Welcome to the mail

And away we go, again. Plenty here, plenty more, some extra on the weekend, lather, rinse, repeat.

Have at it, kiddies:

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Q: In Raptor Camp, there are obvious questions such as: "Will Jermaine O'Neal be healthy and productive?" or "Can Andrea Bargnani rebound from a terrible sophomore season?", but in your opinion, which player(s) is poised to have a big year and exceed expectations, whether its due to added minutes or maturity? There are some obvious candidates, but I'd be interested to hear your take on it.
Justin R, Toronto

A: Well, the obvious candidate right now is Will Solomon, who came in a complete unknown and has easily won the No. 2 point guard spot at this time. He can score, is a long and disruptive defender and looks like he’ll give Jose lots of time off in games, which is a good thing.

And if Sam seems bent on using four bigs, Hump becomes a big wild card; if he’s mature enough to focus on the things he does well, he’s another pleasant surprise.

The disappointments so far: Moon, I’d say is the most significant one but he could turn it around to have the same impact he had last year and maybe Hassan Adams arrived at camp a bit more out of shape than the team would have liked.

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Q: So I'm a big sports fan and I happen to be lucky enough to meet Blue Jays and Raptors athletes through the restaurant I work at...Sunday I was talking with Will Solomon and the vibe I got from him was exactly what the Raptors need for his specific role.  Whether it's back up point guard or back up to the back up he's just looking to play and push Jose & Roko to make the team better.  When it comes to Raptors basketball I would say I'm optimistic and seeing Hump, Will, and AP chilling together really put the teams chemistry into perspective.  I think this team is deeper than just on paper because of their positive attitudes, chemistry and their willingness to push each other and carry each other at the same time.
Just wondering from your perspective what is or was the most complete team from top to bottom including management?  Is it safe to say the Spurs are the model for all franchises?

Jason K, Toronto

A: Raptor team? The one that was good in 2001 all got along well and the management was top-notch at the time. And, the 47-win team of two years ago would be right there on that list.

Worst Raptor one: I think the Jalen-Rafer year might have been the most trying around the locker room, but the 16-66 season was pretty damn ugly, too.

And, yes, I think the Spurs are the model for the NBA in a lot of regards.

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Q: So Stumpy moves to the darkside. This must be what you all aspire to; sitting on the farm team (Raps) sidelines waiting for the call-up to the Leaves. Does Stumpy now get big-market money?
And how does it breakdown moneywise for the grunts? I love basketball but are the Raps grunts in 3rd or 4th; are you ahead or behind the Argos?

Nick M, Oakville

A: Yeah, we lament Stumpy’s departure greatly.

But no, that’s not all what we aspire to, at least I don’t, I’m quite content right where I am, thank you very much. And the people around my office who need to know, do know.

Financially? There’s no difference, all grunts are created equal, at least at our shop. Or at least that’s what they tell me.

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Q: What is your thinking in what's going to happen with Jamario Moon and Anthony Parker given that both are in the last year of their contracts? Do you offer Moon an extension now? Do you think the Raptors will resign Parker providing he has another decent year? Given that there is no way in the world JO will opt out the last year in his contract at 23 mils, if you are the Raptors do you wait and see what you can do with the little money they will have left to try to resign these two players next summer?

Camilo P, Edmonton

A: With the way they’ve set themselves up financially for the next couple of seasons, I don’t know that there’ll be any talk of any extensions for anyone. I think Bryan should let the season play out and then make decisions on everyone.

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Q: Due to economic slowdown in US, do you see a drop in NBA players salary for free agents in 2009-2010?

Nawid A, Toronto

A: In raw numbers, yes, in one respect. I would think the cap number, given the economic woes that seem to be here for a while, won’t rise as much as has been the case. And with top free agents locked in at a percentage of the cap number on max deals, the total dollar value will be lower than could be expected now but the percentage of the pie will be the same.

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Q: Reddick is unhappy in Orlando. How about a swap for Joey Graham ?

Douglas L, Toronto

A: Do you think maybe the reason Redick is unhappy with his role is because he’s not that good and the Magic coaches know it? I wouldn’t make that trade at all, and especially not now that they’ve extended Redick’s contract.

Besides, you’re talking pretty much about the 10^th or 11^th man here for the 12^th or 13^th man there. That’s hardly worth doing.

