Tag Archives: NBA

by | July 22, 2011 · 4:48 pm

NBA needs to follow NFL’s Lead

Okay NBA let’s get this thing going.

The NFL is nearing a deal.  Yes I hear that the NFLPA has formally agreed to the deal and will likely make some changes to the agreement, but the thing is obviously close.  A framework, at the very least, is getting put into place.

But Derek Fisher came out and publicly said he doesn’t want to follow in the NFL’s footsteps.  If he keeps talking like that there is no way the NBA will follow the NFL’s lead which means no basketball this year.

Derek Fisher says he doesn't like the NFL agreement, but they will be the ones playing next year, while the NBA sits.

Do you wanna be the only sports league that can’t get a deal done? The last bastion where players hold out for their wildest dreams, while fans of the game sit and stew and try to make alternative arrangements for the Winter. Is that really what you would prefer?

C’mon Derek Fisher!  C’mon Mark Cuban! C’mon Teachers Pension Plan!

You’ve cancelled summer league.  Not a problem, summer league kind of sucks anyway.  It’s almost not even an issue.  Unless you happen to be one of the many young players or older veterans that need a chance to show they’ve got what it takes to compete in the league.

But that’s okay.  Fans will forgive that.  Owners won’t blink an eye.  It only hurts the players.  You know, the ones that don’t make spit in this league.  If not for summer league guys like Jamario Moon wouldn’t have a job in the league. But those guys aren’t really the ones that are being fought for are they?

There isn’t any free agency, but that’s okay too.  I mean the Leafs signing of Tim Connelly would have upstaged the NBA free agency anyway. Has there been a bigger power play move this summer? I mean c’mon.  Better to have a free agency period all to yourself.  One where owners and player agents are running around like chickens with their heads cut off getting deals done for their players. You’re forgiven for that one too.

But make no mistake, the time is now.

The fans want it and the owners and players should want it too.  Let’s not wait until the time when training camp is supposed to start.  Let’s not wait for public opinion to wither into hatred or, even worse, indifference.

Remember the year baseball lost the World Series?  Go ask fans in Montreal how they feel about baseball.  Or fans in Florida.  The game is clinging to life support in many cities because of that strike. Indifference took over and the sport still has a long road back in many cities throughout the MLB.

There will be repercussions for losing the season.  Maybe not for Lebron James and his entourage or for players that are best buddies with Kobe (right Fisher?)

The NBA needs a deal now.  Look to the NFL for some ideas at least.

The NFL deal works on many levels. The cap is a hard one that should continue to help small and large market team compete in the league.  The NFL is the only sports league where the idea that any team can win on any given day is truly accurate.  The Arizona Cardinals anyone? New Orleans Saints?  These teams don’t have a history of dominance, but they have remained competitive over the last few years.  The only team this doesn’t apply to is maybe the Buffalo Bills (but that’s an entirely different story all together).

If the NBA doesn't learn from the NFL situation it will be a long time before we see a champonship celebration in the NBA.

The system will be a little bit more performance based, which come to think of it, is kind of how every other job in the world works.  It allows the hard workers to keep their jobs and the ones that don’t produce don’t get their money.  It also helps players like Marcus Banks not become a token in every deal and never get a chance to play or fight for a job because he signed one bad deal. He loses his job for a year and then can fight to get it back. Works for me.  Beats being a professional  DNP-CD every game.

The pre-season is also  reduced as are player practices during the year.  This is a benefit that could limit the amount of injuries and serious incidents that have plagued the league over the years.   Not only this major point, but the tentative NFL agreement also addresses the issues surrounding player health both during and after their playing days come to an end. Not as much of an issue in the NBA, but certainly something to look into.  Former players often face heart conditions and knee troubles after their playing days.

And the cous de gras? It’s a ten-year deal. Absolutely freaking genius.  The fans won’t have to go through this again in two or three years.  It will be a while.

Let’s use this framework by the NFL to help get the NBA owners and players, at least, talking.  This is a good deal for both the wealthy owners and the wealthy players.  It addresses major issues and both sides made compromises.  What is not to like here?

Let’s get this thing going NBA! Let’s get a deal done so we can get this party started! Stop the players from heading over to Europe before it’s too late and get a deal in place.

