Tag Archives: Boston Celtics

by | February 1, 2012 · 10:13 pm

The Beatdown Goes On in Boston

So that was awful.

There’s not much to say about the game.  The Raptors were thoroughly outplayed and beaten by the Celtics.  This game wasn’t even interesting, I mean I missed Modern Family for this game(though thankfully it was a repeat).  Why?  Neither team did anything interesting and the Raptors did almost nothing at all.  No defense, no offense, no chance.

Say what you want about missing Kleiza and Bargnani, the effort was simply not there.

If you’re part of  “Tank Nation” you might have something to cheer about, but even the people who want this team to lose for a higher pick cannot be pleased with the complete lack of guts in this game. That’s not the way anyone wants to lose a game. 

Back to Back beatings for the Raptors are good for no one.  Hopefully this wakes up some of the players and they come out with a little more fire at home on Friday.

It would be hard to play with less. 

Zan for three

Gray’s Anatomy

The only slightly bright spot for the Raptors tonight was Aaron Gray.  He played with intensity and worked hard under the basket and finished with a very credible 8 points and 9 rebounds.  Gray’s play should certainly earn him some more minutes, but the fact that he has been a factor at all this season says so much more about how disappointing Amir Johnson and Ed Davis have been.

Davis made amends in the second half for a pretty mediocre first half, but he hasn’t been as advertised this season.  He shows up one night and then disappears for the next two.

Gray is not a part of the future of this franchise.  He isn’t even really a part of their present, but he is currently out playing young “core pieces” in Amir and Ed.

There is nothing bad about seeing a bench guy step up and play well, but he really shouldn’t be out there.  Ed Davis is supposed to be a consistent force under the basket and Amir is supposed to be our energy guy.

Neither have been as advertised this season.

That certainly was a beatdown. The Raptors (And Bayless in this shot) took it on the chin against the Celtics falling 100-64 in Boston.

Ed Davis finally came alive in the second half, but Amir never showed up.

In their absence, Gray is finding some minutes that shouldn’t be there for the taking.

The Demar Derozan Watch

If I know Raptor fans, like I know Raptor fans everyone is giving up on Demar Derozan.  They’re calling for him to be moved, looking to the future without him, throwing in the towel on him as part of our “core” going forward.

He’s not playing well.  He hasn’t shown the promise he did at the end of last year.  He hasn’t signalled that he should be one of our central pieces going forward.

But, then again, that’s what most of us said about Bargnani last year.

We were wrong.  Maybe Demar is just having a hard time adjusting to his expanded role. 

Without Bargnani in the lineup, Demar is really the only scoring threat the Raptors have.  He is the focus of opposing defenses and the main focus of scouting reports.  He’s not used to being targeted by opposing teams.  That adjustment takes time.

Watching him play against Ray Allen on Wednesday only highlighted the fears fans all have.  He didn’t look good on either end of the floor and was held in check and taken to school by a veteran star.  The gap between the All-Star guard and Derozan was never as apparent as it was on Wednesday night.

But maybe this game came at exactly the right time.

Maybe Ray Allen gives Demar something to think about, something to strive for.  Games like this stay with you.  They haunt you while you’re on the road to the next game.  Let’s hope this sits with Demar for a while and he plays Friday with this game in the back of his mind.  Maybe this game will be the chip he carries on his shoulder for the rest of the season, that ignites a fire under him. 

Let’s hope this was his wake up call.

Pound the Rock

I’m interested to see how this team responds on Friday against a very beatable Washington team.  Two losses in a row is one thing, but to be absolutely crushed and humiliated twice in a row is something else.  This team needs to come out like caged animals on Friday.  They need to show some fight and if they go down they need to go down swinging with everything they have.

Losses like this test the fortitude of a team.  These young players need to shrug this off, learn from their mistakes and just come out focused and determined to do better.

The “Pound the Rock” mantra isn’t just about continuing to learn and  getting better, it’s about responding to adversity.  Over the last two games this team has seen some adversity.  Friday is where we will learn what this team is made of.  Can they bounce back after embarrassing defeats?  Show more fight and hustle win or lose?

We’ll find out.

Zan of the Night

Adnan Virk

The former Score employee and current ESPN anchor tweeted early in the night that he had received free tickets to see Toronto at the Garden.  He was the big winner on the night because he didn’t pay to see this monstrosity.  I’m sure he doesn’t pay for many basketball tickets, but he definitely got what he paid for.  Plus it’s great that he still makes the effort to check out a team he once worked for and cheered for when he was here in Toronto.  He is definitely missed on Raptors broadcasts and Toronto television.

Not Zan of the Night

Take your pick.  The entire Raptors team looked lost and out of sync. No one player was more to blame than any other.  This one is on everyone.  Hopefully they can dust it off and get back at it on Friday.

***

Kristoffer Pedlar

The Zan Tabak Herald

***

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by | January 18, 2012 · 11:12 pm

Ugh

So what is there to say about that one?

That was ugly.  It was so ugly it was ooglie.

Unfortunately when you’re missing your best player, playing a tough team on the road and don’t bring your A game there are gonna be nights like tonight.

The Raptors, somehow, were able to hang with the Celtics until the half.

Then all heck broke loose and the Raptors were just beaten.  In every way possible, they were beaten.  Their shots didn’t fall, they lost rebounds, couldn’t defend, took bad fouls and could not get any momentum.

The veteran Celtics team smelled the blood in the water and finished the Raps early in the third.  The fourth was  almost unnecessay as the Raps were bested by the Celtics first, second and third units.

In the end the fans out there leading “Tank Nation” will be happy with the result, while others hoping to see, at least, some positive signs of progress will be disappointed with, what is now, the Raptors’ sixth straight loss.

Zan for Three

Panic Button?

So it is well documented in the Toronto media that Demar Derozan is not playing that well.  I’m sure he reads and hears about it more than he cares to right now.  Rightly or wrongly the worry and concern over the team has been focused squarely on him.

