Who to blame?
The OTHER number 15, just as blameworthy. (Lucas Oleniuk/Toronto Star)
Yes, I blame Jorge Garbajosa for the rock-bottominess of the Toronto Raptors. Why? Follow this trail of bread crumbs:
2005-06 — the Raptors are on their way to finishing a craptacular 27-55 season. That summer, Bryan Colangelo brings in nine new faces, including TJ Ford, Anthony Parker, Rashoooo, and Garbajosa. Expectations are low.
2006-07 — the Raptors have a HUGE, HUGE turnaround, matching the franchise-best mark of 47-35 and getting back to the playoffs for the first time since 2002 (which was during the Lenny Wilkens era. Lenny. Wilkens.); hopes are high. And Garbajosa breaks his leg in a really gross way; off to surgery and rehab and … the Olympics qualifier???
2007-08 — Garbo plays seven games during which he pretends to be healthy. He gets bought out, the Raptors fall apart. The Raps limp to a disappointing 41-41 finish and are booted out in the first round of the playoffs again.
2008-09 — BC tries to patch up this roster by swapping malcontent TJ for former all-star big Jermaine O’Neal. The team stumbles out of the gate; fans and media talk about the future and rock bottom.
What was the turning point from winning club to losing? Yes, Garbo. Though out of position, he covered the now-weak 3 spot. He came up with key plays time and again. He gave the Raptors defensive smarts. And worst of all, he helped a mediocre squad overachieve and its fans overexpect. Yeah, that’s right. I said “overexpect.”
How did all this happen? You could blame Garbo for playing injured for those seven games. You could blame him for playing in the Olympics qualifier in Spain. I, however, blame him for having Alvinwilliamsitis. That’s a disorder in which a player works unnecessarily hard and while seriously injured.
So, Jorge Garbajosa, if that is your real name, have fun in Russia. Say hi to Carlos Delfino for us. We want him to come back … but not you.
Riverdance all you want, Jorge, I still won’t forgive you. (shaka)
December 18th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Wow. Your best post. Ever. I had no idea.
December 19th, 2008 at 12:19 am
I know you really miss him, my friend…
December 19th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
And One – Thanks!
Raúl – You know me well.
December 22nd, 2008 at 3:11 am
Comprehensive! Great post.
December 23rd, 2008 at 4:10 pm
I’m with you Jeff. Garbo left a big void. If only he chose to focus on his bread and butter NBA career rather than the whole international thing, he might’ve still been a raptor, and BC would be facing fewer challenges.
December 23rd, 2008 at 6:43 pm
mookie – Thanks!
georgiohh – I still blame contesting the Al Jefferson dunk during a game already lost. I mean, who does that?! Only Garbo, and look what that got him. So the moral is: Hustle and effort are overrated.
April 30th, 2009 at 8:51 am
[...] starting point guard was injured.” 2. “Our starting small forward broke his leg … two years ago.” 3. “Our franchise player was distracted by his ex-fiancee who was suing him for child [...]
May 21st, 2009 at 1:48 pm
[...] Humphries needs: Same as above. Can the Raps kill two birds with one stone and get a veteran 4/5? (Garbo would’ve been good. *sigh*) Or will a combo forward vet like Shawn Marion fill the [...]