Mama brought me a memorabilia....but I ate it!
Showing posts with label basketball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label basketball. Show all posts
Dear Mr. Colangelo Part II
Dear Mr. C,
We're on the brink of the All-Star game - which means the season is nearing an end... (realistically speaking). Let's review this "exciting" year you promised with your "Dear Mandy" letter...
1) 14-37 0.275
2) finally snapping 13-game losing streak
3) Opponent 104.98 PPG (15th in offense...)
4) 23rd in defense
5) 31 games left... even if we win them all (HA HA) we'd still only be at 44-37, which I guess... could... technically put us in 6th place... if everyone else manages to only win 1/2 of their games left... which still means we're possibly playing Miami - and that would be a 4-0 series to be honest...and even if it's Chicago - maybe 5-1?
So... in conclusion - what exactly was I supposed to be excited about?
You failed - beyond failed - Mr. C - and not that I can do your job better, but then again, I don't think I can do it any worse either. If you were taking this year as the potential "build" by freeing up $ for an amazing sign year in 2012 - I would commend you.... but: http://hoopshype.com/salaries/toronto.htm This tells me enough.
If you want Toronto to be taken as less of a joke, try spending some money for some big players (no offense current team, there are so many of you that I LOVE....) and less big players that are past their prime and keeping our bench warm. I am a Raptors fanatic, but this year, you've given me nothing to be a fanatic about - in fact, now that it really matters to you, but I usually end up going to 5-6 games a year. This year, didn't consider buying a single set of tickets. I went to more Leafs games than I did Raptors and I really don't care for the Leafs much.
We're on the brink of the All-Star game - which means the season is nearing an end... (realistically speaking). Let's review this "exciting" year you promised with your "Dear Mandy" letter...
1) 14-37 0.275
2) finally snapping 13-game losing streak
3) Opponent 104.98 PPG (15th in offense...)
4) 23rd in defense
5) 31 games left... even if we win them all (HA HA) we'd still only be at 44-37, which I guess... could... technically put us in 6th place... if everyone else manages to only win 1/2 of their games left... which still means we're possibly playing Miami - and that would be a 4-0 series to be honest...and even if it's Chicago - maybe 5-1?
So... in conclusion - what exactly was I supposed to be excited about?
You failed - beyond failed - Mr. C - and not that I can do your job better, but then again, I don't think I can do it any worse either. If you were taking this year as the potential "build" by freeing up $ for an amazing sign year in 2012 - I would commend you.... but: http://hoopshype.com/salaries/toronto.htm This tells me enough.
If you want Toronto to be taken as less of a joke, try spending some money for some big players (no offense current team, there are so many of you that I LOVE....) and less big players that are past their prime and keeping our bench warm. I am a Raptors fanatic, but this year, you've given me nothing to be a fanatic about - in fact, now that it really matters to you, but I usually end up going to 5-6 games a year. This year, didn't consider buying a single set of tickets. I went to more Leafs games than I did Raptors and I really don't care for the Leafs much.
A GREAT Update
OK Mr. C, my faith in you is slightly renewed.
Barbosa, Diaw & Chandler... for Turk & Jose - I like it!
Barbosa, Diaw & Chandler... for Turk & Jose - I like it!
A Response to B. Colangelo
Dear BRYAN,
What a spectacle indeed! I think what we just witnessed were three players wanting a championship and who would blame them? However, to clump Chris Bosh in as a superstar seems superfluous - but that's just my opinion - though I bet I'm not alone. My prediction is that his numbers will now go from 20-10 to about 12-5 and maybe an assist or two more then before because he'll be drawing defense and dishing back out to the perimeter to Mr. James...
Whatever happens with this new and renewed Heat team - I wish them all the best.
Now back to the real issue at hand. Now, Mr. C, your return for Bosh was less than spectacular... in fact we got more out of the VC trade than we did with the sign & trade for Bosh. Did we even consider acquiring Beasley before he was traded? Or take a look at David Lee - or ANY of the actual prospects out there that can make a difference on our team? True, I'm a fan of Amir & Sonny, but they can't carry our team to a championship - or realistically even a playoff spot. So what do you plan to do? Are you going to use the exception and draw some talent to Toronto - or are you going to hope that Davis is going to turn out to be a super star and then have him carry the team for the next 7 years alone? I think it's safe to say that this tactic has never worked or ended well for us, so how about building a team with at least 5 key players that will do more than 8-10 points each?
