He's back, and not a moment too soon

JEFFREY M. BOAN/AP

Dwyane Wade is back and almost beat the Raptors all by himself.

Really, tell me the truth, how bad would you have felt if they’d really blown a 17-point third-quarter lead and coughed that one up in Miami? Would you have stormed the ACC demanding heads roll? Cancelled the tickets? Gone off to watch the pucks?

But they didn’t and I bet you all feel better, don’t you? After all, the object of the game is to win and it doesn’t matter how.

Was nice to have the little No. 8 back in there, wasn’t it? Wasn’t there just a sense of calm on the court when he was out there? Funny what an all-star-calibre point guard will do for a team.

On to the stuff:

Action: Jose returns

Reaction: Makes the game-saving plays.

Never mind the 7-1 assists-turnover ratio, forget getting AP involved in the second half and Andrea going right off the bat.

Jose saved the game with some defence and his own offence.

That strip of Chris Quinn with 1:20 left and the layup he made at the other end turned a three-point game into something approximately comfortable for the Raptors in the final minute.

It wasn’t flashy, just quick hands to make the steal, but the finish at the other end was impressive.

Why? Because he finished with his left hand.

Check Jose out closely the next little while. When he goes left, he invariably pulls up for a jumper, going left and getting to the rim was unexpected. And maybe the play of the game.

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Things you don’t see when you’re actually at games, No. 1:

Now, I’m sure Nov. 26 is going to be a very special night for the more ardent Jose Calderon fans among you (and you know who you are) because it’s Jose Bobblehead Night.

But watching the promos for the big event leads me to wonder: Just who did they use as a model? The picture on my TV is pretty darn good; it shows a doll that bears little resemblance to the guy.

Is this guy supposed to be me?” Jose wonders.

So do others, so do others.

-

Action: Fourth quarter foibles

Reaction: Sam gambles and wins.

Yes, Jose is not 100 per cent healthy and probably couldn’t have given them much more than the 32 minutes he did but the coach waited about 90 seconds or two minutes too long to get Solomon out and Calderon back in when Miami was taking the lead.

I understand the need to protect Calderon but, yeesh, that was a huge gamble. And a mistake. Not a costly one because the object of games is to win and they won but still.

-

First mail:

Doug, 10 games into the season, in hindsight would you make the Jermaine O'Neal trade? Next question, would you agree with the assessment that this is the best Raptors team to be put on the floor?

Jeffery A, Scarborough

A: It’s 11 games now but you sent this the other day so that’s okay. And seeing how O’Neal is rounding into from – he’s had five straight double-doubles, is working seamlessly with Bosh and Bargnani, is averaging 19 and 13 in his last five, I’d make that trade again in a heartbeat.

And, no, this is not the best Raptor team, by far. The 2000-01 team was more athletic, deeper and better from No. 1 through No. 12 without question, in my mind.

-

Things you don’t see when you’re actually at games No. 2:

Those post-game, walk-off interviews. Wednesday night it was Andrea Bargnani, who is the master of understatement:

"The ball was going in, so it’s a good day"

Gotta love the succinct nature of that commentary.

-

Action: Play out of a timeout

Reaction: Whose fault is this?

End of the first half, Toronto calls a 20-second timeout to set up a last possession.

Play ends with Andrea Bargnani getting a shot blocked from behind, Will Solomon committing a ridiculous clear-path foul with about a second left, as silly a play as there was all night.

So, terrible play, right? Wrong.

Wasn’t supposed to be that at all. If you were watching closely, Jermaine O’Neal was setting a nice back screen for Jason Kapono, who was going to drift to the corner for a jumper.

Trouble was, Solomon didn’t go far enough left to get a passing lane to Kapono. If he’d taken two more steps, the pass would have been there but the point guard reversed himself too early and had no other option but Bargnani.

The clear-path foul? Well, that’s whole other brain fart for another day.

-

More mail, an oldie but maybe this puts it to rest:

Q: Super important question Doug. Why is Smitch wearing glasses again? Did his laser eye surgery go south?

