Bleacher Report - Articles by Sang Nguyen

Should the Toronto Raptors Pursue Anthony Parker?

Sang Nguyen — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:12:30 -0400

I think it's safe to say that Parker has become one of the more liked players on the Raptors squad. Much like the newly minted assistant coach Alvin Williams, Parker is just a class act all the way.

So, should the Raptors keep him? Being a fan favourite can only take you so far.

At the end of the day it simply comes down to money and how much performance Parker can give for the asking price. With DeMar DeRozan more then likely getting the starting gig, Parker's return would have him coming off the bench. With five teams reportedly courting the former Euroleague MVP, Toronto will be hard pressed getting him to resign if they do choose to pursue him.

What would the Raptors be getting?

Pros:

He's a dead eyed shooter from downtown. Raptors fans have come to the point that it's lethargic to see him shoot from the corners. It's just a given that he scores.
He's a healthy guard. Over the three seasons he's played with Toronto he averaged 78 games per year. It's not often such a sturdy guy comes along.
Absolutely consistent. You know exactly what you get from him night in and night out. He'll net you a dozen points while guarding the other team's star SG. Familiarity may breed apathy from the Raptor's front office, but hopefully they realize a known entity is usually better than diving into the deep end and signing somebody for too much money (hello Mr. Kapono).
He's got a winning mindset. He dominated the Euroleague and netted the MVP so he knows what it takes to succeed.
A calm veteran. You can never underestimate the impact of good veteran players on the young guns. They need people with the experience and patience to guide them through their early careers. DeRozen would definitely benefit with Parker sticking around and showing him the ropes. But being a veteran means...

Cons:

Age. He just turned 34, which is past middle aged for professional athletes. At such an advanced age (relatively), is it prudent for the Raptors to extend a multi-year contract? Unlike the Spurs, one of the teams pursuing his services, the Raptors are trying to kick start a new generation rather than enforcing an ending one. Parker will never be better than he is now.
Carlos Delfino is a better player right now. Delfino is seven years younger and a much more voracious defender and a lot more active in the lanes. Plus, pursuing Delfino as they are there's just very little room to keep Parker around and keeping him useful.
He's just not that athletic anymore. If you were watching the Raptors this past season, you saw how easily at times the opponents PGs and SGs got past Parker. His shooting is welcome, but he just doesn't have the physical attributes to stay consistently competitive against the younger, more explosive players on other teams.
He's going to cost money to keep. Money the Raptors would be better served getting younger players like the 24 year old Linas Kleiza (if the rumours are true). With the minor bidding war for Parker's services going on, the Raptors would be crippling their own prospects if they decide to beat out the competition.

So, would you make a play at keeping Parker? I really like him as a Raptor, but that has more to do with him being a great guy than him being a contributing player. I don't doubt that he can still ball for at least a few more seasons, but I'd rather see him go to where he can thrive (and possibly get a title) than to languish on the Raptors' bench if Delfino decides to return.

Let him go, I say. It's not like he won't have it better elsewhere.

Toronto Raptors and DeMar DeRozan's Upside

Sang Nguyen — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:47:04 -0400

Does Toronto have a star in their hands? It's way too soon to guess, but I would lean to "no."

I've been following DeMar DeRozan for awhile now, and not because I thought, "hey, this guy looks like a ninth pick and hopefully Toronto gets him, if they get that specific pick!"

No, I've been following him because he became a minor star in the mixtape scene while playing for Compton High School in L.A. If you can jump through the roof and take 30 PPG with you, you're going to get noticed.

Off he went to USC and I'll admit, I kind of lost track of what he'd been up to. In the wide world of YouTube, new "future great" ballers show up seemingly everyday.

The only reason I kept up with him at all is his fascinating relationship with Lil' Romeo, who happened to be his friend from back home as well as squad mate for the Trojans.

It was also unfortunate that his superhuman high school stat line fell back down to earth, where he became the third best scorer (13.9 PPG) on a middling team (23-13 record for 5th out of 10 teams in the Pac-10).

DeRozan is a supreme athlete, for that I have absolutely no doubt. It's just that he didn't do much to distinguish himself during his brief stint in college. I would go as far as to say that if it weren't the 2009 draft (the worst draft pool in recent memory), DeRozan would've been better served by going back to school.

But here we are, and here he is—the ninth pick in a draft that skews every players worth who's not named Blake Griffin (and even then you can make a case). What exactly did the Raptors pick up?

The Raptors are sorely in need of a quality wingman. Anybody who has been watching the Raptors can tell you that. Anthony Parker's good, but he's getting old and there's a chance he may opt to test the free agency waters.

The next best wing player? Joey Graham. Yeah, the Raptors needed this.

Though still raw, DeRozan brings with him an explosive athleticism that doesn't come around very often. He finishes strong above the rim, and looks ridiculously good while doing it. No, he isn't the second coming of Vince Carter, but I wouldn't be surprised if DeRozan developed into a Jason Richardson-esque player (like I said, not the greatest draft ever).

The downside? He hasn't exactly developed a dominating game to go along with his athleticism. His jump shot leaves a lot to be desired, and don't even mention the three. He averaged a dismal 16 percent from outside the arc from college distance.

He's also not much of a passer, or rather the USC system hasn't given him much of a chance to show if he's any good.

The preliminary outlook? He'll get more than decent playing time in his rookie year and he'll develop into a nice complimentary player. He'll be solid and give a consistent performance with the occasional flash of brilliance whenever he has the ball and nobody's between him and the basket.

Just don't expect an All-Star. It'd be nice, but unlikely.

Toronto Raptors Need To Take a Chance in a Ho-Hum Draft

Sang Nguyen — Tue, 12 May 2009 02:04:36 -0400

As I’m sure you noticed the Toronto Raptors are out of the playoffs.

This was the exact scenario I previously laid out when I found out the team had picked up Jermaine O'Neal in a trade. Despite putting forth the doomsday scenario, even I didn't really think it would come to pass. But O'Neal stunk it up and here we are.

Yet, the team was worse than just being plain bad. They actually weren’t bad enough.

Because of the late season push when it was meaningless, the Raptors are currently positioned to get the ninth or 10th spot in this season's draft. A draft that is so ludicrously mediocre that anything outside the top three is essentially meaningless.

Even if they had somehow gotten in the top three, anyone not named Blake Griffin would be considered a loss.