Sadly, I'm not looking forward to the 2010-2011 season because our future looks bleak without a single player on the roster right now that can be a consistent contributor. I hope you believe in miracles, because that's all we've got so far!
Sincerely,
Me
Dear MANDY,
What a spectacle! What we have all just witnessed is something unprecedented in professional basketball and possibly even in professional sports. In a year where multiple NBA teams positioned themselves for the ability to sign a "maximum" contract player (or players) in free agency, three of the NBA's bright young stars are teaming together in an attempt to win an NBA Championship. Kudos to the Miami Heat for pulling off such a feat.
I'm sure that there is frustration and disappointment, possibly even resentment, upon hearing the news that Chris Bosh is leaving Toronto to join forces with Dwyane Wade and LeBron James in South Beach. Well that certainly is the feeling from this vantage point as we lose a player that has been the centrepiece of our franchise for the last several years. I can assure you every move/investment made in the last four years to improve our basketball team was designed with the belief that putting the right pieces around Chris would get us closer to our goal of winning an NBA Championship. In fact, Chris actively participated in that process as transactions and changes were contemplated because I have always believed that a franchise player experiences a sense of ownership in team building. Unfortunately, we fell short of that goal and must now move on to a post-Bosh era in Toronto.
In completing a Sign-and-Trade transaction with Miami, we were able to extract a very valuable Trade Exception and future draft picks that will serve as building blocks in the process of re-tooling our basketball team. The Trade Exception can be used to acquire players under contract with other teams via trade, or it can be used to leverage the acquisition of additional future assets. Speaking of the future, I can't tell you how energized we all feel to see the positive growth and development of so much young athletic talent on our roster including re-signing Amir Johnson and the recent first-round draft selection of Ed Davis. While more changes to the roster are possible, even likely, we can promise you now that this team will compete every night they take to the floor.
We believe we have the best fans in the NBA and we believe in the city and country that we play in. Your passion, pride and support has been tremendous no matter what the circumstances, and we cannot thank you enough for that. We all share a commitment to winning both on and off the floor and MLSE/Toronto Raptors ownership and management will do whatever it takes to WIN while also making the community a better place. Our franchise will evolve and emerge stronger than before, and I assure you that our combined efforts will produce the WINNER you are hoping for.
Sincerely,
Bryan Colangelo
What a spectacle indeed! I think what we just witnessed were three players wanting a championship and who would blame them? However, to clump Chris Bosh in as a superstar seems superfluous - but that's just my opinion - though I bet I'm not alone. My prediction is that his numbers will now go from 20-10 to about 12-5 and maybe an assist or two more then before because he'll be drawing defense and dishing back out to the perimeter to Mr. James...
Whatever happens with this new and renewed Heat team - I wish them all the best.
Now back to the real issue at hand. Now, Mr. C, your return for Bosh was less than spectacular... in fact we got more out of the VC trade than we did with the sign & trade for Bosh. Did we even consider acquiring Beasley before he was traded? Or take a look at David Lee - or ANY of the actual prospects out there that can make a difference on our team? True, I'm a fan of Amir & Sonny, but they can't carry our team to a championship - or realistically even a playoff spot. So what do you plan to do? Are you going to use the exception and draw some talent to Toronto - or are you going to hope that Davis is going to turn out to be a super star and then have him carry the team for the next 7 years alone? I think it's safe to say that this tactic has never worked or ended well for us, so how about building a team with at least 5 key players that will do more than 8-10 points each?
Sadly, I'm not looking forward to the 2010-2011 season because our future looks bleak without a single player on the roster right now that can be a consistent contributor. I hope you believe in miracles, because that's all we've got so far!
Sincerely,
Me
Dear MANDY,
What a spectacle! What we have all just witnessed is something unprecedented in professional basketball and possibly even in professional sports. In a year where multiple NBA teams positioned themselves for the ability to sign a "maximum" contract player (or players) in free agency, three of the NBA's bright young stars are teaming together in an attempt to win an NBA Championship. Kudos to the Miami Heat for pulling off such a feat.
I'm sure that there is frustration and disappointment, possibly even resentment, upon hearing the news that Chris Bosh is leaving Toronto to join forces with Dwyane Wade and LeBron James in South Beach. Well that certainly is the feeling from this vantage point as we lose a player that has been the centrepiece of our franchise for the last several years. I can assure you every move/investment made in the last four years to improve our basketball team was designed with the belief that putting the right pieces around Chris would get us closer to our goal of winning an NBA Championship. In fact, Chris actively participated in that process as transactions and changes were contemplated because I have always believed that a franchise player experiences a sense of ownership in team building. Unfortunately, we fell short of that goal and must now move on to a post-Bosh era in Toronto.
