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NBA Loud - by Travis

I’d like to post about the previously finished NBA Draft. A lot of trades were completed/proposed making this years draft exciting and noteworthy. In this first post I will be going through the top five picks and thereafter with updates and all you need to know up to the minute stats and transactions.

Let’s get this post draft analysis going with the first overall pick for the Chicago Bulls DERRICK ROSE. Rose out of Memphis has a solid NBA body and can take the punishment as a player in the paint. He will mold himself into whatever type of player his team needs him to be as evident by the video below. He is one of the most ready-type players to enter the league. A truly solid addition to any team, kind of makes me think of the miss of Jay Williams. In which whom the Bulls took as the savior type PG years ago before he had his motorcycle accident stifling his promising career. With this pick Chicago puts themselves back into contention for a playoff spot in the East.

This video shows how Rose can affect the game as he will become a solid NBA-PG.

# 2

Undoubtedly the Miami Heat selected MICHAEL BEASLEY out of Kansas State. This PF needs no introduction to basketball fans as his huge wingspan makes up for any negativity about his height at the four spot. One of the perfect teams for Beasley to go to, I think his character issues would only become apparent if he were to have to battle with a solid proven veteran for his starting spot. He will be going in battling Udonis Haslem who has seen his stock drop as he needs to create more of his own offence. The heat I am sure are not finished in tweaking their team for the 08/09 season. Marion though will alleviate any concerns of the rookie being overmatched down-low as he is almost like an extra PF out there sometimes with his rebounding efforts and hustle in trying to make the right plays.

# 3

Minnesota at the third spot went with OJ MAYO, who I have seen and been hearing about for a good number of years. Mayo will be a solid two as at 6’4” 200lbs he is limited in selected positions, but this guy is just a born scorer and if he ends up in Grizz-town, look for him to team up with Rudy Gay as Mike Miller was moved with Memphis making the choice to let him go after he admittedly carried the Grizzlies last season at times. In return Minnesota looks to get #5 Kevin Love. I am in love with this deal as the T-Wolves send Antoine Walker also to MEM. Minnesota gets the scoring they desperately need and character guys, to build around. I know what fans may be thinking and no this isn’t the second coming of Wally World, Mike Miller is a gamer playing all three spots from 1-3 for the Grizz and did whatever was asked, as he became a versatile and proven scorer, unlike streaky Szczerbiak.

# 4

Russell Westbrook a surprise at number four as the top three had virtually been decided weeks beforehand. Westbrook though an unexpected pick is an explosive guard that will do well in this league especially when Seattle gets all the parts and can continuously run up and down with Durant and Green. The Sonics clearly want a guard that can break down the D and get up and down the court at breakneck speeds. They have found that guy with Westbrook. People want to compare him to NBA champion Rajon Rondo and maybe Monta Ellis, he is long and skinny and extremely athletic, time will tell if he can make the right passes for a long career with Durant by his side.

# 5

Care of NBADraft.net

Memphis picks Kevin Love at the number five spot and in turn will be sending him to Minnesota in the deal outlined in the third pick paragraph. Love is solid, not an athlete like the Grizz love at the four spot, but the T-Wolves just need ballers in which Kevin is for sure. Down-low he will be helped by Al Jefferson for sure on defense. Also he will have a great passer in Mike Miller to get the ball to him in good spots. I like Kevin Love on a solid team a rebuilding team he may flourish or sink as he’ll need to create his own offence and may struggle with the speed of the NBA at first.

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Toronto 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 & #

Firstly lets take a look at the franchise player of current in CB4. Chris Bosh the 6'10" forward out of Georgia Tech has quickly become the premier and big money contract on the Raptors books. He made it easy to deal the frontcourt incumbents Antonio Davis and Jerome 'JYD' Williams.
Drafted fourth overall inbetween such big names as Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade, his stock has risen year-to-year, showing his determination, being undersized has never been an issue for this overly talented forward, who is on the verge of superstardom.

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

Ford shows that if you can dominate at one aspect of your game, that you don't have to be so hot at other aspects, meaning TJ's driving abilities and average outside shooting. He is still being paid like a top PG and will be in Toronto's lineup if he is able to finish this season.

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.

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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Posted By: Spennies - Category: Team News, Toronto Raptors

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Jamario Moon Gives Us A Sneak Peek At What to Expect During the Dunk Contest.

February 5th 2008 08:33

Argh! The 'joys' of moving into a completely new place. Trying to get a phone line, let alone broadband connection is a two week process. Furthermore, being back at work and balancing a social life doesn't help matters at all.

So, as a bailout, here is a NBA N00b, Jamario Moon, the man with the mad hops giving us a preview of what to expect in a couple of weeks time in Nawlins. Enjoy.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Player News, Toronto Raptors

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Chris Bosh Becomes a Viral Video Superstar!

