Some rants, some raves and some questions

Congratulations, folks.

That was the single greatest week of rants and anger and angst and raves since we started this little exercise back in the day. A Vince return and a loss, a loss to the Mavs to end a three-game home losing streak, terrible rebounding and trade speculation galore, it had it all.

I read ‘em all and loved ‘em, once again your passion, not to mention your creativity, is impressive.

And herewith are the survivors. Most of you will understand that the diatribes you sent weren’t really questions (aside from, “They stink. Comment?”) but they did provide much amusement for me.

(As an aside, doing three games in four nights before Christmas and then three games in four nights out west on a trip that starts Christmas Day is too much for one grunt to handle – and keep peace with his family. So I’m not in Oklahoma or San Antonio or L.A. but I’ll find somewhere that’s got TSN2 and wireless tonight and be back for the usual fun and games. See ya then.)

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Q: Before heading out for Mexico for two months, Doug, permit me to take a moment to thank you for keeping us going thru a tough start to this season. Your YouTube summaries are a positive stroke: like Superman with tie and jacket after beat grunt clothes for the written word - if only our squad could do as well on both sides of the ball. Q: Bosh upset with booing: one hears that fans in different places have distinctive "fan cultures" for how they support their team. Putting aside the tired view that if you pay your money you can do what you like, cheer or boo - what DOES contribute to when fans show support even when a team is sagging? How does Toronto compare? Are there places where fans are famously one way or the other? Is it the culture of the fans or the team's performance that makes the most difference in how the fans' behave?

Charles N, Toronto

A: Have a great trip. I have a feeling, and a hope, that I’ll be hearing from you sometime during the journey.

Anyway, I’d say from my experience, Toronto fans are certainly among the most harsh in the NBA. Not the worst but certainly in the top 10. They grow disgusted far more easily than some cities.

A case in point: When Bargnani missed the first of his two free throws on Wednesday and the booing really got going, Toronto trailed by two points with 4 1-2 minutes left in the third quarter. In most cities, you wouldn’t hear a peep.

Perhaps it’s because Toronto fans have been so disappointed so regularly in the past – high expectations, low delivery – but there’s something there that turns them more quickly in most cities.

I remember one year being in Utah, I think it was, and the Raptors were on a run, the Jazz were reeling and the fans started cheering every Utah possession. I turned to whoever I was sitting with and mentioned that in Toronto, the Raptors would be getting killed, maybe not booed but you’d certainly here disgruntlement.

The flip side? I’d say Philly’s the toughest. We were there this year for the very first game of the season, a season of some promise for the Sixers if you recall, and there were a smattering of boos and catcalls when Elton Brand missed a free throw and the Sixers were going poorly. That was over the top.

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Q: Forgetting all the very entertaining (and absurd) trade proposals, I think you would still agree that a trade will likely happen (or maybe not). Assuming you do, I'd like to know where you think the Raps are strongest (i.e. where they can afford to lose someone in a trade), and what is presently their most glaring need (a cynic might say that a 10-15 team has no strong spots, but I know you're above that). Thanks.

Errol T, Toronto

A: That’s a good question.

I think a trade will happen, eventually, yes.

Funny thing is, their strongest tradeable assets are also in the area they need the most help. They have a group of good but not great wings with easily movable contracts (Parker’s is expiring, Moon’s is low, Graham’s expires, Kapono’s isn’t too arduous) so that’s probably the kind of player they move. Making it difficult is that they need a three or a two in return who’s an upgrade.

See the problem?

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Q: We have heard lots lately about the Raptors' new defensive plan to crowd the paint and force opponents into long shots, but isn't that a lot like saying "I like to wear shorts"? Shorts may keep me cool in the summer, but they aren't much use in the winter. Is it asking too much for NBA professionals to develop a variety of defensive schemes and utilize whichever one is most appropriate for a particular opponent? I know, I know... I shoud be happy if this team is able to get just one scheme right, but come on!

Nathan W, Ho Chi Minh City

A: It’s a gross over-simplification to suggest all they want to do is pack the paint and let teams shoot at will. There are schemes to rotate and close out on shooters and lots of times they work. But all teams prioritize what they want to do defensively and offensively and, frankly, I’d rather take my chances giving teams contested threes than dunks.

