The Morning After The Night Before, XLIX

Oh, I can feel the angst from the comfort of my little home office here. Lose to the Knicks? Someone’s got to get fired, forget the playoffs, let’s tank the season ‘cause there’s no way they can win a series anyway. How could Colangelo not trade for Kobe at the deadline? What’s Mats going to do?

Oh, wait, scratch that last one, that was for radio last night).

Anyway, they certainly didn’t distinguish themselves Friday. Even from the comfort of the Harbour Sports Grille with Stumpy and his Czarina it looked ugly. But still worth commenting, ‘cause that’s what I do.

Three Things I Learned

Desperate times call for …

Desperate measures and that’s just what it looked like when they had TJ and Jose out there at the same time. I guess when – another – two-guard is lighting you up, you use all the bullets in the chamber but it didn’t seem to work very well. Too small, too ineffective but at least it was something, I guess. Jamal Crawford once again exposed the fatal flaw in Toronto’s defence and I can only assume the general manager was quite displeased. Not sure what Sam does next. Maybe play a bit more zone? Use a Delfino and hope he’s having of his good nights?

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No, no, no

Jamaal Magloire is NOT coming home. There is no chance whatsoever that they repatriot him after he was waived by the Nets. His play wasn’t good enough to get him on the court with a very mediocre New Jersey team and its unfathomable that he’d be able to help here. It’s probably the end of his career, which is too bad, but it’s not going to end at home. End of story.

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What’s next?

I swear I looked up on time and saw Maceo Baston on the court. Checked the boxscore and I was right. And that makes me think that if Sam can find minutes for him, maybe he will find minutes for Primoz Brezec. And I’d presume Primoz would provide the same kind of stuff Maceo does. Which is not much.

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Entertaining Sam

Yes, I saw a bit of the pre-game Sam Scrum and it looked vintage. Andrew over in Ajax sent in a transcript, which made me giggle even reading it on the page. I wasn’t there – it was a Glamour Boy trip – but I will tell you it’s not the first time Sam’s patience (which is thin at the best of times) wore out in Gotham.

Reporter - "Coach Jose is getting a lot of attention this summer, is that a concern, priority of the organization to bring him back."

Sam - "Unless somebody is gonna take Jose off our team tonight, there's nothing I can do about this summer. So, I dunno what I'm supposed to do... Last time I checked, he's a restricted free agent right?"

Reporter - "Uh, right"

Sam - "So, what does that mean?"

Reporter - "Uh, well... I has asked..."

Sam - "So that means he can't go anywhere"

Reporter (hiding his head) exits

Sam - "Well there you go."

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Nickname time

I gotta start calling Bryan ‘Noah.’

Two Italians, two Spaniards, two from Slovenian, a couple of Texans and a pair of former teammates in Israel. What’s next? Another Argentine for Carlos, I’d hope.

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You don't imagine Toronto fans would have the imagination to start a "Fire Isiah" chant Sunday night do you? I'm told that was heard Philly the other night.

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Here’s one from the mail earlier this week (not to worry, we’ll have a big ol’ mailbag up later this morning for the rest of you.

Q: Hey Doug, got an interesting question to ask. So with only about 4 teams remaining (Portland, Toronto, Sacramento, and Memphis) to host a NBA All-Star game, if Toronto does get the 2010 or 2011 game, what theme do you think we'll have? New Orleans had the whole Jazz thing, Las Vegas had the whole Vegas theme but Toronto? A hockey theme is the only thing I can think of since that's all Toronto is known for... Tell me what you think.

Dilpreet S, Brampton

A: I don’t know what theme it’ll be but if it has anything to do with hockey, I hope everyone here boycotts it. It’s a celebration of basketball.

Maybe the world is the thing, right? Great metropolitan city, great diverse cultures. Yeah, let’s go with the worlds.

And it’s not going to be 2010 I don't think; the Winter Olympics in Vancouver are going to take away money, sponsorships and attention. I’d bet it’s 2011 is when it’s here.

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My man Frank Isola, TV star and beat grunt, sums up the Knicks win in his own inimitable fashion.

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Once more into the mail and you can click here to get something in the pipeline.

Q: Nice to see the NBA's trade rules get manipulated by including retired players (Aaron McKie, Keith Van Horn).

What's to prevent an NBA GM from signing me, a technical support supervisor, to a $4 Million contact to include me in a trade to balance salaries? Sweet gig if you can get it.

Do you think Stern will revisit this issue?

Brian S, Toronto

A: First, you have to have actually been an NBA player who has yet to file official retirement papers. And as league legal guru Matt Winick said all-star weekend, each case is judged on its own merits. They made sure Aaron McKie would go to Memphis and play and they made sure Keith Van Horn would show up in Jersey before they approved either deal.

