The Raptors this year experienced a very successful season after swinging a big deal in the offseason to send malcontent T.J. Ford and Rasho Nesterovic to Indiana. While Jermaine O'Neal exceeded expectations handily, averaging 18 points, 9 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game, 2008-09 Executive of the Year favourite Bryan Colangelo swung a deal to send O'Neal and Jamario Moon to Miami for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks - both of whom experienced complete rennaissances in their own rights in Toronto. Marion put up a fantastic stat line rounding out the frontcourt with franchise player Chris Bosh and first-time All-Star Andrea Bargnani, and Marcus Banks assumed the backup shooting guard position behind First All-Defensive Team member Anthony Parker. Jose Calderon also qualified for his first career All-Star appearance (he insisted that he did not want other guards to feel left out, and refused to play), posting an average of 19 points and 10 assists per game. After the trade, the Raptors played extremely well as a team and, while they were unable to catch powerhouses Orlando, Boston and Cleveland, qualified for home-court advantage in the first round, losing to NBA champion favourite Philadelphia 76ers, led by Elton Brand, Andre Iguodala and above-average point guard Andre Miller. The 76ers battled injuries all season, when all three members of their core played, they went an astounding 23-1, led by all-around good guy Brand's monstrous 29 and 14 per game.
As well, the Raptors' future looks extremely bright, especially since CB4 has verbally committed to staying in Toronto for his entire career. Expect many accolades to come the Raptors' way this summer.
Showing posts with label Jermaine O'Neal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jermaine O'Neal. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Raps Hang Tough, Lose Thriller - 115-107 Lakers
The Raps carried a two-point lead into the fourth. The Lakers' first lead of the second half came halfway through the final quarter, and the Raps were able to pull within two with 42.7 seconds left. Unfortunately, a storm named Kobe Bryant came runbling in and the Raptors couldn't weather it, wasting fantastic efforts from Joey Graham and Jermaine O'Neal. Jose Calderon sat again with a sore hamstring. The Raps have dropped three straight and playoff hopes are fading rapidly.
NBA.com recap
Player of the Game:
Who saw this coming? JO looked like it was early 2003 again and posted an astounding line of 22 points, 9 rebounds and 9 blocks. He shot 9-17 from the field and 4-4 from the line. If trade talks are indeed in full swing, it looks like his stock has risen quite a bit tonight.
Notables:
Joey Graham - career-high 24 points (11-19 FG, 1-1 3FG, 1-2 FT), 4 rebounds. Joey was on fire tonight and took it upon himself to put pressure on the Laker perimeter D. He again showed flashes of brilliance and why he's definitely going to get some interest as a free agent.
Anthony Parker - 18 points (6-13 FG, 3-6 3FG, 3-3 FT), 9 assists, 5 rebounds. Playing point guard, Parker again shone through in Jose's absence. Point guard controversy, anyone? (Hint: that was a joke.)
Chris Bosh - Unfortunately, this is mostly a bad Notables mention. He did manage 12 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists while on the court, but he left in the fourth quarter with a knee injury. Call it hindsight, but this man looks very, very tired.
Full box score
Stat of the Game:
In a game with a miniscule 14 total turnovers, the Lakers' pressure was a high point, finishing with six steals to the Raptors zero. The Raptors committed 9 turnovers in all, with the Lakers taking marvelous care of the ball with just 5.
Next Game: Friday, February 6th, 8:00 PM at New Orleans Hornets
NBA.com recap
Player of the Game:
Who saw this coming? JO looked like it was early 2003 again and posted an astounding line of 22 points, 9 rebounds and 9 blocks. He shot 9-17 from the field and 4-4 from the line. If trade talks are indeed in full swing, it looks like his stock has risen quite a bit tonight.
Notables:
Joey Graham - career-high 24 points (11-19 FG, 1-1 3FG, 1-2 FT), 4 rebounds. Joey was on fire tonight and took it upon himself to put pressure on the Laker perimeter D. He again showed flashes of brilliance and why he's definitely going to get some interest as a free agent.
Anthony Parker - 18 points (6-13 FG, 3-6 3FG, 3-3 FT), 9 assists, 5 rebounds. Playing point guard, Parker again shone through in Jose's absence. Point guard controversy, anyone? (Hint: that was a joke.)
