Hot off the presses ...

Well, if there were interweb presses, this would be hot off them.

Just got done the typical post-shootaround media sessions -- TV guys get stuff for the evening news, we get stuff for first-edition stories -- and every now and then there's a snippet of news.

Today's is that T.J. Ford is definitely going to play and definitely going to come off the bench tonight when the Raptors play Cleveland.

"Until he gets his legs back and his timing," was how Sam described Ford's backup role right now. "We'll work him back in slowly but we need T.J."

Nothing has changed with the other walking wounded on either team.

Andrea Bargnani will play, Chris Bosh might and LeBron James is still what they call a game-time decision.

James did wander in to take part in the Cavs shootaround but he doesn't deign to talk to the media game-day mornings so we don't know what he's thinking or how his banged-up finger is. He'll conduct an audience pre-game only.

This postman only rings once (a week)

I tell you this, you folks are incessant. Love the mail, it's so interesting to read every day. Lots of Moon love, very little Jose Is The Greatest, Why Not Trade T.J. Talk and only a couple of Doug, you're a knucklehead comments.

Keep 'em coming, we get to three after every game and will try to sprinkle 'em in other days. If you want to send on, just click here.

And now, this week's themes: The triangle is square, still love for The Big M and Penny Hardaway's lone fan checks in.

Q: Bosh, Bargnani and Ford injured?? Time to panic and jump ship!!

Just kidding...

Anyways, I don't know about you, but I'm always disappointed by the lack of Raptors representing the team during the All-Star festivities. I know that Kapono will be in the 3 point shootout this year to defend the crown, but do you see  Parker (league leader in 3-point percentage right now) and Bargnani in the contest?

How about Moon in the Slam Dunk and TJ or Jose in the skills competition? Is there any way that us Raptor fans can do to help get them in...like by sending angry e-mails like we always do?

Ernest Ho, Scarborough

A: Nah, you're going to see one Raptor in the three-point contest and it'll be Kapono. The league likes to spread that kind of thing around.

But, there will be a lot of Raptors around New Orleans to keep us busy. I presume Moon's in the rookie-sophomore game and Bargnani likely is, too. I can see Moon getting into the dunk contest for sure and I'll be Bosh gets voted in as a sub by coaches from the East.

And here's one for you all to contemplate -- and for about a million of you to write me about -- what if the coaches vote Calderon in as a backup?: Will that start some angst around here or what?

--

Q: What would you say to the Raptors moving to a triangle offence?

This might solve some of their spacing issues that they have been having and their existing high/low post strategy is incorporated, being the weak side (ie not triangle) set-up. I know it's tough to learn, but there is a core of young players locked in for a while.

Please do not reply by stating a) you are not the coach and b) you wish you were making more money.

Lorne K, Toronto

A: Wow, a pre-emptive anti-snark comment. Very cool.

I would say the Raptors are never going to go to a triangle offence, nor should they. They don't have the kind of big shooting guard or small forward capable of initiating it, it plays away from their point guard strength and the triangle is so hard to learn and implement, there's only one coach who thinks he can do it and we know who he is. And the triangle sure sounds great and works well knowing that when it breaks down and the shot clock's running out, there's a guy named Jordan or Bryant to bail it out.

--

Q: I know it's early to be thinking ahead to the off-season, but can you give us an overview of what Colangelo has to work with next year, with respect to a) How much money will there be to spend, b) Who from this roster is likely to be re-signed and use some of it up (Calderon and Moon?), c) Who is unlikely to return (Rasho?), and d) which free agents might we see in a Raptor uniform? Also, do the Raps have both a first and second round pick in 2008 or have trades impacted those assets?

Kevin Rosen, Winnipeg

A: It is pretty early but here goes.

The Raptors will have the full mid-level exception (best guess, about $5.6 million a year to start) and they'll have to deal with Jose Calderon and Juan Dixon as free agents, although both will be restricted and their salaries won’t count against the mid-level exception, if they keep them. As for other free agents they might go after, there's really no way to answer that, or even take a guess so I'll take a pass. They have their picks for next year. But they don't figure to be good.

--

Q: As I'm two for two in your mailbag this year, I figure, why not go for the natural hat trick.

Just to add to the miasma of Garbo talk these days, I have a question about the consigliere, Maurizio Gherardini.

I feel he's been conspicuously silent on the whole busted ankle business. How do you think this controversy has affected  his reputation as an international player broker, and what have you heard from overseas that might inform your answer ... and yes, I'm proud of myself for using the word miasma.

Sam Toman, Toronto

A: I am only including this question because you not only used miasma, you used it correctly and in the same question as you used consigliere.

But no, Maurizio's reputation is beyond reproach worldwide. And the public silence about Garbo is throughout the organization; I presume because no one wants to say anything that will either tick someone off unecessarily or jeopardize the talks between doctors for the team, Spain and the insurance company.

--

Q: I was wondering what's your take on the current U.S. national team? Some friends and I always argue about the original dream team and this "new" dream team.

I say this team will be better because it is still pretty young with the exception of Kidd and Kobe. But anyways, my main argument is that when the original US team rose to glory, most of their players were already in their prime so you can't say that the current team won't be as good, if not better.  Also, today the international competition is a lot tougher, I mean A LOT so if this team can dominate at this years olympics can they be considered the best team of all-time?

Or are you like my friends and have already etched in stone that the other team is the greatest ever?

