Tag Archives: Matt Bonner

by | May 16, 2013 · 6:22 am

Familar Faces Playing Pivitol Roles in Playoffs

As if Raptor fans weren’t feeling bummed out enough with the fact that once again we are all on the outside looking in when it comes to playoff basketball. Not only do we get to watch other teams competing for ultimate prize in basketball, but Raptor fans are witnessing a number of former teammates playing key roles on teams that may just win it all.

As always, there is a Raptor spin to this years post-season.  Players we gave up on, begrudgingly traded or didn’t appreciate enough at the time are playing key roles in this years playoffs.  In fact there are a number of players who may end up tipping the scale in their teams favour this year.

In no particular order here they are.

Ex Raptors in the 2013 NBA Playoffs

Marco Belinelli – On a Bulls team that seems to be put together by MacGyver (with duck tape and chewing gum) , Belinelli has been a key, unexpected contributor.  If you’re a Raptor fan, you’re likely as blown away by his presence as anyone.  He came up huge in game 7 of the first round series against the Nets and is continuing his clutch play in this second round matchup against the Heat.  Belinelli has always been a streaky shooter, but in these playoffs he has been someone his team can depend on late in games and at key points when the Bulls need a bucket.  Not something he showed much of in his Toronto days.  He has also held his own on the defensive end and at times has had LeBron James guarding him.

Belinelli has found his shooting touch just when the Bulls needed it most and helped the banged up Bulls advance to the next round. Bryan Colangelo, if he’s watching, is seeing the player he was hoping he acquired a few years back for the Raptors.  Only now, is he playing up to his abilities.

Jarrett Jack – Jack was originally brought in to Toronto to be a key backup combo guard for a team that was supposed to make many playoff appearances. He didn’t get that chance in Toronto, but he’s making  the most of the opportunity now with Golden State.

He has become a huge part of everything that is going right for Golden State.  He’s a veteran leader that is really helping take charge of this exciting young team.  When they needed clutch shots against Denver, Jack was there.  When they needed a veteran facilitator he was their man.  Jack has looked like a very valuable asset on this playoff team.  Against San Antonio he has been a strong veteran presence who knows where the ball needs to go.  He also isn’t afraid to take a tough shot when needed.  Don’t the Raptors wish they had him coming off the bench now.

Jarryd Bayless – When Bayless was in Toronto, everyone knew he had the potential to be something special.  It was simply hard to find a role on this Toronto team and they let him go in the offseason.  He’s found his role with Memphis, that is for sure.  In these playoffs he has been a spark plug for the Grizzlies off the bench.  He’s been the perfect mix of passer and shooter; exactly what you want in a combo guard.

The Grizzlies simply do not get past Denver without Bayless.  He was a classic clutch playoff performer.  He came in and hit big shots and came up with huge efforts when his team needed it most.  The Grizzlies bench looks a lot more scary now as they play a very difficult 2nd round opponent in the Thunder.  Watch out for Bayless again in this series.  He has the speed and ability to cause big problems for Oklahoma City. The Grizz are gonna need him if they hope to beat the defending Western Conference champs.

Bayless is showing Raptor fans what could've been as he has helped the Grizzlies during these NBA playoffs.

Bayless is showing Raptor fans what could’ve been as he has helped the Grizzlies during these NBA playoffs.

Chris Bosh – Once upon a time Chris Bosh was absolutely everything for the Toronto Raptors. He was the focal point of any and every opposing defense he faced and felt huge pressure in the playoff battles he had here in Toronto.  Fast forward to now and Bosh is still an amazing All-Star talent, but opposing defenses can’t always apply pressure on him because they are focused on stopping LeBron James and Dwayne Wade.

Bosh wasn’t a huge factor for the Heat in the first round against the Bucks, but then again, he wasn’t really needed.  If the Heat are going to beat the more troublesome Bulls and eventually the upstart Pacers,  Bosh is going to be a key part of any chance the Heat have to win. Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer present huge issues for Bosh inside and if he handles them he has to face a Hibbert/West or Chandler/Stoudamire combo.  If this team hopes to beat either of those teams they will need major contributions from Bosh on both ends of the floor.  With Wade still not looking 100% and opposing defences ready to pounce on Lebron James, the secondary scoring from Bosh will be paramount to a championship repeat.  Look for him to heat up in this second round, if he doesn’t the Heat may face more difficulty than was originally expected.

Matt Bonner – Matt Bonner was a fan favourite in Toronto and an energizer off the bench for a bad team when he was here.  Since moving to San Antonio, he has become a very important part of the team off the bench and in spot starting duties over the years.  This year he, once again, finds himself in the role of energizer and a key three-point threat off the bench.

Bonner isn’t a major factor for the Spurs but he can be a dangerous player off the bench at various times.  He is a big body and can hit the three with consistency. Matt Bonner is to the San Antonio Spurs as Steve Kerr used to be to the Chicago Bulls.  Bonner likely won’t get heavy minutes, but he may come into the game late to take very important shots, especially if Danny Green keeps struggling with his three-point shot.

