Delfino, where are you?

I'm not going to lie, its pretty difficult to write about the Raptors when you're sick about speculating on rumors, venting frustration or praying for a rally. So let's take a refreshing take at not someone who can save us now, but may be integral in the future. A player we all came to love last season for his calm demeanor, do it all attitude and fantastic two way ability, Mr Carlos Delfino.

Put on a Raptor uniform again!








On a side note, I thought it was hilarious that on google images, this was the first image that came up for him.












But in all seriousness, when I first heard the rumor of him wanting to return a few months back I was ecstatic! When we first got O'Neal, I was of firm belief that we would be a strong force IF we could keep Delfino. Use him how you will, our starting sf to help Parker with defensive assignments, or a nice solid lead by example player with a scoring punch for the bench. Either way, he satisfies our two greatest weaknesses, the ability to penetrate and draw fouls, and the ability to play two-way basketball, be a threat and guard your position. Unfortunately, Khimki knows what a model player and person they have and are committed to keeping him there as a center piece. As expected, he is helping them contend for the title and be one of the giants of their league. As more and more NBA players are striving to return to the NBA however, BC and many others feel confident that Delfino will attempt to return. I doubted whether BC had full intentions to bring him back, but after witnessing the Raptors plight and hearing him express his desire and plans to in fact do so, my faith is renewed.

For those of you including myself, who wish he never left, we fail to see the benefit of his leaving. For one, this gave Graham a final opportunity and to his credit, he is making use of it. Not only to help restore our confidence and his own, but to also prove that although he will never be a star, he has a place in the NBA as a solid cheap rotation player. Whether he remains in Toronto is impossible to foresee but he has definitely increased his trade value and I'm sure he will play somewhere in the NBA. The more important reason however is the opportunity for growth this provided for Delfino. He stormed into a situation where for once, he could literally be the man and with his package of shooting ability, penetration, defense, speed and strength, he was in a position to bring some magic to that league. As was the case with Joey, he took full advantage of it and has blossomed into one of the faces of that league. Sources say that he has not only thrived, but developed greatly in his already high basketball IQ, basketball abilities and his team play, a staple of European basketball. Another key benefit, he's learning to be clutch, has become a fourth quarter factor and has led Khimki through a lot of last minute battles. Can you name a certain team that might need that?

I for one can't wait to see the new and improved Delfino with the Raps again next season, and you know you're lying if you're not excited either!