If this is Sunday, it must mean mail

Loads and loads here and more than a few left that I can sprinkle into the next few days, including a couple of list ideas that just take a wee bit more time to answer. So don’t despair.

Instead, sit back with the coffee, if you’re my area maybe take some time before heading out to shovel, and enjoy:

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Q: I'm pretty sure my questions/comments about recent game-play will be covered by other mailbag submissions, so here are a couple of another ilk: 1) Is the marketing department over at MLSE stuck in the 50s? Are they consciously seeking some sort of feminist backlash? Because the fact that they have put together a Raptors night out promotion, aimed at women, that includes a "Basketball 101 session" is patently appalling. 2) Is Stan Van Gundy the most disheveled coach in the NBA? He's certainly doing himself no favors with those tucked-in mock turtlenecks...and his 70s porn 'stache, while an intrepid choice, isn't a good look for anyone not answering to the name Magnum..

Julia M, Toronto

A: I’ve noticed that advertisement in the elevators and am a bit surprised this is the first letter I’ve got on it. Yes, it does seem a bit out of place for the age we live in, doesn’t it?

Stan? Oh yeah, he’d be on the list but it’s one that also has to include Don Nelson, Gregg Popovich and Jerry Sloan and maybe George Karl. They’d be the anti-Sams.

Magnum? Good name from the past!

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Q: Hi Doug.

What do you think about the way opponents interact before and after games now as opposed to the way they did in the Larry Bird era? Larry was from the "you don't be friendly with the other team's players and don't give him a hand after you've fouled him hard" era. CB and Superman were practically hugging in the game warmup. Do you think this type of attitude makes players "soft"?

Bernard L, Toronto

A: Not necessarily soft, no. But it does give the impression friendship, and not competitiveness, is their first concern. I don’t think that’s absolutely true, there’s a lot of competition even between guys who know each other well, but the perception isn’t entirely good.

It is too much but there’s no going back. Most of these guys have known each other since their teenage years, I’m afraid you can’t put that genie back in the bottle.

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Q: Just watched your video wrap up. Curious about your setup for that. Is there a Star staffer camera person there just for the wrap up? Do you put the camera on the desk and hit record? Was it Perk behind the lens? And who edits and uploads it? Someone back at the Star mothership across the street? Just curious. Love how you continue to embrace new technology to keep us entertained. Keep up the good work.

Wilber L, Toronto

A: There’s no way I have the technological ability to do any of that myself. One of the crack members of our multi-media staff wanders over to the arena near the end of the game and does it all. Sets up the camera, tells me when to talk, goes back to the office and posts it.

Me? I prattle on and get on with my night’s work.

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Q: Do the players that are really good at what they do share and coach other players to help them along or do they leave coaching exclusively to the coaches? For example would Jose help someone with free throw shooting or would JO help Andrea with tips on how to play guys like Howard?

Bernard L, Toronto

A: It happens, yes. Sometimes it’s before or after practice or in pre-game warmups but we’ve seen players passing on little tips often. And watch during timeouts in games. If an opponent is really killing a guy, a teammate might offer some kind of tip.

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Q: Doug, You may have answered this question before but I did not see it. On a technical foul or a 3 second violation, who decides who is to take the free throw. I notice that it is mostly Calderon. But it can be anyone on the court and it’s up to the shooting team to pick.

Ian A, Hamilton

A: Usually, the players on the court decide based on who’s playing and since Calderon hasn’t missed a free throw since last season, he’d be the guy everyone would choose.

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Q: Deals like the Adams exchange occur often with players being acquired for cash and/or a draft pick and then waived immediately. The clippers have made 3 such deals over the past week. Are GMs taking advantage of a loop hole in the system? How does it benefit both parties? I know Toronto 'may' get a draft pick, but in what way does it benefit L.A?

