There is NO denying that the Raptors’ last game – a home loss to Charlotte – SHOULD have been a win.  When you’re on your home floor and you’ve been playing well against higher-end, playoff teams like Boston (whom they beat), LA, New York, and San Antonio…you have to jump on a Bobcats team that had lost 16 in a row before coming to Toronto.  That was a bad loss for Dwane Casey and company.  But at the end of the day, the Raptors last 7 losses (they’ve won only once in 8 games) have come by a combined total of only 34 points.  That’s less than 5 points per game.  Yes, a loss is a loss, and some could argue that there are no ‘moral victories’ when you’re losing, but those in ‘Tank Nation’ (which I’m NOT a part of) might disagree with you – they’d say it’s games like these that are perfect for Toronto…compete and entertain, but don’t win.

Feb 17 vs Charlotte (-7)
Feb 15 vs San Antonio (-7)
Feb 14 vs New York (-3)
Feb 12 vs LA Lakers (-2)
Feb 8 vs Milwaukee (-6)
Feb 6 @ Washington (-3 in OT)
Feb 5 @ Miami (-6)

One of the biggest reasons why Toronto has been able to hang tight in a lot of these games is the offensive production from veteran point guard, Jose Calderon.  Normally more reserved offensively, Calderon has picked up his scoring while not seeing a major drop-off in his assist totals as well.  He’s still playing the role of the ultimate (sure-handed / low-turnover) distributor…while consistently knocking down open jumpers when coming off screens, etc.

Over the last 5 games, the ‘Ocho Special’ (a term we’ve dubbed on the FAN radio broadcasts for years) is putting up some lofty totals:

PPG – 20.4
ASST – 9.6
T/O – 1.6
FG% – 60.3
3PT FG% – 58.8

Calderon’s solid play has led many to think that Bryan Colangelo could be entertaining offers for his Spanish guard.  And teams MAY be calling.  But while I see that ‘sell high’ mentality, I don’t know if Calderon is going anywhere.  The question has to be asked:  What would you do without Jose and who is the future point guard of this team?

Jerryd Bayless’ contract was NOT extended by the Raptors prior to the deadline earlier this season.  Thus, Bayless will become a restricted free agent at the end of the year.  Toronto will still hold his rights but there are questions about whether the Arizona product is in the Raps’ long-term plans.  He’s a good combo guard with decent defensive skills and an edgy competitive nature as well.  He’s simply a ‘good guy’ as well.  But whether or not Bayless is an every-day starting point guard remains very-much ‘undecided’ right now.

Anthony Carter, simply, is a veteran guard on a 1-year deal.  He’s not part of the future (may not even be a part of ‘next year’).

In 2012-13, Calderon will be entering into the final year of his contract.  If Colangelo was to deal him NOW…there’s no denying that Toronto would be shedding $10 million from the payroll for next year (and what’s left of this year as well) but who would run the point?

Short-term, I suppose you’d ‘get by’ with Bayless and Carter (and even find spot-duty for Leandro Barbosa and Gary Forbes) but what would the long-term answer be?  Ask yourself THAT question while factoring into the equation the idea that no college point guard is currently ranked or projected in the Top 10 (maybe even Top 15) for the 2012 NBA Draft in June.

Yes, the Raptors will have a whack of cash to spend on Free Agents this summer (and/or next summer)…but convincing a TOP point guard to come to Toronto after (likely) 4 straight seasons on the outside of the post-season will not be easy.  Colangelo and his management team will have a lot of work to do IF Calderon has already been moved and there is a vacancy at the point that must be filled ASAP.

Keep in mind…most of the ‘notable’ free agent PG’s this summer include a TON of veterans like Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, Andrea Miller and Kirk Hinrich.  Unrestricted options like Deron Williams do exist, but how realistic is it to think he’ll land with the Raptors?  And would Toronto be happy with other UFA’s like Raymond Felton or Jonny Flynn?

Keeping Calderon, for now, may be the best option while the Raps try to sift through the trade market over the next 12-18 months.

Time will tell!

Paul Jones and I are on the air at 7pm tonight with the Raptors and Pistons…and we’ll have full post-game coverage (on ‘The Rap’) until 11pm.

Have a good one.

E. Smith

You saw it coming.

Try to say you didn’t!

That’s not an excuse — Toronto should have protected the home floor against a 3-26 team, NO doubt — but it’s a fact.  You know a letdown was coming at SOME point after strong games (in spite of the W or L) against Boston, LA, New York, and San Antonio.

The Raptors fell to 0-9 when trailing at the half at home this year…losing to the Bobcats, 98-91.  Paul Jones and I break it down:

http://youtu.be/s0hpPKGCktY

Game Highlights:

Download

D.J. Augustin:

Download

The Rap:

Download

We’ll both now enjoy some time with family and friends (and sprinkle-in some work too, no doubt!) before getting back on the air NEXT WEDNESDAY when the Raptors host the Pistons.

Have a good one folks.

E. Smith

On the post-game show on Wednesday evening (on Sportsnet 590), Paul Jones and I were chatting about the current home-stand for the Raptors and how T.O. has managed to win only 1 game (out of 5) thus far.  But the total combined number for their margin of defeat is only 18 points.

TV stat man, John Rusin, took it even further …

If the final two road games before this 7-game stop at the ACC were included — in Miami and Washington — the number would sit at 27 (total).  That equates to the Raptors losing their last 6 games by an average of exactly 4.5 points.

vs San Antonio:  -7
vs New York:  -3
vs LA Lakers:  -2
vs Milwaukee:  -6
@ Washington:  -3 (OT)
@ Miami:  -6

Toronto will hope to “get off the schnide” tonight against the Bobcats.  Charlotte has lost an incredible 16 games in a row…sitting at just 3-26 overall this season.

