Tuesday February 3rd, 2009 - This is your Raptor Rant
So one dude goes on tv and says 'according to his sources, CB4 told Bryan Colangelo that he will not resign in Toronto'. This turns out to be a huge fiasco with the media with rumors flying all over the place. According to CB4, this is not the first time rumors have been spread falsely nor will it be the last. The Raptors All-Star forward has taken this all in stride, as has Colangelo. So let it be known, CB4 is NOT leaving this year, 2010 is another story...as it is for every other star player in the league who's contract is up. All the 2010 talk is fairly annoying and distracting fans from this current season. Annnd speaking of this current season...let us rant.
A game that should have put the Raps on a 4 game win streak, started off what is currently a 2 game losing streak. Really?? An injury depleted Milwaukee Bucks team? Yikes. Orlando rolled into the ACC and punted the Raptors around on Superbowl Sunday. Tuesday night the Raps travel to Cleveland to take on Lebron's fairly flawless Cavaliers. The Raptors need to jump out early and try to catch the Cavs slacking...because you know Cleveland is thinking, ahhh this is an easy win! The Lakers will have the same mentality Wednesday night in Toronto as Kobe comes off 61 at MSG. The Lakers look like an unstoppable freight train and I'm not too confident that the Raps can derail them! Follow up these two games with a matchup against the New Orlean's Hornets and this could be an ugly start to February. I will say this, I think the Raps will beat the Hornets...that's my big risk for the week!
Comments, questions, concerns - devo@flow935.com
Listen to the Raptor Rant live @ 6.30pm on FLOW 93.5FM or click here for the podcast
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
2 Game Win Streak, WOW!!!
Tuesday January 27th, 2009 - This is your Raptor Rant
First off, my apologies for missing last week's Rant, I was away. Now, is it just me or is anyone else feeling a little lethargic when it comes to the Raptors? That is until we got an injection of Jose! Thank goodness he is back and playing well, like Jose. The Raptors are 3 and a half games out of the final playoff spot in the East, which isn't really that far back. This week the Raps have an opportunity to gain some ground with games against New Jersey and Milwaukee. After that though, they are in tough! The Raps have 3 of the top teams in the NBA to deal with. Orlando, Cleveland and L.A. Lakers are all phenomenal teams with bonafide superstars. This will be a true test for the Raps to see if they really are a team that is playoff bound.
Catch the Raptor Rant live on FLOW 93.5 FM, Tuesdays @ 6.30pm or click here for the podcast
First off, my apologies for missing last week's Rant, I was away. Now, is it just me or is anyone else feeling a little lethargic when it comes to the Raptors? That is until we got an injection of Jose! Thank goodness he is back and playing well, like Jose. The Raptors are 3 and a half games out of the final playoff spot in the East, which isn't really that far back. This week the Raps have an opportunity to gain some ground with games against New Jersey and Milwaukee. After that though, they are in tough! The Raps have 3 of the top teams in the NBA to deal with. Orlando, Cleveland and L.A. Lakers are all phenomenal teams with bonafide superstars. This will be a true test for the Raps to see if they really are a team that is playoff bound.
Catch the Raptor Rant live on FLOW 93.5 FM, Tuesdays @ 6.30pm or click here for the podcast
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Are They Getting Better??
Tuesday January 13, 2009 - This is your Raptor Rant!
Well you’ve scratched another week off your NBA calendar and yet you didn’t see any progress from the Toronto Raptors, or did you? After two close losses to the reigning champ Boston Celtics, many fans feel the Raps have made steps in the right direction. I’m not sure I agree with this. I have heard terms like this over the last few days, ‘they gave it their all’, ‘what a great effort’, ‘they worked really hard and almost had it’. I won’t lie all of those are factual statements, but I’m not digging them. A great effort?? Ok, so you want me to sit here as a fan and say, my team did what they are capable of doing and still aren’t winning – but you want me to be happy about it? I will admit, I have seen a lot of growth in players like Andrea Bargnani, Joey Graham and Roko Ukic – congrats to those dudes, keep it up. However, I didn’t learn this one in math class but this equation isn’t doing it for me, youth + effort = not winning.
