Tag Archives: Chicago Bulls

by | July 22, 2012 · 6:01 pm

John Lucas III Joins Crowded Backcourt in Toronto

The Raptors search for a third point guard was supposed to be decided during Summer League play.  It was going to be a showdown between Tu Halloway and Ben Uzoh.  Uzoh had the inside track after playing fairly decent ball this summer.  Halloway never played a game for the Raptors summer league team and Uzoh wasn’t spectacular.  Bryan Colangelo changed plans however and moved to sign away Chicago Bulls backup Point Guard John Lucas III to play third string here in Toronto.

An interesting move, albeit a somewhat confusing one, since Uzoh finished last year so strongly and played decently in Summer League. However Lucas does represent an upgrade at the point and one that can be depended on to play increased minutes should an injury occur.

Lucas is a different kind of player than Uzoh and will be looked to provide scoring off the bench.  One of his strengths is his ability to fill the bucket. He also has a tendency to take a great number of shots.  He does have decent percentages from three, but certainly needs to work on his shot selection.

The move though makes sense if you look at what is likely to happen before the season starts.  Jose Calderon is not necessarily going to start the season with the Raptors and if he does, he likely won’t finish it with the club as he’s made his unhappiness known to management.

Lucas was the primary backup last year in Chicago when Derek Rose was lost to injury and had a fair amount of success during that period. He was a large part of the offense during Rose’s absence and led the team on the floor fairly well.

Lucas joins a crowded Raptors back court, but comes in as solid insurance to back up Kyle Lowry in Toronto.

Last year as a backup Lucas averaged 7.5 points and 2.2 assists with a PER of 16.3.  These aren’t bad numbers for a backup though he is definitely not known as a distributor.  Colangelo and the Raptors were probably aware of this fact and likely see Lucas as added scoring off the bench.

On the surface this move seems to indicate that a Calderon trade is around the corner.  Though nothing is imminent rumours have begun to surface that the Hornets might be an ideal trade partner as they lack a clear number one option at the point.  Lucas would be good insurance if such a move is made.

Fans have not taken to the signing with a great deal of excitement, but the fact remains that Lucas is going to be counted on to score, not distribute. His contract ($3 million over two years) is not going to break the bank and as long as Calderon is here, he won’t be playing heavy minutes.  He also proved himself last year in Chicago and can be counted on to run the offense if the Raptors get hit with the injury bug again this season.

Lucas is a solid, low risk high reward kind of deal. And if he doesn’t mesh well with the team or coach Casey the second year is a team option, allowing the raptors to walk away if the fit is not a good one.

A clever pick up that upgrades the depth and quality on the Raptors bench.

***

Kristoffer Pedlar
The Zan Tabak Herald

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by | March 27, 2012 · 11:31 am

Free Alabi

So I realized something recently that I have been becoming more and more aware of.  I do not know much about Solomon Alabi. I don’t think any of us really do. 

This isn’t really surprising as he’s been up and down from the NBA to the D-League over the last two years and hasn’t gotten a lot of playing time in Toronto.  But he’s been here for two years and Raptor fans don’t really know exactly who or what this guy brings to the table, if anything. 

On a team where there hasn’t been a lot of consistency on the roster, Alabi is one of the mainstays.  He’s been here longer than many of our current bench players.  But if he isn’t going to get any playing time, why is he still here?

I’m sure Dwane Casey and Bryan Colangelo have a pretty good idea from watching D-league games and seeing him compete in practice. But what about giving him some real game action outside of his usual “garbage time” appearance?

This year the Raptors have seen inspired and improved play from perpetual bench players like Jarryd Bayless, James Johnson and Gary Forbes.

Each of these players has improved their level of play with increased time on the court. 

Johnson was buried on Chicago’s bench until he was acquired by the Raptors at the deadline last year.  He has quickly become our starting three and arguably one of our best players this year. 

Gary Forbes was buried on the bench in Denver last season and in Toronto for much of this year.  He didn’t impress in the limited minutes he was given.  With the injury to Demar Derozan and the trade of Leandro Barbosa, he’s being given a chance to showcase his abilities.  On Monday against the Magic he dropped 21 points and was arguably our best player on the court.  Forbes has now strung together a number of strong performances and no longer looks like a player that should be at the end of a bench.  

