Catching up from the weekend

Finally, some juice to the post-season. If we can get a Cleveland win tonight – and the way the Celtics play on the road that’s a distinct possibility – the end of the week might be very, very cool.

Looks like you had a quiet weekend, too. Only a couple of comments and very little mail. Hope it was just a nice weekend blip and you haven’t gone on to other things.

But before we get into the weekend, some Raptor news.

Think there’s another Jamario Moon out there?

Talking to Bryan last week, he says they’re planning another of those free-agent, pre-draft camps here that yielded them Moon a year ago.

Of course, that was a bit of a find, can’t imagine there’s another one around but it will give them a chance to see a bunch of guys at one time instead of wading through a handful of scouting reports or individual workouts.

And unlike last year, when the camp was as much a make-work project for a team without a draft pick, the week leading up to the June 26 draft will be spent dealing with draft speculation and trade innuendo. You know, good days for a beat grunt.

Let’s check in with the series, okay?

Who was that guy?

I’m checking my Raptor guide, under Former Raptors, page 166 and I swear it says Lindsey Hunter shot 35 per cent from the field and 32 per cent from three-point range and played in only 29 games in 2002-03 because he was done.

Who, pray tell, was that out there for the Pistons on Saturday then?

Oh, and what in the world was Hedo Turkoglu thinking? Biggest play of the entire season and he lollygags for about three seconds before driving into traffic? Talk about your mental blips.

I guess I’d given the Magic too much credit, thinking they’d take advantage of no Billups and make it a series.

Dopey me.

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The road’s a terrible place

Simone in Toronto writes over the weekend:

Just finished watching the Cavs/Celts game and was wondering about your take on why the Celts can't seem to buy a win on the road? I'm sure a lot of people thought they would have swept the Hawks, yet it went 7 games and had it not been for home-court advantage, we could have seen an upset. Now we are in the second round and they have yet to grab that road win. Your thoughts?

I wish I had an easy answer for you, Simone.

It makes no sense that a team that defends so well at home defends so poorly (all of a sudden) on the road, like 25 points a game more poorly.

All I can surmise is that maybe the concentration wanes a bit when they don’t have the emotion a home crowd provides? Surely, it’s got something to do with the Cavs and Hawks being more comfortable at home but that can’t be the entire reason.

A combination? Yeah, think that’ll be the most logical explanation.

I will say this: Watching the Cavs absolutely ignore Rajon Rondo on offence all night on Saturday – the Boston point guard just won’t shoot a jumper it seems – means it was a 4-on-5 game and I’m taking the five all the way.

I can see this one going seven with the home team winning every game.

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A blast from the past

Zaki of Mississauga points out something very cool:

I'm sitting here watching the wonderful Lakers-Jazz series, watching Sloan and Jackson on the sidelines, and then it hits me! This is the '98 finals being repeated again. I mean, the similarities are amazing - Jackson's big 3 of Bryant, Odom, and Gasol, is akin to Jordan, Pippen, and Rodman, while Sloan's team is being lead by Williams and Boozer which is similar to the team which was lead by Stockton-Malone. Not to mention the fact that Derek Fisher is the equivalent of the crafty Ron Harper, while Korver is playing the role of Hornacek - just unreal.
In your years of reporting, have you ever seen a similarity such as this before?  I mean, what are the chances that the two coaches are leading the exact same teams 10 years later?  I love this game!

It is something, isn’t it.

Now, I can’t make the case that, as a group, Bryant, Gasol and Odom are better overall than Jordan-Pippen-Rodman, just like I can make the case that Williams and Boozer aren’t close to Stockton-Malone but it is fun to watch.

And, I’ll tell you this, if Kobe’s back doesn’t un-spasm, or whatever it is that happens when spasms go away, I can see Utah winning that series because without his explosiveness, Bryant can be guarded well enough by Kirilenko that just enough of his effectiveness will be lost.

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Who was that guy?

Oh, and while Super Son was watching Survivor (I personally would have voted for teary-eyed Amanda), I was flipping back and forth between commercials and didn’t see very much of the Spurs-Hornets non-game last night.

But in a semi-sleepy haze some time after 10 p.m., I swear I heard Marv Albert talking about Mike James being on the court.

That couldn’t be, could it?

-

A question: I know those end-of-quarter interviews with coaches are supposed to add something to the broadcasts but if Phil Jackson and Jerry Sloan are going to be as crusty as they have been, I’m thinking the networks are better off selling something than subjecting viewers to that.

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Hey, I guess Mike D’Antoni isn’t coming here! Oh, and he never, ever was, by the way.

But outside of 24 million reasons, I can’t think of a 24,000,000,001^st 24,000,001st reason for him to take that Knicks job.

And because so many of you think the world only revolves around the Raptors, can we snuff the T.J. Ford-to-New York talk at least until D’Antoni and Donnie Walsh sit down and really talk about their roster.

