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.

Comments

[P.]

Nice reception for Mo last night.

Our franchise player doesn't even get that much applause.

[Rudi]

What were the reasons why the Raptors didn't resign Mo Pete? Why signing Kapono was considered the better option? Can somebody re-fresh my memory?

Blogger's note: Here's one to think about: Why does everyone presume Mo wanted to come back? He had lost his starting role, wasn't happy with how he was being used, and his career here had pretty much run its course.
And Toronto went with a guy three years younger for the same money who had similar numbers.
To me, it was a no-brainer on both sides and I love Mo

[voislav]

Great game last night, it's nice to see a team like Davidson go out and really leave their heart on the floor. They were forcing Curry too much, it's really not fair to the kid, putting everything on his shoulders forcing him to launch 30-foot shots when someone else passed up an open 20-footer 10 seconds earlier. On the other hand, great defence, even though they gave up about 2 feet and 100 pounds in the frontcourt. Can Raptors sign some of those kids, if for practice only?

[D]

Why is it "smart" for Stephen Curry to stay another year? If he's drafted in the first round he's more or less a guaranteed millionaire for the next 4 years. If he stays he makes nothing and risks injury. I guess he thinks he can raise his stock with another year, but he's never going to overcome the things that limit him (his size, his small profile school) and it'll be tough to top a tournament performance like that. And don't feed us any bunk about 'staying in school for the education'. He's a basketball player, not a journalist.

Blogger's note: Because he's not ready to play in the NBA yet. And there's no guarantee he'd be a first-round pick. He needs to grow into his body a bit more, let his game develop and maybe a year from now he's ready.

[jk]

I don't know when it's going to sink in with Raptor fans (media?) that Bosh is not a franchise carrying type player...he will be a great number 2 guy, or one of 3 guys but this constant focus on him is just pathetic...he is not getting stronger, or tougher or more versatile, it is the opposite...he is becoming more and more predictable for all but the worst teams and he is not strong defensively no matter how the Raptors media machine tries to spin it...we need at least one more ALL STAR calibre sg/sf ...STAR...someone who can take over a game...
Anthony Parkers' passing and defense are overrated as well (saying he is the "best defender" on the Raptors is damning with faint praise)...he is ALWAYS late closing out on 3 point shooters (as is the whole friggin team) and he makes far too many sloppy passes ...
There is so much emphasis on Rasho these days because for the most part he has not been terrible, but for God's sake, he cannot run or jump.
It is clearer and clearer that one of the major factors of their success last year was a healthy Garbo.
Maybe Miami will want Kapono back(?) and no, his start wasn't a "one time experiment"..he started at the beginning of the season..both he and Bosh sucked....Bargnani was the one that got blamed.
....there are far too many games where it seems as though the Raptors have not even practiced or read scouting reports.
Sam Mitchell must have the worst instinct for time outs and substitutions in the NBA...he has a knack for waiting until the damage is already done...
And this "easy schedule" stuff is driving me crazy...with the exception of Miami, the Raptors have been beaten by all the teams that supposedly make this schedule less arduous...

[AK]

Not sure if you caught this on the late Dallas/Golden State game Doug....but Raptor fans aren't the only crazies doing "the wave" during an NBA game. Yup...saw it last night in Golden State! I laughed out loud at that one and the commentators had a good chuckle about it too.

[Chauntee M]

Thank you for answering my question. By 'gangsta' I meant becoming a non-factor like Primoz. Injuring groins, and such. Sorry about the missing words in my question, I didn't realised left words out.

[chris]

And to think we could have had Chris Paul if Babcock had traded for the #3 pick in the draft that year instead of Utah (who acquired it for the 6th and 26th picks.

[CY]

Don't mind me asking an otherwise obvious question but why did Parker get so few minutes in the game last night against the Hornets? Can't catch any Raptors games from overseas.

Blogger's note: He wasn't playing particularly well, and Delfino was having one of his better games.

[rudi]

In response to your comment re: Kapono vs Mo Pete - Watching the game last night I heard Leo Rautins saying at the beginning of the game that "Mo Pete never really wanted to leave". Obviously, you know more about this.

The numbers were similar yes, but Mo Pete could defend.

Too bad Mo isn't here any more. I like him, too.

Blogger's note: Yes, if Mo could have started, he might have stayed; it was apparent he wasn't going to.

