Your regular heavy Friday mail delivery

Lots and lots here but don’t fret if your query isn’t among them, have plenty more to work on today. Some of ‘em require research and others fit well in the blog.

Q: Thanks for keeping the blog going during the summer, you are doing a heck of a job as always. A couple of fun questions for you:
1. You are Bryan Colangelo on draft day and it's time to announce your pick. Donte Green, Joe Alexander, Brandon Rush, Nicolas Batum, Robin Lopez, and Roy Hibbert are all still available. Who do you pick? Personally, I go with Lopez. I think he is exactly what this team needs.
2. You are still Bryan Colangelo and you just got a phone call from Rod Thorn. He's dying to unload Vince Carter for anything he can get and he calls us first because he feels bad for fleecing us. All he wants is Rasho and Joey Graham (clearly 50 cents on the dollar). Do you make the trade and try Vince 2.0? (Please note, I realize the odds of this happening are 1 in a million and I am not suggesting we propose this trade, I just thought the scenario makes for a fun question. Would Toronto welcome back Vince if we got him for next to nothing?)

Mike D, Toronto

A: Couple of interesting scenarios there, aren’t there? I’ll play along.

You like the other Lopez better than Hibbert? I haven’t seen Hibbert work but Lopez’s offensive deficiencies are huge at the moment; I know the knock on Hibbert is bad hands so I’m not sure he’s the right choice, either. And until I see the others work out, or learn more about them, I’m not ready to pick. The leader in the clubhouse might be Green, for what I’m hearing very early in the process.

The Carter question is a fun one. There’s no doubt he can still play at a very, very high level but the other crap that would go on around here might get so deep in his head it affects his play consistently. So, no matter the offer, I’d say He Who Shall Not Be Named can’t come back.

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Q: I feel like I'm the only Raptors fan on the planet who's a little hesitant to throw T.J. out the door and anoint Jose as PG for the future. Don't get me wrong, I admire Jose a great deal for his team-first attitude and play but are we really ready to make him our #1 based on 2 months of great play? Everyone says his play dipped upon T.J's return but it actually began to dip before that. T.J. on the other hand has proven that he can play at a high level, when healthy, for 3 years. Lastly, I think T.J. still has significant room to grow.  He'll never be Chris Paul but he has a similar skill-set and I think he'll mature and play at a higher level when he's not looking over his shoulder. Am I the only one who's not sold on giving Jose the reigns?

Aaron J, Markham

A: No, you’re not the only one at all, just keep reading here and the blog regularly and you’ll find more than your fair share of people who think T.J. is the answer.

I did, too. For a while.

But, personally, I think Calderon’s upside is greater. And, as I’ve said a billion times, the perfect scenario would be for T.J. to accept the role of a tempo-changing backup but he’s not nearly ready to accept that, as evidence by the way he handled himself in that role in the latter stages of last season. Watching him pout and try to take over games single-handedly coming off the bench was enough for anyone to realize that he’d be fine in a two-guard situation as long as he was No. 1.

Calderon has his flaws – and so does Ford – but I think when their careers are over, Calderon’s team is going to win more and he’s going to be considered a better player.

But you are certainly not alone in your assessment. And I could be entirely wrong. But I don’t think I am.

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Q: Hey Doug, long time reader of the blog. With Arenas planning to opt out do you thing the Raps would even entertain such an idea? Also, if the Heat are desperate for a formidable backcourt would they part ways with Marion?

Jay P, Brampton

A: I think they would certainly entertain that idea but they don’t have the players/contracts available to make an offer to the Wizards in a sign-and-trade so we can forget that one.

I think the Heat like Marion, they like the fact his contract expires at the end of next season (if he doesn’t opt out, which seems unlikely) and, again, I don’t see Toronto having a package to put together to entice a trade.

I think they’ll talk to Miami with T.J. Ford as the centerpiece but a deal with Marion in it would surprise me.

