The Morning After The Night Before, LXXII (?)

This just in: Hornets are good.

Pretty much a clinic, wasn’t it? Never thought, after about the first eight minutes, that the locals had a chance, did you? Know we know why New Orleans leads the West and, actually, fans should be happy the Heroes Of The Hardcourt split the season series.

And now the regularly-scheduled stuff:

Three Things I Learned

Better Days Ahead?

Okay, so now it gets easy, right? Charlotte twice, Miami, Indy, the Bucks, a couple with the Nets, Atlanta and the Pistons to finish it out.

Checking the schedules, and guessing ‘cause that’s what we do around here sometimes, it probably takes six, maybe seven wins to creep into fifth and five, maybe six, to hold off Philly for seventh.

Should be a piece o’ cake, right? Well, don’t think these fellas aren’t quite aware of their own ability to cough ‘em up. Check out Chris Bosh last night:

"It scares me. Sometimes when you play teams like that, it’s kind of tough to get up for games. It shouldn’t be like that but that’s how it is. Sometimes guys tend to overlook teams and we can’t do that. We still have very tough games ahead of us and these teams are very capable of beating us.”

He’s dead right, of course. Now we find out how mentally tough these dudes are. I’m thinking they get six of the last nine.

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How Good Is He?

Chris Paul, that is. Not enough to make me change an MVP vote at the moment but that was a clinic from start to finish, wasn’t it? What I liked best was that at no time did Paul ever make a play out of control. Pinpoint passes through traffic, taking shots when he had to, the right speed at the right time.

And, to think, this guy went fourth overall in a draft? Behind Andrew Bogut, Marvin Williams and Deron Williams? It’s not Hoffa-Iguodala (nothing is) but still …

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AARON LYNETT/TORONTO STAR

A warm welcome back to Mo from all.

Mo Lovin’

Very nice reception, congrats, you handled yourselves well. I know he appreciated it. But I had about three letters over the course of the weekend suggesting they retire his number and all I can say about that is:

You have got to be kidding!

You retire numbers of all-time greats, not all-time great guys. You retire ‘em next to championship banners, not next to division banners. You retire Michael Jordan’s number, not Mo Pete’s.

Besides, what about the Kapono era?

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Lots of fun mail got delivered in the last 24 hours, here’s one:

Q: First things first, I was very happy when everyone clapped for Mo. Even when he made shots. I think Linton Johnson III had an okay game, let’s hope he's doesn't become 'gangsta.’

But I'm confused. When did Kapono become a starter? I'm witnessing my first live game,(excited because I’m legally an adult now) and dumps this one on me. I don't know to say about this game though, I was  too distracted, which leads me to my question: Do you ever get distracted at a game? probably not.

Chauntee M, Toronto

A: Well, a fine happy birthday to you. Hope you enjoyed a kabillion-dollar watered-down, light draft adult beverage. But this adulthood thing? Not all that it’s cracked up to be.

To your question: Sure, I get distracted. Depends on where I’m sitting, who I’m talking to and how horrible the game is. The worse it gets, the more joking and cutting up we do but maybe that’s not distracting, maybe that’s dealing with what’s there.

But I always seem to get the job done, even with the shouting and screaming and dancing and incessant noise.

Oh, and I've spoken to Linton Johnson, he's not about to become 'gansgta', whatever the heck that is.

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You watching scoreboards yet? Stay up late to see Wizards-Lakers? Find yourself checking a website for Cleveland-Philly score?

Well, we’ll try to keep you caught up, here’s what they said in Philly and Washington off last night’s game.

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Opening Day!

I got the Jays at 91 wins, in contention until the last couple of weeks before falling to Boston in the division and out of the wild card that’ll come from the Central.

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Once more to the mail?

Q: The questions in the comments section about Redd weren't meant to be rhetorical: do you think he's a good/legitimate fit (in terms of his skill set and his salary)? And do we have the assets (and right salary mix) to pick him up?

I also have a basketball 101 question for you. At the end of the first, CP3 let the ball roll basically past centre court before picking it up, in order to hold off the clock starting, and give himself some more time for a 2 for 1. My question: isn't the 5-second inbounds rule in play until he actually picks it up? I thought I had seen this come into play in another NBA game. The ball rolled for a good 7 or 8 seconds (at least) before CP3 picked it up. Am I remembering the rule incorrectly, or was it a lenient 5-second call?

Paul M, Toronto

A: I think I remember the play, I’m not sure who the ref was, though, but whoever it was, I want him timing the rest of my life. Of course, smart defenders would get up on Paul right away, force him to start the clock and reduce that two-for-one chance.

As for Redd? I doubt they have the assets because the two biggest contracts they could have to offer would be Rasho (they’ve got bigs) and T.J. (been there, done that). But I do think he’d be an excellent fit here.

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I must say Jason Kapono sure took advantage of his start, didn’t he? Chalk that one up to a one-time experiment that failed.

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This might be the smartest thing Stephen Curry’s said in a long-time.

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Last mail submission for the day:

Q: Do you have a Dancing with the Star favorite this season? Which current or former Raptor could you see on the show?

