"It's like sex with Kobe Bryant...you can kick & scream all you want...but it's gonna happen."
-not Tony RomoFamily Guy quotes aside (see Kobe
is a cultural icon...take
that D. Wade), with the NBA season rapidly approaching, I said I'd have a review of our roster up for the beginning of the week. So here it is: some individual notes of the group of players that make up a surprisingly deep roster and their coach...this, people, is what all the optimism is about. Enjoy. Tomorrow, fleshing out the playoff picture...
Chris Bosh –
our perennial all-star and this is the year he makes a push into the league’s top ten players. Summer with the World Championship Team should be a real motivator, as he often suffered under Coach K’s lack-luster debut. Young, long & talented, still not the biggest guy. Compensates with outstanding quickness and daunting skill. Excellent face-up player, has extended his range to 3 point territory, a downright scary prospect for opposing defenders, since teams normally try and push him away from the basket to begin with. Now, they might be better off letting him set-up on the block and take their chances bumping him down low. Consistently double teamed, but when shot is on, defenders might as well start lighting candles. With new up-tempo offense, it is imperative the Raps still get consistent touches for him (Saaam…).If the plantar fasciitis sets in, could be a long season. Needs to be paired with a bigger body in the front court, if for nothing else, to prevent wear and tear. A healthy Bosh is worth 20 + points and 10 rebounds a night, easy. Has publicly made known his intention to improve his steals and block numbers. Demonstrates a willingness to lead and shows heart. The Anti-Vince. Simply put, the Franchise. TJ Ford – I know this may be difficult to hear Charlie V fans, but a necessary acquisition for the franchise. Centerpiece move in Raptor transformation to an up-tempo squad. One of the quickest players in the league, end to end or otherwise. Pure point guard, will set the table. Outstanding in the open court. Can get a 15-18 ft jumper anytime he wants in the half-court. Same flaw as most quick, pass-first playmakers: inconsistent jump shot. Expect some improvement in this area but mostly from improved shot selection. Extremely undersized – 5’10’’, 160ish. Battled back from a major injury in Milwaukee, durability still a concern. Will struggle on the defensive end, a running theme for the Raptor’s backcourt. NBA picks are brick walls to Ford, and it is vital the Raptors step up their team defense, especially on the pick and roll. Will still get his fair share of picks. All in all, a promising addition who should keep Bosh happy, with a team commitment to tempo being the key to personal success. For now, 12+ points and 8+ assists is a very reasonable expectation.
Morris Peterson – Mr. Raptor, longest tenured and a franchise staple. Solid (if not under-rated) player who brings intangibles and should resume his role as the team’s top perimeter defender. However, has been a bane to the existence of many a Raptor fan with his career offensive inconsistencies. Will drop 30 one night, and then go for under 10 the next three. Appears to be off-balance on virtually every contested shot he takes…and some of the open ones too. Known around the league as a mid-range player, but can knock down the long ball and often surprises teams will his knack at getting to the basket. His ability to create his own shot is a staple in Coach Mitchell’s set (just playing Sam, we know you got at least two plays…) On a championship squad, he’s ideally a 3rd or even fourth option, but will be a key part of this year’s attempted run at the play-offs. Definitely skilled enough to flourish in an up-tempo scheme. If MoPete can bring the 15+ points every, and I mean, every night, he will make the Raptors extremely difficult to defend (OK…that much more difficult to defend).
Anthony Parker – Another new face: an NBA refugee who spent extended time in Israel and has now landed back in the Dot. Will walk into the starting shooting guard (or small forward…semantics….semantics…) role beside MoPete and TJ Ford. Considered an extremely savvy and mercurial player overseas, he is known for his mid-range game (will have to re-adjust to the NBA three) and the intangibles he brings to the court. Raptors are hoping he proves to be a superior on the ball defender. Thing is this: he’s had a very under-whelming pre-season. Has looked extremely uncomfortable against NBA competition thus far…which is understandable. You get all those international teams to play with NBA rules…and you see what happens. D. Wade is liable to shoot 40 free throws a game (need the NBA refs, of course…). But I digress…Parker will be asked to fit in by playing defense, moving the ball and hitting his open looks. It may take a couple of months for him to come around completely. But for now…Freddie Jones is looking hard at his minutes.
