Tag Archives: San Antonio Spurs

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 | 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
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by | May 8, 2010 · 6:29 pm

Suns Rising in Phoenix

Who would have thought it, only a few months ago?  The Phoenix Suns on the verge of making it into the Western Conference Finals.

A month ago people were talking about Lakers and Mavericks with the Spurs and Nuggets having outside chances.  No one was talking about Phoenix.

Steve Nash celebrates a victory over the Spurs. He has been the leader for the Suns in this years playoffs once again and is carrying his team to the finish.

They have been a cursed team ever since Steve Nash was body-checked into the scorers table against the Spurs by Robert Horry.  They haven’t really contended for this sort of success since that day.

The Suns have made the Conference Finals twice in the last six years, only to come up short.  They almost made the conference finals in 2006 but were thwarted by a Robert Horry body-check that resulted in players being suspended.

Nash won two NBA MVP trophies and had one of the most dominating starting lineups in the league during those years, but still came up short.  They let Joe Johnson go, traded away Shawn Marion and draft pick after draft pick, leaving them with Steve Nash, Amare Stoudamire and question marks.

The team has really turned it around this year and it all stems from the play of its leader: Steve Nash.

Nash has a history of making players into stars.  He did it for Shawn Marion and Joe Johnson and he’s doing it now for Jason Richardson and Channing Frye.  It seems no matter who he is playing with on the court, they are better because Nash gives them the ball in the right spot at the right moment.   The point guard shows confidence in their ability to score and they do.

He handles that ball out there with such confidence.  He runs the floor with ease and seems to always find an open player.  Whether he earns the assist or not, the team usually comes out of each set with a decent shot at the basket.

Amare Stoudamire is not complaining.

Coach Alvin Gentry has certainly found the right chemistry in this post-season. The Suns look poised to take out the Spurs and head the Western Conference Finals.

He has been the beneficiary of Steve Nash’s leadership since Nash arrived to Phoenix in 2004.  Now, that’s not to say Amare isn’t one heck of an NBA player on his own merit, but Nash has certainly made his job easier.  In fact, this summer Amare might be thanking Nash a whole lot if Stoudamire is able to cash in on a big payday in this summers free agent market.

Amare may now be the premier big man on the market this off-season.  Sorry, Chris Bosh. He is almost assured a max contract from somewhere.  Hopefully for the Suns, he is able to stick around and continue his alliance with Nash.

GM Steve Kerr will have some tough decisions to make this off-season, but for now he should be happy to watch the team he has built perform in the desert.  The Suns have achieved higher than expectations.

Kerr has finally found the right mix of players.  Something the team has been searching for since it lost to San Antonio in the Conference Finals in 2005.  Players have come in and players have left.  Joe Johnson, Shawn Marion, Quentin Richardson, Shaquille Oneal… the list goes on and on.  They have never found the right mix of players.

But this year, led by Nash and Amare,  the Suns have found the magic necessary to compete with the top teams in the very tough Western Conference. Kerr is the one who brought them in.  Not all are household names, but they have fit in well.  Most are castaways from other teams or former stars that lost a bit of their lustre.

Channing Frye, a tough inside player with a three-point shot let go by New York despite consistent play.  Jared Dudley, a defensive specialist who played a key role on a rebuilding Charlotte team.   Grant Hill, the ageless wonder playing like he is wearing a Duke uniform, was let go by Orlando and was pondering retirement before Kerr snapped him up and added him to the Suns frontcourt.  Goran Dragic, the apparent successor to Steve Nash emerging as a hero in these playoffs was acquired from the Spurs after being drafted 46th overall in 2008 (don’t they wish they had that one back now).  And Jason Richardson, emerging as a possible future star in this league was a key Kerr acquisition at the end of the 2008 season and has been a focal point for the team on offense.

Finally a balanced attack.  One that coach Alvin Gentry has used perfectly in taking down the Trailblazers and now the Spurs.

Kudos to GM Steve Kerr for sticking with the right pieces and making smart off-season moves and trades to fill in the missing holes.  And kudos to Alvin Gentry who has gotten the most out of this team.

One thing is for certain, this is not a team I would want to be facing in the Conference Finals.

Good luck to the Lakers.

***

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Kristoffer Pedlar
The Zan Tabak Herald

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by | January 11, 2010 · 11:20 pm

Raptors throw up an air ball in Indiana

This was a statement game for the Raptors tonight.  An opportunity to take out their frustration of losing a tough one to the Celtics a night earlier and just hammer an unsuspecting Indiana club, that has been playing some pretty bad basketball this season.  The game ended up being a bitter pill for Raptor fans to swallow as they blew a 23 point lead and allowed a brutal Indiana squad to take advantage of lethargic play and a poorly executed offense.  It was a humbling defeat but for every big win against a San Antonio or an Orlando there is bound to be a loss or two to the Memphis’s and Pacers of the NBA as well.  It still stings though.

The Zan for Three

Yes, Coach

Hedo Turkoglu consider yourself called out.  You have been quite off this last stretch of games and although you saved yourself in the dying minutes of yesterdays tough loss, you could not save yourself today.  On that note I’m not liking your “Laissez Faire” attitude out there either.  You scored more points tonight, but the air ball and clanker you threw up in the fourth were just awful shots.  The only thing worse than watching you play right now is watching those awful Sprite commercials that play 7000 times during the game.  You make more money than most of the Raptors team; you need to start bringing it.  When will we see the clutch Hedo of last season?  The time to get off the couch is now, my friend.  The Zan will be watching.

