I didn't see this one coming. Chuck Swirsky is leaving his role as play-by-play announcer for the Toronto Raptors for a similar role with the Chicago Bulls. For ten years he was the voice of Raptors basketball but he's leaving us for "family reasons".
Love him or hate him, you noticed him. Swirsky was full of enthusiasm, cut from that Dick Vitale mold with the catch phrases and signature calls. He showed up in 1999, but I can't really remember who called the games before he arrived. Was it Rod Black? Was it Paul Romanuk?
I don't know who will call television games for the Raps next season, but they'll likely give Paul Jones a long look. Personally, I don't think Jones is ready for prime time. I say give the gig to Bob Cole.
I listened to the first 10 minutes of the Raptor game while driving home from ball practice. We sounded awful. For the second game in this playoff series, the Magic were all over us early. I thought we were going to get blown out.
I tuned in later, just to see how it was going. We had battled back. The final minutes of this game were thrilling as we clung to a one point lead with just over a minute to go. There were three missed opportunities, all involving Chris Bosh.
Chris Bosh's pass to the wrong team late in the 4th. This play broke my heart, because we had the offensive rebound and Bosh inexplicably threw it right into the hands of the opposition. At the time, we were up by a point.
The non-call on Dwight Howard. Down by one with just under 30 seconds to play, Bosh went up to draw a foul. He was clearly fouled by Howard, but the refs didn't call it. You don't want to hear what I yelled at the tv after this play.
With seconds left, Bosh put up the shot that would win it. It was an easier shot than the one Vince Carter took to win game 7 against the 76ers. If Bosh hits this, we come home with a split on the road and the momentum is ours.
Those three CB4 moments are still ringing in my head the next morning. The game was there for the taking, but we couldn't make it happen. I just don't think this team is ready yet.
The Toronto Raptors are going heavy with their Canada's Team spin, and I for one am glad. Their attempt to be Canada's team has them drenching everything in red and white without a hint of purple.
Why a team named after a dinosaur would choose purple as their official colour is beyond me. Comparisons to the famously annoying purple dinosaur Barney were encouraged. The whole purple thing, so key during the first decade of this franchise, simply had to go. I love you, you love me... I think I'm going to be sick.
At the game last week, I couldn't find any purple. A guy in an older ACC uniform selling snacks had a little purple in his shirt and fans in old school uniforms with Camby and Stoudamire on the back had purple, but otherwise it's all Canadian red and white now. Phew!
Yesterday was a typically busy day that received a delightful curve ball late in the day. At about 4pm, I was offered a couple of primo Raptor tickets for last night's game against the Heat at the ACC.
When Raptor tickets fall in my lap, I'm not one to deny the privilege. I went, had a great time and enjoyed an easy Raptor victory that would clinch us 6th place in the East. That means we avoid the Pistons in the first round and get the far better match up against Orlando.
I didn't think we've have a prayer against the Pistons, so this give us some sweet hope that we could actually win our second series in franchise history. Things should get underway Sunday. As I prepare my red and white wardrobe without a hint of purple, here's the Raps into song that seems to work so well with lights down low and CB4 and the gang hitting the court.
Carlos Delfino had 24 points and Chris Bosh scored 21 plus nine rebounds as the host Toronto Raptors cruised to a 113-85 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Friday night. The win officially eliminated Vince Carter and the Nets from the post-season.
It was about a year ago I wrote this open letter to Vince Carter. No other professional athelete upsets me the way Carter does. Hit up that entry if you want to read what I said to the former Raptor star.
The Raptors, without their best player, just went winless during a five game road trip. I'm a Toronto Raptor fan, and I was totally cool with this. Allow me to explain...
Prior to this late season swoon, we were pretty secure in 5th place in the NBA Eastern Conference. That would mean a first round match-up with LeBron James and the 4th place Cleveland Cavaliers. I don't see us winning that series.
Today, we're only .5 games up on Washington. The goal is to finish sixth so we face the Orlando Magic. I think that's our best chance at winning our second playoff series in franchise history.
It's a slippery slope, so we have to be careful not to fall into seventh. That's a match-up with the Pistons. We want 6th! We want 6th!
It seems Chris Bosh isn't the only Toronto Raptor uploading clips to YouTube these days. Jamario Moon is featured in this clip promoting the NBA slam dunk competition.
Now that Damon Stoudamire and the Memphis Grizzlies have negotiated a buy out of his contract, he's about to be as free as a bird. It looks like Stoudamire will join the Celtics, but there's a slim chance he could become a Toronto Raptor.
I would love to see Mighty Mouse back in town. He was our first draft pick, our first award winner and our first basketball star, and we loved him. Before he was traded to Portland, he was the man around these parts. Who wasn't a Damon Stoudamire fan?
I've love to see him back up Jose Calderon and finish up where he started off. Unlike Vince Whatshisname, Mighty Mouse didn't burn the bridge. I'd welcome him back with open arms.
It turns out Chris Bosh isn't just a good basketball player, he's got a sense of humour too. He put together a little promo video in an attempt to secure the votes necessary to send him to the all-star game in New Orleans.
I rarely buy tickets to sporting events. I buy the odd Blue Jays ticket, but usually when I'm at a live sporting event it's because someone offered me free tix. So when I bought four tickets to last night's Raptors game, it was because the price was right and there was someone special I wanted to see.
The tickets were $15 each, $60 for the four of us. You're tucked away in the Sprite Zone, but I don't mind that one bit. In fact, it's better. The kids are entertained during breaks in the action, Michelle actually won a tee-shirt that James wore throughout the game, and the crowd is young, enthusiastic and sincerely happy to be in the building. If you're taking kids to see the Raptors, I highly recommend the Sprite Zone. It's the best bang for your Toronto sports scene buck.
The atmosphere itself is completely different than that of a Leafs game. The music is hip-hop and R&B, with Kanye instead of Nickelback. The crowd is much younger, less comatose and much less white. My wife, who I've never caught watching the Raptors on television, loves going to Raptor games at the ACC. My daughter keeps her eyes focused on the dinosaur mascot and James was blown away by the whole experience. Raptor games are fun, even when you lose by 13.
And of course, I was there to see Captain Canada, the greatest basketball player this nation has ever produced. Steve Nash didn't disappoint, dishing off a season-high 18 assists while chipping in 10 points. Leandro Barbosa scored the baskets but Nash was everywhere. He was worth every cent of my $15.
The last time I was at the ACC to see the Raptors face the Phoenix Suns, it was a significant milestone in Toronto Raptor history. It was the first nationally televised game for the Raps, airing on NBC at 12:30 on February 27, 2000. It was also the game Vince Carter scored 51, still a franchise record.
