Just In Time For The Season- Dino Blogger Makes Picks

A Super Season Is Almost Here

Alright much like when I was in school I have put this off till the last possible minute. But it is time to make some choices for the upcoming season. Let’s Start with who will win the awards for Individuals. I will tell you who I think will win all the awards in the NBA. Let’s start with an easy one. Well at least I think it will be an easy one.

ROY- Rookie of the Year

Dino Blogger says your winner will be: Greg Oden

When we talk about all these awards, part of it is performance and part of it is the politics of how they are selected. Greg Oden would have been locked in a tough battle last year to win the award with Kevin Durant. This season he is just better than any of the guys drafted this past June. Also he is going to be on an improving and rising Portland squad. It doesn’t hurt that the media already thinks Oden is the second coming. So sorry to all you guys drafted in June, Greg Oden is going to steal your glory.

6th Man

Dino Blogger says your winner will be: Rodney Stuckey

Yeah I am going out and taking a major risk. I mean why not play safe and take say Lamar Odom, who will be coming off the bench for the Lakers. That would be a safe pick. But I just see more of a role for Stuckey in Detroit and the guys on that team are not getting any younger. He is no doubt a fantasy sleeper but in reality he is a sleeper to win this award and I think he can.

Most Improved Player

Dino Blogger says your winner will be: Thaddeus Young

I admit I am not really sure exactly what makes you the MIP. But to me, it is the guy that takes the biggest jump from last year to this year. Thaddeus Young on a team on the rise in the Sixers fits the bill for me. His team will be better and he will be much better. Did you see him versus the Raptors this pre-season? He made a pretty strong case as to why he just might be one of the rising stars in this league. He could also be in the mix for 6th man award as well.

Defensive Player Of The Year

Dino Blogger says your winner will be: Tyson Chandler

I really wanted to pick Ron Artest. But come on he could go crazy at the drop of a hat. I see a big season for my former favourite team. Tyson Chandler gets to focus on defensive end in New Orleans and I think he has as good a shot as anyone to win this award. He may not be the first person that comes to mind when you think of this award but if the Hornets can have a good year his play on the defensive end will be a big part of it. Adding another good defender in James Posey will not hurt.

Coach of the Year

Dino Blogger says your winner will be: Stan Van Gundy

He got the screwed out of his Job and a Championship in Miami. Pat Riley thanks a lot. He wasn’t even suppose to have the job he has now. But he showed last year to the fans of the Orlando Magic that he was the best man for the Job. When you have Superman playing for you it sure makes you look like a even better coach as well. I think that he will ride the cape of Superman all the way to Coach of the Year. But part of why Dwight Howard and everyone in Orlando is getting better is Stan Van Gundy. This may not make up for what Pat Riley did to him but it sure is a step in the right direction.

M.V.P

The Dino Blogger says your winner will be: Dwight Howard

Lots of folks will be in the mix for this award. Even Raptors own Chris Bosh has declared his desire to win this award. Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, Kevin Garnett and a number of others can all make strong cases for being the leagues best player. I just think that when you look at the award and who is the of most value to their team it builds a strong case for Dwight Howard. He also may be a tad bit motivated at the fact that Chris Bosh was widely considered better than him on team U.S.A. That will only serve as motivation to Howard to step it up to a new level. The rest of the NBA should all fear Superman. I know that one day this pick will be correct. Dwight Howard will win an M.V.P in his career.  I just think it might be this year.

So that is the awards for the individuals. But this is a game about the teams right?  So let’s take a look at Who I think is making the playoffs. We will start in the West. I am not going to do records as I have no desire to work out the math to see if it is possible for team to reach win totals. I will just give you 1 through 8 in order.

1. L.A Lakers

2.New Orleans

3 San Antonio

4. Portland

5. Utah

6. Houston

7. Phoenix

8. Denver

Left on outside looking in: Dallas, Golden State

I will venture to say the one thing that jumps out about this, is the fact I have Portland winning the Division and having home court advantage. Some may say this is crazy but I just think the Blazers are a team full of talent. Greg Oden should only add to what was a team on the rise. As for my teams on the outside of Playoffs. Mark Cuban made a mistake bringing in Jason Kidd and it was a wrong move. The effects of that continue this season. Golden State has serious issues at point guard and by the time they get fixed it will be far to late in the Western Conference.

So on to the Playoffs:

Round 1

Lakers over Denver

Hornets over Suns

Spurs over Rockets ( The Curse For T-Mac Continues)

Utah over Portland

Conference Semi-Finals

Lakers over Jazz

Hornets over Spurs

Conference Finals

Lakers over Hornets

Now what you came here for the Eastern Conference:

1. Boston

2. Orlando

3. Detroit

4. Toronto

5.Cleveland

6. Philadelphia

7.  Atlanta

8. Miami

On Outside Looking In: Wizards, Knicks

This was much harder than the West to figure out. EA Sports picked the Heat to go to the NBA Finals. I am not that crazy but I could see D-Wade having a bounce back season and getting the Heat in the Playoffs again. I have the Raptors with home court advantage against Cleveland. I am really concerned about this pick but it is what I was thinking before the season and a bad pre-season is not going to change my mind. I also feel Bryan Colangelo is not done. There is another move out there that Colangelo will find that makes this team better.

Now the other thing you are wondering Playoffs:

Round 1

Celtics over Heat

Magic over Hawks

Sixers over Pistons

Raptors over Cavs

Conference Semi Finals

Celtics over Raptors

Magic over Sixers

Conference Finals

Magic UPSET Celtics

Yeah that is right if Mickey Mouse can be a registered voter in the United States, why can’t Dwight Howard follow the path of Shaq and lead them back to the NBA Finals. If this happens the Magic would be making a huge leap as a franchise. But I think the time has come for the Magic in year 3 as a playoff team with this group I think they know enough to win and are young enough to not think they can’t win. Besides all of that everyone and their brother is saying Celtics and Lakers again but even back in the glory days of Bird vs Magic (Johnson) the odd time a Houston Rockets or Detroit Pistons would pull an upset and mess up the Laker vs Celtic rivalry. So I see the Magic as those spoilers this year.

