Just like clockwork, here's some mail

I’m proud of you folks. A good week of legit questions, few rants, solid spelling and grammar.

There’s a few left after this compilation of Wednesday and Thursday offerings, I’ll get ‘em up in the now - typical bonus Sunday offering, so don’t despair.

And to all of you who’ve asked about a permanent link somewhere on the page to send questions, I’ll ask the powers that be about it sometime today. For now, just click here in your usual manner.

Q: Thanks again for letting us in on bits of your family and travel life. I loved the comments on Orlando vs. Miami. You expand the blog's reach when you offer travel, consumer tips (Marriott vs. Air NOCANDO-A) and family-snow shovelling duties. It's all good - hope it portends more writing from you (the Smith-Mitchell co-authored story of the improbable(?) rise of the Raptors under his coaching).

Hoops Question: What should we be watching for as the coaches attempt to solve our team's challenge with defending strong shooting wing players? What are the standard ways to think about this issue: double team before or after they start to dribble? Is it possible to deny them the ball? More challenge to opposing guards BEFORE they get the ball to great wing players? This problem has killed us this year. We hope that Jamario will learn to defend better out on the wing - at the same time we know that 1 on 1 defence is never enough to stop these guys from torching us. Please help us learn what to watch for by way of solutions in coming month or two.

Charles N, Toronto

A: Not sure if you’ll see many adjustments in the last month or so, they’ll want to keep what they’re planning for the playoffs as much under wraps as possible. You’ll see snippets so they can work on things at game speed, but not a constant diet of what they’ll do.

I don’t know what exactly they’ll do but some things to ponder and watch for:

Do they double the guy immediately on the catch beyond the three-point line? The danger being that a guy like LeBron can hit open teammates immediately and open NBAers generally make shots.

Do they double on the first dribble, which is what I think they’ll eventually do with James.

If they double, do they send a big or a wing player or a point guard? If it’s Dwight Howard, do they double from the side or the top, or do they switch it up to make it more confusing for him?

I think those are some of things you can watch for and maybe see the rest of the way.

But I’ll tell you this: In games against Orlando, Cleveland and Washington the rest of the regular season, they will not do what they are planning to do in the post-season.

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Q: Just wondering, do the Raptors have both their first round and second round pick for 2008? I can't remember if they traded away their 2008 second round pick.

Jason O, East York

A: They have their own first round pick this year but traded away their second to San Antonio for Giorgos Printezis last June.

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Q: I was thinking the other day I don't get to see any Andrea Bargnani interviews anymore on post-game (even when he plays well). So I figure he's a bad interview and no one in the media wants to interview him. So I'm just wondering who on the Raptors is a good interview and who's a bad interview.

Akshay K, Toronto

A: He’s quoted in the papers every now and then but not often ‘cause we don’t get a lot of good insight from him. Of the guys who play? I’d put T.J. at the top of the interview list with Bosh second. The rest of ‘em are tied, really; none are bad, but most are far from terrifically quotable.

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Q: While it is only three games, is TJ somehow affecting Jose's confidence? Does he "school" him in practice? Is he just tired?  Because it seems after playing so well once the injury to TJ happened, Jose appears to now be playing worse now that he is back.

Geoff H, Toronto

A: Coincidence, pure and simple. Read nothing into it other than that. Jose’s a little worn down, has nothing to do with T.J.

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Q: As you are well aware (and constantly mention), Toronto fans are known to be...well...fanatical. Jumping from one extreme to another, and coming up with some of the most ridiculous trade ideas and coaching plans that I've ever seen.

Can you give us a breakdown of the emails you get every day? How many are fanatical? How many are thoughtful? How many are truly looking to learn more about basketball, the team, etc? And how many are just random questions about the Leafs, and why they suck so much.

Bonus question (just between us fat guys): My wife and I are thinking of taking a long weekend and coming to TO for some R&R&R, where at least one of those 'R's is a Raptors game. Where's the best place to go for a pre-game dinner with great food, and good value?

Dale H, Waterloo

A: Wednesday (when I did this one) was a good day. Between 10 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. as I type this, I got about 45 e-mails and I’d say 35 of them were legitimate questions. Many of them I’d answered before, but I don’t expect everyone to read everything every day, even though they should. Not one ‘Trade TJ’ rant in the bunch.

Although, there was this, and I’ll not use the name because I don’t want to encourage him:

Hey Dougy it’s me again....(name withheld)!!!!!!  You told me get my prescription refilled...haha, not funny.  Mark my words DougMan Bargnani’s a bust.  So I’m starting a campaign.  Bogut 4 Bargnani!!!!!  I’m praying that BC can somehow con Larry Harris into trading Andrew Bogut for Andrea Bargnani aka Hoffa jr.  Anyone with half a brain knows this is a genius move.  We would be instant Eastern Conference contenders.  The Pistons, the Celtics, the Cavs, the Magic....bring em on! Now you can do your part in helping the summer campaign.  Say it loud with me....Bogut 4 Bargnani, Bogut 4 Bargnani, Bogut 4 Bargnani, Bogut 4 Bargnani!!!!!

See?

Anyway, to your other question. Perhaps you’ve heard me mention the Harbour Sports Grille before? Seriously, it’s close (just south of the arena), has a wide selection of adult beverages and I’ve never had a bad meal there. Reasonably priced, too.

There are a handful of other places north of the ACC on Front (Jack Astor’s would be my pick because I’ve been at a Jack Astor’s in Etobicoke and it’s excellent) and if you really, really wanna splurge, Harbour 60 steakhouse is very high end.

Have a good weekend, whenever it is.

