Anyway, the above title was my best answer. Check out the rest of the Q&A and what Doug Smith, Eric Koreen, Arsenalist, et al, said about your Toronto Raptors.

This is part of a continuing series of Q&A’s and chats with GMs in my fantasy league. In this one, I ask Raps Fan of Raptors Republic about his websites, the potential Big Bosh Problem and more.

Pete Marasmitch: The Raptors FANtasy League season opens with the two of us matched up. Who are you most excited about on your team?

Raps Fan: Gotta go with Brandon Roy. He is going to have a very big year, now that he can play off the ball. 25PTS 6AST 5REB sounds about right to me.

PM: And what about this year’s Toronto Raptors? Which player would you especially like to succeed, and why?

RF: Easy — Andrea Bargnani. The Raptors have very little chance of getting to the next level with him doing nothing but dropping 17 a game. If he can grab 8-10 boards, I would be a happy camper.

I also am rooting for Amir Johnson. The kid is raw and goes after it. I love seeing big guys who are aggressive on the boards and on the low blocks.

PM: Any thoughts on the 2-guard-by-committee situation?

RF: I hate anything by committee … I’m a dictator kind of guy. I’m just biding my time, hoping Dave Hopla can work the kinks out of DeMar DeRozan’s shot, and he becomes a legit 2.

PM: Say Chris Bosh leaves. To you, is that the end of the Raptors’ world? What could Bryan Colangelo do to fill that huge hole?

RF: There is nothing BC could do to fill the hole if Bosh leaves.

He can only do two things to make things right: 1) sign Bosh to a max deal, or 2) trade Bosh for, say, Amar’e, and up him as soon as he lands.

Raps Fan of Raptors Republic

PM: What events led to the birth of Raptors Republic and its TrueHoop affiliation?

RF: Josh (Dinosty) got Zarar (Arsenalist.com), Scott (AltRaps.com) and me (RaptorsTalk.com) together and said the sum of the parts would be greater than the whole, and he was right. We all became friends over the last couple of years from being on each other’s blogs, so we thought this would be a great way to share the load. From the get-go, we had incredible support from our readers and have been growing ever since.

Kevin Arnovitz and Henry Abbott came knocking one day, and said they liked what we were doing with the blog (especially the Stat-O-Meter 3000), and the rest is history.

PM: Who designed that trippy, Trekkie RR symbol?

RF: We have a kid (LyNx — his bio here) who does all our stuff and sends us an inflated bill at the end of the month.

PM: Tell me more about RaptorsTalk.com. What motivated you to start that site?

RF: I started RaptorsTalk.com because after every game, my buddies and I would break every aspect of the game down, and get into huge arguments. So I decided to put myself out there and document everything.

PM: Please answer a question I didn’t ask.

RF:
Q: What did you think of “The Wrestler“?

A: I’m really not a fan of Darren Aronofsky movies. They don’t go anywhere, and I don’t get what he is trying to say, or the point of them. He scores them nicely though … love dramatic orchestra music.

Thanks again to Raps Fan. Check out his posts and follow him on Twitter.

… has secured a 20/10 season (averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds). Oh, sorry — you thought this was about his potential free agency in 2010? You can blame E. Smith for inspiring me.

Anybody wanna try their hand at photoshopping Bosh into a Knicks’ uni? There might be a tin of Pringles in it for ya.

Bosh as a Cavalier? Weird. (by Vanilla Thunder)

Behold, your LOLRaps contest winner, LOLBosh by AltRaps of Raptors Republic. The Frozen Envelope is in the mail, Scott, along with the cheque.

Speaking of Chris Bosh and his summer …

I’ve seen suggestions for the Toronto Raptors to trade Bosh and frankly, it seems like a good idea. Here are some things Bryan Colangelo might consider before pulling the trigger:

• How will the economy affect NBA player movement over the next two seasons and beyond?
• Given the economy, might Bosh pick up his $17,149,243 for the 2010/11 season? How would that affect the Raptors’ trade options?
• Would it make more sense to spread the firepower (and money) around – say, a star swingman to go along with a productive big man – as opposed to the current “Killer B’s“?
• Would Andrea Bargnani continue to produce without Bosh in the frontcourt?
• How would such a trade be interpreted by fans, media and the rest of the league? (I say it’s a non-issue, but some fans do worry.)
• How might the draft change this lineup?

