The craziest mail week ever? Maybe

Yes, there are a lot of questions here.

Yes, there are a lot of questions still to be answered.

Maybe on Sunday afternoon, when you’re sitting in Toronto watching men’s tennis on TSN or NFL football or something entirely other than the Raptor-Miami game, you can re-read this in between checking with the in-game blog that we’ll be doing. Just a thought.

Seriously, folks, this might have been the most voluminous mail week in the history of our mail. I swear it beats Jose-TJ, KO’s got to go, He Who Shall Not Be Named is coming back and Sam did (fill in the blank).

So, onward we go:

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Q: Doug - How DARE you criticize people who are crapping all over you.  Don't you know it's YOUR fault that Colangelo can't instantly undo several years of mismanagement? Don't you know it's YOUR fault that Sam can't win every night when he arguably has the worst collection of 2's and 3's in the league?
Oh yeah - It will also be YOUR fault when we can't land Al Harrington because any trade would have to be at least a 3 for 3 deal and Golden State won't be impressed with what we have to offer. Just thought I'd let you know in advance before I crap all over you.

Brent J, Barrie

A: I am fully aware of my complicity in everything bad that happens to this team. And I look forward to future correspondence.

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Q: Hey Doug, as we all know hydration is important. Proper hydration cannot be emphasized enough for anyone participating in any basketball game. As such my question to you is this: with full regard to proper hydration during games, which NBA cities in your considerable opinion have the best adult beverages and what are those beverages specifically? After all while it's important for the players to drink plenty of fluids, spectators watching from the stands or at a local convivial establishment also tax the body.

Pat A, Mississauga

A: Yes, hydration is of the utmost importance, no question. And after sweating out a game story or two and various web things, it has been my experience that if you can find a Yeungling like in Philly or along the Eastern seaboard, that’s not a bad thing. There was a tasty treat called Samuel Smith’s Organic Ale that I found worked wonders in rejuvenating a worn out writer in Indy, and I believe, in Portland. The recuperative powers of a Harpoon in Boston always seemed to work wonders, too.

Truthfully, I’ve found that if you ask the doctors and medical practitioners who work on the other side of the bar what they would recommend in the way of a local elixir, you generally can’t go wrong.

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Q: As a journalist, I know you have to remain objective when watching games, but do you ever find yourself getting emotionally caught up in the moment when you're watching an exciting, compelling matchup?
Take the Raps-Celtics game the other day. By the middle of the 4th quarter, I could feel some real hate towards the Celtics and desperately wanted the Raptors to win, if only to shut up KG's smack talk. In fact, I felt so bitter after the loss that I haven't read any Raptor-related news for 2 days as I didn't want to be reminded of the game (not even your blog, sorry Doug - but I'm getting caught up as I type this).

Terence G, Mississauga

A: I think we’re like anybody, a good game is much better to sit through than a dog of one. I can tell you we all enjoyed the Golden State game here (even with the stress-inducing overtime) exponentially more than that piece of crap in Charlotte. But we do remain objective. At least the good ones do.

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Q: Hello again Doug.  With the very real possibility that Antonio McDyess will return to Detroit, do you think the league will do anything to change this scenario from repeating itself?  I see to much opportunity for collusion to take place without ever being able for anybody to prove it has taken place.

Steph R, Glencoe

A: Hello again.

It better. I’m not sure how, though. The fact is, guys like McDyess are free agents after they negotiate their buyouts so they can offer their services to whomever they like. I do think the 30-day waiting period is a good start, but maybe extending it to the next season would be better. But it’s something that will have to probably be collectively bargained so who knows what they’ll come up with.

They do have to do something, though, because your collusion point is a valid one.

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Q: The Acie Earl years.

Do you think they were worse for the Celtics or the Raptors?

Steve M, Toronto

A: Well, I can absolutely guarantee you Acie Earl never had his name among the single-game scoring leaders in Boston so I’m suggesting the Raptors got the better of the Earl Year(s).

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Q: This is coming from the hinterland of Canada and outside of the bright lights of the centre of the universe...
So I'm watching Game Night Live on Raptors TV, and they have a segment asking their audience to pick a game of the week to watch. One of the games this week is the Raps vs. Philly. Chris Webber offers the Raps as one to watch and Gary Payton rolls his eyes and deep sighs... what is a country or BC to do? It must be very hard to extend the professional atmosphere in the NBA outside of the excited States without the NBA broadcasting that view through their shows. Must make it hard to get good players and their superstar agents to take Toronto seriously. Whats your take? Keep up the good yakin eh...