Richard Y, Kincardine

A: Haven’t been paying really close attention but Marlee Matlin’s the early favourite. And I don’t think they called Alvin Williams ‘Boogie’ for nothing. Imagine he could cut a rug. I heard Bosh was busting some moves the other night at the big birthday bash and, as I recall, He Shall Not Be Named once was dancin’ around with some crooner on stage the same night his team was playing a road game.

Late Sunday mail

And, for our final edition this week, we offer up the following:

Q: I know every rabid Raptors fan has been calling for changes, and I'm all for them, but I have one bone to pick.

I'm well aware of how his expiring contract makes him a valuable trade asset, but let's face it, Rasho has been playing great as of late.  As a matter of fact, whenever given the chance over the past two years, he has played quite well.

I think that the rationale behind Rasho's original signing (a smart, experienced, unspectacular but steady big man, who doesn't command shots but is a good locker room presence) has only been reinforced, and I don't see why everyone is so quick to ship him off.

Yes, I know that he's not worth 8 million, but players like him are not a dime a dozen.  I know that he's not "young", but he's only 31, he's not moving to Florida quite yet.  And yes, I know that the Raps don't have too many desirable assets, but that doesn't mean you should get rid of key elements of the team.

Sorry for the rant, Doug, but my question is whether you are on the trade Rasho or keep Rasho bandwagon?  I know it all depends on the other players involved, but realistically for what the Raptors could get, would you like to see him in Dino uniform next year?

Dan P, Sarnia

A: I’ve been firmly in the Play Rasho group since the season started, I could never imagine why Hump got time over him to start with.

That being said, however, if there’s a deal this summer that forces them to move Rasho for a great wing player, they have to look at it seriously. After all, isn’t the best time to deal a player when he’s playing his best?

But he wouldn’t be the first guy I’d offer up on the trade market once the season ends.

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Q: What's the story on who has possession of the ball at the start of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters? Of course, whoever wins the tip has possession at the start of the game. Where does it go from there?

Bill H, Ailsa Craig

A: This is where we need an FAQ.

The team that controls the opening tip gets the ball again to start the fourth quarter. The team that doesn’t control the opening tip gets the ball to start the second and third.

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Q: With the NBA regular season winding down and the awards to be handed out soon, what are the top picks for 6th man of the year awards? Does Calderon qualify for the award?

Wilson C, Waterloo

A: Jose does not qualify, you have to come off the bench in more games than he starts.

I’d say Manu Ginobili and Leandro Barbosa are in a two-man race to win this year.

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Q: On the lighter side: Could the visiting TV Media people be given a lesson in pronouncing Andrea's last name before their broadcast. I am one of those downtrodden people who have to spend winter in Florida, tough work but someone has to do it, and subscribe to the NBA network in order to get to see my beloved Raptors. The announcers are always from the visiting team.  Most of these media people are pronouncing it

BARNY -YANNI or BARNY- AWNY. A little respect please.

Brian S, Tampa, Fla.

A: Every game, Media Relations Guru Jim LaBumbard walks down to the visiting broadcasters and gives them the correct pronunciations. He does the same thing on the road with the visiting public address announcers. Some people just don’t get it, I guess.

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Q: I'm curious about the Raptors offence, especially with Bosh and how they clear the side for him to attack the basket. I think we've all seen how the opponents double team him and it causes turnovers since Bosh has no one close to pass to (Knicks most recently). Why do the Raptors clear out the side for Bosh? With all good big men like KG, Howard, Duncan, Rasheed, Amare, Boozer, etc. they hardly ever have the sides cleared out for them to work on offence and most of the time, you see a good shooter on the same side (example: House/Ray Allen with KG in Bos; Lewis with Howard; Ginobili/Bowen with Duncan; Hamilton with Rasheed, etc.) so when the double team comes, the passoff comes for an open 3 point shot. Kapono would just nail those open shots and teams will rethink that double team on Bosh plus less turnovers.

J T, Richmond Hill

A: They don’t clear out the entire side, they leave a guard lifted to take the first pass out of the double-team and swing the ball. They dive a man through the paint to get the defence moving and perhaps leave someone alone at the top of the circle. They don’t plant anyone on the block, however, ‘cause that just creates traffic.

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Q: Not a Raptors question but what do you think is going to happen with Milwaukee this summer?  They've underachieved the last few seasons but I've always enjoyed watching that team.

Joseph C, Toronto

A: Well, they have to hire a general manager and their first choice was Donnie Walsh, who’s going to New York they tell me. I believe they’ll make a coaching change and look to tweak their roster a bit. I can see them trading Charlie V and, if I’m the Raptors, I make a call about Michael Redd.

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Q: What about Chris Kaman for improvement, eh?
I think he's been a beast for as long as he's healthy, 3rd or something like that in rebounding.
I know he's on a bad Clippers team, but I'd like to know what you think about him.

Melissa S, Markham

A: I like Chris Kaman a lot and Raptor fans should, too, because he’s a big man who took a long time to develop. He was seen as a flop early in his career and now he’s pretty darn good. Hmm. Big man. Slow to develop. See any parallels?

Early Sunday mail (and there'll be late Sunday mail, later)

Here we go again, swamped on the weekend.