It was a long night at the office for the Raptors who were obliterated 96-73 in Boston.

Is it time to worry?

This could be a slump and something he needs to work through.  It could also be evidence that he isn’t ready to be a number one player on this team.

The season is still only starting and there is plenty of time for Demar to turn it arouind.  So, maybe we should hold off on all the doomsday talk for a little while and see how he battles through this.  

The true mark of a great player is how they respond to adversity.

Forbes Nation

I realize that the sample size is tiny, but I’m liking what I’m seeing from Gary Forbes in the last few games. Obviously it is hard to assess a guy that played well in a blow out, but he has looked good over the last little while shooting and handling the ball.  He is taking to the point position well so far and seems to be solid on both ends of the floor.

Tim Chisholm recently tweeted that he wasn’t sure whether Forbes was actually good or just looked good next to the rest of the Raptor team.  That is a fair comment, as the team certainly isn’t setting the world on fire, but I think Forbes has some talent.  He is fast and provides coach Casey with a number of different options. 

He is creative, can shoot the ball and is able to get to the rim with his speed.

Definitely a player to keep an eye on.

Contenders?

So where does this Celtic team stack up in the East? Obviously they are not the beasts they once were, but still possess major stars in Rondo, Allen, Garnett, and Paul Pierce.  All these players are significantly older and their once strong bench has been depleted by trades.

Are these guys for real?

Sure they can beat up on Toronto, but can they handle the Heat? Can they match up against Chicago?  Are they a serious threat to compete for a championship or even for a top 4 seed in the Eastern Conference?

Are they a team to fear?

A few years ago this was something that wasn’t a question, now it’s debatable, but in the end they are a far cry from what they once were.

Zan of the Night

Aaron Gray

Welcome Back to the Show! Extended minutes that showed hustle and a desire to win.  I liked the fight he had in him tonight, despite the fact that he was coming in cold and hadn’t played competitively since the summer.  Glad to see him finally haelthy enough to play.  Welcome to Toronto Aaron!

Not Zan of the Game

Everyone who had the misfortune of watching that debacle.  Honestly, one of the worst I can remember in recent memory.  Thank goodness this shortened NBA season has a quick turnaround most nights.  The Raptors are back at it on Friday against Portland.  May our memories be short.

***

Kristoffer Pedlar

The Zan Tabak Herald

***

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by | May 1, 2011 · 2:55 pm

Ex Raptors become X-Factors in Round Two

As round two begins in the NBA, we’ve said goodbye to a few old allies.  Jarrett Jack and Marco Belinelli have packed their bags after a very succesful first round series against the Lakers.  Matt Bonner had a disappointing first round with San Antonio as they were bounced by the Grizzlies and Roy Hibbert and TJ Ford find themselves spectators as round two begins.

As the second round begins,  a few former Raptor favourites could tip the scales in their second round series.  Let’s take a look at the key Ex-Raptors that will likely be X-Factors for their respective teams.

Miami vs. Boston

The Big three vs. the Big Three.  This is a dream matchup for the NBA and any fan who enjoys good basketball.  We know that Lebron and Wade are going to score in bunches and we know that Ray Allen will be tossing key three pointers throughout the series and Kevin Garnett will be intense.  What we don’t know is how Chris Bosh will play against some really tough playoff competition.

If Miami has dreams of championship glory, they will need Chris Bosh to fight like he has never fought before.

Chris Bosh will be the key to winning this series for Miami.  Bosh has played very well thus far against Philly, but he is about to match up against Kevin Garnett who he has never played well against.  He will also have to play against the likes of Big Baby and Jermaine Oneal.  These are not finesse players.  They get dirty and fight with everything they have for a loose ball or a rebound.

If Chris Bosh is to be successful against these tough players he is going to have to channel is inner Reggie Evans and JYD.  Bosh needs to be less finesse and more banger.  He will need to fight like he has never fought before and be the player that keeps possessions alive and gives Wade and Lebron second chances.

On the flip side, Boston will rely heavily on Jermaine O’neal.  There likely won’t be a Shaq appearnce until later on in the series so Jermaine will be handed the task of containing Chris Bosh.  This is someone he knows quite well from his days in the T-dot.

Jermaine O’neal has been through the rigors of playoff basketball and is no newcomer to intensity in the playoffs.  His Indiana teams played their fare share of tough games.  He will need to be defensively sound and provide help defense when Lebron and Wade bust through the key.  If you need a hard foul to send a message, Jermaine O’neal is your guy.  He backs down from no one and may be the last line of defense for the Celtics.  He will be a key if the Celtics hope to head to the Eastern Conference Finals.

If Bosh can find that inner fight, Miami wins this series.  If he gets bullied on the glass by Garnett and O’neal and is shut down on the offensive end then it will be a second round exit for the boys from South Beach.

Dallas vs. LA Lakers

This series will be a shoot out.  Scoring is going to happen in bunches and defense will likely take a back seat as it often does in Dallas.  The mavericks have a number of players that can score in bunches in Nowitzki, Terry and Jason Kidd.  These three will score but might have trouble keeping up with Kobe, Gasol and Bynum.  If they are going to keep up, they will need their supporting cast members to step up.

Enter Shawn Marion and Peja Stojakovic.  These two players have the offensive skill set to be deadly to an opposing team.  While the defense focuses on Dirk and Terry,  Peja and Marion will likely get their fair share of good looks.  Marion is a player that makes those around him better.  He can pass effectively, shoots the ball well and knows how to get to the foul line (a valuable asset in the playoffs).  Peja Stojakovic has enjoyed a resurgence with Dallas and simply needs to stand on that three-point line and deliver.

Neither player was in Toronto for very long so we never had the chance to see them at their best.  But this is the playoffs an both are very familiar with the battles of playoff ball.  If used properly these players will help Dallas overthrow the defending champs.

Throw in “Almost Raptor” Tyson Chandler and you have an absolutely lethal rotation that can beat you in a number of different ways.

