An angst-free day? It won't last

I know everyone took a deep breath Tuesday, what with no game and no big news.

I also know everyone took a deep breath Tuesday because after getting about 100 e-mails and 70 comments on Sunday and Monday, you were down to about half that number on the off-day.

Thanks.

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You regulars will know that there are a couple of things I’m not real big on: Andrea Bargnani as a small forward and stats.

Well, and this pains me greatly to say, Bargnani as a small forward is working out quite well, as the numbers show. In the six games since he moved there, he’s averaging 16.6 points and 5.5 rebounds a game.

Now, I can hear the howls of protest now that 5.5 rebounds a game sucks for a 7-footer but consider this: The exponentially more-athletic Jamario Moon averaged 6.2 rebounds from that position a year ago and many were fine with it.

One of the reasons there aren’t a lot more Bargnani rebounds? Bosh and O’Neal were routinely in double figures in those games. And in three of them, Toronto out-rebounded its opponent and they were never more than a minus-seven on the boards.

Anecdotally, Bargnani’s defence hasn’t been nearly the worry I thought it would be, either. He’s been able to keep whoever he’s guarding in front of him most times (and on this team, ‘most times’ makes him Gary Freaking Payton) and they haven’t given up a career game to some marginal opposing three.

One thing I’d like to see as this continues is more post-ups offensively for Bargnani. I saw enough good moves on the block when he was playing centre and power forward to think he’d be able to exploit smaller defenders more often than not.

I still think, when his career’s over, that Bargnani is a centre with shooting range rather than a three with post-up possibilities but you can’t argue with success. And so far, this move’s been a success.

Of course, if Jermaine O’Neal can’t go against the Bobcats, Bargnani’s back at centre so this is all moot.

Entertaining, but moot.

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Honestly, this is what we saw in the practice gym when were summoned in to chat yesterday.

Sam, Alex English, Mike Evans and Jay Triano at the whiteboard drawing up plays with a fifth guy hovering on the edge of the session.

That guy? Jason Kapono.

I have no idea what it all means but it can’t be bad, can it?

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You know, I like Mike D’Antoni and I like Donnie Walsh and I really don’t have anything against the Knicks but why does a very little part of me hope they get drilled in every single game between today and opening night of the 2010 season?

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I presume whoever owns the Internet (I believe it’s Ted Rogers or Bill Gates but I’m not sure) is hoping and praying for a Raptors win over Charlotte tonight because if they lose, I’m pretty certain this thing will overload and crash forever with the angst a defeat will cause.

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Remember List Time?

Well, had some time on my hands Tuesday (this whole not having to write about practice for the newspaper is something I could get used to) so I got to thinking, a very dangerous happenstance, usually.

And with all the talk about smoking and Vlade and the Yugoslavia-Argentina game at the 2002 worlds, I was trying to recall the best five games I’ve ever seen in person.

And this is what I came up with:

1998 world championship final: Yugoslavia vs. Russia in Athens.

Fans lighting flares in the crowd, all kinds of political undertones and a brilliant game by Zeljko Rebraca.

2002 world championship final: Yugoslavia vs. Argentina.

Hobbled Manu doesn’t play, Argentina robbed at the end of overtime by a shockingly bad non-call by a ref. This a day after - I swear this is true – Vlad Radmanovic sitting in the stands, in his warmups watching ‘cause he and the Yugoslavia coach were squabbling during the semifinal against New Zealand.

Canada vs. Yugoslavia, 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Maybe biggest Canadian national team win over, Peja passes up open three that might have tied the game in the dying seconds, Steve Nash at his absolute best.

Chicago-Utah, Game 6, 1998 final.

Loudest NBA arena I’ve ever been in, Jordan pushes off on Byron Russell and should have retired the second the ball went in the basket.

USA-Spain, gold medal game 2008 Beijing Games.

Drama. Close game. High intensity. Players playing for pride and each other. Brilliant.

Honourable mention

1992 Tournament of Americas United States opener

Dream Team debut against Cuba; wrote what I thought was a great lead that was changed by cranky desker without telling me. The lead:

“If only the Bay of Pigs had gone as smoothly.”

Well, I liked it.

First Raptor home game, 1995

Never mind the game, it was three days after the referendum, the Bare Naked Ladies sang O Canada, the crowd cheered when they did a stanza in French and I’m not sure I didn’t tear up. (I was much younger and far less cranky and cynical back then)

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A question about Wednesday’s game. What a novel idea.

