Built Ford Tough

No Weems tonight as he is out due to tendanitis in his left knee. It sucks to see him miss the game due to injury, but I'm actually looking forward to seeing what Julian Wright can do tonight. I was really impressed with what I saw from him last night in LA and hopefully he can carry that over to tonight's game.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/wizardsinsider/2010/11/josh-howard-expects-to-start-f.html#more I never really saw Howard play in Washington other than one game against the Raptors, so I can't really comment on how much his return will help the Wizards, but I'd imagine it would be a boost considering he is the best small forward on the roster, flaws and all.

I liked what I saw from DeRozan last night. Sure, he struggled with his jumper, shot 7-18 from the field and only got to the line 2 times, but he didn't shy away from his matchup with Kobe and seemed to really enjoy going up against him. There was absolutely no way in hell that DeRozan would've went at Kobe both offensively and defensively last season like he did tonight. That one move he put on Kobe when he crossed him over, got into the lane, spun back into the paint and laid it in over Odom was the best move I have ever seen him make in his career. That was awesome and it really shows the growth in his game. Don't get me wrong, he still have a long way to go, especially with his jumper, but it is very encouraging to see the growth in his game. Kleiza was awful last night. He is a blackhole on offense and never seems to pass the rock, regardless of the situation. He is also a turnover machine. So far this season I think he has travelled at least 2 or 3 times in every game, especially when he gets the ball in the post. He definitely needs to tighten that up. It was good to see Julian Wright get minutes, although they only came because of an injury to Weems, which isn't exactly a good thing. I've never really watched him play before, but I really liked what I saw from him defensively. His rotations were some of the best I've seen from a Raptor player in quite a while and he could be really valuable as a defensive stopper in certain situations. Last thing I'm going to touch upon (because I already talked about Calderon in the Portland game thread) is Amir Johnson. I was waiting for a game like this from him and it is about time he showed up. This kind of play from him is why I defended the signing in the offseason (although I do think it is too much and I thought that at the time as well). He can be such an effective player when he is able to actually stay on the court and plays aggressively. What annoys me so much is that I know how good he can be because I've seen games like this from him on numerous occasions, but he just can't stay on the floor and doesn't always bring that kind of effort.

This is the first Saturday off work I've had in a while, so I was planning on going to a hockey game, but it looks like a crappy game (worst team in the league is coming to town) and I'd rather save the money, so I'll probably be staying home and watching this. I've also got a project that needs to be done for school, so I'll probably work on that while watching. Anyways, I'm not expecting much after last night. I can defintiely see the Raptors having a bit of a let down after playing the Lakers so tough last night. They've never been all that good on the 2nd end of back to backs either, and Portland is a very tough opponent, especially at home. I'm most interested in seeing if Calderon can continue his solid play as of late. He has looked very solid over the last 3 games and is playing a lot like the Calderon that Raptor fans came to love (although I was never particularly fond of him). He has definitely outplayed Jack so far this season and that Laker game, although I only saw the "Game in an Hour" footage, was the best game I've seen from him in a long time. Also, hopefully Sonny Weems is good to go. I liked what I saw from him the past two games. He left last night's game with a knee injury and although I think it was nothing serious, I haven't heard much of anything about his status. You always worry when hearing a player has a knee injury, though.