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Q: Been reading your stuff for years. And for your sake I hope this little tidbit was a joke: "Okay, gotta fire up the stinky old Ford Focus and begin the long drive home." Please don’t tell me you had to drive yourself to Cleveland and back for that preseason game. I know you get better service then that, No?
Johnny T, Mississauga

A: Didn’t have to, wanted to. By the time you factor in going to the airport to check in, waiting, flying and getting from airports to hotels and home, the 4 1-2 hour drive is about the same time. Driving, you go when you want, come home when you want and the solitude in the car isn’t a bad thing. And there isn’t a ‘no-smoking’ sign in my car anywhere I can find.

In fact, driving is something some of us do all over the league to avoid flights. Orlando-Miami, Toronto-Auburn Hills, San Antonio-Houston, San Francisco-Sacramento, even Charlotte-Atlanta and maybe Oklahoma City-Dallas are easy trips.

And the old nice one used to be Portland-Seattle, damn I miss Seattle.

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Q: Hey Doug, I was going through my Raps Season tix the other day and was taking note of what were deemed as "Premium" games (ie. games MLSE can gouge us for even more money). I wasn't surprised to see teams like the Lakers, Cavs, and Celtics in these games. I was, however, surprised that Portland was a premium game, while other games against Dallas, San Antonio, Orlando and Miami weren't. Is the league expecting that much interest to be generated on the road by Greg Oden?
Oh, and what's "The Diff" on an average night between you and Stumpy when you go out for beverages?

Roger B, Toronto

A: I’m a bit surprised Portland’s in that group although I know there’s a lot of interest in seeing how Oden plays and how that good, young team develops. But the premium games are determined by the individual teams, not from some league edict.

The Diff? Ah, it varies depending on mood, tiredness, start time and the beverage of choice.

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Q: What's the word on Avery Johnson this season, have you heard? Will he end up with a regular network gig? Advising another team? I think I saw a photo of him hanging out with the Spurs at Camp last week.
Stephen B, Burlington

A: There’s nothing official with Avery, I know he was at Spurs camp ‘cause he’s got a great relationship with Pop but he was just hanging out in an unofficial capacity.

I’m sure we’ll see him a bit on Turner broadcasts but one guy I know who knows him thinks he’s really going to chill and do very little this season other than spend some of Mark Cuban’s money.

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Q: Solomon and Sampson will be the most interesting story this preseason. Their performance should be a good indicator of Toronto's future. No one else will notice this answers questions of depth better than anything else. Your opinion on the 22nd will be interesting.
Richard S, Lethbridge

A: Interesting? Solomon, yes. Sampson, no. If Jawai gets cleared to play (and there were whispers around the team he probably will but nothing’s official), Sampson is gone. If Jawai has to sit out for any extended period of time, I’m hearing they’ll look for some other young big to bring in on a minimum value contact because Sampson has been entirely underwhelming.

And Solomon is the No. 2 point guard right now and seeing how raw Ukic is, I can’t imagine that changing before opening night.

Q: Any reason the Raptors don't offer promotional prices for the pre-season games? I read somewhere they charge the same as regular games and (unless that was wrong) that just seems a bit silly. Two bucks a ticket (say, above the first section?) and a little promo on it they might get a few more fans out of the deal.
And Matt Devlin sounds like a good announcer and I'll get used to him but man, I was missing Chuck!

WS G, Toronto

A: I’ve long been a proponent of reduced-price pre-season game tickets, like maybe $30 for the lower bowl and $20 for the upper bowl and letting season ticket holders off the hook for four pretty bad games. That would get more casual fans into the arena and maybe they become hard-core fans.

But, I don’t run Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, a company whose major reason for being is to create more wealth for the Teachers Pension Plan. And you don’t do that by selling tickets at reduced prices, I don’t imagine.

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Q: Jay Triano's reputation as a basketball coach seems to grow continuously. From past readings, it was clear that many believe he should have remained Canada's coach; and then, to top things off, he works to help improve the gold medal Americans. Does he have a head coaching job (in the NBA) in his future? Have you heard that he has ever been under consideration? Would Colangelo consider him as a Raptors head coach after Mitchell's run is through? (if it ends, of course). What are your thoughts on this?