And I think you work on your priorities and get them as down pat as possible instead of changing them game-to-game.

Q: Hi Doug, long time follower, second time submitter (you never answered my "All VC Team" question). Quick question. Last night on what I believe was "The Beat" on NBA TV, someone (didn't catch his name) said that there are 10 minority coaches in the league, 9 of which are African American, 1 is of Phillipino decent (Erik Spoelstra of Miami). He then went on and said something along the lines of this being a problem (not enough minority coaches), but it's not as bad as other sports. What are your thoughts? Just because there are so few minority coaches, does that make it a problem? Or is there a problem and that's why there are so few minority coaches?

Carl L, Barrie

A: While far from perfect, I think the NBA is light years ahead of every other professional sport in North America, and probably the world, in minority hirings in such decision-making roles as coaches, general managers, scouts, team presidents and other key business roles.

Could there be more than nine coaches? Probably. But don’t forget that four – Sam, Eddie Jordan, Mo Cheeks and Reggie Theus – were working when the season began so the nine is a bit of a skewed number.

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Q: I read the book "Covert: My Years Infiltrating the Mob" by NBA ref Bob Delaney while on vacation last week. It was a very good, very interesting read. Have you had a chance to read it yet Doug?

Sherry E, Toronto

A: I have read it, it’s a great book. And I talked a bit with Bob while he was writing it because there’s that connection with the GTA firm and the frozen fish that he and his co-author needed some fact-checking on.

I’d recommend it.

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Q: Hey Doug, you still think this team's got a shot at 46-48 wins? I'm beginning to think this is a .500 team, at best. I don't mind 'em losing to team's better than them, but the way they're losing suggests they're one of those eastern sub .500 teams. (Think ATL of a few years back). Things like 'grinding' out a win against the bobcats (sans J-Rich at the time) at home kinda speak volumes.

Dean O, Toronto

A: I think maybe they max out at 44 to 46. I think 48 might be gone now. But there is still a lot of basketball to be played. Two years ago, they were 10-15 and everyone thought the season was lost and they won 47 and the division.

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Q: If you ask me, the Raptors are good players, but are not mean players. They lack what Jack McCallum reports the Pheonix Suns call the "F*k-you factor." They are skilled enough to go up 10-15 on ANYONE, but it's almost as if they feel bad if they go up by 20 and the other team always creeps back. Is there anyone on the roster that you would be afraid to meet in a dark alley?

Paul C, Grassy Narrows

A: I’m a soft, old dude with high blood pressure and a family. I don’t want to meet anyone in any alley, dark or light.

But, you’re right, they are nice guys and there isn’t a “mean” one, although Jermaine’s got an edge and so, too, does Calderon.

Trouble is, you can’t make people what they aren’t so thinking this group is all of a sudden going to become The Bad Boys Redux is folly. Ain’t gonna happen.

Maybe that’s what Bryan’s got to find somehow.

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Q: Quick question for you: do the Raps keep their first round pick this year, or was it promised in some past trade? I can't seem to remember. Because if they keep it then we're setting ourselves up for an interesting second half regardless of whether the Raps improve greatly and make it into the playoffs or they stink, hopefully develop their assets, and possibly sneak into a good pick. With JO coming off the books a year after (and likely to be traded) and some better talent and more experienced young guys on the team, things could be looking up. And in terms of keeping Bosh, what happens with the team next year (and in the offseason, when they could sign a coach with the ability to lead them past the first round) is a lot more important than what happens this year. As much as people are down on Bosh right now, you put him with an alpha dog type wing player in 2010 and you've got the perfect role for him.

Jimmy S, Toronto

A: Right now, they’ve got their first round pick in every year from next year on. None have been traded. Yet.

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Q: A quick one for you Doug: 2008-2009 Toronto Raptors, underachievers or overrated?

Serge P, Ottawa

A: At this point? More the latter than the former.

