The Goods On The Game, Vol. 24, the pre-game stuff

I hope there are a few of you around here tonight and not every one in Toronto is out at some local establishment that isn't serviced by the Evil Rogers Empire.

ERE, of course, is in cahoots with TSN and Maple Leaf Sports in denying fans in the home market a chance to see this game while they fight over -- what else? -- money. It bites. Huge.

But on to the news of the moment. The Jake Voskuhl Era begins tonight, he's in uniform (wearing No. 77) while Hassan Adams gets the night on the inactive list.

Oh, and Jason Kapono remains as the starting small forward.

Okay, off to the seats. Talk to you during the first quarter.

You Know Who is coming to play

THE CANADIAN PRESS

Is it really just another game when he comes to town?

You know what that was Sunday? Just one of those games. Nothing special really happened, no one was great, no one was crappy, it really came down to the simplest of things:

“They just made more shats than we did.”

And somewhere, I bet Sam was smiling.

But there were some moments of interest, weren’t there?

-

Action: Jake’s here

Reaction: Nothing else imminent

The Voskuhl signing, as we’ve mentioned a few times, is not precursor to any other significant move, I’m hearing around the team.

Yes, Bryan is having all kinds of discussions about trades with all kinds of other general managers but even the stuff that’s on the front burner isn’t really cooking at the moment.

It’s the usual suspects – maybe deal Joey, AP’s expiring contract is a selling point, Kapono’s emerging play of late may make him attractive – but no one’s bowled the GM over with an offer that makes sense.

So I’m afraid anyone expecting something big to go down on the heels of the signing is going to be disappointed.

-

We all know the TV problem tonight, right? TSN2 game, no Rogers customer can see it and it sucks.

I guess the pressure of this deadline, and the games Wednesday and Friday wasn’t enough to spur anyone to action, further proof to me that neither Rogers, nor TSN, nor Maple Leaf Sports really gives a rat’s patoot about the people sitting at home.

If they did – any of them – they’d have this resolved by now.

But, you know, to the deep corporate thinkers over there it’s apparently not the end of the world if you miss three more games.

Trouble is, I’m not sure what your recourse is. Switch from Rogers? Bombard TSN with e-mails? Sent nasty notes to the Raptors and vow not buy any merchandise? Yeah, now that I think of it, those three things work.

-

Action: He Who Shall …

Reaction: Big game coming?

You think VC has it in him to really stick it to Toronto after his 0-13 night the other night in Jersey? I wonder.

What I do know is this: When we go to shootaround this morning and someone asks him about it, the conversation likely goes like this:

Inquisitive media type: “Vince, feeling any pressure to have a big night after Friday?”

Aggrieved basketballer: “No, it’s just another game.”

IMT: “Don’t you feel anything special?”

AB: “A game’s a game.”

IMT: “But you were 0-for-13.”

AB: “Just another game.”

IMT: “Arrrrrghhhhh!!!"

-

In case you were wondering, outside of the abbreviated lockout-shortened 1999 season, the Sunday-Monday home back-to-back is just the third in history and first since December, 1997.

-

Action: Make a stop

Reaction: Don’t get ball

This sort of figures, doesn’t it?

With 56 seconds left and down six, Jay puts in Moon and Graham for Calderon and Kapono in one of the offence-defence substitutions the coach makes with regularity.

He doesn’t want them to foul, he’s got a timeout left and if they get a stop, he can use it and extend the game.

Moon’s guarding Chris Paul and does an okay job, although the much-quicker Paul gets in the paint, tosses up an odd looking shot and it looks like Toronto’s got the stop it needs.

Of course, they blow the rebounding assignment, David West grabs the ball and it’s game over.

-

First dip in the mailbag:

Q: I was at the Hornets game and noticed that Jay has a peculiar style during his timeouts - he and the coaching staff huddle around the foul line extended away from the players and then, post-caucus, walk over to the bench and share the play. I can't think of another NBA coach that does this. A couple questions:

1. Why the need for the coaching huddle? Couldn't the coaching staff include the team in the conversation?

2. Do the players like this format?

Rashay J, Toronto

A: That’s pretty much standard timeout behaviour for every team in the league, it’s certainly not something new here in Toronto.

It gives the coaches time to figure out what they want to do, it also gives them time to calm down in they’re particularly miffed with one guy and it also gives the players a chance to settle themselves, too.

Of course, it’s different for 20-second timeouts when no one actually sits but for full time outs, what you’ve seen is standard operating procedure around the league.

-

Speaking of You Know Who, he’s all the buzz in this item from The Other Dave down in Newark.

-

Action: Mo Pete’s DNP-CD

Reaction: Tough times for him

Favourite Son Peterson told me before the game he’s been fighting some knee problems and just winding back into shape so there we were wondering just how much he’d play.

But not at all? No one saw that coming.

He’s lost his starting spot to Rasual Butler and if James Posey’s going nuts from beyond the arc, there isn’t going to be much time for Mo.

-

Speaking of Mo and minutes, hands up everyone who thought Sean Marks would play 11 1-2 minutes and Peterson none?

Don’t imagine that’s happened too often.

-

Action: AP’s healthy

Reaction: Does he start again?

This has got to be a bit of a tough one, no? Parker was so-so coming off the bench against New Orleans, Kapono had a rough night shooting. Do you stick with JK as the starter? Or go back to the old way?

Tough call, isn’t it? I’d stay with Kapono, probably, for another game or two and see how it works.

-

Speaking, again, of Mo, check out this yarn by cousin Jimmy.

-

If you’re Jay and Bryan, what do you do with the roster tonight? You’ve got 12 guys dressed and Voskuhl’s in town. Do you activate him right away and sit down Hassan Adams?