Mike Ulangot, Winnipeg

A: I know Kidd and Kobe and all of them have talent and all that but there is no way in the world they will be as good as Michael, Magic and Larry and that 1992 team. Sorry to sound like an old-timer longing for the good old days but that's as good as it gets. Or will ever get. In fact, even with Kidd and Kobe, I don't see the Americans going into the Olympics as overwhelming gold medal favourites. They'll be in the running but Argentina and Spain and maybe Russia will have as much claim to favoured status as the Americans.

--

Q: Do you think this Garbo mess (and it sounds like it'll get messier) will affect Jose Calderon's relationship with the Raptors, especially with his free agency coming up?

Thomas E, Toronto

A: Jose said it himself, he loves Garbo and he loves the Raptors. When he gets an offer, though, he's going to love Jose most of all and make his own decision. And I think that decision will be to return. And, as we all know, the Raptors have the right to match any offer he gets. I don't think money drives him, I think comfort does and I think he's entirely comfortable in his situation here.

--

Q: Around this time last year, with all the 'trade Mo Pete' talk, I wrote to you and suggested that Josh Smith is what the Raptors needed, and asked for your thoughts.

In all the trade ideas I saw proposed, no one ever mentioned him, which was surprising given that he's a tough defender (blocks and steals) who can grab boards, make points, get to the line, and drop the occassional three.

My question, rightly so, didn't make it to print, as there was no way such a trade would happen, and he's got a bit of a negative reputation. So ... this one is more of an observation masquerading as a question.

Moon's game looks pretty similar to Smith's, doesn't it? I don't want to overstate the case, but it's arguable that Moon's rise has had a bigger impact on this team than the acquistion of either Kapono or Delfino. Which is not to say that I'm critical of either. Your thoughts?

Marc Zahradnik, Halifax

A: I think it's absolutely true that Moon's addition has been more significant than either Delfino or Kapono, yes. That's not to say the other two were mistakes because they weren't but Moon provides something this team hasn't had, and needs. An athletic three. There was a school of thought within the organization that they'd have to trade a valuable asset to get the guy Moon has become. Getting that spot filled without losing anything is a huge plus.

--

Q: Watching the Raptors, specifically when Kris Humphries has the ball, pains me greatly. I love the guy's hustle and the toughness he sometimes brings to the floor, but one thing about him really irks me. Once he gets the ball, you know he is going to shoot it. He's like a black hole.

There is no way he is going to pass it out to the perimeter or hit a cutter. I know his passing ability is probably not the best, but even after an offensive rebound, or two, he always tries to put it right back up, or dribble (which is even a scarier sight by the way). So I am just curious why we never see him pass kick the ball out to someone open for 3?

I feel like his offensive activities really hurt the raptors on some possessions.

But don't get me wrong, I love a guy who is willing to scrap for rebounds. As it seems we don't have many other players who are willing to do so...(aside from Bosh most nights and Delfino, I love that guy)

Arie Rutgers, Orangeville

A: Irks you? How'd you'd like to be Sam? Or his staff? They are in a state of perpetual irk. And that's why you're not seeing Hump get 16 or 20 minutes a night any more.

--

Q: With Jamario Moon's now known affection for dogs, what will it take for the Raps PA people to start playing Ozzy Osbourne's 'Bark at the Moon?'

Geoff P, Toronto

A: Somebody having a seizure and hitting the wrong number on some CD? Ozzy Osbourne, bless is rather worn soul, is not of this man's NBA.

--

Q: Read the question about Chris Bosh wearing protective gear around his middle: Out of curiosity, do you know if the players wear any protective gear for their tail bones?  They fall on their butts a lot when they attempt to take a charge or something of that nature so I figure it would make sense.

Pete H, Toronto

A: I don't know of anyone who wears padding specifically for tailbones. Compression tights under their uniform shorts, yes; padded for tailbones? I don't think so. But I haven't really looked that closely.

--

Q: Enjoy your blog ... enough sucking up. What has impressed me with this years Raptors is that Sam's message of defense is getting through.I realize you are high on Delfino but who else has surprised you defensively.

Cam McAlpine, Shenzhen, China

A: First, there's never enough sucking up. I'll do some, too; need some good Beijing tips for next year's Olympics. Ask around, would you? Defensively? I think Bargnani has improved (I've actually seen him in a defensive stance at least half a dozen times this year) and I remain impressed with the high basketball IQ, particularly on the defensive end, of Rasho Nesterovic.

But the overall improvement comes from a collective effort, they actually seem to care more this year about stopping people than they did last season.

--

Q: Hi, I just want to laugh in your face for the snarly comment of yours assuming Penny has nothing left and will eventually get injured.

Well it seems his experience is valuable to Miami and the other Saturday he dropped everything he shot against New Jersey. This includes four bombs from Memphis where you thought he'd end up (and not the team, more like his house with a bad knee).  Obviously his PPG is low, but when you want to win games, do you think that after 10+ years you care about stats?

Now saying that, do you think Miami will guarantee his contract in January so that I can buy platinum seats to see the Miami game in March down at the ACC?

Wild Ace, Toronto

A: Dude, or dudette (can't tell by the rather unimaginative handle), are you high?

I would hope Penny Hardaway is only interested in personal stats 'cause he's on a team that's 4-10 and second to last in the Eastern Conference. Yeah, he's added some veteran savvy and how-to-win knowledge to that club, for sure.

