Pre-Season

The Raptors last year were off to Europe for the pre-season. It was great for the global marketing of the Raptor brand but for the team I am not sure it was all that great. The NBA will point to last year's Champions the Boston Celtics as proof of the bonding experience sending teams to Europe can be. I think Garnett, Allen an Pierce would have bonded just as easy be it in Boston, Beijing or anywhere they happened to be. I don't buy into the NBA saying this helps team's bond it helps the NBA sell product plain and simple.

This pre-season the Raptors have an odd schedule that will see them travel around North America. A training camp in Ottawa, back home to Toronto, A trip out to L.A for a mini-tournament and wrapping up in Edmonton. That is a lot of travel miles under their belts. They will also continue the tradition of playing some Euro-League opposition as well. I like the idea of that. You will have a team that is motivated to win when you play against a Euro team. It will challenge the Raptors to play up a level from the regular exhibition game or it should. Raptors have had some not so great moments vs non-NBA opposition. They dropped a game in last year's Euro Live tour. Anthony Parker killed them prior to becoming a Raptor a few years back. It is just not a good thing despite the improvement of European club teams.

So the new crew of Raptors will get to know each other traveling around this preseason. If you buy into the NBA and the whole travel bonding theory that will be good for the Raptors. I honestly think it is over blown and overrated. Maybe I am wrong but I just don't think a road trip for a pro sports team is the same as loading up the local kid's basketball or hockey team and heading off to a tournament.

Here is my Raptor Check List of Things I am looking for in Pre-Season:

1. How well does Jose Calderon perform after a not so hot Olympics and an injury. All eyes will be focused on Jose this season. That begins right from the start.
2. J.O claims he is a man on two legs again. Well I am not sure how much in pre-season we will get to find out about that. But I will be watching and hoping to see a healthy and refreshed Jermaine O'Neal
3. The post Gold Bosh Era will begin. Do we see that same defensive effort from him? We will get a small clue in the pre-season.
4. Roko is no longer on You Tube highlights or playing in Europe. This is the NBA and we will see if Roko has the game to handle that. He has dreamed about it for years but the dream is going to become a reality. Finally we will see what Roko can truly do, or at least start to have a better idea.
5. Andrea Bargnani, can he break on through to the other side? Will we see the improvement the Raptors have been hoping for? He is likely going to get a lot of time to show off what he has done in off-season be it good or bad.
6. No more Bad Joey? Can Graham take his above average summer league and turn it into something? I am a doubter but the chance to prove me wrong is there for Joey Graham to take it.
7. Jamario Moon wowed me in pre-season last year. Did same with Sam Mitchell and from their he would go from off the radar to the starting line-up. So what can he do now? Word has it he has been in the gym pumping iron. This will hopefully lead to rocking iron with more dunks and drives. 
8. D-Fence...Let's see it.
9. Post season Kapono or regular season Jason. Which guy do we see?
10. Thunder from down under. Nathan Jawai is going to be this year's Jamario Moon. I feel it in my gut. The experts I have talked with are not as willing to jump on board with me. But I just think Nathan Jawai is the big body Sam Mitchell has wanted in Toronto for a long time.

NBA Things on My Mind

I am concerned for Patrick Ewing Jr. based on his moving to the Knicks. When your dad is a legend with the franchise and you come to play there that can't be easy. But he did same thing in college playing at Georgetown so at least he has experience at it. Not like the Knicks gave up much. But Spike Lee and New York Fans will expect a lot from that Ewing name on a Knick jersey.

S.O.S NOLA?

How will the Hornets be able to make it in New Orleans? The team should be very good but can they honestly last in a city that is struggling to just survive. I have mentioned it before in the blog, I was a Hornet fan before there were Raptors. I think a lot of folks this year will have the Hornets as their second favourite team. But despite all that good will can it be enough to keep this team alive in New Orleans? Sadly I think the answer is no. I hope that I am wrong on this one.

The Balance of Power Continues To Shift

The Eastern Conference is slowly starting to catch up to the West. Will this season be the year that it will actually take a winning record to make the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Will the West start to take a slide backwards? Not likely when you consider how good the team in Portland might be now. That is just another team in a large mix of talent in the Wild Wild West. But slowly the East is closing the gap.

Buy and Sell

This will be a little feature I will do once in awhile. It is like my NBA Stock Market Report. A team, coach or player that I see taking a step up or down in the NBA.

Buys:

T.J Ford.... Yes I know you are all shocked. But seriously as long as he stays healthy there is no reason to think T.J will not have a great bounce back season after a forgetable one here in Toronto last year.

Portland Trailblazers.... This is a long term investment that you can retire on. The Trailblazers should start to be contenders for years to come in the Western Conference.

Mo Williams... I am not his biggest fan by any stretch but playing with Lebron James should help him improve his numbers.

Sam Dalembert... Elton Brand should help Sam just like O'Neal will help Bosh. Sam also wants to prove that the things said about his bad Team Canada experience are 100% False.

Rodney Stucky... He is part of the young Pistons and you can expect him to play a big role and with Billiups and others rumoured to be on the move it only stands to reason if that happens it is good news for Stucky.

Sell

Dallas Mavericks- Unimpressed with both Dirk and J-Kidd in the Olympics and I think the Dallas Mavericks are in a free fall after making a silly trade for Kidd that was thinking way to short term. Mark Cuban in business is a smart guy with his basketball team he made a bad deal. If he pushed to get Kidd it was the wrong move and the effects start this year.

Vince Carter- Vince on a rebuilding mode team. Raptor fans have seen how this works right? So do not expect to much Vinsanity this year.

Richard Jefferson- Yeah I guess I am bashing the Nets. But does anyone think Jefferson is happy to be a Buck? He also doesn't have a good point guard to set him up. Sorry Bucks but you blew it again.

Mike D'Antoni- Steve Nash made the Mike D'Antoni system work. Chris Duhon is in no way Steve Nash. The Knicks are not the Suns and the system will fail.

Yao Ming-Unhappy with Ron Artest and he looked like he was playing in pain for Olympics in China. Those do not seem like good signs for the Rockets.

Share your Buy and Sells for the NBA in the comments if you like. You can also share thoughts on these ones if you like.

So that is all for today folks. Count down to camp continues and stick with the Dino Nation Blog to get you ready. Thanks for Reading!!!

By Mike Gill

Last season the Atlantic Division was home to the NBA Champion Boston Celtics.  While they are the favorites, the gap is closing and the division is getting better.  Boston may be the favorite, but the Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors are moving in the right direction and the New Jersey Nets and New York Knicks are getting better as well.  While the division might not be the best, its still the northeast, so lets take a look at the 12 best players in the division.

