Some this, some that and some news

Hey boys and girls, everyone get all the housework done on that dreary Sunday? Get caught up on reading, hanging out, drinking coffee, doing family stuff? Cool.

It might be a slow week this week, I don’t expect much happening with the local Heroes Of The Hardcourt and with summer league done in Vegas, things my dry up a bit.

Which is okay, actually, since I’m Golf Boy this week out that the Abbey (lucky golf readers, I say) but we’ll still endeavour to get something marginally interesting and informative in here each day (besides, slow or not, you folks still like to fill up the inbox with questions).

On to the good stuff:

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So Carlos Delfino’s going to Russia and there are reports out there this morning that Josh Childress may be headed to Greece. Is the sky falling? Are these other leagues going to raid the NBA and turn it into just another league?

Not quite

No disrespect to Carlos or Childress, but these are hardly NBA ‘stars’ we’re talking about. Neither has ever been as much as a starter in the league and if they can get boatloads of more money playing overseas, good for them.

Maybe it’s simply a fact of NBA GMs coming to their senses and not doling out lucrative long-term contracts to players of not dubious talent, but guys who are just pieces of the puzzle.

I can certainly see more young players going and spending a couple of years making big bucks overseas and I can certainly see players at the end of their contracts heading to Europe for one more big payday and one more life adventure.

But will the NBA miss either Carlos Delfino or Josh Childress? I can’t imagine it will.

The impact on the league: Shorter-term, shorter-money contracts for guys like Childress and Delfino.

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Not sure when they’ll get around to announcing it, but when they do, remember you read it here first:

I’m told CSKA Moscow’s coming to Toronto this fall for an exhibition game against the Raptors.

No dates or anything but I hope for Toronto’s sake it’s near the end of the pre-season because if the Raptors don’t bring their ‘A’ game, they’ll get their heads handed to them.

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A visit to the mail:

Q: Hey Doug, I posed this question to you a couple of weeks back, and surprisingly, you didn't jump at it.  Perhaps it was too rambling so I'll keep it brief; how do you think He Who Shall Not Be Named will react in New Jersey since he's now in essentially the exact same situation he was in with the Raptors five years ago?

Alison B, Mississauga

A: Sorry, must have missed it and, believe me, I’m used to “rambling.”

A lot of what turned Carter south here had to do with management, the fact he didn’t believe in his GM, was playing for his fourth coach in about five years and being simply tired of being in the same situation with no real plan going forward. I don’t imagine he’ll love what’s going on in Jersey, but I think there are some different circumstances that won’t lead him to quit like he did here.

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I digress but …

I’m watching the Argo game with Super Son yesterday (the Little League game was rained out) and I have to say that no head coach of any professional sports team in any professional sports league anywhere in the world should wear shorts.

And I now return you to your regularly-scheduled basketball stuff.

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I see on Canada Basketball's site that Jermaine Anderson parlayed his play at the Olympic qualifier into a gig back in Germany for next year. That can only be good for the national team because the team needs Anderson to really polish his point guard skills before next summer’s qualifier for the 2010 worlds.

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Speaking of worlds, you know I told you last week that Canada’s under-18 men have qualified for next year’s global championship in New Zealand (they ended up winning the bronze at their qualifier on the weekend). Well, this week some attention has to go to the under-18 women. They’re in Buenos Aires for a six-team tournament, fighting for one of four spots in next year’s worlds.

I think what we’re seeing in the laying of a foundation, for both groups, that’ll really help in the future. The NEDA program (a residency-training-educational program for many of the elite teens in Canada) is one of the best things Canada Basketball has ever done and we’re starting to see results on the floor.

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Remember way back in the day, maybe a month or so ago, we had a story in the paper on Masai Ujiri’s annual big man camp back in Nigeria and how it’s got to help youngsters over there develop?

Well, I don’t know how many of you noticed Deji Akindele out in Vegas with the Raptor summer league team but he’s a graduate of that camp. He took part a few years ago, it got him a scholarship in the states and while he blew it by coming out of college too early, his hopes of one day being in the NBA are still alive. He’s been in the D League and France and will play this year it Italy.

He’s exactly the kind of guy Ujiri wants to help.

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A summer league query from the mail:

Q: What do you think CJ Giles chances are of making the big club?

Sean J, Ottawa

A: I would say miniscule with gusts to non-existent.

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AP PHOTO

We got Good Joey at summer league - but that's to be expected.

Speaking of summer league, now that it’s over (a stellar 1-4 record for the locals) what’s to be gleaned? Nothing, really.

