Tag Archives: @ZanTabakHerald

by | February 22, 2012 · 12:15 pm

Things to Smile About at the Half Way Point

There has certainly been a lot to digest for the Raptors franchise and fan base after their humiliating loss to the lowly Bobcats on Friday.

This self-reflection also coincides with the unofficial half way point of the NBA season as teams will take a break this weekend for All Star festivities.

While the stars of NBA showcase their talents in Orlando, the Raptors will be left to play over the last half season in their heads.  What’s gone right? What hasn’t worked? And where do we go from here?

The Raptors promised to “pound the rock” this season.  Thus far we have seen it only in spurts.

Some games, like the recent effort against Boston and New York, fans have seen the effort and the focus on defensive intensity.  Other, like the debacle against Charlotte, have shown that the Raptors have a long road to go before they are back in the upper echelon of Eastern Conference teams.

The defense has not been consistent, the scoring has not been there night in and Night out and obviously Demar Derozan is not having the type of season he or anyone had hoped thus far.

But let’s try to accentuate the positive and focus on some things that are going right for this young team as we move forward.

Andrea Bargnani

Obviously it is a small sample size and we won’t really know until after the All-Star Break if his ascent to super stardom is for real or not, but he was terrific when he was on the court.

Bargnani seemed to put all of the negativity behind him and focused on his strengths.  He scored at will when he was on the court because he had the confidence in himself.  He abused the defensive mismatches coaches had on him and brought his game inside and out.

Had it not been for his time on the shelf, Bargnani would have been a serious contender to be in Orlando this weekend.  He has played like a star and Raptor fans should be very excited about what is to come from this young man.

Team Philosophy

Some may argue that the Raptors don’t practice what they preach, but the tough talk about defense has, at least, caused a focus change.  The Raps aren’t last in the league in points given up.  They just can’t seem to score that much either.

They wanted a focus on defense coming into the season and it is beginning to take shape.  Some players (james Johnson, Demar Derozan) have shown more improvement than others (Jose Calderon, Amir Johnson) but the effort is there and Dwane Casey has got this team very focused.

It cannot be denied that although the Raps have dropped a lot of games, they’ve been competitive and have earned rave reviews from opposing coaches.

All a credit to coach Casey

Surprise Performances

Although there have been well documented short comings this season for players like Demar Derozan.  There have also been a few pleasant surprises.

James Johnson has played a valuable role for this Raptors team and has been a bit of everything for them.  A rebounder, a late game defender, a shot blocker, an energy guy off the bench.  If he can score more consistently he may become a very potent threat for this Raptor team going forward.

Hands up if you thought Aaron Gray would be starting games at center for the Raptors this year.

Gray has played very well in limited minutes and seems to fit the mould of a Rasho Nesterovic.  He plays fairly sound basketball and is always under the basket battling for the ball.  Gray has given the Raptors added defensive presence, some size under the basket and another rebounding threat.  He has been a nice surprise.

His story is even more remarkable given the fact that it looked like he may not even play this year because of an irregular heartbeat. Definitely a feel good story.

Andrea Bargnani's emergence this season has been one reason for Raptor fans to be optimistic about the future.

Hanging with Best

The Raptors play their best ball when they are up against tough opponents.  Miami, New York, LA, Boston are teams the Raptors have played tough this year.  The team shows that it can raise its level of play to meet those of elite teams in the league.

The Raptors just need to do this against the lesser teams in the NBA.  It is, ultimately those teams that they will eventually be fighting with for playoff position in the next few years.  It would be nice if we could raise our game to a higher level for teams that we are supposed to beat.

Return of the Mack

Jose Calderon gets a lot of slack for his porous defense and deservedly so, but he has been on another level offensively this season.

Jose has always been a solid shooter, posting an impressive FG% most of his career, but this year he’s actually being told to shoot.  In the past he would give way to the Chris Bosh’s and Hedo Turkoglus but now coach Casey is calling his number more often.

Jose is having a stellar year on the offensive side of the court, but does continue to need assistance on the defensive end.  Some games Dwane Casey’s system hides his deficiencies, others, his defense is giant beacon on the basketball court.

Still, so far this year, Calderon has been something worth smiling about.

So Raptor fans, maybe things aren’t that bad after all.  While the team is losing games and increasing the likelihood of a top five draft pick, there are some positive signs to tide us over until the off-season.

The second half is going to be long and hard for the fan base in Toronto but at least there are a few reasons to watch and hope for the future.

