The Morning After The Night Before, LXXVI

The people are angry today, my friends -- like an old man trying to return soup in a deli.

And I mean all the peoples, the players, the coaches, the fans.

The sense that this whole thing is slipping away has never been more prevalent. They can’t defend, can’t score, can’t play like a team. Other than that? Bring on the Pistons!

So …

Three Things I Learned

Whither Bosh?

I don’t know what it is about New Jersey, but they defend him better than any team in the league. Trenton Hassell? Really? You could see Bosh getting more tired, and more slow on his decisions and passes as the game dragged on because just about every time he caught the ball, there was someone in his jersey and a second defender coming.

But, fact is, he passed out of the double-team enough times that his teammates should have made open shots and getting to the free throw line 16 times proves he tried to make something happen.

The legions of you out there killing him this morning might want to look elsewhere.

-

You don’t want to hear this

Vince was great, wasn’t he? Attacking the basket, getting teammates involved, scoring, passing rebounding. He made two spin moves in the lane and finished left-handed that brought back memories of 2001.

You’ve got to admit it: When he’s got his mind in the game, he’s still pretty special.

-

A lesson to learn

You know why Rasho’s scoring like a madman, don’t you? Because he’s smart and he knows how to find open space on the court. If Bargnani’s doing nothing else on the bench, he better be sitting there watching Nesterovic dive in the paint when there’s an opening, watch him drift out on the baseline to create space for himself and for Bosh or an attacking guard.

So much of big man play is ‘smarts’ and the kid’s got a golden opportunity now to see how a smart guy operates.

The thing with Bargnani has always been getting him “engaged” in the game rather than have him sit out on the three-point line and wait. He’s seeing a centre fully engaged right now.

-

A protest mailbag query

Q: Hi Doug, what is your take on the Raptors' decision not to file a protest in the time clock botching in Atlanta? I read that Colangelo decided not to file because the organization did not see any precedent for anything being overturned. I believe the Raptors did nothing on the "scoregate" issue last year as well. Miami certainly did not take this approach with the Shaq foul situation and got ruling overturned. I heard David Stern say in an interview that the reason Miami got the ruling was because it was the second situation in Atlanta within a year.

It seems to me that this unwillingness to fight and do everything possible to help your team is eerily similar to the attitude of the Raptors on the floor.

Filing a protest would have sent a message, not only to the players but also to the NBA, that Toronto does not take being messed with lightly. (whether or not the NBA did anything about it).
I guess the reluctance to fight flows from the hardwood, all the way up to the top.
Colangelo blew it. The protest could have been used as motivation for the team (as when a coach gets thrown out of the game defending his players), while the decision not to protest reinforces passivity. The $10,000 would be a drop in the bucket if the team were motivated by the idea that Colangelo was willing to stand behind his team at all costs.

Patti H, Toronto

A: Interesting take. I think they probably should have filed it, if for no other reason than to find out why referee Eric Lewis didn’t tell anyone connected with the team on the court at the time that he started the clock because he thought Al Horford deflected the in-bounds pass. Would seem to me that if he had said that originally, a lot of this issue would have been cleared up.

It looks shady the way things worked out and the one thing David Stern promised after Donaghy was a more transparent process. This is anything but.

-

First quarter:

T.J. Ford makes a layup, Ford jaws at ref not hustling back ‘cause he didn’t get a call. Devin Harris hits a pull up jumper, Ford goes back down the court, doesn’t even look for a teammate and hoists an off-balance 15-footer that misses.

Just sayin’

-

Here’s how Dave D saw last night’s affair.

-

No, I have no idea why Sam left Jose in during the second quarter to pick up his fourth foul with less than three minutes to go. But, to his credit, it didn’t have an impact on how he used Calderon in the second half so in hindsight, no harm, no foul.

-

Let’s get one more out of the mail before I go and do the mail, of which – shockingly – there is a lot.

Q: Doug, I enjoy reading your blog every day. I'm looking forward to the next two weeks of regular season, whatever the playoffs bring, and also what the off season will bring for the Raps and those of us who just can't get enough of them. I have a question about something I've read here and in other sources that has to do with our swingmen - and which of them are most likely to be here next season. Why Kapono and not Delfino?

I get the inconsistency factor that Delfino has shown this season - but I just don't see that Kapono has offered much to the overall offense a lot of the time and rarely, if ever, on the defense end. While Delfino it seems, when he has it on, has often brought something to the game on both ends and in terms of guts and passion. Are there money or contract issues here that would make Delfino the man to go? Or are these forecasts based more on the play and skillsets of these guys? Thanks.

