Iversonless Raptors Rewind

So Allen Iverson is not in the line-up. He is stuck in trade limbo. Chancey Billups has yet to have been cleared by the Nuggets by having his physical. So sorry Toronto it will not be the big debut for you. But given the history of Allen Iverson vs. the Raptors that is likely a good thing. Besides Rodney Stuckey is not a chump, so 4-0 is not just a given. The Pistons are a quality club and it will be a tough task for the Raptors.

Chris Bosh is coming off the Eastern Conference Player of the week. Ready to get back to work on a Wednesday night at the ACC. Raptors first trip up the floor they would turn it over. But a Piston miss and Chris Bosh would score and head to the line and make it. Rodney Stuckey who was getting the start with no AI. He would make good use of that with a drive and score. Bosh had the Raptors first 5 points and lead 5-4 in the very early going. Rodney Stuckey had his second of the night he had 4. But the Chris Bosh show marched on with another 2 points. Jamario Moon would break the Bosh run of scoring with a long two point shot.

Rodney Stuckey would score and get a foul on Bosh, so Stuckey with the basket and free throw and he had 7. Anthony Parker would respond nailing a 3 pointer and getting fouled and he would convert for the rare 4 point play. Raptors had a 13-10 lead. Rip Hamilton would get back to back buckets and the Pistons would take a lead 14-13.

Rasheed Wallace would score and Raptors were not looking to break a 6-0 run by the Pistons. Raptors had been have some turnover issue with 5 already. But Jose Calderon would step up and score a basket and then created a turnover for the Pistons right after he scored. Jermaine O’Neal would get on the score sheet and Raptors were back in front 17-16.

Rip Hamilton was fortunate to get a goaltending call as O’Neal was looking to block his shot. Will Solomon would check in late in the first quarter for his first action of the season. He had been injured to start the year. Raptors were looking to build a lead to end the first. J.O would help the cause with a basket and score was 23-20. But J.O would pick up an offensive foul on the next trip up the floor his second. Raptors would end the quarter still up 23-20.

Joey Graham was in the game and the early signs were this is a bad Joey night. A miss on offense and a foul on the other end and capped off by a silly turnover. Despite all of those “Bad” Joey moment the score was even at 25. But a Prince 3-ball would give the Pistons the lead. Detroit had a 6-0 run going which would be broken by Andrea Bargnani with a two point shot. That was the first bench points of the night for the Raptors. Jason Kapono would add a couple to that total with couple free throws. Andrea Bargnani would make a 3 pointer and the bench was being powered by it’s two main scorers. But Detroit was matching the scoring to this point 37-32. Will Solomon would get his first official points as a Raptor on a drive and score. Pistons came back and matched that making the score 39-34 and a time out on the floor.

Prince had a very quiet 12 points, as he scored to extend the Piston lead to 7 with just under half the quarter to play. Raptors had 8 turnovers so far in this game and it was not helping matters. Chris Bosh after a hot start had cooled off, but was trying to get it back going with the turnaround jumper for the score. But the Raptors in general were struggling to get points on the board. The Pistons were not having these problems. Jermaine O’Neal being on the bench with his 2 fouls has obviously a plus for them. Pistons had built up a 48-38 lead late in the second quarter. Rip Hamilton would make that a 12 point lead as part of a 13-4 Piston run. A Jose Calderon three pointer cut lead to single digits. Rodeny Stuckey answered with a 2 pointer. Kris Humphries got the old fashion variety 3 point play. Raptors cut it down to a 54-46 lead heading into halftime.

8 Turnovers and the Pistons shooting 50% was not a formula for victory if you are the Toronto Raptors. Will shall see if Sam Mitchell was able to address the concerns at halftime. Raptors were doing better on the glass though as they were 20-20 on the glass. Chris Bosh became the Franchise leader in offensive rebounds all time. However he was much more concerned with finding a win for his team.

A Prince 3 pointer to start the scoring for the second half was not a good start. Raptors had started the quarter shooting 0-3 and Pistons were off to a 5-0 start and a 13 point lead. Chris Bosh would attempt to get Raptors back on track with a basket. But the Prince was in effect with another basket. Not since the show Fresh Prince of Bel Air had I seen a guy score so much. Pistons were hot but unlike Will Smith’s prep school squad they had lots of scoring options. Raptors would get a basket from Jose but they trailed 63-50.

The Raptors were getting frustrated and Jermaine O’Neal would get a technical foul. It was Rasheed Wallace getting under the skin of J.O. The two once upon a time were team mates in Portland. Mid way through the 3rd quarter Pistons lead 66-52. Jamario Moon would hit a 3 point shot that may have been ill advised but he made it. Calderon after a defensive stand would hit a basket cutting the Detroit lead to single digits at 66-57.

Pistons just looked to good for the Raptors on this night. Rip Hamilton would slide to the basket for a lay-up. Chris Bosh would score and get a chance to make it a 3 point play but he mis-fired. Jose Calderon would take his chance at a basket and one and would make it. But anything the Raptors were doing the Pistons were coming back with an answer. Not that answer but let’s just say a response. Still Jose Calderon and Chris Bosh were trying to keep the Raptors in it. the score was 74-66 Pistons. J.O would come up with a block but Raptors would miss on a chance to cut the lead to 6. A second chance to cut the lead to 6 would be missed by Bosh on an off jumper. Prince would not allow a 3rd chance as he would score. Jermaine O’Neal was able to respond and score but could not convert the and 1 opportunity from the line. Chris Bosh was able to draw another foul on Rasheed Wallace.  The Raptors had got to with in 5 at 76-71. That is how the quarter would close.

I will be honest with you, I am not sure how the Raptors were in this game but they were. They had picked up the defense down the stretch in the 3rd quarter. If they were able to some how pull of the comeback all credit would go to Bosh and Calderon who refused to let this team give-up. They also cleaned up the turnovers from the first half. Bosh would start the quarter with a Jam. Raptors were down just 3 after being down by as many as 16.  Will Solomon would score and cut it to just a one point lead. Pistons were on the ropes a bit could the Raptors make that last push.  Detroit would get a much needed 3 pointer and lead 81-77.  Andrea Bargnani would answer with a 3-ball of his own.  Raptors would make a defensive stand forcing a shot clock violation. A time out on the floor and Raptors would have the ball and amazingly but they would have chance to take the lead.

Will Solomon would carry the ball and make a costly turnover. Pistons would get to the line on a second chance opportunity. Rodney Stuckey would make no mistake making bot free throws.  Anthony Parker got a rare basket on this night. But Pistons would respond as Kwame Brown would get fouled by O’Neal and have a chance for a 3 point play which he would convert. Jose Calderon would get caught in a trap and a jump ball that Detroit would control would be the result.

Chris Bosh is playing like an M.V.P, he made his way to the line scoring points 23 and 24 on the night. He already had a very big double double. But he was looking for a win. But Detroit came down and scored and had a 88-84 lead with 5:09 to play. A Jermaine O’Neal miss looked to be getting converted by Rodney Stucky for an easy 2. But A.P made a defensive play and that would lead to a Bosh score.  Raptors tried to take the lead on an A.P 3 point attempt but he missed it bad. Rip Hamilton scored on the other end Pistons were up 90-86 under 3 minutes to play.

Rasheed Wallace hit a long 2 point shot and Jose Calderon had a long 2 pointer of his own. Pistons still had a 4 point lead and a Bosh miss would give them a chance to extend it to 6 and they would. Prince was the guy to get it done. He had been all night with 27 points and 9 rebounds. A.P would mis on a drive with less than a minute and Pistons looked good to hang on for the win.  A couple Calderon free throws with 32.2 seconds left cut the lead to 4 points. But the Raptors would need some help if they hoped to win this game. Rip Hamilton was fouled and sent to the line and he was not about to help out the Raptors.  Anthony Parker would hit a 3 pointer on a second chance off a Kapono offensive rebound. Rip Hamilton was fouled and back on the line and giving nothing making both.  So there was no AI required to push the Pistons to 4-0. They would take this one 100-93.

Give the Raptors credit for making a game of this. But they really stuggled early and could not come back on a team in the Pistons that his very much a veteran group that knows how to win. For the Raptors they are still in the process of learning to play on that level. However the way Bosh and Calderon played to get them back in this game it is clear they have the tools to get to that level eventually. Raptors will head out on a 3 game road trip with a 3-1 mark. They will see stops in Atlanta, Charlotte and a big test against Boston. None of these games will be easy. Well maybe Charlotte but they have Larry Brown coaching so they even present a challenge. But before we get there look back at tonight’s numbers. No podcast tonight as with all our interviews the podcast site needs to get a bit of work done to make some room.

Pistons vs Raps- Boxscore

Sherman Hamilton Debuts In Dino Nation Blog

Before I get started with today’s blog. I have to make note of a truly historic moment.  If the Toronto Raptors are to ever reach the goal of winning a NBA Championship in the next 4 years. They will be heading to the White House at some point to be the guest of the 44th President Barack Obama. On the day he made history Obama played a game of pick up basketball. The White House is going to have a basketball hoop. But more important it will have something that many people thought they would never live to see. In a campaign that was all about “Change” and “Yes We Can”. It has been an inspiration to so many including me. I hope this can be something that can make this world a better place for all. We have a President in the United States that shares a love we all have for basketball. But he also offers hope for the future.

