Happy Long Weekend Eve (or something like that)

A little reading for the rainy days to come, or this morning when you’re goofing off at work waiting for the long weekend to arrive.

And don’t worry if you don’t see yours here, there are some left, including three or four lists that’ll get me through next week’s blog when there’s only one game a night.

Oh, and will be back on Monday. See ya.

Q: Doug, I hope you didn't think my last question to you was a wild, rambling and implausible trade scenario. Because it wasn't. It was a legitimate question. I'll try rephrasing: Do you think, now that D'Antoni is gone from the Suns, that the Suns might try to make a deal for Nash, who's never been known to be even a passable defender? He's past his prime, while still one of the elite, so they could get something good for him. I threw in the bit about the possibility of him coming to his second-favourite NBA team (the Raptors) as just an extension of that question.

Guy M, Vancouver

A: I know your questions and comments are the furthest thing from rambling, wild or implausible. Not to worry about that.

It’ll be interesting to see what the Suns do but I cannot fathom them moving Nash this season. I think they have taken a huge hit in public perception with the way they handled the D’Antoni departure and to compound that by moving Nash this summer would be folly. I think there would be a huge public outcry they don’t want to deal with.

Next summer, though, after a season in which I think they may struggle (relative to their recent success, of course) I can see them shopping Nash and his expiring contract.

And, I would think a team with legitimate championship aspirations – a group that I don’t think will include the local Toronto heroes of the hardcourt – would be wise to gamble on him.

Of course, I could be dead wrong because the last thing I ever expected to see was Shaquille O’Neal in a Phoenix Suns uniform.

-

Q: Quick question. How is a restricted clause (like the one Jose has) put into a contract? Is it just put in by the team to ensure they have the option to keep the player at the end of the term?
Also I was in Taiwan a couple months back and had a Lamond Murray Sighting. Seems like he now playing professional there.
Ron M, Markham

A: The clause making players restricted free agents at the end of their first NBA contracts is a basic part of the collective bargaining agreement and agreed to by both the league and the union.

When you saw Lamond, was he taking a jump shot?

-

Q: Doug, I recall Lacy Banks. A class guy.
Speaking of other beat guys, did I hear it correctly that Peter May took a buyout from the Boston Globe and left AFTER the Celts' first-round series? He didn't want to see the thing through?

Jeff H, Calgary

A: Yes, you heard right, a huge, huge, huge loss for the craft and a great friend of all things Canadian. And I think when you agree to a buyout, you go when they say it’s time. Unfortunately, that time was crappy in this situation.

-

Q: I want to ask this question because I would really like to hear your take.
It seems that Bosh has really stepped up as a leader this past year and history shows us that teams with good leaders, and good character players, can be successful with one, or a few, 'knuckleheads' if they provide what the team needs; See Rodman/Bulls/Spurs, Penny/Magic, Marion/Suns, Laimbeer/Pistons, Kobe/Shaq/Lakers, etc...
So the question is, if there is questionable character/'knucklehead' player out there that fits the Raps need of a slashing/rebounding wingman; i.e, Artest, Magette etc...
Between 1 and 10, what is the Raps 'knucklehead' factor (10 meaning they could handle/control and be successful with Ron Artest; 1 meaning they need to sign another 'good character guy')?

Nick M, Oakville

A: Interesting list of alleged “knuckleheads” you’ve got there.

Knowing the organization and the kind of player it wants, I’d say there’s a very, very low tolerance for bad character guys, much closer to one than 10. And, in my opinion, guys at the high end of that scale aren’t worth it, no matter what they bring on the court.

-

Q: Could you update us on the status of Jim Todd if you know anything because I know he was released when Skiles took over because he brought in his own staff.

Vanlang N, Ottawa

A: If I know JT, he’s somewhere about to tee off right about now, without a care in the world. He doesn’t have a job for next year – yet – but he’s also got a contract for next year from the Bucks, who have to pay him if he doesn’t find another gig.

I presume if he wants to coach another year or two, he will; he’s well-respected throughout the league and someone will need a wise old head on the bench.

Not going to be Toronto, though, that ship has sailed.

-

Q: What does a players off-season generally consist of?  Is there any contact with the team or when the seasons done are they given a specific number of months vacation? Is there any times where they have to 'report' in with any training etc? I know some players have different responsibilities with summer leagues, but just wondering about the regular player such as an Anthony Parker, Chris Bosh.

