mcwu11's Dynasty - Operation Sports

Sunday, February 3, 2013

October 31 - Indiana Pacers @ Toronto Raptors

Posted on February 3, 2013 at 04:58 AM.

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The Air Canada Centre is buzzing with excitement, as this season could very well mark a new era in the history of the young Toronto Raptors. Kyle Lowry looks to bring toughness, competitiveness, and grit to a young team. Rudy Gay brings a veteran presence with winning experience to the Raptors. With these two individuals, the Raptors should flourish this season.

As the game began, both teams came out firing. For Indiana, F David West and C Roy Hibbert punished the weak interior defense of the Toronto bigs. However, for Toronto, it was the surprising emergence of Quincy Acy that bolstered their team, as he came out with a quick 7 points in the opening quarter.

The game went back and forth, with multiple lead changes, and it wasn't until the back end of the 3rd quarter when the Raptors blew the lead open to end the quarter with a 10 point lead. However, the Pacers were not one to back down, outscoring the Raptors 35-12 in the 4th quarter to take the game 100-87. G George Hill stood out for the Pacers, as he flirted with a triple-double, netting 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists on 7-of-11 shooting. F Rudy Gay finished his Raptors debut with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists.

Indiana Pacers (0-0) at Toronto Raptors (0-0)

Oct 31, 2012	1	2	3	4	Final
Indiana	23	19	23	35	100
Toronto	28	16	31	12	87

Top Performers

Indiana Pacers

D. Granger - 20PTS, 8REB

G. Hill - 14 PTS, 8REB, 9AST

Toronto Raptors

R. Gay - 18PTS, 5REB, 6AST

K. Lowry - 14PTS, 4REB, 7AST

Team Stats Comparison
	IND	TOR
FG Made-Att	40-78	35-72
3PT Made-Att	4-9	4-16
FT Made-Att	16-20	13-18
Rebounds	39	33
Assists	21	24
Turnovers	7	11
Steals	10	4
Blocks	4	6

TRADE ALERT

Posted on February 3, 2013 at 04:36 AM.

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With a logjam at the wing position, the Toronto Raptors looked to address the issue. The addition of Rudy Gay to the roster has definitely pushed for other moves to be made.

Toronto receives:
G Eric Maynor
2013 1st round pick (Thunder)

Oklahoma City receives:
G/F Mickael Pietrus
2014 2nd round pick (Raptors)

This move adds some much needed depth at the point guard position. Eric Maynor is a young and energetic player who has the court presence of a veteran leader. He will be able to make up a portion of leadership that was lost with the departure of Jose Calderon.

In addition,

Toronto receives:
2014 2nd round pick (Rockets)

Houston receives:
F Linas Kleiza

This move allows for a bit more cap flexibility for the upcoming offseason.

Lastly,

Toronto receives:
2014 2nd round pick (Cavaliers)

Cleveland receives:
C Hamed Haddadi
2014 2nd round pick (Raptors)

This move further pushes for extra cap flexibility in exchange for seldom-used C Hamed Haddadi.

The current roster for the Toronto Raptors is as follows:

Toronto Raptors Depth Chart - 2012-13
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Kyle Lowry	Eric Maynor	John Lucas III
SG	Demar Derozan	Terrence Ross	Alan Anderson
SF	Rudy Gay	Landry Fields
PF	Andrea Bargnani	Quincy Acy
C	Jonas Valanciunas	Amir Johnson	Aaron Gray

NBA 2K13 Toronto Raptors Dynasty

Posted on February 3, 2013 at 03:29 AM.

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In the wake of the trade that brought Rudy Gay to the Toronto Raptors, I will begin my new dynasty with the lone team north of the border.

The Toronto Raptors are now considered by many to be a lock for a playoff birth. In an offseason that saw the acquisitions of G Kyle Lowry and swingman F Landry Fields, as well as the addition of rookies Jonas Valanciunas, Terrence Ross, and Quincy Acy, there is much to be optimistic about. In addition, the biggest deal that has the city of Toronto buzzing is the Rudy Gay acquisition. Rudy Gay brings forth a dynamic play style that improves everybody around him. We look forward to seeing how the Toronto Raptors' season will transpire.

