This was from the Toronto Star Sprawled across an oversize couch in a rumpus room tucked behind the Raptors’ ACC training facility, Andrea Bargnani is doing something weird. He’s laughing. On the court, in front of cameras and anywhere there’s a crowd, Bargnani wears an expressionless mask that his critics have spent six years trying to interpret. The least charitable have decided he isn’t grinning or grimacing or generally clowning because he doesn’t care. And he doesn’t care, but not in the way they mean. When you get him in a room alone, he is an entirely different person. He is solicitous and engaging. He is more articulate in his second language because he can focus on a single conversation, rather than several scattershot ones. For someone who’s been kicked so often, he is amazingly open. This version of Bargnani — the real one — is a lot of fun, which you’ll agree is a word not usually associated with the cornerstone of the Raptors franchise. He knows what people say about the way he carries himself in public. There is an explanation, which is presented without the slightest hint of an excuse. "I grew up with a really tough European coach (current Lakers assistant Ettore Messina)," Bargnani says. Messina still figures largely in his imagination. The Italian had him at Benetton Treviso for three crucial years between the ages of 18 and 20. No mentor has had a greater impact. While his game has changed since, Bargnani’s demeanour was cemented as a teenager. "All the stuff you can do here in college, the celebrating, that’s not allowed. If you do something like this" — and here he mimes the familiar gesture of pounding a fist to the chest — "you’re done. That’s really, really bad. So I got used to not doing it. I was very close to crying more than one time when I was young with that coach." Now he prefers hardcourt imperturbability, while still allowing himself the odd outburst. "I do what I feel, not because people ask me to do this," Bargnani says, holding his hands over his head and doing a strange chicken dance. Do not ask Andrea Bargnani to dance. He doesn’t like that. This is the treacherous shore to Bargnani that a series of NBA coaches have run up against and foundered — he will not do what you ask him to just because you asked. He wants to be included in the discussion. Before Bargnani was drafted first overall, he took one of the personality tests that is administered to most hopefuls in order to reassure would-be employers they are not flakes or kooks. Shortly after that draft, GM Bryan Colangelo raved about Bargnani’s performance. "(The testers) said, ‘Out of all the athletes we’ve profiled, we’ve never seen anything like this,’ " Colangelo told ESPN. One of the things the profile showed was that Bargnani does not care what other people think of him. Here is a case in point: Bargnani is the only man in the Italian diaspora who tells people he can’t stand watching soccer. "Zero. No interest. It’s soooo boring." He finally succumbed to repeated invitations to go to a game featuring his hometown club, AS Roma, only three years ago. His highlight, the only one apparently, was sharing VIP seats with the country’s randy ruler, Silvio Berlusconi. "It was good for public relations," he shrugs, "but boring." My God, do Italians know you feel this way? "Oh yeah, everybody knows." And they don’t want to string you up on a lamp post? "No," he says, confused at the suggestion that this might bother him. "I just don’t like it." This curious immunity to peer pressure has been a double-edged sword during his career, with the sharpest end often held out defensively. "Criticism has two sides," Bargnani says. "Most of the time it just comes here" — and he points to his right ear — "and goes out here" — the left ear. "It doesn’t change a minute of my life. But if it comes from one of the few people I care about, the people you can count on one hand, it really changes me." If you’re trying to figure out why Bargnani has suddenly vaulted into the elite ranks during his sixth