A familiar tiny point guard returns, sort of

T.J. Ford, styling in a state of Texas pullover and Pittsburgh Pirate cap, was back at Raptor practice today.

As a spectator, not a participant, and he's still not sure when he'll be back on a basketball court. His body hasn't told him when that'll be yet.

Ford is being extra cautious about coming back from his latest neck and back injury -- the horrific fall a couple of weeks ago in Atlanta -- and he told us today he's simply not ready yet.

"I think now my body just needs to just recover and just relax and that’s all I want to do right now," he said. "It’s tough, being taken off on a stretcher. It’s definitely tough to hop right back into it a week later, just knowing your body went into a big shock.

"Right now, it’s just letting my body calm down and when I feel like my body’s right, we’ll go to the next step."

Ford looked cool and healthy as he watched the Raptors practice, a lot better, in fact, than he's looked since he got levelled by Al Horford late in that game.

The Christmas break back home in Houston obviously agreed with him. But, still, there's no timetable for him to get back on the court.

We'll have lots more of this in tomorrow's newspaper, just figured I'd do a little update for all you folks goofing off at work.

Comments

[James Borbath]

This is good news it seems. It has been a very troubling time as far as not hearing from the guy himself. So I got to ask this though did anyone bring up the question with the R-word? Retire? This is my main concern. I really want T.J to be safe and able to play with a clear mind. However I would not want him or any player to risk their life after basketball. Thanks you Doug for keeping us in the loop. I know it's your job but getting it to us through the blog is a nice thing.

Blogger's note: No, retirement didn't come up because he talked first about coming back. Which was good to hear.

[Ced J.]

This is good news but life after basketball should be his primary concern.I like the way Calderon is playing. Just hope he does not return too early I got some box seats reserved and some floor seats booked in the new year and we want to see Calderon play as our starter.

[shrugz]

goofing off? I call this keeping my sanity

good to hear everything's checking out okay though

[Jack Bower]

BC better hope TJ comes back soon if for no other reason than to help resurrect his reputation. This is such a dud team right now he isn't looking as smart as people keep telling us he is.

[Torontoian]

Everybody said Raptors should NOT trade Charlie V for TJ at the time, guess what, most people are right. And even worse, TJ was awarded a $32-million contract which is bad from every perspective. Now just matter of $32 millions investment. Sometimes I think the writers, including Doug, need to tell the truth, not just kissing.

[Edgar]

Name one GM in the league that has swindled half as many as Colangelo. Show some respect.

[lennox]

you have mentioned that by the end of the year tj will be starting again. what qualities do you see that he possesses that calderon is lacking as a starting pg? i see calderon as a facilitator. but the raps need someone who is more aggressive since it is basically a jump shooting team aside from bosh. what do you think? ljc

Blogger's note (I gotta something better for that, don't I?): I'm not sure he's lacking anything to tell you the truth; he could start but he doesn't when Ford's around. I think for both of them, the roles they are in when they are both healthy are the right ones. I think Ford gets to the rim or in the paint a bit better and is quicker but Calderon plays more under control.
Apples and oranges, I think after a 47-win season and an adequate start to this year, they are fine with the way things are.

[David Pritchard]

hey Doug, i am not goofing off at work i am reading your blog. if i was goofing off i would be outside smoking.
David from Ottawa

Blogger's reply: That's not goofing off, that's getting fresh air.