Brad M, Waterloo

A: Well, it’s not like a “regular job” where a guy might take four weeks vacation in the summer and not hear a word from the bosses or the office.

When players leave at the end of season, they’re usually given some kind of workout regimen the team would like them to do and, maybe twice a summer, a member of the training or coaching staff will arrange – at a mutually beneficial time – a visit with any player.

Most veteran players are pretty good about following a regular off-season routine and teams don’t worry about them that much. The more, um, slovenly of them will get more visits from someone on staff.

Q: Hi Doug, could you please try and explain to us "future considerations", or "a player to be named later", in a trade. How does that work, what are the implications? Why does it exist? Thanks as always.

Steph R, Glencoe

A: Well, first off, you never, ever get “player to be named later” in an NBA trade, you’ve paid too much attention to those other sports. What you do get, sometimes, in the NBA is “cash considerations” for “future considerations.” Sometimes it’s simply pure money changing hands (the maximum is $3 million), sometimes it’s things like a team promises to travel to play a road exhibition game. It’s generally something cooked up by the GMs to make a one-sided trade not look so one-sided.

-

Q: Hi Doug, during some timeout close ups on televised games, we occasionally get to hear the coach actually talking to his players (instead of some overly-hyped sideline wannabe announcer). I am usually amazed to hear how basic, fundamental and unsophisticated those remarks are (more similar to the stuff I would talk about to girls teams I have coached aged 10 to 16 years old).
Are most coach timeout talks really that simply focused (or are there some where players are more mature and professional)?

Barry P, North Bay

A: They are indeed that simply focused; it is not rocket science or anything close to it. It is gently, or not so gently in times that aren’t captured on video and audio, reminding them to rebound, box out, run their stuff and defend. Of course, in the dying seconds of a close game there may be specific plays called that don’t get caught on tape by those “overly-hyped sideline wannabe” announcers but as a matter of course, timeouts are incredibly boring and basic.

-

Q: Hey Doug how come you never reply to my email, though I always start with a compliment. Anyway to the question, what happened to the guy that was drafted by Spurs acquired by Raptors last year, will he see him next year? I think his name is Printezes.

Mario L, Toronto

A: Obviously, you haven’t been complimentary enough (I joke, I joke). And just as obviously, you don’t read regularly enough because I’ve answered at least two Giorgos Printezis questions in the last 10 days.

He had a very average season in Greece and does not figure into any short-term plans.

-

Q: I have a question which does NOT directly involve TJ, or Mitchell, or any of the other topics which have been discussed to death.
What are the top 3 -5 priorities for the Raps this offseason?  Is clearing up the PG situation more important then getting a slashing 3, or working with Andrea to improve, getting a younger 5, etc?

Steven T, Winnipeg

A: My priorities? If I’m Bryan?

An athletic big wing player, a rebounder, another big athletic wing player, a backup point guard (to whoever’s still here), another rebounder, and a young 5 to be groomed for the post-Nesterovic era.

-

Q: The Raps are sitting with the 17th overall pick, will they or can they trade for a higher draft pick for the likes of a Gallinari, Westbrook or Randolph?

Jay P, Brampton

A: I guarantee you Bryan will try to package No. 17 and a player (Ford? Parker? Nesterovic?) and move up into the lottery. But until we know the results of the lottery and the draft order, we can’t even guess which team he’ll call first.

-

Q: Hey Doug, I am a die hard Raps fan and a HUGE fan of your blog. This is my second attempt so here goes nothing. My friend and I have an argument going on right now about who was the best Raptor coach ever! We narrowed it down to Butch and Sam. In your opinion who is the better between the two??

Jason S, Toronto

A: You really need to clearly define best. Lenny Wilkens had more success in the post-season than any other coach, but he wouldn’t be near the top of my list. Brendan Malone did the most with the worst talent so where’s that put him?

As a tactician, Butch was better than Sam; in relating to players and getting them to play hard consistenly, Sam’s light years ahead of Butch.

If I had to pick one of those two, I’d rather hire Sam than Butch because, eventually, Butch would do something to alienate his players. Sam’s been here four years and that hasn’t happened.

-

Q: I have a general basketball/sports question for you. Are playoff numbers included in a player's career statistics? For example, when you look up a player’s career scoring average, does that number include results from the playoffs?

Mike J, Toronto

A: No, if you look in every record book, or all-time register, post-season stats are separate from regular season totals.

