A little change from the usual

How about a little change of pace today?
There were draft workouts yesterday and some other little tidbits and no draft workouts today and maybe no little tidbits so let’s do the usual pap and drivel this morning and get to your regularly-scheduled mailbag tomorrow morning.

Sound okay? Well, it better ‘cause there’s really nothing you can do about it.

For some reason, we didn’t get in to see any of the workouts yesterday. I don’t think there was anything really clandestine about it, probably just a matter of timing but it did mean we didn’t a chance to watch any of the three-on-three work like we have been.

But Jim Kelly alluded to the two issues of main guys when he was talking to us: There are some concerns about Hibbert’s foot speed and Greene’s defence is lacking.

No big news there and, let's face it, whoever they draft at No. 17 -- if they draft at No. 17 -- is going to have flaws.

But both facts were reiterated – strongly – when I talked to a couple of other people who were in the gym for the entire session.

And the kids themselves know what people are saying:

"I come out and play aggressive defence, it’s something I didn’t show during the season, sitting in that zone a lot so today I tried to come out and play a lot of aggressive D, get up, and show some of my ball-handling skills,” said Greene.

Hibbert’s been one of the yo-yo guys in the draft. But he’s got no regrets about staying in school another year, even if it costs him five or six draft slots:

"I don’t think it’s a disappointment, if I went out last year, I wasn’t mentally and physically ready for what happens in the NBA.

"I was 20 years old, I would have been on the bench .. I’m one year older, a little bit smarter, stronger, and I think I can hold myself when I go out there on the floor and off the floor.”

Of this year’s freshmen, who’ve conspired to push him down a few spots:

"They have a phenomenal class, Beaz (Beasley), OJ, Derrick Rose, they are phenomenal players and they’re going to be great in the NBA but at the same time, I want to show people that, ‘hey, I can go to college and graduate in four years and then go off to the NBA.’

"When you look 10 years from now, you’re not going to be looking at who went first, second, third or one through 30, it’s going to be who’s winning championships, who’s winning games and I want to be that kind of player. The draft isn’t the end for me, it’s just the start.”

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Speaking of the draft:

Q: When can we expect a Doug Smith mock draft and Doug Smith draft board a la Mel Kiper Jr.?

Josh S, Thornhill

A: Because I really enjoy being held up to ridicule, I think I’ll wait until, oh, let’s say Tuesday and maybe again Thursday morning to do one.

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TJ and the pick to Phoenix for Boris Diaw?
It’s out there being talked about. Makes a little bit of sense, doesn’t it?

I like Diaw’s game if he could be consistent, he can guard a bunch of positions and that’s what this team needs.

I’m certain it’s only one of many scenarios being bandied about here but I could sure live with that trade.

But here's something to consider: Robert Sarver's got a lot of petulant in him and I'm not sure he signs off on a deal that involves the Raptors.

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What to make of Batum not working? Probably nothing. He did get to town and have a physical then got sick overnight, they told us. Can’t imagine there’s anything nefarious in that but now it’s going to be tough to get him back for a workout here.

Under draft rules, a kid can only visit a team the first time for 48 hours and Batum got in early, early Tuesday morning so his time’s up.

They’ll try to get him back in next week for a look and he remains very much on their radar.

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Big day Monday for Chris Bosh.

No, he’s not signing a deal with Leno.

That’s when USA Basketball names its Olympic team and Bosh is going to be on it.

And it looks like he’s going to play a pretty good role.

It appears now they’ll only have three, maybe four, traditional bigs and because Dwight Howard is going to live in foul trouble in the international game, Bosh is likely to play a lot.

The other bigs, I’m told, are going to be Boozer and, possibly, Tyson Chandler.

The Americans will use LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony at the four a lot, like they did two years ago at the world championships.

And because Howard’s such a bad free throw shooter, you may see Bosh down the stretch of every tight game the Americans are in.

Maybe Garbo will guard him in the fourth quarter of the gold medal game.

Wouldn't that be cool.

