Wednesday, February 20, 2008

SPORTS: Raptor Thoughts

Some this and that about the Toronto Raptors.

The Raptors won't make a major move by tomorrow's trade deadline in the NBA. Fact is, I don't think they even make a small move. Sure, I'd deal Dixon plus either Graham or Martin to Golden State for Mickael Pietrus. If throwing in all three would net Pietrus, Austin Croshere AND an open roster spot, I'd be ecstatic. That would open up a spot for an D-League point guard to join the team for a pair of 10-day contracts. THAT should buy enough time for TJ Ford to get healthy. Randy Livingston might be just the right kind of guy. Failing Livingston, how 'bout ex-Raptor Andre Barrett? But I'm still picking no deal in the lottery.

Of the first round opponents Toronto is likely to meet in the playoffs, they sure want to see Orland bracketed with them. The Magic rise and fall on the play of Rashard Lewis when it comes to Toronto games. If he shines, Magic win. If not, Toronto wins. Simple as that. And I can see him not shining when the intensity ramps up. Also, Toronto beats the Magic if Lewis AND TJ Ford both play well, since Orlando loses the point guard badly in that case. Dwight Howard? Saw-off with Chris Bosh. It's the supporting cast that will be in the spotlight.

Sooooo, if Toronto can beat Orlando, how does Toronto fare against Cleveland. Lose badly. Assuming Cleveland's healthy by then. And that's a big assumption. That said, is there a scenario that gets Toronto that Orlando bracket? It requires a big surge by Cleveland, and right now, that looks not to be happening. Off the form of the all-star break, it appears like Boston, Detroit, Toronto, Orlando, Cleveland, Washington, Atlanta and Philly are the playoff teams. Toronto has to avoid Cleveland and Washington in the first round.

The dream Toronto final standings in the East? Boston, Detroit, Cleveland, Toronto, Orlando, Washington, Philly, Atlanta. The only easy first-round matchup would be the Pistons dunking Philadelphia. Atlanta would run the Celtics hard, while the Washington big three might actually over-throw King James' crew in Cleveland. As specified, Toronto would beat Orlando. That would set up Boston-Toronto and Detroit-Washington. Again, Toronto matches up well against the Celtics, while Washington would battle Detroit tough. Hopefully so tough, that after Toronto dispatched the Celtics, the survivor would be too battered and bruised to stop a Raptor rampage to the NBA championship.

Where the Raptors would lose in four straight to whoever comes out of the West.

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