***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

I'm looking forward to this season with some new faces and everyone having a year under Mitchell's system. After winning 47 games last year, opponents no longer say to each other before the game "So...how much will we win by tonight?" The Raps really caught everyone off guard last year by putting together a playoff team, but with the improvements in the Atlantic, it'll be hard for the Raptors to repeat as division champs.

This team should be very exciting with Bosh and Bargnani in the frontcourt, and electric players Ford and Parker in the backcourt. The small forward spot is currently up for grabs, and while Kapono has started the last 3 games at the 3, Jamario Moon has been running with the first team in practice recently. Our bench is going to be solid once again, with Garbo providing versatility and Calderon continuing to show why he is the best backup PG in the league.

I really think the key player this year for us is going to be Anthony Parker. He played great throughout the season last year, and made huge strides in carrying this team in the playoffs. Bosh has already stated his goal is to grab 12 RPG (talk about a high goal, but I love to hear it).

This team is a horrible rebounding team and we are one huge rebounding center from being EC contenders. It'll be hard for us to improve from last year, but I'm very sure we'll be in the playoffs.

In closing, here's a clip of Bosh saving the NBA Family Feud team by knowing what women want when they take a long, hot bath.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=-fueIOmhMEs

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

Also I wanted to add this. Talk about disrespect!

http://www.nba.com/preview2007/gmsur...edictions.html

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

haha.. David Lee's mom is a nymph.

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

[ QUOTE ]
Also I wanted to add this. Talk about disrespect!

http://www.nba.com/preview2007/gmsur...edictions.html

[/ QUOTE ]

I kinda like the fact that we're still not on anyone's radar. With the new signings this year I really feel we have a much better well rounded team. Key this year again will be our bench, I love it. With another year under their belt I'm looking for bigger and better things. If we had a legitamate center it would be awesome but I'm loving this year's team. I'm all fired up and ready to go, let's get it on!

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

The only toronto team in the winter that has a chance... since the Leafs season is already over.

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

[ QUOTE ]
The only toronto team in the winter that has a chance... since the Leafs season is already over.

[/ QUOTE ]
Ya of course because 10 games in a league were 50% of the teams make the playoffs are huge.

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Also I wanted to add this. Talk about disrespect!

http://www.nba.com/preview2007/gmsur...edictions.html

[/ QUOTE ]

I kinda like the fact that we're still not on anyone's radar. With the new signings this year I really feel we have a much better well rounded team. Key this year again will be our bench, I love it. With another year under their belt I'm looking for bigger and better things. If we had a legitamate center it would be awesome but I'm loving this year's team. I'm all fired up and ready to go, let's get it on!

[/ QUOTE ]

LOL we finished 6 games up on 2nd in the Atlantic, yet suddenly we're not in the top 3 in the division. What a joke.

Other than that, I agree with everything you have said. Our bench is going to be an integral part for us, it's probably the best 2nd unit in the EC (minus Chicago). I'm looking forward to seeing how Garbo comes back. I actually thought he was useless throughout the season but in the playoffs I realized how much this team missed him.

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

They will suck again the end

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

that bosh youtube is awesome. actually, that entire clip is awesome

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
The only toronto team in the winter that has a chance... since the Leafs season is already over.

[/ QUOTE ]
Ya of course because 10 games in a league were 50% of the teams make the playoffs are huge.

[/ QUOTE ]
Except that there's been no indication they can suddenly change the culture of their team. That or Toskala becoming the next Cujo.

/hijack

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
The only toronto team in the winter that has a chance... since the Leafs season is already over.

[/ QUOTE ]
Ya of course because 10 games in a league were 50% of the teams make the playoffs are huge.

[/ QUOTE ]
Except that there's been no indication they can suddenly change the culture of their team. That or Toskala becoming the next Cujo.

/hijack

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah the Leafs are never going to get anywhere under this current management regime. The whole Toskala situation really disgusts me. Why give up a first and second round pick and sign him for 8 mil and not put all your faith in him to be your starting goaltender at the start of the season despite a mediocre preseason. The wishy washy team of Ferguson/Maurice are never going to take the Leafs anywhere.

