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.

Comments

[Hugo]

Well, don't know what to say but like other have mentioned, this might cost Jose Calderon some serious bargaining power when they start negotiating out a new contract unless 1) The Raps still have a good offer on the table or 2) Some team like Miami, sees this a sign of the ultimate team player and blows like 11-12M plus on a great (complimentary) player.

[Terry]

Gotta love Jose. Hope he plays his entire career here...

[GM]

Not a bad decision by Mitchell just because it has the potential to improve both guards and Barney the Dinosaur. Jose needs a kick in the pants just as much as Ford. And often, back in the days when Ford started, Jose often played more minutes and down the stretch, given how the game went. And Barney gets a chance to play with Calderon off the bench. The way things have been going, it couldn't hurt.

[Louis]

I think the swap in the starting lineup makes good sense. Rasho has been playing very well lately and I am glad that he is getting some credit. It will be a good move as long as Andrea knows that he is not being counted out and that he will be looked to to bring the offence in the second line. As far as TJ goes, I find that TJ is very effected by his level of confidence and size of ego (they are two different things). I think this will boost his confidence (a good thing) and drain his ego because he will not be able to dominate the ball as much because other starting guards will be able to give him a bit of embarassment by beating him one-on-one. My thoughts are that TJ is a good guy and once he falls back into this role he will remember what his role on the team is (makes sense right?). Jose is really the best team-oriented player and gentleman we could ask for and I know that he will be fine with the switch as long as he gets his minutes with Bosh on the floor. This is because there is no denying that they make each other better and have a better chemistry together than other combinations on the team, in the same way that Kapono and TJ have a great chemistry. I think that this is a good move by a great coach, who does care, and is doing a good job. Doug, do you think Moon's rebounding lately will merit him a starting spot or will Kapono be put in to play with TJ to get the most out of that chemistry?

Blogger's note: Nothing's happening with Moon, he'll stay where he is for the rest of the year, I'm sure

[DanH]

Well. I guess we should have all seen it coming. The way things were going with TJ backing up, either he was going to kill soemone or the other way around. Rasho's been awesome, and they need him for the playoffs. And Jose - well if this little suggestion he made doesn't guarantee TJ's moving out in the summer, I don't know what would. Jose's the ultimate team player. Definite long term keeper.

But - what about the SF spot? I think that was the position that needed changing most... Maybe these changes will fix it....

BUT - the problem with Jamario (and I mean the main problem) is that he can't shoot the 3. If he could, then his avoidance of the drive would just be another annoyance.

Consider: old starting 5 - Jose, AP, Bargs threats from 3 pt land.

New starting 5 - Umm Parker. That's it.

Hmmm...

[Orravan N]

Truly a selfless team move by Calderon. Hopefully it will be recognized by all of his teammates. While I have respect for T.J. Ford and his feelings, he has a lot of maturing to do. He will have no where to hide if he continues to play the way he has since his return after injury. It will be interesting to see how Sam handles the minutes of the two point guards. In any case, I would expect the second unit to be much stronger than it has been.

[Paulino Nunes]

Wow. Every star player that's more concerned with his minutes than his team's success should blush with shame at this. That's an all-star move if I've ever seen one.

I don't agree with the previous comment that this loses Calderon any bargaining power - if anything, a smart guy like Colangelo will be even more appreciative of what José brings to the table and will not want to let that go.

Besides, BC will have to match any other offer...

[Dallas]

How can you say TJ will be an excellent back up next year with a straight face?

If TJ is not traded this offseason, José, for his sake, should bolt from this mess. Why put your career on the back burner to stay somewhere where you can't advance?

Blogger's note: I said he would be an excellent backup if he comes back with the right frame of mind. It's on him to do that.

[jk]

As long as TJ gets yanked the SECOND he screws up, fine...Mitchell leaves him in there until it's too late!!!
TJ has to go next year..he HAS to go....I hope he plays great for the rest of the season, stays healthy, and can be traded for a major upgrade at the wing...Ukic can backup Calderon next year.

[Joe T.]