That’s what I’d do but I’m not the coach.

-

You know how I know yesterday was a blah game? No one wrote to say this guy should get fired or that guy should get benched or Bryan should trade ‘em all for a bag of balls and Corey Maggette the no-defence, shot-happy, salary cap-killer that Golden State’s shopping around.

Was nice for a change.  

The Goods On The Game, Vol. 23, here are the Hornets

You still here?
I am, in a star-studded arena it seems. Look over there are midcourt and it's Adam Van Kouverden, Kristy Yamaguchi and Johann Olav Koss. It's Right To Play day and they're the three folks in in the bright yellow jackets that say Right To Play on them. You know, in case you miss them.
-
No, you don't see Tyson Chandler and you won't. He's got back spasms and the day off.
-
Hilton Armstrong and David West are not going to be able to handle Bosh and O'Neal, I don' t imagine. West may score a lot but he's not a stopper.
-
It's 801 games and counting with a three-pointer after Moon drills one, followed closely by Calderon in the first four minutes.
-
There was just a heckuva collision, Bosh tripped Rasual Butler, Butler went down, Bosh fell over Butler nad it was like basketball bowling pins.
-
The "Everybody Clap Your Hands" plague is upon us. I beseech you, please, no.
-
Chad The Crack Stats fella from the back room tells us this is the first time since Anthony Parker became a Raptor that he didn't start a game for which he was dressed. History in the making, folks.
-
Raps 14, Hornets 9 with 5:30 to go.
-
Just before the timeout, and the post, Jose picked up his second foul, kind of a silly one far from the basket and it's Roko Time. Much earlier than usual, and I presume for a longer stretch.
-
Tough start for Bargnani, a badly missed three and an aborted drive that becomes a turnover mighty quick.
-
Two great hustle plays by Bosh keep balls alive that were going out of bounds. One turns into a Kapon three, another leads a Raptor break.
-
If you sit near the bench at all, or if a mic picks up Jay very often you know what his pet peeve is: Travelling. He's at the refs incessantly about it.
-
Chris Bosh has missed all five of his field goal attempts.
-
AP's back as the firest wing off the bench.
-
Toronto is out-rebounding the Hornets 13-8. You might want to frame that sentence.
-
Toronto 24, New Orleans 22 at one.
-
Sean Marks obviously feels a bit better 'cause there he is in the game. I've got a lot of time for the Kiwi, he once gave a group of grunts a great restaurant recommendation away from the Riverwalk in San Antonio duing one Finals and then sent over a round of drinks while we were there.
-
And there's Marks drilling one of his flat, 20-foot jumpers on the baseline.
-
As my man Perk points out, they're putting the varsity back in. Here comes Jose and his two fouls and Bosh and his 0-5 afternoon.
-
Antonio Daniels is now Chris Paul's backup because Mike James couldn't get it done and is now in Wasington.
-
James Posey has taken two shots, both threes and made them both. He's not bad.
-
Referee Courtney Kirkland just helped a trio of urchins knock off The Chicken in a timeout tug-of-war.
-
Jose hit a three and Johann Olav Koss did the three-finger thing. Cool.
-
Well, the varsity's got it going, Jose hits a three off a double-team on Bosh necessitated by the fact Sean Marks can't guard him; and then Calderon gets a steal and hits a little jumper to finish a break.
-
Raptors 37, Hornets 30 with 6 1-2 until halftime.
-
Imagine that, another Posey three. Off good ball movement that the Raps couldn't do anything about.
-
Calderon's killing offensively. He's got 12 in 11 minutes and hasn't missed a shot in five tries.
-
This has to be a typo. The stats monitor says Toronto has 20 rebounds and New Orleans has 10.
-
James Posey has now made five three pointers in 11 minutes. He's got 15 points on six shots. That's rather economical scoring, isn't it?
-
Because they were told to, the fans just started cheering wildly in the timeout to try and win gas.
-
Still no Mo and if Posey keeps shooting like that, there won't be any Mo, either.
-
Well, it wasn't a double-figure lead, but the Raps were once up eight and are now down two. And it may soon be four.
-
Make that five on a Peja three-pointer.
-
Toronto's offence has gone in the toilet in the last five minutes.
-
They'e called Roko for carrying the ball once, they could probably get him every other time he dribbles.
-
New Orleans 51, Toronto 46 at the half.
-
Seems I was misinformed. That isn't Kristy Yamaguchi over there. But it is Van Kouverden and Koss, that I know for sure.
-
Hornets had one offensive rebound in the first half. That's got to be some kind of Raptor franchise record.
-
Maybe it's fashion, but I don't think so. Jose and Moon both start the half with compression sleeves on their right and left legs, respectively.
-
Toronto's going to have to get its bigs going if it's going to win.
-
The Raps are shooting 37 per cent and there's no way that's going to be good enough 'cause they aren't defending like they did Friday night.
-
Here comes Posey and let the three-point festival begin.
-
Chris Paul is a great player. Today he's only been good. Which is why Toronto's hanging around.
-
Hornets 63, Raps 62 with 6 minutes left.
-
Posey just hits his sixth three-pointer of  the game, a guy sitting a few rows behind me bellows: "Posey, you suck" and I'm thinking, um, no, he really doesn't.
-
Toronto's got seven points on 3-for-12 combined shooting from four guys off the bench.
-
Crowd's filled a bit but this is no sellout, that's for sure. Maybe everyone's saving their money to buy tickets for tomorrow and the Nets.
-
I miss seeing the Hornets and not catching up with old friend Darrell Walker.
-
Now that Paul fellow has 10 points and 10 assists. Not a bad afternoon's work already.
-
Posey just missed an open three. Will wonders never cease!
-
The Chicken's over there getting its picture taken with Van Kouverden and Koss. The ham. He's never over here with a camera and the beat grunts.
-
Raps offence still isn't in sync, although they are shooting 44 per cent now, up from 38 at the half.
-
The Raptor bench has no produced nine points. Which is quite a few less than the 29 from New Orleans subs.
-
New Orleans 80, Toronto 72 at three.
-
An old beat grunt-slash-musicologist reports from the upper deck -- confirmed by The First Lady Of The Beat -- that dance hostess or something Leah Miller and crooner Dallas Green are in audience. I'd be far more impressed if it was old seamhead Dallas Green.
-
Hornets were only 1-for-6 from three-point range in the third.
-
Another carrying the ball call on Ukic. Told you they'll get him a lot for that. It's a call you never, ever see in the Euroleague.
-
FInal push is coming, Bosh and Jose are at the table. And now in the game, Toronto down eight with 9:50 left.
-
Devin Brown just got an offensive rebound while laying right on the floor.
-
My Man Kiwi just stuffed Bosh. Impressive indeed.
-
Remember way back in like the second quarter when Toronto had more rebounds than New Orleans? Not so much now. Hornets 32, Raps 30 as I type.
-
Raptors are going to have to get some stops. And they can't.
-
Calderon's on fire. Eight for eight from the floor and 22 points.
-
Hornets 89, Raptors 81 with 6:10 left.
-
The Hornets spend a lot of time letting the shot clock run down before getting off a shot. The thing is, when they get that shot, it's usually a three.
-
Raptors are finishing today with their starters 'cause they've getting nothing from the bench.
-
The Hornets have hoisted 31 three-pointers so far.
-
Chris Paul just made the drive of the game, his bucket puts Hornets up seven and this one is over.
-
The only Raptors other than Bosh and O'Neal to shoot free throws today were Calderon (who shot a technical) and Moon, who shot two with about 2 1-2 to go on a loose ball foul. No Raptor except the two bigs was fouled going to the basket.
-
Jay's doing offence-defence. Parker and Joey for Jose and JK. That puts Moon on Paul to give him a different look.
-
New Orleans 99, Toronto 91 and it's over.
-
See ya tomorrow. Remember, it's TSN2 so you Rogers folks can't see it. You'll have to check back here.
-

