Idle thoughts and media day leftovers

Well, it ain’t Rome.

Nice enough, though, and I can highly recommend Ottawa's The Honest Lawyer (no cheap shots about the name, I have friends who are lawyers) as a neighbourhood place to hang your hat, gobble a wing and gulp a cold drink while getting the lay of the land from the ever-helpful staff. Am sure we’ll strike out to other necks of the woods during the journey on our never-ending quest to spread good cheer to the people. All recommendations gladly accepted.

Anyway, on to, you know, basketball.

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Sucks about Jawai, no?

No one saw it coming (we got word of it about Kingston on the train ride up) and no one really knows what’s going on except he won’t practice this week as he undergoes more cardiac tests.

The trouble with things like this is very little information will be made available because of privacy laws and that’s going to leave a few of us in the dark. We’ll try to get more information, maybe he’ll let us know what’s going on after practice today, but for now, all we know is something showed up in the tests that gave cause for concern to the doctors.

Now, I’m no doctor, and I don’t even play one on TV, but it strikes me that any time anything’s remotely wrong in the cardiac area, you take extreme caution.

But isn’t it funny, or coincidental, that not only are the Raptors holding Jawai out for more tests, they wouldn’t let Nicolas Batum work out in the weeks leading up the draft?

Cautious, indeed.

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What’s Jawai’s absence mean?

Nothing, really, until we know how long he’s going to be out. As Bryan Colangelo has made it abundantly clear, he’s loath to add anyone to the roster for tax concerns and I don’t imagine anyone gets anything close to a guaranteed deal to replace the big Aussie for the time being.

So, it’s a Dirty Dozen that’ll take the court at Carleton this week to work out the kinks.

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TONY BOCK/TORONTO STAR

Sam easing into the pre-season.

Sam’s eyes.

Dreamy, aren’t they? (I keed, SERIOUSLY, I keed!)

Actually, the deal has to do with some Lasik surgery he had a few weeks ago that he’s still getting used to. Bright lights bug him still, yesterday was a particularly bad day so he had those cool shades on.

Good look, though, wasn’t it?

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Oh, right, the intro music.

We don’t know yet. The dastardly game ops people didn’t do it yesterday at media day; a guy sidled up to me and said it’s not going to be taped until the middle or end of last week. Sorry. So I guess that means it’ll be the old one, or none at all, or something generic, next Wednesday for the Knicks game.

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It’s almost getting tiring hearing these guys sing the praises of Toronto. The latest? Will Solomon.

"Toronto really gives me the atmosphere of a European city, so living here, there’s not too much of an adjustment. It’s a great city.”

I’ve got Solomon as the big surprise of camp. Listening to players and coaches talk, I’m getting the sense he goes into camp as the favourite to cop that No. 2 point guard spot and it’ll take a big effort from Roko Ukic to beat him out. It’s not cast in stone, that’s for sure, but there’s a healthy competition going on there.

Speaking of Solomon, a couple of websites – including the team’s own – have him as Willie Solomon. Asked him about that and he prefers Will. So Will it shall be, here at least.

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Mail time:

Q: I just finished watching the clips from Media Day and must say you looked extremely enthused during the interviews! However, Bargnani takes the cake - talk about abrupt answers to questions - it was hilarious as it appeared that beat grunts were scrambling to keep the questions coming! Which left me wondering...
As you attend media day, year-in and year-out is there any preparation on the part of reporters with respect to the questions directed towards the players, coaches, etc? Do certain media types come prepared with specific questions or themed questions, or is it more likely to be on the fly, 'go with the flow'?
A X, Scarborough

A: Enthused? Not grumpy and cranky and tired? Why, thank you!

I think almost everyone who shows up has some idea of what he or she is going to write or talk about and they go and gather specific information for that story.

In fact, that’s what you have to do because of the sheer volume of stuff that’s available on a day like yesterday. Between coaches and GMs and players, there are more scrums than you can shake a stick at and if you don’t have an idea of what you want to do, you can get bogged down in a surplus of information and angles.

In fact, even knowing the two things I wanted to write, I had about 3,000 extra words of transcribed quotes to wade through and it really put a crimp in the relaxation time on the train ride up here.

Now, sometimes during the season, when you’re at like the third practice between games and there’s no news and nothing really to write, you might show up and just “go with the flow:” and piggyback on someone else’s idea and questions but, generally, you arrive at a workout with an idea and pursue it.

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This is by no means a definitive statement on the style of play we’ll see this year but here’s Sam yesterday on offence:

"We’re going to a run a lot of the same stuff we’ve been doing. Yeah, we’re going to add some stuff because of Jermaine, to make sure he gets the ball.

“The thing I’m telling our guys is, your first look is going to be inside, your second look is going to be inside and if they throw it back out, your third look is going to be inside.

"Then if they throw it out, then you shoot the basketball.

"We obviously have to make teams pay.”

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Action: Minnesota signs Rafael Araujo to a training camp contract.

Reaction: Rob Babcock does not give up easily.

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Hope you all saw Bryan's contention that this is the best Raptor team “on paper” since he got here. I don’t think you can really dispute that, even the team that won the Atlantic Division was a surprise and probably not as overall talented as this one.

That team over-achieved, no question about it; it was a nice ride but there were no expectations. There are expectations this year and it’s going to be very interesting to see how this group holds together.

But best team in history? Even on paper? I don’t think that’s the case. The 2001 team, the one that actually won a playoff series, was probably more talented 1-12 than this one and had just as good chemistry.

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Suitably chastised, I offer this with the comment that the writer is correct:

Love the blog and read it daily. I'm also fond of the occasional lessons you dish out beyond basketball.  Guess that's why I was a little disappointed by this:
"and then we all pile into trains, planes and automobiles and head off to Ottawa. Where, I must tell you, I’m pretty sure we will all be able to avoid the debates that are going on this week."
There's enough voter apathy out there, especially among young people, and the fact is, the right to decide who runs a democratic nation is a little more important than hoops. Hope you'll not be so dismissive in the future of real problem in what are supposed to be democracies both here and stateside.
Hope to see a little less jaded an attitude as events unfold in the Canadian and US federal elections. While perhaps not as awe inspiring sometimes, like sports, at least they're competitive, and you don't know the final outcome till the last whistle blows.
Look forward to seeing you and the Raps back in full swing.
Regards,
JP M, Dubai (via Toronto)

And so it begins, another season

You know what today’s like?
It’s like the first day of school. Everyone’s back all shiny and new, everyone thinks it’s nice to see old faces and friends and it’s kind of fun to check out how everyone spent their summers.

So, what do we do?

Well, here’s how the day unfolds:
They have a dozen or so media stations set up in the practice gym, either for photos or broadcast interviews, and once the players make their way upstairs (after doing some media and medical stuff around the various locations getting their pictures taking and recording those promos:

"Hi, this is Chris Bosh, you’re watching (sponsor name here 'cause there's always a sponsor) Raptors basketball on (whatever network happens to be showing the game.)”

Then they get scrummed by the various beat grunts who ask the usual end-of-the-summer questions that will unquestionably yield at least one good story -- not as good as the year He Who Shall Not Be Named sort of compared himself to Jordan -- but there’ll be a couple of good lines at least.

The players, at least they have in the past, then do their part of the pre-game video, which is where we might find out what the song is to soothe all the questioners, and then we all pile into trains, planes and automobiles and head off to Ottawa.

Where, I must tell you, I’m pretty sure we will all be able to avoid the debates that are going on this week.

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Okay so you can probably guess what the players and coaches are going to say when they do their interviews, right? All sweetness and light, unbridled enthusiasm and optimism. But, because you’re you and I’m me, I’ve been able to extract from the minds of everyone involved what they really want to say.

You’re welcome.

