Coming into the 08-09 season, expectation were high on the Toronto Raptors to perform at a higher level. Due in large part to the major off-season acquisition of PF/C Jermaine O'Neal, Raptors fans once again had a reason to be optimistic about the future. With arguably on paper the best front court tandem in the NBA, O'Neal and Bosh were ready to take on what the NBA had to throw at them.
Returning from an Olympic games for the ages(Michael Phelps' 8 gold medals, return of USA Basketball and USAIN BOLT), the energized pair of PG Jose Calderon and PF Chris Bosh lead the Raptors to a blazing 3-0 start to the season. The Raptors were turning heads of fans and foes alike as their style of play left opposing coaches frantically searching for answers. But as soon as we got on a roll, we were met by our first real challenge of the season. A Pistons team that has made it to the East Finals 6 straight times. In this game, the Raptors battled hard only to lose the game 93-100. This game also saw our greatest weakness get exploited as the play of our guards/small forwards ceased to exist. This was only the beginning of our problems.
After 10 games, the Raptors found themselves at 5-5. Though not an immediate reason for concern, onlookers remained cautious as the next ten games would see us play really great teams. After losing 7 of the next ten games, GM Bryan Colangelo seemed to have had enough so he went and relinquished the coach Sam Mitchell of his duties. Though it was a shock as it came out of the blue, Raptors fans were not surprised as his coaching technique centered around his team "making shats(shots)" which the team wasn't. The releasing of Sam allowed assistant manager and fellow Canadian Jay Triano to take the reins of the franchise and try to steer them towards a winning mentality. Unfortunately, the car was on cruise control as the Raptors landed in Utah where they got picked apart by a team that utilizes their strengths to their advantage.
It also wasn't a positive that O'Neal was returning from yet another setback as he had to sit out 3 games due to an ankle injury that also lowered his playing time significantly through the rough stretch. Also, after looking like an MVP candidate, Chris Bosh's' game took a slide during this stretch of games as the effects of playing the whole summer caught up to him along with the burdening task of trying to stay competitive on a team that is not playing up to its potential. The Raptors where showing no fight or enthusiasm on the court which drove them to the bottom standings in the NBA.
It seemed as if every time that they took a step forward, they were taking 2 steps back. They would go out on the road and win a tough game, only to come home and lose a nail bitter. They would play and beat the best road team in the league, then lose to the the worst team in the league. Now sitting 16-25 half way through the season, the Raptors find themselves 9 games under .500 and 3.5 games out of playoff contention. They are 6 games worse than last year at this time and it is in a way understandable as with a new coach and new faces comes a new game plan that in the past couple of games has shown its bright spots.
Under this new system, Bargnani has emerged as the centre of the future. Averaging around 20pts and 6rebs since JO got injured for a second time this year, his confidence in himself has shot up as he is playing tremendous basketball. Also with Calderon sidelined with a hamstring injury, rookie PG Roko Ukic has been playing better in the fast paced flowing offense that Triano is trying to implement. But if the Raptors want to make a run at the playoffs this year, they're a few thing that they have to clean up and work on.
Consistency, consistency, consistency. It can only be preached so much until it gets annoying. Since the beginning of the season, not one Raptor has been consistent. In order for them to achieve, they need to know what they are going to get out of each player every night. Look at the great teams. When the Lakers play, you expect that Kobe is going to score 20+ and have 6rebs and 5ast. And even when he doesn't, you have Paul Gasol to take over. In the Raptors case, you have Bosh that will get his 24pts and 10 rebs but what happens when he gets into foul trouble our he is not on his game that night. Their is not one Raptor that I could confidently say that would pick up the slack and play his heart out for the team. Yes Parker and Graham have their night but that isn't enough. Since the trade deadline is around the corner, their has been talks about possible trade situations involving the Raptors receiving a multi talented wing player. One rumour that has "Heated " up over the past couple of weeks is the possibility of a O'Neal - Marion swap between the Raptors and Miami Heat. As Bargnani has emerged and is playing now at a consistent level over the past couple of weeks, O'Neal has since become expandable. Having a player like Marion would do wonders for the Raptors as he is the defender at the three spot that they desperately need. Though by himself no way an offensive threat, maybe with Calderon, he can return to the all star form he had while playing for the Suns with Nash averaging 21pts, 11rebs, 1ast, 2stl, 2blk. Though we would be giving up a rugged defender, we will be receiving a defender in return that has a lot of upside if put into the right system.