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Q: Three for you:

1) George Karl is a good coach, but would Denver be better off with a new coach? I don't think Karl is using Iverson and Melo well enough. Larry Brown anybody? hmmm?  HMMMMMM?

2) So the Raps need a better consistent starter at the 3. And if I remember correctly, Charlie V was pretty solid when he played alongside CB4 and Loren Woods/Hoffa. So what would it take for BC to get him back in a raps uniform in the future? Yes he sucks now but you can't deny what he did when he was on Sam Mitchell's team.

3) Wouldn't the Bucks be better off with a new coach? George Karl anyone? hmmmmmm?  Remember when the Bucks had Ray Allen, Cassell, Glenn Robinson, Ervin Johnson, and Tim Thomas?  Kinda sorta like Redd, Williams, Charlie V, Bogut, and D. Mason.

Veronica S, Winnipeg

A: Little Bucks or former Bucks-centric, aren’t we?

If Larry Brown coaches next year, I’m betting on Chicago, with Atlanta in the running. And I think George Karl’s a good coach, maybe he just needs a couple of different players.

It would take Bryan having a seizure and an uncharacteristic loss of his mind. Charlie V is not coming back, ever. Sorry.

Yes, the Bucks would be better off with another coach, and another GM, and I believe they’ll have both by next season.

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Q: Hey Doug, I read a blog by Bill Simmons from ESPN about the Sam Cassell to Boston deal, (cons and pros). In his article Bill actually makes fun of Raptor fans saying they are too easy to stir up. Are we that bad that we are actually gaining a rep around the league? Because that will be something to be proud of).
Rob S, Victoria

A: Gaining? Never mind gaining. You’ve got a rep. Read Simmons or John Hollinger or here. You people are nuts (I keed, I keed – a little).

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Q: I have always been curious about players like Graham who are constant CD-DNP.  What is their REAL mindset of not playing in real games for maybe weeks?  Are most unhappy but take the money to shut up?  Or are they very moody?

Brad W, Waterloo

A: The DNP-CDs around here, and the guys on the inactive list, are not happy with their lot in life, they all want to play and think they should. But they aren’t drags on the team in any way, shape or form. I think they know Sam, and Bryan, wouldn’t appreciate that very much.

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Q: Doug, I really do enjoy you and M Grange™ providing comprehensive coverage on our beloved Raptors.  Good to see both of you embracing the Internet with some good ol' blogging and mail fun with a good/wacky sense of humour.  So are you Batman and Grange™ is Robin?  Or are you guys doing the Forderon thing, and as long as the team (readers) win, everyone is happy? Your informative mailbags are much appreciated since it must take tons of time to answer.

For the actual question, of the expiring contracts after next season (Rasho, Graham, Baston, Moon, Parker, Greta), who do you see remaining with the Raptors?  I'm guessing Moon (albeit with a significant raise) and maybe Garbo, and the rest is used as trade chips or cleared to make a run at 2009 free agents.  I think Delfino can take over Parker's role.

Michael S, Thornhill

A: I like to think of us as Laurel and Hardy, or Martin and Lewis.

The real question about those guys is who’ll be with the team after the trade deadline next season, not the end of the season. And I have no answer for that question.

But, and this is purely me thinking out loud, I’d imagine that Moon, and maybe Parker, are with the team in 2009 if they survive the trade deadline a year from now.

The Morning After The Night Before, LII

Was sitting there watching Theo Ratliff try to go around Rasho Nesterovic and I was thinking it’s a time trip back to 2001.

FILE PHOTO FROM THE CANADIAN PRESS

Scroll down to find out why Brendan Mallone won't stand for hot dogs on his team.

You all gave your ticket stubs away to someone who would really appreciate spending a half hour or so in a warm restaurant today, right?

And on with the show

Three Things I Learned

A moment in time

Not sure if this ironic, or funny, or what but Chris Bosh passed Morris Peterson for second on the all-time scoring list in the first quarter last night. And he did it when he made that three-pointer. Bosh now has 6,521 career points. Next up: He Who Shall Not Be Named, V. 2.0, who had 9,420.

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Sam’s tiny gamble

A subtle change in strategy by Sam and something he should probably do more often. Bargnani gets two quick fouls – surprise, surprise! – and has a seat on the bench after less than seven minutes and he’d usually be done for the half. Sam rolls the dice, brings the kid back in with about eight minutes to go in the second and he ends up making a couple of baskets, and getting no fouls, in the rest of the quarter.

Since Bargnani hardly ever plays in the fourth quarter, what’s the harm in letting him get second-quarter minutes with two personals?

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Well, looky here

Seems the Raptors have had a slashing small forward all along. His name’s Jason Kapono.

I know a kabillion of you are ragging on Sam and everybody because Kapono doesn’t shoot three-pointers any more but he had 10 points and three boards without attempting one last night and nine points without trying one on Tuesday in Indy. He keeps doing that and you’re going to forget about filling up my e-mail with “What’s wrong with Jason?” questions.

Oh, and because it was a boring game and we like to make, um, caustic comments to each other, I turned to M. Grange ™ and said, “Kapono spends more time in the paint than Jamario.”

Old Mike says, “So do I.”

We slay each other!

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From the mail, one last time, with feeling.

Q: Seems to me that you are always Big on Bargnani (BOB) but Malignant on Magloire (MOM). I personally would like to see a Canadian play for the Raptors and believe that Mitchell could get something out of this home grown, Toronto fella. It wasn't that long ago when he was an all star and he is only 29 years old. The Raptors desperately need a rebounder/defender in the paint, and when you witness Bargnani's inconsistency (BN his Indiana stats BOB) someone of Magliore's ilk would clearly be an asset. Particularly with the Cavs on the playoff horizon. It might all be redundant now given that the Mavs saw something in him that you didn't, but I'd love to see you change your MOM ways.