Toronto with Arenas would be the exact same team that they are now, just subtract Calderon from the roster. The Reason I say this is because Arenas will be in the lineup for, what, 10-20 games before he gets injured or does something stupid. The only reason why Toronto has even been in games this season is because they are a hard working team that gets contributions for everybody and outworks their opponent night in and night out, how often do you really think that is going to last? They aren't going to be outrebounding teams like the Lakers by 17 or whatever they did last night. They aren't going to be getting a consistent and efficient 24 points a night from Andrea Bargnani. They aren't going to continuously hold their opponent under 100 points for the majority of their games either. This team is eventually going to come back down to earth because at the end of the day, hard work only gets you so far and a lack of talent will overshine that hard work, Arenas doesn't really do much to change that either. Sure, he will score 20 points a night but it will be on terrible percentages, he will play no defense and he will make players around him less effective. Add in the injury concerns and the fact that he is more likely to miss a 20 games than play in 20 games, and it makes no sense for Toronto to trade for him without getting some sort of compensation for taking on his albatross contract. The problem with that is I really think Arenas' reputation around the league is absolutely shot because of his past. I could obviously be wrong about this and somebody will probably be willing to overlook his past if he plays great until the deadline, but I think all of his injury problems, his crazy antics and his contract has basically made teams take a double take when thinking about trading for him. And Arenas is supposed to be this perimeter threat who doesn't live and die by the three ball? His game is even more dependent on jump shots than Carter's is. At least Carter has the ability (albeit once every handful of games) to dominate because of his ability to get into the lane and create plays. I honestly don't think Arenas has that ability anymore. Arenas is just as soft as Carter is, as well. I don't see how that is very arguable. I finally agree with something that you've said in this thread, though. The moment anybody shows the slightest interest in Arenas, Washington should be all over it. However, it goes back to my original point which is that I don't see any teams actually being interested in giving up real assets in order to get him, especially considering the uncertainty with the CBA. A team like Toronto would want draft picks because Arenas isn't nearly enough to put them over the top, or probably into the playoffs, so they would want something worthwhile for the future while crippling them financially. A team like Orlando probably wouldn't want to give up a huge expiring deal like Carter has with the uncertainty around the CBA. Bottom line is that I don't see Washington moving Arenas without making it worthwhile for another team by adding extra incentives. Teams know that Washington has no leverage as they desperately want to move him (and they clearly do) so they are going to squeeze them for extra assets and sure as hell won't be giving up assets of their own.

How does that make any sense for Toronto, considering the fact that they are likely to have the more valuable pick? They would be taking on the albatross contract, they would be taking on the circus that Arenas brings, etc... There would be absolutely no way that the Raptors would move down in the draft to acquire Arenas. Colangelo makes some desperate moves, but even he isn't going to make a move that ridiculous. Only way a scenario like that plays out is if the Raptors and Wizards swap picks, but it is the Heat's pick that the Raptors are swapping, not their own. I agree that Washington and Toronto aren't very good trade partners, but can you name me a single team in the league that is a good trading partner for the Wizards trying to dump Arenas? I sure can't. As for Orlando, that ship has sailed if you ask me. It makes no sense for them to trade Carter for Arenas considering as inconsistent and lazy as Carter can be, he is still the better player than Arenas, is an expiring deal and doesn't bring the baggage that Arenas does. Unless they are dumping Lewis' absurd deal, trading for Arenas makes no sense for the Magic. The only reason why they've been mentioned is because of Otis Smith's friendship with Arenas, but he is smart enough to look past that friendship to realize Arenas is not the answer. Right, because Washington will be getting legitimate assets in return for Arenas. Let alone picks from a probably 28-30th place team. There will come a point in time when Arenas does yet another bone headed decision and the Wizards will finally come to terms with the fact that he is a detriment to the team and not somebody that they want around John Wall while he is at an impressionable point in his career. When this time comes, they are going to do whatever they can to get somebody to bite on Arenas and that may result in them giving up picks or something to make it worthwhile for a team to take on the headaches that Arenas brings to the table.

http://espn.go.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/dime-101105-07/gilbert-arenas-john-wall-work-washington Wouldn't surprise me at all if this were to be true. The only thing is that the TPE isn't large enough to absorb Arenas' salary, so the Raptors would have to be giving up players in return, one of which would be Calderon I would imagine. As much as I would hate to see this happen, if the Wizards are so desperate to get out of Arenas' deal that they would send a couple of draft picks with him, I think I might actually consider it. His deal is absolutely terrible, but it is only 1 year longer than Calderon's deal and the picks could prove to be valuable. I wouldn't want it to happen, nor do I really think it would happen, but it is definitely concerning to see the Raptors name linked with Arenas considering Colangelo's track record of making desperate moves.