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Q: Hi, Doug I’ve tried many times to get you to answer my questions but it hasn't worked. I'm going to try a short question pertaining to the draft. I hoping you'll find this scenario interesting. I've read Miami is really interested in T.J. Ford. So if Miami doesn't get Derrick Rose like they want, we can do a trade giving up T.J. Ford and another player (TBA) for Miami's 3rd pick and Jason Williams (to match salaries).It would also help that he has one year left on his contract.

Ron E, Brampton

A: Dude, no disrespect but you’ve got to try harder.

Miami has the No. 2 pick not No. 3, Jason Williams is an unrestricted free agent and there’s no way in the sporting universe Miami trades No. 2 for TJ and any player who isn’t named Chris Bosh.

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Q: With the pre-draft workouts now underway, I was pleasantly surprised when you reported that Toronto would be taking a look at Bill Walker.  I quickly became a fan of his after watching him dominate games during March Madness with his heart and athleticism.  If we decide to take the SG/SF route in the draft instead of going for a centre I think we could do much worse than adding an athletic slashing wing player like Bill Walker. Do you have any thoughts on what Bill could bring to the Raptors? Do you see many "impact" players available at the 17th pick that bring the type of game that the Raptors are currently missing?

Andrew W, Toronto

A: Glad I saved this one.

We saw Walker work out Thursday and while he was solid, he wasn’t spectacular and didn’t stand out any more than Chris Douglas-Roberts or Brandon Rush did. None of that jaw-dropping athleticism we’ve heard about but that might just have been a function of the half-court three-on-three games they played.

But, as Jim Kelly and Bryan Colangelo keep telling us, the workouts are only part of the equation that goes into making a draft pick.

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Q: I've noticed that Bostjan Nachbar is an unrestricted free agent. Is this a player of interest to the Raptors? Would you consider him an upgrade over Moon/Delfino? Nachbar certainly has no problem taking it to the rim, he can hit the open three and he always seems to play well in the ACC. I imagine the salary he would command on the open market would fit the Raptors budget as well.

George T, Toronto

A: I don’t know if he’d be an upgrade but I think the possibility exists that he’s a replacement for Delfino.

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Q: A bit of a random question here, but I miss talking about the Raptors. Do you think Anthony Parker could make a good coach one day? Probably not in the NBA, but perhaps the WNBA or College ball? Even colour commentary? (He seems like a funny guy and we all know he's a solid citizen.)

Amanda F, Barrie

A: He is a funny guy, we’re told. He doesn’t really show it too often to the media, though. I think he’d be better, and more comfortable, talking on TV rather than coaching but he’s also a big family guy and with a couple of young kids, he might just want to end his career and hang with them.

We’ll ask him when/if he comes back in the fall and let you know if he’s interested in coaching, it’s never come up in a casual conversation.

Q: I realize the chance at a ring has been a long time coming for Garnett. Who would you say is the best active player without a championship? Maybe a nice top 5 list would be appropriate. Does LeBron make the list despite only being in the league a couple of years?

Jeff D, St. Catharines

A: I guess if you’re talking about active players, LeBron has to be on that list. I’d put Iverson, Nash, Nowitzki on there, too. And maybe Jason Kidd rounds out a list of five?

Of course, that's leaving Garnett off until this series is over.

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Q: Just a quick one here.

Any idea if any of the GM's around the league use the ESPN trade machine to check if a trade could work.
Also what do you think about AP and Rasho's expiring deal along with the 17th pick to Detroitfor Rip Hamilton?

Steve H, Mississauga

A: No, ESPN’s a lot of things but it’s not a resource for NBA general managers. They actually employ people who have the hard salary facts in front of them when they discuss trades.

And no, not in a million years does Detroit have remote interest in that trade.

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Q: Hey Doug, since this is slow period for you I thought this would be good time to ask this question. It is basically considered by game analysts exhausting when a team down 10 or more points in the first half fights back in the second half to even up game. It has been my observation that the game has its own pace and is no faster or more physical when coming from behind. It is my opinion that losing only forces team to focus more than they had when they fell behind. Is being more focused the exhausting part otherwise I don’t get it?

