The unofficial “second half” of the season begins on Wednesday when the Raptors host the Orlando Magic. Toronto sits in decent position … with a 28-23 record and the 5TH seed in their conference. But questions - good and bad - remain about the defending Atlantic Division champs.
Let’s looks at a few:
Chris Bosh - Can he continue to post the monster numbers and performances he has turned in since the calendar switched to 2008? Does he need to do eve MORE? CAN he do even more? Will he continue to emerge as a leader and cornerstone for this franchise? Well, no matter what, his health is the number 1 key for Toronto’s success.
Jose Calderon - Will he finally get some help at the point, or will he have to shoulder the load for the next two months as well? He has been a ROCK for the Raptors in the absence of TJ Ford. Will he wear out? Time will tell … but I don’t see it happening. He’s just as much a “leader” for this team as Bosh is … and he’s put himself in a GREAT position to make a TON of money as a restricted free agent this summer!
Anthony Parker - Is it up to him to be that consistent “2ND option” for Toronto every night? Is he that kind of player? Or is A.P. a very good complimentary player that can simply give you what you need at either end of the floor? Is it maybe better just to leave Parker as-is and be happy with what you get from night to night?
Jamario Moon - Can he find it in his game (or in his head) to recognize what he NEEDS to do for this team (Drive. The. Ball.)? If Moon can get to the hoop - or at least get to the line - the Raps will have an explosive offensive option that teams will have to respect. That said, Moon makes up for some of his offensive miscues with outstanding defensive play (steals, blocked shots) and he is shooting 45+ per cent from the field as a rookie … which really ain’t that bad!
Andrea Bargnani - Is he officially out of his “funk”? I think he is. He’s had some strong games for Toronto over the last couple of weeks and more importantly … his attitude … his confidence … seem to be at a higher level. Bargs could be the X-factor for the Raps over their final 31 games of the regular season.
TJ Ford - How healthy is he? And I’m not talking about his neck and his body as much as I’m talking about his MIND. He’s back. And I think he wouldn’t have come back if he wasn’t mentally prepared to be back. But he wouldn’t be human if he didn’t still “think” about things when he’s out of the floor. That confidence and comfort will only come with more and more games under his belt … and that could be tough if his current wrist injury lingers for any serious amount of time.
Carlos Delfino - Has he finally found a home in Toronto, or will the inconsistency that plagued him in Detroit ultimately settle in? Well, based on what he’s shown thus far in T.O. … I’ve seen more positives than negatives from ‘Los. While there’s no denying that he falls in love with the 3-ball a little too often … he also slashes when need-be and his defense is second to only J-Moon. Plus, who on the team takes more charges and lays his body on the line more than Delfino?
Jason Kapono - Will he find a way to get off his shot (specifically, his 3-point shots) with more regularity? Is it on him to find a way to get this done … or is it on the coaches to find a way to get him more involved in the offense? Truthfully, both sides probably share an equal amount of the responsibility. Toronto’s offense isn’t like Miami’s was … it’s not inside-out. But it does go through Bosh a lot … and it’s also up-tempo … which … if executed correctly on the wings … can mean open shots on-the-fly or in transition for guys like Kapono, Parker, etc.
Rasho Nesterovic - Is there any reason to think that he won’t continue to be the solid, non-nonsense vet that he is? I’m sure he’s not happy about his reduced role and his decreased minutes … but you’d never know it from the way he talks and the way he walks. Rasho is a true pro and he’ll be there whenever Toronto needs him - in bulk, or in short supply. The biggest question will probably come next year: Will he stay (for Toronto to ultimately use his cap space on somebody else) or will he be dealt as an attractive player/expiring contract?
Kris Humphries - Can he bottle whatever the Raptors’ coaching staff wants from him, and take a sip of it before every game? He’s been an interesting “story” this year … in that for about a month (if not longer) … he seemed to be the sparkplug for the Raptors; the Energizer Bunny off the bench in T.O. But as quickly as he became the go-to guy … his descent to little-used-forward-off-the-bench was even quicker. We barely see K-Hump get any burn anymore. If Sam Mitchell rewards hard work and hard play (not just in games, but in PRACTICE too) … I can only guess that this might factor into Humphries’ situation …?
Juan Dixon - Will he even be a Raptor in the next 3 or 4 days? He has made it known that he is not happy in Toronto and he would prefer to be dealt to another club that’ll give him a chance to PLAY. The problem with Dixon wanting out though … may be … the market probably isn’t huge for him. Yes, absolutely, there are teams that could use Dixon’s shot and versatility. He’s not a half-bad defender as well … and he’s a good dude too. But Bryan Colangelo isn’t going to just GIVE him away … so a trade for Juan still needs to make sense for the Raps!
Joey Graham - Will he always be that guy that is living off “potential”? Joey has all of the tools to be a successful NBA player. He’s a decent defender … he has a solid enough jumper … he’s not afraid to go to the hoop … he’s built like a brick HOUSE … and he doesn’t seem scared to mix it up with opposing teams too. But Graham just can’t seem to put it all together for the Raptors and his ups and downs in his young career have been more volatile than the U.S. dollar! Maybe the magical answer for Graham is what I’ve been touting for months: Play him at the PF spot. He plays best when he’s going up against bigger guys.
