Parsing Peddie

The press conference that MLSE called today to announce the Babcock firing was pretty surreal -- Babcock himself came on later, basically offering up excuses and no-hard-feelings to everyone involved in his usual bland way, while admitting he was blindsided by the whole thing. He even lauded the players for their "community spirit", which seemed a touch, well, weird and out of place.

But the baffling stuff that came out of Richard Peddie trumped all:

Peddie: "This was a tough decision, but one that we feel is in our best long-term interests. We recognize Rob's efforts to clear cap space and bring in young talent, but it's time to bring in someone with proven experience as an NBA general manager to take us to the next level."
(A reading: It's the shaft, Rob. You made some decent moves -- but now halfway through your contract, we're going to get rid of you. Exactly how this kind of action is going to attract anyone with "proven experience as an NBA general manager" is left unsaid and best avoided for now. Cliche alert: The "next level", surely one of pro sports' emptiest phrases.)

Peddie:"In fairness to Rob, once we knew a change was necessary, we didn't think it was right to have him continue. And from a team perspective, making this move today better positions us as we look toward the trade deadline and then the draft this spring. I thought he was the right choice but after working with Rob for a year and a half now, I went to the board and recommended that we relieve him because I'm not convinced he's the one that we need long-term. I'm disappointed that Rob was the wrong choice for us. In hindsight (I) should have got someone who was more proven."
(A reading: There have been many pathetic statements made in the history of the Raptors, but this might be the most pathetic. It starts off talking about "fairness" (cliche alert there) to someone he's just fired in the middle of his contract, and ends with an admission that the guy doing the firing made a mistake with the hire in the first place. Which begs the question -- isn't there one more person who should've been fired today?)

Peddie: "Wayne has the leadership qualities and league-wide credibility that we need to get to the next level. He has the full powers of a general manager. Included within his mandate to manage our team roster and player development, and to further develop Sam, Wayne's advice will be sought in the hiring of the next general manager. ... We also feel that in moving Wayne into the role of general manager on an interim basis we will be better able to develop Sam Mitchell's growth toward being a very good NBA coach during the second half of the season."
(A reading: So it was Babcock's deteriorating relationship with Mitchell that blew this one up. No surprise there. As for Embry's advice being sought in the hiring of the next GM, Mitchell would do right to polish off that resume. It doesn't sound like his front-office ally is fully in charge of this process, youknowwho being the unmentioned, passive voice still running things. If this really was totally about a power struggle, that's not much of a prize for the coach.)

Peddie: "As with a coach, a general manager is evaluated in large part by the results of his decisions. Unfortunately, while some progress has been made recently, those results have not met our expectations. We have plans in place that we believe will lead us into the playoffs in the near future, and enable us to compete for an NBA championship down the road. We will begin our search for a general manager, perhaps one who has the experience to serve as team president, who has the skills to build that winning team and deliver the results we expect."
(A reading: As with a coach and a GM ... but not a CEO. But what about these expectations? What exactly are they? What are these plans in place? He cleared cap space and brought in young talent, as you said. The carrot of team president is a nice touch, but is anyone going to want this job, given the results expected -- whatever they are?)

The Raptor follies. The MLSE follies. They never stop. Richard Peddie accomplished the impossible this afternoon: he took a guy with a pretty crappy record as a GM, and a guy who everyone knew was on a short leash, and turned him into a sympathetic character who deserves more than this.

Comments

[Chris Milne]

Good interpretation, that's exactly as I see it: Peddie jumping back into the fray. Perhaps when another player leaves & then slags his meddling he'll pay attention. The guy doesn't know basketball & apparently he's a crap judge of people who know basketball.

Now on to the more interesting bit: who's going to be the replacement ? My candidate: 'Trader' Bob Whitsitt. He's out of a job with Paul Allen so why not give him a shot ? He's perhaps one of the best judges of talent the NBA has to offer & he put together one hell of a team in Portland. He admits himself that he's not the greatest judge of character but perhaps now he'll have learned his lesson ? Either way he's the best candidate I can come up.