Tonight, I'll be watching the Suns and Raps again. I bought the tickets to see the greatest Canadian basketball player in the history of the sport, but I'm still cheering for a Raptor victory. With Bosh out of the lineup, I wonder who will step it up to set a new franchise mark for points?
Vince Carter of the New Jersey Nets will be sidelined indefinitely with a sprained right ankle.
I don't mean to make light of another man's pain, but this image is deja vu all over again. I'm trying to heal, but there's always something there to remind me of the pain.
Tonight, at 7pm, the Raptors host Philadelphia in our season opener. If you bounce around and check out the American media's predictions for this season, our Raps aren't getting much respect.
The NBA GM survey doesn't mention the Raptors at all. Their picks to win the Atlantic Division are Boston, New Jersey and New York.
ESPN, at least, have us tied with New Jersey as the 2nd most likely to win our division. They're picking Boston.
You get the idea. Nobody thinks we're going to win the division again and few give us a hope and a prayer of coming out of the conference. Listen to me now and hear me later, we're a better team than we were last year and we were pretty damn good last year. It's possible the Nets win the division, but this year we actually win a playoff round, maybe two.
Bargnani will be greatly improved, Bosh is still awesome and Kapono can shoot the lights out. The fun starts tonight. Go Raptors Go!
Mo Pete played 542 games for the Toronto Raptors, a franchise record. His next game will be for the New Orleans Hornets who signed him to a four-year $23 million dollar deal.
Morris Peterson was around a long time, and although I liked him, I never felt he reached his full potential. When I was ready to write him off and move on, he'd do something like this and blow my mind.
When the Hornets come to town, give this guy a seven year salute.
I got an interesting email from Medea Kalantar yesterday.
Hi Mike,
I am sending you the logo my son has created, his name is Jean-Diar Kalantar and he is 13 years old. Can you please make sure the right people see his design.
It's half time, and the Raptors are up 46-43 in New Jersey. Not only is T.J. Ford playing, but he's 6-7 for 13 points in nine minutes. That's awesome.
James and I watched the first half together, but I just put him to bed, so I'm going to have to finish this thing on my own. Here's hoping VC continues his shitty shooting, Bosh gets pissed and takes it hard to the hoop and Ford continues to run right through this News D.
I think my heart just stopped. We were up large, and then it dissipated. When the Nets hit that three with Calderon hurt on the floor, I almost cried. When the Nets missed that final three ball, I almost cried once more. We're going back to Jersey.
Teams with a 3-1 game lead in the NBA playoffs are 158-8. Now that I've discovered what was holding us back, you can be sure we'll be number nine. That damn Raptors masthead was clearly jinxing us, and now that it's gone, we can't lose.
You may be wondering what Sam Mitchell is doing to psyche up the Raptors prior to tonight's do-or-die game at the ACC. In a Toronto Mike exclusive, I've just learnt how MoPete and the boys are preparing themselves for Kidd and Carter.
Sam's got them watching Bruce Willis' "Yippee-ki-yay Mother**cker" on a continuous loop. Listen for it at the 1:01 mark.
The writing's on the wall, and it's a pretty crappy read for Raptor fans. For the second straight game we got creamed and there's no way we're coming back in this series. Teams rarely come back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA playoffs. Sure, the Suns did it last year, but these Raptors are not the Phoenix Suns.
I bailed on yesterday's game pretty early. It was making me miserable and it was frightening James. Kidd and Carter were just too much, but I'm not ready to make nice. I don't even think the player formerly known as Air Carter read my letter. He may win this battle, but the war continues. The Raps will be champions before Vince Carter ever hoists that trophy. Mark my words.
At the time I was supposed to put James to bed, the Raptors game was in the fourth quarter. James is only five, but he's showing a sincere interest in the Raps. He knows Chris Bosh, the story of Vince Carter and that the camera will sometimes show a big red dinosaur after a big Raptors basket. Naturally, I let him stay up late and watch the game.
And what a game! James watched the good guys win and was thrilled by the post game celebration on the court. There was the red confetti-like paper falling from the rafters, the flags and a whole lot of cheering and hugging. We were hugging, too, celebrating the first non-Argo Toronto playoff win in quite some time.
It's 1-1 heading back to Jersey, and the Raps haven't come close to playing their best ball. I'm feeling good. James will have plenty of late nights ahead, if we're lucky.
On January 9, 2007, the Raptors faced the Nets in New Jersey.
The basketball player formerly known as Vince Carter goes down like he's shot. This is my new favourite Vince Carter highlight reel. It's the Vince we knew and loved.
FUVC. You SOB, Rookie of the Year, Dunkaholic, talented freak... you owned this city, you were Toronto basketball. You wanted out, you demanded a trade from the T.Dot, then you started to tank it and you had the gonads to admit it. No effort, phony injuries, that entire "I don't wanna dunk anymore" bullshit. We traded you to the Nets and got pure shite in return. You almost ruined this franchise, but post-trade you miraculously remembered how to play. You were an all-star again, you SOB. FUVC. We're getting the last laugh here. It's game time.
I loved you, man. You were our Rookie of the Year, Air Carter, you were our Michael Jordan. I was at your 51 point game against the Suns. I cheered the loudest when you won the slam dunk competition. I busted a television when you missed the buzzer-beating three in game seven against the 76ers and I constantly defended you when others called you lazy, fragile or worse. You remember Toronto Mike now, don't you?
Here are a few entries I wrote about you. As you'll see, there were peaks, followed by a rather deep valley. I'll let you catch up on our tumultuous history before I get to the point of this letter.
The EA Sports Jinx - October 2, 2003 @ 12:53: I'm concerned that Carter is on the cover of EA's NBA Live 2004. There is that jinx and I want Carter to stay healthy.
Mike's Mailbag - October 29, 2003 @ 15:03: I inaccurately predict the Raptors will make the playoffs in 2003/2004. I add a caveat that Carter must remain healthy for this to happen.
Vintage Vincent - November 27, 2003 @ 08:04: I'm gushing over the great Vince Carter after he scores 43 and carries the Raps on his back. I also reminisce about the 51 point game of his I attended.
Not In-Vince-able - January 17, 2004 @ 14:00: Carter injures himself once again and I brace for the worst. I even compare him to Wendel Clark.
Mr. Popular - January 30, 2003 @ 11:09: Carter leads the league in all-star votes for the fourth time and I try to figure out why he's so damn popular.
