by Chuck Swirsky
--raptors.com
November 10, 2005

(TORONTO) -- As Sam Mitchell contemplates changing his starting lineup and perhaps his rotation it's my belief we'll have a better feel for this year's ballclub over the next two weeks. The Raptors first four opponents: Washington, New Jersey, Detroit and Cleveland are playoff bound. It was an early season education for the Raptors. At this point in time they are not on the same level with those clubs. In some cases it was a matter of length and athleticism and on some nights depth was a major factor. The same issues that spelled trouble for the Raptors a year ago (rebounding and defence) remain areas of concern after the first four games. What are the options ? Do you shake up the line-up? Do you play small ball and out quick the opposition?

Mitchell might be changing up the starting lineup. (Ron Turenne/NBAE/Getty Images)

Up next for the Raptors is Utah. The Jazz under Jerry Sloan always compete. Carlos Boozer isn't expected to play but the Jazz still have Andrei Kirilenko, Mehmet Okur and rookie point guard Deron Williams. In my opinion Williams will be a solid pro. Initially, I thought he may not be athletic enough to guard quick guards but he has dispelled those thoughts. The Jazz pulled off a NBA deal on draft night to move up to select the ex Illinois star. He is a Sloan type player. Enough props for the Jazz. This is a game the Raps can get.

On Sunday the Sonics come to town and this is a different looking Seattle team. Losing Antonio Daniels will hurt them. Ray Allen can go off for 50 but if you do your job against Rashard Lewis and Vlladimir Radmanovic you should be in a position to get a "W." I will say this about the Sonics. Nick Collison, Luke Ridnour and Reggie Evans can play for me any day of the week. Any day.

The Raptors then have a back to back with the 76ers and finish next week with a Friday night game at Boston. Allen Iverson has feasted off the Raptors in his brilliant ten year career. Chris Webber loves that foul line jumper and baby hook in the paint. He's another guy that has taken care of business against the Raptors over the years. The Celtics are about as green as their uniforms. This is a franchise going in the right direction with young, gifted players but may take a step back this season.

The Raptors are not in a position of pulling off a blockbuster deal. They simply don't have enough resources ( personnel) to swing a mega deal that would bring them a legitimate glass man. Top tier board men who are tenacious defenders are hard to find. Very seldom, if ever, are they traded . If they are, as was the case with Jamal Magliore a team has to surrender a front line starter with upside and an unprotected draft pick projected to be a top 15 selection. So where does this leave the Raptors? How about fringe players and journeymen types who are hoping for one more opportunity to impress NBA general managers and coaches. You better believe their agents have Rob Babcock's number on speed dial.

Let's go to the mail bag:

Richard from Oakville: Chuck, I attended the opener and love the new players. I know they're going to struggle but how much will they play this season?

Chuck: That's Sam Mitchell's call. The fans, such as yourself, Richard are excited about watching Joey Graham, Charlie Villanueva and Jose Calderon develop. Graham told me last week in Detroit that the NBA is so fast in comparison to the NCAA game it's night and day. Every night in the NBA it's a difficult test. You have to get it done physically and mentally but I love the youth movement.

Sabir from Toronto: Chuck, tell Matt Bonner we're still behind him. But after watching the opening introductions video I'm not sure the guy can dance.

Chuck: Thanks , Sabir. I've received a lot of comments about the new game ops video. One thing you can say about Matt, whatever he does he gives it his all. Matt's off to a slow start but he's too good of a shooter to be in a prolonged slump. I expect him to have a break out game soon.

David in Daytona Beach, Florida: Who do you think the Raptors could get if they traded Chris Bosh?

Chuck: David, I'm not even going there. He's a Raptor---period. He's everything you want in a player and more importantly a person.

Steven in London, Ontario: Chuck , do you have a dress code?

Chuck: Yes, when the staff travel to and from games on flights and buses we wear business casual clothes. I have no problem with that and remember this is coming from a jeans and sweatshirt guy.

Al from Brampton: Chuck, I know you love your ball but bottom line call Bon Jovi or U 2?

Chuck: Al, you are killing me. Wow. Ok, you asked and I got to come through for you...U 2.

Curtis from Oakland: Chuck, I can't wait to see the Raptors out here when you visit in a couple of weeks. Look out for the Warriors. Can the Raptors win that game?

Chuck: Curtis, ease up my man. Let's take one game at a time. Looking ahead that will be the Raptors fourth game in five nights and the tail end of a back to back. Tough game but hey it's the NBA and you've got to block that stuff out and bust it and play the game. No excuses. I agree with you about GST. They are flat out loaded. I'm talking playoffs....and I'm not kidding.

Roy from Toronto: Big time Raptors fan. How long do you go with Loren Woods?

Chuck: That's a call for Rob Babcock and Sam Mitchell. I'll leave it at that

Mike from Red Deer, Alberta: If the Raptors continue to lose I'm afraid they may leave Canada. Are you concerned?