Ron A, Mississauga

A: I’ve never bought into that “it took too much out of us coming back, that’s why we failed” explanation either, actually. The game is the game. You play hard the whole time, regardless of being up or down. There are ebbs and flows, as we all know, but it’s not “exhausting” in a physical sense to rally. I guess you could make the case that the extra concentration in a comeback – where every possession is significant – might be mentally taxing but, often, I think that’s a crutch.

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Q: Is it wrong for me to not care about the old Celtics-Lakers rivalry, and just simply focus on the current teams?
I mean, I understand and appreciate the history...I just don't want it to seem greater than the actual series (which seems to be the way this thing is playing out).

Mike S, Georgetown

A: No, it’s not wrong at all and I guarantee there are others who are sick and tired of Russell and Chamberlain and Bird and Magic already.

I don’t personally believe this series will live up to its hype but, with five days to write between the end of the Eastern Conference final and the start of the final, the hype’s been a good way to pass the time.

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Q: I can see some possibility of the Raptor's being able to land Maggette by sending them Ford and change. I have always liked Richard Jefferson and feel he's a better team guy. So I have two questions:
1) The Nets aren't one of the teams looking for a PG. What do the Raps have that NJ would want??
2) If you had the choice between adding RJ or Maggette which would you choose and why??
Carl M, Codroy Valley, NL

A: That’s the problem with the Nets deal, if they move Jefferson, they’d probably want a wing back. Don’t see a fit unless New Jersey will take a wing with less talent than Jeffersonand some expiring contracts in a bigger deal.

Personally, having spoken to a few people around the league and here, both players are flawed but I’d rather see Jefferson here.

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Q: Was just reading the draft measurements and combine results. Curious - why does the NBA measure players with shoes on? It doesn't help to compare players unless you assume they'll all be playing throughout their careers with the same shoes (and in some cases lifts?) that they're measured in. Is it for marketing? Being able to say player ABC is 7' tall (where he's actually 6'10).
Chris R, Toronto

A: I think they measure them in shoes ‘cause they play in shoes. And you’d be surprised how guys shrink or grow as their careers progress.

The measurements you get once the career starts are, every now and then, estimates rather than fact.

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Q: Since there is not much going on with the Raptors right now I'll ask you a non-raptors related question. Do you think that Kobe Bryant is good enough to immediately put any current NBA team into the playoffs? (in the sense that he is just an additional player on a team, no trading involved)

Chaz E, London

A: Yes, he is that talented. If he was with Miami last year, they’re in the post-season, same with Seattle.

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Q: Hi Doug, Few quick questions
1) is the length of this layoff to the final normal? Which team do you think it might affect more negatively?
2)Scanning the Seattle PI, it is starting to look really ugly, will the Sonics Lawsuit actually proceed without a settlement and do any of the players have a way to opt out of going to Oklahoma?
David P, Ottawa

A: The layoff’s a bit abnormal in that it’s both teams with so much time to kill. Usually, one of the conference finals stretches out to seven games, leaving one rested and one not. This year, the way the days fell and the way TV dictates the schedule for the finals (Thursday-Sunday-Tuesday) there was an extended rest for both teams. If both conference finals had ended in five games, the series would have begun on Tuesday. I think it’ll help both teams, actually. The Lakers got some rest for Kobe’s knee and back and the Celtics got some much needed rest after playing every other day for about three weeks.

On the Sonics thing? I think we’ll know in a month whether they can leave this year or have to stay for two more but no, the players have no say whatsoever. They are employees who work where the job is.

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Q: I know the coaching position is already been taken care of for the Raps, but in this business nothing is for sure. What do you think of Flip at the helm of the Raps?
Thoughts on Westbrook? I think he could serve the Raps better than any other player drafted 10-20.

Jay P, Brampton

A: I think Flip at the helm of the Raptors is not going to happen and should not be discussed.

And Russell Westbrook will be long gone before the Raptors pick. Too bad, I think he’s going to be good.

