As promised. Here is part two of our conversation with Mr. Colangelo:
Question: “Congrats to Jay on winning a gold medal in Turkey– what must he do different this year?”
BC: “ Thanks. Jay just got back and he is still grinning from ear to ear. I think Jay needs to be Jay this year. He needs to be more assertive and be very vocal. We have a lot of confidence in his abilities and I think the group of guys we have this do also.”
Did you all see that video with Jay doing all that trick shots? I have a whole different level of respect for a coach who can make a layup with both his left and right hand. He might need to suit up on some nights this year.
Question: “Why do you think we have problems with getting players to want to come to play in Toronto? I heard that ex-players like T-Mac were telling Chris not to re-sign here.”
BC: “ Not sure why. This is one of the best cities to be a part of. There are lots of players that do want to be here. Jarrett Jack for example tells me all the time that he wants to be here and nowhere else.”
Funny. When I used to play high school ball – I would tell my coach anything he wanted to hear just so I can start over Bobby. Be careful what you ask for Jarrett, you might just get it.
Question: “Did you look at a plan B during the free agency? Did you have your eye on any other marquee player to sign in the summer? What about Ray Allen? I heard that there were talks of signing him.”
BC: “No we really didn’t pursue Ray. We however had our eyes on Joe Johnson – who would have been a good fit for this team.”
Whoa, Joe Johnson? I guess he is trying to put together another Phx. Suns team. We could have had Barbosa, Joe, bring back Marion, almost got Diaw, wait….can we get Nash next? Man that would be something. I support bringing Kid Canada home.
Question: “What are your personal expectations for this team? The pundits say we will be last in eastern conference. What is a successful season in your mind next year?”
BC: “ Honestly..the East has got lot tougher…we won 40 games last year..if we can win 41 this year without our all-star..that would be a great accomplishment to me.”
C’mon…let it out man..just say it…"I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE TORONTO RAPTORS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘CB4' WINS ONE" …I am kidding..someone else in Cleveland already beat him to it. Besides Bryan is way too composed to get worked up.
My closing thoughts:
· Thanks again for MLSE for throwing the intimate event – Damn their new Real Sports Bar & Grill is the spot to be; ESPN mobile recently announced that Toronto’s own Real Sports Bar & Grill beat out seven other finalists to win the title of best in North America (I promised to put the plug for them).
· I appreciated seeing the man who hangs out at the tunnel in ACC up close and hear him speak candidly.
· My verdict on him is still undecided. Much like all the shareholder meetings I have been too, he had an answer for everyone’s questions.
· I think we should truly judge him after his term is up. Much like how history evaluates all the US presidents. You always get a different perspective after they are long gone from the oval office. Except George Bush..we all knew he was truly an idiot from Day 1.
Nav B.
Feel free to let us know what you think. Peace and Love.