-

Q: Time for another list as we are firmly entrenched in the Playoffs. Inspired by the constant chirping and complaining by players to the refs.
Who would be your top 5 picks for All-Whining Team?

Detroit would easily top my list - if i were an official I'd have ejected Hamilton, Prince and Wallace before the 2nd Qtr finished. Followed by my other top picks of the Lakers, San Antonio and the Nuggets. Thanks.

Marc M, Mississauga

A: There really isn’t a list because, as I’ve said, every team whines incessantly about almost every call. But if you held a gun to my head, I’d put the Spurs, Knicks, Celtics, Nuggets and Lakers among the worst offenders.

-

Q: Hi Doug. I had a quick question regarding the Raps' assistant GM Maurizio Gherardini. I've been reading reports of other ball clubs (NY pops into my head, but I recall reading another team was interested as well) considering him for their GM position. Have you heard rumblings that Gherardini is unhappy in Toronto or that he's interested in becoming a GM for someone else? Is there any truth to these rumours or are they just that - the typical off-season rumours spawned from the imagination of the "creative" minds of writers such as Stephen A. Smith and Peter Vescey (I always take what they write with a bag of salt).  Thanks in advance for your insight.

Stan C, Toronto

A: I have never heard a peep of dissatisfaction from Maurizio about his job or his place in the organization here. What happens far too often is a job comes open, people start to look down the lists of people they think might want to move, or move up, and compile a list without really investigating the possibility of someone like Maurizio moving. It’s a tad lazy but it does happen more often than you’d think.

-

Q: Hi Doug, your point about Kareem touched on the theme of a question I sent to you the other day. Why is it that some guys spend years as assistants before they ever get offered a head coaching job while others (like Mark Jackson, Doc Rivers, Larry Bird, Isiah Thomas) get coaching offers without any experience? Is it solely based on their reputations as cerebral players?

Michael K, Toronto

A: Mostly it is reputation, or the people doing the hiring looking for someone familiar. Sometimes, they just come cheaper and teams that know they’ll be in a rebuilding mode may want to have what could be called a “sacrificial” coach (see Sam Vincent, Charlotte) who they pay very little.

And some GMs just think a new voice, no matter how uproven, can do a good job.

-

Q: Doug, I'm about half way through Jack McCallum's Seven Seconds or Less book on the Phoenix Suns and loving the behind the scenes insight.  What are the chances of you being interested/permitted in doing a similar series of articles or even a book on our Raptors?

Michael L, Brantford

A: Great book, isn’t it?

Trouble with a guy like me doing something like that is the pesky newspaper, internet stuff would really get in the way. And I’m not sure I’ve got Jack’s skills, either.

-

Q: Have you heard from the Raptor's staff what are the instructions for Andrea's off-season training? What should he be working on this summer? Will he be playing in the summer league?
Is he going to play in the Olympics? Will this affect his performance for the Raptors later on? (There were some suggestions that his playing in the European Championship last year tired him out.)
Maybe the Raptors should hire a big man's coach to spend some time with him, such as Karem Abdul-Jabbar. Why has BC not doen something like this for his prize draft pick?

Nick W, Markham

A: Just talked to Bryan Colangelo about this the other day. Andrea’s just had surgery to remove adnoids and correct a deviated septum and is recovering well.

He’ll be at a big man camp in Vegas and likely spend some time with John Lucas in Houston. He won’t, I don’t think, play in the summer league.

Nor will he play in the Olympics, or even the final Olympic qualifier, because Italy didn’t qualify for either. The Italian team has to play in the qualification tournament for next year’s European championships but the Raptors have already told the Italian federation that they don’t want Bargnani playing, a request that will most likely be granted.

As for a big man’s coach? Maybe they need one, maybe they don’t. If they want him to become a true back-to-the-basket centre, he could probably use some instruction in that regard.

-

Q: Congratulations – Mr. Doug Smith is announced the new Commissioner for the 08/09 season! What are your priorities for change? (other than thundersticks etc - maybe in a list format?)

Ryan L, Calgary

A: Yes! Finally, a good gig.

First, I dump all back-to-backs because the second game is generally a dog by whichever team is playing it. And four games in five nights? Never, ever happens.

Oh, and weekend games are in the afternoon (that’s the beat grunt in me having his say).

I’d have them put in a larger no-charge area around the basket because I want guys going to the rim.