Starters

PG - Andre Miller  (Sixers) - Miller enjoyed a career year with the Sixers, and should be even better this season with more weapons.  He scored 17 points per game and dished out almost seven assists per night.

SG - Andre Iguodala (Sixers ) - He is maybe the most athletic player in the division and is coming off his best NBA season and should only get better with the addition of Elton Brand.

SF - Paul Pierce (Celtics) -Pierce is a six-time all-star and can still score in bunches.  While he may be slowing down a little bit, he is still them man in the clutch and is the best at this position.

PF - Kevin Garnett (Celtics) - Six-foot-11 and can shoot from anywhere on the floor, Garnett is one of the best not only in the division, but the game.  Not only is Garnett a scary offensive player he is the defensive player of the year, this is a deep position in the Atlantic and he is the best.

C - Jermaine O'Neal (Raptors) - I know O'Neal has been injured the past couple of seasons with the Pacers, but I think the move to Toronto could be the best thing that happened to him.  Paired with Chris Bosh, the Six-foot-11 O'Neal will have some athletic help down on the blocks. 

Bench

PF - Elton Brand (Sixers)

SG - Vince Carter (Nets)

C - Samuel Dalembert (Sixers)

PF - Chris Bosh (Raptors)

SG - Ray Allen (Celtics)

PG - Rajon Rando (Celtics)

SF - Thaddeus Young (Sixers)

Coach - Glenn "Doc" Rivers

Current Predictions

1. Boston Celtics

2. Philadelphia 76ers

3. Toronto Raptors

4. New York Knicks

5. New Jersey Nets

Stumble it!

Seems fitting that someone who worked in education would be our guest on first day of school for some. He now does his teaching through his work on basketball with the Fan 590 and Raps TV. If you read the interview with his partner Eric Smith recently a lot of the questions are on the same topics. But this time it is Paul and his take on these issues.

P.Jones-I think Jose and the Raptors are looking long term after they held him out of the Gold Medal Game. By the way, it was nice to see the USA pushed a little bit but they had too many guys that were used to "big game moments" to lose that game. As a sports psychology guy, it just seemed Spain was too far past the peak of the aggression-performance curve. They just wanted every call and play so badly in the moment, I think they lost track of the big picture.

It's going to be a tough year for Jose because he's "on the radar" again but this time without a back up. It means more minutes and I would not be surprised to see his production drop initially until he becomes comfortable with his new role. He has GOT to stay healthy!!

P.Jones-Have chatted with Sam a couple times this summer but nothing about strategy or how he's going to play. I suspect from what he said the day they introduced Calderon and O'Neal, Toronto may employ more traditional sets with an inside presence like O'Neal. He's a guy that commands a double team and will help spread the floor even more for their 3 point shooters. O'Neal's presence will be felt more on the defensive end. He's a good shot blocker and that will help big time.

 P.Jones-I think Bosh is already at a high level of "stardom" in the NBA. Heck, the guy is a three time all-star and has been voted there by the coaches, not the popularity contest that is the NBA ballot for fans. Look at what he did for Team USA. The only way to get to the level of LeBron and Kobe is to win more

P.Jones-The schedule is very reminiscent of two season ago when the team just felt they needed to get to January and things would turn in their favour. That was a tough start to the season but they ended up with 47 wins. IF....IF they can get a few games out west before those teams solidify roles and a home court comfort level it could be a good year. One would hope as a more experienced team particularly in key positions, they can win on the road if they are healthy. The schedule is always tough on the family. Anyone in the broadcast business owes a debt to their family. You miss a lot of family time as the trade off for your job.

P.Jones-I don't think you can expect much from Roko Ukic in the initial stages of his first season. There will be all kinds of barriers to overcome - language, culture and most of all...playing more games against better players. Many international players have found the speed and athleticism of the NBA game a big adjustment. After speaking with some scouts he's not getting glowing reviews. You'll have to wait for my previews to hear what some are saying. In fairness though. I'd like to see him play LIVE myself before simply believing what others are saying.

P. Jones-Sounded like Jawai was impressive in workouts. It may be easier for him than Ukic as he may have a more limited and defined role. But hey, he has to win over Sam Mitchell. I think a player like Humphries may see an opportunity for more playing time in the same role as Jawai. Nothing like internal competition.

P.Jones-Yep. Just look at his shot blocking and rebounding numbers when he was healthy. The guy is a 6-time all star who is motivated to play. Even though it's Chris Bosh's team, I really think O'Neal, with his experience will become a leader in the locker room while still deferring publicly to Bosh who most people see as the face of the franchise.

P.Jones-Still remains to be seen. When the deal was first made, I spoke to a Western Conference assistant that thought Toronto was now #3....yes #3 ahead of the Orlando Magic that ousted them in 5 games last spring. I don't think its out of line to expect them to have home court in the first round. Regardless, to consider the season a success, they MUST get out of the first round.

P.Jones-Health is the biggest key and it is something that you have no control over. Look at what happened when Bosh was injured last season and the team didn't win a game out west at a key time in the season. This team has to become hungrier and I think some players may find it in themselves with a little help from O'Neal.

Quite a few changes to quite a few rosters over the off-season. It would seem that two things are evident: currently the gap between the 'haves' and 'have nots' is growing, and this seems to be directly in relation with some teams clearing cap space - or preparing to do so - in order to be competitive in what promises to be a very exciting 2010 free agent period.

Many teams have already made moves to improve rosters - both within the free agent signing period (and this season was a frenetic time by any standards!), and within the trade market. Rosters are also affected by injuries, and at least two teams will have to seriously adjust their early-season goals due to injuries to key players. Additionally, there are at the minimum two teams' rosters are improving with key players returning from injury.

Firstly - acquisitions. Of an off-season rife with impact movement, perhaps the biggest impact acquisition for any team was Elton Brand going to the Philadelphia 76ers.
This free agent signing to the East strengthens a team that was already on the rise, and Brand's addition should put them in the upper echelon of Eastern teams.
Andre Miller and Andre Iguodala lead a squad that made the playoffs last year, and started the first round against the Detroit Pistons, a perennial power-house, and pushed them to six games.
Brand, Miller, Iguodala and Dalembert will be the mainstays of this team, and expect Thaddeus Young to get increased minutes this year.

Brand addresses a weakness Philadelphia had, a strong power forward. Funnily enough, the one thing the Sixers are now missing is the one thing they traded away last season: a quality spot-up shooter. But whilst Kyle Korver now calls Utah home, Brand in town makes the City of brotherly love a more attractive destination for players seeking a possible contender.

Sixers fans can look forward to a finish right up somewhere near the top of the Eastern Conference. The only thing that will stop them from winning the Atlantic conference is the presence of Boston, and they'll push the Celtics at any rate.

...