According to the rankings last week, the number of prospects by position, listed by lottery/1st round, according to Draft Express and NBADraft.net:

• Centres: 4/7 (DX), 1/2 (Net)
• Power forwards: 5/12 (DX), 4/6 (Net)
• Small forwards: 2/7 (DX), 3/10 (Net)
• Combo forwards*: 2/3 (DX), 0 (Net)
• Shooting guards: 5/10 (DX), 4/8 (Net)
• Point guards**: 4/8 (DX), 4/9 (Net)
• Combo guards***: 2/3 (DX), 1/2 (Net)

* a player type I’ve grown wary of.
** recommended by phdsteve.
*** these guys are on the rise.

What do you think of this lineup: Bargnani, Jordan Hill (who’s compared to Bosh!), a veteran SF, a star SG and a healthy Jose Calderon?

What other questions should BC consider first? What are your thoughts on trading Bosh? Please comment below.

First, Mookie (A Stern Warning) captures Jason Kidd’s historic game:

And maybe Mookie, being an Aussie in England, can best appreciate this offering from Nels (Give Me The Rock):

A different take on the same photo, by Brendan (2nd Round Reach):

Scott (a.k.a. AltRaps of Raptors Republic) catches a moment during the Miami Heat game between an old Raptor and a new one:

… and a look we’re all too familiar with this season:

Speaking of Bosh, I’m still puzzled by Shaq’s recent comment. Can someone ’splain that to me?

Back to the court. Romes of Hoop Heads North got D-Wade (I think) defying gravity:

Sticking with the Heat game – that was a big one, wasn’t it? – we have the debut of Pape Pops Mensah-Bonsu. Brendan sez:

I sez:

And how about the loss against Houston? I sez:

Brendan sez:

Oh, I’m supposed to give one of these the “Frozen Envelope” Award for Best Picture, right? Ah, I’m too lazy – still in the holiday mood, see. Plus there’s Daylight Savings. Head on over to the sidebar and vote for your favourite. Winner gets a frozen envelope.

Pete: How’s the cereal this morning?
Kellex: Oh we go big with a turkey, salami and cheddar sandwich. Never been a big breakfast guy.
Pete: Ah, the morning sandwich. Mostly I end up with a bowl of fruit and granola bars, but I’m more of an Egg McMuffin kinda guy.
Kellex: Solid, I haven’t had one of those in years. Clif Bar makes these magical little snacks called “mojo bars” which are fantastic.
Pete: Don’t think we get that here in Canada, eh?
Kellex: Oh damn!
Pete: Hey, you gotta go easy on me today. I’m still in shock over the Smitch thing.
Kellex: Heh. I thought it would be after the Blazers romped them.
Pete: Ha. Well played. We’ll see come Sunday. So your Blazers…
What’s going on with your backcourt? Is Brandon Roy a 1 or 2?
Kellex: Both? If that’s an answer…
Pete: In the A.I. or D-Wade mold?
Kellex: Down the stretch of games, yes, just like D-Wade. It’s almost like an energy saving tactic…if you let him run the show all game, he wouldn’t be so fascinating in the 4th.

Looks like Anthony Parker will have his hands full again. (Don Ryan/AP)

Pete: And what’s up with Steve Blake and Sergio Rodriguez? Who’s getting more burn now?
Kellex: That’s another weird battle. At one point Sergio was demanding trades via crazy Spanish agents and then he’s dropping 9 dimes and 0 turnovers and getting a ton of minutes and then the next night, Blake is blowing up from deep, scoring 20+ in back to back nights and earning almost 30 mins a game. You just never know.
Pete: Didn’t know Blake’s got that in him! So, whoever’s got the hot hand?
Kellex: Definitely. Although we’ve been seeing a lot of Rodriguez as a spark at the end of quarters. He and Fernandez together are “electric.”
Pete: Yeah, they’re frying up the YouTubes.
Kellex: And he just keeps adding more.
Pete: Okay, I got a depth chart pulled up over here. B. Roy is the starting SG – or is he? Same with Blake at PG. Who starts? Who gets most minutes where?
Kellex: I think Blake is pulling almost 30 mins now as the starting PG with Roy almost 36 mins at SG. Batum (another of our rookie phenoms) is at the SF and was phenomenal for a while, but has seemed to have hit some sort of rookie wall. Aldridge at the PF and Oden starting now at C.
Pete: Yeah, Batum. I kinda wanted him for the Raps. No worries about his heart now?
Kellex: He seems just fine.
Pete: I guess with the PG battle, there’s not much room for Jerryd Bayless. What’s expected out of him?
Kellex: He’s definitely been left out which is too bad…he is the reigning Vegas summer league MVP. I think for now, he just doesn’t have a spot…not sure if they plan on some trade later this year with Rodriguez or Outlaw to free up space for Bayless or not. He’s fun to watch, but probably should be playing the 2 somewhere.
Pete: Ha, you read my mind. What would you shore up, if you were to trade? SF?

