The Morning After The Night Before, LXXX

So, Orlando. That’s what everyone wanted, right? Goofy and Mickey and all their friends. Should be a riot. But first, we gotta get the regular season over with. And 81 down, one to go.

Three Things I Learned

Let ‘em know

Gotta get away from the actual game for just a minute.

RON POZZER/HAMILTON SPECTATOR

A Raptors broadcast wouldn't be the same without The Coach.

If things don’t change, that was Jack Armstrong’s last game as a Raptor analyst and that, frankly, sucks. The guy brings insight and entertainment to every game he does and to not have him around next season diminishes the product and the game. I have no idea what the tallest of foreheads at the various networks and Maple Leaf Sports are going to do about it but if they don’t find a way to keep him around for the majority of the games, I’ve got a feeling they’re going to lose viewers and since ratings aren’t exactly through the roof now, that’s not something they can afford to do. First-rate broadcasters don’t grow on trees and for almost a decade now, Jack’s been a first-rate broadcaster. I’m pretty sure any of the handful of other networks he’s worked for would love to have him full-time, so should one here.

You want to make your feelings known? Go here and contact ‘em. Surely to goodness someone in the ivory tower over there will listen.

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A strange, scary sight

Had to rub our eyes and I’m sure you did, too.

Not only did Jason Kapono attempt a three-pointer for the first time in 11 games last night, he actually made one for the first time in 12 games. Ought to put that video in the vault.

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Who plays Wednesday?

You know what they need going into Chicago?

Darrick Martin.

Sam says the regulars will play a bit on Wednesday, I would presume no one in the top 10 of the rotation plays more than 24 minutes but the hard part is going to be finding someone to give both T.J. and Jose a break. I guess Carlos Delfino could play the point a little bit but if Martin was still active, he could get about a 24-minute run.

I’m thinking now that the 10-day Linton Johnson experiment might not have been the greatest of moves.

-

There’s all kinds of mail hanging around here, I’ll get it all out some time today or tonight, I promise. Here’s one:

Q: Is it too early to start hyping Calderon for the NBA's Most Improved Player Award? And what about Sixth Man? Does he qualify?

Andrew P, Waterloo

A: They aren’t doing a lot of ‘hype’ as an organization so they aren’t inundating voters with Jose t-shirts or stats packages or whatever but in my informal poll of a couple of dozen other voters, I think he’ll be hard-pressed to beat out Hedo Turkoglu for most improved.

And he can’t win the Sixth Man Award ‘cause he had too many starts.

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You know what would have been really cool. If Eric Lewis had been the referee in Philly last night.

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Speaking of that wild finish, here’s how it played in Philly, and here’s what they were writing in Cleveland.

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Another reason to love The Gangster, or something like that. A technical foul for bitching about a non-call with 48 seconds left in a blowout? Tres cool.

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This is the kind of mental mistake rookies make, and mistakes that cannot be made in the playoffs.

Last minute of the second quarter, Jamario Moon has the ball right in front of the Raptor bench. Not 15 feet away from him, Chris Bosh is standing, being guarded by someone named Stephane Lasme, I believe. Or maybe it was Joel Anthony, or Kasib Powell. Doesn’t really matter.

Moon, a 32 per cent three-point shooter, proceeds to launch a 25-foot jumper and I’m really surprised Sam didn’t reach out and bop him on the head.

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Another from the mailbag

Q: Hey Doug, I know that the teams watch tapes of previous games to point out areas of improvement and things similar to that. My question is, do the Raps watch what we, as the viewers, watch as well, with Chuck and Leo or Jack commentating? If they do, they must be pretty flattered with all the praise they get from them.

Sam C, Kingston

A: Ah, a familiar name. Haven’t been around in a while.

No, the videos they watch don’t have sound. You’re right, though, if they did, they might be big heads. And sometimes they don’t see full games, they’ll see what’s known as an “edit” which is a compilation of plays by a specific player that shows tendencies, strengths and weaknesses. And before games, the two TVs in the locker room are generally showing the opponent’s most recent game. All without sound.

-

So, as part of Elmopalooza, or Fanapalooza, or whatever they called he give-aways last night, The Chicken shows up at the end of the third quarter with a sack of Doritos to rifle into the crowd. Perhaps because he knows our snack habits, he tossed few to the hungry patrons of press row, which we all dutifully passed to young urchins in the first few rows of seats.

Was very nice of he/she/it. Was sort of hoping for pizza, though.

Comments

[Brad]

Thanks for the link Doug! Hopefully the RapsTV can do something about ensuring Jack is back on the broadcasts next season.

Question though; is it to late to re-sign Darrick Martin? Since they have the spot available anyway, can they not just resign him and still have him available for the playoffs? I'm guessing anyone they sign outside of the organization would not be available for the playoff roster, not sure if that includes Martin as well.

Blogger's note: That'll be question No. 1 for Bryan today; I don't know the answer right now.

[Doug S]

Scary moment for me last night. I was following the ticker the Score after the Raps game and it actually said Philly 90 Cleveland 89 - FINAL. I went to bed right away disgusted - imagine my delight this morning!! Guess those "hard-core" dudes were a little trigger happy.