Sean K, Ottawa

A: I think I’ve alluded to this a couple of times but, yes, there were some issues with the results of the laser surgery and Sam’s wearing glasses more often the past week or so.

-

You remember Ira from the other day? Here’s how he chronicled Wednesday night’s affair.

-

Action: Scouting works

Reaction: If players make plays.

About 90 seconds left in the first half, Heat have the ball and Chris Quinn is setting up a screen at the top of the key. Plain as day, you can hear the Raptor bench erupt with “flare, flare.” They know Quinn’s going to flare off the screen to the three-point line and they’re warning Jason Kapono, I believe, who was covering him.

So, what’s Quinn do. Flares to the three-point line, Jason’s a step too many behind him and he drills a three.

-

I’m not sure what constitutes a “block” of games, which is what Sam Mitchell said he was going to give Will Solomon as the primary backup to Jose Calderon but I’d seriously consider the “block” being over. Solomon had six (with two starts) since the proclamation was made that Sunday in Charlotte, maybe it’s time to give the kid six.

-

Last mail offering:

A TV question to end it off:

Q: Hey Doug, seems as though it's not just the Raptors' Brass that have increased confidence in him this year to help in his development but also you media types. He's been getting interviewed a lot more this year.  Who decides on which players get interviewed after the game? Leo, Sam, BC, or do they have a quick team vote as the final seconds tick down? I've always wondered for all sports in fact.

Adam R, Scarborough

A: I’ll go on the assumption you’re talking about Bargnani, who was the post-game, walk-off interview on Wednesday night?

How it works for post-game and halftime is this: The producers in the TV truck send down a request with a couple of minutes left in the half or game with the players they want to be interviewed on the court. Jim LaBumbard, media relations guru, considers the request and if it’s not absolutely ridiculous, he goes with it. There are night when he tries to get the interview subject changed because maybe one guy’s having a better night than the TV guys think, but that’s only on the odd occasion.

I presume it’s the same for the pucks, baseball and football but don’t quote me on that.

-

Remember, the dudes are off Thursday so there’ll be the regular mailbag here Friday. The inbox is full of post-game

Orlando

rants (very few questions, unfortunately) so if you’ve got something not game-specific, it’d be welcome.

Comments

[Blake Kennedy]

Your comments about Kapono defending Chris Quinn on a flare screen are worth considering. Firstly, the flare screen is the hardest screen in basketball to defend per Rick Majerus, and I'm inclined to agree with him. (I'd also note that I have not seen the Raptors use flare screens of their own more than on a couple of occasions - usually poorly-executed - this year.) Firstly, I am not surprised that Quinn got free on that. He has a substantial speed advantage over Kapono, and even though Kapono's effort on the defensive end cannot be faulted, there's only so much God gave him to work with. Why is he guarding a PG, anyhow? Secondly, IMO the best way to defend a flare screen is to body up to the cutter and follow his footsteps and get some help by having the screener's defender hedge out and prevent the tight curl and force the cut further outside, with some help coming for him if the screener slips the screen when he does so. What help did Kapono have on that from the screener's defender? If I remember the play correctly, none.

It's easy to fault one guy for a defensive breakdown, but sometimes I think we need to look more closely at the "peripheral" participants (and probably to the coaching staff for their choice of defensive tactics or ability to teach them well, also).

[Dan]

Doug if you could chose how the minutes were awarded, givin the current situation of how the raps plaeyers are playing who would you be playing and what type of minutes would you be giving to them.

Blogger's note: That's really impossible to say. You have to take into consideration matchups, who's going well which night, foul trouble, nagging injuries.

[Chris]

Uh Doug, Jose went right on that drive. He beat Quinn to the middle from the left side and switched to his left hand to avoid teh block attempt of Cook (why was he in the game for so long anyway?)

[Rob S from Winterpeg]

Hey Doug. Long time fan (of the Raps and your blog) and I'm finally going to see a live game, 2 actually, this weekend vs. Nets and Cletics. Any suggestions on how to make my ACC experience more enjoyable? I hope Jose is playing, it looked like he tweaked his ankle in the 4th quarter last night.

