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.  

Comments

[UK]

Hey Doug,

This may be more of a mailbag thing, and maybe there isn't a big enough sample size, but can you provide your analysis on some of the more subtle changes you see with Triano as the coach? I mean we can all see the obvious push the ball more, pack the lane defence, but have you noticed any more subtle changes?

Thanks.

Blogger's note: Let me get one more game in to really watch closely and we'll do it Tuesday or Wednesday morning.

[Dennis]

This team needs Mike Miller in the worst way!! Bargs plus Kapono or Parker might be enough to convince McFail to bite. Hey, the guy traded KG, so anything is possible.

[Andre V.]

Action: AP’s healthy

Reaction: Does he start again?

Answer: No.

[Dan W]

I would have like to have seen a younger more athletic big from the D-league. Then you would least have somone with a chance to crack the rotation. I get that Jake will be a good guy at the end of the bench with more NBA experience who won't cause problems for lack of playing time, but he is really only ever going to get to play if there in big foul trouble or a blow out anyway. At his age he won't be getting any better either so why not give a guy with more upside a chance. Bryan had him as an end of the bench guy in Phoenix so maybe that has somthing to do with it. Hopefully it's just for the veterans minimum and not the amound he signed Baston for last year to play a similar role.

[liam c]

holy crap! this TSN2 thing is really turning into a debacle!

The arrogance of these corporations to get caught in something like this DURING the season.

And it's really sort of disgusting that it's taking this long to rectify.

Like Doug says, it's time us True-Purple Raptors fan make some noise about this.

For starters, there's a little Facebook group up-and-running, to which I just added a Form email and some corporate addresses for everyone to send out. Check it out at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=33412193466

[gdr]

I am losing sleep over the TSN/Rogers fisaco. I have started to call TSN Audience Relations (416-332-7660) on a daily basis as well as Rogers (1-888-ROGERS1) and they continue too say "we are still in negotiations". When asked why it takes 4 months to come to a resolution, whereas other companies did so within days, neither company has an answer. I will continue to voice my displeasure daily until an agreement is worked out. I know that if this continues into the new year, I will be cancelling ALL my Rogers services (tv, internet, home phone, cell phone, over $200 per month) as well as cancelling my Raptors season's tickets. Why should the die-hard fans be shut out of viewing their hometown team both at home and on the road. Just doesn't seem fair. I urge other true RAPS fans to voice their concerns with both companies, so we can get this settled once and for all!

[Sunny]

Hey Doug, yesterday during the game, while Colangelo was in the walk way to the lockers watching the game, there was this tall and skinny (african american) fella standing beside him. I also saw the 2 of them saturday night at the airport and couldn't figure out who the guy was. I assumed he was a basketball player but couldnt gather up the courage to ask him. Do you know who he is?

Blogger's note: I didn't see him, but it could have been one of his front-office henchmen (and I use the term in the nicest possible way)

[leigh]

Doug,

Just over two minutes to go, Raptors down by five. Chris Paul, after trusting his team mates all day decides it's time to close this one out. He slices inside scores a lay up. A franchise play from a franchise player.
Chris Bosh's response ? Launch a three-pointer. It clanks off and the Raptors are done. Two franchise players. One confidently confirms his teams lead, the other gambles and loses.

Bosh still has a lot to learn.

[Andrew]

Hey Doug,

Don't know if this is mail bag fodder or not, but I don't think you've covered it before (but I'm in my 30's and my memory may be declining - ha!). What's up with Kapono high-fiving everyone with the back of his hands? I've never seen him high-five anyone straight on. It's an odd sight, for sure. Has he ever been asked this?

Blogger's note: Not that I know of, I'm sure it's just some silliness but I'll check with him when I remember

[Jamieson Currie]

I really wish people would stop booing Carter. It makes him think that he matters...which he doesn't...

[Ali]

Doug, it's being reported that Kleiza may be moved for a big man. Since we just signed an extra big man doesn't it make some sense there could be a deal in the works here. After all I doubt BC goes into the tax for Voskhul.
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/dec/13/nuggets-report-kleiza-trade-coming/

Blogger's note: I doubt it, but I'm sure he's talked to Denver like he's talked to 28 other teams. As I've been writing for a while, all the people I talk to in the upper echelons of the organization say the Voskuhl signing is not tied to anything. And the tax issue can be resolved in the few months.

[JS]

Yes Dennis, you're right, Mike Miller and his championship pedigree is exactly what this team needs. Well, that's assuming Corey Maggette and Al Harrington are unatainable obviously.