I will be playing 10 minute quarters on HOF difficulty. This is an 82 game season, so it'll be a while before the NBA season reaches the postseason. I look forward to hearing your feedback for my team!

Here is the current depth chart:

Toronto Raptors Depth Chart - 2012-13
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Kyle Lowry	John Lucas III
SG	Demar Derozan	Terrence Ross	Alan Anderson
SF	Rudy Gay	Landry Fields	Mickael Pietrus	Linas Kleiza
PF	Andrea Bargnani	Quincy Acy
C	Jonas Valanciunas	Amir Johnson	Aaron Gray	Hamed Haddadi

Monday, July 9, 2012

TRADE ALERT

Posted on July 9, 2012 at 10:55 PM.

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In granting the desires of G Jose Calderon, the Toronto Raptors have traded G Jose Calderon, G/F Landry Fields and a 2013 1st round pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for F Nicolas Batum and F Martell Webster.

Toronto receives:
F Nicolas Batum
F Martell Webster

Minnesota receives:
G Jose Calderon
G/F Landry Fields
2013 1st round pick

With a recent trade that brought in rookie G Tyshawn Taylor out of Kansas, this move made Calderon expendable by the Raptors. He has a very attractive expiring contract, especially with the upcoming free agency being so popular. The Raptors are able to add a good small forward with unlimited potential in F Nicolas Batum and a strong backup option with F Martell Webster. Hopefully the two will bring an intensity that will spark a fire in the heart of the Raptors and push for some more wins this season.

In Jose Calderon, the Minnesota Timberwolves get a good, solid point guard who can shoot and distribute the ball with excellent efficiency. That, and the fact that he and starting G Ricky Rubio have been teammates on the Spain national team makes the transaction so much more intriguing. Calderon has an expiring contract of around $10M and will be a big part of Minnesota's plans for the upcoming offseason. With G/F Landry Fields, they get a swingman with a variety of talents, with the ability to score, rebound, defend and distribute. In addition, the Raptors fully-guaranteed 1st round pick was the dagger to the deal as this allows the Timberwolves to, once again, add youth and talent to their squad.

The current Raptors roster is as follows:

Toronto Raptors Depth Chart - 2012-13
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Kyle Lowry	Tyshawn Taylor
SG	Demar Derozan	Martell Webster
SF	Nicolas Batum	Terrence Ross	James Johnson
PF	Andrea Bargnani	Amir Johnson	Quincy Acy
C	Jonas Valanciunas	Joel Przybilla

____________________________________________

In other news, the New Orleans Hornets have acquired G Marcus Thornton and a 2013 2nd round pick from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for F Carl Landry.

New Orleans receives:
G Marcus Thornton
2013 2nd round pick

Sacramento receives:
F Carl Landry

This seems to be a head-scratcher move for the Hornets, as they now have a huge logjam at the shooting guard position with G Eric Gordon, G Marco Belinelli, prospect G Xavier Henry, G Austin Rivers and now G Marcus Thornton. On the other hand, F Carl Landry's addition the the Sacramento Kings gives them an extremely talented inside scorer, able to relieve the offensive pressure from the likes of rookie F Thomas Robinson and C Demarcus Cousins.

RAPTORS TRADE RUMORS

Posted on July 9, 2012 at 10:39 PM.

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The Toronto Raptors' veteran G Jose Calderon has told management that he would like a trade out of Toronto. While Calderon doesn't mind a backup role to Lowry, his lack of play time is causing a bit of bitterness between the two parties.

In addition, the Toronto Raptors are rumored to be shopping Landry Fields for a possible upgrade at the 3-spot. Landry Fields, signed this past offseason for a "poison-pill" back-loaded contract, has not been playing up to the expectations of the Raptors organization and the Raptors are looking for the best possible scenario for both parties now.

Game 3: Oklahoma City Thunder @ Toronto Raptors

Posted on July 9, 2012 at 10:28 PM.

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The Toronto Raptors faced off against last year's Western Conference champions in the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight. The Thunder are 1-2 in the season going into their 4th game, while the Raptors are looking to snap an early 2 game losing streak.

