The Morning After The Night Before, XLV

Cold enough for you? (For you out-of-towners it’s like minus-a kabillion here).

Super Dog couldn’t even handle it, very short walk this morning, meaning she’s a bit smarter than I generally give her credit for. Oh, and Super Son’s got the radio on wondering if it’s a Cold Day at school. And no shootaround for either team so I can chill on the couch and eat bon-bons.

Which also means I’ve got some time to putz around this morning on this little daily diatribe.

And here you have it:

Three Things I Learned

Two good little guys

Twenty-three assists, three turnovers. Yeah, the point guards are back. Funny, it’s only been three games but I haven’t been inundated with “Trade Jose, Trade T.J.” e-mails. Guess you folks have gone soft.

But, seriously, we all knew the second unit would be vastly improved once a real point guard got hold of it (and I meant that with no disrespect to Juan Dixon, who was trying to learn a difficult position on fly). Seeing how seamlessly that group operates makes me think they’ve got the PG combination just right the way it is.

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Too bad for one of the little fellas

Action: League adds Rasheed Wallace to Eastern Conference all-star team.

Reaction: Bad for Jose ‘cause now if Caron Butler has to bow out, they’ll likely take Ray Allen or Hedo Turkoglu ahead of Calderon.

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What was that?

Jack Armstrong and Chuck Swirsky are a lot of things. Curlers they are not.

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A trip to the mailbag and a journey down memory lane

Q: Everyone seems to have a top 5 question these days so here is mine:  Do you have a list of top 5 Oakley (Oakleyisms??) quotes from his time here?  You may have to do a little digging for this one.

Colin B, Bogota, Colombia

A: So many to choose from. Was going to dredge some of these up last week in the run-up to Game 1,000 but ran out of days. Here we go (and some of these may not be verbatim because it took us a while to develop a true Oak-to-English dictionary.

"It’s like bringing eggs to a barbecue.”

"Just because there’s glass on the highway doesn’t mean there was an accident.”

"No use crying over spilled milk, go to the store and get some more.”

"Glen Grunwald isn’t the GM, Vince’s mom is.”

"It ain’t going to be no Charles Barkley fake book, it’s gonna be a real book, a Charles Oakley book.” (On his yet-unpublished memoirs).

And, of course, that’s without the greatest of ‘em all

"Pimpin’ ain’t easy, pimpin’ ain’t dead, the ho’s are just scared.”

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Here’s how they saw Sunday’s games in Minneapolis and Boston, just to give you a look at the past and present opponents.

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Speaking of the Spurs, do you think this is Matt Bonner’s greatest NBA back-to-back? Got to see his family in New England and still got to Toronto in time to have a night out Sunday night and all day today to ride the TTC and eat subs.

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Josip of Oakville adds this to the list of top five picks as teammates

Another one for the two top 5 draft picks in the same year playing together. Kevin Durant and Jeff Green. I'm surprised you guys missed that one

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There was a dude or dudette who sent a mailbag question in about five biggest bonehead plays I can recall. Well, here are two more:

PETER POWER/TORONTO STAR

High energy player.

Chris Childs, 85-82, Detroit, Game 5, playoffs. ‘Nuf said.

Oh, and seeing Jerome Williams on Friday brought one back to mind. They trade for him from Detroit, he jumps in his truck and drives all night in a snowstorm to get to Toronto and dresses for a Friday night game against Sacramento. Probably isn’t going to play much because he doesn’t know the plays or the defensive schemes or much of anything about his new teammates but there he is on court in the final seconds of a triple-overtime thriller against the Kings.

And right there, right in front of the Raptor bench, he gets a little over-exuberant on defence, leaves his man, gets screened out of the play and his man – Peja Stojakovic – drills game-winning three.

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Emily over in the comments section points this out, too. But here’s Jawad R of Unionville helping out.

Maybe I can help expand on an answer you gave earlier.

John W from Hamilton inquired as to why Bosh sometimes grabs at the left side of his chest after a scoring play

If you look closely, you`ll see that his thumb is curled in and that his fingers are splayed out to indicate 4.

You`ll also notice that he usually does this after scoring at home on the basket nearest the Raps bench; I sit in the courtside seats facing the Raptors bench and I`m told that its also an homage to his girlfriend who sits in the front row.

