The Art Of Being Assertive.

Half of Raptorland are up in arms over TJ Ford's taking the last 3 point shot in last night's game. What else is new ? TJ took the previous 3 pt. shot that made the game closer so his repeating the deed was not a surprise . It just that the shot did not go in resulting in the loss by the Raps to the Jazz , 88-92. One will recall that TJ was also the one who extended the game vs. the Celtics by cashing in on an incredible 25 footer . After that game which the Raps eventually lost in overtime , TJ said ' If we made the plays , you guys (sportswriters) would be saying how great we are ' . Say what you may about TJ but the guy is fearless when it comes to taking the big shots. Even last season , the small guard is not afraid to take the money shots especially in the waning seconds of the game. Are the Raptors without a more bankable guy ? Yes. Since Vince Carter left , no one seems to want the job . Not team leader Chris Bosh who I think hides in crunch times. See Bosh even hide his height in the photo on the right ! TJ Ford is indeed The Little Engine That Could .....Screw Up !
I expect TJ to be even more assertive this season . Assertive to the point of being a pain in the ass. He knows that B.C. must decide before or at the end of the season to either trade him or Jose Calderon. This being Jose's contract year , the other half of dynamic duo will surely ask either for a huge pay (more than TJ) and/or a starting role . Who knows Calderon and now Raptor garbage, Jorge Garbajosa, might join their countrymen Pau Gasol and Navarro in Madrid , err I mean , Memphis. In any case , TJ must convince the Raptors powers that be that he is the one worth keeping. That's why the beginning of this season , TJ stated as his aim to lead the NBA in assist. That means play him more , Sam . Let's just say TJ is assisting his cause by being more assertive !


TJ Ford : B.C. , I am stronger than Jose . I take my Flintstones vitamins everyday !