Evenard M. Panes
Spennies
Sports InsiderToronto Raptors 2008
February 24th 2008 06:26
Time to meet my favorite team since they began in 1995 I believe. So feel free to get to know my Raps and comment if you feel the need.
07 / 2008 Roster
Check this! backwards name & #
The man at the point is speedy TJ Ford out of Texas. His health of late has been questioned, but certainly not his heart. Ford is one of the all-time most brave players after going through numerous rehab efforts to get back to being able to play his style of game, he still remains determined and will not take his ball and go home.
NBA
The upstart rookie in Jamario Moon has become quite a find in just over a half-season with the Raps. 'Jam' has been invited to the all-star dunk contest for 2008. Especially after all his rim-rockin' dunks of late.
Moon is a triumphant story, that should inspire us all. Jam came from community college to undrafted rookie in all the minor leagues of basketball, to become a solid contributor for a contending playoff team, finally after many years in the trenches at the age of 27.
At the two-guard spot we have another great story in Anthony Parker who came from a minor league team impressing the Raptors when facing Toronto in an exhibition pre-season game, actually being the catalyst to beat an NBA team.
With cranking the three's and playing tough D, Parker should put up a solid 10 ppg average and be counted on to make big shots and come up big on Def. Filling some of the gap left by Mo Pete.
Rasho Nesterovic should start in the middle to eat up the early fouls and become a presence in the middle to let Bosh and Moon rebound and run while he takes the opposing big man out of the play.
Y!
Rasho provides a veteran presence in the middle and can protect Andrea Bargnani from getting exposed early and often as any Toronto fans remember the catastrophie, being Rafael Araujo. In which the Raps wanted him to be an experienced type player who protects the paint and Bosh, pretty unreasonable as they should have just signed or promoted a tough interior defensive type seasoned player.
The following completes the Raptors roster as of January 31st. Not including the "signing of Damon Stoudamire". Who I think would be foolish to sign with the Raps, as if and when TJ Ford returns, where and how will Mighty Mouse get the time on the floor?
Jose Manuel Calderon has quickly become a fan favorite and I am in love with his game and now that he has amassed a solid percentage for his jump-shooting efforts, I am hoping they sign this enigmatic Spaniard for a long while.
Andrea Bargnani has struggled recently and with him starting of late has continued to pick up fouls at a rapid pace to start games. His offensively struggles and his lacking defensive game have the NBA questioning his progress and pick at # 1. I believe he has star status in the future and will become great when he plays defense.
Jason Kapono received a monster 4 year 24milllion$ contract. Worthy or not? His shooting has never been a question, but can he contribute consistently without the kickouts of Shaq and Wade?
Kris Humphries received a new extension a great feat for this undersized forward, whose tenacious hustle and rebounding have given him a solid role on this years squad.
Carlos Delfino, picked up for two-second rounders to Detroit made my day, when I first found out. A solid defender with scoring prowess. His long distance shooting has been a surprise but defensively he has been a rock.
Juan Dixon has been unused and unappreciated. He should be used as the backup PG and energy guy at the two spot with Moon of the bench with Calderon in a perfect world. But Arguably the worst player in the NBA in Darrick Martin currently holds the third point spot.
Joey Graham has shown sparks of Vincanity with his dunking ability but has left a lot to be desired by efforts and awareness. It really makes you think as to the wasted 16th pick used from the Babcock era. The very next player taken after the Raptors was Indiana Pacers G/F Danny Granger, who slid that far in the first round due to uncertainty in the health of his knee. But the previous regime of exec's reveled at the fact of Joey's fitness and weight lifting tests, which to me means nothing as bball is on the court not off for the most part.
Maceo Baston has not made much of an impact, but may show well in injury replacement stints.
Jorge Garbajosa shot them into and out of games last season as you could pretty much predict games when Jorge made his first shot or missed. He looks to be back this year, but in Sam's doghouse still? Seems a step behind after leg injuries.
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Yeah and as for the Knicks they need to blow it up, buy out Isiah and all there bloated contracts and go with their draft picks.