Of crazy trade talk and taking back some time

So, what do you think? Cheers Wednesday? Or boos? Angst? Indifference? You know what I’m talking about. I’m a bit surprised with haven’t had more comments, questions and the like on the big trade.

But I guess there have been a few other things to worry about, right? Things like …

-

Okay, let me get this straight.

There are more than a few fans out there who think a team that’s four games under .500, after playing the second toughest schedule in the NBA to date, a team with 63 games left in the regular season and a team that’s four games out of fourth place in the conference standings should trade a 24-year-old soon-to-be-four-time all-star power forward because he’s had a couple of so-so games after starting the season as one of the top three or four players in the entire NBA and because he might leave as a free agent in 20 months?

Okay, that’s a run-on sentence but it’s only because I’m simply incredulous that there are people who think moving Chris Bosh now makes any sense at all.

Isn’t the idea supposed to be hanging on to your best players and surround them with other good players and making your team better, not worse?

I’ve read the arguments about Bosh and heard all the comments and all I can say is if Bryan Colangelo has any inclination of trading a 24-year-old soon-to-be four-time all-star with 63 games left in the regular season from a team that’s four games out of fourth place in the conference after firing a coach and losing four straight games because that player’s had a couple of so-so games after starting the season as one of the top three or four players in the entire NBA and because he might leave as a free agent in 20 months, Bryan Colangelo should have his general managership revoked.

Seriously, even exploring Bosh trade scenarios right now is beyond ridiculous in my opinion and while I respect your right to your own there is no way in the world anyone will ever, ever make me think such an idea is anything but preposterous.

Rant over.

-

I offer this only a confirmation of something I thought was terribly out of place at the Portland game on Sunday:

Q: Roxanne? I looked at my buddy and he said "Roxanne?" And then a text message came in from a friend who was in a different section at the game. The message said only this: "Roxanne?" I think I'll have to hit the 4 Korners Sound Krew myspace page today and drop them a line.

Steve M, Toronto

A: As a wise man once said:

Ding! Ding! Ding!

(Check out the third or fourth quarter of the Goods On The Game from Sunday if you’re confused)

-

As fashion statements go, the departure of Sam Mitchell from the NBA coaching ranks and the arrival – again – of Kevin McHale is a trade that ranks right up there with Seattle-Oklahoma City or Vancouver-Memphis.

Sartorial splendour is not something McHale’s known for and my man Steve Aschburner, who knows a thing or two about McHale from covering the Timberwolves for about ever, reminded me about that yesterday.

I remembered a story – after a gentle reminder from Media Relations Maven with a Minny connection -- about McHale’s first day as an interim coach back in ’05 and his clothing.

Here’s Asch’s little item from February ’05:

MINNEAPOLIS -- Before Kevin McHale made his NBA coaching debut Sunday, he pulled something out of a pocket of his gray plaid suit, looked at it, and dropped it on the press table. An intrepid reporter retrieved the item, obviously a game ticket.

But get this: It was a ticket for a Timberwolves game vs. Golden State in Oakland, dated Feb. 15, 1999.

Which means that the suit either had been in the back of McHale's closet for a long, long time, or…

“It must have been a while since I had that one cleaned,” said the Wolves vice president and interim coach said, known for his love of more casual attire. “I was thinking the same thing myself.”

-

I’m sure some of you know the Cavs haven’t lost in 11 games at home this season. Here’s how they’re setting up tonight’s big tilt in the locals.

-

Speaking of The Q, which is the cute local nickname of the arena here although with the way the financial world is shaking down in this country The Bailout might be more appropriate, it’s one of the most ridiculously loud arenas in the league.

And I don’t mean legitimately loud. I mean silly, fabricated, screaming-at-the-top-of-his-lungs-dopey-in-game-host loud.

So, of course, a list.

The Five Most Fake Loud Arenas In The NBA

Dallas

My God, does the PA announcer scream and yell like nobody I can recall. Oh, and the volume on the microphones on the rim is too loud, too.

New Jersey

It’d be way more believable if when the volume’s turned up and the place is at its loudest, if we didn’t look around see NOBODY IN THE STANDS CLAPPING OR YELLING!

Cleveland

Screaming for screaming’s sake. Mind-numbing.

Miami

The PA guy, a very nice fellow I’m told, makes me want to gouge my eyes out with the “Two minutes, DOS MINUTOS” thing but it’s the DJ Something Or Other who makes it oft unbearable.

Detroit

Mason, the PA guy, has grown on me over the years but, still, too loud.

-

Financial question:

Q: Has the Raps ever got over the luxury tax level? And who were the players at that time and how did the Raps do at the end of the season? Just curious.

V C, Markham

A: Well, the tax has only been in existence for a couple of collective bargaining agreements but the Raptors have never paid tax and have never been this close to the threshold, either.