Blogger's note: Don't boo if they win 99-95 'cause you want a slice of free pizza, go to the Harbour Sports Grille before and after the games, treat the fans sitting around you with respect. And watch the Chicken, he's hilarious.

[Niagarahoops]

I am canceling my Lasik Laser Eye Surgery.

I don't know why you (and even many TV analysts)are so impressed when someone uses their off hand. After all, this is the NBA!

Fundamental Basketball.

1st day of practice grade 9... layups on the right side using your right hand, layups on the left side using your left hand...

[Blessing]

Just wanted to point out to 'conspiracy theorists... ' Doug DID point out that the Raps'd be good for a 5 & 5 record BEFORE y'all decided the sky was falling... Personally, I see the raps having a gradually improving season. Not DRAMATIC like everyone seems to think, but gradual - as players gel and get more comfortable, roles get defined, newbies gain confidence and experience etc. Let's check out the report card at Mid Season before demanding that heads roll for a /500 start?!

[Matty-Pix]

I'm assuming that the constant talk about if this is the "best" Raps team stems from BC's quote at the beginning of the season ... which was that it was the best Raps team HE had assembled. so 00-01 doesn't count.
I'd agree that this is the best roster HE has assembled since being in T-dot, would you?

Blogger's note: Oh, I don't know. That 47-35 team wasn't too bad. But this might be tied.

[Omar H]

Wow - a new Doug Smith! Two, I read two (!), criticisms of / suggestions for Mitchell in today's entry. I appreciate that...readers, including myself, were sensing a theme for the last couple of years, and after many comments to that effect, I see some more balance on your part. Sort of like your insightful "Action/Reaction" blog entries. Kudos.

As for the game, it is truly remarkable how a steady hand can make all the difference. But it got me wondering - long-time ball fan, occasional but now infrequent player - why is what Jose did last night so hard for the others to at least partly replicate? He did what he did with patience and prudence...and frankly, I'd say the Jose of last night is a decent amount less athletic than either Solomon or Ukic. What's the magic sauce?

Blogger's note: Experience, intelligence, patience, knowing your teammates' strengths and weaknesses. And not try to do too much more than facilitate for others.

[George]

Will Solomon wise up? It almost seems like Solomon is trying too hard, like he is auditioning for a role that is well beyond his ability and just can't get his lines right. At the same time, Ukic does seem like he is willing to learn and listen. It is very disturbing to see Solomon pick up technicals by complaining to officials on a blatant reach-in foul against none other than D-Wade. And the look on Sam's face at that time said a lot. It does seem like it is time for change.

Also after watching all Raptor games (but one) on TV, the one thing that I have noticed is Hassan Adams' enthusiasm and cheerleading skills. I know this accounts for very little. But what is the word on him? Is he closer to breaking into the rotation?

Blogger's note: No, not close at all.

[Alan Squires]

Hey Doug,

Are there any road games you won't be attending that will be aired on TSN2? Assuming you have Rogers cable, I guess there will be no in game blog for those games? Or being the dedicated beat grunt that you are will you seek out a television that is showing the game? Possibly at a local establishment that can provide some in game (as well as pre & post game) adult beverages?

Blogger's note: I haven't checked my schedule against television (and this is presuming the TSN2-Rogers debacle doesn't get settled) but if it happens that I can't see a game at home, I'm pretty sure there's an adult beverage establishment with wireless access that I can, um, visit.

[DS]

Blake Kennedy, your thoughtful and nuanced analysis has no place here! Fire Sam Mitchell!

[Eric]

I feel like a big grump but I hate watching this team. Am I the only one who couldn't stand the # of jump shots the Raptors were taking vs Miami? It was the same ol' same ol'!!!! Sure, they won, and that's most important, but if they continue to play like that, they won't win in the future, and THAT'S most important. It's a horrible trait they've got there, the face-up game of the Raptors... the one that doesn't include any drives.

