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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Nov 20, 2006
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I know Im not the only raptor fan who feels this way, in fact I dont think there are many fans in TJ's corner right now, and for good reason. Ford has gone from a great pass-first pg with incredible court vision to a crazed gun slinger who shoots his team into and back out of games. I noticed this disturbing new side of him against Orlando, and its been getting steadily worse since, last night against the Lakers he had 28 points! Thats your backup point guard right there, and the guy completely ignores his teammates. Kobe Bryant said after the game that they were happy to let TJ get his, because it meant he wasnt involving his teammates, which is the job of a point guard. That is disturbing, and youd think Sam would do something about it. What hurts the most is that TJ isnt even that great of an outside shooter, I mean if it was Jose, Id be cool with it because he shoots lights out from out there. But hes too responsible and capable of a pg to get into shootouts with Baron Davis (which you cant win, BD is an assassin), and thats what we need. This offseason, Colangelo has to make the tough yet inevitable decision to trade TJ (preferably for a big man) and get Roko Ukic here and acclimated, maybe sign a cheap 3rd string pg too.
Btw, and this was a long time coming, Fire Sam Mitchell, his tired play calling has made us the most predictable and stagnant team in the league, not to mention the fact that he continues to play TJ way more than he does Jose, isnt he watching the same game?! Also, he is mishandling an absolute treasure offensively in Jason Kapono, playing "Hops" Moon way too much for someone who doesnt even use his athleticism unless its to finish an occasional alley-oop, or block a weak layup...Think of how deadly we would be if he would draw up some plays for Kapono to curl around screens behind the 3 or even closer in, instead of just having the guards hand it to him and then expect him to create on his own. Sorry for the rant guys, but I couldnt take much more of this crap, Raptors are a better team than this, and Andrew buddy, you were right, if this team is to take the next step, Mitchell's gotta go, I wonder if we can try to get Mike Dunleavy Sr? Hes a championship coach whos wasting away in Clipperland...
I'm out
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Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:Jan 9, 2008
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Took the thoughts out of my head and onto your post. I almost threw the remote through the TV the past two nights watching TJ the Selfish Imp miss shot after shot down the stretch while his teammates were available with open looks. Oh and to add something else that bothered me about TJ: I'm all for saying what's up to your buddies, but what the hell was he doing pratically kissing all the Lakers after he just cost his team the game. He had a smile from ear-to-ear. Definitely didn't look too bothered by losing. I agree with you, TJ's gotta go and the sooner the better.
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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Jan 6, 2007
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not only that, but since he has returned, it really effected Calderons play. I think, even though Calderon would never admit it, he wants to be the main man, the All-Star, and with TJ around, that aint gonna happen. TJ is a good player who many teams would love to have, and he has a pretty good trade value, so if we can trade him and get a really good player in return, The Raptors would be a much improved team.
I would really rather see Calderon continue to grow and become the All-Star that he has the potential to be. If we could get a solid Center that can score and is a threat inside, Toronto would be laughin. I liked Biedrins last night, how he seems like a good player, plus hes European, how about trading TJ for him, or sending TJ somewhere else and picking up Biedrins in the off season. If that happened, Carlos Delfino could potentially become a back-up PG.
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Reputation:80
Level:All-Star
Since:Feb 14, 2008
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On the contrary, I would like to see the other teammates hustle like T.J. They need to take a clue from Rockets, if they have to stay in the playoff race. I hope they show up strong against Denver tonight.
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Reputation:80
Level:All-Star
Since:Feb 14, 2008
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I take the initial comment back, Raptors have zero defensive plan. :(
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:May 4, 2007
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You do realize that with Bosh out, TJ is the only guy on the team who can score without using a 3 pointer to do it?
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Nov 20, 2006
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You do realize that with Bosh out, TJ is the only guy on the team who can score without using a 3 pointer to do it?Thats not entirely true, I mean Anthony Parker would have something to say about that comment, but I know what you mean. My point is, he doesnt know when to fire away and when to create open shots for his teammates, which he could do with a simple drive and kick, the way Tony Parker and Devin Harris do it. Thats what TJ's problem is, he doesnt have an off switch once he makes a couple of shots, and even when he isnt making the shots...Last night against Utah was more of the same, and he got into another one on one battle with Ronnie Price, who got inside his head and forced him to go headfirst into the lane and jack up terrible shots, not to mention overplay Price defensively, and the ejection was a result of that. Sam Mitchell is pampering TJ too much, and its got to stop. I know Jose is playing like crap right now (he was much improved last night), but Jose will never actively cost you a game, the way TJ does. TJ is our Nate Robinson, plays hard but not smart, which was why Milwaukee were happy to see him go...
