Couple things I was thinking of...

Some things on my mind....

1. Leafs will surprise and make the playoffs under new head coach Ron Wilson. (Remember this is a young team with low expectations, a couple of playoff rounds in the next couple of years will be great experience for the youngsters)

2.Raptors will be an ELITE team this year finishing no worse than 3rd in the Eastern Conference, and will easily get by the 1st round of the playoffs. (keep fingers crossed for O'neal's health)

3.Easy NBA MVP pick- Chris Paul; Surprise pick- Yao Ming (look for Chris Bosh to get some MVP votes for the 1st time in his career)

4.Look for Tiger Woods to be back and dominating by mid-season next year ahead of schedule

5.New England - Brady still equals playoffs, NY Jets + Favre equals playoffs


Please reply with some predictions on your mind....

Toronto Raptors Past, Present & Future

Most people look at the 07-08 season to be a failure for the Toronto Raptors. They did take a step back from last years success but who expected them to finish the season 47-35 and win their first division title? In my eyes the Toronto Raptors had another successful year under Brian Colangelo. Brian came in and swiftly turned this franchise around with some genius moves on and off the court. Just look at 2 seasons ago the Raptors were in a horrible situation finishing the 05-06 Season 27-55 and having a diminutive hope for the future. If you look at the Raptors now their situation and position for the future looks promising. The key pieces of the team (Bosh, Bargnani, Ford or Calderone) are young and heading towards their prime.

Colangelo has set the team up with valuable pieces he can deal, plus he has no lingering contracts to hold the team back. Look for Brian to pick up a stud this off season to take the pressure off Chris Bosh and I’m sure he will deal with the PG situation as well. With Calderone maturing and becoming an elite PG in the league, why not sign him to a reasonable contract and trade Ford’s 8mil a year contract away. Jose is a team first/win first kind of player so I’m sure he will take a hometown discount to stay in Toronto and be the future starting point guard of the Raptors. Another hole that needs to be filled on the Raptors roster is a need of a big man who can rebound and add toughness to the inside presence of their defense. The Raptors lack of rebounding and toughness under the net cost them many games this year so look for them to pursue a strong PF or C. I’m sure by now you’re wondering who the Raptors can pick up this off season. I gathered a list of Free Agents and Restricted Agents who I think would help the Raptors.

Unrestricted Free Agents

Elton Brand (ETO)
Jermaine O’Neal (ETO)
Corey Maggette (ETO)
Ron Artest (ETO)
Antawn Jamison
Josh Smith

Restricted Free Agents

Emeka Okafor
Andris Biedrins
Luol Deng
Ryan Gomes
Andre Iquodala

(ETO= Early Termination Option)

Free Agents Raptors should STAY AWAY from

Gilbert Arenas
Jamall Magloire
P.J. Brown
Ben Gorden
Juwan Howard
Baron Davis
Mickael Pietrus
Kwame Brown
Nenad Kristic
Grant Hill
Adonal Foyle
Rasho Nesterovic


Toronto Raptors Salary Cap/Free Agent Situation

Restricted- Jose Calderone, Carlos Delfino(Qualifying Offer)
Unrestricted- Rasho Nesterovic(Player Option), Darrick Martin, Primoz Brezec
Limited Salary Protection- Jamario Moon

Toronto's CAP

2007/08 2008/09


Chris Bosh
$13,041,250 $14,410,581

TJ Ford
$8,000,000 $8,000,000

Rasho Nest.

$7,840,000 $8,400,000

Jason Kapono
$5,356,000 $5,784,480

Andrea Bargnani
$4,838,88 $5,176,440

Anthony Parker
$4,350,000 $4,550,000

Jorge Garbajosa
$4,050,000 $4,350,000

Primoz Brezec
$2,750,000 ----

Kris Humphries
$2,522,913 ----

Jose Calderon
$2,471,604 ----

Carlos Delfino
$1,868,141 $2,744,299

Maceo Baston
$1,830,000 $1,970,000

Joey Graham
$1,596,600 $2,449,184

Darrick Martin

$1,219,590 ----

Jamario Moon
$427,163 ----

Linton Johnson
$55,069 ----


TOTALS:
$62,217,210 $55,090,685

07/08 NBA Salary Cap $67,865,000 and 08/09 could be higher.


