Of Agent Zero, Ettore Messina and some other stuff

How good does that $111-million Agent Zero contract look now?

Yup, a little cleaning job on his knee and he’s likely out for the first month or two of the regular season. Somewhere, I can imagine Wizards owner Abe Pollin is a tad irked. That’s a lot of cash for a guy who’s been hurt more often than not for the last two seasons and, seemingly, things still aren’t right in his knee.

Of course, some of us thought, and still think, the Wizards are a better team without Arenas and that they should have save the cash they gave him after re-upping Antawn Jamison.

What’s it do to the East?

Nothing, really. I don’t think anyone thought the Wizards were legitimate contenders and perhaps the only thing it does is leave them scrambling to make the playoffs rather than a solid fifth or sixth.

Oh, and tell me how much they'll miss Roger Mason now

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Here’s a report from Reporting Central.

Had a quick chat with Sam Mitchell yesterday and he says things are progressing just fine at the informal workouts over at the ACC and there’s a big crowd in already.

Some scrimmages, some shooting drills, some defensive drills, some conditioning work are all part of a routine day for the six or seven guys who are already here.

And he says Jermaine O’Neal’s expected in Saturday, Bosh and Calderon and their Olympic medals arrive Sunday and next week should be a de-facto extra week of training camp.

Of course, I’m not surprised he said he’s happy with the way things are going – the next time a coach starts killing his players this early will be the first time – but there did seem to be a greater sense of optimism in the conversation than I can remember in any other September.

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Okay, here’s the thing for all you who’ve been asking about “First teams” and “Second teams” and wondering where the scoring or the defence or whatever will come from on each.

If, as we all expect, they go with an eight- or nine-man rotation most nights – the variable being foul trouble and injuries, of course – there won’t be any time, let alone extended minutes, when there are five backups on the court at the same time.

And even if there were – and I presume it’ll happen every now and then when one of the bigs gets into early foul trouble – someone will always find a way to score. Or, for that matter, make defensive plays. It might be Moon and Bargnani one night, it might be Hump (when he plays) and Ukic or Solomon another night.

It’s a worry that people shouldn’t worry about.

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First mail of the day:

Q: Hey Doug, I got a quick question for you. Which are your two darkhorse teams from each conference for the upcoming season? I like Toronto and Portland, respectively.

Mike S, Toronto

A: Hey, Mike, I’ve got a quick answer for you.

If you mean darkhorse to win the conference, I’ve got to go with Houston (which hasn’t won even a playoff series in the McGrady Era) and maybe Orlando (although that’s a pretty easy one).

If you mean a darkhorse to make a big move in the regular season, I’ll give you Portland and maybe take Milwaukee in the East. Still not sold on Scott Skiles (I think his act wears out very, very quickly) but I like what John Hammond has done.

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So, Vince.

Still not coming back, by the way.

Anyway, Andrew over in the comments section reminded me yesterday:

Has anyone in recent memory fallen as precipitously as he has? From perennial leader in All-Star voting to not even a sniff at the ballot box. From the best dunker in history to an mediocre jump shooter. I was interested in your opinion on Carter's sudden absence from the limelight.

My opinion?

He was an athletic supernova who never really put as much work into the game as he should have. There is no questioning his breath-taking abilities to jump and dunk and explode; there were often questions about how long he could sustain it because he always seemed to be getting by on raw talent rather than hard work.

I don’t think anyone would disagree that he was, at times early in his tenure in Toronto, an absolute joy to watch. He could do things no one else could.

But it struck me near the end that he never really took responsibility for his greatness, never really pushed himself as hard as he could. Oh, he’d respond every now and then (if Oak challenged him, good things seemed to happened; when Butch challenged him, he could rise to the occasion) but those were too infrequent.

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This has nothing to do with basketball but I cannot think of a greater team name than Joe Public FC.

That’s the club team playing Montreal in whatever soccer thing that’s going on that isn’t the Champions League.