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Q: You mentioned (Tuesday) about how many e-mails you are getting regarding "I am done with these guys forever". Are you getting any e-mails suggesting, "maybe the head coach wasn't the only problem", particularly from those who flooded you with the fire Sam e-mails?

Mike D, Cambridge

A: You’re kidding, right?

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Q: Since you're talking Canadian ball, do you think former Carleton star Osvaldo Jeanty will ever get a shot on the national club? He's a 'put the team on his back' kind of guy and from what I hear he's turned around his Euro team after leading the Ravens to five straight national titles. A little undersized, perhaps, but seems silly to let a homegrown talent like that go without a look.

Joe B, Ottawa

A: I’ve never seen him play, am told there might be some size/position issues, but I’ve also been told he’s absolutely great at doing whatever is needed for his team to win. And I’m sure someone on that council of elders they’ve put together will throw his name out there and then it’ll be up to him to make the team.

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Q: Hi Doug, it seems that for as long as I can remember, I have been screaming at my TV screen to "REBOUND, REBOUND" whenever the Raptors play. Have the Raptors EVER had a team which were considered to be a good rebounding team? Maybe when Oakley and Davis were playing back in the "good old days"? Love the blog by the way! Thanks!

Raquel R, Halifax

A: It’s really no surprise, but the 2000-01 team, with Oak and AD and Keon Clark and even Mo Pete was in the top 10 in rebounding in the NBA.

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Q: Doug - earlier in the week, you mentioned Jake had to get a "physical". What's involved - do they get him on a treadmill and test his conditioning, etc. or is it just a regular medical exam?

Graham V, Vancouver

A: It’s pretty much the same as total physical you’d get at your doctors. X-rays, poking, prodding, going over medical and family history. There’s an MRI or two involved, I imagine (I’m not 1,000 per cent on that one). It’s thorough but it’s not like the check conditioning by making him run sprints or do a treadmill exercise or anything like that.

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Q: Doug, do you happen to know what happens with the TV rights come playoff time? If the Raptors make the playoffs (not a given, but if they do) what are the chances of the games being shown on TSN2? If Raptor fans living in the team’s hometown don’t even get to watch playoff games ... well, that’d make us pretty much the laughingstock of the league, no?

Josh K, Toronto

A: I know it’s far off –- and there are thousands out there (myself not among them) who think the playoffs are a pipedream anyway – but TSN will have the rights to all kinds of Raptor playoff games.

And since the NBA playoffs are going on at the same time as the pucks, I can guarantee you some games could end up on TSN2. Better hope the fight over money gets solved by then.

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Q: Hey Doug, just wanted to know your thoughts on Cuttino Mobley's retirement. Also, since he was unable to pass his physical, doesn't the trade he was involved in not go through?

Dave R, Markham

A: I was asked about Mobley a while ago and said I always think it’s a terrible thing when health issues make a guy retire before he wants to and Mobley was a good, solid pro for a lot of years.

Now, to the gist of your question: Teams can waive the medical examination requirement of any trade (See: Raptors and Mourning, Alonzo) so when the Knicks signed off, the deal was done, regardless off the health problems.

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Q: Isn't Garnett's "intensity" getting to be a bit much? I know he's a great player but I think he might be mentally unbalanced. He's constantly screaming at people. Aside from the Big Baby Davis situation every time I watch a Celtics game he's losing his mind (for example the Hawks game Wednesday). If his name wasn't Kevin Garnett I don't think people would be so willing to let his stuff happen without saying something. Also that Calderon situation was classless.

Jordan T, Toronto

A: Even for him, it’s over the top and I know the league knows about it (the Raptors called Stu Jackson after the incident with Calderon) and I would imagine the referees are paying closer attention to what might be taunting.

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Q: Love reading your blog. I attended my 3rd home game this season and aside from the game itself, can you explain what's wrong with the multi-million $ scoreboard that it’s still not working until the 4th quarter. And by then, we didn't want to see the stats.

Jeff K, Toronto

A: As a basketball scoreboard, it’s a piece of crap. As a television set, it’s not bad. As a vehicle for advertising, it’s just what they wanted.

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Q: I was just wondering if there was ever anything resembling the Sundin "As the stomach churns" saga in the NBA?

