Could Jamario Moon be the reason the Raptors kinda suck??

I've really been thinking about this one and I'm ready to come out and say it... Jamario Moon is the reason we aren't playing well. The boys just aren't the same with Moon in the starting line up... How do you think Andrea and Garbo feel when they're on the bench and see this Moon guy who came out of nowhere start?!? I'm not sure what Sam is thinking, but you shouldn't start Moon over the Core Guys. I mean, It's okay occasionally when matchups are the reason, but full time starter over all the boys who played so hard for us last year??? If you ask me, I think Juan Dixon deserves to start over JM!! We have players on the bench who didn't see a minute last game that deserve more time than Moon!!!! I can feel it... the Raps locker room isn't what it used to be. People are talking behind eachother's backs saying where did this Moon guy come from and why is he starting over us??</p>

And as for the game against Dallas... We could have and should have won that game with another coach. I hope BC can see that! And I'm not blaming TJ Ford, because that's the easy way out... It's all Sam's fault!!!!! Get rid of him!</p>

 

To annoy Shake:</p>

Yes.</p>

 

Need to get Ford out, and Calderon in.</p>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kid Chocolate)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

Need to get Ford out, and Calderon in.</p>

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Ford out and Calderon inisn't the point... the point is that the Raptors will not be a happy team as long as Moon is a full time starter. He should earn it from the bottom up!!</p>

And Sam's got to make TJ play Raptor ball, that's the bottom line!! I don't care if he wants to be an all star.</p>

 

I'm not too sure about your assessment BigWilly. I think Moon has been fairly consistent and has been a good thing for the raptors. You should play good regardless. I do have a problem with the actual rotation during the game. Now check this out, TJ is not going to be playing today because of his stinger. Watch the chemistry begin today now that Calderone is holding down the fort. All us rap fans got exactly what we wanted and watch the raps win the next 3 games in a row. Jose as point guard will make this team win alone.</p>

 

You guys really need to lay off TJ. TJ Ford has been the single reason we have won some of the games we have, or even stayed in most of the games. TJ Ford is easily the better point guard over Calderon. The only reason that the Raptors aren't playing like they're supposed to be is because of the coach. Mitchell has definitely tinkered with the team, and not in a good way. For one, TJ has been playing a lot more than last year, and it is clear now that Calderon is the back-up, they definitely need to play off each other. Also, there has been a few distractions, especially with the whole Garbajosa thing. And Bosh being hurt is also a reason why we're under .500. Just give it sometime, and the Raptors will be back. We always start off slow.</p>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (SoSoDef)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

You guys really need to lay off TJ. TJ Ford has been the single reason we have won some of the games we have, or even stayed in most of the games. TJ Ford is easily the better point guard over Calderon. The only reason that the Raptors aren't playing like they're supposed to be is because of the coach. Mitchell has definitely tinkered with the team, and not in a good way. For one, TJ has been playing a lot more than last year, and it is clear now that Calderon is the back-up, they definitely need to play off each other. Also, there has been a few distractions, especially with the whole Garbajosa thing. And Bosh being hurt is also a reason why we're under .500. Just give it sometime, and the Raptors will be back. We always start off slow.</p>

</div></p>

Nope, I'm not laying off TJ this easily. He can score, I just think that he's better as a shooting guard as opposed to a point guard. When Calderon is running the point we can easily get big leads in games and stay with it. The number one reason games ended up becoming close is because TJ runs amok and feels that he has to take over a game thereby leaving all players around him stagnant watching the TJ show. Not anymore. When Calderon runs the point we get better shot selection, Bosh touches the ball more and players are allowed to get more in the flow of the game. I hate to say this but I kinda blew a sigh of relief yesterday when TJ has the stinger. Obviously I don't wish ill fate on the little engine, but you'll now see the full potential of the Raptors tonight against Memphis with Calderon.</p>

</p>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kid Chocolate)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