The ship may not be moving quickly, but at least it’s pointed in the right direction.

***

Kristoffer Pedlar

The Zan Tabak Herald

***

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @Zantabakherald

2 Comments

Filed under Editorial, Raptor News

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

by | January 18, 2012 · 11:12 pm

Ugh

So what is there to say about that one?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zan for Three

Panic Button?

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

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

Is it time to worry?

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

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

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

Forbes Nation

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

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

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

Definitely a player to keep an eye on.

Contenders?

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

Are these guys for real?

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

Are they a team to fear?

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

Zan of the Night

Aaron Gray

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

Not Zan of the Game

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

***

Kristoffer Pedlar

The Zan Tabak Herald

***

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @Zantabakherald

1 Comment

Filed under Post game, Raptor News

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , ,

by | December 23, 2011 · 9:46 am

Moving Forward with Johnson

In the third part of our season preview we take a look at the small forward position.  Once upon a time this position was occupied by such Raptor greats as Vince Carter, TMAC, Tracy Murray, Jamario Moon and oh course Hedo Turkoglu.  Suffice it to say, there has been plenty of bad to go with the good.

The Small forward position on most teams is filled with someone who can score in bunches and has potential to be an All Star.  Think Lebron, Durant, Carmelo, Granger.  These are the types of players you want playing on the wing.

Th Raptors are still waiting for their Durant.  For now they have James Johnson.

Is he the Raptors Durant?  Not likely, but he could develop into something this year.  He’s going to be given plenty of opportunity.

The Players

James Johnson

Linas Kleiza

Gary Forbes

Demar Derozan

The Story

Basically James Johnson is being given the opportunity here to play heavy minutes.  He is a player that Colangelo has always liked and when he was acquired it was with an eye to the future.  Bryan think Johnson might turn into a serviceable role player, a consistent starter, a spark off the bench.  This year we get to find out.

This year we will find out where James Johnson fits in the Raptors future plans.

Of course, Linas Kleiza is still around.  After an impressive World Championships last year he did very little to endear himself to the Raptors faithful and now he is likely to be coming off the bench unless he can earn his starting spot back.  Although he had a rough year last year, I wouldn’t count him out.  He’s a scorer and still possesses the skills that were on display at the World Championships.

Forbes and Derozan will slide over to the 3 when Casey wants to play “small ball”.  Each possess speed and the ability to defend and will fill in admirably when Barbosa is at the 2.

In Our Dreams

James Johnson proves he is worth keeping around.  This is a kid that Colangelo was after in the draft two years ago and sees him as part of the future.  I’m, at this point in time, inclined to believe Colangelo.

The best case scenario sees Johnson playing heavy minutes, scoring lots of points and defending big time small forwards admirably.  Kleiza embraces his role off the bench and becomes a nice scoring threat when the starters are getting a rest.

Ideally the Raptors want their Small Forwards to be competitive.

The Reality

James Johnson is a good player, but he isn’t an elite forward.  He will have some nice games and then he will disappear.  The reality is that he is a nice player on a second or third unit, not a first unit.

Kleiza could be starting material, but he needs to learn to play with the intelligence that he played with during the World Championships.  He was a leader there, can he be here? Tough call.

This position is one to watch for Raptor fans, but I wouldn’t expect miracles.  Small progress here is still progress.  The Raptors are going to get murdered against the Durants and Carmelos but hopefully as the season progresses Johnson and Kleiza show the Raptor brass that they are worthy of a spot going forward.

***

Kristoffer Pedlar

The Zan Tabak Herald

***

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @Zantabakherald

Leave a Comment

Filed under Editorial, Raptor News

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

by | December 4, 2011 · 7:51 pm

Raptors Hoping to Bring the Thunder in “New NBA”

So it didn’t take too long to realize that this new Collective agreement in the NBA might not be that different from what was in place before the lockout.

The deal hasn’t even been ratified and already Chris Paul has demanded a move to a big market NBA team.  Dwight Howard, Deron Williams and who knows who else, are likely to follow.

Isn’t this what the lockout was trying avoid?  Or was I just drinking the Kool-aid with all the other fans who cheer for teams in smaller markets?

I thought the league and it’s owners wanted to avoid another Miami Heat situation.  I thought they weren’t going to let the big markets rob the smaller markets of their star power.

Here in Toronto, we are all too familiar with the process of stars wanting out of our city.  Damon Stoudamire, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady and Chris Bosh all left when they finally had the opportunity to go to a big market team or demanded a trade elsewhere. These moves crippled the franchise during the years afterwards.

