Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

They're getting better with every game and are currently 3 games up on the Nets. Bargnani is ever improving, Calderon and Ford give them a 1 and 1a PG combo. Bosh is as good as ever and Parker, Rasho, Garbojosa, Mopete are all contributing. They look scary good at home of late and can compete with any team in the league at home, however they do need to improve their road record if they are going to improve from the 4 spot in the East, which I think they have a good chance of doing if they keep playing as they are of late.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

It is fun watching Bargnani develop. I think he's gonna be a very good player in a couple of years. He makes a lot of mistakes, but never seems to make the same mistake twice.

It's incredible how Colangelo took a team that was in shambles and turned it into a decent team in one year. I look forward to seeing where this team will be in 3 or 4 years.

It is a pleasure to watch Chris Bosh. The kid is total class, and works hard, even though he could slack off like a lot of stars do.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

bigt2k4,

If you're going to have any chance at maintaining this thread I hope your basketball knowledge exceeds your hockey knowledge.

The Raps have had a nice run of late but I'd be more worried about them maintaining their lead in the Atlantic vs. thinking they have any shot of finishing any higher than fourth.

We all knew two weeks ago that the Raptors were heading into a crucial stretch. They had a bunch of home games against moderate to lousy teams to look forward to. They did as they needed to and chalked up a bunch of wins. Their upcoming schedule isn't so soft.

Talk to me in 10 games (after they play Houston). Then we will see if you have cause for optimism. Long term this team is looking pretty sweet but I wouldn't get too excited about this year.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

They're cash money.

I understand the need for guarded optimism but they could take any team in the East to 6 or 7 games in a series right now. They play like a Western Conference team, the likes of Clevland would have no shot against them.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
the likes of Clevland would have no shot against them.

[/ QUOTE ]Cleveland is a team that made the second round last year. When is the last time the Raptors were even in the playoffs? I understand your optimism, but you're getting ahead of yourself. Theres a lot of season left, and a team like Cleveland could improve a ton by playoff time.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

B. Colangelo is such a great GM.

It's so weird because individually I've always thought his moves have sucked, but the final product is awesome.

Dude just understands how to build a team.

Oh, and Chris Bosh has passed D. Howard for me as best player in the league to build around, so having him helps too.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

I caught the Raptors-Clippers game. This was a fun team to watch, and I plan on checking them out again in the future. I think they have a brighter future than many of the other young East teams.

What do you guys think about the job Sam Mitchell has done this year? I don't really know much about him, but I think I read/heard BC is going to bring in his own coach next year no matter what.

[ QUOTE ]
Oh, and Chris Bosh has passed D. Howard for me as best player in the league to build around, so having him helps too.


[/ QUOTE ]
Wade? But yeah, Bosh has it going. He's a class guy & a great young talent too.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
I caught the Raptors-Clippers game. This was a fun team to watch, and I plan on checking them out again in the future. I think they have a brighter future than many of the other young East teams.

What do you guys think about the job Sam Mitchell has done this year? I don't really know much about him, but I think I read/heard BC is going to bring in his own coach next year no matter what.

[ QUOTE ]
Oh, and Chris Bosh has passed D. Howard for me as best player in the league to build around, so having him helps too.


[/ QUOTE ]
Wade? But yeah, Bosh has it going. He's a class guy & a great young talent too.

[/ QUOTE ]
Sam Mitchell has improved as a coach almost as much as Bosh has improved as a player. He made his share of 'rookie mistakes', but the [censored] lineup he had to work with made it more understandable.

As for BC and the typical 'bringing your own guy in', if BC was going to fire Sam, it would (should) have been at the beginning of the season, or even a month in to the season, when they were about 2-8. Since then, they are 23-15. And what if the Raptors win two playoff rounds? (obv. overachieving but still). How can you have your lame-duck coach take the team as far as he does then let his contract run out?

I say, BC gives him a 2 year extension. One year wouldn't be enough with this lineup. Give him a 6th year Bosh, 5th year Ford (missed an entire season) and 3rd year Bargnani to truly see where this team can go.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

I don't follow the NBA much, but wasn't there a thread at the beginning of the season about how the Raps were such a joke, and fans talking about them making the playoffs were hilarious? I bought into it since they had two players I knew were good, mostly players I'd never heard of, and a few players I recognized as nobodies.
This is either a great coaching job or maybe just underrated players.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

I just want Bargs to hurry up and get better. He's on my NBA fantasy team. It's a dynasty league, but the future can't get here soon enouth.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

They're just missing that one piece to wrap it all up. A mountain of a man in the middle. A slow-footed, broad-shouldered, WAC-dominating man in the middle.