Need to get Ford out, and Calderon in.</p>

</div></p>

I agree.</p>

</p>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Arrpy)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kid Chocolate)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

Need to get Ford out, and Calderon in.</p>

</div></p>

I agree.</p>

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Let's go Calderon.</p>

 

I can't really agree with this, but I'll be smart about it. Garbo isn't starting because he is still fragile from his injury and playing him big minutes could risk his ankle not healing. Moon brings rebounding (12 against Dallas) athleticism and a shot blocking forward, which the Raptors have never had.</p>

To say Moon didn't earn it, is just be stupid. How do you think he got a contract? This guys has played in numerous minor leagues working his ass off to get to where he is. To say guys are asking "Who the hell is this Moon guy and why is he starting?" means there is no team play. All they want is to start to get stats, and I know our team isn't like that.</p>

Juan Dixon over Jamario Moon...to easy. First off, Dixon is a SG and an undersized one at that. Plus he is a streaky shooter and whole he may be apart of the best 5 man unit for the Raptors, that means Parker and Ford are on the bench too.</p>

Jamario Moon is a hard worker, who is earning his minutes. He rebounds very well and is still a bit raw. He is starting to get a better jump shot and guys, he is a rookie. He still has lots to learn, and so far he has been doing really well. So lets give him more time, and I'm sure you'll love him more.</p>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (hollagr8)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (SoSoDef)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

You guys really need to lay off TJ. TJ Ford has been the single reason we have won some of the games we have, or even stayed in most of the games. TJ Ford is easily the better point guard over Calderon. The only reason that the Raptors aren't playing like they're supposed to be is because of the coach. Mitchell has definitely tinkered with the team, and not in a good way. For one, TJ has been playing a lot more than last year, and it is clear now that Calderon is the back-up, they definitely need to play off each other. Also, there has been a few distractions, especially with the whole Garbajosa thing. And Bosh being hurt is also a reason why we're under .500. Just give it sometime, and the Raptors will be back. We always start off slow.</p>

</div></p>

Nope, I'm not laying off TJ this easily. He can score, I just think that he's better as a shooting guard as opposed to a point guard. When Calderon is running the point we can easily get big leads in games and stay with it. The number one reason games ended up becoming close is because TJ runs amok and feels that he has to take over a game thereby leaving all players around him stagnant watching the TJ show. Not anymore. When Calderon runs the point we get better shot selection, Bosh touches the ball more and players are allowed to get more in the flow of the game. I hate to say this but I kinda blew a sigh of relief yesterday when TJ has the stinger. Obviously I don't wish ill fate on the little engine, but you'll now see the full potential of the Raptors tonight against Memphis with Calderon.</p>

</p>

</div></p>

Obviously every point guard makes mistakes. I specifically remember during one play of the game, Jose ran around with the ball and threw it into a backcourt violation. It's just much more evident when TJ does it because everyone hates on him. I agree that he does need to calm down, and pass first. All I'm saying is that it will all come, he just needs some time. He has all the skills to be a top point guard. And personally, I think he is the better of the two. TJ is just more exposed because he plays more, and there are more expectations. Anyone remember Jose throwing the ball to RJ in the playoffs last year? Nobody talks about that anymore, if it was TJ, everyone would have already called for his head, and wondered why he was even on the floor. Obviously TJ isn't trusting his teammates as much as he should be. But I think it's more bad coaching than TJ. And when TJ goes for the game ending shots, everyone critisizes him like crazy when he misses, but when he makes it, like he does most of the time, everyone hails him as superman.</p>

</p>

 

The Raps really miss Rasho but I'm not ready to pin the Raptors woes on Moon being in the starting lineup. I think Sam plays who produces and works in practice and doesn't usually show loyalty to guys not named Bosh.</p>