Roxanne G, Markham

A: It will be a money-contract issue. Kapono’s locked up for another three years, Delfino’s a restricted free agent which means he could very well be gone.

Me? I’d probably try to trade Kapono and sign Delfino to a two-year deal with an option on a third ‘cause it’d be cheaper in the long run. But, shockingly, Bryan doesn’t ask my advice.

Skill-wise? Delfino’s been inconsistent at times and Kapono’s been invisible at times. Delfino’s probably a better defender, although he’s terrible at boxing out, but if they get Kapono going from beyond the arc, he’s a deadly three-point shooter.

Comments

[Mark]

"T.J. Ford makes a layup, Ford jaws at ref not hustling back ‘cause he didn’t get a call. Devin Harris hits a pull up jumper, Ford goes back down the court, doesn’t even look for a teammate and hoists an off-balance 15-footer that misses."

Glad I'm not the only one noticing these things. I don't know if my recent souring on TJ is only magnifying his flaws, but this guy is killing the Raps right now. While his offensive numbers look decent, his defense, and intensity have been atrocious. It's been said that with his speed that he has the ability to cause the other team plenty of headaches on both ends of the floor, but I don't see it. The worst part is that he's shown that his ego needs stroking, and as a result SMitch has to finely walk the minutes tight-rope in order to keep TJ happy, yet it's become abundantly obvious that the team plays better and is more steady when Jose is running the show. Will Sam say "Enough is Enough" and just go with the best lineup, or will he continue to be held hostage to this Marbury-like need to be the man?

[Justin Edwards]

Bring on the Pistons!! Look, it sure looks like they are going out in the first round anyway. So I can see two reasons the Raps should want the Pistons:1)to get a gage on what level a top flight team plays at in the playoffs & 2)with nobody giving them a chance to win, they may be able to come together kinda "us vs the world" type thing & pull off the upset.

keep up the great work Doug!!

[ET]

Pistons have been resting their players and I think they will have their guards healthy and fresh for the playoffs. Their guards are going to eat raptors alive in the playoff. Will be a disastrous matchup for the raptors!

[DS]

I watched that play. Yeah, TJ jawed at the ref, just like every player does, but it wasn't like he was standing still - he was running at the same time. Harris was already running back ahead of the pack when TJ was still recovering from his basket and was miles ahead - it was a fast-break bucket by New Jersey and someone else should have helped on Harris, TJ talking while running was inconsequential.

Also Mark, don't pretend you "noticed" this when Chuck pointed it out to everyone watching on TV.

[Mark S]

The worst part about the TJ play in question is that when Harris hit that jumper anybody who has watched the Raps with any regularity knew how the subsequent offensive possession would turn out.

[tim]

if horford, deflected it, the clock would of started way earlier.

[Chris B.]

So, another game where Jose Calderon decides not to show up (7 points, 4 assists on 3-of-9 shooting) and all Dougie can do is rip T.J.? Tiresome. Once Calderon signs a big-money contract in the off-season, can we officially start expecting him to actually have an impact on games? Or will you guys still seek to blame everyone else on the team?

[James Dixon]

T.J. Ford makes a layup, Ford jaws at ref not hustling back ‘cause he didn’t get a call. Devin Harris hits a pull up jumper, Ford goes back down the court, doesn’t even look for a teammate and hoists an off-balance 15-footer that misses.

Just sayin’

wow you really really hate Tj don't you, funny you don't mention he only took 9 shots all game in almost 30 minutes while anthony parker took 17 shots and was 5 for 17, carlos delfino 1 for 6, and your precious jose calderon was 3 for 9

[LY]

That TJ moment was brutal. I almost threw something at the screen. I HATE jawing at the ref to the detriment of the team. Passion is one thing. Stupidity is another.

That said, Jose was a non-factor and once again on the court for a 4th Q collapse, the franchise couldn't beat freaking Trenton Hassel (you'll forgive him because he was "trying"), a full baker's dozen attrocious Parker moments (how do you mess up 3 entry passes!?) and Delfino was once again the gold standard in brutality. I'm not even going to start with your favourite Bargnani.

But hey Doug! Who did you focus on... again?
Just sayin'

[LY]

In retrospect, I think Doug is just a smart man. He is paid to get attention on his blog. He has found a gimmick that works.

Keep it up Doug. On RealGM, your posts would be classified as "trolling". On TheStar.com it is known as smart marketing. Frankly, I can't disagree with the plan. You got about 98 comments (not including the ones you deleted) for your previous attack on TJ, why not do it again and see if you can crack 100!