The Finals:

Lakers over Magic

The Lakers have just to much for even Superman to stop. I mean you have to think Andrew Bynum added to the mix makes the Lakers that much scary. So Kobe will get his ring without Shaq and all will be right with the world. That is at least how I see it in theory. But to quote Chris Berman from football….That is why they play the games. That starts tomorrow.  I know I had promised to share some thoughts from Eric Smith on the Lakers from our recent Interview. Well Lakers are playing tomorrow so I will save that for then. Those are my picks what do you think? I will give you polls for NBA Champion and M.V.P. if you want to add thoughts on any thing else your thoughts on anything else feel free to leave a comment.

Polls

And You M.V.P Is Who?

So with that I am now on the record for the 2008/09 season. Will any of my picks be right? I have no idea. I do my best to use what I know to come up with picks that make sense. I don’t claim to be a basketball expert but I do work very hard and pay attention to what is going on just like you. So take these picks for what they are worth. You can feel free to make cases for you own picks in the comments. I like to hear what you think hopefully as much as you like to hear what I think. So tomorrow it all begins a brand new season that will over a lot of excitement for all fans of the NBA.

Lakers vs Raptors-Raptor Rewind

Ok before we get started thanks to you readers for the heads up. Tunez gave me the link to watch the game on the computer and DUI let me know the game was on Raps T.V. So to both of them I dedicate this edition of Raptors Rewind. To get you caught up with the game The Raptors and Lakers traded baskets till we got to 11-11. It is the Lakers on a 10-0 run since than and Kobe Bryant was in this game and causing the Raptors fits. He had a few steals and a break away dunk off one of them to but the Lakers up 21-11. Kobe was now at the line and looking to extend that lead to 12, which he did. Jermaine O’Neal finally ended the Laker 12-0 run with a bucket down low. Oh by the way Andrew Bynum is back for the Lakers too and he replied with an amazing effort at the other end.

Raptors seemed to have made it through the Laker surge. Bosh was heading to the line with a chance to cut the lead down to 7. Prior to that Jason Kapono had a nice long range 3-ball as part of the Raptors push back. Andrea Bargnani was back in the line-up after sitting out last night versus the Clippers. Bosh meanwhile did go 2 for 2 from the line and the score was 25-18 with 2:10 to play. Former Knick Trevor Ariza made a bucket for the Lakers they would add another basket. Andrea Bargnani would than hit his first shot of the night. Raptors would have one last chance to cut the lead to 7 but Bargnani would miss on attempt number 2 of the night. The Lakers had a 29-20 lead after 1 quarter of play.

Second Quarter would see the Lakers build their advantage back up to 15 points. Raptors were going with the second unit with Solomon,Bargnani, Kapono, Graham and Hump on the floor. Lakers had second unit guys as well. Calderon and Bosh would come back and try to turn around a 40-25 score. Calderon made a bullet pass to Bosh for the jam finish. But the Lakers were still in front and able to hang on to the lead they had built. This was a big test for the Raptors as the Lakers are expected to be one of the top teams in the Western Conference this year as they look to make a second trip back to the finals. Bosh would have a chance to cut the lead to 10 as he scored and would make the free throw. So the score stood at 44-34 with just under 5 minutes to play in the half.

Andrea Bargnani would get his own old fasion 3 point play and the lead was just 7. Joey Graham showed you something from the “Good” Joey playbook. A highlight worthy throw down and the Raptors were now on a 10-0 run and the score was 44-41. Chris Mihm will now be on a Joey Graham poster that all you Joey Graham fans will find in stores soon no doubt. Jason Kapono and Coby Karl would exchange 3 point shots. Joey Graham was given a technical foul for what it is unclear as he was fouled by Coby Karl. Raptors would have 5.9 seconds and a chance to cut the lead to two or one. But Kapono would miss a three point shot. Lakers take a 4 point lead to the locker room.

Raptors starters returned for start of the second half and they included Joey Graham once again. Anthony Parker hit back to back shots and Joey Graham was looking to get a bucket and one but he would miss the free throw and the Raptors were down 2. Until J.O would drive and score and we were all tied at 57. The first time the game had been tied since 11-11 early in the first. Kobe Bryant still makes magic even in the pre-season as he had an amazing dunk and that gave the Lakers a 63-60 lead with just over 7 minutes to play. Raptors would take their first lead of the game on an Anthony Parker jumper from the corner about 18 feet away from the hoop and Raptors lead 65-63. Hassan Adams was in the game and making contributions as he scored after a Laker turnover. Adams has had at least 3 baskets that I can remember in this one to this point. He has looked good for the first time since summer league.

An Adams steal would lead to Jermaine O’Neal with a chance to convert a 3 point play which he would and the Raptors had their only lead of the night up to 7 at this point. Bosh was than fouled by Gasol and he looked to add to the lead but he would have a rare 0-2 trip to the line. Bosh shot a career high 84% from the line last season. The Lakers would run off 7 straight points after the Bosh misses from the line and were all tied at 70-70 late in the 3rd Quarter.

Lakers on the strength of a 10-2 run  now had a 73-72 lead. But Andrea Bargnani hit a couple shots in a row and the teams were trading the lead down the end of the quarter. A third Bargnani shot would not fall and the Raptors would end up sending Gasol to the line at the other end. He would split a pair and Lakers lead 78-76 . Jordan Farmar would make a steal and dunk in the face of Chris Bosh and the Lakers had an 80-76 lead after 3 quarters of play.

This had been an entertaining game for the pre-season as we headed to the last quarter. Lamar Odom would hit a shot to open the fourth and another Laker theft and dunk and the Lakers had built back to an 8 point lead of 84-76. The run would continue that from the point when the Raptor lead by 7 was a 23-6 run.  But for the fourth quarter the score was 8-0 Lakers causing Sam Mitchell to call a time-out.

The Lakers were finishing strong so far in the fourth they had a 92-80 lead. Outscoring the Raptors 12-4 in the fourth quarter. The Raptors looked to be out of gas but both teams had player the night before. Granted the Raptors faced a tougher test in the Clippers as the Lakers rolled over a Euro-League foe from Spain. Lakers had a 98-84 lead as the clock just went passed the mid way point of the final quarter. The lead would increase to 18 points there largest lead of the night. In the battle of reserve units the Raptors were getting killed. Hassan Adams would hit a shot to stop what seemed like an endless run by the Lakers. The beatdown would continue after a time-out as Tervor Ariza would make the Laker lead at 20. Thankfully there was only 2 more minutes of this 4th quarter left to endure. The final score of this one would be Lakers 112 and Raptors 89.