It would seem to be a bit of a marketing or signature style move and a bit of a shout out to his girl.

Thanks, a grateful nation sleeps easier.

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A final mailbag submission.

Hey Doug, why can't you admit this team is not as good as it was billed? No, people "don't get better at their job every day" (please see your recent blog as evidence of your work), but from year to year we should trend upwards. BC tried to add depth to the bench but the bench scoring is down. The run and gun system he was supposed to implement is pure myth as we are consistently out-scored in transition (even in the Raps vs. Celt win 28-0 Boston - hardly high octane). BC gambled that our growth would stem from the development of our youth (see Bargnani's woeful numbers, I'll give Ford a pass but....). This team WITHOUT A TRADE will: have less wins, finish lower in the standings, and lose in less than 6 games in the playoffs. And no the East is no better than last year, at least in part due to the Raptor stagnation. Please don't tell me you are turning into a company man like Swirsky, who wouldn't criticize Bargnani if he was taking liberties with his own wife. Admit it, this team isn't and won't be as good as last year. I agree with one blogger that BC is getting a free pass this year thanks to the miserable performance of the Blueshirts.

Keep up the good work. Hope this blog hasn't peaked and gets better next year.

Ted S, Windsor, N.S.

A: Wow. What a cranky-puss you are.

You don’t think they’re better today than they were a year ago? Okay, we can disagree on that. I happen to think that Bargnani is improving, Moon’s giving them more athleticism, Delfino and Kapono are improvements over Mo and Joey (who played those roles last year) and the point guards, now healthy, are as good as they’ve ever been. But what do I know?

The Bargnani “woeful” numbers. As perhaps you can recall, I’ve ripped the guy for being soft, unable to get his footwork right on his jumper and unwilling to bang like he has to and he was awful for six weeks. Today, he’s averaging a point per game fewer than he did last year and his rebounding numbers are virtually the same. If you had him “woeful” last year, then he’s “woeful” again now.

Not sure if you missed the memo but the “run-and-gun” stuff you talk about died about 10 games into last season. And the 28-0 “in transition” thing you talk about in Boston I presume refers to fast-break points? Yeah, that was absolutely horrific. Terrible. They must have got drilled that game, right? Oh, wait. They won. Yeah, it was hugely costly.

I’m virtually sure you will not agree with anything I’ve just written but, truth be told, I don’t care.

Oh, their record today is one game better than it was at this time last year, they’re fully healthy for the first time in months and winning 48 isn’t out of the realm of possibility.

And thanks for ruining the post-season for everyone. But if they’re going to lose in fewer than six games, that’ll mean more days off for me. For that, I thank you.

Comments

[elwyn jennings]

Oooooh, good harsh on ted s...

[Colin C]

That's why it's better to read blogs by people that aren't scared to say anything critical about anyone (player or coach) because they don't have to look them in the eye the next day. If Doug says something bad about Sam, which should happen on a regular basis, he is scared that Sam will be pissed at him and Doug would never want that, would he. I agree he gets some inside information, but he doesn't have the balls to say what everyone else is thinking. Just cause he is close to the team, doesn't mean that he know's more about basketball or coaching than people writing to him with their opinion.

Go Raps.

Blogger's note: Yes, it is far easier to sit in a house, or the stands and make comments. Because from that vantage point, you've developed the context and experience to make thoughtful, honest commentary. After all, why in the world would you want to actually talk to people, or see how they interact with each other or have some background knowledge from which to form insightful opinion.

[Colin C]

What, you didn't like that last comment Doug?

Blogger's note: Au contraire

[Jim K]

Not exactly fully healthy - Garbo is still out!

[Jim K]

Re: Ted S from Windsor N.S.

It really doesn't matter if we have more wins then last year. The Pistons had less wins the year they won the championship then the year after (when they didn't win the championship).

Its about winning at the right time. BC knows that this isn't the right time to make a trade and get some more wins because realistically, we still won't be better then the top tier teams - Boston, Detroit, and the West. Anybody can catch lightning in a bottle and make a miraculous run at the title, but you don't build teams hoping for that (unless you're the Leafs - BOOYA!).

So YES - we should continue developing, and make a trade to put the Raptors over the top when they're best positioned to make it to the top. That time isn't now.

