This and that and another day off

And a fine good day to you all.

-

Sam Mitchell: Benevolent Dictator.

Not only did he see fit to give the lads the day off Wednesday when they flew back from Edmonton, he’s giving them Thursday off, too.

At first blush, you’d think a team that looked so utterly average in its last pre-season game could use as much practice as is possible but at many levels, the two days off makes much more sense.

They don’t play until Wednesday so there are five days of practice before the opener and they looked horrificly sluggish in that loss to Denver – at least they did on my television set – so an extra day of mental and physical rest was probably due.

And, truth be told, I bet more than half of ‘em find their way to the ACC sometime today to get up some shots, maybe do some weights or get treatment on bodies beaten and battered by a month of camp.

But it does mean that Friday’s practice is going to be a long one. Lucky us, more time standing around the hallways at the ACC waiting to be summoned in.

-

Wow. How ‘bout those GMs? Really went out on a limb with the old predictions, didn’t they?

Lakers to win. LeBron as MVP. Beasley as rookie of the year? Brand as the most significant acquisition? Yeah, that’s some daring predicting right there, isn’t it?

Of course, they’re probably dead on and I couldn’t argue with any of the selections but let’s just say the Lakers, LeBron and Beasley weren’t in the equation.

Who then?
Well, how about the Spurs to win it all again, Chris Paul as the MVP, Rudy Fernandez as the rookie of the year and James Posey as the most significant acquisition?

Don’t hold me to it, but it’s gonna ‘cause more conversation that Lakers, LeBron, Beasley, Brand.

Actually, some of the sub-sections are rather interesting. I note Sam got a vote for coach with the best defensive schemes (stop laughing!) and that both Bargnani and Calderon got votes for international player with breakout potential (guess the international numbers might be down).

-

How about that Jamal Sampson Era? Kinda flew by, didn’t it?

Really, though, Sampson was only brought in as training camp fodder after Nathan Jawai was lost and there was never a serious thought he’d stick. Then he hurt his wrist and couldn’t even practice and it just became a matter of him getting healthy enough to be waived.

The thing is, it’s not as if Jawai’s ready to get back on the court. Was told yesterday there are still no developments in his seemingly never-ending pursuit of cardiac tests that will either clear him to return to action or put on the shelf for an extended period of time.

Read that again: There are no developments. He’s not done, he’s not coming back. They don’t know yet.

-

Let me get this straight:

One team.

Five broadcast outlets.

Three colour analysts.

Almost a third of the games unable to be seen by cable subscribers in the team’s home market.

I don’t know broadcasting as well as many but that doesn’t strike me as the greatest of scenarios.

Now, I suppose five stations showing 82 games is better than three showing 55 or something but, still ….

-

A Sam question:

Q: I have been searching for a way to get feedback from the media on Sam Mitchell and how terrible he seems to treat the media as a whole.
I just watched another QT Video of him on the Raptors website and his responses to questions from the media were ridiculous. He doesn't appear to respect any of you, and seems to blow off the media as a whole just about every time he is interviewed.
Does he realize that when he is answering the media's questions, he is actually talking to the fans? Does he realize how much contempt he shows? How on earth does he expect to get respect from the media when he isn't showing them any respect either? Does Brian Colangelo recognize that this is part of a coaches job? Does he care how terrible Sam is with the media? Is he getting any kind of coaching on this?
I have seen far more mature responses coming from his players (who are far younger than he is) even in their rookie years (Jose)!!
Maybe the answer is that the media should just ignore him altogether?
I mean how bad does it have to be? I know the media can be a pain in the butt sometimes but shouldn't it be in Sam's job description that he has to be the one taking the higher road? Turning the other cheek?
Sorry, but after this many years I believe the man should be answering ALL of your questions and giving the fans the insight we are looking for!!
Unless he thinks he is above the fans?
Chris S, Burlington

A: Yes, Sam’s relationship with the media is at times contemptuous but – and you’re not there every day to see it all – after he has his little fun, if that’s what you want to call it, he’ll answer all the questions we have. He might be snarky, he might every now and then go with the one-word answers but if you put in the time, you’ll get your stuff.