The Raptors were going head to head with the Western champs in the first quarter, with both teams coming out firing, totaling 58 points altogether. However, the Thunder would prove why they were the kings of the West last year with their run at the end of the first half to blow the lead up to 18. Down 20 by the end of the 3rd, the Raptors managed to cut the lead down to 6, but with 5 straight points from James Harden with 2 minutes left in the game, that seemed to seal the deal.

While the Raptors have improved their ball control, limiting their turnovers, rebounding continues to be a problem as the Thunder outrebounded the Raptors by 14. Kyle Lowry managed to cut his turnover totals from 10 last game against Sacramento to 2 turnovers this time around. However, his scoring production was unimpressive, to say the least. Taking only 7 shots and connecting on 1 attempt is not how the Raptors had envisioned his offensive prowess. Demar Derozan, on the bright side, led all scorers tonight for a career-high 41 points on 50% shooting. Bargnani was able to carry a double-double in the losing effort with 25 points and 11 rebounds.

Durant, Harden and Westbrook combined for an impressive 87 points, with Westbrook recording a career high in assists as well, with 17 assists to go along with his 18 points. Although the Thunder have started off slow this season, this game looks to be the starting point to yet another successful season.

Oklahoma City Thunder at Toronto Raptors
Nov 19, 2011	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Oklahoma City (2-2)	30	25	36	27	118
Toronto (0-3)	28	24	19	31	102

Oklahoma City Thunder
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Russell Westbrook	33	4-11	0-0	10-11	6	17	3	1	3	18
James Harden	31	13-18	5-6	3-7	4	2	2	0	1	34
Kevin Durant	34	15-24	0-2	5-6	6	1	0	1	1	35
Serge Ibaka	33	8-11	0-0	0-0	8	2	0	3	1	16
Kendrick Perkins	31	2-6	0-0	1-2	15	0	1	1	2	5
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Perry Jones III	7	1-2	0-0	0-0	2	1	0	0	1	2
Thabo Sefolosha	13	0-2	0-0	0-0	3	3	0	0	1	0
TEAM TOTALS		46-80	5-8	21-28	46	26	7	6	11	118

Toronto Raptors
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Kyle Lowry	33	1-7	1-3	2-2	4	10	3	1	2	5
Demar Derozan	40	13-26	0-3	15-16	6	2	0	1	0	41
Landry Fields	17	1-2	1-2	0-0	5	2	0	1	0	3
Andrea Bargnani	38	10-22	3-6	2-2	11	4	0	3	3	25
Jonas Valanciunas	33	7-13	0-0	4-4	5	0	1	2	0	18
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Terrence Ross	22	2-6	1-1	1-2	1	3	4	1	1	6
Joel Przybilla	8	1-1	0-0	0-0	0	0	1	3	0	2
TEAM TOTALS		36-81	6-15	24-26	32	22	9	12	7	102

The Raptors are slated to go head-to-head against the 1-1 Washington Wizards in the capital next Wednesday to snap their 3-game losing streak against a striking backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Game 2: Toronto Raptors @ Sacramento Kings

Posted on July 8, 2012 at 10:39 PM.

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In their first road game of the year, the Raptors came out much better than they did in their season opener, taking a 3-point lead in the first quarter. However, strong performances from rookie F Thomas Robinson (11pts, 12reb) and former Rookie of the Year G Tyreke Evans (20pts, 5reb) helped the Kings to take an 8-point lead at the half. While the Raptors had many opportunities to cut the lead down, the Kings returned the favour each and every time, taking this one by 11.

G Kyle Lowry had 20 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists to go along with a strong defensive effort, snatching 4 steals in the process. Unfortunately, all his efforts are overshadowed by his glaring turnover totals, hitting double digits on turnovers with 10. Lowry has always been known as a good facilitator of an offense and a has a good handle on his turnovers, but tonight was definitely not a good showing of that.

Rebounding was, once again, a disturbing concern for the Toronto Raptors. Even with the addition of veteran C Joel Przybilla, they were outrebounded by 12, allowing Sacramento to nab 12 offensive rebounds leading to 16 second chance points. In addition, the Raptors' bench has not been performing up to par, totaling only 10 points in tonight's game.

