Of moods and minds and all-star snubs

All’s right in the world when your 19-28 and winners of three in a row. At least that’s the prevailing mood around these guys these days and, actually, you can’t blame them.

There’s been some slippage – defensively they’ve been so-so and the energy level has been a bit below acceptable at times – but confidence and momentum are huge and they truly do feel they are at least approaching a corner, if not already in it.

We’ll see, of course, we know they have the capability of throwing up on themselves without any notice but there’s no reason they shouldn’t come out tonight and roll.

There. Feel jinxed?

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As some may recall, I was a bit dubious about the need for, or value of, a sports psychologist for a team sport. And then you all saw today’s story about Dana Sinclair and the Raptors have obviously not paid one lick of attention to my opinion. (not an odd occurrence, by the way).

Anyway, now I’m figuring what the heck, if they think it works, go ahead and do it. I’m not paying the freight, another resource can’t be a bad thing and, here’s the funny thing, I now recall having met. Dr. Sinclair at the Sydney Olympics way back in 2000 when she did some work for the Canadian Olympic Committee. I also recall her working with a couple of members of the women’s basketball team back then and them being highly complimentary so now I’m okay with this (as if that mattered).

And Bryan C? Well, he had this to say about a sports psychologist working with a team rather than an individual

“It’s about individual performance and how it relates to teams in this regard but clearly …each player in the NBA has a different psychological profile and whether or not they’re getting the most out of their ability i9s something you want to try to determine.

“With respect to the players, this is not so much about curing a problem, it’s about helping people achieve best results.”

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I’d like this story an awful lot more if someone from Rogers or Maple Leaf Sports or TSN actually said they’d do something about this fiasco.

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My man Tom Enlund isn’t making the trip up here tonight (I believe that’s allowed at least one extra Harbour Sports Grille server to get a night off) but he does provide this in our look at what’s up with the other team.

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Just in case he misses, let’s get this one out there:

Q: With Jose's recent brilliance at the free throw line (perfect for the season), I was wondering if you could tell me if Dave Hopla, shooting coach extraordinaire, should be given a ton of credit for helping Jose develop such a stellar shot? I assume Hopla spent time with Jose working on his shooting mechanics when he was an assistant a couple years back.

Miles V, Kitchener

A: No. He shouldn’t. The credit should go to Jose, who went home between his rookie and sophomore seasons and worked like crazy on his new shooting form. He was given tips (tips that even a dope like me could see were necessary, like keeping his right elbow in closer to his body) and exercises as much by Jay Triano as Hopla but it was he who did the work.

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Hey, six out of seven all-star backups in each conference? Can a guy get some love?

Seriously, putting Rashard Lewis on the East team instead of Mo Williams is fine with me (makes the East bigger, gives them another shooter) but David West over Al Jefferson in the West is, to me, a bit perplexing.

West’s team is okay, sure, and Jefferson’s isn’t, except for the fact the Timberwolves are like the hottest team in the league in the last two weeks or something.

I think the Western Conference coaches blew that one.

But, since I’m not going to be in Phoenix, I really don’t care all that much.

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A question of styles:

Q: Short and sweet - who is the better defender right now, Bosh or Bargnani? And who do you project will be the better defender when it's all said and done? There have been stretches when Andrea has played exceptional team and individual defense, and I would argue he is more physically equipped (length and relative strength) to guard opposing bigs.

Jack C, Ajax

A: Short and sweet? Not so much.

Bosh is a better help defender, Bargnani’s a better post defender. Together, they’re all right.

But, really, all this chatter about who’s a “good” defender and who “sucks” as a defender is, in a lot of cases, ridiculous.

NBA defence is always team defence. No one can stop anyone one-on-one in the league, it’s more about schemes (turning your man to help) and scouting (forcing him to his weak hand, or a spot on the court he can’t shoot from) that one guy stopping one other guy.

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So they announced the all-star subs around 7 p.m. in these parts, the Magic get two and the Cavaliers get none and then Orlando goes out and whacks Cleveland with Jameer Nelson wildly out-playing Mo Williams and Rashard Lewis getting 19 or something like that.

