Half a season remains. Is that good or bad?

That sucked, didn’t it? And it’s going to get pretty lonely around these parts as we move forward because another handful of the folks have left. Well, at least they say they’ve left, I surmise five wins in six games might entice them back but I also surmise that’s not something that’s going to happen any time soon.

We’re a game away from the halfway point and, yes, it looks horribly bleak at the moment. The playoffs are a faint hope today, there seems to be no immediate answer and now the pressure has to increase on the general manager to pull off some deal to perhaps salvage the season.

STEVE RUSSELL/TORONTO STAR

17 points in the fourth quarter from Derek Rose. Ouch.

But the fact remains there are 42 games left on this journey so there’s be plenty to talk about no matter what happens.

Like …

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Action: The shot.

Reaction: A bad one.

Even Chris Bosh knew that was the wrong decision with the game on the line and no one had any argument to the contrary.

“I made a mistake. Joakim Noah played good defence and I need to keep my dribble next time. It won’t be the last time that we’re in a situation like that or I’m in a situation like that. You learn from it and keep going.

“You just know it (the clock) is ticking and you want to get a shot off. When (Noah) came out, I should have just shot the ball. Instead, I pump-fake, hesitated just a little bit and I let him get back in the play.”

Admitting it’s one thing (the first step of the 12-step take-a-better-shot program, I believe) but it’s not good enough in this situation.

It was a bad play by a guy who knows better.

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Action: The shot redux

Reaction: Who else?

Go try to find another NBA team that, with the game in the balance and a basket a must, that would ask its power forward to create a play. Can’t find one in my feeble mind because it’s always, always, always a guard or a small forward. Would Boston put the ball in Garnett’s hands? No way. San Antonio for Duncan? I don’t even think he was on the court when Roger Mason beat the Lakers last night. Utah and a healthy Boozer? Not a chance. Any team? Anyone? Nope.

And that’s the fatal flaw of this roster.

Maybe – maybe – they would run a screen and roll with Jose if he’s in the game but even then I doubt it.

There are simply no creators on that roster and the GM has to address that need.

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A trade question that’s not a trade question:

Q: As the Raptors kept on losing, does the "trading" power of Bryan becomes weak? And the more Bryan waits (and Raps keep on losing) the lesser value he will get from the other team?

Paul M, Toronto

A: Probably both, to a degree. In fact, I bet more teams come calling because they smell blood in the water. Of course, the come calling with crap offers and the one thing Colangelo can’t do is make a panic move but the calls will be increasing.

But nothing’s really changed no matter what the team’s record is. He doesn’t have many great assets to dangle.

There’s no way he trades Bosh, Bargnani or Calderon. O’Neal? Maybe. Parker’s expiring contract? That’s his one bargaining chip left. Trust me, I might not be an NBA GM but I guarantee you no one is salivating at the chance of obtaining Jason Kapono or Jamario Moon or Joey Graham or Kris Humphries or Will Solomon or Roko Ukic.

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Here’s how my boyK.C. Johnson chronicled it in Chicago.

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The Noah story.

I’ve only covered two Final Fours, in Minneapolis in Mo’s final year, and Indiana when Florida beat UCLA.

And I saw the coolest guy maybe I’ve ever seen: Noah’s dad, Yannick.

Quag and I had great seats for the final game, first row of media seating right behind the Gator bench and right across from Yannick, who is now some kind of huge rock star in France or something.

For the entire game, a rather close one I recall, Yannick sat there being Yannick, cool, unperturbed by what was going on around him and, as befits his place in the world, seemingly surrounded by a bevy of beauties.

I really expected him to sit back, light a Gitane and blow smoke rings.

Coolest guy ever.

And it was, without question, the first time I’ve seen a dad upstage a son after the son has won a significant championship.

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Action: Bargnani’s best night

Reaction: What about the finish?

So Bargnani goes for 31 and at times it looked like he was toying with anyone who was guarding him. He shot, he drove, he hit pullup jumpers.

And yes, he should have had the ball at least a couple of times down the stretch. Not sure who to blame – the point guards, the coaches, the other teammate – but if a guy’s going that well, they at least have to try to find him.

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Action: The JO saga

Reaction: Maybe ending soon?

No, not his future, just his knee. I’m told he’s planning to practice full out today and if there’s no serious swelling tomorrow, he could very well play in Indy.

And if he does play against his old team – and probably whenever he returns if it’s not Friday – I’m betting he comes off the bench for at least a while.

