Raptors Report and NBA notes

So much going on in the world of sports right now and so long since I've written in "THE" blog. I want to apologize to all of my fans and promise that I will be writing more often in the coming weeks.

Let's start with some general comments.

Toronto Raptors:

Raptors loss to the Pistons earlier tonight was a big disappointment. I really think the Raptors are in the process of turning the corner and becoming one of the elite teams in the East, but they didn't prove it tonight.

What they did prove was that they need to play smarter. I thought that their shot selection was terrible, especially down the stretch. They need to be working off of Bosh and Calderon in the fourth quarter and using J.O., Anthony Parker, Kapono and Bargnani for open shots or dunks.

There were too many times late in the game where before Calderon or Bosh even got to touch the ball, Parker or O' Neal would go flying to the bucket or launch an ill-advised jumper. Sam Mitchell needs to make sure his stars are touching the ball late in the game if he expects his team to beat a quality opponent like the Pistons. 

That being said, I'm still confident in the Raps and think they are a top four team in the East at the very least. They'll beat the Pistons next time, even if Mitchell can't figure out how to coach properly.

Trade Talk:

I love the A.I. for Billups and McDyess trade. There are positives to the deal for both teams, although I still don't really give either one a chance to go all the way. 

The Pistons have been stuck with the same roster for too long and knew they needed a change. For Detroit, this gives them a new look that may translate into a few more wins. It also gives them Iverson's expiring contract that will allow them to take their shot at big free agents like D. Wade, Chris Bosh and Lebron James in a couple of years.

The Nuggets get Billups, who will be a better complement to Carmello Anthony than Iverson. Hopefully, Anthony seizes the opportunity to be "the guy" and takes his play to a new level.

My only hope is that McDyess does not re-sign with the Pistons after he's bought out. This shouldn't be allowed by the NBA. The Raptors could sure use him off the bench!

NBA Notes:

• I don't see the 76ers making the playoffs this season.
• The Mavs might be a big disappointment in a tough conference. 
• Look out for the Heat. Wade is back and Beasley looks like he's for real.
• Atlanta beat New Orleans on the road tonight. Look out for the Hawks too!!
• If T.J. Ford hits a few shots, he becomes a one man team. Ford is no superstar. Ford hitting a few shots = losses for Indiana. Thank goodness the Raptors got rid of him!
• Could be another Lakers/Celtics finals this year.

Raptors Notes

• Why does Sam Mitchell insist on playing Will Solomon over Roko Ukic? Another one of Sam's favourites or what? Ukic did a solid job while Solomon was hurt and the Raptors should be trying to develop the talented young point guard.
• Jose Calderon is the best point guard in the East. I just wish he would shoot more.
• Bargnani is hitting his perimeter shots again and it's great that he has his confidence back. He's also playing much better on defence, rebounding and challenging shots. Why is it that he needs to force the ball inside when his strength is shooting? No one can stop a 7 footer from getting a good look at the basket. Shoot Andrea!!! SHOOT!!! 
• Why does Jason Kapono keep trying to take the ball inside? It never works! SHOOT Jason!! SHOOOOOT!!