Just when I think I've lost all confidence in Toronto Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo, he goes out and signs Pops Mensah-Bonsu. He goes out and gets me all excited to watch a matinee between Toronto and Indiana, so I can see what this kid is all about it.
Well, I watched. And I believe the hype. Forget about Shawn Marion. The rest of this dreadful season is about Pops.
Pops brings the fire. He plays hard and he plays with enthusiasm. He is one intense basketball player. And intensity is the last thing that comes to mind when I think about the Toronto Raptors.
Pops' line today: 21 points in just under 22 minutes, five-of-10 from the field, 11-of-13 from the free throw line, along with eight rebounds, five of them offensive. Read: filthy.
The Raptors were able to defeat the Pacers 110-87. It was the type of dominating performance from the Raptors that just hasn't happened enough this year. Andrea Bargnani had a great game, scoring 27 points. Chris Bosh added 15 points, along with 13 rebounds. But the day belonged to Pops.
He's only played five games, but Pops looks like the player the Raptors have lacked for so very, bloody long.
It's tough not to enjoy watching Pops, the undrafted product of London, England, on the court right. And there hasn't been much to enjoy this season when watching, or listening to, Toronto basketball.
Do your thing, Pops.