If Dallas spreads the floor, shares the ball and gets plenty of supporting effort from their bench they will win the series.  If the bench can’t contribute against the defending champs then the Lakers will continue their quest for another title.

Atlanta vs. Chicago

Do not underestimate the Atlanta Hawks.  Pundits and “experts” are already counting them out.

Don’t.

They are a young team finally coming into their own and might surprise the Bulls, who looked a little sluggish against Indiana.  This is a Hawks team that was able to defeat a pretty good team in Orlando.

Although I expect the Bulls to win the series I think it will be a longer  series than anyone thinks.

Watch out for Al Horford.  He will be a tough matchup for Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah inside. He is tough to match up against in the post and provides sturdy defense that could give Chicago’s Bigs fits on the inside.

The ex-Raptor to watch here is Chuck Swirsky, who may just faint when his team reaches theEastern Conference finals.  If the Bulls win he’ll likely look more lost than Tomas Kaberle during the Bruins game 7 celebration earlier this week.

It is likely that the Salami and Cheese will be brought out for the Hawks.

Oklahoma vs. Memphis

This series has no Raptor connections, but the Raptors should take note of these young teams and how they have built themselves into winning franchises.  It wasn’t long ago that a 22 win season was considered a success for the Thunder and Grizz.  These teams were able to build themselves back into contenders and the Raptors should hope they follow a similar path.

Neither of these teams became a success overnight and they surely didn’t do it by trading draft picks or signing  a slew of veteran players to bad contracts.  They built themselves slowly through the draft and then added veteran pieces to compliment those young players.

Watching Durant, Westbrook and Ibaka face Randolph, Gasol and Conely could very well be what Raptor fans will see in a few years from Derozan, Davis and Amir.

In terms of X-Factors for this series I would go with Shane Battier and Kendrick Perkins.  Perkins has been a non-factor thus far in the playoffs but he will need to help lead this young team as they focus on Playoff advancement.  He’s been through the wars before and they will need him to help contain the beast that is Randolph. Hopefully he wakes up soon or the surging Grizzlies might be too difficult to defeat.

Lots to watch as a Raptor fan, as some old friends will likely be keys to the teams that ultimately prevail.

***

Kristoffer Pedlar

The Zan Tabak Herald
***
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by | April 17, 2011 · 10:32 am

Who’s your Team in the 2011 Playoffs?

With the Raptors season now a distant memory, the basketball fan in me has to find a team to cheer for, a team to really get behind.  A team that will let me feel the ups and downs of a true fan with some sort of authenticity. I love watching basketball but it is way more fun when you have someone to cheer for.

Last year I chose Atlanta and Phoenix and it was a fun playoff to watch.  I a little heartbroken when Nash and company were eliminated after a surprise filled run.  Was it worth the feeling the morning after, watching a game go into the early morning on a Wednesday?  Yup.

So this year, who do I cheer for?

There are lots and lots of talent to cheer for in the Eastern Conference.  Could I get behind a guy like Derek Rose and his jaw dropping play?  For sure.  Or do I want to support the original Big Three in Boston? or the Evil Empire that calls Miami home?  or do I take a relative underdog that might surprise a few people?

I still Like Atlanta and their young team.  Kirk Hinrich has given the young scorers on that team a level headed leader.  Definitely a possible upset or two in the Dirty South this year.

In the West my usual choice would be Steve Nash and the Suns, but alas they weren’t good enough to get the job done this year.

So who now?

Dallas?  They’ve got some great talent and a veteran cheif calling the shots in Jason Kidd; a guy you just can’t hate.

San Antonio?  Old reliable. A team that quietly goes about their business and one that has Matt Bonner a definite favourite of mine and Raptor fans alike.

Then there are the defending champs from LA.  My hatred of the Celtics led me to cheer for them last year, but this is not my favourite team.  Kobe this past week irked me quite a bit with his homophobic slur and half hearted apology.  They’re not looking like defending champs and they might not be around very long. Not that I would be greatly disappointed.

Then there are your long shots.  The Thunder are exciting and the acquisition of Kendrick Perkins was designed for this time of year.  Kevin Durant is a great player to wach and provides a lot of excitement.  As does Chris Paul in New Orleans or LaMarcus Aldridge in Portland.

So who’s it gonna be.

In the West, I’m going with the Thunder.  They’re young, exciting and humble.  Kendrick Perkins is a game changer for them.  I think they will surprise the Spurs and Mavs in the West.  Watch out for this team because they have a chance to go all the way and do it while playing very exciting basketball.

Kevin Durant is one of the most exciting players out there and Russell Westbrook looks ready to bust out this year.  They might not make it all the way but they’re a team I can get behind.  They remind me of what I dream the Raptors to one day be.  And in Oklahoma you get an absolutely basketball-mad environment as your backdrop.  It writes itself.  GO Thunder!

Is there a team more hated in the NBA than the Miami Heat? This spring Im cheering for Anyone but Maimi.

In the East I’m taking an “ABM” mentality.  That would be “Anyone But Miami”.

There is nothing like an NBA playoff series with a clear villain.  Miami is that villain.  Everyone outside of South Beach, where Lebron took his talents, will be cheering against the Big 2.5.  Add me to that list.

I hate these guys.  I hate their attitude, their over confidence, their cocky swaggar, the referees love of blowing the whistle for everything that comes within a foot of them.  It’s everything I hate about the league wrapped up into one team.

So therefore: Go 76ers! Go Celtics! Go Bulls!  ABM!  Anyone but Miami!

If I’m calling a specific team to beat them I’d have to go with Boston or Chicago.  Chicago is the team I think will do it.  They have the same amount of scoring power, but Chi-town also has a strong inside game that Miami cannot contend with.

Carlos Boozer + Joakim Noah > Chris Bosh and Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

The greatest call of the playoffs will hopefully be when Chuck Swirsky gets out the Salami and Cheese for Lebron and his buddies.

So, for the next month and a half I’ll be sitting in front of my TV watching and cheering for the Thunder and Anyone but Miami!