No way he’s in game shape or has his game timing and limiting his minutes against backups is okay with him, I’m sure, and his team.

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I believe I’ve seen them all this season at least once and if I had to vote for the rookie of the year today I’d take Derrick Rose and maybe leave the other two slots blank.

That kid’s going to be special. Very special.

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Let’s get this one done because there a few like in the mailbox:

Q: Hi Doug, big fan of the blog. Tonight's game certainly wasn't our finest, but what is even worse in my mind was the handling of Chuck's return. I know you mentioned that you wanted the tribute to be "understated" out of respect to Devlin, and I agree, but MLSE or whoever makes these decisions completely dropped the ball on this one. To hold a ceremony during HALFTIME when most of the fans weren't even in their seats turned what should have been a very special moment into a very ho-hum affair. In the words of Chuck, "Are you kidding me?!" To do that not only did great disservice to Chuck, but also to all those who came out to the game to support him. I was lucky enough to have gotten back to my seat in time for the last half of the ceremony, but I cannot believe that MLSE so completely botched what should have been a great moment for one of the most beloved people in Raptors history.

Grant T, Toronto

A: In my opinion, they did it perfectly. They gave him a fine honour without turning it into a circus. When should they have done it? Before the game when no one was in their seats? During some timeout to detract from the game?

As much as you and others lionize the guy, and he did a great job for the team and the fans when he was here, last night was not about him, it was about the game. And the players.

I’m glad they did something for him. Something relatively under-stated.

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Comments

[Mark M]

Hey Doug

You know what happens when I come to work and put in 1/2 the effort? I get scolded. Same should happen to Chris for that game he put together last night. I was there and watched little Derrick Rose grab several rebounds over and around Bosh.

Pathetic!

[Matt Dunn]

Doug why does it seem like we owe Chris Bosh something in Toronto, why do we get so attached to one player that we completely ignore the weaknesses and give him the benefit of the doubt. Why do we treat this guy like he is lebron or kobe or wade like?

I see a trend that is alarming on this team, its two best players are its two worst defenders, Bosh and Jose. Why I continue to here in the media around the nba that Bargnani is a bad defender and he is harming Bosh is mind boggling to me. For five years now Bosh has been nothing but a pylon out there, sure he makes the occassional block but he is often late, beat off the dribble, fails to box out and slow reacting to plays. On offense he has no post game, the same post game we said Bargnani must have, he sets up 18 feet out everytime on the block one on one and stands there for five seconds waiting for the double team before he drives wildy or hoists up a soft jumper, again slow to react.

How long before we understand Bosh is not a max type player, we shouldnt be so attached to him, he is not lebron, kobe or wade like and he is not a true #1 option? Its been five years now and the NBA world still seems to ignore all his weaknesses as a player one of them being his inability to deliver in close games down the stretch. Im also tired of the excuse he doesn't have help, in boston the bench scored 39, yesterdsay bargnani lit it up, in many games this season everyone did there part to keep the game close only to see us force feed bosh down the stretch and fail miserably.

Why can we trade everyone else and not Bosh, wouldn't bosh gives us solid returns in a trade like a couple young guns at the wings and maybe a draft pick or two on top? Couldn't we instantly fix many of this team's weaknesses in one trade involving Bosh? Again im hating the fact we are so attached to this guy right now, its like we owe him something.

[Dan]

In regards to taking Derrick Rose as rook of the year right now I would agree, but I have to say O.J. Mayo is right there behind him even right now. I think he is going to be pretty good as well, and by the end of the year I think it will be a close battle between the two, but as we all know there is a lot of basketball yet to play so it is hard to predict.

[Chopper]

Hey Doug,
do you think the one good thing that came out of last nights game was getting to see Julianne Hough?

Blogger's note: I'm a big Dancing With The Stars guy and if Warren Sapp wasn't going to do a two-step, seeing another star was just as good

[Ryan]

Has anyone even asked if JO would be willing to come off the bench for the good of the team and the Raptors' future, or is it just assumed that he won't accept it(beyond the "injury excuse")?

[Matt G]

Just my two cents worth, but the Chuck lovers are eating retard sandwiches again. Probably a great guy and with a good heart but his shitck with respect to play-by-play was clownish. His departure was timely and welcome. Am glad to hear the "tribute" was a tame affair.