You can bet that loophole will be closed in the next collective bargaining agreement.

You people are out of control

Don’t you people have jobs?

RON BULL/TORONTO STAR FILE PHOTO

And the best-dressed award goes to ...

I’ve got about 20 questions still to answer and I’m already at about 10,000 words. That’s a lot of words. A very lot. So, as we are wont to do around here, we’ll split ‘em up and run ‘em over the course of the weekend.

And don’t fret if you don’t see yours here, I’ve got some from Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday all interspersed. I figure it keeps everyone reading.

Anyway …

Q: Hi Doug, I thought Herrmann couldn't be traded until March 14? (Eds note: Which is something I said in a reply to a question last week)

If that is correct, how come the Pistons were able to deal Brezec given that Brezac was dealt to Detroit with Hermann on Dec. 14, 2007?

I'll also ask what you think about Brezec and how he'll be used(?)...if he'll be used!

Bill L, Toronto

A: I was wrong, I thought it was 90 days before a guy could get traded and it’s 60. Humblest apologies.

I don’t think he’s going to get used very much as all. Maybe in the event of serious foul trouble to the bigs but right now he’s behind Bosh, Bargnani, Rasho and Hump in the rotation. Maybe he grabs minutes from Hump but I doubt it.

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Q: As expected BC didn't go for an ill advised home run swing at the deadline. So I'm looking ahead to next year and the starting line up.

Bosh and one of the two points is a sure thing. I think Delfino may be able to step in, but AP and Moon should be on the bench if this team is truly stronger. (Perhaps AP stays on as a starter to play defense and not take too many shots)
Does AB start or get significant minutes if he goes through what he did this year?

Kevin M, Maple

A: Next year? Right now, I’d say it’s Calderon, Parker and Mr. X (the free agent they acquire), Bargnani and Bosh at the start of the season but I do think they’ll be watching Bargnani closely and if he gets off to a horrible start, changes may occur.

I do think they’ll explore trade possibilities for a two-guard but I think a three is more on the top of their list.

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Q: Okay, I tried to get in by using fake names and exotic places but it didn't work so I am now trying to get in the mailbag with some good questions that all raptor fans want to know.

1) You see the Cleveland and Phoenix GMs saying they are willing to go over the luxury cap if the right deal comes along but I was wondering if MLSE would do that for the raptors.

2) How does the staff at the ACC get 20000 pizzas ready when the raps score 100+.
Now you have to admit these are good enough questions to get in.

Andrew C, Saskatoon

A: Honesty is the best policy.

The Raptors have steadfastly maintained they will not be a tax-paying team.

They don’t get 20,000 pizzas ready; they have a sponsorship deal with a pizzeria that allows fans to go to any store and get one slice. Of, they allow the homeless who have been given a ticket stub by fans who should do that as a matter of course every game they get to 100, to go get a hot slice the next day.

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Q: A different type of question but I’ve got to ask. What’s with the Raptors logo? I keep seeing that purple dinosaur pop up but I thought the official logo had been changed to the Claw ever since BC took over. I noticed the back of CB4's all-star jersey had the purple dinosaur logo, same with all content on ESPN. Are the Raps the only team in pro sports to carry two official logos? If so I think it's time we lost the Purple Dinosaur (although I hear a new Jurrasic Park movie is coming soon!)

Stephen G, Toronto

A: Lots of teams have secondary logos, Golden State’s got about six, I think; Cleveland uses that sword along with the Cavaliers one. I don’t really see a problem for anyone and, you know, if it makes Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment a wee bit richer, well, that’s the name of the game, isn’t it?

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Q: A few questions:

1. What do you think of adding retired players to the rookie game? Either an old team (retired for 3 or less years) vs. rook/soph team OR mixing the old and young guys together in a traditional east vs. west.

2. Do you think Moon doesn't drive as much because he is working on the chance of a lifetime and does want to injure himself before he lands a multi-year deal? I've heard other players talk about this fear (especially in college).

3. I don't recall much Rapt talk in 2006 about drafting Roy. Was his name ever seriously discussed?

Davie D, Hamilton

A: A few answers

1. I think, having watched years ago when they played a “Legends” game, that retired players, for the most part, should stay retired.

What I think they should do is add a “horse” competition. I’m told they did one at the D League festivities with the players mic’d and a time limit to get a shot off and it was good.

2. No, I don’t think that enters his mind ever. And anyone who thinks that should be waived. Right away.

3. Roy wasn’t on their radar, they were set on Bargnani and there were some medical questions about his knee.

Nice quiet day, right?

