The recent injuries for the Toronto Raptors have fans wondering “what’s in the City of Toronto’s water?” After last nights injury to Forward Jorge Garbajosa, the Raptors management have to be wondering as well. The total man games lost this month is 15 (Anthony Parker-7, Andrea Bargnani-4, Jose Calderon-3, Juan Dixon-1). There is no set timetable for Bargnani’s return, and the most recent reports have Garbajosa out until next September. Fortunately for the Raptors their lead in the Atlantic is at 6 games and with both the Nets and Knicks unable to put together winning streaks, the Raps seem to have a playoff spot locked down.
The Raptors need their bench to step up with Garbo and El Mago out for an extended period of time. Combined the rookies average 53.3 minutes per game and their presence will be missed. Look for Joey Graham, Kris Humphries, Juan Dixon and Mo Peterson to have their minutes increased.
Eight of the Raptors last twelve games are against playoff bound teams, which included two games against defending champs Miami and two against the East’s best Detroit Pistons.
Technorati Tags: Jorge Garbajosa, Anthony Parker, Andrea Bargnani, Jose Calderon, Juan Dion, Morris Peterson, Joey Graham, Kris Humphries
March 27th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
I can honestly say I’ve never seen an injury like the one to Garbo in my years of watching sports. Guaranteed he is out for the year.. i’m more worried that his career could be affected. He should have never been chasing down that shot… heart or not… there needs to be an evaluation of risk.
March 27th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
i think it speaks volumes about him that he chased that down, and tried to make a play on that possession. but you are right, he should never have tried. it is easier said than done in that situation. i hope his career isn’t done, he is a real stand up guy.
March 27th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
Much easier said than done, and I do have made respek for him for doing it. BUT having the luxury of looking back on it, against Boston, when you are down by a few buckets, and you are all but assured a playoff spot… I think Sam Mitchell might have some advice for the rest of the team on those sorts of plays for the rest of the season.
March 27th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
Well, I didn’t want to say it, but at that point of the game, with the Raptors obviously not too interested in playing basketball, maybe it was the time to get Humphries, Graham, Luke Jackson (I mean, we did sign him to a 10 day contract, and that was like day 3 or something) into the game, and sit guys like Ford, Bosh and Garbo. Again, it is much easier to sit here now, and say that in hindsight.
March 27th, 2007 at 6:04 pm
Hindsight is 20/20, but I do agree with you guys when it comes down to who’s on the floor with under 3 minutes when the game is all but lost. never giving up on the play is something that Garbo has been doing all season and it is the reason he is such a fan favorite, but it would have been nice to see him on the bench.
March 27th, 2007 at 6:07 pm
I was watching sportsnet connected today and they were talking about Al Jefferson and how he bounced back into full contact practices after only 2 weeks of rehab. Now that doesnt mean that El Mago will be back at the same time, but it does give the raptors a little insight on how long the Italian will be out. I saw just take your time with him and rely on your bench to step it up.
March 29th, 2007 at 10:50 am
hey, the raps did well last night vs. the heat. i wonder whether it’s good or not so good. that means as #3 they will meet #6 which is the heat with dwade in the lineup come playoff time.
March 29th, 2007 at 12:48 pm
I don’t know how good a thing it is. I am hoping that Miami takes the 4th spot, and Washington drops to 6th. I think we have the best shot against the Wizards because they don’t play any defense. I like our chances compared to a motivated Miami team, and I never like playing the Bulls.
March 30th, 2007 at 9:41 am
I also like the matchup against the wizards, but I wouldnt be too worried about the heat. Wade isnt 100% returning and Shaq will be hurting after the end of the season. I dont want the Raps to play the Bulls at all. They match up well, but I think the Bulls have a better all around team (now that Garbo’s out and Bargnani has no return date)and they can throw Wallace at Bosh.