I'm not sold on PG Ricky Rubio. He was a non-factor at the Olympics, and whatever international games I've seen him play, he's played poorly. Toronto already has the dominant Spaniard point guard in Calderon anyways.

So where does this leave the Raptors? Let's just say they're not expecting Chris Bosh's replacement from this batch. So why should the team play it safe? Why do what the scouts say and choose the projected ninth picks like Gerald Henderson or DeMar Derozen?

I say take a crapshoot, roll those die and go against the grain.

Who am I talking about? I'm talking about Tyler Hansbrough, projected by every mock draft to come at the tail end of the first round, if not the beginning of the second.

Is he the best scorer? No, he isn't. Is he the most athletic? Let's see the footage...nope. Is he the most dominating physical player? I'm going to have to say no.

So why should Toronto pick him up with the 9th pick?

Look at David Lee, probably Hansbrough closest proxy currently in the NBA. I'm positive every single GM in the league is salivating the prospect of getting Lee onto their rosters next season.

Like Lee, Hansbrough is 6"9 and 240-245 lbs. Like Lee, he's projected to be taken deep in the first round. Like Lee, he's a slightly undersized power forward that brings one very crucial factor to any successful team: guts.

The grit, intensity, leadership and desire to win above all else. Lee's a perennial double-double machine not because of any inherent advantage genetically, but because he plays smart and crashes the board every single play.

Hansbrough plays very much the same game and, coming off the bench, can bring the spark that Toronto's current bench absolutely lacks.

So, with a terrible draft looming I really can't see a downside in taking the chance and getting Hansbrough. If the scouts are right, no other team will want him that early. If it turns out to be a bad decision, he'll just be another underachiever in a draft that looks to be full of them.

And if it pays out? Toronto will have an average man's David Lee at a fraction of the price.

And you should definitely salivate at that prospect.

Mo Williams: The Non-Star All-Star

Sang Nguyen — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:17:32 -0500

Mo Williams is an All-Star?

What?

Here I was assuming the All-Star game was where the best of the best played.

Yes, it's just a glorified pickup game, but it's still a spectacular one where the, hypothetically, 24 best players in the league put on a show to astonish us for a couple of hours.

So how does one Mo Williams fit into this picture?

He shouldn't, ideally. He's far from a star player, averaging only 17 PPG. That puts him 39th on the list, a far cry from the top 24. He only averages 4.1 APG, putting him 41st. Again, far away from the top 24. At 3.3 RPG, he's 183rd in the league. Miles and miles away from the top 24.

All things taken together? He's barely a top 50 player, let alone top 24. Yes, he's a fantastic complimentary player, helping King James and the Cavaliers reach new heights, but can anyone not blinded by Cavaliers fanboyism (I don't blame you Cavaliers fans. It's what fans should do) argue Mo Williams is an All-Star?

Sure, people can argue that he's James' Pippen, and Pippen was a perennial All-Star. But are you seriously comparing Mo to Pippen? Pippen averaged over 20.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, and 5.0 APG during his tenure with Chicago.

There is no comparison.

Then there's the argument that if the Lakers, Celtics, Spurs, Hornets, and Magic have multiple players, then dang it, shouldn't the Cavaliers?

Um...no?

The players from those teams were either voted on by the fans (which Mo wasn't) or had stats that backed up their All-Star pedigree (which Mo doesn't). Can anyone seriously argue that Mo Williams is as good a player as the likes of Tony Parker, Pau Gasol, Rashard Lewis, David West, or Paul Pierce?

Just because those teams have multiple players doesn't mean the Cavs somehow "deserve" another spot. The All-Star game means All Star-caliber players, not secondary options to LeBron James.

So what Eastern Conference players are more deserving based on individual skill and statistical accomplishment?

Vince Carter

He's still capable of wowing, plus he bests Mo in almost every major statistical category.

Derrick Rose

Yes, I know—he's a rookie. And yes, I know he's a better player than Mo Williams.

David Lee

The man's a double-double machine, at 16.8 PPG and 11.8 RPG. I don't personally consider him an All-Star—but again, I'm just comparing him to Mo Williams.

Antawn Jamison

The diamond in the Wizards' rough. He's gone under the radar because of his team's horrendous play, but at 22 PPG and 9.0 RPG, he's got the individual talent for an event based on individual achievement.

I know this must all sound like an anti-Cleveland and anti-Williams rant, but it's not. It's more a rant against the selection of an obviously non-star to the All-Star team because the other top teams have multiple picks.

Being a viable second option shouldn't equate being a star. Just compare his stats to any of the others on the two rosters and you'll notice a rather blatant discrepancy in quality.

Or look at it this way—he's playing worse this year than last, and he didn't make it then.

Top 3 NBA Players at Each Position: Reckoning Edition

Sang Nguyen — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:07:49 -0500

Well, I'm back with my latest rankings. And this time, it's all work and no fun.

Which makes Sang a dull boy.

All work and no fun makes Sang a dull boy.

All fun and no work makes Sang a homeless boy.

All homeless and no fun makes Sang a sad boy.

All sad and no home gives Sang time to write this article.

Point Guards

1. Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets (No Move)

Stats: 20.3 ppg, 11.9 apg and 53.6 percent shooting.

This one time I said to an old wise man, "sir, is there such a thing as a living legend?"

He in turn asked me who the hell I was and told me no loitering at the Wal-Mart entrance.

What am I getting at? Absolutely nothing, but I bet many of you anticipated something relevant. That's how good Chris Paul is. He's so great he can't be confined to anecdotes.

2. Devin Harris, New Jersey Nets (Newbie)

Stats: 24.8 ppg, 6.2 apg and 49% shooting.

Harris is making great strives to cementing the Kidd trade for him may be the most disastrously ill advised transaction in point guard swapping history.

While Kidd is by no means bad, he's a shadow of his former self and going down hill. Fast.

Harris, to me, is like Steve Urkel. The guy nobody expected anything from, only to come out of nowhere and show he's got the basketball skills to die for.

Now if only Harris can create wacky devices that can shrink people or make clones. That'd be awesome.

Ah, Family Matters, how I miss you.

3. Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets (No Move)

Stats : 18.5 ppg, 6.9 apg and 43.1 percent shooting.

Ever since my last update, Billups went on to crush my beloved Toronto Raptors. For that I despise him and everything he stands for. I made a memo to never, ever, allow Billups onto this list solely on my personal hatred.

Then, my conscience got the better of me. 'Tis the season to forgive, after all.

Come on now, little Billups. Hop on the merry list!