Dwayne C, Oakville

A: The Adams deal made the Clippers a little bit of money – the “cash considerations” (which were likely the cost of the rest of Adams’s salary and a few hundred thousand for their trouble) and when you’re the Clippers, a little bit of money is a wonderful thing.

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Q: I saw the question and answer about there being 1 NBA player for 2500 kids who think they are good enough, but really aren't. My question is this: what separates them. Taking Jamario Moon as a case in point; for many years, he was part of the 'not good enough' category, so what changed. I assume he always had his physical gifts, so is it purely a mental thing? Thanks,

S P, Mississauga

A: Timing and opportunity has a lot to do with it, a guy like Jamario doesn’t get invited to an NBA camp with a team that has an opening and never gets a legitimate shot.

Sometimes it’s as simple a thing as talent, some players look great in the minor leagues but can’t handle the speed, intensity and physical nature of the NBA and sometimes it’s simply maturity, guys think they can handle the big-time but aren’t mentally strong enough to do it.

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Q: Hello Doug: I am relying on your expertise in the English language for this question. My question is, how do you pronounce Calderon? I've always been bothered by American broadcasters (Matt, Chuck and Jack excluded) who pronounce Jose's name with an exaggerated hard "A" sound. Like, Cail-der-on. Americans tend to turn all vowels into an "A". As a Niagara boy, you know that as soon as you cross the border, Molly becomes Mally, Tops becomes Taps. Chad becomes Chee-ad. etc. Canadians have an affinity for the "U". Therefore, we pronounce Jose's last name like Cauld-e-ron. A totally different sound and rhythm to the syllables. Who's right? Could you get to the bottom of this for me?

Chad N, Toronto

A: I write rather than speak but as far as I know it’s “Call-der-on” with relatively equal emphasis on each syllable. That may be the Anglicized version of the pronunciation but it’s what I understand it to be.

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Q: My friends and I think they should keep track of a new stat for "no, no, no... YES!" shots, to describe bad shots (i.e. long contested jumpers taken early in the shot clock) that unexpectedly go in. An easy way to tell if it is a "no, no, no... YES" shot is if the crowd grumbles or moans when it is taken, followed by big cheers when it goes in. We feel Jamario Moon would, hands down, be the leader in this stat for the current Raptors. Can you think of any Raps, current or past, that would give Jamario a run for his money?

Bryan L, Toronto

A: Oak, Darrick Martin, Lindsay Hunter, Jerome Williams come quickly to mind.

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Q: A few questions about Toronto's Point Guards. Jose Calderon is one of my favourite players, (along with JO) but he seems to be picking up a fair amount of injuries these past two years. Do you think this amounts to lack of conditioning? Too many minutes? Or just unlucky? 2. I've been excited for Roko to join the Raptors, ever since last year when it was hinted he would join the team. What's your opinion of his skill set. Do you think he has what it takes to be a #1 PG in the future? From what I've seen (Olympics) and read about him. He looks like he might become a better player than Calderon (eventually), based on his size, speed, decision making (basketball smarts). Curious on your thoughts on Roko long term.

Brett D, Toronto

A: Jose has missed six games this season and played all 82 a year ago, along with 77 the season before that. I’m sorry if you think that’s “a fair amount of injuries these past two years” but it simply isn’t. He tweaked a hamstring for goodness sake, it’s no big deal.

Roko long term? He’s got a chance to be pretty good. He has to drop all the bad rookie habits he’s got – ghastly turnovers every now and then, leaping in the air to make a pass only to find no one to pass to and a jumper that needs lots of work – but he’s a diligent worker. How hard he works and how good he gets is impossible to predict but it strikes me he’s got the right mentality to eventually be a starter in the league.

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Q: I find the feature in the hockey section where the leaf's next game info is posted to be really handy. How about the same thing for the Raptors?

Owen M, Bracebridge

A: You mean the Rapday item we run every single game-day morning?

