Friday delivery, specially for you

Hey folks.

Well, I asked, and you answered. Or I asked and you asked, to be more correct.

Anyway, lots of good ones here and I’ve held over a few to get us through the start of next week.

Thanks for coming through, as always.

Q: I'm surprised to see you casting the Pistons aside so quickly! Especially with your man Walter there holding down the fort and getting some burn (Wednesday) night. If the Pistons don't get Chauncey back, who do you think needs to step up their game the most in the back court - Stuckey or Rip?

Amanda F, Barrie

A: Walter’s great, isn’t he? All crazy hair and weird gait and energy.

Now, for the question. Because the Pistons offence is so, um, plodding and because Billups is so good at getting the ball to the right guy at the right time, you’d think the pressure would be on his replacement if he can’t go, wouldn’t you? But I suggest it’s going to be on guys like Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince to be more creative, get their own stuff, if

Detroit’s going to hold off the Magic.

And I don’t know if they can.

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Q: Doug, as frequent viewer of NBA games I noticed something that bugs me a bit, which is players cursing out loud. I understand some of players were really into the game, but dropping S-bombs out loud and mouthing the f-word (the broadcast doesn't have audio on players) might make kids think it's acceptable to swear out loud. And one more question, how tolerant are referees when players protest/discuss against calls, especially in the playoffs. Are they more tolerant?

Kenneth L, Mississauga

A: Yes, 20-something and 30-something pro athletes curse, some of them quite frequently but I don’t see any remedy to that situation. Unfortunately.

The officials do give players a bit more latitude in the post-season, mostly because the intensity level is so much greater than in the regular season and everyone’s wound a wee bit tighter. There are still basic trigger points for technicals – stuff like throwing a head band, openly showing up a ref – but for the most part, the reigns are loosened a little bit.

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Q: Hey Doug, can we assume Garbo is going to be healthy and resume being an important piece for the Raps' next season?

Hunter B, Kentville

A: You can assume nothing. When the regular season opens in November, Garbo will have played seven NBA games in almost 19 months, expecting him to come back and be an “important piece” right away is asking a lot.

It’s not that he can’t, or won’t, it’s just that it’s going to take him some time to get back up to speed.

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Q: Watching teams like Suns and Mavs make early exits, and both looking for new coaches, do you see the landscape of the West drastically changing next year? Is there finally hope for the likes of Portland or Golden State to get back into the playoffs? I imagine there is no quick fix for the Suns lack of defence, or Dallas's lack of "onions" ... maybe rebuilding years are ahead for both? What teams if any do you see dropping out, or moving up the Western ranks next year?

Caleb H, Ottawa

A: Not drastically, no. I think it’ll be more competitive in the regular season, which may lead to fewer teams with 50-plus wins because I think the Clippers, if Brand’s back, and the Blazers, with Oden, are bound to be better and win more games.

If you’re looking for teams to take a step back, I can see Golden State dropping back a little bit and I do think Dallas will struggle more than they have.

I’ll dispute the Suns defensive issue; if they get a coach who stresses some sort of consistent theme and they actually work on it, I can see them being an average defensive team. Not good, just average. After all, the likes of Barbosa, Diaw and Bell are athletic enough that if they wanted to, they could be okay defenders.

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Q: Here's one for the mailbag. You asked the crazies to take a step back, breath deep, count to 10, and consider how their ridiculous trade idea looks from the other team's perspective, so I'd like to pick your brain as to how other teams see the Raps this off-season - some reverse-trade speculation. We're a team that had a mediocre/disappointing season amid high expectations, a quick first round exit, and it's pretty much universally acknowledged that *something* has to be done - BC can't/won't walk into next season trotting out the exact same roster. We're a team with some obvious deficiencies and clearly looking to make moves.
That said, which teams might be looking at certain Raps assets, our desire to make changes, and lick their chops? Houston is probably salivating at the thought of getting Primoz and Joey for the low low price of Yao Ming, right? .....right????????
Who would be most likely interested in who, and what would suit the Raps? Is it time to break out a list, Dougie??

