The Hassan Adams story, and other tales

TORONTO STAR FILE PHOTO

Hassan Adams will have to go a little more easy on Anthony Parker during practice.

A couple of days of no Canada games and likely no Raptor news? What’s a guy to do? Guess that calf-high grass in the backyard will get some attention.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t items, ‘cause we’ve got items.

You know who was responsible for Hassan Adams bouncing out of the NBA?
Jamaal Magloire.

When the Nets decided to lavish Magloire with a $4 million contract a year ago, it meant someone had to go to avoid paying luxury tax and that someone was Adams, who got waived along with Clifford Robinson.

That sure worked out well for the Nets, didn’t it.

There was much hue and cry down in Jersey when that move was made. My man Dave D’Alessandro still thinks it’s one of the most egregious roster mistakes the Nets have made and there’s a rather long list of them.

Here’s how John Hollinger in the New York Sun panned the move:

To cut Adams in order to pull this move off seems shortsighted at best. I don't want to overstate things here — he wasn't going to be the next Dr.J or anything. But he was primed to be a very effective energy guy off the bench, essentially a 6-foot-4-inch version of the Knicks' Renaldo Balkman. In his rookie year after he was New Jersey's second-round choice in 2006, Adams shot 55.6% from the field and averaged an impressive-for-a-guard 6.1 rebounds per 40 minutes. He can't shoot from outside, but his running and energy were effective enough that he still averaged a point every three minutes, which is decent production for a reserve.

All told, his Player Efficiency Rating (PER, my per-minute rating of a player's statistical effectiveness) of 12.8 was solid for a reserve, especially one in his rookie season — and especially one competing with the likes of Wright (8.2) and Bernard Robinson (7.8) for playing time.

But don't feel bad for Adams — some smart team will nab him real fast, probably for much more than the Nets were scheduled to pay him. Instead, feel bad for Kidd and Carter, who just lost one of the few potentially productive supporting players for this coming season.

And most of all feel bad for Nets fans, who now must lament that their team gave up their remaining space under the luxury tax to sign a fading backup center and effectively traded up one of their most promising young players to make the deal. It's just the latest glaring example of Thorn's inability to surround his stars with the talent necessary to return this team to the conference's elite, and I'm not sure he can make enough big-picture moves to undo the damage.

Oh, and Dave chimes in with this note:

The secret to Hassan Adams’ success is that he cheats.

Or, let’s just say he has an unfair advantage that any player would want – the advantage of ambidexterity.

You may have noticed that the Nets wing has as strong a left hand as any rookie to come down the pike in a while – those right-baseline-drive-and-reverse finishes against Boston were a good example – and it’s because he is actually a natural southpaw.

He just happens to play basketball right-handed.

"I don’t even know how that happened – I really don’t,” Adams said. “I don’t even remember (consciously) switching, even though I’m a true lefty at everything. I write lefty, I eat lefty. But I can write righty, too.”

What else does he do with his right hand? Almost everything pertaining to athletics – hitting baseballs, golfing, throwing a football.

"It’s just not as natural for me to shoot left-handed for some reason,” he said. “But put me on the foul line and tell me to shoot lefty, and I’ll hit eight out of 10 that way.”

I don’t know how Adams will eventually do in Toronto – one NBA assistant coach told me his team had Adamsin for a long look and passed on him – but if he can become the fourth man in the wing rotation, that’s not a bad thing.

-

Speaking of Roko Ukic, and I feel we will be speaking of him often over the next few months, this being Roko Ukic Love Central and all, I was able to talk to a couple of people who know him quite well yesterday.

Gord Herbert, one of Canada’s most accomplished coaches (the most accomplished international coach, as a matter of fact) coached Aris TT Bank of Greece and the Euroleague last year and he said Ukic has more than enough game to thrive in the NBA.

And old friend Peter Guarasci, still one of the all-time good Canadian players, played in Italy against Ukic last season. He says the kid’s got some big game in him, and may not look like the greatest shooter in the world but he’s not afraid to take a big shot.

-

Speaking of Canada – and check back here tomorrow for lots more on how the team’s shaping up – a very nice sight unfolded at McMaster yesterday.

A couple of hours before the game, Herbert was out on the court teaching Guarasci and Greg Francis, who’s the head coach of the national junior team, some post defence moves.

It’s the kind of trickle down coaching effect this country needs to improve from top to bottom.

Not sure how it all unfolds in the future but that was good to see.

-

Baron Davis to the Clippers?

Man, not too many people saw that coming.