Rookie F Thomas Robinson, in only his 3rd game of the season, has already recorded his first ever double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Former BYU standout G Jimmer Fredette also came to play with 14 points and 4 assists. This was, of course, following his 30-point performance in the last game.

Toronto Raptors at Sacramento Kings
Nov 9, 2011	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Toronto (0-2)	21	18	23	23	85
Sacramento (2-1)	18	29	24	25	96

Toronto Raptors
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Kyle Lowry	35	9-23	2-6	0-0	4	7	4	1	10	20
Demar Derozan	28	6-9	1-2	3-5	4	2	2	1	3	16
Landry Fields	23	2-2	0-0	1-2	2	1	1	0	0	5
Andrea Bargnani	34	8-19	2-7	2-2	6	1	1	1	1	20
Jonas Valanciunas	27	4-5	0-0	6-7	5	0	1	1	0	14
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Terrence Ross	25	0-2	0-0	0-0	2	5	2	0	3	0
Joel Przybilla	14	2-2	0-0	0-0	6	0	0	0	0	4
TEAM TOTALS		32-67	5-15	16-20	31	18	11	5	18	85

Sacramento Kings
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Jimmer Fredette	35	5-12	1-3	3-4	2	4	2	1	5	14
Tyreke Evans	29	7-15	1-2	7-8	5	1	3	1	1	22
John Salmons	32	7-12	1-1	2-2	2	1	3	0	4	17
Thomas Robinson	31	5-8	0-0	1-2	12	3	2	1	3	11
Demarcus Cousins	30	6-12	0-2	0-0	9	3	5	0	0	12
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Marcus Thornton	16	4-9	0-0	1-2	3	2	1	0	0	9
Chuck Hayes	11	2-2	0-0	1-2	6	3	0	0	1	5
TEAM TOTALS		39-76	3-8	15-20	43	17	16	3	14	96

The Raptors are now fielding a 2-game losing streak to start their 2012-13 season. They will look to snap that streak next Saturday as they face the currently 2-1 Oklahoma City Thunder.

TRADE ALERT

Posted on July 8, 2012 at 08:32 PM.

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In an attempt to shed some salary in anticipation of the upcoming free agency, the Toronto Raptors have traded F Linas Kleiza and G Ben Uzoh to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for a 2012 2nd round pick.

Toronto receives:
2012 2nd round pick

Milwaukee receives:
F Linas Kleiza
G Ben Uzoh

This move allowed the Raptors to save approximately $5M in salary cap space. The seldom used Kleiza and Uzoh would both welcome and benefit from the opportunity to start fresh on a new team led by the dynamic backcourt duo of Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis.
__________________________________________________ ______________

In a separate deal, the Toronto Raptors traded F Ed Davis and G Alan Anderson to the Portland Trailblazers in exchange for C Joel Przybilla, rookie G Tyshawn Taylor and a 2012 2nd round pick.

Toronto receives:
C Joel Przybilla
G Tyshawn Taylor
2012 2nd round pick

Portland receives:
F Ed Davis
G Alan Anderson

The Raptors may have found their answer for interior toughness with veteran C Joel Przybilla. Whether he starts or plays a back-up role to Valanciunas, he will bring the toughness that the Raptors have been lacking for the past several seasons. With rookie Tyshawn Taylor, Toronto gets a tough, gritty point guard with a good NBA size. Portland has been missing a power forward to back up Lamarcus Aldridge, and with Aldridge going down with an injury sidelining him for 3-4 weeks, Ed Davis could not have come at a better time. Davis will provide the Trailblazers with a finesse-type replacement for Aldridge and his potential could turn him into a solid big man in a couple years.
__________________________________________________ ______________

In other news, former Raptor G Jerryd Bayless has signed a 1-year deal worth $3.17M with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Game 1: Portland Trailblazers @ Toronto Raptors

Posted on July 8, 2012 at 07:31 PM.

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As the season opener at home begins for the Toronto Raptors, the fans are buzzing with excitement for this new and improved Canadian team. High hopes have been building ever since the acquisition of Kyle Lowry in early July, and now the Toronto Raptors finally have a chance to showcase their ability.

