Official Toronto Raptors 2007 Thread

[bigt2k4]

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.

[Golden_Rhino]

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.

[Wires]

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.

[kaboshedx]

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.

[Assani Fisher]

[ 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.

[Green Kool Aid]

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.

[Ralph Wiggum]

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.

[vin17]

[ 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.

[HajiShirazu]

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.

[Clarkmeister]

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.