Nicolas Batum and Jerryd Bayless, as discussed. Please ignore Ike Diogu. (Bruce Ely/The Oregonian)

Kellex: A week ago, I was all for the Travis Outlaw trade with the way Batum was playing and the fact that Webster is about to be back…but now Batum is showing his age, and Outlaw is lighting it up from deep. I think for now, I’m still on the “leave Webster on the bench” bandwagon.
Pete: Hmmm. So no chance of Rudy to TO, huh?
Kellex: Hah. I’m going to say no to that one.
Pete: Shoot.
Kellex: He and Bargs battling for skinniest Euro could be scary!
Pete: Hahahaha. Don’t forget Roko.
Kellex: Who is this Roko character? I keep hearing the name, still wondering what’s up.
Pete: He’s the Pete Marasmitch mascot, thankyouverymuch.
Kellex: Hah! Yahoo has one pic, and the stats aren’t burning my eyes…so what’s the inside scoop on him? Funny story?
Pete: Here’s everything you need to know. He’s our backup PG of the future. In the present.
It’s sad that the Raptors have at least 2-3 “what’s up with this guy” players and the Blazers have one. One.
Kellex: True, but Bosh is about to change that for the Raps. So…MVP chatter?
Pete: Oh wait. There’s Shavlik Randolph.
Kellex: Shhhh! We don’t admit that we have Dukies on the team.

Welcome to “Shav Country,” which is apparently left of Sean-Dockerytown. (truthaboutduke.com)

Pete: Fair enough. What’s your MVP list?
Kellex: LeBron is quickly distancing himself from everyone including Mr. Bryant. Bosh in there at 3rd or 4th in a close matchup with Roy.
Pete: Let’s see how Boshy does the rest of the way (any more 40 pt games in him?). And what about Chauncey? He on the list?
Kellex: Hard to put Chauncey on the list even though his presence in Denver has definitely been felt. He just doesn’t carry that “Nash” factor which is needed for PG’s to win an MVP award.
Pete: Don’t remind me of Steve. Poor, poor guy. He supposedly has the flu. I think he has a broken heart. Or suffocated in a sandwich bag.
Full circle!
Kellex: Hah. His presence on the bench is not fitting nicely on my fantasy team. Let’s just leave it at that.
Pete: You got him too, eh? Luckily, I also got JET.
Kellex: And your boy J. O’Neal.
Pete: Condolences.
Kellex: Yeah it’s been rough…Yao, T-Mac, Nash, O’Neal…all injured.
Pete: You got Yao and T-Mac too?! You poor man.
Kellex: Yes…speaking of O’Neal, what’s the deal? Is he fitting in? Too injured? Too weenie? Too…former JailBlazer?
Pete: Not at all. He’s been awesome. I think he’s been a huge difference maker to Bargnani. Bargs has become way more defensively … useful. I think he’s been watching and training with JO a lot, and it’s rubbing off. But JO still needs to look after his knees.
Kellex: Hell yes he does…I need 15 and 10 from him every night!
Pete: He can do that. Plus a couple blocks. He just needs to leave the knee brace on. And Coach Triano has to have a good bigs rotation. I think he will.
Kellex: Triano…the sort-of-newbie? Used to coach Team Canada?
Pete: That’s right. Apparently, he’s been with us for 7 years. He’s survived a few Raptors coaching regimes. Hired by Grunwald, if I’m not mistaken.