This was a case of the Lakers Reserves are MUCH better than the Raptor Reserves and that was on clear display in the 4th quarter.  So good night L.A, Canada and the Dino Nation. The Next Stop and Final Stop of Raptors Pre-Season will be in Edmonton vs the Nuggets. Which reminds me if you are in the Edmonton area and know how to use your camera( I didn’t when I went to T-Wolves Game) I would love to have some fan photos from the game. You can send those to me at dinonationblog@sourcecable.net that is how you can contact me for any reason. So Good Night Everybody!!!

Your Boxscore – Raps vs Lakers

Dino Blogger Thoughts For A Tuesday In September

Score one for the little guy. No I am not talking about my Dallas Cowboys win last night. America’s Team is far from the little guy. The Dino Nation Blog was right about the Pre-Season coverage of the Raptors based on the Matt Devlin Interview. Doug Smith had this to say in Today’s Blog From Toronto Star Website:

Oops, I have to correct a mistake here the other day.

Seems RaptorsTV will be showing the four home pre-season games and the big tilt in Edmonton against Denver. And, if the past is prelude, somewhere on a satellite the games in Los Angeles will get on the tube, making it seven of the eight available for viewers.

So, yes, you can see delightful NBA pre-season action if you subscribe to the network.

And anything on there is better than another Miami-New York playoff game.

My humblest apologies.- Doug Smith Toronto Star Sept.16th

So here is the Official Info from the Raptor’s Website:

Preseason Broadcast Schedule

The Dino Nation blog is happy to accept Doug’s apology. However to be serious about all of this I want to say that I enjoy Doug Smith’s work. I had a chance to say hello to him this past summer when he was in Hamilton covering team Canada. The reason I have brought up this topic was not to bring down Doug in any way. It was to support what I do and that the work I had done was correct. I also felt it was important in the sense that Matt Devlin being the new guy in town and all could be seen in a bad light. So that is why this has lead off the blog for a second day. If you have learned anything from reading this blog I take what I am doing very seriously.

Speaking of Doug he was co-hosting Prime Time Sports last night with Bob McCown. It was interesting to hear his thoughts on the Raptors. He seems very interested in what could happen this season as I think we all share that same feeling. But Doug in general based on his many years covering the team can sometimes not share the interest and excitiment of the fan base.

Team Dino Nation Blog is # 61 in the CB4 Fantasy League. If I win anything I think I may for go my prize and ask for a CB4 interview. Maybe we can give the prize away to a lucky Dino Nation Blog reader. Now you are cheering for me to win right?  I am having a lot of fun playing Fantasy Football in a league with CB4 and a bunch of Raptor Fans. That is why I look forward to the Dino Nation Blogs Fantasy Leagues this year for Basketball. Sorry I don’t have any prizes to offer. Just the pride of victory at this point. But still it should be a lot of fun.

Why I Believe in Nathan Jawai

Many have said that Nathan Jawai will not be much of a factor for the Raptors this year. I have firmly stood behind my thought that he will play a bit more of a role than most people are willing to say. Here is a bit of an explanation as to why I think this will happen. Kris Humphries has been a basic hustle guy for the Raptors in his time here. But on occassion he will force his game and try to do things that he is not expected or wanted to do on the offensive end. Nathan Jawai has only played basketball for about 5 or 6 years. However the two skills he seems to have mastered in that time are rebounding and setting good solid picks. That is the 2 skills he will need to be on the floor for Sam Mitchell. In a recent interview on the Fan 590 Sam Mitchell said his major need for his team is for rebounding and wants to see the team improve in that respect. Jawai is going to be able to help in that way. I think he can work his way into a role on this team. If you have you doubts in this I can not blame you. However how many folks were saying Jamario Moon would have a role for this Raptor team last season at this time? I think the answer was pretty much zero. In fact some wondered if he would even make the team at all. Luke Jackson would lose his spot on the roster in pre-season to Jamario Moon. Jawai is not having to earn a spot on the roster as Moon did. But make no mistake that this guy is motivated to succeed for himself and a whole lot of folks in Australia that believe in him. Well I believe too and maybe I am one of the first to jump on the Jawai bandwagon but I am confident that I will have lots of company before all is said and done. He is the type of player the Raptors have needed for a long time.

Raptors Or Sixers

It seems that many of the Raptors fans have locked in on this idea of who is better the Raptors or the Sixers. I have my money on the home team in the Raptors. I think they have more proven quality outside shooters and will be able to take advantage of that. I also am gambling that Bosh and O’Neal will be more healthy than Brand and Dalembert. Even though I do feel that the Raptors are the better team, I also think the margin of error for Toronto is much smaller than it is for the Sixers. The Sixers have a lot of young and talented players. It is not to say that the Raptors are old. But they have guys that have moved further along in the process of building their careers. I see more players on the Sixers that have a higher room to grow their games. But I am more confident in betting on the more established talent than what could be or might be.

Oden Finally Going To Debut

I am beyond the Raptors excited about other NBA things. Maybe at the top of that list is to see if Greg Oden was indeed worth all of the hype. I was one of a small few folks that thought I would take Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma Thunder over Oden. Just for anyone doubting how excited they are in Oklahoma City about NBA coming to town they sold out their tickets in 5 days. But back to Oden and Durant. Many folks will say I am nuts to think Durant is the better pick. But the fact we have waited over a year to watch Oden debut is part of the reason I would have went with Durant. Talent is great but if it is not on the floor it really doesn’t matter much. I am not sold that Oden can be healthy and productive over the long run. But the young giant is ready to prove me wrong. Here is an Article I found in my morning reading that you might want to check out if you are a Greg Oden fan or not.

