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Changing of the guard

MICHAEL GRANGE

From Thursday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 5:20 AM EST 27/03/08

Calderon, Ford switch roles in victory over always tough Pistons ...Read the full article

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  1. andy c from Canada writes: so much for pre game predictions :P i'll gladly eat crow for the raps win; watched the game in class on mute so i saw the game in chunks. the raps showed they can hang with the pistons in a closely contested game but keep in mind that Rip did not play tonite. hopefully the raps can play at this level for the rest of the season and into the playoffs.
  2. Rich Chan from Vancouver, Canada writes: Shouldn't the title of this headline be Calderon makes a winning decision. No matter what, it's all about Ford. Gimme a break. Great game by the Raps tonight. Our defense really picked up.
  3. Bubba The Pas Huskies from The Pas Manitoba, Canada writes: So my last post stated the only way the Raps would win was if the Pistons were replaced by a troop of Girl Scouts. Man, those girls can play! I'll eat crow as well, nice to see the win and the contribution from the majority. AB only had 3 points but I saw some good D from him, will be interested to hear Smitch's take on his effort.
    Funny how being seen as a #1 PG vs coming off the bench can cause such a change in a person. Kudos to Calderon for promoting the change for the team. I don't know if I have ever heard of a professional athlete doing that. I'm very impressed.
    The team shot the lights out against a very good team (although 3 games in 4 nights for the Pistons also without Rip H.) but take the wins anyway presented. Bosh and Rasho both played very strong. Overall a strong team win.
    Billups was unbelievable, a great PG. And Stuckey looks like the next up and comer PG for the Pistons.
    And (Rojer), good coaching from Smitch. Putting TJ and JC on together when the Pistons went small was a smart move, especially when the shots were falling.
    Won't be around for a few days so wanted to put my Mea Culpa out there for raggin on the Raps yesterday...
    P.S.- Rojer, try it, it's good for the soul!
  4. Rich Chan from Vancouver, Canada writes: Well whaddya know, after me complaining about the post with Ford in the title, they changed the title to Calderon's choice pays dividends. Just heard a caller a while ago complain about Ford's post interview about him getting his minutes. Back to MeJ.
  5. andy c from Canada writes: Rich; to be fair the original headline was from AP.
  6. John Nicholson from Oshawa, writes: Can you spell Raptors TEAM leader- Jose Manuel Calderon !!!
  7. dan vanman from vancouver, Canada writes: Man Rich, whats up with you and TJ, he steal your girlfriend in high school or something? Its illogical, but at least you admit he had a good game.

    I have always thought they should play TJ and Jose at the same time. TJ is a great scorer, and could be a shooting gaurd against some opponents, with Parker/Delfino against the larger #2's.

    Good win guys, lets see more of that...
  8. EJ L from markham, Canada writes: I liked how Sam the Raptor man put TJ and Calderon in together... TJ sucks by himself, and Calderon has too much class to play well infront of TJ.

    What a class example for Calderon: by giving up his starters spot so cry baby ford can hear his name on the PA.
  9. Archie Gillespie from cowtown, Canada writes: Rasho, 46 minutes...man is he gonna sleep tonight. And well he should contently with 15 and 6 plus 4 blocks and 2 dimes. Where's Roger? Still dabbing his eyes after Jose's sacrifice? Good game by all, go Raps.
  10. Ryan Hickman from Canada writes: How many guys in the league walk into the coach's office and tells him to make that call?? Not many...

    Calderon is a team guy and he's got my vote for team MVP.
  11. C Ta from Richmond Hill, Canada writes: Hey Rich, they changed the headline again!
  12. Harper should go back to his evil layer (ASAP) from Canada writes: I know a lot of people don't seem to like ford but he's better suited to be a starter than Calderon and Calderon is better suited to come off the bench than Ford. I'm not saying either is better, but we witnessed that all of last year and all of this year when they were both healthy. For whatever reason it's just a winning combination. Both PG's should be credited, they're an awesome combination.
  13. dan vanman from vancouver, Canada writes: Thank you Harper...! All these TJ haters just don't understand the game. Its a game where you take what the defence gives you. Sometimes it should be TJ starting, sometimes Jose.

    I personally like Jose better, I think he has a better overall game, but TJ is the better scorer. Putting them both on the floor at the same time is a great way of taking what the defence gives you...