If the Clips can get Elton Brand to re-sign (he’ll have to take a tiny pay cut to do it) I think they become a playoff contender in the West for sure. Put a motivated Davis with a healthy Brand next to a guy like Al Thornton and a centre like Chris Kaman and all of a sudden the Clips are relevant again.

-

Gilbert Arenas maybe to the Warriors?

That’s out there and I’m thinking the Wizards should probably let it happen,

Been saying for months that I think Washington was a better “team” without Agent Zero and with Antawn Jamison. Maybe we’ll get to see now.

-

Let’s just finish with one from the mail so I can get into the day.

Q: Ever notice that Colangelo always acts quickly... very quickly.  Do you seen any benefit/disadvantage to such a method?

PH, Toronto

A: It has been two summers in row where he’s done all his major business right off the bat – Kapono a year ago on July 1 and Calderon, Ukic and Adams this year on the first possible day.

The benefits are that he gets things settled quickly so there’s no negotiation to drive up prices. He identifies what he wants and gets it. That’s good because it lets the players know he’s serious about doing contracts rather than dithering to see what else is out there.

The disadvantage, of course, is that maybe those bold moves don’t work and he might have missed other options by having such singular focus.

But the fact is, this year, he’s got a wee bit of wiggle room financially (a small amount that we still don’t know ‘cause the cap and tax figures aren’t out yet) and he’s left himself a roster spot or two to fill if someone intriguing – and cheap – falls through the cracks.

Comments

[shawn]

Hi Doug,

Could the Raptors offer Maggette the full mid-level exception and then the equivalent amount next year but back load a large portion of his salary for when JO comes off the books? This guy is exactly what the Raps need and if they could ever get him I think they would be a legit title contender. In my opinion he is one of the most underrated players in the league. And it seems all that people are going to offer him is the mid-level exception...

Blogger's note: No, they couldn't without going over the tax threshold so, no, they won't.

[AA]

Doug,

Where do you see Adams fitting in depth-wise?

Blogger's note: Behind Parker right now, he's probably more a 2-guard than anything so maybe that's where he gets any minutes. But he'll get a chance to earn some time when training camp rolls around.

[Steve G]

I read somewhere that Matt Delvin (who's worked as a Bobcats play-by-play) is going to replace Chuck as the new PBP man for the Raps.

Any truth to this that you know of?

Blogger's note: Yep, that's true, could be announced today, maybe tomorrow.

[Joe T.]

Didn't get a chance to type a Comment about Hassan Adams so I will today. I remember him quite well from when the Raptors played the Nets a couple of years back. And as stated above, it was his energy that impressed me most. Naturally, energy guys often look better against Toronto because having energy usually gives them an advantage! But I also seem to remember Vince Carter (who must now be having flashbacks and getting ready to not want to be "The Man" again!) being quite excited about him. And then he disappeared. When I saw his name in connection with the Raptors, I thought that this was a great signing. Energy is exactly what a team needs off the bench and this guy brings it. I also remember him being a pretty exuberant, demonstrative player but more JYD than Gangster. Overall, I'm quite happy with this move and hope it works out well...

Now Doug, I know there's not a lot of money left. But I still think the Raptors should have gone after Roger Mason for next season. Is this now impossible? Or would it require an unlikely sign-and-trade?...

Blogger's note: Not sure what kind of money Roger Mason would want, or command, but I'd have him on a list of possibles if they can afford it

[Michael]

Hi Doug,

Can you tell us about Adams' game and what he can bring to the team? He played in Italy rite? You know how's his status in Italy? Thanks.

Blogger's note: Energetic, good defender, hard worker, a bit undersized. He was okay in Italy, certainly didn't set the league on fire

[Colin]

Is it just me, or is the bench looking pretty weak this year? Ukic, Bargnani, Moon (or Kapono), Hump, Graham, Adams, Jawai, plus one. Where's the scoring and leadership in this group? I realize these guys won't always be playing all together, but it seems like Ukic is going to have to develop pretty fast to make the Raps' second unit even slightly competitive. Thoughts, Doug?

Blogger's note: I'll think about it and let you know in a couple of days
I'm enjoying an afternoon the deck right now and don't want to think too hard

[Rahulan]

Doug,

Curious on how a Qualifying Offer on a restricted free agent works. Can Delfino "accept" the qualifying offer the Raptors extended him, and would the Raps then be obliged to keep Delfino, or can they decline even if he wants to accept the qualifying offer?

Blogger's note: He'd have to accept the qualifying offer and if he did, he'd be a Raptor. But he's going to get more money and a longer term deal somewhere else, I'm sure. Europe would be a good bet

[Riaz]

Doug,

Does signing (or agreeing to sign) these three guys mean that the Raps don't have the MLE to spend? If they still do, will they be looking at a veteran swing man to spend the MLE on?