Chris Bosh

"I am so going to have better hair than Oak ever did. Just watch me.”

Jermaine O’Neal

"Defend, rebound, block shots. Defend, rebound, block shots. Right, Sam?”

Anthony Parker

"Can we get this over with? I think the replay of the Sparks game is on now."

Jose Calderon

"I just want to help my friends. Right, Garbo? Garbo? GARBO?!”

Jason Kapono

"I could be on the 13^th tee right now.”

Andrea Bargnani

"Sometimes the shots go in, most times they don’t. I will fix that this year, or I won’t.”

Jamario Moon

"This is more people than there are in all of Goodwater.”

Hassan Adams

"Man, we never had anything like this mob in Jersey.”

Roko Ukic

"No Rasho? No Garbo? No Delfino? I thought these were the EuroRpators?”

Will Solomon

"Another interview from Israel? Where’s AP?”

Kris Humphries

"I’m telling you, 35 minutes a game, 35 points a night.”

Joey Graham

"Seriously, this year I’m making my mark.”

Nathan Jawai

"Next guy who asks me about shrimp on the barbie gets smacked in the head.”

Sam Mitchell

"Whaddya mean I gotta talk to you? I don’t have to talk to anyone if I don’t want to.”

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First of the mail:

Q: Is the Raptor's Ottawa training camp open to the public? If so I may go there to watch.

Wally S, Corner Brook, NL

A: That’d be a helluva road trip, but save your money and your time. Except for Saturday’s intrasquad scrimmage, which is sold out, nothing is open to the public. Heck, only the last half hour or so of each practice is even open to us.

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Speaking of Sam, I’ve got the third quarter of Golden State game when we get the first curse word. Earlier if he gets into a Cranky Sam mood with the plethora of reporters who find their way to training camp.

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Here’s another reason it makes entire sense for this team, this year, to have only 13 players – all with guaranteed contracts – in camp.

Money.

If, for instance, some training camp invitee came to camp and got himself injured, let’s say he blows out a knee or wrecks his back or something like that, the Raptors would be on the hook for a salary that stretches into the season and a team with only about $1,000 to spare before hitting the tax level doesn’t want to be paying some guy who had no shot at making the team a salary all year.

It wasn’t the only reason, but it was part of the decision-making process that led them to not invite any extra bodies to camp.

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There’s been a whole lot of talk about Nathan Jawai and what he brings and what he’s got and whether he’ll be anything. No one can really say, he hasn’t even practiced with an NBA team officially yet, let alone played in a game, so take these comments from Jermaine O’Neal with that in mind.

"I knew Nathan was young and I thought he was raw. I worked out with him in Vegas a couple of times and when I got back here on Monday, this kid was explosive. He’s still a little bit raw mentally about his knowledge of the game but he can play."

Now, here's the other side of the coin:

Jawai goes to camp firmly behind two perennial all-stars (Bosh and O’Neal), a former No. 1 overall draft pick (Bargnani) and a young kid (Hump) with three guaranteed years left on his deal.

That’s going to make it awfully hard for the young Aussie to be much more than the 12^th or 13^th man on the roster.

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Never let it said we won’t help a worthy cause, and I can’t think of a better one that cancer research and support.

I was wondering if you could plug our charity to the readers on your blog. The 11th Annual Gentle Ben Golf Charity Challenge will be going to LA from Nov 28th to Dec 2nd. In LA, the participants will play 2 rounds of golf and see the Raps vs Lakers on Nov 30th, and the Leafs vs Kings on Dec 1st. The purpose of the trip is to raise money for cancer research and support. Consider the event as a sports trip with a conscience. Please visit the website www.gentlebengolf.com to get further details of the event, including registration and donation.
Yours truly,
Ping C, Toronto

There ya’ go.

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A query:

Q: Quick question: Is there any difference between a preseason and a regular game?

Mary L, Ajax

A: Subtle. As for game presentation and stuff, there’s really not much difference; what you get is maybe a few changes in a team’s playing rotation, fewer minutes for the team’s top stars and less intensity than you’d get in many regular season games.

Personally? If the tickets are the same as the regular season there’s no way in the world I’d recommend going to see a pre-season game; I’d suggest spending that kind of cash for a real game.

And the Summer Of Mail is over!

Well, well, well.

This will be the last of the off-season mailbags and I’m sure you’ll all have a wistful, misty-eyed feeling as you read it. I know I was choking up a bit doing some of the answers.

But, not to worry, it’s time for things to get really serious starting tomorrow at the Air Canada Centre so I’m sure it’ll be all uphill from here.

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Q: One of the Toronto Raptors' greatest assets during the Colangelo era is having depth. With the departure of TJ, Delfino, Garbo and Rasho, assuming Moon starts at the three spot this season. A second unit consisting of Ukic, Adams, Kapono, Bargnani and Humphries doesn't seem like it would scare many teams.
Personally, I would love to see Bargnani start at the three (while playing zone defence) and have Moon provide a spark off the bench!
What are your thoughts on Mitchell's possible rotations this coming season?

Alvin L, Toronto

A: I cannot imagine Andrea starting at small forward for reason that I’ll explain one more time. He cannot defend threes in transition and his offensive skills – if he regains his shooting stroke – are better off exploiting bigger, slower defenders, a matchup they won’t get if he’s playing small forwards, who can stay up on him without worry.

I imagine the rotation will be: Calderon, Parker, Moon, Bosh, O’Neal, Bargnani, Kapono, either Ukic or Solomon and one of Adams, Hump or Joey, depending on the needs each game.

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Q: Well, Douglas, I've never been a fan of any blog before, but I will admit I'm a daily reader of yours, even in the midst of a slow off season. A few questions; what team in your opinion, has the most die hard fans? And also, I remember 3 drafts in a row, where we had Michael Bradley, Chris Jeffries (actually Kareem Rush) and Alexi Radejkjlasdfic (or something like that), do you think Hubbert will be a similar bust? and what ever happened to these guys and why'd they never make it big? I'll forever remember Bradley as the Garbage Man! Can't wait for the real blog (and season) to begin!

Joey H, Toronto

A: Most diehard fans? You would be all right putting Utah at the top of that list, that’s for sure. They even went when the team was in the toilet. But the Knicks fans, who actually showed up the last few years, would be in the conversation, too. And Detroit's probably third.

Hibbert? I think he’ll be an okay NBAer. Never an all-star but he’ll play. There are issues with his foot speed which will follow him his whole career, but he’s a hard worker and quite coachable, I’m told.

The drafts? Yeah, they were three pretty horrendous ones, but don’t forget they got Antonio Davis the same year they took Radojevic and were hoping to hit a home run with an extra pick.

And Mike Bradley, who was a 17^th pick and that’s always a crapshoot, did lead the NCAA in field goal percentage so there was something to like about him.

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Q: Hey Doug!  SO excited to start the season, I can get my fix of Raptors and other NBA games - SWEET! I have a comment and a question:
C: When TJ Ford comes back to the ACC, I have a feeling he's going to receive quite the cold reception (not that I think he deserves it). If Toronto fans booed him while he was a Raptor, think how hostile people will be when he's a Pacer!
Q: I always like Jamal Tinsley's game - he has good size and a good handle and can distribute the ball - he has obvious injury and character issues though. What do you think Larry Legend will do? The most likely scenario seems a buyout. Would the Raps have interest if this happened?

Bob D, Kitchener

A: I don’t think there’s a buyout going to happen, I think Bird will find some sucker, er, other team, to take Tinsley. And character issues, injury issues and the presence of three point guards on the roster – not to mention former teammate Jermaine O’Neal -- means the Raptors have absolutely zero interest in anything to do with him.

