<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>It was the first scrimmage of a brand new season but there was an old refrain being sung around the Raptors here last night.</p> Joey Graham, Good Joey, had just played superbly in an open scrimmage against his teammates, a ferocious dunk on Chris Bosh among his many stellar plays in a game his team lost 105-96. He'd defended, driven to the basket, made shots, scored a game-high 25 points and once again, Sam Mitchell's eyes lit up.</p> But there will come a time when Mitchell will have to avert his eyes when Graham's on the court, and that's been the story of the two-year career for the mercurial swingman.</div></p> The Toronto Star</p>
He's going to have to play the best ball of his career if he's going to get any minutes. Otherwise, he'll be gone next year. On paper Joey's got everyone before him on a depth chart but I think Smitch will reward him if he does well.</p>
I would love for Joey Graham to do well. He has the potential to do well and make big plays and stops. If he can show that early, he will be first or second off the bench, and playing big minutes.</p>
Joey has so much potential it's not even funny. I really hope he can keep his word and have a monster season this year.</p>
One thing is for sure, Joey has professionals around him that should guide him. There's no Jalen's or MJ's in the locker room. He can look at AP or Kap or Jorge and see examples of hard work paying off.</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (LT7)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> Joey has so much potential it's not even funny. I really hope he can keep his word and have a monster season this year.</p> </div></p> Meh, I'm not holding my breathe anymore regarding Joey. I mean, every season at the start he says that this will be "his year". Outside of a handful of decent games, he's been a huge disappointment. Don't get me wrong, because I've loved him ever since his days at Oklahoma State, but my expectations for him have been way too high. Coming into this season I'm not expecting much for him unfortuantely, so I honestly don't see him remaining a Raptor after this season.</p> </p>
I'm with you on this one Dr.J.</p> I just think that last year was his big chance and with the moves that BC made this summer it will be even harder for Graham to get much burn this year.</p> The only thing that may save him is if Sam wants to use 'his' guy and prove he can delevope talent but ultimatly I see Smitch as a guy who goes with the hot hand and who ever gives the team the best chance to win.</p>
The frustrating thing is that we're not even asking him to have a breakout year and play a significant role. He just needs to play smart, avoid stupid mistakes, and just be a consistent option. For some reason, he just can't live up to even the tiniest of expecations.</p>