Amir Johnson and Demar Derozan offer the Raptors hope for the future. They help form a growing nucleus.

What’s to stop this from continuing?

The new CBA has a soft cap, meaning there are lots of opportunities to keep the rich teams rich. 

Teams like New York, Miami and Boston will continue to be allowed to stock their teams with multiple superstars while smaller markets feel the blow of losing stars they intend to build around.

The CBA does include  a higher luxury tax to try and disuade owners from overspending but it will only do so in a limited capacity.  The Mark Cubans of the world will pay what needs to be paid to keep their teams winning.

There are provisions in the new CBA which will allow teams like the Raptors to offer more money to their rookies if they perform the way that Derrick Rose did this past year. This CBA addition may actually help  teams like the Raptors keep their young stars longer. 

The amnesty rule is another interesting nugget that could help the Raptors as well.  Shedding the contracts of a Jose Calderon, Linas Kleiza or Andrea Bargnani may help clear capspace for the Raptors so they can spend money on the free agent market or make a smart trade. Hopefully they take advantage of this rule at the right time and don’t rush to make space for a Tyson Chandler or Nene.

The reality for the Raptors is that they are going to have to look to the Thunder for inspiration.  That franchise and it’s success should be the blueprint for smaller market teams like the Raptors.

The Raptors, like the Thunder, are not going to be able to draw players in with their big city media coverage or long basketball history the way a New York or Chicago can.

The Thunder have built a success by drafting smart and making smart decisions, not going after big free agent splashes.

The Thunder drafted well.  Kevin Durant, Westbrook, Ibaka, Harden are all draft picks that were rewards for finishing at the bottom of the league.  Those players have come together to form a strong nucleus.

The Thunder coupled those picks with smart trades and free agent acquisitions that added depth and character.  Guys like Kenderick Perkins, Thabo Sefolosha and Nate Robinson add character and depth to the core of young players.  They didn’t make ill-advised signings like Jason Kapono or Yogi Stewart.

The Thunder were a Semi Final team in the Western Conference last year.  They did this all without the glitz and glam to draw in a Lebron, a Kobe or a Howard.  They’ve done it largely through smart decisions and can now attract free agents by winning basketball games.

The Thunder are the model that the Toronto Raptors need to follow going forward.  Draft smart, sign role players to reasonable contracts, and avoid handing out bad contracts to players coming off one good year (just say no to Tyson Chandler at $10 million per season).

This is the way that it has to be for the Raptors.  Draft well and make smart use of capspace.

Colangelo and his team have a difficult task ahead, especially with the short leash of a two-year contract, but he needs to resist the temptation of a Tyson Chandler or Nene now to focus on building a core into the future.

Derozan, Ed Davis, Amir and Valanciunas all may be a part of the team moving forward (maybe even Bargnani).  Hopefully so will a couple of top five picks in the next two years.

The system will not allow the Raptors to build through free agent splashes, but the new CBA may help the Raptors build from the ground up.

Let’s hope the Colangelo, Stefanski and the rest of the Raptor front office are doing their homework.

Winning in this new NBA is not going to be easy, but winning means work.

***
Kristoffer Pedlar
The Zan Tabak Herald

–

Follow us:

@zantabakherald
@kpedlar

1 Comment

Filed under Editorial, Raptor News

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

by | October 20, 2011 · 12:27 pm

Sonny Weems is Back Even if NBA Isn’t

Sonny Weems is playing professional basketball again while the rest of the NBA sits and waits to see if a deal can be brokered between the NBA and NBAPA.

His move to Zalgiris Kaunas was one that seemed risky, given the fact that there is no opt-out clause in his contract.  He is there for the duration of the season no matter what David Stern and Derek Fisher eventually agree on (if they ever agree).

For Sonny this trip to Europe may bring with it eventual dividends.  If he can show himself to be a top player in the Euroleague he could earn his way to a big pay-day in the NBA (assuming the eventual CBA doesn’t make it hard to do so).  Also, while the NBA players sit and wait for the league to come back, he will be playing ball overseas and keeping himself prepped and ready for game action.

Also, his and others involvement, with the Euroleague gives NBA fans something to do.  Youtube clips of Euroleague games to watch, boxscores to analyze and dissect, players to speculate about and competition to peek our interest.  Weems Provides Raptor fans, specifically, with exactly that.  He is one of the more intriguing players for Raps fans to follow.  Of course, Jonas will be the other one. Basketball fans are watching Sonny.