Oden Prepares For NBA Season

Not Exactly FLASH Gordon in Chicago

Ben Gordon remains in limbo in Chicago. The Bulls restricted free agent still remains unsigned and has even been thought to be considering options beyond the NBA according to some. It will be interesting to see what happens to a guy that was once thought to be a big part of the puzzle in Chicago. Now he seems to be a round peg in a square hole. Last season all the rumours of a trade for Kobe Bryant to Chicago seemed to just send the Bulls into a tailspin and Gordon was part of that as he was rumoured to be one of the players that would be part of that deal that never happened. It will be on of the interesting things to follow as all NBA teams are about to begin training camps very soon. For more one what may happen with the former U-Conn Huskie from someone Raptor fans know well:

Chuck Swirsky on Ben Gordon

Lakers Are Doing This?…No Way

Ex-Laker and Raptor Jelani McCoy could be going back to the Lakers? This is proof that as long as you are a big body you will get lots of chances to fail in this NBA. I mean you only need to look at the Miami Heat adding Toronto Native Jamal Maglorie as proof of this fact. It also is proof of the fact that the #4 has got a huge upgrade in Toronto. By the way a little Dino Nation Blogger info is that is my favourite number 4. As for McCoy and his possible return to the Lakers here is a link to the source of this info:

McCoy Working Out For Lakers

That is a Rap for this edition of the Dino Nation Blog. See you tomorrow. Oh wait one last thing. The Dino Nation blog is now on Twitter. So that is another way you can keep in touch with the blog. The link is listed among the Dino Nation Blog Sites. But seeing as it is new I will post it in this Blog.

Dino Nation Blog Home on Twitter

It is just one of the many ways I look to interact with you the readers of the Dino Nation Blog. We also have our facebook group as well. If you haven’t checked out these things you are welcome to and be a part of our little family.

Much Love For CB4 on NBC

I think a lot of us were part of the estimated over 1 billion people that watched China and Yao Ming take on the United States in Basketball over the weekend. I decided to take in the game on NBC rather than the CBC. Doug Collins had much love to give to the Raptors Chris Bosh. On a team full of NBA Superstars Chris Bosh got more than his fair share of talk. Collins talked about the fact that Bosh is one of the young stars of the NBA. He suggested that by playing in Toronto those in the United States probably did not know just how good he truly is. Collins went on to suggest that with addition of Jermaine O’Neal that Bosh and his Raptors could be contenders in the East if O’Neal can stay healthy. I respect the opinion of Collins he is very good at his job doing commentary. Collins was rumoured to have been the choice to take the head coaching job in Chicago. But Collins would end up staying right where he is on T.V.

Bosh did play well in limited minutes for the United States. There was a bigger effort on defense for Bosh and that is something that both Sam Mitchell and Jermaine O’Neal should be happy to see. Bosh may like to have fun by making wacky videos and he has got some chances to show off his personality. His job on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno gave Bosh a chance to show the United States he is a very funny guy. But when it comes time to work Bosh is equally as good at doing that. Some may have read a Laker Blog that basically took a part Chris Bosh and was pointing to Bosh as a reason that the Americans could lose in China. It is obvious this guy does not know Chris Bosh as well as we all do. Bosh if anything could be a reason that the Americans can win. Maybe this Laker fan should worry more about the fact that Kobe has declared that he is on the Global Free Agent Market. Once a guy that has said he wants to be a Laker for life seems is not so committed to that idea that he wouldn’t take a rather larger check to bolt for Europe. But in the end is Kobe serious? Only he and his agent know for sure. When you get into all of this free agent talk you have to feel good about Chris Bosh as he has been very loyal to this Raptor Franchise. Bosh deserves a lot more respect from some Raptor fans for that.

Another brief Bosh story connected to the Olympics. Micheal Phelps is trying to make history in a swimming pool in China. He already has 2 gold medals and is looking to win a record 8. Well Chris had a chance to meet the swimming star and asked to have a photo with him. The star American swimmer said to Bosh that wasn’t he(Phelps) should be the one asking for the photo. I can say that I would be happy to have a photo with both. They are both in their own way great athletes and big stars. As a small child I use to swim and for a brief moment had day dreams of going to the olympics. I also played basketball as a youngster too but I never was good enough to think about being in the NBA. But I love swimming every 4 years and basketball everyday. So it was fun for me to see 2 stars from these worlds come together and have respect for each other. In fact all the United States players have been making the effort to get know their fellow athletes. Something that has not always been the case in the past. Good for these guys respecting other athletes that are talented at what they do as well.

Jose, Ricky and Team Spain

Jose Calderon seems to be having a pretty nice summer playing for Spain. He leads the basically only threat to the United States and a Gold Medal in my opinion. Spain has had no trouble in the lead up to this tournament. In fact their blow out win over Argentina may have been a clue that Argentina had some issues heading into this tournament. No such problems for Spain as they took a part a Greece team that some might have thought as a dark horse pick for a medal. The other reason to watch Spain is the youngster Ricky Rubio. When you get into all of this Europe vs NBA stuff he may be a test for if the NBA has to worry. Rubio in the eyes of many is talented enough to be the #1 overall pick in the NBA when he is able to enter the NBA Draft. At the age of only 17 he is already a major star in European Pro Leagues. If he was to pass on the NBA for a major money deal to remain in Europe this could be a sign the NBA needs to worry. There is no question that this kid is good enough for the NBA and could be a major star in the league if he lives up to his talent. This is a guy that Bryan Colangelo will keep an eye on I think. If he was to remain in Europe and bail on the NBA. I could still see Colangelo keeping an eye on managing a way to get this guy.  That being said so would many other NBA G.M’s be looking to do the same.

Who Is Left in The Pool?

I woke up wondering who the heck is still on the NBA Free Agent Market. I have to remind myself that there still are a few guys that have yet to sign for the upcoming season. Two of the biggest names on the list are Andre Iguodala and Ben Gordon. Many expect that Iguodala will remain with the Sixers. But Gordon is not a lock to return to the Bulls. It has been a bad year to be on the market as few teams have those big dollars to be offering players. The teams that do have the money to spend are not exactly great places to hang your hat for a long time. But I thought that some of you may have been like me and forget who is still out there for teams to sign. Even though the Raptors will not be in the hunt for these players it still could impact on them. So on Real GM they have a list of who is still on the Market and who went where in case you forgot. So here is a link for you:

Real GM Free Agent Pool

Dino Blogger Thoughts For The Day

Having fun watching the Olympics not just the basketball. It is taking a toll on me with so many events taking place during the night our time. In case you are trying to figure out when games will be played. China is exactly 12 hours ahead of us here in Southern Ontario. So as I am typing it is 10am here that means in China it is 10pm. Hope that helps you all for following the basketball or other sports. Despite my lack of sleep I am still willing to answer your questions and comments. I actually got one on Georgious Printezis the Raptor second round pick. I was asked if I thought he would play more for Greece in the Olympic Tournament. Based on the last chance tournament in Greece I would say if you are going to see much of Printezis it will be vs China and Angola. Printezis remains under contract in Europe and is not expected to be in camp for Raptors this year. He was a DNP for Greece in their opening game vs Spain.

