Toronto Raptors have gone from Tanking to Spending . Raptors offseason
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Geat clip I'm pumped. But I hear Dr Doom runs a wicked pick and roll game. Victor Von Doom's gonna break some ankles.
3 Raptors in action Sunday . Jose , Jonas and Linas Kleiza
Spain rolled over
Our boy Jose Calderon shined in his first game of the 2012 London Olympics, scoring 12 points—11 of which came in the first quarter—to help lead Spain to a 97-81 victory over China
While everyone around him struggled, Calderon caught fire in the first quarter. He drained 3 three-pointers and added a pair of free throws in the opening period to give Spain a 19-17 advantage. In the second quarter, Calderon helped his teammates get involved, as Spain ripped off 34points in the period to take a 53-41 lead into the break.
The Raptors’ Linas Kleiza continued his recent strong play by leading Lithuania in scoring, but it wasn’t nearly enough to offset Argentina’s scoring prowess. The Sudamericanos won every quarter on their way to a 102-79 victory. Argentina’s NBAers came to play, as their scoring was led by Rocket Luis Scola’s 32 points, while the Spurs’ multi-ringed Manu Ginobli added 21 and former Rap Carlos Delfino 20. Jonas Valanciunas started but played in only 14 mins and was 3 for 4 with 6 rebounds .
The fan's 590 Jeff Blair got his first glimpse of Jonas in live action and his tweets were as follow " He is Huge " " He never gives up on the ball "
" When things not going his way he doesn't sulk but gets angry "
Spain rolled over
Our boy Jose Calderon shined in his first game of the 2012 London Olympics, scoring 12 points—11 of which came in the first quarter—to help lead Spain to a 97-81 victory over China
While everyone around him struggled, Calderon caught fire in the first quarter. He drained 3 three-pointers and added a pair of free throws in the opening period to give Spain a 19-17 advantage. In the second quarter, Calderon helped his teammates get involved, as Spain ripped off 34points in the period to take a 53-41 lead into the break.
The Raptors’ Linas Kleiza continued his recent strong play by leading Lithuania in scoring, but it wasn’t nearly enough to offset Argentina’s scoring prowess. The Sudamericanos won every quarter on their way to a 102-79 victory. Argentina’s NBAers came to play, as their scoring was led by Rocket Luis Scola’s 32 points, while the Spurs’ multi-ringed Manu Ginobli added 21 and former Rap Carlos Delfino 20. Jonas Valanciunas started but played in only 14 mins and was 3 for 4 with 6 rebounds .
The fan's 590 Jeff Blair got his first glimpse of Jonas in live action and his tweets were as follow " He is Huge " " He never gives up on the ball "
" When things not going his way he doesn't sulk but gets angry "
That Anderson guy was signed today by the Raptors .. I guess with Lucas and now Anderson . The Raps have 14 players signed .Damn that.a lot of HOPING!
Unfortunately some of the HOPING may be futile.
Bargnani MUST play at last years early season and stay healthy.
Lowry MUST be the real deal.
THe rookies, Jonas and Ross have to play like lottery picks. They don't have to be allstars
but they have to give us quality minutes consistently and make us believe that something
good is about to happen.
Casey has to continue coaching hard. Raps defense was the best this team has had in a long time,
that has to continue, and now Casey has to find some offense to go with it.
One thing I am surprised at, so far they haven't signed Anderson, the "D" leaguer they brought in
at the end of the year.He replaced James Johnson and really didn't look out of place. I would think
he could be signed for somewhere near the league minimum and that should keep them within the cap.
Yeah looks like that maybe the 14. Still a while until training camp starts and hopefully a meaninful trade or two.
I haven't seen the box score on the olympic BB games, I'm curious as to why Jonas V isn't getting more playing time????
I know the Raps are concerned that his agressive play may get him in foul trouble here. I am wondering if that is what
is currently keeping his playing time low????
I haven't seen the box score on the olympic BB games, I'm curious as to why Jonas V isn't getting more playing time????
I know the Raps are concerned that his agressive play may get him in foul trouble here. I am wondering if that is what
is currently keeping his playing time low????
The coach of Lithuania is being questioned for the playing time of Jonas . I heard in interviews that he is the type of coach that likes going with vets . Lithuania would like the coach to see the big picture. ( He is the future of Lithuania basketball and his development in international play is important ) . I don't think the Raps would be concerned " if " he is getting in foul trouble cause the officiating in FIBA is horrible .Yeah looks like that maybe the 14. Still a while until training camp starts and hopefully a meaninful trade or two.
I haven't seen the box score on the olympic BB games, I'm curious as to why Jonas V isn't getting more playing time???? I know the Raps are concerned that his agressive play may get him in foul trouble here. I am wondering if that is what is currently keeping his playing time low????