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Q: I really like the third jersey, and in your article, you stated they will wear them around 10 times. Are those going to be for 10 home games? I'm also guessing, that the other two uniforms are the same as last year?

Shawn L, Bowmanville

A: We were told on Thursday at the dog and pony show to unveil the jerseys that they will only wear them at home on Opening Night against Golden State and on New Year’s Eve against Denver. The rest, between six and eight times, I believe, they’ll wear them on the road.

And, yes, there’s been no changes to the white or red jerseys.

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Q: I think it's great that the new black Raptors jersey has Toronto written on the front. This gets me thinking back to the years of the purple and black road jerseys. I remember in some road games that everyone had "Raptors" on the front of their jerseys except "He Who Shall Not Be Named", who had "Toronto" on the front of his. What gives?

Jeff Y, Toronto

A: I think your memory is failing you. The league would never allow one player to have a different uniform than the rest of his teammates.

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Q: What do you think of Portland this year? They have too many weapons and they should be one of the most exciting teams to watch. I guess they just need to add one or two veterans and learn how to close the game. Of course injuries could be their biggest enemy. Tell us your opinion about this young team.

Peter L, Richmond Hill

A: They’ve got a lot – A LOT – of good, young, unproven talent on that team and should certainly challenge for a playoff spot this season. I’m not convinced on their point guard play until we see how Jerryd Bayless plays in the NBA rather than the summer league. But they have a chance to be one of the big surprises this year.

One thing to think about, though: They’ve got a lot of guys (just like Chicago did about two years ago) who are eventually going to want to get paid and it’s going to be interesting to see how they handle that.

But talent? A lot.

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Q: A couple of kids in the gym were talking about what position they like to play and were discussing small forward. Can you please elaborate on what are the most important attributes a person needs when playing the 3?  Thanks a lot.

Lyndon L, Toronto

A: It’s not that simple, actually. As the game progresses, more and more players are able to do more and more things. Anyone who wants to play any position has to develop every skill in the game. No pigeon-holing.

If you want a priority, I would say threes have to be big, quick, have three-point shooting range and above-average ball handling skills. They have to know how to move on defence, how to keep their man in front of them with lateral quickness and be able to get out and run on the break.

You know, like every other player on the court.

The advice is simple: Become an all-around player and someone will find you a position.

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Q: I read all your blog, I like to read a lot about the Raps all the time and a very huge fan of Toronto Raptors. So my question for you is: Is there anyway Raptors can Joe Johnson Next year as a free agent? I think he would be a perfect fit for the Raptors, I keep my fingers crossed so that next year the Toronto Raptors can be a championship team, I would love too see Joe Johnson on this team.

Bernard F, Mississauga

A: Seeing how Joe Johnson is under contract through 2009-10, that’s not going to happen. And if you’re looking ahead to after 2010, don’t because too much stuff is going to happen between now and then.

The weekly offering, Part I

Here’s the start of this week’s load, more to come over the weekend (and I will say you seem to have slacked off a bit this week. Getting ready for the real stuff next week, I presume?):

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Q: Hey Douggy Doug, looking back, what does the Raptors lineup look like today if TJ doesn't go down in Atlanta?  Love the blog btw!!

Brian B, Austin, Texas

A: Excellent question. And no real answer, actually.

But I honestly believe that when it came time last summer to make a decision, they would have decided to re-up Jose long-term and looked to deal T.J. I think they would have wanted the longer-term stability at the position they could get with four or five years of Calderon rather than the two of Ford, especially given the inherent injury risk he presents.

I also think that if T.J. had played out the season without incident, his market value compared to his salary would have been exponentially greater and no one knows what the market would have yielded then.

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Q: Who is going to get more minutes, TJ Ford or Jarrett Jack?

Wilson C, Toronto

A: If you go by what they’ve accomplished in the league so far, I’d say there’s no doubt T.J. starts and handles the majority of the minutes. Of course, Jim O’Brien may feel otherwise.

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Q: Hi Doug, when you mention expansion and then talk of "all eyes being on Europe" does that mean that the NBA plans on creating an exclusive European league, or that teams from Europe will play in the NBA?  I always thought the answer was the first option mentioned, but now I am confused.

Nicholas C, Toronto

A: I believe the plan is to have a European division of new teams, only in cities that have arenas that can generate the revenue needed to be successful. But I also believe the plans are, at the moment, very fluid and nothing is cast in stone.

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Q:: Hey Douggie, I'm a 15 year old who is interested in someday being a sports journalist/reporter. Do you got any advice or any tips? What do you think of this occupation?

Abbas I, Toronto

A: This is cold, I know. First of all, never, ever write the words “do you got” again.

I had a college professor who put it like this:

If you can’t use a hammer, you can’t work in construction.

If you can’t use a wrench, you can’t be a plumber.

If you can’t use the English language, you can’t be a writer.

I love the job, it’s an honourable craft. And you need to read as much as you can, write as often as you can and develop communication skills at every level.

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Q: A few

1. Nash and a Billionaire will guarantee an NBA team in ANY city in the world they want.
2. Canadahas a lot of Billionaires who like sports, some with a passion for Basketball.
3. Artest will alienate the wrong person soon enough; no more Ronnie.  Of course, offering free Basketball tickets might speed up the process.
4. Moon has lost his staring job this week.  It will take an amazing performance to win it back, and he needs to be that good this year.
  Have a good day.

Richard S, Lethbridge

A: A few:

1. Nash is going to go save the world from itself when he’s done playing, not owning an NBA team.

2. Canada has precious few billionaires, fewer than 50 I believe, and none have really come forward with a burning desire to own a sports franchise.

3. Artest will go on being Artest for a great many years.

4. Nothing he did this week ensures he won’t start, that decision will be made at camp.

Have a good day.

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Q: Okay very clearly Vancouver is out; what about Montreal?  Is it simply, Montreal is a Club de Hockey town, period?  Or is the answer somewhat more textured than that?
(I have little knowledge of the popularity of BBall in Quebecat any level)

M L, Halifax

A: I think all the reasons (except, of course, for the past failure of the NBA in the city) would apply to Montreal. Lack of corporate money, lack of ownership interest and, yes, there is that hockey thing to think about.

In fact, I have never, ever, ever once heard anyone suggest Montreal would be a coveted NBA market.

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Q: Yo Doug! Still readin' the articles everyday man! no bull!

Question: Why does a team have to have 15 players on their roster at the start of the season when we all know only 8-9 get to play on a given night? If you put in to account possible injuries, 10 is good enough to have on one team right? Why wont the NBA get more teams so that the other 5 might be able to get more playing time with another team and not get their talents go to waste. Does the NBA go out and solicit possible franchises or they just sit and wait for applicants? Lastly, when will Mo Pete's contract expire with Naw'Leans? Do you think he would consider going back to the Raptors and retire? Now that Moon has secured the SF starting spot, maybe Mo Pete can be his back-up/veteran mentor.

Tobi B, Markham

A: You’ve been busy this week, this is like questions four through six, I think.

Okay, a team doesn’t have to have 15 players, it can have as few as 13. The NBA doesn’t want more teams and the talent pool is diluted anyway, those guys are at the end of benches for a reason.

Mo’s got this year and two years left on his deal and I can’t envision a scenario that has him back in Toronto at the end of the 2011 season. But I also don’t imagine there’ll be a raft of teams waiting to sign him then, either.

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Q: Hi Doug, I couldn't help but ask this: Do you think that O'Neal will have some type of celebration of his first basket as a Toronto Raptor? (something along the lines of holding up a finger a la 'the gangster?') By the way, what is the gangster up to this season?

Louis F, Fredericton

A: I think that basket will be just like the other 3,979 he’s scored in his career, nothing special at all.

The Gangster? He’s spreading his unique brand of cheer in Rome this season.

