At what price Varejao; and other matters

Man, it's cold out in pre-dawn Mississauga but apparently Cookie The Wonder Dog doesn't care and still wants to wander the streets. Cats never want to go for a walk.

But I digress ...

Too much to pay

Watching the Celtics-Cavs on TV last night (hours before The Big Show) and off course there’s an obligatory mention of the still idle Anderson Varejao.

Fans of nearly every team in the league are wondering what it would take to get him in a sign-and-trade and you zany Raptor fans are excited.

So, here goes:

First thing Cleveland does is ask for Jose Calderon ‘cause their point guard play is awful. Then they start adding players because you’ve got to get to about $7 million a year (and it’s probably going to have to be a four-year deal) so maybe it costs you Juan Dixon and Joey Graham, too, to make the numbers fit. (And forget about them being interested in Rasho because they’ve already got a somewhat slow, oldish big man).

Danny Ferry may not be Red Auerbach but he’s not Rob Babcock. He’s going to get something of value, not a group of end-of-the-benchers. It's not like he's going to lose Varejao for nothing, either; he'll still be a restricted free agent next summer.

So, is that price including Calderon too much to pay?

Sure is. Way too much.

Varejao would be a backup on this team, his lofty averages in his “career” year a season ago were 6.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 23.8 minutes, and if he’s going to cost you Calderon and two other players at least (and that’s only if the Cavs want to take on, or have room for, extra bodies), it’s a hefty price.

And forget dreaming about dealing T.J., either; he’s a base-year guy and the numbers are just as complicated.

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Mea culpa time

Yes, as a billion or so of you pointed out yesterday, I did term Jamario Moon’s layup the other day as Dr. J-esque. It will be the last time I use those two names in the same sentence, I promise.

And it still doesn’t excuse the handful of people who thought Dr. J might be a not-bad nickname for Moon.

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Unsolicited pucks advice

Like you, this Leaf thing (you know, they stink and all that) is driving me to distraction. Listen to talk radio and it's like the lemmings, er, fans, are about to march en masse from the Air Canada Centre right into the lake. It would cause havoc in my Bermuda Triangle of office, arena, Harbour Sports Grille (not necessarily in that order) so I'd love for it not to happen.

Reading and listening, I'm hearing everyone from Glenn Healy to Jeff Healey to Colin Campbell to Colin Mochrie should take over to help turnaround the fortunes of the franchise, much the same way Bryan Colangelo turned around the Raptors. You know, an aggressive, respected, talented exec not afraid to pull the trigger on a big deal. A visionary.

I've got two words for those who want the pucks to match the resurrection of the hoopsters.

Wayne Embry.

After all, he's the guy who created the situation Colangelo found so attractive, he's the dude who made the move to clear the cap space that started the team on its dramatic reversal.

Not sure what he knows about hockey but, really, does that matter? I'm told the fellas in charge now know all about hockey and look how far it's taken them. There are three-year-olds alive today who don't know the joy of a parade of horn-honking horns up Yonge Street after a Game 1 win in a first-round playoff series.

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Dixon or DMart? Depends

Now that we’ve seen Juan Dixon as the emergency point guard, might it be a regular role? Depends, says Sam.

Asked him at practice yesterday why Dixon over Darrick Martin on Sunday and whether we might see it tonight and he said, depends.

"Juan's probably a better scorer but Darrick's probably better running the team and managing the team; Juan's probably a better defender on the ball," said the coach. "It just depends on the game, who's out there and how we feel about the matchups."

And just to clarify Martin’s contract: If he’s still with the team Jan. 10, it becomes fully guaranteed. That means if Bryan Colangelo wants to do some one-for-two deal and needs to waive Martin to create the roster spot (which was the reason DMart’s deal wasn’t fully guaranteed from the start) Jan. 10 is the magic day.

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A song for Jamario

I still can’t find the e-mail with the Jamario Speedwagon suggestion but here’s a reaction to it for Mark in Toronto:

"Everybody needs to give it up for the guy who came up with Jamario Speedwagon; (They) should play some classic Keep On Loving You whenever he throws one down."

I’m not sure enough fans in the building would understand what that excellent anthem was.

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Not over The Hump

Talking to people around practice yesterday, I am now convinced that when Rasho comes back, the guy whose minutes are going to disappear is Hump. He’s regressed to the point where his next pass may induce heart attacks courtside and his rebounding numbers have fallen off, too.

In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me in the least that if the Raptors need a fourth big behind Bosh, Bargnani and Rasho, they could very well ask Joey Graham to play the four for a few minutes.

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Woe is Washington

Clicked over to Grizzlies-Nets for a minute and saw Juan Carlos Navarro drill a three in transition and one of the first things that came to mind was: Man, don’t you think the Gilbert Arenas-free Washington Wizards wish they hadn’t given him away.

--

We wuz robbed

You knew this was coming. I still say Mel B can dance circles around that car driver. Sort of reminds me of the time they gave the Lou Marsh to Villeneuve over Larry Walker, a true travesty.

Oh, and being a Dougie Come Lately to the show this year, I can now say if my son wants to rend Cheetah Girls or buy the DVD or any of the 8-tracks, I’m driving him to the store. That Sabrina can dance!