Nestle in, grab the coffee, push the paper to the side and read this, it’s far more entertaining.

Oh, and there’s more to come so don’t get angst-filled if yours is not here, it might be in the next batch.

Q: So everyone knows Toronto has the craziest, most rant-filled, irrational fans quite possibly in all of North America. Now, I would assume you don't know this first hand, but maybe you're buddies with a beat grunt over in the hockey side of The Star. Who's crazier: Raps fans or Leafs fans?

Amanda F, Barrie

A: I have spoken to the pucks people at our office and I have spoken to the people who drive the web engine at our place and I’ve lived through every Raptor crisis for the last 13 years. I listened one night driving home to post-game Leaf radio and it was out of this world.

But I can honestly say Raptor fans win hands down.

Now, I’m not entirely sure that’s anything to be proud of, frankly most of me thinks it’s something to be not proud of, but it’s the way it is.

You folks (and I certainly don’t mean you specifically because you seem to be one of the saner ones) are, at times, out of this world. Adept at creating controversy where none exists, often unwilling to even consider another point of view and quite willing to rifle off an e-mail or a question at any time of the day or night.

And I love ya for it.

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Q: Do you know if Andrea is planning on playing for the Italian team this summer in the Olympics? And if he is, do you thinks it's a good idea? I know you a big proponent of playing for your country, but I think it really hurt Andrea last year. Too much ball, no rest, to much pressure after being drafted first overall in the NBA, and not enough time to rest and to bulk up a little. I think Andrea need's to commit to the NBA and the Raptors, what are your thoughts?

Steph R, Glencoe

A: Italy didn’t qualify for the Olympics, nor did it qualify for the final qualification tournament so Andrea has no national team obligations this summer.

I think they should send him to a big man’s camp where all he does is work six hours a day on a low=post game.

But the dude is 7-feet tall and a solid 250, I don’t think there’s much more bulk he needs. He needs work on his game, not his body.

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Q: After failing to catch your eye on my previous questions regarding Good Joey/Bad Joey and investing some Bargnani-type of patience with him, hopefully you can answer this one. Why hasn't B.C. picked up Gerald Green who's been sitting at home in Houston, instead of acquiring the older Linton Johnson?   

Roberto H, Fonthill

A: Because Gerald Green does nothing – absolutely nothing – of what Toronto needs. He doesn’t rebound, he doesn’t defend and his work ethic has been questioned in every city he’s been in. Other than that, he’d be a perfect fit.

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Q: Tell me I'm not losing my mind, but I think the NBA does have a sportsmanship award. Back in the day I think Hershey Hawkins used to win it every year, and I don't think my brain would "miss-remember" an obscure name and fact like that. I even recall hearing that A.P. was in the running for this award last year. Please confirm that I'm not crazy.

Brett M, Toronto

A: Not crazy. Maybe it was semantics by the J. Walter Kennedy Award, which is awarded by us fine folks at the Pro Basketball Writers Association and the league’s Sportsmanship Award have to do with off-the-court community efforts combined with on-court ability.

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Q: Much has been made about the success the medical/training staff for the Phoenix Suns have had with players with a history of injuries.  Most notably, they've been able to keep the likes of Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, Grant Hill and most recently Shaq relatively healthy. From what I've read, it seems as though they use analysis and treatment methods that are not commonly used throughout the NBA. Given Bryan Colangelo's Phoenix connections, do you know if there have been plans to implement similar procedures with the Raptors? I think the restrictions placed on Brian Colangelo after he left Phoenix may be expiring shortly (if they haven't already). Have there been any rumblings about the Raptors adding anyone from the Phoenix organization? Considering that both Bosh and Ford have missed time this year with injuries, it might be a good idea to add someone from the Sun's medical staff.

Rob J, Ajax

A: I know the Raptors are quite happy with their training and medical staff, which does an excellent job of preventative maintenance and treatment. The only reason I could see a change is if someone on the current staff got a better job offer and the Raptors wouldn’t stand in their way.

The Suns do do an amazing job, though.

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Q: As talk of possible a TJ trade surfaces, my thoughts go back again to our good buddy Roko Ukic.

1. My memory is hazy, but didn't Rob Babcock "settle" for signing Jose when Roko chose to stay in Europe?

2. There were mentions of Roko coming to training camp to possibly be the third-string point guard. Is he good enough for the backup role

Eric E, Toronto

A: Not sure “settle” is the right word, but they did draft Ukic back then with hopes he’d be in Toronto right away.

Depending on what transpires in the summer, Ukic will likely be given a shot at competing for the backup job but right now, they see him filling the third point guard role.

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Q: Howdy Doug! Do you know what's up with the barrier down the tunnel to the locker rooms? Do the powers that be think the players/coaches are stupid and might go into the wrong locker room?
Every time I see it on television, I go "hmmmmm???!".

Sherry E, Toronto

A: Nah, if they thought that, they’d probably put up signs: Visitors This Way, with an arrow. I think they want to keep the players separated, as if those barriers will do it.

But given the hugs and kisses these guys share with opponents every single night, the chance of mayhem breaking out is pretty remote.

