(C)RAPTORS - Should I finish it?

[Lamrock]

Valor, Bosh averaged 13 PPG in November, so he's turning it around. Calderon has a 99 free throw rating (if anyone should have a 99 its him!) but for some reason, even with Real Player FT%, he misses more than he should.

Sit, Yep! We'll be like the 2006 Denver Nuggets!

thierryhenry50,

[Lamrock]

Raptors, Grizzlies, Pacers Swap Unwanted Reserves

January 4, 2009 | Sports | NBA | Transactions

The Pacers, Raptors and Grizzlies are three different teams in three very different situations. The Pacers are exceeding expectations, the Raptors have been predictably mediocre and the Grizzlies have been predictably terrible. With the Pacers still just two games above .500, the Raptors struggling to hold on to a playoff seed, and the Grizzlies hoping for something positive (aside from a draft pick) to come out of this season, it was logical that a minor shakeup was due.

The Indiana Pacers took a risk, making a shake-up with the team clicking so well. However, they shouldn't miss any of the pieces shipped out. Josh McRoberts and Jeff Foster have yet to play this season, while Jarrett Jack is averaging a measly 3.4 points per game. In return, they receive a solid backup for Danny Granger in Joey Graham, a good swingman defender in Quinton Ross and another decent big man in Kris Humphries. Indiana definitely profits in this trade in terms of talent, but the caveat to this move is that they will have some extra salary for the next couple years, but if they're winning, who cares?

Toronto has been trying to cut more cap to accompany Shawn Marion's monster expiring contract by getting expirings and cutting bad contracts, and that is just what they did. They even got better while at it! The Raptors shipped out disgruntled swingman Joey Graham, fool Kris Humphries, overpaid backup point guard Marcus Banks and pissed off third-string point guard Roko Ukic. In return they received backup point guard Jarrett Jack and rebounding monster Jeff Foster from the Pacers, as well as oft-injured swingman Darius Miles from the Blazers. The trade improves them at the backup point guard position, clears up more minutes for Jason Kapono, who has played brilliantly, and gets them some much-needed help on the boards for when Chris Bosh is out.





Memphis lost starting point guard Michael Conley for the season and their rotation at that position has been shooting guard OJ Mayo and journeyman Mike Wilks. That and their glut of swingmen explain why the Grizzlies, a rebuilding team, took up a few million in salary via this trade. The Grizzlies acquired point guards Marcus Banks and Roko Ukic from the Raptors, and also got sophomore big man Josh McRoberts from the Pacers. They sent out Darius Miles and Quinton Ross, a smart move considering they had logjams at the 2 and 3 positions. Ross averages 2 points a game, while Miles averages 3.6. Overall, the Grizzlies managed to trade two useless players for three somewhat useful ones. Even though it did mean taking up a little extra salary, it seems the Memphis Grizzlies got a good deal here.

All in all, it seems the big winners of this trade are Toronto. They managed to ditch the four players they wanted gone, and acquired three guys who will likely crack the bottom of their rotation. Indiana and Memphis also improved, but their trades also have the possibility of blowing up in their faces. The effects of this trade will likely be minimal, but they very well could earn each team an extra win or two this season, which could end up making a big difference.

Indiana Trade Grade: B+
Toronto Trade Grade: A
Memphis Trade Grade: B

[kibaxx7]

Good trade, I like it. Can't wait to see how Darius Miles accomodates to your lineup

[Lamrock]

Thanks. He'll be the ninth man in a nine-man rotation, but he should get some minutes alongside Kapono at the 3, and maybe spend some time at the 4 in small-ball lineups.

The best thing about the trade in my opinion is the fact that all the guys I acquired are expirings. I'm probably going to sign a couple guys to fill out the roster though, because I only have 12.

[homicide1550]

I think the players you acquired were upgrades from the ones you let go... Plus you said that they have expiring contracts which will definitely help you in the offseason.. great trade!

[Shabron]

lol doesnt that mean the graham twins are on the same team?

[Lamrock]

Raptors Fill Out Roster With Vets Francis, Griffin

January 6, 2009 | Sports | NBA | Toronto Raptors | Transactions

Toronto, ON - The Raptors' three team trade made two days ago was an overall positive for the team. However, the deal left Toronto with just a twelve man roster, with no injury reserves. To solve this dilemma, GM Liam Washburn dished out 1 year contracts at league minimum for two veterans: defensive stalwart Adrian Griffin and mercurial point guard Steve Francis.

Griffin, 34, is a nine year veteran who was not resigned after his last brief stint in Seattle, in which he was played very sparingly and averaged only a point per game. Griffin is capable of playing the shooting guard and small forward positions, and is a very capable defender, most notably starting for Dallas in the 2006 NBA Finals against Dwyane Wade. Despite his defensive capabilities and experience, he will likely start the season on the injury reserve.



