khandor’s sports blog

re: How an astute NBA observer might expect the first part of the schedule to unfold for the Raptors this year

Game 16 – at Charlotte [Wed Nov 25]

This is a back-2-back game for the Raptors. Although these two line-ups are relatively equivalent, in terms of individual match-up advantages, the additional experience which Raja Bell and Larry Brown have, in comparison with DeMar DeRozan and Jay Triano, respectively, gives Charlotte an edge which should be enough to secure a W in a close game.

Expect the Bobcats to be one of several improved teams in the EC this year battling for a lower tier playoff spot with the Raptors.

Raptors expected W-L Record: L, 6-10

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PS. This contest holds a high degree of interest, due to the presence of rookies DeMar DeRozan [No. 9/1st Rd, USC, OG-SF], Gerald Henderson [No. 12/1st Rd, Duke, OG-SF] and Derrick Brown [No. 40/2nd Rd, Xavier, PF-SF]. Brown, in particular, was a relatively unheralded player in this year’s NBA Draft who yours truly would have liked to see the Raptors trade down to obtain … in addition to receiving other assets, in exchange for the No. 9 [overall] Selection. Although it is still very early in the process, all three players seem to be acquitting themselves nicely in the NBA.

To this point in his 4-yr NBA career, THIS is who Trevor Ariza is and exactly what he’s done.

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Q1. Where does he go from here?

A1. He becomes a clone of this player and wins his first NBA title this spring, riding shotgun for Black Mamba, this generation’s equivalent of His Airness.

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Scottie Pippen [6-7, 228, G-F] … as an All-NBA defender, a good passer, a very good rebounder, a competent ball-handler, and a solid secondary scorer … was a tremendous complementary player to Michael Jordan, playing for the Chicago Bulls [6-time Champs], under the direction of Phil Jackson.

A decade later, it says here & now that Trevor Ariza [6-8, 210, G-F] is composed of similar material, and ready to fulfil the same role [i.e. Robin] with the Los Angeles Lakers this season, in conjunction with Kobe Bryant [i.e. Batman] and the ZenMaster.

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More About these Statistics

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As a further point of comparison:

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What say you?