[Zack]

If Doug was to go up to Sam Mitchell after a bad game and tell Sam off, like so many of you would love to, what kind of journalist would Doug be? Why would he rag on the team he covers when statistically they are DOING BETTER THAN LAST YEAR!!! And to say the guy doesn't "have the balls to say what everyone else is thinking", well, did you ever think maybe you are the only person who is thinking these asinine thoughts? I regularly see articles from Doug commenting on Bargnani's lack of development, the teams shady defense, and the need for a tougher and grittier mindset when on the court.

Doug, there were times when I would just laugh when you made comments about the crazy fans but through this blog you have made it possible for all of us to see just how tough it can be for a guy like you to get his job done.

Keep up the good work big guy.

[Darko Dubajic]

Hi Doug,
I have sent you a question re: your proposed trade Raso and somebody else for Mike Miller from Memphis, if you could explain why would you do such trade.
I must say that If it came across insulting to you in any way I do appologize, I honestly ment it in good humor.
Darko Dubajic, Mississauga

Blogger's note: I'm not sure I'd do Rasho for Miller, because the Raptors would be leaving themselves very thin up front, with only Bosh, Bargnani and Humphries. Memphis might do it because it saves them the final year of Miller's contract and they are all about saving money.
Nothing insulting at all, my man; no worries.
But if the Raptors are willing to live with that front line, then I'd make the deal.

[Conrad]

If last year's season was the out-of-left-field surprise it was widely billed to be, expectations need to be tempered at little bit. Certain diehards don't seem to realize that even rebuilding in the East takes time, playoff success does not come overnight it needs to be learned. The mere fact that the Raps are running with the defending Eastern Conference Champions, in the thick of playoff contention no matter the seed, and on pace to match the franchise best win total, means the season to date cannot be considered anything but a success, another step in the right direction.

[Jason]

Why exactly do people feel like being overly critical (of anybody, players, coaches, GM's, bloggers) is being more honest or showing more intestinal fortitude than somebody who doesn't agree with their point of view? I'd take more time to explain why somebody like Ted isn't accurate in his claims, but it seems like Doug was able to put him in a literary bodyslam already.

[Shrugz]

If we lose only six games could mean we're on our way to a championship!! WOO!!!16-6 in the playoffs doesn't sound too bad hahahhahahha

[Jason Ohashi]

I agree Conrad. You're not going to turn your team around overnight unless you make 2 blockbuster deals that greatly improves your team (Celtics). But that's not likely to happen and it's all about timing. Really, fans should be just happy they're winning now or maybe they weren't fans when they were losing? Who can forget the last year of Wilkens, the Kevin O'Neill project and Sam's first few years. Those were painful times, yet I watched more of those games than I do now (because I had more free time then). The Raptors used to be a joke like the Knicks are now! Just remembering how bad those times were at times makes some of the bad Raptor games now tolerable.

[Dinosty]

If Garbo wakes up tomorrow magically 100% healthy, where does he fit in our rotation and who suffers the most?

Blogger's note: Good question. I think if he's 100 per cent healthy, he starts and Jamario's minutes are cut back dramatically. But I'm not Sam, as we all know, so I'm not pretending to be thinking like him.

[Amanda]

With KG now out of the All-Star game, what do you think Bosh's chances are to get the starting spot? Does the Commish name the starter or is it up to Doc Rivers?

[Zak Rayner]

I hear BC returned from his trip to Slovenia early to make an "important business decision." Any word on what this could be?

Blogger's note: Much ado about nothing and perhaps a miscommunication over there. Colangelo was always expected back here today. And as I type this, and after talking to some people last night and this morning the "important business decision" is a bit of an over-statement.

[Jacques LeBlanc]

I think the best trade the Raptors can do this year, is none at all. Keep the group together for the rest of the season and change a few things, like half the team (DMart, Dixon, Joey, Rasho, Baston and I would considering trading Moon). Resign Carlos, and go out and pick someone up who can rebound, that can attack the basket like A.Jamison or C.Butler. I really think the Raptors need a second all star name in the house.

[Uncle Zeke]

Couple things: Rasheed Wallace and Antonio McDyess were both top-5 picks in the 1995 draft. Incidentally all of the top 4 players we're on the Pistons at one time or another...