Sohail G, Collingwood

A: Well, it’s not as drawn out as the Sundin saga but there sure was some angst and anticipation when Kobe was publicly toying with leaving the Lakers for the Clippers.

But to the level of Sundin? No. Of course, I cannot imagine anyone outside of Toronto really giving a rat’s patoot about Sundin, and I can imagine a few people in Toronto couldn’t care less, either.

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Q: Hey Doug, when was the last time the Raps got called for a technical foul? And I'm not talking about a silly tech. I'm talking about an "emotional" technical foul. A technical foul that says, "I care a lot about this call, I'm into this game, I want to win, I'm going to make sure I'm heard". When was the last time a Raps coach got this type of technical foul? Sam used to but I feel he sort of stopped towards the end. Now I realize that techs aren't seen as a good thing for teams. But they can also be seen as a display of intensity (Garnett in Boston), toughness (Mason/Oak in NY) and a desire to win (Raja Bell vs. Kobe). For a Raps team that hasn't shown any of these emotions of late, don't you think it would be a good sign if someone got called for an 'emotional' tech? Maybe even get kicked out of the game? At least some fans may cheer. Your thoughts would be most appreciated.

Elliot H, Ottawa

A: Ah, Bosh got one in the Jersey game on Monday. Jay got one in the same game. O’Neal’s had a few this year. All of them for arguing with emotion and passion.

Getting kicked out? Doesn’t work. All it does is hurt your team.

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Q: Hi, Doug! I'm not sure if my questions don't get through or they're too long or just ridiculous but they never get answered. Well, I'm trying again nonetheless. I think it's safe to say that a big part of the reason Sam was axed and the reins were given to Jay was for him to get the most out of this roster. One major component has been packing the lanes and allowing teams to shoot from long distance a bit more. But long shots mean long rebounds. It seems to me that for this strategy to be effective, good guard rebounding would be essential. For the Raptors, this strikes me as a lose-lose scenario. If a team has a great shooting night, they'll win. If their shot is off they'll win on second-chance points because you're relying on the rebounding skills of a bunch of guys who couldn't grab a board if they were alone in the gym!... A quick comparison: 8 games for Jay, only 2 wins (the nights the opponents shot below 35%), 6 games where the Raptors opponents have had a double-digit rebounding advantage vs. 17 games for Sam, 8 wins (on all but 2 of the occasions where the opponents shot below 45%), only 3 games where the Raptors were on the wrong end of a double-digit rebounding differential and 5 games where they actually won or tied the battle of the boards... Do you think that Jay's strategy is, in fact, utilizing this roster better than Sam's? Are the players simply ruining their opportunity to maximize their skills? Are there some tactics which you think might achieve more from these guys? Or is this roster just too flawed to do any better?

Joe T, Toronto

A: You’ll notice I didn’t cut the preamble to your questions, but this is the only time I’m letting go. Perhaps that’s why you don’t see them, too much statement, too little question.

But I digress, as usual.

The stats are mildly interesting but the sample size for Jay is too small.

I don’t know if it’s better or worse, it’s different and until he convinces the guards and small forwards to do their fair share on the boards, the rebounding issues will remain. Can he do that? Yes. Will the team be better when he does? Yes. Will it take longer than eight games? Try double that number.

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Q: Hey Doug I am long time Reader and huge fan of your blog but while I was watching the Raps vs. Mavs Wednesday night I finally realized that with this current team we have no chance at making any noise in the playoffs. When your best player doesn't score or stop the other teams best player it’s hard to win. Agree?

Paul L, Scarborough

A: Yes.

And when you’re best player has 25 and 12, you do have a chance to win.

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Q: Hi Doug, after watching almost every game since 1995, it's safe to say that Raptors fans (including myself) are a quacked bunch. I was on the "I'm done with these guys for the season" bandwagon after the Jersey game. I think what I read on Chris Bosh's forum is on par with the trade scenario in your Dec 18 entry. Some guys are saying that Nathan Jawai is a mix of Elton Brand/Tim Duncan. Yes, they seem serious. What have you heard from scouts etc. as a best case scenario for this wplayer?

