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.

Q: Hi Doug, I've got a question for you in light of Shaq's (somewhat) looming retirement. Of all active players, who do you think, upon their retirement, has had the greatest career? I realize this question is extremely speculative and therefore probably not the best, but these are slow times right? There are tons of players who are deserving of consideration (Shaq, LeBron, Kobe, CP3, Nash, Kidd, Amare, Garnett, Duncan, AI, and I'm sure quite a few more who I'm missing), so just wondering who your pick would be.

Geoff A, Toronto

A: Extremely speculative and far too early. But what the hell.

When this crop is done? There is no question in my mind that the guy everyone is going to look at as the gold standard – for the success he had winning championships and playing for them – is Kobe.

No question in my mind.

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Q: Hey Doug, I'm back for Part II. Maybe these questions will create more discussions on realgm forums then my Carter one did. What I would like to know is if a Carter trade "will never happen" than give a list of who you could see as that "last piece" swingman the Raptors could acquire through trade. But with the 2010 cap space Colangelo could wait and sign Lebron, Wade, or Melo and have our own Big Three of one of them, CB4 and Jose!! Who would you pick out of those three that would fit? Or would you go big with Amare if CB4 shows he can play with another all star big like JO? If discussions are not made by these questions then I don't know what will. Thanks for your time.

Mark R, Toronto

A: Wait a second. You ask questions to generate discussion somewhere else? Why not go there and start them where you want?

But, I digress.

Um, of those three? Isn’t it a no-brainer that you’d take by far the most talented, that being the James fellow? Really. It’s pretty simple. And I don’t think you’d get much discussion about it anywhere.

And I am not going to give a list of players they could acquire through a trade because there’s no way to know whether anyone is available. It’s ridiculous to throw names out with no chance of a deal ever, ever being consummated.

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Q: Great work as usual on the blog!
Having witnessed first hand the Grizz move to Memphis (still one of Stern's worst approval moves ever), and now the Sonics move to Oklahoma, any chance in heck that Vancouver is considered for another chance at an NBA team? What other US markets do you see ahead of Vancouver on the list if any other US NBA team owner chooses to relocate?

Chris C, Toronto

A: There is no way in the world the NBA is ever, ever, ever going back to Vancouver. Sorry.

The American cities? Well, Seattle, Kansas City, St. Louis and San Diego come immediately to mind.

But I also don’t see too many franchises moving in the next decade (maybe New Orleans but even that’s a stretch now because of how good the team is). And before you say Memphis, realize that the cost to get out of the lease in that city is prohibitive and would make a move virtually impossible.

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Q: Giving full disclosure I have to tell you straight up I feel I know more about basketball than you. You don't look like you have played a minute of basketball in your life other than the occasional game of NBA Jam. Not to mention the bulk of what I read from you seems to be regurgitated hyperbole fed to you by a low level Raptors employee. Having said that you can go a long way in restoring my trust as a bassketball mind by asking this question correctly and settling a workplace dispute. Who would win a basketball game a top level CIS MEN'S team (Brock, Carelton, Western) or a WNBA team with the likes of Candace Parker?
Asha P, Toronto

A: No, really, flattery will get you nowhere.

(But in the name of full disclosure, I couldn’t give a rat’s patoot what you think you know, as a matter of fact).

Now, I hope this will be the wrong answer and drive you to fits of anger but a team with a WNBA team with Candace Parker on it (oh, let’s say the L.A. Sparks) would drill a CIS team.

Have a nice day.

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Q: You’ve said a few times that you don’t see any Canadian kids coming up any time soon. A Canadian-contingent AAU team made it to the finals recently in a national (USA) tournament, and have several prep stars making a name for themselves. Tristan Thompson is actually ranked 1st in his class (2010) by Slam (who if you overlook the tendency of hyperbole are a respected source who follow these players for years), while Junior Cadougan, going to Marquette, is 34th for seniors.
I know these are young kids, but maybe the future is brighter than you knew?

Matt D, Toronto

A: I will say this again.

I hope everyone of those kids goes on to great careers in pro basketball.

But – and this is the big ‘but’ that I will always, always trot out – none of them have so much as played a single serious game of NCAA basketball, let alone been a star, let alone been considered an NBA prospect.

I hope they make it.

The odds would suggest otherwise.

It’s all well and good to be at a big-time prep school or on the roster of a good NCAA school or to have success at an AAU tournament. It’s an entirely different thing to make it to the NBA.