I am always working hard at expanded on the guests I talk with for the blog. It allows you as readers to get a number of opinions from a variety of people. It also allows me to only call on people individually not as often. They all are very busy folks covering the Raptors. Sherman Hamilton is among those busy folks. He can been seen doing lots of stuff. The pre and post game coverage on Raptors T.V, Raptors Today and he is working on The Score on some of their NBA stuff as well. I was pleased he was able to make time for me and the Dino Nation Blog.  In the Starting 5 Sherman tells us his thoughts on trade for the Pistons, He breaks down the match-up for Raptors versus this new look Pistons team. He also talks about who and what needs to happen for the Raptors bench to improve.

Sherman Hamilton In The Starting 5.

I started the rest of my conversation with Sherman Hamilton talking about the fact he is an ex-player turned broadcaster. Sherman due to injury was forced to cut his playing career short. He played professional basketball in Europe and was a proud member of our National Team. I asked him to tell us about both the challenges and advantages of going from on the floor to covering others playing the game in broadcasting.

The Challenges

Sherman Hamilton-  For me the main thing when I got into it. Yes I know about the game and I have experienced basketball at a high level. But I needed to figure out how to operate in the media. I took voice lessons, and did things in terms of getting in touch with people that I thought were good in the media. Really taking a lot of note and being a sponge around them and listening to them and hanging around them. Just trying to get all the information that I could. We have seen it out there, some very good players who have played at a high level. But when it came to being on air they have struggled. I did not want that to happen to me. I worked at speaking clearly. I really have worked at trying to project when I started that was a problem. In terms of on camera stuff you got to learn to be yourself. If humour is a part of who you are, you want to show people that you have that. I think overall the main thing was just look like you belong. I think that the stuff behind the scenes in putting in the reps.  At home I will tape myself on camera and looking at that stuff. I think all these thing are invaluable in terms of improvement.

I am a graduate of a Broadcast Journalism Program. All of the things that Sherman has mentioned are things I have done myself in my working in broadcasting. Just like Sherm’s experience this whole blogging thing was something new for me. I am learning to get better in this form of media. So I can relate to a lot of this. I feel that people do not understand how much work goes into broadcasting in general. In my blog I have done my best to get people to share and show you how much work it takes to work in the broadcasting world. I hope you enjoy this kind of information. But the one thing I will never know is the advantage of being a high level athlete and the advantages of that in working in broadcasting. Sherman does have that advantage and I asked him about that aspect in working in the business.

Advantages

Sherman Hamilton- I think one of the things I am able to do. I have been in situations not in the NBA, but I have been in situations that I have had to run a pick and roll. I have to figure out how to execute a pick and roll both offensively and defensively. It gives me an insight into what players are trying to attack the pick and roll. The way the help side works, the technical aspects of the game. Being a point guard, you know that you are a coach on the floor. You have to know positions and plays from every position on the floor. So you can use them effectively. I think that attention to detail as a point guard really helps me in the broadcasting field. Not only can you see a play when it happens. But because of my background I can see it developing. So that way I can tell what went wrong right away if it didn’t work, or what went right if it did work and why it worked. Knowing what to expect from each position and each player you can break it down on the fly. Part of playing is action and reaction and I think the same thing holds true for me in broadcasting. See it, and access it and you have to break it down right away. That really helps me in terms of being a former player.

That does make a lot of sense. I have always said that point guard is the hardest position to play in the sport. When you look at football as an example some of the best athletes turned broadcasters are ex-quarterbacks and coaches. I hope that was as interesting for you as it was for me. But we do shift are attention to Raptors basketball. The one thing the Raptor fans may still be concerned about is the bench despite the 3-0 start. Yesterday we had Jack Armstrong and his take on the bench. Today Sherman Hamilton shares his views on the topic.  I asked how the Raptor bench can improve. Is it a case of improving form with in or do changes have to happen?

Sherman Hamilton- I think a little bit of both. I think this bench is going to play an important role for the Raptors. I do think this bench can be good for the Raptors. A lot of it hinges on how well Andrea Bargnani plays. But, I think it is about time that he takes that next step in his career. The truth of the matter is he has got to play at a higher level. He had a disappointing year last year. He has gotta be a better player for the Raptors. But having said that, I think if the situation arises that they have the opportunity to upgrade that bench based on trade or finding some free agents out there. I think that is something the Raptors have to consider. The bottom line at the end of the day is for this team to get better.

If there is a lack of something on the bench. I think that it is Bryan Colangelo’s job to find out where to improve this team and if it is on the bench, find the players to improve that. But I do think the Bryan Colangelo is a proactive G.M. He is going to search thing out. If that deal is there to make the team better he will make it. But I do think the bench has to get better as you mentioned, has to get better. So the quality of play improves from with in. It comes from practice and getting on the floor and doing what your suppose to do. If that bench is clicking and getting consistent production from that bench.  I think it can be a pretty solid bench.

My feeling has been that the Raptors will need to try to find a way to upgrade. Bryan Colangelo will be challenged by his cap situation but I think he will find a way to make it happen. But I do think as well you can not count on that happening and Sam Mitchell must get the most out of the people he has and improve from with in.

Improvement has been a staple of Chris Bosh and his rise to NBA stardom. In an interview with Sherman Hamilton, Bosh said that he wanted to be the M.V.P. He talked about the things it would take to get in that M.V.P conversation. It has been an interview that I have mentioned several times in this blog. So I wanted to ask Sherm if he was surprised by the comments of Bosh and if he could indeed follow through and get into that M.V.P conversation.

Sherman Hamilton- I was not surprised. Sam Mitchell last season had talked about getting across to Chris that he belonged among the upper echelon of NBA players. Being an All-Star that is just something that is going to happen. His next step for his development is to get in the conversation for being an M.V.P candidate. I remember him(Sam) saying that. Chris had a great summer as you know with the U.S Olympic team and became a vital part of your success. People probably thought that he would be just another big guy another NBA player on the team. But he ended up being on of the big factors for the U.S Dream Team.Coming Back(This Year) there is this air about Chris, you talk to him, the way he is talking, he just walks around differently. He just basically said that I have to make that move. I’ve got to all the work to put myself on that level. He talks about it, in terms of being a practice player everyday. Working out as hard as he can. Making sure his body is right and taking care of it. Understanding that his leadership is not just how he does it on the court but it is being vocal as well.

He has been very vocal in these first few games. He has been very aggressive and vocal especially in late game situations. So there is a lot of things about Chris Bosh that I have seen different this season. For me, he can take that next step and get into that M.V.P conversation if he is healthy. Because his work ethic I do not question. His ability for him to improve and build on his skills on a year to year basis I do not question. So it is just about health for Chris Bosh. Now that he has some defensive toughness with him. I think that his defensive game can pick up as well. If Chris Bosh is going to give you 23-25 points a game, 10 rebounds and a couple of blocks. We are talking M.V.P numbers.

That defensive toughness Sherm is referring too is of course Jermaine O’Neal. I have spent a lot of time talking about how Jeremaine O’Neal has impressed me personally. I have not been worried about what he will bring offensively. It will be great if J.O can have nights where he can contribute that is great. But what the Raptors truly need is that defensive presence. He has been bringing that and I asked Sherm if that was  good enough for him to be successful regardless of what he provides offensively.

Sherman Hamilton- I’d like to think so. When Bryan Colangelo decided to bring in Jermaine O’Neal on of the big things he needed to address was interior toughness. Which includes, blocking shots, just being physical in the paint and not allowing people to just walk into your paint and set up shop. Also getting on the glass and helping out in the rebounding department. I think he has a player in Jermaine O’Neal that addresses all of those areas. I am a firm believer that a tough guy coming into a situation can help a lot. He can bring some players along. But if they don’t buy into it, they are not going to be tough enough. Right now the Raptors are buying into what Jermaine O’Neal is selling. That’s a good thing. We are seeing a team who due to Jermaine O’Neal is playing better defense because they know they have someone back there that is going to be accountable. Who is going to be there if they get beat. He is going to sacrifice himself to take offensive fouls as well.

I think it is one thing to talk about that kind of thing in the pre-season. Saying that is what I they want to do. When he was saying all of that I could just see Raptor Fans eyes just lighting up, when he was talking about defense and toughness and that kind of stuff. In the first 3 games we have seen all of that stuff. The shot blocking, the aggressive play in the paint and trying to take charges. Now he has gotten into foul trouble. But I can live with that because I think at some point he is going to make the adjustment. They are not major just slight adjustments. To keep himself in the game longer without getting into foul trouble. But I think yeah, when you bring in a guy like Jermaine in. Other guys there shoulders raise up, their chests stick out a little more. There is a bit more swagger when they step out on to the court. We can mix it up a little. We can make it happen if it gets physical out there. I think that is something that the Raptors have not had in A LONGTIME.

So for Jermaine O’Neal that is a lot of pressure to be that tough guy night in and night out. But he accepts that role. He wants to be that guy for his team. The best thing about Jermaine O’Neal right now is he is focused on winning. He knows that defense wins games and he talking the right stuff and he is doing it so far.

I have heard over the history of this blog one name when this topic of toughness comes up. That name is retired NBA Player and former Raptor Charles Oakley. I asked if Jermaine could fill that long lost role that Oakley filled for this modern version of the Raptors in Sherm’s opinion.

