! :)

[ploto]

Here is a suggestion from Sam Mitchell that is sure to be met with unanimous approval from Torontonians: Crank up that heat back home.

After the Raptors pounded the Miami Heat here for the second time in a month Wednesday night, Mitchell said he needs some of that South Beach humidity back home.

"It's like this warm weather gave us a little bounce. We got to tell them to turn the heat up in the ACC [Air Canada Centre]," Mitchell said after Toronto's 108-83 win. "Rasho [Nesterovic], I told him, if he can shoot like that in the warm weather, we got to re-create this atmosphere."

Nesterovic was indeed impressive. Starting in place for the injured Chris Bosh for the third straight game, Nesterovic scored 16 points on 8-for-12 shooting. He added 10 rebounds.


For a brief stint in the third quarter, however, it looked like the win would be overshadowed by an injury to another big man.

With 9:57 remaining in the quarter, Raptors centre Andrea Bargnani drove hard to the basket, only to collide in the air with Miami's Alexander Johnson. Johnson's elbow made contact with the left side of Bargnani's face. Bargnani fell hard to the floor, and at the end of his fall, his head hit the hardwood. It was reminiscent of the way T.J. Ford's head hit the floor when he suffered his neck injury in Atlanta on Dec. 11.

Like Ford, Bargnani remained sprawled out on the floor. But Bargnani did get up after a few moments, and even managed to hit the two ensuing free throws.

He was bleeding from the mouth, and left the court to have X-rays taken on his left cheekbone. The X-rays were negative and the Raptors said he had no signs of a concussion. However, two of Bargnani's front teeth shifted. He will be re-examined today.

"Any time a guy leaves his feet and takes a hit and a fall like that, you're concerned. It seems like he's going to be OK. He's a little dazed," Mitchell said. "He'll get tomorrow off, and hopefully he'll come back [Friday] and be ready to play." For his part, Bargnani said he did not have a clear recollection of the play, but he remained conscious through the whole incident. He did say, however, that his vision was fuzzy for about 30 seconds after taking the hit.

He was wearing a mouthguard. Bargnani guessed that he might have lost a few teeth if not for the protection.

http://www.nationalpost.com/sports/story.html?id=355116

[lefty]

Wow, they were talking about the Spurs during the Raps - Wiz game !!!

:elephant :elephant :elephant :elephant :elephant

[ploto]

Raptors lose to the Wizards in Overtime. Rasho played another good game.

With Bosh out and Rasho starting, for four games-- 26 MPG; 10.25 PPG; 51 % FG; 8.5 RPG

[lefty]

It was a fun game to watch

On a side note, I can't believe Chuck is endorsing a salami brand; kind of lame

[angel_luv]

It was a fun game to watch

On a side note, I can't believe Chuck is endorsing a salami brand; kind of lame


Onions, baby! :)


Sorry to hear the Raps lost. Wish I could see more of their games.

[Rip-Hamilton32]

It was a fun game to watch

On a side note, I can't believe Chuck is endorsing a salami brand; kind of lame
i can't stand chuck he makes me hate the raptors just because he over hypes everything and thinks he knows basketball by yelling out stupid phrases

[lefty]

i can't stand chuck he makes me hate the raptors just because he over hypes everything and thinks he knows basketball by yelling out stupid phrases

Yeah even when they beat a crappy team, he's like : "Raptors win, Raptors win, Raptors win "

[dave]

raptors get blown out, chuck acts like they've won the championship - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36TPV0izF0U

[lefty]

raptors get blown out, chuck acts like they've won the championship - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36TPV0izF0U
:lol

[ploto]

Rasho with another big game:
7/10
3/3 FT
17 points
6 rebounds
6 assists

Raptors finally beat Seattle. As soon as the game got over, Rasho went immediately to find PJ. PJ was one of the coaches in SA who would say that the Spurs simply did not make the most of Rasho's abilities.

[Texas_Ranger]

Toronto wins Seattle. Once again great game by Rasho!!

[ploto]

There were nights early in the season when Rasho Nesterovic didn't play at all. But rather than sulk about his situation in the post-game locker-room, the veteran Toronto Raptors centre would head upstairs to the practice gym and run.

Now, with all-star forward Chris Bosh sidelined with a knee injury, and Nesterovic manning the frontcourt, those nights are paying off.

Nesterovic scored 17 points in another solid performance Sunday to lead Toronto to a 114-106 win over the Seattle SuperSonics, the Raptors' fifth consecutive game without Bosh.