Chris R, Vancouver

A: Jawai? Scouts say he’s got good footwork and a nice touch on a shot that right now has no appreciable range. Best-case? I guess NBA starter in two, three years. Who knows, though. No one has seen him as much as practice against NBA players. Everything is a guess.

Quacked? Yeah, you could make that case.

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Q: In Bosh's latest blog entry (from Wed. Dec. 17), he talks about the high expectations he had for a book were too high and how he was disappointed. He said the movie made out of the book better be good because "there's nothing worse" than paying a high price for a movie and it not being good. Do you think this is Bosh's way of telling the fans to shut up and accept the product as is?

Alfred C, Toronto

A: Wow. That’s definitely a stretch. I have no idea for sure but don’t you think he could be talking about books and movies?

Yeesh. Sometimes, things are what they are.

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Q: I didn't get to see the (Dallas) game but I'm watching the post-up show right now, and I think you were the second reporter to ask Jay a question and I'm not sure but I thought I heard him call your name. For how long have you known JT and how close are you to him. What's you relationship like, does he know every reporter by name or are you someone special.

Eni M, Toronto

A: Nothing special. We go back quite a ways but he’s been here for seven years now, he knows us all. Like all the coaches do. And I presume a handful of players even know our names.

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Q: Hi Doug, first a note of thanks to those who have been throwing out links to watch the games. On a serious note, is Jay Triano going to last the season? I'm not dumping on the guy as I realize he has inherited this roster and has had very little time to reinforce concepts in practice. I would imagine moving a few players would be the next big shake up attempt, but I can't see Jay staying on for the rest of the season if his team continues to play part of the game. Thoughts on this subject?

Kevin M, Maple

A: I cannot envision the scenario (okay, maybe a losing streak that eclipse’s the franchise record of 19 straight) in which Jay doesn’t finish the season as the interim coach. Even in that doomsday scenario, they’d probably just suck it up and play out the string.

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Comments

[Brad]

Doug, glad you acknowledged the top 10 harshest fans. I thought the booing on Wednesday was over the top. I was just as frustrated but I was incredibly disappointed in the people booing. Rap's fans have such a short memory, 3 years ago we were absolutely awful, lucky to even get 30 wins. We had no future with Babcock at the top, players hated each other, very little potential. Now after a good season and a .500 season, everyone is expecting to win every night and when we don't then their logical answer is to fire the guy that brought them back to respectability (Colangelo), trade the only all-star on the team (Bosh), trade the only guy that represents long-term upside (Bargnani)...it's annoying.

Sure there is lots of things to be frustrated with, like Bosh taking 3's late in close games, Moon dribbling around in a circle before shooting, Bargnani stuck outside the 3 pt line, overall lack of rebounding.......but the last thing the team needs to get better is to have fans turn against them. If you're not going to cheer, or at least if you're going to boo, just stay home.

[Boko]

I'd like to see Colangelo trade either Parker, Kapono or Graham AND either Humphries or Voskuhl PLUS a first-rounder PLUS money for a better SF/G. If necessary, add Soloman &/or Adams to balance the salaries.

[Michael]

Doug, love to get your comments on this quote by Kevin McHale.

"I think you’re going to see more and more shorter term stuff in our league," [McHale] said. "Just because the access now, there’s so much media availability and everything else."

"There’s just so many bloggers; everybody’s got an opinion. There’s all kinds of stuff going on. Sometimes that starts forming the opinion of people in front offices, too, and owner. It’s been kind of a crazy year so far."

Blogger's note: I think he's right in some cases, at least with some poorly-run franchises. The good ones make all their own decisions.

[Geoff]

I have a feeling the fans in Boston don't boo much, which is likely related to the fact that their sports teams are winners. They also have ownership groups who spend money on their teams, in addition to charging 10 bucks for a beer and 8 dollars for a hot dog.

