This mailbag is HEAVY!!

Imagine that, too many questions! A few familiar names in here, a few regulars missing and whole lot of different themes.

Have at it:

Q: Hey Doug, remember that great Laphonso Ellis block back in the day where he blocked a dunk attempt and came down with the ball. When that happens in a game is it scored as a block or a steal? How about when a defensive player intercepts a shot in midair, block or steal or both?
Tamer B, Webequie, Ont.

A: It’s subjective, I’d say it’s a block in the first case and a steal – and a very, very bad shot attempt – in the second.

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Q: We often hear that the Raps are at or near the bottom in free throw attempts. My questions are: Where do they sit in actual points made from free throws? Who leads the league in points from free throws?

Ron R, Appin

A: Before Saturday play, Toronto was second in the NBA in team free throw percentage, shooting 81.3, but they were 26^th in points from free throws, with 787. The Denver Nuggets, 13^th in percentage at 75.9, were first in points with 1,135.

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Q: I have been pondering the Raptors trade situation, and reading the continual questions you receive about trading around the small forward position. I started thinking about the NBA and is this league just over-saturated with 6 foot 5 guys playing the small forward position?

Sean P, Toronto

A: Not sure if it’s over-saturated, but what you’re seeing now is more 6-7, 6-8, 6-9 guys playing that spot, guys like Lamar Odom in Los Angeles. That’s what GMs are looking for now, big and bigger at what used to be a “small” position.

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Q: I asked this question last week but I guess it was too much of a rant. Do you think we give BC too much credit considering he didn't bring in the pieces that (I can't believe I'm saying this) Babcock brought in. i.e. - Calderon, Bosh, Mitchell vs. BC's - TJ and Bargs. I guess we will have to wait on Bargs but Babcock got us our two all-stars.

Why is there so much trade talk on Miller I admit I don't really know his game too well but will he solve our rebounding woes and does he get to the basket more than Jamario?

What if any trades do you think the Raptors will make before the trade deadline? Ones you see could happen and should? (Gimme something Doug, long winter days are boring)

What will happen when Garbo gets back? I'm talking long term but in the summer I'm guessing we sign Moon and Delfino. Who’s the odd man out?

Robert P, Toronto

A: Wasn’t too much of a rant, probably just fell out of a very full mailbox.

But do allow me, with all snark, to correct a few, um, errors. Babcock didn’t bring in Bosh, Glen Grunwald did. You also forgot to mention that Colangelo did Garbo and AP and Delfino and Hump and Dixon.

Miller doesn’t solve rebounding, no; but he does solve a suddenly very, very ordinary starting small forward spot.

I don’t know if they’ll make a trade and, as I’ve mentioned before, I’m not throwing out names nilly-willy unless Someone Who Knows lets me know there’s an interest. Sorry.

This is going to be an interesting summer with Garbo, AP, Moon and Delfino. I know there’s not room for all four of them on the roster next year, I don’t think. Oh, and Moon’s under contract for next year, a team option, so he won’t have to be re-signed.

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Q: Hey Doug, for whatever reason there's always been something about Boston teams that have really made me despise them. That's why I was very happy when the Giants knocked off the Patriots. How spoiled would the Boston fans be if they won titles in three major sports in one year? Toronto could only be that lucky!

That being said, with the Boston Celtics being favoured to come out of the east, who in the west represents their most difficult match up?

Rich M, Mississauga

A: Well, being a Red Sox fan and all, I couldn’t give a rat’s behind what happens to other Boston sports teams.

That being said, I think right now, the Celtics would lose a playoff series to the Lakers in, oh, let’s say five games and I would think the Spurs would take ‘em out, too.

And, depending on how Shaq does, Phoenix probably beats them right now as well.

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Q: Hey Doug, a couple questions and a comment:

1) Is-was Shawn Marion the only player in the league to be unhappy playing with Steve Nash?

2) If you're Dwyane Wade, and you hear about the me-first attitude of Marion, how do you go about welcoming him to your team?! Especially after coming from a team whose PG is probably the best in the league at getting you points without you having to create your own shot (apologies, JKidd)

3) I feel sorry for Nash - wish they were able to get Garnett before the season for the same deal (with draft picks, etc) ... now that would have been a TEAM.