Bayless too, benefitted from his increased minutes as a starter.  In fact he had many around the league questioning whether it was time for Dwane Casey to make Bayless the starter on a permanent basis.  Bayless only started to play better with increased minutes. 

Some players just raise the level of their game with an increase in confidence and playing time. 

It's time to give Alabi more playing time to see what he is actually capable and whether he should be a part of the Raptors' future.

So why not Alabi?

He’s been rotting away on our bench for almost 2 complete seasons.  Isn’t it time to see if increased playing time will bring out something in him?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not expecting any miracles here, but if we’re not going to give him time on the court when our roster is short on players and we aren’t really trying to actively win games, then when?

The worst case scenario is that he goes out and is terrible.  On a team destined for a high lottery pick that isn’t really that important, is it?

Alabi deserves a chance to show us what he’s made of and maybe play his way into a roster spot for next year.  Or he might play his way out of one and we give his spot to someone more deserving. 

You never know.  He’s got size (at 7 foot 1) and the ability to block shots (he averaged 1.9 Blocks per game in the D-League) which isn’t a bad skill to have coming off the bench.  Especially on a team that will likely need to trade some of it’s front court depth in the off-season.  He’s been working on his rebounding abilities, which are weak for a player of his size, and he still has a ways to go on the offensive side.  But, all the stats and scouting reports can be thrown out the window when you get on the court. 

As Allen Iverson famously reminded us, players in practice aren’t the same players on the court.  “We’re talking about practice?”

Maybe Alabi is ready.  Maybe he never will be.

We won’t know unless we give him a legitimate shot. 

***

Kristoffer Pedlar
The Zan Tabak Herald

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by | March 21, 2012 · 10:28 pm

4th Quarter Blues Continue

There is something about the 4th quarter for the Toronto Raptors lately.  A close game against the Knicks turned into a blowout in the final frame a night ago and on Wednesday against the Rose-less Bulls the Raptors once again fell apart.

Toronto hung in for three quarters and actually felt at many points during the game like they would take control and upset the conference leading Bulls. Then the Raps were outscored in the 4th 32-13.  The team went from fight to retreat  in a matter of a quarter and missed an opportunity to send the troops at the ACC home happy on Armed Forces Night.

A tough loss. Late game decision making and efficiency needs to improve.  The last 12 minutes were uglier than the Camoflauge jerseys the Raptors were wearing.

The Zan for Three

The Italian Dud

I am a big Bargnani fan, but he has not been the same player since he returned from his calf injury.  He’s been a couple steps slower, he hasn’t looked as aggressive and he isn’t driving the lane with the same punch as he did before the inury.  I’m sure it’s just part of the recovery process, but Bargnani doesn’t look like the teams star right now.  He looks slow, sluggish and ineffective.

Hopeully Bargs can turn it around before the end of the year and show fans more of what made him so successful during the first part of the season. Over the last few games he has looked like a completely different player.

The Team to Beat

With all do respect to Miami and the “Whore of Akron”, Chicago is the team to beat in the East this year.  This team is as deep as any in the league.  Derrick Rose is the reigning MVP and right now the Bulls are 11-4 without him in the lineup.  That is absolutely unreal.

This team can score from any part of the court, plays tough defense and is incredibly efficient on both ends of the floor.  To absorb the loss of the league MVP without missing a beat is truly remarkable.

Tom Thibodeau deserves another coach of the year award for this unreal run the Bulls are on.

Their depth and ability to spread the floor makes them the fvourite to win it all.  It helps that they are, quite possibly, one of the more likeable teams in the NBA.

Salami and Cheese

The best part of any home game against the Bulls is the return of Chuck Swirsky to Toronto.  When he was here, I feel Raptor fans didn’t appreciate him as much as they should have.  His voice is what made Raptor games fun, even when we were losing.  Matt Deviln, Chuck’s replacement, is an excellent colour commentary guy, but lacks the unusual fanboy feel that Chuck had when he called games.  It is always a pleasure to welcome him home to Toronto, even if it is only for one night.

The Raptors once again hung around for three quarters with their opponents. Unfortunately they failed to take control in the fourth and were blownout by the end.