If I was Bosh or BC I wouldn't take the booing personally, as they are just the latest in a long line of disappointments that this city has had offered up to them as professional sports teams. BC got the Raptors from the status of laughing stock, to mediocre, so quickly, that fans probably thought he could perform another miracle and get them to the next level. Unfortunately, that requires ownership to spend money, like Boston, and that just never happens in Toronto. If Toronto fans stopped supporting their mediocre teams, with their hard earned dollars, maybe something might change, but when you have the suckers lining up, year after year, why should they bother.

[Dan, north bay]

Doug, now that memphis has parted ways with antoine walker, would it make sense to try and sign him to a league minimum deal and maybe get rid of one of the other forwards??? your thoughts??

Blogger's note: It makes absolutley no sense whatsoever and would immediately be one of the worst decisions this franchise has made ever.

[Kendal]

Morning Doug - ARGH! I've had it up to here with Rogers. I know, I know...we're still taking about it. But it's Friday and there's a long standing tradition of heading home after a long work week, cooking or ordering in some food, pouring a glass of wine and watching the game.

AND to top it all off, Toronto's expecting an obscene amount of snow today and it won't even be possible to go out to watch the game! Double ARGH!

Blogger's note: I'm in the same boat, only out in Mississauga and wondering if it'll even be possible to see the game, do the blog, and relax.

Rogers has RUINED Christmas! I'm picturing Tiny Tim huddled around a puny Christmas tree looking sad, but instead it will be me and The Boys huddled around a tiny laptop looking sad!

We might boo when the team is playing like crap, but we sure are dedicated! GO RAPS GO!

Good luck with the shoveling over the weekend!

[Joe T.]

Oh, Doug, I'm quite sure of at least one player who knows your name. I'm thinking back to a post-game session after one of the games in the Toronto-New Jersey series a couple of seasons ago. I distinctly remember Vince Carter rolling his eyes and sighing "Doug" before an unseen scribe asked a question. Could that have been our favourite NBA blogger? Does VC remember you well, Doug, and fear your questions? Or is this fond memory something I've created in my mind?...

Blogger's note: I think he remembers me well, actually.

[Ryan]

What would the Raptors prefer then, a complacent crowd? We're one of the loudest fanbases in the NBA, and we're not about to say "it's ok, it's ok" when the team is obviously not playing as well as it could be. Yeah we get on our team sometimes, but damn, don't the players know all they have to do is use that as motivation? As loud as we boo, I am certain we cheer louder.

And we're not like Philly fans that go to games and want to boo, we actually pick our spots and I think we fans do a very good job of it. We never boo hustle. If the fans boo you, dive for the next ball, and listen as the crowd cheers.

[Pat]

Hey,

I believe the TSN2 games are replayed on Raptors TV in the middle of night after the game. So people can still watch it if they are willing to stay up late.

As for Triano being the head coach for the rest of the season, Eric Smith and Paul Jones said that Colangelo should give him the rest of the season no matter what happens because by promoting to him Interim Head Coach, his career is essentially on the line.

[yertu damkule]

doug - first off, i really do hope you're right with respect to where they'll finish (46-ish wins). not that i think it's even remotely possible. 46 wins means 36 losses. they have 15 already. to get to 46-36, they can only afford 21 more (in 57 games). does going 36 7 21, starting tonight, really sound remotely possible, without a significant roster move, considering how they've played of late (2-8 in last 10)?

let's say they do start playing well, and get things turned around, just not to the degree above (a .630 winning % is mighty lofty), and end up at .500...would they be better off missing the playoffs & getting into the lottery (albeit in a fairly weak draft year), or squeaking in as the 7 or 8 seed & having to face boston or cleveland in the first round? would missing the playoffs be a bigger blow than being embarrassed in the 1st round?

[ET]

Can you imagine the reaction if the raptors lose to the Thunder tonight? Yikes!

[CARLoS M.]

