These are my links for May 13th through May 14th:

• It’s a different story when Goliath knows what’s coming his way – Battier’s tale isn’t unique, of course. In fact, it precisely highlights the same sort of theme which lies at the heart of Malcolm Gladwell’s brilliant new feature on the art of the upset. The article argues that if David fights Goliath on the giant’s terms, Goliath will win nearly every time.
• FIBA.com – Bargnani wants World Championship in Italy – Toronto Raptors star Bargnani, the number one draft pick overall in the NBA a few summers ago, said in an FIP statement: "To organize the 2014 World Championship would represent for our movement a starting point to re-launch basketball and bring the sport to young.

  "I would be delighted to compete in such an important event in Italy.

  “I played in Rome with the Raptors and it was exciting. It would be fantastic to face the strongest teams in the world in front of our fans."

• 2009 NBA Free Agency :: Where We See Them Going.. – Toronto Raptors:

  Shawn Marion – UR

  Chicago is likely to move some players to open up some cap room for this offseason and Marion would be a great fit.

• Toth: Nice guys finish first – Sportsnet.ca – Despite Triano's poor record, nary a discouraging word was heard about his appointment. The reason for such soft coverage is obvious; Triano is a Canadian hoopster who, along with Steve Nash, turns Canada's basketball media into a bunch of weak-knee wimps. Nash, for example, is considered to be the proverbial "nice guy" and received a virtual free pass from reporters after turning his back on Team Canada in its attempt to qualify for the 2008 Olympics. Triano also happens to be a nice fellow and in the face of such friendliness, media-types tend to be easier than the local town tart. All a pro athlete has to do is smile at us, say hello and mouth "We gave it 110 per cent" into our microphone and they've got a buddy for life no matter how lousy their performance might be.
• Corie Blount, Former NBA Player could face 10 years for Drug Possession – Blount was arrested Dec. 4, 2008 after sheriff’s deputies intercepted an 11 pound marijuana shipment sent to him at a relative’s house. Police investigators say they found another 18 pounds in a later search of Corie Blount’s home.

  Corie Blount was a first-round draft pick by the Chicago Bulls in 1993 and played for several other teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors during an 11-year NBA career.

Related posts:

1. Toronto Raptors Linkage for February 13th through February 14th
2. Toronto Raptors Linkage for January 13th through January 14th
3. Toronto Raptors Linkage for December 13th through December 14th
4. Toronto Raptors Linkage for November 13th through November 14th
5. Toronto Raptors Linkage for June 13th from 10:44 to 20:47