It's the dawn of a new day

This was a level of venom seldom approached. Not even the Dark Night In Denver, or the Vince Kills Us As The Buzzer or How In The World Did They Blow A 17-Point Lead In Boston nights didn’t bring out this kind of anger.

The folks, folks, are riled.

But today’s a new day, the sun’s shining here, everyone’s well-rested and ready to tackle life’s challenges once again so let’s all take a deep breath and start over.

Or not.

Friday was, without question, the low point in a season that’s had far too many.

With so much at stake, on such a stage, rested and well aware of what was on the line, to come out and lose the game in the first seven minutes was shameful.

And, I fear, speaks to the mental makeup of most of the roster. When things are going good, they’re okay; when they go bad, they go south.

That’s the most troubling part of the whole thing, to me.

The playoffs? Pah! The playoffs are so far away they may as well be on Mars; the thing they’ve got to fix is there hearts. And their brains. Can they? Who knows. But they’ve got to try.

So …

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Action: What to do?

Reaction: Nothing.

This is it, people. No new players, no moves, no nothing.

For the next 25 games, this is the team, this is its coach, these are the circumstances and you’ve all got to get used to it.

But I will point out this: They will win some games, they will play much better every now and then, they may find some way to makes weeks quite interesting and you will cheer.

Every game won’t be like last night but then every game won’t be like the Spurs one either, which everyone has to admit was every bit as good as last night’s was bad.

It’s sports. And it’s why we love it.

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Been some kind of week, hasn’t it?

Q: What's the most significant injury for their respective team's right now? Garnett for a month? Stoudemire for the season? Nelson for the season? Manu for 3 weeks?

Rob M, Ottawa

A: That’s a tough one.

Personally? For legitimate contenders? I’d say Garnett, if indeed he’s out a month(although my man Marc says it’s more like two or three weeks). The Celtics won a pair of Game 7s on their home court, as much on emotion as anything, last year and if this injury causes them to fall to second or third in the East, I really think they’re championship hopes are dashed. Their schtick, all that punking and shouting and screaming and acting like mad men, doesn’t travel well, especially in the playoffs (see Atlanta, Cleveland and L.A. last year).

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Action: There was none

Reaction: I have none

You know, it’s fun to sit and try to dissect key moments in the game, momentum shifts and the like. Why’d the coach do this, why did that guy do that. Did you see this great play? How about that one?

Truth be told, I barely paid attention after the first nine minutes.

But I will say this, you could tell from about the fourth possession – since the first three were one-pass-jump-shot gems – that the Raptors effort wasn’t going to be there.

At least it allowed for a little more interaction than usual with the good folks at the live in-game blog.

No offence, though, I much prefer less interaction and a game that’s watchable.

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Seriously, if this keeps up, how badly do you think these guys will get drilled next Friday in Phoenix. Suns have put up 140, 142 and 140 in their last three. Can’t wait to see that one.

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I’m not sure what this means – questionable drafting, questionable drafts, bad something-or-other -- but more than half of the Raptors roster is guys who were picked in the top 16 of their drafts (and you can credit musicologist, former quasi-grunt and current politico A. Wherry for pointing it out):

Shawn Marion, No. 9, 1999

Chris Bosh, No. 4, 2003

Marcus Banks, No. 13, 2003

Kris Humphries, No. 14, 2004

Joey Graham, No. 16, 2005

Andrea Bargnani, No. 1, 2006

Patrick O’Bryant, No. 9, 2006

Seven of 13? Helluva squad

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Even the guys in New York are killing the Raptors.

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Arrrgggh

Q: I’m looking for your insight on why the Raps didn’t trade A.Parker (an expiring deal) for an asset (draft pick)?

I have to think that Parker would provide value for a playoff bound team looking for depth on the wing. Parker’s ability to play PG should also help his value. Once example could have been Parker and a 2nd rounder to Orlando for Brian Cook/Mike Wilks and a 1st rounder.

I can only think of two obvious reasons for not trading him: 1. The Raps think they can make the playoffs and need Parker to do this (seems short sighted) 2. Parker didn’t have trade value, or at least to make it worth the Raps while. I considered a third option, they want him back next year, but they could still do that even if they traded him. What are your thoughts?