Secondly, their bench has to start playing better. This year, our bench is really thin. We don't have the flexibility we once had in deciding who should play, who's hot at the moment etc. Now, our second unit has to play well or else the burden is solely on the starters. There have been many games that we could of taken this year but we couldn't because or bench would come in and watch the lead we worked hard for evaporate, but there have been games also that looked out of reach but our bench pulled it out in the end. Players like Kapono and Graham need to play at a higher level more consistently if we want to make the playoffs. They have the talent, they just lack the heart, the passion to do well. Look at Boston as an example. Last year, many doubted if they would do well as their bench was really thin. But they pulled it out in the end because each of their players played with a passion night in and night out that showed their desire to achieve greatness. That is the passion that we need to play with too.
Last but definitely not least, DEFENSE! When I watch the Raptors play, I really get frustrated when we give up rebounds and get beaten of the dribble by opposing point guards. As a team, their defense is average but individually, they are not that good. They need to work together and play team defense for not 1 but all 4 quarters if they want to win games. In short, the have to become more tough and not play to the levels of their opposition. That means no more 3pt shots from Bosh, more attacking the rim. No more pass first mentality by Calderon, look for the best opportunity to get the ball in the basket. No more jump shots by Moon, for God sakes use your freakishly high hops and dunk the damn basketball once and a while. No more trying to create for yourself Kapono. We paid you 24million to shoot so please starting making it look like you were worth every penny.
So with that in mind, lets see what the Raptors have in store for us in the upcoming second half.
Returning from an Olympic games for the ages(Michael Phelps' 8 gold medals, return of USA Basketball and USAIN BOLT), the energized pair of PG Jose Calderon and PF Chris Bosh lead the Raptors to a blazing 3-0 start to the season. The Raptors were turning heads of fans and foes alike as their style of play left opposing coaches frantically searching for answers. But as soon as we got on a roll, we were met by our first real challenge of the season. A Pistons team that has made it to the East Finals 6 straight times. In this game, the Raptors battled hard only to lose the game 93-100. This game also saw our greatest weakness get exploited as the play of our guards/small forwards ceased to exist. This was only the beginning of our problems.
After 10 games, the Raptors found themselves at 5-5. Though not an immediate reason for concern, onlookers remained cautious as the next ten games would see us play really great teams. After losing 7 of the next ten games, GM Bryan Colangelo seemed to have had enough so he went and relinquished the coach Sam Mitchell of his duties. Though it was a shock as it came out of the blue, Raptors fans were not surprised as his coaching technique centered around his team "making shats(shots)" which the team wasn't. The releasing of Sam allowed assistant manager and fellow Canadian Jay Triano to take the reins of the franchise and try to steer them towards a winning mentality. Unfortunately, the car was on cruise control as the Raptors landed in Utah where they got picked apart by a team that utilizes their strengths to their advantage.
It also wasn't a positive that O'Neal was returning from yet another setback as he had to sit out 3 games due to an ankle injury that also lowered his playing time significantly through the rough stretch. Also, after looking like an MVP candidate, Chris Bosh's' game took a slide during this stretch of games as the effects of playing the whole summer caught up to him along with the burdening task of trying to stay competitive on a team that is not playing up to its potential. The Raptors where showing no fight or enthusiasm on the court which drove them to the bottom standings in the NBA.