Chris Bosh - Unfortunately, this is mostly a bad Notables mention. He did manage 12 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists while on the court, but he left in the fourth quarter with a knee injury. Call it hindsight, but this man looks very, very tired.
Full box score
Stat of the Game:
In a game with a miniscule 14 total turnovers, the Lakers' pressure was a high point, finishing with six steals to the Raptors zero. The Raptors committed 9 turnovers in all, with the Lakers taking marvelous care of the ball with just 5.
Next Game: Friday, February 6th, 8:00 PM at New Orleans Hornets
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Offensive Burst Powers Raps - 107-101 Raptors
Jermaine O'Neal was unstoppable on offense and had one of the most effective offensive games the Raptors have had in a long time allowed them to come back and take the lead for good with about 5 minutes left. It was the first Raptors win in Sacramento in over a decade as the Dinos had lost ten consecutive games at Arco Arena dating back to their last win on March 13, 1997.
NBA.com recap
Player of the Game:
Jermaine O'Neal had one of the most efficient games by a Raptor this season. He had a season-high 36 points on amazing 15-19 from the field and 6-8 from the line, adding 7 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists and 2 blocks. JO carried this team.
Notables:
Jose Calderon - 16 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, one turnover. A very nice game establishing the offense and had one very pretty play in which he snuck behind the defense for a rebound and putback.
Chris Bosh - 13 points, 7 rebounds. finished the game with 5 fouls and as a result only played 27 minutes, luckily JO picked up the slack this game.
Jason Kapono - 10 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds. Jason hit a couple big shots and moved the ball well. Hopefully he'll keep shooting to allow JO and Bosh to operate.
Full box score
Stat of the Game:
The Raptors shot incredibly well this game, hitting 55.1% (38-69) of their field goals, 36.4% (4-11 ) of their threes and 75% (27-36) of their free throws. Their efficiency helped overshadow the 16 turnovers and the Kings' 40% (8-20) shooting from behind the arc.
NBA.com recap
Player of the Game:
Jermaine O'Neal had one of the most efficient games by a Raptor this season. He had a season-high 36 points on amazing 15-19 from the field and 6-8 from the line, adding 7 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists and 2 blocks. JO carried this team.
Notables:
Jose Calderon - 16 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, one turnover. A very nice game establishing the offense and had one very pretty play in which he snuck behind the defense for a rebound and putback.
Chris Bosh - 13 points, 7 rebounds. finished the game with 5 fouls and as a result only played 27 minutes, luckily JO picked up the slack this game.
Jason Kapono - 10 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds. Jason hit a couple big shots and moved the ball well. Hopefully he'll keep shooting to allow JO and Bosh to operate.
Full box score
Stat of the Game:
The Raptors shot incredibly well this game, hitting 55.1% (38-69) of their field goals, 36.4% (4-11 ) of their threes and 75% (27-36) of their free throws. Their efficiency helped overshadow the 16 turnovers and the Kings' 40% (8-20) shooting from behind the arc.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Spurs Kick Raps While We're Down - 107-97 Spurs
Well, Tony Parker played pretty well. 24 points, 10 assists, 8 rebounds - not bad. He led the Spurs to a franchise-record-tying 16 three-balls in destroying any semblance of Raptor perimeter defense. Well... the Raps' record ia 10-17. Hope of a turnaround to this season is becoming dimmer every day. Well, here goes the player awards...
NBA.com Recap
Player of the Game:
Jermaine O'Neal put up pretty stats. 24 points on 12-20 from the field, 10 rebounds. But hey, it seems these days it wouldn't be telling the whole truth to ignore that JO didn't get to the line once in 36 minutes and had 5 of his 8 missed field goals blocked. Sigh...
Notables:
Chris Bosh - 17 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists. Bosh's numbers are solid - he's too talented to have bad games, but teams are learning to key in on him, and his numbers are plumetting. He must be getting very frustrated by now.
Jose Calderon - 16 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists. Even the most efficient point guard in the league is having difficulties conjuring up offense in the anemic Raps system. It's a sad state of affairs.
