Posts Tagged ‘Vince Carter’

Raptors right back where they started

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

Last summer, the Toronto Raptors re-worked almost their entire roster, in an effort to qualify for the playoffs - and, to advance to, at least, the 2nd Round - by making the following personnel moves:

#

IN

HOW

OUT

1

Reggie Evans, PF

Trade

Jason Kapono, SF

2

DeMar DeRozan, G/F

Draft

 

3

Hedo Turkoglu, SF

Trade

Shawn Marion, PF/SF

4

Antoine Wright, SF

Trade

Kris Humphries, PF

5

Devean George, SF

Trade

Nathan Jawai, PF

6

Sonny Weems, G/F

Trade

Carlos Delfino, G/F

7

Amir Johnson, PF

Trade

Roko Ukic, PG

8

Jarrett Jack, PGG

RFA

 

9

Marco Belinelli, PG/OG

Trade

Devean George, SF

10

Rasho Nesterovic, C/PF

UFA

 

11

Marc Iavaroni, Assistant

 

 

Although the team improved its win total from the previous season [i.e. 40 vs 33], it still failed to make the playoffs … due, primarily, to: [i] The 2nd half of the season injuries to their marquee player, Chris Bosh; and, [ii] The fact that the rest of their players - and coaches - were simply not good enough to win the required number of ’late season’ games, without their Captain in the line-up … after spending the middle portion of the schedule solidly in the playoff picture.

This summer, in addition to losing Chris Bosh, via unrestricted free agency, the Raptors have decided to re-vamp their roster, again, by making another series of sweeping personnel changes:

#

IN

HOW

OUT

1

Ed Davis, PF

Draft

Patrick O’Bryant, C [UFA]

2

Solomon, C

Draft/trade

Rasho Nesterovic, C [UFA]

3

TPE, 1st Rd Draft Pick/2011

Trade

Chris Bosh, C/PF

4

Leandro Barbosa, PG/OG

Trade

Hedo Turkolgu, SF

5

Linas Kleiza, SF/PF

UFA

Antoine Wright, SF [UFA]

6

David Andersen, C

Trade

Future 2nd Round Draft, cash

7

Julian Wright, SF

Trade

Marco Belinelli, PG/OG

8

PJ Calesimo, Assistant

 

 

9

Scott Roth, Assistant

 

Marc Iavaroni, Assistant

———————————–

Raptors acquire F Wright from Hornets

The 6-foot-8, 225-pound Wright averaged 8.1 points and 4.6 rebounds in 68 games with New Orleans last season.his move should help balance the roster and alleviate some of the redundancy we have with our guards,” Raptors president and general manager Bryan Colangelo said in a release Wednesday. “Julian is another young athletic player that will add depth at the small forward position.”

———————————–

As a result of these consecutive drastic ’summer make-overs’, the Raptors line-up now projects like this for next season:

      Role

PG

OG

SF

PF

C

Starter

Jose

Calderon

DeMar DeRozan

Linas

Kleiza

Amir

Johnson

Andrea

Bargnani

Key Sub

Jarrett

Jack

Sonny

Weems

Julian

Wright

Ed

Davis

David

Andersen

Reserve

Leandro

Barbosa

 

 

Joey

Dorsey

 

Out

Marcus

Banks

 

 

Reggie

Evans

Solomon

Alabi

 

 

 

 

Dwayne

Jones *

 

LEGEND:

* - Non guaranteed contract for 2010-2011; - Could move up in the line-up; - Could move down in the line-up.

 

- Good NBA player;

 

- Mediocre NBA player;

 

- Poor NBA player;

 

- Unproven NBA player;

 

- Good NBA prospect;

 

- Mediocre NBA prospect;

 

- Expect to be cut.

 

… which means that the only remnants of the 2006-2007 team that went 47-35, to capture the Atlanta Division and earn a #3 seed in the EC playoffs, as well as the 2007-2008 version that finished in 6th place, are Jose Calderon [i.e. a high efficiency PG] and Andrea Bargnani [i.e. a low efficiency C]. 

There’s an old saying in life which goes something like this:

“Never make the error in judgment of mistaking activity for accomplishment.” - Anonymous

To these eyes, the Raptors are almost right back where they were, in 1997-1998, prior to the arrival of Vincent Lamar Carter.   

 

———————————–

PS. Don’t think for a minute that the Raptors have actually concluded their annual “summer make-over” … with the expiring contracts of Marcus Banks and Reggie Evans still in their pocket, plus a high efficiency PG - who they have already tried to trade on two occasions this off season - and, a 7-deep depth chart at the PG and OG positions which includes Calderon, Jack, Barbosa, Banks, DeRozan, Weems and Barbosa. Nosiree … instead of simply flying under the radar next season, in an effort to land a high quality player like Harrison Barnes, expect the Raptors to continue to try to upgrade their existing roster, in another futile push for a lower-tier spot in the playoffs.

What Stan Van Gundy needs to do in order to generate open shots for Rashard Lewis

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

In the aftermath of Game 2 …

—————————————————–

Stan Van Gundy will try to get Rashard Lewis more involved offensively

Rashard Lewis Needs to Improve Offensively if the Orlando Magic Want to Challenge the Boston Celtics

—————————————————–

This is now a central topic for discussion, on the part of Magic fans and other NBA observers.

In reality …

The answer is very simple.