In completing a Sign-and-Trade transaction with Miami, we were able to extract a very valuable Trade Exception and future draft picks that will serve as building blocks in the process of re-tooling our basketball team. The Trade Exception can be used to acquire players under contract with other teams via trade, or it can be used to leverage the acquisition of additional future assets. Speaking of the future, I can't tell you how energized we all feel to see the positive growth and development of so much young athletic talent on our roster including re-signing Amir Johnson and the recent first-round draft selection of Ed Davis. While more changes to the roster are possible, even likely, we can promise you now that this team will compete every night they take to the floor.
We believe we have the best fans in the NBA and we believe in the city and country that we play in. Your passion, pride and support has been tremendous no matter what the circumstances, and we cannot thank you enough for that. We all share a commitment to winning both on and off the floor and MLSE/Toronto Raptors ownership and management will do whatever it takes to WIN while also making the community a better place. Our franchise will evolve and emerge stronger than before, and I assure you that our combined efforts will produce the WINNER you are hoping for.
Sincerely,
Bryan Colangelo
Hope for 2010-2011
So Bosh is leaving... Don't hate him - not like VC, but he really isn't a super star, I don't care who disagrees...
Since Dirk Nowitzki and David Lee are unrestricted and we now have the salary.... There's a thought - doubt they'd come our way, but that would be nice.
Maybe, it's time to packages Jose Calderon in a trade - we need a "riskier" PG - one willing to direct the team more and make plays - like Nash!!
Anyway - looking forward to a new season - hopefully one of real re-building!!
Since Dirk Nowitzki and David Lee are unrestricted and we now have the salary.... There's a thought - doubt they'd come our way, but that would be nice.
Maybe, it's time to packages Jose Calderon in a trade - we need a "riskier" PG - one willing to direct the team more and make plays - like Nash!!
Anyway - looking forward to a new season - hopefully one of real re-building!!
Ice Ice Baby
Do you remember him?
ICE-ICE BABY
He was the half time show at the Raptors Game on Wed...
ICE-ICE BABY
He was the half time show at the Raptors Game on Wed...
I wonder how old he is... 45? 50?
HAHAHA...
Good ol' memories.
On another note - Raps gave me a scare - trailing at one point by almost 20.... to the nets...
WTF...
WTF...
Good thing we cleaned out and walked away with a W.
Free pizza - that I never capitalize on.
Chinese - Free.... Guess I'm just not that chinese afterall!
Looking forward to the slam-dunk contest - though, not too many interesting contestants even if DeMar does make it.
Looking forward to the slam-dunk contest - though, not too many interesting contestants even if DeMar does make it.
Question...
This article here is all about how Bargnani has a great game with a double-double & leading the Raptors to victory.
So tell me why then... is the picture of Bosh laying up the ball?
Why does he even get credit for an article that has nothing to do with him?
So tell me why then... is the picture of Bosh laying up the ball?
Why does he even get credit for an article that has nothing to do with him?
Some Surprises are Good!
Just reviewing how the Raps have been this year so far... since I just re-read my 15 year "memories" posting.
Good Surprises...
Amir Johnson
Sonny Weems
Marcus Banks
These three guys being known as our "defensive" group
CB4 all-time leader in double-doubles
Not too Surprised...
DeMar DeRozan not delivering as he claimed... the "next VC"... There's been glimpses of his potential, but I was expecting a lot more from this kid
Reggie Evans, still stuck on the bench as a cheer leader
Jose Caledron not the same "amazing" point guard he seemed to be last year... Someone's finally realized he can't defend for his life.
Jarret Jack showing he's overall a better PG than JC
19-20 standing
BAD Surprises
Hedo... Enough said
Just a thought...
T-Mac is back on the trade market - how about re-acquiring him for Hedo :)
Good Surprises...
Amir Johnson
Sonny Weems
Marcus Banks
These three guys being known as our "defensive" group
CB4 all-time leader in double-doubles
Not too Surprised...
DeMar DeRozan not delivering as he claimed... the "next VC"... There's been glimpses of his potential, but I was expecting a lot more from this kid
Reggie Evans, still stuck on the bench as a cheer leader
Jose Caledron not the same "amazing" point guard he seemed to be last year... Someone's finally realized he can't defend for his life.
