In appreciation of Parker (Tony, that is)

You think the Lakers got in the Spurs’ heads with that big comeback last night?

LUCY NICHOLSON/REUTERS

Tony Parker in his office.

Up 20, there no reason to think a veteran team like San Antonio couldn’t close the deal, even as tired as the Spurs had to be having had to sit through a seven-hour flight delay on their way from New Orleans to Los Angeles overnight on Monday.

But they didn’t.

And it had to be disheartening to see Kobe go off like he did in that second half and I’m wondering if there will be any residual effect of that collapse as the series goes on.

One impression I got was that Tony Parker can get in the paint and get a shot any time he pleases. I figure he’s going to be as huge for the Spurs the rest of the way as Kobe is going to be for the Lakers.

And watching Parker a lot during these playoffs had led me to wonder why he doesn’t get more love when the topic of discussions turns to MVP.

In two series, he’s beaten Steve Nash and Chris Paul, maybe not single-handedly, but his team’s still won and that’s all that really matters.

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Who do you like tonight?
Me? I’m taking the Pistons.

I can see Chauncey Billups, who didn’t look himself at all in Game 1, getting his rhythm back and dominating Rajon Rondo, and I can see the Pistons coming up with some kind of defensive adjustment that slows KG a little bit.

And, I can see the Celtics, who’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster almost since the playoffs began, finally having a “down” night at home.

A road win by Detroit would certainly add some juice to the series, and turn up the heat on the Celtics heading to Auburn Hills on Saturday night.

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First trip to the mail:

Q: Couple of questions:
1) Will the first year of Calderon’s new contract be considered base year compensation?
2) Obviously, the Bargnani story is pure speculation from people outside the Nets. However, what do you think is Colangelo’s mindset regarding Andrea? Is he willing to trade Bargnani for the right price or does he see him as part of the Raptor’s future?
Rob C, Montreal

A: Yes, indeed, Jose will be a base-year compensation guy, meaning if the Raptors wanted to trade him with a year, they can only take back half his salary in a trade.

I think Colangelo’s mind-set on Bargnani is the same as it’s been for two years. He sees a uniquely-skilled 7-footer learning to play in the NBA. I’m sure he’s frustrated by Bargnani’s regression last year but the skills that attracted him to Toronto are still there and the GM is willing to suffer through some bad times because he thinks there’ll be good times coming.

I happen to agree with him, many out there in reader-land don’t but I guess it really doesn’t matter a lick what we think ‘cause it’s Colangelo’s reputation that hinges on Bargnani not being a bust.

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Did Tim Duncan go to the Dikembe Mutombo School of Foul Commission?

I believe they may be the only two players who are absolutely convinced they have never, ever committed a personal foul.

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This in overnight from my man Eran over in Israel, who’s been a great help with all things Israeli all season.

Seems our man P.J. Tucker’s had a great season, named the Israeli League’s MVP by a player’s vote in Eran’s Ma’ariv Sports and by the rival Yedioth Aharonoth (I’d prefer you all read Eran’s paper, of course).

Tucker led Holon to first place in the regular season and their in the Final Four next week in Tel Aviv.

Not sure what it is with Raptors and Israel but that’s very cool for P.J.

And, no, this does not mean P.J. should be back in the NBA next year. He remains too small to be anything more than an end-of-the-bencher.

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More mail and, don’t forget, tomorrow’s mail day:

Q: Hi Doug. Do you really think the Raptors are looking to Europe in the draft again? To me their Euros are all guys who lack athleticism and toughness and just want to shoot 3's all day. Don't you think it would make more sense to add size, toughness or athleticism instead of yet another 3-point specialist who is terrified to go into the paint?

Patrick D, Toronto

A: Oh yeah, you wouldn’t want any of those scaredy-cat Euro-trained players like Ginobili or Scola or Parker or Gasol or Nocioni or Oberto or Kirilenko standing out behind the three-point line smoking their Gitanes and looking down their noses at us all-knowing, all-seeing North Americans, would you?

Come on, can we please dump the decades-old, quasi-racist stereotypes?
If they can get a player from Mars who’ll help, they should, and will, do it.

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The AP finger surgery yesterday? Am told it’s nothing serious, he’ll be fine. Just a bit of minor fixing of a nagging problem.