While the NBA holds it's breath, Sonny is happy and playing basketball in Lithuania.

In his first game with Zalgiris,  Sonny had an impressive 16 points, but it was on 5/13 shooting. He had almost triple the field goal attempts of any other player on his team. Weems developed a reputation in Toronto for volume shooting and being a bit of a black hole on offense. After one game, he seems to have followed that pattern of behaviour.  What he did do, that he needs to do more of if he hopes to return to the NBA, is get to the line.  He got to the line 7 times and turned it into an extra 6 points.  If Weems can get into the paint and draw contact on a regular basis he becomes a much more valuable player for Zalgiris and eventually for an NBA team.

He is playing for the defending Baltic League champs and gets to play alongside a number of talented players including Ty Lawson, Dejaun Collins and the talented Paulius Jankunas.  Zalgiris will likely play a part in this years top 16 teams and should be in the running to become a part of the Euroleague final four.

Success like that should give Sonny some positive exposure overseas and could help him net an NBA contract.  There are a lot of teams that could use a talented wing player that plays tough defensive basketball.  The leadership he gains with Zalgiris this season can only help his marketability next year.

Although Zalgiris was ultimately defeated by CSKA Moscow in the first game, Weems showed that he is there to compete and, hopefully, can show the NBA that he is ready for a larger role when he returns.

For now, he is giving us a reason to watch Basketball again and analyze the game.  As the NBA loses week after week of regular season basketball to the lockout, Sonny Weems will be playing competitive basketball.  If the season is ultimately cancelled, he’ll still be playing, while others scramble to find something to do.

His off-season gamble, may just end up paying off.

***

Kristoffer Pedlar

Zan Tabak Herald

Follow us:

@zantabakherald

@kpedlar

Leave a Comment

Filed under Editorial, Raptor News

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

by | June 22, 2011 · 9:00 pm

The Excitement of Draft Night

Is there anything more exciting than draft night?

It really is a night when all teams fill their heads with dancing sugar plumbs.

Any and all of the players drafted on Thursday night could become the next Kobe, Jordan or D Wade.  There will be a few GM’s looking for that hidden gem in the late first round or early second round.  A player in the mould of a JJ Barea or Gilbert Arenas.

The beauty of it all is that no one will really know who won or lost until end of next season (assuming it even happens) and will be debated years from now.  How many pundits and experts question why Kobe Bryant hung around the green room until #13 or why he was later traded by the Hornets.  Of course Sam Bowie being taken over a young shooter from UNC will forever haunt everyone that works for or cheers for the New Jersey Nets.

Hopes, dreams, worries, visions of what can be.  Is there anything better?

For the Toronto Raptors the draft is an important step in their continued rebuilding/retooling.  With the addition os Dwane Casey to the coaching staff one would have to think that defense is going to play a part in whatever they decide to do with the pick.

Bismack Biyombo? I’d take him for his name alone. Can’t wait to write about how Biyombo Bismacked the opposition. Kemba Walker? He is a point guard and one that just won as much as you can in college ball.  Vesley? An interesting project.  Dare I say Jimmer? On second thought, maybe not.  Or the more prefered Brandon Knight? Although he likely won’t be in play.

In the end the player Toronto chooses will be very much an egg and no where close to a chicken.  What I mean to say here is that the Raptor faithful need to be patient with whoever is selected and need to see the pick as a small part of a much larger puzzle.

Rome wasn’t built in a day and this club will not be reborn with this pick.

One thing Raptor fans should be confident about is the person who is making the choices.

Draft Night is an exciting one for all involved. Who will wear Raptor Red on Draft Night?

Bryan Colangelo has a pretty solid track record when it comes to drafting talent.  Yes, he passed up Lamarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy in favour of Andrea Bargnani.  But, Bargnani ain’t that bad (someone needs to say it).  Demar Derozan was an inspired choice at the #9 slot and Ed Davis was an absolute steal at #13.  Plus while with Phoenix he was responsible for Michael Finley, Steve Nash, Shawn Marion, Amare Stoudamire, Leandro Barbosa (in a draft day trade), Luol Deng, and Stephen Jackson.  To name a few.

Is there another GM you’d rather have making the choice than this guy?  Not me.

Add to this that Dwane Casey is now part of the decision-making team and will likely make a push for a more defensive minded player.

Mix all of these ingredients together and you have the recipe for a very intriguing draft from the perspective of the Toronto Raptors.