Frank K, Orillia

A: Sorry, dude. Not changing.

This is getting exasperating, but I’ll do it one more time and then we’re letting Magloire-to-Toronto die forever.

His skills have eroded, seriously, seriously eroded. This is not just me talking. This is every scout I’ve asked about him, and every person in New Jersey I’ve had a discussion with him about.

I have no idea why the Mavs signed him and I will be surprised if he does anything more than play mop up minutes and commit some playoff fouls.

And here’s one other thing for you: Do you think these guys want 10 weeks of constant questions about why the local fella isn’t playing when everyone connected with the team would be loathe to tell the truth? Why do you think he didn’t travel here with Jersey right before the all-star break? Professional courtesy, so he wouldn’t have to answer those questions for even one night.

At one time, Magloire was a good – not great, good – NBA centre; that time was about four years ago.

We’re done with Jamaal and Toronto, okay?

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The NBA: Where Sam Happens

In about an eight-minute soliloquy post-shootaround yesterday he got Barry Bonds, the New England Patriots and Andre The Giant into the speech.

The verbatim snippets:

On winning begetting winning:

"The more you win, it becomes, I wouldn’t say a habit …

"I remember Barry Bonds said something. Someone asked him about his work ethic. He said, ‘when I’m on a hot streak, I spend more time in the batting cage, I lift more weights, I run more in the outfield, I’m in here earlier. When I’m going well, I’m really cranking it up because I want to keep it going.’

When you’re winning, that’s what you want to do. ‘Cause that feeling of losing – if you can ever get on a streak where you can win 10, 11, 12 games in a row, man, you don’t want to lose. You don’t want to lose, you don’t want that feeling, that taste in your mouth of losing a basketball game or losing anything you do."

On games you’re “supposed” to win (notice the seamless transition from football to grappling):

"All them people who took the Patriots, that just goes to show you on any given night that the team that executes and plays the hardest and plays the best is going to win. It’s funny, now I look at the highlights and see talk shows and you’ve got people saying, ‘well, the Giants could win.’ Well, you always say they could, to cover your backside.

"If Andre the Giant the wrestler was still alive and we had a wrestling match, yeah, I could beat him. Just to cover the backside. But no one’s going to bet on me winning. People do that just to leave that little crack open but no one really thought they could win that football game. No one.

"Now you look at and see what happens. New England didn’t lose, they got beat. They didn’t give the game away, they got beat.

"You’re never suppose to win.”

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If you care, and I can’t imagine why you do, here’s what they said in Minneapolis about last night’s dull affair.

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Great story from Someone Who’d Know

The roster in Season 1 was full of rather unique personalities. Guys at the end of the line, journeymen hanging on, dolts and the odd knucklehead.

Seems one night in New Jersey, the various chuckleheads who weren’t playing much were not only goofing around on the bench while the team was getting drilled, one of them (and Someone Who Knows can’t remember exactly who it was) ordered a hot dog from a vendor and ate it during the game.

Little did they know, though, that Isiah Thomas, knowing something was afoot, had a video guy taping the bench antics.

"We came to practice the next day and Brendan had the screen all set up and we thought we were going to watch game video. Then he showed us guys eating hot dogs. People started getting waived after that.”

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Speaking of Isiah, Duane C of Toronto points this out. It’s probably piling on ‘cause Zeke’s gotta deal with that dopey team he put together but it goes to a question I got earlier. You’ll need your volume turned up.

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Mea culpa time

One from the mail:

Q: One comment and a question. The French term for three is not trey, it’s trois.
On to my question, you always hear people say that the team watches tape in order to prepare for their opponent. How does a team obtain that tape? Does the NBA send out a copy of each game to all the teams?

Timothy S, Markham

A: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Got you, and the others, on the trios, tres, French-Spanish thingy.

In this age of satellite TV, teams generally do their own taping off broadcasts of every game. And, with these guys, it’s not even tapes anymore, it’s DVDs.

And one from me:

In a game Nov. 14 against Utah, Jose Calderon played 16 minutes without an assist so Monday’s game in Indy wasn’t his first assist-free game of the year.

A little of this, a little of that

This might mean the mailbag dries up a little bit.

There’s T.J. Ford telling everyone at practice Wednesday (thanks to stinky Air Canada I wasn’t able to get there) that he’s fine coming off the bench, Jose’s earned the starters role and all’s cool.

"Where respect is due, it's due. He played well. He earned it. So he can keep (the starting spot)."

That’s gotta cut out a dozen letters a week.

It’s the logical statement, a move that makes sense to everyone and maybe some of you will chill now.

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You know how Sam’s always saying you’re never “supposed” to win and if you don’t play well you’ll lose, no matter what a team’s record is?

I give you: Minnesota 111, Utah 100 last night.

And here’s how it played in Minneapolis

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Speaking of last night …

Orlando wins, Cleveland loses and it’s almost time to predict a Raptor-Cavalier first-round playoff matchup.

There’s lots of games to be played, but with the Magic holding a four-game lead over Toronto and Washington Cleveland (oops) for third, it’s increasingly looking like a few drives around the lake in late April.

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Laurie D. from Guelph wonders:

I am in Florida right now equidistance from Orlando and Miami and see that the Raptors are coming down.  If I go to one game which one would be the better experience, including the general availability of good seats, first or second half of a back to back, good restaurants, safety, Dwyane or Dwight.

Aside from being quite jealous that Laurie’s in Florida and I’m freezing my butt off here at home, I’ll play travel agent for her ‘cause I’m that kind of guy.