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Last letter for today

Q: Earlier in your blog you mentioned the Raps might run another free agent camp similar to last year.  Any idea when this will take place? Are the Raptors looking to fill a need through this camp or are they just looking for a diamond in the rough?  Any intriguing players you would invite?

Fred E, Belleville

A: The camp’s going to run June 20-22 at the Air Canada Centre and it’s just a way to keep track of some guys they’ve been bird-dogging over the course of the season.

I can’t see how they find another Moon (that was an absolute aberration, albeit a good one) and I’m sure the list of invitees (which is still being finalized) will include a bunch of other guys no one’s ever heard of.

As for intriguing players? Can’t think of any off the top of my head, maybe Randy Livingston, the D League point guard who was the league’s MVP I believe, would be the only guy I can think of who might have a shot at sticking.

Other than that? Nobody, really.

You might see John Lucas’s kid here, maybe another friend or two of existing Raptors but, really, it’s to find a summer league team more than it is to find a gem.

Comments

[RS]

Doug,

In reading your article today, you mentioned that the raps might be able to get Haslem in a trade with Miami (clearly all speculation I know). Can you explain why adding Haslem would be appealing to the Raps? He can't play SF or C

Blogger's note: Depth would help up front. Someone as insurance if they have to move Rasho, just another piece. And I'd think there'd have to be other people involved in a deal, too

[Louis K]

With respect to Tony Parker being considered for the MVP, I guess it's all due to today's fascination with the numbers of the game. Tony Parker has never been a guy that fills up the stats sheet (not like Paul and Kobe does anyways) and that's probably the reason that he's overlooked. But seeing Kobe bring the Lakers back from a 20-point deficit against a stingy Spurs defense would also help in that argument.

Someone tell Kobe to watch out for Robert Horry's "picks" in Game 2.

[Rahil]

Hey Doug, Great Job! Quick Question, can someone like Stephen Curry (who hasn't declared for the draft) go to a mini-training/free agent camp such as the one the Raps are going to run? Would it affect his eligibility to play next year in College? I figure it would be a good experience for some college guys to go to these things. Especially someone like Curry who has connections in the NBA through his dad. Thanks for your hard work.

Blogger's note: No, he can't and retain his college eligibility

[Mark]

Hi Doug,

Agreed on the european player comments, but
Ginobli, Oberto and nocioni are Argentines (South americans) though.

Blogger's note: But all trained as pros in Europe.

[Joe T.]

Not only does Tim Duncan seem to think that the refs make about 2.7 horrible calls per Spurs game, he must also think there's about 4 missed calls per game. That's about half of his missed shots after which he throws his hands up in the air and stares wide-eyed at a ref wondering where his foul call is. I like Tim Duncan as a player very much but over the years that behaviour has really gotten on my nerves. Somehow, Dikembe managed to make it amusing. One of my favourite things about Dikembe (and there's a lot of them) is his expression during games. Just about every time there's a closeup of him after a basket or a whistle or just heading up the court, he always looks to me like a man trying to appear like everything is OK after he's just gotten away with something. Hilarious!...

And I'm always impressed by Tony Parker and his ability to get in the paint and make things happen. But I'll tell you who else has impressed me all season and in the Playoffs -- Sasha Vujacic. He seems automatic sometimes when the Lakers need a big three and Kobe seems to have a lot of trust in him. Is there anything the Raptors staff can learn from Phil Jackson's crew that they may be able to apply to using Jason Kapono more effectively? Or is it just a product of the famous Triangle Offense and wouldn't work here without a Kobe-type player?...

[Jon Tabak]

RE: last night's Spurs/Lakers game

I don't know what was more painful to watch: seeing Tim Duncan's eyes light up every time he heard a whistle OR seeing Bruce Bowen the "defensive specialist", trying to stop Kobe's game winning jumper by wildly throwing his arms up in the air and flying back into the paint after Kobe brushed him off with his forearm.

Stern definitely needs to implement the rule allowing the refs to give technicals for flopping. This is a leaguewide issue and it's really getting out of hand. Same with the whining and pouting after a whistle (Yes Mr. Duncan, hacking your opponents arm really is a foul). The entire league has gone soft, not just the Raptors.

[Alex H]

How many awards does Tony Parker need? He already has Eva Longoria.