[Eric]

Good reporting. It wasn't CB's finest moment BUT you hit the nail right on the head -- twice. They're asking their power forward to create and with Barngani going like a house on fire --why not him?
Chris Bosh is an extremely talented player who plays hard almost every night. We should be thankful for what he can do, not bitter about what he can't.
We need someone who can create their own shot and who can finish.
Also, yes, Chicago doesn't scare anybody. Neither does Toronto. The Raptor players better realize that's where they are -- about on par with Chicago. If they bring it hard, they might beat them. Chicago's movement of the ball was a thing of beauty, kind of like the Raps on their best nights, and the kid is a diamond.
This is a mid-pack, lunch-bucket type Raptor team. The sooner they realize it and start bringing the consistent effort to be as good as they can be, the happier we'll all be.
Again, good job reporting the game.

[Nelson]

hey doug,

just wondering your thoughts on the trade out there concerning giving half the roster ....basically,

for an aging nash, barbosa and robin lopez, i think and hope that it is as ridiculous as the josh howard one

Blogger's note: It's a bogus fabrication and not worth my time. Or yours

[Peter Wall]

While I agree with you that Chuck's return had to be "understated" for Devlins sake (who I think is doing a fine job) I still think that for the fans sake they had to give people in attendance a chance to cheer for Chuck; being a Rogers cable customer I was unable to watch the game; did they announce prior to halftime that there would be a ceremony for Chuck?If so then that was more than reasonable.

On a side note that was one heck of a game by Brags!
Go Raps go!

[WildAce]

Doug, in your opinion, besides are core 3 (Bargs, Bosh, Jose), who do you think Portland would want from us?

And who would you want from Portland that they'd be willing to give away?

I feel the need to clear cap room this summer rather than next LaFrentz's contract seems much nicer than JO's right now.

[Andy C]

regarding your power forward question i have a name for you: Dirk

[Dan W]

I don't really like seeing Bosh with the ball in his hands when the game is on the line but I guess you have a point of who else will do it. Andrea would have at least been a different look. Bosh is a very good player but very limited in that he has his few spots on the floor that he is very good from and Noah basicly just played Bosh well on one of his signiture moves. 9 out of 10 times when Bosh gets the ball 17 to 15 feet out he decides he is going to shoot but will give a pump fake first then a jab step to give the impression of a drive and then weather the defense bites or not he will settle for the jump shot. You can count on that just like you can count on Graham using his off arm to push away a defender on a layup or Moon debating a wide open shot give a pump fake and let the defender get closer and then shoot anyway. That is what makes Andrea so good latley is that he can score in a variety of ways from anywhere on the floor. If he keeps this up the only thing Bosh will have on him is Rebounding. Ukic deserves a chance to start especialy after last nights lethargic first quarter.

[Dan W]

One other thing I forgot was D Rose in the final few minutes. Yes he made some incredible layups but could not one Raptor give him a decent foul and make him earn it at the line.

[Mo]

The coaching staff ran a play for Bosh. Fine... But when Bosh didn't have it, couldn't he have passed it back out? I'm sure 3 other shooters were standing there waiting.

I feel like half the team can't adapt.... It seems like if Bosh had 3 guys on him, he'd still take the same shot!

[Ekim D]

Torched by a ROOKIE (?!?) for 17 pts in the 4th quarter! That sums it up, I think. Just all-around terrible. The worst part of it is seeing Bosh & Bargnani combine for 56 pts and 15 rbs while having great shooting nights, and STILL losing!

[Mo]

Btw, I think that should've been Andrea's shot at the end, he deserved it.

Bargs has no conscience, and he doesn't care what the crowd is doing (or not doing). He just plays!

Doug - Agree/Disagree? Andrea is/will be more clutch than Bosh.

Blogger's note: Impossible to tell. Probably will be have no idea if he is 'cause he's never been in that spot

[Mike S.]

I was listening to the post-game radio show last night, and I completely agree with the comment made by Eric Smith about JO after someone had called in. Eric had said that while he can understand that the guy is getting work done on his injury during the game when the staff isn't so busy, there is no reason why he should not be there at least at the end of the game supporting his team. I think he should be on that bench in the 4th quarter cheering everyone on and showing some veteran leadership. If he needs to stay later to get the work done, so be it. He is certainly compensated enough to deal with it. From the moment Jake got here he was the most animated guy on the bench, and I don't think he had even had enough time to meet everybody at that point.