I cannot see it happening in any way, shape or form. I’d think D’Antoni would like to coach Jamal Crawford and David Lee, who seem to be the apple of all of your eyes and there is nothing else on that roster that would fit here.

Comments

[Arun]

"But outside of 24 million reasons, I can’t think of a 24,000,000,001st reason for him to take that Knicks job."

Long night, huh? That's about 3 too many 0's. :P

Blogger's note: Math, it seems, is not my long suit.
Thanks

[Dave B]

Hey Doug, methinks you got 24 billion reasons for D'Antoni...just slash a few zeros...(And coincidently, I would have voted for Amanda too...I'd say she's the sexiest Survivor yet, hands down)

Blogger's note: Yeah, got that billion-million thing worked out. Thanks

[Jay]

Fine.
Maybe Lee and Crawford out of New York isn't happening but what about this:

T.J. and Rahso's expiring contract over to Miami in exchange for Udonis Haslem and Mark Blount.

The number's work, and the Heat are desperate for someone who isn't Jason Williams to help Dwayne Wade take the ball up the court.

Haslem's a valued piece in Miami but with the Matrix looking to extend his contract, why does Riley keep both Small Forwards at those cap figures.

Number's wise Rasho and Blount are a wash, but the heat get the expiring contract and we get fresher legs until the draft finally gets us a center or Bargs turns it around. (And can we get Andrea some creatine or some protein poweder or something so that actually happens?)

Following the Doug Smith rule of "does Miami make this deal, or is just good for the Raptors..." I think this one happens.

[Felix]

Jay, I hope you never become GM of the raptors. While Haslem is an important piece of any team that has championship aspirations, you cannot simply trade those 2 particular assets for him... especially when it means you have to take back mark blount.

[RS]

There is no way Toronto trades TJ and Rasho for Haslem and Blount. Toronto doesn't need either of those guys, and Haslem would have to come off the bench to spell Bosh. That trade really addresses none of Toronto's shortcomings.

[bballer]

this year's nba playoffs are amazing aren't they?

when colangelo decides to reshape his team, does he first identify the players he wants and tries to see how he can find options to bring them to the raps or does he only try to go after people he thinks he can get. his lure of nash seems to argue the former. but the construction of the team last year leaves my head scratching. does colangelo have an overall philosophy of how his teams should play. phx were never strong defensive or rebounding teams so are we as fans expecting too much from colangelo to address those areas?

[Dave B.]

Interesting Miami deal...but isn't Haslem a 4? Moving him to 3 would create defensive mismatches every game, wouldn't it? and to have Haslem behind Bosh would seem like a waste to me...Blount behind Bosh would be good...Just checked the webite, and at 6-8 I guess he could be a three...I always thought of him as a PF, though

[Rob]

Uh, Jay Haslem's a PF. And the only decent "big" that teams got right now.

[Uncle Zeke]

"I guess I’d given the Magic too much credit, thinking they’d take advantage of no Billups and make it a series.
Dopey me."

Hmmm... Or maybe just maybe your giving the team that's gone to 5 straight ECF too little credit? Not everyone was sleeping on Lindsay Hunter

[Kevin]

Amanda totally should have won.

Also, I would love to see Crawford over here just so I could stop seeing him score at will on the Raps, but I suspect that wouldn't make compelling reason for D'Antoni and Walsh.

I'm interested in what D'Antoni will do....but also scared that he'll succeed.

[Arun]

Jay - I think Miami takes that and runs. Question is, why do the Raptors make that deal? I don't think Haslem is what this team needs.

[Amanda]

Doug, do you think Kobe cost the Lakers the game yesterday? He was obviously hurting in the 4th and OT, and rather than sharing the ball he continued to try and work his way into the paint with no success and take heavily contested shots. I know he's used to being the man in crunch time, but it might have been wise to leave the tough shots to his teammates.

Blogger's note: I don't think he cost them the game, I think his mere presence made it possible for them to get back in the game. No way Derek Fisher or Lamar Odom has that kind of impact if the defence isn't paying so much attention to Bryant, regardless of how hurt he was.

[voislav]

Hey, at least with D'Antoni Knicks should be more watchable, it's guaranteed pizza night at the ACC. If you're D'Antoni why not take the job, that team has nowhere to go but up and you can always blame the very unpopular ex-GM/coach for saddling you with a horrible roster.

All this trade speculation is pointless, BC has a history of keeping his cards close to his chest. I don't think we'll hear anything until the deal is done or even a few days after. I don't expect it to be someone's spare parts either, if he's dealing TJ he'll be looking to get quality in return.

[gabriel a]

many people around the blogosphere are saying its becoming more interesting in light of Jose's claim that he wants a start , that he should be signed and traded because we can get more value for him than TJ. In parallel they are saying that TJ, if surrounded wit solid vets can really blossom like chauncey and Rafer have in their current situations. I really agree with this argument and i feel like we have lost too many high potential players because we dont have steady solid veterans to provide guidance ( we dont even have that on the bench!!) any thoughts Dougie fresh?