Zan of the Night

Camoflauge Uniforms

I admit that when I saw the pictures of these jerseys online I was a little disturbed.  They looked hideous and laughable.  When the Raptors came out of the locker room tonight, however, the uniforms looked good.  They were not nearly as ugly as they looked initally.  I admit I was wrong.

Not only that, but the purpose of the night was to honour this country’s brave men and women who risk their lives so that we can be free.  Having the Raptors walk out in their intros with a member of the armed forces was a great touch.  A promotional night that ended up being very sentimental.

Well done.

Zan of the Night

Tom Thibodeau

This coach is phenomenal.  He’s got no Rose and he conintues to win games.  He is a great X’s and O’s coach and he, like our own coach Casey, preaches defense.  Despite the rough start, he turned whatever switch he needed to and brought his team back from the clutches of defeat.  That is what coaches who win are able to do.  If the Bulls and Thibodeau are going to have playoff success against teams like the Heat, they are going to need to find ways to win ball games.  This is a coach that has his team going in the right direction.  When Rose gets back; watch out.

Not Zan of the Night

Andrea Bargnani

Another night of on court struggles for Andrea.  He hasn’t regained his form following his injury and the questions about his ability and toughness are starting to rear their ugly head again.   Bargs shot the ball poorly tonight and hasn’t looked good in a while. He was thoroughly outplayed on both ends of the floor by Boozer and Noah.  He’s going to have to dig deep to finish the season the way he started it.

***

Kristoffer Pedlar
The Zan Tabak Herald

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by | May 23, 2011 · 11:21 am

The Time has come to Forgive Chris Bosh

I couldn’t help but get a little emotional after the Heat’s big victory over the Bulls on Sunday.  Maybe I was remembering how amazing it was to see Chris Bosh play a dominant game.  Maybe it was seeing the emotion and passion he played with.  I haven’t seen that from CB4 (errr CB1) in a long, long time.  Maybe it was a bit of guilt.

Chris Bosh played, arguably, his best playoff game as a professional last night and bailed out his much more talked about teammates.  He was dominant and played with defensive intensity throughout.  In fact, he has been fairly consistent throughout this postseason.

Bosh, as Miami’s obvious number 3, doesn’t get much credit; especially around these parts.  He is seen as soft, a player that refuses to battle against stronger inside players, and one that could not get the job done when it mattered most.

He never took us on a playoff run.  He never took control of a playoff game the way he did against the Bulls on Sunday.  He hadn’t shown that much intensity in Toronto in a long, long time.  But there it was on Sunday.

Suddenly all the memories came flooding back. The All Star appearances, the magical run to the Atlantic Division title, the “MVP” chants in 07, the double-doubles, the way he collapsed to the floor when missing a lay up against the Warriors.  It all seemed like yesterday.

All the anger and bitterness that was felt for Bosh after his departure from the team faded away and suddenly I was feeling, almost compelled, to cheer for him.

Despite the Hate, Chris Bosh has shown he is a very special player in these playoffs and deserves a lot more credit than he has been getting.

Toronto fans hold resentment for Bosh for being a bit hashtag happy while his impending free agency loomed and felt jilted when he made the move to South Beach.  Videos and blogs have bashed Bosh, including this one, for selling out and betraying his loyal fans as well as many insinuations that he was soft and could not lead a team on his own.  Toronto fans, including this one, took joy in watching Bosh and the Heat struggle this year.  Bosh was posterized by Rajon Rondo in a game early on in the season and was taunted for likely being the Heat player that cried after a loss to the Bulls.

Still Bosh persevered.  He took all of the shots that came.  Reggie Miller was incessant during the first round of the playoffs calling him out a number of times and claiming that he was a weak link to the Heat.  Despite being one of the most consistent playoff performers this year, he was called the exact opposite.

All that noise stopped on Sunday night.  I suddenly realized that Chris Bosh is still the same player on the court that he has always been.  Even if he doesn’t wear the right uniform anymore he is still the guy we voted to the All-star game 5 times, chanted MVP for and prayed would return this past off-season.  It’s all still there.

I think it is time all of us, myself included, put away the hate (until the Heat come to Toronto for a visit) and cheer him on in his quest for a championship.

