You wonder how low they can go

How’s everybody today? Not so good, right? Blow it up? Trade ‘em all? Fire someone?

Can’t really blame you.

But here’s something a wise old man once said (not even sure it was) and it might bear thinking about today: Don’t get too high after big wins or too low after bad losses.

Yes, that Thunder Thing was the low point in a season chalk full of them so far and it’s hard for anyone to see anything good to talk about or even think about at the moment but the truth is, there are still 56 games to go and there will be some highs and there will be some lows.

Is the season lost? No, it’s not. It’s at its lowest ebb, no question about it, and there are a series of troubling issues that have to be addressed. All it’s going to take is more hard work, more intelligence, more heart. Do they have that in them? I think they do. Not to the level of Boston, L.A. or Cleveland but there are 26 other teams besides Toronto in that same boat.

Maybe they do have to bottom out before things get turned around and this has to be the depths of a very hot and uncomfortable place.

But we must soldier on here and, we shall.

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Action: Collison hustles

Reaction: Raptors lose

If there was one play that not only summed up the game, it probably summed up the season, it came with about 90 seconds left in a two-point game when Nick Collison simply stole a rebound away from Bosh by getting on the floor and rolling it out to a teammate.

It was hustle and desire and strength. None of which Toronto’s had often enough this season.

That Russell Westbrook got the ball and hit a jumper to make it a four-point game only made the play worse. And more costly.

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I believe the number of e-mails was over 40 and the comments something north of 50 in the post-game period. That tells me there’s still some passion out there in fan-land but reading them tells me there’s far, far more anger.

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Action: Bryan’s livid

Reaction: What can he do?

The last time these guys laid a smelly egg like that one, the GM fired the coach. Well, we know that’s not an option at the moment so …

I don’t know specifically which GMs he’s been talking to most seriously – there were some discussions with Chicago, I’m told, and the interest in Marion is there but I’m not sure how far those talks have gone – but it’s really time for action.

Watching that relatively lifeless performance just affirms that this team needs an infusion of something like heart, hustle, consistent hard work that it’s not getting. And, as I mentioned, the season is still salvageable but sometimes a deal for a deal’s sake wakes up some people and gets things moving in the right direction.

Up until the loss to the Thunder, I thought Bryan would hold off on any trades to give Jay and these guys a chance to figure it out. But that one loss, and the way it was accomplished, should have had him on the phone in the wee hours of the morning getting serious about his discussions.

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I don’t imagine they’re planning parade routes in Oklahoma City (after all, they only beat the Raptors) but here’s how the big win played out in the papers.

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A question and answer:

Q: Doug, do you think Raptors fans are getting a bad reputation around the league. Down the stretch in the OKC game, the Oklahoma TV guys said that "if this game was in Toronto, the fans would be booing". Is that the perception around the league these days?

Andrew H, Washington DC

A: Yep. Thanks to the little “boo ‘em when they’re down three to Dallas in the fourth quarter and miss a free throw” story that’s out there, that’s exactly the perception at the moment. And I don’t know how soon it can get changed. I had a couple of friends write me from around North America in the last few days asking what was going on with the boos.

I told them it wasn’t like Vince Boos or Tracy Boos or Damon Stoudamire Boos (as much a smattering then a cacophony) but, still, that’s what people out there read and perceive to be reality.

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Action: Bosh rips Moon

Reaction: A meltdown may be coming.

Did you see Bosh killing Moon after that wacky three with, by my play-by-play sheet, 11 seconds left on the shotclock and Toronto down one with about five minutes to go? Yes, it’s nice to have passion and anger and all that. It’s bad form to publicly show up a teammate. Rip him in the huddle, get him on the bench, to do it in front of a dozen or so TV viewers (that’s about all I figure were left by then) is bad form.

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Some Okie info:

Q: Why does everyone stand in OKcity for the first few minutes?

Alex H, Toronto

A: It’s a quaint little tradition, started in American colleges, where the fans of the home team stand until the home team scores a basket. Very cute. Very college. Very tiring some nights watching the Thunder, I’d presume.

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Oh, and while we’re looking around, check out what they said in San Antonio today, where The Legendary Matt Bonner awaits.

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Action: More lack of hustle.

Reaction: Beating a dead horse? Sure

I can make the argument that the easiest thing to do in professional basketball is to rebound a missed free throw. You’ve got two guys on the block with position, the shooting team’s bigs are generally thinking of heading back up the floor and even of a modicum of effort gets the job done.