Francis, 31, played ten games in the 2007-08 season, averaging 5.5 points, 3 assists and 2.3 rebounds, before suffering a season ending injury. This year, he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, and subsequently waived. Francis is likely to start the season low in the rotation, but he believes that he can work his way up. "I'm still in my prime. I still think I can go out there and have another all-star season. I just need to earn my minutes," he said when interviewed today.

Francis holds career averages of 18.1 points, 6 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game, but has been declining since his 2006 trade to the New York Knicks. Ironically, when Francis was first drafted, he refused to play for a team located in Canada (the then Vancouver-based Grizzlies), and now could very well be playing his last stint as a pro for the Toronto Raptors.

These two signings probably won't make an earth-shattering different for the Raptors. But if and when they make the playoffs this season, picking up these veterans could end up paying off. If something happens to Jarrett Jack and Jose Calderon, and Steve Francis returns to form, this move will pay off in spades.

[kibaxx7]

YEA! Stevie Franchise rocks

[Fresh8]

I loved Franchise but no, I don't love him no more

[Lamrock]

homicide1550, Glad you approve. Hope it was realistic.

Shabron, Yep! I had intended to put something about that in the write-up but I forgot.

thierryhenry50, He's a mere shadow of his former self, but who knows? Maybe he turns out to be a beast in 2K9 and renders Calderon obsolete.

Sit, I never cared for him when he was in his prime, but I felt he needed a home and he was the best FA combo guard available willing to sign for next-to-nothing.

Coming up next: The five new Raptors make their debut in Philadelphia!

[magician]

nice you have Stevie..he's one of my favorite players !

[IM2FLASHY_330]

nice acquistion of the Franchise... can't wait to see what he does for you.

[deihatein]

Damn, I miss some of the updates. Nice signing of The Franchise. I hope do well on your team.

[Martti.]

You really improved with the trade and the signings. Griffin is underrated, perhaps activate him sometimes.

[homicide1550]

Wow! Those are solid signings... Nice work on the waiver wires... Hopefully your chemistry won't be too messed up with the addition of 5 new players...

[Lamrock]

Raptors Overcome Iguodala's Triple Double To Win In OT

January 14, 2009 | Raptors [5-5] @ Sixers [6-6]

Philadelphia, PA - Current frontrunners in the surprisingly weak Atlantic Division (Defending champion Celtics, where are you?), the Raptors and Sixers face off in a potentially fateful game. Coming in to the game right after bringing in five new players, and being the road team, the Raptors entered the game as major underdogs. However, the NBA is where amazing happens.

Both teams played tight defense in the first quarter, resulting in the score being 18 all after the first period of play. The two teams loosened up in the second quarter. Anthony Parker got the hot hand, but stars Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand counteracted this, and the home team led 45-41 at the half.The second half was played in similar fashion to the first quarter. Both teams played tough D and no team could pull away. With 14 seconds remaining in regulation, the Sixers had a 78-75 lead with possession. Shawn Marion, who was having a bad game and had been struggling as of late, stole the inbounds pass and dished the assist to Jason Kapono for the game-tying 3.

Andre Iguodala missed a clumsy attempt at a game winner, forcing overtime. More basket-trading occurred between these two equally matched teams, until new Raptor Jarrett Jack sunk a big three pointer with 36 ticks left to put his team up 4. Toronto would make their free throws and go on to win it 91-86, and take a one game lead in the Atlantic Division, and a potentially crucial tie-breaker over Philly.



Aside of Jarrett Jack's three pointer, the new Raptors didn't do much. All of them (minus the inactive Adrian Griffin) player, but only Jack and Jeff Foster scored, with 5 and 3 points respectively. Darius Miles was particularly suspect, notching an amazing ten trillion. At least Steve Francis had the decency to dish two assists and miss a shot.

Andre iguodala was fantastic in the losing effort, scoring 23 points, grabbing 13 rebound and dishing 10 assists on 9-for-15 shooting. Chris Bosh starred for the Raptors with 15 points, 18 rebounds and 6 assists, while Anthony Parker led them in scoring with 21. The win improves Toronto to 6-5. With the rest of the month at home, save for a trip to Minnesota, the Raptors will have a great opportunity to get a few games above .500.

TOR 18 23 18 19 - 13 91
PHI 18 27 19 14 - 8 86

Player of the game: Chris Bosh (TOR): 15 Points, 18 Rebounds, 6 Assists

Noteworthy Performances:

Raptors:

Anthony Parker: 21 Points, 4 Assists
Jose Calderon: 15 Points, 7 Assists
Andrea Bargnani: 12 Points, 6 Rebounds, 3 Assists
Shawn Marion: 9 Points, 4 Rebounds, 2 Steals, 2 Blocks

76ers:

Andre Iguodala: 23 Points, 13 Rebounds, 10 Assists, 9-15 FG
Elton Brand: 15 Points, 9 Rebounds, 2 Blocks
Marreese Speights: 11 Points, 4 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 3 Blocks
Andre Miller: 8 Points, 7 Assists, 3 Rebounds
Samuel Dalembert: 6 Points, 11 Rebounds