Michael M, Toronto

A: If you’re a rival GM and trying to pick clean the Raptor roster – and you realize that the untouchables are Bosh, Bargnani and one of the point guards – you start by asking about a sign-and-trade with Calderon. I cannot see that happening so if you need a PG, you switch over to Ford, who has shown he can dominate a game at times.

After that, I’d think a guy like Anthony Parker would be attractive for his ability and his contrat, Rasho the same thing if you’ve got lots of money to spend, although at more than $8 million, that’s pretty steep.

Kapono would be next because he redeemed himself with a good post-season but with three more years on his team, there might be financial concerns.

That a good enough list?

Q: I just read a story about Jose and his desire to be a starter. Obviously, no one wants to sit on the bench, and I do feel that he deserves the spot. Do you think this admission spells the end of TJ unless he is willing to take a backseat to Jose?
Maybe I was reading into Jose's words, but he almost seemed bitter about being the backup.
I know BC has the option to match any offer, and has stated he will, but does Jose have to accept the offer? If say "team A" offers Jose a starting role and a wad of cash, while Toronto offers more cash, but the same scenario as last year, Is he obligated to stay with TO?
Is there any chance he won’t be back? That would be a huge set back to say the least

Scott T, Waterloo

A: I think anyone can see that one of the point guards has to go. And I think it’ll be Ford.

As for the contract, there is only one offer. Once, or if, Calderon signs an offer sheet from another team, the Raptors have seven days to match the exact terms, and there’s nothing he can do about it if they do.

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Q: In all sports, when the referee blows the whistle after a foul/penalty is called, all action is supposed to stop. In the NBA, the fouled player takes a couple of extra bounces and completes his shot.  why is this allowed? In a hockey game if someone completes his shot, he gets a possible misconduct or a face wash from the opposition. Is there a unsportsmanlike/delay of game rule regarding this practice in the NBA?
Gordon G, Vancouver

A: I’m not sure why it’s allowed, it probably shouldn’t be but there seems to be no repercussions. I do know some refs are quicker now to get the ball and stop that kind of stuff but it doesn’t seem to be that big a deal to anybody.

Just one of the quirks of the game, I guess.

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Q: Doug I was wondering if you heard anything on Georges Printezis.  I know he's playing with Olympiakos Pireus (right?) but how's he doing over there, and is there any chance he could be a Raptor next year? (could he have an impact?)

Steve G, NL

A: Olympiakos is right. Pretty average year, averaging about eight points and three rebounds in the EuroLeague, nothing really to write home about. I know Bryan and Maurizio saw him play a couple of times and neither came back raving about how great he was so I’d be surprised if we saw him over here next year. He could come and play in the Summer League, I guess, which would give everyone a chance to see him against borderline NBA opposition.

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Q: I don't really get the Mike D'Antoni thing. He's given permission by the club to look elsewhere, or as Grange says, only to look at specific clubs.
Is this the Suns way of pre-firing a coach, and not having to pay on the remaining contract? And by saying that he can't consider Toronto, doesn't the thing smell worse?
Seems to me the affair says more about the Suns ownership than the coaching...

Peter P, Toronto

A: It’s exactly their way of pre-firing a guy, and to lessen any amount of money they’d have to pay him. I tell ya, the more I read and hear and learn about Robert Sarver, the nuttier I think the owner is.

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Q: I wanted to ask your opinion on New Orleans’ success. When looking at them on paper at the start of the season they did not appear to be the contender that they are today. Chris Paul was still young, West was coming on as a stronger player, MoPete decent nothing outstanding, Chandler, a guy who was nothing special in Chicago and Stojakovic a great shooter, but has gotten older and has defensive issues. The bench was certainly nothing to write home about. Is all the success they have had due to Chris Paul? I cannot believe this to be true, as Kobe has shown prior to this year; one man does not make a team. Thanks
Terry D, Kingston

A: I don’t think it’s all due to Chris Paul but I’d say about 90 per cent of their success is. A guy like West having a career year sure helps; Chandler’s one of the more under-rated centres in the league, too.

You know who also deserves a lot of credit? Byron Scott. The coach has devised schemes that allow the players to maximize their talents, he puts them in the right spots to succeed.

Being injury-free, relatively, sure helps, too.

I think this is one of those cases where a perfect storm of health, talent and Paul has created a storybook season.

