I was eating dinner at my parents’ house; Swordfish, Spanish rice, and salad. Delicious. I had a cookie and a half for dessert, but little did I know I would later get some icing to top it off.
It was 7:17. I started to make my voyage up the long staircase towards the television in the family room.
No RaptorsTV.
I knew I wasn’t going to see it at my parents’ place, so a few quick kisses later, I was on my bike. It was 7:27. I had to make it from the Annex to Queen and Bathurst in 3 minutes.
It wasn’t going to happen.
I got home at 7:35. I locked up my bike, and tried to shoulder through my front door… only to realize it was locked.
Some precious moments of key-jiggling pass… I break the Da Vinci code, and I’m home free.
But how late am I??
I rush up the stairs, turn on the television...and they’re just about to hand out the 14th pick - the bottom of the lottery. I made it… In time.
Everything goes as planned through 9 or so (my internet’s down as I type this, so pardon me for any inaccuracies)… They get to 5, and the Raptors logo has yet to come up.
I close my eyes.
The Atlanta Hawks get number 5… good news from here on in.
The Portland TrailBlazers drop from best possible chance to 4th.
I yell with excitement, and do what any modern-age young man would do…
I change my MSN Messenger name to reflect my emotions… “Top 3 Pick, baby!!!!”
After their commercial break, they returned with the number 3 pick…
The Charlotte Bobcats. Thank you, Gerald Wallace. Now please… just take out those damn Knickerbocker Bulls.
Fists clenched. Teeth grinding. Eyebrows crunched.
“The number two pick in the 2006 NBA Draft goes to… The Chicago Bulls!!!!”
I am yelling my ass off by this point. I flip my chair over, commence in jumping up and down… and of course…
Change my MSN name (“FIRST PICK!!!!”).
I call my Dad, my buddy Juan… start leaving messages on people’s phones… good times.
Never have the Toronto Raptors selected first overall.
Bryan Colangelo has magic balls.
==
Now, the question is… what do the Raptors do with this first overall pick? The fact that they have the option to do whatever they wish is a beautiful thing. Since there’s no consensus top-pick… they can not only fill a need without coming under scrutiny, but if they so wish… they can trade the pick to another team that’s got a particular player in mind.
As of right now, I don’t see why they wouldn’t draft the 7-footer out of Italy. Andrea Bargnani.
Yes, he’s not a center… no, he won’t play much inside the paint. Yes, Chris Bosh already plays his position, and Charlie’s got the 3… but remember, the Raptors have also all but hired Mauricio Gherardini – the boss of Beneton Treviso, the team that Bargnani plays for.
Oh, and this guy’s apparently great. He’s tall, and can shoot the lights out. What bothers me is that he’s another that's been branded “the next Nowitzki.” What tall Euro that can shoot isn’t?? Ivan Chiriev, please stand up.
I’m not saying this is who I’d draft… but all signs point to this being the choice as of right now (at least, in my twisted mind).
There’s also Tyrus Thomas (LSU), and LaMarcus Aldridge (Texas) as quality big men… Not to mention Brandon Roy (Washington), Rudy Gay (UConn) and Adam Morrison (Gonzaga) as top-notch swingmen.
In terms of point guards (the Raptors other glaring hole), nothing is set for the top end of the draft with Marcus Williams (UConn), Rajon Rando (Kentucky), Jordan Farmar (UCLA) and Randy Foye (Villanova) all expected to be late lottery/early mid-rounders.
This is where the trading down could come into play. If the Raptors don’t feel Bargnani (or whatever other big man) is where they want to go at this point, they could probably snag a few nice trade offers to move down and grab a guard…
My favorites as of now are Marcus Williams (this guy can really set up some plays, and has the connection with Charlie V) and Jordan Farmar (another great playmaker – but he needs to tighten his decision-making). I also like the possibility of trading down and perhaps grabbing Duke’s Sheldon Williams. He’d be an under-sized center in the NBA (at 6’9”), but has a 7-foot-2 wingspan, plays solid D, and can go to work in the post.