So there we are, me, Bea Arthur, Quag 2.0 and Stumpy, sitting around the press room waiting for the "minor" Raptor move to be announced (giving B a chance to play fantasy trade games with The First Lady Of The Beat) when the day becomes a nightmare thanks to Cleveland-Chicago-Seattle. Guess that's why the Raptor pursuit of Joe Smith went nowhere.

Anyway, the next time you hear any NBA general manager or coach lament that it’s sooooo difficult to make a trade these days, remind them of Thursday, okay?

For what it’s worth, here’s how they all look from this perspective

Cleveland-Chicago-Seattle

Everyone for everyone

I can’t remember 11 guys in one deal, that’s for sure. Here’s how it might break down

Cavs

Is Delonte West much better than Larry Hughes? I’d say no, not really. Does Ben Wallace have anything left? Not much, I don’t think. Is Joe Smith going to supplant Anderson Varejao? Probably, until Andy’s healthy. How do you play Big Z, Ben, Smith and Varejao in a front court rotation? You don’t. Wally Szczberbiak better than Donyell? For sure. But he can’t guard you.

So are the Cavs better? Or just different? I’m betting different and they’re still third best, at best, in the conference.

Bulls

I don’t know what they’re doing either. They wanted to move Smith somewhere so Joakim Noah can play and now that’s done and Ty Thomas probably gets more time, too. But Drew Gooden is, in my opinion, an underwhelming presence. They’ll lose Ben Gordon after this season because there’s no room for him and for the 60 games a year Larry Hughes plays, he's all right at best. Huge step back.

Sonics

If this season was in the toilet yesterday morning, someone flushed yesterday afternoon. But it’s not about this season and that’s why Seattle might end up being the winner when this is all said and done. The Sonics now have 13 draft picks over the next three years and a handful of expiring contracts. Classic step-back-to-take-a-step-forward move but they suck now so who cares if they suck a bit more for the next two months. And the folks in Oklahoma City will have a good young team to cheer for eventually.

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Toronto-Detroit

Juan Dixon for Primoz Brezec

They’ll be dancing in the streets of Ljubljana.

But in the GTA and Auburn Hills, this one’s got yawn written all over it.

Here’s what it really is:

A guy who wasn’t playing being traded for a guy who can’t.

Snore.

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Houston-New Orleans

Mike James, Bonzi Wells for Bobby Jackson

Mike's closer to Bahamas, I guess.

Actually, the Hornets needed depth and scoring off the bench and they’ll get it in Bozni Wells and the Amityville Horrible, um, Amityville Horror, I mean. All this year is about in New Orleans is making strides and making the playoffs and they will ‘cause of this deal. But if Mike takes shots away from Chris Paul or Peja Stojakovic, Byron Scott will kill him.

The Rockets? Well, Bobby Jackson should be healthy for about a week, they better get something out of him soon.

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Portland-Denver

Taurean Green for Von Wafer

Who? For what? Why?

Next.

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Minnesota-Houston

Gerald Green-Kirk Snyder

If Green gets on the court for the Rockets and dunks in his stocking feet, wake me up; it’ll be the only reason to even consider this trade.

Nite, folks, be back in the morning with some mail.

Here's the first one of the day

This is out there in cyber world, looks like the day has officially begun

Check out Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chornicle right here.

And don't forget to check the regular news section of our site because that's where we'll tally all the moves throughout the day.

On this one, Old Friend Mike James is back with Mo Pete and under the tutelage of Darrell Walker.

The immediate reaction is that the Hornets desperately needed depth and they'll get it with Bonzi Wells and James, who will give their second unit a scoring boost.

Here's the thing about the Hornets. They aren't going to win the West but in their natural progression, a playoff spot is a must and in the hyper-competitive West, they could go from first to ninth in about a week.

D Walk told me in New Orleans on the weekend that they needed some bench help -- yes, he remains an astute observer of the game -- and this helps them.

For Houston, if Bobby Jackson stays healthy -- which is a longshot, I know -- they've got a veteran ready when Rafer Alston goes off the rails.

The Morning After The Night Before, XLVIII (I think)

Happy Trade Deadline Day!

Do you all have your envelopes hung by the chimney with care, hoping St. Cuban sends you a contract even though you’re retired? Have you gone out and bought your Corey Maggette Raptor jersey for that special someone? Can the kids hardly concentrate in school because they know 3 o’clock is coming?

Yes, it is a day full of suspense and excitement. I, for one, can hardly wait to get to the gym and sit around for four or five hours, waiting. Luckily, we get to watch a Leaves skate-around this morning.

And if we do hear something, we’ll get it up here in a hurry so check back periodically, it’ll ease your mind.

But, first …

Three Things I Learned

The unsung hero

Yes, Bosh had 40 and Jose had 19 and 13 and one turnover. But the other guy responsible for that win over Orlando was Rasho.