-

If Jay Triano does nothing else this season, he’s given travelling beat grunts a few more hours of their lives to spend as they wish.

Back in the Sam Era – and every other era in franchise history – the team did its media availability on the road after the morning shootaround, usually at noon after an 11-noon walkthrough. We’d hang around from about 11:30, watch the players do such illuminating tricks as take shots from half court and tape icebags to their joints before talking to anyone and getting out the gym, usually, around 12:30 or so.

Well, Jay’s decided that we can get him and the players before the shootaround now, which means that 11, we’re gone and they can go to work and not have to stick around after the hour is up.

It really has no impact on you folks at all but for a guy who likes a nap every now and then, every extra hour counts.

-

One last one from the mail:

Q: Remember when Colangelo almost signed John Salmons? How sweet would it be to have his 20 ppg right now? Instead we got Fred Jones who became Juan Dixon who became Primoz Brezec who became...well nothing really. Do you remember any other almost-signings that have resulted in that particular almost-Raptor tearing up the league?

Nick H-C, Vancouver

A: I don’t recall them ever getting that close with anyone, being spurned and then watching that player put up good numbers a season later on a horrible team.

I guess maybe the closest thing to that ever happening was when they signed Chris Duhon to an offer sheet that Chicago matched. Not that he tore up the league, of course.

-

Comments

[Alex]

Doug adding to the list of odd in-game sounds at the ACC...correct me if I'm wrong but was Sunday the first (and hopefully last) time they've done the "EVERYBODY CLAP YOUR HANDS.. .. .. .. .."? more like 'everybody gouge your eyes' lol.

[Ellie]

People want to trade Bosh?

wtf. Seriously.

[Matt]

Hi Doug,

What is this big trade you speak of in the first paragraph? Is it referring to the crazy trade Chris Bosh talk? Or did something big go down recently?

Blogger's note: It's in response to the e-mails and comments I'm getting about exploring the possibility of make a trade. Nothing "big" is going down.

[DougG]

I haven't seen the trade Bosh discussions but one can understand why they exist. This organization has seen a series of anti-Canadian Americans either leave Toronto, or refuse to come. Wallace is the latest example, Carter, McGrady and Mourning are others. This team is also far away from being a contender and is owned by an organization that refuses to spend what it takes to win. Doug keeps telling us we have no assets to get better. Therefore, trading the few assets we do have, or making sure we get something of value for the next star who leaves town, seems logical, if a tad premature in Bosh's case. That is assuming mediocrity is no longer a viable business model in Toronto.

[John S]

Rashard Lewis was almost signed by the Raptors back in the late 90s.
And when Cuttino Mobley was actually pretty decent (from what I remember reading in Wince Carter's autobiography) the Raps front office was so sure that he would sign that they made him a customized Raptors pool cue as a welcoming present.

On the flip side, I think that the biggest bullet that they ever dodged was the rumour that they were considering trading the 4th pick in the 2003 draft to the Sonics for Vladimir Radmanovic.

[yertu damkule]

ah, more intrepid foresight from doug. i can't think of anything more valuable. of course they aren't going to trade bosh - even if it made the team better, they'd be afraid of losing a bit of the fanbase.

so, i'm curious. doug, you state that they're 4 games under .500, battling for playoff position, there are 63 games remaining, etc. etc. you do, i presume, have access to the schedule. it doesn't get any easier. or the fact that while they're 'only' 3 games under .500, they've only won 5 of their last 16 games. so, looking ahead, and based on how they've played recently...why should anyone have any delusions that they'll simply 'turn it around?' you can't honestly envision them making the playoffs, can you?

if i want to know their record, or where they are in the standings, or any other stat, i have hundreds of options to find that info. but you're a beat reporter covering the team...and this is the garbage you deliver? 'don't panic, they're still alive for the playoffs, they can turn it around?'

let's give 'em the benefit of the doubt, and pretend they're good enough to consistently beat teams that are 'worse' than them, and good enough that they'll split against teams playing at the same level (we know they can't beat truly good teams, although a fluke here or there isn't impossible).

based on current projections, 36-38 wins is about as good as can be hoped for.

[Paul]

Yertu, are you the Grinch?

[Danny Himmel]

Action: Some fans panic and want to trade CB4

Reaction: Lots of run-on sentences by the God of Blog

I bet those same fans would liek to replace Bryan C. with Isaiah Thomas. That way we could trade Bosh for Starbury and Curry.

[Lance Uppercut]

Wow... "yertu damkule", why do you even read Doug's blog if you're just going to rip into him for his (very educated) opinion on the Raps?

Seriously, if you want the Raps to trade Bosh, I have to ask who you think they could get? There isn't another player aside from Lebron that I'd want for Bosh. Who do you think the Raps could get for Bosh that would make this team significantly better?? Do you really think we can get Hamilton, 'Sheed, Prince and AI for Bosh?