So there are obviously lots of options… and that’s the beauty of having first pick.
Who do you like? What do you want the Raptors to do?
==
I’m off to Spain in a couple quick days (and no, I haven’t heard from Jose Calderon in the last couple weeks)… so I’m going to miss even more pre-draft workouts. But if all goes well, I’ll get to see some of the big names after I return (which conveniently coincides with the consummation of the Chicago Pre-Draft Camp).
I’ll keep you posted.
Until then, I bid you farewell… (I also want to take this point to thank all of you readers who sent me vicious e-mails telling me to write more. Way to kick my ass into shape. Maybe I’m still drunk off the lottery-winning-vibe… but I love you. Seriously.)
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Friday, May 19, 2006
It's been a long time...
I could make up an excuse for why I haven't written in a while...
In fact, I could probably make up a few...
but I won't.
I respect you too much for that.
The truth is, I don't really have much to write about... I've enjoyed these playoffs so much, that they keep me up into the wee hours, and then I wake up late and try to get on with my days...
wait... is that an excuse?
Maybe, either way...
I'm kind of disappointed the Nets couldn't steal another one from the Heat. After taking game 1 in such convincing fashion, Jersey started shooting blanks, making more tough passes, leading to easy turnovers and fast break buckets...
Wade is blossoming even more these playoffs... and I love to see it. Both sides of the floor, simply turning into a dominant force. That series-clinching swipe on Vince was fantastic. The pinnacle. But not at all... there's so much more to see.
Speaking of which... who honestly thought there would be a game 6 in the Cavs/Pistons series?? Let alone one that Detroit would NEED to win to advance to the Eastern Finals. Did someone slip something in my drink? Am I hallucinating? These two are putting up scores that resemble LAST YEAR's Pistons... and the Cavs are WINNING. This is not supposed to be a great half-court defensive team. This is not even supposed to me a TEAM, as much as a one-man wrecking ball. This was supposed to be one game shy of a sweep.
But the Cavs are getting it done. And if they can do it again tonight... Or even Sunday... they'll have made a lot of people look stupid. Myself oh so included. How about that Scoop Jackson article... the one that said the sweep would be the best thing for Lebron?? It looked like 2 games was all it took.
All we need now is for Bosh to be tearing up the playoffs like these two other stars.
Out west... We've still got the Suns and Clippers, which is fun... but it's no Spurs/Mavs. Dallas and San Antonio... the fight for Texas... the old and new Michael Finley (When Dirk Nowitzki isn't signing David Hasselhoff songs, he's telling people to playfully boo uncle Fin - this guy can't buy love)... The Big Fundamental has returned from a regular season in which he went M.I.A... Tony Parker's still slicing through the lane, but now he's got the young (and incredible) Devin Harris hanging off his ass through every screen.
As great as Harris is, though... I don't think Dallas is ready to let Jason Terry go this off-season. Unless they can pull out some theatrics without him tonight (suspended a game for a shadow-punch thrown at Fin) - in which case I'm probably already sounding like an idiot by the time you read this.
This matchup is last round's Suns/Lakers... so tight... I just hope it doesn't falter down the stretch like that one did.
The Clippers are still providing some quality entertainment with the Suns, though. It's just that, when Phoenix gets down early, it's tough for them to catch up because it's nearly impossible to get stops. LA is just too dominant inside. However... with game 7 being played in the desert, I don't see how the Suns can lose.
==
With all the playoff talk in the past... the Raptors have started their pre-draft workouts (as you've been reading, I'm sure). I have yet to partake in the coverage... and I have a feeling with my upcoming trip to Spain, that I'll miss out on most of them. Which is definitely unfortunate. However... i WILL be in Spain, so that's pretty good compensation.