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Q: Correct me if I am wrong, but as the way I understand it, anybody can enter the NBA draft, you just have to pay a fee, which I think is about $100.00. If this is the case, and I decided to enter the draft next year (not because there is any shot of me being drafted, but just because I think it would be worth $100.00 for the opportunity to be in the draft), would I then be able to attend the pre-draft camp and take part in the player measurements and combine testing? It would be pretty cool to see my name next to all the other guys on nbadraft.net.
Thanks

Alex H, Oakville

A: Nice try but you have to actually be invited to the pre-draft camp and, no disrespect intended, but I can’t imagine an invitation to you would be forthcoming.

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Q: Chad Ford of ESPN released his mock draft the other day. He speculates the Raps may take Donte Green, or perhaps Robin Lopez with the 17th pick. He also notes that the Pacers may be looking at a PG like Ford, and that O'Neal may be on the trading block. Can you comment on any of these speculations? Thanks!

Geoff M, Oakville

A: Having seen a bunch of Lopez’s workout here (as you may have read in the blog), I think he’s too offensively-challenged to be a Raptor. I haven’t seen Green work so I can’t comment on him at the moment.

And it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if the Pacers moved O’Neal, his time with that team is up, I believe.

And, no, I do not in any way, shape or form think the Raptors should have any interest in him.

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Q: Doug, what is your opinion on trading Moon this offseason?  It might be a good time to sell high. Package him up with a large contract and try to fool a team to get someone better. Honestly, I think this is the best Moon can become, a good athletic defensive stopper who offers little offensively, and his next contract will start costing $3-5 million per year. It's either the swingman or shooting guard position that needs upgrading next season.

MK L, Mississauga

A: I don’t think it’s a terrible idea but he’d have to be part of a larger transaction as a throw-in because at his salary (about $711,000) you’re not going to get equal value in return.

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Q: Hi Doug – What percentage would you give to a possible trade of Ford and maybe a Rasho or Bargnani for either Brand or Boozer. Can't Brand renounce his contract this year? i.e. Clippers risk getting nothing for him next year.

Douglas L, Toronto

A: Zero. Maybe less.

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Q: Hey Doug. All the pictures on NBA.com have the current Celtic and Laker players in throwbacks. They aren't going to wear throwbacks during the series...right? I would find that would be too strong of an obsession with the past that would compromise the events of the present. Twenty years from now during another Celtic-Laker battle, what jerseys are they going to wear to honour the Kobe-Garnett rivalry if this series relies on the old ones?

Phil S, Burlington

A: As far as I’ve been able to find out, they’ll wear their usual jerseys during the series. But you know the marketing people, anything’s possible.

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Q: I've been reading your blog for a long time now and I must say, it keeps me interested at work! Back to the main topic, is it possible for the Raptors to trade Bargs, TJ, Joey and Rasho for Elton Brand and Corey Magette. I'm sure the Clips want to rebuild and get away from the huge contracts in their stars. They will not only get youth but also an expiring contract in Rasho.
As for the Raps, we would be getting the slasher (Corey) and a strong centre (Brand) to team up with Bosh and Calderon and AP. Other than Calderon, we have a defensive beast of a line and I can smell champions in 1-2 years.

Samson L, Markham

A: No, that’s not possible.

The considerable financial reasons aside, tell me why the Clippers would want either Graham or Nesterovic, who both have contracts that expire next year.

If they can’t get more than that for Brand and Maggette (and they’d have to do two separate sign-and-trade deals anyway) they should revoke the franchise.

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Q: Why is that Rasheed Wallace is considered such a valuable player (and an all-star this year) by so many, including yourself. Even going so far as saying that Rasheed is as important to a team as Bosh. He doesn't shoot a great percentage for a big man, has the Bargnani disease of taking way too many threes at an average percentage, and his numbers of 12 pts and 6 rebs this year isn’t anything to write home about. Not to mention his propensity not to give 100% and temper tantrums. Why Doug, why?

Ron M, Markham

A: Because, when he wants to play, he can be the best power forward in the game. Trouble is, his mind seems to wander too often.