Tracy McGrady – Was once a building block in Toronto and was the best player for Toronto in the franchise’s first ever playoff appearance against the Knicks.  He was a star in Orlando and the major offensive threat when he was in Houston.

Now McGrady is relegated to the bench in a cheerleading role.  But what an intriguing player to have at the end of your bench.  I wouldn’t be surprised if Greg Popovich has something up his sleeve when it comes to McGrady.  He could provide some instant offense off the bench and he has been a solid defender his entire career.  If the Spurs get into trouble don’t be surprised to see a little bit more McGrady then you ever thought you’s see again.

Roy Hibbert – He never played for the Raptors, but is technically a former dino.  Traded as part of the Jermaine O’Neal deal, Hibbert has been a perennial All-star and looks like he might be the key to the Pacers playoff chances this year.

Hibbert is gonna have to step up to beat the New York Knicks who will send Tyson Chandler and Amare Stoudamire against him.  So far he’s answered the call and has been the difference for Indiana thus far.  He has been unstoppable inside and provided Indiana with much of their offense.

If the Pacers get to the conference finals against Miami, it may be Hibbert that provides the biggest challenge for the defending champs.  He is a tough matchup for Chris Bosh and plays a position that the defending champs have trouble with.  Miami has trouble inside all season and Hibbert, who is just hitting his playoff groove, may be too much for them to handle.

Once upon a time a Raptor floor general, now an upstart coach who is leading the warriors to a surrising playoff run.

Once upon a time a Raptor floor general, now an upstart coach who is leading the warriors to a surprising playoff run.

Mark Jackson – He wasn’t a Raptor for long, but this former PG great is now in charge of one of the most exciting teams in the playoffs.  He has this Warriors team playing the best basketball the franchise has ever seen.

Jackson may seem to be in over his head in a coaching matchup against the great Greg Popovich, but he’s held his own thus far.  He’s got this young team energized and believing in itself.  He is getting key contributions out of rookie (and almost Raptor) Harrison Barnes, journeyman Jarrett Jack and a returning Andrew Bogut, plus he has had to overcome injury issues to his star Stephen Curry.

Jackson, and his coaching decisions to come, will have a major impact on how the Warriors perform the rest of the way.  When Jackson was a point guard he was known for his ability to get steals, with any luck he may just be able to steal another series from the Spurs.

***

Kristoffer Pedlar
The Zan Tabak Herald

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by | April 29, 2012 · 11:03 pm

Ex Raptors Could Be Keys to Success in Playoffs

So the Raptors are once again not in the post season, but there is still plenty for a Raptor fan to enjoy as this years playoff series’ get under way.

How about all the familiar faces playing key roles in this years playoffs?  Players that maybe didn’t get the chance to excel, or even play, in the postseason in Toronto have opportunities to make major contributions to their teams’ playoff run this year.

From big name talent like Chris Bosh to role players like Matt Bonner and Reggie Evans, there are plenty of ex-dinos out there that could play pivotal roles in the first round of the playoffs.

Make sure you watch out for these guys:

1) Chris Bosh – Although the Heat will live and die by the hand of Lebron James in the fourth quarter, Chris Bosh will once again be an important part of any hope Miami has of coming out of the East.  Bosh will have to match up against some very stiff talent and his offensive efforts could be what makes or breaks it for the Heat.  With all three members of the “big 3″ firing on all cylinders there really is no stopping the Heat.

Chris Bosh will be a key reason the Miami Heat win or lose a game this year in the playoffs.

Bosh will have to score when needed and will really have to help contain the bigger bodies of Kevin Garnett, Tyson Chandler and Carlos Boozer if the Heat hope to advance back to the NBA finals.  Last year he played well offensively but wasn’t as effective on the defensive end (a trait that plagued him during his Raptors days).

If Chris Bosh excels this year the Heat will likely win it all.  If he buckles under the pressure, the load his teammates are left to carry may be too much to handle.

Chris Bosh may be the difference between championship and heartache for the Heat.  

2) Leandro Barbosa – When the Indiana Pacers acquired Barbosa at the trade deadline for a 2nd round pick they didn’t acquire him for the regular season.  They really acquired him for the playoffs.  After one game in the series against Orlando it is already clear why this young team needs the veteran Barbosa to step up.

Most of the Indiana players really lack playoff experience and success.  They’re a young team and they showed their youth in Game 1, dropping it in catastrophic fashion to the veteran Magic.  Orlando dominated the last four minutes of the game and stole the victory from a stronger Pacers squad.

Barbosa will likely get more minutes in game 2.  He’s been to the dance before and has had some great playoff success in Phoenix.  He’s a crafty veteran and knows how to handle the pressures of the playoffs.  His presence on and off the court will be of great help, specifically, to George Hill and Paul George, who were not sharp in game 1.

Barbosa has experience in the playoffs and can hopefully help the young Indiana backcourt shrug off their difficulties and get the Pacers back into the series.

When Barbosa was with the Raptors he was instant offense off the bench.  Indiana, with only 77 points in game 1, could use that bench production especially when their starting back court is having difficulty.

The Pacer bench, and Barbosa in particular, are going to be key factors in this series. 