I don't believe Doug said this but I think it was in the mail-bag. There seems to be a belief that Steve Nash created Shawn Marion. Marion actually averaged 4 straight 19 pt., 10 rebound seasons prior to Nash's arrival. He also looked great yeasterday playing alongside D. Wade.

[Chris]

I am sure a lot of you were also quick to jump on bargnani's neck in January. Yeah he is playing better now, but he could be the next Mr inconsistent after Delfino. We are not a better team this year. OK so we have beat Boston, New Orleans and San Antonio and those are definitely good wins, but in the other Boston losses we have played terribly, even the one that was close. Thorton made Bosh and the other inside players look worse than Garnett does. We definitely miss Garbos presence in there, but even he could not be described as overly athletic or quick. Every time we seem to be turning the corner, there are brutal losses, Seattle, Lakers (who were pushed harder by Atlanta) Clippers ( who were pounded in Philly). I am a diehard fan, but I just dont see us getting out of the first round unless we really start playing better against quality teams.

[Ted Shaw]

re: Jim K

The time isn't now for a trade? When is it? In the off-season? Or should we wait for every other contender to get stronger in the East and West.

re: Colin C

100% agree - Garbajossa (and everything he brought to the team) is a critical piece the 2008 team lacks. Kapono and Delfino don't compare.

re: Shrugz

I have higher expectations than just perennial also-rans. Believe me, I felt the pain of all those losing seasons but to settle now makes no sense.

re: Conrad

You must really enjoy the Swirsky love-ins that colour this team with bunnies and rainbows. Criticism is important for growth. Sports is the ultimate meritocracy. Those people that do things well, stay and make a lot of money doing it. BC, Sam, and Andrea aren't above criticism. This team has slipped while others have improved.

[New reader]

As a fellow journalist, I can attest to the difficulty of being critical of a contact in print — for all to see — and then facing that person the next day looking for a quote. Believe me, they're not all as 'friendly' as Doug says Sam is!

But it's something that has to be done. You do just that Doug. You reprimand players/coaches/GM/owners when needed, but are also fair enough to dish out kudos when deserved, as well.

That's what a true journalist does. I'd love to see you give it a try.

[Jason Ohashi]

Ted, you're right that criticism is always important for growth. I think Conrad is saying that some people are being overly critical and are under the impression that one small trade is going to instantly make the Raptors champions. The Raptors are lacking in a lot of things: rebounding (both offensive and defensive rebounding), another consistent inside scorer, a person to consistent drive to the basket and consistent play from the bench (though it is getting better because of TJ). Now I'm sure there are other problems, but the point is this, one player is probably not going to instantly solve all this yet there are a lot of people that think it will. People really have to be a little bit more realistic in their thinking... but seeing their comments always make reading this blog interesting

[Ted S]

Hey Conrad!........THUD

Did you hear that?

That was the sound the Raptors will make when they are bodyslammed in second week in the playoffs.

Or do you see them finishing better? Like some gee-golly Disney Movie.

[Parker Findlay]

Hey Doug I'm sure you have had plenty of people propose this but what about a trade of Rasho and Kapono and perhaps a first rounder in a year or two for Mike Miller and Darko. Miller is a big upgrade at wing and Darko is currently a slightly more mobile Rasho with a more fluent jumper. The contracts match up and this would cut a year or 2 off of cash conscious Memphis while giving them a pick for the future. Your thoughts?

Blogger's note: I can't imagine Darko Milicic all of a sudden "getting it" when he gets to another team. But as trade proposal go in fantasy-land, that's got as much sense as any of 'em.

[Kevin]

I think Bargnani has cost the team several wins this year. However I think this is a long term investment that we will see pay off down the road.

[Dave]

What people also forget about this Raps team is that we are playing without one of best rebounders and defenders, Garbo. He is a forgotten man this season and critics like Ted, need to think about that.

I don't think any Raptors fan expected a Championship, but I don't think you will find one educated fan (Ted excluded) that doesn't think we are closer this year, than last.

Go Raps and great work Doug

[Jim K]

Re: Ted Shaw;

Hey man - You can't forget though that the Raps will also be developing and improving during that time as well. The combination of TJ, Jose, Bosh and Bargs has not peaked. My thought is that BC should wait until he knows how far (or can predict) this team can go, then make the moves.

You need to make the major move to get over the top, not to get closer to the top. A move now is a move to get closer. But there are too many big teams in the way to get to the top.