———-

Orlando MUST:

1. Stop posting up Dwight Howard on the block.

2. Start using Dwight Howard in repeated ”2/3-5, High Middle, Pick and Roll” situations …

i. With the following players on the court:

Off Guard/#2 - Vince Carter

Center/#5 - Dwight Howard

Point Guard/#1 - Jameer Nelson

Small Forward/#3 - Mickael Pietrus

Power Forward/#4 - Rashard Lewis

ii. Located in the following positions on the court:

Off Guard/#2-Small Forward/#3, as The Ball-handler

Center/#5, as The Pick and Roller 

Point Guard/#1, in The Original Ball Side Corner

Small Forward/#3-Off Guard/#2, at The Original Ball Side Free Throw Line Extended

Power Forward/#4 - in The Original Weak Side Corner

3. Demand that their #2-3’s attack the Hedging Pick Defender, by going around him toward the Original Weak Side of the floor and, then, looking for one of the following options:

a. His own drive to the basket;

b. A lob pass to D-12, for a dunk opportunity;

c. A kickout pass to Rashard Lewis for an uncontested 3PT shot from the corner;

d. A throwback pass to Mickael Pietrus for an uncontested 3PT shot, as he re-locates to the Top Of The Key position [following Howard's roll to the basket];

e. A cross-court skip pass to Jameer Nelson for an uncontested 3PT shot, as he re-locates to the New Weak Side Free Throw Line Extended position.

If Orlando runs this simple set play … this exact way … it will generate, either:

I. Open shots galore for Rashard Lewis;

or,

II. A career night for one of Vincent Lamar Carter, or Mickael Pietrus, as their primary ball-handler.

———-

PS. Hopefully, Stan Van Gundy is paying close attention to what’s written here. :-)

Assigning proper responsibility for the Magic’s inability to box out Josh Smith

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

In general, Kevin Arnovitz does a solid job breaking down the different “actions” involved in a NBA game.

In this instance, however, he has incorrectly pointed an accusing finger in the direction of Rashard Lewis for Orlando’s apparent failure to box out Josh Smith on the last second follow-up dunk which was the difference in last night’s victory for Atlanta.

———————————————-

The Incredible Finish in Atlanta

Just over a minute later, Vince Carter deadens the crowd when he nails an off-balanced, contested bomb from beyond the arc.

Game tied.

The Hawks must race the ball up the length of the court with no timeouts and 9.9 seconds left on the clock: 

 

Watch the play again. How does Josh Smith get free for the follow?

Ask Rashard Lewis.

———————————————-

If you take a closer look at what transpired during this sequence, you should be able to see is that: 

ORLANDO PLAYER
LOCATION

ACTION
ATLANTA PLAYER
LOCATION

ACTION
1. INDIVIDUAL MATCH-UPS IN DEFENSIVE TRANSITION
Carter Left Back Court Defend dribble Johnson Left Back Court Dribble-up
Redick Left Wing Defend in passing lane Horford Left Wing Fill lane
Nelson Middle of Floor Sag into middle Williams Right Side Trail Spot up for 3
Lewis Right Wing Sag into middle Smith Right FTLX Spot up for 3
Howard Middle of Floor Protest basket West Right Elbow Spot up for 2
2. INDIVIDUAL MATCH-UPS IN DEFENSIVE TRANSITION AS THE BALL CROSSES CENTER 
Carter Left Front Court Defend dribble Johnson Left Back Court Dribble-up
Redick Left Corner Defend in passing lane Horford Left Wing Spot up for 3
Nelson In Middle of Lane Step toward Williams Williams Right Side Trail Spot up for 3
Lewis Right Wing Sag into middle Smith Right FTLX Spot up for 3
Howard Middle of Floor Protect basket West Right Elbow Spot up for 2
3. INDIVIDUAL MATCH-UPS IN HALF-COURT D AS THE BALL IS DRIVEN TO THE BASKET 
Carter Left Wing Defend dribble Johnson Left Front Court Drive to Left Short Corner
Redick Left Corner Defend in passing lane Horford Left Corner Spot up for 3
Nelson In Middle of Lane Sag into middle Williams Middle Trail Spot up for 3
Lewis Upper Right Block Sag into middle Smith Right Wing Prepare to Off Reb
Howard Left Block Slide over to help vs drive West Right Elbow Prepare to Off Reb
4. INDIVIDUAL MATCH-UPS IN HALF-COURT D AS THE SHOT GOES UP 
Carter Left Short Corner Prepare to Def Rebound Johnson Left Short Corner Rises for pull-up jump-shot
Redick Left Corner Prepare to box out Horford Horford Left Corner Prepare to Off Rebound
Nelson In Middle of Lane Prepare to box out Williams Williams Middle Trail Spot up for 3
Lewis Upper Right Block Step over to box out West Smith Right Corner Off Reb below Right Block
Howard Left Block Stop and watch flight of ball West Right Elbow Off Reb above Right Block
5. INDIVIDUAL MATCH-UPS IN HALF-COURT D AS THE BALL CAROOMS OFF THE RIM AND IS DUNKED BY JOSH SMITH
Carter Left Short Corner Def Reb Johnson Left Short Corner Fall out of bounds
Redick Left Corner Box out Horford Horford Left Corner Move to Off Reb
Nelson In Middle of Lane ?, Watch flight of ball Williams Middle Trail Spot up for 3
Lewis Upper Right Block Box out West Smith Right Baseline Off Reb below Right Block
Howard Left Block ?, Watch flight of ball West Right Block Off Reb above Right Block

the Orlando player who was most responsible for allowing Josh Smith to go unchecked during the rebounding phase of this defensive possession was actually Dwight Howard.

i.e. When Joe Johnson stopped his drive towards the basket and, instead, pulled up for his running jump-shot, from the Left Short Corner, it was Dwight Howard’s responsibility to:

I. Recover back to the weak side of the floor [i.e. where the majority of rebounds are directed];

and,

II. Box out, either:

A. Josh Smith [which would have alllowed Rashard Lewis to concentrate on boxing out Mario West, exclusively];

or,

B. Mario West [which would have allowed Rashard Lewis to concentrate on boxing out Josh Smith, exclusively];

… instead of trying, in vein, to box out both Josh Smith and Mario West.

Unfortunately for Orlando, Dwight Howard did neither of these 2 things.

Holding specific basketball players accountable for their individual failures at the defensive end of the floor, or in terms of executing their defensive rebounding assignments properly, can be tricky business, even for the very best of bloggers.