[Air Carter]

Do you think there's any chance we ever take back that Carter fellow?

[Adam Glatt]

Here's a thought I had during the Nets game: We were watching an example of the type of player the Raptors need most desperately. His name was Vince Carter. Any chance the Nets would trade TJ and Graham for VC?

hehe, last last one was a joke, Doug ;>

[Jay C]

With the whole Kapono and Delfino thing, I'm going to continue stressing the fact that Delfino only seems like he's more offensively potent that Kapono because of the fact that he loves to take ill-advised shots that sometimes just happen to go in. How many times have you seen him just hoist a 3 from a couple steps beyond the arc? Yeah, when they go in, great ; when they don't, you wonder why at least Kapono didn't try.

If Kapono had the same attitude, he might not be as invisible as you guys think. Also, Sam should consider setting some screens or plays for Kapono. Who knows, maybe then we could use the man who averages nearly 50% from beyond the arc.

[Jam]

Are you freakin kiddin' me Doug?? I am a regular reader of your blog, but I have to say, your objectivity and integrity has been on vacation for the last couple of weeks. You, and the Star as well, should be ashamed. I realy didn't ecpect this from you. I am staring to think it is something personal between you and TJ. There is no other explanation. If that's even the case, it shouldn't hinder your objectivity and integrity as a respeted reporter in this city. What TJ did was no different than other players in the NBA who felt they were fouled and didn't get the foul. Even if TJ didn't look at the refree, Harris was already at half court when TJ finished the layup.
If you keep this trend, your image among fans will go no place good. I hope you put aside your TJ problem and start reporting on the game.

[Adam Glatt]

TJ has been making those personal vendetta plays with regularity since coming back from the Horford assault. He'll get burned and scored on by the opponent's guard. On the next possession he dribbles half-way in before someone gets in his way (aka defends his penetration). Instead of realizing he needs to back out or pass out, he throws up a terrible shot. These are the horrendous possessions that wouldn't happen with Jose.

I'm aware of the poor play of many of the Raptors players. Jose, Andrea, Jason, Carlos have all been playing poorly for over a month now. TJ has actually been playing fairly well since Sam returned him to starting guard.

I think the parallels of TJ with Marbury, brough on by TJ's own quote, and the fatal damage Marbury has done to the Knicks, is why it's important to monitor him closely and call him out on plays like this. Here's how Bill Simmons described Marbury:
"
Twelve NBA seasons, four playoff appearances, 18 career playoff games, zero playoff series wins, four different teams that were excited to acquire him, four teams that were excited to trade him, nearly $132 million earned (with another $21 million coming next season)...
"

hehe, I have the Warriors-Hornets game on right now. Harrington just scored on a 0.5 second inbounds play at the end of the 1st quarter. The clock didn't start until the ball was leaving his hands. I'm laughing, probably because it's important to stay back from a team going down in flames. Safety first, eh?

[Joe T.]

I hate to say I knew how last night's game was gonna go before they played it but the outcome was no great surprise. It's sad how things have gotten away from this year's Raptors. As for Vince Carter, he did play a great game, no doubt about it. I reckon most Nets fans are wondering why he waits until the last three weeks of the season to give a consistently strong effort. He managed to carry them into the playoffs last year but won't have the same luck this time around. Nets fans can only imagine what things would be like if he played up to his potential and gave this kind of effort all season long!...

[jus]

Piston in 4. Start packing, Raptors!

TJ or Jose, Detroit or Orlando, it doesn't matter...Raptors will NEVER pass 1st round. Mediocrity from top to bottom.

Go Sixers!

[Dave]

James, I agree TJ is doing some good things. However, I believe the childish way TJ behaved when coming off the bench affected the whole team. I think his teammates lost respect for him. The change to have him start further complicated things. I think he is another Rafer and the other players see him being rewarded for his temper tantrum. This has destroyed the team.

This resulted in Jose has losing his passion.

I know a lot of people are now seeing the real TJ for the first time. However, he has been this way his whole career. This is the reason some of us were saying the same things last year. He never takes responsibility for his mistakes or gives credit to his teammates when they play well.

People should remember that we got him from Milwaukee because he wasn't a team player and didn't want to share time with their other Point Guard.

[John Sonoma]

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

FIRE SAM MITCHELL NOW!

Since he is not a long term solution for the Raps why not dump him now and let one of the assistants take the helm - maybe Alex English? Something has got to change on Raptorland!