My opinion of Jose Calderon the man just went up a few notches. And I didn't think there were too many notches left! I know that Colangelo intends to keep him and I hope that means at ANY price. He is a special player in the "me-first" world of the NBA and to have him on the Raptors is essential to their future success. And I think T.J. is definitely playing for his job now! If he doesn't succeed as a starter in these last few games, I think we've seen the last of him in a Raptor uniform. If he does well, then maybe he survives the summer. But I think Jose deserves to be the starter for this team from Day 1 next year. And if T.J. can't handle that, then it's time for the ol' mutual parting of the ways. Personally, I think he should be moved in the summer anyway and a capable backup to Jose should be found before the season starts. As for the moves themselves, I think they're bold, risky and necessary. And it's T.J. and Andrea who now have to show Raptors fans, teammates and management what they're made of. I'm not worried about the other two guys...

Doug, do you think they'll stick with this lineup for the rest of the regular season, no matter what? I can't see switching again being beneficial. And with the way T.J. played off the bench, I can't see Sam making a change to start the Playoffs either. How do you think the minutes will work out between the point guards? I have to think T.J. would be on a pretty short leash -- a couple of turnovers and forced shots early should find him back on the bench until Jose gets tired...

Blogger's note: I think this is the way it's gonna be for the rest of the season.

[Amanda]

wow.. that Jose, what a guy. This just goes to prove that he is truly a team-first guy and now more than ever, the Raps need to lock him up in the off-season. Rasho for Bargs is kind of a no-brainer. I was all for the Andrea-starting experiment during the regular season, but now that playoff time is coming, Rasho's needs to be a key-part of their starting 5. Bosh needs some help in the paint which he rarely got from Andrea.

[allister]

This proves once and for all that Calderon is too good a person for this team. I wish him the best when he's finally released from Raptor hell and will switch my rooting allegiance to whatever team he ends up with.

[Stephen]

I like the move, the 2nd unit will be on fire. To me, this move more than cements TJ being traded in the off season. BC knows they need to up TJ's value if he has any shot at Maggette.

All in all a great move, and I credit Calderon and BC not Sam. Thoughts Doug?

Blogger's note: Why wouldn't you give any credit to Sam? He's the guy who has the final say. Really.

[Naz I.]

Jose has been struggling as much as TJ has, moreso when CB4 was out with injury, so it's not exactly as if the Raptors are "demoting" someone who was averaging 15 points and 10 dimes. Furthermore, I can boldly say that the Raptors have had a better record with TJ as the starter (with or without Bosh) than they have with Calderon, who needs open looks (through Bosh double-teams) to make shots and an excellent finisher (like Bosh) to get his assists.

[Dan]

I don't like that Ford is getting his job back after the way he has played lately. I do think they will play better because Jose will involve the second unit, and Ford will pass a bit more with Bosh on the floor because he considers himself an all star and will be happier playing with somone he feels is his equal. Ford and Calderon may get along well but you can tell they disagree on which side of their Jersey is more important. I will agree with Doug that this may help Fords raise his trade value and take that as a posative look at the situation. Also Rasho has been been awsome and has earned the spot.

[Dallas]

Doug,

have you ever heard Einsteins definition of insanity? It's doing the same thing over again expecting a different result What could change in TJ's frame of mind over the summer? New personality? And why would you suggest that Jose would be the starter next year if they were both back, when clearly it didn't work this year? Do you think his play will improve to win him the job again that he won and had to give up?

thanks

[Bob]

Poor Calderon. Puts up all-star numbers. Snubbed by the all-star game. Then his play suffers as soon as ford comes back into the lineup and he's forced to sit for 6-7minutes a half (something all-star PGs don't do - Paul, deron, all play starting PG minutes).

Platooning Ford with Calderon so quick was a mistake, Jose plays well when he plays more minutes - tough to stay warm when you sit out from the 2min mark of Q1 to the 6min mark of Q2.

I hope he leaves out of disgust, is picked up by the lakers and wins a championship.

[Zack]

Based on decisions made in the past, Sam Mitchell seems to choose his starters based on performance so if the team goes back to their winning ways after this switch maybe it will be better for the team in the long term.

What if TJ starting/Jose off the bench works as well as last season, Doug? That was the original plan anyway so couldn't Jose be the Raps sixth man if TJ performs well back in the starting role. Do you think Jose should be the starting PG for the Raps long term?

Blogger's note: This is a short-term thing, I have no idea what might happen in the summer. I presume they'll try to move T.J. after they know they'll have Jose locked up long-term.