[Aaron]

Hello Doug,

Concerning your article in the star. It is a little too highly speculative even mentioning that the raps have a chance of attaining the second pick. You didn't mention precisely what they would need to give up. Whether it is TJ or Jose, what would have to be included in the package to get this pick....?

I dont see any way that will happen.

[Zack]

I liked your list of potential draft choices for the Raps, Doug. What are your thoughts on Roy Hibbert? Would he be a good fit on this team from what we have seen of him playing in the NCAA?

Blogger's note: He'd be a project, the NBA game's pretty fast but he's got an NBA body.

[Jim K]

I love the assumption that Chicago gets Rose so therefore Miami looks to Toronto to solve their PG troubles. How about looking to Chicago! In my mind, if the Bulls choose Rose, Hinrich is the best PG available.

Hell I want Hinrich! Starting guard (not platooning like Ford and Calderon) on a team that won 49 games two seasons ago and was 2nd team all defense. Defense wins championships.

Hinrich is better then both Ford and Calderon. If I was BC I'd go get Hinrich and then trade both Ford and Calderon for the other pieces we need.

[Alain Rousselle]

Haslem would be interesting if you don't have Andrea next year. He could be PF and Bosh would go to the 5 spot. Or, he could be the backup behind Rasho and Bosh. Haslem is in no way a scorer, but he would help on the boards and on D. I really don't believe that it's gonna make a HUGE difference, but it will help where help is needed the most, down low. Speculations I know, but we need to bulk up.

A slasher and a big body, that's what we need the most.

[DougG]

There is a story today that New York will include their draft pick in a deal if the team takes Randolf or Curry off their hands. If that is true here is a possible Raptor scenario. They make a deal with New York for TJ that includes the draft pick and Randolf. With the pick they take Gallinari, Alexander or Anthony and then they still have their 17th pick left, which they use to take Javale McGee.

Does that make any sense?

Blogger's note: I'm not sure. Either of those contracts hamstrings you for a very long time and neither Curry nor Randolph would appear to fit here with Bosh and Bargnani.

[Eric]

Doug,

At this point, all things equal in the draft, if the Raptors had a choice between picking an offensive performer to get to the rim and the line, a defensive contributor to competently keep his man in front of him and help on the glass, or a general intangibles guy to inject a fiery attitude, where do you think Colangelo would lean? And please don't cop out by saying "all three"! This is not a court of law! lol. We get enough p/c talk through the media these days! I'm just interested to hear what you think.

Thanks.

Blogger's note: I think he would lean to the offensive contributor who can get to the rim and the line.

[GM]

The Euro doubters are no doubt hockey pucks. Anyone who is non-North American in their eyes is a wimp. They're also European because there are only about 6 or 8 countries in the world that play hockey with any degree of skill and they're all in Europe or North America.

[Serge Papineau]

"Tucker led Holon to first place in the regular season and their in the Final Four next week in Tel Aviv"

I'm no grammar whiz but shouldn't it be "they're" instead of "their" ?

Blogger's note: No, it shouldn't. I can see how you might think that, say "they are in ..." but it was mean to read the Final Four of the Israeli League, the possessive "their" I believe.
But thanks for the editing assistance.

[Jimmie]

Totally agree re: not much need here in Toronto for Haslem. First off, if Miami takes Beasley as is expected (hinging on Rose to Chicago), then they've got Wade (SG), a re-signed Marion (SF) and Beasley (PF) starting with scrubs at the other two spots. I would venture that they need a C worse than they need a PG at the moment. I'd also venture that Haslem (cheap at $7M) will be indispensible to Miami as a backup/mentor to Beasley given that they really have no other depth at the position but are deep at the guard spot (mostly SGs, but still). There is a need there at PG, sure, but do you also want Mark Blount as your starting C??

He'd be a nice "piece" but he's not going to score 20 a game and he's not going to supplant Bosh at PF, so what's the point? Unless he comes cheap (he won't), I can't see making this trade. There's not much else on the Heat roster that looks enticing.

Toronto is also not going to be able to package anything for the #2 pick without gutting the team. That's just crazy talk.

I wouldn't even bother trading up in the draft, since after 1 and 2, there's no clear-cut choice between 3 and 20. At #17, I still think we'll have a shot at one of Joe Alexander, Javale McGee, Nicolas Batum, Roy Hibbert, CDR, and Brandon Rush, who I think could all help immediately. Outside of those guys, there's not many who would crack the rotation, IMO.