"Hmmm, my team keeps losing... Wait! I know, let's trade our best shooter and our only player with considerable upside for a one-dimensional career loser with a huge contract! That oughta fix it!"

[Kelsie]

Hey Doug,

I think it's safe to say the fans are seeing a more conistent effort on a nightly basis which is good and we should be back in the thick of the playoff hunt (seriously) within the next 10-12 games.

The Hornets are a better team than us, but I was a little dissapointed that in the fourth quarter we didn't pound the ball down low with JO and Chris. There was 3-4 possessions before Bosh checked back in that we didn't focus on getting the ball inside to Jermaine and when we did it was the only possession of the four that we scored on. Posey was guarding him and Bosh for short stretches yesterday and we have to make teams pay for defending our bigs with wing players.

I like what Triano is trying to do and filtering opposing teams to the baseline as opposed to the middle which is a better strategy, but I'm wondering Doug was there more discontent with Mitchell than there was let on originally or is he now just the scape goat for our poor play earlier on? Every player comment in the media seems to start with "two weeks ago we were doing this but now...." like this two weeks was ages ago. We're definitely seeing better on the ball defense now but it makes me wonder why they weren't doing it before? The argument that Triano has made them play better defence confuses me a little cause wasn't he one of the assistants working with the players previously when they couldn't play defence two weeks ago?

Moon has become so much more active now defensively and on the glass. Where was he two weeks ago or did Triano show him how to box out and move his feet to defend his position? With Graham I can understand his confidence cause his leash has always been a short one with Mitchell and Triano has let him play freely, but what about Kapono?

Previously under Mitchell's tenure he was one of the best shooters in the league....that didn't shoot very often. With Triano as coach Kapono launches everything now, which is great and as it should be.

I watched Kapono under Mitchell and maybe Mitch could have run some more innovative sets for him but I also feel like Kapono didn't shoot as much under Mitchell and would pass up shots or fake the defender running out at him and then put the ball on the floor with one dribble and then swing the ball to a teammate. Maybe it's my imagination but when I see the dramatic rise in shots taken for one player like this it makes me wonder if there was more going on in the locker room then these players will admit to.

If I'm wrong I'm wrong, but if I'm right I am dissapointed that they wouldn't play the right way or do the right things all of the time no matter who is coaching the team.

Blogger's note: Sam was quite a bit of a scapegoat; anything that happened in the first 20 games of the season was as much, if not more, on the players than the coach.

[I Geeve]

Doug,

What would it take to pry away Ramon Sessions from Milwaukee? Anyone I talked to before the season I'd tell them he's going to be the sleeper of the year.

I would stick with Bargs right now if I were BC because his defence has been much improved this season be it playing the 3, 4, or 5. His offense will come once he gets a solid role as the flow of his game will reappear. As for Joey, unless a superstar comes back in return (or a couple of 1st round draft picks from a high-lottery expected team), I'd keep his $2.7 million contract here as his game is much needed and with time to play and become Good Joey forever, he'll be a valuable free-agent to resign.

If it were up to me I would be packaging Moon, Adams, Solomon, etc. for someone.

To all those who want Maggette: Stop dreaming!

[Kevin Murray]

TSN/MLSE/Rogers debacle:
I have emailed two or three sponsors of Raptors Basketball and told them I will not be watching their commercials because I will not be watching their games.
Maybe this gets them thinking.

[MoPete]

What would it take to pry away MoPete from the Hornets?

I know that Mo has a salary similar to AP and his contract should expire at the end of next season just in time for the big frenzee. I would love to have (a healthy) MoPete back here. In fact, he'd be starting right now if he were still here.

Better yet, how about AP + Hump for Marks + MoPete? Marks is on a 1-year deal so it works.

Outgoing ($7,750,000):
AP $4,550,000
Hump $3,200,000

Incoming ($6,389,821):
MoPete $5,592,240
Marks $797,581

By the way, ESPN reports Voshkul's salary to be prorated to an amount of $577,073 and this trade gives us back even more room to operate under the tax threshold (in the event of 10-day contracts needed) while AP goes to a contending team. Marks doesn't whine about playing time and being a fourth big will not be an issue... he's made a career of such sacrifices!

[justdon'tcareanymore?]

maybe no one wrote in 'cause no one cares anymore? i mean, they're SUPPOSED to lose to teams like the hornets, right? at least they didn't get blown away. but that's ok, 'cause i'm sure that they'll still get to the 45-win range by only beating the teams that they're clearly better than...

of course, that'll all change after tonight, win or lose. because raps fans do care about wince.

Blogger's note: Nice name change.