In the end, they Raps will make their choice, we will all applaud or jeer and ultimately debate the pick for the next several years.  Hopefully our pick is more MJ and less Sam Bowie.  More Derozan and less Araujo.

Happy Draft Day everyone!

Kristoffer Pedlar
Zan Tabak Herald

–

Twitter us:

@zantabakherald
@kpedlar

Leave a Comment

Filed under Editorial, Raptor News

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Leave a Comment

Filed under Editorial, Raptor News

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Leave a Comment

Filed under Editorial, Raptor News

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

by | · 9:38 am

The End is the Beginning

The playoffs began yesterday and once again the Raptors were notably absent from the top eight seeds in the Eastern Conference.  This seems to be a recurring theme in Raptorland and there is no reason to believe it will change next season, if there is even a season to play.

It was a strange season for the Dinos.  No Chris Bosh, no playoff push, meaningless games being played as early as December and most nights they were an after thought in the minds of Toronto Sports Fans.  This week they finished off their season against the Heat and most sports fans were thinking hockey playoffs, Blue Jays baseball and David Beckham at BMO Field.  The Raps ended their season as after thoughts in the mids of their fans.  Is this what the future holds for a below average team in an Eastern Conference that seems to be getting more and more talented?

Once again there will be no playoff basketball played at the ACC this spring but it is what happens over the next few months that will be the most interesting  for this franchise.

Who is the leader?

Bryan Colangelo and Jay Triano both have no idea what the future holds as decisions on their future remain up in the air.  Will Colangelo be back?  One can hope.  Triano? That might be a tougher sell. And it is all left in the hands of an ownership that may not even be aroun when the season begins.

Both have been nothing short of professional during their tenure with the Raptors, but kindness and professionalism do not win championships.  Nor have these character traits gotten the Raptors into the postseason the last three seasons.  This decision will be a tough one and one that ultimately changes the course of the franchise for the next few years. Who makes the decision also remains to be seen.

I hope Bryan Colangelo stays in Toronto as he is a professional GM with an ability to evaluate talent.  He has fixed his mistakes over the years and has built competitive teams in Phoenix.  Plus, who out there is going to do a better job?  Is there another GM available that can bring in talent like Colangelo? Is there a GM out there who is going to be a better ambassador for the city in the NBA’s elite circles?

I think not.

Jay Triano, love him or hate him, is a great teacher.  When one of the best point guards in NBA history in Steve Nash, credit Triano with helping to build his career, you know you have someone who can be something special to this young Raptor team.  Is he going to win the NBA championship? No, he’s not that kind of coach.  Will the Raptors see a Tom Thibodeau-like turnaround next season?  Highly unlikely.  But this franchise is at a point where the development of their younger players is the most important thing to focus on.  Who better to lead these young players than a guy used to teaching young players. The team is comfortable with him and unnecessary change is not good for the psyche of young players.  Ed Davis, Demar Derozan and Jarryd Bayless need some consistency.  Triano provides that.

The other question the Raps will need to ask themselves is who exactly is part of the core?  Based on this past season it would appear that Demar and Ed Davis are the only players cemented in Toronto.  Amir Johnson had a tremendous season where he started to look like  good investment, so you might keep him around too, but after that?

Bayless and James Johnson are certainly worth a second look and my hope is that the team will bring back Reggie Evans.  Barbosa is likely a returnee as well, but might be a good piece of trade bait over the summer.

The Winds of change are blowing in Toronto and it could signal the end of the Bargnani era in Toronto. Who else will be back?

It is becoming more and more clear that Demar Derozan and his ability to get to the line look like the player the team should focus on at the offensive end of the floor.  That might mean the end of the Bargnani era in Toronto.

To Bargnani? or not to Bargnani? That is the question.

Fans want him gone.  Colangelo, I’m sure, wants him to stay.  But there might not be a better time to trade him than now.  He had a semi-good season offensively, but the deficiencies are there on the defensive end.  His contract is not a bad one, for the offensive output he delivers, so there could still be value recouped.

The main issue with Bargnani is that his entire career in Toronto has been played at a position he never should have played.  He is a power forward not a center.  He should not be posting up or guarding the biggest players in the league.   He can drive to the net and he shoots the ball well from the outside.

However, Toronto has Ed Davis at PF for the forseeable future and Bargnani is now looking like he will be in the wrong position for as long as he stays in this city.  Trade him now, get something for him. For his sake and ours.

