A little late but here's all the stuff you need

Sorry, I’m late. Four words in my defence.

Jack Armstrong. Buena Vista.

‘Nuff said.

Anyway …

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So is 3-3 that bad? If they get the Warriors tonight (and that’s a big ‘if’ ‘cause it’s a matchup of styles that doesn’t really suit Toronto) they can go .500 on this trip and if you gave them that two weeks ago, everyone would have signed that scorecard, I think.

But even if they do, it’s a bad 3-3 because of that Oklahoma City thing the night the journey started, isn’t it? This team can’t give away games like they did that one and while beating Golden State would be nice, the sting is still there.

But is 13-18 that bad? The schedule does start to turn (Denver, Houston, Orlando is no picnic right off the bat) but it’s always been the goal to get back to .500 by the end of the month (the all-star break at the worst) and no one’s really running away and hiding in the East after Boston, Cleveland and the Magic.

So it can be said they’re not in bad shape, certainly not good shape but not disaster.

That’s if they beat Golden State, mind you. If they don’t, you can go all angst-filled if you like. And I’m sure you do.

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Is there a trade coming?

Somebody suggested last night that one will get done in the next couple of weeks.

I remember a wise man suggesting back in mid-December that nothing would happen until the New Year and being chastised for it.

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Hey, you know Friday’s game is on TSN2, right? If you want to watch it on TV and you’re a victim of Rogers, better make plans now, there’s no suggestion anything can miraculously be resolved this week.

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STEVE YEATER/REUTERS

Jermaine O'Neal has it working right now.

So, who gets traded?

Can they trade Jermaine O’Neal? Even if they could find someone interested in that contract, I’m not sure they can move the guy because he’s playing so well right now. I have no idea if that lasts (and there’s a school of thought that says his value may never be higher than it is right now) but it’d be awful difficult to suggest they still have expectations for this season if they move him.

Given that I don’t think teams are beating down the doors to acquire Parker, Kapono, Moon or Graham, does that mean Bargnani’s in play.

I don’t think Bryan’s entirely ready to pull the pin on his No. 1 draft pick but I bet he’s listening more closely now when people talk about Bargnani than he has been.

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Here’s what they said around these parts this morning (and it’s not even 8 a.m. where I am) about the Warriors.

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A wee bit of mail and there are lot of questions lurking around that I’ll get to today and that I hope to post overnight somehow.

Q: Hey Doug, quick question, I remember reading an article you wrote late January about the raps thinking of bringing a NBDL team to the greater Toronto region. Was wondering if you had a update with regards to that? Because I really think it can do wonders for this team. When you can send a guy like Jawai down there and let him work on some post moves and defence as well as the ability to monitor his progress closely and control the coaching staff so that you develop what the players need. I know San Antonio and the Lakers have their own franchises, do you think it’s working well for them? Kinda similar to soccer academies or reserve teams.

Nelson S, Toronto

A: Last I heard, the D League franchise idea was still alive, but certainly not on the front burner. I think the difficult financial times would make it hard to start a new team that would, in my opinion, draw flies. That said, I think it’d be a great proving ground for everything from players to coaches to front office staff to back-of-the-house employees and I hope it happens. I just think it’ll be later, rather than sooner.

The people I talk to in LA and San Antonio think the existence of a farm team in their own market (well, just outside it in the case of the Spurs) has been nothing but a good idea.

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A throwback story in honour of being in San Francisco, where the team stays because, well, because it’s not Oakland.

There are always a few autograph seekers hanging out at the hotel when the team leaves for whatever arena they’re going to and they run the gamut of kids just goofing around to the loser dopey grown ups trying to get stuff signed so they can sell it on e-bay.

It’s 2004 and they’re going from downtown San Fran over to the Oakland and this dude comes up to the one and only Robert Archibald (how he knew he was an NBA player is beyond me) and asks him to sign.

Archibald, who had a rather high opinion of himself and his skills, looks at the guy with disdain and says, boarding the bus:

“Catch me at the arena.”

Yeah, like some dude’s going to chase a bus across the Bay Bridge to get an autograph from Robert Freaking Archibald.

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Another question:

Q: Hey Doug, do you think the Olympics hurt the Raps? Bosh in particular looks like he doesn't have the same jump. Calderon too.