Gotta work tonight, so I'll miss this one while it is live. I think I'm in luck, though, as NBA TV Canada is showing a replay of it at 11 and I'm off work at 10:30. I'm not sure if it is a full replay or just an hour long one, but either way, it is better than nothing. Then again, I'm not sure how badly I want to see this game considering the absolute massacare that it will be. All I hope is that DeRozan isn't a complete deer in the headlights like he was during his first game in LA against the Lakers. He was so awestruck by playing against Kobe in basically his hometown that he had one of the worst games of his career, if not the worst game.

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/21203/bulls-hold-off-signing-third-pg Bulls seem to be looking at getting a third point guard, but the Bobcats aren't exactly loaded at the 1. I wonder what would be heading Chicago's way if a trade does come to fruition.

The one jump shot that both teams hit all OT long is the one that is completely meaningless.

Jesus christ, Westbrook is my new idol. Keeping yet another ball alive on the offensive glass and Green with one hell of a save to Durant. If I'm Portland I'm running the same play for Roy that they did out of the last time out. No need to rush a three point shot here if you can get a quick two or get to the line, especially since both teams jumpers have been off all overtime long. Wow, that was really close to being a three point play. Good decision to not settle for a three. There was too much tme to settle considering how badly the Blazers have struggled from three. And just as I say this, he misses the 2nd freebie. PS: Guess who got the rebound? Yup, Westbrook yet again.

Both teams do. Westbrook looks like the only player on the floor who isn't gassed. I know I sound like a broken record, but how great has he been tonight? 6 offensive rebounds from your point guard is amazing and it is even more impressive when you factor in all of the balls that he has kept alive that a teammate came down. Both teams have really struggled in the overtime though. Nobody is able to get into the paint and all of their jumpers have been missed pretty badly as fatigue has set in. Nice move by Roy to get to the line, though.

Huge tip in by Ibaka. Pretty poor shot selection by Durant if you ask me, but luckily for OKC Ibaka was able to tip it in. Kudos to Westbrook for keeping that ball alive, allowing Ibaka to tip it in. Like I said earlier, he has been everywhere tonight and has played one hell of a game. EDIT: Bad defense by Durant there. He did everything right by keeping Roy in front of him and forcing a long jumper, but once he bit on that fake he was lucky Roy didn't draw a foul on him. When you have 6 inches over the guy, and insane length, there is no reason to bite on that fake if you are Durant. Roy isn't going to be able to get a good look shooting over you.

Another lob for Aldridge. Considering he isn't the most dangerous man in the post, you would think that the Thunder would stop trying to front him all of the time, allowing him to constantly get easy lobs. They have played much better defense in the 2nd half, but they really need to stop overplaying Aldridge. Even though he has struggled with his shot in the second half, I've really liked the way that Westbrook has played tonight. He has been all over the floor and seems to be in the middle of every play. With all of the talk about Rondo, Rose, Curry and even Jennings, he really flies under the radar, at least from what I see. Also, Andre Miller has been great tonight, especially in the 2nd half. He is such a calming influence on the floor and always seems to make the right play or hit a shot to put an end to a run or something. Love his game. EDIT: And just as I post this, Westbrook hits two huge jumpers for the Thunder to cut the lead down to 1.

Miller absolutely schooled Westbrook in the post. That was a nasty move that Miller put on Westbrook. Absolutely filthy. Also, how many lobs have the Blazers had in this game? I've couned at least 5 so far. They are doing an absolutely terrible job defensively.