I'll be honest, I saw some one-dribble pull-ups in Miami, which is something the old Raptors sadly wouldn't have done, but other than that, it's the same ol'. Jump shots. Jump shots. Jump shots. Bad sign for future... but no one wants to hear that this morning, I get it.

[jimmie]

Get Roko in there! He already shows more poise and sound decision-making than Solomon. Solomon is the 2nd coming of Mike James. If we're looking for change-of-pace scoring from the 1 spot, maybe he's got a role, but he can't run this team.

Ukic is far from an ideal backup PG today, but he's shifty, quick, long, athletic and makes the right pass more often than not. We'll need one consistent, playmaking PG down the stretch of this season, and I think he's got the better chance of becoming serviceable in that role -- if he's given the opportunity to play now.

[Serge Papineau]

Doug, it looks like you're slowly starting to turn on Sam Mitchell. I have to say lately I've been irked by some of his moves too, and I've always been a big supporter of his. I still think he's a good coach, much better than most fans give him credit for, but there just doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to some of the moves he makes during games, almost like he's just trying to get lucky by throwing random lineups out there. I also don't like the way he handles Graham, who I think should be playing more than Moon.

Also, I couldn't agree with you more that Solomon should be stapled to the bench until he gets his act together. Let's face it, neither he or Ukic is very good right now but at least Ukic protects the ball and looks to get his teammates involved. It seems like whenever either of the backups is on the floor right now they pound the ball for about 14-16 seconds and then we end up taking a bad shot with the clock winding down (a la Mike James). Ukic is a young humble player with upside, Solomon seems to think he's still in Europe and that he's some star player.

[Jamieson]

Just a comment on the TV situation, just moved to Burlington, and we have Cogeco, and TSN2 is probably the best looking HD channel we get. But, in the end, the satelite feed (Bell is what we have at my parent's place), the HD is much, MUCH clearer. So, if you care about HD and want TSN2, then I would suggest ditching your crappy digital cable and going for the satelite.

[Conrad]

Very nice, love the sarcasm DS,

"Better no. 1 through 12, no question"

Really? No 1?

I mean I know young VC was pretty electric back in his day, but I would still say CB's the best we've ever had. Past peformances, current performance, and future promise.

[Andrew]

Interesting question (or at least I think so). Doug, when you're watching from home, do you mute the television to prevent being influenced by Devlin/His Analyst for the night? If you're trying to come up with your own angle, wouldn't you try to avoid someone else's? Just curious.

Blogger's note: I watched the two games in Florida with the sound on, a lot because I wanted to hear how Matt Devlin does a game. And I was impressed, frankly. Professional, opinionated to a good degree, inflection in his voice was excellent and knew how to draw in Leo to the conversation.

[Roll With Tha Clan]

its finally time...to unleash the roko. aka. the euro shawn livingston.

[GM]

Am I the only one feeling sorry for Solomon? He must know how badly he's screwing up. I think if Sam told him he'd get a block of games, he should stick with whatever he told him. If he's got four more, then so be it. And then go to Ukic. And probably stay with Ukic. But let's not all blame Ukic for the Technical foul. A few people have said, "Does he think he's a superstar?" A T should be a T for any player. There should be no hierarchy. Yeah, he complained and he shouldn't, but his actions were hardly deserving of a Technical foul.

On the broadcast last night, they said Calderon said he was only 30 percent last night. Hope that game didn't set him back in the healing process.

[Archie gillespie]

Hey Doug, it's both interesting and great to see the strides Andrea has gained early this season. The light bulb seems to be clicking on and on every progressive game, blocks and defense are up while the fouls are down, faster footwork etc. I think you had mentioned his basic basketball intelligence was strong. Is there one particular individual on the coaching staff who assists him in his learning process (like Ewing did for Dwight Howard)? Is there someone, anyone, who could do the same for Moon and Graham? Or, as discreetly as you can say, are their respective core mental aspects lacking?

