Of Bargs and Boston

You know, this Bargnani hate is really getting out of hand.

The inbox is over-flowing with vitriol aimed at the kid, who some want benched entirely, who some want sent to the D League, who some want sent home.

You gotta chill. All of you.

Yes, his last few games have been dreadful and he’s too soft, in my opinion, but it’s not like he’s got no skills at all.

Check out the first 18 games of this season, when he averaged about 12 points a game and had three of over 20? Or the last two playoff games of last year? The kid can play.

His shooting looks screwed up right now, he seems to always wrong-foot himself or something, and it sure looks like his confidence is shaken but there’s enough in his short history to suggest that’s not a permanent problem.

He’s been better longer than he’s been bad and that has to be promising. Maybe, like Sam and Rasho and Bosh and the rest of ‘em tell us almost every day, he’ll be fine in time.

Look at it this way: They’ve got nothing out of him for the last month and they’ve won five of seven and are three games over .500.

Imagine what it’ll be like when it finally clicks back in.

And I think it will. It’s painful some nights but the background suggests he’ll get it together.

End of rant.

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This halfway-through-the-season stuff is all over the place.

The good folks over at TSN have asked a bunch of us – me and Mr. Grange ™ representing the beat brigade – to assess a bunch of things that need assessing.

Check here to see what we thought.

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To all of you who wondered, here’s why I think Damon Stoudamire’s a good fit, if he gets his buyout and takes Toronto over Boston, which is no sure thing.

He’s a veteran who’d be playing for a contract and that’s a huge impetus. That’s why he wants a buyout rather than a trade, he wants to get a new deal this summer, I’m told.

He’d be a huge upgrade at backup point guard and we’ve seen the second unit struggle mightily at times since T.J. went down.

And you can’t worry about what happens when T.J. gets back. The absolute earliest you’re going to see Ford, in my opinion, is after the all-star break and who knows how long it’ll take him to get back into real game shape. In fact, we may not see him at all this year (that possibility exists, although I will repeat that no one knows for sure).

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We’ll open the mailbag for one:

Q: Hi Doug. Have you and others admitted you were wrong about the Celtics yet? I certainly was (but I'm not paid for my expertise :). Regardless, I was interested to learn in your recent column that the Celtics have the league's best defence. Is this the reason why many others (e.g., ESPN, etc.) thought they would dominate the Atlantic? I doubt it. Moreover, has the 'Big 3' been the entire source of the Celtics success or how much need we attribute to Rondo and others? Thanks for your thoughts.

Andy K, Waterloo

A: I’ve admitted my mistake many a time. I’m not sure it was solely defence that led others to think they’d dominate; after all, neither Pierce nor Allen were known for being stoppers.

I’m still not sold on Rondo (although Perkins has been solid all year) so it’s Garnett, Pierce and Allen buying into a true team concept that’s had a greater impact than any of the bit players.

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If you can get past about six billion stories on Tom Brady’s ankle, here’s what’s up with the Celtics in the pages of the Boston Globe today.

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When I look at Cliff Fletcher, I don’t see Wayne Embry.

That’s all.

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Mad Max out in Mississauga loves his lists. Here’s one of a couple of missives I got:

I have to say I like my lists. What would you say the current ex-raptors all star team would be, Billups, VC and T-Mac would cover the guards and SF, but for big men I can only think of Bonner and Charlie V, which would mean our ex-Rap all-star team looks remarkable comparable to the Nets.

Okay, current ex-Raptors?
Well, centre’s easy, there’s that fellow Camby out in Denver who’s pretty good. PF? How ‘bout we take Donyell as our four? Or Sean Marks?

- Could be an easy one for the Black Stars tomorrow. They get Namibia, who got whacked 5-1 by Morocco in their Nation’s Cup opener.

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And don't forget the mailbag's open, just for you.

