Nov 1 Quick Hits: Raptors Reaction

Instant reaction following the Raptors’ 90-88 loss to the Indiana Pacers:

Kyle Lowry looked great in his Raptors debut

• Taking a playoff-calibre team like the Pacers to the wire is an encouraging start for the Raps. But keep in mind Indiana was playing without their best scorer in Danny Granger. The game was still a nice showing, but it also suggests the Raptors won’t be able to compete with top talent in the NBA yet
• Kyle Lowry exceeded expectations. He looked fantastic all night, other than when he was blown by for the game-winning basket. No need to face-guard that far out, Kyle
• Rookie Jonas Valanciunas also had a good Raptors debut. His time was limited due to foul trouble, but he still managed 12 points and 10 rebounds. That’s a promising start
• The best thing about the Lowry acquisition is that Calderon is now the backup point guard. As a starter, Calderon was too slow to match up with top-tier point guards. Running the second unit (and being one of their main scoring options) seems like a perfect fit for Jose
• I thought Andrea Bargnani had improved his aggressiveness and rebounding last year. One game into this season, and it looks like he’s reverted back to his old ways. He was awful on the boards, and settled for too many jumpers
• The main thing I took away from the game was the Raptors’ need of a closer. They fell apart down the stretch, and completely blew a late 4^th quarter lead—all because they don’t have a guy who can put the team on his shoulders, and get some late buckets. Bargnani isn’t a closer (his attempted game-tying shot was horrible), and the Raptors need to find “the guy” quickly

Oct. 28 Quick Hits: James Harden Trade Reaction

In a surprising move, the Oklahoma City Thunder dealt James Harden to the Houston Rockets just a couple days before the start of the NBA season. Here's what it means for both teams:

Houston Rockets:

Obviously, they view Harden as a franchise-defining player. They gave up Kevin Martin (who will become a free agent after the season), Jeremy Lamb (the 12th overall pick in the draft a couple months ago) and 3 future draft picks. That's a steep price, and a package you don't part with unless you think you're getting top-tier guy in return.

Quick Hits July 27: Noteworthy NHL Transactions

• Rick Nash is finally out in Columbus and on his way to the New York Rangers, and to me, that's not the most interesting piece of this move. That accolade would go the fact that Blue Jackets' GM Scott Howson waited this long to receive so little for his team's most valuable commodity.

Quick Hits July 25: Manny and Hanley

Courtesy: US PRESSWIRE

Is it 2008 again? Because the déjà vu factor is through the roof for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Four years ago, LA was fighting for a playoff spot, but struggling on offense. They decided to make a move for an extremely talented offensive player, who was known to be a headache off the diamond. Fast forward, and the Dodgers have done the exact same thing.

In 2008 it was Manny Ramirez; in 2012 it’s Hanley Ramirez.

Quick Hits: Sept.19th

I've seen a lot throughout my years as an NFL fan: a quarterback as mediocre as Trent Dilfer win a Superbowl; an unstoppable, undefeated team lose a Superbowl to a wildcard team; a man shoot himself in the leg and go to prison, only to return to the league. But one thing I'd never imagine, is a team one year removed from winning a division title stoop to worst record in the league. The 2011 Kansas City Chiefs, though, may just do that.

Quick Hits: Sept. 17

(Editor's Note: As a diehard Yankees fan, this pains me to write)

If it's possible for a single game to be pivotal in a 162 game season, last night's Boston Red Sox 3-2 win fit the bill. In the midst of a dismal stretch, and with the Tampa Rays right on their heels, the BoSox got their ace, Josh Beckett, back from injury to provide the spark they needed. Beckett pitched a gritty 6 innings, throwing 7 strikeouts, and for the first time in what seems like months—and to the dismay of Red Sox haters across the universe—the bullpen actually held up.