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Q: Love the blog, can't wait for the season to start.
A couple weeks ago, around Olympic time, you mentioned that you didn't see any really good Canadian basketball prospects with NBA potential coming along for a while. your colleague at the Star David Grossman wrote a great article today about Liam McMorrow, the 7-footer from Scarborough. With only two years basketball experience he’s already landed himself a Division 1-A scholarship at D-Wade’s alma mater Marquette, with a year off due to transfer rules and then three years of NCAA eligibility, do you think McMorrow has a chance to grow enough as a player to have a shot at the NBA, or at least be a key member of Team Canada going forward?

Marc S, Scarborough

A: Here we go again.

Let’s find out whether the kid – with, as you point out, a whopping two years of basketball experience – is anything more than a shot-in-the-dark-recruit by a college looking to find a diamond in the rough.

I honestly had never heard of his kid until the story appeared in our paper so I have nothing to base an opinion on except history, which would suggest that a teenager who comes to the game so relatively late never really makes it.

I hope he does; I fear he won’t.

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Q: One comment and three questions.
I think the real reason that Vince would never be able to come back to Toronto, even if management wanted it, is that his Mom wouldn't have a parking spot any longer and nobody would care when he cried.
I would like to know why Charles Oakley has not been signed by somebody to be a roving ambassador for some NBA team.  There is this aura about him that is resilient (after several years of retirement) and he has certainly been a very popular player. Kind of like Jerome Williams was for the Raps a few years ago. Does he still do this by the way?
Also I am curious about why there seems to be no serious basketball action in Japan which is as sports mad a country as any.  Shucks they even have hockey there!

Jim D, Alliston

A: Oak’s had offers, I’m sure, but the last time I talked to him (at the Finals last June) he was quite happy living his Oak Life and the last thing I’m sure he’d want to do is deal with kids he thinks don’t know how to play a game that he really doesn’t recognize anymore.

And, no, Jerome Williams has no official affiliation with the Raptors anymore, he’s just living in the JYD World, which is not a bad place.

Japan? They play, it’s not as big as other sports but there’s a domestic league. They just haven’t produced anyone NBA-worthy except the point guard Yuta Tabuse, who was an end-of-the-bencher for a couple of teams.

Comments

[Eric]

Hey Doug,

Good job answering all those q's! Massive mailbag. The fever's ramping up.

Two things:

1- Re: ballhandlers, I think Rod Strickland was undoubtedly the most creative and talented of any I've seen wear a Raps uniform. And he was only here for a cup of coffee!

2- Re: Bargnani, you say, "Let’s talk at the end of the year and we’ll make an assessment then." Is this not exactly what you and Sam and countless others said last year? At what point are we permitted to form an opinion on this guy's career and performance to date?

I don't mean to be difficult but my goodness, why so reticent to answer questions about Andrea? Maybe all the election coverage is getting the best of you! We know his career hasn't played out yet, we know he can have a much better year this year than last, but why not at least share how you feel he's performed to date? I can't see how that would hurt.

Blogger's note: Strickland was good, no doubt; and probably would have made a list had he been here longer.
You can form an opinion on Bargnani any time you like (and I presume you have). I've actually been quite consistent, he had a good rookie year and a horrible second year. That's how I think he's performed to date. There are several areas in which he has to improve, as do countless other young players.
It's the way I've been feeling since the middle of last year.'
I still think he has the potential to be an impact player in the league, but I think that, I don't know it. Just like people who think he's a bust think that, they don't know that. It's all opinion at the moment. And everyone's entitled to theirs.

[Luke]

Anyone else want to start of a petition to ban "j/k" from this message board??? What a MORON

Blogger's note: Now, now. Let's not get all draconian here.

[Andy C]

I thought Alston should be on your "handlers" list. say what you will about where his head was at times but his pocket didn't get picked very often

[P.]

I don't quite understand why anyone would continue to seek information/opinion from a source they consider unreliable; taking the time to insult that source before asking for more information/opinion seems downright juvenile...Doug, you've got a lot of patience putting up with some of the crap people write to you, including personal attacks. When you respond that you "couldn’t give a rat’s patoot what [they] think [they] know", are you grimacing or chuckling?

(I chuckled when I read it)

Blogger's note: Chuckling's all you can do. That and throwing one's arms up in the air in frustration.

[Nick T.]

Doug:
You say it would be cost-prohibitive to break the lease in Memphis. It was cost-prohibitive in Seattle, too, but that deal got done. If you have an owner who is a "man possessed," you'd be surprised how much they'll pay to get out of a lease. If the Grizz are sold, they're as good as gone from Memphis.

[gerald]

Man Doug sometimes you have to deal with some real Asha-holes. (Couldn't resist). I guess the difference is he reads your blog and you have to wade through his bad spelling and grammar. And you've never stated you know anything more than the rest of us. That's one of the things that I really like about this blog, is it seems to be more about creating a forum for discussion, as opposed to a sermon extolling your basketball I.Q. . Does an adult beverage take the edge off when you get annoyed by the occasional (Bass)ketball genius?