Matt Bonner is a perfect example of a bench player that could have a huge impact off the bench for San Antonio.

3) Matt Bonner – The San Antonio Spurs came into the playoffs playing some pretty darn good basketball.  They captured the number one seed in a very difficult Western Conference and looked primed for a good run at the championship.  Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobli, once again, lead this team into battle with their eyes on yet another championship ring.

The Spurs also have a phenomenal supporting cast as well consisting of Stephen Jackson, Boris Diaw, Kawhi Leonard and Matt Bonner.

When the starters need a rest, the bench doesn’t miss a beat.  Jackson does the scoring, Diaw defends the paint and Bonner is there to throw in some dagger three’s.

When Matt Bonner used to hit three-point shots for the Toronto Raptors it would send the ACC crowd into a frenzy.  There almost wasn’t a more exciting play at the ACC during his tenure in Toronto.  When he hits them for San Antonio there is that same excitement in the air.

There is something about a Bonner three-point shot that sends electricity through a crowd.  When he hits a big shot it usually has an impact on the game as well.  I have a feeling Matt Bonner is going to be hitting big shots throughout the playoffs for the San Antonio Spurs.

In Toronto, we’d call Matt Bonner an “X-factor”. In this series, he could help San Antonio steal a game or two.  

4) Reggie Evans – Every year it seems that a rare playoff performer emerges to the forefront and helps a team win a game a series or even a championship.  Last year names like Ian Mahinmi and Tyson Chandler became household names.  This year one of those names could be Reggie Evans.

In the playoffs in hockey you need toughness and forechecking. Someone who is going to bang it out and do the dirty work that doesn’t get noticed on the score sheet.  Throwing a pick, chasing down a loose ball, tapping an offensive board back to your teammates are some of the intangibles that give teams a better chance to win and become far more valuable in a playoff series.

Reggie Evans is a player that does those things.  He’s tough, he’s strong and if he’s defending you, you are going to have to work.  Watch out Gasol, watch out Rudy Gay, the lane is about to be clogged.

Reggie is one of those X-factor type players that could end up making a huge difference for LA, even if it doesn’t show up on the score sheet.  

5) Shawn Marion – He wasn’t a Raptor for very long, but it was clear during his time in Toronto that Shawn was a very offensively gifted player.  He is lightning quick and can get to the rim easily.  He has quick feet and can keep up with defenders. He has also shown throughout his time in Dallas that he is a valuable defensive presence as well.

Marion is another playoff veteran, having had successful runs in Phoenix and he finally won a championship in Dallas last year.  Marion was a key reason Dallas was able to win and provided stellar defense during their championship run last year.  He took care of Lebron James in last years final and is becoming more known for his defense around the league.

This year he has been handed the task of guarding Kevin Durant.  Not an easy task, but if anyone is up to it, it’ll be Marion.

A playoff veteran, Marion has been handed the most difficult defensive assignment of anyone in the playoffs.  It’s not going to be easy, but something tells me Marion’s defensive abilities could make or break his team this year.  

So, Many former Raptor players are going to potentially play large roles in how this years championship is ultimately decided.  Lots to watch during the playoffs, even if the Raptors aren’t a part of them.

Enjoy!

***

Kristoffer Pedlar
The Zan Tabak Herald

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by | March 4, 2012 · 9:25 pm

Derozan and Raps Battle to Victory

I’m not sure that it was necessarily the Raptors defense or the fact the Golden State Warriors just didn’t shoot the ball well.  Whatever it was, the Raptors were able to hold Golden State to a lowly 36% despite a pretty crummy shooting night themselves (37%).

To say it was a great game to behold would be a bold-faced lie.  It was ugly, sometimes it was downright ooglie. By the fourth quarter the Raptors and Warriors looked like they had shaken of the rust (or hangovers as the case may be) of the night previous.  The game picked up intensity and energy in fourth quarter..well the Raptors did.  The Warriors couldn’t muster much effort and in the end they didn’t deserve to win.

Some will say this victory puts us further away from a high pick, but to them I say, that the development of our young talent currently on the roster is also important.  Tonight Derozan looked good.  If we win games because he makes it happen, then I will get over moving further away from a top pick.  He is as much a part of our future going forward as whoever the eventual first round pick will be.

When Derozan takes a step forward in his development, so do the Raptors.  It’s that simple.  Tonight we looked like a team with a brighter future. 

Zan For Three

Derozan Time

Demar Derozan seems to be the focus of a lot of writers, fans and bloggers this year.  If he has a bad game, everyone freaks out and questions whether he belongs on this team going forward.  If he performs well then everyone praises his abilities and dreams of what is yet to come.

Today was a good day so there will be plenty to read and listen about Demar in the morning when you turn on your radio and read your paper (that is if people have gotten over the Leafs winning a game).

What fans should take note of isn’t that he scored a lot of points.  Yes, he was able to fill the stat sheet a bit tonight but it was more about how he did it.  His teammates were looking for him. He was the first option in their minds and Derozan was able to take that confidence and turn it into productivity.  This is something he hasn’t been able to do.