I've been a fan since the Harold Ballard years and there were some awlful teams back then. Yet it was always fun to watch and for some reason there's always some glimmer of hope. I have never been less enthusiase about this Leafs team ever.

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
The only toronto team in the winter that has a chance... since the Leafs season is already over.

[/ QUOTE ]
Ya of course because 10 games in a league were 50% of the teams make the playoffs are huge.

[/ QUOTE ]
Except that there's been no indication they can suddenly change the culture of their team. That or Toskala becoming the next Cujo.

/hijack

[/ QUOTE ]
I agree with that, but they can still easily make the playoffs and the playoffs are a hot goalie contest.

Getting back on topic unfortunately the Raps will regress this year unless someone drastically improves, they will still probably make the playoffs, but it is unlikely they will win the division.

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

[ QUOTE ]
...but it is unlikely they will win the division.

[/ QUOTE ]
So many people are saying the C's are a shoe in to win the division. Sure if the big 3 stay relatively healthy then they can possibly overcome their glaring lack of depth. But won't they be logging heavy minutes compared to other teams' top guys, thereby increasing likelihood of wear and tear?

If one of them goes down, couldn't you make the case their chances of success will be considerably more hindered than say if Bosh or Ford went down? Just curious.

As an extension, their second unit can't be very intimidating...

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

WHY ARE PEOPLE TALKING HOCKEY IN A RAPTORS THREAD? COME ON CANADIANS!

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

vin,
With Kristic back there is a good chance the Nets are better than us as well.

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

Can't wait 'til November 4th, I'm in town to see them play the Celts.
Everybody's hating on the Raps, saying that last year was a year of overachievement and a one hit wonder. The Raptors are a true TEAM and I expect them to have a better record than Washington, Miami, hell, maybe even Cleveland. By the way, how is our schedule looking?

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

The raps are a better team this year than we were last year but I expect us to finish worse. Just cause Boston got a lot better and Jersey really underperformed last year.

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

Seriously, stfu about hockey, biggest downside to being a sports fan in Toronto is hearing all this hockey garbage.

OP that family fued clip was glorious! And which GM voted the Knicks winning the Atlantic above the Raptors? Musta been Isiah...

I think I say this in every bball post I make, but I expect BIG THINGS from Bargnani this year!

Also random shoutout to Chuck Swirsky...holla!

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

[ QUOTE ]
Seriously, stfu about hockey, biggest downside to being a sports fan in Toronto is hearing all this hockey garbage.

[/ QUOTE ]

QFT. There is a Leafs thread too!

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

Also I have a mancrush on Bargnani too. He added 20 lbs of muscle this offseason so let's hope he can actually improve his terrible rebounding skills. But that man can stroke 3 pointers very well for a 5, and I fully expect him to take over Bosh as the #1 option on offense in a few years.

And his Nike commercial is awesome.

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

[ QUOTE ]


And his Nike commercial is awesome.

[/ QUOTE ]

link?

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]


And his Nike commercial is awesome.

[/ QUOTE ]

link?

[/ QUOTE ]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxA_cGUnt-A

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

[ QUOTE ]
Also I have a mancrush on Bargnani too. He added 20 lbs of muscle this offseason so let's hope he can actually improve his terrible rebounding skills. But that man can stroke 3 pointers very well for a 5, and I fully expect him to take over Bosh as the #1 option on offense in a few years.


[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah watching the preseason it's awesome to see Bargnani bulk up. This is why I've always had faith in him to be a force in the league. He's still young and when he puts on the bulk it's pretty scary how good he can be. A 7 footer that can shoot the lights out.

Despite what people say I really like the Kapono signing. With deadly 3 point shooters Parker, Bargnani, and now Kapono on the court it should really open up the floor for Bosh and TJ , which is what they've wanted.. I really think Bosh and TJ are going to have a much better season this year.

