Official Toronto Raptors Thread.

[cyanide]

Lacrosse is the dumbest sport I've seen in my entire life.

Hockey is to lacrosse as (American) football is to rugby

[J@3]

I watched a full lacrosse game the other week, bunch of guys in weird uniforms flinging some ball at each other and catching it in fishing nets, and whenever someone tries to run with the ball the others start hacking him with their fishing rods. I mean wtf? I'm not a hockey fan but compared to lacrosse it's a genius sport.

[cyanide]

The concept and style is similar to hockey, except they run and they use lacrosse sticks instead of hockey sticks. It's fun to play back in gym class.

Anyway, I find either baseball, curling or golf to be the dullest sport around.

[maes]

I love lacrosse, favorite sport after basketball...didn't even know you could watch real (field) lacrosse?! All i ever see is the indoor crap.

I think it's a little closer to american football than hockey because of the field size, # of players, and the beauty of the sport is in the violence and hits mixed with well executed passing plays.

[hipn]

I thought Lacross was played in a hockey rink? Of course the floor/ground is covered a carpet like thing, but isn't it played in a hockey rink? Or is that just professional lacross?

[jerry]

i thought lacrosse was played outdorrs in like a soccer field :S

[hipn]

Well, professional is played indoors, but I have no idea about other ones.

Ex: Toronto Rock (http://www.torontorock.com/)

[hipn]

Tuesday, August 29th, 2006

It has been a slow couple of days in the news departement regardign the Raptors, so I here are some articles from today, or small sections from the article.

G T.J. Ford, Raptors: His production will be relevant to monitor as he puts himself in a situation to become a major fantasy player as James did last season. Toronto will score lots of points and average more shot attempts than most – or all – NBA teams, so Ford is a candidate to lead the league in assists. It is no stretch to envision Ford averaging 16 points and nine assists, but don’t expect anything over 42 percent shooting and 50 made 3s. He’ll likely top 100 steals, so Ford is not a bad option early in your draft.

RotoTimes: Offseason Wrapup - August 28, 1006

F Charlie Villanueva, Bucks: He was rapidly becoming one of my favorite players to watch late last season, especially after he dropped 48 points on 20-for-32 shooting on the Bucks, his new team. Villanueva and Bobby Simmons will be Milwaukee’s top scoring options after Michael Redd this season. Villanueva played only 29 minutes per game in his rookie season, but that will increase to about 33 or 34. Expect about 15 shots a night with averages of 17 points and seven rebounds with 100-plus made 3s. However, don’t expect many assists, steals and blocks.

RotoTimes: Offseason Wrapup - August 28, 1006

Dwight and Bosh are the nicest and coolest guys by far out of all of them. They have said they play cards and go sightseeing with them.

RealGM Post by GRADEN (Seems like you can trust him)

Smith: Nothin' But (Inter)Net
Aug. 29, 2006. 11:13 AM
DOUG SMITH
SPORTS REPORTER

One thing that has to be a bit worrisome for the Raptors about Chris Bosh's tenure with the American team at the world championships shouldn't be his limited role — the less worn out he is, the better for the coming season as a matter of fact — but it's how he's being used.

The Americans have pretty much given over the running of the offence to Mike D'Antoni, the architect of the Phoenix Suns helter-skelter style, and he's installed the same kind of game he uses in the NBA, a wing-dominated, up-and-down freelance style that plays off the skills of the point guard and small forwards more than it does big men.

Bosh, of course, has made his strides in the NBA on prototypical big man play, pick-and-roll, back-to-the-basket stuff that plays to his strength. Watching him in limited action with the Americans early in the tournament, it was taking him a long time, a long unsuccessful time, getting acclimated to that kind of game. It come as no surprise to many that he and Brad Miller were the odd men out in the first five games of the tournament, given their skills and the style D'Antoni has the Americans playing.

If that's what the Raptors are going to do — and that's what they've said they are going to do ever since Bryan Colangelo got here in February — they can only hope Bosh adjusts quickly because he's the guy who's going to have the most to learn.

It figures that T.J. Ford, Morris Peterson and smalls like Fred Jones and Anthony Parker, are going to have little adjustment since they all have games that suit that style — better in the open court than the halfcourt — so it's going to be up to Bosh to make the big adjustment.

It's not like he can't, the kid is smart and he will have had six weeks of practice and games to get used to it, but how quickly he adapts will tell the tale of the Raptors early in the season.

What I think you're going to see is some sort of hybrid offence, that relies on Ford's quickness, the open-court abilities of Peterson et al and then a prototypical screen-and-roll dominated play-calling when they don't get anything off the break.

But I also know Sam Mitchell will be pushing Bosh every day in practice to get used to a freelance kind of game, where he reads and reacts on the fly to whatever the defence gives him. That's when you're going to see if the Raptors are able to pull of this Suns-North stuff you've been hoping for.

CONTINUE READING...

