Painzable » most clutch shot in Raptors

Its been 11 years since Mike Weir raised his arms in celebration after tapping in a short putt to win the Masters. Tyeler Davison Jersey . For sure, April 2003 was a magical time for the lefthander. But it was April 2010 that may end up being just as significant. It was that month in that year that he conked a root with his swing and injured his elbow during play at the Heritage. That started the long spiral down from which he is still fighting to recover. Since that fateful day in Hilton Head, Weir has played 73 tournaments and missed the cut 53 times with four withdrawals. Hes had surgery and taken time away to recover from various ailments. Hes switched coaches and hes tried different swings. But through it all, one thing Weir has never done is lose hope. As good as his game has been over the years, as talented as he was with the putter and as precise as he was with the wedges, its his dog-on-a-bone determination, his will and self-belief that have been his biggest assets. And that only increases when it gets close to Masters time. "I really think I can contend there," Weir said of the years first major. "I still believe in myself, more than anything. When I step on the grounds there, I have confidence. I know how to play that golf course. I have a great strategy for that golf course that doesnt really change." Weir is playing the PGA Tour on the second of two lifetime money list exemptions but he has a lifetime pass to Augusta, so no matter what happens down the road, he can keep coming back. But he doesnt want to be there in a ceremonial way; he wants to see his name on the leaderboard again and he believes that can happen even if he admits that might surprise a few people. "Im definitely under the radar," stated Weir, who hasnt been under par at Augusta since his opening round of 2010. "I hope to build on the next couple weeks. Its obviously a course I love. Good vibes and memories there — and I definitely know how to play that golf course." During much of his period of struggle, its been the driver thats been the weak link in his bag but lately the troubles have come at the other end. "Ive been really struggling on the greens, which is unlike me. My last start in Tampa, I made only two birdies, from four and five feet. I think Ive just spent so much time on the golf swing — 80/20, probably — I just needed to put more attention on the short game, which Ive done." Even with renewed confidence in his big stick, Weir knows that to conquer Augusta National, hell need to have all parts of his game going. As a medium to short hitter, tackling a 7,700-yard layout is going to put pressure on his wedges and putter. The course is so different than the one he played on in his first Masters in 2000 and the one he won on in 2003. Its longer, has a first cut (aka rough) and trees have been planted that remove some the possible angles that can be used to get at pins. But mostly, its just so much longer. "It takes a special kind of week to win there," he stated, "for someone outside the bombers. But it can still be done." It would certainly be special to see Canadas most successful golfer in the hunt again at the Masters, or anywhere for that matter. If he doesnt, it certainly wont be from lack of effort. Weir has spent long hours on the range and the putting green, trying to find the magic once again. Perhaps it will finally come together for him at Augusta National. Eli Apple Jersey . - Gary Kubiak is John Elways No. P.J. Williams Jersey . Funny, they looked like longtime friends during Pittsburghs 5-1 demolition of Dallas on Tuesday night. Quick to the puck and even quicker to the net, the Penguins top line overwhelmed the suddenly struggling Stars as Pittsburgh bounced back from a dismal weekend sweep at the hands of Philadelphia by jumping on Dallas early. http://www.officialneworleanssaintsfootball.com/authentic-alvin-kamara-jersey-womens . Pekovic had an MRI test Tuesday on his right ankle that revealed bursitis, which is inflammation of the fluid-filled pad that cushions the joint.We wanted to present to you our version of the best all-time Raptors team and we expect debate and look forward to your suggestions of where we went wrong. Below you will also find some reasoning why we picked the team we went with. So, here it is: our ALL-TIME RAPTORS TEAM. The All-Raptors Team The Toronto Raptors are, without question, Canadas NBA team and as their 20th season approaches, we thought that it would be interesting to put together the all-time best Raptors team or the All-Raptors Team. The teams entrants are based mostly on statistical achievements and league honours, but can also factor in that players impact on the team. Despite having not won an NBA Championship or frankly come close, hopes are high for this years Raptors team as they enter into the NBA Playoffs with the most wins in regular season franchise history, the third seed in the Eastern Conference and their second Atlantic Division championship. All-Raptors First Team Centre: Antonio Davis – 42.6 FG%, 77.0 FT%, 12.9 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 1.3 bpg, 1x NBA All-Star appearance (2001) An easy choice as Davis is the only centre in the history of the franchise to earn an NBA All-Star berth. Davis was the defensive anchor of the Raptors when they earned three straight NBA Playoffs berths and in the most successful incarnation of the team which made it to the Eastern Conference semifinals. Here are highlights from the only NBA All-Star Game that featured two starters from the Raptors: Power Forward: Chris Bosh – 49.2 FG%, 79.6 FT%, 20.2 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 1.2 bpg, 5x NBA All-Star, 03-04 NBA All-Rookie First Team, 06-07 NBA All-League 2nd Team Back when he was known as CB4, Bosh was the future star of the Raptors. Compared to Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett when he entered the storied 2003 NBA Draft, he fell into the Raptors lap when they selected fourth and has had a fantastic career since. Despite his decision to leave the Raptors for the Miami Heat, he had a great run in Toronto, leading the team to two NBA Playoffs berths and earning five All-Star appearances in seven seasons. One of which he earned using this clever video: Small Forward: Vince Carter – 44.6 FG%, 78.3 FT%, 23.