So if you have Basketball comments or questions and want it to be part of the blog. Please send me those @ dinonationblogger@hotmail.com . If there is enough of them I will do the Nation Speaks mailbag on the weekend. Even if not I will still include your comment or question in some way in the blog. So as i leave today I encourage you all to say a prayer for the Angola basketball team who will have to face team U.S.A tomorrow. They need all the help they can get. Once all the games are done I will have a recap like I had for day 1. So good luck to our Raptors in China, play well and stay safe.

Delfino and Garbajosa Together in Russia?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carlos Delfino has signed to go to Russia. The deal is said to be about 3 years for 8 Million plus. You likely had heard that one but here is something you may not have. I have a friend in Spain that was telling me that not just Delfino could be going to Russia but Jorge Garbajosa as well. I know friend in Spain what the heck kinda of source is that. But he is up on his ball and he told me long before anyone was aware of Jose Calderon that he was going to be a top point guard in the NBA when he first came to the Raptors. I thought he was nuts but now he looks pretty smart. So I have grown to trust him on matters to do with Europe. Kimki the club is based in Russia may also be looking to sign Garbo as well for big bucks. We have heard the stories of the new Russian hockey league throwing around big money. Some feel they could challenge the NHL for talent in Europe. Well this is an example of the same thing going on in Basketball. The strength of the Euro and the weak American Dollar combined with Russians with very deep pockets. Not saying the NBA needs to worry just yet but it is something to pay attention too. Delfino had an offer to return to Detroit that he passed on. With the Cap system in the NBA teams only can offer so much. These Russian teams do not have that concern and have a more powerful currency to spend. There had been talk that the Spurs and Lakers also had some interest in Garbo. But he could end up in Russia teamed up with Delfino who he got very little chance to play with while both were Raptors. This russian team is the same team that Olu Famutimi of the Canada Basketball was playing for last season.

I did mention my friend is from Spain so here is a very small Jose Calderon report. Claderon only played about 3 minutes for Spain as they had an exhibition game vs Portugal. The defending World Champions are preparing for the Olympics. Garbajosa did play in this on as well playing more minutes than just the 3 that Calderon did. He looked good and scored in double digits. Jose will be key for both Spain in the Olympics and of course the Raptors come the fall. Nice to see that Spain is not over working Calderon as they get set for the games in China.

NBA Top Ten Things Of Note For 07/08

I thought with the NBA season on the verge of ending tonight it might be a good time to reflect on the Season that was in the NBA for 07/08. So with that I give you a list of the 10 things I will take away from the 07/08 season.

1. Kobe Bryant Rises From The Ashes: The season started with Kobe Bryant saying he was done with the Lakers. It will end with him still a Laker playing in the NBA Finals. In between we saw Kobe Bryant win an M.V.P trophy. It was outstanding theatre from begining to end and it has done rehab on Kobe and his reputation that had taken a beating. He was the biggest story in a game that has many stars.
2. Chris Paul and The New Orleans Hornets: I was a fan of the Hornets from their days in Charlotte. The return of the Hornets to their new home of New Orleans was amazing. We all know what that city has been through and continues to go through. The fact that Chris Paul and his Hornets could give them something to cheer about in a place that NEEDS something to cheer about. Chris Paul had an break out season and while doing it was giving hope to people off the court that were in bad need of some. David West also was an all-star and the game was held in front of hometown fans. NBA came and gave it’s help to the city as well but the fact that the Hornets were good and Paul was a M.V.P Candidate was something that was good for the people of New Orleans.
3. The Ref Scandal: It is a dark cloud that hangs over the game. The results of this are not fully known and it has opened people eyes to the fact that Sports and Gambling can have a true impact on the games. It is a serious problem and it goes right to the core of the game and it’s integrity. As someone who “Loves This Game” I want to believe in David Stern and hope this is and was a single person that went wrong.
4. Chris Bosh Goes To The People: Chris Bosh became more known not just in Toronto but around the World. He took to YouTube and made a wacky video and more to the point started to show you that there is much more to CB4 beyond being one of the best young big men in the game. I enjoyed seeing some more layers to Chris Bosh.
5. Bulls Fall From Grace: Kobe was coming and the Bulls were going to finally be back in the post Jordan era. That was the plan. But it all went south and Kobe never came. The young Bulls failed and had a terrible season that no one saw coming. But they now have won the Lottery and got Chuck Swirsky does that change anything for the Bulls.
6. No Heat in Miami: Shaq and Dwade marriage came to an end. Hard to remember they did win an NBA title. But nothing of Championship quality could be found in Miami this year. Up the road their former coach was teaching Dwight Howard how to be Superman. Pat Riley and his rep took a major hit with me. Not that it matters to him. He had no Magic to speak of. It lead to Shawn Marion coming to Miami for Shaq. Will Marion and Wade stay together or are they both just waiting for a ticket out of town. Staying true to form the Heat couldn’t even score win in the Lottery.
7. Return of Celtic Pride: The biggest story of last off-season and this season was the Boston Celtics. The Big 3 was the story all year. But for me it will be the rise of Rajon Rondo that I remember. Many doubted him and I did not. Well at least till he got to the NBA FInals. In fact the Celtics reserves all were much better than advertised. Yes, Kevin Garnett can take a lot of the praise for leading them to levels beyond what was expected. But these guys followed his lead where in Minnesota they did not. I think this is a short return of Celtic pride but a much needed one for this franchise and the NBA as a whole. Couple more years left to add to that Celtic Record Title number.
8. T.J Ford In Atlanta: I watched one of my favorite players have one of the best games of his career in the NBA. It was a great feeling for me as a fan. That feeling all went away in an instant. I watched in fear as T.J Ford crashed to the floor. It was the best and worst all in one night. It still to this very day is impacting on Ford and the Raptors. It has been a sad situation that all could have been avoided if Al Horford had some sense. You may not agree but I think this never should have happened and if it had been a veteran player as opposed to a rookie it wouldn’t have. What a different season it might have been for the Raptors and Ford.
9. The End Of Thomas In New York: It finally happened. The Knicks after another year of failure said good bye to Isiah Thomas. The Knicks have become an NBA JOKE under the Thomas command. The fact it took as long as it did is the amazing part to me. Donnie Walsh and Mike D’Antoni good luck to you both you are going to need it.
10. Big Trade Busts: We had a year of big trades and some huge failures. Mavericks went all in on Jason Kidd and came up empty. The Suns went and got Shaq another nickname in the BIG CACTUS but beyond that had no success. The only big trade that seemed to work was more like a Car Jacking than a trade in which the Lakers got Pau Gasol. Makes me think that next time around some may take a second look when they have a big trade on the table during the season.