Derek Fisher and David Stern need to use the NFL’s deal to help bridge the gap between them not drive a larger wedge.

***

Kristoffer Pedlar
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 | January 2, 2011 · 9:06 pm

Raptors Fight to the Bitter End

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

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

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

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

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

 

Zan For Three

Hard Work Rewarded

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

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

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

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

Young Onez Unite!!

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

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

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

Gotta Cash in Those Freebies

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

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

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

 

Zan of the Night

Demar Derozan

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

Not Zan of the Night

Linas Kleiza

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

 

 

***

 

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

 

 

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by | September 6, 2010 · 12:42 pm

Kleiza a Key for Raptors this Season

During his time as Toronto GM, Bryan Colangelo has made some excellent under the radar pickups.  Players like Anthony Parker, Jorge Garbojosa and Carlos Delfino come to mind.  Colangelo has been very good at seeing the potential in players that may or may not have ever shown it at an NBA level.  This year his best under the radar pickup may be Linus Kleiza.

Kleiza was a forgotten man in Denver after having two pretty solid seasons where he was the backup to Carmelo Anthony.  Kleiza was a regular part of Denver’s 2007/08 season where they won 50 games and made it into the playoffs.  Kleiza averaged 11.1 pts that season and 4.2 rebounds.  He continued his success in Denver averaging 9.9 points off the bench the following season, but didn’t fit into the long-term plans of the team.

He left Denver on strange terms as the team was prepared to offer him a contract extension but the Nuggets backed out when they decided to trade for Chauncey Billups.  Kleiza then headed to Greece for more money and more playing time.  The Nuggets thought very seriously about matching the Raptors offer in the summer because they liked what Kleiza could bring to the table:  A great shot, rebounding ability, toughness and a versatile player that could fill in at many positions.

Linas Kleiza has shown leadership and versatility in these World Championships. The Raptors hope he brings the same this coming year in Toronto.

He spent this last season in Europe playing for Olympiakos averaging 17.2 points and 6.4 rebounds and picking up the Alphonso Ford Trophy as the highest scoring player in the league.

If these accolades aren’t enough to convince Raptor fans that Kleiza might be one of the better pick-ups of the off-season, outside of South Beach, consider that fact that he is leading the Lithuania National team at the World Championships.  They are, so far, undefeated and look to be a serious challenger to the top teams from the US and Spain.  Kleiza has been the main reason for the great success of the Lithuania team.  He is averaging 17.4 points and 6.8 rebounds and had one of his best games, coincidentally against Canada where he dropped 18 points and had 10 rebounds.  More interestingly he is shooting 58% from the field and 38.9% from the 3-pt line.  These numbers become even more important on a Raptor team that did not shoot the ball very well last season.

His statistical numbers are impressive but he has also been showing leadership on this team and has played very strong defensively thus far.

Coming into a season where the Raptors are without last years team leader Chris Bosh, Kleiza could provide that locker room presence that is so integral to teams trying to win.  The fact that he is playing strong defensively should be a welcome sign to raptors fans that saw last years team perform as one of the worst defensive teams in the league.

The Raptors and Kleiza seem like a perfect match on paper.  The Raptors are a team with a number of international players and players with international experience.  Kleiza can play both forward positions and offers the Raptors and coach Jay Triano with an abundance of lineup possibilities.

Kleiza is penciled in as the starting small forward but could also see significant time at the power forward position.  With his strong performance overseas last year and his incredible performance so far in the World Championships, Raptor fans can’t help but be excited about what Kleiza will bring this coming season.

Canadian Coach Leo Rautins said this of Kleiza before Canada’s match with Lithuania ” He’s not just going to nail you in the post…he kind of goes inside, outside, he comes off screens, he’s not just taking you straight down into the post.”

This versatility makes Kleiza very hard to guard against and makes him a weapon that Jay Triano will have to work hard to take advantage of.  Outside of Andrea Bargnani and maybe Demar Derozan, this team doesn’t have a serious offensive weapon.

Kleiza will figure prominently in every game  this year for the Dinos and if he plays with the intensity we have already seen thus far, Colangelo may have himself one of the better free agent pickups of the off-season.