The Morning After The Night Before, XIII

How much did Memphis mail that one in? Second game of a back-to-back on the road after winning the first? A total capitulation. Could have seen it coming a mile away.

Still, the lads were good, especially Delfino, who continues to impress. The folks in Detroit keep telling me he’s eventually gonna disappear for a while; not sure I believe ‘em.

Anyway, here we go, lots of fun stuff this morning.

Three Things I Learned

A helping hand

Memphis assistant Johnny Davis was out five minutes before the tip making little marks on the court about a foot behind the free throw line. It’s to give Mike Miller his spot since he doesn’t step right up to the line. Very odd.

Getting to know you

They’re starting to learn about Jamario Moon all over. Ref Derek Richardson to Sam Mitchell in the first quarter: “What’s that guy’s name? Jamaal?” Sam: “Jamario.”

When refs wanna know who you are, you’ve made it.

Bad Joey?

They told me Joey Graham might see some emergency time at the four and with Bosh out, Wednesday night was his time. Went bad, didn’t it? Like in the third quarter when he put up token post resistence on Stromile Swift and before the ball had cleared the net, Sam had Hump at the table.

Three Things You Wondered

Q: I'm a long time reader but this is my first time writing in.  After reading your column for a while I know you have grown tired of the Jose and TJ debate.  I agree with you for the most part, but Jose as a starter now is putting up a 15/1 assist to turnover ratio and three double doubles.  That’s Steve Nash and Jason Kidd territory, don't you have to ride this hot streak out regardless of if TJ is healthy or not?

Matt Klas, Mississauga

A: He had another double-double last night, with 10 assists and one turnover, which came on about his last play of the game.

Here’s something to think about: Last year, when T.J. missed those games with the ankle, he went to Sam when he came back and suggested they keep starting Jose ‘cause things were going so well. Maybe he does the same thing again?

It would only be for a little while, but it’s something he might think about.

Q: Here's couple of burning questions on top of my head. Me and my friend had a small debate on. Do you think both Bosh and Bargnani can BOTH average 20 points a game? So I'd really appreciate that you give me your personal opinion. Another question is that, what can Bargnani do to improve his game (aka take it to the next level) ditto for Moon, too.

Kenneth L., Mississauga

A: Interesting question about the points. I think they can; I don’t think it’ll be this year but I can see the day when they are inside-outside and get to that level. They may have to revamp the offence a bit but it’s doable.

For Bargnani? I still think he has to work on his post moves an awful lot because there will be times when he’s on the court without Bosh and will have to operate at least a little in the low post. And his one- or two-dribble pull-up jumper has to be more consistent.

Moon? He has to give up shooting so many threes, step in and take the 15-foot jumper or get to where he’s one dribble from getting to the rim.

Oh, and it’s ‘my friend and I.'

Q: I have a bit of a gripe with you when you say (referring to player contracts), "unless it’s your money, who cares about the money?" The reason I care is because it is my money. When I buy tickets I'm helping to pay the players' salaries. When I buy merchandise, I'm helping to pay the player's salaries/ When I watch Raps TV, I'm buying B.C. a new collar. The fans have a right to be upset when they see frivolous spending.

Erick Isopp, Vancouver

A: Here’s the thing: It’s not extra spending. The Garbo contract we were talking about has to be paid.

And a few other things

We have a winner

We always give credit where credit is due. Eventually.

So, a tip of the ol’ fedora to Sumit Arora of Markham who wrote – twice – to take credit for the Jamario Speedwagon line. And an excellent line it is. Of course, Sumit wondered if there was any money in it. It is to laugh.

TJ BYC FYI

This is for my man Eric, he of the somewhat snarky “you don’t know squat about the salary cap and Rob Babcock is Red Auerbach and Helio’s a way better dancer than Scary (well, the last part’s made up)” e-mail yesterday.

Am told by the highest level of uber-management at Raptorland that T.J. Ford is indeed a base year compensation guy ‘cause his contract extension didn’t kick in until this season when the Raptors were over the cap.

And he’s not getting traded anyway.

Music, man

Here’s the inside dope on that Kanye West song that seems to be the intro music in every arena in the league. No, the NBA doesn’t mandate its use (I can’t imagine David Stern sitting around with a bunch of CDs coming up with some catchy tune). Apparently eight or nine teams use it, and all chose it independently of each other.

And I’m glad to hear, and I know the First Lady Of The Beat, who has come to loathe it as I do (even though she seemed okay with it when she first heard it), that the Raptors are thinking of changing it up. Just, you know, to be their own franchise and not sheep to the musical stylings of other teams.

Not sure when, and not sure to what, but the change should be coming.

Maybe a nice Spice Girls tune?

Don’t forget, tomorrow’s a mailbag day. It’s pretty full already but click here to send along your question.

Rasho's back, and so, sort of, is Garbo

Rasho Nesterovic will be back in the Raptors starting lineup tonight.

In a move that will shift Andrea Bargnani back onto the bench, the veteran centre returns from a six-game absence thanks to a sprained ankle to face the Memphis Grizzlies tonight at the Air Canada Centre.

"Yep, he’ll start," coach Sam Mitchell said this morning.

On Tuesday after practice, Mitchell laid out his reasons for making the switch.

“Mostly you want guys to come off the bench (as) energy guys and you want to put him (Nesterovic) out there right after the warm-up," said the coach. "Andrea's still young so he's still got the body and mental attitude to come off the bench."