I hated when Chris Bosh left Toronto.  I booed him relentlessly when I went to see the Heat play against Toronto.  I laughed at the Basketball Jones’s “like a Bosh” video and passed it on to all my friends.  I still laugh at it.  But let’s give credit where credit is due.  Chris Bosh is good.  Chris Bosh is very, very good.  Watching him play over the course of the postseason I cannot help but feel a little guilty for saying the things I have and or writing the things I have.

He left Toronto for a chance to win a championship and he is well on his way to doing just that.  How can we blame him for leaving?  In the end it will likely get him a legitimate shot at a ring, either this season or next, (something he simply could not have done here) and it helped his former team finally accept the inevitability of rebuilding.

I hope Bosh continues to play well.  He deserves to be seen on the biggest stage the NBA has to offer and I’m glad he’s taking advantage of it.  I wish we could have had this moment in a Raptor uniform, but all the best to him in his quest for a ring.

Now that Lebron guy? I still can’t forgive that guy.  So I’m still solidly behind the Bulls as their epic battle with the Heat continues, but I’m also firmly behind Chris Bosh.   He deserves some credit.

If nothing else, it was nice to have that feeling of excitement watching him play again.

***

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 | December 16, 2010 · 12:22 am

Bulls Teach Young Raptors a Lesson

So that was ugly, wasn’t it?

Once it was confirmed that Andrea Bargnani wasn’t going to play because of a sore left knee, the Raptors were pretty much destined for an ass whooping.  This one got ugly by the half, but credit where credit is due, the young Raptors showed some fight and there is reason for hope for the future.

Chicago is arguably one of the top four or five teams in the East and, with Carlos Boozer back in the lineup, they are a hard team to beat each and every night.  The Bulls have a tough as nails coach, in Tom Thibodeau, who preaches defense and a young core that seems to be growing well together.

The Raptors should take notice.  This is a team they should try to build themselves in the mould of.

Zan For Three

2010 Free Agency Redux

So looking back at the circus that was the 2010 free agency period Lebron and Wade remain the biggest pick ups and are starting to make a tremendous difference with the Miami Heat.  They are beginning to be everything they were advertised to be but how about the pick up of Amare Stoudamire and Carlos Boozer?

Much was made of Lebron, Bosh, Wade and Amare but Boozer was almost a forgotten bridesmaid during that time.  His off-season injury also erased him from our minds during the first part of the season.  He is back and he is kicking some serious ass.

Carlos Boozer was unstoppable tonight at the ACC. He almost single-handedly defeated he Raptors. There simply was no way to stop Boozer on Wednesday night.

Boozer is, by far, the best player on the court for his team and that is saying something with a starting five that looks the way it does in Chicago.  Miami may have built a winning culture in South Beach, but Chicago picked up a piece that really puts them over the edge.

Forget that he dominated Amir Johnson and Joey Dorsey.  These are not playoff calibre power forwards yet.  Boozer’s dominance inside makes him a very tough match up going into any playoff matchup.  Bosh vs. Boozer?  I’ll take Boozer.  Horford vs. Boozer? I’ll take Boozer .  Kevin Garnett might be the only one who can shut him down, and he’s a bit slower and maybe not as tough.

Watch out Eastern Conference.  This guy is going to make a big difference this year.

Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery

Jay Triano and his staff should be paying close attention to what Tom Thibodeau and his staff are doing in Chicago.  This is a team that can score, but man is their defense good.  Chicago allows their offense to dictate their offense and the Raptors still haven’t figured that out yet.

The Bulls forced stops on the defensive end and turned them into points on the offensive end.  The Raptors are still trying to out-shoot their opponents.  This strategy doesn’t work very often, if ever.

It’s time Colangelo, Triano and the rest of the organization look at teams like Boston and Chicago and start imitating what they see.  The players in Boston and Chicago both bought into Thibodeau’s system and have reaped the benefits.  Why would the Raptors not want to try the same philosophy?

Obviously a change of team philosophy requires some new players, and possibly coaches, but it may be something that the “big Wigs” of MLSE should seriously consider.  That is, of course, if they’re interested in winning at all.

Silver Lining

Tonight Sucked.  Let’s just call a spade a spade and move on.  We are not in the calibre of a team like Chicago.  We are not.  Plain and simple.  However tonight provided some opportunities to be hopeful and look, positively, into the future.