Ahhhh...Araujo. Where have you gone?

P.S. In three years...this team will be sick.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

Anybody going to see the Raps vs the Lakeshow Friday night? Should be a great game ... Saturday at the Pistons too!

It's been 5 years since we've had something to cheer about. CB4 FTW

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

I think I have great hockey knowledge.

The thing I love about the Raptors the most is their depth, with bench players like Calderon, Graham, Mopete, and Bargnani they can play 3 games in 4 nights and not be too worn out. Also, I missed the game tonight due to night class, but they put up 113, so I assume they shot pretty well. The Raptors offence has looked phenominal the last 4 games, albeit against mediocre competition, I believe they shot over 50% all the games and close to 60% in 2 of them.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

I still have my doubts as to whether or not they will make the playoffs this year, but it's nice to finally watch an entertaining team that hustles.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

Bosh with 41 tonight, he is ridiculous.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

I think Calderon is the future at the point. He just seems more fluid running the show than Ford, and doesn't hold the ball too long like TJ tends to do at times. I think he has Parker and perhaps even Nash type potential. Bargnani is going to be so sick, and I think he'll pass Bosh when it is all said and done.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
I think Calderon is the future at the point. He just seems more fluid running the show than Ford, and doesn't hold the ball too long like TJ tends to do at times. I think he has Parker and perhaps even Nash type potential. Bargnani is going to be so sick, and I think he'll pass Bosh when it is all said and done.

[/ QUOTE ]

No and No. I love how we have team oriented Euro's on our roster, but the bottom line is Bosch and Ford will be the two biggest pieces of this team.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

Bump. Another W tonight! .... scalpers were being merciless, looks like the famous tarawna bandwagon is starting up (granted Kobe is a huge draw).

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

I think I have great hockey knowledge.

Well maybe but you're an insufferable homer. Your BBV4Life assertions that Mats Sundin is a top 3 player in the league (even ahead of Crosby) and your belief that Bosh is MVP material casts doubt on your knowledge.

You're a Leafs fan, not a hockey fan. Similarly you're a Raptor fan but your basketball IQ doesn't extend beyond that one team. Pretty typical of Toronto sports fans actually.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

I think some people around Toronto are definitely getting ahead of themselves. Yes, this Raptors team is getting better and better, but they are still a young team. The Euro guys are not used to the grind of the NBA schedule, and none of the players here really have any NBA playoff experience. Playoff is definitely achievable, but how far they get is still anyone's guess.

With that said however, the future is definitely very bright.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
I think I have great hockey knowledge.

Well maybe but you're an insufferable homer. Your BBV4Life assertions that Mats Sundin is a top 3 player in the league (even ahead of Crosby) and your belief that Bosh is MVP material casts doubt on your knowledge.

You're a Leafs fan, not a hockey fan. Similarly you're a Raptor fan but your basketball IQ doesn't extend beyond that one team. Pretty typical of Toronto sports fans actually.

[/ QUOTE ]
Wires,
In addition to being a Toronto fan he is a Steve Nash fan. Also this is typical of all sports fan not just Toronto ones.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
I think I have great hockey knowledge.

Well maybe but you're an insufferable homer. Your BBV4Life assertions that Mats Sundin is a top 3 player in the league (even ahead of Crosby) and your belief that Bosh is MVP material casts doubt on your knowledge.

You're a Leafs fan, not a hockey fan. Similarly you're a Raptor fan but your basketball IQ doesn't extend beyond that one team. Pretty typical of Toronto sports fans actually.

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually, I'm an Oilers fan (and view the Leafs without bias(Mccabe is terrible and possibly the most overrated player in the league) and yes Sundin is better than Crosby. The Bosh MVP thing was an obvious exagguration. Come playoff time this year I would take Sundin over Crosby, maybe next year that may change, but as of right now Sundin is the better player.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

and yes Sundin is better than Crosby

Ok. I think we're done here...

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
view the Leafs without bias

[/ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Mccabe is terrible

[/ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Sundin is better than Crosby.

