There's no denying that the Toronto Raptors' season has been a huge disappointment. Chris Bosh has improved his game, but the team is on its second coach in this early season, and no matter how close they get, they still can't seem to turn things around.All of this has been wearing on Bosh, and after Monday's agonizing three-point loss to the Hawks, he let his frustration get the best of him. Bosh directly called out Jamario Moon for his poor defense in the game's final moments against Atlanta's Joe Johnson, on a play which ultimately turned the game in favor of the Hawks.
After Moon blew a defensive assignment with about 90 seconds left that ultimately ended with a Joe Johnson free throw that got Atlanta within one, Bosh went off on his teammate in front of the bench. And he didn't back off when asked about it after the game.Now, is Bosh correct in his assessment of Moon's defense, that he should have been focused on taking away the drive and forcing Johnson into a more difficult jumper instead? Absolutely. But should he have gone off like this in front of reporters, so that we could all read about it the next day? Probably not.
"Watch the film. He gives him a straight line to the basket," said Bosh. "Joe Johnson. All-star. Whatever you want to call him, one of the best players or two-guards in the league and you give him a straight line? You can't."
"That's the mental thing we are talking about. We're up by two. If he hits the jump shot and you contest it as good as you can, what are we going to say? But don't give him a straight-line drive. He's too talented for that. He's too good for that and that's what made me upset."
Bosh's frustration with the team's current struggles is completely understandable. As someone his teammates likely see as one of the team's leaders however, he probably would have been better served delivering these words in private.
[via SLAM]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-20-2009 @ 7:03PM
jmandsonspaint said...
Chris Bosh is frustrated. I am thinking of places he could fit in. How about to Philly for Elton Brand.
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1-20-2009 @ 9:00PM
memohamad said...
How does that even make sense? I'd rather have Bosh anyday over Brand. Are you a Sixers fans?? You must be to suggest that.
1-20-2009 @ 7:44PM
Brandon said...
Yeah...those kinds of things should really be said in private. When you say things negitive about your teammates publicly it starts to bring up doubts about your team, and overall the teamwork among them all.
I played basketball for a very long time and if there is one thing that i have been told over and over by coaches is there are always opportunities on the court to make players and get points.
I say that because, Bosh wants to complain about how they lost by a couple points? well what got them to that point where they were only a couple points behind? Why weren't they 5, 10, or 20 points behind?
Bosh needs to start leading and taking responsibility instead of placing blame, the entire team is always to blame for a defeat...unless of course Moon was the only player on the court.
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1-21-2009 @ 4:16AM
grover said...
Star players learn how to motivate their teammates. It may be tough for a young guy(Bosh is 24) to figure out, but I'd rather Bosh showed fire than complacency.
It's not the first time a teammate has called out a colleague in the media and it won't be the last. The only thing that matters is whether it works for that individual player.
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1-21-2009 @ 11:45AM
cantstopdrinkin said...
whoa jmanson brand is not on Bosh's level. Maybe 5 years ago but Bosh is much better now. So Philly would have to throw in someone else and im thinkin Brand and Iggy would be to much so maybe Toronto can try Bosh and ONeal plus a pick for Brand and Iggy (or A. Miller maybe?) from Philly. The salaries would match. But im saying this should happen only if both teams continue to struggle (and i know Philly is hot lately but Brand they didnt start that streak until Brand was out , when he was in the lineup they were struggling.
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