I’m not a fan of either city, actually, Orlando lacks a soul, it rains every day at least a little bit in Miami, it seems, it’s an interesting choice.

You’ll get a better ticket in Miami but see a worse game, likely.

You’ll have a better dinner on South Beach somewhere (Joe’s Stone Crab would be my choice) although Wolfgang Puck’s place in Orlando is outstanding.

Miami’s arena is close to South Beach, in Orlando there’s traffic all the time.

But the Magic are the first of a back-to-back and Dwight Howard’s pretty darn good.

I’d do Orlando, eat sushi at Puck’s and then drive to the game.

Have fun, let me know how it works out. (It's a Glamour Boy trip so I'll be back here freezing)

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Gilbert’s sorry.

Or sort of.

Agent Zero, who says he’ll be back this year and I’ll believe that when I see it, chides Canadian fans a wee bit in his latest blog. It’ll probably temper the reception he gets here in March, right?

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Math time.

Are the Raptors seven games over .500? Or 3 1-2? Have had lots of queries about this from the math nuts out there.

Technically, it’d be 3 1-2, I guess. 31 minus 24 divided by 2.

But in the sports vernacular – and we’re an odd bunch over here in sports – we use seven ‘cause it’s easier.

Just like they use Leafs instead of Leaves.

Makes no sense, that’s just the way it is.

Reminds of 1992 in Barcelona at the Olympics. Dream Team press conference, the world is there to ask the glamourous stars of the NBA everything imaginable and one guy asks Karl Malone why some shots are worth one point, some are worth two and some are worth three.

"That’s just the way it is, my man,” says a rather confused Malone.

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Someone was asking the other day about the PA dude in Indiana announcing “home run” after every Pacer three-pointer and where that ranks as the most annoying PA thing in the league.

Nope.

The dude in Atlanta does this on opposing free throw:

"At the line, shooting two, Jose Calderon.” And then adds in a faux imposing tone, “Thunderstix” to implore the fans to use them. Makes me want to beat him about the head with Thunderstix.

The fella in Miami, a good guy by all accounts, should never, ever scream at the top of his lungs “Dos Minutos,” with a huge emphasis on the first word, when there’s two minutes left in the quarter.

And, yeah, I guess the “home run” guy might be third, especially when the few folks in the crowd yawn when he does it.

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Back to the mailbag

Q: Hey Doug, long time reader, first time writer. A few questions for you:

1) Why aren't the players being bought out (Cassell, Barry) being picked up off waivers? Seems odd that they are allowed to clear waivers and then get to choose which team to play for. Why doesn't a team just pick them up and not give the player a choice? Must be something I'm missing in regards to the cap.

2) How would you describe the Raptors defense? It isn't zone, it isn't man-to-man... it seems like they switch everything right away and hope for the best or double team if they get in a bad matchup. Any other team use this method?

3) How in the heck does Kapono not have a 3 is last month? Do they not have a single set play designed to get the best shooter in the league an open look?

C K, Calgary

A: Welcome

1) It’s financial, if you pick a guy up off waivers you’re responsible for his entire salary; if you wait until he clears you can negotiate at a much lower number, usually the pro-rated minimum.

2) I’d describe it as something of a matchup zone, although that’s probably not technically correct. They don’t switch everything, sometimes just small to small, or big to big; they tend to slide a second defender over to the strong side and then rotate to shooters on the weak.

3) They do have plays for threes, sometimes defences don’t let them get them.

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With the mailbag cleaned out yesterday in Indy (it’s amazing what you can get done in eight hours in a hotel room), just click here to fill it up again.

A long day of answering the mail

What’s a guy to do with eight hours to kill in an Indianapolis hotel room? Mail, of course. The TNT Drama In The Daytime’s perfect white noise to work to.

So here you go.

And there’s lots more where these came from for the regular Friday offering. I warn you, though, this is loooooooong.

Q: Since you've made it known that you hold a special place in your heart for Nate Robinson and Carmelo Anthony how about rounding out the starting lineup of players who will not be receiving a Christmas card from you?

Andy C, Michigan

A: Let’s see, I’d put Kenyon Martin, Eddy Curry on the list for sure; and maybe Ron Artest. Yeah, let’s go with Ron Artest as the fifth.

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Q: Let’s hope that TJ's spirited play recently lightens the load of your mailbag; the naysayers SHOULD now be able to see the benefit of having BOTH guards at the point (wishful thinking though, eh? LOL)

TJ has truly demonstrated his unique style and contrast to that of Jose's; 15pts in the 4th quarter vs. the Knicks on Sunday and then a healthy line of 16-7-5 against the Pacers in support of Jose who just didn’t have the pop he usually does (very understandable in an 82-game grind).
My questions are regarding something Bosh said in the post-game interview along the lines of: 'Jose RUNS plays and TJ comes in and MAKES plays' (the emphasis is mine).

An interesting summary of their styles from the guy who is/should always be the focal point of our offence.

Firstly, what do you make of this analysis?

Secondly, in a 7 game playoff where the opponent is more half-court oriented (eg Detroit), do you see TJ's minutes decreasing to allow Jose to 'run' more of the sets he seems predisposed to being better at?

Jawad R, Unionville

A: That’s a very astute observation by Mr. Bosh, and well put. That’s exactly the biggest difference between the two.

I’m not sure if his minutes will decrease because Ford’s ability to ratchet up the tempo might be a perfect antidote in the post-season for the 20 or so minutes I expect he’d play.

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Q: Can we put aside the fairy tale happy ending that TJ Ford and Jose Calderon can co-exist. In reality, we have two starting NBA point guards in Toronto. My question for you Mr. Smith is if you had to choose one, who would it be?