The Goods On The Game, Vol. 23, Mo Pete's in town!

Hello? Hello! Anyone here? Anyone there?

Not much to report here before this thing starts. Mo Pete says hello, so does Sean Marks, another of the all-time good guys. Mo says he's just getting over some knee woes and figuring out how to get back in tip-top shape and Sean's got a wee calf thing and he's not sure if he'll play, or how much.

For the local hereos, the Hump is back and so is AP but Kapono stays in that starting role for now.

And I'm hearing Jake Voskuhl's in the building getting his physical, which he should pass. Then there's the job of getting a work permit once his contract's signed so I'm figuring he's in uniform tomorrow night when You Know Who and the Nets are here.

So there you are, up to date with all that's news.

See you in the first quarter some time.

Little bit of news among the mail

This should get you through the morning until the game starts, I imagine.

Lots of good ones in here, as a matter of fact. Thanks for that. And feel free to start filling up the inbox any time now, it gives me something to do to occupy the idle time.

Off to get ready to go see Mo Pete and wonder if he’ll kiss the logo again. Since he doesn’t start, I don’t imagine he gets the chance.

But it’ll be nice to see him.

-

Q: What do you think about the Raptors possibly signing Jake Voskhul? My mom's friends with the better half of BC and I just got word about this. Thoughts?

Melaney J, Toronto

A: I’m moving this to the top the mailbag because it’s got some news.

Yes, Voskuhl is coming, expect the announcement this afternoon (I understand he got into town last night).

It’s insurance, pure and simple, and a little bit of extra toughness if they need it up front.

With Hump’s knee bothering him and Jawai months away from even being considered a regular contributor (that’s if he’s even cleared to resume work this week, which is a question unanswered), they were woefully thin up front.

He’s not a big addition but he has got NBA experience, he’s big and he’s willing to muck it up if necessary. I don’t imagine he comes in and plays right away but he’s there in case of emergencies.

The finances aren’t a huge problem – yet. Yet, his signing does put them over the tax threshold at the moment but it means Colangelo will have to jettison someone (Adams, Solomon) and get nothing in return to get them back under the tax level. He’s got a couple of months to do that because the trade deadline’s in late February, the tax isn’t calculated until the end of the season.

Does it set up some future trade? Not necessarily. This is done as a move on its own, anything that happens in the next little while was going to happen independent of this signing.

-

Q: What if you were BC? The genie-in-the-shot-clock offers you one wish. You can add to your current Raptor line-up either Pistol Pete Maravich or Rick Barry, in their prime.

Which one? Consider the needs of the current Raps, how each individual might adjust to current NBA conditions, etc.

I remember Pistol Pete for the circus shots and for being a three-point shooter before there was a three-point shot. Did he play ANY defence? Could he drive? Could he take Will Solomon's place?

Barry, tall white guy with a great shot. Took Warriors to finals -- championship? -- in the post-Wilt era in SF. Shot free throws like a girl or Wilt, as I remember, but actually made some.

Eric E, Roslin

A: Cool question. Stupid comment about the free throws that you should be ashamed about, though.

I’d take Maravich in his prime. Exciting, makes all those around him better, maybe the best passer the game’s ever seen and just has a way of energizing a roster.

It’s not that Barry was a slouch but in this day and age, Maravich’s game is better suited.

Plus, as a beat grunt, it’d be delightful to watch him play.

-

Q: During pre-game (Wednesday) night, I noticed JO walking sideways with what looked like large rubber bands around his legs. I couldn't quite figure out what this was for. Is this an exercise to keep his knees strong?