The Raps have capspace, tradeable assets and roster spots to fill.  This team will likely look very different next year.  Again, if there is a next year.

The winds of change are blowing in Toronto.  The offseason will be one of the most interesting for the Raptors franchise.  New owners, possible change at the top of the organization and possibly  a lot of new young faces on the court next season.

If there ends up being any basketball played next year at all, make sure you grab a programme when you’re at the ACC; you’re gonna need it.

***

Kristoffer Pedlar

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

Leave a Comment

Filed under Editorial, Raptor News

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

by | March 26, 2011 · 12:03 pm

To win, or not to Win? That is the Question

It was apparent long ago that this years version of the Toronto Raptors would not be contending for one of the top eight seeds in this years playoffs.  With last night’s debacle against Golden State, one has to wonder if it might be time for the Raptors to fold their hand this season and set their sights at winning a higher pick in the lottery.

As a fan, who still has tickets to games this season, I certainly don’t want the team to become a complete and utter pushover, but then again, if it gives the Raptors a better chance at securing a top 2 or 3 draft pick that might reap future success, then it might be worth it.

It is certainly a debate that has divided Raptors faithful on message boards and websites.  Should we be trying to win games? or should we focus on giving our youth a chance to showcase their talents and on securing a high pick?

If I’m at a game, I’m cheering for the Raptors: plain and simple.  I want them to win the game, win me some pizza and play exciting basketball.  When the game is ongoing I have no idea of what the standings say or what the win-loss record is.  I cheer moment to moment and the feeling after your team wins is a great one, whether they are going to the playoffs or not. I cheered for this team back in the days of Damon Stoudamire and the Jalen Rose era, where wins were hard to come by, so I’m going to cheer them on now.  I want the team I cheer for to play hard every game and fight to the bitter end, win or lose.

Then again a top two pick might yield a game changing player for the Raptors next season.  As we have seen with Blake Griffin this season, one player can sometimes change the entire outlook of your team, even if it is only the excitement surrounding the team.  There is certainly excitement in Los Angeles every time Griffin takes to the court and there is plenty of fanfare from each NBA city in the league when he is in town.

Couldn’t we use some of that excitement at the ACC?

There is also the argument that a top 2 pick really isn’t all that different from a top 8 or 9 pick.  There is no John Wall or Blake Griffin in this years draft.  Is Harrison Barnes really that good?  Is Derek Williams worth losing for the next month?  Is Kyrie Irving even going to be NBA ready next season?  These are serious questions the team has to consider if they are going to put their fans through another month of depressing loses.

Should the Raptors fight for every win or accept defeat and look to the draft?

Plus I really don’t feel that any team tries to lose games.  I think it would be impossible to tell Reggie Evans to stop trying or to sit Andrea Bargnani for long stretches of a game.  Players have a lot of pride and want to go out there and win. The morale boost that comes with a big win over a team you’re not supposed to beat is a feeling that every player wants.  Jay Triano is also working for a job.  He isn’t going to get anywhere playing Julian Wright over Demar Derozan, not that Julian would even want to play.

Colangelo is at the tail end of his contract and needs to prove his potential bosses that there is something here worth building on.  Has he brought in enough young talent to form a base going forward?  Are his potential free agents (Barbosa, Evans) worth bringing back for another season as veteran leaders?  These are questions that need to be answered.  They also almost guarantee that this team will be trying to win until the last game.

In the end I feel the best thing for the Raptors to do is play hard til the bitter end of this season.  Jay Triano is already doing the right things in starting to give Jarryd Bayless, James Johnson and Ed Davis more minutes on the court.  I think with Bayless, he could even go further in terms of giving him more minutes.  Make sure that your tradeable assets (Calderon) are healthy and let the young guys show they belong.  Start running plays for your emerging stars like Derozan and Amir Johnson and see if they can handle an increased role.  Give your fans something to justify the price they pay for tickets.

Losing does nothing but alienate an already frustrated fan base.  Give Raptor fans a bit of hope for the future by winning some games going into the offseason and help promote your youthful core to the rest of the league, potential free agents and our jaded fan base.  The difference between a Eenes Kanter and a Donatas Motiejunas might be a lot smaller than you think.  Might as well try to enjoy the rest of a lost season as best we can.

So cheer on those Raptors and hope they give us some thrilling victories to help offset the inevitable depression after games like the debacle in Oakland.  There may be a few glimpses of light in a dark, dark season.

***

Kristoffer Pedlar

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

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Editorial, Raptor News

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,