Blogger's note: The flaw in your argument is the fact the Heat have no point guard under contract except Marcus Banks, both Jason Wiliams and Chris Quinn are free agents so I would think they would argue their biggest need at the moment is a PG rather than a C.

[Andy]

Haslem averages between 8-9 boards a game and actually plays defense. I'm pretty sure those 2 things could help the Raptors, regardless of position.

[Michael]

Hey On your article you mentioned Miami may be interested to deal Haslem in some package of a deal for Ford or Calderon? Is that you or somebody who come up with this crazy idea?

Why in the world BC send Ford or Calderon for Haslem and some other players from Miami? Haslem is just a undersize PF. He's good but trading Ford or Calderon make sense? You must be kidding. Only Wade is good in that team and the matrix contract is just too much to consider. Don't you agree? If so you need to think carefully next time before you put something like that online because it's like you have no good opinion to put in so you just make up things from no where.

[Michael]

Yea. I want to put additional notes to my previous comment about your article about sending Ford or Calderon for Haslem. It doesn't make sense and it's like only R Badcock will make those kind of deal.

Why don't you say trade Ford for Haslem & A Mourning? Come on. You need to do your homework.

Blogger's note: It's actually Babcock and are you finished now?
Thanks.

[Alain Rousselle]

Come on Michael, having Haslem in Toronto could help. A part from Bosh, we have nobody that can constantly grab 7-9 rebounds a game.

Also, use your imagination a little more. It doesn't (and it won't) have to be Calderon or Ford straight-up for Haslem. Haslem won't win us a championship, he won't make us better than the Celtics... But I truly believe he would help us.

[Tim Hommel]

"Tucker led Holon to first place in the regular season and their in the Final Four next week in Tel Aviv"

I'm no grammar whiz but shouldn't it be "they're" instead of "their" ?

Blogger's note: No, it shouldn't. I can see how you might think that, say "they are in ..." but it was mean to read the Final Four of the Israeli League, the possessive "their" I believe.
But thanks for the editing assistance.

Sorry, have to say that you are still incorrect, one way or another. If you truly mean to use "their" as a possessive adjective, then what is it describing - "in"?? If the sentence was worded "..to first place and their Final Four..." then I could understand - "their" would then be describing the Final Four of "their" League.

Not that it really matters - the blog (and mailbag) is all about the content, not whether you or any of your readers would be able to pass the EQAO Literacy Test!

Blogger's note: I've got an 11-year-old Super Son writing a week of EQAO tests next week. I'm pretty sure I might be able to pass. And certain he will.

[chris]

You razz fans for making trade suggestions -- lets look at the two targets you've come up with or reported....

Udonis Haslem....yuck. Don't we already have a PF? What's his name....some CB guy. Also another guy (playing out of position) from Italy. Further, he's not nearly talented eough to trade a top-10 pass-first PG for. He's gotta be the 20th-25th best PF in the league. And playing behind 2 other PF's.....yuck, yuck, yuck.

Peja - old, slow, and lacking strength in any of the key areas we need to improve. Even yuckier.

Come on man!!! I'm a huge fan of your blog and insight in general. There have to be better ideas than these.

[Nick M]

If the Miami Heat get Beasely and their needs are a pg and a centre why doesn't BC think about sending Rasho and Ford for the Matrix. We get a starting SF they get their PG of the future and an expiring contract. The Raps get what we need as well as an expiring contract and cap space next year if things don't work.

Ah Thank you.

Pat Riley owes BC a favour, hopefully?

[Darwin]

Doug, let me the first to join the DON'T TRADE BARG'S band wagon.

I could see a trade of Jose and Garbo for Haslem and the 2nd pick. not saying its good, but it could happen.

Blogger's note: That trade has no chance, ever, of being consummated. Even if Pat Riley suffered some seizure at precisely the same moment it was proposed, someone on his staff would jump in and stop it.

[GM]

Well, I am a grammar expert and I can't figure out how that could be a possessive 'their' in that context! Not that it matters. I'm not one of them pedantic types.

Blogger's note: Thanks. It was the Final Four of Holon and the Israeli League, hence the "their." If it's still wrong, I'm sorry., But we can move on, right?