Of the summer league and Canada

Everybody have a nice weekend? Great weather, lots of time for yard work and tasty veal chops on the barbecue. Sweet. But also lots of time to talk on the phone and gather some wee nuggets some of you might like.

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Everybody ready to get up nice and early tomorrow to watch Canada-Slovenia?

I’ll be here, six bells, with the TV on thanks to The Score and Canada Basketball. Oh, and the coffee on, too.

I really don’t know what Canada’s chances are for the simple reason that no one knows how good the competition is going to be.

I fully expect them to win at least one, and maybe two, of their first round games, which gets them either Croatia or Puerto Rico in the all-important quarter-final on Friday.

Croatia’s an unknown for sure, they’ve got guys you’ve never heard of who I’m sure can play, and Puerto Rico’s got Carlos Arroyo and J.J. Barea and that’s a pretty good backcourt.

I know I always say we’re not supposed to be fans in this gig but a big chunk of me would love to see Canada do well.

The front line of Sam Dalembert and Joel Anthony can matchup with any in the tournament and I’d say Rowan Barrett, Olu Famutimi, Carl English and David Thomas are solid on the wings.

If it comes down to point guard play, Jermaine Anderson’s shown he can handle the gig but I wonder about his backups. Tyler Kepkay has never, ever been in anything like an Olympic qualifier and Canada used Andy Rautins a bit at the spot in the exhibition series. He’s not a true point guard and missed the final game in Germany because, I was told, of a jammed thumb.

Tough task, no question. But at least it gives us a week of Canadian basketball to talk about and that’s not a bad thing.

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You all know what I think about the Summer League so take this anyway you like …

Remember the name Jaycee Carroll.

He’s the kid added late to the Raptor summer league team, combo guard out of Utah State who made a pretty bold statement with 14 points in about four minutes of Saturday’s game.

I have no idea if he can stick in the NBA but the kid killed playing for New Jersey in Orlando and is starting to turn some heads.

Including, according to my man Dave D down in Newark, that of Nets honcho Rod Thorn.

"If he can play some combo guard, at the end of the day – if he can be a 1 for a few minutes a night – I think he is (an NBA player),” Thorn said. “He’s giving up size at the two-guard. But he’s a very competitive kid, and he has a real quick release. He’ll make some shots. But whether he can guard those guys will be the key. If he improves his ball-handling … we played him a lot at the point, and he did a nice job. He got pressed a lot but did a nice job. So that’s the key.  But with his makeup, the way he’s put together, he looks like a player.”

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There’s one guy floating around the free agent market who I’ve been asked about a few times over the last few days.

And I’ll dutifully report that Dan Dickau is absolutely not on the Raptor radar.

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Some mail

Q: Hi Doug, I just learned that Nathan Jawai is an Australian of Aboriginal descent. Given all of the attention given to the cultural diversity of the Raptors' squad, I am surprised that this has received merely a passing mention. There are such strong and tragic historical parallels in the treatment of Australian Aborigines and First Nations in Canada. All the more reason that Toronto should feel proud and blessed to welcome on to their team the first Aboriginal player to be drafted by the NBA. I would like to hear much more about this apparently remarkable story. What do you think? Can you give us some more on him?

Mohamed M, Montreal

A: Here’s the deal on Jawai, as we found out over the weekend.

He’s not considered Aborigini because he was born on a tiny island off the coast of Australia. He is considered indigenous instead.

And I’m sure we’ll all hear the story in great depth when we finally get a chance to sit down and talk with him.

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Speaking of the summer league, scanning the rosters in a moment of weekend boredom and one name leaped off the screen:
The Big Kitchen is back.

John Thomas, one of the all-time good Raptors, is playing for Milwaukee.

He’s an interesting dude. Took a couple of years off to travel and work in a sports agency, caught up with him about three years ago in Minnesota when he was playing that defunct summer league. No idea if he’s still got game but he’s exactly the kind of zany story you find in these summer leagues.

And toss in Pape Sow (Dallas), P.J. Tucker (Memphis) and Jelani McCoy (Denver) and you’ve got four-fifths of an ex-Raptor injured/inactive list team that should be able to kick some summer league butt.