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

Who doesn't like the Kapono signing? He's probably the best 3 point shooter in the world and we got him just for the full MLE. I love the signing, but like I said, we still need to get one fierce rebounder. And I believe we have no cap room, especially that we need to resign Calderon.

This is one exciting team, I can't wait to see Parker become the force that he was in the playoffs. Man that guy is good.

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

What are you guys predicting for Bargagni's stats this year?
me?
18ppg, 6.5rpg, 2.5 apg, 1spg, 0.5bpg

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

15 PPG, 6 RPG, 3 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1 BPG

I can't forget this moment...if only Bosh finished!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7dey9BTPOA

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

[ QUOTE ]
What are you guys predicting for Bargagni's stats this year?
me?
18ppg, 6.5rpg, 2.5 apg, 1spg, 0.5bpg

[/ QUOTE ]

This is about right but I would say

19.5ppg, 6.5rpg, 3apg,
but spg and bpg numbers should be reversed. More like 0.5spg and 1.5bpg

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

I drafted Bosh, Bargnani, AP, Ford and Dixon (sleeper!) in my FB league. Garbo and Kapono didn't make it to me [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]


I love this team, so psyched for the season to start.

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

Nice...I drafted AP too, I'm expecting a nice year from him. Hopefully he can play like he did in the playoffs for us.

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

Big fan, have tickets to 6 games this year.

But wtf is up with Swirsky guaranteeing 50 wins and winning a round in the playoffs? Commuting this afternoon it was hysterical ... anyone who would challenge his assertion would get shouted down and he would spout off some ridic logic about why they'll win 50

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

LOL! Swirsky has always been like this. I remember him last year saying he thinks the Raps were the best in the East
as well as throwing his vote in for Bargnani to be rookie of the year despite Brandon Roy having a much better season. LOL!

[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] Swirsks

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

Don't get me wrong, I don't care if Swirsk is just being a giddy homer ... but don't use crap logic

Jack Armstrong says this years team is better, but will likely win a few less games due to the competition level & not sneaking up on teams .... I'm taking the same position

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

Bring out the salami and cheese!
Raptors win, Raptors win, Raptors win!

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

Funny, both Paul Jones and Eric Smith also said AB7 should have got it because the fact he was contributing to a playoff team should have more valued placed on it.

There's no -ism like homerism.

The more I think about it, I'm starting to believe NJ will pose more of a threat than BOS. I just can't see three players who've never played with each other (and also collectively don't have extensive playoff experience) suddenly going from basement to penthouse.

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

Hahahah I'd like to know how Swirsky got to vote for R.O.Y.

Yeah I read that too, he was the only one not to vote for Brandon Roy...hilarious.

Also, I hate how he will never say any negative comments about anyone!

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

Anybody watched the preseason games this week? 'Cause I don't get them. How is Bosh looking out there?

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

I cant see us winning less than 50 games and I cant see us not winning the division or finishing worse than 3rd in the conference, jmho. We are better than last year, we did well last year with an extremely young team. We can only go up and I think we will be a lot better. Jersey is in decline and I want o see how Boston will play as a team as they have 0 depth.

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

God, Bargnani is such a stud.

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

yikes, a little too optimistic there, don't you think? The vegas o/u on the raps is 42 wins, if you really think they're a lock to win 50, you should bet the farm.

I hope for the best but I just feel that last year most of our guys had career years, and that some will regress. Some of the other teams in the East got better, and we addded a few minor pieces only. I think we'll be in the playoffs but probably around the 6th seed or so.

Re: ***The Official TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 Thread***
 

Bosh was smooth tonight on his jump shot and seemed to be moving ok but wasn't driving the ball much at all. I don't know if its cause hes slow, rusty, weak, or what. But I'm really happy with our drive and kicks, ball movement, and shooting. We really picked apart some (admittedly 2nd rate) teams the last 2 games to blow them out. So sick when 3 or 4 guys out there are all solid 3 point threats. Always gna have a shooter's chance baby!