The thought around team remains that the 13^th man is going to be someone on a minimum value contract who’s a combo guard with at least a little bit of NBA experience, a guy who some night in the regular season will jump up and do something to win a game for them, and I don’t think that guy was on the team in Vegas.

And with only two games under his belt, nothing can be taken away about the performance of Nathan Jawai other than he didn’t look out of place.

Joey? Joey killed in the summer league but, quite frankly, if he didn’t there was no hope for him whatsoever.

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Greece, Croatia and Germany grab the last three basketball spots in the Beijing Olympics and I can’t say I’m surprised at all.

Guess the only surprising thing was Slovenia losing to Puerto Rico in the quarter-finals, that was the lone upset of those four games.

Guess the other thing of note is that no country from FIBA Americas made it to the Games, other than the USA and Argentina as qualifiers last year, and that doesn’t bode well for the future of the game on this continent.

North, South and Central American teams (aside from those Big Two and I’m not entirely sure how long the aging Argentines can stay near the top of the world) are falling further and further behind Europe in each quadrennial.

It means that while Canada may one day be on par with a lot of the other countries over here, it’s how they stack up against Europe that will really determine where they rank in the world.

Comments

[D. Himmel]

As much as Delfino was inconsistant, it was still a pleasure to watch him when he brought his 'A' game on offence and defence.

[Kelsie]

Hey Doug,

What's your opinion about the kid Jennings who committed to Arizona but will be playing in Europe this year. Do you think Stern might have to address this kind of situation in the future, because if a player is academically ineligible or just doesn't want to go to school but wants to play professionally and make some money why not go to Europe for a year or two, then enter the draft?

Blogger's note: If Stern does anything, I think it'll be to try to get the CBA to only allow players to enter the draft after two years of his class being in college rather than one.

[Andy]

I don't know if I'd say Joey KILLED summer league. He played ok, with bouts of crappiness (The Joey Graham Syndrome). He still picked up his typical bull charges, he used his off arm to clear people out a couple of times, and the Refs missed about 3 clear travelling violations that would have been caught in the NBA.

His shooting % wasn't great and other than a few wide open dunks, he still tried to finesse his way to the bucket. Joey is done and will be a 14th or 15th man off the bench.

sigh.

[GM]

Childress to Greece? Delfino to Russia? I think it's more significant than you do. This is probably the first time in history two NBA players in their prime who weren't end-of-benchers went that way. And it's probably a sign of things to come. Personally, I like it. I hope the NBA *does* become just another league. It won't take away from my interest in it at all. Even though they don't play each other, I like relative parity. The NBA will always have the stars, but having an influx of NBA-tested players in their prime into these other leagues will only help those leagues improve over time.

[Jacques]

Doug,

what's the chance Leo is fired from team Canada and they bring Jay back. Also, there should be a rule out there that you cannot help or coach a team if your not from that country (like Jay is doing for team USA)

Blogger's note: I think there's a place for Jay in the organization for sure; I'm just not sure it's as a coach. And you can't deny a guy a chance to make some money, enhance his resume or reputation so why not go coach where you're wanted, as opposed to not working for an orgnanization that (short-sightedly) fired you.

[Mike]

Whats your thoughts on Matt Barnes signing for the min. with Phoenix could he have been a fit here?

Blogger's note: Might have been a fit but we're not talking about an all-star here.

[Andrew R]

I watched a bit of the Raps vs. Sixers summer league game. Carrol looked good to me, but he's a bit small. Raptors got Bad Joey at the end of the game where the same 'sixers player, who only goes left, drove left on our man twice in a row, once to get within 2 and another time to tie it up. Then Bad Joey gets beat again on the play that gives Philly the lead for good. Bad Joey was Brutal down the stretch on D.

[Eric]

This will be a rant and for that I apologize, but I think the state of Canada Basketball is utterly horrendous, if not pathetic. That has to do with a variety of factors I'm sure, but I don't know if I could be any more disappointed than I am now.

This last Olympic qually tournament was another stunning example of failure. Whether we're talking off the court with Dalembert, on the court where our players resembled boys competing vs men, or the sidelines where we were all heart and no brains, it was a disappointment.

The collection of players we have representing us on the floor today should be, in my opinion, the best we've ever seen, no? FIBA staged the 1994 World Championships in Toronto to help us reach that goal, it was considered a huge step forward at the time and something that would lead to a brighter future. Do me a favour: look at the team today and, with a straight face, tell me that the effect of that major tournament (and the addition of two NBA expansion franchises in 1995) has clearly led to a brighter future. I can't do it.