[Ryan]

Yep Chris. Also another if to consider is if only the Raptors franchise was inaugurated in 1984 and was able to draft Jordan. Just saying, playing the "what if" game years later is pointless.

[Aaron Campbell]

Was at the game last night and a few things occured to me about why this season is seemingly slipping away.

At the beginning of this season I remember talking about how this team lives and dies by the three. Last night all I can recall was Bosh's 3 and a few other attemps. What happened? They should go back to shooting more, because their strength is not going to becoming from under the basket anytime soon.

Secondly, for a team that was know for their bench strength, why have they decided to abandon it completely? There were moments in both halves where we were shaking our heads as to why Mitchell was leaving the guys in who were getting pummeled for so long? It was embarassing to watch.

Thanks

[Amanda]

I'm not Mitchell bashing but I do have a question about his subbing (or lack there of) in the final minutes of last night's game. Scott puts his starters back in because the Raps made a big run and the game is some-what within reach. Now, do you know why Smitch didn't put his starters back in as well? Becuase I think we all knew the 2nd line wouldn't hold up to the NOH starters. Was it a "the bench got us to this point so I'm going to let them finish it out" kind of deal?

Blogger's note: That's exactly what it was.

[GM]

A no-brainer? Really Doug? It was a calculated risk, not a no-brainer. And what makes you say Mo didn't want to be with the Raptors? He never said a bad word the whole year while he was being yanked around by Mitchell, playing big minutes one game, no minutes the next. Then he makes his return and kisses the floor. Yeah, looks like he wanted out. The reason it wasn't a no-brainer is because Kapono was just a good shooter on an excellent team. Those types of players notoriously aren't all that transferrable, witness guys like Damon Jones, Steve Kerr, Danny Ainge. They're all great role players on championship-type teams, but once they're on lesser teams, they're exposed.

And it's not always all-time greats off of championship teams that get retired. Brad Davis's number was retired in Dallas.

Blogger's note: Mo wanted to start, thought he should have started here. It wasn't going to happen. Kissing the floor was a nice touch, wonder if he'd have done it had Iverson not done it a week or so earlier in Philly.

[tf]

Love that Davidson game! We all knew that they're not as good but they nearly pulled it off. I do think, Curry's team mates deferred too much to him instead of taking shots themselves. A great tournament, nontheless.

[David]

Actually, Utah traded the 6th, 27th and a third, future first round pick that belonged to Orlando and was acquired by Utah from Detroit. Depending on how Portland valued the difference between the sixth and seventh picks - they were fixated on Martell Webster from the get-go - and how much they valued that Orlando pick, they might have opted for Utah's offer over ours, assuming Babcock even explored the possibility. There have been rumors that he turned down that trade, but I have never seen really solid attribution to support that. We did, however, turn down the 6+16 for Jamaal Magloire, which was a very wise decision.

[Eric]

Doug, with all due respect:

"Never thought, after about the first eight minutes, the locals had a chance, did you?"

If the Raptors need any help in pointing out the problem with this team (because I'm sure they share the same feeling as yourself) the quote above would do the job.

Yes, I thought the Raptors still had a chance because these are professionals, even the worst beat the best occasionally (think March 24 1996) and nobody is ever entitled to victory- which is why nobody throws in the towel prior to tipoff, no matter how outmatched.

What's more, the Raptors are not the league's worst, they are playoff-bound, the Hornets are not the league's best, they are still getting better, the Raptors were playing at home in front of a sellout crowd that was in desperate need of a competitive game and, perhaps the biggest reason, THE RAPTORS DEFEATED THE NEW ORLEANS HORNETS EARLIER THIS SEASON and have in the time since then pointed to that specific game to argue against the detractors who feel they're "not that good". If the Raps thought losing last night's affair was inevitable, that effectively proves that they DO concede the New Year's Eve game was a fluke, an anomaly (think March 24 1996).

This team as currently constituted throws in the towel. I don't believe they know they're doing it but they are. The competitive fire is notably absent. They sprung to life like a phoenix out of the ashes only when Calderon, Moon, Humphries, Johnson and Delfino came in to clean up. The look on the starters' faces at the time was priceless, "Wait, we have a chance?" Yes, you have a chance, you had a chance all game. That this has to be proven to you by the 11th and 12th men on the roster is the problem.

I like the players and coaches as people but they appear not to demand much from themselves. Or maybe it's an inferiority complex and they feel they don't DESERVE much. I don't know, but it is getting increasingly more difficult to support the team like that.

