5. DeMar DeRozan, Raptors – While I struggled with the idea of putting James Harden or Jonny Flynn in this spot, there’s just too many guys on the Thunder (Durant, Westbrook, Green) and Timberwolves (Jefferson, Love, Sessions) that are going to be putting up numbers. So when looking at the rest of the rookie class, my dark horse ROY candidate has to be DeRozan. While Chris Bosh and Hedo Turkoglu are going to be the stars of this team, the Raptors are hoping that DeMar can be like another Vince Carter/Tracy McGrady when they were in Toronto (minus the unhapiness). Slated to start right away, he should have his chance.
The Kobe Dog thrilled me, not because it’s made from American wagyu (Kobe) beef at Snake River Farms in Idaho, but because it’s topped with wasabi mayonnaise, Asian slaw, pickled ginger and toasted nori (seaweed). Tubby Dog in Calgary and Japadog in Vancouver have similar creations.
Star restaurant critic Corey Mintz enjoyed the Maple, Reuben, Southern BBQ (with pulled pork) and Bacon-Wrapped dogs. He wasn’t pleased by the Chicken Dog ("an unpleasant casing") or the "ludicrously precarious balance of the veggie dog." The veggie dog, served in a romaine heart, can come in a bun.
The Pizza Pizza Dog is actually a collaboration with the pizza chain, using its sauce and pepperoni. And if you’re wondering why the Poutine Dog is topped with Hickory Sticks instead of fries, it’s because Bartley grew up on them.
There’s no corn dog on the menu yet (that would require a deep fryer) but watch in November for the Posh Dog. This Kobe beef dog will have sliced foie gras torchon (a poached, fattened duck’s liver), with pickled chanterelle mushrooms, caramelized onions and blackberry mustard.
Yesterday was also the launch of Wally’s Donut Shop, named for ACC pastry chef Wally Arruda.
It will sell Raptor Claws and Bear Claws (fried dough sprinkled with cinnamon sugar) for $5.95 and 12-packs of mini doughnuts for $4.95.
Brothersteve’s Green & Red Raptor Blog
Not much has changed in Rasho’s game since he left the Raptors just over a year ago and it doesn’t look like fans should be expecting anything different from the last time we saw him. Rasho will still be that steady slow-footed center who doesn’t cause a lot of excitement on either end of the floor. He’ll still be that player who defends by being in the right position and who doesn’t foul much because he rarely leaves his feet. Rasho will also score mostly on short range jumpers and lay-ups when he takes advantage of defensive mistakes and he can still make the nice pass to complete a play.
As for right now, I’m starting to settle in here in Toronto. I’ve found a place to live and I’m working on getting all that settled today. I may let the cameras in for a tour so you guys can all check it out when I’m set up and everything.
I’ve got to see more of the city since it’s Film Festival week. We went out with Steve Nash about a week ago and that was great. Just being around the whole atmosphere and really feeling the vibe from everybody – sometimes I forget I’m a rookie in Toronto! And that when I go out, I’m going to get recognized. That’s still a little strange!
Everybody’s been greeting me like “welcome to the city,” and telling me where the good restaurants are and everything. I went to the mall about a week ago and it was crazy! You’d think a pop star or something was walking through the mall!
The signing of Turkoglu and drafting of DeMar DeRozan provided the big news in Toronto, but adding Jack to share time with Jose Calderon means the Raptors won’t have to put Marcus Banks on the floor. That’s a fine argument for any talk about making a playoff run.
Whether this will amount to more wins and a playoff berth is the question that is on the minds of all Raptor fans. Off-season articles surrounding the teams chances has seen them listed as anything from “don’t have a chance” to “Possible sleeper picks”. Some have hyphothesized the team will have three all-stars; others argue only one. No matter what people are saying there has been a lot to say about the Raptors this off-season. They have been one of the biggest players on the free agent market and now look to translate that energy into wins on the court.
In 2009, Andrea Bargnani played 46 games averaging 35 minutes a night. In that time, he scored 19 points a night on a true shooting percentage of 57.6% which is very efficient.
Andrea Bargnani also averaged 6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.16 blocks and less than half a steal a night.
