Eric Koreen

www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBcb...

Re: Russ last night: When he's at the podium, he can say what he wants. However, if he really respected the journalist(s)'s job, as he repeated, he would have a) pulled him aside not in front of peers; b) actually identified what really pissed him off instead of gone off on whole room vaguely.

I wear the same four button-ups, two pair of pants and New Balances that I mix and match to every game. I'm not far behind you.

I admire your consistent fashion choices.

Scottie Barnes’ growth, sticking in the top 6 and more: Raptors mailbag There were so many questions that the Raptors mailbag has been split into two. In this first, Eric Koreen looks at bigger-picture questions.

A big picture Raptors mailbag.

I'm not at the game. But TJD is not the answer to offensive issues.

Minnesota is excellent and physical and ready to win. No shame in losing to them. You'd just like the execution to improve a bit, especially as they get healthier.

IQ leaves his feet with no plan, BI stripped at top of key. Not physical enough offence. It's a dead horse at this point, but yeah.

Raps +5 in Scottie's 28, which puts them at -19 in the other 8.

Raps could really use CMB to deal with Wolves' size. But everyone is missing a guy at this time of the year. Raps not playing with enough offensive force — IQ in particular, but BI, Shead and WALTER too. But this team is just limited in that manner. They need some more dudes.

Gobert has spooked the Raps all night long. Still one of the best and most impactful defenders in the league.

Edwards is special, obviously. But the Raps' offence has been a disaster when the starters haven't been on the floor for the last two games.

Magic score the last five points to pull out a win over the Mavs. Not ideal for the Raps, but you make your own luck sometimes.

Alas, offence also exists.

Raps defending their butts off here. They have a few bad matchups, especially when Scottie is off. But great competitiveness.

Brandon Ingram will play for the Raps tonight

In like 18 years doing this, I've kicked most of my fan habits. But I still want the Boston Celtics to fail. I can't quit that.

"Nice to Noem you/Goodbye" - Incubus

Need official word from @thepressbox.bsky.social re: adjective changes once an embattled person is let go. I know "former" works, but can we use "defeated," too?

From the Pete Rose School of "It ain't a crime if I'm wagering on myself." Except different.

Even the president of the NBPA is just one member, and he is beholden to the membership. But if FVV's position is widely held, and union is willing to make fighting gambling partnerships a priority, that would be really interesting. (Colour me skeptical about the priority part.)

Good piece on FVV

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Not significantly less so than usual

The only enjoyable thing in life is reading while your pets sleep on you.

I think SGA and Seth Rollins share a stylist.

Honestly, the answer might be Jermaine O'Neal, strictly by perception around league at time.

CMB is out tomorrow vs. Wolves with a left thumb sprain. Ingram is questionable, too, for the same reason.

Fun fact: Raptors are 1-13 in games against teams with a top-7 record this season, 34-13 against the rest of the NBA.

Defensive rating vs top-7 teams: 121.0 (would be 30th)
Defensive rating vs everyone else: 109.5 (would be 3rd)

“fact-based feeling” is unfortunately an instant classic

Loss to Knicks is latest proof that Raptors aren't ready for playoffs

The Raptors aren't ready for this. (Gift link)