You deserve it, you stupid *%&((^%&(^&$^*()&%&(#$#%@!)*~@............

The Departed : Jose Calderon, Toronto Raptors.

You're still me favourite point guard, Caldy. But since my last update, the Raptors had gone 1-4. I'm sorry, boy, but we're gonna have to put you down. C'mon boy, let's go have a run in the field. It'll be fun.

Don't give me that look. Everything's okay. Everything's going to be okay.

........

Please, please don't look at me that way. Please......

.....

...

*BANG*

I'm sorry.

Shooting Guards

1. Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat (Up 1)

Stats: 29.5 ppg, 7.5 apg, and 49.9 percent shooting.

FACT: Since my last update the Heat have been undefeated.

FACT: Wade averaged 34.8 ppg, 7 apg and 6 rpg during that run.

FACT: Wade is playing the best basketball of his career.

FACT: Wade is a Kryptonian.

FACT: That last fact was a lie.

2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers (Down 1)

Stats: 24.5 ppg, 4.3 apg and 45.8 percent shooting.

How'd you lose to Sacramento? No, seriously. How. Did. You. Lose. To. Sacramento. ?. I was about to give you that number one spot again, on the fact that the Lakers looked like they could never again be stopped. And then you run into the immovable wall that is the Sacramento Kings?

No. Just...no.

3. Jetstream Johnsonation (aka Joe Johnson), Atlanta Hawks (No Move)

Stats : 23.3 ppg, 5.2 apg and 46.4 percent shooting.

Another fact about what a jet stream does: If two air masses of different temperatures or densities meet, the resulting pressure difference caused by the density difference (which causes wind) is highest within the transition zone.

Just like Joe Johnson!

The Departed : None

FACT: Kaiser Soze is the greatest of all film villains, not Hannibal Lecter.

FACT: I am always correct.

FACT: That last fact was NOT a lie.

Small Forwards

1. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers (No Move)

Stats : 26.8 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 48.9% shooting.

Do you know how good Lebron James is? I once saw a basketball score itself, saving James the inconvenience of bending over to pick it up.

When Lebron jumps for a dunk, the Earth rotates three seconds faster or slower, depending on which side of the court he's playing on, if only to hide the fact that a man can actually fly.

He once decided to play a pick up game and his defender evaporated.

2. Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics (No Move)

Stats: 18.4 ppg, 6 rpg and 39.8 percent shooting.

Is it just me or are the Celtics not getting nearly as much attention a 21-2 team should get? I remember not being able to turn the corner last year without someone talking about the Celts.

Have they become the Team That May Not Be Said? The Voldemort of professional sports?

Well, I won't kowtow to the trend. The Celtics are damned good. Maybe too damned good (I think we should test Rondo out. I have a suspicion he's jacking up on pure magick).

3. Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets (Newbie)

Stats : 20.9 ppg, 8.2 rpg, and 42.1 percent shooting.

Did you all see him score 33 points in the third quarter against the Timberwolves? That's madness incarnate. I know Anthony's been having a tough season, but these past few games have shown that he's far from out.

On another note, ever since I started watching Dirty Sexy Money on ABC, everytime I hear Carmelo's name I think of Carmelita, the sexy transvestite doing the nasty with the elder Darling son.

The Departed : Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers

Now, Granger isn't playing that much worse (he hasn't), but the fact that Indiana's been 1-4 since my last update it's obvious Granger isn't doing much to help his team win anymore. I love the guy, but it's time to go.

C'mon, Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are ca-aw-aw-lling.

From glen to glen, and down the mountain siiiiiiiiide...

Oh, uh, ignore Calderon over there. He's just, um, taking a nap.

In cranberry juice.

Ha...ha..

Power Forwards

1. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs (No Move)

Stats: 21.3 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 1.7 bpg and 52.7 percent shooting.

Duncan's made the Spurs are relevant again. How relevant? Katy Perry relevant (see? I keep up with celebutantes!).

On more interesting Spurs note, I can't believe Matt 'The Red Rocket' Bonner is beginning to get starting gigs! One of the funnier NBA players. Did anyone else see that Cribs segment featuring Matt's place? Man, he is sooooo white.

2. Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors (Down 1)

Stats: 24.7 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 0.9 bpg and 52.1 percent shooting.

Chris "Panache" Bosh has not become Chris "Panicked" Bosh. The Raptors are slumping, have a brand new coaching system and are in relative turmoil. It's a testament that Bosh has continued to play so well during it all.

It's also lucky for him that no other power forwards really made any strides to up their game.

3. Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics (Re-entry)

Stats : 16.2 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 1.4 bpg and 50.7% shooting.

Hey Kev.

Nice to have you back.

So, how was your time away?

Won 13 in a row?

Yeah, I knew about that. I thought I had relatively firm ground to omit you.

Yes, yes, I am stupid.

The Departed : Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns

Waaah, waaah, I don't gets dem TV intahvuws. Waah, waah, I is not get recognishi-on. Waah,

Shut up Amare. I'm sorry if your $15 million salary this year isn't enough. Or that you're a perennial All Star and still feel jilted. Or that you have such a massive inferiority complex.

Now c'mon, let's go take a walk.

And before anyone mentions anything, I know Pau isn't on there. It was a tough debate between him and Garnett, but veterans get the benefit. Just like in real games.

Centres (Oh, Canada!)

1. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic (No Move)

Stats : 21.2 ppg, 14.5 rpg, 4 bpg and 56.7 percent shooting.

Every time Howard jumps, the laws of physics shatter. I still can't understand how someone that big can jump that high and have that much body control and be human. I'm not crazy people. He IS artificial!

You know what? Forget it. I've already tried to warn the good folk of Orlando to back Biedrins, our own John Connor. Orlando can smolder after the inevitable H-bomb (see what I did there?) for all I care.

2. Andris Biedrins, Golden State Warriors (Up 1)

Stats : 15.2 ppg, 12.4 rpg, 1.6 bpg and 54.8% shooting.

I'm sorry Andris. I tried. I really did. People just don't understand how dangerous Dwight Howard is to the human race. No. It's not that they don't understand, it's that they don't want to.

But don't worry, I doubt cyborgs will want to invade Oakland when LA and San Fran are so much more important.

3. Yao Ming, Houston Rockets (Re-entry)

Stats : 19 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 1.6 bpg and 52.5% shooting.