You may have other moments or memories of this 07/08 season and if you do please share them in the comments. There is no wrong answers. Just what do you think you will remember 5 years from now when someone says what do you remember about this past season.

The “Truth” is it Should Be Over

Paul Pierce and his Celtics should be getting ready for a parade tomorrow but instead they will be facing the Lakers in game 6. Perkins had to sit out for game 5 and Rondo is clearly not running at 100 percent. Paul Pierce is suppose to be hurting too. For all of these reason the Celtics really would have been better served to finish this series at the first chance they had to do so. It is not like the Lakers did not give them the chance to do it. Much like the story in Game 4 the Lakers stormed out to a lead only to give it away. In Game 5 they build another lead after that only to almost lose that lead as well. Kobe Bryant steal and slam not only saved the game but the Laker season. But Paul Pierce out played the M.V.P for large parts of this game and series.

We have all heard the stats that no team has every comeback from 3-1 down to win a series in the Finals. The fact Boston will have both games on their home floor only adds to the unlikely nature of it happening. Still if the Lakers do comeback people will point to last night as the turning point. But for this to happen the Lakers must find a way to play some kind of defence. They have shown the ability to be dominante on offence for periods in this series. But in order to take advantage of that they must find a way to defend the pick and roll of Pierce and Garnett. This has been the bread and butter of the Celtic attack and has allowed Paul Pierce to be the front runner to be a Finals M.V.P.

Pierce has always been considered a good player by most that follow the NBA. I would class him as a guy that was always on the fringe of all-star status. But even in his own draft class he was not given respect. Vince Carter was selected before him and won the Rookie of the Year. But who would trade Vince Carter straight up for Paul Pierce now? Pierce has always been good to great but by adding guys like Garnett and Allen he has been launched to a new level. The kid that grew up miles from where the Lakers teams of the 80’s played is now the biggest reason they are having trouble winning a title now. It seems to be fitting that the lone guy who was there to watch the Celtics hit rock bottom last year to seem them back to a level they have not seen since 1986.

This series was suppose to be the cherry on top of the Kobe Bryant sundae but it has not turning out the way Laker fans would wrote the scripit. But the fact is despite maybe not playing good enough to win game 5 last night the Lakers DID WIN and the story is not over. Kobe Bryant can still write an ending to this story that would be historic and unlikely if you look at this series through the first 5 games. But it is hard to bet against Kobe Bryant he is a guy that seems to always find a way to live to fight another day. Kobe Bryant is not Micheal Jordan and he will never be. But he is in his own way an amazing talent that ranks up with the best in sports today. Tiger Woods who has shown us that he is an amazing talent as well if you watched this weekends U.S Open. He thinks what Kobe can do is amazing and if someone that great can see it in him, who am I to argue with that.

There are few names that you can list that are bigger than the sports they play and Bryant is on that list. In fact we live in an era where we have several NBA players who that can apply to. Not to say that Pierce is the Rocco to Kobe’s Tiger. But that Bryant has another gear that few have. He will need to use that gear if any Laker comeback for the ages is going to happen. But people in Boston know better than anyone that it can happen. We all remember the Red Soxs were dead and buried to the Yankees only to see the Red Soxs rise from the dead and go on to defeat the rivial Yankees and go on to end the curse of Ruth with a World Series win. I imagine people in Boston are on pins and needles till that buzzer hits zero with Celtics leading. After all 1986 was a longtime ago and a generation has grown up not being able to experience a Celtic Championship other than from ESPN CLASSIC.

This series may not have been a Classic had it ended last night. But the door is open for it still to become one. That is because the Celtics could not walk through the open door that the Lakers had rolled out a red carpet for them to walk on. Lakers have to know that they got lucky last night and it will take much more than simple luck to pull of a win in game 6 & 7.

Tonight we are having a live blog event to talk about the Raptors Off-Season. So I will save all my Raptor thoughts for that. If you would like to join in the fun please come join me at 7pm. I do these type events for 2 reasons. One to have a chance to get to know all of you readers better and hopefully vice versa. I also do it in the hopes to get more folks a part of the growing group of Dino Nation Blog Readers. I encourage everyone to take part in these events and share the Dino Nation Blog with your friends that are basketball fans and Raptors fans. I am proud to be able to bring you some quality stuff like interviews with Raptors media folks. They give their time and knowledge to this blog and it’s readers through me and I thank them for doing so. So here is the link for tonight’s event that starts at 7pm and will last for as long as we have things to talk about on the Raptors.

Dino Nation Blog Raptor’s Off-Season Live Blog Event

Lakers on Life Support?

How on earth did the Lakers let a 24 point lead fade away. The Celtics are now on the verge of adding to their record number of NBA Championships. The Celtics defence has been to much for the Lakers. Kobe Bryant was frustrated at the end of this game. No team has every comeback from a 3-1 disadvantage in the history of the NBA Finals. In fact in sports it is rare to happen at any point. But when you add in the 2-3-2 format of the NBA this truly seems like mission impossible for Kobe Bryant and the Lakers.

