Is this rock bottom?

Isn’t this a fine pickle they find themselves in?

Losers of eight of 10, season-worst five games under .500, Chris Bosh can’t make a shot, some guys show some nights and a disappear many others and the local supporters are as disgruntled as they’ve been in years.

And a Merry Christmas to all.

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Action: This is ugly

MARK BLINCH/REUTERS

Raptors get their turn to fly away, on a nice long road trip after this one.

Reaction: What to do?

The immediate reaction is to do everything. Make trades, bench guys, fire the coach (oops, already tried that one!), do something.

But maybe this is rock bottom, maybe it’s time to stay the course, hope they’ve bottomed out and, with the schedule turning, hope for better.

I know there was a sense of embarrassment around the locker room and the coaches office after the game. You can only hope it was legitimate and not something for the cameras and microphones.

Had a scout say to me last night “these guys shouldn’t be this bad” to which the initial reaction is, “you’re right, but they are.”

Yes, there are flaws, as we’ve been talking about since October but you look down the roster and this team shouldn’t lose eight of 10 and it shouldn’t be free-falling through the conference standings.

But a wise football guy, or I’m at least told he wise, once said something to the effect that you are what your record says you are and these dudes are 10-15 and in danger of having the season go in the toilet before the calendar year turns.

Now we’ll find out what they’re made of, mentally and physically. They know where they are, they know what they have to do. It’s time to show some heart, if they have it, and win some games.

It’ll be quite interesting to see how they react.

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A mail thing:

Q: Hi Doug, I was wondering if you thought switching Bargnani to SF has screwed him up mentally because, in my opinion, he is hanging around the three point line again.

Patrick W, Toronto

A: Oh yeah, I’m sure being jerked around from starter to backup, centre to small forward is messing with his head a little bit. But the dude has to try a bit harder. I know he can shoot, we’ve seen it. But he looks like he’s playing scared or something and he’s just got to grow some, um, cajones cojones, suck it up and go harder.

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Action: The booing.

Reaction: A good thing?

Probably not. It did start with the game very much in the balance and really is not the way for fans to get the team going, but sort of understandable.

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Can I just say this: Antoine Walker?

Are you people on crack? Shot-happy, no-defending, old big man? Come on. Be serious.

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Action: Nate can play.

Reaction: Eventually.

Excellent news on Jawai, wasn’t it? He’s a really nice kid and deserves a shot to see if he can play.

But anyone thinking he’s going to do anything soon should just chill a bit. He hasn’t had a single practice since the beginning of October, he hasn’t done a lick of physical work since then, either. To think it’ll be anything less than months before he’s ready to go is a stretch. He is, after all, a young kid who’s played 30 games in Australia, let’s hold off on the “how can he help and when” talk.

Oh, and all of you who were ripping the Raptors for drafting him and wondering about cap relief and especially those who told me repeatedly that his career was over should apologize to someone. Sometimes health issues take a while to get sorted out, as we pointed out repeatedly since camp began. Part of the “testing” was resting and that’s what he did.

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You want trades? We’ve got trades. These all came in the same e-mail from someone with too much idle time. Seriously, this is the kind of stuff that makes me hope the Internet eventually goes away.

But it would make for the greatest day of Bryan Colangelo’s life:

Wake up, pour coffee, make first call:

Toronto sends: Chris Bosh to Chicago

Chicago sends: Derrick Rose, Andres Nocioni, Joakim Noah, 1st round draft pick Why?: You think Chicago doesn't regret doing the Gasol trade now that their stuck with Deng for 50 years? They finally get a real star out of all their assets. Sit back and relax.

Order lunch, pick up the phone:

Toronto sends: Calderon, H. Adams, J. Graham, W. Solomon to Washington

Washington sends: Caron Butler Why?: Probably the least likely to happen, but they're in last place and they get a top-tier PG with a reasonable contract who gives them more flexibility with Arenas.

Go for some fresh air. Come back to office, make a call:

Toronto sends: Anthony Parker, Jason Kapono to LA Clippers

LAC sends: Marcus Camby

Why?: They already have Kaman and Randolph, Camby is the oldest of the three. Might as well get some immediate cap relief and the best 3-point shooter in the league for him. And because Dunleavy will do anything.