season, this might be part of it: He now has a head coach he can count on one hand. When Dwane Casey got the Raptors job, one of his first acts was to phone Bargnani in Italy and hand him the on-court keys to the franchise. Once Bargnani arrived in camp, Casey began taking him aside for one-on-one chats. "A straight relationship, where you feel free to talk, is a very simple thing. A lot of people think it’s a normal thing, but in this business it’s not very common," Bargnani says. With coaches? "Not just the coach, everybody. Having people say what they think to your face, not behind the shoulder," Bargnani says. "He said to all of us at the beginning, ‘I’m going to say what I think, whether you like it or not.’ I think that’s very good." These are not handholding sessions designed to work on self-esteem. Whatever people have suggested, Bargnani is supremely confident in his ability. They are technical lessons being delivered by a man who revels in the details. Bargnani speaks proudly of having his strategic advice solicited by Casey during games. "Of course, he always takes the final decision. But he asks me," Bargnani says. This is what Dwane Casey has figured out — that Bargnani wants to be coached collaboratively, not cajoled or disciplined or talked at. Your opinion of him doesn’t matter — not to him, and not to you if your goal is to coax the best out of him. What matters is Bargnani’s opinion of you. "Everybody’s good when things are going right," Bargnani says. "In rough times, when you lose seven games in a row, that’s when you see what people are made of. (Casey) doesn’t change his idea. I say that in a very good way." There are other factors, of course. Bargnani is a hard worker. We spoke on a rare team rest day this week. Though he’s sidelined with a calf injury, Bargnani came in to lift weights. Big men take a while, and in this case maybe "a while" was five years. His English has improved, and along with it his comfort and sense of belonging. During his first few seasons, there was always at least one other Italian speaker in the dressing room — Jorge Garbajosa, Rasho Nesterovic, et al. Now when he speaks, he must speak basketball’s lingua franca. There is also a change in his personal life. His first roommate in Toronto was his mother, Luisella Balducci. She arrived a month before her then-20-year-old son in order to scout the city. By the time he’d arrived, mom had everything sorted. Later, his brother Enrico moved in. The younger Bargnani, a U of T business student, is spending the year studying in Tokyo. Bargnani now lives with Nabila Chihab, a 27-year-old Moroccan-Italian he began dating last summer. She’s a professional volleyball player who stands 6 ½-feet tall in heels. Seeing the pair of them together is like surveying the results of a very successful genetic experiment. He is settled in the city and does not view it as temporary lodging, but as his home. He’s not much for nights out on the town, but when he does go out he has a network of Italian restaurant owners and friends who shield him from gawkers. His five-year, $50 million (U.S.) contract extends until 2015. Whatever it looked like at the end of last year, the deal now appears a ridiculous bargain for a versatile 20-odd point a night 7-footer who extends the floor for his teammates and can take over games. Since this is Toronto, every silver lining has its cloud. It’s a matter of time before fans begin to fret that Bargnani will become the latest all-star who wants to venture south once he’s proven himself. When I try to pin him down on this point, Bargnani does not use weasel words or get surly. He points out the flaw in the question. "I don’t think it’s fair to ask me if I want to leave one day, because I think I’ve demonstrated the opposite," he says. "I think it’s pretty clear that I’d like to stay in Toronto." Slowly, he extends a finger the length of a pencil. Then he begins to wag it playfully. It’s no war whoop, but Bargnani is not the sort to celebrate when he knows he’s won the point.

