Toronto Raptors 2012/2013 season

[moon]

Originally Posted by The Big Chill

It scares me that he is going to make a trade in attempt to save his job. He should be sent packing ASAP.

Yep. I just don't see what in his history indicates that he should be the guy making a Bargnani or Calderon trade or what in any teams history makes sense to allow a GM on the brink to make a trade to save his job at the expense of the future.

[octothorp]

Originally Posted by fleury

A little off topic, but what bothers me about the Burke firing is the speculation that he wasn't a "company man" type - basically a politician. Personally, I don't think he deserved to be fired, simply because he wasn't given enough time. In a hardass market like Toronto, they needed a guy to do like Burke to do things his way and at times, set the media straight. Nonis I don't believe is the guy for the job because he rubs me as the guy who'll crack under pressure - whether from media or upper management.

Leading to the Raptors, surely Colangelo has kept his job because he is a company man, based on Burke getting the quick hook. But from Anselmi speaking, I really think he's gone at the end of the season. There was no vote of confidence in him, and from the sounds of it he's finished at seasons end.

As for this proposed deal above, I have no problem whatsoever bringing in Gay for Davis and Calderon, as long as Gay has years left on his contract. I just hope there's a secondary deal to get value for Bargnani from another team. Those who say Bargnani has no value are out to lunch. GM's will always lick their chops to unlock the potential in Bargnani (though he'll likely never push himself). Ross to me, is a flash in the pan. I really like what he's looked like these past few games, but if he's included in the package for a guy like Gay, no problem. I'm not sure he can consistently create his own shot, and even though he's young, he seems undersized, much like DeRozan. I think after all these rebuilding years have passed, what we're starting to see is you can't rebuild your team with young talent by losing and losing. Who are the centrepieces on the team? Perhaps Valanciunas, and if you make this deal, Gay. The team can't develop Jonas in a losing enviornment among so-so talents. That strategy only works if you get a top pick and draft a superstar. Gay, Valanciunas are two good pieces to build a winning franchise, combined with getting a solid C though trade, could yield a good core to win even in the future. As for a draft pick, I don't think any 1st rounders will be able to be dealt until the conditional Lowry pick is settled.

I agree with most of this, except regarding Ross's value. 3-point shooting and excellent wing defense is one of the best skill combinations you can have. I do believe he has the potential to be an elite defender, and if he can combine that with 3pt shooting close to .400, he can have a massive impact without taking a lot of shots. I don't think he needs to be great at creating his own shot: there's value in a primarily catch-and-shoot guy who's got good form and a high release point.

[killer_carlson]

On off the record the other day, former raptor coach Sam Mitchell was interviewed. Two interesting comments

1) he was not permitted by the team to treat Bargniani how he wanted to treat him; aka ride his arse

2) he considers Calderon one of the best leaders in all of the NBA.

[St. Pats]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

On off the record the other day, former raptor coach Sam Mitchell was interviewed. Two interesting comments

1) he was not permitted by the team to treat Bargniani how he wanted to treat him; aka ride his arse

2) he considers Calderon one of the best leaders in all of the NBA.

Weird comments. He was the only one who gave AB some tough love. Jose as a leader is laughable. Unless you consider dribbling for 20 secs and then making the safest pass leadership. Or leading them to a crappy record year after year etc.

This is a day that could see some movement as some players could not be traded until Jan 15.

[secol]

pretty sure he would've meant off court leader...jose seems like the kind of guy who would be a very charismatic leader

[Ezio]

Long time Raptor fan here and I may sound butthurt, but the Refs always screw us over. That call on Johnson was an absolute joke.

[bluejays]

Raps played solid tonight. Surely they could have put away a couple baskets and didn't, but it was a solid night overall I'd say. They played as a team and took it hard to the basket which is really nice to see. How the refs never called a foul shots for Amir, I'll never know. Reffing is a damn joke in the NBA, and with certain teams able to load up on stars, and those stars getting every frivolous call, there isn't going to be much parity in the league over the next few years. Reffing, along with FA clic's, will really hurt the league endlessly.

[Hockey_Ninja]

Lowry has been in beast mode these past two games. Sucks we couldn't get the W.

[octothorp]

Frustrating ending, but to me it's further proof that Lowry is the PG you need against better teams and the guy you've got to go forward with. Obviously reffing was weird, but it's been ages since the raptors have gotten anyone into foul trouble, and Lowry was a big part of that. To see a very good defensive team on its heels was great.

Also, I loved Acy's play. Great to have a guy who knows exactly what he needs to do to become an NBA player (hard work, energy, hustle, defense).

[kmart]

I think there was terrible play calling by Dwayne Casey. Boozer had no shoe on and he goes on and calls a timeout. At the end of the game he chooses not to ride the hot hand (Lowry). I thought he was a keeper last year, but now I'm starting to second guess myself. He might be a terrible coach, maybe as dumb as Sam Mitchell.

[moon]

Tough loss but probably shouldn't have even gone to OT based on the very kind no call on the last Chicago shot and the clear push by Anderson.

Another loss where the talent just isn't there.

These guys played their hearts out at home and still couldn't win. If your best isn't good enough against middle of the road Chicago time to look at the team.

[St. Pats]

Originally Posted by kmart

I think there was terrible play calling by Dwayne Casey. Boozer had no shoe on and he goes on and calls a timeout. At the end of the game he chooses not to ride the hot hand (Lowry). I thought he was a keeper last year, but now I'm starting to second guess myself. He might be a terrible coach, maybe as dumb as Sam Mitchell.

Just looks like another BC move. Bring in some bozo coach like Triano or Casey who are yes men. So he can tell them to play his son AB. The house cleaning can't start soon enough.

[Ezio]

Team is playing with a lot of fire tonight. Still plenty of games left. I think this team can make a push for a playoff spot.

[Hockey_Ninja]

That is all.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Yeah see you later playoffs. The 20 point blown lead was bad, this was in many ways worse.

[Machiavelli]

I have tickets to the Lakers game on Sunday, and after that I think I'm done watching the team for this season, especially with hockey back. They've just had so many pathetic losses and Casey seems to have no idea what he's doing half the time. Just terrible.

[Ezio]

That was heartbreaking.

[Hockey_Ninja]

Originally Posted by Machiavelli

I have tickets to the Lakers game on Sunday, and after that I think I'm done watching the team for this season, especially with hockey back. They've just had so many pathetic losses and Casey seems to have no idea what he's doing half the time. Just terrible.

I'd go. Not everyday you get to see Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol play live.

[kmart]

Good win for the Raps, the Lakers played about 6 good minutes in the game and nearly beat the Raps.
Really like what Davis brings to the table. If I could keep any two on the Raps it'd be him and Valancuinas.

[Machiavelli]

Originally Posted by Hockey_Ninja

I'd go. Not everyday you get to see Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol play live.

I meant that after going to the Lakers game I wouldn't watch the team anymore. Of course I'm going to go, I'd already bought tickets and they were expensive!

It was awesome too, really good energy from the fans with many cheering for the Lakers.