Here's a little bit of (good) news for Nate

This just in, and we'll get more as the night unfolds here, but Nathan Jawai has been cleared to resume regular physical activity and should begin practicing with the Raptors tomorrow.

Jawai's been out since the first day of training camp after a heart abnormality was discovered during pre-camp medical tests. He was told to rest and not do any basketball-related work for an extended period of time so cardiologists he's seen across North Ameria could determine the significance of the "abnormality."

His final visit to a doctor came Tuesday when he was cleared.

Jawai's a 6-10, 280-pound native of Australia who was the 41st pick in last June's NBA draft. The Indiana Pacers actually made the pick but in a pre-arranged deal involving Jermaine O'Neal, T.J. Ford and Rasho Nesterovic, they were making it for the Raptors.

Jawai also became the first indigenous player from Australia ever drafted in the NBA.

Comments

[Raptoronto]

Great news. Now the Raptors have a little more heart!

[SY]

That is just good news, Doug. Thanks for your update.

He always sounded very enthusiastic about having a chance to play in the NBA, especially in Toronto. Hope that he can bring some energy and rebounding for the Raptors.

Based on all that I seen from him so far, I think he is something special.

-SY

[Archie gillespie]

Congratulations and good on ya Nathan. We look forward to seeing your first appearance.

[Milette]

Doh. Guess the Voskhul signing was a waste. Way to go Jawai.

Blogger's note: We'll get into this more in the morning but you do realize that Jawai hasn't don a lick of physical work, let alone basketball stuff, since October, right? I think the Voskuhl signing is still very much the insurance they need.

[Imran Khakoo]

Excellent news thanks for being on top Doug. The only problem is that we still need a wing that can be consistent!

[Eric]

I find it insane how some people have actually been begging for this guy to play. I even read somewhere how a writer felt the team was missing Jawai and how when he returns, they'd be much better off. I don't even know how to laugh at that, it's so preposterous.

This guy was a mid-second-round pick last summer. To think that he can help this team with its woeful woes (like rebounding) is setting the stage for major disappointment. Now we're bound to hear how he's not performing because he needs time to get back in shape after missing so many practices yadda yadda yadda (remember Bargnani after appendicitis?). I was hoping the "Excuses Age" left with Sam. I guess this is the real test to see if it did.

[WSG]

Eric - Who exactly has been 'begging' for Nathan Jawai to play? Just asking. And Bargnani after having his appendix removed? I don't recall anyone whining about anything there, either. I seem to remember him coming back rather quickly and doing not a bad job of it (could be wrong).

PS: on earlier topic of the day - Trading JO right NOW would be ... messed up, imo. Always kinda figured it'd be January before we saw the whole package re Jermaine O'Neal. Don't know if that'll be the case, but it would seem a shame (to me) to let him go now ... unless, of course, BC worked a little magic ...

[WSG]

PPS - Let's Go Raptors/Rogers Sucks!

[Tabber]

Eric, I agree with your first paragraph, but in the second (Excuses Age), Mr. Perfect, never sick a day in my life, never made a mistake or an excuse, you blew all credibility. Please take your immortal self back to your home planet, or learn some humility.

[Andrew Gregg]

Hi Doug:

It's worth having Voskhul around just to have another big at practice (if the Raptors ever get to practice again). Jawai is going to have to learn what it's like to be smacked around in the big leagues--give that job to Voskhul and he's worth the coin. And while he's at it he can shove Bargnani around a bit, too.

This lack of rebounding is sad, because rebounding is as fundamental as passing and shooting. I agree that you can't teach desire for the ball, but you can emphasize how to box out, get the elbows up and inflict some pain under the basket. Make the paint an unpleasant place to be. I remember in high school we had this thing called "Animal Drill." They'd put three of us under the basket and toss up a shot. We had to fight for it and no fouls were called. Losers got suicides.

It's amazing how fundamentals like that are lost in the NBA, where they simply try to out-jump one another. I agree with the guy who said the Raps should re-sign Oakley, even if he's sixty years old. He'd still set some things right.

AG, Toronto

[wes]

I thought the Voskul signing was good, im glad to hear Jawai is ready to play and if in the next month these 2 bench role players make a difference on the glass, I can see BC moving AB7 for a wingman with a handle. I dont wanna see Bargs go, mostly because wherever he lands, he will breakout and be the next dirk, lets hope im wrong!