--

No talking allowed

Garbo’s here. And like that other great Garbo, he wants to be left alone.

Walking, or hobbling actually, with the aid of crutches, injured Raptor power forward Jorge Garbajosa was at shootaround Wednesday morning at the Air Canada Centre.

But it’s going to be a little while before anyone hears what he thinks about this whole other surgery thing.

With insurance issues still to be cleared up – and any time anyone deals with insurance companies that might have to fork out millions of dollars, it’s a dicey situation – Garbo’s been told to not offer any comment.

It’s easy to understand why he, or the team, won’t talk about specifics of his injury or what’s ahead. He’ll have to examined by insurance company doctors who’ll offer their opinion on his ankle, leg and when it all went bad. Then, there are sure to be negotiations, or maybe heated discussions, on who pays who how much.

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.

--

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.

--

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.

--

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.

--

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.

--

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.

--

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!

A little more this, a little more that

So, Sam's standing 20 feet away, sampling about a billion chocolate cakes. So far, he hasn't found the perfect one, nor has he shared them with us beat grunts, either.

And some of us are experts in the delights of chocolate cake.

The good folks are from Dufflet Pastries and Bakerstreet Classic Dessert bakeries and, let me tell you, their wares look yummy. (That'll be the last time I use 'yummy' I hope).

Now, onto the news, such that it is

Rasho, a new dad last Friday, did everything at practice today and looks good to go Wednesday. And Sam told us today that when he comes back, he'll go back in the starting lineup and Andrea goes back to coming off the bench.

The news wasn't as good for T.J. Ford, though.

He got some shots up but he's still doubtful for the Memphis game, which probably means another 50 minutes for Jose.

Sam also said the decision to go with Juan Dixon or Darrick Martin as the backup to Jose depends on matchups and what the Raptors need.

"Juan scores the ball better but Darrick runs the team a bit better," Mitchell told us.

Okay, that'll be all the news for the moment, Sam's on to another cake and we're going in searching for crumbs.

Little bit of this, little bit of that

Bunch of dribs and drabs today after The Benevolent Bosses gave me the day off. Rainy, stinky day for the most part but, still, a welcome break and a few good hours of hanging out.

Oh, and time to think about this morning’s offerings, which is sort of a Nothin’ But (Inter)Net day.

Here we go:

Just chill a wee bit

You know what? Everybody’s just got to take a pill over this Garbo stuff.

He’s hurt, he has to have surgery and he could be back for the final few weeks of the season. He decided

LUCAS OLENIUK/TORONTO STAR

Sorry folks, can't count on Jorge Garbajosa for a while .

to play for Spain last summer – a decision I think is entirely justified, by the way – and his continued rehab since then didn’t go well.

Who are we to tell a guy he can’t play for his country? Who are we to know how his leg felt when he played? Rip him if you like but I can entirely understand a guy feeling no pain in his leg with medical clearance from doctors in his homeland deciding to go ahead and play.

The money? Unless it’s your money, who cares about the money?

The roster spot? With the salary slots they have available, they aren’t going to get anyone any better than anyone playing for them right now so that’s a moot point.

Is Garbo ticked? Sure, he’s a basketball player who can’t play basketball. Are the Raptors ticked? Sure, one of their guys is hurt.

Could they use him? Maybe. Maybe at 100 per cent he’s better than Rasho or Bosh or Bargnani, or Moon, Delfino or Kapono. Maybe.

It’s a crappy situation but there’s nothing that can be done about it now. The guy got hurt. That sucks. Deal with it and move on.

--

Crowded House

Who sits now?

Rasho’s close to coming back and then what? Does he start? Who doesn’t play? There’s no way they can use 10 players every night, at least not in my opinion, because it disrupts everybody’s flow.

So, you’ve got Calderon and Ford; Moon, Parker, Delfino and Kapono; and Bosh, Bargnani and Humphries right now. Add Rasho and that’s one too many.

See ya Hump? Probably, unless foul trouble or injuries hit.

The other question: Does Rasho start?

Bargnani hasn’t looked comfortable in either role, really, so ... Me? I’d start Rasho again.

--

More Moon (like always)

So, Daniel Puzzuoli writes to say he loves Super Jamario as a nickname and we should all stick with that. He writes: "leave his last name alone, there’s no way you can put a spin on Moon that isn't going to sound lame and obvious, let alone the fact that Moon is a bad ass last name in the first place. If more Dr. J comparisons start to pop up, you can even put a spin on Super Jamario and call him Dr. Jamario."

I’m going to add one thing to this: If anyone, ever, ever compares a 27-year-old rookie to one of the greatest players in the game again, he or she will lose all credibility with any sane-thinking basketball fan.

Jamario Moon is good, has been for, what?, 10 games now? I hope he sticks around and plays in the league for a decade. But Dr. J? You can’t put ‘em in the same sentence.

Speaking of Moon, I’ve lost the e-mail from the reader who came up with perhaps the best nickname I’ve heard:

Jamario Speedwagon.

That’s pretty good.

--

I (heart) NY

The Knicks have won two straight and that can only mean one thing: Another contract extension for Isiah.

--

I (heart with a line through it) Helio

It pains me greatly to say this but the car driver out-danced Mel last night. It’s going to take some dramatic turnaround from Scary to win tonight but she’s got it in her, I know.

Marie? Done. Like dinner.

--

Wither AP?