The reason the Raptors kinda suck this year is Anthony Parker and Jorge Garabajosa. Last year this combo produced 20.9 ppg this year it's 13.9 because Garbo has been out but Parker is taking and making less shots. I'm not saying AP isn't an effective scorer and his 3pt percentage is higher this season but from what I've seen, the loss of their combine presence is something that is killing the Raps. Even though AP is out there, he doesn't seem as intense or focused and more than one time I've said "AP would have made that shot last year", which is totally unfair to the guy, I understand.</p>

But if a 27 year-old rookie, who contributes, is a reason for teammates to get bitchy, then this team is more fragile than I thought.</p>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (SoSoDef)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (hollagr8)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (SoSoDef)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

You guys really need to lay off TJ. TJ Ford has been the single reason we have won some of the games we have, or even stayed in most of the games. TJ Ford is easily the better point guard over Calderon. The only reason that the Raptors aren't playing like they're supposed to be is because of the coach. Mitchell has definitely tinkered with the team, and not in a good way. For one, TJ has been playing a lot more than last year, and it is clear now that Calderon is the back-up, they definitely need to play off each other. Also, there has been a few distractions, especially with the whole Garbajosa thing. And Bosh being hurt is also a reason why we're under .500. Just give it sometime, and the Raptors will be back. We always start off slow.</p>

</div></p>

Nope, I'm not laying off TJ this easily. He can score, I just think that he's better as a shooting guard as opposed to a point guard. When Calderon is running the point we can easily get big leads in games and stay with it. The number one reason games ended up becoming close is because TJ runs amok and feels that he has to take over a game thereby leaving all players around him stagnant watching the TJ show. Not anymore. When Calderon runs the point we get better shot selection, Bosh touches the ball more and players are allowed to get more in the flow of the game. I hate to say this but I kinda blew a sigh of relief yesterday when TJ has the stinger. Obviously I don't wish ill fate on the little engine, but you'll now see the full potential of the Raptors tonight against Memphis with Calderon.</p>

</p>

</div></p>

Obviously every point guard makes mistakes. I specifically remember during one play of the game, Jose ran around with the ball and threw it into a backcourt violation. It's just much more evident when TJ does it because everyone hates on him. I agree that he does need to calm down, and pass first. All I'm saying is that it will all come, he just needs some time. He has all the skills to be a top point guard. And personally, I think he is the better of the two. TJ is just more exposed because he plays more, and there are more expectations. Anyone remember Jose throwing the ball to RJ in the playoffs last year? Nobody talks about that anymore, if it was TJ, everyone would have already called for his head, and wondered why he was even on the floor. Obviously TJ isn't trusting his teammates as much as he should be. But I think it's more bad coaching than TJ. And when TJ goes for the game ending shots, everyone critisizes him like crazy when he misses, but when he makes it, like he does most of the time, everyone hails him as superman.</p>

</p>

</div></p>

Yes, every point guard makes mistakes, but TJ has a penchant for trying to force games and becoming a saviour when the Raptors don't call for it. Yes, TJ does need to calm down and sometimes his speed makes himself his own liability. We keep saying that he has all the skills to be a top point guard, but does he put it together properly? Oh, and that game against Jersey, game 6 that you were mentioning about. If you check the stats, that was the only turnover Jose made for the whole game as opposed to what TJ was doing. TJ should be trusting his teammates as you say, but remember that he said that he wants to be an all-star, and the only way to do so is to do more scoring which he is doing.. c'mon, you have to pad your stats a bit in order to get on the all-star list. Nobody remember players that have good positioning in plays, they just remember stats. That's what TJ does. Look at today's game against Memphis. Calderon was all business, looking for players while he ran the point. Calderon is just a more efficient, pass first, unselfish point guard than TJ is. I hate to say this and it's harsh, but if TJ was in the last 2 minutes of this game against Memphis he would have taken all the shots and we would have ended up losing. Plain and simple. Thank goodness Jose was there. We wouldn't be able to take 2 games below .500 and talking about how TJ tried to keep us in the game.</p>

</p>

 