He also looked confident on the defensive end.  Being a number one option means you often have to defend the other teams best player.  Monta Ellis is no slouch. He is a great, great player and one that can score in a variety of ways.  Derozan was the “lucky one” that had to try to contain him.  Tonight he did. He contested shots, stayed with a pretty fast player and made life difficult for the Warriors Star.  Monta didn’t help himself by taking the awful shots and allowing Nate Robinson to touch the ball, but Derozan was right there making things difficult for Ellis all night long.

Demar Derozan and the rest of the Raptors found a way to win an ugly one at the ACC on Sunday. Demar finished strong with 25 points to lead the team.

The energy and confidence we saw in Demar has been lacking this year (as we’ve all heard a million times) but tonight he looked better.  He had the support and guidance of his teammates out there and it really seemed to make a difference.

Whether you think he’ll ever be a number one or two option in the NBA, it is hard to argue that there isn’t a really good basketball player inside Demar.  He is a giften athlete, can penetrate the lane at will and has a pretty solid shot. 

This is a player we are allowed to be excited about. 

Let this positivity continue.

Hockey Boys

So this is apparently a hockey town.  You may have a heard a little bit about the local team this weekend.  Something about a coach or something like that. Hockey is king in Toronto. Whether Raptors fans love it or hate it, it’s the reality in this city.

People love hockey.

What I’ve also noticed is that fans in this city love when basketball players play like hockey players.  Fans gravitate to “energy guys”.  Players that fight for the ball, hustle, grab loose balls and basically leave it all on the floor despite or in place of great skill.  For years fans have cheered the efforts of Matt Bonner, JYD, Charles Oakley and Reggie Evans.

These players often receieved louser ovations than the stars like Damon Stoudamire, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady or Chris Bosh.  They were also all given a pass when they left town. 

Why? Because we loved what they did here in the short amount of time they played here. 

These players endeared themselves to the fans without a great deal of scoring ability or superstar status.  We loved them because they played hard.  They worked hard and even when they didn’t put a single shot in the basket, their performances stayed with us.

Tonight Raptor fans were treated to a game that showed off some of our current crop of “hockey boys”.

Amir Johnson injured his knee late in the game and went down like a tonne of bricks.  In years past we would have seen a player leave the game and not return after a knee on knee hit. They might even miss a few weeks (cough…Carter…cough).  But Amir went to the bench and was back a few minutes later.  He was like a Boston Bruin out there.  You don’t see NBA players shrug off injury that often.  It’s nice to see we have a guy that will fight through the pain to play the game he loves for our team. 

Add to that the hustle and grind performances from James Johnson and Ed Davis and you had a team that a hockey town could get behind.  Defense.  Rebounds. Loose balls. Unselfish play.  The list of behaviour this hockey town loves in a player was on display in abundance on Sunday night.

These players are giving a hockey town reason to stand up and cheer, despite the losing season.

Sunday, Bloody Sunday

Watching a Raptor game on a Sunday afternoon used to be one of my favourite things to do.  I’d wake up on Sunday and get excited for an afternoon tilt between the Raptors and some other team.  I’d head down to the Richmond Rogue and watch the game with some buddies and dissect the Raptors performance.

I loved it. So did the Raptors and the city of Toronto.

Sunday basketball, for me, was like Saturday Night Hockey.  It just was the way it was.  It was something to look forward to and to depend on.

For whatever reason this year, the Raptors have been moved to Sunday night games or taken right off the schedule for Sunday entirely.  Let’s hope this is a result of the lockout shortened season because I want my Sunday afternoon basketball back.

Sunday night feels weird.  Especially 6pm games.  Just weird.

The Raps and Warriors didn’t seem to like it either as they started the game on a terrible run and by the fourth quarter the score looked like it was half time.

No more 6pm starts Please.  We want our Sunday afternoons back!

Zan of the Night

Demar Derozan

There were lots of gritty efforts from the Johnson’s and Ed Davis, but Demar was the glue that held them all together.  He shot the ball well, defended well and looked for his teammates when it made sense too.  He was just “on” tonight.  The Raptors want and need to see more of this.  There is a great looking ball player in there somewhere, he just needs the confidence to keep it going.  

Dwane Casey is going to need to work hard on Demar so that he can string these kinds of games together into a consistent run.  Tonight he looked like our go-to guy.

Not Zan of the Night

Jose Calderon

A tough night at the office for Jose.  He was not good offensively in the first half and just could not hang with the quick Golden State Back court.  He was replaced by Jarryd Bayless who did a decent job of running the floor. Calderon did come back in late in the game for the crucial final two minutes and played well, but his effort was not consistent tonight.

Though he didn’t play well, I am still not an advocate of trading Jose.  He is a solid, stay at home point guard who distributes the ball well, keeps it away from the opposing team and loves the shit out of the city. 

Bad night notwithstanding, he is our team leader.  We need Jose.  Let’s hope we keep Jose. 

***

Kristoffer Pedlar
The Zan Tabak Herald

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by | February 16, 2012 · 8:48 am

Red Rocket Sorely Missed

Lost in the hoopla of LINsanity and the homecoming of Corey Joseph was the return of a former Raptor whose time in Toronto was ever so memorable.

