Raptors Face Major Decisions About Bosh and the Future By RaptorTalk http://raptortalk.com/2009/11/30/raptors-are-at-a-december-crossroads.aspx Mercifully, November is over and the Raptors are sitting at a less than stellar mark of 7-11. Based on a tough early schedule and nine new players, the team’s record is understandable – but it’s not acceptable. Frankly, the excuses ring hollow. Why? Because it’s the way the Raptors have been losing. Repeatedly, the Raptors have taken comfortable leads and blown them or they have been close at the half, only to collapse miserably in the third quarter and lose. Outside of the first Phoenix game, there have been very few losses where the Raptors have been within striking distance. Basically, by the midway mark of the 4th quarter we’re watching the other team’s lay-up line while the Raptors scrubs are putting in garbage time minutes. Here are some thoughts as we start a new month with a difficult stretch of 4 games in 5 nights which promise to make life in Raptorland worse, not better over the near term. Talent: IMO, this team is significantly better than last year's team. There is more overall talent, yet we are playing worse. At least part of the blame falls on Jay Triano. Yes, the Raptors have lost to some good teams like Orlando, Boston and Phoenix, but they’ve also been embarrassed by Charlotte and Memphis. Losses to the elite teams have generally been pretty good spankings. Defense: Is this really the worst defence in NBA history? The stats say yes - but I think they can play better D than they've shown. During the Boston Celtics radio broadcast Eric Smith was wondering "why doesn't Jay try something different because clearly his system isn't working?" I couldn’t agree more. What have you got to lose? Remember, this team is dead last on defense - even when they play a weak offensive team like the Bobcats. The definition of 'insanity' is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Underachieving: I would be OK with a 7-11 record, if our losses were close. Outside of the Phoenix game, we are generally out of reach midway through the 4th quarter. Typically, we're fighting a double digit deficit by the end of the third quarter, often when we're close at the half. Not being close in the second half of most games is a real concern that should tell Bryan Colangelo that his team has a ways to go before it becomes competitive. Chris Bosh: This season is all about Chris Bosh. He’s played like an absolute beast and has done everything asked of him. While this column has been critical of Bosh in the past – this guy has absolutely busted his tail, night in and night out. Max Money: Either the Raptors want to keep CB4 or they don't. Bosh will definitely get his max money contract in the off-season. But, if the Raptors don't shape up - then Bosh will more than likely force a S&T like T-Mac did. Then the Raptors are screwed. One and Done: Even if the Raptors turn it around as they gel and the schedule gets easier, the best case scenario is 43 wins and a 6th seed. That said, we could very well be looking at 'missing the playoffs' or squeaking by with 40 wins and the 8th seed. Anyway you look at it, the best 'playoff' scenario sees Toronto blown out in the 1st round by Orlando, Boston or Cleveland. Chris Bosh wants to win. CB4 will not re-sign based on any of those likely scenarios. Sense of Urgency: Bryan needs a sense of urgency. Firing Jay Triano and making a significant trade that will alter the Raptors' fortunes must all be on the table. Bryan can't wait unti January or February. Look at the December schedule and I can't see how the Raptors as they are now constructed will even play .500 ball during the month. He must take action now. Otherwise, Bosh will walk at season's end. Plan B: If Colangelo doesn't think he can make moves that will lead the Raptors to achieve at a higher level - then he should focus on Plan B - which is trade Chris Bosh because he's not going to want to stay in Toronto and play on a sub .500 team for the next 6 or 7 years. Its Bryan’s Move: So, while watching this team suck through 20 games or more may be fine with some of the fan base who are prepared to wait and see- it’s simply not going to satisfy Chris Bosh. Success this season is not measured by satisfying you, me or other fans .... it’s all about re-signing Bosh. I hate to say it - but CB4 is going to walk unless massive changes occur before the new year. So it is up to Bryan Colangelo to assess where the Raptors are now and make his next move. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have the luxury of waiting to start fixing what is broken. He needs to begin now or risk watching Chris Bosh sour on the Raptors and move to a winning environment elsewhere on July 1st. Can't say I'd blame him. --

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