Chuck checks the finals and more....

[PLANT]

by Chuck Swirsky
--raptors.com
June 8, 2006

(TORONTO) -- While the Raptors front office staff remain in Orlando for several more days evaluating talent and engaging in discussions with basketball types the NBA Finals get underway tonight in Dallas.

 


Chuck didn't think Wade and Shaq would be in the Final. (NBAE/Getty Images)
I will be the first to admit I thought there was no chance of Miami reaching the Finals. I was concerned about Shaq's health and Dwyane Wade's durability. If you check my NBA playoff preview I took the Bulls to upset Miami in the first round. It isn't the first time I was wrong and won't be the last.

The"Big Diesel" looks ten years younger He has been active on both ends of the floor and looks fresh in the fourth quarter. On several occasions during the season head coach Pat Riley called out O'Neal on his expanding waist line.

To Shaq's credit he took it to heart and like a good player obeyed his coach. O'Neal's dominance cannot be understated. He is the greatest centre of this generation. He has reached the level of (Wilt) Chamberlain, (Bill) Russell, (George) Mikan and (Kareem) Abdul-Jabbar. A place in the Hall of Fame awaits him. While some observers believe the Heat belong to Wade, I disagree. As long as Shaq is healthy, forceful and dedicated the Heat will be successful. This is Shaq's team.

So based on my glowing report one has to assume I'm taking Miami in the Finals. Wrong.

The Mavericks, I predict, will win in seven games. I look forward to David Stern handing the Larry O'Brien trophy to Mark Cuban. That's worth the price of admission!

Dirk Nowitzki has separated himself from the "great" category to the "superstar" list. Should the Mavs win the title, Cuban should personally hand deliver a championship ring to Don Nelson who orchestrated the one sided 1998 draft night deal with Milwaukee that sent Nowitzki's rights to Dallas for the rights to Robert Traylor. Think the Bucks would like to have that one back?

The game plan for Dallas is simple. Run, run and run and make it a 5 on 4 game. No way Shaq can keep up with the Mavs in a ninety-four foot game.

News and notes from the Swirsk:

The fact that Roko Ukic, according to published reports, is interested in joining the Raptors for the upcoming season throws some intriguing possibilities for Bryan Colangelo and Sam Mitchell.
This is how crazy things have become in "journalism". In the "Oregonian", Blazers beat reporter Jason Quick actually timed the length of a conversation between Colangelo and Portland president/general manager Steve Patterson. Not only that, the writer described what they were wearing and that Colangelo "rubbed his hands over his face". Quick then watched Patterson's discussion with Chicago's John Paxson. How much is too much?
If you asked me I'll tell you Brandon Roy is an NBA ready player.
I think Adam Morrison will be a steady, consistent NBA player for a good ten years if he stays healthy. I say he's a top three pick.
I saw Josh Howard play at Wake Forest and thought he was a good player. But if anyone thought he'd be THIS good they'd be lying.
Gordie Chiesa landed on his feet and is on Bob Hill's staff in Seattle. Gordie is one of the all time great people in the NBA. Excellent hire by Hill and GM Rick Sund.
If you know what Portland is doing please let me know.
Good move by the Nets picking up Lawrence Frank's option. He is always prepared and has a great rapport with his players.
I'm pulling for Steve McNair to have a tremendous year in Baltimore.
I wasn't on board when Larry Brown publicly ripped his players and certainly understand the concerns of Knicks owner James Dolan but for the sake of professionalism I hope the Knicks end the circus atmosphere. Enough is enough.
Larry Brown or no Larry Brown...if I'm Golden State's Mike Montgomery the Brown watch is on in Golden State.
If you like free agent signings, blockbuster trades and plenty of hoops news this offseason will be just what you're looking for.
Pretty bold move by the Islanders if they hire Neil Smith and Ted Nolan.
The Bucks new color scheme (red and green) and logo look sharp. Good move, Milwaukee! (That's for our friend, John Steinmiller).
If I'm Flip Saunders I go on a long vacation without a cell phone or Blackberry. The heat this guy took from his team during their playoff run was totally uncalled for.
In answer to another three hundred e-mails give or take a few, I don't have any idea whom the Raps will select with their pick. At this stage it's just too early to predict.
Not sure where or if Jay Williams will play but I really hope the guy comes back. He's an inspiration to many people. Having said that, he's the first to admit he made a poor decision riding a motorcycle when it explicitly stated in his contract he couldn't go near the bike.
Win or lose the Cup, if I owned the Hurricanes the number one priority is to resign Peter Laviolette. Good coaches are hard to find.
If you think you've got problems let me introduce you to Jason Grimsley. Think he'll be receiving many Christmas cards?
Since April 20 I have been corresponding and meeting new season seat holders about the upcoming 2006-07 season. Developing relationships with hoops fans at speaking engagements and clinics have been rewarding as well. I feel like I learn something new every day.

Two weeks ago in Scarborough I met so many people who eat, sleep and breathe ball. Community centres and rep leagues provide a place for young people to enjoy the game at the same time getting them off the streets.

You may see the Raptors playing at the ACC but there's much more that takes place away from the court. The Raptors basketball programs and basketball academy have a sincere interest in supporting Canadian youth (boys and girls) through clinics, camps and talks. I've said this before and I'll say it again. There is no greater joy than seeing kids play ball.

I can tell you the optimisim about the club, not only here in Toronto but across the NBA map, is all good. It's the first time in years the fan base is saying "you are turning the corner and winning my trust back."

Trust between a fan who attends a game, watches on television, etc. is something that is valued. It's easy to lose trust and harder to regain it. But the encouraging sign is the Raptors are ready to crawl out of a down cycle and compete for a playoff spot next year.

One personal note if I may. I want to thank long time MLSE employee Jacquie Allinson for her support and assistance throughout the past eight plus years. She is going to spend more time with her family and care for her horses, cats and other animals hanging around the yard!

Got a question or comment about the Raptors? E-mail me at cswirsky@torontoraptors.com or call me at 416-815-6189. That offer is still on the table. Sign up for a full season seat package and I'll take you out to lunch and a tour of our broadcast table.

As a franchise we appreciate your loyalty and look forward to serving you anyway we can.

Thanks for reading CCI.







Chuck Swirsky

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

The game plan for Dallas is simple. Run, run and run and make it a 5 on 4 game. No way Shaq can keep up with the Mavs in a ninety-four foot game.

Correct. And unlike the Suns, the Mavs have defense.