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So, who’s on the list? Jim Kelly said it’s narrowed. Wouldn’t say to how many, of course, but an educated guess – taking into consideration what other teams might do – would think it includes Douglas-Roberts, Batum, Lopez, Hibbert, Ajinka and Greene for sure.

What’s the best thing to do?

Do you get the wing in a trade and a draft a young big? Or draft the wing and try to trade for a big or stick with the 4s and 5s you’ve already got?

My best guess, talking to People Who Know, is that they are now leaning towards drafting a big and letting Bryan work his magic to fill the other hole.

That all could change between now and Thursday, of course.

And the name I keep hearing in conversation is Lopez, despite his offensive liabilities.

That’ll make a few of you happy, won’t it?

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Here’s a quick letter:

Q: Doug, in your last mailbag you lauded a reader for his list of Jewish basketball heroes. "A Mount Rushmore of Jewish contributors to the game and I cannot think of anyone who could replace anyone on there."
I'd have to add Marv Albert (born Marvin Philip Aufrichtig) to that list as well. And while he may be a new kid on the block Thornhill's Dan Shulman has been holding down NBA and NCAA games with the best of them.

Sam T, Toronto

A: Both solid broadcasters but as contributors to the game? They don’t hold a candle to those on Frank’s list.

Comments

[DougG]

Doug if the Raps have decided to draft a big then does the Diaw trade make any sense, if it is still a slasher we are after? TJ must be our main chip in landing that isn't he?

Blogger's note: I don't think they've "decided" anything and there are so many balls in the air right now it's impossible to say what's going to happen with any degree of certainty.
But I would agree that TJ would be the piece that lands the swingman they could use.

[Dan]

After Joey Graham I don't know about the Raptors drafting another twin. Jason and Jarron Collins haven't been that good either. Although Jason is a pretty solid post defender and sets good screens.

[yertu damkule]

doug - if big is the way they go in the draft, what does that say about barg's future in TO? or are they assuming that whatever big they do get will be a back-up, at least for a few seasons? and if there's no consensus big at 17 that's ready to step in & contribute, then why not role the dice and go for CDR, a versatile wing who can score, defend, etc., and try to swing a deal for a big involving TJ?

as for diaw - he took such a huuuge step backward the last couple years, i'd be wary...he seems difficult to motivate, he's been out of shape, and he doesn't excel at any one position (though the versatility to play multiple positions on the floor can't be denied). ditto odom - i think we all saw just what kind of onions he has. actually, watching the finals puts into perspective just how far the raps have to go in order to really compete on that type of stage. it's going to take more than a trade for an unwanted, injury-prone PG & the 17th pick can bring in.

[Andrew]

Wow, TJ to PHX would almost certainly extend Steve Nash's career - something we should all wish for, you know, since he'll be signing here in two years to lead us to a championship and retire as the Greatest Canadian Baller...right?...Doug? That, of course, would be a dream scenario - so it likely won't happen.

[Pete]

I hope we draft Hibbert AND work out the TJ-Diaw deal somehow...
7-3 'decent' centers don't come around often. And Diaw and Moon would offer pretty solid perimeter defence although they probably won't play at the same time on the floor.

[Darko Dubajic]

I am afraid that Mr. Sarver will happily sign of on that trade
just to stick us with a guy who is not a slasher that we need,
guy who can not create his shot and certainly can not defend
what we need defended most 2' and 3's that killed us last year.
And to boot he does not come cheap ( 9 mil. )
I'd rather try to get Barbosa or Raja Bell if possible.

[Darko Dubajic]

Funny how it is OK for Chris Bosh to play for his country this
summer, but it is selfish and what not when Garbo or Andrea
want to do the same. Not to mention who is the most important
of the three to the Raptors.
And to all people who keep repeating " they are paid by their NBA team...." Mark Cuban included, Yes they are paid, but to play from November to end of playoffs. What they do with their
summer is no body's business. We got rid of slavery long time ago. How would you like your employers telling you what you can and can not do on your weekends, summer...
All the respect and best wishes to Garbo.