"Rasho is a pro," said Raptors coach Sam Mitchell. "He never complains and is always ready to play. That's something our young players need to learn from."

The game marked the third time in the last five that Nesterovic has scored 16-plus points. But perhaps more remarkable, he topped the team in assists with six, which may be a first for the big Slovenian.

"I can't remember (the last time he led his team in assists)," Nesterovic said laughing. "They don't let big guys pass, because they don't trust them. I finally found a team that trusts big guys...

But Seattle wasn't giving up, and when Luke Ridnour drained two free throws with just under four minutes left, after a hard hit by Delfino sent him crashing face-first to the court, Seattle was within five.

But Nesterovic scored on a running dunk on Toronto's next possession, and it was all Raptors the rest of the way.

The strong performance by Nesterovic is good news for the Raptors, who traditionally struggle without Bosh. They're 4-6 without their leading scorer and rebounder this season, and 2-3 during this current injury, a sore right knee that could keep Bosh out of some, if not all, of the upcoming West Coast trip.

"Rasho's great, he just knows how to play the game, he can step out and shoot, he can pass," Parker said. "He's a great asset for us on defence as well, and we finally got him in some sets that really you could see some different things that he's able to do."

Nesterovic said he was never too worried about his lack of playing time early in the season, and putting in the extra work in the gym is part of his job.

"You get paid for that, you know," said the seven-foot centre. "It's not a bad job, to get so much money for what you like to do. I don't want to think about whether I play two or 30 minutes every night, I just want to be always in shape because you never know what's going to happen, who's going to get injured and when they're going to need you."...

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iE2Tj0UvQHe6RyisMX21dlCgF29g

[ploto]

The big joke after the game was Rasho Nesterovic and his career-high six assists. While most of the players, Nesterovic included, joked about this Sam Mitchell told the media, "We put in a little set for him tonight, not necessarily for him to score, but to create some things and Rasho (Nesterovic) is smart enough to pick and choose when to score."

Nesterovic, on the other hand, smiled when asked about his six assists and when asked about the last time he had that many he joked with the reporter, "Probably never, they don't let big guys pass because they don't trust them."

Jamario Moon also got into the act and joked that Nesterovic is, "A point guard trapped in a big man's body. If he leads us in assists the next game and we win it's all good."

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Blogs/CourtsideBlog.asp?GAME_ID=22078

[ploto]

Nesterovic leads Raptors to much-need win before tough five-game trip


Rasho Nesterovic is a throw-back hoopster, an old-school player who is content to take up space in the paint, set screens and knock down the occasional open jumper.

A man of few words who, in many ways, is the antithesis of his Slovenian teammate Primoz Brezec, Nesterovic never complains about minutes or the amount of touches he gets.

Yet, it was the Raptors' big man who stepped up huge in yesterday's matinee against the inexperienced Seattle SuperSonics, elevating his game at a time when the team suddenly was staring at disaster.

With Nesterovic cast in the most unlikeliest roles as a facilitator, the Raptors were able to ride his inspired play en route to a much-needed 114-106 win as Toronto gets set to play a gruelling five-game western trip beginning tomorrow night in L.A. against the Lakers.

"We put in a little set for him,'' head coach Sam Mitchell said of Nesterovic. "It wasn't necessarily for him to score, but to create some things and Rasho is smart enough to pick and choose when to try to score."

When the Raptors took control of the game in a fateful third quarter, it was Nesterovic who had the ball in his hands, surveying the floor and making the right decisions.

In 12 minutes, Nesterovic posted five assists in a period that saw the Raptors outscore Seattle 35-21.

For the game, Nesterovic tied his career high by recording a team-high six assists. He added a season-high 17 points in a game that the Raptors simply had to have given the daunting task that awaits.

"This is one of the hardest trips of the season,'' Nesterovic, who was inserted into the starting lineup following Chris Bosh's knee injury. "We play against teams that are on top in the West.

"The first thing is to stay healthy. If we play focused and stay aggressive, things will go well."

Things weren't going so well for the Raptors for most of the opening half against Seattle, who seemingly made shots from every spot on the floor.

Turnovers, though, kept Seattle from fully taking control.

When the second half began, the Raptors would emerge as the superior side with Nesterovic serving as the catalyst.

"Rasho is a pro,'' said Mitchell, who embodied professionalism during his playing career.

