Well, that was as ugly as…..as…a guy like me walking into a Victoria’s Secret dressing room. The silence would be deafening.
Adams – didn’t play. Thank God. If we actually had a better GM and a full roster, I’d see something in Hassan’s future and it would rhyme with enn bee dee ell.
Bargnani - he took more than his fair share of ugly shots tonight and looked to be getting the airtime of a whale that just had a guppy buffet. Surprisingly, though, he had 22pts in 27min and shot better than .500. Speaking of 5s….5 fouls.
Bosh – he was bridled to 21 minutes, but he had a hustling 21minutes. He was going after the ball on the defensive end and had probably more tap rebounds than I’ve seen in a Raptors game…..ever. 10pts 6 boards 4 asts. 3/5 from the field and perfect from the stripe. The leader led.
Calderon – still off to rough starts just like the rest of his teammates, but his job while on the floor is to whip his teammates into shape. Did a good job of that in the second half, but he needs to bring that spirit out of the gate. Being behind at the half shouldn’t be the catalyst to motivate.
Graham – fantastic game. Diving (falling?), active, smart shot selection, never stopped moving, and he got the start. 12pts and 4 boards with 1 turnover and no fouls. Read that again, as it happens about as much as a full moon. If he could bottle what he does in the preseason and summer league, he’d be a rotation guy.
Humphries – mediocre at best. About as quiet a 25min you’ll get from him, but still managed 10pts and 5 boards. He seemed as lethargic as everybody else in white tonight.
Jawai – you might see Heart in Toronto before you see him.
Kapono – you ready for this? He led the team in minutes with 31. Scored 8 points, never making it to the free throw line. Scary stat: 3 of 9 from the floor. I still think he will have a solid year for the Raptors, but it will take a while for a rotation to settle and for him to get used to being so open.
Moon – who is a little sulky boy? Is it you Jamario? Did someone take your starting spot away? No Jamario smile, no Jamario giggles, no playfulness. He looked as upset as a Leafs fan since 1968. Did he translate that feeling into a good game? Somewhat. Joey still outshone him, but Passport pulled down 8 boards and swatted 3 balls in 29min. Only scored 2 points though. Get used to it, Raptor fans.
O’Neal – you ready to push the panic button yet? 15min, 4 points on 2for6, 3boards, 1 block. Ouch. Actually, in money terms: OUCH. I’m sorry, but you’ve supposedly been in the gym for 6 months, practicing against NBA players, been blocking shots like there is no tomorrow, blah blah blah. That should translate into some flashes of greatness at some point in the past 2 weeks. We’ve seen good game from all other starters. I’ve seen nothing of any value from Jermaine. Maybe that lukewarm response from the home crowd at the first game is in his head.
Parker – I love ya, but your sister stole your shot. Please call her and see if you can get it back for, say, 6 months. That and say hi for me and ask her if she can send my pajama bottoms back…they are probably still on the ceiling fan. Thanks man.
Sampson – he’s getting paid WHAT to fill in for WHO?!?!
Solomon – three of eleven. Who invited TJ to camp? Nice to see he is cutting down on shooting the ball and is instead looking for his teammates. I’m still impressed with his quickness and his active hands, but you are a facilitator not a scorer. But thanks for making the Mitch drinking game much more enjoyable. Anytime you hear Sam groan out a name ending in an “eeeeeeeeee” sound, please take a shot. Before starting, please leave your car keys at the door because you won’t feel your legs at the half.
Ukic – what’s your take? Sam is giving Free Willie enough rope to hang himself or Roko is the #3? I honestly don’t know. You’d think if Roko was the primary backup, Sam would have him on the floor working on his shot. That said, he is probably learning a lot from the coaches on the bench and they are using practice to work on his shot. Still, isn’t the exhibition season an extension of practice Sam? 8min isn’t much practice.
Driving the bus: Joey Graham
Under the bus: Jason Kapono
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Hmm.. aren’t full moons once every month? Do you honestly believe Joey can put on a good performance that often?
I would say he had 12 good games last season, yes.
Scotts last blog post..toronto raptors roll call – oct 16
I doubt he had 12 games as effective as last night’s contest – which of course, was worth less than nothing.
I’m predicting more Bad Joey come the 2008-09 season.
Spudzs last blog post..The Satanic Verses | Salmon Rushdie
given a full season, I’d disagree. If you are comparing it to last year when he only played in about 40 games, maybe so.
Scotts last blog post..toronto raptors roll call – oct 16
It’s definitely possible, though I suppose “good game” has to be clearly defined. Joey had at least 6-7 game last year where he made positive contributions to the game, even if it was 5 minutes. He had several games where he played 3-4 minutes and contributed 3-4 points, 2-3 rebounds, and no turnovers. That’s not bad for 3 minutes of play.
correct. He can only work with what Sam gives him.