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Q: I have to ask (again) what it would take to get the 2nd pick overall from Heat - assuming the pick is up for grabs and Beasley is available is a package of Ford + Bargs enough to get it done?

Bo C, Toronto

A: Since I’m not Pat Riley, you’re really asking the wrong guy.

But, in my opinion? No, I don’t think so. Sorry.

Any deal to obtain the No. 2 pick would have to be big enough to gut the Toronto team and it’s not worth taking two steps back to, eventually, take one forward.

Comments

[Amanda]

You honestly think if Sheed gave 100% all of the time that he could be better than Tim Duncan?

Blogger's note: Maybe "better" isn't the right word, "different" and "just as effective" might be right.

[bballer]

since the celtic-laker game was decided after kobe put up that 3 with 90 seconds left, i switched over to see Bosh on the Tonight Show. Bosh was good. he put his best cabbie impersonation to the test with his interviewing style. i seemed to get players comfortable to talk and was quite humourous. bosh is really trying hard to crack the mainstream and will do so eventually. his team may not be talented, but he is.

the more i read and hear about rush, the more i like him. he is a more physical version of brandon roy. despite his pre-draft performances, i still think he will be available at 17 since managers are like sheep. gm's tend to draft players at their pre-draft spot in fear of outrage from the media if they take a player higher than originally selected ie. charlie v, balkman... rush will be that good that i will not trade for a scoring sg. i would trade ford for haslem and rasho for ak47.

i have this weird feeling that ap will be an assistant coach in the wnba and for the sparks after finishing his career with the raptors or the clippers. he looked real comfortable watching his little sis play. canadace is the real deal. she can finally help to elevate the game of women's bball in the states.

[Paul]

Doug, how annoying is it when your fans complain about not having their questions answered? I see three or four whiners in today's mailbag - "I had to ask again, this is the fourth time, whaa whaaa whaaa..."

What I find ultimately amusing is that these whiners often ask really dumb questions. "How about Steve Nash for Primo Brezic?". People, he's not answering your questions because they are a waste of everyone's time! Focus! Focus! Focus!

Thanks for the Blog! Go Celtics.

[VoiceOfReason]

HAHAHA, 'take one forward'... Like Beasley! you slay me, Doug :)

Nice choice to go out on.

[andre v]

After watching game 1 who do think will win it all? Celtics or Lakers?

Blogger's note: I picked the Lakers before the series so I better stick with that.

[Ryan]

Before this draft talk gets out of hand... can we make sure that Greene is mentioned correctly? He's got an E on the end of his name. It must be pointed out as soon as possible because we already have "Calderone"'s out there!

[Nigel]

DONTE GREEN to the Raptors!!! Everybody, throw away your thoughts of getting an underachieving big man because of his "height". There are plenty of those saps to go around the league right now. Look at how San Antonio traded both of their centres not long ago and how they managed to turn Oberto into a championship worthy centre. The Raptors need a slasher and they need to buy some tapes of Robinson and Duncan!

Blogger's note: As has been pointed out, it's Greene

[Jacques]

What do you think the raps will do with Delfino?? if they trade T.J. do you think he might be part of the deal?

Blogger's note: As a restricted free agent, they'll see what kind of offer he gets, rather than make a pre-emptive one, I think.

[James S.]

Rasheed wallace is the best pf when he plays 100%, that's when you get mean rasheed who defends the post the perimter blocks shot, can put the ball on the floor not afraid of contact, can shoot the 3. Rasheed has become so lazy and would rather shoot 3's than post up now though.