The Morning After The Night Before, LXX (That's where we're starting now)

That was rather boring, wasn’t it? A ho-hum win over a bad team, no one played particularly well and it was a bit closer than anyone really would have liked. Having to stretch Chris Bosh out to 47 minutes against the Knicks was a bit much.

Anyway, on with the good stuff (good being a relative term)

Three Things I Learned

A Warmup For The Playoffs

I’m sure you all noticed how aggressively the Knicks double-teamed Bosh, mostly on the catch. It may have been portend things to come because that’s likely what he’ll see in the playoffs.

How’d he handle it? Just okay. Five turnovers is too many, he found himself trapped in the corner on too many occasions but 29 and 10 isn’t a bad night.

And some work against a double.

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Andrea Giveth, Andrea Taketh Away

Great put-back dunk by Bargnani in the second quarter. Aggressive, quick, decisive move. Seconds later at the other end, he gets on the wrong side of Fred Jones, who’s about seven inches shorter, and gives up an offensive board.

Still, the dunk was nice.

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One Quick Question

Does Quentin Richardson not have the worst body of any player in the NBA not named Eddy Curry?

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Mo’s Moment

Here’s what you guys should do.

When the teams are introduced tomorrow night, when they get to Mo Pete, stand up and cheer. Yeah, a standing ovation. For a visiting player. You guys obviously love Mo from the mail I get and it’s a good way to show your appreciation. And I bet he’d appreciate it. Might make him cry. That’d be cool.

So, we’re sitting around the adult beverage parlour, as is our post-game tradition (and by ‘our’ I mean ‘mine’), trying to come up with five Magical Mo Moments. Here’s what we got:

The time he finished the layup with his headband over his eyes.

That crazy shot in Washington that tied the game at the buzzer.

When he slapped Vince in the face – all in fun – and got tossed out of the game.

When he got in that scuffle against Indy, bringing then-Pacer coach Isiah Thomas racing down the court from his bench and then-Raptor coach Lenny Wilkens sauntering off his.

And whenever we’d see him in the Harbour Sports Grille picking up an order of wings to go and bust on him. He finally wised up and sent his cousin down after that.

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The things you learn, thanks to Voislav, who’s a welcome regular around these parts:

Just one minor correction about spelling. Nesterovic is often spelled Nesterovich as the second one is phonetically more accurate in the English. The original Yugoslav/Slovenian spelling has an apostrophe over the ‘c’, making pronunciation more like 'ch'.

Most of the people from that part of the world, myself included, choose to just forgo the apostrophe and deal with it. Rasho is similar, the original spelling is Raso with a little check mark over ‘s’, making the 'sh' sound, but that's only a nickname, short from Radoslav (no apostrofies or checkmarks).

Interestingly, Primoz Brezec is a bit different. Letter z in his first name has a little checkmark, making it really 'zh', but ‘c’ in the last name is really a 'c', like c in 'centre'. Anyways, getting a bit involved here.

Not all, much appreciated

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From the department of gratuitous yet mildly-entertaining thoughts, a dude’s looking at the second quarter play-by-play, notices the Knicks 14-0 sorta coincides with T.J. coming back in the game, turns to me and says, “he doesn’t even like coming off the bench in the second quarter.”

A joke, folks; it was a joke.

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Mail’s in

Q: Really appreciate your insight about the raptors and I wouldn't say my day is complete without reading your blog (i keed, i keed:P) Anyway, on to my question:

What makes a good road team? I'm sure it isn't really about lack of focus because these guys are professionals. Why are Boston and Orlando such good road teams? And why are the Hawks, even though they're talented and are currently in the 8th seed, a bad one? Are the Raptors a good or bad road team if you take away the road games against the west?

Patrick P, Scarborough

A: In my humble opinion, defence makes good road teams. As the saying goes, “defence travels” and if you can stop teams, you can keep games close down the stretch and have a chance to pull one out.

The Raptors? I’d say they’re an average road team, with gusts to above average. Winning in Boston, San Antonio and New Orleans is a significant thing.

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From our research department (okay, the interweb), here’s what New York wrote about last night’s game and how New Orleans chronicled the Hornets loss to Boston.

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If you want something cool to do tomorrow afternoon (instead of watching the Mighty Davidson roll to another glorious victory), there’s a big high school hoops game at Ryerson.

It’s the All-Canada Classic and it brings together some of the best boys and girls from across the country. Stuff gets underway at noon and it’s worth taking a look at.

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Once more to the mail

Q: Hi Doug, as the season winds down and the playoff race heats up, I have questions of grave importance:

Who wins in a 1 on 1 game between Primoz Brezec and Uros Slokar? Maceo Baston and Pape Sow? And if the winners of each of those games played a game, who'd win?

Okay, so they're not such important questions, but aren't you glad I didn't rant about TJ and Jose?

Alex H, North York

A: I small Pay-Per-View! Think of the buys we’d get all over the world.

Not sure who’d win but it’d take a long time to put on the show, what with Primoz stretching all the time and Pape falling down and Uros making wisecracks every second.

But if I had to pick, I’d take Sloky over The Gangster, Maceo over Pape and I’m taking Uros to win it all in a glorious triumph for a good guy.

And on that note, I’m off to answer tomorrow’s mail.

What's it all mean?

