It was a short week for the majority of the Toronto Raptors this week, after a solid 104-93 victory over the 76ers that should have been a lot more, most of the team took the weekend off for the All-Star break. However, a pair of Raptors, namely Chris Bosh and DeMar DeRozen, were bound for Dallas to participate in NBA All-Star Weekend.
For DeRozen, he went simply to participate in a "dunk-off"against Eric Gordan. Rather than sucking and taking a plane straight back home, DeRozan advanced to the slam dunk contest on Saturday, where he should have won. Now, don't look into that much, DeRozan didn't do a whole lot outside of his off the side fo the backboard dunk, but to be a fair, that was the only even semi-cool dunk. Nate Robinson won again, barely squeaking past DeRozan, and, as usual, no one cared.
I simply watched the Slam Dunk portion of All-Star Saturday only because of DeRozan, and to put it nicely, it sucked. Bad. Boring, there was nothing original, and it looked as though none of the four contestants cared. The NBA must get LeBron and Howard back in there for it to have any signifigance, otherwise ditch it.
Or how about this: the NHL's Skills Competition involves players that MADE the all-star teams, how about the NBA does the same with its teams. Have the teams face off in a similar contest with players doing either the skills, three-point, or slam dunk contest?
In any case, DeRozan should have won. The All-Star Game on Sunday I did not watch for once, and of course the year I don't watch, it's awesome. Chris Bosh represented well, with 23 points and Dwayne Wade was off the wall as the East edged the West 141-139.
So, back to business this week, the Raptors return to action tomorrow, the NBA trade market heats up with the deadline upon us, and the stretch run of the season begins.
Thumbs Up This Week
1. Chris Bosh- I should just retire this segment and allow Bosh to own it forever. He had an excellant All-Star game and showed why he's an MVP candidate. Now, it's time for him to continue the sucess and push the Raptors to the playoffs.
2. Jose Calderon- There was a game last Wednesday and Calderon looked pretty good, with 10 points and six assists, slightly trumping eight and eight from Jarrett Jack. If only this could become a consistent occurance, maybe Calderon could be the point guard he was last year.
3. DeMar DeRozan- Yes, I'm giving DeRozan his props. He won the dunk-off and then proceeded to get to the final round of the Slam Dunk Contest, sort of upsetting favored finalist Gerald Wallace. Was it performance awe-inspiring? No, but it sure was better than what he was up against.
Thumbs Down This Week
1. Cowboys Stadium- That is no stadium for basketball, regardless of what the media and Jerry Jones says. I love the Cowboys, love the NBA, love All-Star Games, but please tell me how stupid it is to sit in the upper deck at that place. Watch it on the big screen video board?? Cut me a break, you might as well stay at home!
2. Eddie Jordan- Elton Brand was upset of how he sat through much of the third quarter Wednesday while Toronto ran circles around the otherwise-small Sixers. I don't blame him. Wednesday's game was a great example of how bad of a coach Eddie Jordan actually is.
3. All-Star Saturday- The worst of the skills competitions in pro sports. It's becoming more of a snoozer every year and getting to a point where I don't care anymore. When the best part of your Saturday is a game of HORSE, then your in trouble.
My Raptors Picks This Week
The Raptors have been winning, and with this week's slate of opponents, it shouldn't change. The Memphis Grizzlies post the biggest challenge this week as the Raptors hit the road, but Memphis did lose four straight heading into the break. Give the win for the Raptors, as well as back-to-back wins in New Jersey (duh!!) and at home against the Wizards on Saturday.
Last Week 1-0
Season 21-13
Wed. at Memphis WIN
Fri. at New Jersey WIN
Sat. vs Washington WIN
It's Happy Time!!!
Happy 24th Birthday Shawne Williams- Well, it's probably not too happy since Williams was arrested last month for a drug sale charge. He has been a flop since the Pacers picked him in the first round of the 2006 draft and was traded from Dallas this year to New Jersey. What's worse than playing for New Jersey? Being waived by the Nets the next day. What's worse? Going to jail after that. In any case, let's let Williams have this day, he needs a break.
Happy 14th Annviersary to the Vancouver Grizzlies- On this day, 14 years ago, the Grizzlies set an NBA record with their 23rd consecutive loss. In a season where the Nets are chasing after NBA futility, let's not forget how terrible the Grizzlies were for the few years they played north of the border.
Happy Trails to Caron Butler- Guess what Caron? You and two teammates get to leave the terrible mess named the Wizards for a playoff contender named Dallas. And all of a sudden, your season is now relevant. More of this in Around the NBA.
Around the NBA
Atlantic- Trade Rumors- Part One. A team has shown interest in Tracy McGrady and of course it is the New York Knicks. There are negotiations being done between the Knicks and Rockets at this moment, and though it may take a couple days, it appears McGrady will liekly be New York bound, which could bode well for the Knicks' future if McGrady turns out to be his old self. IF he is his old self.
Central- Chicago is in the middle of the mix for that eighth spot in the East, but injuries are wearing them down. Joakim Noah has been out since the beginning of the month with an injury known as a Plantar fasciitis, look it up. Derrick Rose also sat out the Skills Competion this weekend with a hip injury, though he did play in the All-Star game on Sunday and was fine. Still, the Bulls need these guys to be healthy if they want to think playoffs.
Southeast- Reports have Charlotte Bobcats coach Larry Brown saying that Michael Jordan is actively looking to purchase the team. Michael Jordan as an owner sounds very similar to Mario Lemieux's ownership of the Penguins, if this does actually happen, I can only hope Jordan has the same success that Mario has had.
Southwest- The Trade Chronicles Part One: The Wizards have dealt Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood, and DeShawn Stevenson to Dallas for Josh Howard, Drew Gooden, James Singleton, and Quentin Ross. Who has the advantage here? Very slightly, I give the edge to Dallas, simply because they are in the playoff hunt and Butler and Haywood may have enough to push the Mavs over the edge and into that elite class with the Lakers and Nuggets. Only time will tell.
Northwest- Trade Rumors Part Two: The Minnesota Timberwolves are apparently interested in troubled Chicago Bull Tyrus Thomas. Is this smart? I don't think so, but I'm not a believer in Thomas and the T-Wolves do not need some mroe size up front. However, at the same time, Minnesota hasn't been known for great personnel decisions, and I think this may hurt rather than help them.
Pacific- The Trade Chronicles Part Two: The Los Angeles Clippers have dealt Marcus Camby to Portland for Travis Outlaw, Steve Blake, and $3 million. Advantage? Without a doubt the Trailblazers. They were in trouble at center with injuries and getting Camby will definitly give them a second half boost. For the Clippers, they needed to shed salary and that's exactly what they did.
What to Watch This Week
Tuesday- Dallas at Oklahoma City 8:00 FS Southwest
Wednesday- Phoenix at Dallas 9:00 ESPN
Thursday- Boston at LA Lakers 10:30 TNT
Friday- Dallas at Orlando 8:00 ESPN
Saturday- Miami at Dallas 8:30 NBA TV
Sunday- Cleveland at Orlando 1:00 ABC
Monday- Atlanta at Utah 9:00 Sport South
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