2007-08 NBA Season Team Preview – Toronto Raptors
The big problem was the wings not being able to slash to the cup. I’m certain this team realizes that defenses will collapse on Chris Bosh, forcing the boys on the perimeter to make something happen. There aren’t too many players on the roster that are capable of this. Anthony Parker must get better, Delfino must be aggressive, and the point guard duo of T.J. Ford and Jose Calderon must penetrate.
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globesports.com: Raptors, Celtics put on more than just an exhibition game
But where the Raptors’ visions of defending their Atlantic Division title looked most promising was when the second units were on the floor.
The Raptors put out Jose Calderon, Carlos Delfino, Joey Graham, Jorge Garbajosa and Rasho Nesterovic and benefitted against a Boston group that was still learning each other’s names.
“You pretty much know what Rasho and Garbo and Jose and those guys are going to give you,” said head coach Sam Mitchell. “I think we went up 10 or 12 with that group.”
Toronto pushed it’s advantage to 37-27 on the strength of a Delfino triple, but as the Celtics went back to their stars — all three played at least 19:30 in the first half, reflecting perhaps Boston’s desire to get them acclimated as quickly as possible — they managed to take a 43-40 lead into the half.
Raptors may need $5 million to keep Calderon – Rumors – NBA – Yahoo! Sports
A free agent after the season, Toronto may have to pay starters money for the back-up to T.J. Ford. Colangelo is optimistic that he can keep Calderon in Raptor red next year despite the fact that the cost may be prohibitive. The Raptors will pay Ford $8 million next season and if Calderon has another good year in Toronto, he could be looking for close to $5 million per year.
TorontoSun.com – Basketball – Calderon a hot commodity for Raps
Calderon, who averaged 8.7 points and 5.0 assists last season, insists that he is content in Toronto. But many basketball insiders believe that a player of Calderon’s calibre would be crazy to continue as a backup, given the fact that he has the talent, and will soon have the opportunity, to be a starter.
02
Oct
07
Raps’ working holiday continues
TheStar.com | Sports | Raps’ working holiday continues
The Raptors will practise once today before heading to Venice for a sightseeing tour and dinner this afternoon; they’ve got one practice tomorrow before an open scrimmage at night and will practise once here Thursday before departing for Rome. In Rome, they’ll work once a day until they open the pre-season with games against the Boston Celtics on Saturday and Lottomatica Rome on Sunday.
“Been good practices, lots of work,” Jose Calderon said. “We’re getting a lot done.”
TheStar.com | Sports | Forget Venice, Ford says, I’m just here to work hard
But Mitchell has repeatedly insisted that Ford will be the No.1: “Don’t even go down that road,” he said the other day.
So why no debate? Ford is simply the superior player. But surely the coach understands that the status quo also avoids a firestorm. Calderon plays the happy backup even if he craves more. But Ford would not take well to a demotion.
“I’ve been a starter my whole life. Even if someone told me I wasn’t a starter, I guarantee you, I’ll be the starter,” Ford said yesterday. “It’s no disrespect to Jose or anybody. It’s just the competitive nature I have.”
He’s certainly aware of Calderon’s considerable fan club.
“Everybody doesn’t like T.J. Ford’s game. I’ve been hearing it all my life. He’s too small. He plays too fast. He’s out of control. I’ve heard it all …”
21
Sep
07
Jose happy to hit road
CANOE — SLAM! Sports – Basketball – NBA Toronto: Jose happy to hit road
Calderon believes the team will bond even closer because the guys will see more of each other outside of the basketball court while they’re in Europe from Sept.29 to Oct.11.
The Raptors play three pre-season games in Europe, Oct. 6 and 7 in Rome and Oct. 11 in Madrid, after holding training camp in Treviso, Italy and, unlike when they play pre-season games at home, they will see more of each other after and before the games. And that, said Calderon via a conference call yesterday, ultimately will pay dividends — basically, the old ‘team that spends time together, wins together’ theory.
TheStar.com | Sports | Calderon makes point to remember team first
The 25-year-old point guard, who’ll once again back up starter T.J. Ford when training camp begins next week in Italy, said Thursday he’s not about to start demanding more minutes or increased responsibility.
However …
“I know my role in the team,” Calderon said on a conference call Thursday morning. “(But) I’m going to keep working hard to make a more difficult decision for (coach) Sam (Mitchell).
“I’m just going to try to be a little better player for the team.”
globesports.com: Players enjoyed working vacations
By far the most encouraging sign for Raptors fans was the continuing development and growth of Jose Calderon.
The Spanish point guard was chosen to the all-tournament team at Eurobasket 2007, at which Spain was upset by Russia in the final of the European championship.
17
Sep
07
Raptors survive European tourney
TheStar.com | Sports | Raptors survive European tourney
Jose Calderon and Jorge Garbajosa were denied the chance to hoist the European basketball championship trophy in front of adoring Spanish fans yesterday.
The fact both finished the gruelling tournament unscathed, though, suits the Raptors just fine.
Green Bandwagon :: NBA Preview: Raptors and Nets
Meanwhile, if I were a Raptors fan I would be crossing my fingers, hoping Chris Bosh’s foot problems are behind him. Speaking of Bosh, I’m not sure where I stand on his nickname – CB4. Yes it is a blatant Chris Rock reference. At the same time Chuck Swirsky
allegedly came up with it, which raises several questions. Does Swirsky’s involvement automatically devalue the name? Has Swirsky seen or heard of CB4 the movie? And on and on. In case you were wondering I’m not a big fan of the Swirsk.
Check out Toronto’s roster. Something has to give. Although I would imagine that Jason Kapono’s presence makes Luke Jackson obsolete. Even then some guys have to go. Finally, I am excited to see what Carlos Delfino can do for the Raptors. He might surprise some people.
Bonus Point – Should people be obligated to mention how terrible the Atlantic Division was last season when referencing the Toronto’s first division crown?
TheStar.com – Sports – Calderon helps Spain reach Euro quarter-finals
Toronto Raptors guard Jose Calderon scored 17 to lift Spain past Russia 81-69 and into the quarter-finals at the European basketball championship on Sunday.
World champion Spain favored to win European title on home turf – NBA – Yahoo! Sports
Gasol leads the team, which beat Greece 70-47 in the world championship final, with Memphis Grizzlies teammate Juan Carlos Navarro, Toronto Raptors guard Jose Calderon and Portland Trailblazers guard Sergio Rodriguez.
Jorge Garbajosa of the Toronto Raptors was cleared to play Sunday after recovering from ankle and leg injuries.
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