Sherman Hamilton- I think he has that Oakley effect. Now Oakley was just a straight up tough guy. I don’t think he gets enough credit for his intellect. He was a physical, rough house player. He wanted to mix it up and he wasn’t afraid to mix it up with anybody. I think Jermaine O’Neal is a bit different, a bit more in terms of talent, in scoring the ball in different ways. But I think Jermaine O’Neal is kind of what you said, the Charles Oakley for this team. That Oakley was for his teams back then. That is a good thing. I am sure you agree James in past few years, toughness was not on the list when you thought of the Raptors. You thought about finesse team, a jump shooting team a skill team. But when it came to getting physical in the paint and throw some  elbows the Raptors were not going to able to stand up to that. But now things have changed. The Raptors have a guy that is down there who can be physical and can demand respect from the referees for playing that physical way. I think yeah that is a good comparison bit of a different style of game. The Charles Oakley for the Raptors of 2008.

I think J.O gives the Raptors a respect that was just not there these past few years. But from tough guys to the man who survived the point guard civil war. Jose Calderon has a brand new challenge and to this point early on he has responded. I asked Sherm if was was surprised at all that Jose has made such a clean transition into the the starting point guard role.

Sherman Hamilton- I am not surprised. I think Jose has proved to us that when asked to he can step his game up. Jose given another opportunity as he was last year, a time that he stepped up and took advantage of it. The fact that he is being success now is not a surprise to me. I think Jose has a hard season ahead of him being the lead point guard. The guy is going to be depended on for a lot of quality minutes. I think teams are going to go after him and try and wear him down during the season and he is going to have to step up to that challenge. I think his confidence is high. Jose is playing with a bit of an edge, because I think he wants to prove to everyone that he deserves to be a starting point guard in the NBA. Prove that the Raptors didn’t make a mistake.  One way you can help a point guard is putting quality players behind him. Bryan Colangelo has put a defensive player that can also score behind him in Jermaine O’Neal. I think that can help him because now he doesn’t just have to depend on Chris Bosh he has got someone else to throw the ball too. For Jose Calderon I think that is good. He needs to have those releases because he is such a good passer. I think Jose is going to have good season. Teams are going run at him. But if he can stay healthy and does not wear down, I expect big things from Jose.

That is the trick though. Granted Jose has not had a history of injuries. But how do you stay healthy and log all of those minutes. I asked Sherm how you can keep Jose healthy and fresh if you are Sam Mitchell?

Sherman Hamilton-  That is the tough job that Sam Mitchell has. He has got to find a way to keep both Jose Calderon and Jermaine O’Neal both fresh for the middle to end of the season. I think you have to be creative. You will have to play some different combinations on the floor. Give Roko Ukic some more time. When Will Solomon is healthy you put him in there to spell Jose for some time if you choose too. I just think you have to give Jose some breaks during the game. So that he is fresh later on in the season. That is going to take some creative coaching.

But for Jose coming into this year. There was an understanding that he was going to have to play a lot of minutes. He is going to have to play a bit injured sometimes. he is going to have to do some things that will extend him physically. When you sign that big contract you know they are going to be coming for you. He will just have to figure out ways to fight through. Sometimes it is about coaches trying to figure out how to get players breaks. But sometimes players just have to figure a way to mentally dig deeper and step up to the challenge. I think it will be a bit of both.

This has been a great conversation with Sherm. There was more to our conversation. We had a long chat about Canada Basketball and Canada as it relates to the NBA and the Raptors. But I am going to save that stuff for another day. All of that will make for a whole different topic for another day very soon. I did ask Sherm for his thoughts on the upcoming schedule. He talked about how the Hawks and even Bobcats will be tough challeges for the Raptors based on their athletic abilities. But He had an interesting take on the Celtics vs Raptors coming up on November 10th. It was to good not to share with you.

Sherman Hamilton- Boston is more suited to the Raptors style of game with Jermaine O’Neal. Boston is not necessarily going to run up and down the court. They are going to try and play you in the half court. Now with Jermaine O’Neal in the front court for the Raptors. Kevin Garnett is a handful for anybody. But I tell you want if Chris Bosh is going to have to guard Kevin Garnett and you have Jermaine banging with Kendrick Perkins. It is a bit better of a match-up than it was last year for the Raptors. That is not taking anything away from Boston. They are still a great team. I have them coming out of the Eastern Conference as Champs. So take this for what it is. The Raptors are better suited to play against a team like Boston than they were last season because of what they have done in the front court.

We talked about the overall improvement of the Eastern Conference as well. There will not be those easy nights for the Raptors in playing teams in the East. But that challenge should the Raptors make the playoffs as expected , the Raptors should be better prepared for the challenge of the Post Season. Sherm pointed to the game vs. Golden State as a game that was very playoff like in nature. The more games the Raptors play like that the better prepared they will be. On this night the challenge is going to be the new look Pistons. I want to thank Sherman Hamilton for visiting and I hope he will come visit again when he has the time to share with us. Remember to check back tonight for the Raptor Rewind of what happened with the Pistons and Raptors.

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Jack Is Back In Dino Nation Blog

Well it is a bit of good fortune that I had scheduled a talk with Jack Armstrong and we had some big news happen. Allen Iverson was heading to the Pistons for Billups and McDyess. In addition to that some Raptor News as Chris Bosh was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week. That is the two things that we talk about in the starting 5. The audio on this was a bit of a challenge. But I think I have fixed it up fairly well. So here is the link to the Starting 5 with Jack and your Dino Blogger.

Jack Armstrong in the Starting 5

I did an entire blog about the fact I was happy with the comments made by Jermaine O’Neal. He stressed how he felt that the Raptors were a team of nice guys and they would help guys up and that this year they were not going to be that way. I asked Jack for his reaction to those comments made by Jermaine O’Neal.

Jack Armstrong- I like it. I think this team has taken on Sam Mitchell’s personality more so than any team he has had here in Toronto. They respond to him. He got that technical foul the other night( vs. Bucks ) the team automatically responded to him. After time outs they responded to him. I think when you have a guy like Jermaine O’Neal that a very passionate intense guys. Along with Bosh who has just been incredible. Your going to have a better chance at success. I think Jermaine O’Neal has brought good things rebounding and shot blocking wise. If he can do that consistently time will tell. His offense quite frankly has been up and down. If they can get the numbers they are getting from him right now you can say this was a good trade if he can continue with these kind of numbers.

So can Jermaine be the leader on defense in the same way that Calderon is the leader on the floor for Mitchell in directing the offense?

Jack Armstrong- I think everyone has bought in James, I really do. Chris Bosh in particular has shown me a greater level of alertness, in regards to what is going on around him as a player. Jermaine O’Neal backs that up a little bit in how he blocks shots and how aggressive he is in the lane. I think they will be an interesting team to watch as we go along.

One thing fans will be watching with both interest and concern about is the Raptor bench. Andrea Bargnani and Jason Kapono have been doing well in some respects but beyond that nothing to speak of. I asked Jack if fans should be concerned about this going forward.

Jack Armstrong- When you are 3-0 you tend to kind of look past some of those problems. When you look at the minutes through the first 3 games you only have 2 players playing significant minutes in Kapono and Bargnani. Can an eighth guy and a ninth guy develop for the Raptors. I think that becomes that much more important as you move along and play more games. In finding that eighth or ninth that is going to play consistent minutes for you. That is going to be important because it is a long year and injuries are going to happen and fatigue is going to happen. You need to have that in your repertoire to utilize.

Sam Mitchell will be the one that needs to find those guys to fill that roles. But Sam takes a lot of heat from folks. I think 3 games in he has done a fantastic job with the Raptors. I asked Jack if he agreed that Sam had performed well to this point.

Jack Armstrong- I think his team is playing really hard. I think they are getting better defensively. He knows exactly what he wants. He knows this roster very well and has a number of returning guys. I think he came into the season knowing how he wanted to have the whole thing play out. This is a team that if they stay healthy despite the fact if they are on the road or at home, they have enough talent to be a contender. If they actually content and get in that is another story. But I think this team has enough potential to contend. Part of the reason why is they have a coach who’s players are buying into his philosophy big time as a coach.

Part of that philosophy has been an increased use of zone defense. I asked Jack if he was a fan of the Raptors making more use of the zone. Jack had this to say about the Raptors use of zone defense.

Jack Armstrong- I said that in the pre-season as well. I really felt strongly that this was a team that needed to look long and hard at looking to use zone sometimes. They are not the most quickest team out on the perimeter. You have find a way to have a happy balance. Keep you defense in it and keep you team in it. Sometime I think not being stuck on individual match-up and man to man and instead playing some zone defense. I think is a big factor for the Raptors.

I asked Jack about his thoughts on the new combination of Bosh and O’Neal and how he feels it is working at this early stages of the season. Is he happy with what he was seen thus far?

Jack Armstrong- I think so, I have been pleased with it. I think O’Neal is still a little rusty offensively. But defensively he has been very effective. I just kind of like what I have seen from this team overall. I think they have been really locked in and engaged. I am seeing some stuff that I like. Depth is an issue , let’s hope they find a way to work that out. But I think they will find it. That eight guy and that ninth guy to get them over the hump. But what we are seeing from those first seven guys I think we are seeing some really good things.

I to am encouraged by the changes we have seen. Speaking of change it is election day in the Untied States. Awhile a go I wrote about NBA players getting involved in politics and the election. I didn’t ask Jack who he is voting for. But I did ask what he thought about the involvement of a lot of NBA folks in this election. Did he think it was a good thing to have players getting involved in the politics and the election.

