<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">by Chuck Swirsky -- raptors.com October 23, 2003 (ST. JOHN'S, NFLD.) -- The Raptors get their first look at King James Thursday in St. John's as we broadcast the Raps vs. Cavs game live on Raptors NBA TV at 6:00 p.m. (EDT) and this will be more than just a preseason game for both teams. For the Raptors, it's a final tune up before Wednesday's opener. At times, the execution has not been there offensively and they need to do a better job avoiding careless turnovers. I appreciate what the team has done in the defensive end. They're playing with passion and commitment and yet, improvement must be made there as well. Chuck likes Chris Bosh, but thinks the Raptors need help at the four. http://www.nba.com/media/raptors/bosh_freethrow.jpg"> I Bosh is a gifted star in the making and I stress that he's going to go through ups and downs as one would expect from rookies entering the world of pro ball. We tend to lose sight of the fact he's only 19. Jerome Moiso is a skilled player and used in the right situation can help this team. He has struggled at times thus far, but appears to be learning quickly under the coaching staff. Jerome Williams' energy and enthusiasm remain his upside, but in the current scheme where a specific defensive system is stressed, Williams has been out of sync. However, he has played better of late and O'Neill will find the best way to utilize his talents. My other mild concern is the point-guard situation. When Alvin Williams is out of the lineup it places an large amount of pressure on Milt Palacio. Palacio is a solid second-unit guy that may be able to carry a team for a handful of games, but that would be about it. He has done an outstanding job during preseason and it seems the Raptors got more than they expected in Palacio. Either in the draft or through free agency a top priority for the Raptors is to develop and groom a young point guard. Vince Carter has been nothing short of spectactular this preseason and is displaying a commitment to defence we haven't seen before and a renewed dedication to driving the lane. More encouraging news for the team is how the league perceives them. A few assistant coaches and one general manager recently told me the Raptors are starting to remind them of a combination of the Pistons/Heat/Knicks. As one coach told me, "They never stop playing hard. That's a reflection on the coaching staff and the players willingness to accept change". </div>...
I loved his last few statements... This guy understands Bball ... so does Lue Rautins ... I enjoy listening to them while watching !