Doug - it's probably too late for tonight's game and the horrible weather but I had an idea for the out of town TSN2 games that you do not attend in person. Why not pick an establishment that you are going to go watch the game and annouce it to Raptor fans. The bar could charge a nominal cover/donation to a charity and fans could get to watch the game with the esteemed Mary Deanne Shears Award winner Doug Smith! You might even get to meet some of your fans ;)

[Zaddups]

***RAPTORS PROTEST/MARCH TUESDAY DECEMBER 23rd 2008 at 7:00AM RE: TSN2 FIASCO!!!!
Just to mention again.
There will be a protest against this Rogers/TSN2 Fiasco NEXT Tuesday December 23rd at 7:00 AM at the Rogers Headquarters at Bloor Street and Jarvis in Toronto. Be there...tell your friends...everyone come down. We will get this nonsense settled once and for all. These big conglomerates need to remember that just the the athletes...we pay their salaries!!!!!!!!!
Spread the word people!

Thanks Doug

[Andre C]

Regarding the booing: I would have to say it's somewhat contagious. I was at the Dallas game and remember specifically the moment Doug mentions above with Bargnani shooting the free throws. There was a "gentleman" behind me that really seemed to have it out for him. Who knows why, but he booed Bargnani pretty much whenever he took to the court, and in particular after missing that free throw. Once he started, the masses began to join in. From where I was sitting, it really all seemed to start from just one guy.
On the flip side, I'd have to say that cheering is contagious too. It can catch on the same way, starting with one loud fan. Maybe if just a few of us who don't approve of all that negativity were a little louder in our support when things aren't going so well, things would be different. I know it's hard to muster up enthusiasm lately, and I know I definitely have a tendency to sit on my hands when the games take a turn for the worst, but like Bosh said himself, "Fans, whether they know it or not, they dictate a lot. They're a major, major part of the game. You know walking into other buildings, it's tough to play sometimes if the fans are being supportive, if they're loud."
Why not give it a shot?

[jimbo]

Doug,
Enjoy your work.
I'd suggest Raptors fans are whacked because they are a group that consists of a lot of Leaf/hockey fans frustrated by years of futility in Hockey's most profitable market.
As sports fans we embraced the Blue Jays but our run of titles were interupted by a strike that stole a chance of an all Canadian World Series.
The Argos greatest attribute is they allow other smaller Canadian cities tofeel better about themselves by beating up a Toronto team.
TFC has continued the losing tradition.
I know your aware of the Raptors glorious story.
Whacked? Your right but do you have to shove it in our face?

[fghgf]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/94700-dallas-mavericks-may-make-a-run-at-chris-bosh

[Andy]

I want to clear something up, as I was one of the main people booing at the Toronto game.

If anyone says that this team gives 100% effort on the court, they'd be lying. How many times have you seen our guys on the ground, fighting for loose balls? Honestly, when Parker went to the floor in that Dallas game, it was the second time I remember someone doing that this season. 2nd time. In 25 games.

Our fanbase isn't as stupid as people think.

They weren't booing Bosh, they were booing the team. The long jumpshots, the lack of defensive intensity, giving up offensive rebounds. They were booing a LACK OF EFFORT.

Toronto is easy to appease, just play hard. Toronto fans love being behind the team that plays hard, regardless of the outcome. They don't boo bad teams who play hard, they boo teams with talent who play at 75%.

This team doesn't leave it on the floor, they all look at each other expecting someone else to get the dirty work done. Thats why the fans were booing against the Mavericks.

[Philippe A.]

Doug...please tell me you watched the Portland vs Phoenix game last night. The game was unreal! The best game this year. Brandon Roy was hitting everything. Also I haven't seen a team with so much depth. Even the last guy off the bench (Bayless), will eventually be a starter in this league. That's how talented they are.

Raptors must win tonight! I expect a bounce back game for Bosh. He should be able to dominate the Thunder bigs.

[Bill Wong]

Hey Doug,

I keep on hearing that Cleveland (or New York for that matter) is interested in Bosh in 2010 to attract LBJ in staying there. Do you really think that Bosh's presence has that kind of effect on LBJ's decision? If so, why isn't anyone talking about us getting LBJ in 2010? I mean we are at least ahead of New York in terms of already having Bosh on our team. Is it a money issue, or simply Toronto suck as a city and LBJ would not consider coming here in a million year?

Thanks.