January 11th 2008 11:27

Come on, let's get Chris Bosh to New Orleans! (Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images)

We all love viral videos. Why do you think YouTube is so popular? Some are good, most are bad, but some are so rancid that it’s actually good. That is where the Toronto Raptors, Chris Bosh comes in. With Kevin Garnett out in the Eastern Conference, the forward positions has become that much harder to lock with LeBron James owning one of the spots for at least the next decade.

Bosh is a fantastic player, but realising that he needed a lift in the voting process created an amusing video that displays his comedic side with aplomb.

Playing a used car salesman, and heavily accentuating his Texan accent, Bosh urges you, yes, you, to vote him to the mid-season classic after two straight years of participation.

Unfortunately, playing in Toronto isn’t a very attractive proposition to budding all-star players. Yes, the fans up in Canada are absolutely fantastic, but it is a struggle to gain attention when you’re playing for teams like the Raptors. Most people would be familiar with Chris Bosh, but wouldn’t know who the man behind the skills is. That’s why this video is fantastic.

Understanding the importance of connecting with fans, especially when they’re the ones who votes players into the All-Star game, Chris Bosh’s personality positively shines in this video; “…I want to relate to my fans. I want them to know that I like to have fun and I'm not just this crazy guy that plays basketball every night. I'm a genuine, down-to-earth guy. But I think I'm funny. Fun is my middle name.” (National Post, 2008)

The latest count still has Bosh as the third forward, so come on, get behind Chris and vote for the man!

Here is the video is question.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: All Stars, Toronto Raptors

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Jamario Jumps for the Moon and Reaches the Stars.

December 9th 2007 13:26

We all love feel good stories and happy endings, because life is so often a big disappointment for most of us. One of the blessings and banes of being human is that we’re conscious of the fact that sometimes, things don’t work out the way we want. Or that we have to make compromises and give up our hopes and dreams along the way to make our way through this crazy world. That is why we celebrate stories like that of Jamario Moon because he allows us to dream big.

The Toronto Raptors rookie has been a massive revelation and has everyone wondering: where has he been all this time?

Jamario’s journey to the NBA has been one of dreadful lows, and, ultimately, one of triumph. Bouncing around in lesser leagues and with the Harlem Globetrotters, Jamario would do anything to keep his hoop dreams alive. Non-payment for games played, long bus rides across the country, bad hotel rooms and playing to empty gyms were part and parcel of Moon’s basketball career before this season.

According to Jamario, the lowest ebb in his nomadic basketball journey was playing for the storied Globetrotters due to the toll it took on his body. Moon was the high-flying dunker that wooed the crowd with his jaw-dropping abilities, skying towards the rafters to catch 15 food alley-oops. Jamario had to catch those balls without fail, night after night or faced being cut from the squad.

“If you didn’t get those dunks, they would release you,” Moon said. “Wherever they threw the ball, you had to get it. And I don’t care how young you are, that takes an incredible toll on your body. You’ve got to be upbeat every night. You’ve got to smile. You’ve got perform. You got

Jamario Moon is a budding superstar. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

to give them the show.”

He laughs now, and says, “People ask me how high I can jump, and I tell them the truth: I just jump as high as they throw the ball. I just go get it where it is.” (Wojnarowski, Yahoo!, 2007)

Moon, for all intents and purposes shouldn’t be a burgeoning star now in the NBA. After being cut from three minor league basketball teams, un-drafted and unloved when he declared his intention to turn pro in 2001, Jamario should be on the basketball scrap heap with millions of others who weren’t good enough. But he isn’t, and we love him for that.

The question still remains: where has Moon been all this time? Yes, he was bouncing around leagues such as the CBA, but the talent didn’t just appear overnight – it had always been there. It’s just NBA teams wouldn’t cut the man a break and put the word out that Moon wasn’t worth the trouble. Problem was Toronto kept on seeing a star. A ballers, baller – athletic, quick, energetic, and frightening on the defensive end, whilst having a nose for rebounding that was sorely missing from the Raptors squad. He was good and the team knew it.

As a young kid, Moon was caught in the world where any player with prospects was hounded by agents and people who wanted a piece of a potential golden ticket. Jamario got sucked up in the hype, and a lot of his problems stemmed from the fact that he listened to bad advice from those that didn’t have his best intentions at heart.

After bouncing around in the basketball wilderness for most of his early 20s, Jamario found salvation in the CBA with the Albany Patroons, and finding a new agent, Joel Bell, who was going to bat for his client to the death. Bell found it perplexing that a talent like Moon had never been invited to NBA training camps, so he turned water into wine.