Sam L, Thunder Bay

A: Nope, not going to put it aside. They have co-existed and can co-exist and will co-exist.

One will start, likely Jose, one will come off the bench, likely T.J., for this season.

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Q: Doug, I'm reading about Primoz being the fourth big and I'm wondering, what happened to Hump?

C Y, Toronto

A: Let’s say they’re 4 and 4A. Depending on the game and the matchup, if one of Rasho, Bargnani or Bosh is in foul trouble or not playing particularly well, the matchup – and maybe Sam’s mood – will determine who plays the 10 or 12 minutes that are available.

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Q: Rank in order these off-season acquisition’s contributions to the Raps thus far this season: Kapono, Delfino, Moon

I'd put them in inverse order of their salaries (Moon, Delfino, Kapono) for contribution, though I think Delfino's D and willingness to take charges have helped make up for some of the things Mo Pete brought (circus shots not included).

John B, Burlington

A: I’d make it Delfino, Moon, Kapono right now. Look who finishes a lot of games.

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Q: I've heard a lot about the Raps being inconsistent and their inability to put together a win streak longer than 4 games this year.  I know they are a young team, but from what I see they almost always bounce back from a bad game with a solid effort. To me that shows maturity and I give most of the credit to the example of CB4. My question is what is the longest losing streak for the Raps this year?

Jeff D, St. Catharines

A: Four’s their longest winning streak, three’s their longest losing streak.

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Q: I always enjoy reading your articles but sometimes your know it all attitude gets on my nerves. I can remember when only one spot remained on the Raptor lineup and you said that Moon would be lucky to even make the cut, never mind a chance to see the floor. Now you are already crapping on Bleeker! (Primoz) Hey, the kid’s excited, and he brings some balls the Dinos badly need. In regards to our guard situation, I feel Jose is too classy of a guy to say anything, but how long do you think before Sam’s pet is back in the starting line-up? At the end of the day or season for that matter, Jose will demand that starters position and get it or move on. I know Toronto can match money, but it won’t be about the Benjamins.

Perry R, Timmins

A: You know what, I’ll put my attitude, gleaned from actually being around these teams, out there any time. Yeah, Primoz, is kicking some butt as the fourth big man in an occasional game. And Moon, in training camp when there was one spot, was wildly over-matched. He’s less overmatched these days.

Sam’s pet? I didn’t know he had a pet? Oh, I presume you mean T.J.? Right. Sam’s pet. Sure. If T.J. starts again, I think it’ll be next season. If then.

And when Jose re-signs in Toronto, I’m gonna be waiting for the apology and a little attitude adjustment.

The Morning After The Night Before, LI

I hate Air Canada. And love Marriott.

Apparently, late last night or early this morning (long, long, long before any weather settled in) Air Canada decided to cancel the morning Indy-Toronto flight. Nice lady that I called to rebook contends they called me to tell me, which is quite surprising since not only didn’t the phone ring through the night (and it was on about eight feet from my head) there’s no missed calls or messages. A call would have been nice ‘cause I could have booked a trip home through Chicago instead of now waiting 10 hours for the next Air Canada.

But Marriott comes through. Wandered back in, manager at front desk remembers that I checked out about an earlier, asks what’s up, I tell him and, presto!, am back in the same room working.

Two companies. Two levels of customer service. You figure out which is good and which bites.

Anyway, I digress. As usual

On to hoops

Three Things I Learned

Who were those guys?

I had to rub my eyes late in the second quarter last night. I swear I saw a play where Anthony Parker curled off a screen, made a pass to Jason Kapono who was curling off a screen, Kapono got to the rim, missed a layup and Chris Bosh had a put-back dunk.

Haven’t seen that much motion in one Raptor offensive set all season. Didn’t see it again last night but at least now we know they can do it.

Jose’s tough night

The assist to turnover ratio didn’t take too big a hit (0-1) but I cannot remember a game ever where Jose didn’t have one assist. He just seemed to lack that spark he’s usually got. Tired, very tired. He won’t ever admit it (“I’m good, I’ll be ready Wednesday,” he said after the game) but who can blame the guy for being a bit worn out. One thing that was good? He didn’t lose his concentration and start throwing the ball all over the court. That’s what a lot of guys do when they’re tired, make mental mistakes that compound them.

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Hold off

On the Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Primoz From The Block. The DNP-CD last night won’t be his last, I don’t presume. Hump was all right in his seven minutes and I guess now Sam has a couple of different guys to fill in that fourth big man spot. Not that either of them are going to be a huge part of games every night but at least now the coach can experiment game-to-game to find out who’ll give him what.

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Let’s get right to the mailbag

Q: I was watching the Raps v. Pacers and noticed both Ford and Calderon on the floor towards the end of the game. Are we going to see more of this as the season progresses or was it just because Indiana had a relatively small lineup on the floor?

Matt M, Calgary

A: That was a reaction to what the Pacers were doing. If other teams go small, you might see it but it’s primarily going to be at end of games. It’s not something Sam wants to do as a matter of course for a couple of reasons. One, he doesn’t want to wear both his point guards out at the same time and, two, there are some defensive issues with such a small back court.

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Yes, that was John Lucas behind the Toronto bench again last night. He’s around to check up on T.J., not sure how long he’s sticking around. Not sure if he wants a full-time gig with the Raptors (won’t get a chance now to ask him until tomorrow’s shootaround thanks to stinky Air Canada – ooops, digress again).

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There was a time when going to an NBA game in Indy was cool. Now it’s depressing. They announced a crowd of 10,468, which was probably inflated and the place was dead.