Blogger's note: The Raptors didn't think losing was inevitable when they were down nine to an obviously superior opponent playing well. I did.

[chris b]

About Stephen Curry rushing to the NBA ... other than the obvious points Doug stated about size and maturity for the 2nd year giant slayer. He is in no rush in the pursuit of money, alot of players bail after high school or in their early years of college to the NBA for the almighty $ . Dell for sure as hell knows his kid is good but their is no purpose for Stephen Curry to be rushing to the NBA, the league is not going anywhere...

Back to the Raps ... i hate the fact that were so deep in the season and we are still figuring things out.. whats the point of having starters when Kapono and Parker both finished under 20 min ... whats the benefit of Jason starting when he only gets 15 min of PT, that probably pissed him off. And TJ o.k let him re-establish his value but when they play him and he brings nothing positive get him out of the game , i'm pretty sure he played the whole third quarter...

[Naz I.]

Doug, is it ok for me to tell JK to shut it? I'm not sure why you keep posting his silly comments.

Blogger's note: Now, now :)

[Pat]

Doug, why do you hate the entertainment that is provided at NBA games? By reading your blog, it seems to me that you hate the giveaways, the cheers, the dancers, the music, the speakers, the lights, etc.

Blogger's note: Because none of it has anything to do with athletic competition. But hate's a strong word. Dislike, bored by, bombarded by might be more appropriate.
I think there's a place for some it, without question. The sensory-overload is, at times, too much. Some of it insults the intelligence of the people who've paid money to see a game.

[vener]

Now that Doug has stated in an earlier column that the Raps would be better off with Calderon than Ford (as what everyone seems to have been saying), i can't wait for the day when it will be inevitable that 1) Bargniani was a bust, and 2) that Mo would have been a better fit than JK.

[D]

I understand the concept of "needing to develop" and "not being NBA ready", but when you think about it that is a different consideration than whether one stays in a college program for one more year when one can get paid for the next four. Smart NBA teams bank on potential and upside over NBA-readiness every time, and invest heaviliy in player development. Heck, Bargnani still isn't totally "NBA ready" and he's been a millionaire for two years now. "Not being in a rush for money" is fine - Curry happens to be the son of a millionaire so perhaps he's got less to worry about than most players - but another year in college is a big risk - not only because of injury, but after being the best player in the first four rounds of the tournament you risk having your stock drop if you don't have the same performance (or if your team small-conference team doesn't make the tournament).

[Mark]

You Toronto fans of all sports need to RELAX!!!!!

you all seem to think you can play GM by 'trading this player for that player' and 'trading these picks for that player and this pick' etc etc etc.

You all want certain players out of town, but the moment they make plays you applaud them....I'm tired of it, this city is full of the biggest bandwagon jumpers I have ever seen. Support your raps because they will be going to the playoffs for a second straight year. Three years ago I did'nt even know if this franchise was going to exist beyond 2010.

The Jose vs. TJ Ford debates drove me through the roof, and all of your words on cutting bait on this team before the playoffs have even started leave me to suggest that we have the most impatient fans in the league. I'm calling the fans of TO out to stop whining and start supporting, what more do you want from this basketball team?

[jk]

Any of you geniuses think this team is going beyond the 1st round of the playoffs?
We'll see who's right...if this team ever wins a playoff round with Bosh as the only All Star, I will eat crow...
You all listen to the moronic chuckie cheeze too much...this team is NOT a playoff team.

Blogger's note: You know, this is getting very, very tiring.

[bballer]

even with all my complaints, i still realize this is a playoff team that will win 44 or 45 games this season. even if they lose in the first round, who cares. now it is obvious what this team will need in the offseason. with the emergence of rasho, there is no rush to get another big. barring injury, i will start rasho at centre next year and have bargns coming off the bench. with better wing guys, the overall defense will improve.

if colangelo picks up one of maggette or harrington and drafts brandon rush, tyler smith or that douglas-roberts guy from memphis, the raps should win 50 games in 08-09. delfino should not be resigned. kapono should stay along with moon. this organization will move in the right direction. so relax people!

doug, most other teams' starting wing men combinations averages at least 30 ppg. do the raptors' have the lowest starting sg/sf scoring combination in the league? who has the top 2 after ai and carmelo?

Blogger's note: That's going to take a bit of time. Am also thinking of checking which team has the greatest diffference between first- and second-leading scorers.
Check back in the a.m. tomorrow.