Fixing what is actually wrong with the Orlando Magic

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

Although plenty of other NBA observers have expressed their concerns regarding the current performance of the Orlando Magic …

A Quantitative Look at the Orlando Magic’s Four All-Stars

Orlando Magic News for January 19th: Sobering Assessments of Orlando’s Season Abound at the Halfway Mark

much of what’s been said to-date misses the mark completely, when it comes to diagnosing accurately:

#1. What’s been going on with Orlando in the last month [or so]?

and,

#2. What specific remedies the Magic will need to implement, in order to make their problems disappear for the balance of this season? 

There are five simple [inter-related] player personnel moves which Stan Van Gundy needs to implement that will cure what is ailing the Orlando Magic at the moment:

1. Replace Jason Williams with Anthony Johnson as the exclusive primary Back-up Point Guard to Jameer Nelson.

2. Remove Matt Barnes from the regular rotation.

3. Shift Rashard Lewis into the Starting Small Forward position.

4. Shift Ryan Anderson into the Starting Power Forward position.

5. Use Brandon Bass in the Back-up Power Forward position.

What these five specific changes would do, in effect, is create a regular rotation which features the following Start Five:

Jameer Nelson, PG
Vince Carter, OG
Rashard Lewis, SF
Ryan Anderson, PF
Dwight Howard, C

in conjunction with the following set of Key Subs off the bench:

Anthony Johnson, PG
JJ Redick, OG
Mickael Pietrus, SF
Brandon Bass, PF 
Marcin Gortat, C

and the following list of Reserves/Extras/Outs:

Jason Williams, PG
Matt Barnes, SF
Adonal Foyle, C

Move #1
With a healthy Jameer Nelson [PG] in their everyday line-up, an erratic player like Jason Williams [PG] is not the right fit with their team, in a primary back-up role, in comparison with a more consistent player like Anthony Johnson [who is a much better defender and rebounder than J-Wil, at this stage of their respective careers].

Game Log for Anthony Johnson in Orlando’s Last 13 Games

Regular Season

FG

3PT

FT

Rebounds

Misc

 Date

Opponent

Score

GS

Min

 

M

A

Pct

 

M

A

Pct

 

M

A

Pct

 

O

D

T

 

Ast

TO

Stl

Blk

PF

Pts

 Jan 18

@ LAL

L 92-98

0

0

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

0

 

0

0

0

0

0

0

 Jan 15

@ POR

L 87-102

0

0

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

0

 

0

0

0

0

0

0

 Jan 13

@ DEN

L 97-115

0

06:23

 

1

2

50.0

 

1

1

100.0

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

1

1

 

0

0

0

0

0

3

 Jan 12

@ SAC

W 109-88

0

0

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

0

 

0

0

0

0

0

0

 Jan 9

ATL

W 113-81

0

0

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

0

 

0

0

0

0

0

0

 Jan 8

@ WAS

L 97-104

0

0

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

0

 

0

0

0

0

0

0

 Jan 6

TOR

L 103-108

0

0

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

0

 

0

0

0

0

0

0

 Jan 5

@ IND

L 90-97

0

0

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

0

 

0

0

0

0

0

0

 Jan 2

@ CHI

L 93-101

0

0

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

0

 

0

0

0

0

0

0

 Jan 1

@ MIN

W 106-94

0

0

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

0

 

0

0

0

0

0

0

 Date

Opponent

Score

GS

Min

 

M

A

Pct

 

M

A

Pct

 

M

A

Pct

 

O

D

T

 

Ast

TO

Stl

Blk

PF

Pts

 Dec 30

MIL

W 117-92

0

0

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

0

 

0

0

0

0

0

0

 Dec 25

BOS

L 77-86

0

0

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

0

 

0

0

0

0

0

0

 Dec 23

HOU

W 102-87

0

0

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

0

 

0

0

0

0

0

0

 

W-L

5-8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Game Log for Anthony Johnson when playing +10:00

Regular Season

FG

3PT

FT

Rebounds

Misc

 Date

Opponent

Score

GS

Min

 

M

A

Pct

 

M

A

Pct

 

M

A

Pct

 

O

D

T

 

Ast

TO

Stl

Blk

PF

Pts

 Dec 21

UTH

W 104-99

0

12:00

 

1

2

50.0

 

0

1

0.0

 

2

2

100.0

 

0

2

2

 

2

2

0

0

3

4

 Dec 19

POR

W 92-83

0

25:15

 

3

10

30.0

 

1

4

25.0

 

2

2

100.0

 

0

6

6

 

3

3

4

0

2

9

 Dec 17

@ MIA

L 86-104

0

24:12

 

2

6

33.3

 

1

2

50.0

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

1

1

 

5

2

1

0

4

5

 Dec 16

TOR

W 118-99

0

24:46

 

5

9

55.6

 

1

3

33.3

 

2

2

100.0

 

1

1

2

 

4

3

0

0

0

13

 Dec 14

IND

W 106-98

0

27:14

 

6

11

54.6

 

1

3

33.3

 

0

0

N/A

 

1

3

4

 

7

1

1

1

1

13

 Dec 11

@ PHO

L 103-106

0

19:54

 

4

10

40.0

 

1

3

33.3

 

2

2

100.0

 

0

1

1

 

2

1

1

0

4

11

 Dec 10

@ UTH

L 111-120

0

11:48

 

1

2

50.0

 

0

1

0.0

 

2

2

100.0

 

0

1

1

 

1

1

0

0

1

4

 Dec 8

@ LAC

W 97-86

0

21:46

 

2

4

50.0

 

1

2

50.0

 

1

2

50.0

 

0

4

4

 

4

2

1

0

0

6

 Dec 5

@ GSW

W 126-118

0

11:22

 

2

4

50.0

 

1

2

50.0

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

0

 

1

0

0

0

1

5

 Dec 2

NYK

W 118-104

0

21:16

 

1

2

50.0

 

0

1

0.0

 

0

0

N/A

 

1

5

6

 

4

0

0

0

0

2

 Date

Opponent

Score

GS

Min

 