Why, then, did I see Nick Collison (there’s the name again) glide past a couple of Raptors to tip in a Jeff Green miss with just about five minutes to go that turned a two-point game into a four-point game.

Little things. Little effort things. Little effort and intelligence things that Toronto just doesn’t do. One in a vacuum you can live with; a series of them costs you games.

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And finally:

Q: High school game tonight, team A is up 26-22, other team goes on a 28-5 run. Comment, oh team A pulled a Raptor. I guess that wouldn't make the pros good to know that is what they saying about them.

Bruce M, Winnipeg.

A: Ding! Ding! Ding!

Comments

[Craig A]

Hey Doug

Do you think that they can modify the seats in the ACC so that fans can watch the game comfortably from the fetal position? At home on the couch it's fine, but those narrow ACC seats have made it difficult so far this season.

[Joe T.]

Not having TSN2, I was blissfully unable to watch the game last night. But did Bosh really tear into Moon for shooting a three early in the shot clock? I hope JO tears into Bosh the next time he does the same thing since it happens at least once a game! And while it's too bad the Raptors lost to the worst team in the NBA, it's perfectly understandable and we should in no way hold them accountable. After all, unless 17,000 people are cheering for them, they can't be expected to come from behind and steal a game. That sort of fan support is rare on the road so road victories will be as well, I guess...

[Lake Simcoe]

I won't be surprised if they come back in 0-6.

Clearly BC should do something. But I wonder even if he got Al Harrington (or any 3) for free, this guy will soon learn to stand still under the rim, wait for the ball to drop to his head (and call this a rebound).

Remember there was a 5-0 run after GG swung a big deal with Bulls, so what?

[Andrew P]

Bosh showing up Moon might a good thing. Perhaps he'll take it to heart and will use his head a little more on defense rather than his hops.

[yertu damkule]

i'd have to imagine that those '26 other teams' are pretty happy they aren't as bad as the raps.

[Diablo]

Whom is Bryan livid at now? He made the coaching change he obviously felt was needed. What now? He picked the players. Time for some self-loathing Bryan.

[RapsGirl]

Ummm.....I don't think Bosh ripped him for trying the 3. i'm pretty sure it was because Moon bit on a pump-fake for the millionth time....and fouling the guy for the millionth+1 time.

bosh was right to tell him about it right then & there....

i hope they trade Bosh, so he can play somewhere where people aren't so damn fickle.

[Brian]

The Raps just plain STINK. I like Doug's idea of blowing if up if Colangelo decides to do so and getting Derrick Rose here and basically trading the entire team for a new one. I don't think this team is going anywhere with the scrubs we have right now.

Blogger's note: It wasn't my idea, I want no part of it. It was a ridiculous part of four huge trades, none of which had a snowball's chance of even being talked about, let alone consummated. It was used to show just how far-fetched so "ideas" are.

[Jay Hu]

Doug, I do miss Chuck a lot, but if there is one thing I don't miss about Chuck, it is his unrealistic optimisim. In some ways, you use to be the anti-Chuck. I have read a lot of your article and blog for the last 3 years, ditto Chuck's and I still can't believe that the season isn't lost at this point.

Yes, there are 56 games left in the season but let's be honest, the expectation for this team should be 1) playoff bound 2) not a 8th seed team slipping into playoff and 3) go to 2nd round if not, at least compete well in the first round. Not trying to say I have a crystal ball to read into, I would say judging at this year stronger Eastern Conference, safe to say you prob need a .600 record = 49~50 wins to get that 4th or 5th seed this year which means the Rapt will have to go 40-16 (meaning .714) the rest of the season. I think that's the expectation that the organization has set for this team.

I wasn't so optimistic coming into this season, I thought that being capped out, not being able to sign a NBA worthy backup PG is an issue after losing TJ. Another thing worthwhile mentioning is that Defino was always a X-factor last year and was the 2nd most willing guard to drive to the basket, TJ being the most willing. Really, the issue of a lack of willingness to the basket was already present last year but is far worst this year. To compound the problem, Bosh played like a superstar early in the season but I think the extra summer committment with Team USA has really took a toll on him. He looks tired and beaten up, and he is only human. I believe all his other Team USA teammate beside D-Wade are playing less minutes this year as they are getting help. LeBron, Carmelo, Dwight are averaging career low minutes yet their team are winning, meanwhile, Bosh is still out there hustling over a supposingly much more inferior opponent Bobcats (twice) just to squeeze out a win.