[Serge Papineau]

"i would trade ford for haslem and rasho for ak47"

I doubt that there's any way Utah ever trades AK47 for Rasho, even if the salaries did match (which they don't) and Haslem is a backup power forward at best. He's too slow to guard starting 3's, do you really want him guarding guys like LBJ, Melo, etc.? He's a nice player but it's like Bill Simmons says, he's basically become overrated for being so "underrated". I don't think Miami is the right trading partner for Toronto as they really have no true assets that are of equal value to Ford (Wade and 2nd pick are worth more and Haslem is worth less and/or not a great fit here. The rest of the team is brutal)

I would love to see the Raptors get Jefferson in some kind of 3 way deal. Probably a pipe dream because 3 team trades are next to impossible but it seems like Ford + filler to Miami, Jefferson to Toronto and Haslem + 17th pick to NJ would be a starting point (although Haslem might not be the best fit for NJ either). Another possibility would be to broker a deal with NJ and New York where the 6th pick and/or Crawford would be thrown into the deal .... Again, haven't checked it on the Trade Machine but I think that the only way the Raps get Jefferson is to involve another team and, like Doug, if I'm choosing between Jefferson and Magette I'd much rather have the former.

[Steve G]

Do you think the fact that Greene fell in love with the trey ball in college will hurt his chances of being drafted by the Raps, who are looking for a slasher/aggressive player at that position?
He took the 3rd most 3's per game in the NCAA last year.

But he still has potential to be one of those very versitile forwards, with length and skill

[Alain Rousselle]

A question to everyone:

How can Doug be so sure that José is the starting PG for the Raptors next year? Do you know something important that we don't?

The fact is, nobody really knows what's being offered for T.J. and we don't know what teams would give up for José. It's an interesting debate. But the fact is, unless Doug's hiding something, nobody knows...

Celtics or Lakers?

I don't really care. I guess it would be nice for Pierce, Garnett and Allen to get a ring.

[bballer]

manny gets criticized in the media and by teammates for being slow to join in the boston-tampa bay brawl. when there are fights in football and hockey during games and practices, players are seen as manning up or protecting their teammates. yet when basketball players have a fight, they are denoted as thugs and hip hop culture becomes the blame for all things wrong with the nba. how fair is that?

signed

carmelo anthony

[jay haus]

any comments on chris bosh's performance on leno?

Blogger's note: The kid was really good, wasn't he?

[Justin]

Doug,
Are you answering all trade scenario inquiries or just the ludicrous ones? Maybe we should get you a side bar for the readers that includes a list of things to consider before throwing just anybody's name into a trade idea. So anyway, how about the Raps trade Joey Graham for Kobe in the offseason...that'll work, right? ;)

[DougG]

Doug I really appreciate the fact that you do not traffic in unsubstantiated rumor and actually do research and fact checking. However, your honesty sometimes leaves one a little pessimistic about the future. Are there any possibilities, in the real world, that might lead Raptor fans to be optimistic about the chances of the team getting better, any time soon, and if so, what would they be? For example, are they getting any good offers for TJ, or are they low ball ones? Is there a chance we will see another player on the team who can consistently score 20 points a game?

Blogger's note: Sure, there's reason. What if Bargnani regains the jump-shooting form he had as a rookie, what if Calderon does become an all-star, what if they hit a home run with the draft pick? It's not all doom and gloom.

[tyler]

Hey Doug,

Do you think the Cavaliers would give up LeBron James for Ford + Bargs and Rasho?

.....some of these trade propositions you're getting are just awful. I can't imagine the ones you're not posting.

[ns]

when the celtics got cassel...did they know they were getting a derick martin figure (loves to shoot but cant score)? seems like the pg position is going to be the reason for the celtic's loss in these finals.....i know a bunch of people have said on this blog that a team doesnt seem to need elite pg's to reach the finals (they use lakers and celtics as the examples) but in my book fisher is an elite pg...not because of his skill set, which is nowhere near paul or nash, but because of his understanding of what is required of him....he brings it every night-scores when he has to, passes to get his team going-- and he's there for the team when it counts..... rondo is a good young player but this is one mismatch that (i think) will cost the celtics the title this year.....rondo's too inexperienced and cassel's too shot happy....celtics should have gotten damon

[TPH]

"I don’t think it’s a terrible idea but he’d have to be part of a larger transaction as a throw-in because at his salary (about $711,000) you’re not going to get equal value in return."