Eat dinner. Feel unsatisfied. Get on the horn again:

Toronto sends: Jermaine O'Neal to New Jersey

NJ sends: Vince Carter and Keyon Dooling

Why?: If they're serious about this Lebron in 2010 thing, don't they have to be able to sign someone else PLUS LeBron to sell the possibility of multiple championships? And how do you attract LeBron with VC sitting in his role? And if they lose the LeBron sweepstakes, why keep VC around and pay him when you can turn his max contract into 20 million in cap space after 2010? So, what do you have:

I know this is crazy, but you end up with the following Toronto depth chart:

PG: Derrick Rose, Roko Ukic (some Dooling in case of emergency)

SG: Vince Carter, Keyon Dooling (Jamario Moon in case of emergency)

SF: Caron Butler, Andres Nocioni, Jamario Moon

PF: Andrea Bargnani, Kris Humphries

C: Marcus Camby, Jake Voshkul

Who would want to play against that team in the playoffs? They can score, rebound, defend and have some depth too. It also all works under the salary cap according to ESPN's trade machine. And, I think there's a reasonable chance that these trades appeal to all teams involved. Make Eddie Jordan coach and off you go...

A: Wherever you are, I suggest you seek professional help. And if I get many more like this, I will, too.

Be a heckuva news conference, though.

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Here’s what they said in Dallas this morning.

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Action: Jose Barea

Reaction: Dennis Rodman redux

Standing in the hallway before the game, waiting with the Dallas grunts to say hi to Rick Carlisle, I casually mention they might want to check the record books to see what the career high in rebounding is for Billy Barty, um, I mean J. J. Barea.

They chuckle.

Sitting in a social setting after with the same grunts, they mention that the, um, diminutive Barea set a season high with six boards.

I chuckle.

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This is just one of a few I got with the same theme:

Q: How bad are the Raps? So bad that I have done a 180 and am now writing letters to Rogers begging them to NOT pick up TSN2.

Shawn Q, Ottawa

A: As they say, Ding! Ding! Ding!

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Comments

[Matty-Pix]

"He’s just got to grow some, um, testicles, suck it up and go harder."
hahaha, this sounds like familiar chatter while sitting around the television set. EXCEPT the sentence starts as: "every Raptor except Jermaine O'Neal has just got to..." Very impressed with JO taking charges, and competing.

[Jason]

Hey Doug,
I'm not saying that this team neccesarily compares at all to two years ago, but look at their records after 25 games. That's right - the 47 win 2006/2007 squad was 10-15 after the first 25. And while they definitely were in more games that year, they did have some stinkers (like the 16 point loss to Sacramento, who finished with 33 wins). Little was done at that time to adjust the roster (primarily because so much had been done in the offseason). Whether or not this group can gel and get going like that one did remains to be seen.

[Kevin D]

Schnazzy camera tricks in your video from last night. Way to try something new.

[WSG]

I seriously wonder what they’re feeding these guys, for real? Andrea looks like he’s getting puffy again, like maybe, he’s eating mama’s linguine alfredo way too much (has anybody sent her home yet?) and (I’m sure it sounds nutty to you, Doug), but this guy should NOT be eating dairy the way I bet he does. (I can see it.) And I bet he’s not doing his weight-room work, either these days, which would also be a shame. I asked once before, but it wasn’t posted, so I’ll ask again (here in the comments), do they have a nutrition person on staff? If so, time to make a serious change … and I’m not even kidding. It’s not natural for young professional millionaire-athletes to not be able to keep up a semblance of energy past the first quarter or so. Something basic is very wrong, here.

Blogger's note: Yes, there are nutrition consultants and chefs available to them through the organization

[Claudio DiG.]

Dear Doug, the word right now is: discouraging! The more people feel for this team, the more is that! You know, at the end of the day all these guys go and pick up their (rich) salary, the fans just pick up nothing. The first reaction is turning to something else (soccer, football, stamps, whatever) the second, thinking back at all this and get furious. Then, you dream of kicking Bargs ass, the most irritating of them, but it's not enough, yet! The second? Someone said today (on Danny Granger) "He knows that to truly be a leader, he needs to make the plays late in games". What about Bosh? He doesn't do that even at the beginnings, now! What's up: an epidemic, a damnation? And the Pacers & Bobcats are upon us! Please, wake me up!

[Alex]

The boos aren't helpful. This team knows they're stinking out the joint, and are way more frustrated than the fans. Support your team through thick and thin people - don't be fair-weather fans.

Bosh burned himself out early in the season, simple as that. Physically - you can thank Sam and the 43 minutes/game for that - and mentally, since no one else was playing at that time and his efforts were largely wasted. He's got to refocus.

It's up to CB, ONeal and Jose to get this thing turned around. Bargs, Jason, Moon - these guys are support players. The big 3 have to get it going.

[Andrew]

Is this team actually worse than they were last year? That makes no sense. Rasho, TJ and Delfino can not make this big a difference. Especially when you consider JO is actually pretty good (love the charges he keeps taking!).