Don D, The Pas, MB

A: Ignore Gary Payton, as much of the world does. Seriously, the moment Gary Payton’s advice to free agent carries one iota of significance is the moment we know the apocalypse is nigh.

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Q: If Green tries to save a ball going out of bounds, wildly tosses it inbounds, it goes off Gasol’s knee and flies out of bounds, is this a turnover for Gasol? Please tell me know cause if yes, you just cost me 2 points in my league

Graham H, Toronto

A: If Gasol does not have possession of the ball, he is not charged with a turnover.

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Q: A quick question for you regarding Sam (and even past coaches) and the media. I've noticed some of your colleagues (well one in particular) seems much more critical of some of the moves and decisions made by Sam. I assume a lot of coaches say they do not read the papers, but have you noticed his attitude different towards some of the members of the media who tend to be more critical of his coaching? Is there any additional tension in the media scrum towards one member than the others?

Gordon P, NL

A: No, if there’s one thing Sam is, it’s an equal-opportunity ball-buster. Doesn’t matter if you hate him or love him, he’ll go at you.

Q: Hi Doug, you are doing great work out there, I read the blog and the stories all the time.  I have a question about Ukic and Solomon.  I was thinking that Ukic is younger and the Raps have more invested in him so why does he not play more than a minute or two?  I know Solomon has more experience but is he really better? Are we just bringing Ukic along that slowly?

Kevin N, Ithaca, NY

A: Very slowly, yes. And very fairly. Sam and his staff decided in Charlotte that they’d give Solomon “a block of games” to see what he could do and if he doesn’t perform, I’d presume Roko would get a “block of games.” For guys who will play very little (12-13 minutes a night tops) it’s probably fair not to jerk them around game to game.

Ukic is under contract one year longer than Solomon, though, so they can afford to be a bit more patient and he seems to be the long-term plan.

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Q: With Walter Herrmann not being utilized enough in the Pistons, and being cheaper than players like Gerald Wallace and Al Harrington, what are the chances that the Raptors can trade for Hermann?
Would Herrmann be a good fit for the raptors (i.e. athletic wingman, good defender) to start over Moon at the 3 spot?

Calvin L, Markham

A: Walter!!!!!!! Sure, he’d be good here, I’d think. But I know the Pistons like him a lot.

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Q: Great work on the blog.  I was at a regular tea when I first started reading your blog when it started, and now I need to have an extra large.  Do you ever rest?
Anyhow, I had the opportunity to catch the Raptors home opener and one thing I noticed is that during the pacing Sam Mitchell does (and he does a lot!) he often would walk partly onto the court during play (although the play was far from where he was). I'm surprised this is allowed. I can't imagine Ron Wilson or Cito Gaston going on the ice/field during play. How come NBA coaches can?

Sohail G, Collingwood

A: Technically, it’s not allowed but NBA refs have a lot of other things to worry about other than a coach taking a step on the court.

Besides, coaches probably like to block the view of the beat grunts and fans sitting courtside.

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Q: Well, the Spurs are dead now with Parker out, perhaps even you will admit it. I am unsure of this but it might be the time for the Raptors to go calling about Bruce Bowen. I don't always like him, but he could be what the Raptors need in order to actually have good outside defence, although I will also admit to being concerned about his age.  If the Spurs are willing he might be within Toronto's capabilities with what they have to offer for trade -- likely Kapono.

Steve F, Kitchener

A: The Spurs are what? Call me in April. And, no, they don’t need to go calling after Bruce Bowen. First, they wouldn’t get him because they don’t have anything the Spurs want and, two, that whole age thing is a pretty big deal.

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Q: Hey Doug, was just browsing the early-season stat leaders, and couldn’t help but notice that LeBron, DWade, and CB4 are 1-2-3 in the points-rebounds-assists category. We hear a lot about how the 2003 draft was special, but how rare is it really to see so many of the draftee's turning into SOLID NBAers, let alone so many of them future All-Stars. I mean, there are at least 6 guys taken from the SECOND ROUND (Korver, Walton, Kapono, Mo Williams)that are solid starters & contributors to their team, not to mention David West, 'Melo, Kaman, Howard, Barbosa, Perkins (he's got a ring) The more I look, the more I have to think its the best ever. What do you think?