Their game-ops are sorry, too. Instead of a Kiss-Cam, which is a personal fave of mine (and Stumpy’s, who’s wildly entertained by it), they did something called a High Five Cam where two people are supposed to slap hands when they’re shown on the scoreboard.

That’s weak.

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Speaking of Indy, here’s how Mike Wells chronicled last night’s affair. –

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Oh, did you realize that Sam Mitchell has never lost to the Timberwolves as an NBA head coach. If he read this, he’d be ticked ‘cause I jinxed it, but it’s a fact. Seven-and-oh going into Wednesday night.

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And to all of you who wrote, yes, I realize now that Phoenix could put out a lineup of five guys from five different countries with Nash, Barbosa, Diaw, Sean Marks and Shaq. And to the alert reader who pointed out perhaps the first team to ever do it, I say thanks.

That was Timothy M of Toronto who check in with Dallas of Nash, Mike Finley, Eduardo Najera, Dirk and, ta-da!, Whang Zhizhi.

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Here’s a whack of mail because the bag’s getting full

Q: Hey Doug, I have a basketball 101 question for you. Is an offensive foul a turnover?

Omar L, Toronto

A: It is, indeed.

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Q: Watching Kapono miss a free throw the other night against the Knicks, I had an absurd idea. He takes his free throw from the three-point line. Is this permitted in the NBA or do free throws have to be taken within the circle?

Andy U, Richmond Hill

A: No, not permitted. You have to be in that circle, you can be anywhere in and shoot anyway you like (under-handed, jump shot, set shot, backwards if you want) but you have to be in it.

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Q: Just wondering if you've ever heard any rumblings of Raptors' games (maybe playoffs) being played in cinemas in Toronto like they do with the Leafs' games from time to time?

I don't know, I kind of like the idea of being pent up in a big movie house with a bunch of other Raps devotees, all yelling at the screen in unison, "Get Bosh the ball already!"

Could be cool...

Liam C, San Francisco

A: I haven’t heard but sounds like a money-making proposition and that’s gotta be something that’s on the radar over there. If the people at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment are reading this, I bet it shows up on the agenda of the next big marketing meeting.

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Anyone get traded yet?

Happy Trade Deadline Day!!!

Funny, I've been surfing the TVs here in Indy and can't find a single pre- pre- pre-deadline show anywhere. Maybe it's on ESPN18 and it's not available in this hotel.

So, guess I'll have to get caught up when I get home, and so will you for all things Raptor. Yep, I'll be late again -- dang morning flights!

Be back later with the Morning After The Night Before; you'll have to be satisfied with third-line winger for AHL prospect until then.

See ya

The Morning After the Night Before, L (I believe)

It’s dark and cold at 5 a.m., in case you were wondering. But it’s a balmy plus-1 here in Indy and I’m wondering if the hotel pool is open.

Anyway, I’m sure you’ve been waiting impatiently for …

Three Things I Learned

Who is this guy?

Primoz From The Block?

TARA WALTON/TORONTO STAR

Sam Mitchell is watching. Always watching.

Some debut, wasn’t it? A couple of Tiger-esque fist pumps, some pointing to the heavens, bunch of baskets and some general running around. (Although the next time Sam looks up and sees a 7-footer leaking out on the break instead of boxing his guy out, ol’ Primoz is going to get some gangsta pimp stuff right on his noggin). But I digress.

As a fourth big, behind Bosh, Bargnani and Rasho, he might be all right. Or he might regress to the guy who couldn’t get off the bench in Charlotte or Detroit. He’s definitely got the energy but he was playing the Knicks so you might want temper the Hall of Fame talk at the moment.

One of the best lines comes from Rasho when he’s pestered to give his opinion of his countryman and how it’ll play back home: “What am I, the ambassador?" -

Bargs with an edge?

Not sure how many of you caught it but after Bargnani hits a three to put Toronto up 75-58 in the third quarter, he said something to the little Nate Robinson, who might or might not have tried to stick his foot under Bargnani when he came down from making his jump shot.

Showed more raw emotion than I’d seen in a while.

Of course, was likely entirely justified because that’s just the kind of punk play Robinson might make.

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What a sorry group

Outside of David Lee, who may avoid being poisoned by the atmosphere that surrounds him, give me one redeeming quality about that Knicks team?

Watching Eddy Curry mope off the floor and watching Zach Randolph toss up some of the most un-Godly shots in the history of basketball was despicable.

I know Isiah’s to blame for getting those guys but, really, short of going on the court and beating them about the head every now and then, I’m not sure what he can do. He sits ‘em and they come back in and pull the same stunt, he’s yells at ‘ema and they end up fighting with each other.

I sorta feel bad for him and Glen Grunwald.

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Here’s a mailbag question about – ta-da! – the mailbag.

Q: Doug, how do you arrange the order of the mailbag? Favourite to least? Date of arrival?

Brad W, Waterloo

A: I usually like to split ‘em up, actually. Some from Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday in the Friday one and the rest sprinkled over the course of Saturday and Sunday and a few in the daily offering.

Try to find the topical ones to run each day, too.

But here’s my problem: The sheer volume. I probably get about 20-25 a day and they add up over the course of the week.

So to the guy who wrote yesterday to say that I hated him because I never run his question, and the dude who wrote today to say he’s never reading again because I run too many too critical of Bargnani, all I can say is you can’t please everyone all the time.

There’s nothing personal in what gets in and what doesn’t. I try to answer ‘em all because if you’ve taken the time to write, I should take the time to answer but sometimes that’s just not possible. A guy’s gotta have a life, after all.