I guess the mongol invasion's finally over, because the Great Wall's back up and holding down the fort. Ming's last four game's have been spectacular, and barring any injuries I don't see why this wouldn't continue.

Unless, of course, the Chinese government pulled another Olympic switcheroo and the person we see now is not the same Yao that started the season.

The Departed : Al Jefferson, Minnesota Timberwolves

The Wolves suck so much that it's sheer suckitude has pulled Jefferson's otherwise stellar performance down with it. We don't even need to take a walk in the field because I think Jefferson's already dead on the inside.

The Rookies

Marc Gasol, Memphis: I wonder if he'll ever become a rapper named Marc Marci.

Derrick Rose, Chicago: Did you know an anagram of Derrick Rose is Record Skier? And Skier rhymes with Year if you mispronounce it? And that Record Year's first two letters are RY? And that if you add an 'o' from nowhere it'd be RoY?

Which is Brandon Roy's last name!

Michael Beasley, Miami: Miami, where all you really needed was Wade happens.

OJ Mayo, Memphis: I'm going to stop making fun of his name now. Except that the 'O' stands for Ovintin. Which is made up because I can't find an origin anywhere. And it kind of looks Ovulation.

Rudy Fernandez, Portland: Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy, Rudy, Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy, Rudy, Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy, Rudy, Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy, Rudy, Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy, Rudy, Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy, Rudy, Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy, Rudy, Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy, Rudy, Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy, Rudy, Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy, Rudy, Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy, Rudy, Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy, Rudy, Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy, Rudy, Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy, Rudy, Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy, Rudy, Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy.

Top 3 NBA Players at Each Position: Deluxe Edition

Sang Nguyen — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 04:44:48 -0500

"Man. Sang, what is up with you?" asks my subconscious, which is weird because I always thought the subconscious wasn't supposed to make conscious statements.

But still it continues, "You promised a weekly column and here you are, two weeks later. Your mama taught you better than this."

Hey now, subconscious, you can belittle my lateness all you want, but you leave our mama outta this.

Semi-psychotic self-dialogue aside, I really should get going with this week's rankings.

Point Guards

1. Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets (No Move)

Stats: 20.3 ppg, 11.6 apg and 52.2 percent shooting.

Chris Paul is getting too damn good for the half-assed nickname "CP3." That's just a blatant copying of Chris Bosh's equally dreadful "CB4." These aren't nicknames, people, they're initials. I propose Chris Paul henceforth to be called Pope Paul the Third.

2. Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs (No Move)

Stats: 23.9 ppg, 6.1 apg and 55 percent shooting.

Was there a drop off in production since last time? Slightly. Was he also injured? Slightly. Was he still Napoleon reincarnate, the little general leading a battle-weathered army as they slash and burned across the countryside? Most definitely.

*Note* I know the guys been injured, but he also impressed me the last two games prior to writing this. Was I blind with awe? No. Okay, yes.

3. Jose Calderon, Toronto Raptors (No Move)

Stats : 13.1 ppg, 9.6 apg and 44.5 percent shooting.

You're a lucky man, Mr. Cal-dah-ron. I threw down the gauntlet last time for another point guard to step up, but none of them were apparently reading my article (the bastards). Mr. Cal-dah-ron certainly has some mighty impressive stats, but he's falling flat where it matters most—winning. The Raptors are far from meeting expectations.

The Departed : Nobody.

If anyone reading this knows Jason Kidd, could you ask him to ask Mark about some, um, 'tips' on the stock market? And Devin Harris or Chauncey Billups? I'm gonna hook you guys up with a spot if you can prove you can sustain those insane numbers by the next time I write an article.

Shooting Guards

1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers (Up 1)

Stats: 24.4 ppg, 4.2 apg and 46.9 percent shooting.

No, he isn't putting up Wade's numbers. I can see that (it's like two inches below). But what makes Kobe the best SG, if not player, in the league right now is that he's putting up nearly as good numbers while only playing 33 minutes a game.

He's putting up nearly as good numbers while seemingly not trying! He's putting up nearly as good numbers as his team has steamrolled into the best record in the league.

2. Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat (Down 1)

Stats: 28.2 ppg, 7.6 apg and 49.7 percent shooting.

Why does he always look so sad? I've watched two Heat games (including the spooning incurred on behalf of the Blazers) since my last report and in neither games did I see Wade smile. It's like the Heat organization has sucked happiness and joy from his very being.

Am I wrong, Heat fans? Did he just have a severe facial injury in the off-season only Miami fans know about, making it impossible for him to show any other emotion then disappointment and broken dreams?

3. Jetstream Johnsonation (aka Joe Johnson), Atlanta Hawks (No Move)

Stats : 22.7 ppg, 5.4 apg and 43.7 percent shooting.

Now that I learned what a jet stream actually does, I'm even more proud of myself for arbitrarily labelling him with the first cool word that started with a J that came to my mind. He is indeed as good a fast flowing, narrow airway found at the tropopause than any player in the league!

The Departed : Nobody.

I see you eyeing that third-place spot, Vince Carter. I...I don't know if I've forgiven you enough to let you on, but we can catch a meal. Watch Bolt in Disney Digital 3D (which is mind-boggling). Talk things over. I'm always open to working something out.

Small Forwards

1. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers (Up 1)

Stats : 27.8 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 6.4 apg and .491% shooting.

What happens when one of the best players in the league has no noticeable drop in output and has led his team to an outstanding winning streak? Nothing. He stays number one. A king on his throne.

Which kind of irks me. Okay, "King James" seems simple enough. But which King James are people associating him with? James III of Scotland, who many consider a doofus? James II of England, who trumpeted absolute monarchy and Catholic rule? There are so many, and many so bad. I wished the nickname people were more specific.

2. Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics (No Move)

Stats: 18.4 ppg, 6.6 apg and 40.3 percent shooting.

My better judgment still says to get rid of Paul. I admit this is due to my irrational hatred of the Celtics that caused me to rationalize that his slightly inferior numbers merited him being omitted.

Well, the Celtics are too damn good, and Pierce is the best of them. Forgive me while I cry in the corner after compromising my lopsidedly biased judgement.

3. Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers (Down 2)

Stats : 24.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.4 apg and 46.7 percent shooting.

I really have nothing to say about Danny. I really haven't followed him closely enough. All I do know is that he's stormed the league and is no doubt one of the top-12 players playing.

The Departed : None

Extending the King James talk, I think maybe James I the Conquerer, King of Aragon (1213-1276). The guy expanded the crown of Aragon into Valencia and Languedoc. Dude sounds like the perfect analogue for Lebron.