Jack Armstrong- I think political activism is good. Getting involved in your community, caring about the issues and caring about people is an important thing. I do think I can honestly say that I could careless about what a player or coach has to say about who I vote for. I don’t think it is going to sway me in any way. But i do think it is good to have people that are passionate about the political machinations of where they live and what they do.

Chris Bosh was not one of those folks that got into all of the politics and the United States Election. After all he has his own campaign to run for M.V.P of the NBA. As for Jack he has a very busy season of basketball ahead of him. So we have talked and he will be back to visit but it might be for awhile. Jack has radio show, a blog, he covers the NCAA and NBA he is a very busy guy. But I thank him for making time for us. He promises he will be back at least a few more times through out the season. He is after all our most frequent guest. He is also a favourite guest as well. But you all can talk to Jack both on his show the “Game Plan” on Fan 590(2-4 Weekdays) and he will be back on HOOPS (Thursdays 7pm)  as well with Eric and Paul Jones. Hoops is scheduled to kick off this Thursday. I will be calling the show as I always have.

But we keep working hard and I actually have another guest for you tomorrow. He is new guest making his first appearance in the Dino Nation Blog. So I hope he will get a warm welcome. Sherman Hamilton from Raptors T.V and The Score drops in to visit with us. I had a long converstaion with Sherm about a lot of things. I think it will be something very interesting that you will enjoy. I have to thank Matt Devlin who gave me the intorduction to Sherm at the Raptors pre-season game vs the T-Wolves that I attended. Sherm has been busy working hard on Raptors TV even working on the weekends a bit right before the season starts. So it is great he was able to make some time for the Dino Nation Blog.

Rapid Fire Raptors

There is a lot of stuff to get done today for me. So today’s blog will be a bit shorter than usual. Part of the reason for that is I will be talking with Jack Armstrong today for an interview. I always look forward to talking with Jack. I know that personally I always learn a lot from our conversations. He told me the Raptors would be better off with this smaller roster. Seems at least to this point Jack was on the money. He just has a lot of knowledge about basketball and at the core is a sports fan. That is why he makes a great guest and is always great to hear from.

But that is later today and will likely be in tomorrow’s blog may get it up late tonight but will see. The Raptors will be back at work today after getting a well deserved day off.  You really could not have asked for a better start for the Raptors. They sit on top of the Atlantic Division and will get a chance to take on the defending NBA Champion Celtics on November 10th.

So how has this 3-0 start happened? I will give you some of my reasons why the Raptors have been successful so far.

1. CB4- Chris Bosh is always the beginning of any conversation that is about Raptor success. He has taken his game to a exciting new level. His numbers have been off the charts. He has not only been producing more on offense. He has been picking it up on the defensive side as well. Chris Bosh is in the very early conversation for the M.V.P of the N.B.A. That is just how good he has been

2. Jose is Jose- I admit that I thought he may slow down a bit and have the new challenge of being the last point guard standing take a little time to get use too. Well no signs of that so far. In fact he is coming off a career high in points and still had 9 assists. Calderon has been outstanding and he at times has been able to get a bit of rest when Roko Ukic is performing well. You still worry a bit about the huge amounts of minutes Jose will be playing and has been playing. But thus far he has been up to the challenge.  So for all of you that have had faith is Jose he is rewarding your faith in him.

3. The J.O Factor- We talked a lot about this yesterday. Basically J.O has been health and active of defense. But he has added a lot to others defensive effort as well. Andrea Bargnani, Chris Bosh and Jamario Moon are all helping out with Jermaine’s nightly block party. Raptors are able to make those key stops that in the past. But above all of this as it was said yesterday, J.O makes the Raptors tougher. Jose Calderon said of the game vs the Bucks that last season that was a game they would have lost by 10. Well now that is not the case as the Raptors have got mental toughness to hang in the fight. J.O can take credit for some of that.

4. The New Andrea- Yes two games he has not scored a single point. But he has in all 3 games been a factor on defensive end. Blocking some shots grabbing the odd rebound. It is something that we would not have seen from Andrea last season. His effort was directly connected to his point total. That is progress and he has been committed to scoring on the inside. We have seen less of that hanging out beyond the 3 point line waiting for a shot.

5. Jason Kapono is Money- Jason Kapono is likely to be on of the people most impacted by the moves in the off-season in a positive way. He is shooting the ball well and he will get to see a lot more open looks at making those shots. He will be a key part of the bench and be counted on to produce points off the bench. Jason Kapono is up to the challenge.  I think he will be a big X-factor for the Raptors on most nights. So keep shooting J.K and we will see you at the All-Star Game to defend that 3-ball title for a third year. He is likely going to have some friends joining him the way the Raptors are playing.

So that is my thoughts on some of the early keys to success. You can add your thoughts on why the Raptors are 3-0 in your view. Love to hear from all of you and a lot of you have excellent points of your own. So share them with us. Have a great day and be sure to check back tomorrow for “The Coach” Jack Armstrong.

J.O Says No More Mr. Nice Guys…Dino Blogger Cheers

There have already been some comments that have jumped out to me this season from the Raptors. Chris Bosh and his saying he wants to be the M.V.P this year. In the first rankings on NBA.com he is #5. So he is in the conversation. But last night I was interested in what J.O had to say.

J.O’s Post Game Comments

What jumped out to me was what was said near the end. The Raptors were nice guys last year if they knocked you down they would help you up. This year J.O says that the Raptors are going to knock you down and walk right over you. That got me excited. I am one of the many that has thought the Raptors have missed the tough attitude that was brought to this team by Charles Oakley. J.O seems to be the guy who just might fill that long missing role.

Last year the Atlanta Hawks knocked around the Toronto Raptors. They sent T.J Ford crashing to the ground. They later in the year had someone hit Jose Calderon in the back of the head with an elbow. The best way you stop a bully is you smack him in the mouth. No one stepped up and did that for the Raptors and did that last year. Someone should have and I personally was disappointed in this team for not doing that. Raptors will be playing the Hawks on November 7th and I am guessing there will be a response if the Hawks choose to play dirty. The Raptors will not be those nice guys on the floor anymore. J.O has brought a new attitude that is spreading through the Raptor locker room.

Sam Mitchell was the guy that came storming on to the court when Ford went down in Atlanta. He was the guy who was the emotional leader of this basketball team. That is a problem when your toughest guy is your coach. Mitchell now has a guy in J.O that understands his brand of tough and rough attitude. Chris Bosh seems to have got the message that Mitchell had tried to express to him in the past I would think. Now he sees it from a guy in his locker room that is going on the floor with him. I am not suggesting the Raptors are going to become some modern version of the Detroit Bad Boys team’s that won a couple titles. But I am suggesting they are not going to be pushed around.

Sam Mitchell now has a team that is taking on his own personality more than any he has had in the past. It allows him to build on the principals that he believed in as a player and now as a coach. J.O is the type of player that Sam Mitchell has been searching for. Jose Calderon as the point guard is an extension of the coach on the floor for the Raptors offense. But I think J.O is Sam Mitchell’s head of defense. Mitchell will enjoy having a guy like J.O in his locker room and it will help the Raptors be a little less warm and fuzzy. The proof of that new found grit can be seen in the last two wins that the Raptors have pulled off.

A big test to all of this lies ahead in not only the Atlanta Hawks but also the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. These two squads are solid defensive teams that don’t mind to mix it up with other teams. The Raptors seem to be willing to take on those fights this season. They are willing to battle and fight and play defense.  This according to Chris Bosh there are two factors that have made that happen. J.O was the first, but he also points to how this team was cast aside so easily by the Orlando Magic. It really made the Raptors take a step back and look at what happened to them. Basically they just could not play well enough defensively to get the job done. Whatever is the reason the Raptors seem to know what they did wrong and are looking forward to changing it.

So is Jermaine O’Neal the new Charles Oakley? Not exactly to me. But he does bring that same tough attitude and accountability that has been lacking with this Raptor Team for years. A guy who in the past has been tagged by some as a “Cancer” to a locker room.  I first and foremost hate that expression. But aside from that J.O has shown no signs of that here. He in fact has added something to this locker room that was badly needed. If it cost 22 million dollars of whatever the exact number is that Jermaine is making. Whatever the cost it is to get back that feeling that Charles Oakley brought to the Raptors it was worth the price.

I was not sure about Jermaine O’Neal when he came here. I had bought into all the hype around him. Well I want to say that as far as J.O is concerned I was dead wrong. It was also worth giving up T.J Ford to get that tough feeling back. I think T.J has a lot of that tough attitude that J.O does. But it does not have the same impact coming from a guy of such small size. I do want to thank T.J and his Pacers for the help in beating Boston though. Raptors will get their chance to beat the Celtics on November the 10th. But today is a day off for the Raptors and a well earned one at that.

Have A Great finish to your weekend and see you sometime Monday.

Bucks and Raps – Raptor Rewind V308

DANGER…DANGER!!! I have heard a lot of talk of 3-0 today. Yes the Raptors are better than the Bucks. But this is a rested Bucks team and it is their home opener.  Add a history for the Raptors that has not been the greatest versus the Bucks.  But on the positive side Luke Ridnour a scratch for the Bucks. But is it really as this will give Ramon Sessions his first chance to get in and show what he can do. I expect the Raptors to win but just like Barack Obama is telling people not to be over confident and get out and vote. I want Raptor Fans to not take anything for granted as well. I know Chris Bosh remembers a 2-0 Raptor team that was embarrassed at the hands of a Bucks team not to long ago in Raptor History. The good news is the Raps to not play again till next Wednesday so no excuses not to go all out tonight.