Ron Artest in Houston, with Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming? Wow... seems like an amazing roster. Not only these three, but think Rafer Alston, Luis Sciola, Shane Battier, Brent Barry, Carl Landry and even Dikembe Mutumbo - and you have a roster that's loaded with talent. Verily, how loaded this team became at forward makes one wonder whether Battier's destined to remain a Rocket too much longer.

However, whilst this team might just perform at phenomenal standards, it's just as likely to fall flat on it's collective face.
Ron-ron brings more luggage to Houston than just his suitcases, and whilst he's been on his best behavior recently, it's a toss of a coin as to who is more likely to commit something on a truly Vickian scale: Artest or 'Melo. Within days of being named at his new team, Artest and Yao were butting heads, something that appears to have been resolved... but at the very least, not a good sign nor a good start.
Add to that admittedly minor concern (unless... he goes off like, well... like a rocket), the fragility of Yao Ming, and to a lesser extent Tracy McGrady.

Even tho' Yao claims his limping at the Olympics was nothing more than blisters, the fact that even with surgery for a broken bone in his foot Yao had to play in the Olympics, would be of concern to Houston. But he did have to play - he's Chinese, and it was Beijing. A foregone conclusion.
What is the likelihood that Yao will be able to play a whole season this year?
Well... not good. The last three years, Yao Ming has missed substantial time each and every season - each time due to a lower extremity injury.
Despite seeming to be a relatively inconsequential injury, "foot stress fractures" occur due to repetitive pressure, something that's of concern for a player of his size. It's honestly not a good sign for Ming's longevity.

The Rockets will be good - but an injury to one of their key 3 personnel will leave them floundering.

...

Toronto's acquisition of Jermaine O'Neal puts them towards the top of the East, if O'Neal can return to a semblance of the form he had 2+ years ago.
Alongside the amply talented Chris Bosh, O'Neal will have less pressure than he faced at Indiana in recent times, and should return some good numbers in scoring and rebounding.
But can O'Neal stay healthy?

Along with O'Neal, Toronto drafted Australian big man Nathan Jawai - who steps onto the hardwood at a massive 6'10/280. Jawai's raw, and largely untested... but with his sheer size it will be interesting to see if he can make it with the game's elite.

Now that Toronto have 4 players who are 6'10 or taller (not that Bargnani plays particularly 'big'), surely they'd be able to make a real push in the East?
Well... not so fast Rap-fans.
Unfortunately for the Rap-pack, they dwell in the Atlantic division... which with the Brand-to-76ers move, has become perhaps the most top-heavy divisions in the East.
Toronto will make the playoffs, but they will rely largely on which Jermaine O'Neal turns up - the superstar of Indiana two years ago, or the oft-injured lumbering big man of the last few years.
Let's hope for the former. It'll make life interesting.

I am lucky to have been able to make contacts with folks like Eric and think it is important to have them in this blog. Some blogs do their own thing and like to establish their own point of view. I have no problem with that. But for my blog I am lucky enough to have the contact with folks that are connected to the Raptors. I welcome the chance to hear from them and hopefully ask some questions that will get some opinions on the Raptors that you will not find elsewhere.

In this visit with Eric, we talk about a bunch of topics, Bosh, Calderon, The Raptors overall look and expectations, as well as some other things. I hope you will enjoy it and find it of interest to you.

Recently I wrote a blog on the comparison of Chris Bosh winning his Gold Medal in Beijing and Vince Carter winning his in Sydney. I asked Eric for his thoughts on the comparison and what it could mean for Bosh:

Eric Smith-"To be honest, I'm not sure I understand the comparison. I guess it depends on what you mean by the "impact the Gold medal has". I suppose VC was already on top of the world and one of the poster-boys for the NBA ... whereas Bosh is/was a 3-time All Star but this Olympic experience has raised his game and his recognition factor. And it should do a ton for his confidence as well."

Everyone, or almost everyone has raved about the defense of Chris Bosh at the Olympics for team U.S.A. So I asked Eric based on that and the addition of Jermaine O'Neal what he thought it would mean for the Raptor Defense:

Eric Smith- "They'll have one of the best 1-2 punches in the league. O'Neal can muscle-up against some of the bigger opposing forwards and centers, while Bosh can use his speed and versatility to leak out on guys that are stretching out towards the perimeter; or stick down to come from the weak side with some help D (and a big block?) for O'Neal. They should compliment each other well as two big men with different defensive styles and strengths."

Many have seen my concerns about Roko Ukic. I asked Eric if Calderon playing well and staying healthy was key to any Raptor success. Eric seems to think that people like yours truly are not giving Roko his due:

Eric Smith- I don't think folks are giving Roko Ukic enough credit ... and Parker, Adams, and maybe even Solomon (?) could play the point in an absolute emergency. However, there's no denying that Ukic - a rookie - handling the load for a long period of time would not be as preferable as having Calderon log 35+ minutes each night ... playing 75 games or more"

We have seen some of the early looks at where the Raptors may end up this year. Some are highly optimistic about the Raptors others are not so much. Eric was not ready to put a number on it just yet. I respect that because I feel the same way. But here is Eric's general thought on where the Raptor rank in the Eastern Conference this season:

Eric Smith- "It's not fair to put a number on the team yet. I mean, we're still a month away from Training Camp and 6 weeks from their first pre-season game; two months from the regular season! On paper, I don't see why they can't be a top 5 team in the East."

If you want to say the Raptors have a "Big 3" it would be Bosh, O'Neal and Calderon. Beyond those obvious 3 choices I asked Eric who he thought could have the largest impact on the Raptors this season:

Eric Smith- Jason Kapono. If he can play - this season - like he did in the playoffs against the Magic ... Kapono could be huge for the Raps. Plus, with O'Neal and Bosh down low, opposing defenses will not be able to risk doubling-up on either one of them too often ... 'cause that'll leave the perimeter open for Kapono and others.

The number one concern for this Raptor team is HEALTH. So, I thought the better question to ask of Eric would be what would be number two on the list of Raptor concerns:

Eric Smith- Rebounding. I think they have enough offensive weapons. Defensively, they've been "good" (not great) and they should be better with the addition of Jermaine O'Neal. But they've got to get it done on the glass. O'Neal will help with that as well.

I am hopefully that Nathan Jawai could help with that. I know that I have taken to Nathan Jawai and his story. I am not sure if I am being totally objective in looking at what he will be able to do. So, I decided for myself and some of our new friends in Australia, I would ask Eric his thoughts on a what a great or best case season would be for Big Nate:

Eric Smith-Best case? He plays consistent minutes in the rotation of bigs ... behind Humphries and Bargnani. But I have a feeling that year 1 could be more about learning and watching. I am pulling for the guy though; he's a genuine person and I think he has a future on this team. If he can make an instant impact in his rookie year, that'll be an added bonus."

