Talking Point Guards and Mascots

 

Jose Speaks But What Does It Mean?

Just before we get started today a couple things on some upcoming work for the blog. First the second installment of the Raptors Core and Dino Nation co effort is being put together and should be up on this blog tomorrow or the next day. A reminder that both Mark and I are willing to answer your questions as part of this feature if you care to get them to ether one of us. Only requirement is they have something to do with basketball.

Second I have been working hard on what I hope will be a very good blog on my choice for the Raptors draft pick. If you have been reading this blog you know who that is. Well I have got some help from people including Raptor media people Eric Smith and Jack Armstrong. I am waiting on some more info I have been gathering. Once I have it I will get to work putting it together. I have had to wait on this info but hopeful it will come through and it will add to the blog in a major way.

Now on to the blog. Jose Calderon has made news by his translated statement that he wants to start and have a major role with the team he plays for next season. Many have said this means the end for T.J Ford. But several things are going against that idea. Bryan Colangelo is on the record stating that he is going to exhaust all avenues to make this a workable situation for both point guards to remain with the Raptors. Ultimately Jose has no control over his situation other then the dollar amount and term he will receive in his contract. I feel that has as much to do with his comments as his desire to start. Lastly Micheal Grange Raptors beat reporter appeared tonight on Prime Time Sports on the Fan 590. He suggested that the marketplace for Ford may not be as significant as people have been suggesting. He said that it is entirely possible that Both Ford and Calderon could return with Calderon as the starter entering camp for 08/09. I understand many doubt my feelings on this topic based on my support of Ford but this is what other people are saying not me. I do of course agree with it and have stated these things myself to a degree. The ideal time to trade Ford if that is the plan is at the deadline next year not this off-season. The danger in that of course is should T.J get injured or come back with a negative outlook towards the situation he could drop his value. But I hope I know T.J Ford as well as I think I do and say you will see a different T.J next season. If I am wrong you will not have to tell me I was wrong. I will say it myself and I will be deeply disappointed in T.J Ford.

Chancey Billups is a huge question mark for game 4 in Orlando and this is a huge problem for Pistons should he be out. Rodney Stucky is a great player but is a rookie and I am not sure what to think of how he will do in this pressure situation. Jameer Nelson was very good in the Toronto series and should be able to take advantage of an inexperienced Stucky.

Anthony Parker’s Sister Candice Parker will debut for the L.A Sparks of the WNBA. She was the number one pick and is being billed as a player that can give the league a higher profile and build it back to the levels the league once enjoyed when it started. I will say this it may just work as I am actually considering watching this game. I can not recall the last time I considered the WNBA a real option for my viewing enjoyment. Not sure if it is the fact it is AP’s sister or the fact I am interested in the hype around this women. Speaking of A.P I have some advice for his wife. Be careful Mrs.Parker apparently the women of the Raptor Fan base think you Husband is HOT. Others that got some shout outs from the ladies were Carlos Delfino, Kris Humphries and I think I saw one Jason Kapono. Apparently even women have gave up on T.J Ford cause I use to see posts about him being popular with women. Why did I write about this? Not sure maybe I want to improve my female demographic. Honestly it just fit is with writing about Candice to add this. Do women like Chris Paul? No Idea, but after reading this next part on Chris Paul will play well with the ladies.

I just want to take the time to give some well deserved praise to Chris Paul. It has nothing to do with his team and his excellent play in the playoffs so far. A young boy who was a Chris Paul fan had made a wish to have a Chris Paul jersey he would get it and was going to get to met his hero as well. But unfortunately the youngster who was battling Cancer took a turn for the worse and is no longer with us. Paul as a tribute wrote “Brian” the young man’s name on his shoes in game 3 vs Spurs. A nice thing to do by a classy kid that is a true example of what a young sports star should be.

Staying on the Hornets beat so to speak. Here is a funny moment from this series in case you missed it. Proof that in the NBA truly ANYTHING can and does HAPPEN.

THE NBA Where Mascots get Interviewed HAPPENS…..

Hugo the Hornet is my second Favorite Mascot in the NBA. The Raptor no doubt is JEALOUS of HUGO’S facetime. I would be too because The Raptor is an award winning Mascot after all where was his big exclusive interview on TNT. I would interview him for the blog but some how I don’t think that would work to well. Spurs may be the only ones not laughing as the Hornets are still up 2-1 in Western Conference Semi Final ( Moe P vs Red Rocket )

Tags: T.J Ford, Bryan Colangelo, Anthony Parker, Jose Calderon, Carlos Delfino, Chris Paul, Hugo The Hornet, Candice Parker, WNBA, Kris Humphries, TNT, Chancey Billups, Rodney Stucky, The Raptor