Rasho Nesterovic – The cosmetic acquisition, picked-up off the Spurs in-house scrap heap for cheap (sorry Bonner fans)…a legitimate 7 footer who can, on paper, be Bosh’s tag-team buddy in the frontcourt. Just don’t expect huge minutes out of him…especially if the Raps get this up-tempo thing on track. A traditional Euro-big, which does provide some positives: a nice touch out to almost 20 feet, passes extremely well, and, for a lumbering centre, has decent feet. Despite his lack-luster play in S.A., he seems to understand team defensive principles and can alter shots. Absolutely no power game…not sure if he even knows he can play offense with his back to the basket. His big salary may be an eye sore, but it is the going rate for anyone who can stand beside Shaq and not be dwarfed. If the pre-season is any indication, should enjoy a short-term rejuvenation of his career, after being run out of the Western Conference by Phoenix and the other Run N’ Sun clones. Thing is…ain’t we trying…to do the same th…oh that’s right we play in the Atlantic Division. He should work for now.
Fred Jones – Another new face who enjoyed an excellent pre-season and the buzz that comes with it. Even has Raptors TV plugs announcing ‘Freddie Jones and the Toronto Raptors’. Alright marketing department, play the Roy Rogers and slooooow down. An undersized high flyer, high energy player who’s good for a high-light or three. Brought in after a failed pursuit of John Salmons, and so far, nobody’s complaining. Ideally suited to the up-tempo game, since he is lethal in the open court. Extremely good at getting to the basket despite going right 90% of the time. Excellent finisher in lane. Would try and dunk on King Kong. Superb free throw shooter as well. At best, streaky shooter from long-range…which is tough because he lines up at shooting guard. On a team filled with suspect perimeter defenders, he will have to step up despite lack of height. Outstanding shot-blocker for position. Will be used as instant offense, change-of-pace type player off the bench, and bigger minutes will come at the expense of Parker. Could develop into a next generation Vinnie Johnson (if you don’t know…google). Although early, appears to be solidifying his future in Toronto. Cheerleaders (not the Dance Pak) are touting Freddie as potential hardware candidate this season (Most Improved, 6th Man). Could be a good look in the Fantasy Pool too. Is it too soon to say, ‘Thanks, Indiana”…?
Jorge Garbajosa – one of two World Champions on the roster and seems primed to play a large part in any substantial success the Raptor’s have this season. Player of oxy-morons: veteran rookie, featured role-player. Can be described as a savvier, less athletic Nocioni, but Raptor fans may feel there is more of a Zen connection with Garbajosa as a more talented Charles Oakley. He will provide the team with much needed toughness off the ball, while making good decisions with the ball. Already demonstrated willingness to take big shots. Considered to have a well-rounded offensive game with three-point range on jumper, will have to adjust to NBA athleticism around the rim. Excellent passer…may have Euro-tendency to hang out on the perimeter. Raps will pair him with Bosh during crunch time, and he will be expected to handle the dirty work on defense. Another side benefit to the team will be his role as mentor to Bargnani. An insightful pick-up, can’t help but make the team better. Looks like he just came back from a three day drinking bender and plays like his opponents took his last cigarette. What’s not to love?
Jose Calderon – Arrived to camp with the confidence of a World Champion. Struggled with injuries in the second half of last season, unfairly scrutinized at times for it, and consequently appeared shook on the court. Bounced back nicely this pre-season. Brings good size as a pass first point. Has instincts to be a superior floor leader but tends to over-dribble at times, especially when defended aggressively on the pick and roll. Can get to the basket effectively and, at his best, is very crafty at choosing his spots. No real pull-up game, will either go to the rim or shoot from the outside. Another streaky shooter from distance, can knock down the three…but shot selection is key. As a defender, has active hands and will come up with his fair share of steals. Not much of a stopper, tends to get lost on picks. Another reason the Raps may see some high scoring games from opposing guards. Overall, this promising prospect will be a solid backup this season, playing an essential part in the Raps over-all depth. One pre-Colangelo player who appears to have a long-term future in Toronto.
Andrea Bargnani – it’s not a girl’s name on College St., OK? Our first ever number one draft pick as a franchise. Evidence of how far the European game, or its perception, has come. Raptor fans will have to understand one word here: Pazienza. Patience, peoples: even Dirk took three years to come around. And Dirk will be a stretch right now. Bargnani is extremely long, young and agile, and consequently looks very awkward on the court. During the pre-season, showed he is not shy on pulling the trigger from anywhere, as he claims the three point shot is the easiest one on the court (rationale: it’s always of a consistent distance). Contrary to this Euro-logic, has been most effective from 15 feet and in, where he’s had success facing up in key where his length allows him to get his shot off and, when near the rim, draw fouls. Rumours during summer league that teams were able to scout him out of games…despite this, seems to have at least the potential to develop a versatile offensive game. A long-term building block for the franchise. Short-term expectations are a dangerous thing for a rookie with so much acclimatizing to do, but defense and, in particular, rebounding effectiveness will ultimately decide whether he gets minutes in the rotation. Expect Colangelo (no I didn’t just misspell Mitchell) to play this smart and keep his development a priority. Garbajosa’s influence will help, but realistically, getting any significant contributions on a consistent basis right now would be gravy: Brandon Roy has nothing to worry about. That being said, I see more early career productivity than, say, a Darko. That, my friends, is the sound of nervous typing…
Joey Graham – the twin that stuck. OSU’s finest has reached what appears to be a career turning point year. A draft pick from the previously ousted administration, Joey will have to earn a place as a part of the Raptor’s long-term plans this season. A swing player, he will back up MoPete (or whoever is listed at small forward…) and will work towards gaining a spot in the rotation. An intriguing physical specimen, he seems to have the physical tools to make it at this level, can finish well around the basket and has shown he can knock down an open 20 ft jumper. However, he appears extremely tentative on the offensive end in general and at times seems downright uncomfortable on the floor. Has made some strides this pre-season and should benefit from the new up-tempo system where he will be expected to make some plays. Raps would clearly like to see depth at this position. It may seem unfair, but Colangelo will need to see some significant progress or will most likely look to make some moves at this position next summer. An active Graham will be a successful Graham. May hear PJ Tucker’s footsteps in his sleep (no homo).