I think BC rolled the dice on the O'Neal trade knowing he will have his hands tied this season and maybe even next season if they can't get someone to buy the $22M cap early next season. I think it is bizarre, but the ways the Rapts are playing, they could earn themselves a top 5 pick next year. How good is the draft class of 2009? And I can easily see that if the Rapts doesn't improve between now and 2010, Bosh is a goner :(

[Andrew R.]

If Bosh was ripping Moon for the pump fakes etc. that's ok. But if it was for Moon taking a 3 early in the shot clock, he really needs to look in the mirror before going off on someone else. Has anyone done any stats to see how well Bosh plays with J.O. in the game vs. out?

[Rob]

A few things we have learned:

A coaching change for changes sake does not make things better. Sam was their leader whether you choose to beleive it or not. Traino has been around a long time and has seen the arrival of every one of these players... maybe he wasnt the "freshest" of voice after all.

Last nights game has sealed the fate of some players who will most definitly have a new home (not long) after Christmas.

The JO experiment (from a chemistry perspective) may not work - Anyone notice a rejuvinated Bosh & Barnani in the second half last night? - almost brought them back.

Triano said anyone who rebounds gets minutes. Joey had 9 boards off the bench last night. If this is true, he should start the game at the 3 tonight... we'll see?

Finally Doug, Wasnt San Antonio a fairly good (playoff) team however had a horrible season, got lucky and won the lottery, and drafted Duncan. Didnt they wint he championship the very next season?.

History does repeat itself. Maybe there is silver lining in all of this... or maybe we are destined to be the Clippers (east)of the Basketball world... geez, I hope not!!!

[City Country]

Doug, I'm waiting for you or someone to conjure up the conhonies to dig a little deeper into Bosh and what's wrong with him right now. I'm not looking to hate on him or anything but something's wrong, it is highly mental (the problem has been since the OT loss to Jersey, when Bosh mentally collapsed), and he is really the #1 problem on this team right now (his late poor performances have really lost them some of these recent games). And yet media tip-toes around the subject.

[GM]

Couple thoughts on the game. How bad are the Thunder?! I mean, yeah, they're good enough to beat the Raptors but think about it. The Raptors played as putrid a game as I've seen them play and they were in it the whole way. I know the Thunder are (is?) playing better, but still.

Also, I went to the games the last two years the Raps visited the pre-Thunder Sonics, who were bad, too, and the Raps lost both those games in the same lifeless fashion.

As bad as Bargnani was, I loved that they kept him in in the second half and had him being a big part of the offence. That's what the kid needs. People like to say Dirk was good in his second year but remember he had to be "the guy" so he was forced into it. Bargnani needs to be a bigger part of the offence, not an afterthought. And maybe the team needs to embrace him a little more. Does he have any friends on that team? He seems so alone.

I thought Bosh ripped Moon after Moon bit on a pump fake and fouled his check. It did come on the possession after the ill-advised trey attempt, though. Still, you're right, Bosh shouldn't be showing up guys on the court. With his sulking and not going in the huddle against Boston, his comment about the fans, and this, it seems he's just begging to be traded. And these days, Bosh is the last person to be getting on his teammates about stupid mistakes.

That OKC tradition of standing until the Thunder score reminds me of UVic vs Waterloo (? I think it was) back when Shields was coaching all those championships (yes, even more than Ottawa). Waterloo had the same tradition. It was the national final and he game was shown nationally. UVic started the game scoring something like the first 20 points. That was sweet watching the crowd standing all that time applauding just waiting and waiting for their team to finally score.

[Mark]

Hey Doug

I know you hate commenting on these things but I will try my luck anyways. Would the Raptors be more interested in Nocioni type of player or are they aiming for something higher (Deng or Gordon)?

Blogger's note: They've like Nocioni for a very long time, Deng's a base-year compensation guy and virtually untradeable and if Gordon agrees to a trade, he forfeits his Bird rights so that's unlikely to happen.
That's just presenting facts, not touching on personnel

[Alex L]

I like the standing up until first basket...shows the fans are actually watching the game and shows respect.
Also I saw Bosh rip Moon (unmercifully) after he fouled Jeff Green on a pump fake.....unless he ripped him another time for taking a bad three....which he should have......often.
I hope they sign Moon to a small contract next year and use him 12 minutes a night, not let him take any jumpers.