Blogger's note: I have no idea, I don't care about 2010 until at least a year from now

[Alex]

I must say I was surprised not a lot of questions about the odour that is Bargnani in the mailbag. I heard on the Mavs game Matt Devlin talking about how it too Dirk a few years until he was decent. This is a straight lie. As you can see from the stats Dirk was very good from year 2 and never looked back. I think its time to call Bargnani a bust, he just hasnt showed enough to make me believe he will ever be much better. It all comes down to heart and mental toughness and lets face it.....Bargnani does not have it.
Look at the last 10 #1 picks....tell me AB isn't a bust. I rank them thus:
Lebron, Iverson, Duncan, Dwight Howard, D Rose, E Brand, Yao Ming, K-Mart, Bogut, Oden, Bargnani, Olowokandi, Kwame Brown.
Doug could you honestly rank this any other way? How can you not say he is a bust? Do you really think he has it in him to play much better? (dont you agree its mental?)

Nowitzki

Year Team G GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% OFF DEF RPG APG SPG BPG TO PF PPG
98-99 DAL 47 24 20.4 0.405 0.206 0.773 0.9 2.6 3.4 1.0 0.6 0.6 1.55 2.20 8.2
99-00 DAL 82 81 35.8 0.461 0.379 0.830 1.2 5.2 6.5 2.5 0.8 0.8 1.72 3.10 17.5
00-01 DAL 82 82 38.1 0.474 0.387 0.838 1.5 7.7 9.2 2.1 1.0 1.2 1.90 3.00 21.8

Bargnani

Year Team G GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% OFF DEF RPG APG SPG BPG TO PF PPG
06-07 TOR 65 2 25.1 0.427 0.373 0.824 0.8 3.1 3.9 0.8 0.5 0.8 1.65 2.80 11.6
07-08 TOR 78 53 23.9 0.386 0.345 0.840 0.6 3.1 3.7 1.1 0.3 0.5 1.13 2.70 10.2
08-09 TOR 25 12 26.8 0.404 0.356 0.904 0.8 3.8 4.6 1.0 0.4 1.5 1.16 3.10 10.0

[Ian]

I'm a bit of a boo-er. Perhaps it comes from going to too many Yankees games while I was living in NYC. Those fans, if they see a booted play or a mental error, they'll boo to let the player know that *they* know he screwed up, and that he'd best get his head back in the game.

Look, if the Raptors go down 2 or 3, we're not booing them because they are down 2 or 3 points, and it's crazy that Bosh would suggest such a thing. What we're booing is that they coughed up a 13 point lead. We're booing the 15-pt swing, *especially* when we then watch Bosh go down and hoist up a 3-pt shot that misses the rim entirely.

What, he wants us to cheer for that? C'mon.

[Lake Simcode]

Remind you guys that Raptors lossed in Seattle last season.

[sean]

Looking at the Thunder's lineup, I strongly believe these youngsters have a chance against the raptors.

Wilcox and Green, aggressive youngsters who's games are pounding the boards and the paint; Westbrook and Durant are EXACTLY the type of perimeter players that the Raps have trouble "containing" (never mind guarding) all season long. They have decent role players in Collison and Mason (whom have given raptors fits in the pass).

I was watching SA vs Superman last night and seeing my fav Red-rocket boxing out Superman along with Duncan and draining a few threes. Good to see Bonner contributing with a franchise like SA. I do miss him in a Toronto jersey. Here's a great example of how a team utilize role players to it's max (Bowen, Finley, Bonner, Thomas), as I preached before in the pass couple of Doug Smith blogs. SA is the exact role model for Toronto. These two teams have somewhat similar structure, but again, it's easier said than done. I would like to get your feedback on this comparison. Thanks.

[Brendon]

I wonder if the Raptors finish below .500, miss the playoffs and enter the draft lottery if Coangelo will make a similar post-season statement that Glen Grunwald made several years ago when he was a GM.....methinks not but it would be funny to see.

[Michael]

Hey Doug,

Any news about them changing the starting line up or any tweak to the 1st/2nd unit tonite? I guess they won't change their strategy much so it make sense to change the line. I say they should try a different SF and SG, maybe Graham and AP. What do you think?

Blogger's note: This unit's had, what, four games, five? I think they should give 'em more time. But maybe they do