"There were nights early in the season when he did not play, but he would go upstairs after the game to get his workout in and he never complains.

"He is always ready to play and that is something young players need to learn from."

Nesterovic's teammates took notice, taking their cue from a seasoned veteran whose deadpan humour is hard to match.

"He played well,'' Jose Calderon said. "He has been doing a great job since Bosh has been out and even the whole season.

"He does the little things for us. He's really important and he knows how to play basketball. It's easy with him -- just give him the ball in the post and he can make assists."

Naturally, Nesterovic deflected all the accolades.

The key, he felt, was the way the Raptors reacted once the third quarter began.

"We were really not aggressive at the beginning of the game,'' Nesterovic said. "They were much more aggressive and much more focused than we were.

"We talked about it at halftime and we just came out and said if we want to win, we have to do what we normally do. We have to be aggressive and focused."

http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Basketball/2008/03/10/4958176-sun.html

[ploto]

Rasho rocks Sonics


There have always been point guards, and for a while around the NBA, point forward was a position that was in vogue. The Raptors have taken things a step further.

Say hello to Rasho Nesterovic, point centre.

The 7-footer, more accustomed to receiving passes rather than dishing them out, turned into something, well, not quite like Magic Johnson but effective nonetheless as the Raptors got a much-needed win to set them off on an arduous five-game western road trip.

Nesterovic has been solid since replacing the still-injured Chris Bosh in the Raptor starting lineup and never more than yesterday in front of a sellout crowd at the Air Canada Centre as Toronto dumped the Seattle SuperSonics 114-106. It was just the team's second win in its last six games.

Dishing out six assists – equalling his career high and being the unlikely team leader on the day – Nesterovic once again proved that his experience and intelligence will make him a valuable part of the rotation in the 20-game run-up to the playoffs.

"We put in a little set for him, not necessarily for him to score from that position, but to create some things," coach Sam Mitchell said of Nesterovic, who also contributed a season-high 17 points to the triumph.

"Rasho's smart enough to pick and choose when to score."

The new sets are designed to get the defence scrambling and initiate more motion in the Raptors' offence. They will go back to relying on Bosh whenever he gets back but in the interim, having someone able to pick and choose who to pass to – and when – out of the post is a luxury the Raptors haven't exploited all season.

"They don't let big guys pass, they don't trust them," Nesterovic joked. "It's hard to find a team to trust a big guy."

The Raptors are certainly learning how to trust Nesterovic, who has scored 16 or more points in three of his last five games.

"He does the little things for us, he's a great player for us," Jose Calderon said of Nesterovic. "He knows how to play basketball. It's easy with him; just give him the ball in the post and he can make assists."

The victory couldn't have come at a better time for the Raptors, who were reeling from four losses in their last five games and the absence of Bosh, who is unlikely to play in at least the first two games of the road trip.

They had played well in an overtime loss to Washington and had blown out a horrible Miami team, but there were lingering questions about their cohesion and determination in defeats at the hands of Indiana, Charlotte and Orlando.

And while beating the 16-27 Sonics hardly means all is right, a loss would have been a huge blow to Toronto's psyche. Now, the trip to face the Lakers, Warriors, Nuggets, Kings and Jazz at least begins with Toronto knowing it can play well enough to win.

"Any time you win, you have confidence," said Mitchell. "You've got to go out and play with confidence ... if you don't have that, then you don't have a chance."

The confidence boost will be greater if Toronto can match its unselfish offensive style of yesterday afternoon. Led by 23 points from Anthony Parker, the Raptors had six players in double figures, everyone who played more than five minutes had at least one assist and outside of the 21 shots hoisted by Andrea Bargnani, no one had more than 14 field goal attempts.

"We got some unbelievable production from our bench," said Mitchell, pointing to 15 points from Carlos Delfino, 12 from Kris Humphries and 10 from Jason Kapono.

With Parker scoring 10 of his 23 points in the third quarter, Toronto outscored Seattle 35-21 to take a 10-point lead into the fourth quarter.

And even with the requisite Seattle run – the Sonics got within five with under four minutes left – the Raptors were able to hang on.


http://www.thestar.com/Sports/NBA/article/326767

[Slomo]

...
"You get paid for that, you know," said the seven-foot centre. "It's not a bad job, to get so much money for what you like to do....

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iE2Tj0UvQHe6RyisMX21dlCgF29g

I like that quote. Something that we should hear more often from pro players.