M

A

Pct

 

M

A

Pct

 

M

A

Pct

 

Off

Def

Tot

 

Ast

TO

Stl

Blk

PF

Pts

 Nov 29

@ NYK

W 114-102

0

11:36

 

1

3

33.3

 

0

1

0.0

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

1

1

 

2

1

0

0

2

2

 Nov 28

@ MIL

W 100-98

0

13:05

 

1

3

33.3

 

1

1

100.0

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

0

0

 

0

0

0

0

1

3

 Nov 26

@ ATL

W 93-76

0

21:08

 

6

10

60.0

 

3

5

60.0

 

2

2

100.0

 

1

1

2

 

3

0

0

0

2

17

 Nov 20

@ BOS

W 83-78

0

14:52

 

0

3

0.0

 

0

1

0.0

 

0

0

N/A

 

1

3

4

 

3

3

0

0

0

0

 Nov 18

OKC

W 108-94

0

19:30

 

4

7

57.1

 

1

3

33.3

 

0

0

N/A

 

0

1

1

 

4

2

0

0

1

9

 Nov 1

@ TOR

W 125-116

0

11:17

 

1

1

100.0

 

0

0

N/A

 

2

2

100.0

 

0

0

0

 

3

0

0

0

0

4

 

W-L

13-3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Move #2
Although Matt Barnes [6-7, 226] has proved to be an energetic player over the course of his NBA career, right now he is not a “good fit” with the Magic, given his specific skill-set [i.e. 3FG%=28.6; Ast:TO=1.0] and considering the other guards and forwards on their roster.

Move #3
Using a player like Rashard Lewis [6-10, 230] at the Starting SF position makes the Magic bigger at this spot … i.e. compared with Matt Barnes [6-7, 226] … while still retaining their collective ability to shoot the ball effectively from the perimeter [i.e. 3FG%=39.5] and make good decisions [i.e. Ast:TO=1.0] around a center-piece like Dwight Howard.

This move would then allow Mickael Pietrus to flourish, by providing Orlando with a much better scorer and defender coming off the bench, at this key swing position, instead of Matt Barnes.

Move #4
Ryan Anderson is a solid low-maintenance perimeter shooting Big Man who can stretch defense around D-12 and defend adequately: [i] on the perimeter against smaller players, and [ii] in the post against non-behemoth Power Forwards and Centers.

Move #5
Brandon Bass is an under-sized Power Forward who, on offense, works well in the mid-range area [i.e. FG%=53.1] and is able to hold his ground, defensively, and in terms of rebounding, against any Back-up PF. Unfortunately, to this point in the season, he is being wasted on the Magic’s bench with a series of DNPs.

—————————–

Magic Remedy, Part 1

If Stan Van Gundy makes these specific personnel adjustments Orlando will finish in 1 of the top 4 positions in the Eastern Conference, once again, and advance to the East Finals, against Boston or Cleveland or Atlanta or Miami, with a solid shot at returning to the NBA Finals this season. 

Magic Remedy, Part II

What Stan Van Gundy also needs to do, however, is return to being the curmudgeon he has always been, not the giant “teddy bear” he has morphed into recently, in the aftermath of Dwight Howard’s request to “lighten up” on his routinely harsh criticism of his own team/players.

If Stan chooses to continue on his current path, then, Orlando will have very little chance of besting Boston, Cleveland, Atlanta or Miami in the playoffs this season.

This is not the sort of team that Stan Van Gundy can afford to “go soft on”.

Mind-set of Hedo Turkoglu, 2009 unrestricted free agent

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009

This evening’s game between Toronto [11-16/.407, 2nd Atlantic] and Orlando [18-6/.750, 1st Southeast] marks the first occasion for the “Turkish Michael Jordan” to make a return visit to his old haunt in the Magic Kingdom.

As the former “go-to, clutch time” performer for last season’s squad in Orlando, which played its way to the NBA Finals …

What did it really say about Hedo Turkoglu [at 30 years of age] that he was actually willing to forego the opportunity to win a NBA championship with the Magic this season, in order to sign a $50.0 M contract to play the next 5 seasons for the Toronto Raptors?

Perhaps, that he really does care more about being content and comfortable in his own personal life than he cares about doing what’s necessary to win a NBA championship.

Doing what’s necessary to win a NBA championship?

For example:

* Getting back in defensive transition to prevent easy opposition baskets.

* Defending one’s individual check with consistent tenacity.

* Defending, in a half-court team context, with thorough responsibility.

* Rebounding with an absolute commitment to recover the ball.

* Discriminating readily between an open and a contested shot attempt.

* Physically standing up for a fallen/vulnerable teammate, when need be.

* A willingness to play within an assigned role for the good of the team.

* A willingness to sacrifice oneself [i.e. the physical body, as well as, personal wants and desires] for the benefit of the team.

In their 16 losses this year, Bryan Colangelo’s Raptors have succumbed by margins of:

OCTOBER

OPPONENT

RESULT

MARGIN

 Fri 30

 @ Memphis

  L 107-115

-8

NOVEMBER

OPPONENT

RESULT

MARGIN

 Sun 01

 vs Orlando

  L 116-125

-9

 Sat 07

 @ Dallas

  L 101-129

-8

 Mon 09

 @ San Antonio

  L 124-131

-7

 Sun 15

 @ Phoenix

  L 100-101

-1

 Tue 17

 @ Denver

  L 112-130

-18

 Wed 18

 @ Utah

  L 91-104

-13

 Sun 22

 vs Orlando

  L 96-104

-8

 Wed 25

 @ Charlotte

  L 81-116

-15

 Fri 27

 @ Boston

  L 103-116

-13

 Sun 29

 vs Phoenix

  L 94-113

-19

DECEMBER

OPPONENT

RESULT

MARGIN

 Tue 01

 vs Washington

  L 102-106

-4

 Wed 02

 @ Atlanta

  L 115-146

-31

 Wed 09

 @ Milwaukee

  L 95-117

-22

 Fri 11

 vs Atlanta

  L 89-111

-22

 Tue 15

 @ Miami

  L 95-115

-20

Legend: Red Text – Away Game.