Last season there was a lot of debate heading into the season on if Andrea Bargnani would start or not. After the season was over a lot of fans were just frustrated and angry with Andrea Bargnani. This season no such worries of Andrea Bargnani as far as being a starter. I have been of the opinion that it will help Andrea. I asked Eric if he shared that opinion:

Eric Smith- Absolutely. It should. I think folks have been too hard on Bargnani. People have forgotten about his solid rookie season. If he didn't miss a month late in the year - after having his appendix out - he may have seriously pushed Brandon Roy for Rookie of the Year honors ... because he was a main cog/reason in Toronto winning 47 games that year and making it to the post-season. He was one of the better Raptors in that playoff series against New Jersey as well. He took a step back last year and he did not live up to expectations. But let's look at it like this: He had one good year and one bad year ... so let's see how things average out in Year 3. Playing against reserves and being the go-to guy in the Raptors 2nd unit should help in many ways.

Last season we saw Jamario Moon rise to amazing levels. He truly had a tremendous rookie season with the Raptors. So what has to happen to make season number two continue the story in a positive way for Jamario Moon:

Eric Smith- "A commitment to driving to the hoop and using his athleticism ... and a refocus on the defensive tenacity he brought during his first couple of months as well. I think his jumper got better as the season went on and was very impressed with his rebounding throughout the year. If he can continue to add to those components, he'll be a valuable piece for the Raps."

I have been of the opinion that Raptors may look a bit different on the offensive end of the floor this season. I asked Eric what he expected to see on the offensive end of the floor from the Raptors this season given the changes to the roster:

"Eric Smith- Too early to tell. With Jermaine O'Neal in the mix, you'd think this team wouldn't be as up-tempo as they have been in the past. But to be fair, I don't think this team was "Phoenix East" (as they've been dubbed by some) for most of last season. They have their own style. They're not a club that's running a track meet every night. I have a feeling a lot of the offense will continue to be focused on the pick and roll (Calderon and Bosh; Calderon and O'Neal) as well as simply dumping it into the post and letting Bosh and O'Neal make the plays from their. Parker, Kapono, and Calderon should see a lot of open looks on the outside."

Eric Smith as many of you know does a lot of different things with the Raptors in the media. So I asked for an E-Update. What Eric will be doing this season as far as the Raptors go this season:

Eric Smith- "Status quo as far as I know. I'll be back on the Raptors radio broadcasts with Jonesy as well as hosting Hoops every Thursday night. Double Dribble will be back as well and there may be the odd appearance on Raptors Today, Full Court Press, and the Raptors TV pre and post game shows. I'm looking at some other television work as well, but we'll see. The blog will continue on both Fan590.com and Raptors.com too. In fact, there may be some video content on Raptors.com this year as well (interviews, reports, fun pieces) ... we'll see.

I recently read an article that I found in the Raptorblog. Which is a good read for anyone that is looking for more Raptor Blogs to enjoy. Anyway this article talked about the Philadelphia 76ers holding a conference call with Ed Stefanski for Sixers Bloggers. I felt it interesting based on what I do each day. I wanted to get the take of Eric, on the thought of Raptors doing something of a similar nature here.

Eric Smith- "There are a lot of great blogs and bloggers out there. There are some that provide good content and analysis. However, there are others that are juvenile and weak on quality and overall professionalism.

I also believe that blogs have opened up a dangerous precedent. An internet connection and a computer (and a little free time) should not automatically turn somebody into a legit "writer" who is afforded the same rights, privileges, and access as a trained journalist or broadcaster.

I'm not AGAINST the Raptors having a conference call. If it happens ... I'm fine with that. You know I've supported you James and I respect the fact that you went to school for journalism and you're trying to re-ignite your career.

I have mentioned it many times how much I am grateful for the help and respect from Eric and others. I also feel the same when it comes to blogs. I think we have our share of good people and others that are not. It is true that nobody can fire me beyond my internet provider. But what I do and I think Eric would agree is try to be as professional as possible. I understand the challenge that people like myself face in getting access to cover teams and have the same right to access as folks in the main stream media. But I hope for a day that teams will understand the difference between the folks that try the best they can to be professional and let them have a chance to expand on what they do. I think people like Eric and his media colleagues have earned the right to have access just by being hired by the companies that they work for.

I do my best to embrace and respect those people. I understand the way things go in the media a bit. But I am hopefully that teams will make the effort like the Sixers have done to reach out to the blog community. It is a bold move by them; but it is a changing world and it is all about trying to embrace your fan base. Building a relationship with bloggers is a way for teams to do that. I think at the heart of blogs like this is someone who is a fan. I have said before that I do what I can to represent my readers and get as much quality info as I can. Eric has always been someone that has been kind enough to embrace that by taking the time to help and that is a credit to him as a person and professional.

I have a lot of pride in doing the best I can for myself and the readers of this blog. I think it is an interesting time to being doing this and do my best to do a good job regardless. So as always thanks to Eric, I look forward to his work and thoughts in the future.

Everyone has there own ideas on what this new look Raptor team will be. The Experts, The Bloggers and you the fans. Even the Raptors have some idea of the team they in vision taking the floor for this 08/09 season. But at this point we are all just trying to predict the future. The real answers start in the end of October and to a lesser extent in the pre-season. There is lots to be excited about and there are many things that can be of concern. Through this summer we have been looking at both of those things in this blog and elsewhere in the blog world and media.

There are some things that none of us can know till we see it come together on a basketball court. Even Sam Mitchell can only put together a plan of attack at this point. It will be up to the 13 players that make up this roster to buy into that plan of action and go out and perform it on the floor. That is the reality of things when all is said and done. But we can target many things that will be key to that plan no matter what it is to work or not. That is what I will try to do today. So here is a list of the key factors that are required to a successful Raptor attack.

Jose Calderon- He has become the key factor to any success the Raptors will have. You can have 2 all stars in the post with Bosh and O'Neal but if you can't get them the ball it really means little. Lebron James has got by without a point guard of any great skill level for his entire NBA Career. But he is able to handle the ball and take control of the ball without the help of a point guard. Bosh and O'Neal require the help of solid point guard play to be able to get the most from them on the offensive end of the floor.

This is why the health of Jose Calderon is vital to any Raptor success and health early in the year is even more important. That is why he sat and watched Spain win a Silver Medal. He could not afford to risk an injury and the Raptors could not as well. Extended minutes and no more room for error. Jose Calderon must play at the same level he took his game to last season. He needs to do it consistently and this is the gamble the Raptors have made by trading Ford for O'Neal. The Raptors have faith he can do it. They have so much so that behind Calderon is 2 back-ups with no experience in the NBA from Europe. Along with all the things on Calderon's personal plate he will also be looked to be more of a leader and likely a mentor for young Roko Ukic. There is no doubt if the Raptors have a successful season Jose Calderon MUST have one as well. He may be the most important player to the Raptors ability to succeed. He may not be the best player on the roster but I view him as the most important at this point.

