| Does It Need To Be Blown Up? Authored by Gagan Gandhi - December 23, 2008 - 6:18 pm
| Current Featured Columns | | Merry Christmas, Raptors Fans The Raptors might not be playing good basketball right now, but there are plenty of things for Toronto fans to be thankful for this holiday season.
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Since the Raptors have been such givers recently, it’s only fair that for Christmas they get what they want. Here’s what some in the Raptors organization hope their stocking is full with:
Jay Triano: A Clean Slate.
Being the first Canadian born head coach in the NBA is no slouch of an accomplishment as there are only 30 of these jobs in the entire world. But, it hasn’t exactly gone the way Triano had hoped for. After being named the coach for the remainder of the season the team has responded by going 3-8. You know, usually a coaching change sparks a team, but not these guys, these Raptors are of a different breed. It’s too early to judge whether his coaching has been good or bad, but at least it’s not ugly. Still though, I’m sure he’d like to erase the past 11 games and take his chances that if he had a fresh start at it that he’d have more than three wins in his pocket.
Chris Bosh: 2010.
Ah, free agency, what a wonderful time of a young man’s career. Already with millions in his pocket this can be Bosh’s opportunity to return to his native home of Texas. Yes, the Raptors can offer more salary than any other team, but does it really matter? No. The fact is as long as he doesn’t get hurt between now and then and continues playing somewhat like an all-star calibre forward he will get his money. I’m not saying he wants to leave Toronto, although it wouldn’t surprise me, but in 2010 “the ball is in his court.” I just hope if he does leave it’s on a good note because Vince Carter is more than enough evil for these fans.
Bryan Colangelo: Steve Nash.
There is no doubt Colangelo likes Jose Calderon and is a fan of his; why else give him a 5-year contract, right? But, there has to be a part of him that wishes he had Nash right now. Say whatever you want about Colangelo turning around the Phoenix Suns, but the truth of the matter is that without Nash, they are just an average team. Just imagine Kid Canada in a Raptors uniform, it gives you that warm tingly feeling inside that anything is possible. Colangelo once had that good feeling about this team, he wants it back.
Jermaine O’Neal: A New Knee.
This one is pretty simple: a healthy Jermaine O’Neal equals a better Raptors team. He’s been playing some inspired basketball recently and his play hasn’t been as big a concern as it was thought to be coming into the season. However, as long as he’s wearing a knee brace you know his knee is not 100%, and it probably never will be again, because of that you have to believe he holds back on some possessions because of the fear that he may re-injure himself. A new knee and you have nothing to worry about. But, of course it’s much easier said than done.
Andrea Bargnani: No Pressure.
After a stellar rookie season, he’s gradually declined, even when he looked to be making strides early this season. His offensive game has been up and down (that’s what she said ...too much?), but his defensive game has steadily improved over the past few seasons. The one problem I have with how he’s been used is that even when his game isn’t working on all cylinders, he should still be given consistent minutes to get out of the funk. Joey Graham has never gotten consistent minutes, and he’s never improved. Wow, how sad is it that I just compared Joey to Andrea. I’ve been one of the biggest Bargnani supporters since he arrived to the Raptors, but you have to believe he’s considering going back to Italy once his contract expires after next season. Sometimes the NBA experience is too much to handle for some players; it’s hard enough being a first round selection, try being a first overall pick for a team that represents not a city, but a country.
So, a coaching change hasn’t exactly motivated the troops as it was supposed to. Are these players stupid or just plain bad? We’re bound to find out in the coming weeks, but there is no way Colangelo can let this team continue losing. A coaching change may be only one of the drastic changes this team sees this season.
You can bring in another coach. You can trade Andrea Bargnani, Jason Kapono or Jermaine O’Neal.
At this point, it’s not about who deserves to stay and who deserves to go. This thing may need to be blown up before it gets really bad.
Something’s got to give.
- Gagan Gandhi can be reached at gaganhoops@gmail.com with any comments, concerns or requests. |
