reflections
June 6th, 2008 Andrea Bargnani - What direction is perfection?

“With the first pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors select….Andrea Bargnani” announced David Stern almost two years ago.  At that point, many were comparing him to Dirk Nowitzki, one of the the best in the game.  Many thought he could be better.

After Bargnani’s rookie season had ended, he was showing flashes of amazing potential, and stepped him game up huge in the playoffs.  At that point, even more were sure he’d be something amazing.  There were faults in his game, yes.  But surely he would get the coaching he would need to make his weaknesses his strengths.  Not everyone believed; he would undoubtedly have to silence the critics before he could climb the mountain to NBA stardom.

Halloween 2007, Game 1.  Bargnani puts up 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks.  The Raptors romp the 76ers.  It seemed like a season to remember.  Game two, the Raptors defile the Nets by 37 points.  Bargnani puts up 21.  With Bosh and Bargnani playing the four and five, the future was brighter then the Toronto skyline itself.

The rest is a blur until May, when Orlando beats us in 5.  The off-season begins, 41-41. And we face a huge question.  Does Bargnani get amnesty?  His value right now is still high, and we probably could cash in somewhere.  Where exactly, is not important; but if we make the wrong decision, who knows what could happen; maybe it could be the difference between a championship and nothing a few years down the road.

What will it take to get Bargnani to take it to the next level? His good games were far from flukes, no question.  His talent is so unique.  We can’t possibly give up on him, can we? We’re all supporting him, and when Smitch didn’t for those few weeks, nothing changed.  My only other guess would be that Uros Slokar, who spoke fluent Italian helped comfort him, and let him relax a bit, I suppose.   Could that be it? Could he just be feeling alone? I am obviously not in the locker room, but I suppose it’s a possibility.

The two options are very clear, no question. The choice, not so much. Believe me, I am as confused as a drug addict doing calculus right now with all this.  But im hoping all the best for Andrea Bargnani.

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