Great, great name.

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One more from the mail and a quick check of the in-box makes it look like a long, long day at the computer answering questions is ahead:

Q: Hi Doug, love the blog.
Did the Raps make a move on Richard Jefferson before he went to the Bucks? He seems like the perfect fit for Toronto, slashing g/f with no ego and ridiculous athleticism.

Chris A, Bowmanville

A: A move? Well, they did have some interest and there may have been a call made but there was really nothing the Raptors had that the Nets wanted or needed at the time.

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Perhaps some of you have noticed that I think one of the most important things that has to be done to improve the overall calibre of basketball in the country is to improve coaching at every level.

Well, the good people at Ontario Basketball (or Basketball Ontario if you wish) are trying to do something about it.

The iconic Ettore Messina is coming to coach CSKA Moscow against the Raptors in the pre-season and if you click here, you’ll see he’s also doing a clinic that’s got to be a don’t-miss proposition for all of you.

Sign up quickly because I know this will fill up in a hurry. Or at least it better.

And, in what might be the best part of the whole thing, the fee is going to a great, great charity. That’s just icing on the cake, isn’t it?

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Remember way back in the spring when Josh Howard was in the news with the dope stuff and there were a zillion or two of you who figured he was exactly what the Raptors needed and surely he would be cheap to get in a trade.

Well, what do you think his value is after this stunt?

And do you still think teams will take a flier on him? How toxic is he now?

Sometimes, the best moves are the ones not made.

Comments

[JM]

I'm not in favor of anyone disrespecting their national anthem - although I think it's a citizen's right to choose if they want to or not, foolish or serious reasons included - but I don't see what that has to do with Howard's play on the court or the chemistry with his teammates.
Parlaying that as reason (along with an admission to marijuana use that is probably common in American pro sports, period) not to add talent like his to any team is weak, at best. I can assure you that if Ron Artest can be traded to a contender, Howard's stock remains high.

[Anderson]

Hey Doug,

If Josh can play ball let him play here in Toronto! Toronto's a pretty open minded city... Who cares what Josh Howard does off the courts? Who would you trade on the current roster for Josh Howard?

Blogger's note: I wouldn't trade for Josh Howard until he shows he's matured. It's not just about talent. Never is for good teams

[Nate Wind]

Heaven forbid a professional athlete actually speaks his mind. Is it that astonishing that a black man might feel alientated in the United States? Wonder if he would sing O Canada if he was a Raptor?

[Poppa Vlazo]

"It’s a worry that people shouldn’t worry about."

What kind of comment is that? The fans should not be worried about the fact that the team lost a lot of depth and that the second unit will consist of an unproven rookike (Ukic), a two guard that was not in the league last year (Adams), a wing that can't dribble or shoot (Moon), a former first overall pick that regressed significantly in his second season (Bargs) and the Hump (no commentary necessary)? Agreed that they all won't be on the floor at the same time, but it's an insult to those of us who know the game to say that the composition of the second unit is not a legitimate concern. The roster has been upgraded from last year, but its far from perfect.

Blogger's note: You miss the point entirely. There won't be a "second unit." There will be three or four, on the odd occasion five, players who don't start and play substantial minutes. I can see the argument that the depth has been downgraded but it's not like there are going to two five-man units. That's what people shouldn't worry about.

[Andres]

Let me get this straight, you don't think Josh Howard would be good for our team because he doesn't care about politics? His image may be significantly damaged in the US so lets let him redeem himself in Canada! So he smokes pot in the offseason and drinks and drives every so often...I bet you more than half the league does!

But what Josh Howard does bring to the table is lockdown defense, someone who can create off the dribble and contributes 7 boards a game.

Your honestly telling me you don't think Josh Howard would bring the Raptors to a championship level?

Blogger's note: Championship level? No, not a chance. He's got talent, no question; his maturity level leaves much to be desired and championship-calibre teams comprise mature, veteran players, neither of which Josh Howard is at the moment. Right now, he's a good young player who has caused more disruption off the court in the last five or six months than many.