Joey Dorsey (12 pts and 13 reb on 5-8 shooting in 29 minutes)

This is an impressive stat line from the young power forward out of Memphis.  Yes, some of those points were scored in garbage time, but he is resembling something the Raptors may want to take a chance on.  He is a big body and possess some post-up skills and might be worth investing in.  He showed some fight tonight and banged inside against some pretty tough interior players.

Jarryd Bayless ( 20 pts and 4 Assists in 33 minutes)

Bayless has been the engine on offense.  Although many of us would like to see a point guard pass the ball a little more, he has played well since being acquired from New Orleans.  He is resembling more of a shooting guard, but this kid is 22 years old and certainly has some upside.  He gets to the rim, can shoot and is serviceable on the defensive end of the floor.

Ed Davis (10 pts on 5/9 shooting, 10reb, in 32 minutes)

His first start as a Raptor and he played well in spurts.  He was overmatched inside by Chicago’s bigs but Davis held his own against some pretty admirable talent.  This kid is going to be a decent NBA player.  I like the look of him, I like the way he plays the game.  He doesn’t force the issue and will only get better and better.  If the team, as I suggested earlier, starts looking at the defensive side of the ball then Davis could be a key player moving forward.  Definitely something to look forward to.

Zan of the Night

Carlos Boozer

The man is an absolute beast.  I would not want to meet him in an alley or in the paint.  He scares me and even thinking of him tonight gives me shivers.  He absolutely dominated the inside tonight and basically took whatever he wanted from the Raptor bigs.  Amir Johnson was his play toy tonight and there was nothing anyone could do about it.

Not Zan of the Night

Amir Johnson

Hey dude, I love you as a player.  On this current Raptor squad, you’re probably my favourite player, but tonight was not your night.  Mama told you there’d be days like this.  More fouls than points, not a lot of minutes for you out there because of the foul trouble and not much brewing on the offensive end either. Take it as a learning experience and move on.  Carlos Boozer is one of the best.  You have work to do before you are competing consistently with the likes of that bad boy.

***
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 | July 5, 2010 · 1:05 pm

Bosh Roulette: Where Will He Go?

It is becoming increasingly clear that Chris Bosh wants to play in another city next year.  He seems to be revelling in his free agency and being wined and dined by various NBA teams.  The one glitch in his plan for a 6 year max deal seems to now be the Raptors unwillingness to accommodate Bosh unless the Raptors stand to gain as well.  This could throw a wrench into the plans for a super team in Chicago or Miami and may force Chris to take less money in a city he wants to play in.  Still, many possibilities exist for the Raptors and Chris Bosh to find a deal that will appease both sides.

Let’s take a look at his potential suitors:

Chris Bosh has a lot of options when it comes to where to play next year. Many of them will depend on the co-operation of Bryan Colangelo and the Raptor organization.

Miami Heat: Before the onset of free agency and in the first few days of the frenzy, Miami looked like the sure-fire destination for CB4.  Miami had a deal on the table including Michael Beasley, Mario Chalmers and Joel Anthony.  The deal would have combine Bosh with Dwayne Wade, but would have also left Miami’s bench pretty thin.  The deal fell apart and the Miami deal won’t happen unless Pat Riley ponies up some draft picks and a massive trade exception.

Odds are still high that Bosh ends up here, but he might have to take a little less money or a third team will have to be added to the deal.  Miami had hopes of combining Wade and Bosh, but those dreams are in danger of being dashed.  In fact, Wade has been visiting a number of other teams and could leave the sunshine state.

Verdict: Miami still looks like a possibility but Colangelo has made it clear that he won’t get taken to the cleaners. If Miami wants Bosh they are going to have to at least try to accommodate the Raps.

Chicago Bulls: The Bulls have dreams of building a super team with Bosh, Wade, Noah, and Rose.  Unfortunately for Chicago, they need other teams in their conference to help them do it.  A super team that looks like that would entice anybody.  Lebron is also a possibility in the windy city, so it could get crazy in Chi-town.

Bosh likes the look of the city and how could you not want to play with a starting five that consists of those players?  Again, max money will be hard to come by unless the Bulls are able to come to an agreement with the increasingly steadfast Colangelo.  Unless the Bulls are able to offer up a player like Joakim Noah, I don’t think a deal gets done.