[Terence]

Hey Doug, just wanted to thank you again for another informative and entertaining answer-filled edition of your blog.

[jeeff]

the nba is big in japan, and kids there love basketball. i was over there when yuta tabuse got a few minutes of floor time as back-up back-up pg to nash in phoenix, and the japanese were very proud.

[GM]

Doug, it's one thing to say you don't think the NBA will ever go back to Vancouver in a million years. It's quite another to state it unequivically. But since you do, wouldn't it be wise to state your reasons. If you know something, tell us. If it's just an opinion, then tell us what that is so we can judge whether or not it has merit or is simply another bold prediction you've made that has been completely wrong. I'm not sitting here holding out hope, understand. It's just your surety about something you can't possibly know seems a stretch. I mean, even six months before the NBA approved a team in Vancouver, you'd probably have said the same thing because no one saw it coming.

And it's hardiest, not heartiest.

[2damkule]

doug - haven't you learned yet? a blog isn't a place to have thoughtful, insightful discussion...it's a place numbnuts go to read the crazies...it's the jerry springer of the 'net. no one wants to hear something as simple (& honest, & true) as 'andrea had a good rookie year, horrible second year.' we want sensationalism, we want to hear you proclaim him a bust, so some grandiose vitriole-filled debate can begin...and then the name-calling, & put-downs, and all the other little specialties that make the blogosphere such a wonderfully sopisticated information medium. rational discussion? meh.

when i read JK's comments, this is what i immediately think of:

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/local_idiot_to_post_comment_on

[Joe T.]

Doug, you must've gotten soft over the Summer! You let Asha off way too easy. After all, (s)he didn't want you to ANSWER the question correctly but merely ASK it correctly...

And hey, did you get to see "More Than A Game"? It ended up being the runner-up for the People's Choice Award at TIFF...

[2damkule]

doug - were you serious about the 'top WNBA team vs. a top CIS team' thing, or were you just anticipating what the idiot wanted to hear & decided to tweak him? i know you watch the WNBA, but really? i guess that doesn't say much for what you think of CIS programs. i know we're supposed to be PC about women's sports & all, but really?

[Gregg]

Dougie .. how can Calderon not be in that mix of best ball handlers .. maybe not the most creative but in terms of consistency and care ... he's gotta be up there ... how does his assit to turnover ratio from last year measure up against Damon's, Alvin's and the other chipmunk ?

[Chris S.]

Hey Doug,

Regarding the WNBA vs. CIS question, what do you base the WNBA team winning so easily on? More experience and better coaching? Parker? or actual talent? I am not trying to get in to a male vs. female debate and I have not watched enough WNBA to say for certain but its hard to believe Carelton or Brock would get drilled by the Spark or any other top WNBA team. Do you think a top CIS team could beat a middle of the pack WNBA team?

Blogger's note: Probably, but I'm not entirely sure about it.

[Paul]

Hmm...with this Job-like patience, perhaps Dougie should moderate the PM debates?

[steve]

Hey Doug,

There's no possibility that a WNBA team beats the top CIS mens team. Back in maybe 1995/96 or so when I was a skinny little Grade 11 kid, me and a bunch of my high-school teammates got to play against the Canadian Women's Basketball team as they prepared for the Atlanta Olympics games. I'm pretty sure they beat us, but it was only by 5 points or so. None of the guys who played that day would have ended up starting on a CIS team. I love women, but in all honesty, women just cannot compete with men in sports where strength and speed have an impact.

Cheers

[Colin W]

Re Raptors' TV, I agree at times it is a bit lame but one of the things I would love to see are 30-min individual profiles of the players, coaches, managers, etc.. I can appreciate that the Raptors are a basketball team, but it would be great to hear the likes of a Jamario Moon talking about his struggles, his dreams, and life in the NBA. A lot of people would for sure find encouragement to "stick with it" in whatever their endeavours. I guess it's a chance to see the more personal sides of our court hoopsters. Get their perspective on the world, life, and a bit of what they do/are involved in when they are away from the game. Heck, I would even volunteer to do the interviews for free ;-))

[Andrew Gregg]

I will always fail to understand anyone's fond memories of Alvin Williams. That guy drove me crazy. Most of his hustling came as he tried to recover a bad pass, of which there were many. But enough about him. In terms of the "All Michele Carter Team," I agree with you Doug: Antonio Davis' wife has to be in there. I was once lucky enough to sit courtside at a Raps/Sixers game and there was a struggle for a lose ball between Tyrone Hill and Davis--they landed on us. As Hill struggled to get up a woman in the second row stood and got in his face, swearing and finger pointing inches from his nose. Hill said "What did I do?" The players then lined up for a free throw and Davis was glaring back at the woman, then he mouthed the words "be quiet" and "sit down." It was then I realized it was the Missus. She also had that really bad show on Raps TV where she profiled players. She did some cooking with Oak, who made something with cabbage that looked horrible.