Fondly (or not) recalling camp fodder

Ooh! and Boy!

New uniforms tonight. Actual basketball players and coaches to talk to. Time in the practice gym. Seems like the season is really just around the corner. Can’t come soon enough.

The mood I’m sensing from the various correspondents we see here in this neck of the woods is anxiousness. And, believe me, when it’s time to talk about playing and coaching and games, I’ll be among the happiest dudes out there.

Just a few more days.

Until then …

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REUTERS FILE PHOTO

You want training camp fodder? Scroll down for the top-5 Raptors stories.

It’s becoming increasingly obvious that there will be no training camp fodder when we get to Ottawa on Monday night.

Haven’t heard a word about any camp invitees; quite the opposite, in fact. In a couple of discussions with People Who Know, the talk is it will just be Sam and His Merry Band of Coaches and the 13 guys with contracts who land at Carleton.

Makes sense in a lot of ways.

Anyone coming to camp couldn’t make the team anyway and any time the staff spent teaching them would take away from the real purpose of the exercise, which is to get everyone on the same page quickly and ready for the season.

Usually, the guys who are added on are there because a GM wants to do a favour for a buddy (getting a client seen in exhibition games is a big plus for someone looking for a D League or a European contract), or for some long-term evaluation that very seldom, if ever, results in a guy with a camp invite ever coming back.

Trouble is, we’ll have no more good (read goofy) stories to do. No more Master P, no more Homicide. No more quirky angles about guys chasing their dreams and fighting through adversity and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.

I was trying to think which of the camp invitees was the most obscure, or which was the most colourful and those two – Percy Miller and Corey Williams – come quickly to mind. But here’s a partial list that should bring memories flooding back. Check out these blasts from the past:

Gioannis Giannoulis, one of the first (failed) forays into Europe.

Jacob Jaacks and Kendrick Spruel, signed Oct. 2, 2000, waived Oct. 5, 2000. They knew early they couldn’t play.

Ousmane Cisse (just for the great name)

And soooo many others.

The best year? Might have been 2000, when they brought to camp this illustrious group:

Kornel David (who stuck), Garth Joseph (still a far better story than he was a player), Taymon Domzalski, Curtis Haywood, Jaacks, Spruel and Jeff Sheppard.

That’s a heckuva list, isn’t it?

This year? No one. So sad.

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Okay, so what are the big stories heading to Ottawa?

If they had to be prioritized (and I know some of you like to do that), I’d say the top five go in this order:

Starting small forward

Is it Moon? Is it Kapono? What determines it? How they defend? How they shoot? How they interact with the two bigs?

Bargnani

Has he rediscovered his shooting stroke? How much better is he with his back to the basket? Can he defend fours and fives (although he didn’t look bad doing it at times last season)? Is he really bigger?

Bosh and O’Neal

How do they get along on the court? What does Sam have up his sleeve offensively for the two guys with quite similar games?

Ukic

How does a rookie fit in when he’s going to be asked to play a significant backup role at the most important position on the floor?

Sam

There’s a feeling this team could be very, very good if O’Neal and Bosh stay healthy and mesh, as I expect they will. What’s the coach got in his mind, especially offensively, to take advantage of the talent he’s got?

Fun questions, all.

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Speaking of fun questions:

Q: What about Ben Gordon in a sign and trade?  The raps could send Barg's and Kapono to CHicago for Gordon and maybe Noah. It would work for both sides and give Toronto a wing capable of creating his own shot, which is important for last play scenarios.

Francesco G, Milton

A: Forget about it. The Raptors have no interest in Ben Gordon, never have. They certainly don’t want to pay him what he wants and mess up their long-term financial situation.

I’m not a big Ben Gordon fan, actually; he’s a ball-stopper rather than a ball-mover and he doesn’t really defend that well. He can score, but on this team here, offence isn’t going to be a problem.

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Trivia time

Q: Name the three Canadians who’ve been in Raptor training camp.

Answer in a few paragraphs and NO LOOKING.

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More mail, with an Italian twist:

Q: Hey Doug, been reading your blog all summer and I'm hooked.  First time question here:
Do you think if Danilo Gallinari has a great rookie season (shows more potential/progress than Andrea Bargnani when he was a rookie or as of now), it might spell the end of Andrea's career as a Raptor. I know that your verdict is still out on Il Mago and I agree that he cannot be classified as a bust just yet, but Danilo seems to be built the same as Andrea with same skill set, but is willing to drive more and USE the body. God help the Raptors if the lowly Knicks find more success in Danilo than our Italian magician.

Am I way off?  Love to hear your thoughts of Danilo's impact if any on Bargnani's year.

Joseph R, Toronto

A: I don’t think one has anything to do with the other, actually. If Gallinari is better, it will be just more fodder for the fans and the scribblers but it won’t have any impact on what the Raptors do with Bargnani.

Not sure what to make of Gallinari, actually. I keep reading the Knicks have some concerns about a lingering back problem he’s had all summer but I have friends in Italy whose opinion I respect who tell me he’s got it all over his countryman in terms of skill, mindset and determination.

It will be interesting to watch but the problem is, if Gallinari’s back is a worry, it’s going to take some hype off that first home pre-season game here, won’t it?

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Wayne Yearwood, Mike Smrek and Rowan Barrett.

Hope you didn’t look.

Moon, and a fashion statement

Okay, here’s more Moon, although it was also explained over in the comments section yesterday.

I was told by a very senior, disappointed member of the basketball braintrust that he wasn’t in town to work out due to unspecified “passport problems” which I’m sure is true but probably something that could have been worked out earlier.

No one’s saying he has to be here (and by contract he doesn’t have to be), it’s just that he should, because a second-year player coming off a so-so end to a rookie season who figures to be in a fight to retain his starting position should be in town a week before training camp begins. He doesn’t have to be here, and players have been returning in dribs and drabs since early September but, and trust me on this, people in the organization notice these things.

It’s not a huge deal, but it is a deal. The guy I talked to was disappointed and if the bosses aren’t happy, it can’t be a good thing.

I’m sure he’ll be in this week – there was some suggestion he was going arrive last night – and things will get back to normal.

I only mentioned it because it was mentioned to me in a casual conversation.

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Fashion Show Thursday.

Finally, the third jerseys get unveiled when Bosh and Calderon do a little media thing to show off the new look at their Olympic medals.

In case you’ve been sleeping, the jerseys are black, say ‘Toronto’ on the front, have a little Maple Leaf on the back at the neckline and have red piping.

The medals? Now, they’re cool.

Never mind the gold, the thing to look for is the white jade on the front; that’s the thing that made them stand out.

We now get the heck away from fashion and jewels.

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Apparently, and I’ll have to mention this to Sam and the coaches before their next retreat, you never split 10s. Glad that was all made up.

Oh, and Micah stripes it down the centre of the fairway every time, I’m told.

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Mail time:

Q: So I was watching some Hakeem Olajuwon highlights the other night, and I was amazed by his moves around the basket. Now I know that they technically play two different positions but with Jermaine in town I imagine that the 4 and 5 will become interchangeable. Do you think it would be possible for Chris to pick up some of his moves by watching video of Hakeem?  Or does Bosh not possess the fluidity that Hakeem had?

Alex D, Toronto

A: I love Chris Bosh’s game but there is no way in the world it’s humanly possible that he becomes anything close to Hakeem Olajuwon.

The Dream was, in the opinion of many people, the most graceful, fluid big man in the history of the game.

So, no, it’s not possible for Chris to match Olajuwon’s moves.

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This is for Felix and to head off the many questions that may arise

The Raptors should not and will not sign Stephon Marbury to a minimum-value veterans contract when, and if, he’s waived by the Knicks and clears waivers.

