Toronto – Kris Humphries: “Toughness and hustle is a premium in Toronto, so when Kris Humphries is nominated for the “Floor Burn Tournament” understand that it comes with a bucket load of salt, but let that not be a knock on Humphries. He’s made it a habit of going after rebounds he has no business getting (and often never does) and has shown that he’s willing to work to earn his minutes (however inconsistent, sporadic and unpredictable they are). Although consistent playing time has eluded him, whatever burn he does get he makes the most of it by playing hard, playing with intensity although not always playing smart. Diving for loose balls is the norm which every fan loves, on the flip side of the coin launching 13-footers might not be the greatest idea. It’s this love-hate relationship that makes me want to nominate Hump Jordan as my pick for the Floor Burn Tournament.”
Here is the great thing about the Raptors-Pacers trade of T.J. Ford and Jermaine O’Neal: It helped both teams. The Raptors had a hole in the middle and a logjam at point guard. In one fell swoop they filled the hole in the middle with O’Neal and broke the logjam at the point by finding a taker for Ford.
If O’Neal is truly healthy, as his camp and the Raptors claim, he and Chris Bosh will form one of the best frontlines in the East.
The Raps also made one of the more underrated moves in free agency, locking up Jose Calderon at a bargain contract for a borderline All-Star point guard.
Toronto Raptors star Chris Bosh started at centre for the Americans, posting nine points and four rebounds.
While most of the talk regarding the NBA’s 2010 free agent class has been around King James and where he will choose to settle his throne, there are other stars who could be switching cities as well.
One of those stars is Toronto Raptors’ forward Chris Bosh.
Several days ago, the Chicago Sun-Times’ Jay Mariotti wrote an article that listed possible destinations for the free agency class’ top stars. He reports that in 2010, “[Chris] Bosh will flee Toronto and look at Orlando and Western Conference teams.”
While brief, that statement got me thinking. Why wouldn’t Bosh want to come play for the Magic?
The Magic seem to have all of the ingredients necessary to lure Bosh to “The Happiest Place on Earth.” Cap space, good weather, Dwight’s begging, no income tax, and little competition from Chris’ hometown team could all play a role in Bosh bolting from Toronto to the Sunshine State.
While the 2010 offseason is still 23 months away, Magic fans will surely be waiting in anticipation to see whether or not these two good friends will someday form a spectacular one-two punch that would instantly turn Orlando into a championship contender.
I am projecting the Raptors to finish second behind Boston in the Eastern Conference. I think Jermaine O’Neal will be a huge plus and take an incredible amount of pressure off Chris Bosh.
The Calderon-Ford debate is over and both should thrive with their respective teams. If Calderon goes down for any period, it will force Roko Ukic to step up and I’m anxious to see him play. As always, health is the key, as it is for every team, but good days are ahead for Toronto.
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