Charlie V would score the first points of this game on a nice look that gave him an easy lay in. Villianueva  was fired up as he got an early foul on Bosh on the next trip and made both free throws. Raptors were 0-3 and Richard Jefferson hit a mid range jumper and the score was 6-0.  The Bucks continued to get it done as Andrew Bogut took a feed from Charlie V and it was 8-0 and reason for Sam Mitchell to call time early.

Out of the time out Raptors wanted to get the ball to Bosh but Bucks denied it, so Jamario Moon would get a look from 3 point range that he would hit. But the Bucks would keep control of this game. Early on it was Charlie V and Richard Jefferson getting it done. The score was 12-5 for the Bucks early on.  Jose Calderon was given an open 3 pointer which he was happy to take and make. A Moon steal and another basket for Jose with his foot on the line for a two pointer this time. Raptors had it going now as Bosh would continue what was now a 7-0 run. It was all set up by a J.O block. Jermaine would then get his on offense.  Bosh with another 2 points and Raptors have an 11-0 run and a 16-12 lead.

Michael Redd would end the run by getting to the line and making a couple of free throws. Calderon would hook up Bosh for a jam and Raptors were rolling along. Jose would then make a shot on the next trip and the run was 15-2 for Raptors. Raps would cool slightly as the quarter was coming to an end. But the still had a 6 point advantage after Jose Calderon headed to the line for a couple. The Bucks would run off back to back baskets to close the quarter and Raptors had a slim 24-22 lead. But when you consider the way the quarter started it was pretty good.

Roko Ukic was in to start the second quarter. Kapono and Joey Graham along with Bargnani and J.O was your Raptor starting-5 for second quarter. J.O had a basket it would be answered with a Michael Redd 3-ball. Charlie Bell would give the Bucks a two point advantage. Both teams were struggling to score but the Bucks still held a slim 29-27 lead. Andrea Bargnani had yet to score but got a nice block on Richard Jefferson and had a few rebounds as well. Roko Ukic was really ineffective in getting the offense going and it was time for Calderon and Bosh to return.

Bargnani was having a cold shooting night thus far he remained scoreless with a couple more misses. Offensively we were seeing more of the jump shots and not the dominant inside play from last night. Bucks had not taken much advantage of this Raptor scoring drought as they on lead 31-27. It was not just Bargnani though as no one on the bench had any points. But the Bucks were struggling as well. Jose Calderon would finally score as everyone on both sides were missing shots at a rapid pace. Jason Kapono would get the bench on the board from the free throw line and the game was tied at 31 points. Charlie V would hit a 3 pointer to give the Bucks their lead back.

Chris Humphries was in for his first action of the season. But it was Anthony Parker who was hitting a big 3 point shot and Raptors had a lead. Jose Calderon on the next trip had a 3-ball as well. Raptors had a 39-34 lead after sleep walking on offense through the majority of this quarter. Bosh would get to the line and hit a couple the score was 41-37. But Bosh was not done he had a big rejection on the other end. A little to big though as the ball would go out of bounds and the Bucks would turn that into 2 points. Raptors would struggle with a short clock out of a time out and commit a shot clock violation. But the Bucks could not do anything with the extra chance and the Raptors had a 41-39 lead with far from an “A” performance in the first half.

Checking the out of town scoreboard. T.J Ford had 19 points and a win over the Celtics. Some of you may boo, but before you do there was a point beyond my love of T.J. Jose Calderon in a half had 16 points and 5 assists. That was one more than the 4 T.J had as far as assists go in the entire game vs Boston. Also beyond the Ford vs Jose debate with a win Raptors could get first in the Atlantic early on if they could hang on for a win. So I made it all relevant and still got to give a little love for the little engine. This game has a second half to play so let’s get to that.

The Bucks would start the half going to Andrew Bogut who would score. Anthony Parker would answer on the other end. A.P made it back to back scores. Charlie V would have another big score for the Bucks with a second 3 pointer on the night. Charlie was at it again with 5 points in the 3rd quarter.  J.O would get his first 2 point in awhile and Raptors had a narrow 51-48 advantage. Bucks had a chance to take the lead but Jamario Moon would deny them with a block causing a turnover.

Sam Mitchell was enraged about a double dribble call against Jose Calderon and Sam Mitchell had his first Technical Foul of the season. Raptors would respond after Redd missed the Tech. J.O would get a rejection on defensive end and a score on the offensive end. It was 53-50 Raptors, until J.o decided he was not done as he got another bucket make that 55-50 Raptors. Bosh hooked up J.O on the high to low feed.  Jose Calderon would continue the run after the Mitchell technical foul. Raptors were on a 12-0 run since the Sam Mitchell Meltdown. Give Sam so credit he got the troops motivated and they were leading 63-50. Charlie V would finally end the Raptor run with a basket. Jamario Moon would hit a three pointer Raptors lead 66-53.

Back to  back turnovers for the Raptors and the Bucks were looking to claw back into the game with score 66-57. Anthony Parker would score but than on the defensive end get called for a foul on Micheal Redd. He would make the shot and nail the free throw. Jason Kapono had checked in and he hit a duece. The Raptors would finish the quarter with a 70-60 lead.

Charlie V would take an early seat in the fourth quarter as Chris Bosh took advantage of his former team mate drawing the foul. Raptors were nursing an 8 point lead 73-65.  Andrea Bargnani would reject Richard Jefferson leading to a turnover for the Bucks. Jason Kapono would hit the jumper from 18 feet in the corner. The Bucks would make a little bit of a push as Richard Jefferon went at J.O drawing a foul the score was 75-69.  Richard Jefferson would get a steal that was converted into a transition dunk. Andrew Bogut would get nailed for a foul.  But Bosh would only go 1-2 and Raptors lead was 76-71. Jefferson was a man on a mission as he would drive to the basket drawing a blocking foul on O’Neal again. They would only go one for two but got a steal on Bosh put they would fumble the ball out of bounds. Raptors would have to hang on with out Jermaine O’Neal who picked up an offensive Foul and he was out of the game. Raptors had a 4 point lead and there was still over 5 minutes to play.

Jamario Moon came in to replace J.O the Raptors were playing small matching the Bucks small line-up. Andrew Bogut had 6 straight points and Raptors were on the ropes big time. The Bucks would take the lead on an R.J lay-up. 80-79 for the Bucks who had come out strong in the 4th quarter and the Raptors had not been able to match it to this point. Bucks had out scored the Raptors 20-9 in the 4th quarter. Chris Bosh would score out of the time out driving on Jefferson. Ramon Session would reply and than it was Jamario Moon from deep. Raptors had 84-82 lead. Raptors would have a miss from A.P and the Bucks down 84-83 would have the ball with under 5o seconds to play. Another thrilling finish in the span of about 24 hours was in the cards.  The Bucks would convert out of the time out with a basket from their UCLA rookie Mbah a Moute. Raptors ball with 36 seconds left down 85-84. Calderon would make a clutch three point out of the Raptor time out. He was having a great night and Raptors lead 87-85. 21 seconds to go. Micheal Redd would get a long look for 2 that did not fall and Jamario Moon got the board and was fouled right away. He converted both and the Raptors lead 89-85 with now just 11 seconds to play. How cool has the last two nights been from an entertainment stand point? Michael Redd would score quickly with a Redd lay-up. Now just 7 seconds left and Bucks poised to foul. Calderon would get fouled and head to the line. Fitting he would have a chance to end this one. He made the first and the second. Redd would get a 3 pointer off but it missed and the Raptors hang on to win. 91-87.

Calderon had 25 points and 9 assists and was the star of the game for the Raptors with out question. For all the rest of the stat goodies you can check out boxscore below. But the biggest stat of all is 3-0 and first in the Atlantic Division. That is as good as it gets. First time since 99-00 the Raptors have started 2-0 on the road.

Bucks vs Raptors- Boxscore

The Podcast

Dino Blogger’s Post Game Podcast

No Time To Rest For Raptors

Chris Bosh is off to a great start to his NBA Season. The Raptors have no time to enjoy a big win at home versus the Warriors. While Toronto was gettine extended into overtime. The Bucks were back in Milwuakee waiting to play them. The Bucks have not seen action since getting off to a quick start to the season. They lost to the Bulls on Tuesday and they were winners over the Oaklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. So the Bucks should be fresh and ready to go.

What’s Up With The Bucks?

Richard Jefferson was part of the Bucks big off-season move that saw him come to the Milwaukee in a trade that saw China’s Yi go the other way to New Jersey. He had a less than impressive debut scoring 15 points while shooting just 5-17. In game number two as a Buck it was a bit better story. He had 20 point and 8 rebounds and was getting to the free throw line shooting 8-9 from the line. He shot 5-10 from the field a big improvement.

A similar story for former Raptor Charlie Villianuva. In game number one he played less than 9 minutes and and was 1-5 and just had 4 points vs. Chicago. But he would have a much better night versus the Thunder. In 34 minutes he had 20 points and 12 rebounds along with a couple blocked shots. Michael Redd as averaged 25 points in the two games with 30 on the opening night and 20 like Jefferson and Charlie V in game 2.

