Shut things down last night about midnight and it was raining, get up this morning and it’s raining (and you haven’t lived ‘til you’ve walked a recalcitrant Boston terrier in the morning rain) and I’m thinking: Oh, the joy of...

So what now? I know, we’ve asked ourselves that question a few times this summer, like what would happen when free agency opened, what would happen after that four-team trade and now what’s going to happen with Jarrett Jack officially...

Like a couple of kid college roommates – which they used to be, in fact – Jarrett Jack and Chris Bosh were mugging for the cameras and goofing for the media during Jack’s introductory Raptors news conference Tuesday afternoon. Fans...

Fore! STEVE RUSSELL/TORONTO STAR Raptors working on re-opening the doors for Rasho. Never mind. It’s basketball today. I can’t keep the sports straight these days. - Yes, today is Jarrett Jack Day here in the big smoke and we all...

Miss me? STEVE RUSSELL/TORONTO STAR Georgia Tech teammates come together again in Toronto. Thought so. Well, being refreshed after a week of deck washing and weed pulling, ball games and barbecue hosting, looks like there’ll be some basketball work in...

It's kind of telling that the reaction to Jay Triano being retained as head coach has been muted. It's says a lot actually. One thing it says is that the Canadian basketball fan has become pretty sophisticated. If there was a time when the news that a Canadian was being named head coach of the only Canadian - Follow link to read full post

So the head honchos at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment are having a board meeting Friday. On the agenda, I'm guessing, will be how they can keep another hockey team from coming to Southern Ontario, and also what the plan is for the head coach of their basketball team - what's it called again? Oh - Follow link to read full post

[amp]nbsp; A few Raptors-related musings as we wait to watch more of the Bulls-Celtics on Thursday. As first-round series go, they don't get much better. [amp]#8226;[amp]nbsp;Jose Calderon's finger surgery was not unexpected and was merely the kind of clean-up required in the off-season as NBA players - Follow link to read full post

We're just going to ease back into the shallow end here at From Deep. It's been a while. Those of you who read the actual newspaper, or at least content other than basketball coverage, may have noticed that my duties here at the Globe have changed somewhat as I've been doing more features on topics other - Follow link to read full post

A four-game winning streak is better than the alternative, I guess. And looking ahead, the Raptors could continue to [amp]#8216;surge' given how cushy their schedule is to close: A tough one tonight against Orlando tomorrow night, albeit coming after two days off and a five-game home stand with lots - Follow link to read full post

Thursday July 23 2009 - 3:47am Eastern (Toronto, ON)  I really wanted to throw this headline on this blog:  “Popper Scooper” … But I digress. Anyway … Here’s the long-awaited update on Raptor man-myth-legend, Pops Mensah-Bonsu. Many of you out there - including my man Arsenalist (rare shout-out) - have been asking exactly what the heck is going on with Pops?  [...]

Wednesday July 22 2009 - 3:56pm Eastern (Toronto, ON) Thanks to listening (and Twitter follower) “TOM” for sending this along. If you haven’t seen it, check it out … it’s hilarious:Priceless. E. Smith

Tuesday July 21 2009 - 1:08pm Eastern (Toronto, ON)  Up ’til 6am with my son today … which means I’m very late checking in on the blog.  I went to bed at 6:30am and got up at Noon.  It’s nice to not have a “regular” 9pm-5pm job I guess! Anyway … I’m back on the air with Jack Armstrong [...]

Monday July 20 2009 - 4:01am Eastern (Toronto, ON) The Indianapolis Star is reporting that Jarrett Jack is coming to Toronto. Mike Wells of the Star tracked down Jack and Sunday evening and the restricted free agent said the Indiana Pacers are NOT going to match the contract offer that is currently on the table from the [...]

Friday July 17 2009 - 11:40pm Eastern (Toronto, ON) I can’t take credit for unearthing this one … the fine folks at Yahoo Sports were the ones that got me to take notice. But nevertheless … Shaq is at it again.  In what may be the best Michael Jackson tribute I’ve seen thus far, Shaquille O’Neal brings his unique [...]

Well the Dino Nation Blog is on the move again. It has been a good run here at WordPress. But we are excited to move to the new home of Dino Nation Blog. If you have a site link to us, if it is for www.dinonationblog.com, no need to change it. But if it is [...]

So no one expected the Raptors to go 82-0 did you? So the fact they lost last night is not the point they were going to lose at some point. But the fact they are getting a beatdown from Tayshaun Prince and Rodney Stuckey is not exactly a good thing. It would appear it was [...]

So Allen Iverson is not in the line-up. He is stuck in trade limbo. Chancey Billups has yet to have been cleared by the Nuggets by having his physical. So sorry Toronto it will not be the big debut for you. But given the history of Allen Iverson vs. the Raptors that is likely a [...]

I did not notice this till after I had my interview up for the day. But Chris Bosh had election fever just like the Dino Blogger did last night. Bosh gives his congrats to the next President of the United States. History was made last night and everyone in the world is talking about it. [...]