-
The draft lottery is on Tuesday... that's when things, Raptor-wise, should get interesting... trades can start to be realistically envisioned... and the rumour mill will thus start churning.
I'm ready.
We'll probably speak after the lottery.
Keep those fingers crossed.
In fact, I could probably make up a few...
but I won't.
I respect you too much for that.
The truth is, I don't really have much to write about... I've enjoyed these playoffs so much, that they keep me up into the wee hours, and then I wake up late and try to get on with my days...
wait... is that an excuse?
Maybe, either way...
I'm kind of disappointed the Nets couldn't steal another one from the Heat. After taking game 1 in such convincing fashion, Jersey started shooting blanks, making more tough passes, leading to easy turnovers and fast break buckets...
Wade is blossoming even more these playoffs... and I love to see it. Both sides of the floor, simply turning into a dominant force. That series-clinching swipe on Vince was fantastic. The pinnacle. But not at all... there's so much more to see.
Speaking of which... who honestly thought there would be a game 6 in the Cavs/Pistons series?? Let alone one that Detroit would NEED to win to advance to the Eastern Finals. Did someone slip something in my drink? Am I hallucinating? These two are putting up scores that resemble LAST YEAR's Pistons... and the Cavs are WINNING. This is not supposed to be a great half-court defensive team. This is not even supposed to me a TEAM, as much as a one-man wrecking ball. This was supposed to be one game shy of a sweep.
But the Cavs are getting it done. And if they can do it again tonight... Or even Sunday... they'll have made a lot of people look stupid. Myself oh so included. How about that Scoop Jackson article... the one that said the sweep would be the best thing for Lebron?? It looked like 2 games was all it took.
All we need now is for Bosh to be tearing up the playoffs like these two other stars.
Out west... We've still got the Suns and Clippers, which is fun... but it's no Spurs/Mavs. Dallas and San Antonio... the fight for Texas... the old and new Michael Finley (When Dirk Nowitzki isn't signing David Hasselhoff songs, he's telling people to playfully boo uncle Fin - this guy can't buy love)... The Big Fundamental has returned from a regular season in which he went M.I.A... Tony Parker's still slicing through the lane, but now he's got the young (and incredible) Devin Harris hanging off his ass through every screen.
As great as Harris is, though... I don't think Dallas is ready to let Jason Terry go this off-season. Unless they can pull out some theatrics without him tonight (suspended a game for a shadow-punch thrown at Fin) - in which case I'm probably already sounding like an idiot by the time you read this.
This matchup is last round's Suns/Lakers... so tight... I just hope it doesn't falter down the stretch like that one did.
The Clippers are still providing some quality entertainment with the Suns, though. It's just that, when Phoenix gets down early, it's tough for them to catch up because it's nearly impossible to get stops. LA is just too dominant inside. However... with game 7 being played in the desert, I don't see how the Suns can lose.
==
With all the playoff talk in the past... the Raptors have started their pre-draft workouts (as you've been reading, I'm sure). I have yet to partake in the coverage... and I have a feeling with my upcoming trip to Spain, that I'll miss out on most of them. Which is definitely unfortunate. However... i WILL be in Spain, so that's pretty good compensation.
-
The draft lottery is on Tuesday... that's when things, Raptor-wise, should get interesting... trades can start to be realistically envisioned... and the rumour mill will thus start churning.
I'm ready.
We'll probably speak after the lottery.
Keep those fingers crossed.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Upset?? I know I am...
The Suns and Lakers were forming the most beautiful bond on the basketball court. Heart, Desire, Passion and Fury... all on display for 6 incredible games.
The build-up towards game 7 was remarkable. Phoenix wins game 6 without it's best defender, to bring things home... where they would blow the HELL out of the Lakers.
From opening tip, it wasn't pretty.
Kobe had 5 points, as the Suns doubled up the Lake-lack-of-Show, 30-15 after 1.
Mr.Soon-to-be-#24 then tried to make it interesting by scoring 18 in the second... but the Laker deficit remained at 15 (60-45 at the break).