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Q: Hey Doug! Just wondering, which areas does Bosh need to work on to improve his game? Same question for Jose, since he is most likely to lead this team next year?

Zeeshan D, Karachi, Pakistan

A: Bosh has to get stronger, physically, and develop a couple of more post-moves. The spin dribble to a jump hook is about the only really go-to move he’s got down there. And he’s got to rebound better, or at least at the level he did in 2006-07.

Calderon? He should spend the summer working on his quickness and lateral movement because he’s got to be better defensively at keeping his man in front of him.

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Q: An easy but uncreative question:
Which one of you is Stumpy??

Doug W, Toronto

A: That’s a pet name Sam came up with for the vertically- and follicly-challenged beat grunt from the tabloid in town.

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Q: Doug, from 1 to 5, can you attempt to predict the order of players exiting the lineup due to trades, waivers, etc.
I'm not asking for who is coming back.  Just who will be leaving and in what order (just to see if you are really Kreskin-like).
Devin R, Scarborough

A: Man, this is an exercise in futility that will be held against me all summer, I fear. So here goes:
The Gangster’s gone, no doubt about it, so that’s an easy No. 1.

If I had to guess, and this is only a guess mind you, the top five would play out like this:

Ford, Delfino, Joey and, oh, I dunno, one of Kapono-Parker in a trade.

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Q: So Doug, in light of all the crazy coaching swaps flying around these days, here is an NBA head coach related question. If you were to choose any five coaches to lead your team to the promised land, who would it be?

Nigel S, Toronto

A: Current coaches? That’s a pretty easy list. It’d be Gregg Popovich, Larry Brown, Byron Scott, Jerry Sloan and Stan Van Gundy.

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Q: I have a hard time with people laying blame for Bargnani's difficulties on Sam Mitchell, and I hope Colangelo isn't doing that to save face. In what ways can a coach negatively affect a player's development, particularly one that's regressing from a strong rookie season?

Matt P, New York

A: The biggest way? But being a bad psychologist. So much of coaching these days is dealing with personalities that if a coach handles a player the wrong way, he runs the risk of ruining his confidence and his ability to handle the mental aspects of the game. A players’ talents will show through a lot of things, but if his mind’s gone, that’s trouble.

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Q: Perhaps this could be filed under CBA 101. Why didn't/couldn't the Raptors resign Jose during the season this year? I seem to recall (and I could be mistaken) that BC extended Ford at some point during the regular season last year. If I'm Jose (and if you've ever seen my paycheque I can assure you I'm not) I'd welcome an extension sooner as opposed to later for comfort and insurance against possibly blowing out a knee or some other career-ending injury. My apologies if this has been asked before.
Now I'll go where I swore I would never go and ask a TJ-Jose question. Do you think it's realistic or probable that the Raps could stick with TJ and do some sort of sign & trade involving Jose? I would assume he may be a more valuable trade asset at this point. Thanks again.

Gord P, St. John’s, NL

A: I’m going to give you the direct quote from the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement 101 that we have:

No player contract may be renegotiated until the third anniversary of the signing of the contract, or until the third anniversary of any subsequent extension of the contract.

The exception being, of course, rookie scale contracts, which is how they were able to extend both Bosh and Ford last summer.

So, they couldn’t extend Calderon last summer or during the season.

On the trade front, I think it’s much more realistic that they move Ford although I guess a sign-and-trade involving Calderon isn’t impossible. Just highly unlikely in my mind.

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Q: My question is draft related because that is all Raps' fans have to look forward to now.

Settle a bet for me - who would you, the oracle of Toronto Star basketball, take if you could have either at 17 - Brandon Rush or Chris Douglas Roberts?
And aren't both Danny Granger type talents? I have a feeling this draft is a deep one.

Doug E, Toronto

A: At 17, I don’t think they could go wrong with either of them. Personally, and I don’t have the wealth of knowledge that some of you do because I barely watch college basketball, I’d probably take Rush first.

And this is a deep draft, I was talking to an executive over the last couple of days who’s sure Toronto’s going to get a good player at No. 17 but, from talking to people in the organization, I think they’ll look for a big man first.