I will still cheer as loud, if not louder than most fans and support my team, but I now truly understand the frustration of fans. I urge you to continue to support your home team and help encourage their strong play with your cheers and not bring down their confidence with jeers.
This upcoming week provides a few tests for the Raps. Wednesday night at the ACC the youthful and rebuilding Chicago Bulls, with rookie sensation Derrick Rose, try and knock off the Raptors. Rose, is one of the quickest guards in the league and with the troubles the Raptors showed with Rajan Rondo, it will be interesting to see how they match up against him. The Indiana Pacers are next and are playing better as of late, however I think the Raps got this one. Steve Nash, Amare, Shaq, and the Suns hit the ACC on Sunday and as I type this, I feel nervous for the Raptors. The Suns are a smart versatile team and the Raps need to be absolutely perfect to stop them, I think the Suns got this one. Monday, Toronto travels to Atlanta to take on the Hawks. This is a must win for the Raptors as they have already lost to this team earlier in the season and it’s crucial for a potential tie - breaker situation.
Again, I encourage you to support your home team, even if you are a little discouraged. Any questions, comments or concerns – devo@flow935.com
Well you’ve scratched another week off your NBA calendar and yet you didn’t see any progress from the Toronto Raptors, or did you? After two close losses to the reigning champ Boston Celtics, many fans feel the Raps have made steps in the right direction. I’m not sure I agree with this. I have heard terms like this over the last few days, ‘they gave it their all’, ‘what a great effort’, ‘they worked really hard and almost had it’. I won’t lie all of those are factual statements, but I’m not digging them. A great effort?? Ok, so you want me to sit here as a fan and say, my team did what they are capable of doing and still aren’t winning – but you want me to be happy about it? I will admit, I have seen a lot of growth in players like Andrea Bargnani, Joey Graham and Roko Ukic – congrats to those dudes, keep it up. However, I didn’t learn this one in math class but this equation isn’t doing it for me, youth + effort = not winning.
I will still cheer as loud, if not louder than most fans and support my team, but I now truly understand the frustration of fans. I urge you to continue to support your home team and help encourage their strong play with your cheers and not bring down their confidence with jeers.
This upcoming week provides a few tests for the Raps. Wednesday night at the ACC the youthful and rebuilding Chicago Bulls, with rookie sensation Derrick Rose, try and knock off the Raptors. Rose, is one of the quickest guards in the league and with the troubles the Raptors showed with Rajan Rondo, it will be interesting to see how they match up against him. The Indiana Pacers are next and are playing better as of late, however I think the Raps got this one. Steve Nash, Amare, Shaq, and the Suns hit the ACC on Sunday and as I type this, I feel nervous for the Raptors. The Suns are a smart versatile team and the Raps need to be absolutely perfect to stop them, I think the Suns got this one. Monday, Toronto travels to Atlanta to take on the Hawks. This is a must win for the Raptors as they have already lost to this team earlier in the season and it’s crucial for a potential tie - breaker situation.
Again, I encourage you to support your home team, even if you are a little discouraged. Any questions, comments or concerns – devo@flow935.com
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Happy New Year!!!
First of all, Happy New Year to everyone! The start of 2009 hasn’t been terrible for the Toronto Raptors but, it could be much better.
I have to be honest, over the holidays I was away and didn’t really get a chance to see most of the final games of 08, just highlights-if you could call them that. The start of 09 was pretty sweet. An absolute crushing of the Houston Rockets was something the Raps needed, help them with some confidence. Two days later ‘Superman’ (Dwight Howard) and the Orlando Magic were in town to face the Raptors. The Raps were shorthanded as Jermaine O’Neal and Jose Calderon are both out with injuries, I’ll speak more on that in a minute. Despite a super performance by Howard, the Raptors came out on top 108-102 and got a clutch performance from young Roko Ukic. The following night the Raptors were in Milwaukee to take on a surging Bucks squad. You would think after defeating to 20-plus win teams, they could take out the 16-19 Bucks. However, this is the NBA and things don’t always work out the way they should. After squandering an 11 point lead at the end of the 1st half, the Raptors and Bucks went back and forth through the 2nd. It was the play of Michael Redd and Charlie V that eventually overcame the mediocre Raptors defense and Milwaukee went on a 13-0 run to end the game and win by 10, handing the Raps their first loss of 2009.