Just checked fantasy basketball. WTF Dwight Howard had 45/23/3 4stls n 2blks.....first 45/20 game since CWEBB! What a monster. Just had to say. Apparently this has to be 75 words long, so food for thought. If you want happiness for an hour; take a nap. If you want happiness for a day; go fishing. If you want happiness for a month; get married. If you want happiness for a year; inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime; help someone else. Now I can post about Dwight Howard in fantasy.

Just some thoughts of mine on the Toronto Raptors current roster, Andrea Bargnani- Probably the most talked about Toronto Raptor for good or bad. A lot of the hate surrounding Bargnani is that he was a first overall pick in a weak draft and he hasn't lead the Raptors to any success. The main criticism about his game is his lack of rebounding and defense. If we look at the PF position in the NBA there are only 6 players who averaged over 7 rebounds/game and only 3 who averaged over 1blk/game. While Bargnani did not meet those levels of production his 5.6/rpg and .9blk/game isn't far below. However, with the Raptors current roster Bargnani is playing center for the majority of the game which is out of position for him. When Rashard Lewis got his max contract he got it because he was a stretch 4 to play along side Dwight, instead of having Dwight we have the stretch 4, we now just need a Center to pair with him. Instead of worrying about his short comings we need to maximize his strength as a 7footer who can shoot the three, and put the ball on the floor on offense, and use his lengths to disrupt teams on D but not a lock down defender. Dallas started Stevenson, Marion, Kidd and Chandler to help cover up Dirk's poor defense and getting a real Center to pair with Bargnani is the start. Amir Johnson/Ed Davis- I know that many Raptor fans have fallen in love with these two for their heart and hustle but LETS GET REAL! They are 6'9 and 6'10 with limited offensive games. Neither is strong enough to play the C position and are infective outside the free throw line. Ed Davis appears to have more ptential because of his length and athleticism but these two g uys cannot play on the floor for extended period and against starters. VERY few teams use Jamal Crawford, and while he isn't at that level he definitely could be and like James Johnson for the right price (if he shows good attitude and growth) the raptors definitely need to keep him around. Leandro Barbosa-Its probably more important to really see what growth Bayless can give us because Barbosa will be gone after this year. While I love his game its about getting the young guys playing time and maybe we can get something for Barbosa at the deadline with his expiring deal, wouldn't he look good in San Antonio for playoff push? Jonas Valanciunas-Love this guys energy, hustle, hands and athleticism. Think he has the chance to be a star and at worst case a good NBA player, he has legit size and athleticism and the heart to play in the L! especially with how the game is more about spacing and individual talent, he will be extremely difficult when he is coming down the lane on a PnR without over committing on help. Overall I think we have some pieces that need to be explored Bayless, JJ, AJ and Davis because they have shown NBA skills and that they could definitely develop into consistent nba players. However, I do think that one of Davis/AJ has to go, as they are similar players who can't play effectively together because they have limited range and size. Barbosa and calderon are both two year players as they will most likely be gone when their contracts are done and hopefully we can get a couple of picks for them especially next year! Bargnani, Derozan and JV are definitely keepers and could be built around.

So far the reaction to the raptors drafting Jonas Valanciunas at #5  seems to be extremely polarized; love or hate.  I have to assume that hate comes from our previous (and on going) issues with European big men that are drafted high by the raptors.  Instead I think that every Raptor fan should breathe a huge sigh of relief.

In previous season BC has made moves that are short sited in order to try and make us marginally better in order to keep his own job and Chris Bosh.  Getting Jermaine O'Neal and then Hedo Turkoglu for that massive contract, which both handicapped the raptors in the short term, and then when Chris Bosh left we were left with the current roster.  BC easily could of have traded for Tony Parker, or drafted players with less potential and talent because he knew the heat he would take for this move but he took the player with the most potential and a real center.  Lets not mistake JV with Bargnani there games are nothing a alike.  JV is long, athletic and plays around the basket almost solely.  While he has drawn comparisons to Gasol he offensive game has no where near the refined skills but he does have great hands and tries to dunk the ball everytime and shoots 91% free throw.

Rebuilding in the NBA takes time and while I know we all wish we were getting the next Lebron James we aren't and there wasn't even the option for us to get someone like that.  It takes collecting talent, patience, getting the right pieces and development.  Very few teams every change as drastically as the Celtics, Suns and Heat have recently but those teams do not have serious longevity (Heat are exception), the teams that have contended for long periods of time are built slowly.  The Lakers over the last 15 seasons, the Bulls dynasty, the Celtics and Lakers of the 80s, the 90s Knicks and Pacers, Spurs, etc.  Now I'm not saying that JV is our saviour or a future hall of famer only time will tell, but what I am saying is that it appears the raptors are building for the future.  Even if we don't see JV for a year but we struggle again this year and get another high draft pick there would appear to be a bright future.  A core of DD, JV and (Anthony Davis, Austin Rivers, Barnes, McAdoo, etc) or even two of them if we trade Jose or Bargs for picks.  I feel like that would be a team built for long term success and not sacrifice our long term success with short sitedness.  While I probably am in the minority this is the first time I'm excited for the Raptors in a while, maybe since we first got Jermaine O'neal and there was hopes for the three towers. (That excitement last all of 1month)  The reason isn't because I feel that this upcoming season is going to be a success but because there seems to be a definite plan in place to build for the future and long term success through youth.  While JV may turn out to be a bust every Raptor fan should be excited that we will not be stuck in mediocrity, barely making or missing the playoffs and never really contending to make it past the second round.