Part of that, of course, has to do with Steve Nash not competing, Jamaal Magloire having never competed since he turned pro, and Denham Brown looking the other way himself. But those are, in my opinion, only symptoms of the problem. WHY are they not competing? Are they ashamed of something? Are they prima donnas? What is the cause to this effect? I don't know. And why is the dropoff in talent so severe (I'm talking about Nash to Anderson here). Sure, Nash is a professional superstar, not many can compete with him, but Anderson (God love him) was from what I saw possibly the most overmatched point guard in the tournament. The gap between #1 and #2 in this country is monstrous. WHY? Again, I don't know.

The organization is dysfunctional at the top. That's #1. At the bottom, the top players don't necessarily want to don the jersey without being pressured publicly. That's #2. Magloire has been a embarrassing example of this for years. The fans are left to cheer for a team that seems to lack talent, and in some cases pride, while the players are forced to take the heat in posts like this one.

What does this country have to do? We've hosted a premier international tournament, we've won two NBA expansion franchises, kids are playing basketball in exponential increases since 1994, and yet the team stinks just as bad. I'm led to think that if ANY other country put that much attention and money into a program over a period of 15 years, they'd have some results to show for it by now. All we have is Steve Nash- but it's not like we didn't already have him 15 years ago.

Go Canada.

[AJ]

Even though you wrote that joey graham killed it in the summer league, that's not that close to the truth. he put points up on the board, but did you see how many silly fouls he was picking up. it was honestly ridiculous to see joey g. commit the same type of fouls, same mistakes over and over again. i mean, he can do things that not many players can do, he has athleticism, good body etc....but he commits too many mistakes on both ends (mostly defensive)....also, he makes up his mind too early...i mean that has to improve after being in the NBA for some time now.

[Imran Pirani]

What are your thoughts on Hassan Adams' performance in Vegas? From what I saw of him, he played exactly how Hollinger described him.

Blogger's note: No real surprise, as well all expected. Defends well, gets to the rim, knows his offensive limitations. Good player who'll get a chance to earn some playing time nex season.

[Chiris]

Hi Doug:

Back to the Celtics, I know they have one their title, but realistic, what is going to happen to them in the next few years? Will they trade one of the big three, or will they let them all retire as celtics, and have to start from scratch. It just an intersting situation, usually you have some veterans mixed with younger players. However, in this case, not sure what the final situation will be. By the way speaking of the Olympics, why is the lady track and field team so poorly represented? There is no 4 X 400 or 4 x 100 relay team for Women. However, the men have a team? Hard to believe that the girls aren't good enough? Seems like something worth looking into.
thanks,

Chris

Blogger's note: I think the Celtics Big Three will remain intact until the contractso run out. And I'll get my track people on that women's thing right away.

[Andrew Gregg]

Hi Doug,

On the subject of Childress and Delfino going to Europe: I agree that the departure of those two players in particular will have little impact on the NBA, but what will more Euro contracts mean for the D League? It looks like many players can make decent cash overseas--better money than the Bay Hawks or the Fourteeners are going to pay. The (remote) chance of a mid-season call-up to the big league notwithstanding, doesn't it make more sense to go to Europe than to stay and toil in the D League?

Blogger's note: In my opinion, it always has made more sense to go where the money is.

[Jimbo]

Yo Doug, Your good work is appreciated. Now that House and Allan are back in Green.....could you toss out a few new names we could dream about?

Blogger's note: Take a look at the list that just got posted in the regular blog. Dream? That might be a stretch.

[J]

Eddie House re-signed with Boston. What's next for Toronto in the combo guard market?

[Matt Melanson]

Well Doug, looks like we can all put some of the roster speculation to rest finally - it's being reported that both Tony Allen and Eddie House have re-signed with Boston. I'm hardly surprised, and no, I won't innundate you with yet more speculation. Are you thanking me yet?

Thanks again for the great blog,
Matt

[Jon]

Hey Doug, great blog as always.

With Eddie House and Tony Allen out of the picture, can you give us a list of a few players that are still on the target?

[Soul]

I too believe the departure of Delfino and Childress is significant. Not for these players' individual cachet, but for the sheer money difference. It is huge. As I stated on your blog yesterday, this is an emerging trend. If Delfino can get $10 million a year (Rip Hamilton money!), then what will these foreign teams offer other more marketable players? Who's next? Perhaps Latrell Sprewell will play overseas to feed his family.