As for the injuries I mentioned earlier, Jermaine O’Neal has an uncertain return date, his knee is acting up again. Jose Calderon’s earliest game would be Sunday at home vs. the Boston Celtics. In the 4th quarter against Orlando, rookie point guard, Roko Ukic really turned a corner. His confidence was there as he made several great plays in a tight game to help his team win. I hope Jay Triano recognizes this and continues to give Roko opportunities to succeed. As for this week, the Raptors should win the next 2 before getting in tough. In Washington on Wednesday night, then back home on Friday to take on an athletic Memphis team. Sunday and Monday brings a home and home matchup with the Celtics…yikes! If everyone is healthy then the Raptors have a good shot against Boston, who as of recently have shown they aren’t invincible.
Questions, comments or concerns – devo@flow935.com or listen to the podcast at www.devobrown.ca
I have to be honest, over the holidays I was away and didn’t really get a chance to see most of the final games of 08, just highlights-if you could call them that. The start of 09 was pretty sweet. An absolute crushing of the Houston Rockets was something the Raps needed, help them with some confidence. Two days later ‘Superman’ (Dwight Howard) and the Orlando Magic were in town to face the Raptors. The Raps were shorthanded as Jermaine O’Neal and Jose Calderon are both out with injuries, I’ll speak more on that in a minute. Despite a super performance by Howard, the Raptors came out on top 108-102 and got a clutch performance from young Roko Ukic. The following night the Raptors were in Milwaukee to take on a surging Bucks squad. You would think after defeating to 20-plus win teams, they could take out the 16-19 Bucks. However, this is the NBA and things don’t always work out the way they should. After squandering an 11 point lead at the end of the 1st half, the Raptors and Bucks went back and forth through the 2nd. It was the play of Michael Redd and Charlie V that eventually overcame the mediocre Raptors defense and Milwaukee went on a 13-0 run to end the game and win by 10, handing the Raps their first loss of 2009.
As for the injuries I mentioned earlier, Jermaine O’Neal has an uncertain return date, his knee is acting up again. Jose Calderon’s earliest game would be Sunday at home vs. the Boston Celtics. In the 4th quarter against Orlando, rookie point guard, Roko Ukic really turned a corner. His confidence was there as he made several great plays in a tight game to help his team win. I hope Jay Triano recognizes this and continues to give Roko opportunities to succeed. As for this week, the Raptors should win the next 2 before getting in tough. In Washington on Wednesday night, then back home on Friday to take on an athletic Memphis team. Sunday and Monday brings a home and home matchup with the Celtics…yikes! If everyone is healthy then the Raptors have a good shot against Boston, who as of recently have shown they aren’t invincible.
Questions, comments or concerns – devo@flow935.com or listen to the podcast at www.devobrown.ca
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Too Many Games To Soon!
Tuesday, December 16th 2008 - This is your Raptor Rant!
This past week the Raptor's had a crazy schedule on and off the court. In the past 5 games the Raps managed to pick up 2 wins. A week ago, a complete crushing from Cleveland as the Cavs beat the Raptors 114-94. Toronto returned home the following night to face the surprisingly decent Indiana Pacers. Jay Triano earned his first win as head coach of the Raptors with a 101-88 victory. The Raptors then hopped on a plane again to hit the swamp. With an 0-13 shooting performance from Vince Carter, the New Jersey Nets had a slim chance to beat the Raps. The Raptors walked away with a 101-79 win, knowing they would face this team again in 3 days. New Orleans hit the ACC to take the Raptors on Sunday. With a depleted front court the Hornets were still able to beat the Raps 99-91. The Raptors, were tired for Monday night's matchup with the Nets. Their performance definitely showed it as they lacked energy and intensity for most of the game and eventually falling to the Nets 94-87.