This from Trevor Kendall of Halifax:

What's the deal with Anthony Parker this season? He doesn't seem to be as much a focal point as he was last season. His scoring is down and he's only had one game of with double digit points in his last 5. What do you think has caused this? Is he not being involved in the offence enough? Is the emergence of other players affecting his playing time? My fellow Anthony Parker fans want to know.

The easy answer is that he’s not quite the focal point he was last year, the presence of Bargnani in the starting lineup has changed that. Bargnani takes a lot of Parker’s offensive space away from him and adapting has taken some time. You can see that because Parker’s best games have come with Rasho in the starting lineup.

I’m not sure he can get back to being the offensive player he was a year ago but as long as he continues to defend as well as he does, his overall role won’t be diminished.

--

That’s all for now, don’t forget to click here to send along a question.

The Morning After The Night Before, XII

The Legend of Jamario grows.

Helluva play, wasn't it? That Dr. J-esque layup? Haven't seen one of those in the arena since that Carter fellow was jumping over tall buildings in a single bound.

Oh, and how bad are the Bulls? A point guard apparently allergic to paint, a centre who can't rebound at the moment and a bunch of other young kids who run around like chickens with their heads cut off most of the time. Is Scott SKiles in trouble? No one had him on the First To Get Fired list this year.

Anyway ...

Three Things I Learned

Memories of Butch

You could almost hear the raspy tones of Butch Carter yelling ‘crack him’ whenever Kirk Hinrich was pestering Jose Calderon 85 feet from the basket Sunday. Carter thought the best way to dissuade that kind of pressure was for a big to set a rather punishing screen on the defender, maybe knocking him on his butt.

Mitchell did yell at Bargnani and Bosh a couple of times to set screens for Calderon, guess that was his way of channeling Butch.

Of course, it could have worked better than the one time the Hump set the screen and got knocked down.

No Moon Time

You check out the little scorers’ table byplay late in the second quarter Sunday? Sam has Jamario Moon ready to check in for Carlos Delfino, who is guarding Luol Deng, when Delfino drains a big three from the far corner. Moon looks back, smiles; Sam smiles and waves Moon back to the bench.

Absenteeism

No, you did not see Jorge Garbajosa on the bench during Sunday’s game with Chicago. And, no, you did not see Rasho Nesterovic on the bench during Sunday’s game with Chicago. And, no, you should not read anything too significant into it.

Three Things You Wondered

Q: Doug do you think that it's time to cut D Martin, give him a assistant coach role and sign a third point guard? Sam did not use him at all against Chicago and I don't blame him after the Cleveland game.

Astrit

A: If you can find a veteran point guard who’s a good teacher, makes (relatively) very little money, is a great guy in the locker room who is accepting of his role of playing – what? – about eight minutes in total this season who won’t wine about his lot in life then, yeah, go sign him.

Oh, wait, that’s Darrick Martin? Then keep him right now.

Q: Now that Sam has become the all-time winningest coach in Raptor history, I want you to gaze into your crystal ball and predict when Sam's coaching record will be above .500.

Bay Street Lawyer, Toronto

A: Funny, when we were busting on Sam about that very record – wondering if they’d have a parade back home or a pre-game ceremony here – he mentioned that he wanted some recognition when he got to .500.

Since he’s 32 games below right now, I’d say it’s early in the 2009-10 season when he gets there and it’s party time.

Speaking of Sam, check out how other people see him in this piece by Wayne Embry biographer Mary Schmitt Boyer in the Cleveland Plain Dealer on the weekend.

Q: I know it’s a long season but with the emergence of Jamario Moon do you see Joey Graham getting any significant PT this season? Moon does everything that Joey was drafted for (defence, athleticism, hustle) and does it better. After only 10 games it’s clear to most fans that even Good Joey is no match for Super Jamario! I wonder if BC regrets picking up Graham's option.

Andrew Wye, Toronto

A: Did you ever hear of a guy named Wally Pipp? Oh wait, that was a month or so ago.

No, I don’t see Joey Graham being anything more than an emergency, injury-replacement player for the next long while, which is fine because that’s a good role for him. At least until Moon comes back to earth, if he ever does.

But I also don’t think they regret locking him up for another year because he’s now an asset who can maybe packaged in a trade later this year.

--

On the notes they provide us every game, there’s a little panel that tells us the pre-game timing issues. Like 7:05, introduce visitors; 7:07, introduce Raptors; 7:08 opening dance number and in-game host scream-a-thon. (Not really, the dancers don’t get any billing)

They may have to add on now: 7:10, clean up the court.

Sure, fire and explosions and noise are nice (well, they’re not nice at all; as a matter of fact they’re loud and obnoxious but all part of the show) but they do make a mess.

And it’s getting very boring watching dudes sweep the court before every game can start, cleaning the debris of the over-the-top intro.

--

Oh, and that Kanye West song? Heard it Cleveland, too. It’s getting entirely over-played in a series of NBA arenas. Even the First Lady Of The Beat wants it gone and she's the one of us who actually knows what it is.

I figure there has to be some Canadian artist whose music should be played, right?

--

And remember, if you've got questions, just click here to send them along.

The Morning After The Night (um, Afternoon) Before, XI

After a really sluggish start, that one turned into a doozy Saturday afternoon and seems like there were a few Toronto locals in the packed house.