Brendyn Z, Toronto

A: That’s exactly what they are, large rubber bands. It’s all part of the daily strength and conditioning program he goes through. It’s aimed at strengthening the muscles of the leg to ease the load on the inner workings of the knee.

-

Q: Many experts believe that the team with the best overall player usually wins the series when it comes to playoff basketball. Although this hypothesis failed last year when Cleveland met Boston, you can't help but forecast a long, defensive battle that ultimately leaves the deciding factor in LeBron's hands. I know it's hard to knock off the defending champs on December, but would you bet against the Cavs in June with a possible Redd addition in the lineup?

Brad D, Ottawa

A: Yes, I would. Cleveland’s going well right now, no doubt about it and the Cavs are head and shoulders the second best team in the East. But today, I’d still take the Celtics in a seven-game series, LeBron’s skills notwithstanding.

-

Q: Hi Doug. Watching LeBron & Kobe take care of the Raptors got me thinking about the good old days when kids could get drafted out of high school. If you include Moses Malone, Dwight Howard, J.O., McGrady, Garnett, Al Harrington, Rashard Lewis, Amare Stoudemire ... listed among them are many of the top players (old and new). Should the Raptors be focusing on top high schoolers who might drop down the charts once they get into college for the rebuilding the franchise? They might be diamonds in the rough, but you might find some talent there(e.g. Charlie V) and it would fill out the bench for cheap. As it seems like what the Raptors are missing is athleticism, there has to be a large talent of athleticism out there in the high school/college ranks that are just being missed. Put it another way, even great college players (e.g. J.J. Redick) who can play but don't have the athleticism, can't make the grade in NBA. Thoughts?

Mark P, Ajax

A: Good old days? I don’t know about that, the majority of those kids couldn’t play a lick, a lot washed out and their talents were wasted because they just weren’t ready for the NBA.

No, they shouldn’t be focusing on teenagers in high school because they should wait and see how they develop in the one year (two, I bet, in a new collective bargaining agreement) they have to spend in college. And if you think drafting college freshmen is a crapshoot – and it is – trying to figure out what high school junior will be a good NBAer is, in most cases, impossible to figure out.

-

Q: Now with Jay's first official win as an NBA coach is under his belt. Can you please go into your memory vault and give us some examples of assistant coaches that have come about mid way through the season to go on to become a very successful head coach in the NBA? Thanks!

Anthony R, Mississauga

A: He wasn’t an assistant coach, but the top interim guy who stayed with a team and became a somewhat successful head coach was Gregg Popovich, who fired Bob Hill and took over early in the 1996-97 season. Hubie Brown took over an 0-8 Memphis team in ’02 and got them to win 50 games in ’03-04.

The most recent assistant to move over and have some success was Lawrence Frank of the Nets.

-

Q: Hey Doug, Roger Mason (Jr.) was an end of bencher in Toronto a few years back. I remember him having a conversation with Sam and being released from the team (I believe he was the one who wanted to be released). A little while later, I was happy to see him hook up with Washington, and surprised to find him in the regular rotation. Now he's a rotation player for an elite team and their most important free agent acquisition this past summer. I'm not suggesting Toronto missed out on him because at the time he was not an NBA caliber guard. My question is, how did he make it, while so many others couldn't? Did something just click with him? Did he work harder on his deficiencies than others? It seems that time off turned him into a better player.

Vince L, Toronto

A: I may not be happier to see any ex-Raptor do well than I am for Roger Mason, Jr., who is a great kid. All he did was work on his game, go to a team that gave him a chance and improve when he got that opportunity.

He wasn’t nearly ready to be an NBA regular when he was here – his shot was bad, his ball-handling was suspect, he hadn’t adapted to the speed of the game – but he stuck with it, improved his skills, got a bit of a break when everybody in Washington got hurt and parlayed it into the Spurs deal.

Sort of a perfect storm of player development.

-

Q: Doug, have really enjoyed your blog over the past couple years. No one has noted the Raps' schedule as a factor in their disappointing record. When you look at the schedule so far, there are only a couple of games you would think they should have won that they didn't. Assuming that realistically they are a mid-Eastern conference playoff team (fair given how the Celts and Cavs are playing), and not ignoring the lackadaisical efforts in a few games, the fact is that they have had a tough schedule so far. Look at January - looks like an 11-5 month to me. What do you think?

Kevin R, Toronto

A: I think you might be over-stating January a bit. It’s eight at home, eight on the road, a three-game trip through Atlanta-Detroit-Chicago and back-to-back with Boston. I bet they’d sign off on 10-6 right now and I’m guessing it’s more like 9-7.

-

Q: I’ve got a good salary cap question for you. Expiring contracts in the NBA are a huge asset (as we clearly saw with the Gasol trade last season). This seems to be enhanced even more with 2010 free agent year coming up. My understanding of the cap rules state a team over the cap may re-sign any of their own players to any amount (up to max money). If both these things are true, what’s to stop a cap ridden NBA team from resigning one of their ‘less-then-stellar’ players to a one year deal worth huge money this offseason, essentially creating an asset that NBA GMs will go after? Is this not using the cap system to your advantage? Is this not all legal under NBA cap rules? If so, do you think we will see it happen?

Roy S, Guelph

A: Nothing illegal about doing it. The problem would be if a team couldn’t find a taker for an obviously over-paid player and that team would be stuck with that salary and whatever tax implications it would carry. Not to mention the financial implications of the deal they'd have to take back.

So, no, I can’t see it happening ever.