Ren R

A: I don’t know if he’s got a head coaching gig in his future, the trend these days is towards hiring ex-players or recycling old heads. Could he do the job? Sure, I’m certain he could.

And I would bet that if something happens to Sam, Bryan might well interview Jay to see if he has what the GM wants.

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Q: After watching last nights preseason expo, and taking a look at New York's roster, it looks to me as though they have the most talented team 1-12 in the east. Watching Bosh and Jermaine struggle down low against Randolph was a bit concerning to tell the truth. I think if D'Antoni can fix get that team somewhat in line, we could be looking at the sleeper in the east. Who would you take?

Craig S, Halifax

A: The Knicks? Most talent 1-12 in the East? Was that some other Knick team you saw? Sure, they have some players (I like David Lee and the draft pick Chandler looks pretty good for a kid) but they have so many issues (Marbury’s status, Curry’s weight, Robinson’s size, Richardson’s conditioning, Duhon’s ball-handling) that they will be life and death to win 30 games.

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Q: Please tell Sam that he should tell the other team exactly what play the Raps will run on each trip down the floor. This would give the best defense the other team has against the Raps.
For instance, if Sam told the opponent it was a Bosh-Jose post play the other team would probably triple Bosh which would be great practice. After all these games are just practice.
Also before I forget, I told you to look into the AP and Candace Shooting Stars competition. How are you making out on that? You could be the third if it motivates you. I would have said Sam be the third but he would look funny as the only one of the three who can't dunk. At least you'd have an excuse why you couldn't dunk - actual a lot of excuses. (age, size, height, Country of Origin, keyboard fingers, slippery loafers, laptop weighs you down, etc...)

Joey H, Toronto

A: I know this may surprise you, but Sam doesn’t take a lot of strategy information from us. And we try, oh, how we try.

There is no way in the world the NBA doesn’t have Candace Parker involved in the all-star weekend festivities and I’m all for your idea. And I think it should be Sam. But they’re more likely to take some retired Raptor and I’m thinking it’s gotta be Oak.

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Q: Hey Doug, I know it's early, but Moon doesn't look much different than last year. Wouldn't a guy like Mo Pete look good as a starter on this team now?

Chris L, Guelph

A: I love Mo, he did a great job for the team when he was here. But at his age, his contract and his game, I’d rather have Moon. Now, if Mo was on the last year of a minimum value deal, maybe. But as things are? Nope.

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Q: I'm very excited the Raptors are back once again. I was watching the broadcast last night on RapTV. I think it's going to take some time to get used to Devlin's style of play by play. I was missing Swirsky!  Would you happen to know if there is a chance he would return in a year or two?

Paul N, Maple

A: I cannot envision a scenario in which Chuck returns. Sometimes, it’s best to let the past be the past. Let’s move on with life.

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Q: Frank Isola of the Daily News wrote, "Gherardini could emerge as a possible GM candidate in New York. Team president Donnie Walsh is not ruling out adding another executive to his staff. Walsh and Colangelo met before Wednesday night's game."
Have you heard any talks of a change in the Raptors front office in the near future (either additions or subtractions)?  Would Bryan C put the same restrictions on Gherardini that Phoenix (may have) put on him to speak with D'Antoni?

Matthew S, Victoria

A: Maurizio just got a new title and more responsibility. He’s not going anywhere. It’s a non-story, which is why no one around here got remotely worked up about it.

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Q: Enjoyed your "cameo" on the broadcast last night as Sherm saved you (your computer?) from that loose ball. Too bad you didn't have a mic!
We've heard from the coaches and all of the players about what they are looking to improve upon or change this season - all very informative and entertaining.
What about you, Doug? At the beginning of the season, do you (as a reporter) make a conscious decision to try to change up the way you report the games and the team in general?
Just curious.

Stephen B, Burlington

A: We’re always trying to figure out ways to make stories, features, blogs and anything else we do more interesting, more immediate and more thorough. With this zany interweb thing, we do have to make a conscious effort to give readers different things in different manners. Trouble is, it’s such an evolving industry these days by the time you make one change, you’re always looking for better ways to distribute information more effectively.

The physical aspects of the job – when we gather information, how we file it to the paper or the web – don’t change much season-to-season but the content has to. The big thing is figuring out the best way without (a) working yourself to death or (b) serving all the different readers without ignoring one group at the expense of another.