Verdict: The Bulls are all over the free agent market right now, but seem to be unwilling to give up any sort of asset to get these players.  If Paxson doesn’t start to get serious about a sign and trade, the bulls could end up empty-handed.  I do believe a compromise can be worked out between the Raps and Bulls that is somewhere between Taj Gibson, Luol Deng and Joakim Noah.  The Raps are right to hold out for something more lucrative in order to accommodate Bosh and an Eastern Conference rival.

Houston Rockets: This would be the Raptors most preferred situation and Houston is close to Bosh’s hometown.  The Rockets were apparently the first ones on the “Bosh Scene” at midnight on July 1st.  They love the idea of pairing Bosh with Yao Ming.  That would be a pretty strong frontcourt.  The Rockets also have a sea of assets that intrigue the Raptors including multiple first round picks and skilled players such as Aaron Brooks, Trevor Ariza and Luis Scola.  The Raptors seem to be pushing Bosh towards Houston with their unwillingness to take the Bulls and Heat offers.  Bosh would also end up out West, away from the Raptors in the Eastern Conference, and couldn’t come back to haunt them the way Vince Carter has in previous seasons.

Verdict: This is probably the best scenario if you are a Raptor fan.  Bosh would bring back top dollar from the Rockets and we wouldn’t have to worry about “super teams” in Chicago or Miami.  Not only that but Bosh would be out west where Raptor fans wouldn’t be taunted by his potential success.  A definite possibility if Colangelo can stay strong and hold out for the best sign and trade deal.

New York Knicks:  This is the least likely scenario, but if Bosh is looking for fame and money New York could be his best option.  There is every likelihood that Wade and Lebron will return to their current teams leaving the Knicks out in the cold.  They would then put all of their energy into saving face with their fans and throw the moon at Chris Bosh.  Bosh has given every indication that he wants the moon this offseason.  So the Knicks might be a good fit.

Verdict: Unlikely, but possible as other dominos begin to fall.  A rumored Lee for Bosh sign and trade was talked about during the season and could be a deal Colangelo considers.  Not the best news if you are a fan of defense, but a possibility nonetheless.

Los Angeles Lakers: This was a team considered quite a bit during the year.  Every Raptor fan with access to the internet has posted about a potential Bynum for Bosh deal.  The deal would strengthen the Lakers considerably and would give Bosh access to the thing he craves even more than a championship :  attention.  He would be close to his buddy Jay Leno and he wouldn’t have to become the focus of the offense with Bryant and Gasol around.  He could be a key to returning the championship to L.A. for a thrid straight year.

Verdict:  A bit of a pipe dream if you’re a Raptors fan as Bynum would be a beast in the East.  A great idea, in theory, but one that is unlikely to materialize.  Los Angeles won the championship with their current roster and they don’t really need to bulk up with another max contract.  Bynum has potential to be as good, or better than Bosh in the long-term.  A long shot at best.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Playing with Lebron would be a dream come true for Bosh.  He would benefit from being a secondary option and playoff berths would be plentiful.  But, he would be playing in Cleveland.  If Bosh wants exposure and media attention, surely Cleveland isn’t the route to go.  Rumours indicate Bosh has no desire to play in Cleveland, but would love to play with Lebron elsewhere.

Verdict: Unlikely because of Bosh’s desire to be a media mogul or some such nonsense.  Playing with Lebron?  yes.  Playing with Lebron in Cleveland?  Not so much.

Toronto Raptors: Yes, there is still a glimmer of a hope that Bosh will return to the Raptors next season.  The Raptors can offer more money than anyone else and Colangelo seems steadfast in his desire to get a decent deal for Bosh, should he move to a new team.  If Bosh can’t get his money elsewhere, he might stay and collect it in Toronto.  This becomes even more likely if Lebron and Wade stay with their current teams.  Joe Johnson was rumoured to be on the move and he ended up staying, it could be in Bosh’s and his agent’s best interest to stay where he is a focal point of the offense and where he can get the most money.

Verdict: Borders on never going to happen, but there is a possibility that Colangelo’s game of hardball brings CB4 back to the ACC.  A long shot at best, but still possible.