Hedo Turkoglu has a lot to think about after the Raptors blew a 23 point lead to the Indiana Pacers Monday night.

Making a Statement

The Elite teams of the NBA use the Pacers of the world to pick on.  Like a bully on the playground you take out your angst and hurt feelings about other situations (losing to the Celtics) on the little guy that doesn’t deserve it.  The Raptors were far too nice tonight.  If they won’t do it against the Pacers of the world, how will any other team fear them? The Refs helped out a little when Indy was down but that is no excuse to squander a 23 point lead against a bottom feeder the night after you got spanked.  The Raps cannot use the “back-to-back” excuse anymore either.  Elite teams, bullies, don’t admit weakness.  They blame it on a cramp or a bad day or the sun being in their eyes.  This is a key time for the team as they drive to the playoffs.  Man up and work through it or our playoff aspirations are just that.

Who is Protecting Home Base?

The defense on the perimeter tonight was once again shameful.  Jack, Calderon, Hedo, it really didn’t seem to matter did it?  Earl Watson is in the NBA because of the way he plays against Toronto.  There is no excuse for allowing a team to drive the net with that much ease.  The coaching staff and the players need to figure it out.  Defence cannot be something you play hard one possession and then take a vactation from the next.  If/When the Raptors are in a playoff series in a couple of months these blunders will be far more devastating.  Defense wins championships.  Remember that boys!

Zan of the Night

Danny Granger.  Everytime I see him play I cannot help but think: “Rob Babcock thought Joey Graham was a better selection”.  I will never stop scratching my head at that one.  He would look so good in a Raptor Uniform.   Just one more reason to curse the name Babcock.

Not Zan of the Night

Hedo Turkoglu. He has not been as good as advertised and his play has seriously affected the team the last two games.  It is nothing that can’t be forgiven with a strong finish to the season and a strong playoff effort but c’mon man!  Jarrett Jack:  you’re next.

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Kristoffer Pedlar

The Zan Tabak Herald

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by | January 3, 2010 · 9:31 pm

Bosh is all-time greatest Raptor In big victory over Spurs

Chris Bosh finally became the all-time leader in points as a Raptor and the Raps did something they haven’t done since the beginning of the year: beat a top team.  Bosh was his consistent self and the team got huge minutes from Demar Derozan on the offensive end, and Marco Belinelli and Antoine Wright on the defensive end.  Throw in a little Bargnani D on Duncan and Jarrett Jack’s smooth running offense and you have a recipe for success.

The Zan for Three

Chris Bosh celebrates a big win against San Antonio. Bosh also became the all-time leading scorer for the Raptors.

Finish Them!

In the game Mortal Combat when beating an opponent the game asks you to “Finish Him!” and it’s your job to then rip off your opponents head or rip out their heart . For whatever reason the Toronto Raptors haven’t been able to finish off big time opponents and the Spurs are one of the more dangerous ones out there.  The Raptors let the Spurs hang around in the fourth quarter but instead of giving up the game, the Raptors ripped off their proverbial head and finished the game strong.  Kudos to the Raps for pressing the right combo code to get it done.

Deep Bench

Hedo Turkoglu was out (A cold? What??) and the Raps were in tough against a San Antonio team that had won 5 straight, so they needed help from everywhere and anywhere.  Enter Demar Derozan, Marcus Banks, Marco Belinelli and Antoine Wright.  These guys played key minutes on both ends of the floor and steadied the ship to a big W.  Banks ran the second unit well and looks good enough to continue getting heavy minutes.  Belinelli did not shoot well but got to the line at key points in the game and his defensive intensity was integral to the victory.  Derozan played well in the first half and brought the crowd to life with a couple of thunderous dunks.  Say what you will about Antoine Wright but he played tight defense on Ginobli and Jefferson and hit the free throws to ice it.  The bench is beginning to show the gusto Brian Colangelo envisioned when he put this team together.

Greatest of All-Time

Congrats to Chris Bosh on becoming the Raptors all-time leading scorer.  He has been a true professional in his time here in Toronto and it’s fitting to see his name at the top of an impressive list.  He’s the greatest player this franchise has ever seen and let’s hope he stays around long enough to also become the most successful player in franchise history.   A nice moment for Bosh, let’s hope there is a nice ceremony at the next home game to commemorate one of the best to wear the red and white, black and red, purple and black and occasionally green.  Nice to see the fans at the ACC give Bosh a proper ovation and get up out of their seats for something other than free pizza.

Zan of the Night

Chris Bosh

Who else?  The guy is now the top scorer in franchise history and more importantly he was the key to victory in the fourth quarter.  Big time players come up big at the right moment and with the Spurs charging back into the game late in the fourth he hit a huge shot and two huge free throws to put the game away.  This is what franchise players do.  Kudos to the rest of the Raptors team for also remembering who should get the ball down the stretch.

Not Zan of the Night

Manu Ginobli

Not a good game for the 6th man of the decade.  He went 2-9 from the field and was held in check by Wright and Belinelli.  The Spurs needed him to step up and he simply couldn’t.

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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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