Smith: Nothin' But (Inter)Net (Aug. 29, 2006. 11:13 AM)

Article links thanks to Coolhandbud @ RealGM Raptors.

- Hipn

Also known as Hip_n @ RealGM Raptors.

[Cable]

Jeez, I missed the hockey discussion.

I don't mean offense to any of you here, but IMO it's mostly the immigrants who don't care for hockey. White Canadian families who've been here for generations take pride in hockey. Until another country can step up constantly, Canada will dominate in hockey. At least probably 66% of the NHL is Canadian, and Canada has and will do well in international competition. It's at the point that if we don't win gold, it's not considered a success. You can't argue against those facts. Basketball is becoming the new sport to play, but there will always be die-hard hockey fans in Canada.

Nice links hipn.

[cyanide]

Spain beats Argentina 75-74, moving on to the gold medal game.

Garbajosa scored a team high of 19 points (tied with Pau Gasol)

[ThaLiveKing]

SPain had a sick team. I'm glad I get to see these guys play before the season starts. Maybe it's gonna be a good season after all

[cyanide]

Spain wins the tournament! Garbajosa is named to the all-tournament team along with Gasol, Carmello Anthony, Ginobili and Papaloukas > Link

Garbajosa seems like a great pickup for Toronto based on this tournament

[Cable]

Yeah, looks like the Raptors finally know what they're doing.

[ThaLiveKing]

Has open Practice been scheduled yet?? I'm dying to know when it is

[Jarnigan]

Anthony Parker's sister is on the US World Championship team. Check out http://www.candaceparker.com

[BOSS]

Yeah I knew that was his sister last year.
She is straight out GOOOOOD.
She was the one who beat out J.R. Smith and them in the HS Slam Dunk Comp. in 2004.
The Tennessee Lady Vols sensation was the first ever to dunk in the women NCAA tournament.

Clip

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A-ZNfdBiqQ

[iKe7in]

That may be the weakest dunk in the history of the game.

[Its_asdf]

Jalen Rose's dunks > Candance Parker's.

[cyanide]

Some awesome stuff from a guy who went to a press conference with Brian Colangelo and Sam Mitchell (goodies bolded):

Q&A
1)i asked Sam about last yaers learning curve and what htey're doing different this year

SAM:
*we have veterans that know how to play and have experience
*last year there were MANY times when CV and JG didn't know what they were doing and looked baffled...he said that is normal for rookies
*Honed on when asking CV 'why he was at a certain spot' on defense he'd get a 'i dont know' reply .. which again he said is expected... but ppl need to realize that there is a learning curve for rookies
*...'many times Charlie didn't even know what city we were in b/c of the back 2 back or 4 games in 5 nights schedules' ...

- I m not sure if he kept mentioning charlie to condone the trade or just as a rookie example - he did mention jose and joey also but ref'd charlie more


2) Observing the palyers for about a week now... is/was there anything that caught u by surprise or that u didn't expect?

SAM:
*No...nothing really .. i know all the guys.. i coached TJ in milwaukee..
*BC CUT him off laffing and goes.. YES... they all showed up and are genuwinely excited to get started and acclimated with one another...it's a real refresher seeing these guys on the floor


3) Someone asked what is the backup plan considering if alot of the raptors play in the WC next year or qualifying tourneys and get injured.. we have no cap space.... (basically in ref to Pau Gasol being out till march and how memphis is screwed)

*BC.. the raptors have hired the Grizzlies' trainer and he told them all the concerns with Pau prior to the WC
*Brain said had he been in that situation he would have recommended Pau ( or his player) not to play
*The trainer (now with the raps) is not surprised Pau got injured
*BC mentioned its a risk to let them play but at the same time you have to do whats best for your team
i.e Decision to NOT let Bargnani play in WC upset Italy...but it was the best decision for the raps and Andrea.. the guy was dead tired after playing all year, flying to the draft the day after winning the championship..then going to the summer league.. he's WELL rested.. gained weight and strenght and ready to go
- Also.. if bosh didn't play.. this would be his first real action since early march when he got hurt... it was a GREAT experience for chris and kept him in shape.. bottom line .. CB4 NEEDED to play BALL
- Benefit for Jose and Garbs
- Nesterovic showed NEW LIFE in the WC... he is VERY HAPPY about coming here

-agreed that injuries can occur and should be warranted but you always have to do whats best for the palyers/team

4) asked about Defense and the new guys learning plays

-Both BC and SAm .. .European players know how to play D.. HELP Defense is their speciality
-spoke about how Garbs held Nowitizki in the WC.. but did it with help defense
- Garbs smart defender


...other Stupid irrelevant questions i can't remember..