[Jon Tabak]

Re: Has anyone in recent memory fallen as precipitously as he has?

When discussing recent wastes of talent, Stephon Marbury immediately comes to mind. I always thought he'd have a career similar to Allen Iverson's.

To a lesser extent I'd throw in Steve Francis, Lamar Odom, and Tim Thomas

[Zack]

C'mon Doug, young Josh Howard may have made some bonehead moves recently but that doesn't take away from what he can do on the court. The guy is arguably one of the top 5 SF's playing today.

[Andrew Gregg]

Thanks for your views on the rise and fall of Vince Carter. Karma is a bugger sometimes. The situation he pouted himself out of in Toronto is pretty much what he has right now in NJ. And when it comes time to move to Brooklyn, they'll be looking to dump him because he'll be getting old. As far has his lack of effort here goes, you put it well--he didn't take responsibility for his greatness. I have heard people within the Raps organization address Carter's lack of drive and his eagerness to fall down and clutch whatever--his knee, his head, his ankle--and they didn't word it as kindly as you did.

[Thay]

Thanks for the link to the coach's clinic, looking forward to attending it.

[Jeff Steele]

Even though Josh Howard was just messing around with some buddies in front of a camera phone which is pretty harmless, he just doesn't get the concept of being a positive role model to young fans. He could really benefit from attending that rookie transition program one more time. After seeing that entire YouTube clip you can tell the crew he hangs out with in the offseason is a bad influence on him and from what it looked like he was under the influence of some banned substance during that celebrity football game. He admits to having drug problems since his time at Wake Forest so it's sad to imagine how good he could have been if he had kicked his bad habits early in his career.

With that being said, you have to give credit to Colangelo for a putting together a roster of entirely high character guys who we can use as role models in the community.

[Sari A.]

I have a better team name for you:
"The Great Garbos"
It's my rec league basketball team name. We were contemplating "The Garbohearts", but thought it would scare away competition!

[thetruth]

"With that being said, you have to give credit to Colangelo for a putting together a roster of entirely high character guys who we can use as role models in the community."
Yes, Mr. Steele, and wouldn't Josh Howard be literally a HIGH character guy? No one would know or care about any of Howard's personal views and habits if it wasn't for the hyper vigilant modern sports media. It's all entirely irrelevant to basketball. You can be a real a**hole in life (which Howard is NOT), like many athletes past and present, and still have incredible drive to succeed on the court. The media creates the problem, and then they turn around say that because of this problem, this player is no good. I am tired of sports writers playing the part of moral police. It's all over the place, and I'd rather not read it. I identify with the PLAYERS. That is why I follow basketball. They are the ones with interesting stories of success against all odds. I don't identify with the owners, the media or the league, or any of those moral majoroty fans who want to take a real person and turn them into a fake cardboard cut out who reflects well on a team, league, economic system and country that is ultimately out to exploit them. I know a lot of people who would not support the U.S. anthem in this day and age, and I think that is a respectable stance to take. Don't you celebrate Muhammad Ali? Don't you love Charles Oakley? Think they love the Star Spangled Banner?

[jk]

"Has anyone in recent memory fallen as precipitously as he has? From perennial leader in All-Star voting to not even a sniff at the ballot box. From the best dunker in history to an mediocre jump shooter. I was interested in your opinion on Carter's sudden absence from the limelight."

...umm, yea- Jermaine O'Neal dummy....

Blogger's note: I knew it was you as soon as I saw the gratuitious, silly, ridiculous last little jab. Your points would be, perhaps, taken a tad more seriously if you weren't such a cheap-shot artist
But, thanks, as always, for writing

[matt]

you guys are all missing the point. its not his politics, its his intelligence and maturity. Delgado used to sit in the dug out for the American anthem, but teams still wanted him - including 9/11-centric NYC. Other NBA players have done the same thing. Its that he puts it in the public forum, and does it so soon after already being torn apart by the media. This shows a clear lack of understanding of the reality of your position in life, and that shows a lack of maturity that could hurt your team on the floor, in the dressing room and possibly in fan relations.