Q: Hey Doug, do you reckon there could be a re-emergence of a Jose-Roko backcourt against Charlotte, seeing how Larry Brown is deciding to play Augustin and Felton together?

Peter S, Melbourne

A: I asked Sam about this very thing Tuesday because it does seem to be one of the few matchups where it’d be possible.

You might see it a bit but only for a short little while for one very big reason:

If Jose’s running the point you want a shooting guard who can actually, you know, shoot.

And besides, looks like Charlotte might get Jason Richardson back so that probably ends Augustin-Felton.

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Here’s what they’re saying down in Charlotte as they get ready for Thanksgiving. And, please, check out the Larry Brown quote at the end of the story.

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Back to the Wizards thing:

Q: Doug, in your blog, you named Michael Jordan as one of the people who made a mockery out of the Wizards organization. Can you please elaborate on this? Thanks.

Ahmed B, Toronto

A: Five words:

Kwame Brown and Leonard Hamilton.

Oh, toss in the Rip Hamilton for Jerry Stackhouse trade and the ridiculous final comeback to add a bit to the equation.

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Not bragging or anything but I’ll reprise this from Tuesday morning:

Know why I like Mondays? (Other than Warren Sapp, who I fear is destined to finish second?)

And, of course you all watched Sapp finish second, right?

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And, to top it all off:

Q: Hey Mr. Smith, with all this 'Fire Smitch' talk I'm constantly hearing, how about we bring in Cito Gaston, eh?

Edward C, Toronto

A: What? You don’t think Bobby Cox or Jimy Williams would be better?

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Off to shootarounds this morning where I’m sure we’ll be told O’Neal got some treatment and we won’t know until tonight whether he’s going to play. Just warning you.

Comments

[Steve Gosse]

Don't you think having Bargs in the starting line-up along with CB and JO takes some pressure off of him to rebound and just allows him to focus on his offence and his D? I think that's probably the most important aspect to his turnaround (if we can call it that yet..wishful thinking at least).

Also, do you know when the first leg of the results for all-star voting will be released?

Blogger's note: Not sure about all-star voting, can't remember from last year whether it's Thursdays or Tuesdays. Can't imagine it'd be tomorrow, what with it being U.S. Thanksgiving and all, so I'm thinking next week at the earliest.

[Matty-Pix]

Alright Doug ... I may be sadly mistaken, if so I apologize ... but I believe you have just joined my "pet peeve" group.

-Everyone uses the term "moot" or "moot point" meaning that 'it doesn't matter' or 'is useless to discuss'. But that's the OPPOSITE of what moot means ...

"Moot" –adjective 1. open to discussion or debate; debatable

So to say "Of course, if Jermaine O’Neal can’t go against the Bobcats, Bargnani’s back at centre so this is all debatable" sounds like a strange sentence. More likely you meant, not worth debating, since it wouldn't matter.
You're the wordsmith, but that seems odd.

go Raps. boo Sam. yay Flip & G-Wallace ... blah blah

Blogger's note: This from Meriam-Webster:

2: deprived of practical significance : made abstract or purely academic

[Justin W.]

I'm going to have to go against you and the raps coaching staff on this one. I don't see Barney as a center and am glad they are starting him at the three. Early in the season I was glad to see him drive more and get some post ups.. but his shot which I think is a huge part of his offence, had almost disappeared. I think the coaching staff forced the issue when it came to his offence. They really wanted to get his post game going after last season. He's got a lot to offer offensively and I don't see him living up to his potential and displaying his full skillset at the center postion. Not to mention that he just looks more comfortable at the 3 or 4. I see him as a versatile power foward as his career goes on.. just like who they compared him to earlier on.. Dirk. To me, I think the Jamario disappointment and the need for change at that postion was a huge blessing for Barney. I've been hoping they'd take him away from the center postion and let him shoot more, hoist up a couple 3s per game, and I'm glad it's happened. I have no problem with him playin some mins at the center postion every game but overall he really has to play at the 3 or 4.