Full box score
Stat of the Game:
Plain and simple: Perimeter defense. The Spurs jacked up 35 three-pointers, making an astounding 16 of them, for a 45.7% clip. The Raptors responded with 4-12 for 33.3%. Jason, Anthony, Jose, Jamario, Joey - put a hand in the face and move your feet. Please?
NBA.com Recap
Player of the Game:
Jermaine O'Neal put up pretty stats. 24 points on 12-20 from the field, 10 rebounds. But hey, it seems these days it wouldn't be telling the whole truth to ignore that JO didn't get to the line once in 36 minutes and had 5 of his 8 missed field goals blocked. Sigh...
Notables:
Chris Bosh - 17 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists. Bosh's numbers are solid - he's too talented to have bad games, but teams are learning to key in on him, and his numbers are plumetting. He must be getting very frustrated by now.
Jose Calderon - 16 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists. Even the most efficient point guard in the league is having difficulties conjuring up offense in the anemic Raps system. It's a sad state of affairs.
Full box score
Stat of the Game:
Plain and simple: Perimeter defense. The Spurs jacked up 35 three-pointers, making an astounding 16 of them, for a 45.7% clip. The Raptors responded with 4-12 for 33.3%. Jason, Anthony, Jose, Jamario, Joey - put a hand in the face and move your feet. Please?
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Mavs Turn it On in Second Half - 96-86 Mavericks
There were a couple of trends that continued in tonight's game. First, the obvious one: the Raps got outrebounded. Big. Tonight was 47-37 in favour of Dallas. The other is not as obvious but has presented itself often in the recent string of games: the Raptors again coughed up a double-digit lead and were unable to mount their own rally. Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry poured in 27 apiece in busting the Raptors' defense down to size (in this case, our size is XXL), and Josh Howard added a solid 20.
Raptors recap
Player of the Game:
Jermaine O'Neal had a pretty nice game down low, going for 19 points on passable 7-15 from the field and perfect 5-5 from the line. He added 7 rebounds and an impressive 3 blocks, and was the best Raptor big man tonight by a long shot.
Notables:
Jose Calderon - 11 points (5-12 FG, 0-2 3FG, 1-1 FT), 10 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 turnovers. Jose had a beautiful game again, but his scoring efficiency, besides that perfect game, doesn't appear to be as deadly as before his injury.
Jamario Moon - 13 points (5-7 FG, 3-3 3FG), 9 rebounds, 2 assists, one block. Jamario was once again in the running for Player of the Game. He's been doing the little things right, playing good defense and not forcing his offense. That's all we can ask from him at this point; he'll really never carry this team.
Chris Bosh - 12 points (6-20 FG, 0-2 3FG, 0-2 FT), 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals. Chris has had an off month in December, but when was the last time he had a legitimately bad game? No, it wasn't tonight as he contributed nicely all-around as usual... but 6-20 shooting? That's bad. He even missed a dunk. And let's face it, if we aren't all that successful when Bosh is putting up MVP numbers... well, you finish that sentence.
Full box score
Stat of the Game:
What were you expecting? Rebounding, people. We again got destroyed on the boards, 47-37. But hold on, maybe the problem isn't as bad as people think. The Raptors shot 42.9% (36-84) from the field, missing nine more shots than the Mavs (who shot 50%, 39-78). That means that all the Mavericks had to do to outrebound us by ten is grab all nine of those missed shots and beat us by one in offensive rebounding. Lo and behold, this game was practically even on the offensive side of things: the Mavs had 8 offensive boards to the Raptors' 7. So maybe it's not just that "this team can't rebound". Don't think I'm making excuses for this team, though - rebounding is crucial to this team's success - but it's pretty clear (at least in this game) that maybe shooting is more important than just raw rebound numbers.
A Guide to Reducing Your Opponents' Total Rebounds, by this humble blogger:
Step one: Put ball in hoop.
Repeat.
Next Game: Friday, December 19th, 8:00 PM at Oklahoma City Thunder
Raptors recap
Player of the Game:
Jermaine O'Neal had a pretty nice game down low, going for 19 points on passable 7-15 from the field and perfect 5-5 from the line. He added 7 rebounds and an impressive 3 blocks, and was the best Raptor big man tonight by a long shot.
Notables:
Jose Calderon - 11 points (5-12 FG, 0-2 3FG, 1-1 FT), 10 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 turnovers. Jose had a beautiful game again, but his scoring efficiency, besides that perfect game, doesn't appear to be as deadly as before his injury.