Felix T, Loughborough, UK

A: I don’t think it was specifically Steve Nash who Marion was upset with, he just wanted out of a situation where he was a distinct third fiddle. I’m not entirely sure how he’s going to like being a distant second to Dwayne Wade, either.

Wade’s going to be fine; Pat Riley made it glaringly apparent that it’s his team and moves will be made to fit around him in the future.

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Q: Since you went over the top in sarcasm with your answer to me in your Friday mail bag: “You’re over-estimating both the importance of your question (not very) and your knowledge of the salary cap (apparently quite limited). I’ll do this very slowly for you.”

I deserve a second chance. I guess that’s what I get for asking a question that costs nothing to get answered.

Here’s my follow-up since I know sooo little:

What is the Raps penalty for MATCHING ANY JOSE OFFER, meaning do they have to cut X amount of $ to stay within the cap. Is Jose getting the “Bird” rights.

Please explain. I have seen you touch on this before but I need more. There must be something I am missing. I know they just can’t match any offer and that’s it. It must come at the cost of something???

MB, London

PS – my friends unanimously agreed that my question WAS the MOST IMPORTANT of the week. Not sure how you can object?

A: You’ve got to get smarter friends (I keed, I keed).

It’s this simple: There is no penalty outside the dollar-for-dollar tax if they go above the tax threshold, but that’s not going to happen on a Calderon deal, now matter what it is, because the very few teams with room to offer him more than the full mid-level can’t make an offer that would put Toronto over the tax if, as expected, it comes in somewhere north of $70 million.

They can match any offer and that’s it. There’s no secret to it, he’s a Bird Rights guy and a restricted free agent. Seriously. Ask someone else if you don’t believe me. I hear From Deep’s doing something akin to a Mailbag ™ that isn’t a mailbag.

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Q: The guy who asked you about resigning Calderon was clearly referring to the possibility that Jose would be offered more money than the Raptors would feel comfortable matching and adding to their overall cap figure.  He wasn't asking about the conditions of restricted free agency.  DON'T FORGET TO PUT YOUR REVISED ANSWER (AND APOLOGY) IN CAPS.

Dave B, Toronto

A: READ ABOVE, I HAVE NOTHING TO APOLOGIZE FOR.

THANKS

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Q: For the question's sake, let's say that Shaq made the eastern all-star team. He is now traded to the west, how would this be handled? Would it be handled differently if he was voted in by fans or selected by the coaches?

Ian S, Oakville

A: For the umpteenth time, the NBA told me that they would deal with that kind of issue when, or if, it arrives. It hasn’t yet, mainly because Jason Kidd hasn’t been traded, so who knows what they might do.

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Q: Hey Doug, on the slam dunk contest voting thing, do you know if we can vote by SMS thru Canadian carriers (Rogers, Bell, etc), or is SMS just going to be supported south of the border only?

Daniel H, North York

A: You’re talking to an 8-track guy in a DVD world but I’m told by “experts” that, yes, you’ll be able to vote up here. But don’t hold me to it because I don’t know exactly what SMS is.

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Q: I have two quick questions: Why are most fans so keen to pick up a "rebounder". I don't know if people have checked the line up lately, but Bosh and Bargnani will be starting all year, and Moon pulls down more boards at the three than most. Off the bench you have Rasho and Hump. Isn't this more an issue of execution than it is the lack of resources?

Secondly, non-related to the Raptors, but what ever happened to Darius Miles? I remember he used to do wonders for me in the Basketball pool, but I haven't seen him for a couple seasons. Is he still property of Portland? I know he hasn't had the best of attitudes at times, but he could really be another piece to the already promising team in Portland that may make them a contender in a couple years time!

Caleb H, Ottawa

A: Issue of execution rather than lack of resources is well put. The thing is, Hump’s not been great lately and I think that’s the area in the frontcourt they could be looking to upgrade. That said though, if Rasho’s around in the post-season, he’s going to get the bulk of those backup minutes.

Darius Miles is still around, but he’s hurt, missed all season after knee surgery. Not sure where he fits when he’s healthy, either, on what is considered the most promising young team in the league.