Comments

[Kevin]

I don't want Bargnani traded, benched or anything, I still think he will be good, really good. He's got to get his shot back, but that'll come back with confidence but I still think his biggest problem is fouls. I tend to think he gets a lot of no calls called against him, possibly due to his propensity for legitimately fouling often anyway, refs give the opposing player the benefit of the doubt it seems.

I mean, on the defensive end the days he looks involved and excited it takes about 2 minutes for some guy to run at him and Bargs to pick up that foul. That can only be discouraging. I still stand by letting him play with the fouls as long as he's giving the effort.

[DougG]

I watched the Suns yesterday and the commentators kept using hockey analogies all night to describe how Steve Nash plays the game. What is up with that?

There is a website that bans people for no reason that has a lot of Raptor fans who jump on and off the wagon like Leaf fans. It seems to depend on whether they won or lost the last game. Some of them are becoming rabid with respect to Bargnani. I don't understand why it takes much longer for players like Bargnani to develop than it does a Roy or Aldridge but that seems to be a common theory among the experts. He has already shown that he can be an effective offensive player, even if that has left for the moment, and if the experts are right it will take him a little longer to get the rest of the game. Hopefully, there won't be too many heart attacks between then and now. If it is any consolation I think the crazies only want the best for the Raptors in the end. The endless futility of the Leafs have people very anxious.

[voislav]

It's ridiculous to think about trading Bargnani already, I seem to remember a certain MVP/All-Star player that this franchise dumped pretty early in his career (hint: Detroit). Yes, sometimes it does take a change of scenery to bring out the best in a player, but Bargnani is not even close to that. What I think is hurting him the most right now is lack of practice time, to try to correct the problems in his game. All-Star break might be a chance for this.

[HC]

I agree with Kevin's assessment on Bargnani. I think he'll be alright. I only wish Sam would have a little more faith in him and let him play with his fouls rather than yanking him out so quickly. I mean, it's not like Sam plays him in the 4th quarter anyways, so keep him in with the fouls and let him learn how to play with them.

[A. L.]

Doug you gotta take Antonio Davis over Marshall at the 4 for the all-star ex-lineup. I mean he actually was an all-star once! Or maybe even Antawn Jamison (stretching it I know).

Blogger's note: The way I read the question, it was for active players, which is why I didn't use AD at the four and Hakeem at the five. Jamison is a bit of a stretch, though.

[robin]

I'm not exactly a huge fan of bball but I always thought that the best part of this sport ,compared with soccer ,was the nice civil attitude and sporting culture of its supporters . Well, too many Raptors fans are really starting to show the worst face of this sport : excessive fanaticism, intolerance , hate ( hate ??? ) against a kid who is just struggling trying to learn a totally new position , the most difficult : Center , and he's not even a center. How many Center projects have been selected in 2006 draft ? What they are doing ? I supposed Toronto was the right team for a young player to grow and learn without too much pressure or expectations because , let's be honest, this team is not exactly a legit contender for an NBA title. Not yet . With or without Bargnani . Mistakes should be accepted as part of a normal growing process . Raptors fans should calm down
and sometimes remember to be the best part of this team , not the worst.

[Bryden]

When Bargnani snaps outta this funk (notice I said "when", not "if") the Raptors will start to really cook. I still see anywhere between 47-50 wins just with Bargs getting his head in the game. Raptors fans got too caught up in last years success. Remember, last year was a HUGE, unexpected jump. We aren't a championship contender yet, and wont be for a couple more years. Let Il Mago get his PT and learn and we will be better off when we are SUPPOSED to be winning championships.

[Paul]

Ex-Raptor Power Forward?...How can you not put Oak in there? He'll provide the needed toughness, can hit the midrange, as well as keep Vince and his Mom in line.

Blogger's note: One more time, I read it as ACTIVE ex-Raptors. Oak's retired, as is Hakeem, and AD, and a lot of 'em.

[Uncle Zeke]

Imagine when the light finally clicks on for Darko Milibust too... What a wonderful world it will be. Some people have already seen Bargnani for what he is. Others are still in denial. Make sure that you're not the one left to turn the lights off.