Blogger's note: They won't have the full mid-level exception to spend (read more about this in the morning) and a veteran swingman is not at the top of the list. A combo guard who can hit shots and handle the ball is.

[Mike - California]

Seems that Maggette may only be able to get the mid level exception now that it dosent look like the clippers will sign him wouldnt it have looked good for Colangelo to sign him for the mid level and have him in our startin lineup

[Jonny F]

Hey Doug, I was just wondering if we still have that mid-level exception that was spoken about so often before.

If not, what has changed?

Blogger's note: I'll get into this "mid-level" obsession everyone seems to have more in the morning. Short answer: They don't have it all no and were never going to be able to spend it all

[DougG]

Doug do all the moves Toronto has made in the last few weeks offset the need for the 20 pt. a night, slashing, small forward everyone was talking about a few weeks ago?

Blogger's note: They made the moves they made when it became apparent they weren't going to be able to get a 20-ppg guy.

[Jay Menard]

Give up Agent Zero? Why, that would mean a team is putting performance ahead of profits. After all, why waste time winning when you could be selling jerseys and Arenas merchandise instead?

Having been around the league for a while, where does the balance (from the admin level) between profit and performance fall? How many teams would really trade away (or let walk) a fan favourite whose jersey was on the backs of 15 per cent of the paid attendees each night even if it meant improving team chemistry?

Blogger's note: Personally, I think Washington's a better team without Arenas. If it makes a team better and provides a chance to really win, any team would trade anybody without regard for souvenir sales or jersey sales.

[Eric]

The "Not done yet, not by a long shot" statement of last week followed by "Don't expect even a ripple" the next day is a contradiction that still bothers me but we all have to move on. (Btw, some fans still deserve credit for foreseeing the Ford/Calderon controversy literally years before the team decided to do anything about it.)

Colangelo's exercise in making the roster "leaner" (OUT: Delfino, Nesterovic, Ford, Garbajosa; IN: O'Neal) is not a horrible idea but does it not indict the coaching staff? For most teams, "too much depth" is hardly a problem worth resolving. An embarrassment of riches should not cause concerns. I think it's just an example of how the Raptors have become in need of an excuse at all times: too much depth, not enough depth, too nice, not nice enough, etc. If I had a minute of Colangelo's time, I'd advise him to stop saying those things- to prevent making change for the sake of change, because that strategy rarely breeds a champion.

Honestly, last year's team was torture. And while O'Neal makes things a little better in some areas, the team has still not directly addressed things like perimeter defense, finding slashers and, at the very least, getting a more competitive group that exemplifies fire from time to time. Jermaine helps a little bit in all those areas but he's not a solution for any one of them.

If the team's offseason strategy was to protect Sam from himself because he doesn't know how to use depth, it may yet work, but it's not a good sign of things to come. The Raptors needed more than just Jermaine O'Neal this summer- and I'm not just talking about giving away half their rotation.

[Christian from Mississauga]

Hi Doug,

Do you think BC is already satisfied (not sure if satisfied is the right word) with the line-up that he has right now? Or should I say he is done with any other deal/trade that would land us another all-star player? Sorry to keep asking but this is I believe one of the hopes of all the raptors fans. Thanks!

Blogger's note: I don't think anyone's ever "satisfied" but if they had to start the season tomorrow, they'd be confident in the group they've put together.

[Rob]

Hey Doug,

Discussing possible backup point gaurds, there was a rookie from San Antonio who got cut about halfway through last season. Darius Washington I think? The times I saw him he was very aggressive at driving the ball and still got his team involved. Do you know where he is now and if his game would be a good fit for the Raps?

Blogger's note: I have no idea where he is, or quite frankly, who he is.

[Jeff]

"A combo guard who can hit shots and handle the ball is."

Sounds like what they need is Delfino... is there no way of getting him without going over the luxury tax? Couldn't they have sent another player to the pacers (ontop of the ones we already sent) in order to create more room under the tax threshold, thus allowing us to keep Delfino? I would certainly rather have Delfino than Joey.... good or bad...

[Brian]

Doug,

Do you think a team needs to consider going into the luxury tax to win? I would think the bean counters at MLSE could do a cost/benefit ratio of extra playoff game revenue versus the tax.

[SeanL]

hey Doug,
I'm very intrigued about the Raps new back up centre Jawai. It seems like his improvements have been vast in just a year in the australian basketball league, where he was made all-star centre. However, I'm confused as to why such a promising prospect fell into the second round, even after undersachievers like d'andre jordan. Is it because there is a large difference between the euroleague and australian league? Because I'm sure if he posted similar stats in europe, he would've been a lottery pick.