In the first quarter, when they took command of the game, he had two blocks, a steal, six points and, most important, held Dwight Howard to one point in six minutes.

That’s playing and if these two teams meet in the playoffs, a possibility at 4-5, Rasho’s going to be a huge key.

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Heads-up coaching

With about 3:12 left in second, the Raptors are up seven, the Magic is reeling and need a timeout. But instead of blowing one he might need later Stan Van Gundy has Keyon Dooling hold the ball until 10 seconds are on 24-second clock and there’s less than three on the game clock. Then he calls the 20-second timeout knowing he has to use it or lose it in the first half and it runs into a mandatory Raptor full timeout. It’s a little thing but an impressive one.

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Lots of work for Carlos

Did you notice in the fourth quarter, with Calderon on the floor, there were still a few times that Carlos Delfino brought the ball up the court?

Asked Sam about it and the reason made sense: Jose was dead tired after being pressed almost the entire quarter and there was no way that Hedo Turkoglu was going to be able to harass Delfino into turnovers.

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Quickly into the mailbag

Q: I made a comment about everyone writing in about trade talk last week, so you'll have to forgive my hypocrisy. Anyways, you say J.R. Smith is on the market? What is the scouting consensus on this guy? If the Raptors were to choose between Pietrus or Smith, would it be clearly one or the other?

Ryan M, Pickering

A: Good shooter, huge knucklehead. Bill Walton once said something like Smith has the worst shot selection in the history of basketball and that was an understatement. I’d rather have Pietrus for sure.

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Shameless hucksterism abounds around the games, doesn’t it? How about the pre-game screamer showing up in a green jersey, not to whip the crowd into a frenzy (as if that ever happens) but to mention the jerseys are now on sale.

I don’t see the need for yet another voice bombarding the fans but to make him a salesman? Yeesh.

And, as I’ve mentioned before, nothing says St. Patrick’s Day and green like the Raptors and Jazz in Salt Lake City.

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Check out how Brian Schmitz in Orlando broke down the game.

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No go, Joe

So, what do you make of BC trying to pry Joe Smith away from Chicago? From this view, it was a helluva good idea. A veteran guy who’s been through the wars, solid if unspectacular player who knows a role and knows how to play it.

Too bad it didn’t work out.

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We don't really like to revel in the misery of others but, really, the Knicks just give us too much to work with.

Let's see, one night Quentin Richardson, Nate Robinson and Zach Randolph (and if that's not the Holy Trinity of knuckleheads I don't know what is) get into a little Gatorade-towel throwing spat on the bench and the next night New York gets nipped by 40 by the Sixers (and we're talking the 2007-08 Sixers, not the Julius Erving Sixers).

Think they need to change things up in Gotham?

The inimitable Marc Berman of the New York Post explains here just how ugly it's getting.

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Very good line

Bosh draws a rather dubious foul on Orlando’s Brian Cook with about 20 seconds left in the first quarter and a nearly apoplectic Stan Van Gundy charges out to about midcourt.

"He doesn’t need gifts,” Stan yells at the three gentlemen with whistles.

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Here’s some more mail, and don’t forget to click here if you want to get something in here.

Q: Hey Doug, I haven't had any luck getting a question in this year, maybe it's because all of my letters have been about prospective trades that are realistically not going to happen. I hope this one makes it, because it's not about a trade at all.

I was wondering what you think of a WNBA franchise in Toronto, possibly down the line. I guess you could split the games between the Ricoh Coliseum and the ACC. Now I don't know much about the WNBA's attendance or finances, but I know even playing in NBA arenas they are more of a minor sport. I know minor league sports have failed here in the past, and that's why I would use Ricoh for some games. Is there a chance down the line that the WNBA could end up here?

Simon S-G, Toronto

A: They toyed with the thought of a WNBA franchise here years ago but there is simply too little interest anywhere in the area for one. I’d like to see one because I think there’s a huge number of young women who could use the role models in the sport in their city but it’s not going to see it happen.

You are, however, going to see a D League team.

The countdown to trade time continues

Happy day before Trade Deadline Day.

You know what’s going to be good about Thursday at 3:01 p.m.? No more silly trade questions. To answer soooooo many of you: No, they are not going to trade Andrea, nor should they; yes, they like Mikeal Pietrus and, no, I don’t know what Golden State would want; yes, I think Bryan will do something small but, no, I don’t know who and where and I don’t have a list in my mind about who they should get. Well, I guess I do but I don’t think Yao or Kobe or Nash is available.

Anyway, we are still trying to sniff out news, there’s been very little chatter in the ACC corridors but there’s all morning at shootaround and afternoon on the phones trying to break stuff so check back here regularly.