The Suns kept pressuring, while LA seemed to lose interest in a hurry. When I stopped caring, Kobe had taken only 3 shots in the third... and by the final buzzer, Bryant scored only 1 point in the 2nd half. (it turns out he did only take 3 shots after intermission)
Dude scored 81 on the Raptors in a MEANINGLESS game... when they're playing the season, he can only pick up 24???
The Suns shot 61%, compared to LA's 35%.
Phil Jackson lost an opening round series for the first time in 15 attempts... while Phoenix became just the 8th team to come back from a 3-1 series deficit to take it.
This game had all the makings for a fantastic climax... but instead, the Lakers went limp.
The build-up towards game 7 was remarkable. Phoenix wins game 6 without it's best defender, to bring things home... where they would blow the HELL out of the Lakers.
From opening tip, it wasn't pretty.
Kobe had 5 points, as the Suns doubled up the Lake-lack-of-Show, 30-15 after 1.
Mr.Soon-to-be-#24 then tried to make it interesting by scoring 18 in the second... but the Laker deficit remained at 15 (60-45 at the break).
The Suns kept pressuring, while LA seemed to lose interest in a hurry. When I stopped caring, Kobe had taken only 3 shots in the third... and by the final buzzer, Bryant scored only 1 point in the 2nd half. (it turns out he did only take 3 shots after intermission)
Dude scored 81 on the Raptors in a MEANINGLESS game... when they're playing the season, he can only pick up 24???
The Suns shot 61%, compared to LA's 35%.
Phil Jackson lost an opening round series for the first time in 15 attempts... while Phoenix became just the 8th team to come back from a 3-1 series deficit to take it.
This game had all the makings for a fantastic climax... but instead, the Lakers went limp.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
I Hear Your Cries... (and they make me warm)
It is truly touching to see that these entries are missed... and I thank you all for the comments and the e-mails.
The reason why I wasn't updating this page, is because the whole point of it all was to share my first-hand experiences. I didn't want to necessarily impose my opinions upon you, but apparently you want it.
So here's what I'll do... Since there's no Raptors news (cue the Raptors news, please), we'll talk a little playoff ball.
Oh, how refreshing it is.
The intensity is glorious.
The fierceness is furious.
And most of these series are spectacular.
We already know the struggles of the Grizzlies - 12 straight playoff losses leads to their third sweep in as many seasons. As much as Pau has improved, and turned into the force, he pretty much carried the entire offensive load. Avery Johnson (coach of the year) designed a strategy to make sure nothing came easy - and the plan worked to perfection. Memphis was close to winning one game. One game.
The Nuggets are no more, either. Witnessing an implosion can be fun to watch. K-Mart flips out on his coach and teammates, and gets the team-imposed suspension. Reggie Evans grabs Chris Kaman's "southern jugulars" and gets fined. Carmelo Anthony reverts to his selfish self that first entered the league (maybe because all his healthy help was stuck in the sin bin) - and get this, after the series says they needed NENE out there. They really missed his defense. Nene had been out since the FIRST GAME OF THE SEASON. I don't get it.
While we're still talking Nuggets/Clippers... I want to point out how Sam Cassell gets no credit. In fact, everything that we hear about him is either revolving around his contract situation, or how ugly it is (the majority). This guy is a proven winner. While Elton Brand was garnering MVP talk earlier in the season, I was always whispering Sam I Am. He brings that swagger, that confidence... and their first playoff series win in 30 years.
Kobe Bryant is a different man. Seriously. Watching him in these playoffs has made me light up with glee. He's doing everything, without doing everything. He's bringing along the young guys, and showing what kind of team they can be, when they share the ball.
Kobe's averaging 26 points, 6 rebounds, and a TEAM-HIGH 6 assists per game in this doozy of a series. I love it. My heart beats faster when these Phx/Lal games are on. I just hope the Suns can extend it. I want more.