Jarret Jack showing he's overall a better PG than JC
19-20 standing
BAD Surprises
Hedo... Enough said
Just a thought...
T-Mac is back on the trade market - how about re-acquiring him for Hedo :)
Raps vs. Rockets
What was impressive about this game wasn't that they won - which is always the point of the game - but the incredible defence.
There were timely switches, anticipation of where a player was going and continuous efforts to keep people out of the paint; rid them of second chance points...
Got them so pissed off that Ariza threw an elbow at De Rozen which got him ejected from the game. The even better part about that story was how Jack was immediately in his face about what he tried to pull off and the team stepped in quickly. Different demeanor compared to when Pearce kneed Bosh in places knees should not go!
Sitting in section 102 row 20 - nice view!
Popcorn man shafted me though :(
Overall, entertaining game - hoping they can play like this more consistently!!
Go RAPS GO
There were timely switches, anticipation of where a player was going and continuous efforts to keep people out of the paint; rid them of second chance points...
Got them so pissed off that Ariza threw an elbow at De Rozen which got him ejected from the game. The even better part about that story was how Jack was immediately in his face about what he tried to pull off and the team stepped in quickly. Different demeanor compared to when Pearce kneed Bosh in places knees should not go!
Sitting in section 102 row 20 - nice view!
Popcorn man shafted me though :(
Overall, entertaining game - hoping they can play like this more consistently!!
Go RAPS GO
V-I-C-T-O-R-Y
Down by 22...
Win by 15...
WHO WANTS A VICTORYYYYY???
And... sorry CP4 - your team's sh** outta luck now.
Win by 15...
WHO WANTS A VICTORYYYYY???
And... sorry CP4 - your team's sh** outta luck now.
Need to Finish
Just before I lost internet access which was mid into the 4th quarter we were leading by 2.
How then in 6 minutes did we manage to let the Spurs open up such a big lead?
Overall the Raptors are a pretty strong team this year, but how about closing out games and not blowing leads??? We could have argued in the past that we just didn't have the strength nor talent, but having a 9-man roster change, I don't think that can be the excuse any more. This time around, BC has put together one of the best teams for Toronto - it's time for the team to step up.
A 32-10 night by CB4 should be obvious that we should have landed in the W column....
How then in 6 minutes did we manage to let the Spurs open up such a big lead?
Overall the Raptors are a pretty strong team this year, but how about closing out games and not blowing leads??? We could have argued in the past that we just didn't have the strength nor talent, but having a 9-man roster change, I don't think that can be the excuse any more. This time around, BC has put together one of the best teams for Toronto - it's time for the team to step up.
A 32-10 night by CB4 should be obvious that we should have landed in the W column....
Scrappy, Lost 17 Pt Lead, But A Win
AMAZING behind the shoulder pass by Jack to Il Mago!!
A little worried about how they're playing through games, blowing double digit leads and letting a team that's missing their 2 key players to climb back to a 1-point lead.
Glad they closed this one out, but for a team who averages 87 points/game, we let 99 go.
Yes, we can score, but the resounding story is can we defend?
I'm seeing glimpses of awesome from Turk though as he & Bosh continue to learn each other's moves. He had some nice dishes.
Our bench players put on a great show - hope they continue to improve and become a defensive presence as they showed last night.
Recommendations:
Start Jarrett Jack, Jose is too comfortable as the starter and isn't doing all the things a starting PG should be doing. a) Creating Plays b) Defending c) Scoring
Give Antoine Wright the start instead of the Rookie - DeRozen needs to earn his place and so far, he's not doing that. He's not bad, he's just not great.
A little worried about how they're playing through games, blowing double digit leads and letting a team that's missing their 2 key players to climb back to a 1-point lead.
Glad they closed this one out, but for a team who averages 87 points/game, we let 99 go.
Yes, we can score, but the resounding story is can we defend?
I'm seeing glimpses of awesome from Turk though as he & Bosh continue to learn each other's moves. He had some nice dishes.
Our bench players put on a great show - hope they continue to improve and become a defensive presence as they showed last night.
Recommendations:
Start Jarrett Jack, Jose is too comfortable as the starter and isn't doing all the things a starting PG should be doing. a) Creating Plays b) Defending c) Scoring
Give Antoine Wright the start instead of the Rookie - DeRozen needs to earn his place and so far, he's not doing that. He's not bad, he's just not great.
1-2 Not What I expected
It is a little disappointing that we've lost 2 games in a row in which Bosh has had over 30 points and has had a double-double in both outings.