Before I get started with today’s blog. I have to make note of a truly historic moment.  If the Toronto Raptors are to ever reach the goal of winning a NBA Championship in the next 4 years. They will be heading to the White House at some point to be the guest of the 44th [...]

I still haven’t figured out whether the 2007 division title was won because we had a good team or whether the rest of division was just out taking a piss. I still like to give credit to the team before taking into account Boston, New York and Philadelphia’s pathetic seasons. The defining aspect of that season was the PG play of Jose Calderon and T.J Ford, it was a constant advantage for the Raptors on any given night when they weren’t playing the Suns. The PG spot had the hi...

The Raptor Salute I think it’s also important to note the fact that the two times Jack was confronted with the issue of starting, the former Pacer did not say he planned on being a reserve. In fact, when asked by Adnan Virk of RaptorsTV about whether Colangelo had gone into any specifics about his role, Jack was honest with his answer. “He didn’t go into any specifics. I think he’s going to leave it up to coach Triano and myself.” Jack replied. “And come training camp, everybody will let the ch...

“Seven to ten days” is what Colangelo said on Tuesday is his time frame to get the Delfino and Rasho deals done and yesterday was Day 1 of that period. Nothing happened. Six more days to go and if nothing happens by that time, according to Colangelo, he will look at other free agent options. Since the Magic already signed Matt Barnes at a flea-market rate of $1.52 million there really isn’t much out there other than Linas Kleiza who can only be acquired in a sign-and-trade s...

Give us your opinion…. 1) If Rasho doesn’t get done, who is your next choice for a big man? 2) Looking at the roster as-is, who do you think will be the top 2 scorers at the end of the season? 3) If you made a movie about this offseason for the Raptors, what title would you give it? function fbs_click() {u=http://raptorsrepublic.com/blog/2009/07/22/altraps-3pt-shot-4/;t=AltRaps' 3pt Shot;window.open('http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u='+encodeURIComponent(u)+'&t='+encodeURIComponen...

Toronto Sun Jack pledged to do his part to ensure that Bosh, who could jump ship after this season, returns. He was asked if he thought he would be able to keep Bosh around longer than the one year at Georgia Tech before Bosh opted for the NBA draft. "I hope so man, but the last time I played with him and he left, we went to the championship without him so he might be the one holding us back," Jack joked before adding, "I think with what we do this year, we can put a lot of pres...

Just a quick note to let everyone know that RaptorsTalk.com wont be updated at all going forward. You can find us all over at RaptorsRepublic.comcatvonline casino, which is part of the ESPN TrueHoop Blog Network. Lots of goings on - going on over there. Respect.

Technorati Tags: Raptors Video, Toronto Raptors, Jay Triano

Roy/Aldridge show us what could have been, again. Raps lose, again.

Happy Holidays from RaptorsTalk.com. We are happy to report another Raptor win, on the road!!!

Note to Rogers: Get me TSN2, PLEASE!!!!

All this talk about the impending trade of Roy Halladay has depressed me a bit as a sports fan. The trade (which is all but inevitable) will lead to yet another rebuilding phase for the Blue Jays (I think the 3rd or 4th rebuilding phase since their World Series title).Which got me to thinking... with the Jays poised to throw up the white flag once again, the Leafs in perennial white flag mode, and the Raptors still not on the level of "championship contender," has any pro sport city in North Ame...

Rasho Nesterovic is a nice piece. He's a pro, he hits over half his shots, etc... but he has his drawbacks too. He probably can't even jump high enough to dunk anymore, he can't defend the pick and roll very well, and he's not someone that will be crashing the offensive glass with reckless abandon (or any kind of abandon).So here's my idea of the day: Forget Rasho, use the bi-annual exception to get Ben Wallace under contract.Let's break this down pro/con style:CONS- Redundant?: You could make a...

Here's just a few video clips of the newest Toronto Raptor:Standing up to a 6'11" Power ForwardA two-point jumper (remember those) to win vs New YorkA huge defensive play (not sure Raptors know how to make those)College Game-winnerA very awkward interviewNotes from the awkward interview: Jack went to high school with Amare Stoudemire... Stoudemire puts sugar on his grits... The reporter is wearing a short-sleeve, mock turtleneck... Jack's greatest off-the-court accomplishment is inspiring people...

In honour of Jarrett Jack's impending arrival to the city of Toronto, I present my own version of the (mildly) entertaining trivia game "You Don't Know Jack."Question #1: What position will Jack play with the Raptors?Answer: Not as much point guard as most people think. Local writers have assumed Jack will play the majority of his minutes backing up Jose Calderon at point guard (meaning also that Roko Ukic would have a reduced role). However, in my last post, I pointed out that Jack played the m...