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.9 apg, 5x NBA All-Star, 98-99 NBA Rookie of the Year, 98-99 NBA All-Rookie Team, 99-00 NBA All-League 3rd Team, 00-01 NBA All-League 2nd Team The only other Raptors player to earn more than a single All-Star Game berth while with the team is Vince Carter, AKA Vinsanity, AKA Air Canada, AKA Half Man Half Amazing. Carter deserves credit for putting the Raptors on the map as the leagues most exciting player. The Raptors started appearing in nationally-televised games in the U.S. and he was the face of Nike for a time. That time came to an end when he stopped dunking the ball in protest and demanded a trade. The Raptors obliged by trading Carter to the New Jersey Nets in the most lopsided trade in franchise history. Here is TNTs John Thompson interviewing Vince Carter after being traded and the Inside the NBA panel weighing in on it: Shooting Guard: DeMar DeRozan – 44.7 FG%, 81.5 FT%, 16.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1x NBA All-Star DeRozan earned his first NBA All-Star berth this past season and played a huge role in the most successful Raptors regular season of all-time. The improvement of DeRozan over the years has been pronounced and he will be a major player in the teams future outlook. DeRozan is the first All-Star in the post-Bosh era of the Raptors. Here is “Chocolate Thunder” Darryl Dawkins giving DeMar DeRozan instruction in preparation for the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest. Point Guard: Jose Calderon – 48.1 FG%, 87.7 FT%, 10.0 ppg, 7.2 apg, 2.5 rpg, 1.1 spg During his time with the Raptors and beyond, Calderon has been one of the most efficient offensive point guards in the NBA. Calderon has shone with his high shooting percentages, his near-automatic free throw shooting and his incredibly low assist-to-turnover ratio. Because of these attributes, he was narrowly selected for the All-Raptors First Team. Heres Calderon talking smack to Kevin Garnett: All-Raptors Second Team C: Marcus Camby – 44.8 FG%, 65.4 FT%, 15.7 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 3.3 bpg, 1.2 spg, 96-97 NBA All-Rookie Team Marcus Camby played two seasons with the Raptors after being drafted second overall in the 1996 NBA Draft. The Raptors actually won the draft lottery, landing them the top pick in a draft with Allen Iverson at the top, but had to move down a spot due to their expansion agreement with the league (in hindsight, one of the worst moments in franchise history). Cambys two seasons showed off his incredible defensive prowess, which would ultimately lead him to winning the NBAs Defensive Player of the Year Award as a member of the Denver Nuggets in 2006-07. Camby was traded to the New York Knicks after the 97-98 season in exchange for Charles Oakley, who would provide the Raptors with veteran leadership after drafting Vince Carter. Eventually, Camby was traded back to the Raptors as part of the Andrea Bargnani trade before this season, but he asked for his release so that he could go to a contender. Thanks for the vote of confidence Marcus. Hows that four-seed treating ya? Here is a young Marcus Camby talking about overcoming adversity for the Raptors: PF: Amir Johnson – 57.2 FG%, 70.3 FT%, 8.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.1 bpg When “The Junkyard Dog” Jerome Williams left the Raptors, they lost a player who has embraced the city of Toronto and been an advocate for it. Amir Johnson has filled those shoes. Johnson has been a great defensive presence and efficient offensive player who has improved dramatically each season since being acquired from the Bucks in a deal that brought him and Sonny Weems to Torontofor Carlos Delfino and Roko Ukic. Johnson also has an interesting piece of trivia attached to him, being the last high school player to be selected in an NBA Draft. Heres Amir Johnson at his first Leafs game: SF: Jalen Rose – 43.1 FG%, 82.2 FT%, 16.2 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 3.4 apg, 0.7 spg The point-forward position was made popular last decade by players like Rose, Lamar Odom and Antoine Walker. Rose was brought in via trade for Antonio Davis after Davis complained about his children having tto learn French in public school. Josh LeRibeus Jersey. The expectation was that Rose would be able to find openings for Vince Carter and he did for a season until Carter was shipped off. Rose, ironically, was traded along with a first round pick in exchange for Antonio Davis expiring contract. Davis would start eight more games with the Raptors at age 37 and then retire. Heres Rose giving his account of the legendary behind-the-scenes altercation between now-TSN NBA analyst Sam Mitchell and Vince Carter. SG: Doug Christie – 41.4 FG%, 81.7 FT%, 14.