Boxscore :
http://scores.espn.go.com/olympics/boxscore?gameId=1053
Spain
http://scores.espn.go.com/olympics/summer/2012/basketball/men/boxscore?gameId=1052
Tunisia
Look for a ugly blow out today ... U.S vs Tunisia
In the Argentina game, Jonas had 2 fouls early. Don't know why he didn't get more time in the second half.
The coach of Lithuania is being questioned for the playing time of Jonas . I heard in interviews that he is the type of coach that likes going with vets . Lithuania would like the coach to see the big picture. ( He is the future of Lithuania basketball and his development in international play is important ) . I don't think the Raps would be concerned " if " he is getting in foul trouble cause the officiating in FIBA is horrible .
Boxscore :
http://scores.espn.go.com/olympics/boxscore?gameId=1053
Spain
http://scores.espn.go.com/olympics/summer/2012/basketball/men/boxscore?gameId=1052
Tunisia
Look for a ugly blow out today ... U.S vs Tunisia
Regarding Raps concern about Jonas and fouls, as I understood the conversation, the concern is he gets a lot of fouls and the officiating internationally is not as strict as in the NBA. Now I say that with no personal knowledge of the inernational game as I have never watched more than a few minutes. I heard an interview with someone from the Raps and the fore mentioned concern was one of the things I recall from the conversation.
International officiating is similar to NBA officiating ie reputation call . Jonas is going to have to deal with being a rookie Big man in the NBA and getting frustrated with non calls in one end of the floor and if he breathes the wrong way he will get a whistle . Jonas being a rookie in this tournament will get the same treatment as being a rookie in the NBA . How many bullshit calls did Rap fans have to deal with this year .Regarding Raps concern about Jonas and fouls, as I understood the conversation, the concern is he gets a lot of fouls and the officiating internationally is not as strict as in the NBA. Now I say that with no personal knowledge of the inernational game as I have never watched more than a few minutes. I heard an interview with someone from the Raps and the fore mentioned concern was one of the things I recall from the conversation.
I have to apologize cause I didn't read about his foul issue in his last game until I read it and like you, I haven't seen much of Jonas in action in these Olympics and we both have to rely on interviews or articles that we have read or heard .Regarding Raps concern about Jonas and fouls, as I understood the conversation, the concern is he gets a lot of fouls and the officiating internationally is not as strict as in the NBA. Now I say that with no personal knowledge of the inernational game as I have never watched more than a few minutes. I heard an interview with someone from the Raps and the fore mentioned concern was one of the things I recall from the conversation.
With the majority of great sports writers in London along with Jonas .... We are getting people's first impression of Raptors draft pic while they watch him live ..
By Steve Simmons ,Toronto Sun Jonas Valanciunas provides glimmer of hope for Raptors
“What do you think?” Calderon was asked.
“He’s good,” he said with a smile, pointing at the big man. “I like him. He’s very good.”
At first glance of the 7-foot Valanciunas on a basketball court you see an athlete who isn’t as skinny as advertised. He’s not exactly built like LeBron James, either, but he’s not skinny the way Chris Bosh was in his first few years either. He seems, in some ways, to be the anti-Andrea Bargnani. He wants to play defence. He wants to be physical. He wants to get involved and rebound.
Valunciunas has presence, on the court, off the court, different from so many of the 20-year-olds who have found their way to Toronto in the past to play for the Raptors. The big centre makes eye contact, speaks English comfortably, shakes hands as though he cares about the person he’s talking to, wants to make an impression. That much is clear: He doesn’t want to just fit in.
“I don’t measure my game by statistics,” said Valanciunas. “I measure it by wins.”
If you want to read more ... Here is link .. Interesting .
http://www.torontosun.com/2012/07/31/jonas-valanciunas-provides-glimmer-of-hope-for-raptors
By Steve Simmons ,Toronto Sun Jonas Valanciunas provides glimmer of hope for Raptors
“What do you think?” Calderon was asked.
“He’s good,” he said with a smile, pointing at the big man. “I like him. He’s very good.”
At first glance of the 7-foot Valanciunas on a basketball court you see an athlete who isn’t as skinny as advertised. He’s not exactly built like LeBron James, either, but he’s not skinny the way Chris Bosh was in his first few years either. He seems, in some ways, to be the anti-Andrea Bargnani. He wants to play defence. He wants to be physical. He wants to get involved and rebound.
Valunciunas has presence, on the court, off the court, different from so many of the 20-year-olds who have found their way to Toronto in the past to play for the Raptors. The big centre makes eye contact, speaks English comfortably, shakes hands as though he cares about the person he’s talking to, wants to make an impression. That much is clear: He doesn’t want to just fit in.
“I don’t measure my game by statistics,” said Valanciunas. “I measure it by wins.”
If you want to read more ... Here is link .. Interesting .
http://www.torontosun.com/2012/07/31/jonas-valanciunas-provides-glimmer-of-hope-for-raptors
That is the most positive comment/article/interview I have seen to date.With the majority of great sports writers in London along with Jonas .... We are getting people's first impression of Raptors draft pic while they watch him live ..