Guest Blog Entry - January 30, 2004 @ 15:45: For the first time, I publicly admit in this space that Vince could be traded. I also admit that he's not the second coming of Michael Jordon. "If you had brought up the subject of trading Vince Carter a couple of years ago, I would have laughed in your face."
It. Is. Over. - March 27, 2004 @ 11:04: I was pissed when I wrote this entry. The Raptors were going to miss the playoffs yet again and I knew something had to give.
Vin-sane - July 2, 2004 @ 09:04: ESPN reports that Carter wants to be traded and I try to digest the news. "Vince is our star and it will hurt to watch him suit up for another team."
The End of an Era? - July 14, 2004 @ 10:55: Rumours were swirling that Carter was on his way out and I thought we were in the final hours of the Vince Carter era in Toronto. "The writing's on the wall and we have to accept it."
Carlos and Vince - July 16, 2004 @ 21:37: I found it interesting that it was becoming incredibly likely that both Carlos Delgado and Vince Carter would be leaving Toronto. Still, I held on to a semblance of hope that Carter could stay. "It's entirely possible we're cheering Carter's name on opening night as he stays with the Raps. I'm hoping he does because players with his talent are few and far between."
Guest Blog Entry - July 20, 2004 @ 14:48: I admit I'm completely torn about the whole Vince Carter saga. "I'd like him to stay, play hard and lead us back to the playoffs where he can shine on a bigger stage."
My Sports Wishlist - September 22, 2004 @ 08:23: Carter makes my sports wishlist as I wish he'd stop being such a suck, rescind his trade demand and play his ass off.
41 Reasons to Kick Ass - November 3, 2004 @ 13:11: The Sporting News ranks Carter the 41st best player in the NBA and I see this as a positive, potentially lighting a much needed fire under Carter's butt. "This gives Carter 41 reasons to kick ass this season."
More Than 41 - November 23, 2004 @ 07:56: It didn't take long to realize that Vince Carter wasn't going to perform for the Raptors the way Vince Carter can. "When we finally do trade this major disappointment, we'll likely get little of value in return. Then, without a doubt, Carter will kick it up a notch and shoot the lights out for his new team."
The Vince Carter Era Ends - December 17, 2004 @ 17:36: Vince Carter is traded to the New Jersey Nets. "It's time to move on my friends."
Vince Carter Is A Dick - January 7, 2005 @ 15:36: What a surprise... Carter actually tries for the Nets and admits he didn't give his all for the Raps. "I used to defend Vince Carter when others wanted to get rid of him. Now, I wish him nothing but the worst. F him"
Formerly Known As Air Canada - February 22, 2005 @ 12:02: The Raptors first game in New Jersey against Vince. "#15 quit on us and started lighting it up the moment he was out of here. Lets humiliate the bastard."
NBA Championship Tonight - April 15, 2005 @ 07:52: Vince's first game in Toronto since the big trade. "Go Raps! Beat Vince!"
Vince, it's Raptors vs. Nets in round one. You'll be here for game one Saturday afternoon and I'll be watching closely. I just want you to know that I'm over you. I've moved on and I've learnt to love a different Raptors team, a team led by #4 with more character and grit than you'll ever know. We don't need you any more, in fact, we're better without you.
With every vibe in my body and every ounce of my soul I'm hoping karma is a total bitch to you. I don't just want the Raptors to beat your team in this series, I want you personally humiliated. I want justice. I want this bad.
I'm looking forward to your long slow walk off the court as we celebrate your just desserts.
The Toronto Raptors are the only franchise I care about that I've followed since game one. I don't remember the first few Blue Jays seasons and the Leafs and Argos have been around since well before I was born. The Raptors, however, played their first game in 1995 and I've been following ever since.
The turnaround from last season to this one is incredible. Last season they were a dismal 27-55 and right now they're 47-33, tying the franchise record for wins with two to play. With wins the only statistic that matters, this is our best season ever.
The Raps are also peaking at the right time. We've won six in a row overall, seven in a row at home. We've clinched our first division title and have locked up third overall in the conference. Our first round series will either be against the very beatable Wizards or Vince Carter and the Nets. I'd love to beat Carter, but I'm rooting for an easier match up with the Wizards.
The Raptors have a real shot of making the NBA Finals. When you consider our expectations heading into this season, that's not only impressive, that's miraculous.
While this city crunches the numbers and prays for an Islander loss this afternoon coupled with a Leafs win tonight, our forgotten basketball team beat the 76ers last night to clinch our first division title.
The Atlantic Division crown is ours with six games remaining, quite an improvement from last year when we went 27-55. Bryan Colangelo came in and did what had to be done. Imagine if the other MLSE team sharing the ACC bit the bullet and did the same.
When we tell our grandkids about our first division title, we'll leave out the fact New Jersey is second and currently five games below .500. The devil is in the details.
You want buzz? I'll give you buzz, as in a miraculous Morris Peterson buzzer beater to send last night's Toronto Raptors game into overtime.
The Washington Wizards were up 109-106 with 3.8 seconds to play in the fourth quarter. We had no time outs and a long Hail Mary pass was intercepted by Michael Ruffin who tossed the ball into the air, apparently thinking the clock was about to expire.
What happens next is remarkable. MoPete comes down with it and tosses up a buzzer beating three to force overtime where we win 123-118. If this doesn't generate a little buzz, nothing will. I'm giving this a chill factor of 8.2. See for yourself.
Freddie P. was right. Back when we were working on his new blog we had a phone conversation he wrote about here. I was feeling a pro-Raptors buzz and he wasn't. This surprised me.
After tonight there are ten games left in the Raptors regular season and we're six games up on the Nets in the Atlantic division. Math isn't my strong suit, but I like the odds we'll win the division for the first time in franchise history. It will mark the first time we made the post season in the post-Vince Carter era and we're looking at potentially being the three seed in the conference. This is all wonderful stuff, but all anyone wants to talk about is the Leafs. Fred said nobody cared about the Raptors and I'm starting to agree with him. We'd like to make the playoffs and maybe win a round or two, but our hunger for an NBA Championship is so dwarfed by our hunger for the Stanley Cup, there's little buzz to be felt.
I'm as guilty as anyone. I root for the Raps, but I pray for the Leafs. I'd love to see the Raps win the conference but I'd die of happiness if the Leafs won the conference. The Raptors are 2nd class citizens in this town and it will always be that way so long as the Leafs exist.
It's a shame, but it's a fact. If Bosh could throw a body check, he'd own this city.
Thanks to my pal Humble, I attended the Toronto Raptors game last night at the ACC. We started sluggish but T.J. Ford made sure we came together in time to dispose of the New York Knicks 104-94. We booed both Isiah Thomas and Steve Francis, but Isiah got it loudest. Isiah Thomas is now 4-9 against us.