Saw more than a few Raptor jerseys in the crowd, ran into a Toronto fan out getting some halftime fresh air and then saw a couple more fans at the New York State Thruway rest stop in Angola. You Raptor fans travel well.

And away we go

Three Things I Learned

Jose’s perfect day

The tempo certainly wasn’t Ford-esque and Jose Calderon missed seven of the 10 shots he took but check out this stat line: 13 assists. 0 (ZERO!) turnovers in 41 minutes.

That’s running an offence as efficiently as I’ve ever seen from a Raptor point guard. Not one bad pass, didn’t once dribble off his foot out of bounds, knew just where and when to the ball to Chris Bosh.

Jose already led the NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio going into the game, that gem solidifies that lead even more.

Quick? Not so much

Got to see a few minutes of Darrick Martin against Eric Snow. No disrespect, but it was sort of like watching glaziers play one-on-one. Or, as a wag noted: Martin vs. Snow, Throwback Day at the Q.

Both are good guys, though, and not sure about Snow’s post-career plans but I could see them coaching against each other some day.

Speaking of Snow, his charitable foundation does an excellent thing. Each game, he provides two sets of two tickets to fans and the provision is it has to be a father and son or father and daughter.

Absentee fathers are a plague on society, this is a great way to recognize ones who actually take an interest – and live with – their children.

Time at the line

Doesn’t anyone else shoot free throws around here?

Sure, it’s nice that the Raptors lead the NBA in free-throw shooting percentage, firing at an 83.7 per cent clip. But what’s troubling to them is that no one but Chris Bosh seems to get to the line and Toronto’s 26th of 30 teams in free throws attempted.

Take Saturday, for instance: Bosh shoots 17 foul shots, the team shoots 22. Bargnani got to the twice, so did The Hump and Calderon shot a technical.

It’s got something to do with the offensive style they play, sure; but someone has to start taking the ball the hole a little more often.

Three Things You Wondered

Q: Regarding a question back on the mailbag Nov 23, a fan asked why Sam doesn't sub anyone in on a timeout, but will make a substitution shortly after on the next whistle. Don't you think this could also be a strategic move?

Sam may not want opposing coaching staff's to know he's putting in 3-point specialist (eg. Kapono) and have 20 seconds to a minute to talk with his guys about how he's going to defend him. Just a thought to go along with your insight on the question.

Josh O’Connor, Callendar

A: I’m not sure about that because subs don’t have to be announced until after the timeout and teams are generally dealing with their own stuff when they talk, rather than watching who might come into the game on the other side.

Q: I love Delfino's game. I'm glad he's finally getting a chance to prove himself after be freed from the Detroit bench. Too bad BC couldn't extend him before the deadline, but do you see Colangelo signing Delfino to extension and letting the older Parker go (or trade) after next season?

Michael S, Thornhill

A: They worked right up until the midnight deadline on opening night to get an extension done so there was a huge interest on the Raptors’ part to lock up Delfino. But the way he’s been playing suggests his plan to stick it out and see what’s on the market in the summer was absolutely the right move.

I do think Toronto sees Delfino as a key player in the future – watching him defend LeBron on that key possession with under 20 seconds left Saturday might have been the best one-on-one defence by a Raptor on the perimeter in years.

They’ll have the right to match any offer he gets and I bet they will.

But I don’t think Parker figures into it. There’s room on the team for both of them, I don’t think it’ll be a matter of one over the other when the time comes.

Q: Duugg, how concerned are the Raptors with T.J. Ford suffering another stinger injury? Also, has there been an increase in Jose over Ford e-mails because of T.J.'s 'injury proneness.'

Brad W, Waterloo

A: They’re as concerned as you’d think, they know this team can’t be as good as it can without Ford dressed and playing but after all the medical exams they’ve given and read about him, they’re not overly worried about a stinger, even if he had one last year after that playoff fall. And the kid, as slight as he is, only missed seven games last season (with a sprained ankle) and two so far this year, I’d say that’s pretty durable.

The e-mails? Dude, I get dozens every week if both are healthy and playing well, this ‘injury proneness’ (as faulty a premise as it is) doesn’t factor into it at all. The T.J. haters and Jose haters and T.J. lovers and Jose lovers are entrenched. They don’t need more fuel for their fire.

Remember, mailbag’s open for post-game questions (it’s fun to read ‘em in the mornings to find three to answer). Just click here and we’ll try to get to all of them.

Mail's in!

Man, are you folks ever prolific. Inbox floaded, cleared out, flooded again. We'll parcel the leftovers out as the week progresses.

This week's themes: You are over the Moon (still), I'm a smart guy (but snarky) and Chris Bosh's padded undergarment.

Q: Jamario Moon's playing great now, but what's his status by the end of the season? Would he become a restricted free agent? His output-salary is very attractive to other teams as well!

Bau Ta, Richmond Hill

A: The Raptors hold the option on a second year of Moon's contract, which they'll have to exercise by next summer. It's for the minimum salary, too, so he'll remain a bargain if he keeps playing like this.

And if he keeps it up, can't imagine they wouldn't pick up that option.

-

Q: I'm sick of hearing the media give Jamario Moon nicknames, when the names are so inferior than this one: Super Jamario.

Jeremy Shaw, Toronto

A: The media? This media? Not so much. You can call him whatever you like and here's something else to chew on from faithful reader Christian Snyder out in Kitchener.