By now, it's been talked about enough (and praised and praised and praised... I think the Smith brothers--The Star's Doug, and The Fan's cost-effective colour analyst Eric--had a dual orgasm reciting the details of the trade). Here's the thing: Colangelo deserves every bit of praise for making the trade. However, there's one key point to emphasize: The players involved in the deal are completely insignificant. The other day someone in the newsroom said Devean George will offer great "veteran lea...

A little late on the whole LeBron James dunk video controversy. For those that don't know, James got dunked on by some no-name player in a pickup game and the manchild and/or his handlers/sycophants made all the cameramen present give away their tape so it wouldn't get out to the public.The ploy failed, the video is everywhere now and LeBron once again comes off looking like a spoiled child, just a couple of months after embarassing himself by not shaking ...

Not a shock we put two and two together a few days ago when the Pacers decided to go after Earl Watson, but Jarrett Jack said Sunday night that the Pacers will not match Toronto's offer and he will be announced as a Raptor Tuesday."It took a minute, but I was able to secure a contract for four years," Jack said. "I'm looking forward to playing with Chris (Bosh) again. It will be like our freshman year (at Georgia Tech) ...

Jarrett Jack will officially become a Raptor Tuesday. There is no way the Pacers will match Toronto's offers, because, as Oklahoma City Thunder beat reporter Darnell Mayberry and Indiana Pacers beat guy Mike Wells first reported minutes ago, the Pacers will be bringing on Earl Watson, who was released today by the Thunder.Even though Watson will likely come very cheap (since the Thunder will be paying him over $6 million this season to not play for them), with T.J. Ford, Travis ...

The Raptors beat the Bucks 84-83 yesterday, to end their Summer League campaign with a third straight victory.The team went 3-2 in Las Vegas and was led by heralded rookie DeMar DeRozan and combo guard Quincy Douby.DeRozan led the Raptors yesterday with his second 20 point performance in a row, while Douby added 17 plus seven assists. DeRozan showed improvement from the first to the fifth game and ended up with impressive statistics - 17.0 points per game on 49% shooting, ...

Best performance of the summer so far tonight by rookie DeMar DeRozan. I like his body control/ability to convert after drawing contact and his go-to moves, which are far more advanced than advertised.According to NBA.com, the Pacers have not decided yet whether to match Toronto's offer to Jarrett Jack. The official paperwork was not in the Pacers' hands until Monday, which gives them until next Monday to decide what to do with the sheet."My owner's coming into town next week ...

How do NBA players' summer league performances project to the regular season?

With the Jarrett Jack signing finally made official, Raptors fans' thoughts naturally turn to the rest of the team's 2009-10 bench.

My case for playing DeRozan off the bench his rookie season

How Bargnani's crappy rebounding might doom the Raptors

Amidst all the off-season action, could Rasho be the key to Raptors success in 2009-10?

National PostRaptors Introduce JackNew York TimesBy AP The Toronto Raptors introduced Jarrett Jack after signing him to a $20 million deal over four years. The Raptors signed Jack, a restricted free agent, ...Raptors sign G JackKansas City StarToronto Raptors officially introduce newly acquired guard Jarrett JackThe Canadian PressNew Raptor Jack spreads generosity aroundToronto StarRealGM.com -AFP -Globe and Mail -CBC.caall 341 news articles »

CBC.caRaptors Add Turkoglu in Four-Team TradeNew York TimesThe Toronto Raptors will add Turkoglu, a key component to the Orlando Magic's drive to the finals. Marion, who split the season between the Raptors and the ...Raptors re-sign former No. 1 pick BargnaniThe Associated PressIn the NBA, free agency is a perpetual motion machineLos Angeles TimesRaptors finally acquire TurkogluWashington TimesNBA.com -Globe and Mail -Toronto Starall 523 news articles »

OregonLive.comSummer League: Raptors 92, Trail Blazers 87USA TodayLAS VEGAS (AP) — Quincy Douby scored 20 points and had five assists off the bench and the Toronto Raptors downed the Portland Trail Blazers 92-87 in the ...Raptors Claw Out See Saw AffairNBA.comToronto Raptors 92, Portland Blazers 87: Summer League Game OneBleacher ReportToronto 92, Portland 87: Coming up short has silver lining for BlazersOregonLive.comHoopsWorld -OregonLive.com -HoopsWorldall 27 news articles &raq...

CBC.caSources: Teams agree to Marion dealESPNThe Dallas Mavericks and Toronto Raptors, living up to the wild tenor of the past few weeks in the NBA, have hatched a ...Shawn Marion heading to the Dallas MavericksBoston HeraldRaptors, Mavericks agree to Marion trade: reportCBC.caMarion-to-Mavs deal may include 4 teamsNBA.comSportingNews.com -National Post -Sactown Royaltyall 794 news articles »

NBA PM: Grizz Need GuardsHoopsWorldClearing Up Raptors Situation: After it was mentioned in this space yesterday that Toronto Raptors free agents Carlos Delfino and Pops Mensah-Bonsu were no ...and more »