Joey H, Toronto

A: At the end of their respective careers, it might be the greatest draft ever, I still like 1984 and 1996, with Kobe, Nash, Ray Allen wasn’t too bad either.

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Q: All this talk of trade possibilities for a 3 and our lack of good trading chips got me wondering - what kind of trade value does Ukic have? Obviously it would be a long term prospect, but would he not be just as good as throwing in a 1st round draft pick? (Assuming it will be mid- to late-round anyway) And would Colangelo be willing to throw him into a package of Kapono/Hump/Graham for someone such as Harrington?

Darren K, Kitchener

A: I mentioned this the other day in the regular blog. Roko Ukic has very little, actually, no trade value at the moment other than as salary cap ballast. He just hasn’t done enough to warrant any consideration.

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Q: What are you going to do if you turn 70 and this blog is still kickin? At what age do you call it a career?

Mark M, Toronto

A: Have myself committed? Seriously, I will be so done at 70, I hope, it’s not even funny. And I’ll call it a career when this internet fad passes.

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Q: This is not to give you some more work but can you give us your top 10 teams (East/West) every week? More power Doug!
Paul M, Toronto

A: Well, it is to give me more work, isn’t it? We’ve considered it (a veteran hoops columnist now doing other things used to have a formula he used to concoct rankings for the paper each week back in the day) and maybe it’s time to revive the idea. Let me see if I can figure out a way, or a day, to do it.

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Q: With all the talk around T's in the last couple of games (Sam taking a bad one, Garnett not getting one) are there any T's you've seen over your career that stand out as being particularly memorable?

Kerry O, Waterloo

A: It starts and stops the afternoon Mo Pete got T’d up and thrown out of the game by Steve Javie for a playful slap to the face of He Who Shall Not Be Named. Just a couple of buddies goofing around and Javie only saw the retaliatory action. Worst ejection, technical I can remember.

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Q: Forgive me if I've already asked this, but I cannot recall if I have or not (maybe I submitted it after a night of "celebrating" a Raptor victory).
How come you only use last initial when answering the bag, but comments have the full name?  How come Damien's "The Spin" has full names?
FYI, I like having the surname withheld, just curious as to why it is how it is.

Duane C, Toronto

A: I honestly don’t know, other than that’s the way we’ve always done it over in this corner of the world. No reason to change, right?

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Q: Hi Doug, my apologies if this question has been asked and answered. I realize the Raptors are right at the max salary wise, but why. Are they carrying salary liability for players that aren't here anymore, or are they over-paying some of those that still are here?

Dave M, Burlington

A: The only one on the books who isn’t playing here is Garbo, who counts for just over $4 million of Toronto’s cap number. He comes off next year.

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Q: Hope you’re good. I see we have an unsigned second round pick named Giorgos Printezis. What's his deal? Any good? Can we start Giorgos mania like we had with Roko?

Mike P, Thornhill

A: He’s a big, raw kid who is years and years away from being a regular contributor on a good NBA team. And if you start Giorgosmania you will regret it. But go right ahead.

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Q: Hi Doug, say for one instance, you again are Bryan Colangelo and you're on the phone with Ernie Grunfeld offering him our upcoming star of Andrea Bargnani for either Antwan Jameson or Caron Butler. Pull the trigger?
I know you hate these questions but humor us please.

Anthony R, Mississauga

A: I do hate these questions because they are totally impossible to do but I will humour you only to say, yes, I would do either in a heartbeat and then I would send a Get Well Soon card to Ernie because he would have suffered some major brain seizure.

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Q: Doug, love your daily blog, I check it out a few times a day; my employer would not approve.
Anyway, in Burlington we get TSN2 so you can take a lovely drive down the QEW and watch the game Emma's on the Waterfront is great-it is right on the lake so a great view and also good bar food-maybe you can work out a deal and have your bar tab covered if you mention Emmas-or any bar-a few times in your blog, just a thought

Andrew S, Burlington

A: Maybe your employer would indeed approve. Think of the education and entertainment you’re getting, which I presume makes you happier and therefore a more productive worker. Seriously.

Okay, Emma’s is on the list if we ever get to Burlington. Can I mention your name?

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Q: I respect the readers right to disagree with you but you can't not know anything with the amount of time you spend around the team.
How is Garbo doing this year? What role/minutes would he be playing if he was still a Raptor?

Kevin M, Maple

A: Garbo’s doing well. His team, Khimki in Moscow, got off to a great start in their league and he and Carlos are playing well. Or so Jose told me.