[Andrew]

Hi Doug,

When are the Raptors going to stop starting Bargs at the small forward postion and have him coming off the bench again as a back up centre or power forward?

The poor kid must be so confused seeing that he spent all last year and this summer being told that he's going to be a centre and he has to learn how to play in the paint only to be put in as a small forward sitting on the 3 point line?????

Thanks,

Blogger's note: Jay just told us at shootaround there's no plan to make any changes to the starting lineup now.

[Kelsie]

Hey Doug,

I haven't been able to check out the blog the past few days but theres a lot of trade Bosh talk? I mean everyone is certainly entitled to their opinion but you don't trade 24 year old superstars in this league unless they are cancerous to their team or want out desperately which is not Chris Bosh, although late at night when I'm tucked in bed I do worry about re-upping him, lol. Can BC re-up him this summer if Chris wants to get a deal done?

As for Wednesday let me be one the first to address this but regardless of what any Raptor fan thinks of Mr. Ford I am hoping we remain intelligent fans and not boo him.

You may think he was selfish and maybe he took too many shots towards the end of his tenure but TJ played hard in a Raptor uniform and no one was complaining about him until after he came back from his last injury. He started for us in our divisional championship year and although things turned south towards the end of last year, he didn't complain after getting traded and quite honestly I would have felt like him as well (upset) if I lost my job due to injury to a player that I started in front of since the day I got there(Calderon).

Whats done is done and we've got bigger issues in Raptorland. The fans won't boo Nesterovic tomorrow and I honestly believe both players should get the same respect from us tomorrow night. They both played hard, were both significant pieces of our first divisional title so lets thank them for that and move on.

I know the Calderon fans will probably feel fit to boo T.J but you got what you wanted, TJ got traded and you got a player that takes care of the ball far more consistently but with far less creativity offensively especially getting in the lane. I do think TJ is a bit better of a defender as well but the point I'm not making very well right now, is lets show some appreciation for the players that played hard in a raptor uniform whether you liked their performances, personality and demenaour or not.

What kind of "reception" are you anticipating tomorrow night Doug?

Blogger's note: Mixed. With gusts to ambivalent.

[Michael]

Hey Doug, when watching some games on TV I have noticed that sometimes you hear the ball hit the rim first (or swish through the basket) before you actually see it happen? I find this extremely frustrating at times. Can you please explain why this occurs?

Michael

Blogger's note: No, I can't, except maybe there's a split-second delay in the broadcast

[Pascual]

Maybe Doug Smith is right, It's A bit premature for the Trade-Bosh talk...however having lost 5 of 16, having changed the Coach, having a flawed roster not capable of rebounding and playing tough defense and with no talent to trade and no money to spend for this year (and the next), it definitely looks even at this point that this will be a losing season.

And as Doug has said, what do the Raptors have to do to retain Bosh? WIN and WIN. and it looks like that is not going to happen. Not this year, and there is no reason to think they 'll win next year.

Talk about trading Bosh is a bit Premature? YES, ...but given the prospects at this point of having a LOSING season, is it out of the question? NO.

Let's postpone the discussion for say ....15 more games. 11 against teams with winning records, and 8 of those are away.
I think if they do not win 7 of those 15, the season is over and the trade-Bosh talks can get started.

[AA]

Doug,

Do you think Joey will start against Lebron tonight? If Bargs starts at SF, Lebron might challenge Wilt's record tonight.

Also, is Bosh's mini slump lately due to Triano's new system or is he actually acting a little Wince-like? His body language looks terrible and he has been settling for more and more jumpers lately. He barely took it to the basket against Portland.

Blogger's note: Usual starters tonight, we were just told.

[John MacDonald]

Wow, how negative the comments are getting. Not even 20 games into the season and all those raptor fans are bailing. I predict that they do better then last year by a couple of games but miss the mark that they set 2 years ago. I'm thinking 42 or 43 wins. People forget about how the season started out 2 years ago and how it ended. I'm still optimistic that this team can win more then they lose.

[Alex]

Yertu - consider how utterly horribly they've played recently, including for most of Sunday's game, yet they're still hovering near .500. If Triano can get them to buy into two proven systems - 1. defensively taking away the middle of the court, like 29 other teams do, as BC says, and 2. offensively running more and doing fewer half-court sets - they'll only improve from where they are today.

Oh, and Joey Graham for MVP.

[Andrew]

Damkule,

What's your problem? I don't know how you have time to read Doug's blog, if you think he's that bad, let alone have time to write an extended complaint to the guy. Life's too short.

Me, I like to read things I enjoy, and comment thoughtfully when appropriate. I think most of us here do. Don't be such a d-bag. Read someone's blog who you enjoy, or create one of your own.

