Toronto Raptors 2011/2012 Season

[octothorp]

Game 1 vs Cleveland is on now, currently at halftime. I should be rooting for them to lose, but I just can't do it while watching a game.

The defensive emphasis actually shows: 9 blocks, holding Cleveland to about 34% shooting. Barbosa looks great offensively, and Calderon looks much better than last year. Defensively, both Johnsons and Davis are the standouts. On the other side, Tristan Thompson looks solid in his first NBA game; Irving's struggling a bit, but the Raptors are doing a pretty good job staying infront and making him take long jumpers.

[The Big Chill]

I only saw the fourth quarter, but it looked pretty good. I'm sure we will lose a lot of games this year, but if Casey can get them playing some good defensive basketball then I think I will have far fewer games this year that I shut off in disgust.

There is pretty much no pressure on the players and coaches this year as there is almost no expectations. Unless, of course, you consider securing a top 5 draft pick an expectation.

[octothorp]

Yeah, my favorite thing about tonight's game is that the guys with the best defensive efforts (Johnson and Johnson) got the most court time. Triano talked a lot about doing that, but rarely did it happen.

It's going to take Bargnani time to learn to play as far from the basket on defense as he's being asked. Played hard but looked lost a lot of the night. Fortunately he was covering Jamison who shot 6 for 20. Calderon was as good as he's been in ages: 15 pts, 11 assists, 6 rbs.Ed Davis continues to look great.

[Trojan97]

For those of you who haven't seen it yet- The 2011 RaptorsTV "Behind the Draft"

http://www.nba.com/raptors/video/pla...ind-draft-2011

Didn't think it was possible but this has got me even more pumped for the arrival of Jonas V next season, he seems like he'll fit in tremendously.

[octothorp]

Perfect result tonight: they get down big, show a fantastic effort, but ultimately lose a close one. Hopefully they've got a lot more like that in them this year. They held the Pacers to under 40% shooting, which should be the goal every night.

DeRozan looks to have much better range this year. Looked very confident draining 4th quarter 3s. Bargnani looked same as ever rebounding, but acceptable defense with a few exceptions in help situations. His offense was solid: passed well, and not too many long 2pt jumpers. Either 3s or short jumpers and dunks, which is what his offense should be. Bayless: 1 assist in 18 minutes. I'm still loving both Johnsons but JJ was guilty on a few late defensive lapses. Still, he was +8 and everyone else on the team was a minus.

[flames_1987]

Agreed this was a perfect result Octothorp. Perfect result, team battles, works hard and they loose a close one but the crowd can be proud with the effort.

DeRozan had a great 4th quarter again tonight.

[flames_1987]

Originally Posted by Trojan97

For those of you who haven't seen it yet- The 2011 RaptorsTV "Behind the Draft"

http://www.nba.com/raptors/video/pla...ind-draft-2011

Didn't think it was possible but this has got me even more pumped for the arrival of Jonas V next season, he seems like he'll fit in tremendously.

Did just that and more. Blown away by how physical the guy is and how hard he goes up. Mind you it's against Europe league talent, but anyone who had any questions about him being another soft European player, are complete nonsense.

Was really exciting to see how pumped BC was when the Cavs went with Thompson.

[The Big Chill]

A few early season thoughts:

-I'm already loving Casey, he seems to have already changed the mentality of this team. I hope they can keep this energy up for a whole season.

-I was/am really hoping for a big season from Bayless, but I thought he was awful tonight. At least he was awful from a PG perspective. I love that he gets to the rim, but his decision making is questionable at best. It unfortunately appears that he will remain a SG in a PG's body, as he cannot protect the ball and turns it over way too often. He also jacks up shots early in the shot clock.

-DeMar was unreal today. He has always been described as a gym rat, and I think he has proved that to be true as it appears that he has much more range on his jumper this year. If he can keep that going then he can be a pretty special player. He could be our guy that can score the tough buckets in the 4th quarter that we haven't had since the Wince Carter days.

-I also really have really like Bargnani's game so far. His rebounding totals have not been great, but he is working WAY harder on the glass then I have ever seen him do. He may not be getting the rebound totals, but his man is no longer just waltzing around him and grabbing the board.

-As for Jonas V, I am extremely excited. He is dominating every level of basketball he plays at. He is smart, tough, has great finish around the rim, plays solid help D, runs the floor and hits free throws. That is quite a package for a big man. The guy is already a legend in Lithuania, hopefully he can bring some of that magic here. Can't wait.

-Things are looking positive in Raptor land for the first time in a long time (despite the fact that this year will probably result in a lot of losses).

[moon]

Originally Posted by flames_1987

Did just that and more. Blown away by how physical the guy is and how hard he goes up. Mind you it's against Europe league talent, but anyone who had any questions about him being another soft European player, are complete nonsense.

Was really exciting to see how pumped BC was when the Cavs went with Thompson.

I don't think anyone was concerned he was soft. As someone who didn't (and still doesn't) like the pick I am much more concerned he is a Araujo type. Stiff, unathletic dude who can get by against the crap in Europe but is killed when playing against much better athletes in the NBA.