Jamario Moon - 13 points (5-7 FG, 3-3 3FG), 9 rebounds, 2 assists, one block. Jamario was once again in the running for Player of the Game. He's been doing the little things right, playing good defense and not forcing his offense. That's all we can ask from him at this point; he'll really never carry this team.
Chris Bosh - 12 points (6-20 FG, 0-2 3FG, 0-2 FT), 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals. Chris has had an off month in December, but when was the last time he had a legitimately bad game? No, it wasn't tonight as he contributed nicely all-around as usual... but 6-20 shooting? That's bad. He even missed a dunk. And let's face it, if we aren't all that successful when Bosh is putting up MVP numbers... well, you finish that sentence.
Full box score
Stat of the Game:
What were you expecting? Rebounding, people. We again got destroyed on the boards, 47-37. But hold on, maybe the problem isn't as bad as people think. The Raptors shot 42.9% (36-84) from the field, missing nine more shots than the Mavs (who shot 50%, 39-78). That means that all the Mavericks had to do to outrebound us by ten is grab all nine of those missed shots and beat us by one in offensive rebounding. Lo and behold, this game was practically even on the offensive side of things: the Mavs had 8 offensive boards to the Raptors' 7. So maybe it's not just that "this team can't rebound". Don't think I'm making excuses for this team, though - rebounding is crucial to this team's success - but it's pretty clear (at least in this game) that maybe shooting is more important than just raw rebound numbers.
A Guide to Reducing Your Opponents' Total Rebounds, by this humble blogger:
Step one: Put ball in hoop.
Repeat.
Next Game: Friday, December 19th, 8:00 PM at Oklahoma City Thunder
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Raptors Lose Close One - 98-97 Blazers
That's right - the Raptors didn't get blown out. Unfortunately, Steve Blake hit a tremendous three with about nine seconds left to put the Blazers up one after Chris Bosh's jumper had the Raps up two. On the other end, Chris looked terribly uncomfortable and ended up throwing up a desperation floater from the baseline that unsurprisingly missed. This game probably lowered the Raptors' morale... if it can go any lower.
Player of the Game:
Jermaine O'Neal had his best game in a Raptors uniform thus far. He put up season highs in points (24 on 10-18 from the field and 4-4 from the line) and blocks with 6, and also added 8 rebounds and 2 assists. Hindsight is 20-20 but... we just don't understand why that final play wasn't drawn up for JO.
Notables:
Jose Calderon - 15 points (6-9 FG, 3-5 3FG), 13 assists, 2 turnovers. Jose was magnificent. No blame can fairly be placed on him.
Anthony Parker - 8 points (3-7 FG, 2-3 3FG), 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 3 steals. Excellent defensive game from AP, and guarded Roy quite effectively - Roy shot 6-16 for the game.
Joey Graham - 10 points (4-5 FG, 2-2 FT) and 2 rebounds. Good Joey showed up again! Graham looks more and more like a solid role player with each passing game, and had one monster driving dunk that might've been the play of the night.
Stat of the Game:
Portland had a plus-17 advantage on the boards, including 18 offensive rebounds (to Toronto's four). Folks, just can't win when you give up that many second- and third-chance points. It defeats players' confidence (especially seeing how often those points came after a block) and reduces your own team's ability to put together a run. Toronto has to get back to being competitive on the boards.
Next game: Tuesday, December 9th, 7:00 PM at Cleveland Cavaliers
Player of the Game:
Jermaine O'Neal had his best game in a Raptors uniform thus far. He put up season highs in points (24 on 10-18 from the field and 4-4 from the line) and blocks with 6, and also added 8 rebounds and 2 assists. Hindsight is 20-20 but... we just don't understand why that final play wasn't drawn up for JO.
Notables:
Jose Calderon - 15 points (6-9 FG, 3-5 3FG), 13 assists, 2 turnovers. Jose was magnificent. No blame can fairly be placed on him.
Anthony Parker - 8 points (3-7 FG, 2-3 3FG), 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 3 steals. Excellent defensive game from AP, and guarded Roy quite effectively - Roy shot 6-16 for the game.