[Josh Howard's manager]

I hate to be that guy, who sits next to those fanatical Texans during a maverick's regular season game this season!

Screaming " Burn Josh Howard!"

And for what...i been to texas, black men dont feel welcome there, period.
I disagree with you doug, Josh would be welcomed here in Toronto. I would give up any of our wings or all of them, for him, in a heartbeat!

Blogger's note: I never, ever said he wouldn't be welcome. Ever. What I said, was that he showed poor judgment and a lack of maturity, none of which is really debatable. And that if I were a GM I would steer clear of him. That's simply my opinion.
He is a unique talent, no question.

[Eric]

I think and have always thought that national anthems are ridiculous inclusions before a game. It's almost an attempt at brainwashing, in my point of view. I don't think it's intentional brainwashing, I just think it's never sincere. If I was proud of my country, I wouldn't go around singing the anthem to express my pride- I'd probably do something else. But even so, I know I wouldn't do "it" before EVERY game, before doing my work EVERY day. That would be a sick world.

Quite frankly, that becomes almost like religion. And by picking up a basketball, I never agreed to go to church. As for the role model issue? I'd want a role model who's honest and not just a "Yes man." At the same time, I'd still tell Josh to keep any controversial opinions to a minimum when around a camera. In the modern day, with the tabloid media we have now, it only has the potential to become a distraction for the people you care about- as well as the people who look up to you.

But I would take Josh Howard over every Raps swingman in a heartbeat. "The Raptors have a classy team" is the sort of opinion that looks good every September, before play begins and the same people begin slagging them for the same reason.

[Shawn]

Re: Has anyone in recent memory fallen as precipitously as he has?

The answer is: Who is Shareef Abdur Rahim.

[Larry]

Um... we are a Canadian team, so I'm all down with getting Howard to play for the raptors. Pretty awesome to get someone labeled as unpatriotic to play for us. (Im being saracastic! Of course we shouldn't aquire him!)

[Jimbo]

Hi Doug,
Today, I read a J Kidd interview (I think by one of your boys)out of the Brick where Kidd gives lip service to Carter's leadership abilities and then won't say he'd watch the Nets on TV. As for Howard, I'd trade for him because he's more talented than what we have and still young.

More importantly, I believe the Raps have a chance to have the best 1-2 punch big man combo they have ever had and arguably in the league. Am I a homer?

[Poppa Vlazo]

I don't think I missed the point entirely - I think that your point is oversimplifying things. If the team for the most part goes with a 9 man rotation, and assuming that they don't play their starters 38-40 minutes a night (which is a possibility), then there is plenty of time for the 6 through 9 guys to play. Your point is that the second unit won't play all at the same time, which is fine, but my point is that guys who are either unproven at this stage or marginal NBA players (and until he proves otherwise Bargs is in this category) will see fairly significant minutes off the bench. And that's a legit concern, regardless of whether the reserves are playing with some of the starters or not. I'm not a doom and gloom guy and I'm excited for the season, but I have the same concerns as most fans. And I'm hoping that Bargs shows significant improvement because he is one of the keys, along with JO's health and Jose's ability to play starter minutes at a high level all year.

[GM]

I realized how important the anthem is for Americans when I was at a Yankee game. I reluctantly stood (as I reluctantly do even in Canada) for the anthem when I got a tap on my shoulder. The guy behind me told me to remove my cap! I did so, explaining that I was Canadian and didn't know so I wouldn't get beat up. Man, it's bad enough you have to stand for these ridiculous inclusions before every game, let alone removing your cap. Because we all know how disrespectful having something on your head is, right?

If the Raptors can get Howard for slightly cheaper because the Mavs need to unload him, I say go for it.