Matt Bonner has been back to the ACC many times since he was traded away to San Antonio for Rasho Nesterovic in one of Bryan Colangelo’s first moves as GM of the Raptors. But it’s always such a pleasure to see him back in town and doing well with San Antonio.

It’s hard to argue that move wasn’t beneficial for both teams as Nesterovic enjoyed a long successful tenure with the Raps, but Bonner was something special and has been greatly missed since his departure.

He became part of the city when he was here. Riding the TTC to games, and practices and becoming a fan favourite with his energy off the bench and penchant for a big three pointer every now and then.

Matt Bonner wasn't the focus of Toronto Media last night with Corey Joseph in town, but he is still very missed by Toronto basketball fans.

He was here in the city during the Golden age of Toronto basketball.  Vince Carter and Chris Bosh were the centrepieces and Bonner was a solid big off the bench.  He helped the team during some of it’s brightest times and was here, just before Colangelo arrived, during the franchise’s darkest hour.

Bonner, while in Toronto, provided the fans with a reason to cheer.  He was an unknown at the time and played hard to earn his minutes.  Minutes he conitnues to earn with San Antonio.

Fans loved not only the way he played but the way he embraced this city and country.  He married a Canadian girl and has been trying every which way to become a Canadian citizen so that he can represent this country in the World Championships and Olympic qualifying. Sure is nice to see an NBA player doing everything he can to dawn the Red and White.

It was no surprise that when Matt Bonner checked into the game last night he received a warm, warm welcome from his second home. It wasn’t his first trip back to town, but the fans here will always welcome him as one of their own. 

Toronto misses Matt Bonner.  On the court and off of it.

They could use his energy and fight off the bench and could certainly use his three point shooting (an area the Raptors have struggles with this season). Not that the All Star selection commitee noticed,, as Bonner was once again a glaring omission from the Three Point challenge.

A return to Toronto for Bonner would be something special for the fans, but alas he has a multi-year deal in San Antonio.  One he greatly deserves and worked hard to get.

Still his legacy remains.  Every time I see a sign for the TTC or pass by Red Rocket Coffee on my way to work I think fondly on Bonner’s time in Toronto.

For now Raptor fans will have to enjoy Bonner in small doses when he comes to town with the Spurs, which isn’t very often. The Spurs only visit to the ACC was last night.

Hopefully fans get to see him in a different Red and White uniform  soon enough, if and when he eventually suits up for Canada.

***

Kristoffer Pedlar

Zan Tabak Herald

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by | September 5, 2011 · 5:52 pm

Rasho: A Raptor to Remember

He left the game as quietly as he played it.  This week with little fanfare, glam or glitz Rasho Nesterovic announced his retirement from the game of basketball.

As someone who has followed the Raptors from their inception I can say with conviction that Rasho was one of the best big men this city has ever witnessed and one of the great under appreciated players in the NBA.

Rasho wasn’t a flashy player.  He didn’t score points in buckets or block shots with machismo, he simply did his job.  He played sound defense and was always there on the help side to back up his teammates.  He grabbed boards and made easy lay-ups when he was called upon.  He led by example and never complained about his role as a starter or sub.

In the NBA too much is often made of players that score the most points or play the most flashy basketball.  Rasho did what he was supposed to do.  He knew his role wasn’t to score the most points or take needless shots.  He just had to perform when called upon.  And he did.  His jerseys never flew off the shelves at Christmas time, but his name was on one for 17 years.

Rasho Nesterovic was a great teammate and contributor in his Raptor days. The NBA will miss him, whenever they get back to playing.

His 17 year NBA career is a testament to his hard work and the ability to fit into whatever system his coaches asked him to play.

When he was acquired by Toronto for Eric Williams and Matt Bonner I was pissed.  Matt Bonner was a huge fan favourite and Bryan Colangelo was trading everyone left, right and centre.  I couldn’t understand bringing in a player who many considered to have one of the worst contracts in sports.

Many times during his playing time in Toronto, especially in 2006, I openly questioned starting Nesterovic over Bargnani.  But when Rasho wasn’t in the starting five you would see a dramatic change in the defensive intensity of the team.  They were out of position, didn’t come over to help, and hung around the perimeter.

Enter Rasho.

Steady inside.  Never failed to foul hard when a player went into the paint.  Got open under the basket for easy lay-ups (yes he missed a few of those too).  He ran the pick and roll to perfection. He didn’t take shots away from others.  Rasho did his job.

Rasho was a smart, smart player and one of the reasons that the Raptors were able to find so much success in that amazing 2006 year.

As his career continued in Indiana he was asked to come off the bench and act as a role model for younger players and again when he returned to Toronto for his second tour of duty.  He did not balk at this opportunity and simply carried on doing his job.

In a city that has a lot of anxiety over the way basketball players feel about it, Rasho was a breath of fresh air.  He loved this city.  He came back as soon as he was able to and accepted a minimal role to be in a place where he was happy.

There aren’t a lot of NBA players like Rasho Nesterovic.  He was panned and picked on by ESPN analyst Stephen A Smith, writers often questioned his value.  His teammates did not.