Unfortunately, this was a less than stellar performance by the Raptors. Facing a revamped Trailblazer team, the Raptors were easily dismantled in the first quarter as the Trailblazers jumped out of the gates with a 9-0 run. Foul trouble was keeping the Raptors from cutting into the lead, as Lowry picked up two early fouls in the opening minute. The Raptors battled hard, cutting the lead to 4 at one point, but Portland answered back with a big run of their own, blowing the lead out of the water in the fourth quarter, en route to a 22-point loss for the lone Canadian team.

After the game, Casey was understandably upset with his team's performance. "We didn't execute our defensive plans that were devised specifically for an excellent shooting team like Portland. Even when they did miss, we didn't rebound nearly well enough, allowing for a plethora of second chance opportunities," Casey said. "On the offensive end, turnovers led to multiple fast break opportunities that ultimately generated that huge run by Portland."

On the bright side, the production of the rookies for the Raptors were more than stellar. Valanciunas led all players with 23 points on 70% shooting and 9-9 from the free throw line. Despite his lack of production on the glass, his offensive game was a pleasant surprise. Terrence Ross also held his own with 15 points in the game.

A strong, balanced attack from the Trailblazers put the Raptors defense in disarray, as all five starters were in double figures for points. Wesley Matthews led the team with 20 points.

Portland Trailblazers at Toronto Raptors
Nov 7, 2011	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Portland (1-0)	27	26	27	36	116
Toronto (0-1)	18	27	25	24	94

Portland Trailblazers
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Raymond Felton	26	5-7	1-3	3-4	2	8	2	1	2	14
Wesley Matthews	29	6-10	1-2	7-8	2	3	1	0	0	20
J.J. Hickson	29	7-9	0-0	1-3	6	2	3	0	0	15
Lamarcus Aldridge	24	8-10	1-1	0-0	8	2	1	1	2	17
Roy Hibbert	19	6-13	0-0	1-1	6	1	0	1	0	13
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Meyers Leonard	19	4-6	0-0	1-2	5	2	2	0	0	9
Damian Lillard	16	1-4	1-2	3-4	1	5	0	0	1	6
TEAM TOTALS		45-76	4-12	22-31	42	29	11	3	7	116

Toronto Raptors
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Kyle Lowry	24	4-13	0-3	2-3	2	7	2	0	3	10
Demar Derozan	30	6-15	0-1	5-5	9	1	1	2	2	17
Landry Fields	22	2-3	1-2	1-1	6	2	1	0	3	6
Andrea Bargnani	34	7-16	1-2	4-6	7	3	0	0	0	19
Jonas Valanciunas	34	7-10	0-0	9-9	3	1	1	0	1	23
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Terrence Ross	18	4-8	0-0	7-9	1	0	0	1	0	15
Jose Calderon	17	1-3	0-0	2-3	0	2	0	1	2	4
TEAM TOTALS		31-69	2-8	30-36	32	18	5	4	11	94

The Toronto Raptors will look to bounce back in their next game against the 1-1 Sacramento Kings.

Toronto Raptors Dynasty

Posted on July 8, 2012 at 02:28 PM.

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Here is my NBA 2K12 Association with the Toronto Raptors. The Toronto Raptors have been much improved for the 2012-2013 season, having currently acquired defensive stud Kyle Lowry and swingman Landry Fields. The addition of rookies Jonas Valanciunas, Terrence Ross and Quincy Acy are sure to be of help as well. The current roster will consist of the following:

Toronto Raptors Depth Chart - 2012-13
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Kyle Lowry	Jose Calderon	Ben Uzoh
SG	Demar Derozan	Terrence Ross	Alan Anderson
SF	Landry Fields	James Johnson	Linas Kleiza
PF	Andrea Bargnani	Ed Davis	Quincy Acy
C	Jonas Valanciunas	Amir Johnson	Aaron Gray

I will be playing 10 minute quarters at Hall of Fame. This is a 29 game season, so there will be some significant time between games. Here's to hoping that the Raptors can finally nab a much-coveted NBA championship!