    I admire Jose for seeing that ego is not a big thing here, but all you TJ haters...did he actually say...'I should be the starter', or no?
  14. lost ontarian from Canada writes: Hey...criticizing TJ isnt hating...it's logic...guy is selfish but a heckuva talent. His me-first attitude simply sucks. Long face on the bench when he doesn't start instead of sucking it up like a man should. That said..Kudos to Calderone and all the Raptors for a great effort defensively. Now they should all simply shut up and continue to play defense as a team. They should be aware (my opinion) that their efforts determine Sam's job next year. If he cannot get a consistency in team performance he doesn't deserve the gig.
  15. lost ontarian from Canada writes: Harper, I agree he's better suited as a starter . problem is part of that is due to attitude. as a number two, he comes in trying to show he is best instead of leading his team as a point guard should.
  16. dan vanman from vancouver, Canada writes: You know, its funny...last year TJ is the starter, and they do great. This year, due to injury, Jose becomes a revelation, the second coming of Steve Nash.

    There is a spot for both. TJ isn't selfish, in my opinion. He just takes what the defence gives him, and sometimes thats the shot.

    I think most of you guys are overreacting to percieved pouting. I haven't seen it in the games I've seen.

    I think TJ and Jose on the same floor is dynamite though. TJ is a point gaurd that can score, which means he can play the 2 against smaller opponents. as well as handle the ball when Jose is covered.

    Win/Win guys. Give TJ a break, and quit labeling the poor guy for what you percieve as his bad attitude.
  17. albert strauss from Toronto,Ontario, Canada writes: I thought it was supposed to be the coach he dreamed up the inspirations for the miraculous changes in the rotation
  18. D W from Halifax, Canada writes: Dan vanman, say what? 'TJ isn't selfish, in my opinion. He just takes what the defence gives him, and sometimes thats the shot.'

    It's more than obvious you have seen very, very few Rap games. Ford is one of the more slefish players I have seen in the league. He forces more shots because he puts himself under the basket....oh wait, I forgot, he's a 'penetrator'! That doesn't help TJ, when you penatrate your way into a trap. Fool.

    I hold out hope that BC will make the right calls this off-season. TJ must be traded and Mitchell must be let go...or this team is going nowhere.
  19. D W from Halifax, Canada writes: PS. I will repeat Roger's point:

    TJ 1
    Calderon 10

    The stats matter, even if few people pay attention to them.
  20. Yertu Damkule from Canada writes: relying on roger's 'stats' probably isn't the best approach, but whatever floats your boat. and how did roger sneak 'a$$hole' past the G&M censors? i guess no one's around to monitor at 5 am...
  21. Joseph Daniel from Oakville, Canada writes: I respected Calderon and his talents before yesterday. I have even more respect for him now. He put the team first, this is in no way saying one pg is better than another here. I am just re-stating what calderon mentioned. The team was in a tailspin they needed a change. They needed a good kick in the pants. Bosh provided the kick in the pants and Calderon the recipe for change and getting a breath of fresh air. Rog you have been saying all along that Calderon should BE the PG for this team and that BC should trade TJ. I am inclined to move in that direction especially if Roko Ukich is ready to play next year. But Rog please give up this hate for TJ. The guy started the team won. they beat a top team in the nba. IT was a much needed win. Praises should go all around including TJ.
  22. JOHN PALANDRA from Toronto, Canada writes: I have to say i have even more respect for calderon as well. I cant think of a single player in this league that would do that, which only speaks volumes about his character.

    Dan Vanman i would be someone who has consistently defended TJ as well. TJ is smeone i want to see succeed in Tornot, but to say you havent noticed him hogging the ball and being selfish (ie vs lakers, warriors, nuggets, jazz) is just crazy. How could you not notice the game of one-on-five going on whenever he was on the floor?
  23. emoncada Toronto from Canada writes: let's just be happy for this win and focus on the positives. it's been tiring to see and read the TJ and Calderon topic. it goes on and on. if you can't post anything good, then don't bother in posting anything... it is not a bad thing!
    On the other note, i just hope this win and change will impact the team positively and can create good momentum!
  24. Larry Boutilier from sydney forks, Canada writes: The fix was in! The evidence shows that the Pistons had little interest
    in winning last nights game. They showee at times the difference between a good team and a not so good team.
  25. D M from King City, Canada writes: TJ played great. Hopefully his value goes up this summer and we can trade him for a tough defender/rebounder. Jose = class.
  26. Mike Potter from hamilton, Canada writes: Every one is over analyzing the individual players. The truth is most of the people on this team can really play. The only real question is whether they can make a sustained run in the play offs and this win was a good step in that direction.
  27. Rich Chan from Vancouver, Canada writes: That was an awesome game. Sort of an anomaly of everything against supposedly the best team in the NBA. We played playoff basketball yesterday and it was beautiful to watch when everybody clicks together. Let's hope this is what it will look like come playoff time and that our guys can find a way to win. It was Bosh who stepped up and challenged the players and it was Calderon who made the adjustment to the starting rotation. These are the two main leaders on our teams; and once again Calderon makes the assist to TJ as the starter. Calderon is our team co-mvp if we ever get anywhere in the playoffs. Amazing.
  28. Allan Wexler from Canada writes: I was at the game and thought the Raps were life and death to win, notwithstanding the final score. Rip Hamilton would have been the difference, but Ford played well down the stretch. He was eaten alive defensively by Stuckey and posted by Afflalo when he played. The guy from Detroit who impressed me the most was Amir Johnson, who at 20 years old was able to stick with Bosh when matched up. The Raps still don't go inside enough, an isue to be fixed in the offseason. Calderon defended his position better than I've seen all year, but the matchup at the guard position favours the Pistons if they were to meet in the playoffs. Billups is just too strong!
  29. Greg Ast from Nanoose Bay, Canada writes: Great win for the Raps - a real confidence booster!