Considering that the acquisition of Hedo Turkoglu/SF:

Career Stats, Hedo Turkoglu

was one of the two major personnel moves made by the Raptors this past summer …

along with the $50.0 M, 5-yr extension of the ‘rookie contract’ for former No. 1 [overall] Draft Pick, Andrea Bargnani/C:

Career Stats, Andrea Bargnani

it should be of little wonder to the Raptors faithful that Toronto is mired in the lower half of the Eastern Conference, in a quest for the last playoff position.

If you had been put in Hedo Turkoglu's position, last July, with which of these two teams would you have chosen to sign a new long term contract?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

 

ORLANDO MAGIC

2009-2010?

TORONTO RAPTORS

2009-2010

 

STARTERS

 

Jameer Nelson, PG

Jose Calderon, PG

Vince Carter, OG

DeMar DeRozan, OG

 

 

Hedo Turkoglu, SF

Hedo Turkoglu, SF

 

 

Rashard Lewis, PF

Chris Bosh, PF

Dwight Howard, C

Andrea Bargnani, C

 

KEY SUBS

-

Anthony Johnson, PG

Jarrett Jack, PG

-

JJ Redick, OG

Marco Belinelli, OG

 

Mickael Pietrus, OG-SF

Antoine Wright, SF

 

Ryan Anderson, PF

Reggie Evans, PF

 

Marcin Gortat, C

Rasho Nesterovic, C

 

RESERVES/EXTRAS

Jason Williams, PG

Marcus Banks, PG

 

-

Matt Barnes, SF

Sonny Weems, OG-SF

-

 

Adonal Foyle, C

Amir Johnson, PF

 

Pops Mensah-Bonsu, PF

 

 

Patrick O’Bryant, C

 

Shame on those who actually thought that Otis Smith [GM, Orlando Magic] may not have known exactly what he was talking about …

Orlando Magic GM dissing Hedo Turkoglu?

in his alleged conversations with Kevin Pritchard [GM, Portland Trail Blazers], in the aftermath of Mr. Turkoglu’s decision to sign on with the Raptors, and that Hedo Turkoglu’s priorities might actually include winning a NBA title. 

Caveat Emptor!

In praise of Otis Smith

Monday, December 14th, 2009

Which team[s] made out the best from the 4-team trade … between Toronto, Dallas, Memphis and Orlando … this past summer?

Rick Kamla gets it right.

 

Raptors’ crunch time starts today vs Magic

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

In the interview Bryan Colangelo did with Eric Smith [FAN590], prior to the Raptors’ win vs the Bulls [Nov 11 2009], he said the following words:

“We’ll know what we’ve got by the end of the month.”

The Bosh Factor: Bryan Colangelo Won’t Be Patient With Early Losses

At the time, Toronto’s W-L Record was 3-4/.429.

11 days later, it is now 6-7/.462, good enough for 2nd place in the Atlantic Division and 9th place in the Eastern Conference.

Beginning with this afternoon’s home game vs Orlando, the Raptors will play 7 games over the next 11 days:

Game 14 Sun Nov 22 vs Orl [10-3/.769; 1st Southeast, 2nd EC]

Game 15 Tue Nov 24 vs Ind [5-5/.500; 4th Central, 8th EC]
Game 16 Wed Nov 25 @ CHA [3-9/.250; 4th (tie) Southeast, 10th (tie) EC]

Game 17 Fri Nov 27 @ BOS [9-4/.692; 1st Atlantic, 4th EC]

Game 18 Sun Nov 29 vs Pho [10-3/.769; 1st Pacific, 1st (tie) WC]

Game 19 Tue Dec 01 vs Was [3-9/.250; 4th (tie) Southeast, 12th (tie) EC]
Game 20 Wed Dec 02 @ ATL [11-3/.786; 1st Southeast, 1st EC]

which will take the team to the 1/4 pole of the regular season schedule.

This is the specific stretch of games that will reveal exactly what type of team the Raptors have, at the moment, and what can be expected from this group for the remainder of the season should there be no further major player personnel and/or coaching changes going forward.

While some voices in Raptorville believe the team’s performance during this stretch will turn out to be a source of tremendous optimism, and preceed a gradual upswing in the standings, as the season progresses …

45 Wins, and How the Raptors Will Get There [5-2, Nov 22 to Dec 02]

looking ahead, in September, from the vantage point of an astute NBA observer, this corner did not share that same perspective:

Raptors half-way through their first 20 games

GAME

DATE

OPP

RESULT, W-L

14

Sun Nov 22

Vs Orlando

L, 5-9 [0-1]

15

Tue Nov 24

Vs Indiana

W, 6-9 [1-1]

16

Wed Nov 25

@ CHARLOTTE

L, 6-10 [1-2]

17

Fri Nov 27

@ BOSTON

L, 6-11 [1-3]

18

Sun Nov 29

Vs Phoenix

L, 6-12 [1-4]

19

Tue Dec 01

Vs Washington

W, 7-12 [2-4]

20

Wed Dec 02

@ Atlanta

L, 7-13 [2-5]

According to his record, as a General Manager, Bryan Colangelo has a well-documented history of making an assessment of his team’s situation sometime in the first two weeks of December.

Tic toc, tic toc, tic toc … [Apr 11 2008]

If he likes what he has seen to that point, he continues moving forward, as is.

If, however, he does NOT like what he “thinks” he sees from his team … then, the fanbase best be prepared for a seismic shift, in terms of either player personnel and/or the head coach position.

Of scorpions, frogs, GMs & coaches [Apr 30 2008]

Wait a second … what’s really going on here [Dec 04 2008]

What is really going on here: Part II [Dec 05 2008]

Of scorpions, frogs, GMs & faces of the franchise [Mar 25 2009]

The next 2 weeks should prove to be a most interesting time in the 15 year history of the Toronto Raptors franchise. 

