A note of thanks

I looked at the comments just now and I feel like Sally Freaking Fields.

Thanks, to all.

Much, much appreciated.

Makes the loud banging noise in my head get quieter.

Comments

[Dagomar Degroot]

Happy birthday! Thanks for running the best basketball blog I know of.

[Joe T.]

Well I guess we like you, Doug. We really like you...

And since I'm late to the party, let me also wish you a Happy Birthday! But really, you don't have me convinced about those licorice drinks...

[Michael Watson]

Hope you have an excellent birthday. You deserve it all Doug. Your commitment and creativity are truely appreciated. I read your blog everyday, and I feel more connected to the team and sport because of it. Thank you for all you do for us fans.

You are the man

[Robert]

Wow, if you haven't heard Brian Colangelo's interview with Chuck Swirsky on the Fan today, you have to have a listen. I've been waiting to hear BC's comments on the team's recent play and the whole TJ issue. Here is a link:

http://www.fan590.com/media.jsp?content=20080411_144947_7560

Here's a summary of what BC said:

1. About what has effected Kapono's performance:
(a) He has been under-utilized;
(b) there has been uncertainty in the lineup (clearly a shot at Sam Mitchell);
(c) reducancy and inconsistency at the SF
position;

2. Bargnani's performance:
(a) His skill and upside are still high but he has has had a poor year;
(b) the team needs to do a better job coaching and developing Bargnani;
(c) BC is still high on Bargnani;
(d) the team may not have put Bargnani in a position to succeed - I think this is another clear shot at the coaching staff for being inconsistent with Bargnani's role and minutes;

3. On Calderon and TJ and whether they can co-exist:
(a) The team will re-sign Calderon;
(b) The issue of whether they can co-exist is legitimate issue and concern;
(c) He and the coaching staff will re-evaluate in the summer whether they need to make a change;
(d)BC said words to the effect that "to some degree he can understand TJ's plight since when they brought him in he was supposed to be a starter and has always been a starter but at the same time you want people to be team-oriented and do what is best for the team because winning should be the most important thing". It sounds pretty clear that BC is not happy with how TJ handled the backup role and may look to trade TJ in the summer. His use of the words "to some degree...he can understand his plight - but being team-oriented and winning is the most important thing" are telling word of what BC thinks about how TJ handled the back-up role.

4. On the playoffs:

Colangelo tells it like it is - the team could win a playoff round but it will take hard work, preparation and a lot of things to fall into place.

You have got to love this guy - he pulls no punches and tells it like it is. Also, its clear he is extremely upset with the team's performance and some of his disappointment seems directed at the coaching staff (ie. as it relates to Kapono and Bargnani).

Doug, any thoughts or comments on what BC said. I'm sure we'd all like to hear what you think.

Blogger's note: It's pretty much exactly the same stuff he told us Thursday at practice. Tough to argue with any of the points he made.

[Thane]

Bloody Marys or a quick pint of Guinness are both fantastic for that thumping feeling, Doug. Not that I'd suggest it become a regular thing.

Picked up that trick watching the Japan/Korea world up in England; 7am games called for something. Lots of vitamins; vitamins are good for you!

And a happy belated birthday.

[CARLoS M.]

Happy Belated Bithday Douggles!

Here's two of my favorite bday quotes...

Age is something that doesn’t matter, unless you are a cheese.

The years between fifty and seventy are the hardest. You are always being asked to do things, and yet you are not decrepit enough to turn them down. (like answering all of those Jose-TJ questions)

[Stephen]

Robert, that was superb -- thanks!

Doug, the warmest of birthday wishes from the pucks side of the city!

[Chi of Steel]

I looked you up on Wikipedia but to my dismay you don't have an entry there. But among the other Doug Smiths, there was one who was a former NBA player!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doug_Smith_%28basketball%29

Apparently he was taken by Toronto in the '95 expansion draft but never suited up for the Raptors.