Hey Doug, with the recent emergence of 'Jam'-ario Moon as a bona fide NBA player, I've found that plenty of people are jumping on his bandwagon. Now, being from God's Country (i.e. Waterloo County) I was wondering if we shouldn't name his bandwagoneers Moonninites. And the old school fans (like the kid who met him before the NJ game who had been a fan from his Patroons days) can be the Old Order Moonninites.

-

Q: Is it just me or is December the most critical month of the season for the Raps?  I mean look at their opponents: Charlotte (much improved), Phoenix x2, Houston x2, Boston X2, Dallas, San Antonio, New Orleans. Those are 10 games in which the Raps will have a very difficult time winning.  A dreadful month likely means we're fighting real hard come April.

Aaron J., Markham

A: Big month, yes; especially with the preponderance of road games. Not sure it's any bigger than March, but if they can hang in there, take care of business at home and steal one or two unexpectedly on the road, it sets them up to make a big move in January, when they have a much easier schedule.

-

Q: I have a question about the "over and back" rule. I noticed that sometimes when the offense brings the ball past the center then bring it "over and back" sometimes it is called and sometimes it isn't. Explain.

Tim Lockhart, Brampton

A: If you saw that happen without a pass or shot being tipped by a defender, you saw a terribly blown call and I'd imagine you'd have seen Sam Mitchell's head explode.

If you saw it on an inbounds play, it's perfectly legal, now you can inbound from the frontcourt to the backcourt at any time.

-

Q: Here's something I've been thinking about after watching Mo nail the four-point play. What does Kapono bring to the table that Mo didn't? In fact Mo is a better transition player, can hit the three and is a better defender; it can't be a contract thing? Doesn't Mo make less in New Orleans? I don't get it.

Rupert Smith, Toronto

A: No, it's not a contract thing, they both got the same money.

But Kapono is four years younger, shoots three-pointer at a much higher percentage in his career (46-37) and that's why they did it. Youth and talent in one specific area. Not a hard decision.

-

Q: Okay, smart guy. You answered my 'simple question' about Kapono not shooting enough with one word. Defence. I'll pretend you meant both his poor defence robbing him of burn as well as opposing players' tight D on him. Well done (if that's what you meant).

Here are some complicated questions.

If a player can be called for goaltending on a continuation, can a player also be credited with a block? (Yes I play fantasy hoops).

Also, with the Raptors home woes fueling paranoia, what's your take on the ACC crowd this year. Have they gone Maple Leaf corporate?

Sam Toman, Toronto

A: Okay, smart guy.

No, you can't be credited with a blocked shot. The field goal attempt only counts if the basket goes in; otherwise the foul takes precedence. Are you in Grange's league? If you are, I hear his team is great. And if you're in the same league with the First Lady Of The League (who assures me she isn't 'obsessed' with fantasy leagues), I hope you never win a game against her.

The crowd this year? No different, really, except there are more people there now. And they actually seem a bit more enthusiastic this season. That, of course, will change with a few more losses.

-

Q: How come basketball players don't have cool names like Tuukka? Any chance you and your partner in crime can change your names to Douug and Stuumpy and maybe start a trend?

Or are you concerned that Sam might start giving you guys a hard time?

Phil S., Toronto

A: Sam gives us a hard time for simply being there, a new name isn't going to change anything.

But I will ask my friend Stummpppy to see what he thinks.

Regards,

Dugg

-

Q: I noticed in (Wednesday's) game that Chris Bosh was wearing a protective belt or vest under his uniform. Is this normal for him or anyone else? Is he protecting an injury?

Howard Rose, Concord

A: It's a padded vest and it's not only normal for him, but a lot of players, especially big men who take a beating in the paint are wearing them these days. They're very light but do offer a layer of protection. They've only been in vogue for a couple seasons, too.

-

Q: At this point with the Celtics being 8-1 (as of Wednesday evening), do you take back your earlier prediction that they will be life and death to make the playoffs?

Mark D, Toronto

A: The snark in me wants to say write me again in April.

But they are certainly going good now, aren't they? They could have a playoff spot locked up by New Year's

But write me again in April.

-

Q: Have you noticed that Sam frequently will call a timeout and not sub anyone in, only to bring in a sub about 5 seconds or so after the play starts back up?

Any rationale you can think of for that one?

Richard Niman

A: If I could think like Sam Mitchell, I'd be making four mil a year and ripping on beat grunts every day. But I'll give it a shot.

Sometimes if there's a timeout called to address a particularly bone-headed play -- which is sometimes the case -- Mitchell (and other coaches) will do their ripping in the huddle and instead of showing up the perpetrator in front of 19,000 fans by immediately hooking him from the game, he'll let him go back out there for a possession or two to try and redeem himself. It's all part of the psychological aspects of coaching pro athletes.

Or maybe he just forgets what he wants to do.

I dunno for sure.

-

Q: I guessing that not including Dick Bavetta as a top 5 referee in the NBA was nothing more than a mistake, and I'm sure several readers are responding on his behalf as we should.

I know you like TJ, but does he not offer better trade value to the Raps then Jose does. What odds would you give on BC trading TJ this year, if you were a betting man of course?

Steph Regnier, Glencoe

A: Actually, Dick's name didn't come up in any conversation I had in the ref matter. Probably should have, though; maybe everyone figured he'd be on the list and no one made sure he was.

Whether I like TJ or not doesn't matter a lick, I don't think they should trade either of them. At all.