Blogger's note: I would say he's not so much a "promising prospect" as he is a large 21 year old who has never so much as dressed for an NBA practice let alone played in a game. So "fell to the second round" might be a stretch.
And there's a huge difference between the Euroleague and the Australian league.

[Archie gillespie]

Hey Doug...how's the deck and what's that stuff in your glass? I'm not hearing a lot of love for Jamario and his apparent lack of ability to get to the paint. Seems when he did last season it appeared to happen not long after Sam would "encourage" him to do so. I think we forget his experience in the bigs is still in its infancy. My question is, do you think he has the talent, mind set etc. to be coached, use his natural athletiscm, and become a half decent slasher? Thanks.

Blogger's note: Time's almost running out for Jamario to show that he has those skills. He hasn't shown them yet so I'm not sure he can. But I'm sure he's been working on his ball-handling all summer, at least I'm sure that's what they want from him.

[Jimmie]

Doug, I'm sure when you get off the deck and out of the cold sauce, you'll have a post on "depth concerns" tomorrow... ;-)

In the meantime, here's my take on depth. Management is seemingly placing the bulk of last season's issues on too much depth -- that is, Toronto had too much mid-level talent from spots 4 through 10 that players didn't get enough opportunity to differentiate themselves from one another and earn the PT they felt they deserved. In some cases, I agree with this; Kapono could have produced a lot more, in my opinion, had he not had to share minutes with Delfino, Moon, Parker, etc. in various situations.

The changes this off-season indicate more reliance on the starting 5 + 2-3 key reserves (likely Bargnani, Moon, and Ukic) who will get the vast majority of non-starter minutes. Guys at the end of the bench will know that they're at the end of the bench barring injury.

This makes a lot of sense in some regards, chief being that players will "know their role" and what is expected of them at all times, and will not be looking over their shoulders as they may have done in 07-08. The big risk is injury to one of the key starters. Loss of any of Bosh, Calderon, or O'Neal for any significant amount of time will be a huge problem for this team. On the other hand, you could say the same for most teams in the league at this point, so I think that the many pundits who decry the lack of depth are simply looking for another weak reason to pan the moves Colangelo has made this summer.

Long story short: I don't think Toronto is any worse off or better off than most teams in terms of depth.

[Nathan Wind]

Hey Doug,

I know, I know... more Maggette. But he would be a good fit and in my humble opinion worthy of tax dollars... Leafs are going to suck hard for a couple of years and it is a good opportunity for the Raps to gain some further traction in this city by winning now. Anyhow, since you seem certain they won't spend into the tax, just wondering if they could use Anthony Parker's money (plus whatever is left from the mid-level exception)to sign Maggette if they let AP go back to Europe.

Thanks,
Nate

Blogger's note: Suppose they could, but AP's not going anywhere

[rob]

Any idea who is going to be playing on the summer league team? I have rapsTV and I would love to see these new raps, including our 41st pick, in action.

Blogger's note: No idea, but I presume Jawai will play. And you will learn nothing about him watching the dreck that is summer league.

[Zack]

Hey Doug, hate to bother you when you are enjoying a beautiful day off so don't feel obliged to answer this by any means. But was wondering what happened to the Veterans minimum that Toronto used to sign Maseo Baston last year? Is that not available this off-season?

Blogger's note: It's available, and will likely be what they use to fill the final roster spot.

[Paul M.]

For the guy who asked about Darius Washington (and, Doug, he's a hotshot high school prospect who went to Memphis and missed a bunch of free throws in the NCAA Tourney, declared for the draft, and went undrafted): he just signed to play with Aris BC in Greece.

As for you, Doug (we need a nickname for you): I know you just said that you didn't know who was going to be playing in summer league, but is there any chance that Bargnani might be? I know you said he'd be going to a big man camp in Vegas (is this the Pete Newell one? I thought that one was in Hawaii), but can't remember if you said there was even a chance that he would be in summer league.

Blogger's note: There's no plan for Bargnani to play any summer league games. He's not scheduled to get to Vegas until, I think, the last day of games. He'll do a camp run by Tim Grgich there. Not entirely sure if the Newell big man camp, which is indeed in Hawaii, is a go this year. But, not to worry, Bargnani's getting lots of work in this summer. Whether it helps or not? Well, that remains to be seen

[jr]

doug what about Kelenna Azubuike in raptors unifrom , you think
colangelo will give Golden State a call about him?

Blogger's note: No, I don't think he's on their list.