The Raptors flew under the radar last season. They started off poorly, didn't have a lot of big names, and were, some may say, still underappreciated even when they won the Atlantic division. This year, I thought it would be different. Reigning Atlantic champs, star in Chris Bosh, COY in Sam Mitchell, EOY in Colangelo, and ROY runner-up in Bargnani, what more can you ask for? Well, according to the NBA GM's... the Raps still have some respect to gain. At the beginning of last season, GM's were asked who they thought would win the Atlantic division. 29 replied, with 27 picking New Jersey, 1 picking Boston, and 1 picking Philly. We all know how it turned out, especially for the ones picking Boston and Philly. This year, however, I had to assume the Raps would get SOME love. The results: none. Roughly, 28 GM's replied this year, with 20 picking Boston, 7 picking New Jersey, and 1 picking... THE KNICKS. Now, if you want to pick Boston, fine. Even New Jersey... fine. But the Knicks? 1 GM picked the Knicks to win the Atlantic before Toronto???
Anyway.
Moving On.
- 19 different players got votes on who would have a breakout season, but no Raptors.
- 5 different players got votes on who is the best power forward in the NBA, but not Bosh [he had stiff competition though: Duncan, Garnett, Dirk, Dwight Howard, Amare]
- 5 different teams got votes on which team is the Most Fun to Watch, no Raps love [the Spurs getting a vote?]
- 9 different teams got votes on which team has the best Home Court Advantage, no sea of red love
Now, how about categories the Raptors DID have a representative.
- Most Surprising Offseason Move: 1 vote for the Kapono signing
- International Player Most Likely to Have a Breakout Season: Bargnani 1st, Calderon 2nd, Delfino tied for 8th with one vote
- Best Pure Shooter: Kapono 3rd with a handful of votes [behind only Ray Ray and Redd]
- Fastest with the Ball: AI 1st, Ford second with only a vote difference
- Player that does the Most with the Least: Garbo and Kapono each getting a vote
So, in the end, a little bit of love for the Raptors. Maybe it's better this way. Maybe, it's what they prefer.
Oct 24, 2007
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1 comment:
I was thinking about this the other day, the so-called "raptors under the radar" syndrome weare currently facing. I think it has alot to do with hta you said about how we had a bad start to last season BUT thius is also coupled with our fairly bad playoff showing. Most non fans of the team pay attention to parts of a given season when it isnt there team involved. The beginning and the end, both places where we "flunked." However, i think this situation is actually a good thing. It is a good thing because it will keep scrutiny and attention off the team for the most part and there wil not be much expectation for them. I think this will keep the raps level headed and hungry, as a young team, to prove themselves this season. Fingers crossed.
"no sea of red love?" --- haha love it YOU KNOW were in that sea!!!
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