The Raptors are 23-9 at home, but one of those losses was to Utah back in January while I was courtside. The reason I mention that is because the home teams have stunk up the joint when I've been in attendance. I attended two Argos games last season, and we lost both. I attended a Marlies game and we got skunked. I caught the Leafs and Avs earlier this season and we lost. The only time I attend a winning game is when my brother Steve is in the seat next to me. That's how I got to witness a 4-2 win over the Thrashers in October and last night's Raptor victory.
From Hockey to Basketball in Three Minutes - The Air Canada Centre is the home venue of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Raptors. In as little as eight hours, a crew of 18 to 25 workers can transform the NHL ice to NBA hardwood. This video was recorded in a time span of over sixteen hours, compressed to under three minutes.
I caught most of the Raptors game last night, and it was definitely one of those 2-for-1 victories. It was a big win over a division rival and it was a big win over Vince Carter. Here's a little taste of my history with Vince.
Carter's Nets are now 4.5 games back of our Raps. There's something awfully satisfying about that, isn't there? Playing .547 ball, the Raps aren't even banking on the fact they're in the weakest division. We'd be third in the Central and a solid second in the Southeast. We're beating good teams, taking out awesome home teams like the Bulls and hanging in and almost beating the conference leading Pistons. We've won eight straight at home and 10 of our last 12. This certainly feels like the real thing.
Not only did we extend our lead in the Atlantic while beating Vince, but the player formerly known as Air Carter finished with a mere 17 points on 5-for-15 shooting from the floor. Chris Bosh, our new idol, led all players with 25 points.
Chris Bosh scored a career-high 41 points as the Raptors beat the Orlando Magic 113-103 last night at the ACC. That's the Rap's fourth win in a row and their ninth win in 11 games.
The Raptors are smoking hot right now, leading the division by 3.5 games. Hell, we're only 4 games back of Detroit for the conference lead. There's another team that calls the ACC home, how are they doing?
The Maple Leafs have won five in a row and seven of their past eight. A team many of us had given up for dead is now surging into a playoff spot. MLSE is on a roll.
Is it me or are days brighter when our teams go on these streaks? Food tastes better, music sounds better, jokes seem funnier... Good times.
With the Raptors playing .500 ball, people in this city are actually starting to take notice. After an awful couple of years this team is starting to look respectable. In addition to leading the division, the Raps are earning props from the NBA.
Guess who's the Eastern Conference player of the month for January? That's right, it's Chris Bosh. Who's the Eastern Conference coach of the month for January? You got it, it's none other than Sam Mitchell. Who's the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for January? Andrea Bargnani, of course.
Back in 2005 I listed who I thought were the best Toronto Raptors of all-time as my Friday Five. In order, I listed Vince Carter, Damon Stoudamire, Tracy McGrady, Antonio Davis and Doug Christie.
Last Friday, someone anonymously sent in their Friday Five. This person listed Chris Bosh, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, Damon Stoudamire and Marcus Camby. Obviously, when I made up my list, Chris Bosh wasn't quite there yet. Another couple of seasons of Bosh excellence has forced me to revise my list.
As of this moment in time, here are the best Toronto Raptors of all-time.
Let's talk Bosh this morning. The Raptors MVP will start for the Eastern Conference in next month's All-Star Game. He's only the second Raptor to get voted into the all-star game. The other, Vince Carter, wasn't voted in this time.
When we drafted Bosh I knew he was going to be good, but I didn't expect him to be this good. In the post Vinsanity era we didn't have to wait long for a superstar to emerge on this team. In just his fourth season Chris Bosh is starting an all-star game and has the Raptors one game under .500 and fighting for a playoff spot.
As I mentioned yesterday, I was courtside for the Raptors - Jazz game last night at the ACC. I had never been courtside before.
They have three rows of chairs on one side of the court and these chairs are literally on the court. The only way to be closer is to be one of the refs. I took some pictures to try and capture of sense of the view, but they don't really do it justice. Here's the obligatory photoset.
Oh yeah, I said I'd tell you if they were worth $942. In my humble opinion, no basketball game short of game seven of the finals is worth even half that much. Even then, I'd save the cash and watch it on the telly.
I'm holding in my hand right now two courtside seats for tonight's Toronto Raptors - Utah Jazz basketball game at the ACC.
Each ticket cost $471. That means this pair cost someone $942. I assure you, I'm not the one who forked over nearly a grand for a couple of seats at a regular season NBA game, but I sure am psyched about sitting in these seats tonight.
$942. Wow. That boggles my mind. When I buy tickets to see the Raps, I buy in the Sprite Zone where each ticket is less than $12. These seats I'm in tonight are about $460 more than that.
I'll let you know tomorrow if they're worth it. And yes, I'm bringing my camera. Catch the game on television and you might just see me coming off the bench in garbage time.
While the Leafs were coughing up another one, the Raps were clawing out a win in Portland. With a 12-15 record, the Raptors now lead the Atlantic Division.
We last time led the division was November 25, 2003. It's fair to say the Raptors didn't play up to this standard but the division played down to us. 12-15 has no business leading any division, anywhere, but we'll take it.
The Raptors and Leafs share a personality trait as well as owners. Both teams seems to come together nicely when the superstar is injured. The Leafs play quite well without Mats Sundin in the lineup and the Raptors have been surging without Chris Bosh.
Whether the Raps are headed in the right direction or not, will be decided on the court. No matter how they fare this season, nobody will be able to accuse Bryan Colangelo of sitting on his hands and fiddling while Rome burned. The man has been active with a capital "A" and we're seeing some heavy duty turnover with a capital "T".
With Anthony Parker and John Salmons joining the club and Uros Slokar, Jorge Garbajosa and P.J. Tucker expected to sign, the Raptors 15 man roster will include eight new players. Here's the possible 15:
Andrea Bargnani - New
Chris Bosh - Old
Jose Calderon - Old
T.J. Ford - New
Jorge Garbajosa - New
Joey Graham - Old
Kris Humphries - New
Darrick Martin - Old
Rasho Nesterovic - New
Anthony Parker - New
Morris Peterson - Old
P.J. Tucker - New
Uros Slokar - New
Pape Sow - Old
Alvin Williams - Old
When you go 27-55, change is a good thing. Even change with a capital "C".
During the 2003 NBA entry drafts, the Raptors had the 52nd pick overall and Carl English from Patrick's Cove, Newfoundland was available. I thought it was a no-brainer. Glen Grunwald disagreed and decided to go with Remon Van de Hare instead. If you haven't heard of Remon Van de Hare, you're not alone. He was a grade-A bust.