-

Q: Here's wishing you finally answer one of mine Doug. How about some perspective on the league? You've been promising a run down of how the other teams are going - but there has been no sight of it! How are the top teams stacking up against each other, are you thinking about a Kobe vs LeBron final? Also wanted your opinion on how you think the Raptors could shake up the line-up to get more out of their players? Would it be crazy to put Moon and Graham out to start? What kind of mix and type of play do you think is natural for the way this team is built?

Mike H, Toronto

A: Yeah, breaking down teams a quarter of the way through the season is certainly on the to-do list, maybe for Tuesday’s regular blog.

Let’s just say quickly the biggest disappointments are New Orleans and Detroit (although I saw a Detroit demise coming, if some recall) and the biggest surprises have to be the Nets and probably the Knicks.

And, no, I fully anticipate right now a rematch of the Lakers-Celtics. Kobe-LeBron would be nice, L.A.-Boston would be fantastic.

-

Dissecting an easy win, not something we normally do

I’ve got to say, the populace is in a cheery mood this morning. Jay’s the coach of the year JK’s the apple of everyone’s eye and I haven’t got one note in three days from people dogging Chris Bosh ‘cause he hasn’t had a 30-plus game in a while.

Funny what a two-game winning streak will do to a collective psyche.

Of course, it’s also funny what a five-game losing streak does to the regulars around here.

All in all? I’ll take the winning because you’re so much nicer. And I like nice. A lot.

There were lots of things to like about the Nets game, too. Stuff like …

-

Action: Six in double-figures

Reaction: Maybe they’re getting it

It was one game against a team that, really, isn’t particularly good so this all has to be taken in context but the most promising sign may be the way the offence is finally flowing.

It’s not so much points on run-outs or textbook fast-breaks that impresses me, it’s the way they get into a secondary break for easy shots. The big runs to the block and if the ball moves swiftly up the court as it has been, there’s a great chance for an easy, early post-up.

And if that’s not there, watch the guys filling the lanes and trailing for easy shots (Kapono) or chances to the get to the rim (Graham). That’s where they’re starting to shine, and contribute on a regular basis..

No, it’s not Phoenix and it’s not running recklessly. It’s controlled break and it suits this team perfectly.

-

Speaking of Joey, did you know he’s scored in double figures in six straight games and eight of his last nine?

That’s not bad offensive production from a guy who was buried on the bench 10 days ago.

-

This is an absolute classic first paragraph from my man Dave D. as he writes about Friday night’s affair.

Speaking of …

-

Action: Carter’s coming

Reaction: Do you still care?

Will there still be over-the-top booing every time he touches the ball or they announce his name?

Or are the fans in Toronto grown up enough to let it pass? It has been, by the way, almost four years to the day (Dec. 17, 2004) since the trade went down. That’s a long time, a lot of water under the bridge, as they say.

Perhaps just letting it go might be a good idea? Nah. You won’t.

-

This has been a topic on a lot of people’s minds for a day or two, we’ll use this question as representative of them all:

Q: Hey Doug, written a couple times, but none of my messages have gotten posted. Anyways, I got a question for you: Am I the only one hoping that Yi Jianlian catches up to Garnett in the all star votes and gets in as a starter? I am not the biggest fan of the All star game, but this would give me a reason to watch, simply just to see what Charles Barkley would have to say about it.

John K, Oakville

A: Of course, it’s beyond ridiculous that Yi’s ahead of Bosh, or almost anyone for that matter, in all-star voting and just shows you what a travesty it is allowing the fans to vote.

That said, it’s a travesty I can live with because the coaches will get it right, he’ll be home for the weekend and Bosh will be in Phoenix. The danger, of course, is if enough dopey fans vote some guy in as a starter who wouldn’t normally even be in the game, thus taking away a roster spot from someone worthy. But that so seldom happens, it’s something they can live with as well.

I don’t see them ever taking the voting away from the fans – it’s a good global marketing thing – but, yes, I would love to hear Chuck on Yi if that were to happen. But it won’t.

-

Action: AP and The Hump are coming back

Reaction: What to do?

The Hump situation is pretty easy to figure out, he’ll be the fourth big man in a four-bigs rotation behind Bosh, O’Neal and Bargnani and they can only hope he plays as well in that role as he did early in the season doing the same job.

AP’s different, though. Does he get his starting spot back given how Kapono’s played in the last two games?

Jay said Friday that the staff wasn’t sure what they were going to do with that position and it’s got to be a tough call.

Should a guy lose his job simply because he got hurt? Most times, I’d say no. And given that he’s a superior defender to Kapono, will that tip the scales in his favour? I don’t know.

One thing I know about Parker is that he really is a good team guy, a true pro and a grown up so I think he’d handle moving to the bench well.

For now, I’d stick with Kapono and see if things keep going the way they have been.

-

Oh yeah, I was getting killed by a few folks yesterday for the wrong use of the word “exacerbate” in a newspaper story on Friday. Yes, I was wrong; I know the meaning and have no idea why I used it in such a wrong context.

But look at it this way: At least I spelled it correctly.

-

Action: Bargnani

Reaction: Good, or bad.

Kid had a weak shooting night 2-for-10 from the floor although he did get to 10 points thanks to some trips to the free throw line.

But he also had seven rebounds and four blocked shots and was a key reason the Raptors were able to close down the paint most of the nights.

-

Another one from the mail that’s topical:

Q: Doug, I see your list of potential big men signings and want to know if you have any insight on what Dikembe Mutumbo's plans are? I think if Houston really wanted him he would have been on the opening day roster. He and maybe Doleac and Ruffin are the only available big men who could actually garner a few minutes when called upon. And Mutumbo could actually make a difference on this Raps squad. Your thoughts?

Jesse N, Oshawa

A: Dikembe’s said the only place he’s at all interested in playing would be Houston and I can see him signing there later in the year. Like when Yao gets hurt. But he would be a good fit here indeed.