Ford, actually, is very difficult to trade; he's in the first year of a contract extension and is what's known as a 'base-year compensation' player and the Raptors would be limited in how much salary they could take back. So, the odds: 1,000 to 1.

-

Q: Quick question for you: Is it ever a bad idea to have your three best players on the floor together? (This is where you say "of course not!").

Then why don't Calderon and Ford ever share the floor together? I'm not saying you do it all the time, but when the matchups allow you to, Sam Mitchell should do it.

How about a first substitution of Calderon and Hump for Parker and Bargnani? That way you could end the first quarter with three athletic shot-blockers (Moon, Bosh, Hump) playing behind our two point-guards. That lineup could get up and down the court in a hurry, and would be fun to watch.

Am I crazy? Or is this not a good idea?

Chris Black, Toronto

A: Since you asked, I'd say closer to crazy than to being an NBA head coach.

No, it's never a bad idea to have your three best players on the court together, which, I presume, is why they start Bosh, Bargnani and Ford.

Neither Ford nor Calderon are big enough to cover two-guards and neither shoots the ball well enough coming off screens to make them valuable in a halfcourt offence, which is why the only time you'll see them play together is in the dying seconds of a close game when they need two ball-handlers and good free-throw shooters in the backcourt.

-

Q: I'm a huge Garbo fan. Love his game, and his atttude. I'm disappointed to see how things have begun this year for him, and I hope he pulls it together for the second half.

My question is more of an observation.  Although Garbo has been missing from the majority of games, I think Delfino has been a worthy replacement.

He's taking charges a few times a came, he rebounds very well, and his defence is far more solid than many of us anticipated. I think Delfino was one of the better moves we've seen BC make.  Your thoughts

Hans Pasiman, Netherlands

A: Hey, congrats. Believe you're the first questioner from Netherlands. Excellent. You ever hear of Ramon Van de Hare?

Anyway, my thoughts on Delfino are that he's going to -- or should -- finish a huge majority of close games this year. Tough guy at both ends of the court, excellent rebounder with a nose for the ball.

Him for a second-round draft pick is a steal like Hump for Haffa was a steal.

-

Q: How tall is Andrea Bargnani really? In the Dallas game, Andrea looked about an inch shorter than Dirk Nowitzki, but NBA.com has them both listed at 7-feet. Is the NBA being generous to Bargnani?

Hugo S, Toronto

A: Nah, he's a legit 7-feet and about 255 pounds. Can't speak to Dirk. Maybe your TV screen needs some tuning?

And here's a tip: Most of the heights and weights are guidelines, at best.

-

Q: Living in southern California, I rely on NBA League Pass to get my Raps fix. The other night, (a) play-by-play guy was talking about what a luxury we have with both TJ and Jose at the point. He goes on to say that Jose "would probably start on 26 of the 30 NBA teams.

Huh? I'm a bit Calderon fan, but that's laughable.

Still, it brings up an interesting question. How many teams in the league could Jose start for if dealt?

My (somewhat generous) count is 11: Memphis, Minnesota, Orlando, Houston, Milwaukee, Boston, Lakers, Portland, Indiana, Miami, and Atlanta. Thoughts?

Pat Kieran, San Diego.

A: I'd put New York in there for sure, Cleveland and the Clippers, as well. That gets you to almost half the teams in the league. Not bad.

-

Q: What's Luke Jackson doing these days?

I miss shouting Luuuuuuuuuuuuke whenever he has the ball.

Adam, Toronto

A: And we miss hearing it. No, not really. I'm told Luke's back home, weighing his options. He's had some contact with Galatasaray of the Turkish League, there's been some conversation with teams in Italy and I'm pretty sure, if he wanted to, he could go back and shred the D League again.

-

Q: My question does not pertain directly to the Raptors. I recently read a Sports Illustrated article hailing Tim Duncan as the dominant power forward of all time. While he is undoubtedly worthy of much of the praise that comes his way, I don't believe he is the best four in the NBA. If you had to rank the league's top power forwards, how would you do so (and why)? My list would look like this: Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Bosh, Shawn Marion.

Geoff, Toronto

A: Let's put it this way: If you were starting a team today, who would you rather have, Kevin Garnett or Tim Duncan?

Me? I'd take KG so maybe that's the right answer. But, until he wins something, regardless of his teammates, Duncan has to be considered the most accomplished player.

The rest of the list? Probably right, although Marion is hardly the prototypical four and maybe shouldn't be included.

-

Q: I think that we should've traded for Trevor Ariza. I can't believe the Magic traded him, the guy has got energy, he can rebound and i know he can't shoot but he is very good defensively and can guard even the top players, why didn't we pursue him?

Oh yeah and also i think you look like the spitting image of Maurizio Gherardini. Tell me I'm wrong.

Chaz E, London, UK

A: We? I believe this is why you are not an NBA general manager. Trevor Ariza? Can't shoot, doesn't start, no better than the twos and threes Toronto already has.

Me? Maurizio? How dare you denigrate such a fine man as The Big M.

-

Q: Hey Doug, I'm going to groan when I hear the answer to this, but I've wracked my head and I can't figure it out -- what's the new stat (BA) they've added to the box scores on NBA.com this year?

Colin Leach, Calgary

A: And you call yourself a basketball fan! Yeesh! It's Blocked Attempts, the number of times a guy has his shot blocked. How could you not know that!

(Hope you know the back story to this; if you don't, I apologize).