And all of us who originally thought the East was just a two-team race were, apparently, dead wrong.

Now the premium for finishing first in the East is even greater. Not only is it homecourt through the conference finals, it’s avoiding the third team in the second round.

I believe we are in for a great, great finish.

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You know how stinky this winter’s been in the parts? You walk outside about 7:20 in the morning so Super Dog can have it’s morning constitutional, it’s about minus-9 and you go, “hmm, nice day.”

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The last word:

Q: Hey Doug. I hope you answer this one as I've written before and I'd love to get your take on it. Is there anyway on God's green earth that we ever...ever...ever see Vince back in a Raptors jersey? Ever? If not, would you like to see it? Thanks for your great work Doug.

Paul G, Aurora

A: A wise man once suggested I never say never but I will say, unequivocally, that you will never see Vince Carter in a Raptor jersey again. Ever. Never.

They won’t trade for him, they won’t sign him as a 34-year-ol free agent when this contract’s up. That ship has sailed.

Would I like to see it? No. It would be far, far, far too much work for me.

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Comments

[Boko]

First of all, I love to hate Vince Carter as much as anyone in Raptorland. However, when all is said and done, the numbers tell me that he is head and shoulders above all other Raptor scorers in our history. I wouldn't mind seeing the club raise his shirt to the rafters after he retires. Chris Bosh is great, but in all honesty, reluctantly, we shouldn't have one without the other. Darn, that really hurt to admit. Do I need a psychiatrist's number now?

[Patrick]

Morning Doug,

Depending on when Hump comes back from his injury (any news on that front?) and whether O'Neal is eventually traded, do you think that Jawai will end up playing in the D-league for a stretch during the season? Might help him out with his conditioning and allow him to get some legitimate in-game minutes (notwithstanding the actual level of competition).

While on the subject of the NBDL, do you envision the Raps using a 10-day contract here or there during the latter part of the season in order to try-out a minor league player or two? I know that, at best, you're likely to only find a guy to stick at the end of your bench in street clothes but there's always a slim chance that you might find a serviceable player. A player like Richard Hendrix might be worth a look (again, if O'Neal is traded and Hump is still injured, an extra big might be useful).

Anyway, have a good one!

Blogger's note: Hump's at least a month away, probably more; and that means Jawai stays. They were going to send him down until Hump got hurt.
And, no, barring any other injuries or moves, I don't see any 10-day guys, what's the use? Those guys seldom play, they've got a pretty good eight-man rotation now and no one they get for 10 days is going to supplant any of the regulars.

[Lola]

Even VC is the last guard on earth?!

Blogger's note: Forfeit. Or sign you :)

[Joe T.]

Wow! Those TSN2 numbers are horrific! I have to wonder who's "winning" in this standoff? We know it's not Raptor fans. MLSE? Obviously not as their product is unavailable to a high percentage of their TV-watching fans. TSN2? Not with those numbers! Rogers? As far as I know, they've lost customers because of it and given discounts to others. I haven't heard a single story of someone JOINING Rogers because of this fiasco. So I don't understand the point of it all, really, if nobody wins. Fix the situation and ALL of the above win. Seems clear to me, anyway...

And Doug, if Jay or his staff don't do it, maybe you can sneak into the Raps locker room tonight and place this quote on all their lockers:

"I make my shots when I play Toronto. We should be playing Toronto every game." - Charlie Villanueva, after the Bucks beat the Raptors in their last meeting

It might help motivate them to actually play the first half well, too...

[PK]

Asked a Q yesterday about past Raptors getting their Jersey retired by the team and I agree with your answer completely (none and none are close). What if you altered the reason for their jersey being raised to be most heavily waited on 'dedication to the team' versus skill and achievement. Any 'All TIme Raptors' you'd put in that category?

Thinking MoPete, Alvin Williams with a side of what would Mamadou N'Diaye tossed in for good measure would be a good starting point.