Blogger's note: The three was about 20 seconds before the foul, both were egregious

[Rob]

Doug, I think you are mistaken... Bosh ripped Moon for fouling Jeff Green late in the shot clock .. i remember that play vividly because i wanted to reach in and choke moon myself...

Blogger's note: The threee was about 20 seconds before the foul, both were egregious.

[Carl J]

If I remember correctly, Bosh against Dallas took a 3 with plenty of time on the clock and they were down a few (he took 2 3s according to the boxscore). He also took 2 against the nets (and made 1) the last time the played, 1 against the Hornets and one against the Cavs.

I know that he can shoot from away from the basket, but at 27.8% he's one of the last players that I want shooting the 3, unless he really has to. By comparison, Moon is 4th on the team in 3P% at 37.5%, which is ahead of Bargnani.

[HSTRIP]

We are screwed. If we don't make a trade soon it means players are refusing to play here or teams are offering nothing because they know we are desparate. This boo situation just makes everything worse. What player wants to come to a new city and get booed?

[Jon K]

This year wouldn't have been as bad if the expectations weren't there. The O'Neal trade hasn't worked out great for the Raps, exchanging serviceable parts, essentially. Bosh to be MVP means 25 and 10 every night. He's not that kind of player. Hell there's only a couple of those guys in the world.

The things that all NBA players should have is severely lacking on this squad. Toronto has talent, but no heart. No amount of ripping players, yelling, screaming, or faking it is gonna fool anyone.

It has been good to see Roko as good as his pre-NBA PR folks said he was. Graham seems to be a touch more consistent. Andrea was good for the first month (before the up-down treatment).

I think the Raps should just consider moving Bosh now. His value is high, you could get a lesser star and picks and some cap mobility for him, and maybe bring back a team oriented approach to scoring, which is what got the team their success in previous years. It seems that all scoring plays have to go through CB4 right now... which makes it too easy for teams to double up create bad shots and easy rebounds.

[Jeff]

Hey Doug, Charlie V is my favourite player ever, and i'm wondering if there is any chance Bryan Colangelo will sign him next summer because he's a free agent. He is a very versatile player that can shoot and has physicality to him. He is averaging about 7.5 rebounds this season and he isnt even starting. Not to mention he isnt getting as much minutes as he should be.

Blogger's note: Do you think maybe there's a reason he's not getting many minutes on a team that's marginally higher than the Raptors in the standings?

[Simon S-G]

Hey Doug, in today's Weekend Dime on espn.com (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-081220-21) Marc Stein says one trade possibility he's hearing is Earl Watson for AP and Joey. Have you heard this rumor? I don't see how that helps us right now, we need to rebound the ball not get another PG.

Blogger's note: I hadn't heard it until today but do you think giving up an expiring contract and your most athletic wing for a backup point guard who maybe plays 16 minutes a night is a bit much? I do.

[Karl]

The Raptors are worse than the Knicks.
Simply stunning.

[Mark L]

Bosh ripping on Moon and Ukic...isn't that sort of the problem. I mean you want people to step up, but when you publically point them out like that then they will hesitate the next time. If Moon made that shot he would be the hero (provided they won), if he misses everybody blames him...what can he do? Just dump the ball to Bosh every possession?...you can't win games with one man playing. You need back up support for scoring. That can't happen if people are 'afraid' for lack of a better word to shoot. I think Moon was just trying to step up...he did go 3 for 3 against Dallas.

[Philippe A.]

I'm going to keep on saying this until the Raptors somehow make the playoffs but losing TJ Ford was probably the worst thing that could of happened to them. He was that one guy that wasn't afraid to drive to hole even though he was the smallest guy and also had a spinal condition.

I really don't know what to think about this team. This is quite shocking but then again if you look at the players that they possess, I think the expectations were set way too high. Don't forget that they finished with a .500 record last year.

[Tree]

Well, I guess it can't get any worse ... unless they find a way to lose to the Detroit Lions

I have now lowered my expectations from "2nd round" to "absolutely none". From what we've seen so far, it wouldn't surprise me to see them finish dead last in the conference or top 4.

Oh, nice to see you come around on the idea of any personnel move. I thought Sam's firing would stir things up, but maybe any kind of trade will. If not, nothing will.