Related:

VC Declines Honour

Oak-speak has never sounded quite so good before

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

After “whiffing” yesterday … Dave Feschuk returns to form and goes yard with his column today, featuring the rambled musings of none other than “The Oakster”, himself:

Feschuk: The Oakley show rolls back into town
“You ain’t going nowhere with 7-footers shooting three-pointers. You can’t put four or five scorers on the floor at one time. You can, but you ain’t going nowhere. You got four or five scorers on the floor, ain’t enough shots in a game, in a quarter, for everybody to be consistent. You need your two scorers, outside threat and a post-up threat. You need your sixth man who can score. You need another guy that can just be an all-around energy guy, and you need another guy who can just, you know, play basketball.”

———————————

Do yourself a favour and read the whole thing.

In each and every instance, what Charles has to say is 100% accurate.

The next time yours truly gets asked the following question:

“Who do you think would succeed as the next GM for the Toronto Raptors?”

The first name they will now receive has been clearly identified. ;)

If former NBA players like Mitch Kupchak, Danny Ainge, Otis Smith, Kevin Pritchard, Geoff Petrie, Ernie Grunfeld, Jim Paxson, Danny Ferry, etc., can succeed as executives in this league … then, why, oh, why, can’t someone like Mr. Charles Oakley. :-)

Magic triumph over Raptors, the gruesome details

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

Orlando Magic 125
TORONTO RAPTORS 116
[Sun Nov 01 2009]

Box Score Info

ORLANDO MAGIC [3-0]

 

POS

MP

FGM-FGA

2FGM-2FGA

3FGM-3FGA

FTM-FTA

+/-

ORb

DRb

TRb

AST

PF

ST

TO

BS

BA

PTS

KPM

BARNES

F

39:53

3-9

1-3

2-6

4-4

-1

4

5

9

4

5

6

3

2

0

12

+17

ANDERSON

F

29:31

7-14

2-6

5-8

1-2

+12

4

2

6

1

5

0

0

0

0

20

+14

HOWARD

C

36:29

5-13

5-13

0-0

14-16

+6

5

6

11

1

3

2

3

1

5

24

+23

REDICK

G

44:50

8-14

3-6

5-8

6-7

+12

0

6

6

5

3

1

1

0

0

27

+28

NELSON

G

36:15

8-20

3-11

5-9

9-10

+2

1

1

2

5

2

2

2

0

1

30

+22

GORTAT

 

14:05

0-3

0-3

0-0

0-0

+2

0

1

1

1

3

0

0

0

0

0

-4

JOHNSON

 

11:17

1-1

1-1

0-0

2-2

+7

0

0

0

3

0

0

0

0

0

4

+7

BASS

 

15:53

3-6

3-6

0-0

0-0

-2

0

2

2

1

2

0

0

2

0

6

+6

WILLIAMS

 

11:45

1-2

1-1

0-1

0-0

+7

0

0

0

3

0

0

0

0

0

2

+4

FOYLE

 

00:00

0-0

0-0

0-0

0-0

-

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

CARTER

DNP – SPRAINED LEFT ANKLE

LEWIS

DNP – SUSPENSION

PIETRUS

DNP – ILLNESS

Total

 

240

36-82

19-50

17-32

36-41

 -

14

23

37

24

23

11

9

5

6

125

+117

 

 

 

43.9%

38.0%

53.1%

87.8%

 

Team Rebs: 8

Total TO: 9

POSS: 109

PPP: 1.147

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TORONTO RAPTORS [1-2]

 

POS

MP

FGM-FGA

2FGM-2FGA

3FGM-3FGA

FTM-FTA

+/-

ORb

DRb

TRb

AST

PF

ST

TO

BS

BA

PTS

KPM

Turkoglu

F

40:35

8-13

7-10

1-3

2-2

0

0

3

3

4

3

1

1

2

0

19

+20

Bosh

F

39:31

10-20

8-18

2-2

13-19

-6

4

12

16

1

4

0

3

1

5

35

+30

Bargnani

C

32:09

8-12

4-7

4-5

6-6

0

0

4

4

0

4

0

2

1

0

26

+21

DeRozan

G

18:45

3-5

2-4

1-1

1-2

-6

2

1

3

0

3

0

0

0

0

8

+5

Calderon

G

30:10

3-7

3-5

0-2

4-6

0

0

2

2

6

1

0

1

0

0

10

+10

NESTEROVIC

 

13:07

2-3

2-3

0-0

0-0

-16

1

1

2

1

3

0

0

2

0

4

+5

WRIGHT

 

24:52

3-8

2-6

1-2

0-0

+2

1

1

2

4

4

1

0

0

0

7

+5

JACK

 

24:58

2-4

1-2

1-2

0-0

-11

0

3

3

2

3

0

4

0

0

5

+1

BELINELLI

 

04:38

0-1

0-1

0-0

0-0

-12

0

1

1

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

-1

JOHNSON

 

11:12

1-1

1-1

0-0

0-0

+4

1

1

2

1

3

0

2

0

0

2

0

O’BRYANT

DNP - Coach’s Decision

WEEMS

DNP - Coach’s Decision

Total

 

240

40-74

30-57

10-17

26-35

9

29

38

19

20

2

14

6

5

116

+96

 

 

 

54.1%

52.6%

58.8%

74.3%

 

Team Rebs: 11

Total TO: 14

POSS: 103

PPP: 1.126

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inactive

Magic: N/A Raptors: Banks, Douby, Evans

Technical Fouls
TOR 1st Qrt 5:17 Chris Bosh
ORL 3rd Qrt 3:41 Matt Barnes

Scoring
Lead Changes: 2
Times Tied: 4

AREANA STATS
Arena: Air Canada Centre, Toronto, OT
Officials: #10 Ron Garretson, #47 Benny Adams, #52 Pat Fraher
Attendance: 18,147 Duration: 2:35

 

