Tyler Hansbrough had a funny moment in the win for the Toronto Raptors on Monday night against the New York Knicks, as he was fouled on a play in the 123-120 preseason win by Metta World Peace with his back turned and that set up a great YouTube video worthy moment for both players.
According to SI.com, Hansbrough was fouled from behind at one point in the game and the center, known for his toughness and ferocity on the court, spun out of the foul and turned around, possibly for some more contact, but when his eyes hit with Metta World Peace, he quickly backed down. SI.com pointed out that Hansbrough realized that he did not want to mess with Peace, a tough player himself and while many probably ripped Hansbrough on Twitter after wards, he had one defender in Peace, who told him to keep up the tough play.
Hansbrough is a tough and hard-nosed player and while he was with the Pacers he played far above his ability with strong efforts on the court and now that he has brought that North of the border, could the Raptors make a playoff run? The team signed Hansbrough and brought in DJ Augustin to backup Kyle Lowry and along with Rudy Gay and DeMar Derozan, the team has some solid talent on the offensive end and in the bottom part of the east they could make a nice run to the postseason, possibly as a seventh or eighth seed this season.
Hansbrough signed with the Raptors this summer on a two-year, $6.5 million contract and in the preseason game he played in just over 20 minutes and added 10 points and seven rebounds and of course the funny play with Metta. Hansbrough has been solid in the preseason and the team comes in after ranking 28th in rebounding last season and Hansbrough surely will be able to help there.
GM Masai Ujiri has given the team some hope with his signings and while they may be a couple years away, Hansbrough's toughness could lead the team to the playoffs.
Later Metta defended him on Twitter, writing:
--" Tyler Hansbrough is a tough kid . Stop be silly people!!! He is going to be a champ one day. Keep being tough Tyler!!"
--" I would play on Tyler's team anyday.. you guys are silly!! Stop adding fire to pre season ball. Fighting doesnt make u tough. win'n does!"
--"Tyler Hansbrough, dont listen to these fools. Keep being s hard nose ball player!!!"