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Q: I've attended a few Raptors games in Cleveland and I cannot stand the loud PA dude working for the Cavs.
Is he the most annoying PA in the league? What is your top 5 of most annoying PA in the NBA?
Vince G, Pittsburgh

A: Most annoying? Not the PA guy, actually, but the ‘in-game host’ makes me want to flee the arena like my hair’s on fire.

Most annoying PA guys? Dallas would be on the list, and Orlando and probably Detroit although I am warming up to that Mason guy a bit. The dude in Sacramento can be grating and the Laker guy takes understatement to the Nth degree and makes the list for that style.

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Q: Hey Doug, quick and to-it; which Chicago do we see this year? 'Eastern Power of two years ago, plus D. Rose' or do you see them continuing their slide under Del Negro?

Joey H, Toronto

A: There are still huge front-court depth issues, they have a rookie head coach and a rookie point guard. I’d say they’ll be in the mix with a handful of other teams for the final two or three playoff spots but I don’t think they’re a lock for the post-season at all.

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Q: "You've got C.B., all-star, J.O., all-star, Andrea shooting the ball real well (with) improved skills around the basket and all that, (and) me improving as well," Humphries said.
This is another grammar questions, relating to adjusting quotes that someone else asked a few days ago.  I've always noticed this, but wasn't sure why it happens.  Why is 'with' in parenthesis as well as 'and'?
Also, do you ever think training camp will come back to Brock?  I'm originally from Niagara Falls, and it would be great to go home for the weekend and catch an intrasquad game again.

Jim D, Toronto

A: The use of parentheses is to add words not spoken but inferred and necessary to make a sentence flow and a thought complete.

And I’m an old Niagara Falls guy myself and it’d be nice to get back to the home area for a week but, frankly, I think there are other places (Halifax, maybe Vancouver, somewhere in Alberta maybe, Ottawa again) that they’d like to explore in Canada and I do think they’ll be in Europe at least once every three years and maybe as often as every other year.

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Q: I remember the good old days when I stumbled upon a Raptors weekly mail-bag written by some guy named Doug who had just the right combination of insight and snark. Then he decided to add a Tuesday mail-bag during the season. The Tuesday mail-bag was extended into the off-season so long as interest remained high. The evolution of the mail-bag continued with the addition of the daily blog! Now, the Friday mail-bag spills over into bonus Saturday mail and the daily blog has been supplemented with quarterly in-game reports. You sure know how to raise the bar and the public's expectations! Any chance you can keep up with the in-game "dispatches" for those of us without RaptorsTV or Sportsnet? Following the game via live boxscores sucks. Thanks,

Jeff D, St. Catharines

A: Yeah, funny how things develop, isn’t it? And, given how the first two pre-season games worked out, the plan is to keep the in-game notes thing going all season. I’m sure there will be times when it’s simply impossible to do – games I’m not at, games in arenas with filing issues – but the plan is to go ahead. Insight and snark? I can’t promise anything like that.

Comments

[Mark]

What is with all the Redick love? There are people who even suggested he should have been on the USA olympic team. All he can do is shoot (and he's not even that good of a shooter - he'd be about 4th best on the Raps) nothing else. Good luck having him guard anyone, he's no faster than Kapono and much shorter. Redick was a very good college player who had virtually no chance to succeed in the pros.

[mfdc5]

Bring the Raps to Halifax!

[Paul]

Sorry, stupid question, but who is "Stump" or "Stumpy"?

Blogger's note: He's a former hoops beat grunt from the Little Paper That Shrunk

[louis]

in-game notes thing going all season?? wow, good on you mr. smith.

should be fun!

[Paul C]

may I humbly suggest that if people don't have raptors tv or sportsnet, but they are willing to sit and wait for doug's in-game analysis reports to pop up, they should stop being cheap and pony up for the extra channel or go out to a sports bar. No offence doug.

[Edgar]

Whats with the talk of Hump's hair? It looks the same as back in college and when he got drafted. He's only had the buzz going for 2 or 3 years... Speaking of hair Bosh needs to go back to his mini-fro instead of this Mikki Moore look-a-like contest...

[Miguel]

Hey Doug, hope the drive home was agreeable.

I was at a meet-and-greet last night at CentreSports (the ACC store) with Hump, Will Solomon, and Jawai. Hump came in with a shaved head - I was hoping he would keep the hair, but I guess people kept mistaking him for Luke Walton.