And, as much as you’d like us to, we can’t ignore him. And I wouldn't want to, sometimes he can be wildly entertaining.

-

Speaking of the mail, had a couple of people wonder in the last few days why there’s so much, why a lot of it seems redundant and some of it’s little more than thinly disguised rants with “your thought?” tossed at the end.

The way I figure it, the volume comes from the fact you people are nuts (in quite a good way, I mean); the redundancy I can deal with ‘cause if there’s a legitimate question I figure I should answer it if you’ve gone to the trouble to send it and the thinly-disguised rants can be ignored if that’s all there is.

Simple fact: There probably is too much but it’s a monster we’ve created and it’s got to be fed. The fact that it dominates most of my days is something I’ve got to get used to, I guess.

-

You watch the start of the baseball game last night?
The Backstreet Boys singing the anthem?!?!? How about Backstreet Washed Up Middle-Aged Dudes? My goodness gracious.

Now, this is putting all you anthem people at the Raptor games on notice: The anthem is a song of respect and celebration, it is not – I repeat NOT – something to be reworked or rewritten or used as some sort of goofy demo tape. It’s not to be “covered.” You want to do cover tunes, go to some cheesy hotel lobby bar.

Sing it as it’s written, using the right words, the right tempo, the right tune.

End of rant.

-

Speaking of the mail:

Q: What’s good Doug? This one isn’t a Raptor related question it has to do with Shaq. A lot people say he ran out of gas, he’s too old, out of shape etc. but watching him play on Phoenix and when he was in Miami is that every time this guy touches the ball he gets double tripled team every time and we all know Shaq is a low post player strictly so its not like were going to see him step out and take jump shots to adjust to a zone defence what do you think about the Shaq situation.

Omar H, Brampton

A: What’s good? A nice cold beer on a hot day (or a cool day, or a rainy day, or a freezing cold day), a perfectly done medium rare ribeye steak, that’s what’s good.

Now, Shaq. It’ll be interesting to see how teams play him this year; there was a move away from automatic double-teams last year, and even a bit the year before that. I’m not entirely sure what Phoenix’s offence is going to look like this year, but I’d bet teams double Amare and leave Shaq to be guarded one-on-one. And I guarantee you every team that plays them will primarily run high screen and roll plays with whoever Shaq’s guarding.

Is he done? No. Is he the old Shaq? Not a chance.

Comments

[Dallas]

Hi Doug,

Another paper in town had this quote from Jermaine:

"A lot of things are evaluated by your starting five and the rotation we used didn't have Chris Bosh and I on the floor for more than 15 minutes.

"We ran about two plays so we wouldn't show (other teams) what we have and we ran some of those plays six straight times, which never happens in an NBA game. When the lights come up on the 29th, we'll be ready. I think we sent a good message during the pre-season."

Do you think Sam and JO can coexist with this obvious difference in philosophy?

Blogger's note; "Obvious difference in philosophy?" Where in the world are you getting that from? No, they didn't show all their stuff in the pre-season, which is fine; and yes, they may have run the same play a lot in pretend games but they won't do it in the regular season.
You're extrapolating and seeing issues where they don't exist.

[Ali A. Pickering]

I would have to disagree that spurs are gonna take it all the way. How about the pistons? I think they have a really good chance of taking it all the way. But in order for that to happen, I think rodney stuckey is gonna have to have a monster season, and if Amir Johnson plays consistent defence throughout the season. I really like pistons this season, it seems after Curry took over the coaching duties, the team has a new life...there seems to be a new attitude there, Curry has them playing really well..what r ur thoughts

Blogger's note: I think you're wrong on the Pistons but that's just my opinion. Maybe third or fourth best in the East behind Boston, Cleveland and, perhaps, Orlando.

[Heyhomee]

What's REALLY good Doug? Cold imported beer, with a perfectly done medium rare ribeye, au jus, side of horseradish, some bread pudding, extra garlicky garlic/parmesan mashed potatoes, and something green on the side for decoration. Slobber, slobber, drool....