Joey Graham - 10 points (4-5 FG, 2-2 FT) and 2 rebounds. Good Joey showed up again! Graham looks more and more like a solid role player with each passing game, and had one monster driving dunk that might've been the play of the night.
Stat of the Game:
Portland had a plus-17 advantage on the boards, including 18 offensive rebounds (to Toronto's four). Folks, just can't win when you give up that many second- and third-chance points. It defeats players' confidence (especially seeing how often those points came after a block) and reduces your own team's ability to put together a run. Toronto has to get back to being competitive on the boards.
Next game: Tuesday, December 9th, 7:00 PM at Cleveland Cavaliers
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Raptors Can't Contain Magic: 103-90 Orlando
It was clear that the Raptors missed Jose tonight. The Raps got off to a blazing start in the first quarter, shooting over 60%, however the rest of the game saw the gradual decline of Toronto. Tonight's game, if anything, proved that two people can not win a game, as the well rounded Magic pushed past the Raptors, rather, they pushed past Bosh and O'Neal.
NBA.com Recap
Player of the game:
Chris Bosh - 40 points, 18 rebounds, 4 assists in 45 minutes. Oh what a night from Toronto's All-Star. Tonight everyone except for Chris seemed to be shrugging their shoulders when given the opportunity to score. He was on a mission tonight, but unfortunately, he could not give us the win.
Notables:
Jermaine O'Neal - 16 points, 10 rebounds in 26 minutes. One of three (yes, three) Raptors to hit double figures in points last night. His third consecutive game putting up a double-double.
Stat of the game:
How about 21 turnovers and only 12 assists? At times this game looked like the Globetrotters versus the Generals. The Magic would easily grab our passes and make us turn over the ball with apparent ease. Will Solomon: 7 (seven) turnovers! What are you thinking Will? Hopefully Raptor point guards for years to come will watch this game and be told, "This is exactly how to not play the point".
The Raptors will have to bounce back quickly, as they fly to Miami to play the Heat tomorrow night.
Special thank you to Matt Devlin tonight for his unneeded negativity while commentating the Raptor game tonight. Not the best way to get a new city to like you Matt...
NBA.com Recap
Player of the game:
Chris Bosh - 40 points, 18 rebounds, 4 assists in 45 minutes. Oh what a night from Toronto's All-Star. Tonight everyone except for Chris seemed to be shrugging their shoulders when given the opportunity to score. He was on a mission tonight, but unfortunately, he could not give us the win.
Notables:
Jermaine O'Neal - 16 points, 10 rebounds in 26 minutes. One of three (yes, three) Raptors to hit double figures in points last night. His third consecutive game putting up a double-double.
Stat of the game:
How about 21 turnovers and only 12 assists? At times this game looked like the Globetrotters versus the Generals. The Magic would easily grab our passes and make us turn over the ball with apparent ease. Will Solomon: 7 (seven) turnovers! What are you thinking Will? Hopefully Raptor point guards for years to come will watch this game and be told, "This is exactly how to not play the point".
The Raptors will have to bounce back quickly, as they fly to Miami to play the Heat tomorrow night.
Special thank you to Matt Devlin tonight for his unneeded negativity while commentating the Raptor game tonight. Not the best way to get a new city to like you Matt...
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Raptors Drop One in Boston - 94-87 Celtics
For the first three quarters last night it looked like the Raps could pull off a huge confidence booster in Boston. We were playing solid, efficient offense and stingy defense. But when the Celts made their run in the fourth we couldn't stop the bleeding and some threes by Jesus Shuttlesworth and Paul Pierce broke the game open. Jermaine O'Neal busted out of his slump with a big game, but unfortunately the good guys couldn't pick up the W. Our record currently stands at 4-3.
Raptors Post Up
Player of the Game:
Jermaine O'Neal all the way last night. It looked like JO's intensity would carry us through, although that wasn't meant to be. He finished with 23 points (on 8-17 FG and 7-9 FT), 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Hopefully for him and Raptors fans this means he will finally break out of his offensive slump.
Notables:
Jason Kapono - 14 points (6-10 FG, 2-3 3FG), 6 assists, 4 rebounds. A surprisingly well-rounded game from Jason, and he stepped up when no one else could play backup to Jermaine's main event.