Another big change for the Bucks is the fact that Mo Williams is now in Cleveland and Luke Ridnour has been his replacement. He has averaged 4.5 assists in the two games but only scored 9 points( Just 2 vs OKC) in those two games combined. As a team they have shot the ball fairly well averaging close to 47%. But all this being said the Raptors are the toughest challenge the Bucks will have faced thus far in this early season. I don’t think anyone in saying that the Thunder or Bulls are going to be doing big things in this NBA Season. The same could be said for the Bucks.

CB4 – M.V.P?

He said that he wants to be in the running for the M.V.P award and Chris Bosh is not just talking about it. He is showing you by his actions on the floor. I was surprised when Bosh made the M.V.P comment in a pre-season interview with Sherman Hamilton on Raps T.V. I was happy that Chris Bosh had set his personal bar so high. I said in the past I was not sure if he could reach his lofty goal. However I also said that Chris Bosh was not a guy that I was going to bet against. If I have learned anything about Chris in his time in Toronto it is that he will work hard to make his goals happen. He is a much different type of star than Vince Carter was and is. Carter love him or hate him would never be though of as a blue collar guy. Chris Bosh may earn a pay check that is far from blue collar folks. But he does show the type of work ethic that people who are considered blue collar workers can admire and respect. Bosh is a smart guy and he never makes any comment with out serious thought behind it. When he said that M.V.P comment he knew what it would mean. It would make people’s expectations of him rise. The crowd has chanted it long before he said it. But now Chris Bosh thinks he can be the M.V.P. After the start he has had, who can argue that he has not backed up his words?

J.O Impact

It may not always be scoring. But J.O is being aggressive on defensive end. He made key blocks last night that were game changers. Jack Armstrong also mentioned the hard fouls that J.O was willing and able to give. It is early on but J.O is already showing the difference he can make for this Raptor team. When everyone around him sees this they can’t help but want to get in on the fun. Andrea Bargnani was making some key blocks last night as well. Having a guy like Jermaine O’Neal to help Bargnani learn some tricks of the trade can on benefit him as well. Sure we would all like to see the games like we saw from J.O in Philly. But his impact was felt last night as well just in a different way. J.O will be judged by the number of W’s for the Raptors and not his personal stat line. He will be judged by his impact in the playoffs as well. But two games in we saw to very different types of impact by J.O and both were good.

Andrea Bargnani Busted Loose

I have to tell you that Andrea Bargnani blew me away last night. He had a dominant performance and most of it was in the paint and down low. He really has worked hard in the summer it would appear. It may not look very pretty at this point. But style doesn’t matter as long as you are getting it done. So let’s see if Andrea can put together back to back solid performances. The bigs on the Bucks will offer a bit of a different challenge. But I have to say that Andrea Bargnani had a very impressive start to his home season. I think that was important too. A lot of fans had been frustrated by Andrea and some had been frustrated and angry.

Game Info:

The game is on TSN and will be the first time we see Jack Armstrong working with Matt Devlin. This one gets started at 8:30 local time here in Ontario. So Raptor Pre-Game will be on Raps-TV at 7:30. The Dino Nation Blog will have it’s whole post game package. Raptor Rewind with my personal re-cap, the boxscore, and my post game podcast. The Raptors will look to get 3 Wins in 4 days before they get a couple days off to get ready to take on the Pistons at home.

Halloween Treat For You- Matt Devlin Joins Us

I am happy to give everyone here at the Dino Nation Blog a Halloween surprise. I had a chance to chat with Matt Devlin. He has been a guest with us on several occasions and he manged to multi-task and talk with us as he was getting ready for Halloween yesterday afternoon. In the starting 5 Matt Devlin gets his Halloween Treats while he talks some basketball with us. We talk O’Neal and Bosh as well his thoughts from broadcasting his first Raptor regular season game. We catch up with Matt as he is Halloween shopping.

Starting 5- With Matt Devlin

So that was a lot of fun. I also got a kick out of the reference to “Good” Joey in last night’s game. Joey was good in that game even I said he was. But it was also proof that Matt is learning the Raptor fan language.  But it comes to mind that Matt Devlin has a fresh perspective on Joey Graham. He has not been here to have experienced the frustration of the whole “Good” Joey and “Bad” Joey saga. Maybe he can have an answer to how we see the “Good” Joey remain and leave “Bad” Joey behind. Matt’s thoughts on how we can make “Good” Joey stay and what it will take.

Matt Devlin- Consistency, and how do you get consistency? That is an unknown. Joey Graham is a player that if he could bottle up the “Good” Joey and be consistent, he becomes the player everyone expects him to be. How do you answer that? Who knows. Some guys get it and the get it early and they ride it out. Some guys they struggle to get it and it finally happens for them. You just hope for Joey that things are going to come together for him. Because the Raptors ultimately need him to be a consistent player and a consistent force. Because that is a important position in this league.

I understand the frustration of fans because there are players like this throughout the league. When I was in Memphis Stromile Swift was a player was a player like that. From an athletic standpoint was just so over the top. You just looked at him and said if he could only put it altogether. Boy we would really have something.

Despite what some might think I do hope Joey can come through. I just have been let down to many times by Joey. I am going to be the last one to believe or among the last. But I do hope he can prove me wrong. As for Swift he was a lottery pick for the Grizzles back when they were Canada’s Grizzles and he like Big Country and a host of other picks did not work out well for them. Joey Graham did play a lot of zone in his days as an OSU Cowboy. The Raptors last night did a lot of zone defense vs the Sixers. So was this a sign of things to come or was it a case of match-ups versus the Sixers. Matt Devlin gives us his take:

Matt Devlin- I think it has to do with the match-up. I thought it worked really well against Philadelphia, a team that struggles beyond the 3-point line. Dead last in the NBA a season ago. I thought it was brilliant on their part to mix that in. They mixed it in at the right time. They trusted in it even though they got out rebounded in it. But at the end of the day it paid off.

The fear of fans about the lack of depth at point guard got a major test last night. Jose Calderon went down at a key point of the game down the stretch. It turned out he had whacked his funny bone and it forced Roko Ukic back into the game for some unexpected minutes in crunch time. I asked Matt for his thoughts on that and an overall opinion on how Roko did.  Here is what he thought.

Matt Devlin- He really did well. I thought he was steady as you could be. I thought he really did exactly what you hoped he would do. I really liked what I saw from him. Forget about the 2-7, he didn’t turn the basketball over.

A guy Matt Devlin does knows really well is Jason Kapono. He has been called ” The World’s Greatest Shooter” on air by Matt. But I did not realize the man that coined the phrase was actually Anthony Parker. Matt Devlin was quick to give the credit to A.P. Is Kapono that. I am not sure if he is or if he isn’t. But it is clear that with back to back 3-point shooting titles to his credit and career percentages that are among the best all time. He is a very good shooter. The Addition of Jermaine O’Neal to this Raptor roster has had many point to Kapono’s time in Miami. He was asked about it last night and he does see the same type of things for himself as he had back in those days. I asked Matt to give his take on what this will mean for Jason Kapono with the Raptors this year. Will it be like that time in Miami?

Matt Devlin- That is because (The Comparison) with that presence on the inside, with teams having to look to the inside defensively. All it does is give Jason a split second. That is ultimately all he needs. Cause he is that deadly of a shooter. That reference back to Miami is obviously based on the fact he had Shaq O’Neal on the inside.

When we headed into the season when people were asked who will be that 4th guy beyond Bosh, Calderon and O’Neal,  Kapono and Andrea Bargnani were the most common answers. Kapono was scoring and making shots but not so for Andrea. But still he did get some boards and was hanging around the paint. In fact, despite the lack of points on the board. Matt Devlin found things to be positive about in relation to Andrea Bargnani. He tells us about what he liked about Andrea and his efforts:

Matt Devlin- You know I think he played a really solid game last night. Forget about the 0-4 from the floor he had 5 rebounds and 2 blocked shots. He was a presence on the inside. If you combine Bargnani, Bosh and O’Neal and their rebounds, in comparison to the team rebounds they had 24 of 33. So the three of them did what they needed to do. I do think he has made great progress.

I was not as impressed as Matt to be honest. But I am happy to give credit to the fact that Andrea did stay engaged in the game. I had said to Matt that last year if Andrea did not score there was no way he would have got 5 rebounds and 2 blocks. I will also say that he is staying in the fight and trying to play more in the paint. It is going to be a process and the signs he is at least willing to keep at it in the paint have been clear. Some will look at the 0 points and just be frustrated by that.  But I do see that Andrea also can contribute in other ways. I think he sees that as well, more than he has in the past.

I asked Matt about his thoughts on the Sixers. He thinks they are a good team and they will be fine. He gave credit to the Raptors gameplan for why the Raptors were better on the night. The fact by playing the zone and sticking to it caused the Sixers to think they could make shots. But when all is said and done the Raptors stayed in the zone and the Sixers struggled to shot. In fact Matt pointed to that as the big need for the Sixers is a guy who can step up and being a long range shooter for them. But to keep with the Raptors and what they are doing. Matt gave a lot of praise to the Raptors gameplan. That is set by Sam Mitchell and we have heard Mitchell get hammered by many folks for his lack of X’s and O’s skill. But not just Matt Devlin but Jermaine O’Neal was impressed by Mitchell. O’Neal gave credit to his coach and the staff for the “Genius” of how they had several plays running out of the same sets. He thought it confused the Sixers and was a key to victory. So given all of that I asked for Matt’s thoughts on Sam Mitchell as a coach from a tactical point of view.