Last night, after ordering Italian, the Raptors had the 35th pick and Toronto native Denham Brown was still available. Some projected Brown would go even higher, and he definitely wanted to play in his home town. Without a doubt, Raptor fans wanted him here. Once again, faced with a no-brainer, the Raptors went with North Carolina native P.J. Tucker.
Bryan Colangelo will suggest it wouldn't have been good for Brown to play in Toronto, he'd have too much pressure here. Brown's mother will tell you he has too many friends here and it's better for him to get away. I say if you have the chance to draft a home town boy at a point in the draft when it makes sense, you do it. The Raptors have never drafted a Canadian.
Brown ended up going to Seattle only five picks later. It would have been sweet to watch the 6-foot-5 shooting guard who grew up near Jane and Finch try and make the Raptors this season. I know 4,558,800 who would have been rooting for him.
There is much speculation as to whom the Raptors will draft tomorrow with the first overall pick. I'm not a smart man, but I know who the Raptors will take. They will draft Italian forward Andrea Bargnani, making him the first European to go first overall.
Andrea Bargnani played last season for the Benetton Treviso. Who was the Executive Director for the Bentton Treviso last season? The answer to that question is Maurizio Gherardini, the newly hired vice-president and assistant general manager with the Toronto Raptors.
Sometimes 1 + 1 does in fact equal 2. Welcome aboard Andrea.
We had the NBA's fifth worst record at 27-55 but we ended up jumping four spots to win our first draft lottery tonight. With Bryan Colangelo at the helm, this couldn't have worked out better.
Actually, that's not true. We could have won this thing when Lebron James was available. Underclassmen Adam Morrison of Gonzaga, Texas center LaMarcus Aldridge and LSU forward Tyrus Thomas are considered top candidates. None of them have a Lebron sized "can't miss" label tatooed on their foreheads. Let's hope this is a sign that our luck is changing for the better.
Draft well, Colangelo. Vince Carter good, Rafael Araujo bad. Got that?
It hasn't been a very memorable season for our Toronto Raptors, but we've still managed to play ourselves into the positive side of the record book. Morris Peterson's 3-pointer late in the first quarter yesterday set an NBA record for most consecutive games with at least one 3-point field goal. The previous record of 594 was set by the Miami Heat.
A record is a record. We'll go for 596 Tuesday in Philadelphia.
Phoenix Suns president and general manager Bryan Colangelo resigned yesterday and joined the Toronto Raptors as president and general manager today. For the first time in the history of the Raptors, there's experience and proven success running the show.
Colangelo was the NBA's 2005 executive of the year after the Suns won a league-high 62 games. The Suns were 29 game winners before he retooled the line up and brought them to the conference final. He's only 40 but he's already spent 17 years with the Suns, the past 11 as general manager.
I'll bet this guy has a vision. I'll bet this guy has a plan. The hiring of Colangelo is indeed a rare Raptors coup.
Imagine if the Raptors didn't start the season 1-15. If you discard those first sixteen games, we're a respectable 19-17 and comfortably in a playoff position.
Against all odds, the Raps are actually playing some entertaining basketball these days. Chris Bosh has been rewarded for his effort by being only the third Raptor ever selected to play in an all-star game. Mike James has been everything I hoped he would be and Charlie Villanueva doesn't appear to be that bad a pick after all.
I was never a fan of the Rob Babcock hiring. He quickly began to prove me right when he selected Rafael Araujo with the eighth pick of the 2004 draft. Then, there was the Vince Carter trade.
A year and a half after he was hired, Babcock has been fired by the Toronto Raptors. "I'm disappointed that Rob was the wrong choice for us," said Richard Peddie, who hired Babcock. "In hindsight (I) should have got someone who was more proven."
You didn't need hindsight Dick. You just needed to chat with me.
It seems I've lit a fire under the Raptors' collective asses. Just two mornings ago I call them out for playing like a bunch of 1-15 bums and now they're on a two game winning streak.
With great power comes great responsibility. I shall use it wisely.
Our Raptors are 1-15. It's the 1997-98 season all over again. That year we came out of the gates 1-19 en route to a 16-66 mark. If we manage to win 16 games this year, I'll be amazed. The NBA record for futility, the 1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers who finished 9-73, is well within our grasp.
If we're going to lose, we might as well lose big. Unfortunately, we're tanking in a very weak draft year. Typical Raptor luck. Where's Acie Earl when you need him?
The NBA record for futility belongs to the 1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers who finished that season 9-73. They began the season with 15 straight losses, and also recorded losing streaks of 20, 14, and finally 13 to end the season.
The Raptors, out of the gate 0-4 and looking dreadful, are a serious threat to set a new standard for futility in the NBA. Divert your eyes kids, this is gonna get ugly.
The NBA season tips off Tuesday night and the Toronto Raptors host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night. In the ten seasons prior I don't recall a Raptor season approaching so quietly and so far under the radar.
With the NHL back in full force, no Vince Carter in camp and a team that is being predicted to finish either 14th or 15th in the Conference, it's no wonder there's little buzz about the Raptors. It's going to be a long, painful season.
Lets take this opportunity to flash back to opening night in Toronto ten years ago. Before 33,306 fans at SkyDome, Alvin Robertson led the way with 39 points as we beat the New Jersey Nets 94-79. I clipped the write up in the next morning's Toronto Star and you'll find it on the right side of this page from my old scrapbook. It's there along with #45 Michael Jordan's first return, the death of Blind Melon's Shannon Hoon, a big Leafs playoff victory over the San Jose Sharks and Cal Ripkens 2,131st game.
That 1995/96 Raptor team finished the season 21-61. I fear this year's squad will do even worse.
It goes without saying that James and I have a new favourite Toronto Raptor. Mike James was acquired earlier in the week from Houston in exchange for Rafer Alston.
Tonight, our Toronto Raptors host the NBA Championship game. If the Raps win tonight, their season is a complete success and Raptor fans will enjoy a great summer. It all comes down to this.
Vince Carter and I have had quite the tumultuous relationship that is well documented. To say I'm angry with him is the understatement of the season. Carter went through the motions here, forced us to deal his sorry ass for little in return and then started playing to his potential in New Jersey. Since being dealt, he's scored 30 or more points 21 times, 20 or more 45 times (in 53 games) and earned Player of the Week honors last week after averaging 34.7 points as the Nets went 3-0 to stay alive in the playoff race. It's enough to make you want to scowl.
