J.O. to T.O!

Toronto’s newest (and highest ever paid) Raptor

The Indiana Pacers and Raptors have agreed in principle to trade six-time all-star Jermaine O’Neal for TJ Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, and their 17th overall pick. Toronto’s Maceo Baston is also rumored to be included in the deal and Indiana’s 41st overall pick will be going to the Raptors.

Rumors began to swirl earlier this week before the deal apparently hit a snag when concerns over both players’ health was brought into question before talks picked up again shortly after.

John Hollinger of ESPN thinks the trade is beneficial to both teams

The Championship Celtics and what it means for the Raptors

“New Kids on the Block had a bunch of hits…”

I decided I was going to root for the Celtics half way through the series. I actually was impartial to both sides entering the series but finally decided to root for the Celtics winning because of it’s implications on the Raptors. First, it signifies that we’re clearly no longer the T.O.A.D (Top Of the Atlantic Division… Yes lame acronym, I know). As long as the big three are together, the Raptors will have a tough time competing for that top spot for at least the next three years. Secondly, it shows how quickly a team can change it’s fate by bringing in big talent. Although the Celtics 4 through 15 were questioned, getting a Kevin Garnett and a Ray Allen brought faith back to the franchise and had everyone buy into their team philosophy and, in turn,solidified their team. Then there’s the Raptors, suffering from a lowly .500 season after a 47 win campaign that had everyone believing in BC and now quickly losing their faith. phdsteve from RaptorsTalk suggested trading our franchise Chris Bosh. While I’m not sure what it will take to turn this franhise around, I do know that you can’t win it all with a Chris Bosh, Forderon, and a bunch of change. It’s time to change in those nickels and pennies for straight dimes. Now get ‘er done, BC!

With season over, Raptors must address point guard spot (AP)

Simply making the playoffs isn’t good enough anymore for the Toronto Raptors. This team won’t be satisfied until it makes the leap from status quo to the second round and beyond. Last year, Toronto ended four years of futility by capturing its first Atlantic Division title and earning the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Magic beat Raptors, head to second round of playoffs (AP)

Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy saw something different about Dwight Howard heading into the playoffs. The 22-year-old All-Star, usually the team’s biggest jokester, suddenly got serious. So did his already-impressive numbers. Howard had 21 points, 21 rebounds and three blocks — his third 20-20 game in the series — and the Magic advanced to second round for the first time in 12 years by beating…

Lewis, Howard help Magic take 3-1 lead over Raptors (AP)

Challenged by his coach to show more aggression, Jameer Nelson responded with a furious fourth quarter. Nelson scored 12 of his 19 points in the final period, including 10 straight at one stretch, and the Orlando Magic beat the Toronto Raptors 106-94 on Saturday to take a 3-1 lead in their first-round playoff series.