In San Antonio’s championship run in 04-05 he was a main contributor and remained the starting centre all year.  Let me repeat: he was the starting centre on the NBA championship team.  Many of his Spurs teammates credit him as being one of the main reasons they won the championship that year.

NBA players rarely get to play in the league for 17 years.  To reach that length of time you need a combination of skill, luck and talent.  Nesterovic was consistent in his ability, lucky to never sustain longterm injuries and talented enough at his position to keep coming back year after year.

His contributions on the Slovenian national team really helped that country develop its National team program and the Slovenians are never considered a push over in international competition.

Rasho hasn’t asked for any fanfare upon his exit from the league and his subsequent retirement.  He deserves some though.

For a player who never once argued with a coach, fought with teammates or demanded the ball or playing time he deserves recognition.  There aren’t many around like Rasho Nesterovic.  Unselfish players willing to teach and learn are a rarity in this star driven league.  Toronto fans were lucky to experience his integrity and dedication to teamwork.

Toronto was fortunate to have Rasho bring his talents to Cherry beach.

A true gentlemen and a pleasure to watch.

Thank you Rasho.

Let’s NBA!

***
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
***
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @Zantabakherald

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by | May 2, 2010 · 10:45 pm

Ex-Raptors Making Names for Themselves in the Playoffs

As a Raptor fan, nothing gets my blood boiling more than seeing a former member of the team perform really well with another uniform on.  Now don’t get me wrong there are certain players that I enjoy seeing do well.  Players who left on positive terms and who have found success with other squads I can cheer with.  But those that we traded away or foolishly let go leave me throwing the remote at the Flat screen.

This year there have been numerous former Raptors playing large roles for their teams in the playoffs.  Some are still in it, fighting to win the ultimate prize.

Let’s look at some of the hottest playoff performers,that happen to be former Raptors.

Carlos Delfino – Milwaukee Bucks

This one is tough.  He played fairly inconsistently for us while he was in Toronto and he was also part of a trade that brought Sonny Weems and Amir Johnson to the Dinos.  I like both Amir and Sonny and cannot fault Colangelo for that deal.

Delfino has been a key playoff performer for the Bucks, making fans of opposing teams legitimately 'Fear the Deer".

On the other hand, he would have looked really good in the backcourt with Calderon and Jack.

Delfino was a major reason teams began to “Fear the Deer” .  He hit triples with ease, averaged 11.2 points and helped the Bucks push the Hawks to game 7.

We miss him scale – 7/10

Marcus Camby - Portland Trailblazers

He is a beast.  An absolute monster that can rebound the ball.  When you play against him, everyone out there is afraid because the ball seems to belong to him.  He averaged 10 blocks during the series with the Suns, but wasn’t really a factor for Portland.

Still he’d look great in a Raptor uniform.  He could teach Bargnani how to grab a board or two.

We miss him scale –  7/10

Anthony Parker – Cleveland Cavaliers

He deserves a chance at the championship, doesn’t he? One of my favourite all-time Raptors.  He is playing a key role with the Cavs in this playoff run.  He is a veteran who has played very meaningful games with Toronto and Maccabi Tel-Aviv.  He is no stranger to a big shot and is not afraid to take it.  Most importantly he is a strong defensive presence out there.  Exactly what you need come playoff time.

Toronto could have used him in almost every possession this year.  Defence wins championships and it gets you to the playoffs.  We needed a little AP out there this season.

We miss him scale  7.5/10

John Salmons – Milwaukee Bucks

He was never really  a Raptor, but almost was in Bryan Colangelo’s first off-season.  The Raptors had agreed to a contract in principle until “God” told him to sign with Sacramento.  He has been a solid contributor everywhere he has gone and is averaging 17.2 points for the Bucks in the playoffs.  He was a major reason the Bucks were able to finish the year so strong despite the loss of Andrew Bogut.  He became a go-to player late in games for the Bucks.

Wouldn’t he looks great in a Raptor uniform? I’ve been saying that for 3 seasons now.  So much better than Fred Jones.

We Miss him scale 7.5/10

Chauncy Billups – Denver Nuggets

This is the guy I would want taking a big shot for my team.  He hits big shots with such ease it has become his trademark over the years.  He is tough to defend and scary as hell to play against on the defensive side.  Billups is tough off the dribble and he always seems to find a way to make a tough shot.

He could have been a franchise player for us.  What hurts more is that we gave him away for peanuts.

We miss him scale – 8/10

Vince is looking like his old-self as Orlando took care of Charlotte with ease. Carter has been a consistent threat for the Magic as he seeks his first championship.

Vince Carter - Orlando Magic

Yup, he had to be last on the list.  I know, I know.  Part of us hates his guts, but the other part of us misses him so much it hurts.  This is the definition of a go-to guy.  Especially in the playoffs.  He hits big shots, plays tough and doesn’t let a bad game deter him from ending a game in the dying seconds.  He was a great compliment to the Orlando offence at times against the Bobcats and he was the focal point at others.  He could be the key to this team making a championship appearance or winning it all, for that matter.