I thought that TJ was a cancer last year? Who is the cancer this year? The fans? Booing Bosh's team has to be the dumbest move ever, considering that we still have a chance to re-sign him in 2010. Cheering would be good. Something to cheer for would be better.

Doug: Correct me if I'm wrong, but there's one BIG bright side to this sad stretch: The emerging play of Roko (and even Joey). Man, Roko is showing some serious flashes. Any idea what they are doing in practice to improve his shooting? His three point play at the end of the first was my personal highlight of the game. Hey, I'm trying to stay positive.

[Joe T.]

Thanks for the news about Nathan Jawai, Doug. That's fantastic for him and maybe good for the Raptors. Any truth to the rumour that his "heart abnormality" was really just the fact that he has a heart at all? I believe that qualifies as a "medical anomaly" in Raptorland...

[Amanda]

Not sure why I drove a half hour to my parent's house just to watch the game on their satellite dish when I knew what the outcome would be. These sure are tough times in Raptor Land but you have to at least believe they can do better or in my opinion you're not a true fan. I was rather disgusted at the boos in the 4th quarter. I understand where people are coming from but when your team is stuck 5 with 6 minutes or so to go in the 4th you have to rally behind them rather than kicking them when they're down. I will never understand booing your team on their home court, no matter how badly they lose. I have never booed them, (not even during the 16-66 season), and never will.

[Brian]

Hi Doug,

Bear with me on this one, as Shawn Q from Ottawa has inspired me to send the following note to Nancy Cottenden, Director of Corporate Communications, at Rogers, who Kendal in an earlier post gave her e-mail address out, (Nancy.Cottenden@rci.rogers.com)upon which he got a form letter response of mumble jumble.

I did not even get a response, and you can see below the sequence of e-mails I have sent out regarding Rogers not carrying TSN2. Btw, Doug, you have been a polar opposite with Bill Houston, claiming that no deal is close, and I wonder in the end who is going to eat the humble pie?

Hi Nancy,

With my initial request falling on deaf ears, I just wanted to pass another note to say, firstly, thanks for your response, or lack thereof, and secondly, that at this point I am so disenchanted with the Raptors current play and long term prospects, that you are actually doing me a favour by taking all those games on TSN2 away from me. I may actually have a life now, meaning talk to my wife, play with the kids, take the trash out, you know what I mean.

So thanks but no thanks. As far as I am concerned, whether you have TSN2 or not in your lineup, I really could not care less. I know this is a 180, and even if you end up getting it and decide to charge extra for it, I will pass anyways. This is the extent of my frustration with the Raptors franchise, and how they are a bunch of weak kneed players with no heart, and worse of all, no thick skin at all to tolerate a few boos, which were well deserved. If Bosh, our supposed self proclaimed MVP candidate, acts like a 5 year old, then so can I.

Regards,
Brian Gerstein

Dear Nancy,

Longtime Rogers Subscriber here.

I'm writing to express my sincere disappointment and frustration that I am currently prevented from watching 25 games of the Raptors on TV because of the sluggish negotiations between TSN2 and Rogers.

This is hardly the kind of treatment I expect or deserve for all my years as a dedicated fan/customer.

I know I speak for all my friends too (and their friends, and theirs, et al). This is the kind of mismanagement that really leaves a sour taste and could turn into boycotts or general apathy toward the Toronto Raptors, Rogers, TSN, and MLSE. Nobody wins here, especially the fans (ie. your customers).

Here's to the immediate rectification of this unfortunate situation. See below as Bill Houston has convinced me to hang in there a little while longer, but my patience is waning!!

Best Regards,

Brian Gerstein

Brian. Rogers is close to reaching a deal to carry TSN2. Bill Houston

Hi William,

I love your columns, keep up the great work. I have called into Rogers countless times to complain about them using the Raptors hard core fan base as pawns in their negotiations with TSN2. I have already got a quote from Bell to switch, but would rather not, as it will cost me a lot to switch. I will do it though if no resolution is forthcoming.

[Wilber]

Doug,
Picking up on the recent discussion, let's talk testicles. I want MLSE to grow a pair.

I'm the fan MLSE wants. I've flown a Raptors flag out front for the past two (all too brief) playoffs. My 3 year old is getting a Chris Bosh jersey for Xmas (He doesn't read your blog yet, but if you run into him, don't tell). I've shared season tickets for 9 years. I bleed purple, or red or white or black or whatever colour this team tells me I should today. I will always like Alvin, Garbo and Mo. I will always dislike Alonzo, Kenny Anderson and He who shall not be named.