[/ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ]
Come playoff time this year I would take Sundin over Crosby,

[/ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Sundin is the better player.

[/ QUOTE ]


[ QUOTE ]
Ok. I think we're done here...

[/ QUOTE ]

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

Stop hijack, GOOOOOOOOOOO RAPS BOSH4MVP ETC

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I think I have great hockey knowledge.

Well maybe but you're an insufferable homer. Your BBV4Life assertions that Mats Sundin is a top 3 player in the league (even ahead of Crosby) and your belief that Bosh is MVP material casts doubt on your knowledge.

You're a Leafs fan, not a hockey fan. Similarly you're a Raptor fan but your basketball IQ doesn't extend beyond that one team. Pretty typical of Toronto sports fans actually.

[/ QUOTE ]
Wires,
In addition to being a Toronto fan he is a Steve Nash fan. Also this is typical of all sports fan not just Toronto ones.

[/ QUOTE ]

Seriously. The moment you strip all homerism, it goes from spectator sport to calculus test. Lighten up.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I think I have great hockey knowledge.

Well maybe but you're an insufferable homer. Your BBV4Life assertions that Mats Sundin is a top 3 player in the league (even ahead of Crosby) and your belief that Bosh is MVP material casts doubt on your knowledge.

You're a Leafs fan, not a hockey fan. Similarly you're a Raptor fan but your basketball IQ doesn't extend beyond that one team. Pretty typical of Toronto sports fans actually.

[/ QUOTE ]
Wires,
In addition to being a Toronto fan he is a Steve Nash fan. Also this is typical of all sports fan not just Toronto ones.

[/ QUOTE ]

Seriously. The moment you strip all homerism, it goes from spectator sport to calculus test. Lighten up.

[/ QUOTE ]

There is a difference between rooting for a team and wanting them to do well and making illogical retarded arguments for said team.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

This season has been incredible. I'm literally on the edge of my seat for every single game. It's so much fun to watch the raptors develop into a contender.

Does anyone else think that trading away Vince Carter in that one sided deal may have been the best thing that has happened to the raptors?
For one, it's the reason why Rob Babcock was fired as GM and brought in Brian Colangelo. It's deja vu again as he's doing the exact same thing for Toronto that he did in pheonix. Amazing! not forgetting that trading away Jalen Rose to free up cap room prior to Brian coming helped out a lot.

woooooooo!! as I'm typing this Toronto is up 13-4 against Detroit. I'm stunned! [img]/images/graemlins/ooo.gif[/img]

New Jersey is getting a taste of what Toronto fans have felt about Vince carter's work ethic for years and now there's talk that Vince will surely be traded before the trade deadline. I'm really glad we got rid of him as I'm really loving the players that we have now.

Parker and Garbajosa is outstanding, Calderon is emergin as one of the great point guards in the league. Bargnani is going to be a force, he's going to be the face of the raptors for a long long time. Bosh is making a serious case for being the MVP this season and I agree. And Rasho Nesterovic is one of my most personal favourite players having another fine season. I hope we don't lose Mopete....

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

For one, it's the reason why Rob Babcock was fired as GM and brought in Brian Colangelo.

This was huge. After Babcock botched the VC fiasco he was gunshy and couldn't bring himself to pull the trigger on another deal. He turtled and claimed he was restricted because they didn't have any cap space.
It was incredible to see an experienced guy come in here and show how it's done. Jalen and his 15 million or so a year was gone 10 minutes after BC got here as well as all that dead weight chewing into the cap at the end of the bench (although to be fair I think Emery had the Rose trade locked before Colangelo got here).

The best thing though was how he understandood this market. It's tough to get quality American players up here. I don't necessarily blame them - it is another country after all. Muticultural city? Fine. Off to Europe we go.

We have the makings of a real nice team here. Good guys too - all of Babcock's wackjobs (Rafer Alston) have been ousted.

This should be fun... finally.

I hope we don't lose Mopete....

Yeah, me too. But he's probably a prime candidate for trade bait - or maybe one of the point guards. If Colangelo has demonstrated one thing it's that he's not afraid to make a move (just ask Charlie V.)

Mo Pete may not be the most consistent guy on offense but he's a hell of a defender.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
Yeah, me too. But he's probably a prime candidate for trade bait - or maybe one of the point guards. If Colangelo has demonstrated one thing it's that he's not afraid to make a move (just ask Charlie V.)