They should not because, while his game may be okay, he will never accept a backup role on this team, I don’t imagine. And, as the well-respected Allan Hahn of Newsday wrote the other day:

Marbury, who created a huge divide between himself and teammates after he went AWOL in Phoenixlast November, stayed to himself with his workouts at the MSG Training Center this offseason until yesterday, when he joined the other Knicks veterans in pickup games. One observer from yesterday's workout noted the uneasy atmosphere among the other players. "You could just feel the hate," the person said.

Just the kind of guy you want around.

They will not because Bryan Colangelo knows better. And Sam Mitchell, who was a teammate of Stephon’s in Minnesota, would certainly not clamour to have him on his team. Marbury left a very good situation in Minnesota because he wanted to get paid, as Mitchell knows, you think he’d be accepting of a minimum value deal here?

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A compare and contrast, which I don’t usually like but this is unique:

Q: Was watching some classic NBA games on RaptorsTV and have this question.
It seems like at one point or another Grant Hill and Penny Hardaway were destined for great things in the NBA. However, injuries stopped what would have been even more stellar careers.
My 2 questions to you are:
1. Between Hill and Hardaway, in your opinion, who do you think was the better player?
2. Do you think any of them in terms of skill and playing ability are comparable to Michael Jordan? I'd always hear during broadcasts of classic NBA games that Hill/Hardaway (Hardaway in particular) were being touted by some as the next MJ.

Sadiq M, North York

A: That first one’s a horribly difficult question. I would venture to say Hill might have been the better player because he could do a few more things and didn’t have a young Shaq to play off. But it’s close. Very close.

The second one’s easy: No, no, no, no. A thousand times no. Jordan was in a class by himself.

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Action: Shareef Abdur-Rahim retires.

Reaction: Impressions, and a story.

I always thought he should have been better than he was, there is no doubt his overall career was diminished by injuries but he never, really, had the skills to take over a game in a fourth quarter. Quite the opposite, in fact. But he was one of the more classy individuals I ever dealt with (and that was quite a bit during his Vancouver days).

Now, a story. To perhaps set the record straight.

Abdur-Rahim came out the same year as Marcus Camby and there was some debate on who would be drafted second and third (after Allen Iverson went No. 1). I remember sitting in Isiah’s office about a week, maybe 10 days before the draft and he told me, in no uncertain terms, that Camby was his guy, regardless. I know those are the days of disinformation but the conviction Isiah showed telling he was taking the consensus college player of the year made it clear to me he wasn’t blowing smoke.

But out in Vancouver, they weren’t sure. I remember being in my hotel room the day of the draft (it was in Jersey) and getting a call from someone at the highest level of the Grizzlies who was sure the Raptors were going to take Abdur-Rahim.

In fact, the guy gave me his direct phone line into the Vancouver draft-day war room so I could call if I heard anything other than what I’d told him, that I was sure the Raptors were taking Camby.

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And, finally:

Q: I recently moved to Edmonton and as you know, in a month, me and the 108 other transplanted Raps fans will attend an utterly meaningless game to get our fix.  Question:  since this is one of those 'grow the game in Canada' occasions will there be any public events?  Do you know who I could contact to get such info?  I'd love to meet Sam and get his sig on two prime Sam Mitchell playing cards, for instance (and then sell them on EBay for millions).

Andrew H, Edmonton

A: See how it’s the third game in four days after a back-to-back in Los Angeles and the final pre-season game of the year, I don’t imagine there will be any public events with the players. Maybe the Chicken goes, or the Dance Pak, but the players will have other things to deal with. Keep checking the team’s website, though, that’s where you’ll find out stuff like that.

As for the Sam thing? Don’t tell him about the e-Bay stuff or he’ll want a cut (I’m joking!).

Inside the coaches retreat

We know that most of the players show up early and work the kinks out before training camp officially begins.

The coaches? Well, they do, too. And then they retreat.

I’m told the whole enlarged staff headed off to the Niagara area on the weekend for a couple of days of fun and frivolity and, yes, some work.

RICK EGLINTON/TORONTO STAR

We don't know what's in the cards for Sam Mitchell's Raptors this year, but we're sure to see the odd full house in his hand.

Like? Like meetings each morning to go over such things as how they’ll defend the screen and roll, for instance, what kind of offensive sets they think will get the most of out of their personnel and how they’ll set up training camp practices to maximize the time they’ve got.

They talked and brainstormed and, probably, did a little bonding, too.

Oh, and I’m sure there was some recreational opportunities, given their proximity to golf courses and games of chance.

To wit (and these are only from my little mind and may not have actually happened):

Press: What to do to scramble a game or what to do when you’re two-down to Sam on the fourth tee.

Split: Where Roko’s from or what you do with 10s.

Fore: A new play to take advantage of two bigs or “where the hell did Micah just hit his drive?”

Full house: Bosh, O’Neal, Bargnani and two bigs, or the best hand of the night?

Rotation: Double the post and race to shooters, or “come sit at this table, this dealer’s stone cold.”

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Did you see the news the Washington’s Eddie Jordan had the option on his contract picked up for 2009-10?

That, in itself, isn’t such big news but, as the Wizards PR people pointed out, Jordan has spent five seasons already coaching in Washington and is “currently the third-longest tenured head coach in the NBA behind Jerry Sloan (Utah Jazz) and Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs). “

Man, they eat their young in that business, don’t they?

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A mailbag offering:

Q: If you took away that brawl (which O'Neal was also a huge part of) and the time he wanted to promote his CD, at a bad time, what exactly has Ron Artest done for you to consistently bad mouth him at the drop of a hat?

I think you have him pigeonholed and no matter what happens, you'll never appreciate his skills. He seemed to handle himself well with the Kings the past few years, and that was a team going nowhere, so it almost dictated he should have gone crazy, but he didn't.

If you think Artest will be a problem, than your logic dictates O'Neal will also be a problem. They have a similar checkered past.

Do you not believe in a player redeeming himself? I have not seen, nor heard of anything out of the ordinary from either player this pre-season.

Shawn L, Bowmanville

A: Well, let’s see.

You forgot to mention the elbow to the side of Rip Hamilton (or maybe it was Tayshawn Prince) in the dying minutes of Game 6 of the 2004 Eastern Conference final in Detroit that turned the game – and the series – to the Pistons and robbed the Pacers of their best chance to make it to the NBA finals since 2000.

You forgot to mention the “I want to be traded, I don’t want to be traded, I want to be traded, I don’t want to be traded” saga in Sacramento last year.

You forgot to mention the verbal sparring with Yao Ming before he even took part in a Houston practice.

You forgot to mention the pattern – long and illustrious and one that’s followed him every single step of the way – that shows a lack of maturity and respect for his team, his teammates and the game.

There is no denying he is skilled, unbelievably skilled. There is also no denying his is disruptive. Has always been and, in my opinion, always will be. Some players, no matter their skill, aren’t worth it. In my opinion, Artest is one.

And, while not blameless for that brawl (although he didn’t start it and never once left the court), to suggest that Jermaine O’Neal and Ron Artest are the same kind of problem player is, in my opinion, utterly ridiculous. And the history of each would, on the whole, support my theory.

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Five reasons, to answer a whole bunch of questioners, why Vancouver will never, ever, ever get another NBA team.

There is absolutely no movement throughout the league to expand and when there is, all eyes will be on Europe.

Members of the league’s board of governors have told me, for years, they don’t believe there is enough deep pocketed corporate entities in Vancouver who would be interested in basketball.

Teams that move do so because owners covet markets (Shinn to New Orleans, Clay Bennett in Oklahoma); no current owner covets Vancouver.