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Once more into the mail for something slightly off-topic:

Q: You said that at some points you're dreading the trip to Beijing?! I was just wondering as to the reasons for any hesitation towards what seems like an extraordinary trip?

Aris D, Toronto

A: I think anyone going to Beijing – or any Olympics for that matter – has the same concerns.

Pollution, infrastructure, security, language, transportation, being away from family and home for more than three weeks, an oppressive government watching you constantly.

Seeing missile silos a couple of hundred yards away from venues in Greece was a tad disconcerting (although the only major security issue of five Olympics I’ve covered already was some nutjob American trying to blow up a park in Atlanta).

I’m sure it’ll be fine and the memories will be all good but there’s trepidation, for sure.

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Reason #12,240 why the summer league’s horrible.

In the Raptor-Sacramento game the other day, a 40-minute game by the way, there were 77 fouls called. SEVENTY-SEVEN! That’s one about every 40 seconds or so.

Joey Graham and Deji Akindele both came within two of equalling Hoffa’s franchise record for personal fouls in a game (10) although I’m told there were some, um, dubious calls.

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This just in:

New Zealand edges Cape Verde 77-50 in Athens. No surprise there. But at least we know that we should get a Canada-Slovenia result tomorrow about the same time and it’s dang early.

Comments

[Patrick in MTL]

Hey Doug,

Just wondering if you knew why Rod Benson, Joel Bosh and Nathan Jawai all failed to see any court time during the Raptors first summer league game on Saturday (heard maybe Jawai was recovering from a mild groin strain).

Any chance that they play in the rest of the games (starting with today's game)?

Thanks!

Blogger's note: Not sure about Benson and Bosh, but Jawai's a bit hurt and may play today. Or he may not.

[Uncle Zeke]

Ha now Jaycee Carroll?? What happened to future Raptor's starter Hassan Adams?? I love how you just throw these bums names against the wall hoping one will stick and then you can say I told you so- and conveniently forget the 99 others. I love how you keep referencing your man down in NJ about how "great" these bums are... Don't you think a crappy team like NJ might keep a couple of these "diamonds" if they actually could play. And to all delusional Raptor fans who think Nathan Jawai is some sleeper star... The guys sucks and is at best a 3 year project- just like the bust known as Bargnani...

[Aaron Campbell]

Just a hunch after watching him the one season in a Raptor uniform, but I think P.J. Tucker has a chance of cracking the NBA.

He reminds me of a few griity players in the NHL, who were drafted in the later rounds, tagged with the he's too small line, but end up being a character player who's skill shines beyond expectations.

I remember one of the only games he had significant minutes that season, against Phoenix I believe, and he scored maybe 18 points with a smattering of rebounds playing undersized at small forward.

If given the opportunity I think he can be a key role player for many a NBA team.

Could you compare him to the new Raptor pick-up, Hassan Adams?

Thanks

Blogger's note: Nope, can't compare 'em, haven't seen either of 'em play live in years

[Aaron]

Hi Doug,

I'm a huge Raps fan, and I really hate to be such a pessimist. But with some of these recent trades and signings, I have been looking down the Eastern Conference list and wondering if the Raptors will even make the playoffs this year. And, if they do, how they could do better then a 5th place finish (best case scenario).

I think Boston, Philly, Detroit will grab the top 3 spots.
Then Orlando, by winning SE
that is four times, and you still have cleveland and Washington, who I believe will both have to be in, considering arenas is healthy.
Raptors could fall somewhere in between of around Cleveland and Washington, but I have already named 6 teams. There is still Miami, with healthy Wade, Marion (or someone who they trade marion for) and Beasely...that is a serious team and they could make a push for home court advantage.
With all that, you still have Milwalkee (Redd and Jefferson) Atlanta (assume they resign Smith, their young guys are only better), and Chicago (Who knows what Rose could do, their roster around him is pretty solid)

All I'm saying is, I am concerned about the Raps making the playoffs, struggling to get there, and if they do get there, being a serious underdog in the first round.

[OzDave]

Hi Doug,

Just want to elaborate on your comments on Nathan Jawai. You are correct in reporting that Nathan is not an Aboriginal, he is from the second Australian indigenous group known as Torres Strait Islanders. The Torres Strait is the piece of water lying between Papua New Guinea, and Australia's northern most point Cape York. Traditionally most of the sportsmen that have come from these islands tend to be physically larger and more powerful than their Aboriginal counterparts.