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Q: Played around with ESPN's Trade Machine... managed to get a 3-way working with Seattle and Memphis, both miserable teams with eyes on the bottom line rather than the lineup.

Raptors get Mike Miller and Ridnour, Grizzlies get Rasho and Kurt Thomas, Sonics get Kwame, Dixon and Good/Bad Joey (and they don't even have to use their trade exception). I didn't even think about draft picks which may or may not make things better.

Grizz get two expiring deals for one, coming out about $7mil better, plus getting rid of a big contract.  Seattle also gets two expiring deals for one, but only manages about $3.5mil better.  They also have to take the enigma that is Joey Graham, but he's still young enough to be a project, right?

Raptors take on 2 big contracts, but they take on a sweet shooter with size and get a decent backup PG in case Ford takes yet another hit.

What say you?  Does this work out for everyone or have I just wasted an hour?

Steve W, London UK

A: Sorry, dude. That’s an hour you’ll never get back. Kwame Brown can’t be added to a multi-player deal for three months, I don’t believe.

And trade checkers, while fun, are silly machines.

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Q: Doug Collins mentioned last night on TNT that the Suns could still use an athletic swingman for defensive insurance now that Marion was gone. Since Shaq diminishes his importance, could you see a Brian Skinner (and the James Jones trade exception) for Joey Graham deal? Not likely to change the balance of power in the NBA, but a subtle move that provides a little more veteran frontcourt insurance for playoff time, plus the Raps shed a little salary in the process.

Sean S, Toronto

A: I can’t see Phoenix giving up Skinner, although I do think they need someone on the perimeter ‘cause I don’t imagine they want to run Grant Hill into the ground.

Skinner would look good here in the Hump role, though. Oh, wait, they had him once in that role and let him go.

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Q: I'll throw 2 names at you, and tell me if BC would be interested.

1. Wally Szczerbiak

2. Devean George

I know Wally is making $12 million this year and $13 next year. He shoots, scores and drives to the basket. Devean, is a solid player with lots of experience and is seating at the end of the bench in Dallas.

Jacques L, Toronto

A: To quote an NBA coach: “Wally Szczerbiak couldn’t guard you.” So, he’s out.

And Devean George, while experienced, isn’t going to put any team over the top. Or, in my opinion, any further up the hill. So I doubt he’s on BC’s radar either.

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Q: I keep hearing about how the tempo of the games will slow down come playoff time. Why is that?

Luka M, Toronto

A: Teams tend to slow down in the post-season because every possession is valuable, you don’t see them take nearly as many chances that could become turnovers that could lead to big runs and momentum shifts. Teams like to run their plays rather than run fast-breaks.

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Q: Hey Doug, my wife and I are avid fans of the Raps, and we live for your blog. Reading it every morning gives us the assurance that all is well in our world, despite any new challenges that may come from the economy, geo-political change, the market or the environment.

On to the Raps. Another frustrating loss to the Clippers last night due to poor execution -- kind of like the losses to the 76ers, the Wizards and the Sonics to name a few examples (no ball movement, settling for the J's when they're not falling, poor shot selection at critical times, inconsistent rebounding and porous defense).

Last night was touted as a major milestone for the Raptors, their 1000th game as an organization. Now, at the midpoint of the second season of this particular edition of the Raptors, what is your assessment of their development, and what they need to do to continue to move forward this year?

My view is that the biggest lesson from last night is for Colangelo, confirming that this team, as it is currently constituted, is not yet built to get past the first round of the playoffs. We would not be able to match up favourably against the Cavs or the Magic, much less the Pistons or the Celtics. In order to take another step forward this year (after admittedly overachieving last year) and have a shot at getting into the second round, Colangelo needs to make another move, before the trade deadline, to bring a decent slasher/rebounder into the three position, someone who can also inject some toughness to the entire team. Otherwise, I'm concerned that we will have squandered the great baseline that was created from last year, and be left falling behind an increasingly competitive conference.

Your thoughts please?

Harley W, Toronto

A: All good points, the only one I take exception with is that they would have trouble with Orlando. For some reason, Rasho defends Dwight Howard quite well and unless Orlando addresses a horrible deficiency at point guard, TJ and Jose would kill whoever they played against and the Magic have no one who can guard Bosh.

