End of season grades for the 07/08 Toronto Raptors...
Sam Mitchell - C+
-With an upgraded roster, the Smitch somehow managed to do worse this season, than last year. A few losses here and there, and the Raptors realistically could have missed the playoffs. Poor play-calling, misuse of players (see: Jason Kapono), unorthodox coaching tactics (Bargnani and the silent treatment), inconsistent and often perplexing line-up changes, need I say more?
Rasho Nesterovic - B
-The team's best low-post defender but isn't getting any younger. Played awesome basketball when Bosh was out.
Chris Bosh - A
-The guy needs help. Period.
T.J Ford - B-
-Lost his job due to injury (Al Horford incident), and struggled in his return. Gets unwarranted slack for his PR and overall demeanor, mainly due to the media and typical fairweather internet fans.
Jamario Moon - B
-improved his shooting % and shot-selection greatly in the second half of the season. Needs to utilize his athleticism much, much more in the areas of slashing (went to the charity stripe once in a blue "Moon") and offensive rebounding.
Anthony Parker - C+
-Has clearly lost a step, and unfortunately, isn't the same Anthony Parker from last year. He should not be a regular starter, however; coming off the bench, he could serve as a solid rotation player.
Jose Calderon - B+
-The "Derek Jeter" to Ford's "A-Rod" personality. Improved in a lot of areas of his game, but still, a defensive liability. His A/TO Ratio is impressive, but at times, he needs to be more aggressive offensively on fast-break opportunities - whether it is 3-on-3, 2-on-2, whatever. In layman's terms, he needs to take more risks and not let the assist:turnover ratio impact his decisions.
Carlos Delfino - C+
-This year's Morris Peterson, in terms of consistency. When things were going well for him, he looked like a superstar, but when his shots weren't falling, he looked like a D-Leauger. Fell in love with the 3-pointer way too often but for what it's worth, for 2 second rounders, he was a steal.
Andrea Bargnani - C
-Struggled all season long (minus the first few games). Here's hoping for a "Brandon Roy" type break-out season next year for Il Mago. He's got the skills, and just needs the PT. Fans need to be patient with the kid, he's only what, 22? Call it cliche but big men DO take some time to develop.
Jason Kapono - B
-Underutilized due to Moon playing 30 minutes a night...
Primoz Brezec - D
-Picked up on the trade deadline day, for Juan Dixon. Not much of a need to resign him, other than for entertainment purposes in garbage time. The guy learned English through conversations with Stephen Jackson and Ron Artest (in his time as a Pacer) as well as Hip-Hop. Enough said.
Kris Humphries - D
-Another garbage time player. Needs to stop taking shots like he's Kobe Bryant. You're a role-player Kris, your job is to rebound, block-shots and do the dirty work for the other Chris, you know, our true franchise player. So get it through your head, you hack.
Joey Graham - D
-Has about as much confidence as a girl with a zit on prom-night, as well as a very low basketball I.Q. At this point, I've lost all faith in Joey. His brother Stephen Graham could probably outplay the guy. No doubt, he'll be cut this off-season.
Darrick Martin - D-
-D-Mart was done, plain and simple - it was about time he retired. Chucking is not an NBA skill.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
no bad side to chris bosh? how about his wild hair or his obession with getting into the all-star game? shouldn't he worry about improving his game than post youtube videos?
So you don't think athletes have personal lives? They ARE humans in case you weren't aware, and have interests outside of their careers, just like the average Joe. Shocking, I know.
And, his obsession with the all-star game? He did it for fun, which is why he's continuing to make more youtube videos.
Post a Comment