Kris Humphries – A good pick-up, in as much as what we subtracted to get him (last…Hoffa reference…ever…?!!) All pre-season indicators point to Kris cracking the rotation on some level. Had some good games, showing the ability to rebound and even score at times. Undersized power forward (a short 6’9’’). Will be effective as ‘energy big’ off the bench, and has displayed the willingness to attack the rim and be active on offense. Needs to bring same intensity to the defensive end. Spacing and pace of up-tempo game will be to his benefit. Will have trouble defending and finishing against starting caliber players. Extreme level of beige…he and Anthony Parker could both pass. If he demonstrates the ability to rebound on both sides of the court, could see some significant minutes
PJ Tucker – The Longhorn drafted in the second round bypassing local prodigy Denham Brown. Classic tweener, skill set of a small forward, size of a shooting guard. Expected to be a hard-working practice player, turned out to be another pleasant surprise during the pre-season, much to the chagrin of Joey Graham. In his final season at Texas, posted better numbers than teammate and number 2 pick overall LaMarcus Aldridge. Thus far, has demonstrated an impressive ability to finish around the basket against taller opponents. Big energy guy, with good basketball sense. Shown to have the makings of being a superior defender. Needs to work on shot, but has already shown promise as a player. Could be calling him ‘a find’ someday…
And, of course the coach, Sam Mitchell – Pressure’s on Sam and your contract renewal is at stake. With Bosh’s approval, Mitchell was allowed to come back, despite rumours that Colangelo was ready to raid the Sun’s coaching staff for Marc Iavaroni. He’s had a tumultuous tenure at times, highlighted by his behind the scenes feuds with the ex-GM, his knack at making his ex-point guard cry and his tendency to get body-slammed by the ex-star player (Babcock, Rafer and Vince for those keeping score). But notice the one thing that stands out about the last statement, everybody else is an ‘ex’. Sam is still here. He has also been named the worst coach in the NBA in a player’s pole conducted by SI confirming he gets no outsider love. To the press, he’s become known for his (sometimes comically) volatile tirades…the love certainly isn’t coming from the media side. So why is he still here? Mitchell has managed to acquire the rep of being a player’s coach while still being considered a disciplinarian, which in reality, is an impressive juggling act. He also appears to have this team’s loyalty…for now. It is his strategic acumen, however, that has continually dogged him, as witnessed by the joking references to the team’s one page playbook. And Sam seems to consistently fail in the truest of bench coaching tests: after many a time out, the Raptors have been known to run the same crusty pick-and-roll set that they normally would have engaged in, to a completely variable effect. Would it KILL you to DRAW up ONE play that would lead DIRECTLY to a BASKET!!!?? I mean, you got the time…IT IS A TIME OUT!
Alright, lemme just…Ok, I’m good. Really, this season is about the benefit of the doubt. It was hard at times to be overly critical of the Raptor’s execution last season because of the roster. I mean it was too easy to blame, say, Mike James and his one-on-one forays for the lack of offensive structure and defensively, there were clearly holes. But this season, Sam has even been given a strategy (RUUUUUN!!) and now he’s gotta make the roster overhaul work. I definitely believe certain players will benefit from any type of structure (maybe make someone like MoPete mo’ consistent…). And watching him try and fulfill his promise of one hundred shots a game should be interesting, to say the least. But as with all coaches, it all comes down to wins and losses. Colangelo has already bucked all conventional wisdom by starting the season of a rebuilding team with the last GM’s coach. You have to credit him for at least trying…he must see something in Sam. But this much is clear: if the Raptors limp out the gate at a pace that anywhere near resembles last season, Sam Jackson (who is already schooling our broadcast team…sigh) would have a better chance finishing up the season coaching than Mitchell.