He would be the perfect complement to Chris Bosh in Toronto.  He would solidify our backcourt and give us a deadly second weapon.  He  would do what Turkoglu could not this past year.

We miss him scale –  9/10

Those who hate most fervently must have once loved deeply
- Kurt Tucholsky

Honorable Mentions

Shawn Marion –  Dallas Mavericks A complete non-factor in the playoffs.  Missed his speed and leadership during the season though.  6/10

Matt Bonner –  San Antonio Spurs The Red Rocket is playing key minutes for the Spurs.  He isn’t a huge game changer but he is a steady presence for this team  5/10 (6/10 if you include the emotional connection Toronto fans have to him)

Jermaine O’neal –  A lot better than most Raptor fans give him credit for.  We do not miss him playing with Chris Bosh or Bargnani because it didn’t work, but we do miss his leadership, fire and the capspace his contract will create.  He has played well in Miami and deserves some love. 6/10

Jamario Moon –  Getting more burn than I thought he would in these playoffs.  Not playing a key role, but strong play in limited minutes.  He is an exciting player that would have probably only seen limited minutes in Toronto as well.  5/10

Joey Graham –  21 points the other night in a losing cause.  Wow! But as Doug Smith put it – we’ve been wondering five years whether he can do that consistently.  Probably a fringe NBA player next season.  2/10

So the playoffs have a number of ex-Raptors left.  Although I am still cheering for the young Hawks and Captain Canada’s Suns, I am cheering for Anthony Parker to do well in these playoffs as well.  His Cavs have a very good shot to win it all.  It would be a great moment for Parker and I will cheer him if he gets there.  I just can’t help but like the guy.

I’m also torn on the Vince issue.  It will be both wonderful and tragic to see him win.  Especially in a uniform that doesn’t have a dinosaur on it.  He is a gifted player, no one can deny that, but one that conjures up so much emotion.  In the end, it would be fitting for him to win one.  Orlando is a fine Basketball team.

So which ex-Raptor are you cheering for?

Let us know!

***

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @zantabakherald

***

Kristoffer Pedlar
The Zan Tabak Herald

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by | November 9, 2009 · 11:53 pm

Raps Get An Argentinian Slap To The Face

Even without Tim Duncan and Tony Parker the San Antonio Spurs were able to use their bench depth and dribble penetration to down the Raptors.  Defense seemed to be something everyone in the building was allergic to tonight.  Both teams put up a tonne of points and Manu Ginobli was unstoppable.  On top of which, the Raptors were manhandled on the boards and gave up a heap of second chance points.

Jose

Jose and the rest of the Toronto Perimeter could not contain San Antonio on route to a disappointing loss

Zan for Three

6th man? On what planet?

Without Duncan and Parker the Raptors really had one focus on defense tonight and it was Ginobli.  I know he’s technically a 6th man but the guy was unstoppable.  Somebody put a hand in his face, get up on him, double team the guy for goodness sakes.  He treated the Raptors perimeter defense like they were pylons and helped make the rest of the Spurs team look like magnificent.

Didn’t realize how many Hall of Famers the Spurs had

Without Duncan and Parker the Raptors decided to make Matt Bonner and George Hill look like Hall of Famers.  Seriously these guys looked like Kobe and Wade out there slahing and scoring at will.  I love the Red Rocket but he isn’t an NBA starter and the Raps made him look like Dr. J.  It was a night the Raps should have been able to shut down the Spurs, yet the defense was abysmal, and at times the game resembled the Washington Generals playing against the Globetrotters.

Give me another chance

How much did you want Reggie Evans to rip off his suit like Superman and reveal he was actually in uniform?  The guy is desperately needed right now.  The Raps couldn’t contain the Spurs inside even without Duncan. Bosh and Amir Johnson showed moments of grit and fight but this team needs to get tough in a hurry or they are going to get torched every night.

Zan of the Night

Manu was deserving and Bosh had a pretty good statistical game but let’s give it to Sonny Weems who made his Raptors debut tonight, shot 100% from the field and looked servicable.  He may be an interesting project this year.

Not Zan of the Night

Perimeter Defense

Jose picture is on on most fans’ dartboards right now but Jack, Wright and Derozan were awful as well.  Not one player could contain George Hill let alone Manu Ginobli or Richard Jefferson.  It was like watching a grade 6 team try to defend the Lakers.  Offensively this unit was productive and sound but they couldn’t buy a stop.  130pts allowed is ridiculous. You cannot win games giving up 130 points. Especially on the road.

Sadly, this is the game we’re going to look back on as the one that got away.

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by | August 9, 2009 · 11:01 pm

A New Dog Learns Old Tricks

Jerome WilliamsThe city of Toronto is known for loving sports athletes with heart, grit and determination. Fans have had love affairs with players like Wendel Clark, Mookie Wilson and Matt Bonner not because of their offensive skills or the fact they could score goals or points in buckets but because of the effort they put into their performances.  Fans applauded them for trying their best and playing a “team” game rather than being the best player on their given team.  While other players have better statistical numbers these players live on in the hearts of fans for their energy and love of the game.