"point centre" is also quite good :lol

[ploto]

I like that quote. Something that we should hear more often from pro players.

That is why I get upset when people try to lump Rasho and Beno in together. Rasho works hard all the time and as he said, that is part of doing his job right. He also realizes and appreciates how nice it is to get paid alot of money to play basketball for a living. It has to do with being thankful for the opportunity and using your abilities to the best that you can. I look at all the players that have come and gone in the ten years Rasho has been in the NBA. Fans and media harrass him and give him a hard time, but he is still here. There have surely been those who are more naturally gifted and almost all have been more athletic, but Rasho works hard and understands his role.

I am so happy for this little chance for him to shine- especially given the horrific week ahead with 5 games in 7 days all in the West against the Lakers, Golden State, Denver, Utah, and Sacramento. After that they get one easy game against Miami, and then they have at Cleveland, and games at home against Denver and Detroit. :dizzy

[ploto]

Nesterovic excels in Bosh's absence
Big Slovene earns praise for steady performance in fill-in role


He's no one's idea of a go-to guy. Rasho Nesterovic might never have made anyone say "wow" on a basketball court. But the Toronto Raptors' centre has a way about him that can make his coaches and peers nod in appreciation.

In a game often defined by chaos and spontaneity, where minimizing mistakes is the best anyone can hope for, the veteran Slovenian centre is as reliable as the snow in Southern Ontario this winter. He's always there.

Nesterovic was a presence during the Raptors' 114-106 win over the visiting Seattle SuperSonics in front of a sellout crowd at the Air Canada Centre yesterday afternoon.

It was just the second win for the Raptors in their past six games and improved their record to 34-28. The youthful 'Sonics dropped to 16-47.

Nesterovic didn't lead the Raptors in scoring, though he did support Anthony Parker's team-leading 23 points with a season-most 17 of his own. Nesterovic didn't lead Toronto in rebounding, though he was one shy of Andrea Bargnani's seven.

Significantly, Nesterovic did lead the team in assists with a career-best six, underlining his adaptability and the faith put in him by Raptors head coach Sam Mitchell.

With opponents loading up to stop the Raptors' high screen-and-roll plays, the team put in some plays that start with the ball in the centre's hands and allow him to pass to open shooters on the perimeter.

It worked well enough that Nesterovic got five assists in the third quarter, a big reason the Raptors gained a 35-21 advantage and turned around the game. They trailed 31-24 after the first quarter and 58-54 at the half.

That the offence is running through Nesterovic, even for short stretches, says a lot about the Raptors' predicament with Chris Bosh injured and a lot about Nesterovic, too.

With Bosh bothered by a sore right knee and no prospect of his immediate return as Toronto sets out on a daunting five-game Western Conference trip, the Raptors have little choice but to go to a more egalitarian approach offensively.

Enter Nesterovic, whom Mitchell didn't even put on the floor in 11 games this season, but who has averaged 11.6 points and 8.2 rebounds a game on 53-per-cent shooting in the five games he's started in Bosh's absence.

"Rasho's been playing well right now since Chris went down," Mitchell said. "His leadership, he communicates on defence, his rebounding, he's stepped up big for us.

"Rasho is a pro," said Mitchell, who was Nesterovic's teammate in Minnesota and who considers "pro" one of the highest compliments he can give. "There were nights early in the season when he did not play, but he would go upstairs after the game to get his workout in. He never complains and is always ready to play. He's a great role model for our younger players."

Nesterovic says that staying ready just makes sense.

"You get paid for that, you know," he said. "It's not a bad job to get so much money for what you like to do. I don't think about if I'm going to play two or 20 or 30 minutes. I never know what's going to happen, who's going to get injured, when they're going to need you. You just try to give something to the team and stay in shape."

Another issue is the performance of the Raptors' second unit, now under the purview of point guard T.J. Ford, who has played unevenly since returning to the team after missing eight weeks with neck problems.

Mitchell praised Ford yesterday for helping spark the second unit when the Raptors were trailing 25-16 after eight minutes in the first quarter.

With Ford pushing the pace, there were some easy baskets for Jason Kapono and Carlos Delfino, while Kris Humphries - 6-for-6 from the floor on the afternoon - found room for offensive rebounds after Ford broke the defence down.

Ford mixed four turnovers with four assists, but Mitchell saw signs of progress.