All I ask in return? To be able to watch my hometown team in my hometown living room. Instead, I'm forced to wander around the dark corners of the internet so I can watch choppy footage of my team in a 3" window.

I've done my part and sent weekly emails to Rogers customer service demanding they resolve this impasse, but now I am shifting my focus to MLSE.

To Richard Peddie, Tom Anselmi, et al: If you signed a contract with TSN without guarantees that your product will not be broadcast in your team's primary market, then you are idiots. You seem nice and tight with Rogers so that their brand is plastered all over the ACC, yet can't insist that they resolve this situation? You've demonstrated plainly that you respect the contracts signed with TSN & Rogers more than the contract you have with fans like me.

Rogers & TSN can't work it out? Fine. Step up and show your fans something and put the game on your OWN channel or stream it on your website.

On the court, the Raptors needs to grow a pair and get things done. MLSE needs to do the same.

[Ryan]

Having not seen the game, only heard (thanks Rogers and Bell!), generally I find Raptor fans know when to boo, and it's usually from a lack of effort on the defensive end. If you don't want Raptor fans to boo, then play harder. If that's asking too much then maybe we need players that don't think it's too much to ask.

We're all frustrated with this team's performance so far, mostly because they seem like they're good enough to win, but they don't. And their largest problem, rebounding, isn't going to be fixed easily this season (unless Jawai's a beast).

[Nicholas C]

What's up with the boos? Did Isiah make an appearance?

[Eddy]

When does any of this fall on Bryans lap? I know that he can't physically go and get rebounds, but in the offseason we needed either help at the 5, or at the 2/3 spots. He gambled with a center, and the team is still last in rebounding.

[Tree]

Doug - it's a question I've put to you before (as have many others): at what point can we label Bargnani a bust as a #1 overall pick? I say the time has come and gone, and thinking otherwise is denial. I'm not saying he's a bust as a player - he has the skills and has his moments - but I am saying he's a bust as a #1 overall pick. He would have made a nice pick in the #10-15 slot.

For comparisons sake, I compared his numbers with those of the biggest #1 bust in some time, Kwame Brown, over the first 3 years of their respective careers. Here's the sad truth:

PPG: Bargnani - 10.7 (with his average regressing every year he's played); Brown - 7.8
RPG: Brown - 5.5; Bargnani - 3.9
FG%: Brown - 45.1%; Bargnani - 40.5%
MIN: Bargnani - 24:48; Brown - 22:12

The numbers speak for themselves. Add to that the fact that MJ destroyed Brown's confidence with some very public, very nasty insults, while Bargnani is coddled and defended publicly at all times. Bargnani would make a nice bench player, but is that what should be expected of a #1 overall pick? I think he's been given enough time to be labeled a Kwame-esque bust. We were told we were getting a Nowitzki, instead we've been give a Kwame! It reminds me of Christmas 17 years ago when I asked for a Nintendo and got a Sega!

[Kendal]

Wow! Seems like I missed one HELL of a game last night. I've spent the morning reading about last nights game and it seems like all is not well in Raptor Land. I read the Bosh quote "If I wanted to get booed, I'd go on the road..." I understand that it's not entirely gracious of the fans to boo Bosh and the team, but come on - that game (and the three previous games) were theirs to lose. And I'm sorry, but Bosh needs to take on some responsibility. When he was playing like an all-star, it was all praises to Bosh. Now the team is losing and he's not contributing like he's expected to, he's going to hear it from the fans.

I'm sure it's hard for him to understand the passion that we have for his team, as an athlete of his caliber it's probably difficult for him to remember the days when he was a die hard fan of a sports team and wanted to see them do well. Especially when they have SO much more potential than what they are showing right now.

I truly hope that he will grow up a little through this experience and get back to leading this team to some wins.

GO RAPS GO!

[Manny]

Wait a minute - I thought coaching was the problem? All the teams woes were supposed to go away with the firing of Mitchell. None of this makes any sense! Ok, enough of the sarcasm...Question for all you 'fire Sam Mitchell' folks out there - what seems to be the problem with the team now?? I'll tell you what - and it's not a coaching issue - it's a talent issue (or lack thereof). You can see it - the guys are out there trying, but they just can't get it done. And booing is not going to help the matter. If you guys call yourselves Raptor fans, then support the team and try a little encouragement when things aren't going smoothly.

[imloulo]

Doug, I'm a regular reader, a season ticket holder and huge basketball fan. I usually leave the commenting to my wife, you'll know her as Kendal. But I was a bit irked with Bosh's reaction last night to the booing.

