Toronto Raptors Ramblings

I want to sing among the stars. Tell me what life is like on…Jupiter or Mars.

Well I can't tell you about that but our latest non-rookie, old-timer rookie, 27 year old Jamario Moonshine Graham sure makes me feel like crooning. We heard the pre-season hype that he could jump out of the gym, that he was uber-athletic and could 'do some things'. Then we saw Lucky Luke Jackson get cut to make room for him. Then we saw him take off his suit and get off that inactive list.

In the Bucks blowout we saw him run around, jack a couple bricks and hustle for some boards. Orlando he was now part of Sam's see-saw, logging the big O. And then came Philly, Moon earned 22 minutes, was 4-8, with 1 block, 2 steals, 8 boards. And then in Chicago, as you know, it got even better in 24 minutes...as a starter.

The bottom line is that so long as the Raptors (see: Delfino and bargNani) can't get the ball movement that we need happening (or at least fake past their defender) having Kapono sitting in coverage in the corner is as useful as having a 4^th nipple. Might as well have someone in there who can grab some boards, play some defence and give us a boost. Well this kids a boost. He's getting his first at-bat at the age of 27 and unlike Moonlight Graham (a.k.a. Dr. Archibald), a.k.a. if you haven't seen Field of Dreams this makes no sense (and p.s. rent freaking Field of Dreams if you haven't seen it already), unlike Moonlight he's going to get more than one at bat. I'm not saying he's the next JYD, I'm just hopeful he's not the next Bad Joey Graham.

On this squad you'll get minutes if you play well (and even if you don't if your name rhymes with Barlos Melbino). But it's all about Moon right now so let's kick back and enjoy.

I repeat, it's time to enjoy. Don't be negative. Don't ask questions like 'why did he get suspended from school?' or 'how come he's just making the league at 27?'. Maybe 'Why did he try to sing our national anthem without first learning the tune?'. Or 'hey, why are there You Tube highlights of him playing with the Harlem Globetrotters?'.

Moon told the world that his teammates have been making him ride it for his MJ Imitation dunk in Chicago....in that he can do better. He's promised to light up the highlight reel if he sees consistent minutes. Word on the street is this kid might just be a contender. Word is.

Here's hoping Raptors faithful…hoping that we may have found the next great spark for our squad, the moonshine in our Gatorade, the next great hustling, scrambling, Larry Bird number wearing, high flying future dunk champion. For now, for the next few days or weeks we can all hope for that.

p.s. Seriously It's not my favourite sports movie or anything but if you haven't seen Field of Dreams stop trolling the new release section for some trash that wasn't worth theatre prices and pick yourself up a nice weekly rental you are guaranteed to like.

Ray Kinsella: Fifty years ago, for five minutes you came within... y-you came this close. It would KILL some men to get so close to their dream and not touch it. God, they'd consider it a tragedy.
Dr. Archibald "Moonlight" Graham: Son, if I'd only gotten to be a doctor for five minutes... now that would have been a tragedy.