One player that has stayed in the hearts of Raptor fans since he was acquired in 2001 for Corliss Williamson is Jerome “JYD” Williams.  Jerome began his tenure with the Raptors by famously driving from Detroit to Toronto after hearing of the trade.  It was this initial gesture that immediately identified Williams as a “working class” basketball player and thrust him into the hearts of raptor fans.  You could immediately tell that he was a little different from your average NBA player.  This was not a guy worried about shoe contracts and making excuses about being late for “practice”.  He was a player who was happy to be in the league and have a job and worked as hard as he could to keep the job he loved so much.

Williams went on to earn the love and respect of the fans by, not scoring lots points, but by running down loose balls and making the extra pass. His most important role as a Raptor, however, may have been the fact that he enthusiastically broke the fourth wall and brought the fans into the game. When he was traded in 2003 (as a salary add on) for Jalen Rose and Donyell Marshall the collective hearts of Raptor fans broke.  He never really achieved the same success in Chicago or New York as he did in Toronto and you could tell his heart always belonged to the meat-eating franchise he drove 300km to get to when he was first acquired.  Williams received loud ovations everytime he returned to Toronto as a player and continues to receive loud ovations when he is present as the Raptors Community representative.

JYD was not only a player that brought his energy to the court but he also brought it outside the game of basketball where he made possibly his most important contribution to the city and the game as a community ambassador.  He was named a finalist in 2000 for the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship award and in 2002 was named by Sporting News as one of the “good guys in Sports”. He also won the first ever Fannie Mae Community Award.   He continues to be actively involved in community projects such as “NBA Cares”, “Basketball without Borders”, “Positive shades of Black” that he began with his brother in 1997 and “The JYD Project”.  He has helped countless children and youth all over the world.  His efforts on and off the basketball court have earned him respect throughout the NBA and in the city of Toronto.  He consistently receives a warm response whenever visiting the ACC.

Toronto has not seen another player like JYD in its history as an NBA franchise.  One player that could, potentially, fill the shoes of JYD, both on the court and off is Pops Mensah Bonsu who joined the Raptors part way through last season and made an immediate impact with the club.

Aside from popularizing the headband again Pops has given Raptor fans many reasons to recall the days of Jerome Williams.  He is not a flashy player, by any stretch, and plays the game by doing the little things.  In his first game with the Raptors he posted 4pts and 10 rebounds against the Miami Heat.  Not “earth shattering” numbers but certainly productive and important on a team that had been lacking rebounding production. He instantly earned a reputation for his energy, hard work and the desire to do whatever it took to win games.  Brian Colangelo was probably not surprised by the effort Pops showed as it has been a trademark of Bonsu’s since he came out of college.Pops Mensah Bonsu

Bonsu’s road to the NBA has been a long and adventurous one, to say the least, and was marked by a consistent desire to improve and prove his doubters wrong.  He was a stand out at George Washington University but went undrafted due to an injury he suffered to his knee prior to the 2006 NCAA tournament.  He went on to sign a contract with Dallas and was sent to the D-League before coming back up to play with the Mavs.  He spent the next two years bouncing around the world playing for Benneton Treviso, Spanish club DKV Joventut and the San Antonio Spurs before eventually landing at Pearson Airport in Toronto.

During his time in and out of the league Bonsu never gave up and continued to fight his way back to the NBA.  He has been everything on a team from a scoring option (D-League All-star with the Fort-Worth Flyers) to end of the bench option (on a stacked San Antonio team).  He understands that his  role is to contribute any way he can, that his next minutes are not guaranteed and he has to bring his best efforts to each and every game.

With the Raptors last season, it didn’t take long for him to find his niche and become a fan-favourite.  The Raps were a poor rebounding team in need of energy and grit.  Bargnani was stuggling at the time and Bosh was looking less and less interested.  Pops entered his first game and fought for rebounds that no one else was fighting for and dunked with an enthusiasm the team hadn’t seen all season.  Pops provided that grit and energy that was sorely lacking and had the ACC crowd on their feet in his first game.  His hustle, energy and confidence made him a fixture off of Jay Triano’s bench and he found a new role on a new team.

Much like JYD before him, he is also active in community efforts around the world.  He takes great pride in spreading the love of basketball in his native England where he runs the Hawks Basketball Academy and is part of the ALIVE2LIVE  schools and College tour helping at risk youth gain opportunities in the community.  These are the actions of someone who very much wants to give back to the community that gave to him and a player who is well beyond his years in maturity and grace.

Now he is caught in limbo and there is a danger that one of the most likeable players in Toronto since the days of the ‘Junkyard Dog’ will be left without a home.  He may not fit into the Raptors future plans and may have to earn his way back into the league he has fought so hard to stay in.

Brian Colangelo would be wise to consider adding Pops to the Raptors bench this year.  With Pops you’re not just getting an athlete who will fight for rebounds and hammer the ball through the hoop you also get a young man who would very much be an asset to the city of Toronto.  Someone who could be as active in the community as he is on the court.

One thing is for certain:  When he returns, either as a Raptor or as an opponent, Pops Mensah Bonsu will receive a JYD-esque ovation.

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