Now, on with the morning …

We’re talking to Sam Mitchell yesterday about T.J. and stuff and he’s saying it’s too bad the little guy’s injured but they’ll deal with and he’ll trot out another point guard behind Jose and mentions Juan and, ta-da, Carlos.

Not sure if that means Delfino’s definitely in the mix but it was the first time he’s said it out loud. If you’ve noticed, they’ve had Delfino run just a couple of sets but always with another PG on the floor.

The big concern with Delfino is if he can avoid turnovers when he’s running plays and how much being a PG will take away from the other stuff he does well, like slash, rebound and defend big twos and threes.

Not sure if Sam’s ready to leave him out there alone for any length of time but sometimes necessity is the mother of invention. Or so they say.

RICK MADONIK/TORONTO STAR

More Toronto memories from Vince Carter.

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Here’s a juicy thought. Check out Chris Sheridan at ESPN. He’s got all kinds of Vince trade stuff, including the chance the Knicks might make a play for him. Hmm, Knicks are here Sunday; that’d give all the boo-birds another shot at VC. With him and Isiah in the same game, it could be a boo-fest.

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What, pray tell, was the most inconsequential Raptor deadline day trade?

I’ve got Shawn Respert for Acie Earl in 1997 in a landslide.

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Here’s a mailbag first-timer.

Q: Hello Mr. Smith, I've finally got the nerve to put something in the mailbag (I think it's more exciting to see what other people say). These are jus simple questions I've had. I just wanted to know if what the players do in the all-star game effects their overall stats and averages? If a player takes a shot and it doesn't hit rim, and another player (same team) catches and shoots, if the shot is made, is it an assist or a rebound? Also, I happen to have RaptorsTV and enjoy all interviews (especially Smitch and his reporter family) that are shown after the game, but I realize that they don't show us the whole interview, so I wondering if you could insert a little excerpt in your blog sometimes if it's not much trouble. Thanks.

Chauntee M, Toronto

A: Glad you found the nerve, don’t be a stranger.

No, all-star weekend stats are quickly forgotten.

I’d say in the shot situation you describe it’d be nothing, assists are subjective enough that I don’t think they’d give one for an airball. Same with a rebound.

And I’ll try to do full transcripts if there’s something worthwhile but, trust me, you get the best most nights.

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Had a couple of queries about Garbo earlier this week. He’s got the full cast off, wearing some sort of brace but that’s about to go and he can begin full rehab shortly. It’s not like he’s been doing nothing, though, we’ve seen him in the weight room doing a variety of exercises almost daily.

Don’t get your hopes up, though, it’s still a longshot that he puts a uniform on this season.

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Big win for the Orlandos in Detroit, and it struck me watching that the Pistons looked entirely disinterested. Here’s how it played from my man B. Schmitz in the Orlando Sentinel.

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Let’s get into the mailbag one more time. Well, make it twice, I’ve got a whack of mail that’s got to get delivered.

Q: I've noticed Jose still has his middle and ring finger taped up on his left hand since dislocating it earlier in the year. It obviously isn't effecting his shooting; however, I have only seen him finish once or twice with his left hand on a layup, he now goes back to his right even when driving to his left. Especially noticeable at the end of the Clippers game a while back when he pulled up at the end of the game instead of driving to his left. Any word on when that will be fully healed or will it have to take ‘til the season is over?

Dan H, Hamilton

A: He’s not going to be fully healthy until next season. He’s just going to have to suck it up and play. Which he’s been doing pretty well since he hurt it.

Q: Having seen all the community work the NBA is doing in New Orleans over the past week, in addition to all the other NBA sponsored charity works around the world, question: does any other professional sports organization do more for the community than the NBA, or does NBA just do a better job in promoting. FIBA comes to mind??

Phil K, Singapore

A: I would say, safely, that no sports organization on earth does more charitable work than the NBA. FIBA, FIFA, NHL, MLB, NFL, none come close.

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You can click here to get something in the mail but I warn you, any trade stuff goes right into the deleted bin because by the time I get around to answering it, the deadline will have passed.

A wacky week ahead?

We now return you to the regular season grind. I’ve got a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot of each other as the week progresses. We’re going to try and keep on tap of all the trade stuff each during the day so check back for periodic updates (which is another way of saying click on here to build up the numbers and keep the bosses happy, thanks).

A change of direction?

T.J.’s tummy is sore and does that mean Bryan Colangelo has to shift trade-talk gears this week?

No one’s sure if, or for how long, Ford might be out with this “slight” abdominal strain we’re reading about today but seeing how the next few weeks shape up, maybe the GM needs to put point guard on his list of wants this week.