This is certainly true with Jawai, and hopefully, his raw and unpolished game will benefit from the increased professionalism in the NBA, and the added bonus of getting to work with Chris Bosh and Jermaine Oneal everyday.

[Marc Moore]

It was great to hear that "Dan Dickau is absolutely not on the Raptor radar." Why anyone would suggest getting an undersized, extremely soft PG is beyond me. So far in summer league play neither PG candidate, Ewing or Lucas, did anything to stand out. While Graham's pt total was great, what was with 8 fouls and 5 turnovers. Another player-of-interest: Pape Sow was very physical in his last game but still just doesn't know how to play the game.

[Freets24]

Doug, have you heard that Garbo has recieved an offer from the Lakers? Can you confirm?

Blogger's note: Still trying to get it confirmed on this side of the Atlantic, haven't quite got it nailed down yet.

[rob]

Uncle zeke, when Doug is referencing his guy down in NJ, its actually the newspaper reporter. Like Doug to the Raps, that guy down in Jersey has no role in the decision making process for the Nets. So you saying something like "Don't you think a crappy team like NJ might keep a couple of these "diamonds" if they actually could play" it really has nothing to do with anything.

From the rest of your post, I get the impression your just being negative for the sake of being negative, but at least re read your posts and give it a tad bit more thought before you submit it.

[yertu damkule]

hmmm...looks like someone took a big 'ole dump in zeke's mini-wheats.

[Sean]

Aaron,

I would argue its a big premature to put Philly in at #2 before we know what Iggys going to do. Philly with Brand but without Iggy is, in my opinion, not all that better than last year when they finished 7th. And given their depth (or lack thereof), they would be in serious trouble if Elton misses any chunk of time. I dont think the playoffs are a question for the Raps next year (I mean there are 4-5 teams you can rule out right away), but getting to the 2nd will definatly be tough.

[derek]

Zeke,
Can you please give me your list of 5 entry level players that YOU think (with all of your knowlege) will have an above average year? And no you can't talk to experts (or at least people who have been around these players to actually - you know- see them play). It's easy to say "he will be a bust" because odds are they WILL be. Better yet give me the one name after the 10th pick that you think will become a "franchise player"....and see if you're right (a-hem).
All that Doug is trying to do with his knowledge, with being around the game for years, watching players closely, seeing some bust, seeing some break, more closely than you and I would ever imagine, is to make an opinion on players' skills and durability - which is more likely better than most.

Maybe you should keep throwing the names of all the busts and when 1 out of 10 of them make it you can say "TOLD YOU SO" on the other 9 - that would be genius - you would be right 90% of the time, and basketball fans everywhere will have to take YOUR opinion on all basketball related topics - you so smart.

[dean]

Its hard to take comments like Zeke's seriously. If he was a scout or in the leauge, and not an armchair GM, his points might have validity.

To say that Jawai sucks without ever seeing him play is unfair, and unfounded without evidence of such. If being the best in his leauge makes him horrible, then I guess you have your proof.

Rather than post derogatory statements, do some research, watch some video, listen to his interview and most of all, give him the chance to suit up before passing judgement.

[Kelsie]

Hey Doug,

Any idea why Raptor TV is not showing any Raptor summer league games at this point in time? I believe last year they would condense it into a game in an hour but I'd like to see some Raptors summer league games pronto. It seems like they're showing every other team but the Raps.

I agree with your assesment of summer league play. Not much to speak of and very ragged basketball is being played. With Joey Graham playing in this years summer league do you think that this is a sign that this year might be the end of the road for Graham with the Raps?

I know Moon's not playing and the thinking behind it is he has competed with this kind of talent for most of his career, but when I see Stuckey, Durrant, Conely, Hawes, Douby, etc on the court, it does make me wonder why he isn't there. I'm sure there are areas of his game that can be improved and worked on in game situations.

Blogger's note: Joey's contract runs out at the end of the year so this is definitely a 'show-me' season for him. And I've been told Raptors TV will show "a couple" summer league games, but not which "couple."