***
Kristoffer Pedlar
The Zan Tabak Herald
***
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by | August 6, 2010 · 3:07 pm

The key to Raptor’s success still lies overseas

How can we ever win?

Star US players leaving in a hurry. Big name free agents looking elsewhere. It’s a never-ending cycle of American players disliking something different. Like different is a bad thing.

Four years ago, when Bryan Colangelo came to town, he went European. Today as we collectively lament over the loss of Chris Bosh, I understand why.

Going European may in fact be this team’s only chance to win.

Take the Blue Jays. Throughout the late 80s they cornered the Dominican and Puerto Rican markets. Built a roster full of international talent and then filled holes with key American players.

On the streets of the Dominican you wouldn’t see a Yankees hat or a Boston Red Sox hat. You’d see a Blue Jays hat. Or Tony Fernandez uniform.

Maybe the same can be done for the Raptors.

If the Raptors can continue to build relationships internationally it could reap rewards. Scout heavily overseas. Hold basketball camps in Europe. Promote Bargnani in Italy. Bring in a coach like Ettore Messina.

Bring in non-American players who don’t care what anthem is played before every game. Who don’t scoff at seeing kilometers written on speed signs. To them it doesn’t matter. US or Canada, both are not home.

So while I do think it’s important to draft the best player available, maybe it’s also important to pick a Ricky Rubio over a Johnny Flynn. Maybe we’d see a legion of Raptor Rubio jerseys in Madrid. Like Alomar jerseys in Puerto Rico. Creating a future generation of basketball players who actually want to play in Toronto.

So next time you see Bryan Colangelo drafting a European. Or hiring European. Or scouting European. Don’t scoff.  Don’t post your outrage on forums. Or vent about the trails of another European experiment. Understand that it could be part of a long-term strategy. And quite possible our only chance at building a winner, in the only non-American city in the NBA.

Viva la Raptors.

***
Jeremiah McNama
The Zan Tabak Herald
***
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by | January 29, 2010 · 12:17 am

Ball! Hedo in an Empire State of Mind

The Toronto Raptors broke the back-to-back curse tonight in the Mecca of Sports with what can only be described as “ball“.  The Raps seemed to continually will themselves to victory.  Down 16 in the first half, the Raptors used their second unit to get  back into the game.  In the second half, after surrendering a 5pt lead in the last three minutes of the game, the Raptors used smart offensive sets and phenomenal defense to snatch a win from the Knicks.  The Raptors had no business winning this game, but Hedo Turkoglu and Chris Bosh both had double doubles, and two huge baskets at the end of the game, to steal the win.  The Raptors, not known for their defense, finished the game off with a charge.  The most exciting charge I have seen all season.

Ball

The Zan for Three (plus the foul)

Return of the Mack

Hedo Turkoglu picked an incredible time to pull up his socks.  He has been a magnet for criticism even in the midst of a winning streak.   Tonight he did everything.  He ran the offense, shot the ball well, rebounded, and was at the rim for dunks and put backs that resulted in a key bucket down the stretch.  Andrea Bargnani was struggling and the Raps needed Hedo to step up.  He provided them with energy and leadership when they needed it the most.  Let’s hope the real Hedo has finally arrived.  He will be a key to the Raptors second half fortunes.

Grunt Work

When you’re on the second night of a back-to-back and your starters are tired, you need your bench to step up.  Tonight Antoine Wright, Jose Calderon and Amir Johnson provided that extra bit of energy that helped the Raptors get over the hump and battle back.  The Raptors second unit is decidedly better than most second units in the NBA.   It’s something that’s beginning to set the Raptors apart from the “pretenders” in the Eastern Conference.  Jose is a starting point guard playing against other teams’ secondary point guards.  This is an advantage that’s helping the Raptors abuse match ups and win ball games.

The hussle and intensity on defense that Amir Johnson and Antoine Wright have been bringing have allowed Triano the opportunity to make defensive switches that shut down offensive players on opposing teams.  Tonight Harrington had all kinds of trouble.  Kudos to the coach for his use of the bench.