And I notice Friday that Juwan Howard signed in Charlotte we can take him off the list.

I’m still hearing that something might happen pretty quickly.

-

Oh yeah, the Hornets played Friday night, here’s a report on their loss in Boston.

-

Which brings us to …

Action: Hornets are coming.

Reaction: And so’s Mo Pete

One of our all-time faves is scuffling at the moment. He doesn’t start, his offence is spotty at best and he’s going through some very tough times.

So cheer loudly when he comes in the game, the kid deserves it.

-

Loads of mail for the morning – and answering it this afternoon will keep me off the streets and out of trouble – so check back for some good Sunday reading.

The Goods On The Game, Vol. 22, the Nets one more time

Hi again.

Did you hear about the travel woes? The second of two buses ferrying the Raptors from their sweet Manhattan digs to the Jersey swamp got in a wee accident. First bus had to go back and get them, some of them didn't arrive at the arena until about an hour to tip and the routine was all screwed up.
-
No, the writers who are there do not stay in sweet Manhattan digs.
-
That's Moon on Carter and Kapono over on Bobby Simmons, which makes entire sense.
-
I have to think that Yi is going to have a hard time guarding Bosh.
-
Man, is Devin Harris quick. He's like TJ quick.
-
You don't see O'Neal drive the ball all that often like he just did. You should probably see it more often, it'll get him to the line more often.
-
Wow. Was that a sequence or what. Moon gets a steal, falls down missing a layup, gets another loose ball, feeds Calderon on the break and Jose misses a layup. A tad frantic.
-
I really liked Brook Lopez the night the Nets were in Toronto. He's a keeper.
-
Kapono follows a missed three. That's not something they do very often. I understand why, though. Being so bad in transition defence they need everyone to get back rather than to hit the offensie board.
-
Toronto 10, Nets 9 with six minutes left in the first.
-
The Raptors will be quite happy living with Bobby Simmons three-pointers from the corner.
-
That PA announcer you here? It's a fine fella named Gary Sussman, who also doubles as the team's media relations guru. Actually, the PA gig's his second job, the media job's No. 1.
-
Tough night so far for Kapono, no? But you have to like the fact he' getting shots.
-
You catch that TV shot a minute ago? The one that showed wide swaths of empty seats? I'm guessing lots of people have other things to do. Which, it being north Jersey and all is probably lots of things.
-
The Raptors are getting a lot of open looks so far.
-
I'm sure you'll see that whenever Devin Harris goes out of the game, so will Jose. And it's a Roko night again, it seems.
-
That third foul on Carter this early might be a big key. He's got to sit down and right now is when the Raptors need to go on a run.
-
The three-point streak's at 800 games in a row. That's mighty impressive.
-
That was just two blocked shots on one Nets possession by Bargnani. Not bad.
-
Harris is back, Calderon's still out but they've got Joey on Harris.
-
Raptors 24, Nets 18 at one.
-
The Nets are doing a very good job taking O'Neal's inside spin move away with a late second defender digging down on him.
-
So far, Bargnani's had a jumper go about halfway down and pop out, and he's just seen a layup roll around the rim and go out. Tough night.
-
Trenton Hassell's another of those under-rated players who just does a solid job.
-
The Raptors need to get some offence going. This is just stagnant time.
-
This stretch since Carter went out has been really bad for the Raps.
-
Tough for Toronto when they get O'Neal caught in a switch guarding Harris. That's when a second defender has to come immediately.
-
Kapono just can't buy a basket.
-
You get the sense the Raptors are wasting a vrey good defensive effort.
-
Nets just got two extra possessions, and a basket, because they hustled after loose balls and the Raptors didn't. How many times have you seen that this year.
-
Nets 30, Raps 28 with 6:20 'til halftime.
-
Now there's some discrepancy about Carter's fouls, the TV guys tell me. Stats monitor has him at two, everyone else thinks it's three. I'm pretty sure Jim LaBumbard's going to be on the case any minute now.
-
That was just really good help defence by Kapono, who came off his man in the corner to stop Harris's penetration. Ended up in a turnover.
-
Say this for Yi, he's going to get his shots.
-
Bosh has been pretty good, no?
-
A month ago, when Moon had a steal like he just did there, they might have pulled the ball up and set up a play. Tonight, he took it right to the rim.
-
OH MY. Joey's drive and dunk on the baseline was quite something.
-
This is a big finish to the half, especially defensively. Yes, it was a 10-0 run but the 0 is far more impressive than the 10.
-
Toronto 40, Nets 34
-
Yes, that was a scoreless first half for that Carter bloke. How many of you are at least a tad a'scared that he gets 25 in the next two quarters?
-
Yum. Cheesies and soda. This is a pretty good way to watch a game. Not having to worry about a pesky game story sure takes the pressure off.
-
Check out those first half rebounding numbers: Jersey 30, Raptors 18. Ugly. Typical, but ugly.
-
I'm pretty sure Jack and Matt should not be singing "Jose, Jose, Jose." I've heard Jack do the odd ditty in an adult beverage emporium and he's way better there than on TV.
-
Bosh is driving the ball a lot tonight. That's a good thing, right?
-
I know they're okay with Simmons taking threes. But when he's making them like he is tonight, that's tough to take.
-
If Kapono was on, this one would be over.
-
If Carter was on, this one would be entirely different.
-
I'm really becoming an anti-Yi guy. Never thought he was that good anyway but he's done nothing tonight or in that game here to make me think he's going to get much better.
-
I bet what few fans are there might be thinking about getting out now. It's not like there'll be any traffic but the tunnel over to the city might be busy.
-
AP's getting more TV time in a suit than he does some nights in his uniform.
-
Raps 56, Nets 42 with 6 1-2 left.
-
This is a dangerous point in the game. The last thing they need to give the Nets is hope.
-
Oh, man, did the refs ever just bail out Bargnani with a bad foul call. He was out of control driving, probably travelled, shot a goofy looking scoop shot and somehow they called a foul.
-
The guy sitting behind the Nets bench who looks a bit familiar? Jim Sann. Was an assistant here in the KO year.
-
I'm not sure these guys have played better defence in any game this year than they are playing tonight.
-
There were just two Raptors on the floor chasing a loose ball. Other than when two of 'em collided with each other, I don't remember that happening this season.
-
Moon's got five steals. That ties his career high.
-
That was just a textbook Raptor possession against a zone. About three or four passes and a wide open Kapono three.
-
That was an excellent Raptor quarter.
-
Raptors 71, Nets 53 at three.
-
You know all that noise, the screaming, you hear when the quarter starts? It's fake. Bogus. When we're there and the screaming starts, you look up in the stands and not a single, solitary soul is applauding or yelling. Really.
-
So they're not getting much out of O'Neal or Bargnani and they're killing? That's pretty good.
-
Remember when Kapono was struggling? Seems like a long time ago, no? One thing about him, he knows he can shoot and he's not going to stop just 'cause he misses a couple. He's not going to force stuff, he's a smarter player than that, but he'll take his normal shots no matter how his night is going.
-
I imagine every Jersey beat grunt is trying to find out just how long it's been since VC went scoreless in a game.
-
Man, is Carter horrible tonight or what? Wonder how he reacts on Monday when he gets here?
-
That foul, when O'Neal just hit Carter in the head? That was a good foul.
-
Carter scores! Carter scores! Nice of the fans to mock cheer him.
-
Okay, if Roko Ukic is making jump shots, this baby's over.
-
Toronto 85, New Jersey 60 with 6:40 left
-
Best part about this one? The bigs are all going to get some rest, which will be key 'cause they've got three games in four nights starting Sunday.
-
I am quite tired of Galen Weston, by the way.
-
Jack just asked Matt what they can do in Oklahoma City on the off-night next Thursday. I've been there, I can suggest tumbleweed watching.
-
Moon's night's over with what looks like a rib thing.
-
Think someone should foul Sean Williams? Just for old time's sake?
-
Lowest points total by a Raptor opponent ever was 54 by Miami last season; 68's next on the list, done twice, by Washington in '02 and the Knicks in '00.
-
Carter 0-13. Ugh.
-
Weren't there a lot of people out there stunned that Chris Douglas-Roberts fell like a stone through the draft? Just asking.
-
Think Bad Joey's gone?
-
It's 99-68. Anyone at home chanting "Piz-za, Piz-za, Piz-za?"
-
At 72 points, the Nets are no longer on the list of five-lowest Raptor opponent totals.
-
There should be a rule that in a game with more than a 20-point difference and fewer than two minutes to go, no foul shall be called unless the officials can see a bone protruding from skin.
-
Toronto 101, New Jersey 79 and, thankfully, it's over.
-