I take it personally. Tonight, with the Nets in town, I'll be watching. This is our NBA Championship. A win tonight and all the other crap Raptor fans have had to deal with will be forgiven. Go Raps! Beat Vince!
Morris Peterson has successfully punched the clock for 258 games in succession making him the reigning iron man in the NBA. He earned the distinction when Washington Wizards forward Antawn Jamison missed Tuesday night's game at New York due to right knee tendinitis.
Sure, there were nights when we didn't notice Mo Pete, but he was there. There were nights when his butt was glued to the bench, but Mo Pete made the score card. When it's game time, Mo Pete might not be on, he might not even appear to care, but he shows up each and every time.
Peterson has a long way to go to break the all-time record of 1,192 consecutive games set by A.C. Green, whose streak stretched from 1986 to 2001. Cross your fingers!
Vince Carter scored just 22 last night and shot a miserable 8 for 25 from the floor. He committed a foul on Donyell Marshall in the fourth quarter that led to two key free throws and turned the ball over a minute later that led to a game-sealing fast-break layup for Milt Palacio. The final result was an overwhelming 100-82 victory for the Toronto Raptors over Carter's New Jersey Nets.
Happy Happy Joy Joy Happy Happy Joy Joy
Happy Happy Joy Joy Happy Happy Joy Joy
Happy Happy Joy Joy Happy Happy Joy Joy
Happy Happy Joy Joy Joy!
Remember Vince Carter? He used to play for our Toronto Raptors. In fact, he was rookie of the year and a perennial all-star while playing in these parts.
Tonight, our Raptors are in the swamp to seek revenge. I don't care if the Raptors ever win another game so long as they win tonight. #15 quit on us and started lighting it up the moment he was out of here. Lets humiliate the bastard.
If I told you I don't follow the soaps I'd be lying. You see, I follow the Toronto Raptors, the best soap opera ever.
Win or lose, the Raptors are always entertaining. It seems like it's always been this way. There was Charles Oakley, the Butch Carter saga, Antonio Davis' trade demand, years of Vinsanity culminating in this summers trade demand and recent departure for New Jersey and now it's Rafer Alston's turn to step into the spotlight.
In Cleveland last night, Alston and Sam Mitchell got into a halftime confrontation which resulted in Alston being ushered out of Gund Arena by a phalanx of security guards. At least one security guard claims fists were flying between Alston and Mitchell who have a strained relationship to say the least.
Is Alston on his way out of town? What will Mr. Quote Jalen Rose have to say about it? 3.5 games out of a playoff spot, can the Raps make a run and sneak in? 1.5 points behind Vince's Nets, can we beat the cheat? Don't miss the best soap in town.
Lenny Wilkens is likely to resign this week as head coach of the New York Knicks. The Knicks have lost nine of their last ten games to drop to third place in our awful Atlantic Division.
I hated Wilkens when he was coaching the Raptors. I was shocked when the Knicks hired him a year ago and wrote this entry in which I openly laughed at Knicks fans. I was 100% certain that this hiring was a huge mistake and I couldn't wait until he was run out of town.
In every sport there is a home field advantage, but nowhere is it greater than in the NBA. In the NBA, it's not unusual for a team to dominate at home and stink on the road. Take my Toronto Raptors, for instance.
Yesterday the Raptors trailed the New Orleans Hornets by as much as 16 points in the third quarter, but came back to win 102-99. It was their ninth win in their past ten games at the ACC. At home, the Raptors are a sweet 13-5. On the road, it's a different story all together. We've lost 11 straight and are a dismal 2-18.
If the Raps manage to win even 30% of their road games they'll win the Atlantic division. All I care is that they beat New Jersey.
Since being traded by my Toronto Raptors to the New Jersey Nets, Vince Carter is averaging 22.5 points per game. He's playing hard, taking it to the hoop and putting up points. Those are three things he didn't do before the trade.
TNT broadcast an interview with Carter yesterday in which he was asked if he pushed himself as hard as he should have in Toronto. Below was his response.
"In years past, no. I was fortunate to have the talent ... you get spoiled when you're able to do a lot of things. You see that you don't have to work at it. Now, with the all the injuries, I have to work harder. I'm a little hungrier. Getting a fresh start has made me want to attack the basket."
What an ass. He's essentially admitting he didn't try his best with Toronto. This explains why he looks like a different player in New Jersey. I used to defend Vince Carter when others wanted to get rid of him. Now, I wish him nothing but the worst. F him.
Now that it's happened, I thought I'd delve into the vault and reexamine the entries I wrote about Vince Carter. They say a great deal about my conflicted feelings about him and what he brings brought to my Toronto Raptors. Lets take a look, shall we? Fittingly, there are fifteen.
The EA Sports Jinx - October 2, 2003 / 12:53 EST: I'm concerned that Carter is on the cover of EA's NBA Live 2004. There is that jinx and I want Carter to stay healthy.
Mike's Mailbag - October 29, 2003 / 15:03 EST: I inaccurately predict the Raptors will make the playoffs in 2003/2004. I add a caveat that Carter must remain healthy for this to happen.
Vintage Vincent - November 27, 2003 / 08:04 EST: I'm gushing over the great Vince Carter after he scores 43 and carries the Raps on his back. I also reminisce about the 51 point game of his I attended.
Not In-Vince-able - January 17, 2004 / 14:00 EST: Carter injures himself once again and I brace for the worst. I even compare him to Wendel Clark.
Mr. Popular - January 30, 2003 / 11:09 EST: Carter leads the league in all-star votes for the fourth time and I try to figure out why he's so damn popular.
Guest Blog Entry - January 30, 2004 / 15:45 EST: For the first time, I publicly admit in this space that Vince could be traded. I also admit that he's not the second coming of Michael Jordon. "If you had brought up the subject of trading Vince Carter a couple of years ago, I would have laughed in your face."
It. Is. Over. - March 27, 2004 / 11:04 EST: I was pissed when I wrote this entry. The Raptors were going to miss the playoffs yet again and I knew something had to give.
Vin-sane - July 2, 2004 / 09:04 EST: ESPN reports that Carter wants to be traded and I try to digest the news. "Vince is our star and it will hurt to watch him suit up for another team."
The End of an Era? - July 14, 2004 / 10:55 EST: Rumours were swirling that Carter was on his way out and I thought we were in the final hours of the Vince Carter era in Toronto. "The writing's on the wall and we have to accept it."