They say it’s not a message but it can be seen as one; they contend it’s not a threat, either, but it can be perceived as precisely that; they are steadfast in their opinion that it’s just taking a look at a new guy but you can also see it as taking stock of what’s here as well.

Linton Johnson is in town and it’s like a sword hanging over the other Raptor swingmen, even if it takes reading between the lines to figure it out.

Coach Sam Mitchell said this morning that Johnson’s arrival on a 10-day contract should be seen as nothing more than what it is.

"It’s not a message to anybody, it’s a message that we’re always trying to improve,” he said today.

But then, practically in the next breath, Mitchell adds:

”We’re 36-35. We’re trying to get better. Now, if someone perceives it as a message, c’est la vie. Go home and look in the mirror.”

Just who is in Mitchell’s crosshairs isn’t hard to figure out. Anthony Parker’s been giving Toronto everything it’s asked of late and Mitchell went out of his way to mention that Jason Kapono’s been playing hard, and well, of late.

And because the Raptors think Johnson can guard both forward positions in some situations, it would leave Jamario Moon, Carlos Delfino, Andrea Bargnani and Kris Humphries as guys he might supplant.

"We were looking for defence, rebounding, all those intangible things, getting on the floor, getting loose balls, bringing some grit and toughness to our basketball team,” said the coach. “You can’t keep asking for that. So after a while of asking, it’s Bryan and my job to start trying to find that. We’ve been asking for that but if it’s not in someone’s DNA, you know what? Let’s find someone that it’s in their DNA.

“I tell players all the time, you have to step outside yourself and do what you need to do on any given night to get the job done. The reason: ‘That’s not who I am?’ That’s not good enough, that don’t cut it.”

Johnson, who has been with five teams in five NBA seasons, including a run to a championship in 2005 with San Antonio and two 10-day deals with Phoenix that ran out earlier this month, said he knows not to try and do too much with a new team so late in the season.

"I really appreciate that it is so late, teams have their identity, you just have to come in and try not to grow a new brain, come in and do what the team is already doing,” he said. “Playing basketball all your life, from team to team a couple of words change but it’s pretty much the same thing.”

If it's Friday, it must be mailbag day

This just in: Too much mail.

And I had to cut out a whole lot of TJ-Jose questions because, in a shocking development, they were more rants and comments than questions.

But, like always, it seems, there’ll be this today and more on the weekend. Have fun.

Q: If you do go to the wonderful restaurant HOUSE OF TRICKS in Tempe, Arizona, make sure YOU do not fall afoul of the law lest you be Shackled.

I like Coach Mitchell's "show no panic to players" approach as we enter this crucial time. We've been running on fumes lately, needing, but not getting, bigger contributions from the likes of Bargnani, Delfino, Kapono. It's a step at a time/focus on the moment message to players. We are all disappointed that our opponents appear to be a step faster than we a lot of the time: this is a talent question. Coach Jack McKinney (Portland, NBA champs 1977) has said you cannot ask a player to play beyond his talent but you can ask for:

- rebounding

- effort

- winning attitude.

How would you evaluate our team on these three counts as we head down the stretch?

Charles N, Toronto

A: Jack McKinney was outstanding.

Rebounding: They remain 28^th in the league as I type but Moon’s had some okay games of late and I think they’ll be much better with Rasho playing an expanded role. They are still not very good, though.

Effort: they do play hard almost every night, I can’t think of but two nights when they simply ‘didn’t have it.’ Those being Milwaukee early and Denver a week or so ago. I believe their effort will be consistent and good, the rest of the way.

Winning attitude: That’s got to improve. I think Sam said it best this week when he mention (and I paraphrase here) they sometimes “hope” an opponent misses or makes a bad play instead of “forcing” them into errors. Sometimes down the stretch they look like they’re playing not to lose rather than to win and that’s got to change.

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Q: So the Supersonics and Oklahoma City, is a done deal right? If so, are they going to still be in the western conference? (I have no idea were Oklahoma City is) because if not, KD man, especially in the east, gunna blow-up in the next years.

Tim L, London

A: Gunna? I should not answer on that word alone.

But, yes, the Oklahoma City Sonics will be in the west. Go check an atlas.

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Q: Lately I've had this little voice in the back of my head that keeps saying the words "Nik Antropov" every time I read about Bargs in your column or blog.

Somehow my subconscious sees a parallel: raw talent, failure to progress, inability to learn the basics.

I don't want to feel this way about our #1 pick. Can you help me with that? Just tell me I'm crazy OK...

Jay D, London

A: Who is this Antropov of whom you speak? Can't find him the NBA Register (I joke).

I’m told by People Who Know Pucks that Antropov has morphed into the Second Best Player On A Non-Playoff Team. They better hope Bargnani’s better than he is. And I think he will be.

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Q: A quick question wouldn't Matt Barnes fit the Raptors well? What are the changes of BC chasing him this summer?

Harm E, Amsterdam

A: Everyone thought Matt Barnes was going to be great off last year’s playoffs, he’s been very, very average this season. They need someone better than he is.