Blogger's note: I've always suggested the name some "player of the year, on and off the court, for talent and overall good guy-ness (there's a heckuva word, no?)" for Alvin Williams

[Michel G]

Thanks for the link to the TSN2 article Doug. A quick look at the daily lineups for Rogers Sportsnet and TSN explains why the problem has "more to do with other business issues" than just money. Sportnet lineup is bush league when compared to TSN's, and they're just probably annoyed that TSN got a second channel to take even more programming away from them. Take care.

[Jason]

Doug,
Could you please make a comment that the Raps will never make the playoffs this year? Maybe even cross them off for any chance to win it all.
I figure that because of your call on Sam and now the psychologist, I figure you might be able to make it happen by saying it won't.
Its like reverse psychology... get it?

PS, maybe they could let you lie on the fancy couch for an hour for all the abuse you take from us. Ask the Raps to foot the bill too because its their fault we're all going crazy lately.

[rapsfan]

Maybe this whole TSN2 fiasco is some sort of conspiracy to get all of you Rogers customers to get out of the house and spend money at restaurants and bars 25 times this year. Stimulate the economy a little? Or perhaps the Harbour Sports Grill is paying off TSN2 or Rogers to sell more beer and chicken wings?

I never would have ventured into that place had you never mentioned it Doug, maybe you deserve some kick-backs?

[CARLoS M.]

Doug - how did you not notice or hear about this psychologist until now? Seems very odd given your access to the team.

"Sinclair ... has been working with the Raptors for a couple of months now, spending time at practices and games (she was seated behind the bench in New Jersey on Tuesday night) and being available to anyone who wants to take advantage of her expertise."

[Chris]

what did the 2 first rounders that the raptors got in the VC trade turn into?

Thanks Doug

Blogger's note: One was Joey, the other went to New York in the Jalen trade and became Renaldo Balkman.

[Kelsie]

Hey Doug,

You would take Jefferson over West? Jefferson has had a good year and is a solid young big man coming into the league but for the past three years West has been a nusance down low to all of the other 4's in that conference. I think Jefferson has closed the gap in terms of their compariosn as players but not to the point where he's a better player. He's bound to put up numbers on that team cause he takes 20-30 shots a night as a featured guy on a losing team. West is as tough as nails and plays for a team that is far more balanced so he takes less shots. He is most likely not as good a rebounder as Jefferson but I do think he's a better player.

I agree with you that the league is about team defence but I think most fans criticism is that if you as a defender can't filter your man to the help, or get him from getting to his spots or using their dominant hand then your defence does "suck". Our players quite often don't do a good enough job with the initial resistance or "scheme", that the team defence becomes a problem cause it's always leaky.

Do you think it would serve the Raps better to keep JO and for the rest of the year, hope for continued health and play games with the strategy that it's our bigs vs. your guards and if we win it's because we got more prodution from our big guys, instead of bringing in Marion and hoping he's an upgrade at one of the wing spots. I think he's more effective as an under-sized 4 than a versatile 3.

[Darko Dubajic]

Watched that love tap (Bynum put on Gerald the other night) on You Tube. It is beyond me that League did not suspend him for it. Upgrading it to Flag.2 big whoopie. Even bigger whoopie doo that Bynam was waiting by Bobcats bus after the game to apologize. Broken rib, colapsed lung... what is he, a 4 year old and didn't know that elbowing somebody who is in the air and fully streched, can and usualy will (especialy if elbow belongs to 7ft, almost 300 lb body) cause serious damage.
I wonder if he does that if say Danny Fortson or Oak... is with the Bobcats. What realy suprised me was that neither teamates nor the League later did anything about it. When are idiots like Bynum, Al Horford and the like, learn to first control your body and actions on the court, and second that is your fellow NBA player that you brought dangereously close to very bad situation.
I will try to remember this next time say CB 4 is happily taking his jumpers and not driving to the hoop, before I curse him.
Bravo to David Stern and/or Stu Jackson.

[Jack]

If, by some stroke of luck, the Raptors end up with the number 1 pick in this year's draft, would they take Psycho T (Tyler Hansbrough) of North Carolina? Or would they trade down?