I'm a huge CB4 fan and love his game when he's on. I can understand him being upset that fans booed on his home court. If he wasn't upset, I would think there is no competive drive or professional pride. But being upset and calling fans out are 2 different things. When the team is not competitive and fans are shelling out $100's to watch the team play, fans have a right to boo. Just like when the team is playing well, we make the ACC one of the loudest buildings in the league.

So yeah, when you are sucking it, this is the only recourse we have as fans...actually we can just stop watching and buying tickets but I can't see myself doing that. They are paid millions to play ball, and there's nothing wrong with that. But the booes are part of the territory.

Toronto fans can be stupid, extreme, ignorant, sarcastic, smart, savvy and volatile, but most of all, Toronto basketball fans are passionate about their team. We care. CB4 should be thankful for that.

Louis

[sams fan]

look man u told me to stop the name calling, i did. Then these fans go and prove me right again. Why are you booing ur own team. Were an average nba team, so its not as surprising, but they can definately play better. Toronto fans r idiots and they proved it again last night by booing their star player. Not to mention the crazy trade senerios, give up our garbage to get something good in return. I dont care if this doesnt get posted because i know u read it and thats wat i wanted. I said it before il say it again, these idiots need to stop.

P.S if we keep losing, i heard brandon jennings ricky rubio are in the draft next year, oh also some swingman courtney mcguire and hes from buffalo, im sure wouldnt mind playing here in toronto.

Blogger's note: Reading Comprehension 101. Those were trade ideas sent by a reader and put out so that people could see the nonsense I have to deal with

[Paul]

People, these are professional athletes, not high school kids, they can handle the booing and paying customers are more than entitled to voice their displeasure. That said, if the timing of the booing is as Doug said, that was dumb. I'm

[Bob]

Bosh really needs to back off of the fans.

He should be happy they booed them, they have high expectations. Would he rather play in a city where losing is OK?

Never a good idea to call out the fans, especially in Toronto right now where the Raptors get out a pretty big crowd despite the insanely high ticket prices for a sub-par team.

Maybe he is just trying to set the stage for the fans to come to terms with him leaving? I really don't get blaming the fans for a lack of support.

[Harry Palmer]

I congradulate you on calling out Bargnani for lacking any basketball skill at all.

I would like to have you when you are going grow some cajones and start calling out BC for his many failures and Bosh for playing like a 7 foot women.

Blogger's note: I didn't call him out for lacking any basketball skill and you should stop denigrating women. It's classless

[Philippe A.]

Wooow it's very frustrating watching the Raptors play in the second half of games. It's like they play with no energy. I don't know what's going on with Bosh but his jumper is simply not falling. They absolutely need to win Friday's game. If they don't, it will be the point in the season where they hit rock bottom.

Another thing i've noticed with the Raptors offense is that they're not swinging the ball around like they used to. I remember 2 years ago and even a bit last year, they used to give the ball to Bosh on the block and the double team would come. Bosh would then quickly dish it off to the open man in the perimeter and the ball would swing all the way to the weak side where there was a wide open man for a shot. I guess when we had an unselfish guy like Garbajosa, it facilitated simple things like that.

[Roll With Tha Clan back in Scarborough]

what the hell mannnnnn....

Did JJ Barea play lastnight or did he get a DNPCD?

[Andre]

Raptors now 10-15

Fri 19 @ Oklahoma City - Win
Sat 20 @ San Antonio - Loxe
Mon 22 @ LA Clippers - Lose
Fri 26 @ Sacramento - Win
Sat 27 @ Portland - Lose
Mon 29 @ Golden State - Lose
Wed 31 vs Denver - Lose
January
Fri 02 vs Houston - Lose
Sun 04 vs Orlando - Lose
Mon 05 @ Milwaukee - Win
Wed 07 @ Washington – Win
Fri 09 vs Memphis - Win
Sun 11 vs Boston - Lose
Mon 12 @ Boston - Lose
Wed 14 vs Chicago - Win
Fri 16 @ Indiana – Win

My Prediction Raptors Half Way Mark: 17 – 24
To be honest. Not really sure about the Chicago game, or the Memphis game or een Sacramento. Thoughts?
(and the that thing you wrote about the trades... that guy is smoking something, or hes been playing with that stupid espn thing too much. I dont think NBA LIVE Franchise settings would do any of those trades. LOL)

Blogger's note: Haven't really looked at the schedule closely to see who's on a back-to-back, or in the middle of a long road trip, who knows who might get hurt or be playing poorly. So, if I had to make a complete guess, I'd think 17-24 is a little low.