It wasn’t long ago that many believed the Cats – with a move here and there – could solidify themselves as, at the very least, a consistent 6th-to-8th-seed-contender in the Eastern Conference.  But moves (see:  Stephen Jackson, Gerald Wallace, and more), money, and injuries have buried the Bobcats and a top pick in the 2012 Draft is the only thing in Charlotte’s path now.

As bad as their THREE victories are, the Bobcats have only 1 win on the road this season (1-15).  With, basically, half of their road sked already in the books, the math is simple:  They’re on pace for 2 wins away from home this season.  And if that goes down, Kemba Walker and Company will go down in history:

Worst Road Records – All Time

Baltimore, 1953-54:  0-20
Sacramento, 1990-91:  1-40
Washington, 2010-11:  1-30
Philadelphia, 1952-53:  1-28

Finally, speaking of Walker, there were many people who believed the Raptors would reach out and select the UCONN guard during last June’s Draft (before they ultimately decided on Jonas Valanciunas at #5).  In fact, some felt Toronto had their eyes on another player that ended up landing with the Bobcats as well, Bismack Biyombo.

But none of that happened…and Charlotte was happy to have the depth in the back and front courts with those two additions.  And Walker is having a solid season in his rookie campaign, in spite of his TEAM’S struggles:

Rookie Points                13.1      3RD
Rookie Assists               3.6       3RD
Rookie Rebounds            4.0       13TH
Rookie Minutes               29.3     5TH

Paul Jones and I will have the call of the game tonight beginning at 7pm … and we’ll stay on the air ’til 11pm with full post-game coverage on “The Rap”.

Have a good one!

E. Smith

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Don’t forget…tonight is FAN NIGHT at the ACC.  There will be discounts on merchandise, give-aways, and much more … including a special halftime performance from Grammy Award Winners (from the 90′s):  NAUGHTY BY NATURE

http://youtu.be/GaXb1G93KDo

As they did against the Lakers and Knicks … the Raptors battled the Spurs and refused to give-in to the #2 seed in the Western Conference.  But at the end of the night, San Antonio led from opening tip to final buzzer and handed Toronto its 3rd straight loss.

Paul Jones and I break it all down in our latest video recap:

For more on the game, click on the audio links below…

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Game highlights:

Download – Spurs at Raptors

“The Rap” (SN590 Raptors post-game show) with special appearances by former Raptor, Jerome Williams and “The Coach” Jack Armstrong.

Download

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For more coverage of the Raptors and the NBA, be sure to tune in to “HOOPS” at 7pm on Thursday night.

Have a good one folks

E. Smith

Remember how Tim Duncan was supposed to be on the decline; only seeing his numbers drop with every month and year that went by and got tacked onto his age?

Well, after starting the season slowly for the Spurs, Duncan has dipped his toe in the Fountain of Youth at the best possible time…..helping San Antonio reel-off 8-straight wins while putting up numbers THIS MONTH that exceed and/or come close to his career averages (including, currently, 5 straight double-doubles):

DUNCAN IN 2011-2012:

Points         Rebounds

December        9.0             6.0
January           13.8           7.8
February         17.6            11.7

(His career average is 20.4 PPG and 11.3 REB).

The veteran big man has proven to be quite durable over the years as well.  Prior to this season, Duncan played in 75 or more games in 10 of his 14 seasons (and all 50 during the shortened season in 1998-1999).  The 3 remaining campaigns in question?  74…69…and 66 games played respectively.  This season he has appeared in 28 of 29 games and the Spurs sit atop the Southwest Division (#2 overall in the Western Conference) with a 20-9 record.

Duncan has 18 blocks and 10 steals during this 8-game winning streak, and perhaps it’s San Antonio’s new attention to DEFENCE that has turned things around for Gregg Popovich:

SAN ANTONIO 2011-12:

1ST 21 games                        Last 8 games

Record                  12-9                      8-0
Opp PPG                95.6                      87.4
Opp FG%              45.9                       42.3
Rebounds              41.2                       43.5
Blocks                   4.19                      5.25

Paul Jones and I will be on the air at 7pm tonight with all of the action.  We’ll have full post-game coverage as well (“The Rap”) ’til 11pm.

Have a good one

E. Smith

Paul Jones and Eric Smith break down a WILD night at the ACC last night; heroics from the Knicks and poster-boy-of-the-moment, Jeremy Lin.

We’ll be back on the air later tonight for the tip-off of the Raptors and Spurts.  7pm tip off on Sportsnet 590 the FAN.  Full post-game coverage on “The Rap” ’til 11pm.

Have a good one folks.

E. Smith

The Raptors finally got the Celtic monkey off their back…beating the boys from Beantown for the first time this season, 86-74.

This was also the first time in 6 games that Toronto has beaten Boston.

Paul Jones and I break it all down in our latest VLOG:

Post game audio:

Game highlights:

Download

Raptors forward, James Johnson post game interview:

Download

“The Rap” post game show for Real Sports:

Download

The Raptors led from beginning to end against the Celtics … and they’ll have to bring that same kind of effort from the get-go against the Lakers on Sunday as well.

We’ll be on the air for LA and Toronto on Sunday at 1230pm (pre-game show) and we’ll have the tip-off just after 1pm

Have a good one folks.

E. Smith