This week coming up, there are some tough games. The Raptors host Dallas on Wednesday evening, then hit the road to play Oklahoma City, San Antonio and the L.A. Clippers. I would like to also mention the Raptors off court schedule. I was lucky enough to again be the Host of the Chris Bosh Foundation's Annual Christmas Party. There were about 500 bright eyed and happy kids there. Everyone got a great meal from Boston Pizza and everyone walked away with a present. Some even got major prizes, like autographed CB4 gear, PS3's, Xbox 360's, and so much more! On Saturday, The Raptor's Foundation unveiled their contributions to John Innes CC located downtown Toronto. There were members of the community there along with Raptor's, Will Solomon, Jose Calderon, Kris Humphries, Anthony Parker, Roko Ukic and Chris Bosh. It was great to see so many eyes light up and hearts touched by the great contributions by these foundations.
Don't forget to catch the Raptor Rant live Tuesdays @ 6.30pm on FLOW 93.5 FM or click here to listen to the podcast
This past week the Raptor's had a crazy schedule on and off the court. In the past 5 games the Raps managed to pick up 2 wins. A week ago, a complete crushing from Cleveland as the Cavs beat the Raptors 114-94. Toronto returned home the following night to face the surprisingly decent Indiana Pacers. Jay Triano earned his first win as head coach of the Raptors with a 101-88 victory. The Raptors then hopped on a plane again to hit the swamp. With an 0-13 shooting performance from Vince Carter, the New Jersey Nets had a slim chance to beat the Raps. The Raptors walked away with a 101-79 win, knowing they would face this team again in 3 days. New Orleans hit the ACC to take the Raptors on Sunday. With a depleted front court the Hornets were still able to beat the Raps 99-91. The Raptors, were tired for Monday night's matchup with the Nets. Their performance definitely showed it as they lacked energy and intensity for most of the game and eventually falling to the Nets 94-87.
This week coming up, there are some tough games. The Raptors host Dallas on Wednesday evening, then hit the road to play Oklahoma City, San Antonio and the L.A. Clippers. I would like to also mention the Raptors off court schedule. I was lucky enough to again be the Host of the Chris Bosh Foundation's Annual Christmas Party. There were about 500 bright eyed and happy kids there. Everyone got a great meal from Boston Pizza and everyone walked away with a present. Some even got major prizes, like autographed CB4 gear, PS3's, Xbox 360's, and so much more! On Saturday, The Raptor's Foundation unveiled their contributions to John Innes CC located downtown Toronto. There were members of the community there along with Raptor's, Will Solomon, Jose Calderon, Kris Humphries, Anthony Parker, Roko Ukic and Chris Bosh. It was great to see so many eyes light up and hearts touched by the great contributions by these foundations.
Don't forget to catch the Raptor Rant live Tuesdays @ 6.30pm on FLOW 93.5 FM or click here to listen to the podcast
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
New Coach And 5 Games In 7 Days-Oh Boy!
Tuesday December 9th, 2008 - This is your Raptor Rant!
It was exactly 6 days ago that Sam Mitchell was fired and since then, I've heard more and more talk about how the Raptors aren't really that good of a team. According to many NBA experts, analysts and Charles Barkley, the Raptors 'overachieved' one season and set the expectations too high for its followers. After winning the Atlantic Division, the Raps have been pretty much a .500 team. Which according to many, is what they are - an OK team. They are neither really good, nor really bad. Well, it's time for them to prove these people wrong...but can they?
Toronto, has had a very tough schedule so far and that doesn't change for this week. Interim head coach, Jay Triano, will really be tested with 5 games in 7 days. The first one might be the toughest against the scorching Cleveland Cavaliers. King James' minutes have come down while his team has blown out most of its opponents. Tonight will not be any different. The Raps will challenge the Cavs, in waves, but all in all Cleveland is playing fantastic basketball and should take the game by atleast 12. Next up Indiana, who are still buzzing from beating the league leading LA Lakers and a narrow loss to reigning champs, the Boston Celtics. You can bet TJ Ford will be doing all he can to get under the skin of the Raps (players and fans). I even predict a bit of a altercation with someone...just sayin! The Raptors have a sandwich of games over the weekend into Monday, with the Nets as the bread on Friday and Monday and New Orleans the meat on Sunday. All of these games are winnable but just as easily can be lost. The players seem to be happy with the freedom on offense with less set plays and more reading the defence and making decisions. This is something Jose Calderon was used to doing in Europe and in International games, so only time will show if this is something good for the Raptors.