[craig jones]

I completely agree with you. I have never been a fan of Ford's from day one. He has incredible talent but doesn't play the floor well. There are 5 players. I've always said to my friends that given enough time they will see that Calderon is the one to lead. I'm not a genius at basketball IQ but my guess is that Ford would be better at the shooting guard position. Too bad he's not taller. Calderon is the General. If you were to trade Ford what would you replace him with and that question doesn't limit you to matching postitions. Maybe Ford could get that effective small we've needed all year.
culver ajax

[Dan]

I don't think Doud is always picking on TJ. The difference is that players like Calderon and Parker take their shots in the flow of the game. Some nights those shots just don't go in. Ford alot of the time will force the issue and you get the feeling he just does whatever he feels like without actually seeing what's actually going on on the floor.

[Naz I.]

Dave - Some of who were saying what last year? Hindsight is always 20/20, isn't it? I'm not exactly sure TJ was traded for that reason, and I believe your intel is dubious at best. Milwaukee had an excess of guards and the only one of them who the Raptors were interested in was TJ, hence they gave up Charlie V. That's the story we heard, and until I hear otherwise from the principal players in that deal, I'll believe it. The nonsense some of you "fans" come up with when the chips are down is unbelievable.

Jam - Doug Smith clearly has a TJ problem. Even Rafer didn't get this much flak from the beat grunt in his brief time here. Using the argument that he supported TJ over Calderon in the past is a pathetic excuse for his blatant bias, considering he has yet to rip Calderon for his recent indifferent play and stagnant offense-running. Another classic example of the myopia and ignorance displayed by Toronto Star journalists (frankly, the only ones with any credibility are Griffin and Zelkovich)

Jus - I have to agree with you. The Raptors are a very mediocre side, and their record is indicative of their talent. If the 3-ball is falling, they win. If it isn't, they lose - its' that simple. Question - how many free agents signed by the Raptors were coveted by other teams? Answer - Zero. The only one who was (Salmons) bolted for a lower offer in Sacramento.

This team overachieved last year for several reasons:

Ford - played like an budding All-Star last year and LED this team to important wins, especially on the road. This year, started very well, but injuries and the aversion of the team to his 'attitude' (although critical to his style of play) haven't helped his cause. Now the generally accepted scapegoat, which makes things worse.

Garbajosa - glue guy, stable, but didn't demand shots or take many. The Raptors miss that veteran presence on the wing.

Bargnani - teams hadn't figured him out yet, so he was able to stand at the top of the key and fire off-balance 3's early in the shot clock, while playing no defense and generally showing no awareness of the game. He's been found out this year, while his mates like Rondo, Foye, Roy, Gay and Aldridge have prospered. Comparing him to Kwame Brown is more appropriate than any comparisons to Dirk, at this point.

MoPete - say what you want about Mo, but he could play DEFENSE while knocking down the 3-ball. The Raptors got a substandard (and overpaid) replacement in Jason Kapono, who shoots the 3 better but doesn't offer much else.

Joey Graham - Played like a champ down the stretch. From all accounts, a great locker room guy and plays well in workouts. Why doesn't he play more, you ask? Maybe because BC didn't draft him, and would rather 'persuade' his coach to play his "prized" free agents/trades like Kapono and Delfino, instead.

Teams like Charlotte, Atlanta and Phily have improved themselves drastically over the course of the summer and during the season. The Raptors preferred to stand pat and believed that another Atlantic Division title would fall into their laps, not realizing that the so-called free agent gems they unearthed (particularly from Europe) were not suited to the NBA game, and needed to be bolstered by a group that plays defense, attacks the basket and yes, plays with a chip on its shoulder. This Euro-style game is not working and hasn't worked in the NBA for a reason. The sooner BC and his group realize this, the better.

[bballer]

Naz I. i couldn't have said it better. many people were ripping the kapono signing over the summer and lamenting the loss of mopete, which we knew was going to happen last year. the loss of garbajosa was mitigated by the pick up of moon. but of course moon is only a rookie.

when colangelo came the team needed a scoring wing man and rebounding centre. so what did the raps do, draft an outside shooting 7 footer and tried to sell him as the next dirk. but who cares about the next dirk when you already had the next tim duncan. you then bypassed the inevitable rookie of the year in roy who became an allstar in his second year. our problems were not solved and we wonder why the team is faltering. in the words of denis green, the raps are who we thought they were - a .500 team.

i thought they would win 45 games, but are always beating by teams with athletic wings, regardless of their record. look you, i hope bc does better in the offseason.

[Naz I.]

Bballer, I couldn't have offered a better summary. Thanks.