[Rory M.]

hey doug, great blog!

there was a little discussion about bosh and 2010 and how there really is no point of discussing it now. forget bout the bosh talk, all this lebron talk is driving me nuts. its wherever you look(in the world of bball).. like common! the internet, newspapers, tv.. its ridiculous. lebron deserves all the hype he gets.. but how bout focusing that on his play right now.. and the team hes on right now.. the cavs.. how bout on the fact that they may beat boston this year? seems to me that sports writers and analysts are 10 times more obsessed with the 2010 free agency class then the fans are. everytime a team clears cap space theyre suddenly the front runners in the 'lebron sweeptakes'. as much as i liked the speculation early on.. this is just too much.
as a sports writer what do you think doug? is it just me, or is all this talk about the 'lebron sweepstakes' too much? y do sports writers continue to beat the life outta this?

Blogger's note: It's absolutely too much.

[Darren]

I really miss chuck. this matt devlin fellow is really not doing it for me. i think chuck was better in every way. if/when the bulls are in town this year im going to mute the tv and listen to chuck on the radio.

[Jim Rootham]

To the crying the fans on this blog, remember, things could be much worse. This team is not the Memphis Grizzlies.

The recovery arc for Toronto from Vince Carter should be over by now. How does that stack up against the history of other teams who had a star go on strike?

[Alex]

I dont get it, whats so special about that Larry Brown quote? Sounds like one you hear a million times in a season?

Blogger's note: A subtle shot at the many e-mailers I get complaining about Sam using exactly the same quote. Seems it's an epidemic.

[ET]

Hey Doug,
Any update on the Rogers-TSN 2 situation? I am not getting much out of calling Rogers.

Blogger's note: Haven't talked to anyone in a week or so, there was no updates then. I'll check in a day or two

[chachi]

Doug,

I seem to recall that in 2006, after the Raptors started 2-8 or something like that, Sam, his wife and his mother-in-law threw a huge Thansgiving dinner for the team at Sam's house in Atlanta.

If memory serves correct, right after that the Raps turned around their season and ended up winning the division.

Could have been a coincidence. But maybe that dinner was a major morale boost for the team. If it was the latter I hope someone suggests the Mitchell clan throw down another turkey dinner.

Blogger's note: It was in 2006, as a matter of fact. They went on to lose in Atlanta but won four of five after that and ended up 47-35.

[Roel Olay]

Hi Doug,

Can you suggest ways that interested fans can watch the best five games you've ever seen in person?

Blogger's note: No, I don't. Let me check around

[Amanda]

Just thought I'd point out a funny article about our beloved Bonner:
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Spurs_Bonner_sees_himself_as_boring_guy.html

[Alex]

If O'Neal sits, they should start Hump at the 5 and leave Andrea at the 3. Hump's a better centre anyway - he takes up more space, fights for rebounds and knocks people around. And he's been playing out of his mind this year. Andrea looks good at the 3 - much more confident.

And Darren, I agree with you. Devlin's ok, but just ok... Chuck was the shiz. At least we're getting more Jack this year so far!

[sam's fan]

I disagree with Darren. I mean chuck seemed like a great guy but to be honest as the raptors voice he made us sound like a disney franchise. I can see young kids relating to his slogans and sayings "salami and cheese"? come on r we an NBA team or a team where kids come to watch. I mean chuck would be great for our team if we were marketed as a walt disney franchise strictly for the kids. Mat Devlin sounds professional and doesnt come out as a jerk at times to his co workers. I feel people related to chuck because our fan base is kinda young compared to the rest of the NBA. All the best to chuck in watever he does but Devlin just sounds like a pro. Darren in terms for u to understand, i would bring out the salami n cheese on devlin for he would definately be a better suiter than chuck for a job with tnt or espn. They would pick Devlin over Chuck anyday if they had to decide between the two. Sorry if i offend anyone but its just my opinion.

[Jason]

Doug,
To be proactive, I have written 10 emails that are about firing Sam and 10 emails about how why we should keep Sam.
These emails are on standby so expect to see the 10 that apply based on the game outcome about 5 seconds after the final buzzer.
You may want to be proactive as well and write two blogs for tomorrow now. I bet that you already have as thats sports journalism 101 right?
(You may also want to book a plane ticket to someplace no one will look for you just in case the Raps lose)

[Andre]

Hey Doug,
There was a post yesterday stating that Jay triano works with the swing men, Alex english works with the big men, and mike evans works with the point guards. Is that true? And is it offensively or defensively or both?

Blogger's note: Nothing's ever black and white, all the coaches work with all the players but that's the way it breaks down more often than not. But there are days where Jay works with bigs, Alex works with swingmen and Mike works with everyone

[Marlon]

“This was the first game in a long time, I think, when we really made shots,” Brown said. “We've had some open looks before. We just didn't knock them down.”