Derrick L, Mississauga

A: No, not at all. They weren’t playing a lot of minutes, they weren’t playing every day and the Games ended, what, five weeks before NBA training camp even began? No, I see no residual effect of Beijing in them at all.

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Speaking of Archibald, there were lots of suggestions for other bad centres after I had that question on the weekend. Yes, Alex Radojevic has to be on that list and the former star and congenial hostess of The Norma Wick Hour writes to point out that no list of bad Raptor centres has to include Nate Huffman and she’s right.

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And a final question before I’m off for breakfast.

Q: I noticed in the Spurs game that Tim Duncan is still listed as the power forward in the starting line-up. What determines who is listed at what position? Does the coach submit a line-up card? The reason I ask is that Duncan took the opening tip, covered the opposing team's centre and spent pretty much all his time playing what could be described as "centre".

John H, Ottawa

A: Yes, coaches submit lineup cards before every game with two guards, two forwards and a centre listed. Also, when teams provide their rosters to the league at the start of the year, they specify positions as well, for such things as all-star ballots.

The power forward-centre and shooting guard-small forward debates are really in vogue right now and teams generally break down their rosters into point guards, wings and bigs. Maybe that’s how the public and media should see it, too.

Comments

[Shazzam]

Can we please grow up and stop with the "im right, your wrong" stuff? No on cares if you were right about no trade being made before christmas and you shouldnt be gloating about it, your record is not pretty.

The fans want raptor coverage, thats it! So if you have no concrete evidence of trade or no trade then dont bother talking about it because its really no different than pulling a guy off the street for his opinion, meaningless.

As far as the TSN thing you guys have really dropped the ball on this one, you would think this would be daily headline news so we can put pressure on them and all we get is one line in a hidden blog once a week.

Doug your better than this, bring the goods or dont come to the party.

[City Country]

I also think that the media, especially the Toronto Star (as it is a Toronto area problem) should be giving much more attention to the TSN2/Rogers thing. It seems like media, in terms of really giving it attention, are purposely avoiding the issue so as not to upset the commie moguls ('communications', hehe) and face their retaliation.

As for Doug, he's pretty quick to admit when he is wrong too so I see the mocking stuff as all in good fun.

As for the Raps, I don't know, I could easily see them still sitting at 5-8 games under .500 at the all-star break. They can't beat a decent team, and something that's hard to pinpoint is still deeply/fundamentally wrong with the team. Wish I/anyone knew what that is but...

[Scott]

To Shazzam:

Blaming the Star for the TSN/Rogers dispute is like grasping at straws. Was it the Star's fault that Canada never had HBO until recently? Put the blame on where it belongs, not on some newspaper, who have more important issues to cover then a small dispute between two media corporations.

However, seeing as you are all powerful Doug, would you mind pressuring the government to lower my taxes while you are at it? I feel it is the Stars responsibility.
Thanks.

[Tony]

Hey Shazzam....

1) doug gets hundreds of trade inquiries in the Q/A portion...and he has noted that he does not discuss fake trade possibilities
2) he did note, that although all the trade rumors, this in his opinion after the new year would be a time when a trade occur
3) dropped the ball on TSN 2...if nothing is happening and he asks...and then finds out nothing is happening.... what is there to report...
Have something legit to ask/complain about before you write in...
Doug works hard for us crazy fans...
so go on and but Damien COx with all your Leaves questions

Peace, Doug!

[Penny Dickeson]

Doug, am I being too partisan in my support of the Raptors or do you also see the lack of respect they seem to get from the refs? The Portland game was a good example - the stupid technical given to Triano, the constant quote from Matt and Leo "there was a lot of contact on the play but no call" and the 2 or 3 times Calderon was either forced out of bounds or completely flattened with no calls. This seems to be a trend in most of their games, including their home games where they are supposed to get some calls but never seem to do.

[Uncle Zeke]

Hey Doug did this same self proclaimed "wise man" also peer into his crystal ball to see that Sam Mitchell wouldn't be fired (and then was the next day!) and the Boston Celtics would be "life and death" to make the playoffs last year? Was the crystal ball a little dirty those times?

Ha! I can't believe you've reached so low that you're trying to toot your own horn about some ridiculous predictions about the Raptors being 3-3 on this road trip... I guess if you throw enough up against the wall right... However based on your prediction scorecard I have a feeling that you've just guaranteed a Raptor loss tonight..