Blogger's note: I think, as I've thought for a while, that they will, and should, see what they can get for Ford.

[Alain Rousselle]

Dave B,

I like where you're going with this one. It does make sense.

I also think we should sign Calderon, and check the possibilities on the trade block. He's hyped up a lot (maybe more than he's worth) so we could get something real nice in exchange. This is going to be a great summer!

[edgar]

haha maybe if Haslem was a mobile 7'3 and 280 but he's undersized and overvalued despite his hustle..... Doug, I am starting to understand your annoyance for random trade speculation....

[Camilo Perez]

More speculation. That deal for Haslem is likely and makes perfect sense for both teams financially, unless Miami picks Rose as #1 or #2 in the draft and they resolve their PG problem.
Haslem Coming off the bench as the first big man replacing Bosh or Bargnani would be awesome. The question is if Miami is willing to take on TJ Ford. Everybody knows they'd love to take on Calderon. The other two teams really hurting for a PG are Portland and Denver. With Denver there is no fit for the Raptors but Portland does have pieces that the Raptors might be interested in.

[Serge Papineau]

Jamal Crawford is NOT what the Raptors need, regardless of what you give up for him. He's an undersized ball hog who jacks up a ton of bad shots and is allergic to defense. Also, he's played for horrible teams his whole career and that says something. There's nothing easier than scoring alot of points on a bad team, just look at guys like Shareef Abdur Rahim, Jamal Tinsley, Cutino Mobley, Steve Francis, Marbury, Mike James etc. The only reason Crawford scores close to 20 a game is because he takes so many shots. Oh and did I mention he's got a horrible contract? What's the obsession with this guy? If you can get Davide Lee (not going to happen) then great, but Crawford? Come on people.

[Jay]

I'm sensing resistance to my trade proposal...
but a couple of follow up statements so I don't seem (as) crazy:

1. Haslem is a 3/4; or a 3 who rebounds.
I say, he starts at SF (in front of Kapono), and spells Bosh when the team goes small. Like he did in Miami.

2. Blount is a backup; but so is Rasho.
Neither of them is starting for any NBA team, not even the Raptors. He's there to fill cap space in the trade and back up Bargs once he is here.

[DougG]

"I want to be a starter and to be in a team that aspires for everything. Of course, I will not be on a team in which I cannot be an important contributor nor if there is not a solid structure or if there are not options to be in the Playoffs.’ “"

Doug do you think Jose was taking a swipe at MLSE or BC with the comment about structure and being in the playoffs? If not, what do you think he was talking about?

Blogger's note: I moved this over to the regular blog

Thanks

[Mark]

What about TJ to the Kniocks with Joey and the Hump for David Lee, Jamal Crawford and Nate Robinson. Itw orks under the cap. Gives the Raps a new backup for Jose and an outside scorer(they can move AP to the bench or the 3). It also gives the Raptors a legit big man, in Lee, who can hustle, play tough, score and be a great compliment to CB4.It does not give the Raptors the athletic three they need but vastly improves their team. This would be appealing to the Knicks because they rid themselves of Crafords contract and get the fast point gaurd they need for D'Antonis offense. Your Thoughts?

Blogger's note: You don't want my thoughts. Really. Take a look at that again: You're suggesting the Knicks would give up two starters and their most energetic and best rebounder for a PG with history of injuries and two end-of-the-bench fill-ins? Really? You don't want any more thoughts than that, believe me.

[Dave B.]

Woah Alain,...I don't think it makes sense at all! I like Haslem, but not on the Raps...don't credit me with that! I don't think Haslem can play the three at all. Every other SF in the league would blow by him, and the Raps don't have a clue how to help!!

[Eric]

Just to clear up one thing. Unless the roof falls in on the NBA financial market, Jose Calderon will be in line for a big raise.... meaning more than 20%..... meaning he will be a BYC player like Tj Ford was this past year.

This just means that even if they want to trade Calderon, they'll have a tough time. If his salary goes up to $9 mil for example, his "BYC value" is half of that, or $4.5 mil. So #1) The Raptors would have to find equal value in the form of players who make a total of about $4.5 million; and #2) The Raptors trading partner would have to be willing to bump their payroll up by about $4.5 million (since they're giving away $4.5 and taking in Calderon's $9).

Long story short, Calderon fans can rest easy because I don't think it's going to happen!

[chris]

why are people SO anxious to trade TJ to a team in our division (NY) or our conference (Miami). Especially teams that with some luck and smarts might be back to competing with us for playoff position next year. You want to see Miami run with Beasley, Wade, Ford, and Dorrell Wright next year? I don't care who their other big men are.

Please trade with western conference teams only. Please??

[Travis]

I think Colangelo definitely has to evaluate the trade market for both TJ and Jose, and examine what his roster would look like if either player was traded. Nobody has ever said TJ Ford is not a starting pg, he just can't be a backup behind Calderon. The biggest risk of keeping Ford is that he gets hurt again and then they would be left with nothing (assuming they keep Ford and trade Jose).