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Q: My question is regarding Bargs, whenever the TV camera cuts to the bench, I have never seen him smile or interacting or talking to any of his teammates, do you know if he is close with any of the guys? I think that it is easy for us (the fans) to forget how hard it has to be for a young guy to leave his country, family, friends and move somewhere where you barely can speak the language.  Any insights into how he is doing?

Tim B, Cambridge

A: Sure, he’s close to guys. Quite tight with Carlos, you see him chatting with Garbo a lot. I think he’s doing just fine, actually. It’s not like he’s some friendless dude cast off into a corner.

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Q: How interested do you think BC is in Shawn Marion? Yes, he is a head-case but even so he has a unique and very flexible set of skills, including defensive ones. He won't opt out of his deal for next year but I'm guessing the Heat don't extend him either. Any chance of seeing him in 2009-10?

Sam S, Toronto

A: I doubt it. I think Marion’s going to be too expensive that summer because I think Colangelo’s going to try to make his big splash this year.

And regular readers will know I’m not a huge fan of Marion’s game, especially at the pricetag he carries.

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Q: Garbo was huge when he played, he was a version of a Charles Oakley, a player that played hard knew his strengths, had a decent shot and did all the things that did not show up on that stat sheet.

What are his chances of playing with us next year?

Chris B, Toronto

A: I think the chances of him being back are good, very good. He’s got a year left on his contract, the fact he hasn’t played for an entire season makes him virtually untradeable so there’s no reason to think he wouldn’t be in camp.

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Q: How much of a role does Bryan Colangelo have in formulating the starting lineup and rotation? Does Bryan ever tell Sam to put a player into or take a player out of the starting lineup and rotation?

Sam L, Elliot Lake

A: None. That’s all Sam’s doing. Oh, and Jose, too. And, no, Bryan lets Sam coach.

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Q: My question is in regards to Mr. Sam Mitchell. With the Raps free falling over the last month or so, I have yet to hear some passion, emotion, or anger in his post-game comments. I'm sure behind closed doors, he's a different man, but everyone reads the papers, including players, and once in a while, if he choose to speak how he felt instead of giving this "we are in the playoffs, this is our goal, blah blah blah..." maybe the team would play with some heart... why is he like that?

Yogesh L, Woodbridge

A: The players don’t care what he says to the media, or how he acts in front of the media. When he’s got them alone in the practice gym or the locker room, he’s angry, passionate and emotional. And that’s all that matters.

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Q: The thing that annoys me most about the Raptors is the brainlessness. Didn't these guys go to college? Haven't they played since they were 8 years old?

Who on the team would you rate as smart basketballers?

Mike B, North York

A: I’d say Rasho’s the smartest player on the roster, Martin would have been second and I’d put Bosh third. The rest of them are young and still learning.

The moves just keep on coming

Am sure you've all seen it: Linton Johnson will be here, likely by this afternoon.

Who? He's 6-8, bounced around a bunch of teams, good defender, long, athletic, never stuck anywhere for a variety of reasons like "fit" and finances.

So, why him? Why now?

Well, how about a shot across the bow at the guys here, maybe a guy like Moon, or Deflino or Kapono. Let 'em know that there are hungrier, young guys out there that this organization might want to take a look at.

I don't expect Johnson to play much right off that bat, or possibly at all, but if I know Sam and Bryan, they're going to let him loose in practice and if starts playing better than anyone that's here now, Johnson will find himself in games.

The other side of the coin, of course, is the departure of Darrick, who'll be waived to make room for Johnson. Martin will stay with the organization in some capacity (basketball development consultant sounds like a pretty good title).

I know there are some of you out there who aren't high on DMart but take it from someone who's around the team a lot, he is a valuable, valuable person in that locker room. He talks to everybody, keeps everybody loose and on their toes; I'd say he's got the second-best basketball IQ on the squad after Rasho and he's really an off-the-court leader.

The Morning After Some Night Before (I'm giving up on the Roman numerals)

Sorry I’m a wee bit late. Unavoidable technical difficulties (the pillow wouldn’t let my head get up). A bit drained today, are we? That was some day. But, you know what? It was the kind of day that makes this little thing pretty cool. Not sure about the productivity at your job and a bunch of my stuff got sorta lost in the crush but between the time the story about the lineup changes got up yesterday morning until now, there’ve been 90 comments submitted. That’s an awful lot.

Good on ya, you’ve done well.
Now, to the stuff:

Three Things I Learned

Jose-T.J.

Promised yesterday to expand on the ‘who starts, who doesn’t’ discussion because I have wavered.

Back in the day, I really thought T.J. was special and this team could only maximize its potential with him as the starter and Jose coming off the bench. But as their personalities evolve and their games develop, it’s clear to me that the long-term point guard job should be Calderon’s. He’s more steady, gets more people involved more often and, quite frankly, shoots better than I, or a lot of people, ever imagined. And the respect his teammates have for him is immense.

Ford’s probably better as a backup to change tempo but only – ONLY – if he gets his head on right and as we’ve seen these past few weeks, that’s not something he can do right now.

I still say having the two of them would continue to give Toronto depth at a key position but the way things are right now, I think BC has to explore trade possibilities for Ford this summer. What he can get, I have no idea. But asking around would be a good idea.

Not sure when I had the change of heart, just that I did; Calderon’s better for this team as a starter.