Jose Calderon - 7 points (2-9 FG, 1-4 3FG, 2-2 FT), 10 assists, one steal, one block. Played distributor as always but did not shoot well at all. He needs to be more consistent shooting the rock to allow him to penetrate more easily, but it's impossible to pin the blame on him.
Chris Bosh - 9 points, 7 rebounds. Looked sluggish after Sunday's dominance in Charlotte. While he didn't have a particularly bad game, this team counts on him to dominate the post alongside Jermaine O'Neal, and needs both to play well. One or the other just won't cut it against the best team in the NBA.
Full box score
Stat of the Game:
Boston was plus-11 in free throws, shooting 88.9% (24-27) to the Raptors 72.2% (13-18).
Next game: Wednesday, November 12th, 7:00 PM vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Raptors Post Up
Player of the Game:
Jermaine O'Neal all the way last night. It looked like JO's intensity would carry us through, although that wasn't meant to be. He finished with 23 points (on 8-17 FG and 7-9 FT), 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Hopefully for him and Raptors fans this means he will finally break out of his offensive slump.
Notables:
Jason Kapono - 14 points (6-10 FG, 2-3 3FG), 6 assists, 4 rebounds. A surprisingly well-rounded game from Jason, and he stepped up when no one else could play backup to Jermaine's main event.
Jose Calderon - 7 points (2-9 FG, 1-4 3FG, 2-2 FT), 10 assists, one steal, one block. Played distributor as always but did not shoot well at all. He needs to be more consistent shooting the rock to allow him to penetrate more easily, but it's impossible to pin the blame on him.
Chris Bosh - 9 points, 7 rebounds. Looked sluggish after Sunday's dominance in Charlotte. While he didn't have a particularly bad game, this team counts on him to dominate the post alongside Jermaine O'Neal, and needs both to play well. One or the other just won't cut it against the best team in the NBA.
Full box score
Stat of the Game:
Boston was plus-11 in free throws, shooting 88.9% (24-27) to the Raptors 72.2% (13-18).
Next game: Wednesday, November 12th, 7:00 PM vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
2008-09 Fantasy Preview: Raptors Edition
For all our readers who love fantasy basketball as much as we do, here is a fantasy preview of the most fantasy-significant Toronto Raptors.
Christopher Wesson Bosh - last year our franchise player averaged 22.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists per game, added with his average of .9 steals and 1 block per game makes him a great fantasy pick. He's also great for above 80% free throw shooting with plenty of attempts and 48+ FG%.
That being said, taking Bosh could have some downsides.
He doesn't grab as many rebounds as one would hope from a first or second round pick, and doesn't really produce much statistically beyond points and boards. He might hit a three from time to time but not often enough to be significant.
Jose Calderon - last year Jose broke out with a borderline All-Star performance, and his game may be even better in fantasy. He's incredibly consistent and reliable - last year his numbers were 11.2 ppg, 8.3 apg, and 2.9 rpg. Pretty decent numbers for a starting point until you factor in the rest of his production: 52 FG%, 91 FT%, 1.5 TOpg, 1 spg, 1 3pg. He played all 82 games last year. And finally, barring something huge, his numbers will only get better - he's improved every year in the league, and he only played 28 minutes a game last year splitting time with T.J. Ford. Jose should be an All-Star this year - he's a very good pick.
Jamario Moon - a player who is better on paper than in-game. He is spectacular at filling in holes, and he'll provide you with some difficult to acquire stats. Last year's stats: 8.5 ppg, 49 FG%, 74 FT%, 6.3 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.3 bpg and 0.7 spg. Before you say, "But he was a rookie, he'll be even better this year," keep in mind that Jamario is 28 years old. While NBA experience is important, NBA teams will now have a full year's worth of scouting reports on him. Nonetheless, Jamario worked on his ball skills and shooting this summer and figures to improve his 0.5 3pg numbers, his scoring, and his free throw percentage as well. Expect his numbers to be roughly similar to last year's. Moon is a good pickup in the later rounds.