Who are you cheering for?

***

Kristoffer Pedlar

The Zan Tabak Herald
***
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by | January 2, 2011 · 9:06 pm

Raptors Fight to the Bitter End

The Boston Celtics are arguably the best team in the East, at least until Miami or Orlando beats them in a seven game series. Tonight the Raptors hung with the best and had many opportunities to pull away, but suffered from a very poor shooting night.  This is the kind of loss you have to take with a grain of salt.  The Celtics are the best team in the East, the Raptors are a young team still finding an identity.  There is no shame in this loss.  The Raps fought hard all game long and should hold their heads high.

Paul Pierce was absolutely brilliant and the Celtics hung around long enough for their other star players to warm up and contribute to the victory.  Pierce was basically a one man show for much of the game and seemed to single-handedly keep his team in the game.  The hotter Paul Pierce gets the better the Celtics will be.  Going into the second half of the season the Celtics are gonna need Pierce to be at his best.  Like a fine European wine, he only gets better as time goes on.

His dunk in the second half over virtually everyone was absolutely awe-inspiring!

Not to be outdone Demar Derozan once again was the best Raptor on the floor and may be turning a corner in his development.  He looked confident and was aggressive on the offensive end of the floor.  The Raptors are banking on Derozan becoming a big part of the team’s future and lately he has been looking like the real deal.  Tonight he played great ball against some of the best in the game.

Paul Pierce and his 30 points were too much to handle as the Celtics beat the Raptors 93-79 at the ACC on Sunday.

 

Zan For Three

Hard Work Rewarded

Two players worked harder than anyone else out there today: Joey Dorsey and Ray Allen.

Joey Dorsey was matched up against Shaquille Oneal and Jermaine Oneal, arguably one of the most frightening assignments in the NBA, in my honest opinion. He was solid defensively, worked his ass off on the offensive glass and was a key contributor all game long.  The Raps are down a few guys and have never been an overly effective team when it comes to rebounding, but Dorsey is doing it all in the limited amount of time he’s been given.  A few more games like this and Dorsey may earn himself more playing time, even after others come back from injury.

Ray Allen is a timeless wonder.  His outside shot is an automatic if he’s open.  He’s become, arguably, one of the most dependable players in the league.  He is never going to go out there and stink up the joint.  Today he had the quietest 23 points I’ve ever seen.  His team was struggling, outside of Paul Pierce, and they needed someone else to start hitting shots.  Enter Mr. Dependable.

Paul Pierce was the best player on the court today for the Celtics, but no way they win without the contribution of their silent leader.

Young Onez Unite!!

Am I the only one who is starting to get a little excited about the future of this ball club?  True, there is no Lebron James type or a John Wall that you can hope becomes an NBA superstar, but these kids are really starting to mature into fine NBA players.

Demar Derozan has elevate his game to another level recently and looks like he may finally explode into the player many hoped he was going to be.  Ed Davis is looking like a bona fide gem and Amir Johnson has played with increasing maturity.  If Amir stays on the floor, he has a good game almost every time.

This season has certainly had its bleak moments, but there is definitely something to be hopeful about as the new year arrives.

Gotta Cash in Those Freebies

I’ll be the first to admit the Raptors did not get the benefit of the doubt on a lot of calls in the paint.  Derozan and Calderon got hammered several times without a whistle, but would the Raptors have done much with their extra chances even if they had them?  10/22 from the Free Throw line isn’t going to cut it.  That’s twelve free points you’re not cashing in.  When you lose a game like the raps did today, you can look at that stat alone and see how close the game

Demar Derozan may be turning a corner in his development and is becoming what Raptor fans dreamed of when he was drafted two seasons ago.

really could have been.  The Raptors have got to be more consistent from the stripe.

 

Zan of the Night

Demar Derozan

In truth Paul Pierce played a damn fine game, but Derozan gets the Zan for putting together another gem.  This kid is playing aggressively out there.  He is taking the ball to the rim whether he’s gonna get hammered or not.  He is getting to the line and he seems more and more comfortable shooting the ball.  When he drives the net he opens up opportunities for the rest of his team.  Derozan followed up a gem against Houston with another gem against one of the toughest opponents in the NBA.  This kid may have finally arrived.

Not Zan of the Night

Linas Kleiza

True fact: Nobody on the Raptors team was hitting shots with consistency.  Barbosa, Calderon and even Amir Johnson all had bad shooting nights, but no one made it look as ugly as Kleiza did.  He threw up some of the worst shots I have seen in a long time.  I like that he has confidence in his abilities, but you also have to be aware of when it just isn’t your night.  He was downright awful on the offensive end tonight.

 

 

***

 

Kristoffer Pedlar
The Zan Tabak Herald
***
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @Zantabakherald

 

 

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by | November 21, 2010 · 9:07 pm

Raps are Jacked Up In Win Over the Celtics

A day after trading away their starting point guard and a key reserve, an undermanned Raptor squad walked into the ACC and played some great ball against, arguably, the best team in the association.   The Raptors hung around all game and were able to pull ahead in the fourth against a tired Boston Celtics team who were without Rajon Rondo.  The Raptors were led by Andrea Bargnani who once again showed off his strong offensive game with 29 points. What was more amazing that he was scoring in the post, off the dribble and was his usual deadly self from the field.  Reggie Evans chipped in with a string defensive game and 14 more rebounds.  Calderon was steady at the helm, for most of the game, and Barbosa and Amir Johnson provided very strong minutes off the bench.

The talk of a tank might be a bit pre-mature as these Raptors are showing they can hang with the best in the league and don’t look now, but they’ve won three in a row and have looked very good over the last stretch of games.  This team might be better than anyone is giving them credit for.

The Zan for Three

Like a Bosh

No, this is not a comment on the brilliant video by the good folks over at The Basketball Jones.  Although there is plenty to like in the video chronicling the Raptor career of Chris Bosh and his subsequent departure from the Great White North or “White Vegas” as we’ve now been called. 