In the end, I believe in my heart of heart that Bosh will end up elsewhere this offseason and the next time Toronto fans see Bosh on the court, it will be in a uniform other than a Raptors one.  My hope is that Colangelo is able to orchestrate a deal that will land the Raptors young players or financial assets that will benefit the team going forward.  So far, Bryan has shown that he won’t be taken to the cleaners by the Pat Riley’s and Paxon’s of the world.  Hopefully a deal will materialize that gives Bosh the riches he so covets and the assets the Raptors will need to take a step forward.

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***

Kristoffer Pedlar
The Zan Tabak Herald

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by | April 12, 2010 · 11:40 pm

Raptors Keep Hope Alive

It was an effort that came 24 hours after it was supposed to.  The Raptors looked confident and convincing in a 111-97 win on the road in Detroit.  The win moved them to within a half game of the idle Chicago Bulls.  The Raptors will be rooting for the Celtics tomorrow as they face off against the Bulls in a game that could make or break the Bulls’ chances at the post season.

Andrea Bargnani led his Raptor team to an important victory that keeps the Raptors very much alive in the battle for he 8th seed in the Eastern Conference.

The game was full of positives and negatives as Andrea Bargnani played the role of superstar for a night and Amir Johnson absolutely demolished his former team with 26 points.

On the flip side, Sonny Weems left the game with an ankle injury and was being X-rayed and looked at after the game.  Word from Paul Jones was that he would be okay.  The Raptors are going to need Sonny to help the team score in their final game, at home, against the Knicks.  A game that could send them back to the post season.

The Zan For Three…

That’s more like it

There is a part of me that would like to believe that Andrea Bargnani read yesterday’s Zan Post Game and was inspired to put together a 33 point night.  I realize that he, most likely did not, but it was nice to see him take on the role of team leader with confidence.  He was unstoppable tonight.  Bargnani is a tough match up on any given night and the more he exploits this mismatch against opposing teams, the more the Raptors will win games.  This team is at its best when Andrea is rolling.  Tonight he could do no wrong.  If this is the player we are going to see consistently then the Raptors could be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs.

How Do You Like Me Now?

It has gotta hurt for the Pistons to watch how much Amir Johnson has grown as a player this year.  They drafted him 56th overall in 2005 as the last high school player every to be drafted.  The Pistons watched him grow, but didn’t seem to have the time or patience to allow him to mature in Detroit.  He was traded to the Bucks and then flipped to the Raptors and is now playing a pretty consistent and important role on this team.  Tonight he put down 26 points against his former squad.  That’s gotta feel nice for Amir.

The Pistons on the other hand let him go so they could develop more “NBA ready” players in Jason Maxiell, Rodney Stuckey and Will Bynum.  How has that worked out for you, Detroit?

Amir Johnson got a chance to show Detroit fans what could have been with a 26 point performance against his former club.

Maybe you let one slip away.

Let’s Go Celtics

I never thought I would ever willingly cheer for the Boston Celtics, but here we are.  Two games left for Chicago, one for Toronto.  If Boston wins then Toronto will control its own destiny at home against New York on Wednesday.  I can’t believe I am going to say this.  C’mon Garnett!  Let’s go Rondo! Uggggh…. it had to be the Celtics, didn’t it.

Zan of the Night

No Question. Andrea Bargnani.  He played like a superstar and led his team to an absolutely imperative victory.  He looked like a top dog out there.  A player that could hang with the NBA’s elite.  Now we need to see this more consistently.

No Zan of the Night

Charlie V.  Did you really guarantee a victory tonight?  On What basis?  How many games have the Pistons actually won?  Charlie Villanueva is a solid player and I really enjoyed his tenure in Toronto, but you’re on a lottery team.  You don’t guarantee victories on a lottery team.  Time to lay-off the Twitter, you’re worse that John Mayer.

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***

Kristoffer Pedlar
The Zan Tabak Herald

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by | April 11, 2010 · 9:09 pm

Raptors Playoff Hopes Grow Dimmer

It was a big game.  Probably the biggest game of the season.  A game that separates the men from the boys, the players from the pretenders and playoff teams from lottery teams.  It was a must win.  As “must win” as a game can get.

The Raptors fell short.  Plain and simple.

The team could not buy a bucket for large stretches of time.  They settled for jump shots instead of driving the net and did not play an ounce of defense on the other end of the floor.