[Wilber]

Doug,
I realize we are just waiting out a negotiation process but IF the first TSN2 game arrives with no resolution, I will be pointing my grumpy finger at MLSE. It's their property to sell to the networks. As part of their negotiations, MLSE needs to insist that the television provider can guarantee reasonable distribution in the home market of the team. If not, they shouldn't sign that contract, no matter what the $$$.

I've also registered my displeasure with my "television provider", informing them that on that day, I will be cancelling and moving to another provider.

I noticed on Sportscentre yesterday, they showed a promo hyping all the Raptors games on TSN(1 & 2) this season, even having the anchor telling me to contact my television provider to find out how to get it. Pretty blatant pressure tactics by TSN, trying to motivate the masses to pressure their negotiating partner.

I much prefer the games on the hardwood.

[Jojo]

On the anthem thing, Marvin Gaye begs to differ:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRvVzaQ6i8A

And I know, as does every other sentient creature, that the backstreet boys are no Marvin Gaye. But there are exceptions to the rules...

[Rob]

Doug, I agree with the comments and questions posed by Chris S in your blog today. One of the many aspects of the job description of a coach of a professional sports team is dealing with the media and a coach has to communicate with dignity and respect. It is disgraceful and a very poor reflection on the organization when Sam ignores and belittles those in the media who pose a question. Although some questions from the media or obviously mundane and repetitive, Sam has an obligation to answer those questions with respect. Clearly one of the reasons he acts this way is to avoid questions he may not like and to strike fear into those in the media who may question any decision he may make. Doug, do you think that this is something that Colangelo has or should discuss with Sam?

Blogger's note: I'm certain they've talked about Sam's interaction with the media, yes.

[Colin W]

Doug, I agree with you regarding the singing of the anthem. I wasn't born here, but as a Canadian citizen, I am proud of the anthem the way it is, and it grates to hear it sung 'differently'. Hopefully, the people at MLSE will screen singers carefully so we can continue to enjoy one of the things that truly defines us as Canadians.

Re Sam and the media. I agree he's entertaining at times, but I also think some of the media guys need to do a better job with some of the questions they ask him. I like that he is colorful; certainly beats the alternative.

Keep up the good work.

[Edgar]

Re: Anthem:

I agree on keeping the anthems conservative. In fact at the Edmonton game they had some local amateur talent singing and she was the best i have ever heard at any sports event!

[Ringo]

RE: Wilber's comment

I agree that MLSE is partly responsible for the Rogers/TSN2 situaton because they know who the major cable company is in their own home market. But at the same time, isn't it still mainly the fault of Rogers cable for not realizing what their customers want? Who cares what channel the Raptors are on as long as your cable company lets you decide what you want to watch?! I don't think it's MLSE's fault for letting TSN put games on TSN2, and it's not TSN's fault for putting games on TSN2 because TSN2 is available everywhere else in the country, is it TSN's fault that Rogers is more stubborn than Bell, or Shaw, or Cogeco? I don't think so

[Dan Witzel]

I don't understand why anyone is questioning Sam's behaviour towards the media. In my opinion that is on of his best attributes, and if anything that is what the media wants to see. Also as Doug did already mention Sam always does in the end answer the questions that have been asked, and also if there are some that he doesn't I guess that means that there is some info that he doesn't want to share for whatever reason. Maybe that gains him a little respect from the players I don't know!!! Over all I can say that I feel Sam is the best coach the Raps have had so far, and I can't think of a coach I would rather see the Raps have at this point.
Dan W

[Raptoronto]

TSN (CTVGlobeMedia) will wait as long as reasonably possible to get the Rogers issue worked out. The longer they wait the more people who flip over to Bell (a minority owner who used to be the majority owner). I highly doubt the ad revenue for TSN2 is substantial at this point so Rogers will likely need to buckle to get this deal done since they have the most to lose.

Since CTV owns TSN and the Globe we should be pressuring Grange for the inside scope

[Migs]

re: Ringo's comment

I can't believe you're willing to let TSN off the hook so easily. All three parties are to blame for this, but I give TSN the most flack for this fiasco. They are awarded rights to broadcast a majority of the Raptors games, and then decide to relegate half of them to their secondary network so that they can air more hockey.