Comments

[Eric]

Two things that continue to frustrate me about your writing- you just refuse to answer them (and I bet you won't even answer them here):

1) How is TJ BYC? You really won't let that one go, will you? Guys like you may know that the CBA exists, but probably don't know what's IN IT like guys like US. Unless you've heard it from some reputable source, it doesn't make sense that TJ Ford is a BYC player because that clause only applies to teams who were over the cap at the time the contract was struck. The Raptors were not, so TJ's not BYC (sort of like the luxury tax- you don't pay it as long as you remain under the threshold. I don't see Charlotte writing luxury tax checks this year, for example).

2) I may represent the view of many fans when I hear you constantly rave about "Embry's" Rose for Antonio deal as the Raps' saving grace, and now, apparently, the REASON why Colangelo was attracted to the Raps in March of 2006. Why do you fail to address this? The move paid off, sure, but if they hadn't made it then, they would've had the same capspace in the more 'attractive' summer of 2007. What's more, they would've still had the first-rounder that the trade cost them (and that the Knicks used on Balkman) as well. So, effectively, all that the trade achieved was hurry them up along the curve by one year. It's not rocket science.

That's why I firmly believe that Babcock had the drawings of the same deal on his desk before he got fired. It wasn't that Embry concocted it out of thin air. It was that Babcock: 1) had no reason to make the trade before the trade deadline (which is when Embry eventually made it himself); 2) had been clearing cap room for 2007 since at least 2004 and may have been reluctant to deviate from that plan, especially considering the first-rounder in question was one of the few things he did manage to get for Vince Carter (it was never just A-Will, E-Will and Alonzo like you seem to want everyone else to believe, but that's another matter).

Perhaps he was too patient but that's it. You make the guy out to be this horror of a GM, and it offends me like it may also offend others who follow the game. Some of his moves didn't work out, but you can't blame the ones that didn't on him while crediting the ones that did to someone else. It's not nearly that simple. At least try to be fair.

Blogger's note: I'll check on the BYC thing as soon as I see an exec around here later today.
As for the other points?
I've addressed the Davis-Rose deal about a billion times. If it was on Babcock's desk, he failed to pull the trigger on it, and indecision was one of his fatal flaws. And there is no question the cap space, and the ability to make quick moves was high on Colangelo's list -- if not at the top -- to make this job attractive. He's said as much, often. And if you think for one second he wouldn't have been snapped up by another team in the intervening year, you're wrong, I'm afraid. The timing was perfect, thanks to the opportunity Embry created.
The first round pick? Renaldo Balkman? The guy playing 15 minutes a night for a very bad team? All he turned out to be is a guaranteed contract and a bit player.
Rob Babcock was a horror of a GM. A good man, honourable and hard-working, but a horror of a GM. Indecisive at times, unable to consistently evaluate talent, lacking excellent leadership skills. A nice man, as I say, but much more suited to being the second or even third in command of a sports franchise.
If you feel otherwise, we shall agree to disagree.
Thanks for writing

[voislav]

I for one fully support Colin Mochrie for Leafs GM. Sports is all about entertainment these days so why not have a profesional rather than amateur comedians handle it. Anyways, I find it interesting that whenever Leafs GM position is discussed Colangelo comes up as an example, the Leafs need to find hockey equivalent of Colangelo. It's as if Colangelos grow on trees, just waiting to be plucked.

[Andrew R]

Wow. Wayne Embry as an MLSE exec. That would be revolutionary on so many levels. First, a non-hockey guy getting a key management position would drive the inner-circle wild. That move would not only be revolutionary for Hockey, but I can't think of any other sport where you have an ex-pro from different sport running your operations. The other revolution would be a non-white guy as a hockey exec. That one would only be revolutionary for hockey.

[Leigh]

Varajeo is ok, but he aint worth more than 7m a year for 4 years. He's a solid rebounder but he wouldn't fit at this team at the moment.

[pat rutledge]

Hi Doug,

I will try and be less cryptic this time. I personally like the upside of Anderson Varejao, I believe his numbers last year were indicative of a player who was beginning to understand what is needed to be a successful interior NBA Big Man. Put him on the court with Bosh and Co. he opens up a raft of options mostly for Bosh.

As great as Chris has played, he will wear down if he has to be the interior presence on defence and work against more dbl teams on offence unless they have a post player with energy. Right now with the roster that the Raptors have they are a legit second round contender. The two outstanding point guards and the emergence of the Moonwalker gives them a lot of athletic advantage. Though, in order to be a Conference Champion the Raptors need an interior presence and Utah, Boston, Cleveland and even Milwaukee exposed that weakness.

I do not take anything away from the valuable contributions point guards make and with them this is a great second round team, however two point guards in my memory have never taken a team to a championship with out an interior presence. Even Frazier and Monroe had Reed plus a few other guys named Bradley and DeBuscherre!

If the Raptors are to be a serious challenger and why not this year? Varejao is the best and most available interior guy out there, then one must be prepared to pay a price and that price has to be Calderon. Yes I am aware that TJ is hurt and moving Calderon is a risk, yet TJ showed against Boston what he is capable of. Winning is about taking risks and winning now not just improving is what I thought it was all about!

