The screen network is part of a massive $50 million facelift to the landmark facility. It now has more than 320 HD-quality video display monitors installed in a wide variety of configurations in the public areas. The screens serve several purposes, but many are replacing traditional backlit poster advertising boards, enabling MLSE to change messaging by event and on very short notice. Network digital screens give MLSE’s media department the ability to tailor advertisers and schedules by event and target audience.
Marco Belinelli never really hit his stride in Golden State, but things may be different in Toronto. He did shoot nearly 40% from beyond the arc last year, which is sure to fit nicely with the Raptors.
Playing alongside countryman Andrea Bargnani won’t hurt, but the best thing about Belinelli’s arrival in Toronto is the opportunity to slow down. Golden State’s 101 possessions per 48 minutes is pretty fast. Toronto ranked 14th in the NBA last year in pace and Belinelli might become more efficient offensively if he had more looks in the half-court.
The Raptors, on the other hand, brought in an additional playmaker in Hedo Turkoglu and committed to Andrea Bargnani as their starting center. Bosh was the first and second option on offense last season in Toronto and opponents knew it. With Turkoglu in town and Bargnani developing, teams will no longer be able to consistently double-team the Georgia Tech product. Also, Bargnani is a perimeter player, allowing Bosh to pile up the boards underneath the basket. A second straight season of double-digit rebounds is a given.
This is certainly a close call. I think these two will score a similar amount of points while Bosh will hold a significant edge in rebounds and Nowitzki will get the nod in three-pointers. The decision-breaker for me is this – Bosh is eligible at center while Nowitzki is not. The winner here is Bosh.