[GM]

As much as Team Canada needs a coach with lots of international experience, I agree with the poster that said coaches shouldn't be permitted to coach other countries. If players can't play for whatever country they want, coaches shouldn't be allowed to coach. They're an important part of the process. I'd never really thought of it before but it makes sense.

[Kevin]

An number of interesting observations by Andrew R. regarding our national team. He is absolutely right about the continual dysfunction of the entire program. Twenty years of coaching, officiating and administrating basketball in Toronto gives me quite a perspective on this, but the results have always been lacking. The failure of national, provincial and local programs to work together to identify and develop not just players but coaches as well continues to be a major disappointment.

[yertu damkule]

ok, this relates to a question/comment posted last week, about how you (doug) mention the type of player the raps are looking at signing to fill out the roster (i.e. end-of-bencher, wing player, min. $ guy)...then, when names are suggested by your faithful (why?) readers, the suggestion is generally poo-poohed with the 'is he really a difference-maker' mantra. look, they can't get both things (i.e. min. $ guy & difference-maker)...best bet is a guy who isn't complete & total deadweight (they're full up), right, since for that money, not much else can be expected?

so once again, a guy that fits what they're looking for TO A 'T' (barnes) signs for the min. w/ another team, and we get to hear, 'we're not talking about an all-star here.' NO KIDDING! i didn't realize there were 'all-stars' chomping at the bit to sign in TO for the minimum. being a GM must be easier than we all think...just pluck all-stars out of the air for nothing! voila! i'm not suggesting the raps were ever in the running for a guy like barnes, but don't shrug off the notion that he's what they're looking for with the lame assertion that he's not an all-star, so no biggie.

oh, and i guess dooling, allen & house are off the table too. anyone left? i'm really curious to see who they'll sign, and whether they'll meet your expectations (the mythical 'min. $ all-star wing who can create his own shot, defend &, oh yeah, is a great fit in the community & locker room').

Blogger's note: Thanks, as always, for the unique insight but if you're going to quote me, get it right. Never, ever, did I suggest an "all-star wing". And I'm pretty sure I've never once metioned "great fit in the community" although that is a nice trait.

[yertu damkule]

you're right, you never did say that they're looking to sign an 'all-star wing' for the minimum. my bad. but you did brush off the barnes signing with, 'we're not talking about an all-star here.'...and that's the point. no, barnes isn't an all-star, and neither are any of the guys who've been mentioned as possibles...yet it seems as though every player mentioned by us lowly fans as possibles is disparaged by yourself as not a difference-maker, etc. well, what kind of 'difference-maker' is really out there? barnes isn't an all-star, but he'd be ahead of at least a few guys on the raps' bench, no?

as for 'great fit in the community' - again, you got me. i was using that as a general term to summarize your feelings re. miles & artest (i actually agree with you, neither would be a good fit for either where they are in terms of bball skill, health, position or salary requirements).

believe me, i'm as uninterested as you in continuing a useless dialogue about who the raps will sign to fill out the roster...but a little respect to the fans, some of whom actually do have a little insight into the game, despite lacking a press pass.

[dean]

Canada Basketball might have had a chance, but look who isn't out there that could have played. One will be a stretch as he is a police officer, but he is only 37 or 38 and might have been able to play if asked.

Steve Nash
Denham Brown
Juan Mendez
Samuel Dalembert
Jack VanDerPol - 6'11 and one of the largest men I have ever met face to face
Jamaal Magloire - ok he sucks, but is still a warm body that could have at least imparted some wisdom on the kids.

IF, IF, IF these players had signed on, that would be your starting lineup practically and everyone else that started for Canada would have come off the bench.

We have great players, they just have no interest in playing for thier country or adopted country. It always shocks me when you have a once in a lifetime chance to do something special for your country and you don't. Nash can pull every excuse he wants, but playing three games in the summer would not have destroyed his NBA year for 2008/09.

Question: What rivalries are you looking forward to most this year? Personally I am going to love the following:

Toronto- Indiana - the first meeting of TJ and Jose is going to be something to behold. Hopefully TJ comes in with a chip and Jose shows him up. If not, Toronto fans will be very critical of Jose and that isn't good.
Memphis-Minnesota - after 3000 draft day trades, who will be better?
Philly-Clippers - Baron vs Brand Brand vs Sterling
Warriors-Clippers - so obvious
Any game Camby plays in Denver

Peace Doug,

Dean