Nash and Triano. I’m all about hitting two birds with one stone. (from SFU.ca)

Kellex: Well, nice to see him get his chance then. Good luck to that. Raptors were due for a big change, don’t you think?
Pete: I hope so. But they’ve had a big turnaround since BC arrived. Gotta recognize that.
Do we have enough time to squeeze in some GOde talk?
Kellex: Definitely. What you got?
Pete: What do you think: superstar? dominator? whelming? underwhelming? You heard what Bill Simmons said?
Kellex: I heard what Bill said…I tend to agree for the most part. The thing is, the guy is so young and hasn’t played in a year. It’s not like he’s going to come out and dominate the world. For me, it’s the intensity and the “look” in his eyes. I don’t see anything fierce or fiery…as a fan I want him to WANT to be a beast and I don’t see it yet.
Pete: You think he’ll reach that D-How swagger level? Or is it just not in him?
Kellex: Not in him. I hope I’m wrong but I don’t see it. He’ll be a force, but on a passive level. One night you’ll get 20 boards and the next you’ll probably get 6.
Pete: Ah, kinda Bosh-like.
Kellex: Nah, don’t give GO that much credit.
Pete: You don’t think he’s Franchise material?
Kellex: Not at all…Brandon Roy is the franchise and Oden will hopefully be a key piece to take them to championships. I don’t see him as ever being the dominant force that people had envisioned, but that’s OK. The Blazers need him to be a defensive animal, which he will be, and score 12-15 points a game, which he also will do.
Pete: I’d be happy with that.
Hey, Knicks in 2010 – LeBron, D-Wade and Bosh? The new Big Three?
Kellex: I hope so! Not that I want the Knicks to be winning multiple chips, but it would be exciting for the world to see. Isn’t the major goal to make the NBA bigger than the NFL?
Pete: Yes! Yes! YES!!

Three-fer! Please ignore Amare. I did in my fantasy draft. (from ESPN.com)

Who would be the new Knicks’ Rondo and Perk?
Kellex: I think D’Antoni actually likes Duhon for whatever reason; the system fits his game … 22 assists the other night and then another 12 or so against the Blazers.
Pete: But can he shoot?
Kellex: Well no…although he did light it up against Portland. Maybe his Duke-ness is wearing off or something.
Pete: “Duhon …. I can see your Duke-ness.”
Kellex: Hah! Exactly.
Pete: On that note, let’s douse the fire.
Kellex: Predictions?
Pete: Raptors 133 – Blazers 132 (2OT)
Kellex: Solid. I’m going Blazers by 7. Seven seems like a lucky number to people and we were lucky enough to grab Brandon Roy who, of course, wears number 7.
What are we pouring on this fire? Sam Mitchell Gatorade?
Pete: Calderon bobbleheads? Egg McMuffins?
Kellex: That’ll work.
Pete: Thanks for dropping by, Kellex.
Kellex: Thanks for having me!

12:33PM Stern: Is this kinda your lunchbreak?
Pete: Yeppers.
Stern: Nice one… So, what topics did we have to discuss?
12:34PM Rookies
Andrea Bargnani
Swingmen
Pete: I’ll let you choose.
Stern: OK… Well I’m keen to start off about the big Italian. He seems to be on a roll lately!
12:35PM Pete: Yeah, I was reading earlier today that Bargnani Is Just Swell.
Stern: Ah, yes. I think that I read that one through TrueHoop earlier today.
12:36PM Pete: That’s right. And I’m reaping all the benefits – got him in the second-to-last round of my fantasy draft.
Stern: Hahaha I too am reaping similar benefits… I also have Moon however, so it’s a bit of a double-edged sword!
12:37PM Do you think he’s suited to playing the 3?
Pete: Based purely on height and weight, I’d say no. As most people say, he seems best suited as an NBA “4″. But he seems to be doing a good enough job.
12:38PM Stern: I haven’t watched enough of him in action lately, but does he seem like a bit of a defensive liability to you against quicker SFs? He just doesn’t seem that quick of a player… though TOR does get the advantage of having a massive wall on the front line.
Pete: You got that right… when Jermaine O’Neal is healthy.
12:39PM Bargnani’s length helps. And he’s moving his feet. I haven’t seen that many blow-by’s.