I don't have anything against JM... Maybe I got the idea in my head that the team as a whole isn't pleased with him in the starting line up. Garbo always looks miserable on the bench, when he claims that there is absolutely nothing wrong with him! So who do you believe... Garbo, who should know his own body? ...or the team management? Moon has been producing and giving the raps a different look... and if the team is happy with him in the starting line up, then I'm all for it!! But we don't know if they are happy with it and I was just looking at it from a different angle looking for comments.</p>

 

The problem isn't really that TJ Ford makes mistakes, it's that the coach doesn't control or minimize them.</p>

Not that I really believe Moon deserves a starting spot but I can&rsquo;t complain about what he&rsquo;s done on the floor. He plays within the offense and offers amazing athleticism on defense. I will agree however that the coach has tinkered with the lineup too much. Competition is healthy but we shouldn&rsquo;t be having a year- long tryout. Last year when we got rolling we knew exactly who was coming out on the floor and when. Everybody was familiar with each other and we played well.</p>

The substitution patterns and player usage right now is so unpredictable it&rsquo;s not building much chemistry. Mitchell is like a guy with ADD who was way too many options. I blame Colangelo for being too good of a GM.</p>

 

This team is so deep and Joey Graham isn't even playing, I'd like to see how he fits this year.</p>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (a13x)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

The problem isn't really that TJ Ford makes mistakes, it's that the coach doesn't control or minimize them.</p>

Not that I really believe Moon deserves a starting spot but I can&rsquo;t complain about what he&rsquo;s done on the floor. He plays within the offense and offers amazing athleticism on defense. I will agree however that the coach has tinkered with the lineup too much. Competition is healthy but we shouldn&rsquo;t be having a year- long tryout. Last year when we got rolling we knew exactly who was coming out on the floor and when. Everybody was familiar with each other and we played well.</p>

The substitution patterns and player usage right now is so unpredictable it&rsquo;s not building much chemistry. Mitchell is like a guy with ADD who was way too many options. I blame Colangelo for being too good of a GM.</p>

</div></p>

Wow, I love you. Exactly.</p>

</p>

 

Man this thread just when into so many directions, Moon, TJ, Calderon, Mitchell, Rotation???I dont know where to begin

First off to respond to the initial discussion of this thread, I personally dont mind Moon starting games but I hate whenever Mitchell plays him like 35+minutes I just think thats too much for Moon. The main reason would be his offense I just cringe when I see him hoiste up a jumper hopeing he will make it, but so far he has been really good from the field...besides his offensive game I dont think any other G-F on our team plays defense like he does. So my short opinion is yeah I dont mind starting him but whenever we got through shooting slumps please dont keep him on the floor because he have an arsenal full of sharp shooters and he aint one of them.

On the topic of TJ Ford now. I really cant complain with his production thus far this season but alot of teams are doing the same things when they play us, and that is back off of TJ and let him score all he wants and in return they take away our perimeter scoring and ball movement. So when TJ is having a great night are you really surprised that we are trying to come from behind and steal a victory? Im not eveyone else records 8-12 points and then TJ has 26 and we lose a close game (example: Utah game, last possession). Anyways I think TJ has all the tools to be a great pg but I just think someone weather it be a teammate like Bosh or the coaching staff has to bring him down from his cloud and tell him to pass the ball and run the offence.

SoSoDef how could you even mention game 6 in the playoffs last season as an example of bad decisions by Calderon? Calderon just destroyed the Nets defense by himself and was unstoppable all game, and guess what? The Raptors last possession he knew he was going to pass the ball to Bosh but it turned into a TO unfortunantly....if TJ Ford was knocking down shots like Calderon was what do you think he would do on the Raptors last possession? he would take the shot himself off a screen, even if Bosh had a decent look. Anyways Calderon knows his role and better orchestrates the Raptors offence then TJ does but I definitley believe the talent level in TJ is alot higher then Jose's.</p>