O'Neal and Bosh- Many will speak first about what these two will do to the Raptors on the offensive end of the floor. However the biggest thing to me is can they anchor a Raptor defense that has failed in 2 straight NBA Playoffs. The Raptors will score and they can do it a lot of ways including through Bosh and O'Neal. When the Playoffs come around it becomes all about the Defense. We watched Bosh take his defensive skills to a whole new level with Team U.S.A. O'Neal when he was healthy was a defensive force. Jermaine says he has been a man playing on one leg for a few years. He says he is now a man with 2 legs planted on the ground. A Healthy JO will add something that the Raptors have not had in quite some time. A shot blocking force that will impact on how teams can attack the Raptors.

Moon and Bosh also can block their fair share of shots and it could make getting to the paint and scoring a far more rare event for teams that are matched up against the Raptors. A stronger inside should help the Raptors have a better outside. other defenders can focus on not letting teams get those open looks from 3 point range that killed the Raptors. The Orlando Magic won the series vs the Raptors by taking advantage of poor defense guarding the 3 point line. A stronger defense and a trust factor that the Raptors will have that you have people like Bosh and JO watching your back should change that. It will also give an attacking player something to think about if he chooses to drive the ball.

But on Offense the two also will add something as well. Teams have loaded up on Chris Bosh for the past few years and double teamed the Raptors best option to put the ball in the basket. But add a healthy JO to the mix and if teams do that O'Neal can make them pay. Teams will be left to pick their posion and it will be hard to choose if O'Neal is healthy and back to his All Star level. This will open up chances for other Raptors to take advantage of people being far less concerned with them. A guy like a Jason Kapono has the chance to become a far more used and effective weapon to the Raptor attack. Expect a more half court based offense than we have seen in the past but it will also be a far more effective mode of attack based on the things I have mentioned. The ultimate success would be if Andrea Bargnani is able to restore his game. That would mean at no point in a game will teams have not to deal with a scoring big man out on the floor.  Good for Raptors and scary for the rest of the NBA.

The Swing Man Super Man- The Raptors will look to see someone step up and be their answer as a swing man. It may not be just one guy. Kapono and Moon would be the likely front runners. Kapono is not going to turn into anything new. But he will fit much better into the Raptors scheme. He should see his point total rise. He also will not need to be as worried about being a defensive issue with the edition of that defensive help JO and Bosh will provide.

Jamario Moon is looking to get bigger and if he is going to follow up his first season with a successful second season that road will be to the hoop. More drives, and more dunks are the key to success. Jamario Moon needs to shoot more from the free throw line and less from the feild. If he can do this you may not have had to go looking for that free agent like a Cory Magette to fill that role. Jamario Moon will be playing for a big payday and that never hurts anyone having that carrot on the end of the stick to drive you to play well. Remember how well Mike James was as a Raptor. He was in a contract year and he played like it. Jamario Moon can establish is NBA career this season.

Joey Graham is playing for his NBA life this season. He really needs to show he can be good Joey all the time or he will go. If he is going to finally step up this is his last chance to do so. Anthony Parker is a pro and the fact I think he will make a return to Europe next season will not effect his play for the Raptors this year. The chance that Kapono will have will be the same one that Parker will have on offense. When you look to the Defensive side of things Parker can be a more confident and risk taking defender with the knowledge that he has support behind him that he has not had in his 2 years with the Raptors. That same bulldog approach to defense should be shown be Hassan Adams. Adams will not be as a big a factor in the offense but can score the basketball if need be.

Sam Mitchell- It seems odd that a coach of the year winner is still proving himself to the fan base. But that is the reality for Sam Mitchell and he is fine with that. He had to do it as a player his entire NBA career as a player. Bryan Colangelo has given Mitchell the tools he needs to have a team that plays basketball the way Sam Mitchell wants to play the game.

Mitchell will have the challenge of making the game plan to make this all work. He should be able to do it despite all of the doubt that is out there. Health is a word that hangs over all of this. Can he have a healthy JO as part of this plan. If he doesn't have that he will be hard pressed to have his plan work. But don't tell Sam that because to his credit he has never used injuries as an excuse for him or his team. How Mitchell can handle any of those injury bumps in the road will be key to keeping the Raptors on track.

A different approach on offense should be coming based on his comments after the O'Neal trade. He has a very different roster and his plan of attack should change to meet that fact. I worte about it earlier this month the Sam Mitchell Debate will end this season. Mitchell will prove he is the coach to lead this team to the next level if the Raptors are going to succeed it really is that simple.

Some X-Factors- Roko Ukic is at the top of the list. How good will he be and how fast can he pick up the NBA game. The quicker and the better he does that will have a positive influence. If Ukic can establish himself quickly it will be good news for Raptor fans and allow Jose Calderon to feel a little less pressure to have to perform at a high level each and every night. Nathan Jawai most don't expect much from him but I actually do. Jawai is the guy that can come off the bench and battle on the glass and get those rebounds both on defensive end of the floor. Down the road he could be something far greater. But in this first season he can be that guy to come in and grab that key rebound when the Raptors need it most. Jawai may not have sparkling numbers but he could be someone that can have impacts on games. Kris Humphries is the guy that may be the one that is left out of the mix. Jawai is in many ways a guy that can give you all the things the Humphries can and I think will be able to do it better. No question regardless Kris has a new person to push him to play better if he wants minutes at the very least. 

The Ultimate X-Factoris Andrea Bargnani his ability to bounce back will be the thing that could push the Raptors to that next level. If that does not happen for the Raptors and Andrea you have to wonder if he will be considered as someone to be traded. Bryan Colangelo would like to avoid that choice. Andrea will be given ever chance to show he is able to live up to the potential that Colangelo saw in him when selecting him number 1.

Bargnani has spent some time in Las Vegas working with some of his new team members. Jermaine O'Neal in his press conference said that Bargnani was key to the Raptors success. If Jermaine can help Bargnani develop a post game and a tough attitude it will go far in helping Bargnani reach that potiental everyone is counting on him doing.

But till we get playing some basketball we are all left just making our own judgements on what we expect to see. I am excited to be talking about what is actually happening rather than what I think will happen. But till than I am working on getting some of the blogs past guests to return to add their opinions to the mix. In fact that will start tomorrow with Eric Smith. It is always great to hear a wide variety of opinions be it from experts or fans. So keep adding your say too. After all in August that is about all we can do at this point. I just realized today marks 9 months for the Dino Nation Blog. We keep it going and growing thanks to all of you.