Patrick R

[Adam C]

Embry for GM? Well, we do have Bettman as president (precedent)...

Seriously, it would be a breath of fresh air to have a Leafs GM who understood the idea of a salary cap...

[Joseph Daniel]

Was watching the last 5 mins and OT of Cavs/Celts last night. Were those the same two teams that the Raptors played recently?
Allen missing two free throughs with 20 secs. left in regulation. James dribbling out the clock and the launching a prayer over Pierce to send the game to OT. What gives. Where was the LeBron attacking the rim on the final play? Where were all the 3 balls that rained down on the Raptors last Saturday?
Perhaps the fact these two teams play good defence on each other caused the miss firing on both sides. So I guess if the Raptors can play clamp down defence on these two teams they should be all right against them. I guess we shall see on Friday.

Blogger's note: Check out Cavs/Celtic chat rooms, maybe they want Mike Brown and Doc Rivers fired.

[DougG]

Maybe the Leafs could give an older executive the job of deciding between Glen Healy, Mark Messier, Dougie Gilmour and Steve Yzerman while running the team for the next 3 to 5 years. Each of them would work as his assistant, competing for the job. That older executive, let's say Scott Bowman, would be given the same role as BC. This may not help the team in the next 3 years as they rebuild but who could hate management.

With respect to Varejao I think he is the kind of player we need to round out the team but he is either a head case or has a poor agent.

[Carlos]

Was watching the ol' sports network and they were using 'Colangelo' as a verb, as in, MLSE needs to 'Colangelo' the Leafs.

Funny stuff.

And then they said something shocking. They claimed that "the NBA sent Colangelo to Toronto" to save the Raptors.

Doug - any insight on this bold claim?

PS - nice to see another pro athlete win that dance show you like so much. I am guessing you've got tix to the Spice Girls concert to ease the pain of your loss...

Blogger's note: I see the conspiracy theorists are hard at work. If the NBA 'sent' him, probably another dozen or so teams have called and asked to be 'sent' something.
I can't talk Mel B. vs. Helio, too painful still.

[Robert]

Doug, 2 comments:

1. I agree that Babcock was a very poor GM but let's give him credit for one thing - he signed Calderon.

2. Varejao Trade - I understand that there were rumours last year that Cleveland approached Toronto about a Calderon for Varejao trade and the Raptors weren't interested. The fact is that Cleveland isn't likely to get full value for Varejao now since he is holding out so I think that Varejao could be had for something less than Calderon. Perhaps, a Nesterovic, Joey Graham and 2nd round pick for Varejao and some other player from the Cavs to make salaries match.

3. TJ - It's clear that TJ has done a better job controlling his turnovers but I have noticed that he (probably on the advice of the coaching staff) now often tends to walk the ball up the court which has resulted in fewer fast break points. Personally, I'd like to see TJ run about 2/3rds of the court and then make a decision whether to penetrate the lane or hold up and set up in a half court offence.

[j.carlos]

Mr. Colangelo has done a great a job, worth every penny the Raps are spending on him.
And yes the Leafs needs to be Colangelo'ed.

[Oliver]

Two things:

1) With Richard Peddie coming out and calling his decision to hire a rookie GM in JFJ, hiring Embry, albeit an intelligent exec, would still be the same problem - hiring a rookie hockey GM. Although it would be interesting to see how this experiment pans out, I doubt Leaf Nation would embrace the idea.

2) Nicknames. How about Jamario Moonwalker? And I'm not talking about any reference to Michael Jackson but a play on David "Skywalker" Thompson.

[patrick r]

Hey Dude, I have dibs on the Moonwalker name! see above! Also, Clevelend doesn't need another big slow white guy and a has been that never was nor are they going to give up AV for that. Ferry is in the driver's seat with Varejao and he knows it.

I agree on the TJ reference, I coached a kid like that. He needs to learn when to drive and kick and when to drive and shoot, he did it wonderfully in the game against Boston. As well his team mates need to adjust as well, you have 3 guys (Delfino, Kapono and Moon)who haven't played much with him, 4 if you count Bargnani as a starter. TJ is 23(?) in his second full year, I think the learning curve will come with his experience, maturity and playing time with these guys.

[GM]

Not only David "Skywalker" Thompson but Kenny "Sky" Walker.

[Ghostface]

Why would you want to name this guy after some cheesy 80's power ballad rock group? You might as well play "I Can't Fight This Feeling" whenever he slams one down. That'll sure get the crowd going.
Actually, my suggestion would be MOONRAKER. The eponymous rocket from the classic Bond flick. And play Shirley Bassey's title theme whenever Jamario throws one down.

Blogger's note: As a cheesy 80s guy, I'm not sure how I take that remark.
But Moonraker and Shirley Bassey has to be in the discussion.

[Chris]

"There are three-year-olds alive today who don't know the joy of a parade of horn-honking horns up Yonge Street after a Game 1 win in a first-round playoff series."

This is why I read your stuff Doug. Thanks for that. Line of the year.