Big Bargnani is defending the 3 just fine. (Photo by Nick Wass/AP)

Stern: Well it all sounds like positives. He’s definitely got that outside stroke. So offensively it sounds like he’s not struggling, with that 17ppg average in the last week.
12:40PM Pete: Yeah. He seems comfortable and confident. Must be playing the 3. It’s his natural position, apparently, much more so than the 5.
He’s been a perimeter-oriented player all his life. He’s like a swingman trapped in a center’s body.
12:41PM Stern: The Terry Mills of Europe?
Pete: (short pause while I Google Terry Mills…)
Stern: Hahahaha…
12:42PM Pete: Uh, yeah, like Terry Mills.
Stern: Yep, a 6′10″ three point shooter. Mills also had the unfortunate fact that he was a little “well-covered” as a problem.
12:43PM But yeah, there are plenty of examples around of big men who get forced to play down low when the perimeter is where their game is at.
Pete: The good thing, though, is AB’s now rebounding better,
12:44PM slashing to the hoop, swatting shots.
Stern: Swatting shots!
Pete: Yessir, he can block. Isn’t he tied with JO on the team?
Stern: Nice… if he is, that’s impressive. I have to admit that I didn’t know he was a shot-blocker.
12:45PM Even if he doesn’t want to play on the low block, the ability to swat shots in combination with Bosh/JO is a great thing to have.
Pete: The only thing is, what to do once JO is gone?
Stern: Is that a certainty?
12:46PM Pete: It seems to me that he’s on the downward slope of his abilities.
12:47PM Stern: Definitely. I still don’t understand where that came from though. I was hoping (for his sake) that it was merely a couple (or less than a couple) of “off” seasons and that he would be back on track now, “refreshed.”
Pete: I think there’s been too much damage to his knees. Well, hopefully I’m wrong.
12:48PM Maybe the best is yet to come.
Stern: On the damage to his knees, hopefully you’re right. I mean the way he slid as he punched out that fan in Detroit must have caused some strain!
Bargnani’s 1.4 blocks per is impressive, particularly if he’s playing the 3.
12:49PM Pete: Averaged 1.3 last week.
Stern: It’s not Dwyane Wade territory though… that guy is phenomenal for his size! Last time I looked he was averaging 1.6…
Pete: Is this the segue to our swingmen discussion?
Stern: Well, why not, I guess!
12:50PM Pete: Okay, I want a swingman for my Raptors. Who’s out there?
Stern: I’m still coming to terms with why J-Moon is not a suitable option. I mean, he lit the league up last season it seemed… or was that just a highlight-reel sensation?
12:51PM Pete: He did play better last year, but I don’t know – Is it just a cold start this year? Is he not getting himself focused?
Stern: He doesn’t seem to be getting the same minutes. Is that a result of his play, or the cause?
Pete: Result of his play. He’s not hitting his shots. He’s biting on every pump fake.
12:52PM Stern: 27mpg last season, 22mpg this.
Pete: What’s his FG% this year?
Stern: 46% this season, 48.5% last. Blocks down from 1.4 to 0.9.
Pete: Smitch: drop 2.5%, you outta there!
Stern: Rebounds down from 6.2 to 3.0.
Pete: Aha, there’s another telling stat.
12:53PM Stern: Smitch is a tough’un!
Yeah, the rebounds drop is a big one, non-commensurate with his drop in minutes. Remarkably his steals are up 1.0 to 1.3. whoops – 1.2 I meant.
12:54PM Pete: Mmm. Marginal. Sorry – having lunch.

Jamario Moon’s seat is a lot warmer lately. (Photo by Adrian Wyld/AP)