[/ QUOTE ]

At this point there's no way he's going to trade Jose or TJ. Colangelo likes to build his team around the point guards and it's the main reason why the raptors are doing so well this season. There's no drop off in production when the bench steps in. I think the raptors have one of the deepest bench in the league. A lot of teams are caught off guard and are now realizing how good Calderon is.
Darrick Martin may be the sloooowest point guard int he league right now and we'll be holding our breath everytime he steps into the court if we lose one of our point guards.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Yeah, me too. But he's probably a prime candidate for trade bait - or maybe one of the point guards. If Colangelo has demonstrated one thing it's that he's not afraid to make a move (just ask Charlie V.)


[/ QUOTE ]

At this point there's no way he's going to trade Jose or TJ. Colangelo likes to build his team around the point guards and it's the main reason why the raptors are doing so well this season. There's no drop off in production when the bench steps in. I think the raptors have one of the deepest bench in the league. A lot of teams are caught off guard and are now realizing how good Calderon is.
Darrick Martin may be the sloooowest point guard int he league right now and we'll be holding our breath everytime he steps into the court if we lose one of our point guards.

[/ QUOTE ]

R U KIDDING ME? MARTIN IS ONIONS BABY!

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

That was an ugly game. How many chances did Sheed get before that first T? Supposed to be zero tolerance, isn't it?

Ah well, raps held their own against a very good team.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
That was an ugly game. How many chances did Sheed get before that first T? Supposed to be zero tolerance, isn't it?

Ah well, raps held their own against a very good team.

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't know why Wallace wan't given a 2nd T, I mean the offensive foul was the right call, he definitely hooked Bargnani's arm.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Yeah, me too. But he's probably a prime candidate for trade bait - or maybe one of the point guards. If Colangelo has demonstrated one thing it's that he's not afraid to make a move (just ask Charlie V.)


[/ QUOTE ]

At this point there's no way he's going to trade Jose or TJ. Colangelo likes to build his team around the point guards and it's the main reason why the raptors are doing so well this season. There's no drop off in production when the bench steps in. I think the raptors have one of the deepest bench in the league. A lot of teams are caught off guard and are now realizing how good Calderon is.
Darrick Martin may be the sloooowest point guard int he league right now and we'll be holding our breath everytime he steps into the court if we lose one of our point guards.

[/ QUOTE ]

R U KIDDING ME? MARTIN IS ONIONS BABY!

[/ QUOTE ]

more like the cheese, without the salami

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

MVP

MVP

MVP

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

Vince with the "Come on, MVP?" gesture is really why I will always hate him... Anyways, Raptor nation, I'm excited.. Screw the Atlantic, the east is wide open right now, with the exception of Detroit which will probably hold the #1 seed.. I think if we can avoid playing Miami in the first round we'll have a really good shot to get past the opening round.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

Raps fans--- I am unbelievably jealous of your team. I will probably be rooting for them in the playoffs as my "adopt a team" program.

2 questions...

1. Would you trade Anthony Parker for Vince Carter?

2. Is there anybody in the world you would trade Bosh for?

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]

1. Would you trade Anthony Parker for Vince Carter?


[/ QUOTE ]
Yes.
[ QUOTE ]

2. Is there anybody in the world you would trade Bosh for?

[/ QUOTE ]

Much easier yes. Also except Bigt2k4's head to explode when deciding who is better Nash or Bosh.

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

Pudge,

I honestly think that Bryan Colangelo is a genius who sees the big picture.

Every "expert" and wannabe expert (like me) thought the TJ Ford deal was terrible. Yet, he fits, and has been a huge reason for their improvement.

Anthony Parker has fit in very nicely as a great defender who shoots 3s ver well....in the Raja Bell, Bruce Bowen mold. He just fits. People underrate how dynamic basketball is.

Keep in mind Vince sucks on D, is not as good as a jumpshooter, and quits when the going gets tough.

And Bosh....who would you trade him for????

Re: Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread
 

I wouldn't trade AP for VC from a team chemistry standpoint.. Anthony Parker is a great utility guy, he hustles, shoots very efficiently and plays D.. The Raps don't need more scoring to make them a better team, so Vince offers nothing. (Liability on Defense). Vince's stock is plummetting. If we're just talking about talent, then ya i'd take vc.