[Joe T.]

Vince Carter would tell you "be careful what you wish for" when it's time to "choose" a Playoff opponent but I'm still glad the Raptors got the Magic. I think they're the only team that the Raps really have a chance at beating this year in the First Round. Hopfeully, they'll meet the challenge...

Although this regular season has been frustrating, overall it hasn't been so bad when you look at it from where the Raptors stand now. Let's face it, there's no way they were winning the Atlantic this year. So finishing 2nd is the best they could do. Conference-wise, even if Toronto had matched last season's 47 wins, they would only have been 4th based on the records the other teams have finished with. And they would be facing Cleveland in the Playoffs instead of Orlando. Even with home-court advantage, I would not want to face Mr. James in the post-season if I was a Raptor. Not with the way they defend! And the Raptors sit exactly where ESPN picked them to, shockingly enough:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-TorontoPreview0708

So when you take into account the injuries and, um, non-progression of Bargnani, the regular season, though disappointing, hasn't been a failure. A First Round win in the post-season and all will be forgiven. But not forgotten. I agree, Doug, that this summer Colangelo should make his "big splash". Another season like this next year will not be acceptable...

[Travis B]

Doug - any update on first round game days yet, or when they will be released? I know Orlando can't do Saturday, so would you think something like Fri-Sun down there, then maybe Thurs-Sun back here?

Blogger's note: This is all just educated guesswork so take it as you will but it looks like Sunday-Tuesday in Orlando, and Thursday-Sunday, or maybe Thursday-Monday back here for Games 3 and 4.
The official schedule is not going to be out until after the games of Wednesday night. Yes, they know the East matchups but not the west and there are television considerations to be taken into account.

[Jeff S Toronto]

Sorry Doug but I just crawled out from under a rock. Why was last night Jack's last game? Are they replacing him full time with Leo?

Blogger's note: Sportsnet, which uses Jack as its analyst, is getting out of basketball next year.

[RaptorMike]

Doug,

Maybe the Cleveland/Philly final seconds were the yang to the yin from the Toronto/Atlanta game...

The refs reviewing a game that was in the books as a Philly win and putting 0.2 seconds back on the clock for a foul that one of the refs didn't want to acknowledge. End result is the Raps gain the game in the standings that they lost previously and get the 6 seed that they wanted (even though nobody will likely publically admit it).

[Tree]

Hey Doug -

Karma's a strange phenomena, isn't it? Toronto could have been screwed out of sixth place by virtue of poor officiating / timekeeping at the end of that Atlanta game, and for a couple minutes last night when the Cavs/Sixers score was a "Final" for the Sixers, it looked to be a good bet. Then, karma kicks in and poor officiating (at least it comes off as poor officiating, and there will be plenty of deserved angst in Philly today) snatches victory from defeat for Cleveland, and all is well.

BTW - did you see Van Gundy's comments the other day about constantly getting burned by other teams' guards? He mentioned that they could face some good guards in the playoffs and that his team should be aware of this. Do you think the Jose/TJ combo, along with Bosh's brilliance against Orlando should have us fans excited for a round 1 victory?

[Jamie A. Grant]

I posted an e-mail to Raptors from that link asking for The Return of Jack Armstrong. Conveniance is a great motivator, so thanks for the link.

And ESPN's scoreboard wasn't working correctly and it showed that Cleveland lost last night. What a nice surprise to discover this morning that the Raptors had clinched 6th place. Now they just need to repated their regular-season success against the Magic...

[petro]

Doug... more of a comment but a question in there somewhere! (and it's only your imagination if you think you've seen this post before)

I keep wondering two things... is this Raptor squad holding back some for the playoffs and then they'll crank it up... OR... is this Raptor squad hamming uninspired, unmotivated, and lackadaisical play because they've tuned out their coach.

And if it's not the latter, then we better see the former come to light.

Please explain to me and the rest of us (if these players haven't tuned Sam out) how this team can come out so lame for the first three quarters of such an important game... cuz you know Sam wanted gang busters from the tip!

Blogger's note: No, they haven't tuned out the coach, they are playing poorly as a group right now. I have no idea if they can get it back before the series starts.

[t-vor]

Thanks for that link, I voiced my support for Jack.
Hopefully he'll be around next season. Then all we have to do is get Jack Daniel's to sponsor the Raptors, like his old 'March Madness' coverage. "JD baby!!!", emphatically. Jack's the best.

Oh, and Jack on the Raptors cheerleaders, "Hello!!!". Priceless.

[James W.]

Doug help me out with this one, doesn't Jack do games for Raptors TV to?

Blogger's note: Pre- and post-game, yes; as an analyst, no.

[Jeff S]

No Doug, I do not have a man crush on Jack and this is my last inquiry - but is he slated to keep doing the Rap games on RAP TV?

[Remy]

"Now they just need to repated their regular-season success against the Magic..."

What success? They were 1-2 vs Orlando weren't they?

I think the Raptors will be hard pressed to win 2 games. And if they do it'll be because they're hitting their three's lights out and Rasho can completely shut down Howard.