I think that is enough info for everyone to swallow, cya until my next post.

Don’t forget to post comments/replies……
Hamed .K.

Pual Maurice FIRED!!!

Can't say this was much of a surprise to many people including myself. The Toronto Maple Leafs have to clean house and start fresh and this is one of many moves they will have to make in the off season to become successful in the future. I was a Pual Maurice supporter from day 1 but that changed as time went by and I saw how awful his special teams were. Most people know special teams success or failure on the Power Play and Penalty Kill is due to coaching. He also seemed to lose control over team on several occasions during his 2 year stint with the Leafs and how can we forget all the 3rd period MELTDOWNS this year? Ever heard of a different formation when you’re up in the game Maurice? On the other hand we can't blame the whole load on Pual's back because we all know the majority of the blame is saved for JFJ. The entire Maple Leafs organization from top to bottom has to have a shake up for The Maple Leafs to have success in the upcoming years. The most crucial move is coming up with the hiring of our new General Manager. If it's another John Ferguson I will probably have my first heart attack, but I think even these dummies at MLSE realized the mistake they made with JFJ. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope they bring in a figure similar to Colangelo, with a great GM in place I won't be worried one bit for the future of my Maple Leafs. From reading and listening to the Toronto media and fan base there seems to be a common perception that the Leafs suck so bad and need to tank for years and build from the draft and etc.... to be successful. Just look at the Flyers, the worst team last year to being in the SEMI-FINALS one year later. Why can't a team who barely missed the playoffs the past few years improve this significantly? Guess what they can, it really comes down to the next GM who takes over the team. If the new GM decides to keep the core (Toskala, Kaberle, Kubina and Sundin) with some smart/calculated subrtractions and additions the team should become a playoff contendor. I just hope the new GM is Brian Burke and has the same vision as I do but even if he decides to blow up the team and start a rebuilding process. I still would be satisfied because I know a great hockey mind like Brian Burke will take the team were it needs to be "ON TOP".

Feel free to post comments/replies, its open to everyone.

NBA 07/08 PLAYOFFS

With several impact trades this season, I wonder how some of these teams will perform in the playoffs. I picked the favorites and underdogs for my NHL post so I decided to change it up for this post. I will break down every match up and will give you my top 4 picks.


Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks

The Boston Celtics stacked up in the off season by getting Ray Allen in a Draft Day trade and grabbing Kevin Garnett a month later from Minnesota. Most people including myself thought Boston had issues with their overall depth before the season started. With players like Rajon Rondo, Leon Powe, James Posey stepping up their games and the addition of Sam Cassell has made us forget their depth issues. Atlanta is a young talented team but has no chance in advancing past the first round. Boston Celtics in 4 max 5 games; sweep would be no surprise.


Detroit Pistons vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Like the Celtics series there is just too much fire power for the 76ers to handle. The Pistons have been so consistent with their core guys (Richard Hamilton, Chauncey Billups, Rasheed Wallace, Tayshaun Prince) they should have no problem putting aside the 76ers and resting up for their next opponent. Detroit Pistons in 4 max 5 games look for the 76ers to pull out one win at home.


Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards

This should be an exciting match to watch, if Gilbert Arenas is healthy look for a back and forth battle between him and King James. Washington looks better on paper and has arguably 3 all stars (Jamison, Butler, Arenas) but when you go against a future hall of fame player Lebron James you are going to have big problems. I think Lebron will be too much to handle for the Wizards. It will be a close series; Cleveland Cavaliers in 6 or 7 games.

*UPDATE APRIL 19th 4pm* Gilbert Arenas a.k.a. Mr.Selfish has gone off talking trash before Game:1 saying such things as "I'm an assassin, I get buckets", "Now it's revenge time", "Ever since they made that trade, they really haven't found how to play with each other and that's what we are banking on," Arenas said. "It's not the same team that we played two years ago." After all this garbage talk I'm changing my prediction; Cleveland Cavaliers in 5 or 6 games. I know it's just a few comments but I think these few comments will get Lebron mad and he will show Gilbert who the real assassin is with his play on the court.


