Feb 13, 2013; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons point guard Jose Calderon (8) shoots during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at The Palace. Detroit won 96-85. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Jose Calderon has stepped into the role of Detroit Pistons’ starting point guard like the skilled veteran he is; Motown fans and management love him. Detroit’s general manager Joe Dumars has made no bones about the fact he would like to re-sign Jose, who will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. I have to believe Bryan Colangelo, the Raptors’ embattled President/GM, wants to bring Jose back – as would every Toronto fan I know, and most I don’t.

Let’s suppose Colangelo strikes quickly after both the Raptors’ and Lakers’ seasons are in the books to bring Pau on board via trade. Jose and Pau are fellow Spaniards, and great friends. Is it not conceivable that Pau could have then a huge impact on which team Jose decides to join? I can easily imagine Pau calling his friend to say: “Jose, we’re both on the other side of thirty, so we’ve only got a few seasons left in our bodies. I’m a Raptor now, and this team is much closer to being a serious contender than the Pistons. I’d like to win another championship, while you’d like to win your first. Let’s do it together in Toronto. You and I won a World Championship and an Olympic silver medal together; we can win an NBA title as well.”

Is this scenario too far-fetched? Surely not – one can easily imagine conversations of this kind occurring among Chris Bosh, LeBron James and Dwayne Wade before they became Miami’s Big 3.

[20 second timeout: The Raps could acquire Pau today, if they waived his physical in the hope that his injury isn't career-threatening. While I like risky moves on occasion, this isn't one of them. You are welcome to disagree.]

There are financial implications to trading for Pau, and to Jose re-signing with the Raps. I’ll explore the Raps and the salary cap very shortly. In the meantime, what do you think about Pau as a Rap? Could he influence the return of Jose? Please Comment.

Brian Boake is a co-editor for Raptors Rapture. “Like” Raptors Rapture on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RaptorsRapture for all the latest news and updates about the best damn NBA team from Canada.

The U.S. held off a resurgent Spanish squad to win the gold in London, 107-100. Spain’s offensive explosion gave the U.S. all they could handle in a thrilling game that featured some marvelous performances on both sides. Kevin Durant drained five 3-balls to lead all scorers with 30 points, and Lebron James stepped up, again, with 19. Spain got 24 from Pau Gasol, and 21 from Juan-Carlos Navarro, who was hot early and cold late. Pau also led his squad with 7 assists by passing out of double teams, and pulled down 8 boards. Kevin Love, who was his usual monstrous self on the boards, tied with Durant and Spain’s Serge Ibaka for the game lead in rebounds with 9.

This game was intense, with hard fouls and tough picks galore. There was much jawing at the referees, but mercifully they did not decide the game. Each team had 27 fouls, which is too many and damaged the pace of the game, but the vast majority were good calls. Perhaps the key play of the game was Marc Gasol’s fourth foul, one short of the international limit, in Q2. Despite sitting out much of the second half, Marc ended up with 17 points in the same number of minutes, leaving the Spanish with a sickening “what might have been” feeling. Brother Pau picked up the offensive slack, scoring on a variety of dandy spin moves down low. However, the Spanish outside shooting, so important to them early, never returned.

The Americans bent, but didn’t break, losing the lead a number of times but always roaring back. Yet when the game appeared to be spinning away from the Spaniards, they settled down, ran their offence, and keep it close. The American lead was 8 after Q1, but only a single point after Q2 & 3. U.S. runouts were limited by the Spaniards, who fouled the ball handler before he could make the key pass to the open man.

The Raps’ Jose Calderon had a quiet game, taking (and missing) one shot in 17+ minutes of PT. His defensive shortcomings were apparent on several occasions, most notably when Kobe Bryant blew past him for an easy slam.

Ultimately the U.S., the tournament’s best team, won the gold medal. They needed to play very well to do so, and as a hoops fan, it’s difficult to ask for more.

Brian Boake is a staff writer for Raptors Rapture. “Like” Raptors Rapture on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RaptorsRapture for all the latest news and updates about the best damn NBA team from Canada.