Blogger's note: No, there's not one coach repsonsible for any one player. And, frankly, that's the norm in the NBA

[Kelsie]

Miami is not very good so a win last night was important regardless of how it came about. I think that Mitchell left Solomon for as long as he did cause at some point you cannot depend on one player even if he is your best pg to stop a run. The team needs to buckle down get a stop and then execute on the offensive end. I don't think Mitchell anticipated Solomon getting t'd up and then throwing an extremely ill advised cross court pass to Jamario. Players make plays, coaches, coach. Solomon made bad plays but I can't blame Mitchell for that. Get him a better back up pg and we won't be debating this.

AP's shooting % is down cause he's expending so much energy on the defensive end of the floor. I criticized him a lot last year for not being able to create off the dribble and marginal defense, but this year he has made me eat my words. I don't care about a high fg % when you're trying to get after it defensively on every possession.

One thing that I took from that game..... but I do not recall in my 25 years of watching basketball, a player quite like D. Wade. Not to say he's the greatest thing ever but he's only 6'4 and his influence on the game is that of Kobe, Lebron, or anyone else in the league. What amazes me is that I've never seen a guard in this league try and block as many shots as he does and we're talking about contesting centres dunking, not just guards he's matched up with. Can you think of any guard in recent memory that plays with such reckless abandon on both ends of the floor? Whenever I watch him play he amazes me. You would think that a guard would be casuing trouble in the passing lanes or through steals (which he also does) but he's trying to block everyones shot like JO does! Where do you rank him on your top active players list? For me I think he's moved into my top three, definitely top 5.

[Andre]

Hey doug, Just replying to Andrews post. I think Matt Devlin and Leo are a terrible combo. I know you can't say anything but, i just fall asleep listening to that guy. And Leo? don't let me start. Have you heard from Chuck? I miss that guy... i miss the onions... the cheese... O well (but Matt I must admit, know his basketball)

Blogger's note: I have not heard from Chuck.

[Anthony Feher]

Watching this team and seeing they are pretty close I am left wondering 1 thing going back to the 2005 draft...... We pick C Villenueva 8 and there was plenty of talk about another player going in that spot.... Then comes our second first round pick and this player is still there and we choose Joey Graham. Right behind him is that pick, same position, 1" taller and now a bonafide top tier player Danny Granger....

I was at the ACC for that draft day and everyone expected him to be picked. Doug where would we be with him over Graham and who had Graham outside our GM rated higher....

Of course if we go through the last 5 drafts these players were drafted 1 spot behind our picks Dwayne Wade (Bosh not too bad), Andre Igudola (Araujo) and Granger....

Blogger's note; Everyone had him picked? Everyone's way smart. Okay, so they take Granger. That means they probably don't get Bargnani, and likely don't have a deal for O'Neal and maybe don't win a division. They may have a good young wing and nothing in the front court.
Danny Granger is today better than Joey Graham. Does it mean the Raptors would be better today -- three years on -- if they had taken him? Maybe. Maybe not.
People really have to get over Danny Granger or Joey Graham.

[Marc M]

One of the problems with the Raps is that all the so-called 2nd unit guys are vying for starters minutes and, therefore, don't want to settle for a role. On Championship teams, or successful ones for that matter, the roles are defined. Once the fellas get 20 or more games under their belt those same roles will be more solidified.

For those that think Roko will be an upgrade over Solomon, you'll soon (unfortunately) get your wish. When either PG runs the team the offense (and offensive flow) grind to a halt. For Solomon to be effective he has to be able to hit an open shot. For Ukic, he has to be able to drive and break down a defense.
Both liabilities right now, but learning.

[eni]

hey Doug,
All this talk about LeBron leaving the Cavs before 2010, any chance the Raptors might go after him? Then it'll be the real big 3 in T.O. (Bosh, Lebron, O'Neal). That would be sweet. Can you please comment on that, I would like to hear your opininon.
Am I stratosphericly bound or what?!...

Blogger's note: They'll likely have the money to make an offer but they won't have O'Neal, whose contract will have expired.