That said, a tough three would be first on my list right now, I’m seeing a deterioration in Moon’s play and who knows how he’d react in the playoffs.

What I can see happening, if nothing changes, is Cleveland getting past Orlando and finishing third, Toronto staying fifth and taking out the Magic in the first round. Of course, that could all change before the trade deadline arrives.

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Q: Simple one for you:

a) When does Toronto host the all-star game? Only four cities remaining, right? Us included?

b) Do fans ever get a chance to see the festivities game included, the NBA and its marketing and associate partners take a big chunk of tickets

Sunny P, Mississauga

A: Simple two, you mean.

Teams need to bid for an all-star game and some cities don’t. Toronto, I would bet, is looking at hosting the 2011 affair. And regular fans don’t get regular seats, no. Not even close. You might get one to the Friday night stuff, or maybe Saturday and I’d hazard a guess that if there are 11,000 season ticket holders in Toronto, 3,000 might be able to buy a seat to the game. Maybe.

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Q: Hi Doug, you've recently let us know who your favourite players in the NBA are. I'm wondering who your least favourite are. I personally can't stand Rasheed Wallace because of his attention-seeking antics, Ben Wallace because of his one-dimensionality, DeShawn Stevenson because of his unjustifiable arrogance, Stephen Jackson cause he's a knucklehead and Darko Milicic cause he tried to blame every one of his lacklustre efforts on poor officiating.

Geoff A, Toronto

A: Steve Francis, for his petulance and inability to, you know, win would top my list of current day players. Eddy Curry for sloth and wasting ability (I see more of Oliver Miller every time I look at him) would probably be second.

But your group would fit right in.

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Q: Doug, just curious, but do the Raptors have any big rivalries? I know New York was at one point (back when they played them twice in the playoffs) but it doesn't seem like they have any anymore. I was wondering if the players perceive anyone as their rival?

David B, Toronto

A: Just for sheer hype, I’d say New Jersey, although that’s died off considerably this season since the Nets are no good. Other than that, I don’t think there’s any one team. I think you have to have some post-season battles (like they did with the Knicks) before any true rivalry exists.

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Q: Doug, after Bosh does a dunk, don't you notice that he usually grabs his left part of his chest. Is there something wrong there?

John W, Hamilton

A: An affectation. A bit out of character and not something he does every single time, thankfully.

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Q: I've always been a fan of Glen Grunwald; a class act with a smart basketball IQ. Where does he go if/when Isiah Thomas finally quits or gets fired? Could he be a possible successor or would he follow Isiah out the door?

And in the spirit of Jamario Moon’s last minute foul a while back; what are your top five bonehead plays involving the Raptors?

Fritz M, Dingwall, N.S.

A: I don’t imagine the Knicks are going to do anything with Thomas during the season but if they did, I could see Glen being the interim GM until the end of year. But once the summer hits and they clean house, I’m not sure what his future will be. Too bad, though, he is as you say, a smart, thoughtful, good executive.

Top five bonehead plays? Wow, there are too many to recall.

Let’s go through some from just the last few years (my memory of those first nine or 10 seasons is quite foggy). I’ll give you three right now and try to come up with some others for the blog during the week.

There was the night Mike James forgot to guard Damon Jones, who hit a three right in front of the Raptor bench to win a game.

Penny Hardaway won a game with a last-second shot when he was in Phoenix when they forgot to guard him after he inbounded the ball.

Dallas won a game when they didn’t switch on a screen and the Mavs got an easy basket.

See a trend there?

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Q: What do you make of this repeated excuse that it is a learning experience? Either we are extremely slow learners or we just don’t have the right pieces of the puzzle. These guys are professional basketball players, it’s their job to win and correct things that aren’t working like all of us are expected to do at work but yet we seem to be getting worse. Last year we would have won that game. Sure we can blow out Miami (yippie) but when you have all week to prepare for a middle of the table team at home in a big game in franchise history and that is the effort, something needs to be done.

Chris C, Halifax

A: You get better at your job every single day? Never, ever take a step back, or remain the same? Sometimes people don’t perform to the best of their abilities every day, writers, basketball players, bakers, bankers, whatever your profession is. Worse? That’s subjective but I don’t think they are worse in any facet of the game than they were a year ago, or even a month ago.

