Once upon a time...

Toronto Raptors Media Day '01

(via SI.com)

NBA Blog 2010-11 Previews: Pacific Division Recap

The blogger previews continue with the Pacific division where Captain Canada himself, Steve Nash, along with former Toronto Raptor, Hedo Turkoglu will be battling with the defending world champs. Let's see what these bloggers from the West Coast had to say...

Clippers: Clips Nation |  SBNation Recap

Kings: Sactown Royalty |  Cowbell Kingdom |  SBNation Recap

Lakers: Silver Screen and Roll |  Forum Blue and Gold |  NBAtipoff |  SBNation Recap

Suns: Bright Side Of The Sun |  SB Nation Arizona |  ValleyoftheSuns |  SBNation Recap

Warriors: Golden State of Mind |  SBNation Recap

Recaps: All Previews

(Tardy) Knicks Preview: Straight Bangin'

Are Steve Nash's Suns playoff bound this season?

I Know What Amir Johnson Did This Summer

While other teams in the East are looking forward to new guys like Amare Stoudemire, Carlos Boozer, Chris Bosh and of course, Lebron James making an impact on their teams, the Toronto Raptors are looking to Amir Johnson. to have a big season  With the departure of Chris Bosh in the offseason, Amir Johnson will have to step in and fill those shoes.  He put in work in the offseason, check out his mixtape at the LA Drew League. (via Ballislife.com)

AIR JOSES? Check out Jose Calderon's newest signature kicks

Via Nice Kicks: Jose Calderon has just released his signature shoe through the Chinese sneaker company, Li-Ning.  The Li-Ning Jose Calderon Yu-Shai 4 release date is still unknown.

Are you down with these kicks?  Check out more pics at NiceKicks.com

Does it get more Canadian than this?

Steve Nash playing hockey on his basketball card? (via Kicks on Cards)

NBA Blog Previews: Atlantic Division Recap

So while we wait for the NBA season to start, a bunch of us hoops bloggers broke down 2010-11 NBA season previews.  First up, the blogging homies broke down the Atlantic Division, check 'em out:

Celtics: CelticsBlog | Celtics 24/7 | Celtics Central | Celtics Hub | CelticsLife | Gino's Jungle | RedsArmy.com | SBNation Boston | SBN Recap

Knicks: Posting and Toasting | Bandwagon Knick | KnickerBlogger.Net | SBN Recap

Nets: NetsDaily | NetsAreScorching | Fanway | SBN Recap

Raptors: Raptors HQ | Hoops Addict | Hip Hoop Junkies | SBN Recap

Sixers: Liberty Ballers

Recaps: All Previews

Which team will be the worst of the bunch?  Is it the Raps? Is it the Nets?  Post your thoughts...

Toronto Raptors 2010-11 Season Preview

Team Name: Toronto Raptors
Last Year’s Record: 40W-42L
Key Losses: Chris Bosh, Hedo Turkoglu, Marco Belinelli, Antoine Wright
Key Additions: Linas Kleiza, Leandro Barbosa, David Andersen, Ed Davis

What significant moves were made during the offseason?
Well, the offseason has pretty much been a bust for the Toronto Raptors. First off, Chris Bosh decided to “take his talents to South Beach” and join forces with Dwyane Wade and one, Mr. Lebron James. To make matters worse, Bryan Colangelo wasn't able to turn CB4 into a substantial name coming up north. Then, there were a flurry of rumours that were flying around this summer, where Toronto would give up Hedo Turkoglu, Jose Calderon and Reggie Evans for Leandro Barbosa, Boris Diaw and Tyson Chandler. Most fans got excited for this potential new-look Raptors team but that dream trade was quickly crushed when MJ got off the golf course and vetoed the trade. The lone bright spot of the offseason was that Colangelo was able to unload that hefty contract of Hedo Turkoglu for the Brazilian Blur, Leandro Barbosa.

Jay Triano Captures Gold

Congrats to Jay Triano for helping Team USA capture gold over that bum and former Toronto Raptor, Hedo Turkoglu!

Jay Triano Trick Shots

Toronto Raptors coach and Team USA assistant, Jay Triano, put on a performance with a few of his trick shots at a Team USA practice. The "REWIND" layup takes the cake.

Team USA takes on former Raptor, Hedo Turkoglu, and the Turkish national team for the gold medal on Sunday.

NBA Jam Session 2010 - Halifax: Hoops Talk with Al Horford of the Atlanta Hawks

The highlight for us at Hip Hoop Junkies and Hoop Heads North at last weekend's NBA Jam Session in Halifax was getting the opportunity to talk with Atlanta Hawks All-Star center, Al Horford. The Dominican-born player was selected to play in his first NBA All-Star game last season and was also an integral part of the Atlanta Hawks' successful 09-10 season with their first 50-win season in over 10 ten years. A big thanks goes out to the folks at NBA Canada for allowing us to have a few minutes with Al, make sure you check out more about NBA Jam Session at nbajamsessioncanada.com.