Thanks for the master jinx all great and knowing wise man...

Also quick question, can you be included with Bargnani in any trade the Raptors make?

[zaddups]

Hey guys and gals...take it easy today. What's with all the
venom directed at the hardest working reporter in Sports:Doug Smith.
Uncle Zeke...take a chill pill man! Life is not that bad is it?
What did Dougie ever do to you?

Anyways...just wanted to say that I am organizing a 2nd PROTEST/RALLY for this Rogers/TSN2/MLSE fiasco at the Rogers building in Toronto tomorrow, Tueday December 30th from 8AM-5PM(probably till the early afternoon). It is at 333 Bloor Street East at Jarvis.
There is a facebook group as well...if you're on Facebook you can go to:
http://www.facebook.com/editevent.php?success=1&picture=&eid=45385076711#/event.php?eid=45385076711
and join the protest. Tell your friends. I have contacted several media outlets as well so they should be out covering it.
There are over 75 people signed up to attend the rally with over 600 yet to reply. We hope to have between 100-200 people down there for this peaceful protest/rally to get this mess sorted out.
The next game on TSN2 is on January 2nd, 2009 as the Raptors face Yao Ming and the Houston Rockets.
I heard this may not get solved till the end of January '09 so we need to get out and put pressure on Rogers/TSN and MLSE.
It's appalling to me that since the Raptors own their own TV station(Raptors TV) they can't simulcast the games on TSN2 until this mess is sorted out. Guess the parties involved don't CARE ABOUT THE CUSTOMERS/FANS at all. Even a stadium feed with no audio would be better than nothing.

Just a note...It's hard for Doug to be overly critical because he is a part of the media. But he has been updating us periodically on the blog about the situation.
Don't blame him though.

Happy Holidays everyone...and hope to see you Raptor/Basketball fans down at the Protest/Rally tommorrow.
Drew

[mary]

Why do all you losers take your aggression out on Doug? It's not his fault the Raptors are lousy.

I for one appreciate all the tidbits and hints about trades. Keep up the good work Doug.

[David Taylor]

I could see Oakland having interest in Bargnani - he's Nellie's kind of player, could start at PF and play alongside fellow Italian Belinelli. Suspect that there'd have to be a 3rd team involved for Colangelo to get back player(s) that he'd want.

[Boko]

Doug, I don't read all the Raptor blogs daily, but your's I do.

What, nobody would want Soloman? O'Neal will have to either be playing too well to let go during the next 13 or 14 months, or we'd have to trade him as an expiring contract, just to get something in return. My prediction is that Parker and Graham go as expiring contracts and OK players to rent for a few months. However, they won't get us any impact players unless draft picks and money are added.

[rick smits]

Zeke,
Are you trying to be funny? If you don't like what doug is saying, don't even check the blog.
First time commentor doug, I love your stuff - read it everyday. Kepp up the great work.
Rick Smits

[Mike W]

Uncle Zeke

Obviously you share more than just the same opionion with Shazzam. Why dont you two love birds go away and find somewhere else to make fools out of yourselves.

Leave the blog and comments for the people who "understand" and respect what Doug does for us, the real fans.

However, I see little hope for you. Respect and understanding are not traits often displayed by fools.

Keep up the good work Doug. Dont listen to those clowns.

[Andrew Gregg]

Hi Doug:

I know the JO trade rumour is out there, but is it really being considered in the front office? I remember when the deal for Ford happened--JO was welcomed as a part-time regular season player, if need be. It would depend on his health and no one was going to push him in the early going. He was really here to get the Raps deeper into the play-offs. The team is lucky that he's been as healthy as he has been. Plus from all accounts he's been a model citizen. I can't see a trade making sense.

Bargnani, on the other hand, might have passed his expiry date in Toronto. I don't doubt he's got potential, but he may need to move to a new location to see it blossom. The progress just isn't happening here. I don't think there will be a lot of sad faces if he's moved for someone decent, who can help the team now.

Also, if you and Jack ever want to let me throw back a few ales with you, I'll buy. I'll bring a tape recorder.

AG, Toronto

[Binson]

To Uncle Zeke,

Wow, are you being serious? If so, please tell me you're not from the GTA so I won't be so ashamed of being related to you in any sort of way.