Orlando Magic vs. Toronto Raptors

Orlando has been eliminated in the first round for the past couple of years and they will continue that streak against the Raptors. There are too many match-up problems for Orlando and even though Dwight Howard is a beast in the middle he still has flaws in his game. Look for the Raptors bench to be the difference maker in the series. I expect Kapano to step up his game in the playoffs and truly show why he’s the best 3 point shooter in the league. Almost everyone is picking the Orlando Magic to win the series but they are all underestimating a team which wasn’t healthy all year. Here is my first upset pick; Toronto Raptors in 6 or 7 games.


San Antonio Spurs vs. Phoenix Suns

This was my semi-final pick before the season started, it’s sad to see one of these teams eliminated in the first round but this is what happens when you have the current playoff seeding system. The Spurs can pretty much complete their legacy and become a dynasty if they win this year but in my opinion their time has ended and they are on the down swing of their success. The Suns are finally built to win in the playoffs with the addition of Big Daddy Diesel. I don’t see any team stopping Amare and Shaq down low and the magic of Steve Nash at the point. Going with the upset; Phoenix Suns in 6 or 7 games.


Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets

Who would have thought the Lakers would be in this position right now holding the number 1 seed in the West? Kobe was asking for a trade before the season started and they looked like they were in a mess, but a talk with the greatest NBA coach of all time Phil Jackson, Kobe decided to stay and be patient. Before you know it Bynem took his game to another level and Paul Gasol gets picked up for basically nothing from the Grizzlies and the Lakes are a Championship Contender. The Nuggets are one of the most talented teams in the NBA but don’t really play like a “TEAM”. I don’t know what their GM was thinking bringing in Iverson he is not a good fit for the team. Los Angeles Lakers in 4 or 5 games.


Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets

Utah Jazz eliminated the Rockets last year with Houston being up 2-0 in the series. I know Houston had that ridiculous winning streak and history shows any team with a winning streak as long as that or longer have all gone on to win the NBA Championship. I love history facts and stats but this time I am going to go against it. In my opinion the Rockets have no chance beating the Jazz without Yao Ming; Utah Jazz in 5 or 6 games.


New Orleans vs. Dallas Mavericks

The Hornets are a young and well talented team but they have no playoff experience together. Dallas Mavericks are a couple of years removed from the NBA Finals and one year from their collapse. Which team is going to show up? The team from 2 years ago plus now they have a wizard at the PG spot. The addition of Jason Kidd wasn’t looked upon as great move but I think they are a better team because of it. Dirk is ready to silence his critics and show why he was MVP last year; Dallas Mavericks in 6 or 7 games.


I wanted to include more info for each match up but I had no time and wanted to get this post out today so don’t mind some mistakes I made above :-o Now for my top 4 picks. In the East I have the Boston Celtic vs. Detroit Pistons and the West I have Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers. Look for the Suns to take down the Celtics in 5 or 6 games in the NBA FINALS.


P.S. Post your picks and comments as well. Oh by the way I changed the settings so anyone can leave a comment now, you don't have to have an account with anyone.

2nd Round Update

Lakers > Utah in 5 or 6 games

Boston > Cleveland in 5 or 6 games

Detroit > Orlando in 6 or 7 games

San Antonio > New Orleans in 7 games

Boston > Lakers in 7 games in the FINALS

07/08 NHL PLAYOFFS

The 2007/08 NHL playoffs are upon us so I decided to make some predictions and comments on the teams contending in this years ride to the Stanley Cup. It’s really hard for me to talk or write about hockey right now. For those who don’t know me personally I thought I should let you know that I am a DIE HEART Leafs fan, been one since I started watching this game we call “Ice Hockey”. When the Toronto Maple Leafs miss the playoffs, I hardly ever watch the games it’s honestly too painful for me. I still check the stats and scores but I won’t watch a game until maybe game 4 or 5 of the finals. Anyways enough of whom I like and care about, I will make a post later on dedicated just to the yes REBUILDING Maple Leafs now to this years action.

