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Raptors stuck with CalderonBasketball Betting Lines08/26/2010 - Toronto, Canada (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - In trying to trade Jose Calderon earlier this offseason, the message sent by Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo was clear; Calderon was no longer in the future plans of the organization. A deal that would have sent Calderon and Reggie Evans to the Charlotte Bobcats for Boris Diaw and Tyson Chandler was as much about ridding the team of Calderon's tired legs as it was about beefing up a weak frontcourt. Unluckily for the Raptors, majority owner of the Bobcats Michael Jordan vetoed the trade hours before the players were to be formally swapped. It was a smart move on Jordan's part, as he was well-aware Calderon is no longer the guard that could log 30 minutes a game and lead the Bobcats to success. The deterioration of Calderon's health in recent seasons has noticeably slowed the 29-year-old and no longer reflects the value of the hefty five-year $45 million contract he signed in July 2008. Considering at the time he had just come off his best season as a pro, it seemed like a good deal, but since the 2007-08 season he's had trouble staying healthy, missing 28 games due to recurring hamstring and groin issues. It's not as if Calderon has put these injuries behind him either. Just days ago, the six-foot-one Spaniard suffered a torn hamstring in preparation for the FIBA World Championship in Turkey, an injury that will sideline him for at least a month. Unfortunately for the Raptors, if they couldn't move him before this latest setback, they surely can't move him now. So with that, it looks like the Raptors are stuck with Calderon, but is he finished? The answer to that question is "yes" if head coach Jay Triano forces him into a leading role for another season and "no" if Calderon can be utilized in moderation. Triano should look no further than Calderon's history for some insight into what may help him find success moving forward. In his breakout 2007-08 season, Calderon shared the floor with T.J. Ford, averaging only 30.1 minutes a night. With an equally talented running mate like Ford to help cover for his defensive shortcomings, Calderon flourished. In a more limited role he was able to score with efficiency while distributing the ball with great accuracy, giving the Raptors' first unit a unique flavor. If the game shifted to a different pace, the Raptors had Ford to fill in as the quicker, better defender of the pair. When Ford was traded to the Indiana Pacers before the 2008-09 season, Calderon had a chance to cement his status as the team's number one starter. Instead, he showed he couldn't handle the increased workload, breaking down with injuries and fading down the stretch. Calderon averaged 34.3 minutes that season and played only 68 games, never fully adjusting to the role he was expected to fulfill. Knowing the point guard situation was a problem heading into the 2009-10 season, the Raptors brought in Jarrett Jack from the Pacers last year to help Calderon regain his old form - but instead, Jack usurped the starters role by season's end. Calderon regressed again, posting his lowest numbers in three years, while averaging only 26.7 minutes per game. Calderon should see a reduction in minutes and responsibility heading into the 2010-11 season, while Jack reaps the rewards because of his strong play. Bringing the speed, length and durability that Calderon has never been able to show, Jack gives the Raptors their true number one guy heading into this season. Calderon will be given a chance to lead the second unit right out of the gate and in his reduced role, could be of great value to the Raptors. His veteran presence could make him invaluable with the younger players on the team as he has always shown a knack for delivering the ball in the right places. If this season is about the quality of minutes and not the quantity of minutes he plays, the Raptors may find that being stuck with Calderon isn't such a bad thing.
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MySportsbook.com refunds all bets on Oakland, Green Bay and Tampa Bay from NFL week one. (September 14) – Week one of NFL action saw three teams go scoreless for the first time since 1977. Another four were unable to get a touchdown and almost half of the underdogs covered the spread. Those three teams saved bettors at MySportsbook.com from losing out completely, thanks to the company’s unique NFL Shutout Rule -- which ensures that if the team you backed goes scoreless, your wager is refunded. Sportsbook refunded tens of thousands of dollars to customers who bet on Oakland, Green Bay and Tampa Bay, the three teams that stunk up the field so badly that their fans and backers never had a chance to get up from their couches and cheer. In the spirit of the low scoring start to the season, odds makers at the world’s largest online sportsbook and casino have set odds on how many total shutouts there will be this season. MySportsbook.com has posted updated sports betting lines for week two of the season. Ben Roethlisberger’s health status is still questionable, so Willie Parker will try to lead Pittsburgh again as they travel to Jacksonville as a one point favorite. After beating up on his little brother last week, Peyton Manning will look to lead the Colts to victory against Houston. Indianapolis is a whopping 13.5 favorite in the match-up. Seattle, last year’s highest scoring team, showed the power of their defense with their gritty 9-6 win in Motown over the ravenous Lions. They take their act back home to the comforts of Qwest Field where they will face the resurgent Arizona Cardinals. The Seahawks are favored by a touchdown. To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your Sportsbook accepts Visa needs. Academy Award Betting Odds for Best Picture Offer Great Value If there is any category that is not an obvious win for any one nominee in this year's Academy Awards, it would be for Best Picture. Sure the Departed is a 5/7 favorite, but that's hardly anything when we look at Helen Mirren and her "out-of-reach" 1 to 40 odds (which means you would win a whopping $1 for every $40 bet). For value, take a look at MySportsbook.com Oscars betting odds on my personal favorite, The Queen - a remarkable 12 to 1 long shot. The film hasn't won any pre-awards for Best Picture (compared to The Departed and Little Miss Sunshine), but there is a tremendous following and it is a strong enough film to warrant a surprise win. TV Guide advises Oscar watchers should be cautioned not to discount the drama "Babel" with its strong social themes about overcoming communication gaps among people of different cultures. Who is to say independently produced Little Miss Sunshine won't be this year's Crash. Last year, Crash won for Best Motion Picture, shocking those who bet on gay cowboy flick, Brokeback Mountain, as the favorite to win. To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your Sportsbook accepts Visa needs. |
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