Jay Triano is out as head coach of the Toronto Raptors.

The NBA team says it will not exercise its option on his contract for next season.

Triano will be retained as a consultant and a special assistant to president and general manager Bryan Colangelo.

The Raptors say the search for a new head coach will commence immediately.

There is no definitive timetable for the completion of the search process.

Triano, a native of Niagara Falls, Ont., guided the Raptors to a record of 87-142 during his time as head coach.

 

http://www.tsn.ca/nba/story/?id=367590

I know this is just a JPEG of the article that was taken down but it was the best I could find.  Just found it interesting that ESPN would not run this article that casts James is a less than positive light even though it is from one of their credible journalist. Unless their is a lack of truth to the article I really don't understand why ESPN censored their own staff.  OOOOO wait, wasn't ESPN the station that broadcast Lebron's The Decision. Now it makes sense...

http://blacksportsonline.com/home/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Lebron-Vegas.jpg

 

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/07/25/v-fullstory/1745616/chris-bosh-goes-from-raptor-to.html

 

Must say this article was rather disappointing to read as it does bash Toronto and makes it seem like Bosh was force to waste 7 years of his career here. A few high light quotations...

 

"They're trying to stop you? That's not a good feeling -- especially when your (teammates) are struggling. Every night they're trying to stop you. But then if I'm struggling, they're like, `He only had 16 points.' Well, damn, they double-teamed me the whole game. What do you want me to do?"

Regarding being drafted to Toronto:

"I didn't want to go there," Bosh said. "It was different. All I knew was Vince Carter was there and I never saw him play on TV. It was a whole different country, and it was just different. I'm 19 years old, I didn't know anything about culture and being away from home. All I know is the States.

"Toronto's a great place, a fantastic city. It's a metropolitan area, but you could tell you're somewhere different. You could feel it, you could look at it, you can smell it. Everything. All your senses tell you you're somewhere different."

"I hate losing probably more than anybody in the world. But it's just been my fate so far."

I read this the other day and thought that it was an interesting read aside from hearing about Miami.

 

 

If you haven’t heard, one NBA team has really made a splash this offseason by locking down its franchise superstar, making the right moves, and filling out its roster with productive role players.

 

Thankfully, for your reading pleasure, I’m not referring to the Miami Heat.

 

No, not “Miami Thrice” nor “LeBroshAde” nor “DLC and the Sunshine Band” or whatever convoluted nickname the “Three Kings” go by.

 

But rather the Oklahoma City Thunder.

 

On the heels of a surprisingly progressive ‘09-‘10 campaign that included one of the more entertaining and lively playoff series’ of the spring, the team finds itself in an advantageous position where the sky is the limit as it storms into the upcoming season with a monsoon of potential.

 

Weather metaphors are underrated.

 

2010 Coach of the Year Scott Brooks has plenty to work with as the team prepares itself to make a serious run at Western Conference supremacy.

 

Let’s take a look at the team which my early pick for Executive of the Year Sam Presti has carefully assembled, starting with none other than the humblest, quietest superstar you’ll ever come across.

 

First of all, bravo to both Presti and Kevin Durant for taking the high road with Durant’s extension and coming out of what certainly could have been a long, ugly process of contract talks smelling like roses.

 

The Thunder knew exactly what they wanted (which was to lock down the NBA’s premier emerging star long term) and KD knew exactly what he wanted (which was to get his deal done and not cause a mass hysteria for three weeks).

 

No summits, no cross-country tours, no one-hour decision specials, no neck beards.

 

They met, they got it done, they announced it on Twitter, and that was it.

