(Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images)
When Brian Colangelo thinks something isn’t working, a lot of people find themselves somewhere else in a big hurry!
The Toronto Raptors have been through more personnel changes than a fast food joint since the start of last season. So much so that most of us won’t be able to go to a game this season without a program. At $5 a copy, the Raptors' owners, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment will be very happy to hear that one!
But we shouldn’t forget those who contributed and in many ways made this year’s roster possible. Some of these former Raptors may not have made a lasting impression, but all of them contributed something to the team or at least to our entertainment.
Sixteen faces have moved on since last season started—not counting assistant coaches and other team personnel. So saying good-bye to those 2008-09 Raptor alumni will take some time!
Sam Mitchell
The coach who stood up to a bunch of whiny unresponsive veterans and gave fans hope that change was possible. We will miss your fire. You didn’t deserve the chants of “Fire Mitchell” last season but why couldn’t you learn the Xs and Os and that when your boss tells you to play the rookies, you play the rookies! We know you’ll find another NBA coaching job.
Joey Graham
You were a favourite! For all you did wrong and for all you never learned in four seasons, the fans still loved to watch you play and chanted: Joey, Joey!
Roko Ukic
We thought you were the second coming of Jose Calderon. And who knows, that could still be true. It wasn’t your fault that the Raps threw you into the fire before you were ready. Here’s wishing you the best of luck in Milwaukee.
Will Solomon
Raptor fans shouldn’t forget that 15 point, 11 assist game you gave vs. Miami on Nov. 16. It looked like the Raptors had hit the jackpot. That wasn’t your only good game, but it just wasn’t enough. Thanks anyway.
Hassan Adams
A game log full of zeros wasn’t your fault. We never really got to see you play.
Jorge Garbajosa
A good-bye that’s more than a day late and a dollar short. But your contract with the Raptors has finally concluded (for salary cap purposes), insurance claims have been settled and you’ve been resigned in Europe for a while. The team couldn’t replace your basketball IQ and toughness at small forward and it cost us a playoff series and two sliding seasons. Man, did the Raps ever miss you!
Carlos Delfino
The Raptors couldn’t get your name on a contract last season but held onto your rights. You helped the Raps win some games in '07-08 and lots of us wanted you back. Thanks for helping the Raptors get Amir Johnson. Welcome back to the NBA!
Nathan Jawai
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