It seemed as if every time that they took a step forward, they were taking 2 steps back. They would go out on the road and win a tough game, only to come home and lose a nail bitter. They would play and beat the best road team in the league, then lose to the the worst team in the league. Now sitting 16-25 half way through the season, the Raptors find themselves 9 games under .500 and 3.5 games out of playoff contention. They are 6 games worse than last year at this time and it is in a way understandable as with a new coach and new faces comes a new game plan that in the past couple of games has shown its bright spots.
Under this new system, Bargnani has emerged as the centre of the future. Averaging around 20pts and 6rebs since JO got injured for a second time this year, his confidence in himself has shot up as he is playing tremendous basketball. Also with Calderon sidelined with a hamstring injury, rookie PG Roko Ukic has been playing better in the fast paced flowing offense that Triano is trying to implement. But if the Raptors want to make a run at the playoffs this year, they're a few thing that they have to clean up and work on.
Consistency, consistency, consistency. It can only be preached so much until it gets annoying. Since the beginning of the season, not one Raptor has been consistent. In order for them to achieve, they need to know what they are going to get out of each player every night. Look at the great teams. When the Lakers play, you expect that Kobe is going to score 20+ and have 6rebs and 5ast. And even when he doesn't, you have Paul Gasol to take over. In the Raptors case, you have Bosh that will get his 24pts and 10 rebs but what happens when he gets into foul trouble our he is not on his game that night. Their is not one Raptor that I could confidently say that would pick up the slack and play his heart out for the team. Yes Parker and Graham have their night but that isn't enough. Since the trade deadline is around the corner, their has been talks about possible trade situations involving the Raptors receiving a multi talented wing player. One rumour that has "Heated " up over the past couple of weeks is the possibility of a O'Neal - Marion swap between the Raptors and Miami Heat. As Bargnani has emerged and is playing now at a consistent level over the past couple of weeks, O'Neal has since become expandable. Having a player like Marion would do wonders for the Raptors as he is the defender at the three spot that they desperately need. Though by himself no way an offensive threat, maybe with Calderon, he can return to the all star form he had while playing for the Suns with Nash averaging 21pts, 11rebs, 1ast, 2stl, 2blk. Though we would be giving up a rugged defender, we will be receiving a defender in return that has a lot of upside if put into the right system.
Secondly, their bench has to start playing better. This year, our bench is really thin. We don't have the flexibility we once had in deciding who should play, who's hot at the moment etc. Now, our second unit has to play well or else the burden is solely on the starters. There have been many games that we could of taken this year but we couldn't because or bench would come in and watch the lead we worked hard for evaporate, but there have been games also that looked out of reach but our bench pulled it out in the end. Players like Kapono and Graham need to play at a higher level more consistently if we want to make the playoffs. They have the talent, they just lack the heart, the passion to do well. Look at Boston as an example. Last year, many doubted if they would do well as their bench was really thin. But they pulled it out in the end because each of their players played with a passion night in and night out that showed their desire to achieve greatness. That is the passion that we need to play with too.
Last but definitely not least, DEFENSE! When I watch the Raptors play, I really get frustrated when we give up rebounds and get beaten of the dribble by opposing point guards. As a team, their defense is average but individually, they are not that good. They need to work together and play team defense for not 1 but all 4 quarters if they want to win games. In short, the have to become more tough and not play to the levels of their opposition. That means no more 3pt shots from Bosh, more attacking the rim. No more pass first mentality by Calderon, look for the best opportunity to get the ball in the basket. No more jump shots by Moon, for God sakes use your freakishly high hops and dunk the damn basketball once and a while. No more trying to create for yourself Kapono. We paid you 24million to shoot so please starting making it look like you were worth every penny.
So with that in mind, lets see what the Raptors have in store for us in the upcoming second half.
You went seriously in-depth with this, good job :) I'm not a basketball fan myself, but you made interesting to read.
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