Something needs to be done? What do you propose? Trade ‘em all? Bench ‘em all? Fire someone? Yes, in most facets of the game Friday they weren’t good, in most facets of that game in Boston a while back, they were very, very good. Sometimes crap just happens.

But don’t forget, be better at your job tomorrow than you were today or someone might wanna get rid of you.

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Q: Crystal ball time.
So it’s May, and the Raps just lost in game 7 against the Cavs in the second round when a last second three by Anthony Parker rims out. All and all, a pretty successful season. About where we expected. At least as good as any in Raps history. The Lakers defeated the Celtics in a 7-gamer for the ages. Now it’s the off-season.

Jose is a free agent at the end of the year. He can make big money, quarterbacking about 20 other teams in the league. (New York, Miami, New Jersey soon enough, to name a few) I understand the Raps are fortunate to have the best 1-2 point punch in the league, but Jose could be making 10-11 million a year. (Kirk Hinrich) BC has stated his priority is locking up Jose long term. If this happens, does that make T.J. tradable on, let’s say, draft day? Is there still room for them both? Does T.J.'s health affect his trade value?

P.S. I wish the Leafs were half-decent so all the Andrea haters could go back to watching hockey. This basketball thing is a bit out of their realm.

Chad N, Toronto

A: Good rant.

Here’s the thing you forgot on Jose, only teams with room under the cap can make him an offer worth more than the mid-level exception and, as it stands now, that’s about four teams, none of whom you would say are in as good shape as Toronto. And, because of the timing, nothing will be done with Jose by draft day (he can’t sign until mid-July) so a draft-day deal is unlikely. And, of course, I will point out that it’s worked very well so far with Ford and Calderon on the same team and I don’t see why it couldn’t in the future. The money? You know what? I don’t see paying Jose as having a detrimental effect on paying anyone else. No matter what they give him, or what they’re forced to give him by another offer, they will still have the full mid-level exception to spend without worrying about hitting the tax level. So, to me, the money doesn’t matter at all.

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Q: Just a quick question which I couldn't find any answer on Google or Yahoo. What is the meaning of unanswered points at the nba.com stats sheet? I saw in a blow-out game, one team's unanswered points is 0 and the other is 2. I thought unanswered points refer to when one team scored and the other didn't? Can you help me out here? Thanks.

Jon L, Markham

A: Without knowing specifically what game you're talking about, as far as I know, it’s the run of unanswered points at that specific time. Like if the Clippers scored with 19 seconds left in a game and Toronto scored with eight seconds left, the final unanswered points would be 2 for the Raptors.

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Q: Hey Doug, caught the game Friday night in the cheap seats and was proud to see my fellow Torontonians finally learning the art of the "out-of-towner heckle". It made section 324 in the ACC resemble section 204 at the Palace. (I keed)! On to a pressing question: Was MoPete the aggressive, foot shuffling, hand raising defender that helped contain explosive players from going off? Heck, Maggette had time to have a latte at highway 10 and QEW, stop at Oak's car wash and then shoot the three!

Almir D, Mississauga

A: Um, no he wasn’t. Mo was a good defender but to suggest he was “aggressive” is a stretch. Maggette got off on Friday partially on Moon and Delfino breakdowns but also because the Raptors team defence was pretty crappy, too.

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Q: I'm really enjoying the Shaq trade story and the arm-chair GM time, so I was just wondering if anyone has picked Jason Kapono's brain for his thoughts on the deal? I'm thinking that he might have some insight into Shaq's passing and fitness and how his presence shapes the defence...might also have some thoughts on Marion in Miami (although I'm more interested in Shaq really...)

If no one's asked him, do you think you could?  (If I've just missed it, then I offer my apologies.)

Paul W, Parkdale

A: Not to blow my own horn or anything – well, that’s exactly what it is – but if you look on this website for other stories I’ve done, specifically the day the trade was made, you’ll see Kapono’s reaction and his comments.