Carlos and Vince - July 16, 2004 / 21:37 EST: I found it interesting that it was becoming incredibly likely that both Carlos Delgado and Vince Carter would be leaving Toronto. Still, I held on to a semblance of hope that Carter could stay. "It's entirely possible we're cheering Carter's name on opening night as he stays with the Raps. I'm hoping he does because players with his talent are few and far between."
Guest Blog Entry - July 20, 2004 / 14:48 EST: I admit I'm completely torn about the whole Vince Carter saga. "I'd like him to stay, play hard and lead us back to the playoffs where he can shine on a bigger stage."
My Sports Wishlist - September 22, 2004 / 08:23 EST: Carter makes my sports wishlist as I wish he'd stop being such a suck, rescind his trade demand and play his ass off.
41 Reasons to Kick Ass - November 3, 2004 / 13:11 EST: The Sporting News ranks Carter the 41st best player in the NBA and I see this as a positive, potentially lighting a much needed fire under Carter's butt. "This gives Carter 41 reasons to kick ass this season."
More Than 41 - November 23, 2004 / 07:56 EST: It didn't take long to realize that Vince Carter wasn't going to perform for the Raptors the way Vince Carter can. "When we finally do trade this major disappointment, we'll likely get little of value in return. Then, without a doubt, Carter will kick it up a notch and shoot the lights out for his new team."
The Vince Carter Era Ends - December 17, 2004 / 17:36 EST: Vince Carter is traded to the New Jersey Nets. "It's time to move on my friends."
That last line of #14 says it all. I have no doubt that Carter will be awesome for the Nets. He lost all motivation here in Toronto and put it in auto pilot a long, long time ago. It's a damn shame because he had so much upside and could have been the man to lead us to the championship. Could have been, should have been, would have been...
Farewell #15. Thanks for the memories. 51 against the Suns, baby.
I'm flooded with mixed emotions now that it's finally happened. The Toronto Raptors have traded Vince Carter to the New Jersey Nets in exchange for center Alonzo Mourning, forward Eric Williams, center/forward Aaron Williams and two conditional first-round draft picks.
It wasn't that long ago that Carter owned this city. He was the rookie of the year, the slam dunk king and the next Michael Jordon. He had us within a 3-point shot of the Eastern Finals and the best was yet to come. He was Air Canada and the best show in town.
I'll never forget the day I spent at the ACC watching him pour in 51. The Raptor victory was broadcast nationally in the USA and the 51 was and still is a Raptor record. There wasn't a basketball fan in this city who didn't think Carter was awesome and only going to get better.
As quickly as he rose to prominence in the big smoke, he plummetted back to the soil at Bay and York. Frequently injured, no longer as consistent and one hell of a whiner, almost everybody wanted him out of town. Personally, I swung up and down on this issue like a yo-yo, wishing he'd stay and return to his form of old one day and wishing we'd trade him and build for the future the next. This season, the writing was on the wall and I knew it was only a matter of time. Now that it's happened, I'm sad to see our perrenial all-star go but I realize it's for the best.
It's time to move on my friends. We have our closure, let the healing begin.
Apparently, Vince Carter needs more than 41 reasons to kick ass this season. A player who is averaging 24.1 points for his career is only averaging 14.5 points per game thus far this year. Carter scored just four points on 2-for-9 shooting and didn't play in the fourth quarter while his team mates overcame a 20-point deficit in the second half to beat the San Antonio Spurs 96-91 Sunday. He's not contributing and others are picking up the slack.
Now comes word the "Half-man, half-amazing" doesn't want to dunk anymore. He'll leave the dunking to others and opt for a lay up instead. He's as whiny about the pressue to dunk as he is about the league's decision to strip him of his iPod during warmups. It's been a tough week for the $12 million man.
I've been rather vocal in my support of Vince Carter. I want him to play like he can and be a super star once more for my Raptors. Sadly, it's becoming abundantly clear that he's doing everything in his power to reduce his trade value. He's averaging 14.5 ppg, refusing to dunk and sitting for most fourth quarters. When we finally do trade this major disappointment, we'll likely get little of value in return. Then, without a doubt, Carter will kick it up a notch and shoot the lights out for his new team. I'll bet he even dunks for them.
I just finished watching the Raptors game. I watched the whole thing, in fact, I've seen all three games this season except for a bit of Friday's game when I was watching the Argos.
I'm extremely impressed thus far. All three games have been extremely entertaining victories for the Raps. I don't remember three games as exciting as these three all of last season.
It's early, but if we keep this intensity up and Vince keeps doin' what he's doin' with this awesome support, we'll be back in the playoffs for sure.
With the first 3-0 start in franchise history, the Raptors are helping to ease the pain of the NHL lockout. Bless those boys.
The Sporting News recently released its subjective list of the top 50 players in the NBA, and Vince Carter ranked a disappointing 41st. As a Raptor fan, this pleases me. This gives Carter 41 reasons to kick ass this season.
Things can only get better this season, which tips off tonight against the Houston Rockets at the ACC. Now that Carter has something to prove, I suspect he'll put forward a more consistent effort. We need him and I'm glad he's back with a slice of humble pie. With Chris Bosh emerging as an excellent supporting player, and Donyell Marshall and Jalen Rose back, I think we'll put up the points and finish 8th in the East. In the NBA, eight is enough.
Now that Vince Carter has essentially come clean with his desire to play elsewhere, it's looking more and more likely that the Raptors will trade him. As I've said before, I'd rather see #15 in the line up for the Raptors season opener, but if he's got to go there's an interesting possibility emerging.
Ray Allen of the Seattle Sonics is reportedly interested in playing for the Toronto Raptors. He's making similar money to Carter, so that takes care of the salary cap issues. He also plays a similar game. As Doug Smith writes in today's Toronto Star, "He has the type of up-tempo game that would fit perfectly with the style new coach Sam Mitchell wants the Raptors to play and he could share the court with Jalen Rose and Rafer Alston in a high-powered backcourt".
My biggest fear is we'll trade Vince Carter for a bunch of B-list players. Ray Allen is at least a star. This would make the pain a little more bearable methinks.
Here in the capital of the world (Toronto, in case you didn't know), all the sports talk has been about the "imminent" trade of our two biggest stars. If you excuse Mats, Ed and the gang on skates, Toronto's biggest sports stars are Carlos Delgado and Vince Carter.
Already this month I've written two entries essentially saying goodbye to Vince. The rumour mill was working overtime and it looked like he was on his way to Dallas. Now, nobody is sure of anything. It's entirely possible we're cheering Carter's name on opening night as he stays with the Raps. I'm hoping he does because players with his talent are few and far between.