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It’s NFL Combine week around Indy as I sit here, which you can tell by the Welcome NBA Combine signs all over the airport. I’m figuring I’ll run over and jog a 40 in 22.2 and see where that gets me.

But they still care about their Pacers, here’s what’s in the local fishwrap this morning.

Oh, and the cabbie driving me in today strikes up a conversation when finds out what I do.

It goes something like this:

"Bet you the gym’s about half full tonight,” he says. “And it’s not because they’re losing, either. Know why it is?”

"Because they’re mostly a collection of knuckleheads?” I wonder.

"Yep, people here love basketball but they want good people.”

No, Bryan Colangelo wasn’t driving me.

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In the second quarter of Sunday’s game, the Raptors had five guys on the court representing five countries.

You had Jose (Spain), AP (USA), Delfino (Argentina), Bargnani (Italy) and Brezec (Slovenia). A United Nations of hoops.

The only other that I can think of that can do it know – and I’m not sure if it’s been done before – would be the Lakers, who could put out Derek Fisher (US), Sasha Vujacic (Slovenia), Vlad Radmanovic (Serbia and Montenegro), Pau Gasol (Spain) and Ronny Turiaf (France).

Tells you how far the game has come, doesn’t it?

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Let’s see how regular link Frank Isola summed up that Sunday debacle.

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Once more into the mail, ‘cause it’s topical

Q: I thought my last question was a worthy one, but I guess not. Maybe this one will grace the pages of your blog.

n the wake of Sundin-gate (that's hockey), does the NBA have the no-trade clause built into its CBA?

If so, do any of the big-name players have this built into their contract? If not, why doesn't this exist in the NBA?

Matthew S, Victoria

A: I’ve heard of this Sundin fellow and think it’s quite admirable that he wants to stay in Toronto.

The only player in the NBA with a no-trade clause is Kobe Bryant. And, in the CBA, the only way you can get one is if you’ve been in the league for eight years and have spent four of them on the same team.

And even then, GMs don’t give them out willy-nilly like those zany NHL guys do.

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Okay, if you promise not to send nasty e-mails accusing me of hating you, just click here to get into the mailbag.

The lessons will be a tad late today

Ugh!

A 4:30 a.m. alarm for a 7:20 a.m. flight and I'm thinking I can get all the regular stuff on, you know, a regular schedule.

Then there's a line as long as you can imagine at both U.S. Customs and Pearson security and I've just sat down to type.

Which all means the usual Morning After The Night Before is going to be the Late Morning After The Night Before. Talk to you from Indy when I get there later this a.m.

Get your coffee and bagel, here's some light reading

And for the final installment of the week, I humbly offer the following.

If you want to start filling up next week’s, click here.

Q: I have written to you once before, but you never answered my question. I did not think that it was so bad that it did not deserve to be posted. Anyway, I am over that and let’s hope that you will answer this one. I know this question may sound a little funny, but I still want to ask.

How about having a reality show to pick NBA players just like Canadian/American Idol or American Next Top Model. It could be called NBA’s next player. The player selected would not have to go through the draft and will be given a one-year contract (for any NBA team). Do you think that David Stern would approve such an idea or is it even realistic to think of possibility of having a show like that? If not, what would make the production of such a show impossible?

Patricia M, Toronto

A: I’m not sure the NBA would go for it for the NBA, those are pretty valuable roster spots you’re talking about. But as a promo for some D League team maybe? That’d work for me.

It wouldn’t replace Dancing With The Stars on my must-see list but I’d probably check it out every now and then.

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Q: Good morning, Doug. Wanted to get your opinion on a different angle on the Dixon for Brezec trade. Do you think that BC might have engineered another one of his strategic moves, in terms of creating a "less is more" opportunity for his roster?

I mean, let's look at the worst case (and maybe most likely) scenario, which is that Primoz has no personal impact or contribution whatsoever. By eliminating an unhappy Dixon from the bench, doesn't that tighten up the rotation, and give the second unit a better chance to perform?  Specifically, you've now got Delfino getting consistent burn at the guard position, and he's shown that he can get Kapono going.  He's also more than capable of playing a strong 2/acceptable 3 with Jose, creating a pretty lethal combo for the 1st unit. Bottom line, giving up Dixon is the key to getting consistent production out of Delfino and Kapono, and that means a productive, consistent bench going forward.

Am I crazy, deluded or just plain optimistic?

Harley W, Toronto

A: Much more optimistic than delusional, my man.

One thing it does is reduce Sam’s options, and perhaps forces him to use Kapono more than he normally does, not that Dixon was eating up a lot of minutes.

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Q: Is it at the end of next season that we have lots of cap room; and by lots I mean enough to sign a top level unrestricted free agent? If so, who are the best available players next summer? If the roster more or remains unchanged until then, I would like to see a star wing player added to the mix, assuming that Bargnani and Humphries show improvement between now and then.

And this summer is it only possible to go after another mid-level?  Is there anyone that makes sense for us to pursue.

Colin B, Bogota, Colombia

A: In 2009? Well, a lot depends on teams picking up options or doing extensions, but some of the players who could be available are Gilbert Arenas, Allen Iverson, David Lee, Paul Millsap, Lamar Odom, Shawn Marion.

In 2008, when Toronto will only have the mid-level exception available, the likes of Antawn Jamison and Mickeal Pietrus are unrestricted, Corey Maggette and Marion have opt-outs and Ben Gordon, Luol Deng and Ronny Turiaf are restricted.