[sean]

As I pointed out before, Triano has began to define roles for his players. From the pass few games, it shows on Moon: Stats across the boards in rebounds, steals, points; Graham: Energy off the bench and aggressiveness; Bosh: Go to guy; Calderon: Leadership role; Kapono: His shot, his shot, and his shot.

There were nearly no negative on Sunday's game against the Hornets, they just need to be aware of who's on the floor (i.e. Big shot Posey). Contained CP3 acceptably (Moon's wingspan and Ukic's speed). West light's out is expected (he's a 6-9 240 with guard skills down low). I do want to see Bargnani again be more aggressive, go to the net, rough up those Hornets (I dont' see any Tyson Chandler underneath); when guys like West was guarding Bargnani, he should use his 7ft frame and just post up, face up, draw fouls (easier said than done but you have to practice and be confident).

I really dont' want BC to tinker this line up too much. Must allow time for current players to adjust to Jay's scheme. So far, I am seeing alot of bright spots (as how Jay effectively utilizing his bench, resting his starters, and training up young guys like Ukic and Graham). Let him coach, let the players play.

[Kendal]

Hi Doug,

The TSN/Rogers issues is getting on my nerves. As I type this, the husband is researching places for us to go this evening to watch the game - meaning we get to watch it with a bunch of strangers without hearing any of the good natured commentary.

With that said, I was pretty peeved last week so I sent an email to Nancy Cottenden - Director of Corporate Communications at Rogers (Nancy.Cottenden@rci.rogers.com) and she responded, and I quote: "Rogers is a major support of the Raptors. I'm sure you know we are a title sponsor of the team. We want to carry TSN2 and are working on an agreement that is fair and equitable for all our customers. I'm sure you can appreciate that these discussions are complex and take time."

So, if there are other fans who want to drop Nancy a message, feel free to do so. I'm sure as a communications professional she would love to hear from the fans and Rogers supporters.

Thanks,

[David Robertson]

Hey Doug, this is in response to Andrew's question about Kapono's back of the hand high fives. Often players (of various sports) whose fingers (touch) are important will just bump fists or back of hands to prevent unintentional sprains from bent back fingers.

[Marcelino Vino]

Action: AP’s healthy

Reaction:Trade him!!
and Humphries is mediocre and has mediocre talent so, trade him too!

You want to win?? Go out and trade for GOOD players.

And yes, Go over the cap!! just like WINNERS Boston, Cleveland, LA all are!

They gambled on getting Oneal, what s the difference now on going out and gambling for Wallace or Maggette??

Blogger's note: By your own admission, do you think it's easy for a GM to trade "mediocre talent" for "good players"

[MoPete]

Ahaha Marcello has the right idea but the wrong players!

Seriously now...

What do you think?

AP + Hump for MoPete + Marks

once all is healthy that is!

[w00t]

w00000000000t!

We have a Ramon fan in the house!

Isn't he a light-year better than Will "Jack-a-lot-and-do-nothing" Solomon?

[liam c]

gRE: TSN2/Rogers Debacle

I've sent my comments to different feedback forums around the Raptors and MLSE and have received a similar response:

"TSN is a long standing supporter of the Raptors and the NBA.
They have distribution in place across Canada with Rogers being the only holdout
we recognize this is an unacceptable situation for Raptors fans in the GTA
we are doing everything in our power to encourage TSN and Rogers to make a deal
we are still very hopeful this will get resolved in short order.

Thanks for being a fan!"

Seems like the Raps Organization is signaling that Rogers is to blame in this fiasco.

Either way, it's absolutely ridiculous that this is only being figured out now a quarter of the way into the season.

The only losers = fans. Makes sense.

[LS]

""Hmmm, my team keeps losing... Wait! I know, let's trade our best shooter and our only player with considerable upside for a one-dimensional career loser with a huge contract! That oughta fix it!""
----------------------------

How is Mike Miller one-dimensional? He's a great shooter who is also a decent playmaker at the either the 2 or 3 spot and a solid rebounder as well. He would instantly beceome the Raptors best wing player BY FAR. Mike Miller could be that secondary playmaker in the starting lineup for the Raptors. So Mike Miller has been on losing teams, so what? He's a 3rd option type player who just hasn't been on a great team in his career. It's not his fault though since he's been a very productive player. This whole "he is a career loser" thing is silly in this case. What is the fear here? That he has this inherent losing ability that is going to infect the rest of the team?

Bargnani/Parker/protected 1st for Miller/Craig Smith is something I'd love to happen but of course Colangelo will never give up his golden boy. He's going down with the ship on this one.