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Q: Doug, I have a chicken-related question: If The Chicken (or a Chicken for the rest of the NBA) get injured doing a stunt or, in the past, one of those high flying dunks, who pays for their treatment? The team? The Chicken? And do they get access like the athletes do?

Rob K, Brampton

A: Always have time for a Chicken question.

The guy here gets access to the team’s staff, if he needs it, but he’s also got a team of helpers who can get him what he needs. If it’s just a run of the mill injury, he deals with it like the rest of us do.

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Q: When a team gets the ball with 23 seconds left in the quarter, is there a rule requiring the point guard to stand one step over centre bouncing the ball for 20 seconds, then forcing up a bad shot? Whistle blows, ref indicates change of possession for foul, travel, whatever. Player with the ball then throws up a 40-foot shot, negating any chance for the opposing team to put the ball in play quickly and take advantage of the turnover. Why isn't this a technical? In soccer, it's a yellow card for delay of match, or for the show of petulance.

Nick M, Winnipeg

A: In soccer, no one has any true idea when the game is going to end except the guy with the whistle so it’s apples and oranges.

And it doesn’t happen in basketball at the end of quarters, it happens at the end of games that are already decided and I have no problem with it, actually.

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Q: Hey Doug, first off I want to say that your commitment to covering Raptors basketball is unprecedented. Your candid reporting is helping to continually build a basketball culture in this city. I can't help but notice that Bargnani's so called 'turnaround' has come shortly after a new coach took the reigns? Not much has been linked to Triano's personality and coaching style potentially helping to bring this out of the Italian Stallion. I think that Jay has done a good job letting the players play and I feel that Bargnani is the number one beneficiary. Thoughts?

Andrew D, Brampton

A: Have had lots of questions on the impact Jay’s had. It’s been big, yes, because he has allowed him to play through a few more mistakes than Sam might have.

But, really, if O’Neal got hurt and Sam was the coach, Bargnani would be playing these minutes at that spot and likely doing as well.

I’ve said for months that the best thing they could do for the kid was put him in one position – either as a starter or a backup – and let him go. They’ve done that – they did it in the first weeks of the season, too – and we’ve seen the results.

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Q: Do you think there will be some sort of ceremony or honour of some sort for Chuck Swirsky when he returns to Toronto with the Bulls? In my opinion, he will always be an integral part of this franchise, and his salami and cheese still rings in my head every time the Raps put an opponent on ice.

Mark I, Oakville

A: I presume they will do something to acknowledge his return, but it’s not like they’re going to stop the game and retire his microphone or anything.

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Q: Hi Doug, I was thinking about the "another deal is going to happen" and mulling what pieces we could offer if we don't want to break up the core of Bosh-Bargnani-O'Neal-Calderon. Then I thought of our restricted free agent Carlos Delfino. Could we actually trade him to other teams ie. sign and trade him along with other guys assuming the overall deal doesn't bring us over the tax? Thanks for your insight!

Ken L, Toronto

A: All they could do with Delfino – trade-wise – now is put him in some sign-and-trade transaction. And you can’t aggregate people in a sign-and-trade, it has to be a stand-alone transaction. But it’s not going to happen. He’s still got that contract in Russia, his team has changed coaches, he’s being paid. I don’t see any way he comes back, or tries to come back, until the summer.

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Q: Just wondering, are you good friends with anyone on the Raptors roster or coaching staff?

Harry J, Auckland, NZ

A: Good friends? I don’t know that you’d say that. I have been around for a few years – longer than anyone connected with the staff or the roster – so we’ve certainly developed good, respectful relationships but I don’t think “good friends” can be the phrase you’d use. We do live in different universes away from the arena.

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Q: Hey Doug, I have a quick question about basketball Karma. I recall a lifetime ago that Steve Francis refused to go to Vancouver because he basically thought that he was too good for the team and the city. Now some 15 years later, Francis looks like he's begging to get some playing time and The Grizzlies seem to be the only team interested. Ahh, the basketball gods must be working overtime. I just wish the team was still in B.C. so we could see him grovel to the fanbase for forgiveness. What a bum!