Chuck: The Raptors are not moving. MLSE is committed to this franchise and to Canada. Winning and showing fans the team is headed in the right direction is the perfect tonic to stop these senseless rumours .

Belinda from Uxbridge: Do you have a favourite Raptor?

No. I respect every person who puts on a uniform and more importantly I have the utmost respect for the men and women behind the scenes such as security , building operations and game day crew. We take for granted so many things and for that matter individuals that put in countless hours long before the officials put the ball in the air. Next time you order pizza or grab a drink thank the person behind the counter and the person who prepared the food. A touch of kindness never hurt.

Tom from Whitby: Chuck, forget about the players. Not to be self serving or as you say on your radio show, a "shameless plug" but aren't you at the point of bailing ? This is going to be a long year.

Chuck : No way. I am not a quitter. If the Raptors offered me a life time deal today I'd sign it. I love it here. Jack Armstrong always refers to a terrific quote: "Are you a part of the problem or a part of the solution?" In some small way if I can continue to promote the game of basketball and assist the Raptors as their broadcaster that's good enough for me. I am not a player nor a front office administrator but just a person who cares deeply about the city, franchise and our fan base.

Maurice from Oshawa: Chuck, is Jose Calderon the real deal or is he a one month wonder?

Chuck: Will there be growing pains for Jose? Yes. But he is a baller. He loves the game and there is an innocence that I love about him. If he can hit the open jumper it will really help his game. One thing I've noticed in the first four games is he is always looking to push the ball and feed the post . His chemistry with Chris Bosh is very good.

Zubair from Scarborough: Are there any hard nosed centres out there?

Chuck: They're out there all right except they're untouchables. I go over box scores every day to see who's hot and who's not. Who's playing and who's chillin' Trust me. It's pretty empty in the cookie jar.

News and notes from the Swirsk:

I caught Kobe the other night as the Lakers beat up the Hawks. If he stays healthy we could be looking at an MVP.

The Vince Carter dunks on Alonzo Mourning were sick. Absolutely sick.

Do I think Carter was fouled as time expired the other night against the Heat? Yes. It was officiating at its worst.

These are not your father's Clippers were looking at to start the season.

It wouldn't bother me if the Knicks got hammered out West.

I don't understand what the Nuggets are doing. They sign Earl Watson to a 30 million dollar deal and don't play him?

I like the Kansas City Chiefs uniforms.

Best sandwich place in Toronto?

Don't ask me why but I've always liked DeShawn Stevenson.

I am encouraged by the three rookies but let me tell you one other thing about these men..they are class acts.

Chuck would love to see Charlie in the post more often. (NBAE/Getty Images)

Jim Todd needs his own talk show.

Ditto Sam Mitchell.

The more I see of Indiana the more I think they could win the East. Had they been able to pull off the proposed Jamal Magliore trade as rumoured it would have been unbelievable.

I'd like to see Charlie V. and Joey G. post up. They're pretty good six feet and in.

I don't care what anyone says..it's tough to win second games on back to back nights in the NBA especially on the road. The Raptors in two weeks play four games in five nights. Travel back from San Francisco on Sunday and host Dallas Monday night. Thank you very much.

Golden State's Zarko Cabarkapa's line from Tuesday's game at Chicago:
15min. 1-10 FG-/ 0-FTA and 3 reb.

Dwyane Wade's line Tuesday night against the Pacers:
40min. 29pts, 11 reb and 10 turnovers.

Speaking of the Heat. No one asked me but if I'm Dorell Wright I'm kind of hoping I get moved. He'll never play with the roster currently assembled by Pat Riley.

What's happening with Philadelphia's attendance? Is T.O. in the house?

I love Butterfinger candybars. I'd like to make a public confession right here and now on CCI. I raid my kids Halloween trick or treat buckets and grabbed as many as I could.

P.J. Brown is about as classy a man as you will ever meet.

Think Oklahoma City deserves a club? Yes. Next team to relocate may end up there.

The Spurs played without Michael Finley and Brent Barry and still have enough to win a road game. What does that tell you?

I just don't see Sean May getting a lot of time with the Bobcats, do you?

Last week I got a few e-mails asking me why I give Nenad Krstic so many props. Because he's good and getting better, that's why.

On Monday, Mehmet Okur scored a career high 31 points against the Bobcats. Two nights later against the Nets? Two points. I guess seven years 51 million doesn't guarantee you consistency, does it?

I know the Jays need a front line starter but do you really want to give A.J. Burnett or any pitcher five years?

If I'm the 76ers I am being very careful as they monitor Samuel Dalembert's right quad. He's inactive for another two weeks. He's in the first year of a 6 year 60 million dollar deal. You can exhale now.

That's it for another week of Chuck Checks In. If you have any comments or questions about the Raptors or NBA drop me a line at cswirsky@torontoraptors.com or call my office number at 416-815-6189. Always a pleasure.







Chuck Swirsky

Don't forget to catch the Chuck Swirsky Show weekdays from 1 until 4 p.m. on the FAN590.