I still think Mickeal Pietrus for Dixon and either Joey or Darrick makes sense but if there’s going to be an empty space behind Jose for even a week, maybe he’s got to look for a point guard, too.

Here’s the thing, though.

If they go out and get a swingman without moving one, where to they put him? My guess would be that any new guy takes the time away from Jamario. Not that the kid hasn’t been good but that’s the logical place to slide a new guy in.

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We were talking to Chris Bosh one day on the weekend about building a team and how some (hi, Lakers; hi, Suns, hi, Mavs; hello, Celtics!) are going for the home run.

Does it make more sense do go slowly, add a piece here and there and let things develop rather than go out and get the one (older) guy for an immediate splash. Interesting take from Bosh:

"That’s the tough thing. You always want to get good fast but would you age really quickly doing it. You’re average age could go form 26 to 32 or something like that. Do you really want to risk that because you can either build to be good in the future or you could be good right now and have to build up eventually.

"With us, I like where we stand. We just have to continue to get better and we can’t be complacent. You can’t keep saying we’re young because the years are passing so I think if we continue to get better, things are really looking up for us.”

I tend to agree with him. I can’t see blowing up a good young group for a big move that might – might! – translate into success right away.

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A quick dip – or two – into a pretty full mailbag:

Q: Hey Doug, are the players bound to stay there the whole weekend, or could they leave, say like if Bargnani would rather have some free time away from all the hustle and bustle?

Steph R, Glencoe

A: Once their stuff is done, and that includes anything away from the arena, like community appearances, they can do what they want. I didn’t see Bargs anywhere after Friday night, maybe he did get out of town early.

Q: Kapono is on fire! Best shooter in the NBA hands down. The above mentioned points are the selling points Colangelo needs to be making to potential trade partners who might take him off our hands. Do you think that with his lack of defense and the emergence of Delfino, trading Kapono may be our best way to improve, or at least get that huge contract out of here?

Michael K, Toronto

A: Here’s where I’m a tad confused.

He is, by your estimation, the “best shooter in the NBA hands down.”

And you want him traded?

I see the logic that giving away someone who does something better than anyone in the NBA might get you something good in return but I think that logic is a tad twisted. Doesn't it make sense, if you've got a guy who does one thing better than anyone else in the league, that you keep him?

And I will – again – dispute that it’s a “huge” contract. It’s for the average NBA salary. The years aren’t arduous and the money is hardly out of whack for the “best shooter in the NBA hands down.”

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Let’s see what they’re doing down in Orlando, which doesn’t include bundling up against the cold.

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If I had to bet on the top three teams to make a deal before Thursday (and I’m leaving New Jersey and Dallas out because that Kidd deal seems to really be done now), my list includes:

Memphis – the salary purge continues and they’ve got some good young guards to package with Mike Miller.

Seattle – a weird mix of young and old and it’s time to get really, really young.

Denver – they want Ron Artest and a point guard which is a pretty big shopping list.

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So, does BC make a deal? History would suggest yes, he’ll at least do something small.

In Toronto, he did TJ for Charlie V his first draft night, did Juan Dixon for Fred Jones a year ago at the deadline and even did Giorgos Printezis for a second-round pick last June.

I don’t think he can help himself, it’s like a sickness. (I keed, I keed).

Who’d be the most likely to go?

Well, Juan Dixon wants out and BC does try to do right by his players so I’d put him at the top of the list. Joey Graham would be second, and, if they can get a big man back in some package deal, I’d think Hump would be third.

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Wanna do a little more mail?

Q: The Raptors seem to give up an extraordinary amount of crucial rebounds. What would it take to get Jason Maxiell out of Detroit or a Jason Maxiell type into the Dino's lineup?

Kurt H, Toronto

A: Joe Dumars losing his mind would work getting him out of Detroit.

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Oh, if you want to get into the mailbag, just click here.

The things you see and hear, Vol. 5

The weekend ends, thankfully. A looooooong weekend of work and bus rides and emerging stars.

Oh, and that LeBron fellow remains pretty good, doesn’t he?

A bunch of stuff to wrap up an all-star weekend that really went off without a hitch.

J Kidd’s a goner

Finally, the trade gets done, a little tweaking and Jason Kidd’s a Maverick five days later he should have been.

The deal kills the Nets, of course, who go back to being The Nets for a few years and maybe they’re hoping Vince Carter decides to be a leader. Yeah, right.

Not sure what the trade does for the Mavs, though. Sure, Kidd’s one of the top three point guards in the league, but now Dallas is old, with a capital O and they still aren’t big enough to compete with either the Lakers or Suns or Spurs, for that matter.

It’s a splashy deal but I still don’t see Dallas getting out of the second round.