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Q: Last week, you referenced someone that suggested that Corey Magette's basketball IQ was similar to Joey Graham's - and that was a bad thing.
I'll agree with the assessment that Joey frequently seems lost on the court, especially on defense and despite his physical talent. However, didn't he have a pretty good college career? I remember most analysts agreeing that picking him the draft was a solid choice.
Does that mean that NCAA basketball allows guys to get away with lesser basketball brains? Is it because of the high degree of control and structure? Or the fact that they're all so young?
Why does "basketball sense" become such a big factor in the NBA?

Jamie G, Mississauga

A: The single biggest difference between college and the NBA is the depth of talent and a guy who can get away with great athletic ability and little basketball sense can thrive in college and get lost in the pros.

You have to know how to play, how to read situations, how to play to your strengths and exploit an opponents’ weaknesses and that’s as much brain power as it is pure skill.

Everyone in the NBA is a great athlete, the good players know how to use their athleticism to their advantage.

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Q: Do the players not still involved in the play-offs watch some of the games and if so, would they be rooting for one team over the other?
Penny D, Fredericton

A: It really varies from player to player. I was talking to Anthony Parker yesterday and he said he’s trying to see as many games as he can; I’ve spoken to other players who don’t watch a minute of any game.

And I don’t imagine they root for teams as much as they root for friends or former teammates.

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Q: Hey Doug - what's the scoop with Andrew Bynum? I thought he was supposed be back now (not that the Lakers even need him).
Doug S, Peterborough

A: Last I heard, and this was the day

Kobe

got his MVP award, I believe, Bynum was in New York seeing doctors about his knee. I guess it’s a lingering thing that hasn’t taken to treatment and I’d be shocked if we saw him again this season. Doesn’t look like the Lakers miss him, does it?

Comments

[Nigel]

another note about the "Raptors will take a BIG man" comment. Doug, I know you have to be with me on the fact that they need a 2 or 3, when you said "any team starting with Anthony PArker and Jamario Moon are not gonna cut it". So why not address this issue!

Chris Douglas-Roberts to the Raptors. Thats it, im starting a facebook group.

Blogger's note: If you want an impact 2 or 3, it's not going to be the 17th pick in the draft; you address that need in trades or free agency.

[Whereisbisondele?]

Hey Doug,

Something of note in Jose's recent blog post: did you notice he spoke of the Raps losing in the first round to the Magic and the Cavs over the past two years? Ghost writer (and a Spanish one, at that) perhaps? Surely Jose would remember bowing out to VC and the Nets last year, non?

[Serge Papineau]

"Serge, the only flaw in your argument is that the situation is completely different. What Jose is doing doesnt impact anyone immediately. At this moment, he isnt sulking and his attitude isnt causing poor play that is costing the team games. If he comes back, gets relegated to second string and starts whining/playing selfishly and the media cuts him some slack then your argument will be a lot stronger."

Dinosty, I agree with you that the timing of TJ's so-called rant was bad but how much of it was real and how much of it was embellished and/or made up in the media? TJ was playing poorly as a backup and was asked whether he saw himself as a starter in this league, he answered what 90% of the players in the NBA would answer: Yes. All of a sudden he's sulking and being a team killing jerk ( or at least he is if you believe everything you read in the Star). Let me remind you that Jose didn't exactly set the world on fire coming off the bench either but he got a free pass, no one asked him if he'd rather be a starter or if he "saw himself as a starter", they just assumed he didn't, after all, Jose is a team-first saint right (or at least he is if you believe everything you read in the Star)?

Listen, I'm a huge Raptors fan and I just want this team to do well, win a series and hopefully, one day, contend for a title. I'm on board with whoever they keep and I will cheer for Jose or TJ (or both) next season as long as they are wearing a Raptors uniform. I just think TJ gets a raw deal out of this whole situation; the guy was carted off on a stretcher and could easily have walked away. Instead he comes back and gets booed a few games in because he's less than thrilled to have lost his job while injured to a player who was putting up similar numbers to him pre-injury against alot of bad teams (that's the part people overlook, how many wins against good teams did they have with Jose starting? Not many. That was by far the softest part of their schedule). I love Jose Calderon but I think he may be a little overvalued here in Toronto, as sports fans in this town tend to do (hey, let's retire Tie Domi's number... While we're at it, let's retire Chuck Swirsky too! come on people). I'd like to think of myself as an optimistic fan but also one who is realistic, I guess I'm just not drinking the Calderon Kool-aid, I love the guy but come on, he's a great guy with above average shooting skills, average quickness and poor defensive skills, let's be honnest.