[Kevin]

Not sure when it will become clear to MLSE, if ever - the problem is Peddie. He might or might not get hockey, but he sure as hell doesn't understand basketball.

You can rearrange deck chairs on the Titanic all you want, but this boat needs a new captain.

[John McGaw]

Seems to me there is more going on here. This organization does not want to lose Bosh in a year or two. He is not as public as Carter was but he has influence and I'd bet he is sick of losing. I'd also bet he liked the thought of Artest joining him and was disappointed when he went elsewhere. That might have been the final straw for Babcock...not pulling the trigger on that deal. Sure the Raps want good citizens but they could use a little more attitude, and talent, at the moment. Oakley was no choirboy...

[cy]

Given what Peddie said today, how does this not conclude with his resignation, perhaps as soon as today? He's basically admitted he just screwed up for a year and a half, and any baby steps this franchise has made under Babcock -- more like two steps back, and one, perhaps even two forward -- have been obliterated today. Even if this team is still crappy - and J McGaw, you're right, they have Zero personality -- their leaguewide rep just took another heavy hit. As for Bob Whitsitt, he is just the kind of cold, bloodless SOB operator this team needs -- but whether his approach would still work in today's NBA or within MLSE's dysfunctional operation, I doubt it. He seems too hard-ass to me. I'd look closely at Dell Curry, even if he seems to have taken a lateral step with the Bobcats. Curry is smart, politically astute and connected and has a history here. He's probably too smart, in other words, to want to come within a thousand miles of here.

[Michael Scott]

I still can't figure out what Richard Peddie has over the board that he still has a job. Given that he basically admits that babcock was his fault, when does he bite the bullet for it?

Truthfully, as bad as some of Babcock's moves have been, he did seem like he was getting a better handle on things this year. Might have been rough to overcome the first impression he made though.

My question is, what has Sam Mitchell done that makes him bullet-proof so far? I'm not convinced he knows what he's doing a lot of the time. His rotation never seems to be set, he makes substitutions as if guided by astrology, and I don't know how the young talent on the team is going to develop if they don't play. Is this guy really the right coach for this team?

[Steven Dykstra]

Is it simply a coincidence that Rob Babcock got fired the day after
Indiana dumped Ron Artest, the biggest cancer in the league, for
all-star Peja Stojakovic? I can see Richard Peddie shaking his head
this morning, "Well, Rob, the Pacers got Peja in exchange for the
biggest headache in the league and all you got was a bucket of spit for
one of the most athletic, charismatic, ticket-selling talents in the
league. Get your agent to call. We're going to give you a buyout
package to walk away. And you might as well take Hoffa."

[P]

Remember that Babcock's Carter trade had to be approved by Peddie and Embry. Carter bailed and made it easy for other teams to lowball T.O.

Peddie spoke of evaluating results based on decisions and that the results have not met expectations. HIS decisions speak volumes. Will the MSLE board turn up their ear pieces already? Babcock faced the fire, Peddie hid behind his hires. Now there's one less guy to lay the blame on. What a coward. Please, please, PLEASE someone get rid of him!

[Tim Farrell]

Anyone have Glen Grunwald's cell number?

[Sunny]

Bosh didn't like the idea of Artest joining the Raps (see: TSN's Off the Record interview), but there's no way any big name GM, Head Coach, or player would want to join this team unless they're overpaid...Babcock's biggest mistake was hiring Sam Mitchell, the team never plays well against a zone and never adapts to in-game adjustments made by other teams...hence horrible 3rd & 4th quarters...the Raps should hire Silas as coach who seems to get the best out of big men i.e. Charlotte Hornets - J.Maglore, should help keep CB4 from pulling a T-Mac.