[The Big Chill]

Originally Posted by moon

I don't think anyone was concerned he was soft. As someone who didn't (and still doesn't) like the pick I am much more concerned he is a Araujo type. Stiff, unathletic dude who can get by against the crap in Europe but is killed when playing against much better athletes in the NBA.

JV was fantastic in the U19 worlds when he was competing against the Americans (and every other team). Obviously that isn't NBA level ball, but it was against guys who are headed to the NBA.

He is much more athletic, and has much more fight in him then Araujo.

[moon]

Originally Posted by The Big Chill

JV was fantastic in the U19 worlds when he was competing against the Americans (and every other team). Obviously that isn't NBA level ball, but it was against guys who are headed to the NBA.

He is much more athletic, and has much more fight in him then Araujo.

The guys I saw on the US team weren't anywhere close to NBA players but I have missed some guys on the roster.

I guess we will see. Coangelo has shown nothing in his time as an NBA GM for me to trust any pick let alone a Euro who has iffy pedigree (in my view from reading reports.)

Hopefully he does turn out good because there is nothing on this team now.

[flames_1987]

Besides one poster, there still is reason for optimism around this team, which was much needed for the organization. Watching the Raptors behind the draft, it's obvious BC has changed his mindset and there will be no quick free agent fix. A ton of cap space, JV coming over here next year, DeRozan, Davis...there is a good core being built here.

[The Big Chill]

Originally Posted by flames_1987

Besides one poster, there still is reason for optimism around this team, which was much needed for the organization. Watching the Raptors behind the draft, it's obvious BC has changed his mindset and there will be no quick free agent fix. A ton of cap space, JV coming over here next year, DeRozan, Davis...there is a good core being built here.

Absolutey. Plus we have a bunch of expiring contracts that could potentially be flipped closer tothe trade deadline to teams looking for depth. Our next step has to be to find a PG for the future.

[Da_Chief]

Tank hard this year. Draft Harrison Barnes. Trade Andrea + Amir Johnson + Bayless + pick for an actual point guard.

PG
DeRozan
Barnes
Davis
JV

Don't need a bench but that would be a playoff team?

[The Big Chill]

Originally Posted by Da_Chief

Tank hard this year. Draft Harrison Barnes. Trade Andrea + Amir Johnson + Bayless + pick for an actual point guard.

PG
DeRozan
Barnes
Davis
JV

Don't need a bench but that would be a playoff team?

I would love to see us trade for a mid first round pick to go along with our top 10 pick. I am very intrigued by a few of the PGs in the upcoming draft who all seem to be mid round picks at this point. Myck Kabongo would be my first choice, but Teague and Marshall aren't far behind.

Would love to see Barnes or Kidd-Gillchrist with our first pick. Obviously a lot will change between now and the draft though.

[Suave]

Originally Posted by The Big Chill

-DeMar was unreal today. He has always been described as a gym rat, and I think he has proved that to be true as it appears that he has much more range on his jumper this year. If he can keep that going then he can be a pretty special player. He could be our guy that can score the tough buckets in the 4th quarter that we haven't had since the Wince Carter days.

I'm loving Demar's new range. Considering he hit 2 three's yesterday and only had 5 total last year says a lot about his dedication to trying to improve on his weaknesses.

[bluejays]

^ Demar has looked alright, though IMO he's a little undersized to be a real force in the league. IMO, his potential is not that far off from what he's at now. I think Ed Davis is the guy the team will build around more than anyone. He's not the same player as Demar, but his realistic potential is more than his, impact-wise. Next year I think Demar will be dealt, along with Bayless (though I fail to see why Colangelo seems to like the guy). Bargnani, if he falls flat this year, will probably be sent elsewhere as well. As long as this team falls flat this year, the future actually looks bright. High draft pick along with a lot of assets to trade.

[The Big Chill]

Originally Posted by fleury

^ Demar has looked alright, though IMO he's a little undersized to be a real force in the league. IMO, his potential is not that far off from what he's at now. I think Ed Davis is the guy the team will build around more than anyone. He's not the same player as Demar, but his realistic potential is more than his, impact-wise. Next year I think Demar will be dealt, along with Bayless (though I fail to see why Colangelo seems to like the guy). Bargnani, if he falls flat this year, will probably be sent elsewhere as well. As long as this team falls flat this year, the future actually looks bright. High draft pick along with a lot of assets to trade.

6 foot 7 with huge hops is undersized for a 2 guard?

[bluejays]

Originally Posted by The Big Chill

6 foot 7 with huge hops is undersized for a 2 guard?

Ignoring the inaccuracies of any professional sports height and weight statistics, when you watch games, do you really see the guy the same size as Vince Carter or Tracy McGrady? Though his enthusiasm is more than welcome, his stature and upside IMO is similar to Morris Peterson. Effective, but not good enough.

[flames_1987]

Originally Posted by fleury

Ignoring the inaccuracies of any professional sports height and weight statistics, when you watch games, do you really see the guy the same size as Vince Carter or Tracy McGrady? Though his enthusiasm is more than welcome, his stature and upside IMO is similar to Morris Peterson. Effective, but not good enough.

After seeing him in person I have to agree with you, but he still is rather young and can put on more muscle. With his natural athleticism, I'd say his ceiling is much higher then Morris Peterson's. He's also one of the only marketable Raptors right now, I see him being in this teams long term plan.