I’d extend the three-point line a couple of fee to make it a more difficult shot.

You’ll see what I think of timeouts a couple of questions down.

I’d ban thunderstix and find some comfortable decibel level that could not be exceeded by in-house music. I don’t know what that is, but it’s lower than the one they’ve got in place now.

I’d ban the playing of any music while the ball was in play.

Oh, and screaming, in-game "hosts"? Gone. Outta here.

Man, this is fun, but that’s probably enough for now, no?

-

Q: Long time reader of your blog and first time writing on it.  Got two questions

1) What is the nature of the problem between Bryan Colangelo and Phoenix Suns owner?

2) I'm a big fan of Chris Bosh and I know he's going to be a perennial all-star but I'm not confident he can be the lone all-star on a championship winning team.  So how long do the Raptors have to get him help or he starts wanting out?

Seeralan R, Markham

A: I don’t know the exact nature of the thing between Colangelo and Sarver; from this viewpoint it’s a petulant owner not wanting to be reminded of the good executive he drove out of town.

As for Bosh, he’s under contract for the next two seasons with a player option for 2010-11 so that’s how long they have until he can test the free agent waters if he wants to.

-

Q: Okay, I tried asking this once already, but to no avail, so I thought I'd rephrase, and see if you'll enlighten me. Why is Manu Ginobli the 6th man of the Spurs? Is it because the Spurs have 5 incredible players who deserve to start before him? Can Manu only perform coming off the bench? Is it a TJ-Jose situation, where that makes someone else more comfortable? Please enlighten me, oh knowing one.

Julie M, Toronto

A: Sorry if I missed it earlier. No slight intended.

Ginobili, who has started a few games here and there, seems better suited for that Spurs roster as an energy guy off the bench who can provide some instant offence.

You can make the case he’s the third most-skilled player on the team (behind Duncan and Parker) and could start ahead of Bruce Bowen or Mike Finley but he’s in a role he plays so well, they don’t want to mess with it.

And given the number of games and championships San Antonio has won, you can’t argue with the success.

-

Q: While watching the end of the Cavs/Celtics game (Wednesday) night, I timed how long it took to play the final 1:05 minutes. It took close to 14 minutes!!! I believe they should reduce the amount of timeouts a team is given - I think the current amount given per team per half should be for the WHOLE game. Thoughts?

Adam R, Toronto

A: I think the last minutes of close games take waaaaaaaaay too long to finish and would be all in favour of limiting the timeouts to two a half for each team. And reducing that to one full and one 20-second in the final two minutes of a game. The TV folks would hate that so I’d give them one or two each quarter – one at the first stoppage after three minutes have elapsed, the next after seven minutes have elapsed but that’s it.

-

Q: Just wondering, if the Raps do end up trading TJ, wouldn't it be smart to draft a back-up point guard? There might be a couple of quality point guards available at the 17 spot such as UCLA's Russel Westbrook and Texas' DJ Augustine.

Ryan G, Auckland, N.Z.

A: No, I don’t think it would. They have more serious needs to address. They can likely find a suitable backup in free agency and if they can get Roko Ukic over next season and have to use him for 14-16 minutes a night, so be it.

And I can’t imagine Westbrook still being there at 15; Augustine, maybe.

Comments

[Arun]

"If I had to pick one of those two, I’d rather hire Sam than Butch because, eventually, Butch would do something to alienate his players. Sam’s been here four years and that hasn’t happened."

Didn't he completely ignore Andrea for a month? As in, not say a single word to the guy? If that's not alienating, I don't know what is.

And also, Doug, you mentionned that Jose didn't say anything important in his Spanish interview. I think there are a few lines that might interest readers.

"I've been two years with him[Ford] but I don't know if I could be another year because things would have to change."

For the record, and it'd be nice if you could confirm this, TJ's never done anything but praise Jose up and down in the media.

Blogger's note: Things would have to change, both want to start; that's not new at all. And I believe there is a world of difference between making your feelings known after a season than during, when it can be far more disruptive to a team's chemistry.
And, no, you're absolutely wrong, no one "ignored" Andrea for a month. I'm sure the situation you're referring to was when Sam said about midway through the season that he hadn't spoken to Andrea, mainly because the kid had about a billion people in his ears (assistant coaches acting on Sam's behalf and under his direction, mainly). There is nothing wrong with the relationship between the two.