Maceo Baston - Why isn’t he playing more? It’s that simple. Why isn’t he playing more? But, interestingly, I’m sure you could make a case for the player, coaches, fans, and media asking that same question about Baston! I’d be willing to bet that the coaching staff in Toronto would love to use Baston; heck, Toronto could use some help in the front court and with rebounding overall! But there’s got to be a reason why he hasn’t been given much a chance this year. Thus, like it or not, maybe Maceo needs to look in the mirror. Buuut, I’m sure Baston would tell you that he IS working hard and he doesn’t know what else he can do to get on the floor in a game. It’s an interesting dilemma.
Darrick Martin - Is this his last season in the NBA as a player? Will he be on the Raptors bench next year as an assistant coach? Will he try to continue playing and catch on with another club? Will his role with this team INCREASE down the stretch if Juan Dixon IS dealt and Toronto needs help/depth at the point guard slot behind Calderon and Ford? A lot of questions for the friendly vet.
Jorge Garbajosa - Will he be ready for next season? Will the Olympics be used as part of his rehab for the 2008-2009 campaign, or will Toronto be sure the only basketball he plays is in practices/workouts sanctioned by THEM? Can Garbo be effective again? His career isn’t over, is it? What kind of difference would this tireless worker have made to the Raptors this year … through their first 50+ games?
We’ll see how it all plays out - and how many questions get answered - when the Raps get back at it on Wednesday.
E. Smith
ericsmithfan590@yahoo.com
What Sam can learn from the All-Star Game!!!!
With the exception of Lebron everyone is a role player?
What are the roles of the Raptors?
What are their strengths?
Greatest Weakness rebounding?
If Moon, Delfino and Andrea stopped or shot very few threes and took jumpers from closer in they would be in position to rebound and drive!!!
If we have two or three guys near the net take the shot?
If not it is a dumb shot?
Can we live without 3s and long jumpers from the three above?
Parker may be the best corner three shooter on the planet?
Kapono may be the best three shooter on the planet?
Calderon may be a better three shooter than Kapono?
If most of the threes came from these three Yipee!!!!!
Point Guard play?
Lobbing a side passes count as an assist but TJ may be the best passer and the planet and Jose is much more effective than TJ. Jose is starting to hit more meaningful assists. TJ can do it whenever he wants but he would rather shoot? If they both forced their team mates to make meaningful moves to the net would we not be better off?
My take on the Raps:
Bosh must drive. If they foul him all the better.because he kills them at the line. When he drives a little and shoots a lot it weakens the team. Bosh a step or two from the net is heaven? Yes I love when he hit mid length jumpers as long as someone is under the net.
Andrea
with three guys who are better three shooters than him only a moron would leave him out there. we need him to drive, pass, rebound and create space for Moon and Delfino to rebound. If they are fighting with Andrea Moon and Delfino can get the rebound.
Calderon
shoot more until someone proves you are not a 20 point a game player. Draw the opponent to you and open up the whole court. Until proven otherwise I think you are the best shooter in basketball but 15 to 20 shots a game not 7 to 12.
TJ
an elite passer or I wish he would retire. shoot foul line in but not much further out.
Delfino Moon
Half drives half jumpers, Delfino some threes Moon save it for next year.
Parker
He knows his game.
Kapono
The god of shooting that is unless Calderon is. Jason should not blink, not think, not pause. Unless he sees a guy wide open while the pass is coming to him he should just catch and shoot.
Humphries
It is a crime he is not developed. He is by far the most physical Raptor. He is quick and hungry and agressive. He chases down balls. I loved Rasho last year but this year should be the Humps coming out party. Let this beast out of the cage beside he has a better shooting percentage than most Raptors and he goes to the rim.
I would trade every and anyone else for a power forward who is young and good and aggressive but everyone else may not be enough. I loved Garbo on defense and hated him on offense. He was just a lazy shooter which fits perfectly into Sam’s concept of basket ball. A guy with his athletic ability and nose for the ball could have been just as special on offense as he was on defense but being a lazy jump shot shooter is a job description in a Sam Mitchell offense.
I would like to commend Jay Triano. On the opening play of the game he coached it looked like he has a set play that went to Jose for a three. Jose missed it but made the next three. I wonder way plays he would run to Kapono? Would he try to make the Raptors drive?
- Miles HershbergTriano was a basketball star in Niagara Fall when I was in high school. I heard much about him but never saw him play. Two guys I know told me he has a great basketball mind. I am probably selling my seasons because I do not believe Sam can win anything but if Jay was the next coach I would be interested. That is light years away. A Canadian coaching Canada’s Raptors. It has a ring to it?
- Miles HershbergNo doubt Calderon is the Raptor’s MVP of the first half.
- Johnn19His consistently efficient management of the offense blows away what TJ Ford can only dream of doing. His enthusiastic, emotional, selfless, team first attitude is creating a leadership role as important as Bosh’s. It is BC’s # 1 priority to sign Jose in the summer to a long term deal, as he has unlimited potential to improve, and become the starting PG of the future.