Rob F, Toronto

A: I’ll answer this now because there were more than a couple like it and the arrrggghh! at the top is not directed personally at you.

First off, you cannot trade a player for a draft pick unless you’re dealing with a team under the cap and none of those teams needs a short-term fix. So please, put that thought out of mind now and forever.

Second, the primary reason they didn’t deal Parker, or Graham for that matter is that it’s much more beneficial to have their money available in the summer either to sign them or someone else and to keep costs down. Unless there was a blow-me-away-deal (and no one in the NBA would offer blow-me-away-deals for Anthony Parker or Joey Graham) there was no way Colangelo would – or should – take back someone whose contract goes out past this summer.

It was a smart business move.

Third, why in the world would any team want Brian Cook or Mike Wilks?

Now, the key thing will be to see what he does with those two and the money he may save. But that’s a chat for another day.

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And, finally, Larry Miller, owner of the Utah Jazz died Friday.

I didn’t know him that well and there were times when he acted all Cuban-like, leaving his familiar baseline courtside seat to berate refs or join team huddles but the one thing he did that every single owner in every single professional sport should do more often was to let people do their jobs.

He had Frank Layden and Scott Layden and Jerry Sloan. He found great men and let them work.

Miller has his moments of buffoonery but he was the most successful and least intrusive owner in the things that matter – personnel and coaching – than I can think of.

The way he managed the Jazz should be the blueprint for how teams are managed throughout the league.

Comments

[Jeff]

From the NYdailynews.com:
"But Bosh, playing with a sprained right knee, has already shown that he is fragile. Plus, it's hard to call him an elite player when the Raptors are 21-36. Bosh finished with 12 points - on 4-for-13 shooting - and nine rebounds."

If anyone other than TO offers him the max they are crazy. Jumpshot after jumpshot - would it kill this guy to take it to the basket? Is he VC's long lost cousin? You can just see every possession is going to be a jump shot. Raptors don't move the ball and are way too slow. The Knicks were decisive, made cuts, moved the ball quickly. They made up their minds and the Raps were confused defensively. When a Raptor gets the ball, everyone in the arena and on TV know exactly what's going on - iso then jumpshot! What a great game plan. Raptors are owned.

I used to have a high opinion on Calderon, but early in the season watching him play D, he tried to stay in front of his man but he let him get by and Calderon gave up, let him get to the rim. He should have been benched for that!

[dc]

wow. the criticism from new york is both brutal and accurate. bosh simply can't be called an elite player when his team puts forth that kind of effort and has a record this bad in the east. and i love bosh and think he's been great, but it really looks like he'd be happier with new teammates.
i feel ashamed to say that my favourite team, representing my home town, put on a disgraceful exhibition of nba basketball- in the most historic of nba venues.
i'm still a raptor fan, for better or for worse, and it couldn't really get much worse... right...?

[Matt]

That was brutal, although really what did we expect. Outside a couple of lightning-in-a-bottle games against the Spurs and Rockets the Raps have proven time and time again this season that they struggle on defense and are limited offensively. So of course a team that is dedicated to offense will have a pretty easy time of it, especially when the Raps quit in the first five minutes. The only real bright spot from this season should be the draft pick the Raps get out of it, although the cap space at the end of the season should come in handy too.

[WSG]

What a rotten season this has been. I don’t know if the TSN2 imbroglio is indicative of how little the owners of this team really care about the fans … but it can’t be a coincidence that we’ve seen such short-sightedness on the team’s part in that area, as well as the shambles that we saw on the floor last night. Also, I agree with one of the ‘comments’ from the game blog. If Jose intends to play for his home country this summer, he should be let go. It’s not fair that Raptors fans pay the freight, watching him limp through the season, only to then see him strive for Spain’s sentimental glory during the summer. It’s just not right. I love this game and I love this team, but not today. What a mess.

[Neil]

Last nights game was really tough to digest... Could it be that they spent some time in the city getting to know a few too many high end vodkas at some vip bars? When did they get into New York?

My biggest pet peeve of the night was after the game! On the way to the locker room, how are you able to joke around with the team that just finished buttering and spanking your arse in front of whoever cared to watch the game? Sad, sad, sad...