[bballer]

doug, with your list, do you think that the teams that whine the most are a reflection of the coaches that whines the most - pjax, pops, isiah and karl? i'm surprised phx isn't up there but i guess d'antoni whined so much his players couldn't get a word in edgewise.

also, after 15 years in toronto, didn't you think TO fans would stop all of the hockey references in their questions about the nba? a lot of answers can be found on raptors.com, nba.com and by reading the tonnes of basketball sites out there, including realgm.com, hoopshype.com and even yahoo.com's stats.

kerr, was a minority owner of the suns and often consulted with sarver since sarver was in control. so there was always a trust level b/w the two. steve kerr is a bright guy and knows the game. i think he will be able to put his stamp on this team and make it a championship calibre squad in the post-nash era. with patience, people will learn and then revel in his astuteness. the suns may no longer be as entertaining but they will never be seen as soft or weak defensively again. in year 3 of the kerr era, the suns shall rise again.

as for bruce bowen being dirty - the fans may think so but not the coaches. they respect him so much he has been named to the all-nba defensive team for the 8th time in his career. so get over it people. he plays 80's and 90's style bball which coaches admire.

finally, with 7 above avg point guards entering the draft who will be selected in the 1st round and 4 other young pg's being available in trade including tj, kyle lowry, marcus williams and sergio rodriguez, the nba will enter a great pg era led by chris paul, tony parker and deron williams. barring injury to the young bloods, kidd and nash will not be all stars anymore.

[Jim S.]

Watching the NCAA Final two minutes go by in a breeze the nba is pathetic it takes forever. And I also find it funny TJ is chastised for his remarks but for calderon it's ok.

[Jeff D]

I couldn't agree with you more about banning music while the ball is in play! It completely distracts from the "sounds of the game" and effectively kills the experience of seeing a game live. Frankly, after being to two Raps games this year and being inundated with noise and "entertainment" I'd almost rather go see a quality university (or even high-school) game and watch the pros on TV.

[Arun]

Actually, there was an article earlier in the year that had a different spin on it. Not sure which version was actually correct - I'm just going by what I read.

http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Basketball/2008/01/15/4773487-sun.html

[Paul]

Doug,

In prior blogs, and in this one, you've intimated that it is possible that Parker gets dealt - and even he saw the possibility in an end of season interview.

I think he has been a GREAT Raptor, and I'm glad we were the vehicle for him to return to the NBA. If you have any method of contacting him, and he is dealt, I hope you can express our gratitude to him!

Thanks - have a great long weekend!

[Tree]

Doug, did you watch the Spurs-Hornets games last night? Look no further than the shameful performance in the third quarter as to the reason why fans hate the Spurs. A close game turned into a rout in about 3 minutes, with Paul and West picking up multiple fouls that were based on absolute flops. It was unwatchable. On one, Duncan is barely touched, throws his arms up as he falls backward yelling "Offensive foul" and pointing at the officials. Sure enough, they call it. The replay was greeted by complete silence by the play-by-play team. On 2 other plays, Bruce "Lee" Bowen reacts to being touched by flying across the court like he'd been shot. This is not athletics, it's acting - and it's making soccer look much more bearable.

This is just getting back to the past 2 days of posts, but while you're right about all teams flopping and whining, no one does it on the scale of the Spurs (or get the calls like the Spurs). Further, I think as they have been so successful, I think other teams are emulating their style in hopes of matching their success (which I think is the main reason for the increase in flopping). As a Raps beat guy, would you say that they flop even 25% as much as the Spurs?

That game last night give the NBA a black eye from a fans perspective. That and stuff like the Lakers having a 136-73 free throw advantage over the Jazz in their 3 home games. Is it any wonder home teams are 19-1 this round?

[Ben]

'Make the case that Ginobili is better than Bowen or Finley'. Wow...I didn't realize a case needed to be made, maybe I overestimate the basketball knowledge of some folks reading here.

[voislav]

Speaking of the Spurs, I wonder why don't more teams do what Spurs do, bring one of their best players off the bench. There is only so much ball to go around and the guy end up playing 30-35 minutes anyways. My guess is that ego gets in the way.

Maybe a basketball 101 question if anyone knows. Why does NBA play 48 minute games? It's sort of a rip off, since very few players play more than 40 minutes per game, so you're stuck watching bench players for the remainder and taking players out kills the momentum in a game.