Power Forwards

1. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs (Up 1)

Stats: 20.8 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 1.2 bpg and 51.9 percent shooting.

The Spurs sucked, SUCKED, at the season's outside. Was it Pop's beard? Perhaps. But whatever the case may be, they're back.

The Spurs are playing like they should, and Duncan and Parker are leading the way. No, he isn't the most dominant PF in the league, he's just the best if that makes a lick of sense.

2. Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors (Down 1)

Stats: 26.8 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 1.0 bpg and 53.9 percent shooting.

Bosh, Bosh, Bosh. You keep playing so well and yet the Raptors keep failing you time and time again. Which, by the way, is partly your fault. Too many jump shots, too little drives to the basket.

On the nickname note I made with Pope Paul the Third, did you never once question the absurdly simple nickname you've been labelled with? "CB4"? Really? You are now Chris "Panache" Bosh.

3. Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns (No Move)

Stats : 21.9 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.3 bpg and .570% shooting.

Have you ever seen that YouTube video where the baby laughs every time the guy behind the camera says "gong!"? Every time Amare dunks the ball I have the exact same reaction, followed by loathing of my own inadequacies.

The Departed : None

Gong! Heh-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-heh-heeeeeh-huh-ha-ha-ha! *Breathing*

Centres (Again, I'm Canadian)

1. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic (No Move)

Stats : 21.8 ppg, 13.9 rpg, 3.9 bpg and 58.9 percent shooting.

Every time there's a close up of Dwight on the telecast I half seriously think he'll look into the camera and say, "Come with me if you want to live." That, or, "The human race is over." Whoa! What was that? Oh, it was just the dump truck driving by. I thought it might have been him.

2. Al Jefferson, Minnesota Timberwolves (Up 1)

Stats : 22.3 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 1.5 bpg and 50.5 percent shooting

Whoo, the Wolves won three games since my last write up, which means Jefferson's movin' on up, to the east side. To a deluxe apartment in the sky. Movin' on up, to the east side. He's finally got a piece of the pie.

3. Andris Biedrins, Golden State Warriors (Down 1)

Stats : 15.6 ppg, 12.2 rpg, 1.5 bpg and .538% shooting.

I implore all Magic fans to rise up from under Mechanical Overlord Howard's thumb and rally behind Biedrins, and red blooded, meat contruscted, human being. Once humans liberate the world from Dwight, Orlando fans might, just might, be labelled traitors to the human race if they don't come over. Just a friendly warning.

The Departed : None

Fish don't fry in the kitchen;
Beans don't burn on the grill.
Took a whole lotta tryin',
Just to get up that hill.
Now we're up in the big leagues,
Gettin' our turn at bat.
As long as we live, it's you and me baby,
There ain't nothin wrong with that.

Well we're movin on up,
To the east side.
To a deluxe apartment in the sky.
Movin on up,
To the east side.
We finally got a piece of the pie

Rookies

Marc Gasol, Memphis: I think there's potential here for Marc Gasol in three years to be better than his brother is now. And the Grizzlies will still give him away for a half eaten bag of Doritos Cool Ranch.

Derrick Rose, Chicago: Man, those are some major-league eye brows. I wished he'd stop running at the speed of light so I can admire his nicely trimmed eye hats.

Michael Beasley, Miami: Miami, where not knowing how to utilize young talent happens.

OJ Mayo, Memphis: No lie—I was drinking orange juice and eating a sandwich when I caught a Memphis game a week or so back. I thought it was extremely hilarious. And then I remembered I was eating alone.

Top 3 NBA Players at Each Position : Week 2.5

Sang Nguyen — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:32:04 -0500

And I'm back, half a week later than I had promised since the last report. A lot of things have happened in the NBA since my last rankings, with some rising, some falling, and Mark Cuban being implicated in an insider trading fiasco. What's up with that? It seems as if we have our own NBA Gordon Gecko, only less smoothly cool and more irritatingly loud.

Anyways, that has nothing to do with anything. Here's this week's rankings. Please don't send death threats if your favourite player didn't make the cut or dropped a few spots. It's not my fault they underperformed (see what I did there?).

Anyways:

Point Guards

1. Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets (No Move)

Stats : 20.8 ppg, 11.6 apg and .500% shooting.

Hi, my name's Chris Paul. I like long walks on the beach, romantic nacho dinners, and destroying your backcourt like Philly fans like destroying the Christmas spirit. Chris Paul is still up there among the very best players in the NBA, no matter his position. I would easily pick him over Jesus for my 3-on-3 team.

2. Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs (First Timer)

Stats : 27.4 ppg, 5.8 apg and .556% shooting.

This is me saying sorry for omitting Parker last time. This little dude from across the ocean is downright nasty on the court. Not the Amy Winehouse nasty, but the really-hot-twins-kissing-each-other nasty. It was only unfortunate that the Spurs were doing so bad last time. Now that they've relatively turned their fortunes around, Parker's right back near the top.

3. Jose Calderon, Toronto Raptors (Down 1)

Stats : 13.5 ppg, 9.0 apg and .450% shooting.

The little Spaniard that could has definitely taken a dip since the last rankings, shooting worse and going ahead and getting himself his very own injury (aww, isn't it cute?). Fortunately for him, none of the other point guards in the league decided to step their game up. This spot is ripe for the picking. Doth any guard of points dare step up to the precipice of thirdness?

The Departed : Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns

Sorry Steve, my Canadian hombre. But 13.7 ppg and 7.5 apg just won't cut it when compared to your last few seasons.

Shooting Guards

1. Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat (First Timer)

Stats : 27.9 ppg, 7.3 apg and .495% shooting.

Hey guys. After escaping from Charles Barkley's trunk, I managed to finally show up. Just to show how sorry I am, I scorched the league these past two weeks. What was that? Yeah, I'm sorry about the rest of my team, too. I sure wish Pat Riley would realize we need a centre (Yes, centre. I'm Canadian.) and a starting PF over 6'7''.

2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers (No Move)

Stats : 24.8 ppg, 3.8 apg and .449% shooting.

I know he isn't getting better numbers than Joe Johnson, but I don't expect him to, seeing that he has to share some of those delicious points with a fellow all-star. Even still, he's doing damn fine and has the top team in the NBA. And did you all see that alley-oop dunk the other night against Detroit? The one where he practically hit his head against the backboard? Did you see how high he jumped?

