2018/19 Toronto Raptors Season Thread !! Go Raptors Go !!!

[wonkyknee]

Raps are much better with an elite all star like Kawhi on the court. His defense is smothering. At times it seems he just takes the ball from his opponent. We definitely shoot better at home too. They've been pretty decent road warriors in the past. We'll see how we fare on the road with Kawhi.
By the way it looks like Siakam is gonna make that leap up to the next level this year. He is a definite weapon on the floor with his never ending pace up the floor, ahead on the break or pushing the ball himself. We can almost count of 2 buckets per game when he explodes on the break for a long pass, but now he's driving quite effectively to the basket too.
I was hoping to see OG show more of his stuff this year too, but its a long season. As long as he's healthy he's got time to show us some growth this year too.

 

[gfelover]

Kawhi Leonard is a Raptor! Off to the Suns and Ayton and then LBJ and then the Jazz probably without The Klaw and the surprising (over .500!) Kings to end this first west coast bonding trip. 7-1, Let's go raps!

 

[wonkyknee]

Kawhi Leonard is a Raptor! Off to the Suns and Ayton and then LBJ and then the Jazz probably without The Klaw and the surprising (over .500!) Kings to end this first west coast bonding trip. 7-1, Let's go raps!

This should give us a better understanding of how they rest Kawhi. Do they shy away from the confrontation with Lebron or do they want him to neutralize Lebron? Did they rest him against Milwaukee cause there was no Greak Freak and thought we could win without him?(and think we needed him against the 76ers? or do they just try to figure how he feels from game to game? Hmmmmmmmm....

 

[whynot888]

Siakam has flashes of the greek freak. This kid will become an allstar in another 2 years or so

 

[gfelover]

...."jammed left foot". .... Hope it's not three words that we will hear forever .... 8-1, on to lalaland and LBJ, let's go Raps!

 

[raptorizedguy]

...."jammed left foot". .... Hope it's not three words that we will hear forever .... 8-1, on to lalaland and LBJ, let's go Raps!

It doesn't take much for him to sit out ..

 

[Dawgger]

It doesn't take much for him to sit out ..

RG IMO what the Raps are Kawai makes sense, he played in 9 games last year, so the Raps are making sure he doesn't reinjure himself. He has not been playing in back to back gamesso he would have sat out either last night's game or tonight's. I would expect him to play tonight if he is ready.
The kicked LA's butt last night. James was the first one into the locker room, no hand shake, notta! Seen this from him before.

gfe: Still no "Nut Crusher" Lakers should never have gotten the lead down to 10! I never thought the game was in doubt but need some killer instinct!

 

[wonkyknee]

RG IMO what the Raps are Kawai makes sense, he played in 9 games last year, so the Raps are making sure he doesn't reinjure himself. He has not been playing in back to back gamesso he would have sat out either last night's game or tonight's. I would expect him to play tonight if he is ready.
The kicked LA's butt last night. James was the first one into the locker room, no hand shake, notta! Seen this from him before.

gfe: Still no "Nut Crusher" Lakers should never have gotten the lead down to 10! I never thought the game was in doubt but need some killer instinct!

I PVR'd the game and the system had the game starting at 10pm so I missed the fireworks. The Lakers have a solid group of players(not sure about the chemistry). Javale is a beast. Rondo always had game and Lance can take over a game at any time. The young guys have huge potential. They are an NBA team and always capeable of going on a run. Plus we are always going to give everyone minutes, especially when someone is hot like Ibaka was and gave us a big lead. Its so easy to give up a lead. We start looking at resting the key players and it's not so easy for the whole team to get hot.....unless you're Golden State.

 

[gfelover]

Yes, Dawg, till this second group gets all cylinders firing (FVV, Delon and Norm were ofer threes!) inconsistency will get us into trouble. But they hung on, and without the Franchise, were able to put down dogged Lakers. Lakers stat of the season : with Lebron, -21 without LBJ +35!

Wonk, Sportsnet games always PVR SN1 over regionals as that's their prime channel.

Still ll only ten games in, but what a run so far. No Mitchell so take care of the Jazz, 9-1, Let's go Raps!