    However, the grand old men from motown MIGHT, just might, have been in TO last night to check out their first round opponents and by easing up a tad, they got the Raptors defensive rotations on tape so they can head home to analyze them.

    We saw a great Raptor victory last night but we only saw playoff D from one team - the Raptors! You think a 20 year old is going to guard CB4 in the first round?
  30. andy c from Canada writes: bah! i missed rog's comments (was looking forward to them as well)
  31. Stevie Dee from Canada writes: Guys,

    Good game (and Calderon is all class), but it is only ONE game and the only consistent thing about the Raps this year is their inconsistency. Mike, I agree that everyone on this team can play, just not "really" play. That's the problem with this team IMHO, too many people who would be really good 6th men in this league. Too many complementary players, not enough building blocks.

    This, and likely next year as well due to lack of cap space, are building years. If we get a favourable matchup, we might squeak out a first round win. Still, entertaining ball to watch.
  32. Bryce Will from Canada writes: Everyone forget about Ford vs Calderon.

    Reason the team was better last night was because BARGNANI DIDNT START.
  33. CLEMENT CHAN from Mississauga, Canada writes: Last night, I was in the road listening to the radio and Jones said during the game, "And Ford hand the ball to Calderon." I was a bit touched. Players work together, communicating, just wanting the team to win without any personnal agenda; then the team will be strong.

    As much as credit is given to Calderon (and Racho), we have to understand the immense pressure Ford going through now at his position. Ford has done an admirable job too, so far.

    Bargnani last night had two block shots in 13 minutes, not too shabby too.
  34. days ofcoleco from Canada writes: Bryce Will from Canada writes: Everyone forget about Ford vs Calderon.

    Reason the team was better last night was because BARGNANI DIDNT START.

    ============
    Nice.
    With the TJ/Calderon fued, Bargnani gets a pass. Number 1 overall pick? He's a creampuff in a basketball jersey. This team doesn't need anymore mommas boys.
  35. Anthony Sandler from Toronto, Canada writes: The only we reason we won that game was because Detroit was awful. I was there. The raptors were giving them easy shots that Detoit missed over and over. We were out rebounded yet again, looked slow. We won by default. Just saying. Don't get your hopes up about coming in 5th or 6th.
  36. Big Cayman from South Toronto, Canada writes: I'm sick of Allan W reading my mind and posting my thoughts. BTW I didn't realize Rip was still out, even if I did I would have written off the Raps chances, glad they won though, that's for sure. I can't eat crow for reasons which will remain confidential. I have to say that I agree with Anthony S about winning by default, I had this tense feeling the whole game that Detroit was still in it no matter how bad they were playing, and that a comeback was imminent. Rich it was more a comedy of errors than a playoff type game, but if this boosts their play I can live with that.
  37. John Luu from Toronto, Canada writes: Ok, it's 3pm the day after this game. Where is Roger S take on this? :)
  38. Stevie Dee from Canada writes: Why is everybody so desperate to read Roger's take on this? Here, I'll help you out:

    TJ Ford and SMitch suck. The Raps only won because now Calderon is doing the playing and coaching for this team. BC needs to trade Ford ASAP and fire Mitchell.