[Albrecht Schulte-Hostedde]

Doug - if TJ had such a hard time being backup to Jose, how is he going to feel backing up Steve Nash? Presumably Nash gets the majority of minutes/glory...

Blogger's note: Good question, and another aspect to any of those discussion that will have to be taken into consideration.

[Andy C]

if the Ford/Diaw trade materializes who starts and who comes off the bench in PHX?

Blogger's note: It'd be Nash, and see an earlier note on what that might mean.

[Edgar]

Hey Doug I never thought i would be following the Clippers so closely but with the impending explosion of their roster I am hoping Colangelo can steal away their #2 and #3 performers. With the numbers working so well for a Maggette and Kaman trade for TJ & Rasho's expiring contract it would seem like the only obstacle being what else? #17 pick going to Clippers would be a start and maybe having to eat a contract like tim thomas' in a trade for parker and graham's expiring contracts.... That all depends on a chain of events starting with Brand opting out and owners pushing for the obviously necessary rebuild - logical as it would also put give them a boatload of cap space for the huge free agency year.... Can someone disprove me so i can stop caring about the clippers again?

Blogger's note: That's a whole lot of dominos you've got falling there.

[Marc in Burlington]

Doug,

I was wondering if you saw the comments by Mark Cuban regarding "assets" playing for their country and risking serious career threatening injury, and wondered what your thoughts are with regard to what he said.

Is it time to return basketball back to the amateur level of days gone by? I don't see where the NBA has a huge marketing leg up by having their players take part in this event, as the international game is completely different than the NBA game, so it not about showcasing "the game" With the rise of the internet as a marketing tool (Youtube) player recognition can't be what this is about. Is the participation of these superstars more at the urging of the shoe companies?

Raptor fans have witnessed first hand the consequences of having an integral part of the team lost due to this kind of participation. While I applaud Garbo for his patriotism, as a fan of the Raptors I'm pissed that he chose to accept the unnecessary risk of playing for a team that had already qualified for the Olympics instead of preparing himself with a re-hab schedule that was geared to have him back on the floor in October.

If it had been a Superstar of the NBA that had been injured and lost to his team a Yao Ming, do you think the NBA would be more apt to withdraw it's "assets" from this stage?

Blogger's note: No. David Stern wants his best players in the Olympics, no directiveto the contrary will come from the head office.

[Paul M.]

From your list of possible picks, you didn't include Brandon Rush, who you seemed to suggest the Raps were high on. Mistake exclusion or, as some are suggesting, has he worked his way into the top 15?

Blogger's note: I''m hearing too many teams in the upper half of the first round like him for him to fall back to No. 17

[andrew]

Doug, be honest...you say R.Lopez over Roy Hibbert? boy that quote Hibbert dropped was really nice...you know, the one about winning championships...this guy is clearly a winner and you can't blame the Hibbert for losing to Davidson blame Stephen Curry for droppin 30 on Jessie Sapp!

[Eran Z]

Giving up Ford AND the 17th pick for Diaw..no way, that's too much. How can we draft a big and trade away our pick? Everything that is being mentioned is contradicting itself. Even though Batum didn't work out, heh has to be strongly considered as our pick, and he's one of the only guys who can ctually guard the perimeter.

[Ellie]

Is Phoenix moving Nash? Otherwise, doesn't Ford end up playing second-fiddle to a better guard? He's been pretty clear about wanting to be a starter. Nash is getting older, but I don't think they're putting him out to pasture just yet.

[Luis]

Hi.

If Garbo guards Bosh in the game for the gold medal will mean Raptors did a very bad move allowing Garbo to go, will not?

[Sean]

"TJ and the pick to Phoenix for Boris Diaw?
It’s out there being talked about. Makes a little bit of sense, doesn’t it?"

Really Doug? I thought the Phoenixs were tax-allergic, and this gives them two guarenteed contracts for a minimum of three years (granted one year less than they have Diaw).