K W, Vaughan

A: Funny thing is, I don’t think the Grizzlies are at all interested. The trade was a financial move and I don’t imagine Francis will play at all.

Which is very good Karma, actually.

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Q: Doug Thanks for your dedicated blog. I am new to the Raptor fan base and have learned so much. The Raptors having an average height of 6'7" how do they accommodate these guys on air flights, buses and hotels? I'm only 6' and find most modes of transportation very restrictive.

Jack L, Kingston

A: The charter jet has more leg room than you can possibly imagine, the hotels they stay at have extra large beds because most are used by a handful of NBA teams. The buses? They’re normal and maybe a bit uncomfortable, but they don’t spend a lot of time in them.

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Q: Doug, always a pleasure. Quick question regarding something you alluded to during the game: Where do you think the Raptors rank in terms of fouling opposing players out of the game? (A quick look turned up nothing for me, but I wouldn't be surprised if they were dead last) I mean, we all know this team doesn't really go to the line, but the Bucks, Magic, even that Nets game they let slip away, felt like even if they get someone into foul trouble, they shy away from really going after them and taking them out.

Y B, Montreal

A: It’s easier said than done since most opponents who are in foul trouble know it and avoid fouls. But yes, they could be better. Where to they rank? Not entirely sure but anecdotally, they’d have to be near the bottom.

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Q: In the N.F.L. officiating crews remain together throughout the season; in baseball it is the same except a relief umpire rotates through the crew to give them some time off. How is it done in the N.B.A.? I can see pros (better cohesiveness, mentoring) and cons (the league might want to cherry-pick an all-experienced trio for crucial games) to keeping the refs together. Your thoughts? Secondly, teams often get a stretch of home games in a row but we don't often see the same crew of referees back to back. Their travel schedule must be awful - do they do fewer games than the players?

Dave R, Aurora

A: Refs in the NBA work independently, they don’t travel in groups or duos and I don’t see the reason to ask them to work as crews. I think there’d be a tendency to get lazy, or develop bad habits that way. Work the game, work the rules, move on to work in another city. The system works.

But it’s a grind like few others. They do get a few days off each month to get some rest and relaxation but there are no home games and the travel -- all commercial -– is hard.

I know a few of them from seeing them over the years in various Marriott concierge lounges (we seem to stay the same places a lot) and airport lounges and arenas and their schedules always make me feel a bit better about mine.

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Q: Just a quick question - assuming that Jamario Moon's numbers don't change too greatly (for better or for worse) over the rest of the season, would you resign him? I realize he's a "bargain" right now, but he's got to command $3-$4MM a year going forward and he contributes to our traffic jam at SF/SG. He averages about the same PPG as Kapono, with more rebounds and better (though very spotty) defence, so he's got to make something close to JK money.

Mike D, Toronto

A: That’s going to be a tough call, whether or not to re-sign Jamario. But there is no way in the world I can see him going from about $710,000 this year to a full mid-level salary. If you can get that for him you might be the agent of the year.

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Q: During your Milwaukee in-game blog you mentioned how the Raptors really struggle with getting entry passes into the post. This issue has been frustrating me all season. I have a couple of questions about it: 1. Who is most to blame - is it the passer for being too hesitant, or the post player for not getting good position? Personally, I think its more on the passer because their initial hesitation allows the defender to get better positioning and push the post player farther from the basket 2. Do you think having Bargnani make the entry pass would be an effective option? He's shown signs of being a decent passes, and his height might make the pass easier.

Rick T, Toronto

A: I think it’s mostly on the passer, who has to get the right angle, be quick with delivering the ball and get it to the big man up high rather than throw a bounce pass that every little guy in the world can get his hands on.

And if there’s a play designed for Bargnani to feed the post, he can do it; but I don’t think they should go out of their way to give him that job.