[GM]

I think "knuckleheads" can work on teams with superstars and a proven superstar coach. When you have the force of personality like Jordan, Shaq/Kobe, Phil Jackson, Greg Popavich, et. al., you can afford to have a knucklehead. But put them on a lesser team in a lesser market with a lesser all-star leader and they'll invariably think they're above the team and ruin things somehow.

As for what coaches say in timeouts, it can't be all that important. Ever watch P.J. Carlesimo? He stands on the court huddled with his assistants for all but 10 or 15 seconds of the timeout, at which point he'll amble back to his players and say what he has to say, long past when the other coaches get back to their players. Every time. At least it makes the timeouts fun, watching and timing him.

Doug, don't sell yourself short. Of course you could do a book like that for the Raptors. With the crazy Raptor truthers out there and the Euro component, I'm sure it would sell well. You could take a year's leave of absence from the paper, couldn't you? Get on it before someone beats you to it!

Do they still do 4 games in 5 nights?

You've said you would keep Forderon if Ford decided he could play off the bench. Maybe if they used Ginobili as an example and tried to get Ford to play for 6th Man of the Year, he'd come around.

Finally, I like all those timeouts at the end of the game. It prolongs the suspense. What's the rush? Why does everyone want the game to end?

Blogger's note: Oh yeah, they still do four games in five nights; we seem to get them out west on road trips. This year it was LA-Portland back-to-back; night off, Seattle-Phoenix back-to-back.

[Tim]

Commish, some suggestions:

When the defending team makes an off-the-ball foul not in the penalty, give the opposing team a fresh shot clock. It shouldn't be to the defending team's benefit to foul.

When the defending team makes an off-the-ball foul during the penalty, allow the opposing team to choose their free throw shooter, or make it a one foul shot and retain possession.

Call flopping a foul. I love when a defender takes a legitimate charge so I wouldn't extend the semi-circle, but the flopping has got to stop. Yes, it may be argued, how do you know it's a flop, but it's just as easy to say how do you know it's a charge. Leave it to ref's discretion.

Last, crazy idea: After a flagrant foul, have the penalized team play one man down for two minutes (yes, a hockey bringover), but wouldn't it be fun to see such stuff like 5-4 (imagine the crowd if the defending team manages to keep things close). Probably wouldn't happen that often as defenders would be forced to stop swinging their arms wildly to block a shot and hitting driving players' heads.

Alternatively, less crazy, tell the refs to call more clear paths to the baskets in order to stop the too-hard fouls.

[Ted]

As a tactician, Butch was better than Sam; in relating to players and getting them to play hard consistenly, Sam’s light years ahead of Butch.

I must have missed those games … the ones where the Raptors played consistently hard. Maybe a lack of focus and intensity is excusable for spurts over an 82-game season, but when its not there in the playoffs, that's a huge problem. In my opinion, the Raps have underachieved the last two years (more so in 2008), which means that they have the talent to do better than they've done (especially in the Leastern Division). And much of that has to do with a lack of effort or hustle … taking a shot too quick, not driving to the hoop, not switching on D, not blocking out, etc. I cringe every time I see a shot go up and watch as 5 Raptors head back down the court with no one going to the basket for a board or tip-in.

I still don't know whether the players are not being told/taught to make the hustle plays and do the little things that win games, or if they're just not listening. But after 2 years of it (Garbo, Bosh & Jose being the exceptions), the coach has to take the blame. Whether he's not sending them the right message or they're not listening, he's the one responsible. So while I agree that he did a great job getting the new players to mesh in 2007, he failed big time in 2008.

I don't think that his handling of players helps the Raptors playing hard either. In the playoffs, Barnagni was left in way too long when his effort level was low and Rasho didn't get the minutes he did at the end of the season. Moon should have been told that he was on the floor to rebound and to drive/dunk, and that he'd be benched if he took anything other than a wide-open late-in-the-clock shot. Hustle guys like Humphries should have been given more floor time. And even Joey Graham, who has (had?) the potential to be a strong wingman at both ends of the floor, should be given more of a chance. Especially when the others weren't leaving it all on the floor. Its great that we got rid of me-first guys like HeWhoCannotBeNamed, Jalen Rose & Mike James, and that we have a team of unselfish players, but we need a coach who can get more effort out of them on a consistent basis. Losing Garbo hurt for sure, but it doesn't appear that Mitchell is getting the job done.