Blogger's note: Um, okay

[GM]

I still hate the term "hate" you use so often. It leaves no room for disagreement. One can think Bargs is a bust and should be moved without hating the guy. (I don't think he's a bust, but I can see how some people would, and do.) Or maybe you're not sharing with us the real hate-filled messages you're getting.

Blogger's note: I always see room for disagreement and intelligent discussion. I see your point on "hate" and will try to cut back, if not eliminate it entirely. And, yes, I am not sharing all the real hate-filled messages I get; some of them are too far over the top to print or react to.

[Rasha]

^ "um okay"
LMAO oh doug, my work week would not be complete without you & your "blogger's note"s.

[John Park]

Bargnani was not a bad pick. He has a great deal of potential to be a great player. Right now, he is struggling, but we can't tell he was a bad pick.

I am curious why he is struggling. He showed us he could make shots. The way I see it, he is learning to be a center. And everybody, including coach Sam, wants him to be aggressive and get rebounds. While he is trying that, I think he lost shooting balance.

I don't disagree with Bargnani in the starting lineup, but as Sam mentioned before the game at Boston, the first 6 minutes in the first quarter and the third quarter are very important. Then why Bargnani on the starting lineup? I think it does make things worse right now. Even he is on the starting, his minutes is very low. Then I suggest Rasho is in the starting. I think his defense and rebounding deserves the starting. Then the Raps might get the first quarter and win the game.

[Vincent]

I've been to a couple of games and watched many more on television, and the thing I've noticed about Bargnani is that he lacks competitive fire. Rebounding is an effort and a pride thing. He just doesn't get after it. The ball could be about 5 feet away from him, and if there's a man between him and the ball, he won't hustle for it. Someone's gotta light a fire under this kids butt, otherwise we're going to have a poor man's Turkoglu, instead of a poor man's Nowitzki.

Here's a suggestion:
Maybe next time a team attacks Bargnani on the defensive end, Sam should let the kid keep playing even if he picks up a couple of fouls. On the other end, iso Bargnani and let him show that he has some pride and attack on the offensive end.

People that are positive on him seem to never mention his lack of tenacity. People who are down on him seem to forget the guy has some pretty decent offensive skills for a seven footer. I am disappointed in his progress, but still hopeful that it'll click for him one day. Anybody remember T-mac? Started out timid as well, but later on developed the competitive spirit that allows him to now compete with the best (health issues aside).

[Nick]

I would like to echo what a poster above said, Bargnani is a centre-project.

If we had drafted Bargnani low lottery and below, I don't think we'd have nearly as much uproar as we're having now. When you are the number one pick, your compared to everyone, regardless of your individual circumstances.

Let's hope Bargs can keep the faith in his game, cause that's the foundation for everything.

Just ask Kwame Brown.

[Kevin Murray]

Of course people will talk about him disappearing in the 4th rather than what he did during the first three quarters.

[Matthew Carter]

20 pts, 7 reb, 7 ast....an excellend line. If Bargs can string a couple of similar games together, he can silence all of those doubters. Remember people, he's only in his SECOND YEAR. Cut the kid some slack already.

[robcap]

I think fans jumping on guys like Bargnani here is typical of the Toronto marketplace. This impatience applies to all sports, particularily when the player lacks 'grit' ala Dougie. Skill without emotion is unappreciated. Some people have remarked that Toronto fans are patient and that is why the Leafs have not won in 40+. I think the opposite is true and the impatience of fans is part of the problem. Toronto fans get over excited about winning a few meaningless games, (Flag flying and horn honking after 1st round hockey wins - 'nuff said.) They also get in a funk after a few losses or when some players disappear for a while like Bargnani has. PLease everyone - patience with this guy! Funny how some were talking about Andrea,before the season started, as a possible bigger star in the long run than Bosh. Bargani has shown enough skill in the past to warrant some time to get out of his sophomore problems.