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An unusual And-1

An odd one unfolded with about three minutes left last night when Bosh made a layup, a foul was called and Rasho took the free throw.

It was the right call, but not one you see very often. If a player is fouled while a teammate is in the process of making a shot, he shoots the free throw, not the guy who made the basket.

You usually see it on jumpers, actually. If the defender is fighting through a screen to get to the guy making a shot and fouls the guy setting the screen, that’s who shoots the free throw.

I’ve seen a couple of four-point plays that way. I believe Mo once hit a three while Garbo was setting the screen and when the defender barreled over Garbo, he went to the line.

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Welcome back

One of the thoughts about the Ford-Calderon move was that it would help get the bench going again, because it’d be bad for a couple of weeks.

How bad?
Well, when Carlos Delfino made that three-pointer three minutes into the second quarter, it was the first time in five games he’d made a shot.

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You can imagine how big the mail bag is. Full of rants and questions and comments on the changes. Not sure I’m going to be able to use ‘em all tomorrow but I’ll try. For now, here’s one:

Q: Great blog! I read it everyday and even though you haven't posted my questions yet I appreciate your dedication. Here's my question; WHEN Boston and Detroit face each other at the Eastern Conference final (as if there was any doubt) and it came down to the final shot in Game 7--who would you like better Mr. Big Shot or Ray Ray?

Jason R, Toronto

A: Oh, I’m taking Chauncey in that one.

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I’m just going to say this once:

You know what would really help the arguments you make about such things as plays and players and coaches? Spelling names right. It’s Calderon (no E), Nesterovic (no H) and if you want to be taken seriously, get the names of the people you’re praising or killing correct.

That is all

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You’ve never heard of the Albert Schweitzer Tournament, have you?

It’s probably the best junior tournament in the world and it’s going on right now in Mannheim, Germany. Why should you care, you wonder?
Well, Canada’s there, represented by the NEDA boys team (that’s the high school basketball-education program that’s probably the best thing Canada Basketball’s done in a decade) and they’re a win – and some help – away from making the semifinals. Trust me, that’s a big deal and will help the development of the youngsters along nicely. The more big games they play as kids, the better they’ll be when they get to the senior national team level.

Canada needs to knock off Sweden today and Turkey has to beat Australia. The games go this afternoon and you can check out how they did by clicking here.

The NEDA women’s program has been a spectacular success in developing young talent, (check out the women’s NCAA tournament for the number of Canadians doing big things) and this is a big first step for the boys.

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A query

How can a guy who stretches as much as Primoz Brezec suffer a strained groin muscle?

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Check out how Detroit looked at last night’s game.

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Alex over in the comment section wondered this yesterday:

Hey Doug, with so much talk about international ball, it got me wondering does each region in the world have its own style and strengths (for example, does Argentina play a fast guard-oriented game while in the Balkans its more big men and inside play)? Seems to me there must be some variation in coaching and player stock

It’s hard, and probably unfair, to categorize the style of play in different regions definitively so I will.

The tendency is for the South Americans to play basketball like I’m told they play football, with creativity and at a frenetic pace; you generally see the Eastern European teams full of multi-skilled bigs who can dribble, pass and shoot. Other European teams play a game of drive-and-kick as a rule, just as the African nations do.

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You know a coach can’t win when AP dribbles himself into a corner and almost a shot-clock violation before he throws up a prayer that has no chance to go in and, I swear, a guy sitting behind us yelled at Sam.

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Last mail thing before I go start on tomorrow’s mailbag:

Q: Chris Bosh, just missed a triple double the other day. Have any Raptors other than "Crybaby" Vince Carter recorded a triple double?  Also, has anyone in league history ever recorded a quadruple double?

Brent F, North Bay.

A: There have been nine Raptor triple-doubles: Three by Damon Stoudamire, two by Marcus Camby (points, rebounds and blocks in his case) and one each by Carter, Charles Oakley, Mark Jackson and Alvin Williams.

And since they started keeping extensive stats, there’ve been five quadruple-doubles. Two by Hakeem Olajuwon and one each by Nate Thurmond, Alvin Robertson and David Robinson. All except Robertson’s were points, rebounds, assists and blocks; Robertson’s had steals instead of blocks.

How 'bout them changes?

There's perception and there's reality.

The perception is that T.J. is being rewarded for not playing well by getting starting job back tonight.

The reality is things weren't working and it's better to salvage this situation and deal with the ramifications in the summer.

But, first, I do have to say this move says more about Jose Calderon than it does about any of the other principles involved. I know the dude talks about only wanting what's best for the team and how winning is all that matters, if this doesn't show it, I don't know what else does.

Now, on to the moves.

Ford's obviously been bad as a backup and was good as a starter. He is more likely now to get other people involved in the offence -- if he doesn't Bosh might smack him if Sam doesn't -- and play what we remember as his "regular" game.

The Rasho-Bargnani move? Makes entire sense, Rasho's been playing out of his mind the last month or so -- he's got to be in the top half of post defenders in the NBA -- and we've seen Bargnani struggle if he doesn't make his first couple of shots.