3. Jetstream Johnsonation (aka, Joe Johnson), Atlanta Hawks (Down 2)

Stats : 26.0 ppg, 4.9 apg and .486% shooting.

Young Jetstream does what jetstreams are meant to do. (Sidenote: I'm not sure what a jetstream does.) But basketball wise, Johnsonation is still killing his defenders and leading the Hawks to a very surprising 6 game winning streak. Too bad his stats are beginning to slip a little, just like the Hawks these past three games.

The Departed : Michael Redd, Milwaukee Bucks

Sorry Mike, the competition's stepped up their game and you're just not cutting it anymore. If this list were longer, you'd definitely have a spot. But it doesn't. So you don't.

Small Forwards

1. Lebron James, Cleveland Cavaliers (Up 1)

Stats : 29 ppg, 8 rpg, 7.3 apg and .500% shooting.

If there ever was an example of blatant cheating, it could be seen in my last article when I didn't put James in the top spot. James has since demonstrated why he is currently the very best professional basketball player on the planet. I have no idea what his legs are made out of, but I'm sure it isn't human muscle.

2. Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics (First Timer)

Stats : 21.0 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 3.9 apg and .411% shooting.

I'll admit: I completely forgot about Pierce when compiling my last ranking. That's on me. Pierce has shown that he's currently the best player on what is arguably the best team in the league. Plus, I hate him for murdering the Toronto Raptors last week. I hate him very, very much. And when I hate on a player, it's usually because they're so good.

3. Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers (Down 2)

Stats : 23.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.9 apg and .451% shooting.

He showed signs of becoming a superstar last year and he sure doesn't like disappointing, huh? Granger's still tearing up his defenders, and doing so on a respectable Indiana team.

The Departed: Gerald Wallace, Charlotte Bobcats

Man, talk about a drop off in production! I feel as if I was blatantly lied to. Blatantly! I hate blatant lies!

Power Forwards

1. Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors (No Move)

Stats : 25.1 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 0.9 bpg and .534% shooting.

Still holding the fort amongst power forwards, Bosh is a shining example that guys built like stilts can still dominate in the NBA. Although his overall production has dipped since the first week, he's still proving to be too quick for most big men to guard and too damn tall for guards to handle.

2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs (First Timer)

Stats : 24.3 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 1.2 bpg and .555% shooting.

Man, it seems like there's a Spurs Renaissance as of late. I guess you get more recognition when your team doesn't suck anymore. Duncan's bringing some veteran credibility to this list. Plus, he was actually amusing in one of those online Adidas films. Have you guys seen these yet? They're surprisingly well made.

3. Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns (Down 1)

Stats : 22.6 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.2 bpg and .582% shooting.

Still holding another fort amongst power forwards, Stoudemire is a shining example that guys built like s**t brick houses can still dominate in the NBA. Sure, he's not the tallest PF out there. His wing span isn't the greatest. But would any of you honestly not pick him up for your fantasy roster if the two guys above weren't available? Watching Stoudemire is like watching a fully grown man abusing children, only without the involvement of police and child services.

The Departed : Carlos Boozer, Utah Jazz

It's not that Boozer got any worse (he hasn't), it's just that the others got better. Sorry, buddy. Just rest easy knowing that you live amongst Mormons, so at least you'll never get robbed and polygamy is always an option.

Centres (Again, I'm Canadian)

1. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic (Up 1)

Stats : 21.3 ppg, 14 rpg, 4.2 bpg and .603% shooting.

Meet Mr. Howard. He is our first ever fully-functioning cyborg. He has been made to the very specifications of Hercules, with a soothing black finish if only to have some racial diversity amongst the cyborg community. He is bigger than you, stronger than you, and yes, he WILL kill you without a second thought. Until the inevitable rise of the machines, and subsequent enslavement of mankind, he will continue to hog the paint like the cool kids getting high in the back alley.

2. Andris Biedrins, Golden State Warriors (Up 1)

Stats : 16.8 ppg, 14.9 rpg, 1.5 bpg.

Andris Biedrins is mankind's last line of defense against the Howard-bots. His 14.9 rpg are ridiculous. Biedrins has really stepped up this year, proving that old adage: "Sometimes a rookie needs five highly paid NBA seasons before proving his worth."

3. Al Jefferson, Minnesota Timberwolves (First Timer)

Stats : 22.3 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 1.8 bpg and .515% shooting

I pity Al Jefferson. He's obviously a superior centre, but he's also being superior on the worst team in the league. Don't worry Al, there's only five years left on your contract.

The Departed : Yao Ming, Houston Rockets

I remember Ming being a dominant force in the west barely two weeks ago. Now? He's being outboarded by Samuel Dalembert. Apparently there was a Mongol invasion while I wasn't looking, because the Great Wall of China has fallen.

Rookies

Marc Gasol, Memphis: So, who wants to wager on when the Grizzlies practically give away another Gasol for nothing? I'd say mid-season next year.

Derrick Rose, Chicago: He's leading a newly revamped Bulls team to all-new heights of mediocrity. At least its allowed him to put up a nice stat line.

Michael Beasley, Miami: Miami, where undersized "power forwards" happen. I mean, do people seriously consider the guy a PF? I have to call BS on him being 6'9. Move him to the SF position where he can thrive.

OJ Mayo, Memphis: Easily leading the Grizzlies to a subpar record. So, does anyone else think of a murderous sandwich when you hear his name? No? Huh.

Rudy Fernandez, Portland: Rudy, Rudy, Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy.

Catch y'all on the flip side.

The Top Three NBA Players at Each Position: Week One

Sang Nguyen — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 08:00:35 -0500

I'm trying to start a regular weekly column with my personal picks of the top three NBA players at the five spots, as well as a rookie watch. This was partially inspired by ESPN's Awards Watch and my love of lists and categorization. It's only been one week, and anything can change, but we'll leave that for when fate intervenes. So let's see who's caught my eye so far...

Point Guards

1. Chris Paul, New Orleans

Could there be any doubt? The guy's a stud, and he's set to have a career season, which is saying something because he torched the league last year. Just check the stat line after three games—21.7 ppg, 12 apg, 2.33 steals. Fire is afraid to go near Paul.

2. Jose Calderon, Toronto

Am I biased towards the Raptors? Sure I am, but there's no denying that three games in Calderon is the clear No. 2 point guard in the league. Will this eventually change? Probably, with Nash and Parker just beginning to rev their engines, but let's let Calderon savour his moment for now.