Crucial Sequence, Play-By-Play

       Start 2nd Quarter

 

11:47

Bosh Jump Shot: Missed Block: Bass (1 BLK

Gortat Rebound (Off:0 Def:1) 

11:45

 

Redick 3pt Shot: Made (11 PTS) Assist: Williams (1 AST) 

11:40
[ORL 39-28]

 

 

11:23

Wright Running Jump Shot: Missed 

 

11:22

Nesterovic Rebound (Off:1 Def:0) 

 

11:21
[TOR 30-39]

Nesterovic Tip Shot: Made (4 PTS) 

Johnson Pullup Jump shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Bass (1 AST) 

10:59
[ORL 41-30]

 

 

10:49

Belinelli Turnover : Traveling (1 TO) 

Gortat Driving Hook Shot: Missed 

10:26

 

 

10:25

Bosh Rebound (Off:1 Def:3) 

 

10:15
[TOR 32-41]

Bosh Jump Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Jack (1 AST) 

Bass Jump Shot: Missed 

10:04

 

Team Rebound 

10:03

 

 

10:03

Bosh Foul : Loose Ball (1 PF) 

Williams Running Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Johnson (2 AST) 

09:43
[ORL 43-32]

 

 

09:27

Bosh Turnaround Fade Away shot: Missed Block: Bass (2 BLK

Bass Rebound (Off:0 Def:1) 

09:25

 

Bass Jump Hook Shot: Made (4 PTS) 

09:13
[ORL 45-32]

 

 

09:05

Jack Turnover : Traveling (2 TO) 

Redick Driving Layup Shot: Made (13 PTS) Assist: Williams (2 AST) 

08:46
[ORL 47-32]

 

 

08:46

Jack Foul : Shooting (1 PF) 

Timeout : Official 

08:46

 

 

08:46

Bosh Substitution replaced by Bargnani 

 

08:46

Nesterovic Substitution replaced by Johnson 

Redick Free Throw 1 of 1 Missed 

08:46

 

 

08:45

Belinelli Rebound (Off:0 Def:1) 

Gortat Foul : Personal (3 PF) 

08:33

 

Gortat Substitution replaced by Howard 

08:33

 

 

08:23

Belinelli Pullup Jump shot: Missed 

Bass Rebound (Off:0 Def:2) 

08:22

 

 

08:16

Wright Foul : Shooting (1 PF) 

Howard Free Throw 1 of 2 (5 PTS) 

08:16
[ORL 48-32]

 

Bass Substitution replaced by Anderson 

08:16

 

 

08:16

Belinelli Substitution replaced by Turkoglu 

Howard Free Throw 2 of 2 (6 PTS) 

08:16
[ORL 49-32]

 

 

08:06

Johnson Foul : Offensive (1 PF) 

 

08:06

Johnson Turnover : Foul (1 TO) 

 

07:52

Bargnani Foul : Shooting (1 PF) 

Howard Free Throw 1 of 2 (7 PTS) 

07:52
[ORL 50-32]

 

Howard Free Throw 2 of 2 (8 PTS) 

07:52
[ORL 51-32]

 

 

07:35

Turkoglu Fade Away Jumper Shot: Missed 

 

07:33

Johnson Rebound (Off:1 Def:0) 

 

07:27

Bargnani Hook Bank Shot: Missed 

Anderson Rebound (Off:3 Def:1) 

07:25

 

Redick 3pt Shot: Made (16 PTS) Assist: Johnson (3 AST) 

07:09
[ORL 54-32]

 

 

07:03

Time-out: Regular

 

07:03

Jack Substitution replaced by Bosh 

 

07:03

Johnson Substitution replaced by Calderon 

 

Crucial Sequence, Substitution Chart

TIME

TOTAL

TEAM

PG

OG

SF

PF

C

SCORE

DIFF

Q2 12:00

 

V

Johnson

Williams

Redick

Bass

Gortat

47

+7

 

3:14

H

Jack

Belinelli

Wright

Bosh

Nesterovic

32

-7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8:46

 

V

 

 

 

 

 

47

0

 

1:35

H

Jack

Belinelli

Wright

Johnson

Bargnani

32

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8:33

 

V

Johnson

Williams

Redick

Bass

Howard

49

+2

 

0:17

H

 

 

 

 

 

32

-2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8:16

 

V

Johnson

Williams

Redick

Anderson

Howard

54

+5

 

1:13

H

Jack

Wright

Turkoglu

Johnson

Bargnani

32

-5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LEGEND: Bold – Player subbed into the game; Italics – Player in game shifted to new position; PG – Point Guard; OG – Off Guard; SF – Small Forward; PF – Power Forward; C – Center; DIFF – Difference in Score; V – Visiting Team; H – Home Team.

 

Gruesome Details

1. Orlando played without Vince Carter [Starting Off Guard], Mickael Pietrus [Starting Small Forward] and Rashard Lewis [Starting Power Forward].

2. Between the end of the 1st Quarter [36-28] and the 7:03 mark of the 2nd Quarter, Orlando opened up a 22 point lead [54-32].

3. The Raptors players who were on the floor for this specific segment of the game were:

PG - Jarrett Jack [3:57, -14]
OG - Marco Belinelli [3:44, -9]; Antoine Wright [1:13, -5]
SF - Antoine Wright [3:44, -9]; Hedo Turkoglu [1:13, -5]
PF - Chris Bosh [3:14, -7]; Amir Johnson [1:43, -7]
C - Rasho Nesterovic [3:14, -7]; Andrea Bargnani [1:43, -7]

4. There are good reasons why Indiana, Golden State, Dallas, Milwaukee and Orlando each chose not to retain the services of Misters Jack, Belinelli, Wright, Johnson and Turkoglu, respectively, this past summer AND the Raptors need to seriously consider limiting the floor time given to Andrea Bargnani this season.