Ouch. I actually thought he was going to have a breakout year of sorts. Nothing spectacular, but something like 14-16 points on 44/38/80 type of shooting percentages. Obviously he can turn it around still as it is early and the Thunder in general haven't been playing great. Those are just awful, though. Also, you gotta love it when a 36 year old center is diving on the floor for a loose ball. It makes it even better when that 36 year old has a history of injuries. I've actually really liked what I've seen from Camby so far this season (about a game and a half worth of ball).

Aldridge on Green is a huge mismatch right now. I really like Green's versatility, but when teams with a talented 4 isolate him in the post he is at a huge disadvantage as he is giving up size and length and he isn't athletic like a Josh Smith so he can;t use that to make up for it either. Aldridge has really been going at him to start the game. I still think that in order for the Thunder to really become threats in the West they need to get a legit big man and either use Green as a 6th man, or use him to get that big. I don't see this lineup working unless Aldrich turns into a defensive monster down low or something.

Yikes, I turn the TV to the Canucks hockey game with the Knicks up by about 20 or so and when I turn back to the basketball game it is a 9 point lead only. Gallo looks like he has been very solid tonight. Amare continuing his troubles holding onto the ball. It is pretty impressive that the Bulls went on this run without Rose on the floor. PS: Korver's stroke is a thing of beauty. Love watching that guy shoot the ball. The Knicks did a good job of bending, but not breaking, though. Although that was a poor decision by Felton to throw that lob to Chandler.

Even though it is Hoopsworld and they are fairly unreliable (and by fairly I mean 90% of the crap they post is BS), they do seem to be a lot more accurate when talking about the Raptors, and his name has been mentioned in regards to Toronto before, so I can see some truth behind this. My thoughts? Meh. I don't see the point. Davis will be back in another couple of weeks and you already have Bargs/Evans/Amir/Andersen/Dorsey/Alabi on the roster. Unless the Raptors are making a trade that clears up a roster spot, I wouldn't see any point in waiving a player to sign Barron. It's not like he will get many minutes anyways considering Bargs will get around 33-35, Evans will get around 25-30, Davis should get around 15-20, Johnson should get around 15-20 (assuming he stays out of foul trouble) and Andersen will get around 10. There just isn't any room.

How did Wellwood look in his first game? I liked watching him while he played for Winsdor and I have always liked Kyle Wellwood, even though he is a huge waste of talent.

http://a525.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/102/l_5bfe7b9181653331cb77da9430f9f654.jpg Lets honor the awesomeness of Matt Devlin. Videos Quotes: "Amir Johnson, how long are you!?" This quarter brought to you by Snickers. Get some nuts! "Will Solomon, what in the WORLD are you doing!? Raptors shoot a three and are down by 20 with 2 minutes in the 4th quarter: "THEY NEED THIS!" Jack turns the ball over: "And a foul! ... NO FOUL!? ... What!" Raptors take a timeout: "Jay Triano is .... FURIOUS!" Camera pans to Triano and he looks completely calm. And quite possibly the best one of all, outside of "PUNJABI!": The Raptors did a piece on DeRozan before a game called "waking up with DeMar DeRozan" or something and when the feed went back to Devlin and Armstrong, he promptly says: "I wish I was waking up with Jack Armstrong" Devlin is quite possibly the kind of unintentional and awkward commentary humor. Feel free to add your own. (Yes, I'm extremely bored).

Posted this in the game thread, but I figured I'd make a thread for this because it is awesome. http://www.twitvid.com/V7TMD "He's playing one of the best point guards in the NBA. He's trying to be as assertive as a baseball hitter when you're pitching against Lincecum. What the [expletive] are you gonna do, alright?" This one interview made up for the entire game.