Matt Devlin- Last night when you look at the game plan, it was carried through and they executed. From a coaching standpoint, you gotta have your game plan in place, you have to be able to make adjustments and then your players have to ultimately execute.  The game plan was there and the adjustments that were necessary were made and the players executed. So from my stand point, Sam did a fantastic job. It is always the case it doesn’t matter what town or what city, people are always going to look at the coach and that is just the name of the game. People even come out and get after a Phil Jackson or a Pat Riley. That unfortunately is just all part of it. Sam recognizes that.

I often have said in this blog that Sam Mitchell for whatever you care to say is good at motivating his team to play hard. He commands his teams attention and is able to get guys that make millions of dollars as athletes to give effort. That is a skill to that is far to often over looked. Matt Devlin agreed with me about that. We both to agree that Sam is also very entertaining. In fact if the day came that Sam was ever not the coach of the Toronto Raptors, Matt Devlin had a suggestion for a career move for Sam.

Matt Devlin- Listen, Sam could sit next to Charles Barkley on Thursday Night’s on TNT.

The games on TNT on Thursday nights are part of the package that has been scheduled for TSN 2. That is a important issue with Raptor fans. I have expressed my rage and displeasure. Matt Devlin is going to be on the network as well as TSN. But he has made an effort to keep fans in the loop on the issue in his blog. I asked him for his thoughts on the issue from the fans perspective. He had this to say on the TSN2 matter.

Matt Devlin- I am a rogers customer as well. I would love for it to work out. I hope that it works out soon. Tonight (Interview was Yesterday Afternoon) TNT double header and it is on TSN 2, I want to watch it. That is what I have been doing for a long time. I just hope that everybody can come together and work on it, for the fans sake, fans of the NBA. I hope it all gets worked out.

On the main network of TSN this Saturday we will get to see Matt, along with the one thing TSN did get right, the recently hired Jack Armstrong. He may be new to TSN but Jack has been part of basketball with the Raptors for over a decade. He is also not new to Matt Devlin and I asked if Matt was excited to get back on the air again with “The Coach” Jack Armstrong.

Matt Devlin- I am also excited to have Jack. Jack and I have known each other for years and worked together before. He is a great man. I can’t wait to do it, because he is a guy that is just a great person and everyone knows that. Jack, Leo and Sherm, all three of them, they are all outstanding with what they do. There is not another team in the NBA with the depth that the Raptors have in the annalist chair.

I joked with Matt that people may have questions about the Raptors depth on the court but in the broadcast booth they have major depth. He got a laugh from that. But he may not be an annalist, he is the play by play man, I will take him to be my annalist here. The Toronto Raptors take on the Golden State Warriors tonight. So I asked him for his thoughts on the Raptors versus Warriors match-up which he will be calling tonight on The Score. A different challenge for the Raptors in the Warriors?

Matt Devlin- You know what from a standpoint of the principles they used last night. Transition defense is going to be extremely important against Golden State. That is number one because Golden State they do want to get out and go. All five of there guys want to get it on the floor and go. So you are going to have to get back. If you don’t get back they are going to burn you. I watched them last night when I got home against New Orleans. They took New Orleans down to the end. So from my standpoint that is going to be the most important thing. That along with don’t turn it over because if you do they are going to be successful in the transition game.

How bout some key match-ups to look at?

Matt Devlin- Jose Calderon he has a good match-up there that he can take advantage of. When you look inside to the guys on the inside. Do what you did against Philadelphia. That is the truth. If you can do that all season long your really going to be in a great position. But here is the thing about Golden State in Comparison to Philadelphia inside. They might be smaller but they are also athletic and that is thing you have to remember with them.

I am always thankful for some expert help. Matt makes very valid points and I would add that Corey Maggette has a history of being a guy that has given the Raptors fits in his time with the Clippers. It should not change with a change of uniform. Moon and Graham or whoever is guarding Maggette will have to do a good job. I look forward tonight’s game.

I want to wish all of you a Happy Halloween. Please whatever your plans for the evening are be careful and keep your eyes looking for those kids looking for the goodies that Matt was getting for his home. Also if you are going out for a more adult night out. Please be safe and don’t drink and drive. It is important everyday of the year. But on a night when kids are out on streets looking for candies it is even more of a message that needs to be taken seriously. So have fun but be safe and have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM YOUR FRIENDLY DINO BLOGGER.

Impressive Start For The Raptors

I got to say that I was impressed by what I saw last night. Well not the start of the game. It was like the Raptors had missed the memo that the game was starting at 6pm. But all of what happened after that rocky start was good. We saw some things we have not seen in a long time for the Toronto Raptors. Jermaine O’Neal only had 1 blocked shot but was challenging a lot of others. Chris Bosh looked like the player he always has been. That was the best season opening performance of his NBA Career. The Raptors have a true dynamic duo that is going to be a force to deal with for teams. When you consider that Philly has one of the better big man duos in Sam Dalembert and Elton Brand. It makes you think that other teams in the east with less skilled duos have to be afraid of what they can do to stop this.

This also adds to the value of guys shooting it like Parker, Calderon and Kapono. The looks that Jason Kapono was getting were very good. Paul Jones in the post game scrum asked Jason if he had been getting looks like he did back in his days in Miami with Shaq. Kapono said it was like that and if that is true we should see a big year Jason Kapono.

Don’t get me wrong it was not perfect yet. There were some breakdowns and bad perimeter defense. Rebounding needs to be better too. But it was a good first effort. Even Andrea Bargnani, who scored 0 points did at least get on the glass and get 5 rebounds which for him is news. Another person that sometimes catches my wrath is Joey Graham. But I have nothing but love for Joey today. That is what I want to see from Joey Graham. Go out there and bang and hustle and grind. I will forgive the mistakes if I am seeing that kind of effort. So that is 1 good Joey night with 81 to go.

We also saw the Raptors playing a lot more zone defense than we ever had in the past. It is something the Raptors may continue with to cover up some defensive players that are not exactly up to speed. It will not work for all teams but the way the Sixers were shooting last night it made sense and it worked. Oh and for all you Sam Mitchell Lovers and Haters…J.O has something for you.  You may not think Sam Mitchell is a good play caller or knows his X’s and O’s. But J.O said that it was the genius of Sam Mitchell and his plays on offense that allowed Bosh and himself to score out of certain sets. He talked about the variations in those sets that were able to confuse the Sixers. So for the next person that wants to run Sam Mitchell into the ground, go tell J.O what you think. I dare you.

Basically it was a very good start to a long journey for the Toronto Raptors. People had doubt heading into this game. I won’t lie about it even I had my questions. They may not have answered them all but they did enough to restore my confidence. It is only one game out of 82 in season. But as I said yesterday prior to this game it was a bit more important than your average opening game based on the team they facing. It was important to get a leg up on the Sixers. If the Raptors can do it again in a few weeks they will already have at worst a season series split with the Sixers. That could be very important when all is said and done.

So Raptor fans after a pre-season that caused them to have doubts can feel better after the performance they saw last night. It was something that Raptor fans needed to feel good about this team and their chances for success in this upcoming season.

The Raptors now look to start the season on a positive note at home taking on the Golden State Warriors who offer a much different challenge than that of the Sixers. But the Warriors are a team that has lost Baron Davis and Monte Ellis to injury and have a lot of question marks. But they did add Corey Maggette and are a team that plays a high up tempo style that could be something that will be a challenge for the Raptors. It will be interesting to see how they handle it. What will be equally interesting is how the Warriors try to deal with the Bosh and O’Neal combo.

Around The League

Last Night’s Scoreboard

Among the highlights around the rest of the league. The Knicks actually won the debut game for Mike D’Antoni over the Miami Heat. The Hawks also suprised the Magic and Nets were able to beat the Wizards. T.J Ford and the Pacers lost to the Pistons who the Raptors will be facing early next week.  Out west it was the Suns getting the win over the Spurs. The Warriors who will be trick or treating here in Toronto lost to New Orleans.  Lakers are 2-0 after taking care of the other L.A team the Clippers making it look very easy.

Some Things Of Note For Dino Nation Blog:

Some things are being done behind the scenes and it may call for making some technical changes as we move forward. They are all part of what is coming up very soon for Dino Nation Blog on November 19th. That will be a big day so if you don’t read the blog everyday make a note to check it out on that day. Not just to get ready for the Heat and Raptors but to hear the exciting news about the Dino Nation blog. But until that date we will be making some changes and it will include a transition from wordpress to another blog platform provider. So if you are having trouble getting the blog be sure to check here for info on what has gone on. But if you use www.dinonationblog.com it will bring you to the new site home. This is not going to happen tomorrow or anything but it will happen before November 19th as part of the news that will be announced on that day. So I thank you for your patience in this time of transition. The Dino Nation Blog is not going anywhere don’t worry about that. We are just making chances to make things better for the Blog and hopefully you it readers. If you have the site linked to wordpress or have an a feed you use it may require changing that to keep up to date on things. I am sorry to cause anyone any inconvenience in this transition but it will be for the better in the long run.

Raptor Hit Philly For Game 1- Raptor Rewind

We have been waiting for this for a long time. The Raptors will get an early start the season. It is going to be interesting indeed all year long. The one question that has been answered is that Jamario Moon will be back as the starting role for now. But how will Bosh and O’Neal perform together? Is Andrea Bargnani going to bounce back this year? Can the Raptors manage with only one experienced Point Guard? Will the defense be improved? Can this bench be any good at all? Well the time has come to start to find out some answers to all these questions. It is a brand new season and if you are any kind of a fan you have to be excited. So let’s see what happens when the Raptors take on their Atlantic Division rivals the Sixers. I was asked to Live Blog this puppy so what the heck. I am going to let you see the Raptor Rewind as it is being done.