The loss of Chris Bosh was thought to throw this Raptor franchise into rebuild mode and most people who follow the NBA have agree with this sentiment.  Chris Bosh gave the Raptors 20 and 10 each night and that kind of production is hard to replace, or is it?  Amir Johnson has been doing his best Chris Bosh impression over the last couple of games.  A 17 and 11 performance tonight and two huge free throws to give his team victory gave the Raptors exactly what they needed.  If he can do this consistently then the Raptors may not be that bad without Chris Bosh.  Couple Johnson’s performance with the rebounding production that Reggie Evans has been giving the team and the output of Chris Bosh has actually been replaced with more production. One of the things that Amir does so well, possibly even better than Bosh is rebound the ball and get putback points.  Tonight he was in the right place at the right time and capitalized.  Offensive rebounds usually mean points.  This is something Chris Bosh is still having trouble with in Miami.  Amir looked like the new Bosh out there today.  Chris Bosh?  As Jose Calderon would say: WHO?

Amir Johnson celebrates after hitting the game winning free throws. He was a key part of the Raptors victory and is now looking more and more like a potential starting forward.

This is not to suggest that the Raptors are better off without Chris, but right now Amir and Reggie have more than made up for what Bosh was giving the team last year and the numbers that he is putting up in Miami.  If Amir can keep this up the team will be looking better and better now and into the future and Colangelo’s signing in the offseason won’t seem as crazy as it did at the time.

Addition by Subtraction

The Raptors were only able to dress 10 players after the trade with New Orleans and were seriously undermanned on paper.  Both Peja and Bayless have yet to join the team and will not see any action until Wednesday at the earliest.  This would seem to  have been a problem for a team facing off against the defending Eastern Conference Champions, but this was not the case.  The Raptors, who only actually used 8 of their 10 players in uniform, used a tight rotation to beat the Celtics.  Calderon and Barbosa shared minutes at point guard and Amir Johnson played extended minutes and Kleiza was given some time at power forward.  This tight rotation might be the way to go.  Roles are clearer than they were a mere 24 hours earlier.  Players know what they have to do and held more accountable when they make a mistake.

Good teams have a consistent 8 player rotation or less and on Sunday the Raptors gave extended minutes to the players that they thought deserved it and would help the team win.  There is no point giving a player minutes for the sake of giving them minutes.  Without Jack and Anderson the Raptors were able to keep players on the floor longer.  More minutes for Barbosa and Johnson is definitely a good idea.  Hopefully when the new arrivals get to Toronto Triano keeps this in mind and doesn’t give minutes to players because he has to.  Players need to earn their minutes and if they don’t they shouldn’t play.

The Barbosa Factor

One of the things the Raptors haven’t been able to take advantage of this season is the speed of Leandro Barbosa.  He is a game changer.  He was a game changer in Phoenix and he can be again in Toronto. With Barbosa relegated to back up shooting guard duties he didn’t always get the minutes or significant role that he needs to help this team.  When he takes over at the point, the tempo of the game changes.  He changes the way the Raptors play and that difference makes the Raptors second unit so dangerous.  Whether or not he gets a chance to play this many minutes when Jarryd Bayless arrives remains to be seen, but Jay Triano should think long and hard about giving this guy more minutes each night.  He is a tough match up and his speed gives the team a dynamic it doesn’t have in the starting five.  He changes the style of the team and it makes the Raptors hard to defend.

When he was on the floor today he pushed the ball up the floor and changed the pace of the game.  Coming from a system like the one in Phoenix, you know he can score, but he was also active on the defensive end.  He was in peoples faces and deflected many passes the Celts tried to complete.  He was a pest all day long, and led a very active and productive second unit.

Zan of the Night

Andrea Bargnani

The number of times this guy has been crapped on in the media and on blogs all over the country is astounding.  All he did wrong was to be drafted number one overall.  If he wasn’t a number one pick, he would be a complete and utter success story, but because he was a number one overall pick, he is often looked at as a disappointment.   Andrea Bargnani is the leader of this team.  He certainly isnt the vocal guy on the bench or in the locker room, but he is the leader by example and he is the teams best player, by far.  He is the go-to guy and the one his teammates are looking for late in the game.  Andrea is emerging as a unique talent and possibly among the leagues elite.  Today he shot the ball with confidence and took the ball to the rim repeatedly.  He scored from outside and from inside the post.  He was deadly from wherever he was and looked like a team leader.

Despite his poor play early on in the season, he has put together several good games this year and looks to be the main building block of the franchise going forward.  People need to start giving credit where credit is due.  Bargnani is the real deal.

Not Zan of the Night

Demar Derozan

Something is up with Derozan.  Early in the season he was attacking the rim with ferocity and was getting to the line several times a night as a result.  The last few games he has been almost invisible on offense and is getting outplayed by Sonny Weems.  Derozan only attempted 8 shots today and got to the line a total of three times.  This is not where he needs to be.  In the win against Philly he only had four points and two free throw attempts.  He has shown flashes this year, but lately all he is showing is inconsistency.  These are not the signs of a future superstar.  Demar is getting lost on the court but thankfully, for now, his teammates are  carrying the load without him.

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Kristoffer Pedlar
The Zan Tabak Herald
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by | October 27, 2010 · 11:57 pm

Raptors Begin Post-Bosh Era with a Loss

And we're off! The 2010-11 season officially begins for the Raptors with Andrea Bargnani front and center.

Opening Night:  A time to get excited.  The world is your oyster.  Players have been working all pre-season to get into game shape and all the predictions of the off-season melt away with that first tip-off.

The Raptors opened tonight for the first time in seven years without Chris Bosh.  The former leader of this franchise off to South Beach with his buddies Lebron and Wade.  The Raptors were left reeling in the off-season and not many have given them a chance to even compete for a playoff spot this season.

But tonight is opening night and on opening night, no one is counted out.  Every team starts off fresh and in the same position in the standings.

