Comments on: Is the NBA sleeping on the Toronto Raptors?

By: Eric

Eric — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:23:30 +0000

Raps will definitely be a better team this year but to say their a championship contender is giving them too much credit. CB4 and o’neal will give them one of the best front court duo ever. However Calderon is still an unproven point guard. He performed at an all star level for 3 months but following T.J’s return, he slumped. To be certain he can return to his stellar performance after being the clear starter is folly. He also does not slash as well as this article says, yes he can do lay ups easily but he cant slash. That was T.J’s thing, Calderon can only do that when he has a completely clear driving lane. He cant create his own shot.

Theres also some other issues the team needs to work out. O neal still isnt much of an offensive threat the past years and we have nobody else that can create their own shot but Bosh. None of the raptors are clutch and I’ve never seen them win a game where it was close in the 4th. It’s an early lead or nothing. I know clutchness isnt a real factor when considering championship teams. But when you watch raptors games, u’ll know how much it matters. We arnt clutch, other teams are. Simple as that.

By: vince

vince — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:37:31 +0000

i beleive the raps will be a great team this year…. Of all the events and trades that happened so far, i think it will depend on CB4 whether they become a contender or not! i know J.O. will be a great addition but CB4 will make the difference… just imagine who will guard CB4 when they are playing the celtics? No one can’t… garnett can’t handle CB4 because hes very talented… Perkins is too slow.. so i think the 4 games against boston during the regular season wil be a bust… i want JO and CB4 to tame the overreacting granett.. peace canada!

By: niteddyvil

niteddyvil — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:33:08 +0000

JO and CB4 will easily be the best front court in the East next season. Compare there starting five with any rotation and with three legitimate potential all stars, they are a contender for the East no doubt. I don’t see the taking home the ring though until 2010 when the Celts and Pistons have aged a bit more with the Raps stars entering there prime. But with BC running the show, anything is possible.

By: Vincer76er

Vincer76er — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:44:44 +0000

Remeber how man blocks Moon had last year with no real shotblocker present? Bosh and Moon will both get alot more swats from help defense thanks to J.O.’s paint presence. Also if Oneil can nurture Bargnani the way Rasheed taught him in Portland the T(dot) could start to be better known as the D(dot).

By: masterjuddi

masterjuddi — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 03:24:14 +0000

With the addition of ONeil the Raps become such a better team. Like the Doc said, guys like Kapono, Calderon, Bargnani and Parker will benefit from the attention BOsh and Oneil will recieve.
I also like Humphries and Moon coming off the bench to provide energy and hustle. aslong as Ukic isnt a complete bust and Bargnani can bounce back from a terrible season the raps should be well off

By: Celtics247.com » Blog Archive » Today’s Links 7/14

Celtics247.com » Blog Archive » Today’s Links 7/14 — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:15:15 +0000

[...] of the 2008 NBA Finals Miami Herald Point Guard Lue set to get Heat contract offer Hoop Doctors Is the NBA sleeping on the Toronto Raptors for 2009? News OK Nets face lean years Brooklyn or no Brooklyn Hoopsvibe James Posey deciding between [...]

By: NESW Sports Headlines 7/14/2008 | NESW Sports, The Best Sports News

NESW Sports Headlines 7/14/2008 | NESW Sports, The Best Sports News — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:05:33 +0000

[...] The Hoop Dr.s remind us about the Raptors [...]

By: Linkage – July 14

Linkage – July 14 — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:45:21 +0000

[...] – The Hoop Doctors [...]

By: Noel Lising

Noel Lising — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:56:27 +0000

I love the trade. If JO is really healthy & plays like the all star that he was, the Raptors will have a legitimate chance of winning the east. I was a bit speculative about the Celtics this year up until they dismantled the Lakers, I would approach the 2008-2009 Raptors the same way, get past the first round & I’ll be at the ACC baby!!!!!

By: MJ_Dominates_Kobe

MJ_Dominates_Kobe — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:11:44 +0000

The Celtics can celebrate until next spring John! :)

But we can still talk about the other teams chances of beating them. I agree with the post that the Raps will have a good shot now. Maybe the Cavs again cause you can never count out lebron. Thats about it. the rest of the east will be weak again.

By: John Bagley

John Bagley — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:42:05 +0000

Can we at least let the Celtics celebrate until October? :)

By: Jigga_wha

Jigga_wha — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 02:23:25 +0000

James those are good points but the article did say the raps will be weak in depth.

I tihnk if the Raps make a copule more moves before training camp to increase their PG depth to back up Calderon they might really be the team to beat in the East next year.

Besides the Celtics of course. You should never count out the defending champs they earned taht much respect.

I think taht Kapono should start since he is such a good shooter and the paint will be all clogged up. He can spread the floor so bosh and o’neal can operate

By: James Borbath AkA The Dino Blogger

James Borbath AkA The Dino Blogger — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 23:17:59 +0000

2 many question marks for me to feel confident in the Raptors being champions. As a fan of the team and someone like you that writes about them (and dare to dream someday makes a living out of that) I want to be wrong. But here are some concerns off top of my head:

Bosh and O’Neal both injury free?

Calderon can he actually be the man. After a career year will he come back to earth slightly?

Roko Ukic is the back-up? Remember Jose year 1…I do

Still not slashing wingman. Joey G in Vegas summer league ain’t fooling me.

Just on those alone I have some concerns but I always hope for the best. I am excited about Nathan Jawai. This guy is raw and could eventually be something the Raps could really use.