This year’s playoffs look the same as it did to me last year. I still think Anaheim has all the pieces of the puzzle to win another Stanley Cup plus they added more grit with Todd Bertuzzi up front and added another solid All-Star caliber D-man in Mathieu Schneider. How can you expect to score more than 2 goals per game on the Ducks? Pronger + Schneider + Scotty the Stanley Cup machine = the ridiculous stats Jean-Sebastein Giguere has put up the past 2 months (W/L-14-2-2 GA-1.32 .943-SV%) with Scott Niedemayer back in the lineup. Their Defense is so solid from top to bottom even their back up goalie Jonas Hiller has put up solid numbers this season (10-7-1 2.06 .927) so if you had to bet on the smart money put it all on the Ducks. So now with the Ducks in the finals who will they most likely beat up on? The East looks wide open at the moment, if I had to pick a team to make the finals from the East I would pick the New Jersey Devils. I personally believe goaltending is the key to success in the playoffs and how can you bet against Martin Brodeur? He has been a stud and work horse for so many years, has multiple Stanley Cups in his resume and is still in his prime. Their offense which no body talks or cares about and they have reason for that being ranked one of the worst in almost all offensive categories, but remember goalies steal many games in 7 game series especially Hall Of Fame goaltenders.

Now for my Sleeper/Underdog picks. From the East I pick the Capitals due to their amazing record under Bruce Boudreau (37-17-7), their hot playoff push winning 11 of their last 12 games and of course the Russian Assassin Alexander “THE GREAT” Ovechkin. The Washington Capitals actually have a chance to make some noise in this years playoffs. They also surprisingly picked up Cristobal Huet from Montreal and he has been stellar for them (11-2 1.63 .936). With this kind of goaltending and speedy young stars up front they can give a challenge to a good number of teams but it’s the lack of playoff experience which makes me doubt them. From the West it’s really hard to pick a sleeper since there are so many solid teams from 1st-8th place but if I had to pick a team I would choose Colorado. I know their kind of an old team but the Avalanche still have a chance to surprise some people. Jose Theodore has finally regained his form as a top notch goalie putting up solid season numbers (28-21 2.44 .910) this is his best year since his MVP type years in Montreal 4-5 years ago. Let’s not forget they also added Adam Foot and Peter Forsberg at the trade deadline. I don’t know if Forsberg’s foot is finally pain free but a healthy Forsberg would scare the hell out of any team or player out there.

Before I sign out most people in the East side are probably thinking why I didn’t even mention the Penguins, first reason is Marion Hossa and the second reason being they have no playoff experience especially their goaltenders Conklin and Fleury. They are a solid team and in my opinion will be the BEAST of the East for many years to come with Crosby and Malkin.

Hamed K.

p.s. Feel free to post your comments as well.

My first ever post

Well couple of my buddies kept pushing me to make a blog so I finally decided to put one up. Don’t expect anything spectacular having this being my first blog ever but I will try my best to please all you sport nuts out there.

With the MLB season just on its way, NHL season ended well ended in my little world, and the excitement of opening day got me thinking of posting about Baseball. Yes BASEBALL one of the most boring sports, but when you have your home town team making a buzz and actually having that chance to contend it makes baseball a bit more exciting. I honestly think the Jays can win it all due to their great starting 5(Halladay, Burnett, McGowan, Marcum, Litsch) and the bullpen(Accardo, Downs, Tallet, Wolf and hopefully soon to be back Ryan). Their offense is not going to be one of the best but an average offense with an amazing pitching staff will do just fine. Remember when it comes down to a 5 game or 7 game series pitching as history has shown usually takes it.

Before the season started I thought our biggest weakness was the way John Gibbons handled the pitching staff and how laid back and boring offensive style he managed. After 6 games this season Johnny boy is starting to make me change my stance on him, he is sending runners consistently and showing confidence in his pitchers. Everyone including me has been quick to jump on Gibbons but a Coach/Manager just like players needs time to mature and learn how to be the most effective at his role. I hope this post doesn’t slap me in the face after the regular season or even after the All-Star break but the Jays are due for a healthy season and finally some success I will take my chances on this one.

Hamed K.