[Vincent Lam]

"Knowing the organization and the kind of player it wants, I’d say there’s a very, very low tolerance for bad character guys, much closer to one than 10. And, in my opinion, guys at the high end of that scale aren’t worth it, no matter what they bring on the court."

Umm... I love the dude as much as anyone, but Charles Oakley was a knucklehead. He got into fights before games and was suspended many times. You could argue he's a bad character guy. But anyone would have taken him on their team. I guess he's "good" crazy, but that's what the Raptors need.

[Eric]

"Things would have to change, both want to start"- Remember, Doug, it was primarily the fans who thought this would become an issue back in the day when the point guards themselves as well as the media and coaches were saying that the starting job was not important. Now it is? Well, either give the fans some credit for anticipating this problem months ago- and being lambasted for it- or call out the team/players for pretending like it wasn't an issue when it always was. It can't go both ways. Starting's not important, now starting is? The fans aren't in the war rooms but it does seem like they're the only ones being honest about things sometimes.

[Arun]

I agree 100% with Eric. With one more thing to add. The media complains about fans going crazy over the TJ-Jose debate. Truth is, that was a monster created by the the media itself.

[Serge Papineau]

"As a tactician, Butch was better than Sam; in relating to players and getting them to play hard consistenly, Sam’s light years ahead of Butch.

I must have missed those games … the ones where the Raptors played consistently hard. Maybe a lack of focus and intensity is excusable for spurts over an 82-game season, but when its not there in the playoffs, that's a huge problem. In my opinion, the Raps have underachieved the last two years (more so in 2008), which means that they have the talent to do better than they've done (especially in the Leastern Division). And much of that has to do with a lack of effort or hustle … taking a shot too quick, not driving to the hoop, not switching on D, not blocking out, etc. I cringe every time I see a shot go up and watch as 5 Raptors head back down the court with no one going to the basket for a board or tip-in.

I still don't know whether the players are not being told/taught to make the hustle plays and do the little things that win games, or if they're just not listening. But after 2 years of it (Garbo, Bosh & Jose being the exceptions), the coach has to take the blame. Whether he's not sending them the right message or they're not listening, he's the one responsible. So while I agree that he did a great job getting the new players to mesh in 2007, he failed big time in 2008.

I don't think that his handling of players helps the Raptors playing hard either. In the playoffs, Barnagni was left in way too long when his effort level was low and Rasho didn't get the minutes he did at the end of the season. Moon should have been told that he was on the floor to rebound and to drive/dunk, and that he'd be benched if he took anything other than a wide-open late-in-the-clock shot. Hustle guys like Humphries should have been given more floor time. And even Joey Graham, who has (had?) the potential to be a strong wingman at both ends of the floor, should be given more of a chance. Especially when the others weren't leaving it all on the floor. Its great that we got rid of me-first guys like HeWhoCannotBeNamed, Jalen Rose & Mike James, and that we have a team of unselfish players, but we need a coach who can get more effort out of them on a consistent basis. Losing Garbo hurt for sure, but it doesn't appear that Mitchell is getting the job done."

Tim, you owe me the 3 minutes of my life I just wasted reading that.

[Amanda]

Doug, do you know the status of Andy Rautins? I remember he got injured last summer in a qualifier and was just wondering if he's all healed and ready to go for this summer?

Blogger's note: Heard yesterday that he'll be all ready to go for the summer.

[lulu]

Hey Mr S.

Wasn't Bento in the same situation as Jose (back-up PG that became the starting pg)? wasn't bento the main reason that got Mike B traded to Atlanta?

So why would he want to come to the raps to be a back-up again? and play less?

Blogger's note: I can only imagine you mean Beno Udrih. And I don't think he'd "want" to come here at all.

[Lex]

wow havent written in in a while...I see the rants are longer than ever. Anyways.
Doug, is a player restricted at the end of their rookie scale contract or their first post-rookie contract? Or both? Obviously players signed outside the draft are restricted after first contract as you explained. Thanks

Blogger's note: End of their rookie scale contracts, if they don't sign an extension, of course.

[Tim]

Serge,

Mon dieu! Recheck the names you drop.

Merci.

[Alex]

Doug, in response to your response to Arun's comment's, you're actually off-base I think.