 

[wonkyknee]

thought for sure we were going to let up on the back end of a back to back, at high altitude in Utah, but I guess that kind of stuff doesn't faze guys like Siakam. I always think about these marathon runners who could run 99 laps around the track and still smoke me as I wait to race them for that last 100th lap. I think that's what it must be like to be playing against Siakam. Ibaka continues to play well. Lowry continuing his all-star performance too.

 

[Dawgger]

thought for sure we were going to let up on the back end of a back to back, at high altitude in Utah, but I guess that kind of stuff doesn't faze guys like Siakam. I always think about these marathon runners who could run 99 laps around the track and still smoke me as I wait to race them for that last 100th lap. I think that's what it must be like to be playing against Siakam. Ibaka continues to play well. Lowry continuing his all-star performance too.

This team is scary good. bench is so deep, Monroe comes in for meaningful minutes last night and looks comfortable, Siakim just keeps getting better and the brain farts are now few and far between, Ibaka looks likw the guy they thought they got, Lowry wants a ring, bench is solid. 11 games in looking strong.
The surprising 6-4 Queens next. It won't be a cakewalk!

 

[K Douglas]

Kyle Lowry's stats so far through 11 games

PPG: 17.9
APG: 11.5 (leads NBA)
RPG: 4.5
SPG: 1.5
FG%: 50
3PT%: 40.8

I think all those who were down on him before the season started are feeling a bit foolish right about now.

 

[curr3n_c1000]

Small rumor is that we could get Kyle Korver for a few bench players.

This would make us very deadly.

 

[wonkyknee]

Small rumor is that we could get Kyle Korver for a few bench players.

This would make us very deadly.

Sounds like Scary Terry Rozier is available too. If he's pissed at Boston, Toronto should be the place to look to spit Boston. Only thing is he's upset about his minutes. Not sure we can accommodate or want that kind of attitude here

 

[curr3n_c1000]

Sounds like Scary Terry Rozier is available too. If he's pissed at Boston, Toronto should be the place to look to spit Boston. Only thing is he's upset about his minutes. Not sure we can accommodate or want that kind of attitude here

Don't see how he'd fit the rotation, unless he get rid of Lowry.

If I were the Celtics I'd dish Irving and sign Rozier. Kyrie looks like he's stunting the young guys.

Funny how the Irving and Hayward were suppose to be the leaders, but now seem to be holding them back.

 

[gfelover]

West Coast road trip sweep, first time ever, yes, not the cream but still a sweep...!.... Yes, we have Kawhi, yes, Kloe is balling,...yet the stat line for the 5 spot every game so far have been very similar like last night 25 points, 24 rebounds, 4 blocks....... Of all the touches that Nurse has put on this team, that is a standout coaching move putting Serge at 5 and getting JV to buy in.....now, some rest, week at home with Casey's homecoming to top it off....so on to a Saturday trap game matinee (????!!) with the Knickerbockers (no let down!), 11-1, Let's go Raps!

 

[Dawgger]

Small rumor is that we could get Kyle Korver for a few bench players.

This would make us very deadly.

Korver is 37,doubt Raps would give up any of the young guys for him, maybe Miles even up.. Haven't checked salaries so if they aren't close probably no deal. Wonder who started that rumour, possibly the Cleveland GM!

 

[black booty lover]

Gonna suck when Kawhi leaves at the end the of year to go play with Lebron in LA.

 

[New World]

Gonna suck when Kawhi leaves at the end the of year to go play with Lebron in LA.

Chances are Kawhi is staying in Toronto. You heard it hear first 2 year deal with player option.

 

[curr3n_c1000]

Korver is 37,doubt Raps would give up any of the young guys for him, maybe Miles even up.. Haven't checked salaries so if they aren't close probably no deal. Wonder who started that rumour, possibly the Cleveland GM!

Right now, our bench is not consistent.

Korver Miles salaries match up well, but korver is set for 2 more years while Miles has a player option.

Gonna suck when Kawhi leaves at the end the of year to go play with Lebron in LA.

Kawhi is getting everything he wants so far. Taking days off, no one on his back, easiest path to the finals.

I can see him being miserable in the west playing with LeBaby.