Based on current projections - 36-38 wins is not accurate. If you've watched all the games, you surely know that a couple bad bounces and late-game mental errors (by coaches and players) caused them several games they should have won. I'm talking Boston, Orlando, NJ and Portland. If they win 3 of 4 of those (as they should have), they are sitting at 11-8 with the toughest part of their schedule almost done. This is still a 44+ win team here, and I expect them to win a couple "shoulda lost" games along the way to even the score a bit.

Lots of games to be played.

[Ronald Polka]

Hey Doug, could you give us an update on TSN2? When will Rogers subscribers get access to it? I believe Raptors games on TSN2 is coming up really soon.

Blogger's note: I can't right now, no. I've sorta been dealing with some other news. I'll get to it in the next day or so

[Darko Dubajic]

Doug, I have two favours to ask. You need to dumb down your language for us Immigrants with ESL. Re. yesterday your description of Bosh -discombul.... whatever. I feel like you are sending me to school again, I know you are NBA writer and Stay In School and all that.
Anyway, CB's D was never his strong point, It is just that nobody was mentioning it untill recently. But these days is hitting it's all time low. Variety of people that are scoring easy on Chris is worrysome. He should probably spend his next summer with D specialist something like Andrea did this past summer ( and he improved his D a lot).Jose should join him as well.
Only way I trade Chris is next summer if he gives hint to Brian that he will not resign in 2010.
Second, the way we are playing these days please tell me we will another game.

[SY]

If the Lakers can pull a Pau Gasol for Kwame Brown....why can't we pull a Kapono & Humphries (+ possibly a draft pick) for Gerald Wallace? It's not like the Bobcats are going anywhere...

Doug, other than a trade, is there anyway we can down size O'neal's contract a bit? It is really hurting us...imagine if we have another 10 million to play around w/.

-SY

Blogger's note: No, the contract is the contract, nothing can be done.

[Marc M]

For those fans interested in trading Bosh, you would do well to look at past franchises with similar problems: Minnesota/Garnett and Memphis/Gasol and Toronto/VC. [http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AqMTP.dtE.zhKF5hr2Qpj828vLYF?slug=aw-mchale120808&prov=yhoo&type=lgns]

No team in their right mind would give us talent remotely comparable to what we have and, at best, would offer up nothing more than "potential". Would you be willing to trade based on that possibility? We are clearly NOT in a position of power in terms of trades scenarios.

[elwyn jennings]

yertu, yer a dick.

[Roll With Tha Clan from Chi's northside]

doug, did you see randolph horse collar dwight to the ground lastnight receiving a flagrant. and then brian cook retaliating throwing an unnecessary shove while baron was mid air trying to grab the rebound. baron fell really hard but got up and wanted to kick cook's ass.

when i saw this lastnight, i was like "no way would the raps step up and defend chris bosh if he was thrown to the floor like dwight was"

my point is, raps gotta get tougher, gotta get some swag and they'll be alright....

[NS]

I noticed that arenas around the league (both NBA and NHL) have been playing classic rock songs, "Roxanne" being one of them. I think the main explanation of this phenomenom is that those classic rock songs were either in popular video games "Guitar Hero" or "Rockband".

As inappropriate as some of them are for the atmosphere, I find it gratifying that I can recognise a song I played on Wii.

[sean]

Again, Toronto fans are known to over-react on most recent events. Team sports is all about sharing, trusting, respecting your teammates. These guys on the Raptors are professional ball player, they could shoot, rebound, and even D (yes, even D). It's true that they need some tuning on D, but remember, as any dimensions, D is all about team. I'm confident Triano is quite aware of this and he is working on it with the players.

Chris Bosh is a strong basketball player, unselfish and down to earth-leader. From watching him play, he's all about heart. I wouldn't rank his skills with the Lebron and Kobe, but I would rank his heart with the Garnett and Jordan. I would never remotely think about trading a guy with heart.

As for Bargnani, could fans just give him a break? He's improved this year on defence, rebounding, and block shots (near 2 per). He has a mean-streak too when he plays down the post with that baby jumper backing up his guy. He, could be the key, to keeping Bosh in a Raptor Jersey down the road.

Jose, he's great again. Fans rip him for his D, but again, D is all about team. Jose does stand his grounds against the likes of Deron William (but once he's beaten off the dribble, someone got to help, e.g. Moon and the wings). Jose and Bosh are fine players, fans should not worry about them.

One thing that Triano needs to address is defining roles. All the top teams have players' role well defined. This is one of the most truely understated factor in professional sports. E.g. San Antonio, Lakers, Celtics, etc. I'm not talking about "role players", but responsibilities as a whole, and maximizing each player's utilities. Kapono: Shooter, must get open and shoot; Moon: Athletic, must play with intensity on D and know his limitation on offence; Bosh: leader, role model for club, crunch time give him the ball; Jose: Floor general, direct offence and inject confidence into his players.

Doug, your thoughts?