The New York Knicks passed up one shot after another (for worse shots), failed to manage the clock and lost the game. They may have run a perfect drive and kick drill for a practice session but game situations demand that a team know what shot they want to take, what they can settle for and what they can’t do (jack threes and commit loose ball fouls). During many critical plays, the Knicks fail to get a great scoring chance (such as a Carmelo Anthony drive or post up or an open look). And sometimes, there’s a reason that they’re …
What’s Wrong with the Raptors?
The Toronto Raptors have started the season off 3-13, alienating many fans. Compared to last year, offense is a little better and defense is a few points worse but the record is a disappointment. The difference comes down to a few minor points: conceding open baskets, allowing a little more penetration and needing too much help while rotating too slowly.
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Building and Developing Great Teams
As the season ends for the Toronto Raptors, they are faced with the fact that success may be multiple drafts away. Consistent winners have built their teams through the draft, selecting talented athletes and developing them into great players.
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The Toronto Raptors without Andrea Bargnani
The Toronto Raptors face many obstacles while Andrea Bargnani is out with a calf strain. This podcast is devoted to strategies the team can employ in order to succeed without their key player.
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Dire Straits
On Wednesday, the Toronto Raptors began their sixteenth season by losing to the New York Knicks at home. New York amassed a significant lead and Toronto’s second unit chipped away until the team was able to claim a single point lead in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, Amare Stoudamire was able to gain excellent position in the paint and score repeatedly turning the tide in favour of the Knicks. Many fans have taken the opportunity to cast aspersion upon the squad though they can react with indignation all they want and the Raptors will carry on without them. It’s certainly more …
My 300th Blog Post Extravaganza
Watching the Raptors 106-105 win over the Lakers on Sunday it is clear that there are two sides to the team. There is the meek Dr. Jekyll, who settles for outside shots and may not always box out, and the aggressive Mr. Hyde, who gets to the line and contests opponents’ shots. Dr. Jekyll may shoot early in the shot clock or out of the team offence whereas Mr. Hyde is more focus and resolute. More importantly, Mr. Hyde seems to come out on the winning end more than his daytime alter-ego. Why do they need to wait until halftime …
Nurturing Nature
Last week, during a Cleveland win over San Antonio, Mike Brown and Gregg Popovich left three timeouts each on the table. Confident in the ability of veteran players to execute quality possessions, the coaches allowed the play to flow back and forth. The Spurs lost 90-88 but Manu Ginobli released a steady, open, and transition jumper from the foul line as time expired. After a 6-5 shootout win over Pittsburgh, Bruce Boudreau commented that one of the first moves that he became Washington coach was to make the Capitals a four-line team. Rather than over-emphasize match-ups – dumping the puck …
Il Mago
Lately criticism has abounded concerning Raptors forward AndreaBargnani, initially justified, now provided by columnists seeking topics, attempting to feed a need. Evaluating Bargnani is challenging, on account of several injuries affecting his performance since late last season. Foot and knee injuries have deprived “Il Mago” of his quickness and first step. The first months of his career had been promising and raised everyone’s expectations. Now, the knives are out. But anyone who writes off a draft pick in their second year is asking to become a victim of other general managers, ignoring the precedent set by Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, …