Raptoronto is right.. this is a silly power-play game, and unfortunately, we fans are stuck in the crossfire.

About the only thing The Slapshot Network has done right this season was to hire Jack Armstrong as their Raptors colour commentator.

[2damkule]

Migs (like, from silence of the lambs? eeeww...) - not to let TSN off the hook, but they're going to put the programming on that is most cost-effective for them. you cannot argue that bball is a bigger draw than hockey, so to accomodate both (but with an obvious acknowledgement that hockey is #1), they're putting SOME of the games on TSN2, which is available nationally for many subscribers of cable, and all satelite subscribers. of course it's a pressure move to force rogers to add it, duh, but rogers is the one raising both middle fingers to their 'customers' & then trying to slough off blame to TSN. TSN will start showing bball as a prime ticket in lieu of hockey when canadians demand it...which isn't going to happen. just accept that despite the fervor we raptor lunatics carry within us, the majority of canadian sports fans view bball as a fringe sport, and as long as that's the case, TSN (& many other networks) will continue to treat it as such.

[Retired4Now905]

FWIW the Canadian Cable Systems Alliance (CCSA) http://www.ccsa.cable.ca/ is also unable to broadcast TSN2 because of contractual issues. This group of 85 independent cable service providers from Newfoundland to British Columbia to Nunavut represents cable suppliers in smaller markets including many near Toronto such as Uxbridge, Fenelon Falls and Bobcaygeon.
Rogers subscribers, you are not alone in being upset with TSN management.

Keep up the great work, Doug.

[jojorules]

Not only does Marvin beg to differ... but so does anyone who has ever performed the national anthem since whenever it was first played. Research the meaning of of "cover version". It drives me insane that a washed-up old dude claims to be a professional journalist when he all he does is insult people and provide horrible analysis. End of rant.

Blogger's note: Sorry sir/ma'am/it, sing it the way it was written, it's not a tune, it's an anthem. Respect it.
Ask the kids in Afghanistan if it should be trifled with.

[WSG]

Note to Jojo - If there is an exception to the rule ... that was definitely it. Thanks.

[Andrew Gregg]

I don't understand why anthems are sung at sporting events in the first place. If I'm right, the practice began during wartime and has carried on to this day--but what does it really have to do with baseball or basketball? At the Raps games they sing it before half the people are seated, so they can get it out of the way. The real game introduction happens when the lights go down, so I don't think you can argue that the anthem kicks off the proceedings. People in the stands are talking and drinking and moving around. The players don't stand still either--they bob back and forth like they have to go to the bathroom. I remember once at a Canada Cup hockey game in Hamilton the anthem was a thrilling start to an amazing night--but that was a national team. The NBA players are from all over the world, yet we sing just two anthems. I really don't see the point.

Re Sam and the media--I am in the media and I think he's great. Part of his staying power is his irascible character. I think it reflects who he really is and on top of that, it's marketable. I know non-basketball fans who love listening to his weekly bits on 590 just because he's hilarious. I'd take that over Lenny Wilkens' emotionless press scrums any day.

AG, Toronto

[GM]

I think Mitchell's problem with the media is he always thinks there's an ulterior motive. Sam, sometimes a question is just a question. And while I know way too many questions by way too many reporters are uninspired, he's got to just suck it up. Phil Jackson, Pat Riley, George Karl and lots more coaches way better than him answer questions respectfully (for the most part).

[2damkule]

i'm usually last in line to back-up doug, but his point about the anthem came about after the backstreet boys butcher job. i was driving home at the time...it was horrible...i couldn't not listen though, it was like a car wreck you can't look away from. horrible. beyond horrible. embarrassing...that, combined with the cow bells, really gives TB a minor-league feel.

[motif]

What really bothers me is how Jason Kidd is consistently ranked higher than Jose Calderon. Jose has a superb assist to turnover ratio that makes him much more effective than the higher-turnover Kidd. I feel there is a bit of a bias against Jose because he is an international player. The bias is even more obvious when the Rookie and International players are grouped together in one category in the GM survey. I wonder how Dirk and Manu feel like being grouped with Kevin Love and Courtney Lee!