Of Moon and minutes

Lots of points, lots of turnovers, lots of combinations you may never, ever see on the court again. Gotta love pre-season basketball.

But never once did I hear anyone screaming about pizza so guess there was something good about the Knicks game.

Anywho, some stuff we observed and other morsels of information:

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Over the Moon?

Not so much.

I half expected Sam’s head to actually explode (and that would have been a bad thing) when Jamario Moon launched a three-pointer and the Raptors down one with a couple of minutes left.

There had to be about nine seconds left on the shotclock when Moon hoisted the stupid shot and, even though it’s pre-season and nothing counts for real, that’s precisely the kind of field goal attempt they had hoped Moon had forgotten about over the course of the summer.

Sure, he made a smart play a minute or two later when he drove and it eventually led to a big basket but, still.

Not sure what’s up with Moon but there are people in the organization disappointed with how things are shaking out with the second-year forward.

Here’s a guy coming off a good rookie season who was the last player in town before camp, it doesn’t look like he’s changed is body or his game and he’s going into a contract season, with a chance to make more money on his next deal that he ever would have imagined.

Sure, it’s early and maybe he gets going but, so far, he’d have bethe disappointment of the pre-season.

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Think guys don’t notice how much they play? Even in meaningless games?

Think again.

Sam told us he was going to extend the time of Jermaine O’Neal to about 25 minutes or so Sunday against the Sixers after the new centre only played 17:53 against the Knicks (fewest of any of the starters).

"We’re going to use the whole pre-season to get him where he needs to be. He wants to play more and I’m going to start increasing his minutes, the next game, he’ll play 25, 26 minutes,” "The thing for me is, when I’ve taken him out of the game and left him for long stretches, I don’t want to put him back in, especially at this time.”

So, we dutifully go to O’Neal and ask him about the increased workload at this point, suggesting that 26 or so has to be better than 18.

"Seventeen,” he said quickly.

Splitting hairs? Maybe. But interesting nonetheless.

There can be no disputing O’Neal could use the time. He’s far from in game shape – good physical condition doesn’t always translate into being able to have the timing necessary to thrive in an NBA game – and that’s only going to come with more minutes on the court.

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Here’s how the big tilt played out in one of the New York publications.

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And you were wondering:

Q: Hey Doug, I just turned on tonight's game and I already have two questions that are completely unrelated to their performance so far.
1) Hump appears to have stopped cutting his own hair. Who on the Raptors did he go to for a barber recommendation?
2) Did Sam Mitchell have laser eye surgery or is he just going with contacts this season? Could you please give him the message that he looks like he means more business with his glasses on? It's like the difference between the uncle that dresses up as Santa for Christmas and the uncle that tells all his nieces and nephews to stop believing in that Santa nonsense and to work hard to get everything they want instead.

Alex H, North York

A: Judging by the hair look, I don’t think Hump asked anyone about any barber. It’s sort of free-flowing and free-growing, isn’t it?
And yes, Sam had the Lasik thing done and I’ll pass on your opinion. But what do you mean “the uncle that dresses up as Santa?” What about the real Santa?

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Nice new scoreboard, isn’t it? Like watching TV in your living room. Great.

Except NBA refs are going to hate it, still.

Their big complaint with the last one – and a complaint echoed by the scribblers along press row looking for information – was that the only place you could find out the team foul totals for any particular quarter was at the very top of the board, a neck-craning exercise that bothered many.

Well, same old with the new board, too. And even when they get the scoreboard part of it fixed (there were no individual player stats last night because the software wasn’t in sync with the scoring computer) it doesn’t look like there’s a space anywhere for team foul totals, which are necessary when trying to figure out who’ll be in the bonus when.

Guess $8.5 million doesn’t get you everything.

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I’m thinking a tattoo of a footwear logo etched on the side of a guy’s head is not a look many of us could pull off. Stephon Marbury included.

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Next time I use the phrase “hoi polloi” could all of you come by and slap me in the head. Not since maybe the great TJ-Jose debate has one little thing elicited such response.

I apologize to all linguists out there.

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So, Monday the Raptors – all of ‘em, coaches and players, have their annual media training session. The NBA sets ‘em up, sends in its consultant and she walks the players and coaches through a few of the finer points on how to deal with us.

You know, stuff like, look the questioner in the eye, try to remember the names of the people you see every day, speak clearly and in sentences and, I presume, never, ever say anything inflammatory.

And in his own inimitable fashion, Sam put a unique spin on it.

"I told you I just had media training and Media Training 101 (says) do not trust anybody with a camera, a microphone or a pen.”

Then it was quickly pointed out that, in his fifth season as a head coach in the NBA, he should at least be in Media Training 202, shouldn’t he?

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Now, I didn’t see the game on television but I’m told by people who did that the program wasn’t the, um, most crisp production of all time.
Here’s why: The feed you saw was simply the scoreboard feed fed down the line. There was only one Raptors TV camera at the game and it didn’t do much, if any, of the action.
The reason? I guess finances played a role.