Jermaine O'Neal - the "wild card" of this Raptors team. If you draft him in the top-5 rounds, you're gambling - but high-risk, high-return. If he pans out and returns to his All-Star form, he'll average 21 ppg, 10 rpg and 2 bpg, and will shoot a good percentage from the floor and the line, and could play over 75 games. If he's not actually healthy, however, his numbers will look more like 10 ppg, 6 rpg, 1 bpg, 43 FG%, and most importantly, 50 GP. If Jermaine falls to later than the 5th round in a deep draft, grab him (fairly likely since his numbers last year were so poor) but don't bet your team on him.
Anthony Parker - a pretty average fantasy player. Averaged 12.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1 spg, 1.6 3pg, and shot 48 FG% and 83 FT%. He's a good pickup in late rounds, but will probably never carry your team.
Jason Kapono - this year, he could be anywhere from bad to a solid contributor, and he'll likely be everywhere in between at some point. Last year he produced 7.2 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 0.7 3pg, 0.8 rpg, 0.4 spg but shot very well: 49 FG%, 86 FT%, 48 3FG%. However, in the playoffs Kapono turned into Ka-pwn-o (sorry) and started playing like a $6 million man. If Smitch is telling the truth about playing Kapono at the 2 with Moon or Graham providing needed athleticism at the 3, it should mean more minutes for him and he may look more like playoff Jason.
Andrea Bargnani - this is important: if you are playing in a league that counts fouls (especially) and turnovers, DO NOT GO NEAR ANDREA BARGNANI. If you're not, Andrea could be a solid contributor. He really doesn't have much choice but to step up this year if he'd like to play in the NBA. Last year he regressed from his rookie campaign, but still posted a serviceable line of 10.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.1 bpg and 1.1 3pg. On the downside, he shot a brutal 39 FG%. In deep drafts, Bargnani could help your team, and he's also bound to churn out a big game every so often. Grab him in the last few rounds.
Christopher Wesson Bosh - last year our franchise player averaged 22.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists per game, added with his average of .9 steals and 1 block per game makes him a great fantasy pick. He's also great for above 80% free throw shooting with plenty of attempts and 48+ FG%.
That being said, taking Bosh could have some downsides.
He doesn't grab as many rebounds as one would hope from a first or second round pick, and doesn't really produce much statistically beyond points and boards. He might hit a three from time to time but not often enough to be significant.
Jose Calderon - last year Jose broke out with a borderline All-Star performance, and his game may be even better in fantasy. He's incredibly consistent and reliable - last year his numbers were 11.2 ppg, 8.3 apg, and 2.9 rpg. Pretty decent numbers for a starting point until you factor in the rest of his production: 52 FG%, 91 FT%, 1.5 TOpg, 1 spg, 1 3pg. He played all 82 games last year. And finally, barring something huge, his numbers will only get better - he's improved every year in the league, and he only played 28 minutes a game last year splitting time with T.J. Ford. Jose should be an All-Star this year - he's a very good pick.
Jamario Moon - a player who is better on paper than in-game. He is spectacular at filling in holes, and he'll provide you with some difficult to acquire stats. Last year's stats: 8.5 ppg, 49 FG%, 74 FT%, 6.3 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.3 bpg and 0.7 spg. Before you say, "But he was a rookie, he'll be even better this year," keep in mind that Jamario is 28 years old. While NBA experience is important, NBA teams will now have a full year's worth of scouting reports on him. Nonetheless, Jamario worked on his ball skills and shooting this summer and figures to improve his 0.5 3pg numbers, his scoring, and his free throw percentage as well. Expect his numbers to be roughly similar to last year's. Moon is a good pickup in the later rounds.
Jermaine O'Neal - the "wild card" of this Raptors team. If you draft him in the top-5 rounds, you're gambling - but high-risk, high-return. If he pans out and returns to his All-Star form, he'll average 21 ppg, 10 rpg and 2 bpg, and will shoot a good percentage from the floor and the line, and could play over 75 games. If he's not actually healthy, however, his numbers will look more like 10 ppg, 6 rpg, 1 bpg, 43 FG%, and most importantly, 50 GP. If Jermaine falls to later than the 5th round in a deep draft, grab him (fairly likely since his numbers last year were so poor) but don't bet your team on him.
Anthony Parker - a pretty average fantasy player. Averaged 12.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1 spg, 1.6 3pg, and shot 48 FG% and 83 FT%. He's a good pickup in late rounds, but will probably never carry your team.