"He has been as valuable a player as we have on our team," Krzyzewski said when asked about Bosh. "He has played with such maturity and smarts. You can see it in his play, but if you could hear him talk to our team and talk to the other big guys, in practice, in games and on the bench. ...

"In this tournament, we are seeing an already outstanding player raise his game to another level. I'm very proud of him. He has been a real man for us."

-------------------------------------------

In sharp contrast to what most other NBA observers will tell you ...

De-constructing the mystery that is Chris Bosh [April 21, 2008]

this ^^^ is exactly who Chris Bosh is ... as an Elite Level NBA player and as an Elite Level person.

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He rebounded. He motivated. He played defence, especially against the international pick-and-roll, which so wounded the Americans four years ago in Athens, when the great basketball power slumped to bronze. He stayed active on offence, always presenting himself as a threat, even if he didn't always get the ball.

Chris Bosh has ALWAYS had the 'soul' of 'the Great Man' himself locked away inside ...

and it's been unfortunate that only a few astute NBA observers have been able to decipher accurately what his actual strengths are, prior to this point in his (still young) career.

Hopefully ... this will now begin to change ... and others (e.g. Raptors' Management & Coaches?) too will comprehend just how good this young man COULD/WOULD/SHOULD be ... if he emphasizes the REBOUNDING, TEAM DEFENSE, SHOT-BLOCKING, FACILITATOR (Team Offense) and ... most importantly ... LEADERSHIP role with whatever team he plays for.

Living life with Eyes Wide Shut is no way to be. 

NOTE: Only if the lessons learned from the 2008 Olympic Games are ignored ... will Chris Bosh's Beijing fail to translate to the NBA.

Click more for the rest of the eposide...

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

After all was said and done and Chris Bosh had his Gold Medal it got me thinking. When Vince Carter won his gold medal he would take that accomplishment and turn it into the most successful season in Raptor History. The post Olympic Carter lead Raptors to win 47 games and the only series win in franchise history. They would of course lose to the Phildelphia 76ers in a classic 7 game series that was one of the best in recent memory. That season would also see the addition of two of my personal favourites Morris Peterson who was drafted coming of a national title for Michigan State. Also Jerome Williams would drive through a snow storm upon hearing the news he had been traded from Detroit to Toronto. Thus the legend of JYD was born in Toronto. The Raptors were a team on the rise and starting to get attention in the United States. Carter had of course shocked the world by jumping over a tall french man in a single bound. It was for some the greatest in game slam dunk the world had ever seen.

Raptor Stats From 2000-2001 Season

When you hit the fast forward button to today Chris Bosh has now earned his own gold medal. His team of Raptors is thought to be on the rise as well. He didn't jump over and any french guys as France was not even in the tournament. But he did earn a lot of respect and media attention for his hard work and hard play. A little bit different way of getting attention than Vince. Both in their own way had grown their reputation in the U.S media as a result. Carter already had established a pretty solid one with his Slam Dunk Title earlier in the year. But this was more about what he could do as the star of his team. He would have healthy and productive NBA season and an even better playoffs. It truly was the peak of the Vinsanity Era of Raptor Basketball.

Can Bosh make this season the best of the CB4 Generation of Raptor basketball. Bosh unlike Carter embraces the fan base and there is no doubt has an impact. Carter heard it for himself with a full ACC chanting M V P for Bosh. Carter never got that kind of love deserved or not. This really all leads to a bigger question. If Bosh can take his Gold Medal and turn it into a season that is of a simlar nature to that team of 2000-2001 which to many was the best in franchise history. If he does that does this now mean Bosh is the GREATEST RAPTOR EVER? Maybe some people think he is already but a season like the one Vince Carter produced coming off his gold medal would go a long way in helping Bosh make that claim.

I don't think anyone could have thought that Chris Bosh on the day Vince Carter was traded to New Jersey would be able to not only replace him but better him as the Raptors Franchise Player. They do both have gold medals now but Bosh has a banner hanging in the ACC. Vince Carter who as many will recall still proclaimed the ACC his house when he would return. Well the house has got a makeover and it has that banner as a note of that. Vince Carter's home has turned into as Chuck Swirsky use to call it "The Bosh Pit" and it is a fun place to be.

Bosh has taken the slow and steady road to stardom. Vince Carter was an instant star based on the way he plays the game. The man who once joked that dunking is overrated has made an entire career out of it. The truth is Vince Carter's Slam Dunk Trophy to him means as much as an NBA Title. He values All-Star Games on par with playoff appearances. Chris Bosh is not about any of that. He is about one word "WIN" , doesn't matter how just win. That is the biggest difference between Bosh and Carter. Vince Carter did not feel the pain in a loss, it was just another game and there were 81 others just like it. Bosh takes every loss personally. He wants to win and he wants his team to win. He showed those values as part of team USA. He shows them with the Raptors as well.

I really am not one of those Vince Carter haters. I like Vince and think he is an amazing talent when he wants to be. I just have never liked the fact that I don't see a desire in him to win. I feel much safer as a fan knowing that as mad and as pissed off as I may be with a Raptor loss, I know Chris Bosh is just as upset and likely even more than me. I never felt that way with Vince, when that buzzer sounded and he finished is media scrum he was off the clock. I think for those that truly care about the team you are never off the clock. I think those who care deeply carry a bit of whatever is going on with the Raptors with them all the time. Vince Carter does not live, breath and think basketball 24/7. He just enjoys what the sport has been able to provide him and at the end of the day sees basketball as a means to an end. That end being having a rich and successful life. I don't hate V.C for that some people just are not as passionate as others. Bosh I am sure wants that rich successfully life too. But he also wants success on the floor just as much.

Fans have embraced Bosh and hated Carter and that will likely go on forever. Vince Carter if you take away all the personal issues and fan disapproval should be the first ever Raptor to see his number go to the rafters to be up with that Atlantic Division Title that he did not win. But instead it will be a 4 and not a 15 that does and that is just how far Chris Bosh has come. I think we all expected Bosh to be good but this good? I will be honest when he first came here I never could have imagined a day that I would say Chris Bosh would be the Greatest Raptor EVER. But that day is fast approaching and for some it has already come.

When all is said and done Chris Bosh Gets it. V.C not so much.

Early This morning (Very Early!), The United States Basketball squad claimed the Gold medal by beating Spain 118-107. This ends an eight year drought since the United states has won Gold in international play. Argentina who claimed the Gold in 2004 took the bronze and Spain took silver.

Props to the whole USA mens basketball squad or the "Redeem Team", as they've been called.

Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Jason Kidd, Carmelo Anthony, Carlos Boozer, Michael Redd,  Dwight Howard, Chris Bosh, Chris Paul and  Tayshain Prince

Just in case you didn't have a pen. Here is the link to join Chris Bosh's Fantasy Football league. I am already in my team is called Dino Nation Blog Football. Hey if I can have fun and do a little promotion what is the harm right? But blog or not I would still be playing cause I am a fantasy junkie. That reminds me that our Fantasy Leagues for Basketball on both NBA.Com and Yahoo.com will be starting soon. I will provide all the details as soon as they are able to be released. If you want to guarntee you get in please drop me an email to

dinonationblogger@hotmail.com and I will add you to my advance list prior to making it public knowledge in the blog.

Depending on how successful it is we may have multi leagues it just depends on all of you and how many want to play. The NBA.Com league will be a keeper league (Set Amount Players will carry over to next Season) and the Yahoo League will be your standard single season fantasy league. Joe my former college Radio Partner is our defending Champion as we ran a small league last year. So look for info on that coming soon. But here is you Link for Fantasy Football against CB4

Chris Bosh Fantasy Football Link

Post-game comments from members of Team USA

Click the link ^ ... and read each one.

What it means to be a TEAM.

* USA vs Spain for Olympic Gold
* Upside and Motor: Team USA Blogger Roundtable

The USA will NEED to send its VERY best players in order to win Gold Medals in Olympic Games’ men’s basketball.

If not … the rest of the the world is quickly becoming good ‘enough’ to capture Gold or Silver should the USA slip up.

Top flight basketball … like soccer/football … is now truly an international game … with good players and coaches scattered everywhere around the globe.

Kudos to ...

* Ricky Rubio, Rudy Fernandez, Mark Gasol, Pau Gasol, Juan Carlos Navarro, Carlos Jimenez, Felipe Reyes, Jorge Garbajosa, Berni Rodrigues, Raul Lopez, Alex Mumbru, Jose Calderon (injured), their coaches & support staff

* Kobe Bryant, Leron James, Dwyane Wade, Deron Williams, Chris Bosh, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, Jason Kidd, Tayshaun Prince, Carlos Boozer, Michael Redd, their coaches and support staff ...

Box Score & Game Summary

for giving such a good account of yourselves.

That, right there ... ^^^ ... my friends ... was first-class basketball.

The Gold Medals:
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Would Redemption be at hand for Chris Bosh and Team U.S.A? Only A short handed Spanish team that they already beat convincingly would stand in the way. Jose Calderon could only watch and like the rest of Spain pray for some kind of miracle to occur. The odds seemed very long for Spain to pull of the upset based on everything we have seen over the two weeks of this Olympic Tournament. However Spain would give things a very good effort.

Spain would even play from the lead for the first half of the first quarter. A Deron Williams free throw with 2:58 left to go would give the United States the lead and they would never trail again. But that is not to say they went on to a blow out from there. In Fact Spain would make several runs on to see the United States answer the challenge. Dwayne Wade and Kobe Bryant were leading the charge with a combined 47 points (27 Wade, 20 Bryant).

The closest Spain would get would come with just 8:13 to go in the 4th as a Rudy Fernandez 3 point shot made the U.S lead just 2 points at 91-89. After that a motivated 12-3 run would put the gold medal on ice so to speak. The U.S.A on the strength of that run would hang on for the 118-107 win.  But this was by far the toughest test that the United States would see in this tournament. It also restored some pride for Spain despite the loss after the had a more than embarrassing blow out loss to these same Americans in the Round Robin portion of the tournament.

Jose Calderon had to be proud of his Spanish team and the effort they made with out him. Raptor fans had to be thankful that Jose did the right thing for them and himself by remaining on the sidelines. Chris Bosh did play and had 8 points and 7 rebounds on the night. He lead the Americans in rebounding this season and really was a key part of this team all Raptor Bias aside. So the Raptors have their second ever active member on the roster to win a Gold Medal. Calderon is first ever Silver medalist and if Carlos Delfino had of stuck around we would have had a bronze as well. But it still will make a great trivia question some day. What NBA team had 3 of it's players from the previous year's roster win Gold, Silver and Bronze? Toronto Raptors will be the answer. Ex-Raptor Delfino and Argentina were able to defeat Lithuania 87-75 without Manu Ginoibli in the line-up. Delfino had 20 points and 10 rebounds in the win.

Gold Medal Game

 U.S.A 118 Spain 107- Recap

Bronze Medal Game

Argentina 87 Lithuania 75 - Recap

So the United States is back on top the basketball world and they can say mission accomplished. The rest of the world must re-group and try again in 4 years in London. When they were motivated to win the United States showed some flashes of the old "DREAM TEAM" domination.

The Raptor Olympic Experience

The good was very good and the bad was not so bad. That good we speak of is all about Chris Bosh. He has a Gold Medal and he can feel a big part of earning that medal. Chis Bosh took his defense to a whole new level and so did his stardom in the United States. Raptor fans hope this will all lead to some success for the Raptors based on it. After all Raptor Fans are happy for Chris and his Gold Medal but last time I checked this is Canada and we don't get credit for that gold. What Bosh can build on from that medal is something that we can be excited about.

For Jose Calderon his Olympic experience ended with injury and honestly wasn't exactly going great before all of that went down. Calderon was average at best during this tournament and it is hard to say why exactly. Maybe it was the strange substitution patterns of the Spanish National Team or it was a case of Jose just not having his A game with him. But Claderon needs to get healthy and then leave the Olympics in the past for him. He has his own new challenge awaiting him in Toronto as the newly minted starting point guard of the Toronto Raptors. That is going to be enough to keep him busy. He will also have a young Roko Ukic to mentor.

Speaking of Ukic he was somewhere in the middle with his Olympic experience with Croatia. I think he was good but not great and had his moments of good and bad for Croatia. He does understand he has much to learn when he gets here. The key will be how fast he can learn it. If anything this injury to Calderon was a wake-up call to the fact the Raptors have 0 NBA experience behind him in Ukic. It is not Roko's fualt it is just the reality of things. If he is a quick study the folks like me will feel a lot more secure.

We also got some brief looks at Georgios Printezis for Greece. But he played very little and it is really hard to say much good or bad about his performance based on that. Just a reminder that Raptors still have him over in Europe and the fact he is good enough to be on the national team for Greece.