[Amanda]

Assuming Phoenix isn't going to get rid of Nash, wouldn't the whole TJ for Diaw thing be a little hard to conceive? TJ has clearly started he wants to be a starter, and I'm sure Phoenix is aware of how he handled being a back-up this past year. Wouldn't that kind of turn them off of TJ?

[mike]

Ford and #17 in one of the deepest drafts in memory for a 8 and 4 backup SF/PF is a good trade?

Doug Smith what are you smoking and if this trade goes through you can bet toronto fans will be calling for BC's head, they are already standing in line over bargnani.

You dont trade a potential star pg who avg's 20-10 per 40 and the #17 in a deep draft for a backup who avgt 8-4 over 30 minutes.

Im not a reporter, im not a scout, im not a basketball player, im not a gm but even i am not that stupid!!!!!!!!

[Jeff Steele]

Any chance Brandon Rush is still on that short list? He would be a steal at 17 would he not?

Blogger's note: No, I don't think he'll be there, judging by what people tell me and what I'm reading

[Phil Lazzario]

Doug explain your logic on this issue:

The difference between Calderon and TJ is minor at best. (Despite what your personal biases may think, the #'s don't lie)

If the best TJ can bring back is Diaw (and giving up a draft pick to boot to do it), why not consider moving Calderon (whose value is at substantially higher) and getting a legit #2 scoring option back instead?

There's also a lot of talk that elite level SF's are on the market (Odom, Wallace, Howard, Deng). Wouldn't the logical move to elevate this team to the next level be to aim higher by dealing Calderon?

Besides, if we can learn anything from Boston's win, building around stars is a smart move (Calderon is a good support player at best), and defence is important (and Calderon brings none at the pivotal PG position).

Blogger's note: I never once said, or suggeted, that Diaw was "the best" they could get for Ford. Said the deal might be out there and that I doubted Sarver would do it anyway.
And, if you talk to coaches around the league, your assessment of the talent difference between Ford and Calderon is off, regardless of what you're numbers say.

[Jonathan]

I really hope they go after the best player possible and don't try to "fill holes" like teams tend to do, because honestly, is this team one rookie player alway from competing from a championship? No, so why bother drafting based on need when the bigs available seem so much less desirable compared to the swingmen, etc. That's like drafting a big just because the best player available plays the same position as our former #15, and boy would we love to see Igoudala on our team right now.

Not to mention, Boston didn't exactly win the championship with an all-star quality center -- they got that far with all-stars at the other positions. I can't say if any of the swingmen available at #17 will have that kind of future impact, but if they do, it'd be a shame to be the team that picked a future poor man's Varejao instead of a future Marion/Rip/Redd etc. We have so many needs, we should pick for value and go from there.

[RS]

I agree with those who are thinking that TJ and 17 for Diaw is giving away too much. Its been mentioned that Phoenix is trying to get another first rounder. While I don't mind Diaw as a player, his contract isn't great. It would seem Diaw for 17 and some other pieces (like expiring contracts - the Raps have plenty with Rasho, Parker, etc.) would make sense. Phoenix gets their extra pick and gets out from under Diaw's contract, Toronto gets a versatile player, but keeps Ford to be used in another trade.

Your thoughts Doug?

Blogger's note: I'm sure there are various permutations being discussed, but I hold to my suggestion that I think it'll be a surprise if Phoenix deals with Toronto

[Ryan]

Hey Doug,

I personally don't see how trading a small bit of the future for Diaw makes this team any better than 5th in the East. Would you say that giving up Ford and the 17th pick for Diaw is a bit much? Even though I have no idea what's going on in the front office, I would think there are better offers out there. I know Ford is injury prone but this hardly solves anything for the Raptors.

[Phil L]

Doug nice to see you replying to comments more frequently now. (even if they aren't all friendly...that's proper blogging etiquette!)

In response to your response to Phil ("And, if you talk to coaches around the league, your assessment of the talent difference between Ford and Calderon is off"), have you ever considered that pro-Jose media sentiment can perpetuate that opinion?

Blogger's note: Nom it's not media sentiment at all, it's unbiased coaches, scouts and GMs from other teams who are telling me that.