[alex]

The team is not a few tweaks away from being good. They're building around a guy who is great (Bosh), but unless they can give him an perennial all-star wing to create for him, the team will never be great. And IMO, a great wing player is more important than a great power forward. So unless you can have both, they should trade Bosh for a young all-star wing player that they can build around. That's the recipe many other teams have used / are using for success.

[Jack]

This is Bosh's comments about the last shot:
“I made a mistake. Joakim Noah played good defence and I need to keep my dribble next time. It won’t be the last time that we’re in a situation like that or I’m in a situation like that. You learn from it and keep going.

What's that? Keep going to shoot? Even if he's tightly guarded, double teamed or whatever? The problem with Bosh I think is his ego. His pride. He thinks that because he's the star of the team, he has the right to shoot every time he touches the ball. In a situation like that last night, shouldn't he have passed to someone with a better shooting percentage in that particular game? Bargnani was 7 for 10, Parker had a better percentage than Bosh. But what did Bosh do? Shoot. Was it designed like that, that he takes the last shot? So is it the fault of the coaching staff? Even if the play was designed that way, couldn't he be the decoy and find the open man? NO. It's his ego that prevailed.
I've never been a fan of Bosh. I still think that Toronto would have been a better team if they picked Dwayne Wade instead of Bosh but what's done is done.
But something has to be done with Bosh. Maybe hypnotism. To drill in his thick skull that basketball is a team game. That he's got 4 other teammates on the floor. That he can't do it alone.

[po]

Andy C - 3/4 of the time that shot goes to jason terry or josh howard not Dirk.

[Anthony]

Was there and what a let down, much like the bad effort last shot vs. Portland earlier. Sure give it Bosh in the post, but Kapono was open for a 3 looking Bosh right in the face and Bosh had made the decision he was going to shoot no matter what. Seem to remember a few famous assists MJ had. If Jordan could put his ego in check, would be nice to see Bosh do it too in crunch time by making a pass to an open shooter.

I will always remember when VC returned the first time to Toronto and hit a the game winning three (to win by 1). When asked, Carter said he wanted the 3 and not to settle for overtime. Same yesterday LA/San Antonio.... Down 1, Kobe hit a three with 12 seconds to go.... Kapono should have been fed the ball. Unfortunately with Calderon out, there were no options. Like Bargs a lot, but he is not ready to attack the paint (rim) on a last second play. Moon and Salomon were not options.

Last comment, please not one more comment about Joey's improved play.... A stiff and yesterday against a team like Chicago, who he should play decent against he put in a atrocious 12 minutes.

[Lake Simcode]

I had a very bad feeling last night as I didn't expect it was in TSN2.

So no VC, Dirk, Yao, and Chuck. Who's next?

I can imagine the following dialogue some months ago:

Raptors official: Sun's game can sell TSN2...
NBA schedulor: Raptors (not your) fans will tear me apart if Nash....

I rarely browse Raps website this season. It seems to me that they are only interested in poking my pocket, rather than to deliver something that are worthy.

I agree with someone that Chuck left in time, but because he deserves more. It seems that some players (including Leaves) are not motivated under MLSE. Contract year players usually play better, or at least harder, but this is not so here.

[Adil]

The worst thing about the Raptors not making the playoffs this season would be that their draft position would almost definitely be at the bottom of the lottery. The Raptors are currently sitting at a lowly .400 winning percent in 12th place in the East. In past years, 12th in the East generally meant a top-5 pick. This year, there are SIX teams below .300 in the west (1 below .200) plus the 3 teams in the East with worse records than the Raps. That puts them in place for the 10th pick in a weak draft. The Raptors need to either make a trade to get better or a trade for the future because treading water at this point is the absolute worst thing they can do. Or am I overreacting?

[Mikey G]

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/basketball/story/853593.html

What do you think Doug? I know this doesn't mean anything subatantial but what do you think the possibilities of an O'Neal for Marion trade is not that the Heat are more actively shopping him?

[Dan]

I have to agree with Matt Dunn and what he wrote about Chris Bosh. I am not saying he is not a valuable asset to the team but he can not be your top payed player or your go to guy. I feel he does not have the needed clutch performance for it. He will be an all-star and a solid player, but I feel he is going to be over payed, as well as his trade value for a team like the raptors that don't have anyone else really could stick with Bargs for now and see what options they can have by trading a so called premier player such as Bosh. I say if you put Bosh in a situation like Garnett is in the team would be succsefull but without a couple of all-star calibre players around him he won't be taking a team to far.