[Jon Tabak]

Re: There is no question in my mind that the guy everyone is going to look at as the gold standard – for the success he had winning championships and playing for them – is Kobe.

Assuming both careers ended today, I'd rank Shaq ahead of Kobe.

If were talking champhionships, Shaq took the Magic to the finals in only his third year and held his own against Olajuwon who was in his prime. Shaq has 4 championships (3 Finals MVPs) to Kobe's 3 (0 Finals MVPs), with the 4th chip coming on the decline of his career.

Also, Kobe's game 6 of the 2008 finals. I know it's not entirely his fault, but elite players simply do not allow their team to lose by 39 points in an elimination game for the NBA Championship.

Honourable Mention: Tim Duncan

[Simon]

I respectfully disagree that the LA Sparks would whip Brock or even less likely, the Carleton Ravens.

To put things in another light, do you think the Sparks could beat a top-tier D1 NCAA mens' team? Such as Kansas, Florida, or Duke?

Roster evolutions non-withstanding, Brock hung tough with a Florida team that won back-to-back NCAA Championships and had four future NBA first round picks. The Ravens almost beat Kansas this summer, and played Duke very very tough several years back. Coach K gushed about Aaron Doornekamp.

You're entitled to your opinion, but I think you're either selling CIS talent WAY short, or you haven't witnessed up close how drastic the athletic advantage is in terms of basketball and gender.

A good college women's team would be hard pressed to beat a good high school boys team. That's just the way it is.

[Edward]

Doug,
Hey Doug great blog , but I have to say that as of September 20th 2008 Andrea is a bust. If he was selected in the teens than we wouldn't have this debate. It sure would be great to have Brandon Roy to play the 2 right now with Bosh and JO. I just think to have the number 1 pick and to have him coming off the bench isn't the right pick. Plus do you think if Andrea was doing great this JO trade would happen...I don't think so!!

[tim]

JYD's doing radio i think, he was on hardcore sports radio, and i think he mentioned he was doing some "realgm" radio or something of the sort

[michael]

yo doug sup man do u think that raps can get a good player in the free agent market if jermaine doesnt come back to the raps???

Blogger's note: Sup? Arrgh. Let's talk about free agents in 2010 when it's free agent time.

[Jeremy]

Hi Doug,

A follow-up question to keeping Bargnani on the payroll. I didn't know his option had been picked up. Is there a rule that teams must use their options by a certain date? If not can you explain the rationale of paying for an unproven talent?

Thanks, Jeremy

Blogger's note: I have many times. Cost certainty, sending a message to ease a players mind are the top two.

[Dean]

Hi Doug,

With the current and forseeable state of the US economy, is it not at least feasible that the NBA look at Vancouver again? The reason i ask is that the parity with the dollar will be viable for years as the US economy is shot, and Vancouver has a constant and massive influx of money and immigrants from India, Japan and China. Add to that its growing population, 2010 exposure and all they need is a buyer who is savvy enough to run it.

We all know Stu Jackson killed this franchise, same with Steve Francis, so if there was a billionaire named, I dont know, KATZ, who wanted to buy and relocate, or even Basillie since he cannot get an NHL franchise, wouldn't the NBA at least be inclined to look? The financials and logostics of replacing a West Coast team are far better then putting a new one in some backwoods, 35th largest TV market in the US deep in the Mid West.

I think to say never is premature. Vancouver is the new cosmopolitan centre of Canada, has vast wealth, global appeal, and I think if a powerful and knowledgable ownership team can be found, they would at least have a shot. More so say than St Louis or Kansas City. Dont forget that these blue collar cities are DYING and cannot support a team or new arena costs to the taxpayers. A white collar city like Vancouver makes far more sense. There is not a comparable city in the US to Vancouver that does not already have a franchise.

I get irked at "never" as its your singular opinion and not fact based in anyway whatsoever, unless of course you speak with re-location committee or David Stern on the regular. Not trying to be negative, but to say "never" when it has nothing to do with your opinion is just as false as me saying I am still growing and can guarantee I will be 7 feet tall next week.

Open your mind Doug. If I told you ten years ago you would "never" go to China in your lifetime, would I have been right? Nope. Use "never" when its applicable, like Oakley will NEVER suit up for Raptors again.......that is at least rational and fact based.

Love ya buddy, I'll bug ya from Whistler...................