Oh, and anyone notice that it always seems to end badly for Kidd, wherever he’s leaving?

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A quick look into the mailbag and all you have to do is click here to get a submission in. I’ll check with the smart dudes who run this little part of the web and see if they can help out our first writer with the second part of his question.

Q: Doug, I did not realize until you mentioned in your last mailbag. Bosh and Amare are averaging basically identical points and rebounds, but Amare is playing with Nash (no offence to Jose). So is there any reason Bosh should not be consider a superstar like Amare is?

Mike L, Niagara Falls

P.S.  When you have time after the Big Easy, please get someone to add a Send Mailbag Question link under your profile picture to make it easier for us to send our rant/nugget of knowledge to you for enlightenment.

A: Anything for a guy from the old hometown.

The stats are the same but until the Raptors have some kind of playoff success, Bosh isn’t going to get his due. And Stoudemire’s doing his stuff in the West, which is different.

But I will say Bosh is far more valuable to his team than Stoudemire is to his.

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Donnie Nelson wouldn’t call Devean George into the office today and waive him, would he? Would you?

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Worst fashion statement of an all-star game full of them.

Carmelo Anthony wearing seamed support hose with his red shoes.

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Man, you folks are all over Dwight Howard for that Superman dunk. Much mail ripping him and suggesting Jamario got jobbed, even a day after it happened.

Howard’s thing probably wasn’t a real dunk but, you’ve got to admit, it was a pretty impressive athletic feat.

And, honestly, he should have won. No questions asked.

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Speaking of mail …

Q: Doug, if loser has to buy the adult beverages, how would you fare against Stumpy and M Grange ™ in the Skills Competition?

YF W, Etobicoke

A: M Grange ™ kicks our butts six ways to Sunday. But then we get him in the barstool triathlon (wings, adult beverages, stories) and exact our revenge.

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Remember in one of these Seen and Heard things when I told you that Cabbie was wandering around asking all-stats to record messages for his voice mail?
Well, the irrepressible one reports that Carmelo Anthony was the only all-star to play along.

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Second worst fashion statement of an all-star game filled with them:

Announcers wearing East and West warmup jackets while doing their on-air introductions.

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So what do we make of the whole weekend?

Smaller crowds than usual, which probably has to do with the city more than anything else because there were some serious safety concerns going in.

But New Orleans did a fine job with a huge police presence that eased some minds. There were cops on every block in the downtown core Saturday and Sunday night and while few of us ventured any further than the comfort of the hotel, it was nice to know they were there.

The game was one of the best I’ve seen in a decade of doing them, the Saturday night stuff was fun thanks to dunkers with imagination and all they’ve got to do know if find a way to spice up the Friday night ‘cause the kids game is the worst part of the weekend.

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We’ll be back with regular stuff tomorrow from back home, off now to fight huge throngs are the airport and home the weather back there doesn’t cause any delays. Oh, and may have to stop by the hospitality suite one more time to check in with the stragglers I left about three hours ago.

The things you see and hear, Vol. 4

Fresh from coffee and beignets at Café du Monde while a thunderstorm passed by, we’ll take a look back. I know a lot of dudes did live blog things last night, just pretend this is one of them.

JK goes off like only he can, that was some finish with a flourish, wasn’t it? I also want to point out that he was on the court for two full minutes and did not once foul a ball rack.

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Okay, did Jamario get jobbed? I don’t think so. Maybe if he did a bit more prep, especially with the Kapono dunk, he could have made the final but no one was beating Howard. M Grange ™ called the Superman thing the greatest, most difficult layup ever made and maybe it was. But for depth of talent, the right guy got the prize.

All I wanted to see, though, was him to dunk a nerf ball and a basketball on that final dunk. That woulda been cool.

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Anthony Parker, Candace Parker and Sam Mitchell woulda killed Robinson, Duncan and Becky Hammon in the shooting thing. No question.

And, please, can we do something next year so we don’t have to see Bill Laimbeer in a basketball uniform? Make ‘em wear sweats and a shooting shirt or something.

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For a change, let’s do a mailbag thing

Q: Hey Doug. Two questions for you (well, four really, but who's counting?)

In your humble opinion, where is Bargnani on the Darko-to-Dirk-Meter?  I've got him just left of middle with my only concern being that his rebounding seems to be about as effective as yours (no offense to you of course, but I'm sure he would be). And where do you see him in two years?

How about the Raptors? Where are they in the Knicks-to-Celtics-Meter?  I've got them just right of middle but without the defensive intensity and collective effort on the boards to move a lot further? And how about in two years?