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.8 apg, 2.1 spg During his tenure in Toronto, Christie was known more for the relationship he had with his possessive wife Jackie than his defensive prowess. Christie was a jack-of-all-trades, but was primarily lauded for his ability to steal the ball and get the offence moving in transition. Christie went on to play an instrumental role on the Sacramento Kings during their years of title contention after the Raptors traded him there for Corliss Williamson. Heres Christie and Reggie Slater in a Toronto Maple Leafs Nike commercial: PG: Damon Stoudamire – 41.5 FG%, 82.0 FT%, 19.6 ppg, 8.8 apg, 4.1 rpg, 1.1 spg, 95-96 NBA Rookie of the Year, 95-96 NBA All-Rookie First Team “Mighty Mouse” was the original face of the Raptors and won the Rookie of the Year Award after the Raptors inaugural season despite getting booed by fans at the 1995 NBA Draft, which took place in Toronto. Raptors fans wanted the team to draft Ed OBannon. Stoudamire was a great floor general with a pass-first mentality, but also with great offensive prowess. Here is Stoudamires classic Nike commercial: All-Raptors Third Team C: Keon Clark – 50.0 FG%, 64.5 FT%, 15.2 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 1.4 apg, 2.1 bpg Clark was a really good player with a very sad story. Clark was an alcoholic and in a court hearing admitted to drinking a half-pint to full-pint of gin per day throughout his entire career. Despite his alcoholism, Clark was a tremendous talent, who was very efficient offensively and possessed great defensive prowess, especially when it came to shot blocking due to his incredible length. Clark retired young and told The Toronto Stars Dave Feschuk, "Anybody could use a guy like me when it comes down to basketball. I do know how to play it. But I dont know how to play those other games that go along with the NBA. Im non-conformist." Clark is currently serving an eight-year prison sentence in Vermilion County jail after pleading guilty to both a weapons charge and a drinking under the influence charge. Here is Marv Albert calling Clarks monster dunk on 76” Shawn Bradley: PF: Donyell Marshall – 45.7 FG%, 75.9 FT%, 13.8 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.0 spg, 1.1 bpg This was likely the toughest spot to fill as Marshall gets the nod over Andrea Bargnani, Jerome Williams and Charles Oakley for the final power forward spot on the All-Raptors Team. Why Marshall? Simply put, he was the consummate role player who did everything well. He had tremendous range for a big man, was a plus rebounder and defender. Marshall had one of the best statistical seasons for a Raptors player, averaging 16.2 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 1.2 spg and 1.6 bpg, while shooting 46.7 FG%, 40.3 3P% and 74.1 FT%. Here is Marshall sinking 12 three-pointers in a single game, an NBA record that he shares with Kobe Bryant to this day: SF: Tracy McGrady – 44.8 FG%, 71.2 FT%, 11.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.0 spg, 1.4 bpg Another event in Raptors franchise history that can be filed under “one of the worst things to happen” was Tracy McGrady leaving the Raptors in free agency for the Orlando Magic. McGrady was coming off of a 15.4 ppg and 6.3 rpg career year as a 20-year-old before the days of restricted free agency and bolted for warmer pastures. McGrady would go on to win the Most Improved Player award, make seven all-star appearances, finish top-five in Most Valuable Player voting twice, make two All-NBA First Team appearances and average over 30 points-per-game in a season. His versatility was amazing and he was considered a top-10 player for nearly a decade after leaving the Raptors. Had he stayed in Toronto with his cousin Vince Carter, who knows if there would have been a championship banner or at least an Eastern Conference championship banner hanging in the rafters at the Air Canada Centre at this moment. Here are Carter, McGrady and Oakley discussing what could have been on TSNs Off the Record: SG: Morris Peterson – 42.1 FG%, 78.2 FT%, 12.0 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.0 spg, 00-01 NBA All-Rookie First Team When it came to valuable role players, few were as good as Morris Peterson, who was one of the best sixth men in the league. Peterson always provided a spark off the bench and embraced that role during his seven seasons with the Raptors. Here is Peterson hitting the most clutch shot in Raptors history while Chuck Swirsky goes bananas and Wizards coach Eddie Jordan shakes his head in disbelief: PG: Kyle Lowry – 41.4 FG%, 80.7 FT%, 14.9 ppg, 7.0 apg, 4.7 rpg, 1.5 spg When the Raptors traded a barely-protected first round selection to the Rockets for Kyle Lowry, fans were flabbergasted. After all, Lowry had the reputation of being a coach killer and a curmudgeon. Since then, Lowry has made those fans feel great shame, playing up to his potential and nearly earning his first All-Star Game berth this past season. Yahoo! Sports columnist Adrian Wojnarowski wrote a great piece about Lowrys miraculous transformation into a leader and one of the leagues best point guards. Lowrys future after this season is up in the air as he will be a restricted free agent, but given his chemistry with his teammates and his relationship with Raptors coach Dwane Casey, many would be surprised to see him leave a situation in which he has thrived. Here is Lowry throwing his shoes to a Raptors fan in Chicago, only to have them intercepted by a Bulls fan: We want to know who YOU would have picked. Vote for your team by Tweeting us @BarDown (using the hashtag #BarDownRaps) or emailing us at bardown@bellmedia.ca or just post your team in the comments. We will follow up with results as well as get some pics from other famous Raptors fans. 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