"We're going to need T.J.," Mitchell said. "His defence was excellent, and when we were down in the first quarter and second quarter, him and [the rest of the second unit] brought us back on energy and moving the ball and defence and we need that from T.J."

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080310.RAPTORS10/TPStory/Sports

[angel_luv]

Jamario Moon also got into the act and joked that Nesterovic is, "A point guard trapped in a big man's body.

Cute. :)

[Pero]

There have always been point guards, and for a while around the NBA, point forward was a position that was in vogue. The Raptors have taken things a step further.

Say hello to Rasho Nesterovic, point centre.

I guess they never heard of Vlade Divac.

[ploto]

Well, I am expecting nothing short of a blow out tonight-- a mad Lakers team who lost to Sacramento and a depleted Raptors team without Bosh. Kobe goes for 50.

[TampaDude]

Well, I am expecting nothing short of a blow out tonight-- a mad Lakers team who lost to Sacramento and a depleted Raptors team without Bosh. Kobe goes for 50.

Think he can top the 81 he hung on the Raptors in 2006? :dizzy

[angel_luv]

I expect the Raptors to find a way to win.

I believe. :)

[ploto]

Halftime: Rasho vs Gasol-- Which line belongs to whom?

8 points; 5 rebounds; 3 assists; 1 turnover; 1 block

4 points; 4 rebounds; 3 assists; 2 turnovers; 0 blocks

:elephant

Lakers up by 6. :(

[ploto]

Raptors lose by 9. Too bad-- they played very well in the first quarter and third quarter.

Rasho with a season high 18 points- including 3-3 and 6 points in the last 2 minutes; grabbed 8 rebounds and had 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block. Did a nice job on Gasol, too. Gasol with 12 points and 7 rebounds-- he had 5 assists but also 3 turnovers.

Golden State tomorrow. :depressed

[Kamnik]

Hehe i knew ploto will be all wet when i saw the score box this morning! :D

good job Rasho&Beno lately

[angel_luv]

Not a win for the Raps but it was hardly a blow out.

Good effort Raps. I am proud of you. :)

[angel_luv]

good job Rasho&Beno lately


That's my boys! :)

I am still so pleased that Brezec is a Raptor now. :)

I <3 Slovenia. :D

[10-tka]

That's my boys! :)

I am still so pleased that Brezec is a Raptor now. :)

I <3 Slovenia. :Dhello girl
nice cheering in couple of last games:)
the results are outstanding

[Chris Childs]

Why does this thread exist?

[Kamnik]

Why does this thread exist?
Why do NY Knicks exist?

They are an embarasment to the league and to the game of basketball. :toast

How does it feel to know you wont be a serious contender for at least the next 5 years? :hungry:

[lefty]

Why do NY Knicks exist?

They are an embarasment to the league and to the game of basketball. :toast

How does it feel to know you wont be a serious contender for at least the next 5 years? :hungry:

That's Chris Childs, you don't have to worry about his trolling

He's one of our top trolls though

[ploto]

Well, tonight is Nellie and small ball and so I expect much less Rasho, unless Andrea is in foul trouble. Another night short of sleep...

[resistanze]

It's gonna be a long night for the Raps when Rasho is getting blocked by Beidrins AND Baron Davis.

[ploto]

Raptors fight back from the 20 point first half deficit to take the one point lead mid-fourth quarter and then it is all Golden State. There is just about no team against whom Rasho is a worse match up than GS and it showed. He ended up 4-10 with 8 points and 2 rebounds. He had a nice third quarter, at least, to bounce back from a painful first one. Rasho played alot of minutes for him last night, as well.

At least the Raptors do not give up. They played hard even on the second night of a back to back.

[angel_luv]

hello girl
nice cheering in couple of last games:)
the results are outstanding

Friend! :D

Zivjo!

That is how you say hello, right?

I am getting super rusty on my Slovene. Bring on the olympic qualifiers and my language lessons. :)

[LocosPorJuana]

http://www.marca.com/edicion/marca/baloncesto/nba/es/desarrollo/1099761.html
Though he claims to be happy in toronto, calde told the spanish press that it would be really nice to play with the lakers and pau. Calde is one of my favourite players and I would be crushed if he joined his comrade in Kobeville. :wtf
It's either stay in toronto or join Luifa in houston. :)

What are you guys hearing in toronto about re-signing him?

[ploto]

Raptors at Kings tonight. They are in desperate need of a victory. Bosh is hopefully going to be back on Wednesday. Sam is also hinting at some possible line up changes if the defensive deficiencies continue.