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Q: Doug, You may have answered this question before but I did not see it. On a technical foul or a 3 second violation, who decides who is to take the free throw. I notice that it is mostly Calderon. But it can be anyone on the court and it’s up to the shooting team to pick.

Ian A, Hamilton

A: Usually, the players on the court decide based on who’s playing and since Calderon hasn’t missed a free throw since last season, he’d be the guy everyone would choose.

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Q: Deals like the Adams exchange occur often with players being acquired for cash and/or a draft pick and then waived immediately. The clippers have made 3 such deals over the past week. Are GMs taking advantage of a loop hole in the system? How does it benefit both parties? I know Toronto 'may' get a draft pick, but in what way does it benefit L.A?

Dwayne C, Oakville

A: The Adams deal made the Clippers a little bit of money – the “cash considerations” (which were likely the cost of the rest of Adams’s salary and a few hundred thousand for their trouble) and when you’re the Clippers, a little bit of money is a wonderful thing.

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Q: I saw the question and answer about there being 1 NBA player for 2500 kids who think they are good enough, but really aren't. My question is this: what separates them. Taking Jamario Moon as a case in point; for many years, he was part of the 'not good enough' category, so what changed. I assume he always had his physical gifts, so is it purely a mental thing? Thanks,

S P, Mississauga

A: Timing and opportunity has a lot to do with it, a guy like Jamario doesn’t get invited to an NBA camp with a team that has an opening and never gets a legitimate shot.

Sometimes it’s as simple a thing as talent, some players look great in the minor leagues but can’t handle the speed, intensity and physical nature of the NBA and sometimes it’s simply maturity, guys think they can handle the big-time but aren’t mentally strong enough to do it.

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Q: In regards to the 12:30 start. I always enjoyed the 1 p.m. starts. It was a perfect time for the game, but 12:30 just seems too early. Is there any reason why they are playing at 12:30 now instead of 1?

James C, Burlington

A: TV. New network doing most of the Sunday 12:30 starts and they get some input into the decision.

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Q: Hi Doug, I had a few questions before but I always forget them because I'm never at the computer when I have them. But I have one now. In the box score for Friday's Memphis game, Jose had a DNP-CD, even though he was in street clothes. Why is this? I mean, shouldn't it be because of injury that he DNP?

Bryce F, Markham

A: The notation came from the fact that Jose was in fact on the active list for that game. I think it could have been been noted DND-Hamstring injury but it didn’t.

Mean? Nothing really.

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Q: Hey Doug, Humphries can't be traded this year because he's BYC.

James M, Toronto

A: No, he can be traded despite his Base Year Compensation tag. It’s just more difficult since his contract is only worth 50 per cent in the trade-money calculations.

But he can indeed be dealt.

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Comments

[Tree]

Thought your article today was amusing - I love how Bosh thinks the fans will be yawning along with the players at 12:30! We all have jobs that mean we're well into hour 4 of of work day (and hour 6 or 7) of our day by 12:30! I'd love to be so rich and spoiled and out-of-touch with reality that 12:30 could be considered 'early' to be at work.

Blogger's note: I think it wasn't quite as literal as you seem to have taken it. And, frankly, 12:30 isn't "early" to work at all, as you probably should have surmised from the other quotes in the article. But people find what they want to look for.

[Elwyn Jennings]

The Spanish pronunciation of "Calderon" is likely most similar to these English equivalents: 'Cal' [as in the name] 'deh' 'rone', with emphasis on the last syallable

[Nick]

With Will Soloman, it's "no, no, no.... NO!!!".

[alex]

Why isn't this a technical? In soccer, it's a yellow card for delay of match, or for the show of petulance.

Nick M, Winnipeg

Not true, Nick. In soccer it's standard for the leading team to play the ball into opposing corners and hold it near the flags toward the end of games.

[ahmet]

Hi Doug,
What is the status of Calderon (and O'neal)) Will they play today? Thanks

Blogger's note: Don't know, just got here. O'Neal 99 per cent no; Calderon more likely.