The Goods On The Game, Vol. 22, Before VC

We're all here, right?

Got the clicker for changing channels in commercials to see what's going on with The Pucks? Nah, me neither. But dinner's done (an excellent homemade pizza), Super Dog's walked, Super Family's upstairs watching the latest Batman (again) and you lucky folks have me.

Big question? Do you break out the cheesies at the start of the second quarter or the start of the second half? I'm not used to watching games like this.

(Okay, how many are going to sneak a peak over at the Hornets-Celtics while this one's going on? Pretty sure I will during commercials).

Just got word there's still no Hump and no AP so they're quite thin again.

That's it for now, will be back the usual time in the first quarter.

And thus starts the weekly mail

Morning, kids.

Here’s the deal: I asked and, boy, did you ask. This is the first of a couple this weekend (there are at least this many questions sitting there still to be answered) and since I’m not in Jersey, all the ones still to get to will give me something to do this afternoon while watching mindless sitcoms and reruns of Law and Order.

That’s before I sit on the couch with the bon-bons and watch the game along with you.

-

Q: We always hear people posing the question: If you were to start a team today, who would you build around: Kobe or LeBron? Well, how long do you think it will be until Chris Paul enters that discussion? New Orleans has a lot of talent, but he is without a doubt the engine that runs that team. Tyson Chandler owes his career to CP3 in my opinion. Last time I checked he had 13 20 and 10 games already this season. Not to mention his steals, nearly impossible passes, leadership, 53% FG, rebounds a lot for a small PG.. I mean, who in their right mind would not want to build around him?!

Amanda F, Barrie

A: Can you imagine where New Orleans would be without Paul? I’d say the Hornets would be in Oklahoma City and Seattle would still be in the league. He’s that good. But he’s also at least third on the list of “who you’d build a team around” after Bryant and James.

I’d take Kobe first, actually, if I had to make a team, or if I had to win one specific game. LeBron would be second and Paul would be third. Then, only then, could you start thinking about big men like Howard or Yao.

-

Q: Hi Doug. Noticed you barely, if at all, mentioned Bosh in the article (Wednesday) night. How come?

Carla M, Toronto

A: It was one of those nights where he really didn’t have a huge impact on the game and there were other, more significant, angles to pursue. And a finite number of words in the paper to use to pursue them.

-

Q: Hello Doug. I was just wondering if it gets hard doing post-game interviews with the players when things are going badly like they are?

Tannis T, Eastend

A: Quick answer: Yes. It gets to be difficult because they have very little to say, we have very little to ask so everything becomes redundant.