35 Points, 16 rbs followed by a 25 point effort by Il Mago and the team shooting 54.1% shouldn't have led to a loss but alas the same resounding issue - where is the defense?
I hope this is a matter of cohesion of this team because after such an up-side down turn in the off season and obtaining some key players, we should be better than this. WAY BETTER.
35 Points, 16 rbs followed by a 25 point effort by Il Mago and the team shooting 54.1% shouldn't have led to a loss but alas the same resounding issue - where is the defense?
I hope this is a matter of cohesion of this team because after such an up-side down turn in the off season and obtaining some key players, we should be better than this. WAY BETTER.
Recounting 15 Years
Do you remember:
GO RAPTORS GO - 7m TONIGHT tip off against Cleveland. Kick some Cav Asses
- Alvin Robertson scoring our first points in an NBA game in 1995
- Mighty Mouse rookie of the year
- Alvin Williams and his ankle breaking cross overs
- T-Mac @ age 18
- VC leading us to the play-offs; VC punking us big time
- Mo Pete and his impossible shots - blindfolded by his own head band, reverse lay up
- Bad Boy Charles Oakley keeping them out of the paint and making anyone pay for trying
- Antonio Davis & Oakley as the impentrable wall
- Mugsy shortest man on our team, but so very fast
- ACC in 1999
- Junk Yard Dog!!
- 2000 play offs 3-2 against Knicks
- Disappointing game 7 loss to 76ers
- Olajuwon - good to have a veteran
- Keon Clark and his long self blocking all kinds of shots
- Loss to Detroit in 5
- The emergence of CB4 from Texas; leading this team to hopefully a playoff berth in 2010
- Jalen's 3's, Donyell's 3's
- The mis-era of Rob Babcock
- Signing Arujo instead of Iguodala (WTF)
- However, Sam Mitchell as coach of year
- Mourning - MIA
- Skip to My Loo - goes poo poo on the coach
- The Red Rocket
- Charlie V and his rookie year, 48 pts against Bucks
- Hello Jose - back up to Mike James; emerging with best A/TO ratio in league
- 81 points scored by Kobe Bryant, Jan 15, 2006 - WTF #2
- Colangelo era - Il Mago, TJ Ford, AP, Garbajosa
- 2007-2008 Atlantic Division Champions
- The most gruelling and disappointing Play off run against New Jersey since VC departure losing 4-2 in series
- Jamario Moon - the "get to NBA the hard way" fella, talented, not very hard working
- Kapono 50% 3-point shooter
- JO - too bad he got hurt, he could have made a difference for us
- Shawn Marion - could have, would have, but it just didn't happen
- Rasho - back for a second stint this season
- HEDO HEDO HEDO HEDO!!!!
GO RAPTORS GO - 7m TONIGHT tip off against Cleveland. Kick some Cav Asses
Has Been
Dear Doug,
You're one of my favorite Sports Columnist - but really, can we drop the Vince Carter talks.
The reality is he is a HAS BEEN. You can all disagree with me all you want but I think it's the truth. I'm not saying he's not talented. I'm saying he's a WASTE of talent. He's had the chance(s) to be something amazing, but he even openly admits that he just wants to be mediocre.
“There are countless ways of attaining greatness, but any road to reaching one's maximum potential must be built on a bedrock of respect for the individual, a commitment to excellence, and a rejection of mediocrity.”
Buck Rogers
I will be at the Orlando game to continue booing him, not because of what he did to Toronto, but because of what he isn't as a basketball player. He embarrases the whole league when he implies he doesn't care that the fans have paid to see him perform with his lack of interest and passion for the game. BOO TO YOU VC!!
You're one of my favorite Sports Columnist - but really, can we drop the Vince Carter talks.
The reality is he is a HAS BEEN. You can all disagree with me all you want but I think it's the truth. I'm not saying he's not talented. I'm saying he's a WASTE of talent. He's had the chance(s) to be something amazing, but he even openly admits that he just wants to be mediocre.
“There are countless ways of attaining greatness, but any road to reaching one's maximum potential must be built on a bedrock of respect for the individual, a commitment to excellence, and a rejection of mediocrity.”
Buck Rogers
I will be at the Orlando game to continue booing him, not because of what he did to Toronto, but because of what he isn't as a basketball player. He embarrases the whole league when he implies he doesn't care that the fans have paid to see him perform with his lack of interest and passion for the game. BOO TO YOU VC!!
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