[davepark]

Hi Doug.
Although our Raptor men make thousands to millions of dollars every few months, they are of course susceptible to anything under the sun - so when Bosh says the crowd has alot to do with the outcome of games - let's prove it! Sitting 23 rows up dead centre i yelled out "Yeeea Chris" at the top of my lungs at a moment right before he got called to the line against Memphis the other day. I'd like to think Chris heard me. But I did get a few slow turns and questionable glances from the people sitting in the 19th, 21st and 22nd rows. I've stated this before but the crowd (other than the upper level seats) must start amping up the team! Once I heard the crowd really roar was for the jumper that Will Solomon nailed to win the free slice of pizza. He was more or less booed the entire game. Unfortunately, the bulk of fans that come and watch the games do not know when to cheer the team or when to boo the refs so to fuel the team towards victory.
Bye Doug.

[Clayton, Fukuoka Japan]

I am very far away from home so the blog and the Raps mean a lot to me. Good work. Just a quick question about calling time-outs. When the coach wants to take a time-out, he signals to the player and the point guard runs to the sideline (usually near the three point line), somehow signalling the time-out. Is this a rule? procedure? superstition?

P.S They only two Canada related shirts I have seen in my time in Japan have been 1)Labatt 50 and 2) The Raps!!

Blogger's note: Mostly tradition since coaches are now allowed to call timeouts themselves; couple of years ago, they couldn't.

[Lola]

"I presume they will do something to acknowledge his return, but it’s not like they’re going to stop the game and retire his microphone or anything." _______________________________________________________________
Classic!! great read for a Sunday morning...Thanks Doug!

[Mike]

Doug, you must have really liked those 3 questions you ended up posting twice.

Blogger's note: That's what you get for working so early in the morning.

[Steve S, Hong Kong]

Erm, was anyone confused by Julia M's questions? On the one hand, she asks why the Raptors marketing department uses ads that stereotype women as not understanding sports and then follows it up with a question about fashion (which can be interpreted as reinforcing the stereotype that woman are only interested in clothes, make up etc). I'm sure there's much more depth to Julia M's interest in the Raps but maybe she should've followed up her moaning about the ads with a question related to the playing of the sport!

[Nullo]

Doug,

just to say you (or whoever does it) posted a few of the Q&A twice - you find the doubles towards the end...

Blogger's note: Now I've got to figure out which ones I left out by mistake.

[Jesse Neary]

lol..that was a good question about the "no no no.......yes" shots
guys like that give me heart-attacks

[Dave]

Doug, in his season preview column for ESPN, basketball writing's sardonic demigod Bill Simmons predicted January 19th as the over/under date in which the Raptors Truthers (called this because we are the craziest bunch of people on the Internet since the "9/11 Truthers") officially turn against Jermaine O'Neal. In your opinion, how far off is this estimation? We may not be pushing him out the door, but it seems as though Bargnani's emergence has made JO the trade candidate du jour.

Blogger's note: I think if Jermaine comes back and gives then 16 and 8, he'll be appreciated

[Mike Kovacs]

Doug can you please explain how BYC works and the rationale for it? I understand about the cap and tax threshold. Thanks.

Blogger's note: Let me do it in the regular blog, too invovled for here

[aditya]

if you think jerry sloan is a disheveled coach in the NBA, you are clearly mistaken....

[Taylor]

Let's not forget there's a guys night out as well as the womens. I'm sure the organization is giving both sexes a fair shake rather than trying to set back the feminist movement back. I know for a fact the Blue Jays have the same thing for women with a meet and greet with the players after the game.

Also, any idea how Jawai is progressing? Any chance we see him suit up before the end of February?