Phil Jackson has never lost a first round series in his coaching career... and as I write this (Lakers lead 3-1), it doesn't appear as though he will this year.
Lakers/Clippers anyone? How fun would that be? Both teams get "home-court", and neither needs to travel. Fresh legs for all.
I'll take another, please.
The Bulls/Heat series is also incredible. Miami's theoretically starting to fall apart. Chicago's making Shaq run and Wade shoot... and both are struggling doing so. Chicago's youth, energy, and grit has slowly started to pick apart Miami's vets. However, with that being said... it's tough to see Shaq and/or Wade going down in the opening round (they're tied at 2's heading into tonight).
Andres Nocioni should get a deal with Viagra... I don't know why, but please feel free to insert a "never stops going hard" comment of your own.
The Cavs/Wiz series is a bucket of fun, as well. Watching Gilbert Arenas and Lebron James go head to head with spare parts on both sides makes me giggle. No one seems to be stepping up but these two. In game 4... Lebron set a Cavs' record for playoff points in a quarter (18), and a half (25), but got shut down in the 2nd half, finishing with 38. Whereas, Gil struggled in the first half - so badly, they he changed his entire uniform (shoes, socks included) at the break, returned and dropped 34. Watching Larry Hughes struggle must be music to Eddie Jordan's ears. This is the only coach in the NBA who has bashed the refs without getting fined. He said something along the lines of:
"I'm not going to get fined, because I'm right." Incredible.
The San Antonio/Sacramento series wasn't supposed to be as good as this, either. Ron Artest is simply shutting down Manu Ginobili, which makes the Spurs' offense only double-edged. Tony Parker and Timmy D can't do it by themselves, while Bonzi Wells is taking the brunt of the Kings' offensive load. To think, if Brent Barry didn't make that miraculous shot in game 2, to send it to OT... San Antonio could be down 3-1. However, with it tied at 2's... keep in mind, last year when San Antonio took the title, they needed at LEAST 5 games in each series.
The Pacers/Nets series is mildly entertaining. There's something about Indiana that bores me, despite seeing stellar performances from Anthony Johnson and Jermaine O'Neal (on separate occasions). Kidd, RJ + Vince are doing their thing just well enough to keep pace, but this series is definitely up in the air.
The one series I haven't been watching is the Bucks/Pistons - although through the highlights, you can see it's closer than it is on paper. Frankly, though, I think Detroit's just toying with Milwaukee. They're just too tough to worry about the Bucks.
=
With all that being said... I need to put out a "GO OILERS." Just last night, Edmonton knocked off the best in the West, in 6 games. Oh, how pretty it is.
If the Flames can beat the Ducks (in game 7), it'll be Edm/Cgy. Please, sign me up for that.
==
Please feel free to e-mail/comment your thoughts about the playoffs... and your observations are more than welcome.
Thanks for keeping me on my toes, people.
-Zack
The reason why I wasn't updating this page, is because the whole point of it all was to share my first-hand experiences. I didn't want to necessarily impose my opinions upon you, but apparently you want it.
So here's what I'll do... Since there's no Raptors news (cue the Raptors news, please), we'll talk a little playoff ball.
Oh, how refreshing it is.
The intensity is glorious.
The fierceness is furious.
And most of these series are spectacular.
We already know the struggles of the Grizzlies - 12 straight playoff losses leads to their third sweep in as many seasons. As much as Pau has improved, and turned into the force, he pretty much carried the entire offensive load. Avery Johnson (coach of the year) designed a strategy to make sure nothing came easy - and the plan worked to perfection. Memphis was close to winning one game. One game.
The Nuggets are no more, either. Witnessing an implosion can be fun to watch. K-Mart flips out on his coach and teammates, and gets the team-imposed suspension. Reggie Evans grabs Chris Kaman's "southern jugulars" and gets fined. Carmelo Anthony reverts to his selfish self that first entered the league (maybe because all his healthy help was stuck in the sin bin) - and get this, after the series says they needed NENE out there. They really missed his defense. Nene had been out since the FIRST GAME OF THE SEASON. I don't get it.