3. Steve Nash, Phoenix

Say what you will about his diminishing returns, the guy's still electric to watch and his numbers haven't dropped off that much since last year, which means he's still a top-five point guard at any given time. He even has slightly better numbers than Calderon, but he's here in third for now because his Suns aren't exactly burning up the conference like they had in the past.

Shooting Guards

1. Joe Johnson, Atlanta

This guy's red hot, but damn if I don't hate on his name. When you think "Joe Johnson," you think of your tax agent. You think about your insurance salesman. You do not think of an all-star calibre shooting guard currently blazing a trail of destruction and mayhem in every arena he sets foot in. For the rest of the season, I'll call him Jetstream Johnsonation.

2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers

‘Durr...’ some of you may be thinking. 'Wuss' would be on the minds of others. Or, more likely, “why the heck isn’t he No. 1?” Kobe's the best player, bar none, in the league, and this admission comes from a guy who HATES Kobe and the Lakers. That's how talented he is. But Jetstream Johnsonation’s simply been a better player these last seven or eight days.

3. Michael Redd, Milwaukee

This was a tough third between Redd, Dwyane Wade, and Stephen Jackson, but Redd's mad efficiency put him over. 47 percent from three? That's sickening. He probably won't be able to keep this spot in the coming weeks, but he'll have a place in my heart as one of the most stone cold shooters in the league.

Small Forwards

1. Danny Granger, Indiana

Huh? Where's Lebron? How dare you commit blasphemy! Just cool your jets. When Lebron decides to show up, I'll have his No. 1 ranking all warm and snuggily from Granger's rear. Yes, Granger's only played a game, but oh what a game—33 points on 62.5 percent shooting? Impressive.

2. Lebron James, Cleveland

Yes, his numbers are still great by any means, but they're not great by Lebron's means. Three games in and he's only (ONLY) averaging 22 ppg. and shooting a sizzling 0 percent from three? Yeah, that's not gonna cut it.

3. Gerald Wallace, Charlotte

21 ppg. and nearly 9 boards? Yes, you may have a spot in the list Gerald.

Power Forwards

1. Chris Bosh, Toronto

This isn't because of my Raptor goggles. At 26 ppg. and 10 rpg. after three, he's firmly asserted himself as the best playing big man in the NBA a week into the season. Plus, he kind of looks like a Raptor so he essentially embodies his franchise more so than any other player in the league.

2. Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix

I could lose the shades. They make him look weird. Shady, you might say. New image aside, Amare's doing what Amare does best—destroy his defenders en route to murdering rims.

3. Carlos Boozer, Utah

Yes, I remember Garnett and no, he doesn't belong on this list yet. Boozer's running the league-leading Jazz while getting 21 ppg. and 10 boards. You can't ask for more in a power forward.

Centres (I'm Canadian)

1. Yao Ming, Houston

This was a tough one. Both Yao and Dwight have done great this year, but because Houston does have the better record, I'll give my nod that direction. Barring any sudden, though ultimately inevitable, injuries we can expect Yao and Dwight to be battling the top spot at centre the rest of the year.

2. Dwight Howard, Orlando

He's not human. After that dunk contest and now averaging 22 ppg. and 14.5 rpg. (!) I've concluded that Howard was not birthed by a human woman, but rather is an offspring of a classical Cyclops and a promiscuous pogo stick.

3. Andris Biedrins, Golden State

17.5 ppg. and 14.5 rpg. (!!), Andris definitely deserves this spot. This could very well be his break out season, and it's unfortunate that nobody seems to have noticed.

Rookies (Yes, bonus analyses!)

Marc Gasol, Memphis: He's like a bigger, scruffier Pau. Can he be better? Who knows. What I do know is Marc can probably beat Pau in a bout of fisticuffs.

Derrick Rose, Chicago: He's doing exactly what everyone predicted, and that makes him the top contender for ROY.

Michael Beasley, Miami: Definitely easing the fears of Heat fans. Too bad it seems like Dwyane Wade stopped caring just as soon as Beasley arrived. Poor, poor Beasley.

Rudy Fernandez, Portland: Rudy, Rudy, Rudy. Best Spaniard since Gasol and Calderon? You bet.

I'll be back next week for another update.

Signs out of Toronto Raptors Training Camp are a GO!

Sang Nguyen — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:37:25 -0400

(Credit to Paul Jay of CBCSports.ca for the initial report)

Well, the new season is around the corner and we all know what that means. Training camp!

Or, more specifically, analyses of how our favourite teams are coming together for the upcoming season.

The Raptors media day took place yesterday, and all indications have the Raptors gelling together with its new assets and further improvements in old stalwarts. Of course, a media day is intrinsically designed to promote the upcoming season, so one shouldn't take everything at face value. Let's see what the word is, and my interpretation of it:

Joey Graham looked good in some informal work outs

So? Joey Graham's always looked good going into a season. The problem is staying good.

He's always performed well in training camps and summer leagues, but when the regular season starts and things actually matter, he disappears to the back of the rotation, haunting the end of the Raptors bench, chained down by his ineptitude like Marley's Ghost. He has a supreme physic and a truckload of athleticism, as well as a nice jumper—but for reasons beyond my comprehension, he squanders it all.

My theory is that Stephen Graham replaces him at the beginning of this and every season.

Bargnani bulking up and mellowing out

This news is kinda, really, great. One of Bargnani's chief weaknesses was the softness of his game. No, not 'soft' as in 'suave' or 'finessed,' but rather soft as in melts like soft-serve ice cream when anyone puts a body on him.

At least now, there's hope that his added girth (which is hopefully more muscle than fat) can allow him to keep vertical when backing down, and minimize those cringe inducing circus shots.

The real litmus test is to see if he'll still bend and contort like a fig in a windstorm when guarded, or guarding, anyone larger than Earl Boykins.

Now, if only there was a report that he improved his footwork, too. Maybe this season he can cut down on the travelling calls against him to only a quarter of the times he puts the ball on the floor.

A note on Bargnani's apparent change in mindset—thanks for that. We could have used it the last two seasons, but that's okay, we forgive you.

Sort of.

O'Neal slimmed-down physique and defensive focus

Although fantastic that his dedication to rehabilitation (I fling mad rhymes) is finally paying dividends in a very physical way, wasn't this a given? I had thought a player getting paid $20 million had the obligation to get in shape.

So yeah—good job, O'Neal. You fulfilled your job description.