He’d be the first swingman off the bench, I’d presume; and I’d be writing this week that they should replace Jamario with him.

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Q: Did the Raps not learn anything when Mike James was around? Will Solomon seems like a carbon copy, but with less scoring skill. How can the Raps think they can turn another scorer into a passer? If the Raps are afraid to play Roko because teams won't respect his shot, wouldn't Will have to MAKE a shot for teams to respect his? From what I have seen, Roko has more skill and vision for the backup PG position at this time. Can we start the Roko/Solomon debate now?

Adam M, Burlington

A: Sure, why not. We may as well have a big ol’ debate about a backup point guard who might play 12 minutes a game. Why not, we’ve debated more inconsequential things.

Me? I think the job should be Solomon’s for a 10-game chunk and we see where they are.

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Q: Although I'm tempted to pile on the C's game comments, I'm pretty sure you've had to answer enough questions about that. I wanted to know if you caught the Lakers Mavs game from Tuesday night. I seem to recall you trashing Gerald Green when he was mentioned as a under the radar pick up for the Raps. For most of the 1st half he was the best player on the court (better than JKidd, Dirk, Kobe, Pau... thats saying a lot) and he forced Kobe into a few tough misses.
The commentators were also raving about him and the fact that he has progressed nicely. I think it goes to show that the Raps fans who read your blog are pretty good judges of talent! What do you think of his game now? I think he would have been an awesome addition to this team. He's just so athletic.

Malik M, Oakville

A: Yes, he’s playing better now than he did in another of his other three stops in the first, what?, three years of his career? But eight or nine games does not a season make, or even a career. I hope he has a good career but I somehow believe that as the season progresses he will revert to the form he’s shown. And, I will point out, that for all the good he’s done, the Mavs are quite below average at the time.

Great athlete? Was never a question about that. Good NBA basketball player? The jury is still out?

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Q: Haven't asked a question in a while so thought I'd throw you a couple for your mailbag.
1) With regards to paying a player. If a player is traded mid season is the team only responsible to pay the value of the contract he plays for the new team. Ie: Player A gets traded to Toronto at exactly the half way point of the season and his contract is worth 6 million. Does Toronto pay 3 million and his original team pays 3 million or is Toronto responsible for the entire 6 million.
2) If Jawai is unable to play at all this season can Toronto get some sort of compensation or exception to sign another player without paying the tax.
Rahulan S, Winnipeg

A: You’re bang-on with the money. Whatever’s left, pro-rated, on a contract is assumed by the team acquiring the player as soon as the transaction is completed.

And, no, regardless of what happens with Jawai, there is no relief this season.

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Q: Hey Doug, read the blog daily and enjoy your thorough analysis! Would you say that at the end of this year with Parker's contract expiring that the Raptor's will not resign him, or perhaps just offer him a small contract. Also, is it just me or are the Raptor's one wingman away (Harrington, Wallace) from a Serious Contender? Thanks

Tyler G, Ajax

A: Parker’s going to be a tough one at the end of the season. He’ll be 34 when next season starts and I’m not sure they’ll want to make a substantial offer. I also think he’ll draw some interest from European teams and may want to have another life adventure before his career’s over.

Personally? I think he’s the kind of guy a team needs to have around so I’m make him an offer, maybe three years (the last a team option) at somewhere near $10-12 million total.

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Q: I enjoy reading your blog but I wish you wouldn't refer so often to the rabid group of fans as if they have somehow come to represent all of Raptor fandom. I bet that for every quick trigger sky-is-falling e-mailer or comment poster there are 10 fans who read your blog but don't do that because they know better.

Craig M, Vancouver

A: Ya think? Man, I hope you’re right.

But, dude, I need to hear more often from the normal ones ‘cause this has been a tiring, tiring week.

Comments

[George]

Bad Ts... How about Tim Duncan getting tossed out of the game by Joey Crawford for laughing on the bench?

Blogger's note: League-wide? Absolutely.

[Ryan]

The team is 4-4, I'll take that.
Keep up the good work Doug.

[Matty-Pix]

"Normal" Raptors fans ... isn't that an oxymoron of some kind? We are gluttons for pain who take a slap and say "may I please have another" ... Maybe we should be jumping on the next sexy bandwagon as it passes by (Portland anyone?), but no, alas I am doomed to be a Raptors fanatic for life ... sniff sniff.
Mr. Smith, not publicly showing yourself as a raptors "fan", does this blog feel like a public service? Spending time with this emprisoned and disenfranchised wing of society, and giving them discussion fuel for another day of heartache?
Always a good read ... thanks.