And that’s what the look’s going to be for the other pre-season games, too, I imagine. So get used to it.

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All righty, no practice, which means a nice day around the house answering reader mail. Got any?

Comments

[Patrick]

Hi Doug,

Saw that you got a bit of face time during the Raptors TV broadcast last night... something about Sherm saving you from certain doom (i.e. an errant basketball)!

Random question as I sit here in my cubicle sipping my morning tea but are you doing any Raptors TV work this year (Full Court Press for example)?

Thanks and have a good one!

Blogger's note: Haven't heard if they're even going to do a Full Court Press show or not but if they do and they want a panelist, I'm around.

[Matty-Pix]

Did you buy Sherm a beer after the game? He saved your computer's life from that loose ball!

Maybe I'm too optimistic, but I can envision JO being a great influence on Joey G. Joey's a big, strong player who needs someone to show him the ropes of how to play tough, and within the game. Maybe 'the pilot' never quite get his head on straight for the NBA, but I'm sure JO wouldn't be shy in yelling at him and telling him where he should be on D.

Here's hoping!

[graham]

its only pre-season as everyone says but still, a couple of things did show up already: Raptors look more balanced in their rotation, clearer who is doing what and when (no more Kapono/Delfino confusion); Will Solomon is going to surprise some people and will be a good back up to Jose, allowing Roko to adjust to NBA pace; double teaming Bosh will cost teams -- not double teaming him will cost teams -- O Neil takes a lot of pressure off of Bosh even when he's not game fit yet.
Doesn't make the Raptors champions, but it does make them better than last year and does mean they won't get blown out by Dwight Howard again.

[Pete]

Aren't you bashing Moon a little too quick?
Two meaningless games so far. It's hard to show what you have changed in your game just yet - I don't really see a big change in Andrea's game either yet. As for the change in body - I didn't notice the change in Bosh's body on his second year, neither for Andrea. It's hard to bulk up within 2~3 month. So I think we should watch a bit more and then see what happens.
After all, we aren't expecting him to become the next Scottie Pippen anyways. Maybe 12 pt, 8 rebounds, 1 steal and 1.5 blocks would be a plenty to get out of Moon.

[Aditya]

did you notice Moon not jumping high enough when taking his jump shot? I think coaches have told him he probably jumped too high last season when taking his jump shot and it did not make a difference.

And, his drive to the basket is horrible. He doesn't know how to drive at all. Joey Graham drives better than him.

[Aaron Campbell]

Didn't watch the game but did Devlin do the play by play, and if so, how was he?

Blogger's note: Didn't watch it either, and couldn't hear him over the noise of the crowd.

[Robert Freitas]

I really hate to say negative things about other people, but let me preface this by saying it's purely my opinion. Watching the game last night on Raptors tv, really, really, really, made me miss Chuck. I honestly just found Mr. Devlin to be rather bland. I wont comment on Sherm, because obviously, that's not his job. How did everyone else feel about it? Hopefully Matt was just getting used to the gig, and we will see some improvement, it is just pre-season after all.

[GM]

What's the big deal with the fouls on the scoreboard? It shouldn't be a factor when the refs are on the floor reffing the game. They shouldn't adjust their calls based on the situation. And when the game is stopped, all they need to do is ask the scorer at the desk. They're the ones who input the information. I agree, though, it's good for the fans and press.

[d]

So if you're right and it is Hump's year - what would you trade him for? Offer any imaginary names? Thanks always read and think you're grait.

Blogger's note: If it's his year, why think about trading him?

[TMF]

Doug,

I'm surprised I haven't read anything about this yet in the pre-season. Moon appears to have changed the mechanics of his jumper. Last year, he would generally jump as high as possible (which, for him, is rather high) before flinging the ball towards the net. But now, he barely jumps at all. He's not quite Dell Curry or John Long, but he's getting close. It looks a lot more under control. Not that I want him launching too many threes anyway, but if he's going to do it, hopefully this will increase his percentages a bit.

[SOUTHETOBICOKE]

Doug, be honest with your readers. Did you have any beefs with the Swirsk? You always talk about having a few beverages with the other grunts and sometimes Jack, but never any mention of Chuck. I mean, he was at every game for goodness sakes. Was he as geeky off air as he was on air? I also remember he took a jab at you when you posted the "Hoffa looks like a chicken" article back when. I believe the term he used was "Irresponsible immature reporting". I think that's where the animosity may have started. Please clear the air.

Blogger's note: No, no beefs whatsoever. We got along fine. But, frankly, Swirsk wasn't a big adult-beverage-sitting-around-the-cocktail-lounge-telling-stories kind of guy so we didn't have a whole lot of road or home interaction. But he's a good guy and we got along well.

[WSG]

I agree w/ Robert F about Matt Devlin. I guess we'll all get used to him in time ... but MAN! ... did I ever miss hearing the Swirsk last night. More even, than I thought I would.

