The Raps were graced last season having two legitimate point guards running the show and taking them into the playoffs. Jose 'The Spanish Fly' Calderon was already in Toronto when newly appointed GM Bryan Colangelo traded Charlie Villenueva for TJ Ford. Expecting an easy transition, everyone in Toronto expected Ford to start the entire season; everyone except Jose Calderon of course.
Calderon had gone back to his native Spain in the off-season to work on his game, playing with the national team. Who knew he would come back a completely different player. In the 2006-2007 season Calderon was a man on a mission looking to become a legitimate starter in the league. He developed Steve Nash-esque moves like quick one step lay-ups from the left side keeping the defender on his hip. He became a leader on the floor, constantly talking to his fellow players, calling plays, restarting the offense when needed and playing pretty solid defense. The one down side to his game was his shooting from beyond 15 feet.
Sharing time with TJ they pretty much equally split the minutes, yet when TJ went down with an injury for a couple games, Jose took the reigns. Now, most fans very rarely notice coaching strategy but Sam Mitchell's method to the point situation was and still is ingenius. Many of you may think that TJ Ford was last year and still is the number 1 guard because he starts the game. Well, my readers let me enlighten you to a little secret. Sam Mitchell starts TJ, then brings Calderon in at around the 3 minute mark of the first quarter. He will leave Calderon in till about the 5-6 minute mark of the second quarter when he brings TJ back. TJ will start the 3rd but will come out earlier, around the 6 minute mark. Jose will likely play to the end of the quarter where TJ will start the fourth, only to be relieved by Jose at the 5 minute mark. Get it?
What I'm trying to display by my avid abilities to breakdown coaching strategies (as I so coherently did) is that Mitchell wants Jose to end the games for the team. He wants a true leader to run the point, especially when games are tough. Now, of course this can backfire, i.e. Jose's crappy pass to a wide open Chris Bosh in game six of the playoffs. But I think Mitchell and the entire league has recognized Calderon's leadership abilities and steadily improving play.
The league certainly took notice as trade rumours swirled around Toronto in the offseason with Jose at the centre of it. I don't think any legitimate offer was made, something like a draft pick or two at most, but with the dazzling duo running the point for the Raps it's only natural to have those rumours around.
Competition at the position has made Calderon work harder and play smarter and in that respect he has out-shined TJ and become a marked man in the association. Mark my words readers, in three years time Jose (barring any injury of course) will be an all-star. Whether he's wearing a Raptors jersey or not will be the question.
6 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Anonymous about 1 year ago
If you seen the recent games, TJ is outplaying and leading the Raptors not Jose!
TJ will be an All Star way before Jose is there!
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Jon Bross about 1 year ago
In the blowout against the nets, I agree TJ definately played well. But once the Nets started coming back in the 2nd quarter Jose subbed in and the Raps went on a 20-5 run. I think Jose has more leadership capabilities than TJ's erratic style.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
TJ Ford all the way! He was clutch for the Raptors agains the Celtics!
32 pts and leading the Raptors!
I didn't see Jose contributing much!
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Jon Bross about 1 year ago
Yeah TJ had a great game. But if you couldn't tell his decision making was still horrible yesterday. Don't get me wrong I still think he's a solid player, but Jose is a better decision maker all around. TJ did keep the Raps in the game though which was nice to see so early in the season
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Major Kelchner about 1 year ago
They are different point guards, situational.
Mitchell is a master at rotating them. Not many coaches can make that work.
We'll see how long until a legit big man is dangled in front of Colaneglo in a trade for Calderon. That is the only situation where I can see him getting traded.
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Sean Roach about 1 year ago
dont forget calderon also gets most of his playing time vs. the bench of many opponent teams. And TJ is a proven starter, i'm not too sure where Calderon is at in his career, but hes a solid backup pg and gives the raps many options when hes on the floor.
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