[Graham Smith]

As much as Bosh calling people out was useful, this move is the difference for the Raps going into the last dozen games: Calderon established himself as a leader with his play earlier in the season and now does it again by sending a message to the whole team -- winning means putting team first. Watch the Raptors catch fire and my bet, TJ is man enough to give credit to Calderon.
Bosh is back, Rasho and AP have been great and now all it takes is a couple more guys to be consistent for a strong closing run and hitting the playoffs in stride and as a team no one wants to play.

[ro]

I have been calling this since TJ came back. This will help TJ, the second unit, and the general angst of the raptors fans. Jose gets MVP for the raptors for his selflessness (and possibly stay in all fourth quarter instead of this switch out mess at the three minute mark), and Rasho will tap rebounds until his hearts content...

[Sean Smith]

"He is more likely now to get other people involved in the offence..."

If he is able to turn it on like this, so to speak, doesn't that suggest he has been deliberately hijacking the offence to his own ends, rather than "struggling to accept" a backup position?

I agree with Joe T.: TJ is playing for his job now -- put up or shut up -- and that means being a true point guard and leader rather than just a short guy who dribbles the ball a lot and makes horrible decisions with it when he finally decides to stop.

That said, I think Rasho and TJ moving into the the starting lineup together is important since they seem to have forged some chemistry. My guess is that Jose gets Bargnani untracked a bit, but that Kapono regresses again. Delfino is the wildcard...

[Eric]

Again, the fans who predicted this point guard predicament earlier in the year- before TJ got hurt (again)- ought to be commended. While mediatypes, coaches and critics alike were telling everyone to "just enjoy" the Raps point guards, some people knew it was inevitably going to present a distraction. They deserve top marks today.

I think fans in Toronto, especially, know when an athlete is lying. Hockey players have taught us to not put much stock in whatever comes out of their mouths. When TJ Ford and Jose Calderon were talking about "team first" earlier in the year, you just knew you could believe Jose... but not necessarily TJ. You just knew it.

Today's move may in fact bring better results out of Ford but that's the problem. That's been the problem since the beginning. This guy is clearly an insecure young man, and I just hope he comes to grips with himself. In the meantime, I hope the team no longer tries to build around him. You cannot rely on this player for more reasons than just his serious injury history.

Any upstanding citizen would be ashamed if they were vaulted into the starting five like THIS. I think Jose, for example, wouldn't accept it. But for some reason this calms TJ down, allows him to focus on basketball again and play better, which is all symbolic of a guy who has issues away from the court that I would prefer not to cheer for anymore. That's not a leader. He's got his head in the wrong place, whether he knows it or not, and the fans who predicted this event long ago (not me) deserve top marks today. Of course, that won't happen. Too many proud coaches, beat grunts and others will pretend like said fans never predicted anything of the sort. Oh well.

[Chi of Steel]

Detroit has overwhelmed us so far this season, so if we manange to pull off a win against them, it should kick-start a winning streak, which is vital in preparing for success in the playoffs. Last year, the Raptors limped in and subsequently got beat by the Nets.

Oh, and this talk of so-called game chemistry between Ford and Kapono? All I saw were infrequent passes that usually arrived low. Jason and the rest of the bench should improve greatly being on the floor with Jose.

[Alex]

This is sad. TJ's being a BIG BABY by not being able to adjust to the backup role - period, end of story, amen. He's 24 years old - it's not like he's been a starter for 10 years. He just can't put his gigantic, mis-proportioned ego aside for the good of everyone, himself included. His personality doesn't fit on this team.

Jose is s true team player, good or bad, which is a rarity in life, let alone in professional sports. This makes him someone you want to build around. TJ says the words in interviews, but is only a "team player" when things are going his way. I'm sure he'll excel as a starter now that his ego is being stroked, which is sad for Jose and sad for the team.

The change Sam should be making is to give Jose 42 minutes per game and TJ spot duty until he proves he can handle himself like a professional. Even if this move results in some wins, it's still the wrong move. Talk about sending the wrong message.

[Gord]

I don't understand this at all. So because he plays at the start of the first quarter as opposed to the start of the second he takes better shots and makes better decisions? Seems like his behaviour got him exactly what he wanted.

You have to sulk pretty hard in the NBA when the guy who took your job suggests to the coach and GM/President to give it back to you because of your terrible, selfish attitude and the effect it is having on the team. Send T.J. to the Knicks already.....