When your best offensive player is out and, arguably your best defender, someone needs to step up.  No one did.  Derek Rose was a one man show and without the inside presence of Chris Bosh, Joakim Noah had a field day in the low and high post.  On the other end, the Raptors could not put a solid run together and looked discombobulated on offense.

All hope is not lost as there is still two games left and the Raptors do hold the tie-breaker.

With two games left the Raptors need to find leadership and a hunger from within, if they intend on fulfilling their goal at the beginning of the season and make the playoffs.

Derek Rose was in total control in a pivitol match against the Raptors.

The Zan for Three

Spotlight

In a game of this magnitude players need to step up.  These are the types of games that players use to make names for themselves.  Hedo Turkoglu has made a name for himself throughout his career by playing big in games such as these.  Tonight, for the Raptors, no one was able to take control.  No player made a name for himself.  Hedo had a great game, mind you, but it wasn’t the type of game that propels a team to victory.  19 rebounds is nothing to laugh at but his 2-1o shooting doesn’t cut it.

On the other side, the Raptors allowed players like Taj Gibson and Flip Murray to make a name for themselves.  These players, role players, stepped up and helped propel their team to victory.  Where was Marco Belinelli? Demar Derozan?  Jose Calderon?  This is the time to step up.  If not now, when?

The Importance of Chris Bosh

So, still think this team will be just fine without Chris Bosh next season?  This was not a good indication that the Raptors will be able to fill the void a Chris Bosh will leave if he chooses to go elsewhere this summer.  The Raptors were abused inside and could not get anything done on the offensive end.  Chris Bosh gets stops on the defensive end and he scores on the offensive side.  Amir Johnson and Reggie Evans were not able to do the job that #4 does on a nightly basis.  With Bosh in the lineup this is a much different game.  No way Joakim Noah goes off for 18 boards with CB4 playing.  If this is how the Raptors play without Chris Bosh, it could be a long, long season in Toronto next year.

Italian Meat Ball

Andrea Bargnani has been an enigma wrapped in a puzzle during his Raptor tenure.  He shows flashes of absolute brilliance and then disappears for no known reason for large stretches of time.  He is, quite possibly, the player the Raptors will look to if/when Chris Bosh leaves as a free agent.  Maybe he has been playing beside an All-star for too long, but he needs to learn to take control of a game.  When you’re shooting 50% and your team is down, it’s okay to shoot the ball a bit more.  When you drive the net and get calls, it’s okay to do that more often.  Even at the expense of being labelled a bit “selfish”.  After all these years in the league and after all the wonderful words of praise, he still looks hesitant to take control and allow himself to be the focal point.  Stars in this league demand the ball, hell, even guys who come off the bench demand the ball.  This is a player that needs to demand it and do whatever he wants with it.  With Bosh out, Bargnani should be the focal point of this offense.  Why hasn’t he figured this out yet?

…Plus the Foul

Keep Hope Alive

It is easy to get discouraged after a big loss like this, but there is an even bigger game tomorrow and another on Wednesday.  This game was rough, but we get a second chance tomorrow.  The Raptors hold that all important tie-breaker and Chicago has a tougher remaining two games (Boston and Charlotte).  The Raptors must go into Detroit tomorrow and play like winners.  Shrug this loss off and go get the prize.  The Raptors are still very much in the playoff race. We mustn’t hang our heads.

Zan of the Night

It's easy to hang your head after a tough loss like this one, but there are still two games remaining in the race for eighth.

Derek Rose and Joakim Noah.  In a game that could have effectively eliminated them from the playoffs, it was important that the Bulls’ stars show up and control the game.  These two played like stars.  18pts and 18 rebounds is a pretty good day at the office.  Noah took full advantage of a Bosh-less Raptor squad.  Rose was in total control.  He used Calderon as a pylon for most of the game and scored and dished the ball at will.

Not Zan of the Night

Marco Belinelli. It is hard to choose just one Raptor as there were so many to point the finger at, but Belinelli really disappointed me tonight.  He could have been an x-factor tonight.  He has a great three-point shot and plays well on the defensive end.  Tonight he was useless.  His statline looks like a Tim Hortons’ display case.  Maybe Don Nelson was right.

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***

Kristoffer Pedlar
The Zan Tabak Herald

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