Stern: Yeah. I guess though most of the time it’s an intuitive thing for a coach, if he doesn’t look like he’s in synch, then he doesn’t want him out there. You’d know more, as I haven’t seen enough Raps action to comment.
12:55PM What are you eating?
Pete: PBJ. It’s Back-To-School Day in my lunch bag.
Stern: Nice. One of my all-time faves. Right up there with peanut-butter and banana!
12:56PM Whoops. I’m conscious of time here now, as I realise I will have to do a bolt in about 5mins…
Pete: D’oh!
Stern: Well I can stretch it a little I’m sure. I have to get to a movie though.
12:57PM Wall Street — that’s right, it’s 1985 all over again here!
Pete: I hear they’re doing a sequel.
Stern: Really? That might be the impetus for the screening then. Makes sense with the current financial climate.
12:58PM Everyone is cutting costs to get their hands on LeBron. That is what has caused the crisis!
Pete: I knew it!
Stern: On that note are you worried about Bosh being a target and leaving?
Pete: Nah. I trust what Bryan Colangelo is trying to do. And I think CB thinks likewise.
12:59PM Stern: It seems like there is a great environment in T-dot and they’re building something good. He’s having a great season!
Pete: He’s been awesome. Thank you, Olympic experience.
Stern: Spot on. I think the Olympics has helped a few players out. Back to the topic of your swingman… that’s a tough one.
1:00PM What do the Raptors need at that position? A scorer or a defender? A facilitator a la Odom?
Pete: A 2 who can be a top-2 or 3 scorer, or a lockdown defender. I’ll accept either.
1:01PM Stern: A better scorer than Anthony Parker?
Pete: Yeah. AP, I think, is done once the season’s over. Back to Europe.
Stern: Ah, I thought I’d hear word of that.
1:02PM Well, in the lockdown defenders department, you’d have to think that Battier would be on the market, given the Artest-McGrady combo being in Houston.
Pete: Is Battier still getting minutes? Is he aging before our eyes?
Stern: He’s been injured to start the season. I’m not sure what his stats have been like since…
1:03PM Pete: I wonder if there’s anybody worthwhile in the 2009 draft.
Stern: Battier has not played yet.
Hmmm. I can’t profess to know much of who is coming in 2009.
Pete: The Raps haven’t much wiggle room salary-wise.
1:04PM So I figure trade or draft. Kapono? Expiring contracts? Not much else worthwhile. Fans are suggesting Bargnani. (How’s that for full-circle?)
1:05PM Stern: Wow! hahaha! That is full-circle…I don’t know what sort of value you get for Bargnani.
1:06PM He is on the up at the moment, so perhaps now is as good a time as any to pull the trigger. He’s by no means a Darko anyway.
Pete: Yeah, sell high, Wall Street.
Stern: Greed is good!

Greed is good. Bargnani is better.

Hmmm… other swingmen?
Pete: Monta Ellis!
Stern: Golden State has all of those …
1:07PM …you beat me to it!
Pete: Beat ya to it!
Stern: Well, Monta would be a handy replacement for Parker at the 2. However, he’s on big bucks now, after signing that pre-moped contract.
Pete: Well, that’s out then.
1:08PM Stern: Kapono… *shakes head*
Pete: A shooter who won’t shoot.
Stern: That was always going to be one of those signings where people said afterwards, “why did you sign that guy to a contract on the weight of playing on one championship team?” He’s a big Damon Jones.
1:09PM Without the attitude and the Chinese shoe contract.
Pete: I think it made sense, as long as he shoots. I wonder if he worries about being labelled a chucker.
Stern: True. Has he been hesitant on his shot? If you’ve got lowpost guys (e.g. Bosh, JO) drawing people, he’s perfect for the Raps.
1:10PM Pete: You’d think! But he’s not shooting enough for some crazy reason. If I had a 50% on 3PT, I’d be hoisting it everytime I get the ball. And he’s got a quick trigger.
Stern: Me too. I don’t need an invite!
1:11PM Strange.

Pete: Someone said his big contract messed with his head.
Stern: Perhaps. Or maybe not having Shaq feeding him the ball did it?
Pete: Or the threat of Shaq sitting on him?
1:12PM Stern: That is enough for anyone! Even Oden got scared by that.
Pete: We need a scared-Oden photo right here…
Stern: Definitely!

Trust us: Oden looks scared here. (Photo by Paul Connors/AP)

Ohh… can we do a “to be continued” on this? I really should hit the subway.
1:13PM Pete: Sure.
Stern: Thanks for this, it’s been fun! Hopefully we can do it again sometime.
1:14PM There’s plenty more we can talk about of course…
Pete: Yep, we can do it again another time. Enjoy the ’80s hairdos!
1:15PM Stern: Great. Thanks. Talk to you soon!
Pete: Thanks for dropping by!

“I don’t know the situation here or what [Chris Bosh] is going through but tonight he looked pretty frustrated,” said Garnett. “When you’re a good player and trying to be better, trying to be one of the premiers in this league, trying to set your mark, you want the help around you. He has to make a decision on whether he wants to be here.”

Can players get fined for tampering? Please?

(via Fanhouse)

Alternative title: Stop playing with my Bosh