The Bargnani Factor
Since the Toronto Raptors chose Andrea Bargnani in the NBA Draft, there have been questions concerning the wisdom of that selection. I have been among those who wondered if the seven-foot Italian would evolve into a player worthy of being the number one choice. In fact, as recently as November, I opined that there were nights when Bargnani performed like a complete player, but too many others when spent far too much time hovering around the three-point line, demonstrating an apparent unwillingness to fight his way to the basket…with the ball or without it.
One evening on PTS I suggested there were times when Andrea was a star, but as many occasions when he looked like a D-League player. Certainly, that was too harsh, but the observation was not lost on Raptors President and G.M. Brian Colangelo who pointedly asked, on the air, if I was serious.
Well, I was. And I still believe that my observation was valid.
But over the past month we have watched Bargnani evolve into a more complete player. While his ability to make shots from 24 feet remains, it is his willingness to put the ball on the floor and drive to the basket with a proficiency rarely seen in big men, which has dramatically changed his effectiveness.
There is no way to know if Chris Bosh will be a part of the Raptors future. But the arrival of the "new" Andrea Bargnani can only help. What the tall Italian is currently providing is what Colangelo had in mind when he overspent to acquire Hedo Turkoglu…a running mate for CB4. While Turkoglu has been more than a little disappointing, Bargnani is making the Raptors a team that creates a myriad of problems for their opponents. And, as a group, this team is playing as well as any Raptor team in their 15 year history.
To Chris Bosh, money will matter. The city will matter. But the chance to win will also be a significant factor as Bosh wrestles with a decision concerning his future.
Right now, the most influential element of that decision might well be Andrea Bargnani. And his evolution has been one that, honestly, I didn't think was possible.
Postscript
10:07 p.m., Thursday
The Raptors have just completed a road win over the Knicks. Bargnani was entirely ineffective while Turkoglu produced his best game of the season. If nothing else it proves that sports, as a science, is as inexact as it gets.
B.M.
PPUBESZMNWTF
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chadoo wrote on Jan 29, 2010
Re, Postscript: A win is a win, as far as Raptor fans are concerned. The more Ws they post, the better.tim wrote on Jan 29, 2010
I like what Andrea can potentially bring but the team still needs a selfish North American player who can score and drive on a consistant basisYukonSloMo wrote on Jan 29, 2010
Confidence is everything..and apparently the team has more of that..which in turn builds more of an identity. I like how the team is fighting for the ball, rebounds and the teamwork is getting there. The key to all of this is the work of the GM and the Coach...they need to lead by example..and ensure the keep the players they have..and attract new ones to the Big Smoke. Its nice to see the fans supporting them more....keep it going boys...bmanolak wrote on Jan 29, 2010
Bob, Please never be positive about Bargnani again. We want him to play well. Bargnani's has been a more effective player when you are negative.Mike wrote on Jan 29, 2010
Maybe Bargnani didn't like Ball as much as Hedo did last night. The Raptors should find Ball that both of them like to play with.Rob wrote on Jan 29, 2010
Bring nack Doug MacLean!!!!!!!! to the roiund table. Raptors will make the third round, have a love fest, Bosh will resign,m they will suck next year , he will want out!fred lorico wrote on Jan 29, 2010
re: bargnani ineffective night in new york..he had a bum foot..let's hope its not serious.. i'm sure this post will make ammends with mr. Colangelo. Just thought it was pretty funny that night he called you out on it. :) IMO, Bargnani should be considered as most improved player..his stats are only a bit up from his career average but the improved style of play should be a factor, and his defense has stepped up too.Raptors Devotee wrote on Jan 28, 2010
Wow, I did not think you had it in you Bob. I have to say I am extremely impressed with your post, as your past critique of Bargnani's play has been harsh IMO, as even before he elevated his game to its current level, calling him a "D" league player at times was overdoing it. If he is a "D" league player, then Turkoglu's play would merit an "F" for sure this year. Yes, there have been nights where Bargnani has floated, not pulled in many boards, and been quiet on the scoresheet, but those nights were few and far between. Even so, his offensive skills have always brought out the opposing centre thus allowing Bosh more room to operate both in the paint and the Pick and Roll. When Colangelo drafted Bargnani he was envisioning the best player out of the draft in 5 years. He will come close, as Roy will in all certainty be rated ahead of him, but Bargs to even be considered for that now demonstrates the leaps and bounds that he has improved his game.