The Knicks were at the ACC and were ripe for the picking, but the new look Raptor squad could not find a way to channel the opening night jitters into on-court composure.

The ball was turned over, shots wouldn’t fall in crunch time and the Raps were beaten by a team that simply wanted it more.

Still, it is nice to have basketball back in full swing here in Toronto.  This season promises to be interesting if nothing else.

The Zan For Three

Will the Real Reggie Evans Please Stand Up

I’m not even gonna pretend that I am a Reggie Evans fan.  I was among the throngs on Raptors fans utterly disappointed in his contribution to the team last year and found him to be an utter black hole on offense.

Throughout the pre-season and this first game, however, he is showing a lot of what was promised a year ago.  Reggie was strong defensively, didn’t force the issue offensively and came down with a game high 16 boards.

There were many who moaned and groaned when he was inserted into the starting lineup, myself included, but he looks to have earned his chance to start and tonight he earned his 33 minutes. He was a boost of energy out there tonight and I applaud his efforts.

Home Sweet Home

The Raptors were gifted with two home games to start the season and they play two teams (New York and Cleveland) that the Raptors, at least theoretically, can beat on any given night.  They needed to take advantage of the opportunity.

The Raptors are going to be in tough most nights against pretty much everyone in the league.  If they are going to win games and compete for a playoff spot then they will need to win games at home against lesser opponents.  New York is much improved, fair enough, but the Raptors should have had this game.

Home cowd, opening night, beatable team.  These are ingredients that should lead to victory.

If the Raptors are to have any success this season, home court advantage has to become a strength for this team.

Chris Who?

I must admit that I, like many of you out there, took sheer joy in Miami’s loss last night.  Not even their win tonight against Philly could erase the tutoring the Celtics gave the Heat last night from my psyche.

Now don’t get me wrong, I miss Chris Bosh on the court for the Raptors and the team undoubtedly will to, but it was nice to see the team move on without him with their heads held high.

Bargnani brought some offensive swagger tonight (at least for  quarter or two) and looks to be capable of filling the void of “go-to guy on this team.  He made some clutch shots and brought the crowd to their feet a number of times.  But the best moment of the night came after the game when Jose Calderon was asked if the Raptors missed Chris Bosh tonight.

The simple response: “Who?”

This may seem humorous to some of you out there, but I think Jose was sending a message to the fans that this team will not sit back and mourn the loss of Bosh all season.  This is a new team with a new identity and even one of Chris’s best friends on the team felt it necessary to let us know that Bosh is gone and the team has moved on. A small gesture that spoke volumes.

Zan of the Night

Wilson Chandler

For a bench player, he certainly owned the Raptors tonight.  He bailed out Stoudamire, a potential MVP candidate, who wasn’t as effective as he could have been on the offensive end.  New York is a team that is on the bubble as well this year and they will need strong bench play to compete this year for a playoff spot.  A great performance tonight from a player who may prove to be very valuable for the Kicks this year down the stretch.

Not Zan of the Night

Amir Johnson

I love the way he plays most nights, but tonight he was a mess.  He couldn’t get into the rhythm of the game and he fouled himself into trouble. It was only one night and I would not ever suggest this one performance proves his contract was a mistake, but he needs to get it together because this team needs Amir to be at his best if they are going to compete.

A disappointing night to be sure, but I’m so happy basketball is back!

***
Kristoffer Pedlar
The Zan Tabak Herald
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by | July 16, 2010 · 12:09 pm

What Lebrons Decision Means for the Raptors

With the creation of the Miami “Super Heat”, there will be a resounding domino effect felt throughout the league and, in particular, the Eastern Conference.  Cleveland and Toronto will probably be the most affected by the signings in Miami, but make no mistake about it, there will be shockwaves all over the NBA.  Teams will change their views of how to build a winner and teams that were close to contending before, may find themselves on the outside looking in.

Toronto will feel the effects first hand next season.

The Raptors came to within one game of making the playoffs in the Eastern Conference this year and one would have to assume that their chances have taken a big hit with the loss of their best player, and leader, Chris Bosh.

Bosh was the centrepiece of the offense in Toronto and the main go-getter of rebounds. He was a leader on and off the court and was the sole reason the Raps were able to keep pace with many teams night after night.  Without that kind of contribution, one would have to assume,  the Raptors will be hard pressed to see any kind of success next year or playoff basketball.

With Lebron joining Chris and Dwayne Wade in Miami, the entire balance of power shifts in the Eastern Conference.  Cleveland will likely no longer be factors in playoff discussions and Miami will likely be at the top of everyone’s prediction charts.

Playoff spots are almost certain, barring injury, to teams like Miami, Boston, Orlando, Atlanta, and Chicago.  All of those teams kept major players or made strong upgrades through free agency.  That only leaves three more spots for the playoffs next season.  Those spots are likely to be teams that are thrashed in the first round by the teams mentioned.  Teams like Milwaukee, New York, Charlotte, Detroit and Cleveland will all be vying for those last three spots.

Colangelo is moving forward following the departure of Chris Bosh and his efforts could finally land the Raptors in the playoffs.

Will Toronto be one of those teams?

My feeling is that the Raptors will be more competitive than anyone gives them credit for.  They will not be predicted as one of the top eight teams in the East, but they have as good a shot as anyone.

Without Chris Bosh, the Raptors must alter their game plan.  Good thing the Raptors have a GM that is good at changing up his game plan.

Chris Bosh was the focus of the offense for the Raptors and as a result their offensive sets often involved giving Bosh the ball and waiting for him to shoot, drive or kick out to a shooter.  This plan got a little stale and as a result teams found the Raptors easier and easier to defend.  Jermaine O’Neal, Shawn Marion, Hedo Turkoglu were all brought in to compliment him, but in the end the Raps couldn’t find a compliment to Bosh.

With no Chris Bosh, the Raptors will be able to change-up their offensive sets.  Triano has proven in the past to be a decent X’s and O’s kind of coach and now he has a variety of players around that can do a multitude of things.  Ball handlers, shooters, guys that can drive, guys that feed on putbacks.  The “Boshless Era” may end up being an exciting time to watch the Raptors.