[Graham Smith]

Doug, surprised you didn't the strategy: Orlando will be catching up with the Raptors play by tape in the next few days just as the Raps are doing for them. Now they expect the franchise player to be ignored when wide open in the paint and they will be watching for Jamario to kill them with threes and not Kapono -- its all part of the master plan of deception....

[Jim]

During the Raps games against Detroit Chris Bosh hits a three and Leo Rautins says, "that's Chris Bosh for you. He comes and plays his hardest every game." What is that supposed to add to my viewing experience!? It was one of many meaningless comments made by Leo in his boring monotone voice. RSN games are a treat because Jack Armstrong is funny and actually adds something to my understanding of what is going on on the court. I say, let Leo focus on Canada basketball (they need it), and put Jack on full-time! Thanks for raising awareness of this Doug.

[Terence]

I've sent in my $0.02 as well regarding retaining the services of Jack Armstrong for Raps broadcasts... hopefully there'll be enough noise generated for the powers-that-be to actually take a serious look at bringing him on board.

How can you not love someone that can come up with a word like stick to-itiveness! That trumps any of Mr. Swirsky's own Chuck-isms, IMHO.

[Hop Ho]

I emailed the Raptors about keeping Jack Armstrong. I encourage others to do the same. Use the link that Doug provides on his blog.
https://www.mlsemarketing.com/Speak.jsp?cid=154&scid=18

Thanks.

[Amanda]

Hey Doug what are the fans like in Orlando? Do you think they'll be as loud as we were last year and will be this year? And I guess we under-estimated Denver, or over-estimated GSW.

Blogger's note: The fans are good, but I don't recall them ever being like here. And, yes, we did miscalculate out west; too bad, I love watching the Warriors play, they have no collected conscience.

[Jason Michaels]

Now they just need to repated their regular-season 'success' (quotations mine) against the Magic...
............

I hope for our collective sakes that they don't. The Magic won the season series 2-1.

[Pat]

Hey Doug, do you know if the Raptors organization are going to give away the red t-shirts again? I need to prepare in advance what I am going to wear to game 1.

Blogger's note: I don't know, but I do see the ubiquitous Are You Red-y signs around here.

[Doug W]

Is Jack still going to be around for all the Raptors TV spots (pre/post game, full court etc)? Doesn't he do some of the Raptors TV broadcasts as well? Or is this to get him into the other channel's broadcasts too? Hope he sticks around. December just won't be the same without hearing him singing "Happy Holidays"

[Eric]

The insanity continues. Now the Raptors need/want a rest for the final regular season game? Shoot me. It's one thing to have had an excellent campaign and really have nothing to tune up before the playoffs. It's quite another for the Raptors who have been talking about improving key areas for weeks and haven't seen any improvement, not to mention the fact that, as Jack Armstrong stated expertly last night, "the difference between 42-40 and 41-41 is not just one game."

I find it hard to put this team's toughness on a scale. If it's graded from 0 to 10, they're in the negatives. What do they need a break for? With the exception of Bosh and Nesterovic, they don't even PLAY many minutes, while Bosh has proven that he's most vulnerable to injury when he RESTS too much, not when he PLAYS. Jose, TJ? 24 mpg is too much now? We need a third pg to give them a break?

It's outlandish. I understand that they may be mentally fatigued but the only way to address that problem is to play through it. Otherwise it'll just happen again later and the team will always find it tough to acquire the intestinal fortitude it already lacks. You're letting yourself off the hook by "taking a break"- the break in this case doesn't help, it's a mirage. Play through it and stop letting yourself off easy.

Champions don't look for excuses to take breaks. Heck, competitors don't. But the Raptors do? If that's not microcosmic of the team's issues, I don't know what is. This season can't end quickly enough for me.

[leigh]

Jason Kapono is absolutely useless. He is a worse defender than Bargnani and it was only against the powerhouse Miami Heat that he finally broke his shooting drought. The fact that he is leading the league in 3pt% is grotesquely misleading. The qualifying for that should be much greater.

[TMF]

Random Rant:
CP3 is the dumbest nickname in sports. It doesn't mean anything. It's his initials with his number. Sure, they all rhyme, but who cares -- you ever notice how many letters rhyme with "ee"? It's like half of them. It actually cheapens Bosh's and Kirilenko's similar nicknames, which are cool because they're actually based on something (even if most people probably don't get Bosh's). At least Kobe changed his number so he can't be KB8 anymore, that was even worse.

Hey Doug, you a Star Trek fan? Maybe we can start calling you DS9. Barf.

[chris]

The South East division champs playing the number 6th seed Raps. Seems quite ironic how this is almost identical to raps position last year Atlantic Champs facing 6th seed Nets. Now, they should have less pressure going in the playoffs, due to having an "underdog" cloud following them....

No one is expecting anything out of them in the playoffs so i hope they use this to their advantage.. true fan since day one of 95 season. when Alvin Robertson hit a 3 for the 1st basket of the raps franchise against the NETS....lol

Raps in 6 ...

ps: Zan Tabak was a beast...