Rasho stats in the last 8 games with Bosh out:

27 MPG
56.8 % FG
77.8 % FT
12.4 PPG
6.6 RPG
2 APG

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

im glad they put up such a fight against the Nuggets :smokin

[ploto]

Rasho played the entire game tonight except for the final 22 seconds when they had to start shooting three's. Props to him for doing everything he could to try to pull out one win on this awful road trip without Bosh. He had a season high 20 points (10/18); 8 rebounds; 2 blocks; 2 steals; and 1 or 2 assists. Tomorrow night-- Utah. How much can he play??

[lefty]

Raptors are gonna get so destroyed by Utah

[resistanze]

Good. They need to fall down to the 6th seed; they have no chance against the Cavs in the POs. They match up better against Orlando.

[lefty]

Good. They need to fall down to the 6th seed; they have no chance against the Cavs in the POs. They match up better against Orlando.

Bosh has done a great job this season vs Howard

[ploto]

Actually Rasho has guarded Howard much better than Bosh has- Bosh has just scored on him at will.

[ploto]

No rest for Rasho


The worse this trip gets, the more that is being asked of Raptors centre Rasho Nesterovic.

Nesterovic, starting with Chris Bosh out of the lineup because of injury, played all but 23 seconds of the game against Sacramento last night and helped keep the Raptors in the game with 20 points.

What he will have left for tonight in Utah, when he will be matched up against Carlos Boozer, is anyone's guess.

Raptors head coach Sam Mitchell was almost apologetic after the game for having to ask as much as he has of Nesterovic.

"Rasho has been very consistent," Mitchell said. "You can't ask much more out of him. I had to play him a lot of minutes (last night) but he gave us a chance to win the game. Right now without (Bosh) he's like a stabilizing person back there."

http://torontosun.com/Sports/Basketball/2008/03/17/5027176-sun.html

[ploto]

Time for a change?


The coaches spent about 20-25 minutes behind closed doors after the game and I can imagine they were talking about one thing: Is it time to change the starting lineup? Giving up 35, 44 and 32 points in each of the last three first quarters is inexcusable.

But here’s the question: Do you do one tonight (Moon) or do two on Wednesday (Bargnani and Moon)?

Me? I just do Moon but I wonder just who takes his place.

If you replace him with Kapono, what’s that do for the second unit scoring on nights when Delfino’s not making shots? And while Kapono’s defending better (“he’s trying to box out now,” one person told me on the weekend), can he guard starters?

The thing with Moon is all the stuff he’s supposed to bring: Defence, rebounding, energy, are lacking most nights. And teams have pretty much stopped guarding him.

http://thestar.blogs.com/raptors/2008/03/the-morning-a-7.html

What is interesting is that people are actually talking about the real possibility that when Bosh comes back, Andrea may be the guy who goes back to the bench and not Rasho. Don't know if it will happen, but even the conversation simply happening is noteworthy.

[lefty]

By the way, where is Garbajosa ? :wtf :wtf :wtf

[ploto]

Rasho mix:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0qCnDmEMEE

[Kobayagi]

I watched the game and in the 1st it was all slovenians (or ex-spurs if you prefer that :) ). Beno scoring for the Kings and Rasho for the Raptors.

It was funny when Rasho played D against Beno. :lol

[ploto]

Beno trying to stop Rasho
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/c0/fullj.886c0d9cda8725ca4f314ebb62e4b10b/886c0d9cda8725ca4f314ebb62e4b10b-getty-76075925rw014_raptors_kings.jpg

Rasho trying to stop Beno
http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080317/capt.d05129e4aa9f4a078a632bf6d23479e0.raptors_king s_basketball_sca105.jpg

[lefty]

Raps doing pretty well vs Utah :elephant

[ploto]

^Until TJ blew a gasket and got tossed- fighitng off Rasho and Kapono.

Tonight ended so sad. After the RAptors fight to enter the third quarter even with Utah, they fall apart, mostly at the impetus of TJ Ford- whom I like very much.

Rasho was so exhausted, shot so flat, but he played as hard as he could- defended very well- and managed to score 13 points on 6-13 shooting and grab 12 rebounds. He pretty much played even with Carlos Boozer tonight and that is a great accomplishment after playing 48 minutes last night. He played all but 6 minutes of the first 43 minutes of the game, but finally came out when Utah got the huge lead in the fourth quarter.