Thanks for the guessing (um, wisdom) …

Troy K, Toronto

A: I got ‘em both slightly to the right of centre, actually. With Bargnani, rebounding is a concern, of course, and so is mental toughness but I think both can come with age. I’m not sure he ever gets to Dirk level (you see Bargs as the MVP?) but I’m thinking he can get to 90 per cent.

As for the team, they have to get bigger and tougher at the two and three and deeper at the four and five. Two years? Two years they should be playing for the Eastern Conference championship, in my humble opinion.

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So, Juan Dixon wants out. No big shocker, he’s got to be frustrated not playing, not really having a position and heading into the final two months of his contract.

I can see BC trying to package him with somebody (Martin? Graham? Hump if he gets a big man back?) this week. I don’t imagine it’ll be an earth-shattering but I do expect Toronto to do something.

And, no, I have no idea of specific players right now.

One thing I will say is that I know Colangelo is aware of Pietrus’s desire to get out of Golden State and had some interest in him in the summer.

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Bibby to Atlanta? For that collection of cast-offs and questionable talent?

Helluva trade for the Hawks. Probably gets ‘em in the playoffs this year (it’s not exactly the ’72 Lakers they’re in a fight with) and probably enough to save Billy Knight’s job for a year.

Can the Hawks win a playoff series? Not a chance.

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Here’s a mailbag comment rather than a question, but I giggled when I read it so you should, too.

Q: Seriously, why is Damon Jones always at the all-star game? Does he buy a ticket to be there? Is he the only NBA'er there that really has no reason to be attending the festivities?

Rob M, Calgary.

Sunday's special delivery, just a wee bit late

Here we go again. Sorry for being a tad later than usual, something about a hospitality suite and a gaggle of grunts makes for a later night.

Loads of queries here, though, to give you something to read. And this fancy-schmancy “extended post” thing they taught me.

Q: I noticed that Bargnani's recent improvement over the last several games seems to coincide with him being named to the all-star sophomore team. Seeing that his prolonged slump had more to do with a lack of confidence than a lack of skill, do you see a correlation here? And, if so, does his participation in the All-Star festivities provide an additional boost to his confidence that he can take with him for the second half of the season

Mike M, Ottawa

A: I can’t imagine being in New Orleans hurts but I don’t think it’ll really be a factor in the next 30 games. After all, if you watched that thing that passed as a Rookie-Sophomore game, it’s resemblance to basketball was practically non-existent.

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Q: Hey Doug, isn’t it obvious from the Rookie/Soph game that Bargnani is not athletic enough to play at a high level in this league? Even Barkley said that Yi is more athletic than Andrea!

Frank C, North York

A: Frank, meet Mike just above you.

Yes, Yi is more athletic now than Andrea. So are maybe 300 other players. Does that mean Bargnani’s never going to play at a high level? You can’t say that. And I won’t.

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Q: How many basketballs are used in a regulation game? I'm curious because it seems that errant passes that go into the crowd are required to be tossed back in, unlike baseball or hockey where fans get to keep souvenirs. Would I get kicked out of the ACC if I, perchance, caught a game ball and refused to give it back?

Chi-Hung T, Richmond Hill

A: Two are taken out of the balls used for warmups and are set aside for that night’s game. And, yes, if you perchance, caught a ball and didn’t return it I’m sure the yellow jackets would ask you, politely, to leave.

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Q: Without trading chips, it's going to be hard for Colangelo to make improvements this year. Given the Pistons' arthritis isn't setting in just yet and the Celtic trio might be healthy come 'Play every other day or so' time, maybe it isn't worth trying for a trade home run, to mix sports metaphors. Seems extremely likely that the current roster stays put into March. But a few questions:

[1] Is Ukic a viable trading chip?

[2] Would any of Hakkim Warrick MEM, Michael Pietrus GS or Michele Gelabale SEA fill the SF defensive stopper role?

[3] Valentine's Day spells the end of Hermann's enforced Detroit sojourn. Would the Pistons actually help an Eastern contender by swapping him for Dixon?

[4] With Ford's latest setback, does Dixon become more valuable as a backup, rather than a chip?

[5] Given the after-publication results of the bios on Stoudamire and Carter, should fans worry that you or one of your brethren might be negotiating a Bosh book soon? Just keeeding!

Gary M, Bramalea

A: A few answers

1 – No, he’s got little or no value.

2 – Warrick’s best as a four, a scout told me this week when we were talking about him; Pietrus is athletic but not particularly tough and Gelabale’s all right but hardly a difference-maker. And I’m not sure he could guard threes.

3 - No, it doesn’t. It’s three months, which is March 14.

4 – Ford’s going to be back by Wednesday, I don’t think it has any impact on Juan at all.

5 – Hahahaha. Maybe I should write that Sam book.