This past summer, Toronto organised a mini-camp where Moon would display his talent for the Raptors front office. After seeing, Jamario do his thing, the Toronto management knew they couldn’t let him leave without gaining his services. The rest, as they say, is history. Jamario and his wife count their blessings, but still save up coupons and shop at Wal-Mart just in case.

“I’m glad I went through everything I did,” Moon said. “I wasn’t ready for any of this at 21 years old, and who knows where I’d be now if I got drafted then? I’m thankful for everything God put me through.” (Wojnarowski, Yahoo!, 2007)

In a cynical sports world, we need stories like that of Jamario Moon to remind us that we should always keep our dreams alive. Sometimes, happily ever after does happen.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Player News, Toronto Raptors

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NBA Award Predictions.

December 4th 2007 13:08

Recently, Sports Insider, who is the other writer for NBALOUD put forward his picks for the major awards in the Association thus far. Well, it would only be fair that this writer should also put his neck on the line and make his predictions for the various plaudits the NBA gives out to its players.

Let’s start off with what we do agree with, and that is Manu Ginobili as the Sixth Man of the Year. This is a given, especially considering how well El Loco is playing coming off the bench. No, one even comes close.

Now, let’s move onto the more juicy part of this post. Besides El Loco as the best bench player, Sports Insider and, I, have differing choices for every other award available. Hey, this would be a pretty boring world if we all agreed on the same things.

Most Valuable Player: Dwight Howard

Kevin Garnett and LeBron James are definitely big time choices to take out the MVP, but for my mind, Dwight Howard is right now standing above all others.

What Orlando’s big man has been able to do on-court has been scary for all opposing teams. Some of the numbers that young, Dwight has been accumulating this season has been downright, mind boggling. Better yet, the Magic are actually winning and against some very impressive opposition.

Dwight as of this moment is roughly averaging 23 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks per game, whilst dominating down low in the manner that Shaquille O’Neal used to back in the day.

You heard it here first, folks. Jamario Moon for Rookie of the Year! (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Adrian Wyld)

Rookie of the Year: Jamario Moon

Jamario Moon doesn’t only have the coolest name in the league, but is the surprise packet in this year’s rookie class. Not only that, but Moon’s story is heart warming because after declaring his eligibility for the draft in 2001, and not being picked up, Jamario bounced around in various lesser leagues in America, finally grabbing a spot with the Toronto Raptors this year.

What has Moon brought to the table? Well, hustle, energy and a thirst for the game that makes all NBA watchers swoon. His numbers might not be eye catching, but his defensive intensity has been a revelation.

Kevin Durant might get all the love and praise, but has there been a more efficient rookie than Moon?

Most Improved Player: John Salmons

Playing for the Sacramento Kings these days is akin to being in a Soviet gulag in Siberia – no one can hear you scream.

This is a shame because two fantastic players are ballin’ in relative anonymity: Kevin Martin, and my pick for the Most Improved Player, John Salmons.

Never averaging more than nine points during his career, Salmons is now collecting a solid 14.5 points a game, whilst grabbing a very nice 4.4 boards per contest to boot.

In the rare chance that Sac-Town will be on television, keep an eye out for Johnny Bravo.

Defensive Player of the Year: Andrei Kirilenko

After a shocking ’06-’07 season, Andrei Kirilenko has rediscovered his love for the game and is once again playing stat stuffing basketball. Averaging 2.4 blocks a game he is showing off his defensive prowess for the entire world to see as well. Not, that we ever doubted his skills to lock down his opponents.

Although, his block numbers are very impressive, it is the intangibles that can’t be measured by raw stats that makes AK47 excel on defence – altering shots, poking away balls, and just being a general nuisance, makes Kirilenko my pick for the uber-defender in the NBA.

Not familiar with Jamario Moon? Check out this video and watch the ROY in action!

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Misc, Sacramento Kings, Seattle SuperSonics, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz

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All Hail LeBron James, because We're Not Worthy!

November 26th 2007 06:25

LeBron James is so good. That watching him play is like being on an acid trip. (AFP/Getty Images/File/Jed Jacobsohn)

Pity the Chicago Bulls. Once a thriving franchise with the future ahead of them, they are now yesterday’s news. Ironically, the Kobe Bryant trade rumours that have become a poisoned chalice for the Bulls, has resulted in the Lakers playing better basketball. So, it is of no surprise that the Bean hasn’t been talking about leaving L.A. since the season has started!

The Bulls travelled to Toronto and faced the Raptors, and promptly lost another game, 93-78. At least Chicago can take solace in the fact that they weren’t out of this contest till relatively late into the proceedings. Unfortunately, ‘moral victories’ don’t count. Just ask, Kirk Hinrich: “There's no fun in moral victories,” said Captain Kirk. “I feel like we played better but we lost the game and we struggled down the stretch again.” (AP, 2007)

Chris Bosh was the main pain inflictor for the Raptors with 16 points and 13 rebounds, and was ably assisted by rookie teammate, Jamario Moon (coolest name, ever!) who scored a further 15 points, nine rebounds, six blocks and three steals. Talk about stuffing the stat sheet!