I know these guys can not wait to sleep in their own beds in Toronto. Bosh will hopefully be back Wednesday and there is still time to straighten this all out.

[ploto]

Raptors Finish Awful Road Trip


In a flood of words, all of T.J. Ford's frustration - and by extension, that of his team - came pouring out.

With 6:59 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Toronto Raptors' game Sunday night in Utah, Ford let loose some unbridled anger at referee Eddie F. Rush. He could have been upset about his own play, his team's play or his role on the team.

The result was two technical fouls and an automatic ejection for Ford, the lowlight of a 96-79 loss to the Jazz.

Toronto wrapped up its five-game road trip without a win. The Raptors return home on Wednesday against Miami.

Ford, however, took some of the spotlight from Toronto's awful trip. The point guard had been sparring verbally Rush for the entirety of the fourth quarter, in which the Jazz out-scored the Raptors 31-14.

After being called for an offensive foul, Ford lost it, screaming at the official. He had to be restrained by assistant coach Mike Evans and guard Anthony Parker as he was escorted off the court.

The frustration has been building in Ford for quite some time. After missing two months because of a neck injury, Ford lost his starting role to Jose Calderon. Publicly, Ford said he was fine with Calderon keeping the job.

Ford, however, has failed to find his niche in the reserve unit. He has not been able to find the balance between scorer and creator, often looking out of control in the process.

Finally on Monday, Ford exploded.

For the first three quarters, at least, the Raptors showed some fight and signs of life.

After a terrible first four games on the trip, Calderon delivered his best performance of the Western swing. When the Raptors lagged, Calderon actively hunted down his shot, something he had not done often throughout the trip.

The change in mentality did not result in eye-popping statistics - 16 points and seven assists - but the Raptors needed the aggressiveness from the 53% shooter.

On the defensive end, Calderon gave Utah star point guard Deron Williams some trouble in the first two quarter, before Williams started to hit his stride in the third quarter. Williams finished with 21 points, but Calderon did look more engaged in the action than he had earlier in the trip.

Another struggling Raptor, however, did not regain his rhythm. Andrea Bargnani got in early foul trouble once again, and finished the game with just five points and three rebounds. He left the game in the third quarter after being accidentally hit in the nose by Jamario Moon. He underwent X-rays, although results were not immediately known.

Bargnani was plainly awful on the trip, shooting 36% from the floor while providing no interior presence on either end of the floor.

In December, Toronto coach Sam Mitchell returned Bargnani to the starting lineup, saying that is where he would stay for the remainder of the year. With the Raptors in a tailspin and Rasho Nesterovic playing well in Chris Bosh's absence, it will be interesting to see if Mitchell sticks to his words.

After missing his 10th game in a row because of a right-knee injury, Bosh is expected to return to the lineup on Wednesday.

The Raptors did manage to put their first-quarter struggles behind them, although it was hardly a result of precise execution on Toronto's part. The Raptors allowed 44 points in the first quarter against Denver on Friday, and Sacramento hung 32 points on Toronto in the opening frame on Sunday.

Utah only put up 16 points in the first quarter, and the Jazz looked ragged coming off a four-game road trip last week against Eastern Conference competition. The Jazz turned the ball over seven times, and the Raptors maintained contact.

Toronto, though, could not take advantage of Utah's futility, making just six of their 22 field-goal attempts in the quarter, which the Raptors exited locked in a tie.
http://www.nationalpost.com/sports/story.html?id=382114

[ploto]

PS: Raptors wore green tonight- even down to their shoes!
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/1d/fullj.5187910f24bbe1a6746554d467e10956/5187910f24bbe1a6746554d467e10956-getty-76075999_mm013_rapt_jazz.jpg

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/8b/fullj.e942956c78f537a8d2515a22a4e78fa0/e942956c78f537a8d2515a22a4e78fa0-getty-76075999_mm009_rapt_jazz.jpg

[ploto]

I watched the game and in the 1st it was all slovenians (or ex-spurs if you prefer that :) ). Beno scoring for the Kings and Rasho for the Raptors.

It was funny when Rasho played D against Beno. :lol
I forgot to tell you my funniest moment- Beno missed a free throw and Rasho clapped. :lol

[lefty]

The Raptors have St-Patricks unis ? :wtf :wtf

Really ugly

[ploto]

The Raptors have St-Patricks unis ? :wtf :wtf
Truly makes no sense whatsoever.