 

Granted, The Durantula wasn’t a free agent so it naturally would have been a less publicized process anyway, but I’m having a hard time picturing Durant, Jeff Green, and Russell Westbrook ascending from the bowels of the Ford Center to a stage surrounded by fans and busting out some ridiculous dance moves.

 

And that’s why this team will work.

 

Not one player on the Thunder has an ego that could even stand in the shadows cast by the Heat brigade’s self-admiration.

 

In all likelihood, the soon-to-be-22-year-old Durant will continue his aggressive development by improving on his already stunning totals of 30.1 PPG, 7.6 RPG, and 2.8 APG which earned him second-place honors in MVP voting behind Benedict Arnold.

 

The scary thing is, he’s going to keep getting better year after year.

 

Right behind KD are Westbrook and Green, who at 21 and 23, respectively, are both shaping up into very capable NBA starters and potential All-Stars.

 

With both expected to stick around for years to come, the real “Big Three” might reside in Oklahoma City.

 

Westbrook, the third-year guard from UCLA, improved on his impressive rookie season by inserting himself into the “great young point guard” conversation by scorching Derek Fisher and the Lakers for six games in the playoffs.

 

Much like Boston’s Rajon Rondo, one key area that Russell is determined to improve on is his shooting touch. His field goal percentage rose last year, but it isn’t quite where it needs to be yet. But his nearly 48% shooting in the Los Angeles series shows that he is capable of putting it in the basket, so expect this aspect of his game to be less of a concern this season than it has been in the past.

 

Georgetown alum Jeff Green, while his numbers were slightly down last season, figures to be the productive big wingman that will complement Durant’s projected 52.8 PPG with about 18-20 of his own, along with some increased rebound numbers.

 

Alright, I might be shooting a little high with KD’s projected scoring output, but like I said before – this kid’s potential is unlimited.

 

We know what we’ll be getting with Europeans Thabo Sefolosha and Nenad Krstic. Look for  some inspired, above average defense, 6-10 PPG each, and Krstic’ sweet hairdo.

 

This brings us to the wildcard of ’10-’11.

 

James Harden.

 

In his rookie season, Harden added ten points off the bench.

 

He can shoot threes, is solid at the line, and plays defense.

 

But how much more will he contribute next season?

 

Harden and Sefolosha will undoubtedly be competing for a spot in the starting lineup by the time the season tips off, especially given his solid Summer League play so far. Through four games, the former Arizona State standout has averaged 17.5 PPG.

 

If his minutes per game increase, which they will, his numbers will certainly follow.

 

To say that Harden will be the starting shooting guard by the start of the New Year is as bold a statement as saying that Kim Kardashian will move on another professional athlete after she breaks Miles Austin’s heart.

 

Heading into the offseason, a main concern for Oklahoma City was its size. Despite leading the NBA in block per game last season, shoring up the interior was a clear necessity.

 

That, along with grabbing a shooter to come off the bench, was marked as priority before the draft.

 

What did Presti do?

 

Well, for starters he traded the 32nd overall pick for the 18th pick and Daequan Cook, a career 36% three-point shooter.

 

Win-win.

 

The Thunder then sent No. 21 pick Craig Brackins and No. 26 pick Quincy Pondexter to New Orleans for No. 11 pick former Kansas star center Cole Aldrich and veteran Morris Peterson, a career 37% three-point shooter.

 

Win-win-win.

 

Both will contribute heavily, and Aldrich has a chance to be a star in this league in the short term.

 

On draft day, the Thunder also landed 7-1 German center Tibor Pleiss and 6-8 forward LaTavious Williams, who made history by being the first player drafted who opted to play in the D-League without playing college basketball.

 

Good things are happening in Oklahoma City.

 

And it isn’t as nauseating to hear about as the good things that are happening in the talent-rich South Beach.

 

Look for the Thunder to storm the Western Conference in ’10-’11 and make some rumblings with their heads held high but humbly.