The franchise will not have to force everyone to mould to Bosh’s style.  Players will be allowed to be themselves, focus on their strengths and compliment each other.

The American Dream Team had a very hard time defeating the Spanish National team over the last few years.  The Dream Team had the talent, as Miami now does, but the Spanish utilized an unselfish, team oriented style of basketball.  In the end the Spanish team gave the U.S.  all they could handle and took gold away in the 2006 world championships.  Colangelo watched as the Spanish team spread the ball around the floor and defeated the highly touted American squad.

Now Colangelo has the chance to build a team oriented style with this Raptors group.

He has at his disposal a number of exciting, young players that have no problem sharing the ball.  Amir Johnson, Demar Derozan, Jarrett Jack, Sonny Weems, Ed Davis and newly acquired Linus Kleiza and Leandro Barbosa.  Plus we’ll finally get a chance to see what Andrea Bargnani looks like as a focal point on offense.

Plus, Colangelo isn’t done dealing.  He has a massive trade exception at his disposal as well as expiring contracts in Marcus Banks and Reggie Evans.  You can also be assured that one of his point guards will be dealt before the season begins.  More weapons to help build his team-oriented strategy.

Team oriented championships have happened before.  One needs to look no farther than Detroit to see that a team can win without a proven star player.

Will the Raptors win this season?  Time will only tell.

One thing is certain though.  This team will be exciting to watch.  They will play a different style of ball and new players will share the leadership role. They have enough talent to compete for one of the spots not held by the upper echelon teams in the East.

While Bosh, Lebron and Wade will have difficulties sharing the ball next season, the Raptors will be full of players that want to share the ball and will do anything asked to make the team better.

Losing Bosh may end up being the best thing that ever happened to the Raptors.

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Kristoffer Pedlar
The Zan Tabak Herald

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by | May 23, 2010 · 1:14 pm

The Boston Celtics: The Team You Love to Hate

I know I’m not alone here.  I hate the Celtics.  I hate them with a passion and every game they get closer and closer to the NBA Finals it makes my stomach turn.  They are, however, one game away from achieving what not a lot of people thought they could.

At the beginning of the playoffs pundits and fans were calling the Celtics “old”, “tired” and “slow. Many thought this playoffs would be the end of the Celtics era.  Kevin Garnett wasn’t looking his regular self at the end of the season; one that was plagued by injuries.  Ray Allen had not been dominant all season and Boston was forced to rely on players that were not used to the pressure.  Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins and Big Baby were all asked to step up their game.  Not many believed they were a strong enough supporting cast to do that.  Even Rasheed Wallace wasnt looking himself.

Boston is one of the least-likable teams in the League, but you can't help but appreciate the way they are playing in these Playoffs.

This team is one that is hard to like because of the cocky swagger they exude when on the court.  Kevin Garnett’s “stink face” is one of the best “stink faces” in the league.  It all seems a little put on to me, which is why it can become so annoying.  Remember him getting into Jose Calderon’s face?  That was the peak of my dislike for the guy.  Hard to like a player that is so “mean” and “intense” all the time.  Like a villain wrestler in the WWE.

At least I can handle it from, arguably, one of the best players in the league.  But Kendrick Perkins getting into people’s faces?  Big Baby? Arguably the least like-able player in the world.  He has no right to get into players faces and walk around with the confidence of a league scoring leader.  Kevin Garnett, he is not.  Big Baby, one of the worst nicknames in the league by the way, has been riding Kevin Garnett’s tail feathers since he came into the league and is copying the wrong attributes.  Playing with the stars in Boston is the only reason a guy like him could ever win a championship.  Put Big Baby on any other team and he would fade into the background.  One of the most over rated players in the league and everyone knows it except him.

They are brash, confident and hard to like.  It seems to have become the calling card of the Celtics over the last couple of years. They seem to lack humility in victory or defeat.  If they lose, they complain to the refs.  If they win, they walk around like they own the world.  What makes them even less like-able is that they always seem to find a way to win.

King James can’t walk around like that because he hasn’t won what the Celtics have won.  Bitter Raptors fans, like myself, can’t walk around with that confidence because our team just isn’t good enough.  They aren’t the Celtics.  And, god I wish they were a little more like the Celtics.

What the Celtics have been able to do during this post-season is shut people like me up.  How can you argue against a team that wins games?  How can you hate a team that shares the ball and plays defense?  Isn’t that what we all want from our team?  Orlando and Phoenix are sure wishing they had it right now.

How can you hate the way Rajon Rondo has been playing?  This kid went from being a cheap option off the bench for the Celtics after the mega-offseason they had to get Garnett and Allen, to a superstar in his own right.  He was scrub riding the coat tails of bigger and better players.  But he has really emerged into an elite player.  He is looking like the best player on the court almost every night in these playoffs and has many times this season.  He is beginning to eclipse the play of the players he once rode to a championship.  He is becoming the Celtics go-to guy.  There certainly are not many that can stop him.

Rajon Rondo has really emerged as a player to worry about. He has gone from bench warmer to superstar in the last year. He is emerging as the Celtics best player in these playoffs.

The Celtics came in as long shots to make a trip to the final.  Many predicted that Dwayne Wade would run circles around the “old” and “tired” Celtics team.  But, he didn’t.  The Celtics dominated the series and played team basketball.  Every night it was a different player that stepped up: Pierce, Rondo, Garnett, Wallace, Allen.  They were too much to handle.

Surely these “old-timers” wouldn’t be able to keep up with King James and the Cavaliers.  The Cavs loaded up at the deadline adding Antawn Jamison and looked destined for the finals.  Guess again.  The Celtics absolutely shut King James down.  He has never looked so human.  The Celtics played strong, tough defense and would not allow the Cavs to do anything. King James dream will have to wait another year with possibly a different club.