While we're still talking Nuggets/Clippers... I want to point out how Sam Cassell gets no credit. In fact, everything that we hear about him is either revolving around his contract situation, or how ugly it is (the majority). This guy is a proven winner. While Elton Brand was garnering MVP talk earlier in the season, I was always whispering Sam I Am. He brings that swagger, that confidence... and their first playoff series win in 30 years.
Kobe Bryant is a different man. Seriously. Watching him in these playoffs has made me light up with glee. He's doing everything, without doing everything. He's bringing along the young guys, and showing what kind of team they can be, when they share the ball.
Kobe's averaging 26 points, 6 rebounds, and a TEAM-HIGH 6 assists per game in this doozy of a series. I love it. My heart beats faster when these Phx/Lal games are on. I just hope the Suns can extend it. I want more.
Phil Jackson has never lost a first round series in his coaching career... and as I write this (Lakers lead 3-1), it doesn't appear as though he will this year.
Lakers/Clippers anyone? How fun would that be? Both teams get "home-court", and neither needs to travel. Fresh legs for all.
I'll take another, please.
The Bulls/Heat series is also incredible. Miami's theoretically starting to fall apart. Chicago's making Shaq run and Wade shoot... and both are struggling doing so. Chicago's youth, energy, and grit has slowly started to pick apart Miami's vets. However, with that being said... it's tough to see Shaq and/or Wade going down in the opening round (they're tied at 2's heading into tonight).
Andres Nocioni should get a deal with Viagra... I don't know why, but please feel free to insert a "never stops going hard" comment of your own.
The Cavs/Wiz series is a bucket of fun, as well. Watching Gilbert Arenas and Lebron James go head to head with spare parts on both sides makes me giggle. No one seems to be stepping up but these two. In game 4... Lebron set a Cavs' record for playoff points in a quarter (18), and a half (25), but got shut down in the 2nd half, finishing with 38. Whereas, Gil struggled in the first half - so badly, they he changed his entire uniform (shoes, socks included) at the break, returned and dropped 34. Watching Larry Hughes struggle must be music to Eddie Jordan's ears. This is the only coach in the NBA who has bashed the refs without getting fined. He said something along the lines of:
"I'm not going to get fined, because I'm right." Incredible.
The San Antonio/Sacramento series wasn't supposed to be as good as this, either. Ron Artest is simply shutting down Manu Ginobili, which makes the Spurs' offense only double-edged. Tony Parker and Timmy D can't do it by themselves, while Bonzi Wells is taking the brunt of the Kings' offensive load. To think, if Brent Barry didn't make that miraculous shot in game 2, to send it to OT... San Antonio could be down 3-1. However, with it tied at 2's... keep in mind, last year when San Antonio took the title, they needed at LEAST 5 games in each series.
The Pacers/Nets series is mildly entertaining. There's something about Indiana that bores me, despite seeing stellar performances from Anthony Johnson and Jermaine O'Neal (on separate occasions). Kidd, RJ + Vince are doing their thing just well enough to keep pace, but this series is definitely up in the air.
The one series I haven't been watching is the Bucks/Pistons - although through the highlights, you can see it's closer than it is on paper. Frankly, though, I think Detroit's just toying with Milwaukee. They're just too tough to worry about the Bucks.
=
With all that being said... I need to put out a "GO OILERS." Just last night, Edmonton knocked off the best in the West, in 6 games. Oh, how pretty it is.
If the Flames can beat the Ducks (in game 7), it'll be Edm/Cgy. Please, sign me up for that.
==
Please feel free to e-mail/comment your thoughts about the playoffs... and your observations are more than welcome.
Thanks for keeping me on my toes, people.
-Zack
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