Comments

[Mikey]

Ben Wallace isn't a bad one-dimensional guy when he is playing that dimension really well. I mean is this old man "leading" the Bulls really the same Big Ben who won Defensive Player of the Year 4 times?

[Zack]

In regards to Chris C's question about the Raptors being slow learners, I think you need to look closer at the big picture. Sure we have lost to a few mediocore teams so far this season but when you're playing as crappy as the Clips were, you are bound to steal one once in a while. I mean even Charlotte got one over on Boston a few weeks ago, remember?

If you want to see growth this season, look at how we beat San Antonio and Dallas in the past few months when we weren't able to beat them at all last year. Or our win at Boston. Or the large amount of blowout losses we've handed out to quite a few teams so far even with our guys getting banged up regularly.

[J]

As much as I enjoy reading about potential Raptors trades, I have to admit that nothing irks me more than senseless backseat-GMing (or whatever the term is for that) from certain fans. Josh Smith? Maggette? At least try to come up with something that not only fits salary-wise but has a reasonable basis for happening. While we're at it, why don't we trade Garbo to Portland for Oden, and Dixon to Golden State for Biedrins! Come on! What's the incentive for the other team?

[Jason Ohashi]

I agree with J. If you're going to propose a trade, make it realistic. If someone wants the Raptors to get a good player, the Raptors HAVE TO give something good back. They can't just through in a bunch of scrubs and expect it to go through.

[Huseyin N]

Responding to Chris Bosh putting his hand to his chest, i also noticed that and have been paying close attention. When he does a good play, he spreads four fingers(ie-CB4) to his chest. And as for the biggest blunders, the Chris Childs one in Detroit always comes to my mind.

[Ahmed]

Q: I heard that Stephen Jackson wants to leave Golden State and get traded to the east so he can make the all star game and he said he wil go to any team other than the Hawks and Pacers. He said he loves Golden State and teamates but he feels cheated not making the allstar game and chris mullin has recieved multiple offers but the best they have got has been from the Raptors.

Rasho for stephen Jackson and the warriors are seriously considering it do you think iot is a bad or good trade for the raptors.

Blogger's note: You've got to give someone a reputable source and if you can find one, we can talk. But I believe someone is blowing smoke at you.
And, no, Rasho for Jackson makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

[Adam C]

For the record, we hockey fans tend to understand that it can take a couple of years for drafted players to really blossom, especially oversized ones. IMHO, it's the basketball fans who are pointing fingers around the league that the players who 'should have been' drafted...

[Travis]

I certainly hope the Rasho for Jack thing was an attempt at sarcasm, cuz that's how I interpreted it. Personally I don't see why fans are disappointed with what we've done thus far. Obviously the raptors are a young team that is still learning how to win consistently in the nba, and that simply comes with time. Unless you trade for a bunch of veterans, young players don't learn how to be consistent winners overnight, its just not that easy. We are still on pace to finish somewhere in the 45-50 win range, which certainly isn't a bad position to finish in the weak eastern conference. A top 4 seed would be ideal for home court advantage in the playoffs, but a 5th seed is something I could live with. As for trades, if BC makes a few minor tweaks I will be pleased, and if he doesn't I certainly won't complain because there is no reason for him to make a trade just for the sake of making a trade. He won't pull the trigger unless he feels he can make the team better in some aspect, we're not talking about Isiah Thomas here (Z-bo and Curry on the same team!!!!!)

[Emily]

Chris Bosh said on his website, when asked in the forum about the 4 finger thing, that it's a signal to his girlfriend, and he was surprised anyone had noticed it.

[Dan]

Why does Rasheed Wallace get to start the all star game in place of Garnett. If the fans vote in the starters why not allow the forward with the next highest amount of votes to start and have the replacement come of the bench. That seems more fair to me then having a guy who lost out on both the fan vote and the coaches vote to get to start.

Blogger's note: He doesn't necessarily get to start, he just gets to be in the game.

[Edgar]

Raptors host the All-star game? Should have happened a long time ago..... Hosted in the Skydome (dont you dare correct me) with a capacity crowd of just under 40,000.... and we have one of the best attendances of the NBA already! Hell i think they should do the playoffs in the skydome.... Just slip a few dollars into the corporate empire that is Rogers and i think it could be arranged....