And Doug, is it just me or have people forgot about Hafa for worst centre?

[James]

we're 30 games into the season.. and so far the ONLY decent team we've beat is atlanta. does anyone else find this seriously disturbing??

[aditya]

To James, calm down, we are getting our groove back. its going to take a little bit of time, but I am sure we will beat a lot mroe decent teams soon...

hey doug, your previous blog entry, i said that jason kapono`s a poor man`s sasha vujacic....agree or not

Blogger's note: Not much difference in them, actually, outside of the calibre of their teammates.

[T.P.]

theres no denying barneys got great potential. but its now his 3rd year in the league and hes still very inconsistent. i dont see him developing into a very good player. does any good player take this long to develop? I mean without showing consistent signs of improvement?

can you think of any doug?
im think billups?.. but not many other than that.

[Alex L]

Agreed Araujo must be high on the all time worst centers, along with Lauren Woods. Those two got more play than one would ever have imagined...then disappeared from the league what does that tell ya.

[L.C.]

For Bargnani... his inconsistency is never his fault... I mean seriously... look at his journey... he is behind Bosh, played with Bosh, bouncing back and forth with his role. He had given the opportunities, but then door closes several times... Can you adopt so many roles? Also, he never get a coach that can teach or mentor with a teammate... I can see him develop and be a really good player if he gets trade to somewhere he has the chance consistently to learn things or at least a coach that can teach.

For the question of player need this long... how about Big Z? he doesn't be good until the 4th, 5th of his career.

[Kendal]

Wow! I haven't had a chance to check the blog is the last two days and it seems like with the holidays upon us people have some time on their hands! While I appriciate the passion some are showing towards the TSN2/Rogers situation in the grand scheme of things it isn't that big of deal for the masses. We care, but we're die hard fans and asking or blaming a newspaper for not setting aside enough space on it's pages for an issue that really only a small portion of the population cares about it is kind of niave.

Looking toward to tonight's game, hoping I can stay awake to see the whole thing.

[Scout Finch]

Wow... some crank(y) bloggers today! I needn't tell you to take the high road, my basketball sage,
you always do. Nonetheless, I'll pass something along from my father who always told me:

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty... and the pig likes it!

[JR]

Hi Doug,

Having attended the Trail Blazers/Raptors game on Dec 27th, I agree with you about the great fan experience at the Rose Garden.

A big highlight for me was the buffet that was included in the ticket price for 200 level tickets!

Was also impressed with fan engagement evident by the ball pass which made its way from the rafters of the building to centre court.

Finally, it's no wonder that Portland fans are so educated about the game. Upon entring the stadium, each fan was given Game Notes with all the relevant stats about their team and the opposing Raptors.

JR,
Toronto

[Tim W.]

If they do trade O'Neal, I would definitely see that as a white flag for the season, and that would be really too bad. While it took him a while to find his groove, in his last five games (before tonight), he's averaging 20 ppg, 7 boards and 2.4 blocks. It's really nice to see a a Raptors center contribute something other than a warm body and a few fouls. And if O'Neal goes, I dread who is going to step in and replace him. It would be a gutsy move by Colangelo to trade him now, but my biggest fear is that even if O'Neal brings back a good, younger player, the Raptors would be where they have been for so long before this year, without a decent center. It's like when all those teams fire or let a really good coach go (Phil Jackson-Chicago one big example) only to discover that really good coaches don't grow on trees. Really good centers are very hard to come by.

[Gary M. Mugford]

Doug,

Best Warriors' story I can remember (only foggily). Back in the day when The City still graced the uniform, they had a guard named Jim King. Bit of a flake. He and Jeff Mullins and one of the team's big men were jawing around and one of them decided they needed some ice cream. King immediately proclaimed he knew a spot that not only sold the best ice cream in Northern California, it had the most available flavours. Period. No discussion. His fervor convinced his teammates to make the long drive, reportedly in excess of an hour, out into the country-side to visit King's secret treasure. Both companions stepped up and ordered exotic concoctions and agreed with King that he was right in his evaluation of the quality and quantity of the flavours on hand. King, last to order, stepped up and bought himself a couple of scoops of ... vanilla. Only King could add to his legend of being a flake by going plain vanilla.

From King to Run-DMC to Nellie's Gunners. The City by the bay never gets boring.

GM