Ball

Clutch Play

Down the stretch the Raptors almost gave the game back to New York.  Harrington hit a huge shot that seemed to be the daggar.  The Raptors came back with good looks at the basket.  Bosh had a driving layup, Hedo had a put back on a missed shot and Jack scored a floater in the lane.  In between those scoring plays the Raptors had key defensive stops.   The Raptors then finished the game with Jack taking a charge.  These are the plays of a playoff ready team.

A new identity is forming in Toronto.  This team is tough as nails with different players contributing each night.  They are stepping up in the clutch, refusing to lose and let games slip away.  A characteristic of elite NBA teams.

Zan of the Game

Hedo Turkoglu

Ball!  His biggest game of the season at exactly the right time.  A double double and key plays at the end of the game.  He looked confident and did not let his early shooting trouble stop him from performing.  With the team on the second night of a back to back, Hedo picked the right time to really step it up.  Hedo also followed his impressive performance with, what could be, the most awkward interview in a long time.  When asked what was different about his game by Jack Armstrong, Hedo replied simply with: “Ball”.  Not sure what that means…but let’s hope it continues.  I’ve got nothing else to say.

Not Zan of the Game

Ball

Al Harrington

Before you grab your shirt and dance across the MSG floor, make sure the game is out of reach.  You followed your “victory dance”  by blowing a five point lead and commiting an offensive foul to end the game.  Not exactly the finish you had in mind, huh?

Plus the Foul

All Star

Congratulations to Chris Bosh on becoming, once again, an All Star.  You are more than deserving of the honour and, really, should be starting.  You’ve had more double-doubles than Tim Hortons this year and you are the backbone of the franchise.  Well done, Mr. Bosh.

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******

Kristoffer Pedlar
The Zan Tabak Herald

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by | January 28, 2010 · 12:08 am

Get loud Toronto! Raptors win yet another emotional game at home

There's plenty of passion around the team these days, as Chris Bosh seals the game on a pizza shot.

The Raptors beat the Miami Heat last night in what turned out to be a wildly entertaining game. Maybe not quite the caliber of a Laker win two nights ago, but a great game nonetheless. It was another emotional win for the good guys, as the crowd was energized and the team made big shots. Wins like this seemed to never come last year. But they’ve been plentiful this year – the makings of a good season.

Hedo The Good, and the Bad.

Say what you want about Hedo Turkoglu (and we’ve said a lot here) the team is winning with him in the lineup. We’ve read a lot, and we’ve heard a lot, about his role as a facilitator and it couldn’t be more true.  The ball moves when he’s on the court. He always makes the right decision (usually a pass) and he’s a team leader. So yes, while he continues to shoot some 25% over the last ten games, his overall effectiveness has been good. At the very least he recognizes his shooting woes and chooses to only put up 5 shots. Something you rarely see in the NBA full of egos.

The Flash Runs Out Of Batteries

Mr Christie returns to Toronto. The Raptors' defense in the second half surely made him proud.

Dwayne Wade is one of the most electric players in the game. He has a tendency to hit shots with a high degree of difficulty and he has a flare for the dramatic. But if his team chooses to play him for the entire second half, he’s going to stop being effective. And that’s exactly what happened. Missing badly on his final two possessions. He had nothing in the tank when his team needed him the most. Miami is in desperate need of a deeper bench.

Jose the Mad

Jose has been playing angry of late, and nothing makes me happier than an angry Jose. He seems to have a edge to his game these days (maybe it’s because he’s unshaven). But what Jose brings to this team is completely and utterly invaluable. Down ten, going into the second quarter, Jose leads the second unit to tie the game. Why? He’s significantly better than every back up point guard in the association. That’s a huge asset to have.

Zan of the Night

Andrea Bargnani

The bigger, big man was sensational tonight. If Chris Bosh decides to leave the team in the summer of 2010. He’ll average something close to 26 to 27 points a night.

Not Zan of the Night

Skip To My Lou

Late in the fourth quarter, his team down five, Rafer Alston takes the game into his own hands and tries to drive to the lane for a lay up. Naturally he misses. Bringing flashbacks to every Raptor fan across the nation to when he played here.

Plus the foul

Random stat. The Raptors are now 5 -0 while wearing their alternate jerseys.