Best part of this game? Jay Triano's post game interview. Went something like this: "He's playing one of the best point guards in the NBA. He's trying to be as assertive as a baseball hitter when you're pitching against Lincecum. What the [expletive] are you gonna do, alright?" EDIT: Here is the link: http://www.twitvid.com/V7TMD

Game went basically how I expected it. - Deron Williams picked the Raptors apart all night long. He was getting into the paint at will which constantly put the Raptors defense on their heels. He is just too good of a player to continue struggling like he was, and those struggles definitely wouldn't continue against a defense like Toronto's. - Al Jefferson made the Raptors bigs look foolish in the post. I think he used the same move (a pump fake followed by an up and under) about three times and every time the Raptor defender (Bargnani twice and I think Andersen once) bit on the fake which allowed an open layup for him. I knew that he had a nice post game, but I didn't expect some of the passes that he made out there. He was throwing some really nice passes out of the post. Last time I watched him for any extended amount of time he was basically a black hole down there, so it is nice to see the improvement. - Millsap was fantastic as well. Not sure what kind of numbers he had, but he had a noticable impact on the game and the Jazz just looked like a much better team with him on the floor. He has been very strong to start the season and I think that he is going to have a very good season with Boozer no longer in the picture. - DeRozan was once again very effective for Toronto. He played really well despite getting limited minutes and opportunities, which is a shame considering how well he played the previous game against Sacramento. Last game he showed his ability to create contact and get to the line while tonight he showed his mid range game as he was making some nice moves to create seperation for himself to get a shot off, which he usually burried. His 3 point shot looked a lot better than last season as well as he made one and was close to knocking down two others, although I'd rather see him continue to look to get into the paint and not settle. - Bargnani had a good game offensively, an ok game on the glass and was brutal defensively. He has shown so far this season that he has no problems puttting up points, but his defense was especially awful tonight. I lost count of how many times the Jazz got a layup while Bargnani had his back to the play and provided absolutely no help defense at all. On the glass he did have 9 rebounds, but a lot of those sort of fell into his lap because the Jazz were sending two, sometimes even three players to Evans to ensure that he wouldn't come down with any boards. They were all over him the minute a shot went up so Bargs got a lot be default. Still, 9 rebounds by default is better than the 3 per game he was averaging prior to this. - Jack was good in the 3rd quarter, awful during the rest of the game. He was making terrible decisions with the ball and really forcing the issue. In the 3rd quarter he let the game come to him and it resulted in a strong quarter for not only him, but Toronto as a whole. After that he started pressing again and just looked bad out there. - Weems had his best game of the year by far. He took a couple of dumb shots early on, but he really settled down as the game went on. I loved the 10 free throw attempts from him and I think he really needs to make it a focal point to get to the line more. He was posting up more, attacking off of the bounce and just played a much smarter game. Like I said before, he can be a very effective bench scorer if he plays aggressively and doesn't just settle for jumpers all of the time and tonight showed that. He needs to continue the aggressive play. I still think it is a joke that DeRozan was under 30 minutes yet again. He should be above 30 minutes basically every night and so far he has only been above 30 once in 4 games, and even that game was something like 31 minutes. Even if you aren't going to give him 30 minutes, at least make him a focal point in the offense while he is out there. They are doing a very poor job with him so far this season if you ask me. All in all, the Raptors showed some promising things tonight, mainly in the 3rd quarter, but also showed the fatal flaws that will plauge them all season long and why they will be finishing near the bottom of the league.

That is what Weems needs to do more of. He settles for jumpers way too much and doesn't make use of any of his natural abilities. He has very good athleticism, has good size and length and has good speed. When he gets a mismatch in the post or out on the perimeter, he needs to attack instead of constantly settling for jumpers. That is what is so frustrating about him because you know the talent is there, he just doesn't make use of it. Pretty lousy end to what was otherwise a fantastic quarter for the Raptors. What should've been a 4 point game heading into the 4th became a 7 point game after a careless turnover by DeRozan and a lucky bank shot 3 by Miles. Hopefully the Raptors can keep this close for the first bit of the 4th quarter without Bargnani, DeRozan or Jack on the floor. The three of them were the catalysts behind that great 3rd quarter and all three of them are on the bench right now. The bench needs to keep this game within 8 points and not allow it to get back into double digits, which they've already allowed.