I'm out
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:May 4, 2007
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My point is, he doesnt know when to fire away and when to create open shots for his teammates, which he could do with a simple drive and kick, the way Tony Parker and Devin Harris do it.He's a lot better at that when Bosh is out there
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Reputation:93
Level:All-Star
Since:Feb 7, 2008
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TJ Ford maybe a talented player, but he's not a team player. He is publicly saying he doesn't like coming off the bench. Newflash TJ that's what happens when your the second best at your position on the team (only by default because they only have two pg). He has a low assist to turnover ratio and an even lower shooting percentage, as were Jose ranks top ten in pg's in both. I can see a coach standing behind his players publicly, thats admirable, but don't let it affect smart coaching decisions. Quit playing him more than the appropriate rest time needed for Jose and thats it. If Sam can't coach this talented team to a better than .500 record than he should be fired and maybe he can pack up his brash attitude, his coach of the year award and TJ Ford into a duffle bag and take it somewhere else. Until that day enjoy .500 ball and 7 or less playoff games Raptors fans because that's all we're going to get.
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Reputation:95
Level:Superstar
Since:Jan 15, 2008
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This thread seems a little harsh on TJ to me. I understand what everyone is saying, but don't forget that Ford has missed a lot of time. When a player misses that much time, the first thing to come back is the shooting touch, the second is the rapport with one's teammates. That being said, it does seem like Ford should be rounding into form by now. I do absolutely agree that Colangelo has some serious assessment to do this summer. If TJ doesn't look like he can get his form back OR if there is reason to think he will continue to be injury prone, then his greatest value is as trade bait. I would love to see the old TJ back, though.
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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Jan 12, 2008
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I do not see TJ as the problem. The problem is no big man to give Bosh some help. We saw when Bosh was down, that the only way they could play succesfully was small ball. Now if we have to throw TJ into a package to get a starting wide body who can rebound and play tough D then fine. I still seem him as the 4th best player on the team.
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:May 4, 2007
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Ford goes back to the starting lineup, they beat Detroit. Coincidence? I think not.
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Reputation:92
Level:All-Star
Since:Jan 12, 2008
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The majority of you are definitely being way to harsh on TJ. I can guarantee prior to the most recent TJ injury, you were singing his praises as he was leading our team playinginspired basketball. i will admit, he has taken some time getting back into form and making some bad decisions but clearly he is a solid point guard. Since being back in the starting lineup, he has been playing much better and I think its important to realize that Chris Bosh prefers having TJ run the point then Jose.
Brings me to my next point regarding Jose. He has emerged as an absolute stud in the absence of TJ. Although I have a few problems of his ability to play defense against some of the quicker PG's in the league, it is clear he would be a starting point guard on at least 10 other teams. That being said, he is still young and learning and should not be handed the reigns just yet.
In my opinion, we hold off, resign Jose in the off season and let TJ build back up his trade value. Right now he is playing good basketball and we need to try and shed the injury plague reputation he has. The Raptors were playing good basketball with both of them healthy and TJ is probably 95% back to his old self. With that extra 5% and a decent run at the end of the season, the Raps should make a good run in the playoffs (Past the first round anyways).
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Aug 22, 2006
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Ford goes back to the starting lineup, they beat Detroit. Coincidence? I think not.
Pretty quick to say something like that after one game. The team is 3-4 since he got his starting job back with wins against Detroit Charlotte and New York, and losses to Atlanta and the aforementioned Charlotte Bobcats. The Raptors are much better off with Jose starting. It's a fact.
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Reputation:89
Level:All-Star
Since:Oct 2, 2007
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Get T.J ford out NOWWWW, the proof is in the pudding with Jose Calderon playing most of the minutes when he was injured we were a team to be wrekcing with now with T.J crying like a little baby were 6-22 sense he came back and was named the starter, LEAVE T.J YOU SUCK, trade ford for a decent SG or SF, and Jamario Moon isnt that great either people need to get off the band wagon.
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Reputation:95
Level:Superstar
Since:Nov 30, 2007
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have you all heard the rumors of a straight up trade of tj ford for Mike Dunleavy? what are your thoughts (most pacer fans arent big on the idea)?
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