OK.. NOW THE JUICE. . (sorry had to save this for the end like last time)


SAM MITCHELL Highlights: (he spoke of these guys voluntarily)


on Jose Calderon:

- PRAISED jose calderon like no other... says Jose is ready to go and will be an integral part of this franchise
- ALWAYS thinking of the team first ..wheterh he plays 5 minutes or 25...
- EXTREMELY new attitude and confidence after rookie season and WC
- Ready to accept responsibility

on Joey Graham:

-Extremely talented and skilled player..CAN easily be a STAR in this league.. YES .. he said STAR
-unbelievable strenght and athleticism
-struggled with the learning curve last year
-has the ability to cover KOBE, VINCE, LEBRON, TMAC...
-To the Fans: Expect BIG things from Joey this year

on CB4 and Mo Pete:
- Have emerged as leaders of the team
- Mo petes game keeps getting better
- CB4 is the only guarnateed starter
- CB4 has grown so much over the past seasons..and has soo much more room to grow...


On Bargs:

- Wants Barganni to play center
- believes he will create incredible match up problems for other teams
- Can Dribble, Pass and Shoot
- Plays the game with guard like skills
- 7'1 with shoes
- He will dicate his own playing time... 'Players decide who plays .. NOT ME'



Brian Colangelo:

TJ FORD TJ FORD TJ FORD!!!

- the majority of the team has realized they are not in shape after playing with TJ
- the guy is Lightning quick..possibly the FASTEST palyer they've seen
- Pushes the ball immediately
-Hard to keep up with him
-Caught Fred Jones (who has bulked up) trying to catch his breath on the sidelines...admitting that he luvs the style and has to get used to all the running
-Expect ENTERTAINING Basketball
- Joey graham, fred jones always ahead of the pack when tj pushes the ball...
- Chris and Rasho will complement each other GREAT
- Rasho has played with TD and KG ... he knows how to win.. never been on a losing roster... played with Sam
- Rasho has over 400 starts in his career
- Projected to Start games..but may not finish them (a la Bargs)


TJ FORD!!!!

Heres MY FAVORITE PART .. this was mentioned TWICE by BC throughout the session....


QUESTION: u traded for an oft injured guard.. are u worried?

BC: (licks his lips, smiles...) 'Yesterday.. Tj Ford.. in transition on the break.. leaped up and slammed home a 360 dunk' ... ' In a game situation... i believe that should tell you about how he's feeling'

MORE TJ stuff...

(excitedly speaking he mentioned...)

*TJ has been throwing lobs to himself and dunking them
* Off the backboard lobs and slamming them
*For a 5'11 Guy to do that.. I believe his past injury is not an immediate concern.... we're looking at the positives

[Its_asdf]

Man, I can't wait for Graham next year. I really hope he has worked on his ball handling and gained enough confidence in that area to kick some serious arse, because Graham's only major flaw on offence is dribbling (although his weakness is a very big one because dribbling is the number one thing needed to create your own shots).

[Cable]

Oh, yeah, this sounds good. Let's hope it's not just hype.

[cyanide]

Its_asdf: I keep reading the problem with Graham is his aggressiveness, but hopefully that'll change this year. Btw, why the man-love for Roger Mason Jr? He's not on the roster for the Raptors.

[Its_asdf]

I don't think Graham isn't agressive in terms of mindset, its just that his ballhandling is so mechanical and so poor that it never allowed him to attack the rim enough. I would cover my eyes if he took more than 3 dribbles, much like Matt Bonner did all the time when he somehow majestically thought that he was useful for anything other than being a spot up shooter...

Also about Roger Mason...

It's my infatuation with 6'5/6'6 combo guards, I guess. Mardy Collins, Reece Gaines, Julius Hodge and Jeryl Sasser are players that I still have hope for.

I had a joygasm when Mason scored a career high 18 points against New Jersey. Hopefully, he'll make the Wizards roster.

Edit: By the way, I have not forgiven Milt Palacio for kicking Mason off the final roster spot. Bastard.

[Abctest123]

Thanks a lot for the article, now I'm gonna be overhyping the upcoming season for the Raptors (must...not...get...too...excited...must...stay...humble...). Anyways, thanks for that, cyanide. If what they said about Rasho and Bosh being able to work together, then I dont think its too bad of a prediction to expect CB4's blocking numbers to go up this season (easily has the length to do so). Bosh can get easy weakside blocks while Rasho is busy holding his own against the guy he's defending. Hope Calderon does well this season. I like his attitude and work ethic. He had GREAT assist numbers pre-injury, something along the lines of like 7.5 apg coming off the bench That's basically unheard of for a point guard coming off the bench . Before I get carried away,

Oh, yeah, this sounds good. Let's hope it's not just hype.

[cyanide]

^ You're welcome As for Bosh's blocking, I sure hope it goes up too, but that also depends on the defensive system that Mitchell will incorporate. I think somebody mentioned that in Bosh's first year, he was constantly attacking players on defense and having a lot of chances to get a lot of blocks, but under Mitchell, he didn't get that many opportunities. Who knows, we'll see. I'm really excited about TJ now, and Calderon would make a great backup point guard. The depth is really strong for the Raptors, and hopefully it'll translate well in the NBA.

Thanks for the explanation, Its_asdf