Boston will have it’s first chance to end this series on Sunday in L.A. Paul Pierce the native of California if the Celtics should win would likely be the Finals M.V.P to this point. He had 20 points as part of the Celtic comeback. Doc Rivers deserves some knid of award as well. He has done a skillful job matching wits with Phil Jackson who some would argue as the greatest coach of all time with his 9 NBA Titles and 10 Finals appearances. Doc Rivers does not get the respect he deserves as he has done a great job making this all come together for Boston. The big 3 may all be outstanding players but it was Rivers that has worked with the supporting cast that has been big in this series. He also help get the Big 3 to work together towards the common goal they all shared of a NBA Championship. They now stand on the verge of making that dream become the reality.

However the Lakers will live to fight another day. Let’s not forget Andrew Bynum has been MIA for the Lakers and when he returns he should make the Lakers that much better. It really is a scary thought when you consider how far they have come without him. Lamar Odom who had been a non factor did show some signs of coming alive but it is a case of too little to late. Odom might be a guy the lakers look to move in the off-season to add another player to the mix. Perhaps a point guard would be something the Lakers might want. If you are thinking along the same lines as this is going you are right. I would not be suprised if the Lakers at least pick up a phone and ask about Jose Calderon. Not to say it would happen but it seems to make sense with Gasol already in L.A and the real need for a point guard as Derk Fisher is not getting any younger and I am not sold on the people behind him on the depth chart in L.A.

Speaking of those Toronto Raptors. Draft Workouts are set for Tomorrow in Buffalo and this is the line-up. You will note yet to appear, Donte Green of Syracuse and Roy Hibbert of Georgetown. Speaking of Green I will be putting together a feature on him later next week. Jack Armstrong will be helping me out with that as he covered 5 Syracuse games for ESPN this past year and got to see a lot of Mr.Green. But this list of players will try to prove they are the answer for the Raptors at #17. That is if the Raptors don’t change the question as far as where they pick.

Forward	Darrell Arthur	6-9	225	Kansas
Guard	Tyrone Brazelton	6-0	180	Western Kentucky
Forward	James Gist	6-9	235	Maryland
Forward	J.J. Hickson	6-9	242	North Carolina State
Guard	DeMarcus Nelson	6-4	200	Duke
Centre	David Padgett	6-11	230	Louisville

Just a reminder that are Raptors Hot Stove Live Blog is this Monday and the Dino Nation Blog Draft Party is of course on Draft night June 26th. So tell a friend and come join the Dino Nation Blogger online to have some fun and info on the NBA Draft.

 

Ref Scandal Returns

Sorry about not getting the blog in the books yesterday. We have had some awful weather of late here in Southern Ontario and needed to get some stuff done while there was sunlight. That combined with the fact anything I wrote would have been old news fast with game 3 going on last night. However despite the Lakers Game 3 win the talk is about playoffs past as oppossed to the Lakers vs Celtics Final. You remember Tim Donaghy? He is that dirty ref that was at the center of the Ref Scandal that rocked the NBA last summer. I was always suprised how the NBA was able to keep this story out of the news through majority of the season. I expected it to be a bigger story and have an impact on this season. The one thing that can impact any sport is the idea that games are not played fairly. But to my suprise David Stern was able to get people back and focused on the game. He told us all that the NBA took this matter seriously and that from what he had learned based on the federal investigation was that this was one bad apple in the NBA Referee roster.

That bad apple being Tim Donaghy. Well Donaghy now is talking and making some claims that the league had agendas for playoff series. He makes reference to series in 2002 and 2005. Saying the NBA wanted certain teams to win and directed officals to not make calls against the teams they wanted to win. Do we believe him? Keep in mind that Donaghy is still to be punished for his crimes and has yet to get a sentance for his crimes. I watched Larry King last night and saw wrestler Hulk Hogan try to do damage control over the arrest and of his son that caused injury to the passenger in his sports car after the car they were driving smashed into a tree in a street race gone wrong. Nick is now in jail for an 8 month prison stay he was given in a Florida Court. Hogan put on a performance last night that was better than any he had in a WWE ring. After all their is still a civil suit to be settled based on his son’s actions. People will always do what they can to protect their own backside and that of people close to them. It is human nature to do so. Tim Donaghy is no different from that is he? I would take this much more seriously if not for a couple facts. The one I mentioned that he has yet to be punished for his crimes yet and it is clear he will do what he can to reduce that punishment as much as he can. This is a guy that cheated and lied and now we are suppose to buy what he is selling? Second thing that I find fishy is the timing of all of this. The NBA Finals are going on and he takes this time to share these damaging statements with authorities? Why could he not have made the same statement months ago? It seems far to staged that this happens in the middle of the NBA marquee event of the NBA Finals.

What I hope comes out of this is it makes David Stern step up his promises of a more open system when it comes to how the game is called. The time has come in all sports for referees to have accountability to their actions on the floor. If we can have instant replay in sports would it kill anyone to have a 5 minute press event where refs could answer media questions after a game? The time has come for Refs to speak and have a voice. My father as I mentioned use to be an umpire of baseball and softball and I know he took the integrity of that job seriously as do the people that make a full time living at it. They deserve the right to defend their actions or admit to mistakes they have made. We hold governments accountable for their actions and many other organizations of people. So why should we not have that for Refs.

The two series that are in dispute are the Lakers vs Kings Conference Final of 2002 and a Houston vs Dallas series in 2005. For more on this here is an Article from ESPN on the Finals and this Topic.

Game 3 Of The Finals

The Lakers are not claiming scandal but they were less than happy with the job being done in games 1 and 2 by the Refs. They would be more pleased to get more chances at the charity stripe in this game but did not make them count. In fact both teams struggled from the line. But Kobe Bryant finally found a Robin to his Batman in this game. Don’t ask Sasha Vujacic about Paris Hilton. Also don’t ask Paris to spell his name. But he would be happy to talk about his performance in game number 3. He was big for the Lakers in getting them their first win of the NBA Finals.

The list of walking wounded also grew for the Celtics in this game. Paul Pierce may not be as injured as we might have thought. Rajon Rondo however it would appear is though. He was coming off a great performance in game 2 and turned his ankle in the second half. Going to the locker room without the fanfare of Pierce and returning with even less. He did not play much after he came back to the bench and did not have the miracle like recovery of Pierce. Kendrick Perkins is also suffering with an ankle issue as well. Should this series get extended you have to think the growing amount of walking wounded for the Celtics is going to have an impact.