More importantly is the defensive focus O'Neal is bringing the Raptors, something the club has never been known for. Fingers crossed that the rest of the team is being indoctrinated into the cult of hard nosed defense. And hopefully there won't be a mass suicide in effort midway through the season. Stay away from the purple Kool-Aid of lethargy!

Optimism Prime!

The new buzz word (er...number) is 50. Many are in agreement that if all things go according to plan, a 50-win season isn't out of the question. In fact, many believe it's a given. It's a nice little sentiment, and not one I'm adverse to.

That's it. No pithy comments.

Really.

I do think the Raptors are more than capable of getting 50 wins, especially in the Earnest East. Fingers are firmly crossed that O'Neal survives 50 games and Bargnani can finally become the Italian Dirk like so many people, me included, believed was possible.

If so, I have trademark dibs on "Dirkdrea Bargwitzki."

Toronto Raptors News: Nathan Jawai Unfit for Duty, Jamal Sampson Enlisted

Sang Nguyen — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 08:39:58 -0400

Whoops, wrong Sampson.

News got out earlier today that recent Toronto draft pick Nathan Jawai was unceremoniously dumped from training camp practice on the grounds of a heart irregularity found during a cardio session.

That's just perfect for the big expected to fill a void if Jermaine O'Neal ever gets injured. Oh well, better to find out now than have him huff and puff about the court in an actual game.

Or, worse yet—die out on the court because Raptors management chose to overlook his condition.

So, who replaces him? Why, the great Jamal Sampson, of course. Son of the esteemed Ralph Sampson, little Jamal brings with him a 6'11", 235-lb. frame and has averaged an astoundingly cerebral two ppg in 72 appearances in the NBA before going off to greener, though more smog-filled, pastures in China and running with the Liaoning Hunters.

Yep, those Liaoning Hunters. The one owned by the Liaoning Panpan Corporation, esteemed manufacturer of theft-proof doors.

So, Raptors nation—what does this all mean? Absolutley diddly. Nathan Jawai was a long shot at ever being part of any nine-man rotation for the foreseeable future, in Toronto or elsewhere, and Jamal Sampson is just another body to put out on the scrimmage court.

Still, everyone has to agree it was nice to learn O'Neal really got into shape, losing a reported 15 lbs. Less weight on those knees is always good news.

A Toronto Raptors Slump? Ways It Could Get Worse Than Last Year

Sang Nguyen — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 05:50:56 -0400

Let me preface this article by stating that these are purely potentialities, and are not predictions.

The Toronto Raptors certainly had a busy offseason and coming off of that, their possible upside is certainly high. The Raptors solved their PG crisis, have more power down low, and their guard game is smooth—but with it all came a host of new potential problems.

Let's take a glance at what could possibly pull the Raptors organization below their less-than-stellar .500 season half a year ago.

1. Jermaine O'Neal

The gigantic elephant in the room is currently nestled on his knee. And stomping on it. I know it, you know, the entire sporting world knows it.

Getting rid of Ford for O'Neal was pretty much trading equal possibilities for injury. The downswing, though, is that with Rasho Nesterovic gone, O'Neal is essentially our de facto big man. If his knees give out—which is a very real possibility—we don't have another big man to fall back on.

Chris Bosh is a pure power forward, and pushing him back into the Centre will only diminish him as the season goes on. As for Andrea Bargnani...well, the less said about El Mago playing down low, the better.

I'd put the chances of O'Neal not finishing the season as high as 50 percent, and even if he does, this isn't the All-Star Jermaine O'Neal the Raptors are getting. It's the "I could've gone places if I didn't blow out my knee, grandchildren" O'Neal.

2. A true backup point guard

Roko Ukic? I'm sorry, but I still don't have much confidence in him. I've heard about his upside—here on this site, even—but nothing, absolutely nothing, I've seen him in has shown that there's that special spark, that extra something that will elevate him into becoming a solid threat as backup to Jose. He was a ghost during the Olympics.

I may be proven completely wrong, and I certainly hope so, but I have a feeling I won't be.

There's always Will Solomon, but from what I've seen of him so far he'll be little more than a butt to fill out the bench. The Raptors would have been better off keeping Darrick Martin than signing Solomon. I mean, Martin's already staying around as an informal coach, so why not just give him a jersey, too?

Fingers are crossed that Calderon gets through this season healthy.

3. Losing Carlos Delfino

Love him or hate him, you can't deny he brought a good—if streaky—shot. He was fearless, plus, he looked like a fashion-model reject, which added much amusement. There was a reason he had among the most minutes for a bench player for the Raptors last season.

This wouldn't matter much if we had replaced him with someone of equal magnitude, but we signed nobodies. Of course, this opens up Kapono for more minutes, but he didn't exactly prove himself last season until it was too little, too late in the playoffs.

I still have my reservations about Kapono. Of course, Jamario Moon was developing into a nice shooter/slasher forward, but I'm still of the opinion he's too lanky to be all that imposing.

4. Speaking of Nobodies

Hassan Adams? Nathan Jawai? Will Solomon?

We have a league flunkout in Adams. I know, I know, Anthony Parker flunked out, too—but he went on to become a two time Euroleague MVP. Adams? He was a nobody on a no name Italian team. Though certainly a raw talent in high school, and a promising prospect in college, he's still the very definition of "untested." Only time will tell if Adams can take advantage of his new found opportunity.

Nathan Jawai isn't even the best player in the NBL, Australia's premier basketball league, so how is he going to handle playing in the NBA if (when?) O'Neal or even Bosh gets hurt? Short answer is he probably won't. Despite being the largest Raptor during the 2008 Vegas Summer League (at a whopping 285 pounds), he was all but invisible on the court. That's not exactly the dominating center the Raptors need.

Unlike the other two, Will Solomon has more experience than both Adams and Jawai put together, but he's still a middling talent at best. On the one hand you have the much needed third point guard, but on the other he's woefully undersized at only 180 lbs and already past his peak at 30 years of age. As I mentioned before, the Raptors probably would have been better served keeping Darrick Martin on the roster.

Ultimately, these guys were brought in as bench fillers, so heaven forbid more than two regulars get injured, because the season would go down the drain. Fast.

I know, the article seems to paint the Raptors in a rather negative light, but believe me when I say I DO expect them to garner a better season than last. They have enough pieces to do that. But if they do worse and (*gasp*) don't make the playoffs, it'll be for one or more of the reasons above.

And I wouldn't be surprised in the least.