[Jason Fiorotto]

Doug -- Take a bow, my friend. Through your tireless work, you're doing more for the game of basketball in Canada than virtually any other person. What's more, you do it with integrity, humour and respect for your audience (even the thoughtless morons who attack you for a loss/personnel move/whatever). I can't imagine a day without my fix of Doug Smith journalism.

[dsl]

Re: Anthony Parker. In another life (or on another team) he would have made one hell of a sixth man - great shooter, good defender, streaky, great attitude, etc. It's just a shame that this team can't get him in that role. If they do re-sign him (and I hope they do), it better be because they want him off the bench and NOT as a starter.

[CJ]

I just read the article about TSN2. In it Tom Alselmi says that missing one Raptors game won't be the end of the world. Sorry pal, but it's not okay. You can't go on record saying things like that. I care about watching every Raptors game more than you do.

[John H]

Any word on Jose? I will be attending my first ever raptors game this Sunday and I've been holding my breath since he hobbled off the court; I'm starting to turn blue.

Blogger's note: No word as of noon on Friday

[Michael]

Hey Doug,
Just like all the fans call you out for bad predictions, you should call out all the fans last year who wanted to trade Bargnani while his value is still high. Even if those guys still didn't like Bargs, it's obvious his improved play has only increased his trade value and those guys who wanted him traded last year were dead wrong. In my opinion, there is absolutely no way you should trade him. I don't want the Raptors to become the Leafs, trading away prospects and young players for over-the-hill players.

Michael

[Evgeny]

Doug, I like to consider myself one of the "sane" ones, however, even with the team at .500, I can't help but feel a bit down. Now, this isn't because Calderon turned awful overnight, or Sam with another braincramp, or whatever else people more imaginative than I claim in your mail, but simply because I think the team has potential and they're simply under performing. We see glimpses of how good this team can be during their runs or even sometimes, during whole games! And yet, the next minute/quarter/game, they're right back on the edge between mediocrity and true competitiveness.

So with that said, what's missing? Surely, there's talent on this team, so why does it not manifest itself more often? Is there just a lack of motivation? Now, I'm not suggesting we're a contender with current team, and holes are left to be plugged, but I'm certain most will agree that we are better than our record shows. Or are we really that bad with only a guard away from contention like others claim?

[Martin Q]

Doug, do you feel that BC was too quick too quick to go on the record that if Garbo plays for Spain he will not play for the Raptors? It seems to me that BC likes Euro players because they play team ball, but the flip side to this is that most Euro's want to represent their country (in soccer this is even more common...and the clubs still pay their salaries). I know there were health issues with Garbo, but he is still playing professional ball in Russia...so it's not like he can't play...and his toughness/grit is sadly missed at the 3 spot. So was BC too eager to prove a point rather than look at the teams shortcomings?

[Miguel]

Doug, any word on why Sam Mitchell wouldn't start Joey Graham? With our struggles at the 3 spot, a change like this can hopefully light a fire under Moon, and perhaps bring a bit of the Good Joey out. Didn't Sam say that the starters earn their minutes? How can he say that when Moon continues to play like crap? He's jacking shots at a Stephen Jackson-like pace. I'm sure Joey can easily surpass Jamario's 1-8, 3 reb performance if given 20+ minutes a game.

A few seasons ago when Garbo went down, Joey filled in rather nicely and played the best ball of his NBA career (that's not saying much), but had a crappy postseason. Since then, it seems like he's been in Sam's doghouse on a very short leash. Shouldn't they give Joey one last shot at proving himself?

Blogger's note: He may make the change, he may not; at the start of the season, he said he liked the defence, quickness and length Moon gives them

[Tree]

Re: Sunday's game, I was watching RaptorsTV last night and they had a commercial saying they were airing Sunday's game on RapsTV. Doug - not sure if this can be confirmed, but there was definitely a commercial saying it'd be on.

Blogger's note: It may be in a Game In An Hour format or a repeat but as Chris Zelkovich's story in our paper today points out, there are no plans to do it live.

[Roxi]

"He’d (Garbo) be the first swingman off the bench, I’d presume; and I’d be writing this week that they should replace Jamario with him."

Couldn't agree more Doug! I've been heard yelling "Bring back Garbo" on a number of occasions this season - usually right it the middle of one of Jamario's 3pt jumpers.