[deihatein]

Too bad the new players didn't have a good debut, but nice to see them at least playing in your game. Love the writings. Nice win

[kibaxx7]

Lol, a Mario, a ten trillion, new basketball words

[Lamrock]

Raptors Use Dominant Fourth Quarter To Eclipse Suns

January 30, 2009 | Suns (11-7) @ Raptors (9-6)

The Toronto Raptors entered the game coming off a harsh home loss against the Charlotte Bobcats, which ended their five game winning streak. Facing off against the star-studded Suns, it looked like Toronto might finish its best month of the season on a low note. Thanks to the frontcourt duo of Andrea Bargnani and Chris Bosh, that was not the case.

The game started at the Suns pace, with SSOL being the name of the game. Thanks to their rebounding edge, the Raptors finished the first quarter up by 4. The Raptors expected this momentum to roll over into the second period, but that wasn't the case. Phoenix slowed the pace down, and neither team could buy a shot. The Suns went on a 14-2 run mid-quarter to take their first lead, and would finish the half up 47-45.

Coming out of the half, Toronto wanted to run, and so they did. They continued to crash the boards, and led by star Chris Bosh and former Sun Shawn Marion, outscored Phoenix 16-7 in the first half of the third quarter to regain the lead. This would be short-lived however, as the Suns would sink three triples on four possessions to take a narrow one-point lead heading into the final quarter.



Shaquille O'Neal fouling out, and Andrea Bargnani coming back into the game triggered a 16-3 spurt by Toronto to give them a double-digit lead. This time however, the Suns could not recover. Even Steve Nash, who had a season-high 25 points, could not put enough points on the board for the Suns to win. With three minutes left and a 13 point spread on the scoreboard, the teams let their reserves out. Phoenix's reserves managed to get the game within six points with 40 seconds remaining, but the Raptors didn't bother to send their starters back in and won the game 100-93.

This game saw Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani at their best, with killer lines of 22-14 and 25-7, respectively. It also saw a return to form for the struggling Shawn Marion, who had 13 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists against his former team. Steve Nash played well for his team, with a season-high 25 points and 7 assists, but shot a pathetic 8-for-27 from the field. The victory puts Toronto in third place in the Eastern Conference standings, and puts the Suns just a half-game above the Thunder for third in the West. Though it was only a seven point game, the stats would suggest a blowout, with Toronto shooting a much better percentage and dominating the boards.

PHX 26 21 24 22 93
TOR 30 15 25 30 100

Player of the game: Chris Bosh (TOR): 22 Points, 14 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 2 Blocks, 10-15 FG

Noteworthy Performances:

Raptors:

Andrea Bargnani: 25 Points, 7 Rebounds, 11-15 FG
Shawn Marion: 13 Points, 10 Rebounds, 6 Assists
Jason Kapono: 18 Points, 4 Rebounds
Jose Calderon: 9 Points, 9 Assists

Suns:

Steve Nash: 25 Points, 7 Assists
Leandro Barbosa: 21 Points, 3 Assists
Shaquille O'Neal: 14 Points, 8 Rebounds
Amare Stoudemire: 12 Points, 7 Rebounds
Jason Richardson: 9 Points, 4 Rebounds

[Fresh8]

Good win against the Suns dude

[kibaxx7]

Great triumph

[deihatein]

Nice win, wats with the Thunder getting the number 3 in the west? What' SSOL by the way?

[Valor]

nice win, great to see that your stars are finally having a bigger impact on games
keep it up

[Skills]

Whoa, a Raptors association! I was thinking of doing a dynasty with them a while ago... too bad I never found the time. Oh well, they're in good hands here. Nice work with the trades and signings. Though I think you should bring in Mensah-Bonsu, he'd be an excellent backup for Bosh, just like in real life. And no Liam Washburn storyline this time around I'm guessing? That's a shame. I expected some DUI's with Marion when I found out you were doing a Raps association.

[Lamrock]

Sit, Thanks!

thierryhenry50, That it was.

dei., That's the problem with 29 games. You get some fluke standings. OKC started out 7-2, and have lost 4 of 5, but the entire Northworst division is taking a season off I guess. Durant for MVP. SSOL is what the old D'Antoni Suns style of play was called. It stands for "seven seconds or less", the time taken per possession to get a shot off.

Valor, Yep, Bosh is averaging 18 and 10 now! Bargs could be Most Improved, and Calderon might make the ASG as well.

Skillmatic, I totally would, but he's not in the game. Same with Quincy Douby. Jeff Foster has been working pretty well though. No storyline this time because I can't think of any good story arcs and the story kinda killed my first couple 2K9 association attempts. Good to see people liked it though! Its good to have a Raptors fan following. They're my favorite Eastern Conference team.