[Zack]

Well Uncle Zeke...how do you know Jawai is going to be a bust...have you seen him play?
I have actually seen him play live and a few more of his games on t.v. living in OZ last year...He is a bit raw, but has good skill and is a beast in the key....he will be a decent big man for the raps and very well could be a steal...If you are dismissing a player who you have never seen play ball then you know nothing about basketball.
Doug, would the Raps have any interest in Derek Anderson as the 13th man?
Thanks.

Blogger's note: Derek Anderson's an interesting name, I haven't heard it kicked around but I'll check with some people to see what they say.

[Uncle Zeke]

"Uncle Zeke, when Doug is referencing his guy down in NJ, its actually the newspaper reporter but at least re read your posts and give it a tad bit more thought before you submit it."

Actually Rob I'm well aware that Dave D'Alessandro is a sports columnist and have read him online for years. To your second point maybe you should be reading things a little more closely: In Doug's blog Dave D. is presenting the opinion of Nets GM Rod Thorn not his own and Rod Thorn clearly has some role in the decision making process (correct me if I'm wrong).

To others points: I'm not the so-called "expert" who throws out ridiculous statements like Hassan Adams starting for the Raptors next year, the Boston Celtics struggling to make the playoffs, the Pistons too old before last season, Gasol for Bargnani as a bad trade for the Raptors, every decision Bryan Colangelo/Sam Mitchell make as untouchable, etc., etc. Doug is spewing this stuff from a pulpit of credibility and deserves to be called out for it- especially when he doesn't own up to it half the time.

Last year he says Jamario Moon has no shot at making the Raptors and the guy ends up starting. He got burned so this year he's trying to over compensate by naming every summer-league bum as a potential starter...

And If Doug didn't love to pull this snide "know-it-all" act on anyone who writes in that he doesn't agree with then yes maybe my tone would be a little more conciliatory...

And yes Jawai is a bum and talk to Sean Marks and Shane Heal about where dominating in the Australian league gets you...

John Lucas is also better than Roko Ukic and would be better as the Raptors backup point- so there's my prediction...

Blogger's note: I'm a dope, you're brilliant, we all get it. Thanks, as always, for your input. I absolutely guarantee you that Roko Ukic will be an exponentially better NBA player that John Lucas (and I presume you're talking about John Lucas III because I'd hate to give you more fuel for the fire)
But this is the end of any debate, no one out there really cares. And, believe me, I don't.

[Marc in Burlington]

Hey Doug,

What's the bigger time waster? Watching summer league or having to read letters from the fan-perts about where the Raptors are going to finish in a season that hasn't begun yet?

I feel bad for your eyes.

Cheers Dude

[Jonathan]

Wow Zekey, where's your online blog and how can I subscribe?

You must seriously take yourself too seriously if you choose to make a big deal out of whether or not a 2nd round pick will "bust". Frankly, the only way he can really bust is if he gets cut before the season starts; even if he warms the bench a la Maceo Baston, he will be a steal considering the cheaper price tag.

And for you to use Doug's statement that Moon had no chance of making the team to further your argument, I'm glad you got it right where most everyone else got it wrong, but how hypocritical that you're boasting about your prediction (had you gotten it wrong, then I would question why you even brought it up) while admonishing someone for simply dropping a name. It's not like anyone is going to say "Wow, Doug got it right!" since he didn't predict anything much, so why are you so angry/jealous? If Peter Vecsey had an online blog, I'd just not read his silly posts instead of trolling his every word.

[P.]

Heh, Dougie's "know-it-all" attitude here is no worse than any of the other armchair GMs that post here.

Journalistic integrity, or whatever you want to call it, doesn't need to apply here. Facts and objectivity go into the print articles, and opinions and subjectivity go here in the blog.

This is just a blog. The blogger is allowed to be wrong. And besides, who *really* expected Jamario Moon to be a starter last year?

[michael]

doug jaycee is a great shooter

do u think raps ink on jaycee caroll as backup PG?

Blogger's note: I'd be surprised, since they want someone with some NBA experience. But it could happen if they can't find anyone they like.

[Barry Chong]

Before he was cut, Dalembert had been portrayed as a basketball hero and an upstanding citizen. His teammates liked him, he shared his wealth, he worked hard, and Leo Rautins praised enormously when reporting on television for the Raptors. What in god's name happened? Something doesn't smell right; Rautins and Canada Basketball owe us an explanation.