That is your Raptor Rant, any questions, comments or concerns?
devo@flow935.com
Catch the Raptor Rant live on FLOW 93.5 FM, Tuesdays at 6:30pm or click here to listen
It was exactly 6 days ago that Sam Mitchell was fired and since then, I've heard more and more talk about how the Raptors aren't really that good of a team. According to many NBA experts, analysts and Charles Barkley, the Raptors 'overachieved' one season and set the expectations too high for its followers. After winning the Atlantic Division, the Raps have been pretty much a .500 team. Which according to many, is what they are - an OK team. They are neither really good, nor really bad. Well, it's time for them to prove these people wrong...but can they?
Toronto, has had a very tough schedule so far and that doesn't change for this week. Interim head coach, Jay Triano, will really be tested with 5 games in 7 days. The first one might be the toughest against the scorching Cleveland Cavaliers. King James' minutes have come down while his team has blown out most of its opponents. Tonight will not be any different. The Raps will challenge the Cavs, in waves, but all in all Cleveland is playing fantastic basketball and should take the game by atleast 12. Next up Indiana, who are still buzzing from beating the league leading LA Lakers and a narrow loss to reigning champs, the Boston Celtics. You can bet TJ Ford will be doing all he can to get under the skin of the Raps (players and fans). I even predict a bit of a altercation with someone...just sayin! The Raptors have a sandwich of games over the weekend into Monday, with the Nets as the bread on Friday and Monday and New Orleans the meat on Sunday. All of these games are winnable but just as easily can be lost. The players seem to be happy with the freedom on offense with less set plays and more reading the defence and making decisions. This is something Jose Calderon was used to doing in Europe and in International games, so only time will show if this is something good for the Raptors.
That is your Raptor Rant, any questions, comments or concerns?
devo@flow935.com
Catch the Raptor Rant live on FLOW 93.5 FM, Tuesdays at 6:30pm or click here to listen
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
LaLa Land, Mile High, Mormon County-Road Trip!
Tuesday December 2, 2008 - This is your Raptor Rant!
Only 3 games played since we last spoke and the Raps came out 2 and 1. Last Wednesday night at the ACC the Raptors squaked by a young, athletic Charlotte Bobcats with a 93-86 win. Friday night the Hawks were at the ACC to try and defeat the Raptors for a second time this season. Toronto had some big leads but for some reason history tends to repeat itself. In the end the Raps pulled out a 93-88 victory over Atlanta. Toronto is now on a 3 game road trip, which started in Los Angeles to take on the mighty Lakers. The final score, 112-99, doesn’t really give justice to the dominating performance the Lakers had. Kobe Bryant had 23 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds, in 29 minutes. He didn’t need to be on the court in the fourth quarter. This game also showed the importance on Jermaine O’Neal. His inside presence on offence and defence helps CB4 in so many ways. Chris was forced to guard a pure center in Andrew Bynum, which tired him out when it came to scoring.
This upcoming week doesn’t get any easier, with the Raps in Denver tonight. The Nuggets are 12-6 and 1st in the Northwest Division. The are especially strong team at home. The trade for Chauncey Billups has given them a true point guard and someone with championship experience. The downside to the Nuggets offence is that they can shoot themselves out of a game if they get too trigger happy. The Raps need to keep them on the perimeter and defensive rebounding is going to be a huge key in this game. The Raps then hop on the plane to the land of Mormons to take on the Utah Jazz. This Jazz will be the 3rd team in as many games for the Raps, that are atleast 4 games over .500 and are continuing to surge. They are firing on all cylinders as Deron Williams and Mehmet Okur are back after missing a few games. Sunday, the Raptors are back at the ACC for a game to take on the Portland Trailblazers. The Blazers are off to a strong start this season and are proving their young talent are for real. At 12-6 and challenging Denver and Utah in the Northwest, I couldn’t imagine what would happen with a healthy Greg Oden! All in all I see the Raps winning 2 of the next 3 games IF, and a big IF, JO is healthy and playing solid minutes. They will need him in order to compete with these strong teams from the West.
Don't forget you can HEAR the Raptor Rant live on FLOW 93.5 FM, Tuesdays at 6:30pm or clink the here
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)