    There, everybody happy now? ;)
  39. Yertu Damkule from Canada writes: roger did post, but it included a naughty word that eluded the G&M censors (see my earlier post from this morning), so was later pulled. it was a typical featherweight mini-rant.
  40. j k from Canada writes: If TJ plays well enough that the Clippers are interested in a sign and trade for Maggette, then woohoo!!
    Anyone who thinks that one game against Detroit (NY beat Detroit once too, you know...) PROVES anything is delusional....I would be thrilled if Bosh actually played like he is worth a MAX contract against Boston and Detroit just once...if we are going to only have one "all star" player, he had better be a lot better than that...otherwise, get us an all star calibre wing player who gets to the free throw line and creates his own shots in exchange for TJ and no one will miss him next year....
  41. Rich Chan from Vancouver, Canada writes: You know what's funny about that win yesterday. Imagine, we would've probably been in a position to end the season at third if this stupid point guard issue did not come up. Guys, you honestly believe that the exclusion of Bosh meant anything in our 3-13 wins. I really believe that if Bosh got injured and TJ was injured still, we probably would've won a bit more of those games. Seriously.
  42. Roger S from Canada writes: What a strange world. We are dealing with three stereotypes: we have the Baby, who thought himself was a NBA star since embryo life; we have the M0r0n, usually who is irritated and fired up when the team he coached is winning 20 points, and stunned and silent when the team is on other side; finally we have the Gentleman, who can be deemed as the most unselfish player in NBA history. What a strange world, in Toronto.
  43. Roger S from Canada writes: I gave the credit to Doug Smith for the last person who admitted the FACT. By Doug Smith ---- "Jose-T.J. Promised yesterday to expand on the ‘who starts, who doesn’t’ discussion because I have wavered. Back in the day, I really thought T.J. was special and this team could only maximize its potential with him as the starter and Jose coming off the bench. But as their personalities evolve and their games develop, it’s clear to me that the long-term point guard job should be Calderon’s. He’s more steady, gets more people involved more often and, quite frankly, shoots better than I, or a lot of people, ever imagined. And the respect his teammates have for him is immense. Ford’s probably better as a backup to change tempo but only – ONLY – if he gets his head on right and as we’ve seen these past few weeks, that’s not something he can do right now. I still say having the two of them would continue to give Toronto depth at a key position but the way things are right now, I think BC has to explore trade possibilities for Ford this summer. What he can get, I have no idea. But asking around would be a good idea. Not sure when I had the change of heart, just that I did; Calderon’s better for this team as a starter."
  44. gordan maric from london, Canada writes: After 7o games Meachel the frst time given Rasho to play in first five.Bargnani play all season very bed as starter.Meachel the big mistake all season as couch.Rasho had a huge experiance playing in nba.
  45. Big Cayman from South Toronto, Canada writes: Rich Chan from Vancouver, Canada writes: "...Guys, you honestly believe that the exclusion of Bosh meant anything in our 3-13 wins [YES of course]. I really believe that if Bosh got injured and TJ was injured still, we probably would've won a bit more of those games. Seriously." Man you're full of it. Without Bosh this team couldn't even win 20 games. What are you basing your ridiculous assumption on?? Have you been drinking? Not only would you lose any hope of getting a rebound or points in the paint, the Raps would never get to the foul line. How easy would it be to draw up offenses and defenses against this team without Bosh (regardless whether or not you think he's an allstar, which he is). I suppose the Raps incredible shooting stars would show up every game LOL. Sometimes I think you're alright Rich regarless of differences of opinion and then you go and sound off with the most laughable crap this board ever sees, get a grip.
  46. Rich Chan from Vancouver, Canada writes: Big C, it's really a pity that we weren't actually able to see a team without Bosh and Ford at the same time because I'm quite sure Jose's on team chemistry combined with able shooters would be able to pull out some wins. A lot of those losses occured because TJ was pissed off at being at the bench and finding his game (whatever his selfish game is). I have no doubt in my mind that had Calderon been injured (knock on wood) instead of Ford, we would lose a lot more games than with Jose. All I'm saying is that it's really a pity we could see TJ sit out more. I would probably say that we could possibly win a couple of games more. Seriously, I'm not joking here.
  47. Big Cayman from South Toronto, Canada writes: Rich, I will give you that Ford has played bad off the bench, AND that Jose has had an outstanding year, while I'm still not sure that he is a league allstar I'm closer than I was to believing that at the break. So maybe without Ford disrupting the new found chemistry (by coming back after he went down) a few more wins could have occured but Ford is still a big part of the team so everyone has to adjust, its not like the Raps are part of the elite teams in the league. Absolutely Jose has an excellent attitude as well, maybe even (to agree with Roger for once) the best in the league at this point (I might have said Nash but he left Dallas over a more than generous contract offer because it was a few mill off and a couple of years short) because this will be Jose's first chance in the summer to be a little selfish (but deserving) so we'll see about this when the chips are in play. RE Chemistry is certainly important but the rest of the team outside of AP and Bosh have a terrible problem with consistency. Did you know that coming into the last game Delfino had ZERO pts in his last two outings?? This has NOTHING to do with chemistry. Some (I would say most) of the responsibility for lack of execution must fall with the individual player. I think TJ is having a bad year and some if has to do with his injury, and I'm really hoping for the sake of the Raptors that he gets it together and the last game was a start. What's Bargnani's excuse, why is Moon so loathe to drive to the hoop, why is Kapono not getting open, why does Hump have the annoying habit of trying to drible penetrate and brick 10 footers of the iron, why does Joey not assert himself into the game etc. etc., I get your point and cautiously agree that there is a possibility, but the way you put it makes it sounds like the team is better without Bosh, which just simply isn't true. If Bosh was playing TJ or no TJ the Raps would have won more of those games.

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