The pre-season anointment of Kevin Durant as the rookie of the year has become a bit premature as the young gun for the Seattle Sonics finds it a tough haul playing pro-ball. Hey that rhymes! Give me a rap deal!

Seattle has matched their worst start ever, while also recording new lows for futility at home as well. Basically, what we’re saying is that the Sonics suck right now. It didn’t help matters that the San Antonio Spurs came rolling into town as well, beating the Sonics, 116-101.

Don't mess with The Booze. He could really mess you up. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Spur’s super-trio of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili were once again the barometer for sustained excellence. What a yawn! They have been so excellent that they should receive an award from Springfield for being so excellent. ‘Excellent’!

Carlos Boozer was so close to receiving the nod for the performance of the day that it wasn’t funny! In fact, Carlos would have got NBALOUD’s prestigious award if it wasn’t for the performance of another individual known as the King. No, it isn’t Elvis.

Anyway, Utah pipped the Detroit Pistons 103-93, with the Booze notching up 36 points and 11 rebounds. Deron Williams for the Jazz wasn’t too shabby as well with 21 points and 14 assists.

Close, Carlos, but no cigar. Unlike Monica Lewinsky!

Performance of the Day.

So, who was the super stud for the day? Why, it’s none other than LeBron James! Elvis, who is the league’s leading scorer had 30 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. For all of you counting out there, that is most certainly a triple-double.

Luckily for Cleveland, James was on fire because they almost had cream pie covering their faces. Why? Because the Cavs were laying a beat down on their opponents the Indiana Pacers, and the Cleveland crew decided to disrespect their adversaries by laughing and mocking them.

Needless, to say the Pacers made a run, but LeBron strapped on his Superman cape and went to work, recording his fourth triple-double of the season, whilst helping his team overcome Indy, 111-106.

Well done, Bron-Bron.

Today’s video is of the insane Ray Allen winner for Boston yesterday. The Celtics are the HOT team right now and this clip demonstrates why.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Games, Seattle SuperSonics, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, Lebron James

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Chris Bosh: The Baddest Raptor in Toronto.

August 26th 2007 08:22

The newest basketball playing icon in The Great White North is Chris Bosh, who has erased all memory that a baller named Vince Carter used to rock the rim in Toronto. Many Ontarians would ask: ‘Vince who?’ Then spit on the ground after asking said question.

After the defection of the player who-we-dare-not-speak-his-name in Toronto, basketball in Canada was in the doldrums. Enter Chris Bosh, the fourth overall pick in that dream draft, in the year of 2003!

Date of Birth: 24th March, 1984.
Height: 6’ 10” (208cm)
College: Georgia Tech
Draft: 2003 (4th overall)
Average Points per Game: 22.6
Average Rebounds per Game: 10.7
Average Blocks per Game: 1.3

After playing one electric season with Georgia Tech, Bosh declared himself eligible for the NBA Draft in the same year that players by the name of LeBron, ‘Melo and D-Wade decided to make their entries into the Association.

Unheralded at first, Bosh didn’t take long to establish himself as a formidable presence in the

Chris Bosh is a straight up basketball pimp! (Image from nba.com)

Raptor line-up by playing out of position in the pivot. Well, not only playing, but excelling.

As a rookie Bosh was averaging 11.5 points and a very impressive 7.4 rebounds, making himself the only weapon in a very crap Raptor team. In fact, CB4 was such a monster on the glass, that he set a franchise record for most rebounds in a season for a rookie at 557.

People could see that big things were about to happen with Chris and the steady improvements he made with each passing year was impossible to miss, culminating in an All-Star and playoff appearance with the season that just passed.

Bosh has also been a multiple selection for Team USA and has won bronze medals in both World Championships and Olympic games. Yes, we may expect more from the U-S-A when it comes to basketball, but the international game has caught up, and this still is no small feat.

The signs were there from the outset that CB4 was a unique talent, even before his rookie season. Here was a man in his high school days setting all sorts of basketball records as a basketball player, which was to be expected, but Bosh also was an excellent student as well making the national honour roll, whilst taking up a membership with both the National Society of Black Engineers and the Dallas Association of Minority Engineers.

But, wait, there’s more – he has also established the Chris Bosh Foundation that assists in the promotion of social enrichment, physical and educational well being amongst young people in both Dallas and Toronto. The foundation has worked closely with the Toronto Special Olympics, and Chris being the avid academic, is always around preaching the importance of reading to youngsters.

Chris Bosh, dare we say it, is more than meets the eye!

Want a greater insight in regards to Chris Bosh? Check out the video, buster!