When the curtain is drawn on October 29, it will not only mark the beginning of another Raptors campaign, but also the start of the Jose Calderon era in Toronto.
The departure of TJ Ford via a mid-June trade has officially made Calderon the number-one man at the number one position—and while optimism is high in the T-Dot, there may because for concern. The point guard spot for the Raptors hasn't exactly been the most steady position since the franchise's inception—and if you want proof, look no further:
Damon Stoudamire
The man known as Mighty Mouse was the Raptors fans' first glimpse at an NBA star—and subsequently, the first chance to have our collective hearts ripped out and trampled on while they ran out of town. (No, I'm not bitter!)
After lighting things up in Toronto during his first two seasons (averages of 19 and nine with a Rookie of the Year award in '95-'96), Stoudamire would ask for a trade in his third year, after then-GM Isiah Thomas left the team due to an ownership dispute.
While traditional thinking would say that losing your team's best player and the face of the franchise would actually be a small price to pay for ridding yourself of Isiah Thomas, the trade was a major setback for the Raps.
Stoudamire ended up in Portland, along with Walt Williams and Carlos Rogers—while the Raps received a package that featured Kenny Anderson, Alvin Williams, Gary Trent and a slew of draft picks.
If there's a silver lining in this deal, it's that Stoudamire insisted on pulling off a travelling Cheech and Chong routine with Rasheed Wallace for the next fove years, and his stats declined.
Nevertheless, Stoudamire was arguably the best PG we've ever had, and the whole situation seemed to start a long string of problems at the point=guard position.
Kenny Anderson
The aforementioned Anderson—who was the main player coming back in the Stoudamire trade—would refuse to report to Toronto, and was shipped to Boston shortly thereafter.
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3 months ago
This article is accurate, and deep, but very depressing when you see all the talent that slipped by the Raptors.
GM Bryan Colangelo and his Suns "run & gun" couldn't hack the physical NBA playoffs, why should we buy into the "Euros" adapting into the NBA?
I don't have the depth regarding NBA and Euros so if you write it, I will read it. I think that it is a very important topic in laying some serious trust with the Raptors this season.
Tip I learned through here: Internet readers get turned off with paragraphs longer then 3-4 sentences. they like their info bullet style or short and sweet.
later!
3 months ago
Great article. Love the Oak Man profile pic btw, he's sorely missed!
It really is eye opening to see the instability that the Raptors have had at the point position given that it's still a young franchise. I think right now we are good with Calderon signed long term as he's entering his prime. He wants to be here and is a consummate professional and the team wants him which is something that you couldn't say for the other PGs that we've had. I'm excited to see him raise his level of play and also the development of Roko Ukic.
3 months ago
Love this article.
Although Raptors fans might not love it, it's accurate, informative, and a great read.
Keep up the good work!
3 months ago
Awesome article man...Doug Smith and Chuck would be proud!
3 months ago
i dnt think stoudamire won roy in 05 06
3 months ago
Dallas,
Stoudemire won ROY in '05-'06.
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Brett,
Sweet article, man, sweet article.
3 months ago
If Stoudamire won ROY in '05-'06, I think that would make him the first two-time winner of the award. But I'm pretty sure it was Chris Paul who won it that season.
3 months ago
Stoudamire won in 95-96. Chris Paul won is 05-06. I'll correct the article. Amare Stoudemire (different spelling of the last name) won in 02-03.
3 months ago
Dude, don't doubt the spaniard. I have high hopes for Jose, he's a field point with high IQ, I'm more worried about the performance of Jermaine O'Neal. Jose has always been my favorite point guard and I think he himself has alot to prove in this league. But very detailed article, I really enjoyed it because even though the raptors are a relatively new franchise, they have such a tale to tell.
3 months ago
One of the best written BBall pieces I've seen.
3 months ago
Thanks for the feedback everyone!
3 months ago
well done.....
2 months ago
*Fingers crossed that Calderon doesn't break anything*
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