But this is nothing. I covered every single game of the 17-game losing streak in the 16-66 season and about 12 games in we were dreading going into the locker room as much as they were dreading seeing us.

Actions, reactions and it looks like Rogers customers still screwed

RICK MADONIK/TORONTO STAR

Able to block out that sinking feeling today?

Man, that sort of fizzled pretty quickly, didn’t it? T.J. a non-factor, Jermaine O’Neal gets two fouls in the first 65 seconds and never gets in a rhythm. Fans cheer a bit, hardly over the top and if there was a boo, I didn’t hear it. Ambivalent, I’d say.

Kind of what I expected. Although I did think there’d be more disgruntlement in there than there was. But it’s over, for now. Next time? Jan. 16 in Indy. Can’t wait (actually, I can).

So, let’s get to the real stuff:

(Oh, and I told you that middle-of-the-night posting would be an irregular thing, sorry ‘bout that, I’ll try to be better, if anyone cares)

-

Action: Roster changes

Reaction: Good move

Yes, I thought it should probably be Joey for Andrea but getting it half right’s better than nothing, I guess.

The Moon for Bargnani move makes sense at so many levels, I’m surprised it took so long for it to happen. Bargnani’s a far better big than he is a wing, Moon (or whoever) brings some athleticism to the wing without being demanding of the ball on offence and things just seem to work better that way.

I know it jerks Andrea around – again – and that’s got to have something to do with the way he’s been going lately but I think he settles in to that role and becomes a consistent contributor.

Oh, Kapono for AP? I know it’s injury-driven but maybe it should stay that way for a while. Jay told us he’s not big on who starts but rather who finishes. Kapono told us he feels much more comfortable as a starter and I bet AP’s a big enough team guy to not care that much, either. So, if the coach isn’t all that wrapped up in who starts there and Kapono sounds like he wants to and if AP’s not a me-first kind of guy (and he isn’t) maybe the change should be made for a while.

-

Nice gesture by O’Neal to make sure he got to the officials and got the game ball for Jay, wasn’t it?

Shows a measure of respect.

-

Action: End of the half

Reaction: See that play call?

Raptors take a 20-second timeout with 7.2 seconds left in the half to get one play off. They run a play for Bosh that was eerily familiar to the one at the end of the Portland game.

He takes an inbounds pass from Jose (about eight feet closer to the basket than he took the one against the Blazers, which is key), Jose runs his man into Bosh, who fakes a handoff, turns and immediately goes to the rim.

If that happens last Sunday, instead of Bosh sort of fumbling the pass and dribbling about three times too often, maybe play works and they win.

I think it was the right call on Sunday and I think it was the right call last night.

-

Helluva Suns trade, no?

The immediate reaction to Boris Diaw and Raja Bell for Jared Dudley and Jason Richardson?

Steve Kerr must miss the TV gig and want to get back there in a hurry.

Seriously, I don’t see what the Suns get. I’m entirely underwhelmed by Richardson and while Dudley’s a keeper, they are worse off today than they were yesterday and the financial implications are negligible.

The Bobcats? Well, I guess Larry Brown gets a couple different guys to eventually want traded.

-

This has been on a lot of people’s minds:

Q: Just a quick question, any word on TSN2 and Rogers? 4 Games on TSN2 in the next week or so, that's going to be a lot of Boston Pizza.

Darvin B, Mississauga

A: No word at all and there is no way in the world, this being Thursday, that I can imagine them getting a deal done in time for Monday and I doubt they get it done for the other two next week, either.

It still blows, I still say Rogers is to blame more than anyone in this whole mess but maybe it’s time to start turning up the heat on Maple Leaf Sports.

I know it’s not the end of the world for some of the most loyal, passionate, frustrated fans to miss a game (that’s a shot, by the way) to miss a game but this has dragged on too long and it’s high time the suits in the ivory tower put some pressure on Rogers and TSN to get something done.

Now, several people have asked where they can watch? Well, any bar or social gathering spot that has Bell Expressvu will have the game available, ask your local server.

-

Oh, right, here’s what Mike Wells wrote about last night’s game and here’s how Dave D reports on the Nets, who beat the Knicks last night to set up the biggie with the Raptors tomorrow.

-

Did you see who I saw last night? The big fella with the big hair sitting courtside before the game, the guy who was hanging around with the Pacers? Yep, it was The Big Smooth, Sam Perkins, who now works as the sort of mentor to the uber-young Pacers.

Now, there’s a guy who could play. Very under-rated.

Not sure what they were chatting about, but Perkins did stop by the Raptor locker room for a long chinwag with O’Neal after the game.

-

Action: Rasho’s back

Reaction: He’s never really left.

He’s got to be one of the top 10 Raptor good guys of all-time and Rasho reaffirmed his love for Toronto when we were chatting yesterday morning. His wife and son still live here because they like the city, have great friends and are more than comfortable as residents.

Got me to thinking (which can often be a dangerous proposition) that he’d probably be a great veteran presence to have around next season and when Toronto’s filling out its roster with veteran minimum guys next summer, one of the first calls should probably be to Nesterovic’s people.

-

The other trade yesterday robs us of a chance to chat with Mike James on Sunday and a conversation with James always has the potential to include some wild and zany topics. He sort of likened himself to Jesus on his way out of town, he’s always got a pit bull or Amityville story to share and he’s never far from blaming the media for running him out of town.

Yeah, will miss that talk a lot.

-

No practice today after the back-to-back, as usual. They’ve got a light weightlifting and shooting session scheduled and a big video session before they head to Jersey. Know what that means? More time for me to do mail! Yay! Or something approximating ‘yay!’ I should say.

Anyway, the point is, the inbox is filled with all kinds of interesting rants about the Cleveland game and, frankly, precious few actual questions. Let’s go, people!

-