Then, there's Carlos Delgado of my Toronto Blue Jays. Unlike Vince, there's no rumblings about how Carlos would like a trade and isn't happy. The problem here is strict economics. Delgado makes about 40% of the Blue Jays payroll and with our current budget we'll likely never compete with the Yankees and Red Sox of the world. Trading Carlos will free up some cash for some badly needed starting pitching. Still, I don't want him to go either as he's a fantastic ball player.
Here's my proposal to Rob Babcock and J.P. Ricciardi. Lets keep superstars like Vince Carter and Carlos Delgado in Toronto. Both have a number of good years ahead of them and both are assets to their respective clubs. Why would we want to see them play anywhere else? Keep 'em and sign Delgado again when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Is the Vince Carter era in Toronto coming to an end? The Raptors, Dallas Mavericks and New York Knicks are involved in serious discussions on a three-way trade that would see Carter end up with the Mavericks, Antoine Walker move from Dallas to New York and at least two players go from the Knicks to the Raptors, according to a league source.
Earlier this month I shared my thoughts on the imminent trading of our one and only star player. The writing's on the wall and we have to accept it. Unfortunately, we won't get anything in return worth of Carter's up-side, but we haven't made the playoffs the past two seasons and it doesn't get much worse than that.
Stay tuned because I think we're in the final hours of the Vince Carter era in Toronto.
ESPN is reporting that Vince Carter wants out of Toronto.
I suppose we all saw this coming. Vince has been complaining about everything in Raptorland for quite some time now. According to a league source, Carter is not happy with the hiring of Rob Babcock as the Raptors' new general manager nor with the selection of Rafael Arajuo with in last week's NBA draft. Now, Carter has asked for a trade and has even presented several different trade proposals to the Raptors.
We'll probably comply with his wishes because nothing is worse than a star who doesn't want to be there. This is why Antonio Davis had to go. We'll never be able to get equal value back, but in the end this might be for the best. Still, Vince is our star and it will hurt to watch him suit up for another team. This is Vin-sane.
Looking back at the Vince Carter era in Toronto, I'm proud to say I was there for his finest moment. His 51 points against the Suns in a come from behind victory remains a Raptors record and I was at the ACC to see it all unfold. It was awesome, Vince was awesome and like everything else, it too must end.
T-Mac isn't happy and has been begging for a trade from the Orlando Magic. Executives from several NBA teams have said Orlando and the Houston Rockets are close to a deal sending McGrady to the Rockets for a package including Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley. It looks like T-Mac is getting his wish.
What exactly is the deal with T-Mac? He was drafted out of high school by my Raptors where he played his first three professional seasons. During his final year hear, we saw him emerge into a potential superstar. Vince Carter and T-Mac were an awesome 1-2 punch but T-Mac wasn't happy. He wanted to be the star and he jumped to the Magic upon becoming a free agent. I remember fellow Raptor fans pleading with T-Mac to stay in Toronto and resign with the Raptors. I remember how he teased us by insinuating he might stay when he had already made up his mind he was returning to his Florida home.
After four years with the Magic T-Mac wants out again and there's no doubt he'll be wearing another uniform come the fall. He's an awesome talent, but never happy. I'm sure in another few years I'll be writing about how T-Mac wants a trade from the Rockets.
Farewell Kevin, we hardly knew thee. Reports indicate Toronto Raptors coach Kevin O'Neill will soon be gonzo as he and the club finalize a buyout of the final year of his contract.
If the Raptors lose one of their final two games, they will have lost 50 or more games two seasons in a row. Hell, I'm glad they're cleaning house. Grunwald is gone, O'Neill will be gone, the assistant coaches will be gone...I'd like to can that overly-enthusiastic Raptor mascot and that baldy announcing the players while we're at it. I'm tired of missing the damn playoffs.
"Change does not necessarily assure progress, but progress implacably requires change." - Henry Steele Commager
Just last weekend I expressed my frustration with the Toronto Raptors and reiterated the fact everyone is all too aware of, "Something's Got To Give". Today, something gave.
The Raptors have fired general manager Glen Grunwald, according to reputable sources. Former Detroit Pistons GM Jack McCloskey will take over Grunwald's duties on an interim basis.
We're currently 11th in the weak Eastern Conference and that's not nearly good enough. Grunwald has had seven years to produce a winner and he's failed. He's a great guy, and he made some good moves, but the end result is the only result that matters. Will Kevin O'Neill follow? If Vince Carter demands a trade, we'd better hope so. Now lets hope the new GM can pull a point guard and a center out of his hat.
I didn't see this one coming. Chuck Swirsky is leaving his role as play-by-play announcer for the Toronto Raptors for a similar role with the Chicago Bulls. For ten years he was the voice of Raptors basketball but he's leaving us for "family reasons".
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I listened to the first 10 minutes of the Raptor game while driving home from ball practice. We sounded awful. For the second game in this playoff series, the Magic were all over us early. I thought we were going to get blown out.
My favourite old school Toronto Raptors
Vince Carter of the New Jersey Nets will be sidelined indefinitely with a sprained right ankle.
On January 9, 2007, the Raptors faced the Nets in New Jersey.
Someone is 
Hey Vince, remember me!
The Maple Leafs have won five in a row and seven of their past eight. A team many of us had given up for dead is now surging into a playoff spot. MLSE is on a roll.
Whether the Raps are headed in the right direction or not, will be decided on the court. No matter how they fare this season, nobody will be able to accuse Bryan Colangelo of sitting on his hands and fiddling while Rome burned. The man has been active with a capital "A" and we're seeing some heavy duty turnover with a capital "T".
It hasn't been a very memorable season for our Toronto Raptors, but we've still managed to play ourselves into the positive side of the record book. Morris Peterson's 3-pointer late in the first quarter yesterday set an NBA record for most consecutive games with at least one 3-point field goal. The previous record of 594 was set by the Miami Heat.
Phoenix Suns president and general manager Bryan Colangelo resigned yesterday and joined the Toronto Raptors as president and general manager today. For the first time in the history of the Raptors, there's experience and proven success running the show.
I was never a fan of the Rob Babcock hiring. He quickly began to prove me right when he selected Rafael Araujo with the eighth pick of the 2004 draft. Then, there was 
Best All-Time Toronto Raptors
Lenny Wilkens is likely to resign this week as head coach of the New York Knicks. The Knicks have lost nine of their last ten games to drop to third place in our awful Atlantic Division.
Now that 
Here in the capital of the world (Toronto, in case you didn't know), all the sports talk has been about the "imminent" trade of our two biggest stars. If you excuse Mats, Ed and the gang on skates, Toronto's biggest sports stars are Carlos Delgado and Vince Carter.