 

And like I said earlier, weather metaphors are underrated, just like this team.

http://www.foxsportssouthwest.com/07/18/10/Durant-Presti--Company-create-winning-fo/landing.html?blockID=273469&feedID=4519

Thats what we get for Bosh? Draft Picks and a huge trade exception, we could of taken Beasley back who is in the last year of his guaranteed rookie contract at less than 5million.  We would still have a huge trade exception.  For those of you who dislike Beasley remember this is a guy who averaged 15points/6boards a steal and 0.6 blocks.  Worst case scenario is we lose him at the end of the year. Do we really feel that a raptors team starting Derozan, Bargnani, Turk, Jose, Johnson is going to be a title contender? Instead we turn down a player who is 21 who is already a proven scorer with off court issues.  If Zach randolph can turn it around in memphis why cant Beasley in Toronto?

 

The scary thoughts on this, we now have a  huge trade exception. What are we going to do with this? I hope we dont end up trading away the youth that has shown promise for another bad contract.  I.e. Derozan, Weems and Turk for Arenas.  I am not sure what everyone elses thoughts are on this but taking back Beasley would of been a gamble, but its a one year gamble that could of paid huge dividends if we get lucky.  We now have a 16million dollar trade exception instead of an 11million dollar trade exception. 

As the entire NBA world is now aware Chris Bosh will be playing in a Miami Heat jersey next year.  The real question is where does this leave Toronto?

 

The fact is this team was not good enough with CB4 to contend in the East, while we had an impressive run in the middle part of the season, that was against poor competition.  When the going was tough, at the start or when games mattered more at the end this team was not good enough.  Simply we were not tough enough.  Games in the nba are decided by a few key possessions, whether it is not converting on a 2on1 that leads to an opponent 3pointer, or turning down an open look and then having to force one at the end of a clock to allow the team to build momentum.  The fact is all these players are good but what really separates these teams is toughness and leadership.  Those two qualities the team lacked, to paraphrase a quote "In the nba teams play like their best play while in college they play like their coach."  The fact is at this level the teams leadership and toughness come from their best player and waht he demands of his teammates, what did bosh demand?  While I will not deny he is a great player, he is not a winner, like gasol he needs someone to push him and pull him towards the ultimate goal, he is not a front runner.  Fortunately for him DWADE is, so like I've told people for years, Bosh is a championship #2 guy on a team.

 

But as for the raptors, if we get Michael Beasley back, are we really that badly off? While Beasley does have his off court issues, he still has tremendous upside and would be a restricted free agent, meaning we could get him back.   Would a youthful core of Beasley, Derozan, Bargs and Jack be that bad. All 4 players would be under 27 with derozan and beasley just in their 20s.  The biggest problem for the raptors is Calderon and Turk, these two contracts are going to kill us and limit our flexibility.  If we could move either for flexibility that would be a huge advantage.  Calderon to NY makes sense to me, maybe targetting David Lee or even to get flexibility.  Or another idea would be Turk+Davis +pick to the wolves for Al jeff.  The wolves seem dead set on getting rid of Al Jeff because Love and him cannot play side by side, and this would give them a wing which they would never be willing to sign along with Davis and a pick.  While Al Jeff is a risk, I feel that him and Bargs would compliment each other much better than Bosh and Bargs. 

 

However, the one big thing I feel Toronto Raptor fans have overlook is we still haev  Derozan, and while his rookie year was not as spectacular as VC or Damon, it was still very good.  He was solid, should good patience and athleticism and a better mid range shot than I expected.  If he extends his range out to the 3point land and works on his handle he has the athleticism to be a real impact player.  While the glass may seem half empty because we are losing Bosh if we can snag Beasley it may be in fact Half full.  The rebuilding process would be started with two exciting wings in DD and Beasley, a young big in Bargs and a tough young pg in JJ.  While that is no championship team it is the base if we can keep it together like the Thunder have, and add a few pieces, we may not have a Kevin Durant but how many teams do?  If one of our young guys can develop into a true leader we may find out we are better off without Bosh, but it may mean a couple of painful years.

 

Either way, GO RAPS GO!