[Craig A]

Hey Doug

Has anyone told Hump that with his new hairstyle he looks just like Tony Dow (Wally Cleaver)?

He does.

[nathan]

Moon the biggest dissapointment of the preseason? Howabout Joey? I guess asking where Joey is when he's off the court is better than when he's on it...

Blogger's note: Joey's hurt and hasn't practiced in a week; that's not disappointing. Yet.

[Gerard]

Hi Doug,

Long time reader, first time posting. I was watching the game last night and noticed some sorta brace that JO had on his left knee? Not trying to make a big deal, and Im assuming its precautionary but what was that?

Thanks!

Blogger's note: No big deal, it's a brace, lots of guys wear 'em coming off surgery as a precaution. Bosh wore one and a sleeve for plenty of games, nothing to be concerned about.

[Erich Isopp]

Hey Doug,

Read the NY article from the link you provided - any legitimacy in the suggestion that Gherardini is thinking/could be thinking about the GM position in New York?

Blogger's note: Nope, no legitimacy.

[hazzie]

Did someone really just compare Jamario Moon to Dell Curry? I think, in all honesty, that could be the WORST comparison I have ever heard.... seriously, ever...

[dan marino]

I dunno what u are talking about, Moon played pretty well!

[Alex]

I thought Roko looked pretty good. Nice to have another guy who can drive to the basket, sink some runners and make some shots.

[Phil]

DOUG PLEASE COMMENT ON WHY SAM MITCHELL CHOSE TO PLAY ROKO UKIC AT SG MOST OF THE GAME WHEN IT SEEMS HE IS A BETTER PASSER AND MORE SKILLED BALL HANDLER THAN SOLOMAN, AS WELL THAT SOLOMAN SEEMS TO BE MORE OF A SHOT-ORIENTED COMBO GUARD.

Blogger's note: WHY ARE YOU SHOUTING AT ME!
Seriously, maybe I haven't mentioned this before but pay absolutely little attention to any playing combinations you see in the first and second pre-season games except for the first five minutes when the starters play. In fact, if you recall, the only reason Ukic got on the court with Solomon for the last five or six minutes of the game (and that's of the 13 he played) was because Sam went to him when Bargnani fouled out because he didn't want to go back to a starter and Adams (quad bruise) and Sampson (wrist injury) weren't available. If Bargnani stayed in the game, you might have seen Ukic get the last three or four minutes instead of Solomon.
HOPE THAT MAKES SENSE

[Poppa Vlazo]

I certainly was no fan of Chuck, in fact I was very anti-Chuck, but he had great enthusiasm for the game and if he could tone down the catch phrases, the blatant homerism and the stupid banter with Leo, I thought he could have been a very good broadcaster.

So I turn on the TV last night to catch the second half of the Raps game and I hear Sherm and some other guy calling the game. And I actually went to mute and thought to myself I can't wait until we get the real announcers instead of these hacks. You can't imagine when I found out at the end of the game that it was it was Devlin calling the game - I thought he sounded like a guy calling an OUAA game on a local channel. I know it will take some time to get used to him, but still.

[yertu damkule]

devlin: breath of fresh air. knows the game, stays composed, no blatant homerism, doesn't talk over the action, or feel the need to talk just for the sake of talking (or in the case of chuck, screaming). it may take time to get used to what an actual pro sounds like, when we've gotten so used to a circus performer.

moon: doug's point, IMO, was simply that, as a late-20's 2nd-yr guy playing for a contract, it doesn't look like he's done anything to improve himself or his game that makes anyone optimistic that he'll actually show improvement over last season. and hey, it's not like he was horrible last year, and if he gives them the same production, well, i guess that's ok. but he's got a lot of potential to be so much more, and the attitude he seems to be giving off is that he doesn't really care.

bargs: if you can't see any improvement over last year, well, what can anyone say? no, you're not going to notice an extra 10 lbs of muscle...until he's battling in the post, and doesn't get pushed around, or is able to back down 4s & 5s in the post, or play for 5 minutes without looking like he needs to suck down some O2. his foot speed appears to be better, he appears more decisive, etc.

it's been two games. meaningless games, for the most part, as far as forecasting anyone individually, or how they'll do as team.

[TMF]

Hey Hazzie,

The Jamario/Curry comparison was strictly in terms of how high they jump when shooting... nothing more... relax... take your pills.

[Mike P.]

Matt Devlin is a good play by play, last year i was watching charlotte vs. toronto and he was fair and called the game straight, but i think what made Matt Devlin great was the color commentator beside him who i wish the raps hired as well. Another reason I might have liked Devlin's commentary was because he emphasizes the positives. He would keep talking about how dangerous Bosh is with his skill set and how good Andrea Bargnani could be...normally all the opposing play by play guys would call Andrea a bust or the raptors Number #1 dissapointment when andrea was in the game. If you don't like hearing a commentator get excited for both teams, you probably will dislike Devlin.