Instead of placing blame for this loss on a player like Jose Calderon [PG] … whose specific strengths and weaknesses were well-known two seasons ago when he first won the Starting PG job over incumbent TJ Ford … accusing fingers in Raptorville should be pointing in an entirely different direction, i.e. at the architect[s] of the team.

——————————

PS. Raptors fans were told in the summer which specific teams SHOULD have been viewed, both, at the time and down-the-road, as the BIGGEST winners in the four-team [blockbuster?] trade between Toronto [1-2], Memphis [1-2], Dallas [2-1] and Orlando [3-0]. Shame on you, if you were one of those who chose NOT to listen back then.

PPS. Yes, the 2009-2010 regular season is only 3 games old for the Raptors, but … when you look closely at the first 20 games on their schedule … it doesn’t get any easier for Toronto until the 2nd week of December.

Related:

When three birds of a different feather flock together it’s a poor omen for the Raptors

Telling it like it is, in the NBA

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009

Yet another reason to like the job which Otis Smith [GM] has done, thus far?

NBA Countdown: No. 8 Orlando Magic
Reaching the NBA Finals for the first time in 14 years and second in franchise history was a wonderful accomplishment for the Orlando Magic-but there was no guarantee a championship would follow.The Magic will go into the 2009-10 season determined to defend their Eastern Conference title but looking different than when they won it. Yes, they still have All-Star center Dwight Howard as their foundation and high-priced Rashard Lewis (who’s suspended the first 10 games of the season after testing positive for an elevated testosterone level) shooting 3-pointers, but the Magic changed their late-game, go-to guy by switching from Turkoglu to Carter.

It’s why general manager Otis Smith didn’t take any bows, or even take the time to catch his breath.

And it’s also why he made one of the boldest moves of the summer, changing his carefully crafted team chemistry by trading for All-Star Vince Carter and letting go of free agent Hedo Turkoglu, a key player in Orlando’s recent rise.

“You can’t stand still in this league,” Smith said. “If you do, you’ll be going backward.”

The Magic also added free agents in power forward Brandon Bass from Dallas and small forward Matt Barnes of Phoenix. They even added point guard Jason Williams, who last played during 2007-08 with the Heat. Surprisingly, they kept backup center Marcin Gortat by matching the offer sheet Dallas gave him.

With the Celtics adding Rasheed Wallace and the Cavaliers trading for Shaquille O’Neal, the Magic tried to keep pace with the other serious contenders in the East.

There are less than seven teams every year that really are trying to win a championship in our league,” Smith said. “Those three (in the East) are trying to win now, as opposed to saying ‘We’re OK where we are. Let’s stay the status quo.’”

———————————–

Otis Smith was hired by the Magic on May 6, 2006.

This is what the team’s roster looked like on that day:

Augmon, Stacey F
Battie, Tony PF-C
Cato, Kelvin C
Diener, Travis PG
Dooling, Keyon G
Francis, Steve G
Garrity, Pat PF
Hill, Grant G-F
Howard, Dwight C
Kasun, Mario C
Morris, Terence PF
Nelson, Jameer PG
Outlaw, Bo PF
Stevenson, DeShawn G
Turkoglu, Hedo F

This is what it looks like today, 41 months later:

Almond, Morris G
Anderson, Ryan PF
Barnes, Matt F
Bass, Brandon PF
Carter, Vince G-F
Foyle, Adonal C
Gortat, Marcin C
Howard, Dwight C
Johnson, Anthony PG
Johnson, Linton F
Lewis, Rashard F
Nelson, Jameer PG
Pietrus, Mickael G-F
Redick, JJ G
Williams, Jason PG

This is Orlando’s record of performance, since that date:

2008-2009
59-23/.720, 1st Atlantic, 3rd Eastern Conference, NBA Finalist 
2007-2008
52-30/.634, 1st Atlantic, 3rd Eastern Conference, Lost 2nd Rd
2006-2007
40-42/.488, 3rd Atlantic, 8th Eastern Conference, Lost 1st Rd

This was their record of performance the season before Smith arrived:

2005-2006
36-46/.439, 3rd Atlantic, 10th Eastern Conference, No Playoffs

3 full seasons into his tenure with the Magic, Otis Smith should be considered as one of the best GM’s in the NBA.

================================================

By way of comparison, for the benefit of Raptors fans, this is what Toronto has accomplished under the direction of Bryan Colangelo [2-time NBA EOTY award recipient] during this same time-frame:

2005-2006 Roster [Feb 28 2006]
Araujo, Rafael PF
Bonner, Matt PF
Bosh, Chris PF-C
Calderon, Jose PG
Davis, Antonio PF-C
Graham, Joey F
James, Mike PG
Martin, Darrick PG
Peterson, Morris G-F
Sow, Pape PF
Villanueva, Charlie F
Williams, Eric G-F
Woods, Loren C

2009-2010, Current Roster
Banks, Marcus G
Bargnani, Andrea C
Belinelli, Marco G-F
Bosh, Chris PF-C
Calderon, Jose PG
DeRozan, Demar G-F
Douby, Quincy G
Evans, Reggie PF
Jack, Jarrett G
Johnson, Amir PF
Nesterovic, Rasho PF-C
O’Bryant, Patrick C
Turkoglu, Hedo F
Weems, Sonny G-F
Wright, Antoine G-F

Year #1-3
2008-2009
33-49/.402, 4th Atlantic, 13th Eastern Conference, No Playoffs
2007-2008
41-41/.500, 2nd Atlantic, 6th Eastern Conference, Lost 1st Rd
2006-2007
47-35/.573, 1st Atlantic, 3rd Eastern Conference, Lost 1st Rd

Year Prior
2005-2006
27-55/.329, 4th Atlantic, 1st Eastern Conference, No Playoffs

================================================

In the NBA, the cold harsh reality is that there are only 2 distinct tiers of teams:

Tier 1
Those few that are actually trying to win the League Championship.

Tier 2
Everybody else.

Much R.E.S.P.E.C.T. to Otis Smith for “cutting to the chase” and improving the Orlando Magic each season, thus far.

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