Still the pressure remains on the Lakers to hold serve so to speak on their home court. A loss would mean having to win both game 6 and 7 in Boston which would seem to be a task that not even Kobe Bryant would be able to pull off.

Raptors Know Something We Don’t?

I admit that I am far from an insider when it comes to the Toronto Raptors. I do pay attention to what is going on though. The Raptors were scheduled to hold draft workouts in Buffalo on Thursday and they have been cancelled. Does this mean Raptors have found their man? Does it mean they may be looking to move out or up in the draft and are quietly scouting up the draft board. The Raptors staff is spread out all over the globe at this point. It also has seemed odd that they have looked at a lot of guys that many have pegged for the second round at best. The Raptors currently have no second round pick. So why?  People might think it means they are going to acquire a second round pick as part of a trade and it seems like that would make some sense based on the people they have been looking at.

If there is no secret plans at work, Chris Douglas Robert and Robin Lopez have to feel good about thier chances to be a Raptor as they were the two big names that the Raptors have seen that could be in the range of their current pick at #17. But something says to me the process to this draft is going to be a bit more of mystery from past seasons. Last season there was none of this speculation and drama as the Raptors did not even have a pick going into draft night. They would acquire a late 2nd round pick to draft a player out of Greece that they like. But it was far less exciting.

I may be jumping the gun based on just a work out being cancelled but it does seem strange. That being said these things are very hard to work out to get guys in and out of town. They are like traveling salesmen and scheduling can be a nightmare to see some of these draft eligable players. The other thing of course is when the heck is Roy Hibbert coming. I mean this is no secret that I like this guy and no workout with Raptors? None that we know of anyway. Another draft dream for me down the tubes. 15 more days and we will all find out what the Raptors have been up to as far as the draft goes. Hopefully you will join us all for the Dino Nation Draft Party on June 26th. You don’t need to share your food or bring your own drinks just sit right in front of same screen you are reading this from. Make sure you can see you T.V too. This will be the start of a lot of interactive oppurtunties that will be a very big part of what I will being doing next year. Also you can bring as many friends to this party as you like in fact that is part of why I am doing it to bring more people into the Dino Nation Blog family and have a chance to interact with all of you that are part of it now.

 

The Monday 2 4

Monday Mini Thoughts

1. Rajon Rondo I personally want to say sorry for doubting you. I just thought experience in the NBA Finals meant more, guess not.
2. Phil Jackson is a funny guy. His comments in press conferences have that Zen Master dry wit.
3. Paul Pierce is going to get nominated for an ESPY. Best over drama for an injury. Vince Carter is pissed as he use to own this award.
4. The draft is coming and thus far the front runners if the Raptors stay @ 17 are Donte Green and Chris Douglas Roberts. Robin Lopez came in, to mixed media reviews. I still say Roy Hibbert is the safest pick for Toronto.
5. Can Kobe save the Lakers? Enough of this team stuff Kobe. Lakers need the guy that can drop 50.
6. Boston bench was suppose to be it’s downfall well it is through 2 games of NBA Finals has been one of their strengths.
7. D.J Augstine is going to be one of my new Favourite Point Guards next year. T.J’s # 1 student could maybe someday surpass his teacher.
8. Rowan Barrett has come back to play for Canada. Steve Nash what about you? I am not given him the pass that everyone else is. I want Canada Basketball to get to the Olympics and Nash gives that better chance of happening.
9. I vow to watch more NCAA BASKETBALL next season. I make this vow every year around the draft but I hope I can live up to it this year.
10. Sorry Candace Parker, I tried watching WNBA without you and it really hasn’t changed much. I just can’t watch it. Does that make me a sexiest pig? I hope not I just don’t enjoy the flow of the games no matter who is in the ugly uniforms.
11. One week to our Offseaon Hot Stove Live Blog Event…Tickets still available…Well there are no Tickets it is F R E E and I hope you all will take part. I will be posting the link for it later this week.
12. When and What will be that first move of Bryan Colangelo? I am starting to get tired of waiting and wondering.
13. Terry Porter and Vinny Del Negro? That is the new coaches for Suns and Bulls. They likely will be good choices just because you have a big name doesn’t mean you are the right fit for a team. See how that Mike D’Antoni thing works in New York. Not that the Knicks can be much worse, but they won’t be as improved as people think.
14. Time off Rocks, I love doing what I do here each day but I really enjoyed a couple days to reflect and get refocused.
15. I am always happy to hear from NEW readers to the blog. Tells me we are growing. I am happy to hear from OLD readers as well cause it tells me your still there. So comments are ALWAYS WELCOME. Even if they don’t agree with ME.
16. 17 days till the NBA Draft and CFL season. Mom will not be happy that I will be watching NBA draft while the Hometown Ti-Cats take on Montreal but I am Basketball first. So join me for Dino Nation Blog Draft Party if you are as well.
17. Loved seeing Bill Russell on pre-game of Game 2 from Boston. He is greatest player ever to me. You say Jordan or someone else that is fine. I say Bill Russell has 11 rings. Can you imagine any modern era player ending their career with 11 NBA Titles? I can’t.
18. Chris Bosh is doing well for himself. The Tonight Show gig is going to build his stardom south of the border. Good for CB4. He is a smart guy and has some smart people behind him as far as directing his career on and off the floor.
19. Lakers need to win Game 3 and do it in an impressive way to save this series.
20. Raptors season feels like it ended a year ago. Going to be a long wait till next year.
21. July 1st you will hear about Hockey, Hockey and more Hockey in Canada. But it also is start to Basketball Free Agent period and lots of Rumours turn into facts.
22. Watching what goes on over with the Leafs it makes me happy MLSE hired Bryan Colangelo. After all if they didn’t they might be trying to fix the basketball team too. Thankfully they leave that job to Bryan now.
23. Will some team try to draft BOTH Lopez brothers. It would be something interesting if a team tried to pull it off.
24. Do you have some Random Basketball thoughts? Let’s hear them. I think this might become a more common Monday theme so if you have a good one drop me a email @ Dinonationblogger@hotmail.com and I can add your random thoughts to mine.