The event was pretty cool, Jawai seems genuinely happy just to be in the league (although he said he's still not sure what to expect with the Canadian winter). Here's hoping his heart problems are under control. Hump seemed shyer/quieter than I thought he'd be, while Solomon was throwing up peace signs in a bunch of pictures.

Who would you say are the most outgoing Raptors? What about the most media-savvy? And now that Rasho's gone, who's the funniest?

Blogger's note: I gotta get to know the new guys a bit before I can make a list.

[michael]

hey doug. is the raps gonna sign jemario moon if he has a good season or there not because of the cash and the season he had
???

Blogger's note: Um, you'll have to check back at the end of the season for those answers.

[Glen]

Hi Doug. Great to hear you'll be doing in game blogging. I watch all the games on TV, but it's still fun after the fact to read your take on what happened during the game.

Appreciate all the hard work, thanks a lot.

[Archie gillespie]

Hi Doug, has Grange thanked you yet? You probably know this already but it looks like "JK" did in fact make his way over to From Deep and he's ranting over there too. Maybe he'll stay over there. Question on Moon. With Bargs spending what appeared to be a ton of time over the summer honing his inside skills etc. are you aware if Jamario undertook anything similar to address Rap's managements recommendations?

Blogger's note: I'm not entirely sure what he did for the summer, actually. But i'm sure they had a program for him to follow and he was in Vegas for at least a few days working out with team officials.

[Aga]

So 'Stumpy' is NOT Mr. Grange?

Blogger's note: I'm not sure who'd be more offended, Stumpy or Mr. Grange (TM)

[Edgar]

Hump should have done a mohawk or a mullet - would have been the best mullet in the NBA. The only question would be if it was the flowing/well conditioned "Tom Chambers" - ( http://www.rotoevil.com/nba/classic-card-tom-chambers#more-702 ) or the frizzy trailer park "Dwayne Schintzius" - ( http://www.rotoevil.com/nba/classic-card-dwayne-schintzius )

[Joe T.]

Ha! I've been waiting for this year's "life and death to [insert accomplishment here]". Thanks, Doug! Last season, you had the Celtics as life-and-death to make the playoffs -- not win it all, MAKE THE PLAYOFFS! Are the Knicks this year's champs? I guess you've only given them a playoff ticket...

Any word on when the broadcast schedule will be announced? Maybe I already missed it. And do you know yet which channel will have Jack as an analyst? Those are the games I'll circle...

Blogger's note: Should be out in the next couple of business days, I'm told.

[Duane C]

Joey H, it doesn't make sense for the Raps to tell the other team what plays they're running for two reasons:

1) That's not simulating game conditions, and more importantly,
2) The Raps won't be able to practice defensive reads that way

Hey Doug, I don't know about live game blogging. It's hard enough to analyse a game after it's over, doing it DURING a game must be maddening. And hey, didn't you once tell a story of a grunt who missed he-who-shall-not-be-named ending a certain Frenchman's career on one of the most incredible BBall plays in history 'cause he had his head in his laptop?

Last thing -don't work yourself too hard. You've gotta be one of the most prolific writers out there now.

Blogger's note: Thanks. Yes, there was a great story about that Olympic dunk and it taught many of us not to type until the whistle blows.

[GamBit]

Ha Ha, that dude is funny..'life and death'..watta comedian!
Doug, dougie, Dougster...seriously though, u have to agree with one thing, NewYork has some serious fire-power!!
I mean jamal crawford use to burn us with a barrage of shots and finished with 30-plus points and he didn't even attempt more than a few shots, Lee burned Bosh every oppurtunity..did he not? preseason or no preseason..i see a man driving to the cup, im an allstar, Do Something!
The only issue i have with the Knicks is their coach..this whole drive and dish mentality he's bringing from pheonix is not gonna fly with Newyork! No way Jose!-(no pun intended)
Pheonix had dudes who shot over 50% at the 3 point line, and the drive was deadly cuz they have guys who could finish at the basket...no milt palacio in pheonix right? right? heh heh

[Raptors' Fan 'n Ajax]

For those who don't know who's who, here it is from Stumpy's own mouth...

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Columnists/Buffery/2007/05/02/4147602-sun.html