Jason Kapono - this year, he could be anywhere from bad to a solid contributor, and he'll likely be everywhere in between at some point. Last year he produced 7.2 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 0.7 3pg, 0.8 rpg, 0.4 spg but shot very well: 49 FG%, 86 FT%, 48 3FG%. However, in the playoffs Kapono turned into Ka-pwn-o (sorry) and started playing like a $6 million man. If Smitch is telling the truth about playing Kapono at the 2 with Moon or Graham providing needed athleticism at the 3, it should mean more minutes for him and he may look more like playoff Jason.
Andrea Bargnani - this is important: if you are playing in a league that counts fouls (especially) and turnovers, DO NOT GO NEAR ANDREA BARGNANI. If you're not, Andrea could be a solid contributor. He really doesn't have much choice but to step up this year if he'd like to play in the NBA. Last year he regressed from his rookie campaign, but still posted a serviceable line of 10.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.1 bpg and 1.1 3pg. On the downside, he shot a brutal 39 FG%. In deep drafts, Bargnani could help your team, and he's also bound to churn out a big game every so often. Grab him in the last few rounds.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Big Men Dominate - 93-89 Raps
NBA.com Recap
Player of the game:
Jermaine O'Neal - 20 points (7-15, 6-6), 9 rebounds, 5 blocks. This is exactly the reason we traded for a player like him, and he certainly showed what he can do. While it'll be difficult for him to keep up stats like this for the whole season (mostly in terms of blocks) if he can keep his scoring around 18 and rebounds at eight or nine, the Raptors will be happy, and we'll get a lot of results like last night's.
Notables:
- Chris Bosh - 26 points, 11 rebounds, 9-9 from the free throw line. Bosh had a game we're used to seeing from him. Excellent numbers at a great percentage.
- Kris Humphries - 12 points, 4 rebounds, one steal, one block. Stepped up with a solid game off the bench. Most importantly, he shot 5-9 from the field and 2-2 from the line, and we all know Humphries can take some really "ill-advised" shots, so it's important for him to make easy buckets.
- Roko Ukic - 8 points, 3 assists, one steal. Played a very nice game in 15 minutes, as well as playing 5 more minutes than Solomon. Shot very well (2-3 from the field, 4-5 free throws) and a game like this will really help him in trying to claim the backup point guard job.
Full box score
Stat of the game:
The Raptors got to the free-throw line 33 times to the Clippers' 17. As well, the Raptors made 27 (81.8%) while the Clippers made 9 (64.3%). With a perimeter-oriented team like the Raptors, it's important to pound the ball inside to Bosh (9 FTA) and O'Neal (6 FTA) as well as the guards penetrating (Graham 6 FTA, Ukic 5 FTA, Solomon 3 FTA).
Player of the game:
Jermaine O'Neal - 20 points (7-15, 6-6), 9 rebounds, 5 blocks. This is exactly the reason we traded for a player like him, and he certainly showed what he can do. While it'll be difficult for him to keep up stats like this for the whole season (mostly in terms of blocks) if he can keep his scoring around 18 and rebounds at eight or nine, the Raptors will be happy, and we'll get a lot of results like last night's.
Notables:
- Chris Bosh - 26 points, 11 rebounds, 9-9 from the free throw line. Bosh had a game we're used to seeing from him. Excellent numbers at a great percentage.
- Kris Humphries - 12 points, 4 rebounds, one steal, one block. Stepped up with a solid game off the bench. Most importantly, he shot 5-9 from the field and 2-2 from the line, and we all know Humphries can take some really "ill-advised" shots, so it's important for him to make easy buckets.
- Roko Ukic - 8 points, 3 assists, one steal. Played a very nice game in 15 minutes, as well as playing 5 more minutes than Solomon. Shot very well (2-3 from the field, 4-5 free throws) and a game like this will really help him in trying to claim the backup point guard job.
Full box score
Stat of the game:
The Raptors got to the free-throw line 33 times to the Clippers' 17. As well, the Raptors made 27 (81.8%) while the Clippers made 9 (64.3%). With a perimeter-oriented team like the Raptors, it's important to pound the ball inside to Bosh (9 FTA) and O'Neal (6 FTA) as well as the guards penetrating (Graham 6 FTA, Ukic 5 FTA, Solomon 3 FTA).
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