[velik_m]

Truly makes no sense whatsoever.

:greedy

[Kobayagi]

I forgot to tell you my funniest moment- Beno missed a free throw and Rasho clapped. :lol


I always wondered if they trashtalk in slovenian to each other in such situations. I mean...not in a serious way but just to get on each other's nerves. :blah

[ploto]

:greedy
Bulls wore them, too.

[ploto]

Heavy load for Rasho


It must be something about that ARCO Arena in Sacramento.

Turns out the two longest NBA nights in the career of Rasho Nesterovic have both come in that building. The first was five years ago, when as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Nesterovic put in a then career-high 46 minutes.

Sunday night with the Raptors, Nesterovic bumped that by more than a minute and a half as he played all but 23 seconds of the 48-minute game.

Nesterovic said he was feeling fine heading into last night's game other than the green Raptor uniform he was being forced to wear. It wasn't sitting well with Nesterovic. "It's not our colour," he said.


http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Basketball/2008/03/18/5037111-sun.html

[ploto]

A couple of bright spots in dismal trip


...But there have been isolated incidents which down the road, assuming this Raptors team eventually finds its way out of this black hole (hello Bosh) should help this team.

High on that list has been the play of Rasho Nesterovic, who has been thrust back in a starter's role in Bosh's absence and has been one of perhaps only two consistent performers at both ends of the floor on this trip. The other, and this is just one man's opinion, would be Anthony Parker...

http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Basketball/2008/03/18/5037041-sun.html

[ploto]

Raptors unable to stay with Jazz


"We were right there, it was maybe a six-point game there three minutes into the fourth," Raptors' Rasho Nesterovic said. "We are on the right track. We just have to keep our composure and just keep going where we left off today."

Nesterovic had a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds in just shy of 37 minutes...

http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Basketball/2008/03/18/5037036-sun.html

[ploto]

Bosh is coming back – and not a moment too soon to lessen the angst among some of you – and one big question lingers:

What do to with Rasho?

Dude’s been playing great. Giving them around 15 points and nine boards a night in the last 10. Solid defensively.

Does he still start? Do you put Bargnani back on the bench?

If I know Sam, and this is mere speculation ‘cause I didn’t get a chance to ask him out west, Rasho’s going to come off the bench now and the big man rotation, like I’ve been suggesting for weeks, will be down to three.

Of course, he’ll use Hump just to prove me wrong but I’m not sure that’s the best deployment of personnel...

http://thestar.blogs.com/raptors/2008/03/home-sweet-home.html

[ploto]

Rasho did not start, as expected, but he did end up playing more minutes in the first half and total tonight than any other Raptor.

31 minutes
6/9
12 points
4 rebounds
4 assists
3 blocks
1 steal

Raptors beat the Heat 96-54.

[angel_luv]

I forgot to tell you my funniest moment- Beno missed a free throw and Rasho clapped. :lol


That's cute. :lol


Truly makes no sense whatsoever.

Yes, but Sho looks nice in green. :)

[ploto]

Yes, but Sho looks nice in green. :)
Nesterovic said he was feeling fine heading into last night's game other than the green Raptor uniform he was being forced to wear. It wasn't sitting well with Nesterovic. "It's not our colour," he said.

[ploto]

Miami’s 54 points was the fewest points ever scored by a Raptor opponent.

Miami's 54 point total was the lowest in their franchise history and tied for the third-lowest in NBA history since the league began using the shot clock.

Miami's FG%-- 25.6%-- was the lowest in their franchise history.

The Raptors’ 42-point margin of victory was the biggest ever for Toronto, beating the previous mark of 39.

[ata]

Miami is tanking big time.

[angel_luv]

Nesterovic said he was feeling fine heading into last night's game other than the green Raptor uniform he was being forced to wear. It wasn't sitting well with Nesterovic. "It's not our colour," he said.


Silly Sho.
What colors were raptors anyway- animal not team?

[ploto]

The return of Chris Bosh isn't going to diminish the role of Rasho Nesterovic. The veteran centre, who averaged 14.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game in Toronto's recent five-game road trip, was in his usual backup role but coach Sam Mitchell said he'll rely on him heavily. "Right now, I have a lot of confidence in Rasho and if someone's not playing well, it gives you the confidence to just bring Rasho right into the basketball game."

http://www.thestar.com/Sports/NBA/article/348206