Post Game: Wizards 93 Raptors 100 Oct 11th, 2009

Did you miss them? Being without a broadcast, it was sort of difficult to asses what the heck happened in Minnesota. Fortunately for us die hard fans salivating for preseason action we were in luck, as the game was played live on Raps TV. The Raptors pulled out the win and some players that have struggled here and there impressed me this afternoon. Some positives and negatives...

The Positives:

-Belinelli had a fine offensive game contributing 15points 5assists and 4rebounds. He keeps that up and I think I will be wholly satisfied.

-Something clicked inside DeRozan's head and he looked great on both sides of the court. He also had a team high 19points.

-Amir Johnson is just a young and hungry player. He had a game high 12rebounds and on top of that blocked 3 shots.

-There was more calm at the point with both Calderon and Jack having steady games. Calderon fending off Arenas in the first half. Jack leading the bench and leading it well in the 2nd half.

-They finally out rebounded their opponents 49-41

The Negatives:

-The y finished with 100points but their their field goal percentage was a weak 38%.

-The biggest gaping hole on this team is that it just cannot defend the dribble penetration whatsoever. I know Wright is missing from the line up as I type this but he is only one man. They need to figure out there defensive schematics to stop this because it will kill them this year.

-they shot the 3 ball horribly with 1-12 on the day.

It was a youth full revolt today at the ACC. With DeRozan, Belinelli and Johnson taking charge. Bosh and Bargnani had a rather quiet night and the three young players stepped up and took over.

DeRozan does not mind a bit of contact. Driving in and taking the hit from NBA bodies probably wouldn't be the first thing a Rookie would want to be doing. But, DeRozan doesn't mind and it helped him get to the line and shoot 9/10 at the free throw line. This kid likes to work on his game and it is truly showing. Out of the top 10 draft picks from this years crop you wouldn't have to argue him into the top 5 of best performance so far. If you disagree take a look at the 2 minute mark in the 4th quarter. Need I say more?

We have needed someone on this team to step up and help with point production at the 2 spot on a consistent level. The past 2 years we have seen the likes of Parker, Moon, Delfino and Kapono try and fail. I think from what I have taken in the past few games, Belinelli has more talent and is more well rounded than all 4 of those players(disregarding Anthony Parker's first year with us). I'm not saying he is the second coming of Del Curry or Doug Christie. I am not saying he has a Manu Ginobli type ceiling. What I am saying is this kid is with an organisation that is supportive and a fan of his talent. He fits very well with this teams roster and system. He has compatriots in Bargnani and Gherardini. Colangelo thinks he has 6th man of the year potential(let's not get too out of hand here). Browsing the Internet you read the words streaky, weak defense, can play the point. Doesn't sound exciting. This is a win win situation and it is all up to him. It's the pivotal moment in his career where all the cards have fallen into place and it is the time to make it or break it. This team has potential to be exciting and he needs to fit that format as well. 12-15points on average would be more than enough per game and he is young enough to mold into a better defensive presence.

The Toronto Raptors 2009 season will be determined by their defensive ability. If they don't patch up the weaknesses and commit to a defense first attitude like the Celtics there is no way they will make the noise that some fans are hoping for this season. It's easy to predict a playoff birth but getting past the first round will be nearly impossibleif attitudes don't change. The perimeter needs to be locked down tighter than a Casino floor. They have the tools in Marc Iavroni being a defensive specialist. The solid front court rotation of Rasho, Evans, Amir and a steady veteran who has had a life in this league due to his defensive prowess, Antoine Wright were all brought in. These are all stepping stones. Calderon, Bargnani and Turkoglu need to buy into the defensive system the coaches have designed if they want to succeed.

I believe this team's bench can match up well against most if not all benches in the east. Jack is the perfect point guard for our bench players. He runs the court with such calm and ease. Our guys would have a tough time letting the game get out of control(as it usually has when the starters aren't on the court) with Jack at the helm.

The Raptors have been written off this year by a load of sports writer's(cough, cough John Hollinger, cough) and TV personalities. This team has had it's highs and lows. This is potentially the most talented group assembled yet. They need to out perform out hustle and out shine as much as possible. They need to stand up during tough losses and take charge coming out of the gate in the next. We are 17 day's away from the Cavaliers stepping onto our home court. November will be a grind and could set the pace for the season.

Next up we have a game against Boston at a neutral site. It'll be interesting to see the big three in action. Check back on Wednesday for the pregame post.

Cool Hand Luke