Re: Stern praises Raptors' success http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Basketball/NBA/T...3982836-cp.html<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>The Toronto Raptors got a shout-out from commissioner David Stern on Wednesday. "The entire organization has rallied around (the team) and their marketing has been enormously effective, and it's great to see," Stern said in a conference call Wednesday from New York. "They have a television network, they have the team succeeding, they're involved with soccer now (new MLS squad Toronto FC). I just think it's a terrific success story all around. "I'm very proud of the entire organization." The Raptors have clinched the Atlantic Division for their first division title in franchise history. And with four games to go in the regular season, the Raptors (45-33) are battling for homecourt advantage for their first playoff appearance in five seasons. Three more wins and the Raptors will set a franchise record for victories. Stern had plenty of praise for the Raptors, singling out the squad in his opening remarks of his traditional pre-playoffs conference call with the media. "It's just fun to see Toronto and Utah and Chicago, teams that have been playing very well of late, all of them enhanced and enriched by international contributions as well," Stern said. The NBA commissioner credited both Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo and head coach Sam Mitchell for the team's turnaround this season. "I think Bryan is an extraordinary basketball executive who is not afraid to take risks and who has a particular affinity for understanding and evaluating international players," said Stern. "I think Sam Mitchell, who used to take advantage of me when he was negotiating collective bargaining agreements for the players association, is a very principled person and coach and his strong hand has also had a lot to do with the way that team has performed this year." The Raptors host the Detroit Pistons on Friday.</div> :happy0144:
Re: Stern praises Raptors' success If only the Bucks ever decided to do anything or improve the organization. It has to be exciting with guys like Colangelo in charge.
Re: Stern praises Raptors' success Thanks David, you had to recognize us one time, he really never pays much attention to us.