So From The Dino Nation And All Raptor Fans Congrats CB4:

once in a while being an insomniac pays dividends.

if i had slept through the night and only seen a replay of USA basketball's gold medal win over spain, the thrill of the proceedings almost certainly would have been lost in the tape-delay.

kobe bryant?  man, i still don't like you... but dammit, you're fucking CLUTCH.  the same goes for dwayne wade.  as a knick fan i can't hardly wrap my brain around the concept of rooting for a miami heat player - but here we are.  all the accolades rained down on these two players are deserved, because let me tell you... if not for wade and kobe, Team USA had no business winning that game.   the spanish national hoops team deserves all the credit in the world for standing tall and nearly stealing the victory.

who in the hell is rudy fernandez, and how can i see to it that the new york steals him from the portland trailblazers?

chris bosh and dwight howard better be worried about marc gasol (brother of pau) playing for memphis next year.  the spanish team OWNED team usa in the paint.  layup after layup after tip in after offensive rebound... the american big men were embarrassed.    let us never forget that fernandez straight up POSTERIZED dwight howard in the 4th quarter with that monster one handed facial dunk.  it was vicious.  the final score of 118-107 is deceiving, because throughout the entire second half the game felt perilously close.

because of that brilliant effort, i can even see fit to look past spain's little team photo snafu...

but aren't we all?

early sunday morning delivered great game - a classic, even.   do i think american basketball has been redeemed?  absolutely.  but regardless of the amazing victory, i believe that spain and the rest of the world has proven once and for all that they can run with anyone the united states shoves out on a basketball court.

Below are some random thoughts

-  I give a lot of credit to Mike Krzyzewski. Yeah he had the best talent by far, but he got the team playing their best ball, meshed together a bunch of guys who don't play together, made defense a priority, and most importantly kept the team laser focused on the prize at hand.

For whatever reason Coach K is not really embraced by sports fans. Maybe its that he always wins, he is kind of boring, and Duke is overpimped by ESPN. Regardless of how you feel, you have to appreciate the job he did with this team.

- Dwyane Wade is back and played a hell of a game and tournament. No doubt he will be a top 5 player next year in the NBA. My questions is are the Heat a top ten team in the NBA next year? Sounds ridiculous considering they are in the East and last year they were one of the worst teams in the East.

Regardless Wade, Marion, and now Beasley present a nice trio of players. Although supporting talent is few and far between, its very possible that the Heat could still be be a top tier contender at least in the East.

- Marc Gasol will be an All Star in the NBA. The East has Bosh and Howard, but Gasol showed he can hang with them and at times even dominated the two All stars. With Memphis having Conley, Gay, Mayo, and now Gasol, they become a team to keep an eye on over the next handful of years as a possible up comer to challenge Boston, Detroit, and Cleveland. So Memphis plays in the West, something that slipped my mind. Regardless the Grizzlies are building out a nice squad with Conley, Gay, Mayo, and now Gasol. Gasol showed he can play at the same level as Bosh and Howard and will now look to get the Grizzlies into conetion again.

-  Rudy Fernandez showed me some game and I am kind of thinking that its 3-1 that the Blazers win a championship in the next 3 years. Its very possible the Blazers will have three of the best rookies in the NBA next year with Oden coming back from injury, Fernandez who looks ready to contribute, and Jerryd Bayless running the point. These three to go along with Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge makes me think they are the most likely to succeed the Spurs as the premier  Western Power House.

- A year ago and a half ago, I had a friend asked me if I were to build a 3 man basketball team, who would I pick. I went with Chris Paul, Chris Bosh, and Lebron James. At the time he didn't know who Paul and Bosh were. I have to say I don't know if I would change my answer now. In particular Bosh is a guy that continues to grow on me. Dependable, smart, and with good range for a big man. Its a shame he is lampooned in Toronto.

- Just one man's opinion, but I thought it was pretty lame that Spain puts player's first names on the back of their jerseys.

-  The announcers were all over Ricky Rubio the young prodigy point guard, rumored to be a front runner for the top pick of the NBA in 2010. While its a little early, I can definitely see him being an elite point guard in the NBA. A little raw in some areas I would say he is on par with guys like DJ Augustin and Jerryd Bayless who were top picks on this year's draft. That's quite impressive considering he still has two more years to mature. Tonight he hung with DeRon Williams and Chris Paul, while making Jason Kidd look his old age.

Below is cool highlight reel with a lame soundtrack of Rubio.

Team USA takes Basketball Gold in a 118 - 107 win over Spain.

I sat and watched the game live in Herat, Afghanistan.  I was in the Dining Facility with about 100 other American personnel.  There were also 5 to 10 Spaniards in the room with us.  I didn't realize this  until Pau Gasol made a play.  I and the other Americans screamed "ARRRRRGH!!!"  And a few other expletives that I won't type here.  The Spaniards applauded.  Every American in the room turned towards the applause with malice in our eyes.  lol  Being intent on the game, we had not noticed the Spaniards enter the room.   After the initial shock, a couple of us laughed and returned our attention to the game.

It's always a special experience watching momentous games such as this in remote corners of the earth with fellow Americans.  Back in the States.  Everyone is American.  It's all taken for granted.  This victory was made all the more special for me having watched it in Afghanistan.  I can't explain it.  I just feel it more.

America reclaims it's rightful place in Olympic Basketball.  International Basketball. It was a game decided in the last minutes. Team USA was never down.  But the Spaniards pulled to within 2 with a little less than 3 minutes remaining.  Team USA started to act a little frazzled.  Anger surfaced.  They recovered quickly and retook the lead.

Navarro, the Gasol brothers and Ricky Rubio, the 17 year old future pro, were pulling out all stops.  Fernandez seemed unstoppable at times.  Dunking on Dwight Howard and showing no signs of quit or surrender.  He eventually fouled out defending Kobe Bryant after sizzling Team USA for 22 points.  That shot of him dunking on Howard will be shown as an Olympic highlight for the nest 100 years.  It was that good.

It was a great game.  The Spanish Team acquitted itself nicely.  Played hard and played well.  They played to win.  But fell short.  Team USA held on.  Took the lead back to Ten and kept it there.  Dwayne Wade was the high scoring genius with 27 points.  Kobe Bryant and Lebron James were equally stars of the game for the USA.  Tayshaun Prince even got some valuable playing time in there over the more heralded Carlos Boozer.

AND IT WAS A GREAT GAME! Well Played and hard fought.

Team USA 2008 will be remembered as the team that brought the Gold back to America.  In Basketball, the Gold belongs in America.  It's our game.  James Naismith invented it.  Our people perfected it.  It's THE American game.  More so even than Baseball.  Jerry Colangelo deserves a good deal of credit for the redemption of USA Basketball.  He was the architect of this Team USA.  Coach K and the Boys deserve equal credit.  After all, it is a team sport.  They earned this Gold Medal over the course of last four years of work.  The USA finally played as a team in the Olympics.  And it paid off in Olympic GOLD!

Congratulations Team USA.  Well played.  The Basketball Gold is once more where it belongs.  In America.

They lived up to the legacy of these guys.

The First Dream Team.

New York Times