Now Orlando is shooting blanks against Boston as well.  The Celtics aren’t looking old, it’s Vince Carter, Rashard Lewis and even Dwight Howard that are looking “slow” and “tired”.  Stan Van Gundy certainly is.  He can’t figure out what to do.  How do you stop Rajon Rondo?  Not with Jameer Nelson.  How do you get inside the minds of this Celtics team?  It doesn’t look like you can.

The Celtics deserve to be where they are and they deserve to walk around like winners, because they are.  It won’t make me like them anymore.  I will continue to hate the hell out of them.  I will cheer for the Lakers or Suns in the Finals no matter what.  But I won’t be able to help myself as I enjoy watching the way Boston plays.  I will enjoy watching Rondo and I will enjoy hating the Celtics.

The hate I feel for them is truly a jealousy.  I wish the team I cheered for played like that.

Sometimes the Bad Guys can’t be stopped.  If you can’t beat ‘em.  Join ‘em.

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Kristoffer Pedlar
The Zan Tabak Herald

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by | May 15, 2010 · 12:07 pm

Cavs Channel Raptors in Losing Series to Celtics

Is it just me or did the Cavaliers do their best Raptor impression during the last series with the Celtics?

I’m not trying to take a swipe at the hometown team, nor am I trying to take a swipe at the Cavaliers, but there were parallels that were hard to question and the parallels will continue for these two franchises moving into the big free agent summer of 2010.

The Cavaliers were favoured against the Celtics and were expected to waltz all the way to th NBA Final series.  The only bump in the road was expected to be the Magic from Orlando.

There will be a lot of soul searching for Lebron this summer as his Cavaliers were once again bounced from the playoffs.

The Cavaliers were led by their superstar de jour: Lebron James.  He did everything a superstar was supposed to do during the regular season, but was criticized heavily during this series.  He didn’t put in the effort Cleveland fans have become accustomed to.  His heart and defensive ability came into question, despite scoring a triple-double in the decisive game 6.

Does this not remind you of The Raptors superstar de jour: Chris Bosh?  Who played incredibly well during the first half of the season.  Not MVP well, but well enough to lead his team to the playoffs.  And then the second half of the season happened and he wasn’t quite the same.  He was a little tentative, not aggressive on the defensive end and his heart was called into question.  All of this, despite leading his team in scoring and averaging a double-double all season long.

Both are superstars that did not lead the way a Kobe or Jordan led.  Both put up amazing individual numbers, but neither could lead their team to the collective goal of winning.

Other elements were similar too.

There was the big acquisition of Shaquile O’neal that never really panned out for the Cavs.  He was injured for parts of the season and looked old out there on a regular basis.  He wasn’t the same player he has been in his career and was absolutely outmatched by Kevin Garnett on the defensive end in the Celtics series.  He was a bust of an acquisition that was supposed to put the Cavaliers over the edge.  There was no player that was more disappointing this season than Shaq.

Kind of reminds me of  Hedo Turkoglu.  The player that was supposed to put the Raptors over the hump.  The big playoff performer of just one year ago.  He added little in the way of leadership, looked lost on offense and his only success was his penchant for one worded interviews.

It was a disappointing season for Chris Bosh in Toronto. Will it be his last in the city?

Former Raptors were even a part of the Cavaliers failure this playoff season.  Anthony Parker played good in spurts for the Cavs but he was overmatched as a starting 2 on a team that was supposed to have championship visions.  He was overmatched much the way he was last year as a starter on a Raptor team that missed the playoffs.  A great player, one of my favourites, but not a starter in this league.

Jamario Moon was out there tossing up inadvertant three balls, much the way he did when he was a Raptor.  In fact, he took a ridiculous three for an air ball in that decisive sixth game and that was the sign, to me, that the Cavs were done.  No team is going to win with Jamario Moon taking three balls.

The coaching of both teams has been called into question all season long.  Is Mike Brown the right coach to lead a team to a championship?  Has he lost the ears of his team?

Jay Triano has been heavily criticized as well.  He hasn’t made the playoffs as a head coach and he lost the locker room this season as Turkoglu’s antics damaged th chemistry of the team.

Will either be back?  Only time will tell.

The Cavaliers are channeling the Raptors both on and off the court as well.  Danny Ferry is a solid GM.  He brought in a number of pieces to compliment LeBron, but hasn’t found the right mix.  This past season he seemed to be playing a frantic game of chess trying to put the right pieces together.  Adding Shaq and then later Antawn Jamison were good moves for the regular season, but Shaq is old and very “foulable”, since he still can’t hit a free throw to save his life and Jamison has still not had extensive playoff experience.  Clear in hindsight, I suppose.

Very reminiscent of Colangelo’s juggling act in Raptor Land.  Jermaine O’neal?  Looked good at the time but busted completely.  Turkoglu?  I suppose one could argue the jury is still out on that one, but it looked pretty bad this year.  Belinelli, Jack, Derozan, Weems, Johnson? Lots of moves that had varying degrees of success and failure, but the mix did not equal victory.

Now both franchise’s find themselves on the verge of the biggest summer of their existence.  Both teams are in a position to lose their greatest assets.  Lebron and Bosh are the architects of their future success in the league.  Wil they stay? or Will they go?  If New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has anything to say about it, both will be Knicks next year.  But, many pundits have looked at Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, Chicago as possible destinations as well.  There is also a possibility they will stay as both players like their team and city.

Lebron turned Cleveland into a team to be reckoned with during his time there.

Bosh brought the Raptors back to respectability since his arrival.

No one knows what will end up happening.  Now both teams’ fans play the agonizing waiting game.  They will put faith in their respective GM’s to make the right call.  Both teams will be anxiously waiting for news from Twitter, the papers or the stars themselves for the next two months.  It will be excruciating.

Fans in Cleveland and Toronto will be united in their agony of waiting to see where the chips fall.

Where they fall could have serious repercussions for these two franchises.

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Kristoffer Pedlar
The Zan Tabak Herald

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