That made me think of two questions:
1) I assume that you mean, by himself, Moon would ONLY be able to get equal value in return? Another team could not acquire him just to 'dump' salary, right?

2) Just out of curiosity, do you know how many current NBA players will make under $1 000 000 next season?

Thanks!

Blogger's note: Yes, that's what I mean about Moon and I don't have my salary charts here, I'll have to get back to you on that $1 million question. My guess: Maybe one per team on average

[Sean]

Here's a Q Doug,

Looking back at the past, I dunno, 100 NBA Finals, it seems that it is IMPOSSIBLE to get to mid-June without a bonafide superstar. Outside of perhaps Detroit, it seems impossible to get this far without "the guy" leading the way. So, in your estimation, is our Chris Bosh ever going to be "the guy" in the way that Kobe, LBJ, Duncan, Wade et al were when their teams got this far?

Blogger's note: Well, you say the last 100 Finals and then give an example, Detroit, that's been in two of the last six. And I'd put Dallas in that group, too. So it can be done and a team led by Chris Bosh could play into late June, I believe. It's about the pieces around him.

[DH]

Doug, Your knowledge and insights are always appreciated. But I got to disagree with you on the Ford / Calderon issue. I expect Ford to be traded in the off season cause I don't think Colangelo has much choice considering the love of Calderon from the fans. I just hope the Raptors don't fall into the Milwaukee situation after the trade. They haven't made the playoffs since Ford left and made it 2 of the 3 years prior. They were convinced that Mau Williams was PG of the future. Now they are not. I'm not saying it will happen a like. It boils down to the changes that take place in the off-season, however I maintain be careful of what you wish for.

Only time will tell on your predictions. One thing is Calderon has peaked as an NBA player. The question is whether he can maintain it. Ford, can get better there's is no doubt about that. Finally, Calderon played the 2 most significant quarters the last 2 seasons (Game 6 - NJ and Game 4 or 5 Orlando take your pick). Both times they came up short, what does that say.

[Alex]

Hot dog some people send in dumb trade questions. Haven't you mentioned before that writers should sit back a minute and actually consider both sides of the trade before sending in your bright idea. I mean Magette and Brand for our retread tires? Surely you jest.

[petert]

Let's think outside the box on this TJ-Jose thing. The question should not be: "which point guard should we choose?" The real question should be: "which point guard can you see eventually leading us to an NBA championship?" The answer is neither. Compare either to any of the point guards on the best teams. Unless you have a Bryant/Jordan or a "Big Three" on your team, for various reasons (defence, leadership, poise to name 3), I don't think either is a championship point guard. To be practical, we'll choose one to lead for the next couple of years. But let's keep this in perspective: ultimately, it'll be neither.

[jr]

doug what is hack-a-shaq or whatever is called ?

Blogger's note; It's fouling a notoriously bad free-throw shooting (Shaquille O'Neal) away from the ball to make him shoot and, hopefully, miss so a team trailing can get quickly back in the game.

[bballer]

damn, i think i need to defend my ak47/rasho trade. the jazz will sign dwills to a max contract and after 2009 will need to do the same if they want to keep boozer. right now, kirilenko is getting $10m per year for 3 more years but is the 3rd or 4th best player on the team, with morris almond in the pipeline. utah can get the same production for less with ronnie brewer. plus, the jazz needs a back up centre who is defensively oriented and can command low post presence.

so where will that leave kirilenko? so trading him for an expiring contract and a through in like graham will work for them. utah fans would love to see ak47 out of utah and have been pining for him to go from last season. so you can steal ak47 without it affecting the salary structure for the team. with that in mind, ak47 can be the defensive stopper for the team and can then afford to pick up maggette or go with a youngster like brandon rush. if rap fans read what the dynamics are with other teams, they will know who can be picked up and who can't. i am hesitant with maggette now since he is not a wing who can bring you to the promise land. oh, and redd isn't going anywhere either.

for the idiot that said haslem can't defend 3's you are right. haslem defends 4s and 5s. he will be a solid guy to back up bosh and bargnani and won't command the ball offensively.