So from the toss up state of Pennsylvania, we are ready to do just that. It will be Matt Devlin’s regular season debut in the booth. He has been good to the blog so I wish him well. Not a good start as Thaddeus Young hit a 3 pointer to start for Philly. Bosh misfired on his first attempt of the year. Elton Brand meanwhile would score in the paint and it was 5-0 for Philly. Bosh would split a pair of free throws and Raptors were on the board. But Elton Brand would follow up with another basket and an early 7-1 lead.

Raptors had started the season 0-6 from the field that is not good. Raptors still had not made a basket 5 minutes in. That would be broken by Jose Claderon with a 3-ball. But Iggy had an answer with 2 point of his own and the score was 11-4 Sixers half way through the first. The Raptors were looking lost on offense and a time out was called as they trailed 13-6.

Jose Calderon had 5 of the Raptors 6 points but that is not exactly the game plan. Sixers were killing Raptors on the glass as well with an 11-2 advantage on the glass. Jamario Moon hits a 3 point shot not exactly his strength but at this point will take it. Bosh hooked up J.O on a high low feed and despite all of the bad things the Raptors trailed by just 4 points at 15-11. Andrea Bargnani enters the game for his first action of the year and he was the first off the bench. Leo Rautins “favourite” player Sam Dalembert had a pair of free throws. But from there J.O had another basket and A.P hit a three point shot and the Raptors were down just 1 point. The Raptors had a chance to take the lead which they would not connect and the Sixers ran off 4 straight points to get the lead back to 5 points.

Chris Bosh would get a steal and than hit his first shot of the year cutting the lead to just 3 points. But after another nice defensive effort the Raptors gave up an offensive rebound. The Raptors would cause a shot clock violation and allow them not to pay the price this time. Jamario Moon had a chance to cut the lead to just one from the line with a couple of free throws but he would not hit them and the Raptors trailed after one 21-18.

The Raptors were in this game despite being beat down on the glass and getting off to a terrible shooting start. Raptors were out rebounded 22-5. Both team’s were shooting horrible at under 35% for both.  Joey Graham and Roko Ukic and Kapono were all in the game.  Bosh would get a score and Lou Williams hit a 3 on the other end and Sixers lead 24-20. Joey Graham with a spining scoring effort. But he would get beat on the other end. Jason Kapono would reply and it was Philly up a basket 26-24.  Joey Graham showing some hustle got a basket on pure hustle and we were all tied at 26. Roko Ukic would get his first NBA basket on a long outlet pass from Bosh on a rebound and the Raptors were in the lead 28-26.

Raptors were showing some hustle and it lead to a Bosh dunk. Joey Graham was having an impact of the bench. I know, I am giving Joey some love you are shocked, but it was true this had been a good Joey night so far. Sixers would tie the game up at 30 only to see Jason Kapono answer their 3-ball with one of his own. Keep in mind this was all being done with Roko Ukic on the floor running the show. He did not show any signs of nerves in his first NBA game.

Joey Graham checked out for Anthony Parker but like I said good effort from Joey. Raptors were holding on to the lead as Chris bosh was heating up and Raptors had a 37-33 lead. Sam Dalembert would convert on a basket and foul and the lead was just one point. An A.P three pointer on a mis-match with Dalembert on him and the Raptors had it going. Chris Bosh would score on the next trip up the floor Raptors were leading by 8 points after the less than impressive start. The score on “The Score” was Raptors 44 and Sixers 36.

O’Neal and Calderon had checked back in for Toronto. Jermaine O’Neal got Matt Devlin excited with a left handed throw down and a foul. He would hit the foul shot and Raptors had their largest lead of the night at 47-38. The game was going back and forth and Raptors were not being able to play this way with Philly. The Sixers would cut the lead down to 4. But Chris Bosh would answer with a jam of his own. Andrea Iguodala had a chance to narrow the lead from the line but he would miss both. Making the score at the half 51-45 for the Raptors.

Chris Bosh after a slow start had 15 points and 7 rebounds at the half to lead the Raptors and all scorers in this game. Jermaine O’Neal had 9 points and 4 rebounds for his efforts. Sam Dalembert had 12 rebounds and 7 points for the Sixers. Even Leo has to be impressed with that. So with that knowledge it is almost time for the second half.

Bosh would start the second half with a miss on a jumper. Elton Brand scored on his first effort of the half his total up to 10 on the night. Raptors had misfired on thier first 3 trips up the floor. Sixers meantime got a basket from Dalembert and had lead down to 2 points. But Parker would hook up O’Neal and than a stel for A.P would lead to a Bosh basket and the lead was back to 6 points at 55-49.

One thing that was clear the Raptors defense was much better than it had been at the end of the pre-season. While on offense they had been very careful with just 2 turnovers. They now had a 8 point advantage on a Jamario Moon basket. Sixers would get very unique three point play with a goaltending call and a foul it would make the score 57-52 with 7:30 to play. Raptors had gone cold and the Sixers had a 7-0 run going and cut the lead to just one. Chris Bosh would draw a foul and but an end to that run. Raptors lead 59-56 now. Jermaine O’Neal returned for a less than effective Andrea Bargnani. J.O would get right to work with a basket and than on defensive end caused a jump ball.

J.O was continued to bring it on defense cause Andrea Iguodala to alter a shot and miss. The next time around Iggy would draw a foul on J.O and the Raptors had a 62-58 lead. A. Parker out of a time out would hit a 3 point shot from 18 parkerville court in the corner.  Raptors would cause a 24 second violation thanks to a CB4 block. Bosh would head down on the other end and draw a foul on Sam Dalemebert. He would hit both foul shots and the lead was back the largest of the night at 9 with the score 67-58. J.O would get the Raptors to a double digit lead with a jumper and a now 11 point lead.  The Raptors slow start was a distant memory. Now Calderon hits a shot and Raptors lead 71-58. Sixers would score only to see Jose hit a three pointer  the next time up the floor and Raptor lead was 74-60.  A mistake by Roko Ukic gave the Sixers a chance to cut the lead down to single digits at the end of the quarter with 3 shots from the line. The would make them all and the score was 74-65 after 3 quarters of play.

36 points, 17 rebounds and a block each was a nice three quarters of work from Bosh and O’Neal. Raptors also had 21 points off Sixers turnovers as well. Jason Kapono hits the first shot of the quarter for the Raptors. But the Sixers would answer with a 3 point shot and the lead was down to 6 points. Jose Calderon was back in for likely the rest of this one.  J.O would have a basket taken away on a travel. Jose Calderon would hit a 3 point shot and the lead was back to 9 points for the men in black. The Raptors were wearing the new third jerseys on this night, sorry I forgot to mention that earlier.

7:50 left to go and the Raptors still had the 9 point lead on the scoreboard with a time out on the floor. Jose Calderon was a bit banged up and Roko Ukic had checked in. Jose seemed to bang his elbow or hand on an offensive foul prior to the time out. He seemed to have taken a hit on his funny bone but it was not funny for the Raptors at all. But Chris Bosh would drive to the basket Jose or no Jose. He would get fouled and make both and Raptors had an 11 point advantage. J.O would foul Brand and there was a time out with 5:51 left to go. We will see if Jose returns after the time out.

But it should be said Roko was not making any mistakes in what is a big time situation to be put in for your first NBA game. Calderon was not back it was still Ukic as the Raptors lead was at 10 after Brand split a pair at the line. Jason Kapono was stroking it and he hit a 3 point shot on the offensive end. Jose was back as Andrea Miller was at the line shooting two. He would only make one and Jose would have an 11 point lead to defend with the score 86-75. Chris Bosh went right at Sam Dalemebert who had 5 fouls and he would score. Sixers would cling to life and started a mini 4-0 run the score was 88-79. Lou Williams would score and draw a foul causing Sam Mitchell to call time.

Lou Williams made the shot and the lead was 88-82 with 2:27 to go. CB4 gets a clutch basket to push the lead to 8. Sixers would send the ball out of bounds on their offensive trip and Jason Kapono would make them pay with a 3 point shot. The lead was right back to 11 in the blink of an eye with 1:41 left to play.  Sixers would misfire again out of a the time out. Less than a minute to go and the Raptors had a 9 point lead after Andrea Miller would finally come through for the Sixers.  J.O was at the line with 44 seconds and he would hit both and this game is about done as the Raptors had this one wraped up. Someone some where was talking about Salami and Cheese. Sixers missed on a couple of attempts and Raptors just took a shot clock Violation as they had no need to score anymore. The Raptors new look had a win in the first game that mattered.

Bosh had 27 points and 11 rebounds on the night that is a strong effort for the franchise player. 44 points 19 rebounds for Toronto’s Dynamic Duo. Bryan Colangelo was in Philly and had to be very pleased with what he saw. The final score was Raptors winning 95-84 over the rival Sixers. Your boxscore  with eveyone’s numbers.

Sixers and Raps- Boxscore

My Podcast is on the way. I think I will have a lot of good things to say. It will be here very soon. Raptors are 1-0 and that is a good thing.

Dino Blogger’s Post Game Podcast