Maybe playing backups, and getting more touches, will allow him to feel more comfortable more often. I still say they need a three-man bigs rotation of Bosh, Bargnani and Rasho in the post-season, guess it really doesn't matter who plays when because most nights, Bosh and Rasho are going to finish games because they provide the most balance offensively and defensively.

But this does not -- I repeat DOES NOT -- mean that I think Bargnani's a bum and they should ship him out in the summer. The kid's still got sublime, diverse skills, they just have to be seen more often. And I think they will. I'm not making a pronouncement on his suitability until at least the halfway point of next season.

Now, how about Jose-T.J. in the summer? Does this move have any impact on that?

I still now Colangelo is going to re-sign Calderon and because Calderon is really okay with this move, I don't see how he'd feel it a slight that would drive him away.

And, maybe -- MAYBE -- this will enhance T.J.'s value on the trade market if Colangelo's thinking about packaging him and someone else for the wing they so desperately need.

I still think, if he comes back with the right frame of mind in October, that Ford would be an excellent backup, able to change the tempo of the game. He hasn't shown it in the last few weeks, though, which is why this change  had to be made now.

I presume I'll be spending a good chunk of my afternoon posting comments. It'll keep me off the streets, I guess.

Some bits, and a few pieces

As we were standing there being entertained by Sam after practice yesterday – he was Engaging Sam – eyes kept shifting to the other end of the court.

That’s where Garbo was going through a range of shooting drills with assistant Eric Hughes, spotting up from the five points on the perimeter draining jumper after jumper.

Alas, it was a pretty much a mirage.

The whispers after were that while he’s coming along nicely, it’s less than a remote possibility that he gets a uniform on at any time this season.

Too bad but I think you can all put away any hopes of the veteran coming to the rescue down the stretch.

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This from the comments section yesterday (and I must say, there’s some big Jack love out there).

Question for the blogger, do you feel Mitchell is making coaching mistakes, particularly with managing the TJ-Jose situation at the end of games?  Do you think this is going unnoticed by management?

A: Does he make mistakes? Sure, they all do. Find me a coach that doesn’t. And maybe he stuck with T.J. a minute too long in Cleveland, but that didn’t turn the game but he’s got to use him, as I’ve mentioned a million or so times.

They need Ford to be good if they are to have any chance in the playoffs; they can’t play Jose 48 minutes a night; and if it means every now and then they have to live with short-term struggles of Ford, then that’s what they have to do.

I asked Sam specifically about the minutes distribution for Jose and T.J. near the end of the third quarter and start of the fourth and whether he had any firm number in mind when he put Ford in.

He said he's got a number of minutes he'd like to get Ford but it's not cast in stone.

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Speaking of Sam, he gave a little clinic last night, part of his foundation’s work. M. Grange ™ was quizzing him on it yesterday and there were some interesting snippets.

Here are a couple:

"Wherever you live, you have to try to make a mark on the community. If all I do in my time in Toronto is coach basketball, then I haven’t really done anything. Yeah, I’ve done my job but I haven’t given back and I need to give back.

"It’s amazing, the same problems we have in the U.S. are a lot of the same problems that we have in Canada and throughout the world and any time you can take a couple of hours to hopefully effect some young men and young women … and they actually going to listen to what you say, then you have to do it.

"The clinic is basketball … but within basketball, there’s a message. I tell the players all the time, look at what basketball (has) brought you. For most of you, your love of basketball has educated you. Your love of basketball has allowed you to travel the United States, North America and most of the world. Your love of basketball has given you a job, has given you meaning. But what do you learn from basketball? You learn communication, you learn teamwork, you learn sacrifice, you learn all the things that you need to be successful in life.”

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Since you’re a savvy bunch because you read here, you’ve probably already checked this out: Portland 102, Washington 82.

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Do not, I repeat DO NOT run afoul of the law in Tempe.

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Let’s get to last night’s mail:

Q: I just got back from the grocery store where they were playing the radio call from the Leafs game over the intercom.

Toronto might be my hometown, but I don't count myself among the Leaf nation (God love them). But who are they kidding? The team's four slots back from 8th!

Despite the bi-polar day-to-day, the Raptors are a far-stronger playoff team. What's it going to take for them to get that kind of love? Is it even possible in this town?

Ellie W, Toronto

A: Ellie, Ellie, Ellie. It is a battle that cannot be won, I fear. Basketball fans just have to accept their lot in life. After all, isn’t 12^th place team far more important than one that’s going to be in the playoffs for the second year in a row. Two more years, I might add, than some other professional sports teams in the city. Never mind the more exciting sport, the better game presentation, the changing dynamic of the world of sports.

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Let’s see what the folks down in Detroit are reading about this morning.

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Action: Chris Webber to retire.

Reaction: I forgot he’d un-retired.

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A question, again:

Q: There can be no question that it is time for Sam Mitchell to go.  He has proven that last year was an anomaly and he is a 25-30 win coach.  His rotations make no sense and he is ruining the promise of Andrea Bargnani by constantly benching him instead of letting him play through the defensive issues. Looking at this team, who do you think could be the next coach to get this team to where they need to go?

Mike, Toronto

A: Obviously, you.

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And, finally (at least until shootaround’s over), Larry Hughes channels Vince Carter.