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SkywalkerAC · 01-09-2007, 12:29 AM

We've taken that next step.

You heard opposing coaches talking about our potential early in the season but our team is really blossoming right in front of our eyes.

We've never had a team like this, so smart and passionate about basketball. Our ball movement is crisp, we're running through our sets quickly and generating lots of high-confidence shots. I could go on and on.

And that's what this thread is really about- with the Raptors turning the corner there is less controversy and therefore less discourse. But there is so much to talk about.

Rebounding. It's gotten so much better. We can switch into a big line and not lose any court prowess.

Defense. We're actually guarding like an intelligent team again. The boys are putting in the work as they all have the necessary skills. We've usually got two shotblockers on the court! This is new territory.

Point guard play. TJ and Jose are among the league's best. We give them a lot of screens and they produce a lot of hoops at the basket and open shots. And they don't turn the ball over- phenomenal.

Player and ball movement. The guys run through their sets quickly and confidently, even in short clock situations. Again, our basketball IQ shines through. We've still got a long way to go (to get close to the Spurs and Suns) but we've come SO far. When TJ and Bargnani really start clicking, we're going to be playing the game at a very high speed.

Shooting. We started the season off pretty cold but we're starting to heat up. All our guys can make shots.

Bosh and Bargnani. Watching this duo develop the remainder of this season is going to be so fun. You just know it. Big shots, big blocks, big dunks, and big balls. And the ACC crowd is going to go crazy for it.

I know all you guys already know all this **** and love our new team as much as I do but I think it's something we're not that used to as Raptor fans. We're not used to talking about how good our team actually is. We always knew it was lacking talent depth, toughness, leadership, ball smarts and skills. It's not anymore and that's something to be celebrated.

Toronto Raptors: Elite Team. That was a thread I made before the season started. Well, we're not elite quite yet but we're pretty damn good.

Go Raptors.

**shookem** · 01-09-2007, 05:54 AM

We're still an average to good team but the ceiling hasn't even been seen for this team yet. That's what gets me excited.

I'm just happy that finally the Raps are winning games against teams they should beat, that to me is the biggest sign that the team is turning a corner.

Victor Page · 01-09-2007, 08:20 AM

I'm not convinced the team can properly be characeterized as "good" yet ("good" meaning above average, or capable of winning more games than losing).

I've never a seen a conference/ division as pathetic as the Eastern / Atlantic is right now. Even the crappy Norris division in the NHL during the 1980's usually had one good team (usually the Blackhawks or St. Louis).

Remember, Kevin O'Neill guided the Raps to a 25-25 record until Jalen Rose broke his hand and they dropped off. This year's edition would have to go on a pretty good run to get to 25-25.

ColinBeehler · 01-09-2007, 02:02 PM

im not going to look it up, so these are rough numbers. but i read in a news paper today that the raptors have 51 remaining games. 29 of which are at home, and of the road games, 19 of 22 are against eastern conference teams. that translates into a lot less travel for our raps. Probably a few more wins too!

I think thats a significant thing to consider, we really did have a helluva tough sched to start.

SkywalkerAC · 01-09-2007, 02:22 PM

I'm obviously not looking at the record here, though I do think we're going to continue gaining momentum this season, getting wins. I just wanted to focus on our team and the way they can play basketball, what they're doing right. We've never been this good IMO.

TehKingJames · 01-09-2007, 02:38 PM

Don't get excited yet...save that for when we make playoffs.

Here is my opinion on the team: Bryan Collangelo has changed the whole team around. From having only 2 Caucasians, to now having alot? That is a change.

Bosh is improving, rapidly. He's in a good spot for double-doubles, and he isn't crapping out yet.

TJ Ford is okay, but I expect better from him seeing as Toronto traded probably the next big thing to hit T.O. since Vince Carter: Charlie Villanueva. He could improve on his shot a bit, seeing as he's averaging .333 when he has the potential of averaging half.

Bargnani is better than I thought he'd be. He's got the range, the skill, and he can drive to the hoop with his size, he's an average Dirk Nowitzki.

We're 15-19, and it's a major improvement. I hope we can stay on the winning ways and get over .500

**Crossword** · 01-09-2007, 02:41 PM

I haven't been this confident in the Raptors in a few years. They're definitely turning the corner.

TehKingJames · 01-09-2007, 02:43 PM

Either have I, but the team's been revolutionized, and now, they're better.

**Crossword** · 01-09-2007, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TehKingJames

TJ Ford is okay, but I expect better from him seeing as Toronto traded probably the next big thing to hit T.O. since Vince Carter: Charlie Villanueva. He could improve on his shot a bit, seeing as he's averaging .333 when he has the potential of averaging half.

First of all, welcome to the Raptors board!

I see what you're saying about Charlie V's popularity here, but I'm not disappointed with the trade at all. In terms of impact, TJ is a great leader who can make shots, especially in the clutch, and uses all his passing options. The best thing about him is that he has trust in his teammates and rarely holds the ball for extended periods of time, unless it's to drive. As for his 3 point percentage, that doesn't worry me because it's not a shot he usually takes unless he's open. And besides, Bargnani's already made me forget about Villy.

**shookem** · 01-09-2007, 02:53 PM

Quote:

TJ Ford is okay, but I expect better from him seeing as Toronto traded probably the next big thing to hit T.O. since Vince Carter: Charlie Villanueva. He could improve on his shot a bit, seeing as he's averaging .333 when he has the potential of averaging half.

??!

You want TJ to be .500 from behind the arc? I wouldn't hold my breath.
FG wise he's shooting the best of his career (.45).

Q8i · 01-09-2007, 08:48 PM

Right Now, Im Juss Enjoyin The Kid iLL Mago!
When We Make The Playoffs, Then Imma Say We're Good

**BDB** · 01-09-2007, 09:21 PM

Watched the game @ Continental Airlines Arena and I agree the team has improved. Rasho Nesterovic taking the foul to give on Kidd before halftime and Mo Pete going after a loose ball in the second half. Andrea Bargnani looks good too.

adhir1 · 01-09-2007, 10:24 PM

i hoped tonight knocked some sense back into us...were not good...YET...we dont win the big games that we have to...tonight New Jersey got up for the game...and said "you know what, **** you Toronto, well show u who the better team is" and they trampled us, dont be surprised if they go on an extended winning streak now. The players who are supposedly our "core" right now dint do their job, TJ made me throw up in my mouth, and Bosh well, Bosh got shut down by Mikki Moore and Jason Collins, however AB got up and played amazing, i think in the future he will be the focal point of this team..and the alpha dog.

To sum up, we arent a good team yet, we are a borderline .500 team, nothing more nothing less.

neoxsupreme · 01-09-2007, 11:08 PM

The Raps are playing as a team. They've got a good foundation & a system in place w/ everyone on the same page. No internal problems or chemistry issues really. They've been really consistent of late. A return to the postseason this yr looks promising but they'd have to knock off the Nets since probably only 1 team from the Atlantic Division is getting into the playoffs.

SkywalkerAC · 01-10-2007, 03:27 AM

we're good but we can still stink it up.

I only got to see the first half of the Nets game. I'm amazed that TJ and Bosh didn't produce after crapping the first half.

I don't think the Raps are going to let the Bucks off easy tomorrow.

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