Who do you consider the "Gems" to be on the raptors?

[Harry Palmer]

We are a negative board. Everyone knows this...

We also have outrageous expectations of our team to compensate.

http://www.sauer-thompson.com/archives/ ... 01001.html

[Saciid11]

Klieza 18-21ppg 5-8reb 3ass... leading raps in points and winning the MIP ....that is my prediction for next season...

Wow, I thought the homerism on this board for Bargnani was bad, but this takes the cake.

The guy put up 11ppg coming of the bench only playing 24minutes, I'm pretty sure if he is given the the opportunity to start he can, especially for this team that he can easily average 18-20ppg ....

[HighOctane]

We are a negative board. Everyone knows this...

We also have outrageous expectations of our team to compensate.

http://www.sauer-thompson.com/archives/ ... 01001.html

Well I guess we aren't the most stoic of fanbases. Seneca may suggest that we use anger to channel our conflicts, but that would not account for those with the most uneducated views on basketball that are delusional. And that will remain forever. The Leafs would be a good example.

[Harry Palmer]

[
Well I guess we aren't the most stoic of fanbases. Seneca may suggest that we use anger to channel our conflicts, but that would not account for those with the most uneducated views on basketball that are delusional. And that will remain forever. The Leafs would be a good example.

No, rather, Seneca suggest unrealistic optimism is THE fuel for later anger/despair/reactionism.

A more grounded view, while less stimulating before reality sets in, is often a greater comfort when later running in place.

[tosi]

Dance Pak and raptor mascot

[Crane08]

The Raptors team is full of diamonds in the rough.
DD, Weems, Bargs, Amir, Davis & Klieza all have shown flashes of brilliance.
Think are more finished gems I see Klieza as a top 10 SF and Bargs as a top 10 C this year.
Hope we see one or 2 of Weems, DD or Amir developing into a starter.
Davis too raw yet.

I could name 10 SF's off the top of my head that are no doubt better than Kleiza.

LBJ
Carmelo
Durant
Deng
Granger
Gay
Gallinari
Butler
Pierce
S-Jax/Gerald W.

And wait that's just 11, not including the likes of Ariza, Jefferson, Prince Battier and Young.

1) Lebron James..... Better than Klieza
2) Durant... better than Klieza
3) Carmelo .... better than Klieza
4) Granger .... same
5) Pierce .... same
6) Gay ...... same
7) G Wallace.... same
8) S- Jax..... same
9) Prince ... Same
10 Butler ... same

11) Richard Jefferson ..... Same
12) Ariza ... Not much better than Klieza
13) Battier .... Same level as Klieza
14) Thaddeus Young .... as know I think Klieza might be better
15 Gallinari ...... As know Klieza is better player

LMAO

[Laowai]

I expect Klieza to put up Rudy Gay type of numbers this year and be much tougher player and a better leader. Even by some the the naysayers he is on the edge of the top 10 whats not to like for a mid-level exemption. Hell if he drops to 15th best he is still a steal.

I may be a bit of a homer in some ways but I try to see all sides of players not just visceral reactions like Bargnani sucks, or unload Jose for anything etc. The reality is I'm not a Jose fan nor for that matter a Jack fan both are rather average non inspiring PGs. with different PG skills but both are bad defensively. As a tandem at 10 million that would be fine but at 14 million it isn't especially with Banks getting almost 5 million and Barbosa in at 6.5 million.

This is a team in transition where many of the players will be given a opportunity to fit.
Bargnani as a 1st option, Amare as a starting PF, DD & Weems who will win to be starting SG.
will Davis develop?

Klieza is basically one of the few basic known quantities on the team with a good base level that he put up in Denver with a year as leading scorer in Europe and a solid Worlds.

For me it is a more exciting year than last even if they win 10 games or 45 games it will be interesting in seeing who advances and who doesn't as players and the slim hope of over achievement.

[ilikecb4]

Kleiza is a really nice player off the bench


Really solid 7th man off the bench on a good team.

[TribeZulu]

Kleiza showed me a lot this summer. i think he could put up some nice numbers this year. I think he'll play well above his contract.

Derozan also showed a lot this offseason. I think he'll be a much better player this year. Again, he will play well above his contract.

Barbosa has the opportunity to put up huge numbers this year. He could be a nice asset at the trade deadline.

As for Bagnani... this is really his defining year. He's out from Bosh's shadow for better or worse. I'm very curious to see how he responds.