If an owner buys a team with a plan to move it to Vancouver, there will be an issue – as there was in every instance except the first couple of years – of a battle between hockey and basketball for money and sponsorship and suite revenue and advertising deals and hockey is much more firmly entrenched and unwilling – if you ask privately – to share with an upstart sport.

There are several American markets – Seattle chief among them – that would have first dibs on a franchise that’s going to move and there’s no way the governors to back to a city in Canada that failed before they exhaust all other options.

Sorry.

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Noticeable by his absence so far at the de-facto first week of training camp in the Air Canada Centre is Jamario Moon.

I know he doesn’t have to be here, but he has to be here, if you get my drift.

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How can you pass up a Chicken question?

Q: Hey Doug, something I always wondered.
What's the process in selecting the team mascot?
I would assume you need a special type resume to even be considered a candidate. And also, how much does the average mascot earn? Not that I'm looking for a new career, just curious.

Carlos R, Toronto

A: Well, the same gal-guy has been doing it since the very first season in Raptor history so there’s not a whole lot of turnover.

I think you’d need some gymnastics training, you’d need a sense of humour and you’d need some way to let personality shine through a goofy, heavy costume.

How much do they make? That I can’t answer you but Chickens generally live in huge mansions with a bevy of servants and have homes on Maui, the French Riviera and, I believe, Tuscany.

T-minus one week and counting

A week. One lousy week. Just about everyone’s in town, all the plans are set, the workouts are going on, why don’t they do the honourable thing and call this week the first week of training camp and let us get on with our jobs.

Oh, right, there’s that little thing known as the Collective Bargaining Agreement that stipulates the number of days they can work and this week isn’t included in it.

So, they meet in secret and in private, it’s not really a workout but it is and the whole league seems to turn a blind eye to what’s going on.

Believe me, every team is doing pretty much the same thing this week, it’s just that there cannot be any repercussions against the players who can’t quite get to their cities on time.

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You know what camp’s gonna be?

A Stampede.

Quite literally.

With the D League Idaho Stampede having an open trying out in Toronto on Oct. 5-6 (read more about it here), there’s every chance the staff led by coach Brian Gates and, perhaps, a player or two, will be around Ottawa from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4 to take in the big team’s camp.

Of course, no player who gets invited to camp has a snowball’s chance to make the team but if the Raptors are going to add three or four guys as fodder and live bodies, they could do a lot worse than bringing in some D Leaguers for experience.

No word yet on exactly how many or who the Raptors will add to the camp roster; guess that’ll give me something to do this week when I actually have to go back to 1 Yonge and maybe earn my keep for a change.

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A question from the mail and a newsy answer:

Q: Love your blog. My husband and I read it almost every day. When is fan appreciation day?
Thanks, can't wait for the season to start!

Alexandra G, Toronto

A: ‘Almost’ every day? What happened to 'first thing every stinking morning!' (I keed, I keed).

Not sure what you mean by Fan Appreciation Day but if you’re talking about the open practice here in Toronto that used to be held on the last Saturday or Sunday before the regular season began, I’m afraid you’re in for disappointment.

It’s not that they don’t appreciate you (after all, you spend money, buy tickets, support the team, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah) but they’re dumping that particular event this season.

Truth be told, attendance had fallen off, it had become pretty much the same old, same old and maybe it had run its course.

What they’re doing, I’m told, is something dedicated to kids and reading (as admirable an event as I can imagine) one day at a pre-season shootaround.

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Got a nice long letter from David Petroziello, who is the general manager of the Vancouver Titans of the International Basketball League.

Perhaps you recall a letter here not long about the Titans, a minor league team that expects to begin play in April at, I learn, the Langley Event Centre.

David makes a long and logical argument that this, despite the somewhat checkered history of minor league basketball (the woods are littered with the carcasses of teams that never played a game), will be well-run, connected to the community and something basketball fans should embrace.

While I remain skeptical of the whole notion of the financial and esthetic success of minor league hoops, his points are well thought out and well made and there’s every reason to think this might be a success.

There’s apparently solid local ownership with strong ties to the game on the lower mainland and the plans are not grandiose (which is good because that’s what causes a lot of teams to ultimately fail).

I admit I’ve never seen an IBL game in my life so I can’t vouch for the quality of basketball but maybe this team makes it.

And maybe you should give ‘em a look when they start up.

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A letter that touches on some news:

Q: I just read that Darius Miles was suspended for 10 games. Does this automatically free Portland from his contract?

Alex D, Toronto

A: Actually, quite the contrary.

This is sort of a mixed metaphor of a question but you do hit a good point with the contract.

Miles, who hasn’t played since the 2005-06 season, was due $18 million over the final two years of his contract in Portland but the Blazers got cap relief for the amount because he had apparently retired because of a career-ending knee injury.

But if comes back in Boston, and it looks like it’s going to happen, and plays in 10 games, there’s no more cap relief for the Blazers, who’ll have to suck up the $9 million a year hit.

And because Portland had positioned itself to be a major player in free agency of the next two summers because of that cap relief they got, having to suck up Miles’s number is going to hurt.

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Okay, here’s a quandary.

My friends, The Leaves Writers, get to have training camp at home (and if we’re not going to Europe I’d just as rather stick around the area) and it lasts all of two days before the first pre-season game.

Us, The Hoops Grunts, get to traipse to Ottawa for almost a week of two-a-day workouts before heading home to start the utterly meaningless exhibition season.

Which is better? Fewer practices, more pretend games? More practices and a longer wait to see teams in action.

Tough one, isn’t it?

What do you think?

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Last one from a mailbag that’s pretty depleted:

Q: Here’s a question that’s blog related. How on earth do you find the enthusiasm to continually do an amazing job with keeping up with your blogs (it must be hard but much respect to you!). And typically how long does it take you to finish one!? Thanks!

Mario A, Toronto

A: Trust me, my friend, the enthusiasm level varies. Depends, usually, on the quality of questions and comments and how happy or angry they make me. Generally? I’m a pretty happy-go-lucky soul.

As for how long? Well, I’m sure there are regular readers who think it gets done in minutes, with very little thought or preparation. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong.

The funny thing is that it’s pretty much an ‘every-waking-hour’ kind of thing. See something in an afternoon, scribble or e-mail a note to self to include it the next day, spend some of every night answering questions, posting comments or putting items together.

Get up gawdawful early every morning, careful not to disturb Super Dog lest the pesky think wake up and need a walk and, hopefully, get it all done by 8:30 a.m. or earlier now, maybe by 8 a.m. once the season starts, so all you slackers who are supposed to be working – and you know who you are! – can get your day off to a rousing, entertaining start.

Another delivery

Man, what’s it going to be like when they start practicing and playing? This mail’s getting out of control.

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Q: A B-ball 101 Q for you, Doug:  Could you please explain in detail what Player Option (PO) is and it's relevance vis-a-vis Team Option?  If player X opts out in his final year of contract, does he automatically become an unrestricted free agent? What are the most common scenarios that such player opts out? On the other hand, if his play or contribution is deemed worth less than his contract, can the team trade or opt not to sign him?

Rikki C, Burlington

A: The short answer is yes, if a player opts out, he’s an unrestricted free agent. The common scenario? A player wants a change of scenery, the team he’s on is going nowhere, he might be coming off a career year and able to parlay that into a longer-term contract, striking while the iron’s hot, so to speak.

And yes, a team can totally ignore a player if they want, or make him an offer at a lower salary.

The difference between Player Option and Team Option is just that: The former can be exercised by the player, the latter by the team. Teams like to put options in so that the final year of a longer-term contract isn’t fully guaranteed.

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Q: How hot is the seat Sam Mitchell is coaching from?  I have a feeling that if by the all star break things aren't going well, he could be gone.  Your thoughts?  Doesn't he have something to prove this year?

