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

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