TJ never explicitly said that he wanted to be a starter during the season - he only said it at the end of the season during closing/exit interviews. Anything during the season is pure speculation propagated by the media, (sorry Doug, you included) based on trivial matters like his body language (I don't think you guys are qualified body language readers) and poor play (maybe it was his rust?? or unfamiliarity with the new role??). In fact during the season, TJ explicitly commended Calderon and said he was fine with Jose starting; he never once came out and said "I want to be a starter."

During the exit interviews, his response to the question "can you see yourself coming off the bench at some point in your career" (a lose-lose question anyway), was "I can't really see myself coming off the bench." Jose's comments, I feel, are far worse than that - they were of his own accord (not a response to a press question) and explicitly referenced TJ whereas Ford has never once bad-mouthed Calderon in the media.

Essentially, both PG's are in the same boat. The media coverage however, has painted an entirely different story as usual - one PG being the "good guy" the other as the "selfish bad guy". Not hard to figure out who has been labeled the "bad guy" unjustly. I just don't get it.

[Rob]

"As a tactician, Butch was better than Sam; in relating to players and getting them to play hard consistenly, Sam’s light years ahead of Butch.

I must have missed those games … the ones where the Raptors played consistently hard. Maybe a lack of focus and intensity is excusable for spurts over an 82-game season, but when its not there in the playoffs, that's a huge problem. In my opinion, the Raps have underachieved the last two years (more so in 2008), which means that they have the talent to do better than they've done (especially in the Leastern Division). And much of that has to do with a lack of effort or hustle … taking a shot too quick, not driving to the hoop, not switching on D, not blocking out, etc. I cringe every time I see a shot go up and watch as 5 Raptors head back down the court with no one going to the basket for a board or tip-in.

I still don't know whether the players are not being told/taught to make the hustle plays and do the little things that win games, or if they're just not listening. But after 2 years of it (Garbo, Bosh & Jose being the exceptions), the coach has to take the blame. Whether he's not sending them the right message or they're not listening, he's the one responsible. So while I agree that he did a great job getting the new players to mesh in 2007, he failed big time in 2008.

I don't think that his handling of players helps the Raptors playing hard either. In the playoffs, Barnagni was left in way too long when his effort level was low and Rasho didn't get the minutes he did at the end of the season. Moon should have been told that he was on the floor to rebound and to drive/dunk, and that he'd be benched if he took anything other than a wide-open late-in-the-clock shot. Hustle guys like Humphries should have been given more floor time. And even Joey Graham, who has (had?) the potential to be a strong wingman at both ends of the floor, should be given more of a chance. Especially when the others weren't leaving it all on the floor. Its great that we got rid of me-first guys like HeWhoCannotBeNamed, Jalen Rose & Mike James, and that we have a team of unselfish players, but we need a coach who can get more effort out of them on a consistent basis. Losing Garbo hurt for sure, but it doesn't appear that Mitchell is getting the job done."

Arun,you just cost all of us 6 minutes reading it twice!!! Thanks alot dude!!!

[Shabbir]

"Ginobili, who has started a few games here and there, seems better suited for that Spurs roster as an energy guy off the bench who can provide some instant offence.

You can make the case he’s the third most-skilled player on the team (behind Duncan and Parker) and could start ahead of Bruce Bowen or Mike Finley but he’s in a role he plays so well, they don’t want to mess with it."

I liked the post game interview Popovich gave after a game where Manu got almost every possession in the 4th, and a reporter asked why Popovich felt confident in that strategy. His response was, "He's Manu Ginobili" and then he swiftly walked away. The only reason you could argue he's the third best player on the Spurs is because there's a legitimate case for him being the second best player on the Spurs.

[bballer]

i'm back and forth with the pursuit of kirilenko as a secondary wing player to go after. this is the 2nd year in a row he has been more concerned about planning vacations during a playoff series as opposed to focusing on the game. he is a solid defensive player but he seems very selfish with his actions. not very european is it? nevertheless, sloan, dwills and utah fans are p'd off with him. would he be a player to pursuit along with a corey maggette type scoring wing man who can draw fouls and create his own shots? what do you foresee to be a limitation with his game aside from his salary?

Blogger's note: I think his biggest limitation is ability to create his own shot actually. But his basketball instincts, help defence and shot-blocking from the small forward position would be a huge boost here. I don't know, I go back and forth on him an awful lot.

[Arun]

I certainly owe people their time, but definitely not 6 minutes :P.

The names correspond to the posts above them (ie Serge should have said 'Ted' instead of 'Tim').