[Alvaro, Toronto]

In regards to Kenneth's comment in regards to swearing on court.....

Reality too much for children to handle? People curse when they are frustrated or upset, EVEN athelete's. It's a shame that in 2008 people are still uptight over something as trivial as a word...IT'S JUST WORDS

[Kalson]

Too much swearing in an NBA game? Are we in Kindergarten? I hate to break the news, but everyone swears, get over it.

[tino]

Doug, i totally agree with your response to Matt from N.Y..
So here is my question: from what you have seen, and heard from Sam ,BC, media etc., was Sam's psycological approch toward Bargnani the biggest hurdle that Andrea couldn't overcome this past season? If affirmative, do you think Sam's personality can adapt to a new approach and find common ground with Bargnani own personality?

Blogger's note: This needs more space than I'm going to give it here. Short answer: Sam gave Andrea starts and minutes and coddled him and ripped him; it's on Andrea to get better and mentally tougher

[Rob]

So the nuggets might trade Carmelo.. what would it take to get him in a raps uniform..

[Richard Yun]

I agree with Zack on Steve Buffery. Two other local sports writers (who are often refered to as a pair) are Bruce Arthur and Michael Grange, so you may be able to figure out the references.

[bballer]

sergio rodriguez is mouthing off to spanish papers saying how bad it is to play for mcmillan which may impede the move of fernandez to the blazers. even though srod can't score, he can make a good back up to calderon who couldn't score when he first played either. the most intriguing aspect would be rudy. is this the type of young 2/3 you think the raps are eyeing from other teams?

at least we can sell jerseys and get tv play out there, which in turn can lead to spanish sponsors similar to what the chinese are doing with houston and now milwaukee. so will the raps become a feeder team from europe and argentina in order to increase revenues since the market is too small in toronto and canada, according to tv ratings?

[Justin]

Doug, I wasn't expecting Delfino to be on your "first to exit the team" list.
Now I see there's a qualifying offer on his contract next year for around 2.7 million...Can you clarify what this means? Is it that he's a restricted free agent for next year? Are you thinking that an expiring contract would be attractive to other teams?

And I can only assume that it is Delfino's inconsistancy that has him on the hit list. As a defender, I like him, but when he's cold you have to sit him right away because he wont stop shooting (and subsequently, missing).

Blogger's note: Some nights, I love Delfino's game, some nights he disappears; and I'm pretty sure one, or two of those 2s and 3s will be gone by next season.

[bballer]

what do you think of d'antoni taking over the knicks job? is he thinking, since the team sucks, he will have time to implement his style win a few games and cash that big cheque? do you think paxson's insistence on d'antoni practicing defense made him rethink going to the bulls? how would he be able to handle marbury, randolph and curry when he couldn't handle stoudamire and marion? i, like many other nba watchers do not understand this move at all? his chances of success is only marginal at best unless there is a roster overhaul. i guess cash rules everything around me (him).

[DH]

Doug,

Still think Orlando overtakes Detroit? No surprise, even without Chauncey playing the point. Orlando has 1 mismatch on offense - whoever guards Lewis (McDyess or Wallace) now having said that on defense either 1 of those 2 in the post against Lewis is damaging as well. Lewis can't win the games by himself, Hunter will neutralize Nelson, ditto for Prince on Turkoglou. Detroit will play man up not leaving outside shooters open. We've seen that Orlando doesn't feed the post. Besides if they do Detroit can push Howard out where he can't dunk it. We all know that's his only move.

[Jamieson]

Why are you people soooo crazy!?!?!?! These people who blog and give info that really isnt so much need to know as it is nice to know...owe you nothing...they are already giving you more than you deserve...apologizing for not humouring your trade talks...honestly...

Keep up the great work Mr. Smith and dont let the Negative Net Nancies get you down!!!