Blogger's note: No draft questions even remotely considered until June.

[bballer]

i'm hoping that since bosh has made the allstar team 4 years in a row, all voted in by coaches that toronto fans can finally realize how good the guy is. it is a shame that he gets as much criticism by the local crazies as he does. he is our franchise player and the fans should just recognize. but then again, only game recognizes game. we should no longer accept it when others say that chris is overrated and is not an allstar. he is definitely the top 3 most coveted players in 2010. let's enjoy his game.

[Pete]

Just a comment on the draft question someone asked. Psycho T is a major bust waiting for it to happen. I can't believe you even suggested that. If the Raps get him, he'll be like the next Michael Bradley. This year you go with Blake Griffin or no one else. Even Griffin is not considered a super star in the making. Let's just hope that the Raps avoid the lottery, ok?

[Josh]

I might be wrong but wasn't Bosh voted in by the fans the year before last? You know, before KG was in the eastern conference...

[Mike M.]

If the Raptors end up with any first round pick in this year's draft they should not take Psycho T (Tyler Hansbrough) of North Carolina. Are you serious?

I get the VC bashing, I don't think it's ever going to stop, it's pretty much a tradition now. What I don't get is the booing of Tracy McGrady. He left cause he wanted to be the man on his own team. If anything, shouldn't that mean more booing for VC?

[Dan W]

I may be wrong but I think the year before last Bosh was voted in by the fans. Untill KG retires I don't see that happening again.

[GM]

What's the dirt on Dave Hopla? I know nothing about the guy except that you have never said one good thing about him. You say coaches are working on Ukic's shot. If he becomes a much better shooter, do they get no credit at all? Surely he's the one that has to do the work, but no credit to those who work with him? Or are you saying that Hopla didn't work with Calderon on his shot?

Blogger's note: Everyone had a bit to do with suggesting what Jose needed to do to fix his shot; but it wasn't rocket science and no one coach deserves any more credit than the others. Nothing against Dave, he's a good guy and all but to think he's some shooting savant who makes everyone better is an over-statement.

[saatuk]

If, by some stroke of luck, the Raptors end up with the number 1 pick in this year's draft, would they take Psycho T (Tyler Hansbrough) of North Carolina

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What makes you think Hansbrough'd be #1 anyhow? Blake Griffin of OU is more likely IMHO, and there are some fine smalls out there. Doug is right anyhow - the college season is only half over - it could all change by April. A couple of torn ACLs, some stay-at-school decisions, and a run of late-game heroics and it's a new world.

[Kyle]

Doug, is there any relationship between the delay of O'neal-Marion trade and the O'neal bobblehead night tonight?

Blogger's note: No, none whatsoever

[Thane]

Hey Doug:

A few days ago I asked you about how the sub voting works for the All-Star game, and you said you'd look into it and let us know. Any word about that?

Blogger's note: I knew I had read it somewhere, it's here in Marc Stein's piece.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-090124-25

[Johnny Smith Son]

Hahahahahahahah Tyler Hansbrough as the #1 overall pick? Oh yeah, we'd be real "lucky" to land the #1 overall pick so we can pick up such a stud. Maybe we can also trade for Adam Morisson and JJ Redick while we're at it! 2009 finals here we come!

[Serge Papineau]

Let me first say that I have nothing but love for The Great Doug Smith, but that comment by Jason cracked me up.

On the Hoops 500 talk-radio show yesterday Eric Smith said that he heard from reliable sources that a deal between Rogers and TSN2 was "very close". The next few Raptors games on TSN2 include the Spurs, Lakers and Cavs (I'm 90% sure of the last one), all games that usually draw huge audiences because of the competition, especially the Lakers and Cavs, so let's hope Rogers and TSN get their heads out of their arses and get a deal done before then. Otherwise I can see the backlash against Rogers and TSN getting much stronger.

[Yan]

When YOUR 19-28?
Don't you know the difference between your and you're?
I thought you were a journalist.
I don't care if it's just a blog - that's horrific.

Blogger's note: Should be a long dash between "blog" and "that's."
But thanks for writing.