Dave M, Oakville

A: No hotter than it was last year. Or the year before. Or the year before that. Almost every coach in pro sports everywhere has something to prove each season, it’s no different here.

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Q: Hello again Doug! Our beer barrel (old-timers) basketball has started up again and the initial spate of injuries we old farts (I turned 60 last month and am NOT the oldest player)have experienced so far this season made me wonder what the (younger) pros do to minimize the pulled muscles, minor sprains, finger/hand injuries, etc during training camp. I realize professional athletes take care of themselves conditioning-wise year round now, but I would guess they still must experience more issues at the start of the season due to contact drills/scrimmages. So are the training staff the busiest or do players just work through the camp and get less injury prone as their reflexes improve or ???
Barry P, North Bay

A: Welcome back, hope the muscles are feeling better.

One thing I wish I had was the ice concession at training camp. These guys are covered top to bottom after every workout. And when they get done icing, they’re usually off to see the trainers or the massage folks to get some treatment.

The training staff is perhaps the most important group at camp and they work from dawn to after dusk trying to keep everyone healthy enough so that they can practice every day.

The players are definitely fit – the days of showing up at camp to get in shape are long, long gone – but there is a lot of preventative maintenance going on every night and day.

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Q: Hey Doug, everybody is talking about the impact JO will have on the upcoming season, and rightly so. But let’s not forget TJ is gone and this is Jose's team to run now. He seemed to tire a bit at the end of last season and that jumper wasn't falling as much. How will Jose handle a full year as #1 (with no real, credible, backup to boot)?

Matt S, Toronto

A: I have no idea how he’ll handle it. I think he’ll be able to handle it just fine, given his skills and his experience. But it’s a situation that will be watched closely as the season unfolds

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Q: I have been reading a whole bunch of season previews, however I have seen a trend in which people consistently position Philly on top of T.O. in the standings. I hear people question J.O.'s injury (nobody mentions Brand coming off of his) and Toronto's weak perimeter. However I am convinced, that our perimeter is pretty strong in terms of shooting and that the defence will benefit from our interior help. I would like your personal assumption on which team will be better and why!?

Mario A, Toronto

A: My opinion, oft-stated, is that I think the Raptors are a shade better right now because they have more better shooters. But all of the games against Philly should be interesting.

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Q: Well, I tried to stay in Ontario, but its third world economy is pushing me back out West next week.
Is there a possibility that IF the Raps have a wonderful record after the first month or so, that the NBA can switch TV schedules to put them on a nationally (US) televised game, like a Sunday perhaps? Does having JO help us in getting any US TV time?
Peace Doug, next time I write it'll be from Whistler, and yes, I will buy the beverages when you come for 2010.......
Dean E, Hamilton

A: Travel safe.

Yes, there is a chance the Raptors can be added to American national broadcast schedules but it will all have to do with how well they are playing, and not just because of the presence of O’Neal. ABC actually added a game in Detroit last year so there’s a precedent been set for this team.

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Q: Doug, I need to get this off my chest and my wife is sick of hearing me talk about basketball. I suppose you'll make a fine substitute. I don't care if J.O. ever averages 20/10 again.  The Raptors didn't lose much in terms of box score point production or rebounding - I have no worries about the players on this year's roster being able to pick up the slack.  Anyway, scoring has never been this team's problem.  For years the biggest deficiency in Raptorland has been team defence.  What are the chances of J.O. having a K.G.-like impact in Toronto?  Granted, his impact won't be anywhere near the extent of Garnett's move to Boston, but even if J.O.'s interior and help defense cut down the points against by 4 or 5 (or even 6!), that's gonna translate into 5-10 more wins this season, which could be the difference in finishing in the top half of the conference and getting through to the second round.  What do you think?  Could J.O. as team backbone finally shore up a soft defense (including on the perimeter) enough to take this team one step further? Also, here's a random/theoretical question: Who would have won the Olympic Gold Medal game by a larger margin - the Redeem Team, or the 07/08 Boston Celtics?  Seeing the effect of team synergy displayed by the Spanish, I can't help but wonder if an NBA Championship-calibre team of primarily Americans with at least 100 games of experience together (one winning season) wouldn't outperform the USA Basketball teams full of stars who spend the whole tournament adjusting to roles they don't normally play.  What do you think?

Stephen R, Manitoba

A: Wow, a tad long-winded, aren’t we? I don’t blame your wife (Joking! Joking!)

Anyway, I’ve been saying since the day the deal was consummated that O’Neal’s greatest impact is going to be on the defensive end but it’s impossible to even guess at how that translates into wins and losses.

I don’t think he’ll have nearly the impact KG did but if he even has a fraction of it, it’s a win for the Raptors.

As for the Olympic question? There were flaws on that Boston team that didn’t exist on the

USA team and they would have been exposed by Spain.

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Q: It's almost pre-season so I figure I should start writing in again.  Last year we touted our bench as one of our strengths.  This year, it's not. However, an 8-man rotation may just be what this team needs.  Ignoring the big 3 of most teams (Toronto: Bosh, JO, Jose; Philly: Iggy, Miller, Brand; Boston: Pierce, KG, Allen etc...) how does the rest of Toronto's rotation stack up against the best of the East?

Aaron J, Markham

A: If they play to their potential, they can be as good as any rotation in the conference. That’s the big worry, though, getting kids like Ukic to perform and making sure Bargnani improves. If they do, they’re good; if they don’t, the playoffs are hardly a sure thing.

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Q: If the Raptors start off slowly who do you see on the club losing their cool first?
And if that happens do you see the coach stepping in or letting it run its course?

John P, Chicago

A: Not sure what you mean by “losing their cool.” I’m sure if they start slowly, Bosh will – as he has in the past – be quite vocal and public with his comments so I guess it’d be him.

And I think any good coach in any sport loves it when teammates hold each other accountable.

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Q: Don’t you think by the addition of Ron Artest in Rockets will make them one of the contenders in the West. I think if TMac and Yao can remain healthy this team will be hard to beat.

Shriaz S, Mississauga

A: I have no confidence whatsoever that Ron Artest will behave himself for an entire season and not cause some kind of team-disrupting ruckus. He’s been a problem with every team he’s ever played for and I cannot imagine why anyone would think he’d all of a sudden change.

And a Houston locker room with Artest, Rafer Alston and Steve Francis is as volatile as any anywhere.

So, if the Rockets win a playoff series – something they haven’t done since McGrady got there, I point out – I will be surprised.

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Q: Do the Raptors share the new HD scoreboard in the ACC with the Leaves? If so, are they a first in the NBA?

Andy U, Kingston

A: Yes, one scoreboard per arena is the rule. No matter how many teams play there.

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Q: Hi Doug, keep up the good work. I think that you're a fountain of basketball knowledge. There's a tradition where NBA teams that win a championship visits the White House. If the Raptors ever won - where do they go?

Andy C, Toronto

A: I would imagine, in a tradition that started with the Blue Jays in ’92 and ’92, I believe, they would visit both the White House and Parliament Hill.

So many questions, so many answers

Another week, another heavy mail bag. Here’s the first batch because even the heartiest of readers couldn’t get through it all. More coming on the weekend.

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Q: Hey Doug... when you state that you must remain objective when covering the Raps, does that mean that you don't have a preference i.e. a 'favourite' team (if given the choice) of which team you'd rather cover?
If we were to play a hypothetical game of NBA musical chairs and you were in a position to swap out the current Raps team with any other team in the NBA - which one would you pick?

Terence G, Mississauga

A: You mean give up all this!?!?! Never.

But I’ll play along.

I’d love to cover the Celtics ‘cause I’d like to live in Boston. I would enjoy covering Portland because it looks like a great young team to be around. But, seriously, this is a pretty good gig over here. Good team, always-quotable coach, good grown up players, good, honest organization, and there aren’t too many better cities around.