[Disappointed Fan]

Why are people surprised that an organization lead by Richard Peddie would be anything other than a total disaster….His first foray into pro sports – was an unsuccessful bid to bring the NBA expansion franchise to Toronto (As part of the Palestra Group, headed up by his dear friend, Larry Tannenbaum)

The NBA obviously didn’t trust Peddie’s competence or buy into his plan back in 1993 – why would anyone buy into his plan now!…Take a browse at some of those shining moments of accountability that Mr. Peddie refers to since taking charge of the Raptors on November 22, 1996

1996 -1997
-Marus Camby drafted – (talk about a disappointing rookie season)
- Darryl Walker hired as head coach

1997-1998
-Jump while you can!! Numerous resignations and dismantling of core players
- Isiah Thomas removes himself from the organization (last time I checked Isiah loves a challenge – apparently hard to play when those around you don’t even know what game they are playing…..)
- Darryl Walker also leaves
-Glen Grunwald is hired (so begins his uphill battle with Peddie and the board)

1998-1999
-Marcus Camby is gone – Charles Oakley is in
-Butch Carter era begins.. (While BC was most definitely certifiable – he definitely had control of his team…too bad he couldn’t control himself)
-Vince Carter arrives in Toronto (Mother in tow)

1999-2000
- Momma Carter joins the Raptors broadcast, signs more autographs than Vince
-Antonio Davis acquired

2000-2001
-Raptors lose Tracy McGrady (cracks within the organization continue to widen…)
- Lenny Wilkens is hired at the ripe ol’ age of 64. (Apparently his ego was no match for the young players of today’s game)
-Mark Jackson arrive with a bright shiny new 4 year deal (signed at 35)
-Doug-Jackie Christie traded (thank god the craziest duo in sports history have finally left the arena)
-Corliss Williamson comes…
-Corliss Williamson goes…(Alas, he has championships to win, another one leaves the building)

2001-2002
- Unprecedented contracts doled out to Alvin Williams 7 year - $42 Million contract (who later in an attempted trade couldn’t pass the physical), Jerome Williams -- 7 years – $41 Million (never amounted to more than a glorified cheerleader – not surprising they have re-signed him to the same role again, as glorified cheerleader – Community representative?!!! Last time I checked he isn’t from this community – and who do you think he represents…) and don’t forget we re-signed Antonio Davis….(Side-note – Back in Miami the Heat signed Mike James signs for the Rookie minimum salary guarantee)
- Signed Michael Bradley – 3 year, 4 Million contract (did ever step on the court)
- Hakeem Olajuawon arrives just in team to cash in on the Raptors cow….
-Vince begins his injury descent

2002-2003
- signed Nate Huffman – 3 year, 5.1 Million contract (who the heck is Nate Huffman??)
- Terminated contract with Nate Huffman – after the Raptors organization can’t figure out he is either???….
-Michael “Yogi” Stewart signed– 6 years / 24 million….
- Hakeem O is now officially reported MIA –however Raps officials receive confirmation of his attendance at a retirement ceremony in Houston…
- Carter – continues his descent into injury wasteland
-Raptors rescind qualifying offer to Keon Clark (see what happens when you touch the franchise player’s shoes)
- Antonio becomes disinterested in playing for TO – take the contract and run…
- Lenny continues to fall asleep on the bench and call out plays for players not on the floor…the malaise continues
-Nothing like a stint with the Raptors to add to the resume - Wilkens overtakes Bill Fitch as NBA coach with the most losses
-Wilkens gone! Kevin O’Neill hired!!!

2003-2004
- The time bomb that is Kevin O’Neill begins ticking…..
- Glen Grunwald gone April fool’s day – it’s no joke (interim replacement Jack McCloskey, age 78 – yeah that’s right, 78!!)
- Antonio goes bye-bye – Jalen Rose arrives
- Raps sign Chris Bosh – 4 years, 13.6 Million (best buy for the money)
- (Another side note – back in Boston the Celtics signed Mike James to the minimum salary contract)
- Vince begins acting career –spends majority of season writhing on the floor – you pick the ailment, he’ll pick the expression….
- Vince starts grumbling re: a trade (pre-Babcock)
- Kevin O’Neill fired – Sam Mitchell hired
- Rob Babcock hired June 7, 2004 (nothing like just over 2 weeks before the draft to get the entire plan figured out…Arajuo bad decision – perhaps look at the framework laid out before Babcock’s arrival on that one!! No one believes you that)

