Jose Calderon: Should He Stay or Should He Go?

At this point in the season, the Toronto Raptors are looking for a change. Playoffs seem to be out of the picture and they are apparently open to trading their star point guard Jose Calderon. Good decision? Well… Calderon averages 11.2 points and 8.8 assists this season (3^rd in the league). He has been with the Raptors for 7 seasons and it is clear that the team and Calderon are in need of a change. I would hate to see him go, as I have been watching him perform since he first came in the 2005-2006 season. Although, it would be amazing to see what he could do with some other higher ranked players surrounding him, as his numbers are amazing, but the team is doing, well to be completely honest, horrible.

Why would he want to leave? Well, we know the obvious reason: the team’s 9-23 record. BUT! He is 30 years of age and has been in the league for 7 seasons, all with the Toronto Raptors. Although he has seen some success on Spain’s National team, at the end of the day players want to win championships, especially at this point in his career, where he can build on a more successful team. He has been hit or miss with the fans of Toronto, but all in all, he is a great point guard with a lot of talent that could be better spread with different players.

There are many teams that could benefit from Jose Calderon. Currently, there are 4 teams in need of (or in change of) a point guard where Calderon would fit in nicely. Those teams are: the Lakers, Knicks, Jazz and Magic. Calderon is so successful at feeding the ball both in the paint and down low and to the outside for three pointers.  His averages this season defend this statement. With each of these teams having somewhat success this season, Calderon would be a great addition to any of them, especially with his experience.

The bottom line I want to discuss is should the Raptors trade Jose Calderon? I certainly don’t want to see him go, but it could lead to potential success. I personally believe the raptors need to build on the young players they have acquired. Calderon has been on the Raptors for some time and I feel a change in point guard could eventually hurt the Raptors from trying to build on what they have.  As a player, it is easy to see where he is coming from in wanting a change. For the team, I think it would be best if he stayed, of course, it does not always work that way. When the Raptors could acquire a better defensive player which they lack, they may have to give up some things. So, should he stay or should he go?

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Jeremy Lin: Linvincible, Linsanity

This buzz of newest found star, Jeremy Lin, has got me thinking, is this for real? I mean, there are plenty of talented players in the NBA, but out of nowhere this guy is taking the New York Knicks to a whole new level that Anthony could never do. Teams apparently had early interest in him, even the Raptors showed interest in him at one point, but why now is he getting the opportunity? People have been saying they predicted this. Why did no one else see his talent? So many questions; so little time.

His numbers are outstanding. He is beating out and scoring over some of the biggest names in the NBA. Everyone is waiting for another Tebow and a downfall, but why? Personally I think everyone likes a downfall more than a success story, but I am definitely on Team Lin. I got to take in a few Raptors games in the past few weeks and I was lucky to see the Valentine’s Day episode of Lin himself against the Raptors. Scoring the winning three pointer with 0.5 seconds left, you could see Lin felt like a veteran. Although turnovers seem to be an issue, he just got thrown into a starting position and is absolutely killing it. I think he shows tremendous strength and determination.

So, what does this mean for the Knicks other star Carmelo Anthony? I believe that Anthony is a talented player and an obvious star, but I do not think he makes very wise decisions. I cannot see Lin and Anthony playing well and winning games together. One, because they play a similar game and two, because they both want and like to have the ball. It is going to be interesting to watch it all pan out and hopefully see some success in the playoffs as both of these players have great talent.  It seems to be an issue with having stars on teams that play well together. It seems to be working for Miami and more so in the past, Celtics, why can’t these players play together?

Lin has gained instant success and praise from people around the world, especially in the eye of the media. A “Linsanity Craze” has swept over restaurants where owners are naming food after Lin. An article on tsn.com even stated Lin having to ask the media to leave his family alone. Not only this, but a possible book and film are in the works, as well. Too much? It seems to all be happening so fast, and being somewhat blown out of proportion. Will this Linsanity stop?

NBA All-Star Weekend Predictions

Predictions, predictions, predictions.  The NBA All-star weekend is always a great time for retired players, celebrities and families to enjoy the big weekend. It brings in a great crowd for Orlando, where it is a great opportunity for the city to show off other attractions other than Disney World. It also gives the city the chance to show how true of a sports city Orlando really is. My top four events of the weekend are: BBVA Rising Stars Challenge, Sprite Slam Dunk Contest, Taco Bell Skills Challenge and obviously, the NBA All-Star Game.

The Rising Stars Challenge is always an exciting start to the weekend, as we are able to see the fresh talent play in one game. I always love watching Blake Griffin play. He is a phenomenal athlete and a crowd pleaser. Not to forget, but one of our own, Canadian Tristan Thompson, will be playing in the game, as well. I look forward to watching him in the challenge as I see him as another rising star that shows a lot of promise. This challenge is a great way to see what is in store for the seasons to come.

I speak for many when I say this year’s contenders for the Dunk Competition are not exactly fan favourites. Everyone looks forward to huge stars performing and many are probably disappointed. The following are the contestants for the Dunk Competition: Derrick Williams, Paul George, Jeremy Evans and Chase Budinger. Many could look at this as a bad thing because they were expecting all-stars, but these players are all newcomers to the competition, which could be a good thing. We are able to see what these new guys can do, especially because they are going to want to impress the crowd and show everyone their talent that has yet to be seen.

The skills competition is always exciting. Unfortunately, last year’s winner, Stephen Curry, will be unable to defend his title due to injury and will be replaced by Rajon Rondo. Other contestants are Kyrie Irving, Tony Parker, John Wall, Russell Westbrook and Deron Williams. I love this competition because the players are extremely talented and smart. I would have predicted Stephen Curry grabbing the win again, but since he is out, I am going to go with the young John Wall. He is such a talented young man and I love watching him play and I look forward to seeing him compete in this competition against more experienced players.

Lastly, I am obviously most excited for the all-star game, as I assume you all are, too. It is somewhat serious, but it is a break for the players, so they are having some fun and are giving the crowd entertainment at its finest. The West Starters are: Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul and Andrew Bynum. The East Starters are:  Carmelo Anthony, Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Dwight Howard and Derrick Rose. Predictions for MVP? Honestly, Kobe is always a contender for obvious reasons. However, I would love to see Rose take it home. He got the Chicago Bulls to where they are for the past few seasons and he probably has a few tricks up his sleeve for the game, as well.