Chris Bosh and I are excited. Are you? (AP via Daylife)

Anybody else as excited as I am for the 2009 NBA draft, a.k.a. Bryan Colangelo Redemption Night?

If you are just as pumped, stoked or whatever-other-adjective to see what the Raptors will do this Thursday night, comment below, and I’ll respond ASAP — like a makeshift live blog, from now till 4PM today!

And keep commenting on through Sunday and tell me your reactions to the wheelings and dealings related to our beloved Raptors.

Here are some ideas to get you going. What do you think of:

• B.C.’s fave five: DeMar DeRozan, Gerald Henderson, James Johnson, Jrue Holiday and Jonny Flynn?
• Shawn Marion signing-and-staying or signing-and-trading?
• Drafting a point guard?
• Getting a second-round pick?
• Free agents?
• Potential trade partners, like the Minnesota Timberwolves?

Looking forward to chatting with you!

DeMar DeRozan reminds me of Joey Graham here. (The Oregonian)

It seems like everyone’s on the “DeMar DeRozan as a Toronto Raptor” bandwagon. What makes DeRozan such a great fit on this team, apart from being a decent swingman? Sure, he’s got some attractive strengths, but his weaknesses seem significant. Read more »

Due to popular demand: a clock counting down the days, hours, minutes, even seconds, to the 2009 NBA Draft. Date and time courtesy of ESPN.

Tyreke Evans, using those super long arms of his. (via Memphis Commercial Appeal)

Chad Ford chose him. Mike Ulmer chose him. But should the Toronto Raptors choose him? I ask the experts, root around the internets and dug up this mess of Tyreke Evans info. Read more »

Bryan Colangelo is looking more like Old Mother Hubbard these days.

It’s so easy to think of the NBA draft as the be-all-and-end-all of offseason transactions. Maybe it’s the fantasy of young potential. Maybe it’s the glitz and glam. But to get a clearer picture of the Toronto Raptors’ needs, let’s look at what they got in the cupboard first before we do some window shopping.

Listed below are players still under contract, by position. Read more »

Joe Ingles (art by Paul Munt)

The second day of the Toronto Raptors predraft workouts came and went, and no-one impaled himself – this is a good sign. But a number of prospects were able to show their stuff.

One of the names that stood out for me is the Australian Joe Ingles (I’m 1/32 Aussie, you see). Let’s get to know Joe a bit. Read more »

Because I care that much whether the Raptors get the ninth pick or the tenth pick.

We’re about three weeks away from the NBA draft lottery (Tuesday, May 19, 2009), and too long away from the actual draft (Thursday, June 25). Are you wondering about lottery odds like I am? Wikipedia breaks down the percentage chances for each lottery team. Here are the Toronto Raptors’, in order of likeliness: Read more »

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: Read more »

There I was, doing my commute across the 401, and it struck me: “Pete Marasmitch.” It’s a beautiful combination of my recent discovery (Pistol Pete Maravich) and my post-NHL lockout love (the Toronto Raptors).

Now, I don’t love Sam Mitchell, but I don’t hate him as some fans out there do. Nor am I going to analyze and criticize his coaching decisions and style. That’s not what I’m about. I’m a think-positive blogger who appreciates the NBA for what it is: entertainment. If the Raptors can get beyond the first round of the playoffs, great! If not — well, too bad. Life goes on, and I’ll be reading DraftExpress while we wait for summer to begin. And I’ll probably think of some off-the-wall post to amuse you.

Which leads me to my schedule: I ain’t got one! I have a busy life outside of blogging. But whenever a great idea or burning thought crosses my mind, I’ll try to come here and write it up. And more than likely I’ll have read and hyped up articles and posts in the blogosphere, which you can see on my BallHype profile.

So, welcome to Pete Marasmitch! Let’s see how long this ride will last.