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Jeremiah McNama
The Zan Tabak Herald

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by | November 25, 2009 · 1:15 am

Raptors Beat Pacers In Uplifting Win

Well, that was fun. Just about all the offense you can handle from the Raptors tonight, as they handed the Pacers a 123 – 112 loss. The game got close to start the fourth, but you never really thought the Pacers had what it took to take the game. Mostly because our team was scoring at will. And scoring. And scoring. And scoring.

The Zan for three

The Big Italian

Is it just me or does Bargnani not look like himself these days?  Call it a lack of effort, or passion, or something else I can’t quite put my finger on. Sure his numbers looked fine, but the big man doesn’t look motivated. Who knows what could be going on. Maybe he’s still sick. Maybe there’s something going on in his personal life. Either way we need him to pick up the passion. He’s not going to be an all star unless we see a little more heat and hustle.

Not a lot of Chris.

Speaking of offense, you know what was nice to see? The Raptors put up 74 points in the first half (unreal) and Chris Bosh has just 6 of those points (unreal). That’s a credit to unselfish ball movement and a very deep bench. Kudos to Bryan Colangelo and the team he built and Jay for making it work. They’re starting to resemble the Phoenix Suns of yesteryear. If this team finds it within them to play some decent defense we could be in for a good season.

Reggie Reggie!

And that…leads to this. How nice is it to know that the one thing we need to improve on (defense) can be helped significantly by a guy who’s coming off an injury? Reggie Evans is exactly the type of player we need in a Raptors’ uniform. If we didn’t have him, we’d be crying to trade for a player just like him. That’s comforting.

Zan of the Night

Jarrett Jack

You gotta give it to him, right? 7 for 7. 18 points. 6 dimes. All against his former team. Stellar.

Not Zan of the Night

The New Jersey Nets

We didn’t even play them and they still get the Not Zan of the Night.

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by | November 14, 2009 · 2:27 am

After shaky first quarter, Raptors remember Clippers suck

What a game. The Raptors, down by 22 in the first quarter, scratch, claw, and fight their way back to win the game by 15 in what ties the teams biggest comeback in franchise history. And how weird it was. Even though the Raps were down for the majority of the game you kind of had the feeling they were going to win; and it’s a good thing too. With three tough games coming up on the road they needed a W more than ever.

Zan for three (plus the foul)Raptors Clippers Basketball

Baron Davis Sucks…

How happy are you that Baron Davis doesn’t play for your team? There’s just something about him. Maybe it’s the beard. Maybe it’s the undeserved swagger. Maybe it’s the fact that he doesn’t play hard. But he just has that special something that makes you want to kick him right square in the nuts.

Jose Calderon Does Not…

After the first couple games I was ready to burn Jose at the stake, but over the last few games he’s had the fire of a Kevin Garnett and the tenacity of a Steve Nash. He’s the type of guy you want on your team. He’s a fighter. He’s a scrapper. He is relentless. Jose reminds me of the type of player Toronto sports fans love to watch. Something’s got him fired up recently. Here’s hoping it’s permanent.

Camaraderie is King

Is it just me or does this team really like each other? Bryan Colaneglo has built a team of likeable, hard working players. From Anotinie Wright to Marco Belinelli to Amir Johnson. This team is finding itself.  Players are beginning to discover their roles and the depth that Colangelo has built for Triano is making it easier to win games. It’s the type of chemistry that was missing last year. It’s the type of chemistry you need on a team if you want to win games.

To Pops or not to Pops?

Let’s make this our new poll. Raps waive Douby, Rockets waive Pops. If  You’re Bryan Colangelo, do you bring Pops back in? Tick tock. Tick tock. Thinking about it now. I make the move. It’s a no-brainer.  He’s a fan favorite. He works hard. And he gives us energy off the bench until Reggie is ready to play.  The move makes a lot of sense.

(I wouldn’t hold your breath though)

Zan of the Night

Jose Calderon

He’s the heart and soul of this team; the pace car. When he plays hard the rest of the team can’t help but follow suit.  18pts, 9 assists and over 50% shooting: that’s a good night.

Not Zan of the Night

Barron Davis

I didn’t even look at his stat line. I just don’t like his beard.

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