2004-2005
- Carter demands a trade or a season filled with more drama and over-acting than an episode of Young and the Restless
- Raptors trade Carter for Alonzo Mourning, Eric Williams and Aaron Williams and 2 first round picks from New Jersey (see later plan –pick up Joey Graham for pick – the rest of the deal is a wash)
- Alonzo refuses to report to Toronto (pay and lock up the roster spot with someone who is MIA?? – see above – Hakeem Olajuwon)
- Rafer Alston contemplates retirement to escape the Raptors – instead decides to be disruptive and bounce – Rafer - thank god you did!! See below re: trade for Mike James!
-
2005-2006
- Lost Donyell Marshall and released Lamond Murray
- Re-signed Pape Sow and Matt Bonner
- Babcock’s gold star moment – Rafer out / Mike James is in!! (Despite the Raptors organization’s attempts to spiral the team into a state of malaise – they find themselves with a vocal leader on the court who wants to win as much as Bosh) 2 against the world ain’t bad!
- Jose Calderon arrives from Spain
- Ex Purdue coaching legend Gene Keady arrives to help develop young nucleus of Raptors (nothing like a coach from a bygone era to relate to players of today)
- Rob Babcock fired 3 weeks before trade deadline – Wayne Embry installed as interim GM – age – 69 (see Jack McColsky circa 2003)

The aforementioned is merely a sampling of the stellar decisions on Mr. Peddie’s “accountability list” – A list that also includes players such as Paul Rogers, Rick Brunson, George Williams, Negele Knight, Chris Jeffries, Eric Montross, Greg Foster, Zendon Hamilton, Damone Brown, Art Long, Mengke Bateer, Jermaine Jackson (not the singer -might as well have been - more entertaining) Jelani McCoy, Stanley Roberts, Ken Johnson, Robert Archibald, the list goes on and on, and on….As we head into the trade deadline there are many questions looming as to whether the organization is willing to pay Mike James???? Judging from their list of mistakes – it is blatantly obviously that he is too good a player and available at too good a price for the Raptors to sign him!…The Raptors believe in paying its players and coaches for hype and not substance – When an organization pays Lenny Wilkins $5 Million US per year, to sleep on the bench – but questions whether to re-sign one of its 2 leaders on the court – you know something is insanely wrong…

As a basketball fan long before the Raptors came to town - I find it insulting and disgraceful that Mr. Peddie has the nerve to think that any faithful fan buys into his PR charade.

For the love of the game Commissioner Stern – please step in and MAKE RICHARD PEDDIE ACCOUNTABLE!!! Before the Raptors go truly Jurassic and follow the Grizzlies out of Canada…

In his own words - “every decision made here – I am held accountable for”.. Since arriving on the scene – a Raptors coach has never survived past the 3 year mark…now that is what I call – stability!… His Motto on the Air Canada Center website states -- Create Champions…(UUUhhhhh sorry Mr. Peddie but how have you faired with that goal over the past 9 years???) Excite Our Fans, (the only excitement seems to be the anger you stir up inside the hearts of fans sick of your blatant lies year after year!!) Inspire Our Employees, (must be the stabile work environment that you have built over your last 9 years) Bring Pride To Our Community (oh the pride we feel – over the struggle to find players, coaches and GMs who are willing to move to our foreign city up North --- Not because of the weather, people or city – but rather because the organization is notorious for its inability to function….And We All Win. (But alas, yet again all we seem to do is Lose! Lose! Lose!!)…..

[John]

My take is that getting Carter traded, I think, obviously was being blocked for a very long time by senior mgmt and maybe the MLSE board, until Carter finally finally finally forced the issue. Then Babs had to dump him for whatever he could get. Babs is scapegoated on that, but I bet the behind-the-scenes story goes up to Peddie and the MLSE, who refused to face reality and part with their unhappy ticket-selling machine until it was too late. It would be great to someday find out the whole Carter 'trade me' saga...