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Q: I read today that you think the Raps should go with a 9-man rotation. I honestly don't see the wisdom in using a smaller rotation.  I think using the whole bench does several things:
1. Gets guys deep in the rotation more experience, so in the event of injury they are more prepared;
2. Reduces the wear & tear on the starters, so they are less likely to have injuries;
3. Keeps starters fresher for late game pushes;
4. Cuts down on fouls for the starters.
I think when the rotation was tightened for the playoffs last year, we lost the advantage that our depth could have provided.
What is it about a shorter rotation that makes so much sense to you?

Steve M, Ottawa

A: It’s my opinion that an eight- or nine-man rotation allows players to get a better feel for when they’ll be used on a consistent basis, it lessens the number of “experiments” a coach can conduct during a game and it allows more players to play through periodic bad spells in games.

I do believe there will be nights where you’ll see 10, 11, or even 12 players used; I think, as a general philosophy, that’s too many.

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Q: Long time, no see!

LOVED your Beijing Olympic adventure blogs and coverage of sports which I knew nothing about, but now find kind of cool.
I'm super-excited for the upcoming season: new Boardzilla, new players, pretzels, etc.
My question: now that Carlos Del-fine-o is gone, who will have the best hair on the Raptors?

Katrina W, Toronto

A: Some things, my friend, are just irreplaceable. I believe the follicles of your favourite Raptor (in many regards) is one of them.

Now, if you’re talking beat grunts …

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Q: I guess numbers don't lie when it comes to TV ratings. And from what I've read, the Raps don't have huge TV numbers. But it seems to me in travelling in Canada, once you get way outside the Toronto area, Raptors media coverage is extremely sparse or doesn't exist.
Being that you travel a lot, do you see this happening all over in smaller towns with nearby NBA teams or are we selling the Raptors short in Canada?
Also, we hear about guys putting in all kinds of work in the summer (like Bargnani) and all the high hopes of a better season as a result.  But why would it be so difficult for players to improve the same way in the regular season while playing and practicing at the NBA level with NBA coaching and NBA drills?
And what ever became of Darrick Martin?  Is he still with the team in any form?

Ham A, Toronto

A: The support question’s really unfair because there are no situations like Toronto, which is the only team for an entire country. When I travel, we see all kinds of regional media coverage of the home team, but that’s to be expect. No team tries to do what Toronto does, reach such a large and diverse area.

On the practice question, it’s simple. Once the season begins the games and travel pile up and the nagging injuries hit, there simply is not enough time for the kind of intense, daily work the players get in the summer.

And D Mart? Haven’t heard a peep about him all summer, I presume he’s living the high life out, hanging with his daughter and being a normal human being. But he has no connection with the Raptors at all.

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Q: Doug, as I think the pre-camp mailbags are the most appropriate for lists, indulge if you will the following:
Who would be the all-time best ball handlers in Raptor History?
And on a less positive note, which players in history have had the "least positive"/"most intrusive" off court cohorts (the All-Michelle Carter Team Question)?
Geoff H, Toronto

A: My list of all-time best ball-handlers would be Alvin Williams, Damon Stoudamire and Muggsy Bogues. For consistency, care and the ability to beat their man.

And I don’t think there’s any secret on who the most intrusive people were. It’s a short list that includes the mom of He Who Shall Not Be Named, the wife of Antonio Davis, the wife of Doug Christie and, in the coaching department, the somewhat forceful presence that was Mrs. Lenny Wilkens, who once called our office to register a complaint about coverage of the team.

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Q: I'm happy the season and your commentary is just around the corner.
If Bargnani either regresses or does not improve on last year, do you believe he is worth the $6.5 million option the team owns on his services, especially given other free agents that may be available at that price?
And, at what point did you say you were comfortable calling bust?
Jeremy T, Toronto

A: Doesn’t matter whether or not he’s worth it, it’s been picked up and that’s what he’ll get paid.

And I haven’t ever said I was comfortable calling him a bust. And I’m sure not going to do it now before the season begins. Let’s talk at the end of the year and we’ll make an assessment then.

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Q: Hey Doug, I just finished watching Hoop Dreams and was wondering if Swirsky was one of the play-by-play voices on one of the highlight clips in the documentary.

Greg W, Toronto

A: I believe those were indeed the dulcet tones of The Swirsk.

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Q: Hey Dougie, long time reader, first time e-mailer.   Do you think Rasho's playoff streak ends this year, or will Indiana actually get in at 8 or 7.  Your thoughts?

Sean H, Pickering

A: Rasho’s been in the playoffs every year he’s been in the NBA. Barring a mid-season trade, that streak ends this season.

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Q: Hey Doug! Another question for you as we all playing the wait game before training camp. You've probably heard lots of criticism of Raptors NBA-TV. Certainly it falls well below expectations for me, and I'm sure most hardcore Raptors fans. So if you were at the helm, what would you change? What would a typical programming day on Doug Smith's RaptorsTV channel offer? And have you ever done, or would you consider, any TV appearances - either on Raptors TV, Off The Record, the Sports Reports, etc.?

Rob E, Toronto

A: I’ve heard some criticism, sure, but all in all, they probably do as good a job as they can, given the financial realities (they don’t seem to have a whole lot of staff).

What I believe they could do is more original reporting, more in-depth features and if they are going to show ‘Classics’ I’d make them really classic, not Heat-Knicks playoff games. (Although there was an old Houston-Minnesota regular season game on this week that I found for a minute and it was a hoot to see Sam as a player again).

And I have done some TV (there are those who are certain I have a face for radio) and it’s a hoot. I enjoy it.

But I also enjoy writing and reporting for newspapers and websites and am smart enough to know that’s where my expertise lies and where I belong.

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Q: Hey Doug, was wondering if I could get your thoughts on this whole 2010 free agent class. I would have never believed that there were that many contracts set to expired in the NBA in 2010. It seems right now that a lot of trades that happen involves a team looking to clear cap space for 2010. I mean there's four stars that MIGHT leave their teams, not 6 or 7 that will for sure, what are all those teams who miss out on these guys gonna do? Overpay the rest of the free agents I assume. What if they all chose to resign back with their teams? (clearly not happening in LBJ's case but let’s pretend) When will BC start sending big time offers to Bosh? Why wait?
if bosh says no to resigning next summer and chooses to test the open market what do you think BC would/should do come February???

Peter T, Leaside

A: I think it’s folly to discuss 2010 in 2008. There is so much that can and will transpire between now and then – injuries, teams fortunes rising or falling, financial concerns, -- that to say with any certainty that anyone will even entertain moving in two years is, frankly, a waste of my time. A year from now, it’ll still be too early.

I will only say this: Given the financial realities of the NBA, there will be much less movement among the game’s big stars than many think.

And I will say that what BC should do come February is see where the 2008-09 season is going, not think a bit about the summer of 2010.

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Q: The Raps are up against the luxury tax threshold, and supposedly can't afford any other players nor are willing to 'cross that line'.
What are the odds that a player would renegotiate their contract?  Perhaps get an extension for a certain amount off per year?  Primarily, I'm thinking of JO...although this is likely just wishful thinking.

John Z, Guelph

A: Contracts cannot be renegotiated during their terms. So, it ain’t gonna happen.

An extension can be signed at a lower salary, but that pay cut doesn’t take effect until the first year of the extension.

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Q: Hey Doug. Just moved from Toronto, but I am still keeping up with your blog. A quick question: If O'Neal does not pan out and the Raptors do not improve, does that officially break down the golden wall that surrounds Colangelo?
Thank you.

Zack B, Kuwait City

A: It’s all about winning at this level and if they don’t win, of course the architect of it all will be held accountable.