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Q: Doug awhile back I remember BC and Sam saying that Andrea was going to start for the foreseeable future. I was all for that because I was pretty sure that come some time around game 62 if Andrea wasn’t getting it done Rasho would be brought back in to start for the late push and playoffs. It is obvious that we are a better and more consistent team when Rasho is in there instead of Andrea.
So my question is, do you think Rasho will be starting for the stretch drive and playoffs if Andrea is still playing like he is in 10 or so more games? If so when do you think that will be? We are at game 54 I believe.

Michael W, Toronto

A: No, I don’t. I think they are wed to Bargnani for this season and the start of next and the only way he’s going to get better is to play. I can see them shortening his minutes, but taking him out of the lineup? Can’t see it happening.

Should it? Nah, I don’t think so. It’s not that Bargnani’s been great, or even good, but he’s got to play to learn, as painful as it may be at some times.

Don’t fret, though, maybe over the course of the next 29 games, something will click.

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Q: When VC was here and would not drive to the basket people suggested he was afraid of the contact?

At what point do we suggest that about Jamario Moon?  Or do you feel his inability to drive is because he has a lousy handle or he just prefers to get up close and personal with Sam every game when Mr. Mitchell screams at him for not taking it to the cup?

Mike D, Cambridge

A: He doesn’t handle the ball particularly well, that’s for sure. And maybe he’s a still a bit unsure of himself going in there where big men live. But I will you this, eventually, Sam’s going to stop screaming and start sitting him if he doesn’t get it.

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Q: Hey Doug, Recently you mentioned in the blog that only a few teams had the ability to sign Jose to a big contract.  Are there limits?  For instance if the Raptors let's say are $7 million under the cap at the end of the season are other teams that have cap space only allowed to offer up to $7 million or can they try 'screwing' the Raptors and offer Jose say $10 million or more since it has been well documented that Colangelo does not want to lose Jose. Please explain.

Derek H, Markham

A: It doesn’t have anything to do with the Raptors and their cap number. It has to do with the team making the offer. If Team X is $10 million under and wants to offer it all to Jose, the Raptors can match. If Team Y is over the cap, it can only offer the mid-level exception, which the Raptors can match.

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Q: Just wondering where you see this Raptors team going? They seem to be so inconsistent and it is really a bother to watch them sometimes. I am a fan and always will be a fan but they don't have what it takes right now to be really good. What do you think is missing?

Joe D, Newmarket

A: Mental toughness and experience. Which comes, unfortunately, only with time.

You remain out of control

Here we go, one more time. There’s lots here and there’s lots more to come tomorrow. Some day, maybe I’ll get a life and cull these a little. Or not.

Q: A couple of questions. First, do they keep track of who wins jump balls at the beginning of the game? It seems that Bosh wins a lot of them, and he even won against Howard last night. And second, could you name two more obnoxious basketball commentators than the two idiots that work for ESPN at the half, namely Steven A. Smith and Bill Walton. I almost beat myself with the remote when they are on.

Rob S, Winnipeg

A: They keep track each game ‘cause it determines who has possession to start the other quarters but the Raptors don’t keep season-long stats on tips; and, I happen to enjoy Bill Walton. Which all I’ll say on that.

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Q: For side dish:  With super son, it's safe to deduce the existence of a Super Mom and Super Dad, and with recent revelation of having a super dog - I am compelled to ask... Are you the real life version of "The Incredibles"?
Now, for the main course":

1) Could you provide an elaboration on the concept of 'team rebounding' that Sam is preaching? Do they practice on their scrimmages the art of blocking and good positioning, as well as learn about ball trajectories from different court angles for better tracking of loose balls? Do they designate specific roles for players in order for this concept to work?

2) Can you please explain "trade deadline" in context? Does it mean no GMs are allowed to negotiate and strike deals until after the season ends?

3) Kidd is again a Maverick, same with Van Horn (though expected not to play for the Nets) - Who else among the active players were traded and eventually went back to the original team that drafted them?

4) And what's the salary implication to the player being traded, signed and then waived by the team he's moving to, and then re-signed by the team who traded him? (ala Stackhouse's arrangement-on-the-side)  What's the difference (or similarity) to a contract buy-out?  Thanks, Doug.  I'll look forward to the enlightenment... particularly after the lunar eclipse Wednesday night.

Rikki C, Burlington

A: Man, do you stay up nights coming up with these? (I keed, I keed).

Okay, here we go:

The concept of “team rebounding” is that you do whatever it takes to let your team get the ball. With Bargnani, for instance, they often want him to physically turn and “face-guard” the man he’s supposed to be boxing out, allowing others to come in and grab the loose ball. They do practice it; the trajectory thing is just a learned skill although they do tell them that any three-pointer from the corner is either going to come back at the shooter or go long, it’s not likely to bounce toward the free throw line.

No teams can make trades from the time of the deadline until after their season is complete, either after the regular season or when they are eliminated from the playoffs. Once the finals are over, everyone can make deals.

Guys going back? I’m sure there are some but at the moment I’m swamped with things like these letters so you’ll have to give me a day or two.

If you waive a player, it generally means you pay off the entire amount remaining on his contract; if you buy him out, it generally means a negotiated settlement that may not be for the full amount he’s owed. Either way, the original full salary counts against the cap. And then, if a player re-signs, it’s generally for a pro-rated amount of the minimum value contract. In the case of a guy being waived, it can mean he’ll double-dip; if a player’s bought out, there’s generally a clause in the deal that says any more salary he gets is deducted from the buyout. Those are the generally held principles, each case could be negotiated differently.

Whew!

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Q: I've noticed that Andrea's shot seems very flat this year. Not sure what Hopla's impact was with Bargs but curious to know if any of the current Raptor coaches have been working with Bargs to get some more arc in his shot.

David L, Toronto

A: They work on his shooting every single day in the gym.