[Alex]

Garbo...sure could use his steadiness this year although he would not be an upgrade athletically which is what they need.
So Doug if Garbo comes off the books (4M) plus Parker (4M), Joey (3M) and Moon (1M) will that leave the Raptors about 12 Million for free agents? and 2-3M would go to a first round pick? Or is all that moot because they are still over the cap and thus only have the Mid-level and bi-annual exceptions?

Blogger's note: It's moot for free agents but does give them the full mid-level to use, plus a veteran's exception or two, before they bump up against the tax level.

[jeeff]

so is anybody planning to picket the rogers building on sunday?

[Alex]

This blog has been like US politics the last 8 years....where were all the moderates? Youd read this blog and think all Raps fans are, well...fanatics. Doug the silent majority agrees with you on most points and appreciate your blog/videos/articles greatly.

[CL]

In retrospect.........isn't Delfino & Garbo the pieces missing now.

[Richard Y]

Nothing like sports fans eh?

Perhaps it is the environment of instant gratification, over the top emotions modeled in the entertainment world, and the ease of being able to tell the world what you think that had contributed to this.

Makes one wish for the days where one was annoyed or disappointed or satisfied, rather than ENRAGED! or ECSTATIC! and then take pen to paper if so driven to write a well thought out and respectful letter to a columnist to express a perspective.

Remember the days when we had Sweet Georgia Brown as the musical accompaniment to basketball rather that the high decibel soundtrack these days?

By the way, please pass on our best wishes for a speedy recovery to the Chicken.

[Boko]

Ryan, I won't. The team is better than that. I don't think any of the Raptor players are happy about it, either. Which, in & of itself, would be a good thing, if I'm right.

[Omari]

Hi Doug, I know it's early but history suggests that we won't be getting adequate scoring from our 2/3 spots. So don't you think a lateral trade would do the team some good? I am all in favour of giving Graham significant minutes at the 2 spot, but how about replacing Moon with a tough minded player who isn't so reliant on taking 3's? Thoughts?

Blogger's note: I think Graham should play the three. And it's too early for a "lateral" move just to shake things up a wee bit.

[Felix]

Curious, can you trade your buy-out? i.e. Can we trade the 4 million we owe Garbo to another a team and use that in the same way as an expiring contract? I'm thinking 95% no, but if it counts against the salary cap, surely we should be able to move it??? So if yes, do you think that 4 million plus the 4 million owed to parker is enough in expiring contract money to get someone interested? Is it possible that another GM pulls a Wallace (wikipedia defines it as trading your best player for his younger brother.. jk) and we could receive an early christmas present in the form of an athletic, rim-attacking swingman? I'm sure the answer to the beginning part is that you can't trade, thus making this hypothetical irrelevant, but just wanted to know. Thanks Doug.

Blogger's note: Garbo's number has no value in any transaction, I've been told by People Who Know.

[Darko Dubajic]

Hi Doug,
9 games ago our PG's were Jose and MeJ. Now we got Willie and Ukic, what did we do to deserve this.
You were going to find out why is it that Rogers is not adding tsn2. Any news on that front.
I complained to both Rogers and tsn, and have yet to hear back from either (over 2 weeks now) let alone anything else.
How professional of both parties.

Blogger's note: As I mentioned from the very first time I ever reported about the TV thing, it's a negotiation about money as much as anything

[Darko Dubajic]

You gave us Damon Jones the other day. I think he is poor mans Jason Kapono, he even manage to get himself out of Cleveland where he could have flourished living of Lebrons doubleteams.
I wish they went after Lindsey Hunter, man can still play some D, and while we are at it I would get Ruben Paterson. I know he is not the model citizen but will mix it up, take it to the hoop and play D.
Now, we know of $ ramifications of adding anybody to the team as it is with luxury tax, but as you said it way back it is not my money so why not.

[Greg S]

Doug, your NYTime link actually redirects to your TORSTAR Webmail. Better fix this fast.........unless you want your entire company email hacked by someone with more free time.

Greg S
Halifax

Blogger's note: Oops. Item deleted, thanks. I have no idea how that happened.

[KrocK]

Two thoughts,

If anyone wonders why GP may have a hate on for Toronto just google Gary Payton + Toronto.

Most memorable T ever is the one handed to Chris Webber in the 93 NCAA title game when he tried to call a time out. Not NBA but still...