Hahaha, totally see the Sam reference there. Good one, Doug. Although Sam would have said it better like "They made SHATS".

[Darko Dubajic]

Well, both of your top two games were decided (turned around) on a blocked shot at the end of regulation. Rebraca on Mikhailov and Marko Jaric on Sconoccini. Now, about being robbed Marko went straight up, Sconoccini was the one who initiated the contact, he basicaly threw himself in there. I mean, what is Marko supposed to do, pick up his toys and go home. Rule of verticality, right. Also, Argentina was getting all the calls before, our Pf and Vlade ended the game 1 for 17, trust me Oberto is not that good of a defender. Last, I know this for a fact, refs had a clear order NOT to decide the World Championship, so Marko was not going to be called for a foul short of pulling out a gun.
Naturaly, if we reverse all this and it was my guy not getting a call on a blocked shot I'd be still screaming 6 years latter. You know why V.Radmanovic was in the stands. During the semifinal vs New Zeland he felt like having a banana, so he starts eating one at teh end of the bench. Our coach sees that and goes banana, throws him out from the bench and suspends him for the final. To this day I am not sure he even received gold medal. This is a true story.
That wasn't the first open shot that Pedja passed on, next time he is in town ask him where was he last 3 min. of regulation vs. Argentina. Hiding in the corner, waiving 4 fingers ( for dont give the ball to me, give it to no.4 Bodiroga who turned that game).Chicken. Seen that with my own eyes.

[Roll With Tha Clan]

doug. what do you think of marquis daniels as a raptor one day?

Blogger's note: Who knows? I'm not a big fan but maybe in the right package at the right time.

[jimbo]

Great work Doug,
I'd love to find out where I could watch the '08 gold medal game. The CBC Olympic site web site has both semi-finals but not the final.
What about one of those matches Vince had with AI in the playoffs? Would game three or six make your top ten?

Blogger's note: Of those two? Maybe Game 3; but in that series? Seven's my favourite

[GM]

Another reason Bargnani is only getting 5.5 boards is that as a small forward, he's positioned outside on defense and offense most of the time. I think he can still do better on the boards, but what he's doing now isn't bad for a small forward.

[Matt]

Beautiful quote from Larry Brown. All regular readers were laughing pretty loud at that. Concerning those type of quotes from Mitchell -- the 'just gotta make shots', 'just need to make plays', etc -- do you think its largely just because he doesnt want to explain himself to the public and has much more... 'in depth' explanations and game plans than that in provate with coaches and players? Ive always just assumed its like telling a child 'dont worry about it' when he asks a question you dont want to get in to. Maybe Im just hoping here.

Blogger's note: I think you're exactly right.

[Bob Wesley]

Doug is it true you got Vince Carter's mom's parking space?

[D Grits]

"Maybe biggest Canadian national team win over." It was a great moment, and a great win, but they didn't win anything at that Olympics. So for me, there is no way it is the biggest. I know it was a smaller stage, and I don't know if you were there, but easily the biggest win for me was the 1983 "Miracle on Wood" victory by Eli, Jay, and the others over the US at the World University games in Edmonton. I still remember Billy Packer calling it "No one on the US can stay with Pasquale". This win was huge. So what is Eli doing these days?

Blogger's note: Last I heard he was living and working in Victoria

[Darren]

Alex I think you're wrong. Chuck was more charasmatic and definitely more knowledgable about basketball and the NBA in general. Look at Devlin in Sunday's post game analysis.. rambling on and on.. nuff said.
Chuck's voice only relating to young kids?.. well I can't see anyone serious about basketball relating to MD... He does have more of a serious tone though.. which makes him better???? LOL

I think you said it perfectly.. Devlin 'sounds' like a pro. Well obviously if that's all you're looking for then Devlin's your man. Disney slogans?.. lol.. Devlin has those too.. they just don't catch on as well ..

But anyways.. I just think Chuck knew a lot more...because he liked the sport and because he was good at his job. I enjoyed a lot of the little facts and insight I got from Chuck about opposing players.. don't get nearly enough of that from Devlin... well theres much more neg.- dev... but who cares..

[Murray]

I just gotta say that Matt Devlin is 100% better than Swirsky. Devlin is smooth, professional and knowledgeable. Swirsky was annoying, infantile and way too big a homer. Even Leo is more palatable this year since he got away from Chuck. Just because Chuck was a nice guy doesn't make him a good announcer.