By Steve Simmons ,Toronto Sun Jonas Valanciunas provides glimmer of hope for Raptors
“What do you think?” Calderon was asked.
“He’s good,” he said with a smile, pointing at the big man. “I like him. He’s very good.”
At first glance of the 7-foot Valanciunas on a basketball court you see an athlete who isn’t as skinny as advertised. He’s not exactly built like LeBron James, either, but he’s not skinny the way Chris Bosh was in his first few years either. He seems, in some ways, to be the anti-Andrea Bargnani. He wants to play defence. He wants to be physical. He wants to get involved and rebound.
Valunciunas has presence, on the court, off the court, different from so many of the 20-year-olds who have found their way to Toronto in the past to play for the Raptors. The big centre makes eye contact, speaks English comfortably, shakes hands as though he cares about the person he’s talking to, wants to make an impression. That much is clear: He doesn’t want to just fit in.
“I don’t measure my game by statistics,” said Valanciunas. “I measure it by wins.”
If you want to read more ... Here is link .. Interesting .
http://www.torontosun.com/2012/07/31/jonas-valanciunas-provides-glimmer-of-hope-for-raptors
Thank you for the posting!
Read the story on the US Lithuanian game. Valanciunas never got a mention. KLeiza got lots of praise.
It seems to me that Kleiza busts his ass a lot more in international play than he does playing for the Raps.
I don't see the desire or the drive from him as a Raptor.
It seems to me that Kleiza busts his ass a lot more in international play than he does playing for the Raps.
I don't see the desire or the drive from him as a Raptor.
He is scoring option number 1 on his national team and is expected to lead . Why do you take the negative out of a good raptor story in the Olympics . Kleiza is doing great and that must mean he is 100 percent healthy and we all hope he carries it over to next seasonRead the story on the US Lithuanian game. Valanciunas never got a mention. KLeiza got lots of praise.
It seems to me that Kleiza busts his ass a lot more in international play than he does playing for the Raps.
I don't see the desire or the drive from him as a Raptor.
The negative to me was no mention of Jonas. The reason I looked at the article was for an update on him.He is scoring option number 1 on his national team and is expected to lead . Why do you take the negative out of a good raptor story in the Olympics . Kleiza is doing great and that must mean he is 100 percent healthy and we all hope he carries it over to next season
My comment was not negative, just brutally honest,
Do you feel he puts the same effort into his NBA game that he does into his international performance? The numbers indicate he doesn't and watching him in the NBA indicates either the effort or skill set is lacking. He performed well at the last worlds and then squat for the Raps.
Jonas Valanciunas Shines in Limited Time
http://www.hoopsworld.com/jonas-valanciunas-shines-in-limited-time/
Linas Kleiza is Back
When the Toronto Raptors signed Linas Kleiza as a free agent two summers ago, it looked like they had a steal as Kleiza just led Lithuania to an unexpected bronze medal at the FIBA World Championships. Then a knee injury during the NBA preseason led to inconsistent play and eventually season-ending surgery for the 27-year-old. Kleiza didn’t return to action until midway through last season and with the condensed schedule, he was ineffective on short rest with just a tease of his former self appearing periodically.
At the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in July, Kleiza averaged 19.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and looked like he had fully recovered. In his first four games at the Olympics, Kleiza is averaging 18.3 points on 51 percent shooting and 6.3 rebounds. In his best game, he scored 25 points against the U.S.
The mobile and effective Kleiza of two summers ago has been on display again and that is very encouraging news for the Raptors. Kleiza even knocked Nocioni over the scorer’s table during his first game in London. He would say it was an accident, but that was the kind of edge a soft Toronto team needed when they acquired him back in 2010.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/jonas-valanciunas-shines-in-limited-time/
Linas Kleiza is Back
When the Toronto Raptors signed Linas Kleiza as a free agent two summers ago, it looked like they had a steal as Kleiza just led Lithuania to an unexpected bronze medal at the FIBA World Championships. Then a knee injury during the NBA preseason led to inconsistent play and eventually season-ending surgery for the 27-year-old. Kleiza didn’t return to action until midway through last season and with the condensed schedule, he was ineffective on short rest with just a tease of his former self appearing periodically.
At the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in July, Kleiza averaged 19.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and looked like he had fully recovered. In his first four games at the Olympics, Kleiza is averaging 18.3 points on 51 percent shooting and 6.3 rebounds. In his best game, he scored 25 points against the U.S.
The mobile and effective Kleiza of two summers ago has been on display again and that is very encouraging news for the Raptors. Kleiza even knocked Nocioni over the scorer’s table during his first game in London. He would say it was an accident, but that was the kind of edge a soft Toronto team needed when they acquired him back in 2010.