Blogger's note: Maybe sometime in February he can put a uniform on and be behind Bosh, Bargnani, O'Neal, Voskuhl and Humprhies. Maybe

[brad]

The 'no no no no....YES' comment was awesome...and so true! We do that basically anytime Jamario takes an outside jumper....ESPECIALLY when he takes meaningless dribbles left or right and then gives up and shoots. And Will Solomon, sometimes Hump.

[K Price]

I am taking it quite personally the way Chris keeps calling us the fans out. If Toronto brings there A game I have not seen the fans of Toronto back them up. I think Chris should put his energy more into getting his team hyped for the game. They get paid money to perform....we pay to see it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...I think Toronto has some of the best fans ever.

[Chi of Steel]

Re: Bernard's question about NBA player interactions making them "soft". To me, it shows a level of brotherhood and camaraderie not evident in and in stark contrast to other sports leagues (most notably the bloodthirsty NHLers). I don't think it shows non-competitiveness at all.

[Tree]

My God - a bit of a snarky ... today, eh Doug? I found the quote amusing - that's all. I had no idea that Bosh was being sarcastic - can't discern that through print. I wasn't looking for anything, I saw an amusing quote and noted it as such. It amazes me how defensive you are of these players. I put that quote in the same category as Dwanye Wade saying the other day that the fact they didn't stay in a 5-star hotel (due to mechanical problems with their plane) would negatively impact their game the next night.

But hey, their play today seems to support the contention that they weren't awake (as Bosh was just 'joking' about, apparently). They were terrible until they "woke up" around 2 pm during the fourth ... too late of course. So, let's just defend what obviously must have been somewhat serious (given Bosh' lethargic play).

Blogger's note: I cleaned up the foul language, don't bring it again, please

[Jeff]

Hey Doug, is Bryan Colangelo trying to deal JO?

Blogger's note: He's trying to deal anyone, most likely not named Bosh, Bargnani or Calderon, I bet

[GM]

I think there's some false memory happening. There was camaraderie in the Bird era, too. Players helped each other off the court and shook hands after the game. Heck, Bird and Magic (which was in the Bird era) kissed each other before every finals game. It wasn't until the Pat Riley Knick era that it became in vogue to not help players. I think the culture now is to do those man-hugs I hate so much. The kids are doing it even outside of basketball, but I don't think it means anything more than just the new high-five.

Blogger's note: I think it was Isiah and Magic, but I see your point

[js]

speak for yourself tree, we don't have all the luxury of working 9 to 5; lots of us work at night when you gents are out eating, drinking or entertaining yourself!

[Jim]

Regarding the question about the Raps ability (or lack thereof) to foul opposing players out, there are stats for DQ's on the NBA website. Roll over the "stats" tab, go to "team stats", and then use the drop-down to find "game infractions". DQ's are on the right hand side. And I'll ruin the big surprise now, too. The Raps are actually in the top third of the league (currently tied with GS and OKC) at 0.18 opponent DQ's per game. It doesn't include today's ousting of Scalabrine, which will likely cause their DQ rank to explode all the way up into the top 5. How exciting! On the flipside, the Raps rank 2nd in NOT getting DQ'd themselves.

Charlotte leads the league in getting opponents to foul out, so that should indicate the insignificance of the stat. It's probably one of the more useless stats kept by the league, but for anyone interested, that's where they may be found.

[Jonathan]

"Erm, was anyone confused by Julia M's questions? On the one hand, she asks why the Raptors marketing department uses ads that stereotype women as not understanding sports and then follows it up with a question about fashion (which can be interpreted as reinforcing the stereotype that woman are only interested in clothes, make up etc). I'm sure there's much more depth to Julia M's interest in the Raps but maybe she should've followed up her moaning about the ads with a question related to the playing of the sport!"

Steve S: I don't see how one has to do with the other. So you're saying that as a woman, she should have to avoid all references to fashion just to give off the appearance of sports aptitude? What do you think about when a guy (me, for example) brings up the same statement regarding fashion? Is it okay? Am I ignorant about sports? Seems like you want her to perpetuate a double standard just to prove her point