Ah well, I'm going to enjoy the sunny morning before those 10 cm's of snow makes it here from Michigan.

Cheers!

[Cb]

Hey Doug,

Single biggest mistake this year was the firing of Sam Mitchell.
Bosh has not played with the same intensity since Smitch departed.
I think he should have been let go in the offseason in a more respectable manner. Bosh has been a 20/10 player indeed which is great but the lack of intensity and team chemistry is killing them. I've been a fan of this team since it's inception and can't believe we are at this level of playing after two semi successful seasons with a #1 draft pick. Sheesh. I also read that New York article I guess Bosh lost his job in New York.:)

CB

[Josh F]

I'm sad to report this, but like the raps, I too, have become accustomed to them losing.

I will however say that I like Marion in what I've seen of him. He's active and goes for the elusive off-rebound tip in!

Calderon's D is awful. I know he's never been touted as a stopper, but I really hope this is his hamstring talking and not what we are too see for the next few seasons.

And Bosh, might as well start calling him Biff.

But as a bright note, I will state that a slew of low end East teams lost last night. If the raps had won, celebrations right now would be constant and vibrant.

To end, I'm not sure if I like the raps trying to flirt with the last playoff spot. Either just starting winning in bunches or just continue to lose in bunches. I think these next 5 games will decide their fate.

Cheers.

[Pete]

Anyone still think that Bosh will be back in 2010? You are a fool then. This is like deja-vu from 03-04 when Who He Shall decided to shoot jumpers and mess up the games then eventually leave the town. EXACT same scenario is ahead of us. Welcome Blake Griffin!

[Grant]

Bosh has missed a chunk of time, each of the past three seasons with a knee sprain/bone bruise on the knee. Has this been the same injury on the same knee?

One more: If the Raps give Bosh a max deal and Lebron leaves Cleavland for a max deal, would Bosh have a higher salary?

Blogger's note: He's had minor issues, which have never caused him to miss more than 15 games in a season in both knees.
Their first-year salaries would be exactly the same, Bosh would be allowed 10.5 per cent annual raises on a six-year deal; James would be allowed 8 per cent raises on a five-year deal.

[sean]

Why did the raptor players hugging and laughing with the NYK players on the way out of the tunnel with a 30 point lost? I saw it with Voshkul and Qrich (teammates in Sun), Graham and O'Bryant did the same thing. Why was Bosh criticise his team of lack of confidence and pride when he was shooting jumpers after jumpers for 4-13 night? Same goes to Calderon. To tell you the truth, I honestly feel that the players just want to finish up the season and go golfing. All the media talks about Raptors busting for a final playoff spots are just smoke screen for us fan who pays the player's bill. What are they suppose to say, "Yes, we are looking forward to a long off season and a nice tan at the beach." And what's all this talk about Bosh being the class of free agent 2010? David Lee is having a great season and no body is giving this guy any props. The way that he DEFENDED bosh was physical and intense.

Lost respect for bosh and calderon, wiped out, after this game.

[Kevin]

"A New Low" - Not exactly the slogan the Raps were hoping for this year.

[Richard Spackman]

Doug:
It would be VERY interesting if you could do an article or articles on Bosh, Calderon and Bargnani, detailing:
1).What each player does well and how often;
2).What each player doesn't do well, but still does it and how often;
3).What each player should not or must not do, but does anyway and how often.
This will help evaluating whether or not this is the team's future; or, whether or not to blow it up.

[Ian]

Hey Dougie, I spotted two misplaced "there" homonyms today. "there" hearts, and "they're" championship hopes are dashed. Copy editor!

Just FYI, 'cos I know you care about such things.

[Adam G]

About two weeks ago I said this was a bottom-10 team, and that everyone involved should accept that. Let me change that: This is a bottom-4 team, and everyone involved should accept that.

Marion has the worst shot I've ever seen, and it costs him points every quarter he's on the court. How many gimme shots did he miss last night? I saw three, and I was primarily watching the Rockets game.

[Jake Abramowicz]

My cousin is visiting from London England and has never watched an NBA game. That being said he's up on his sports over there and it was something new for him to check out last night. What was his comment after the first half? "Wow, this team is USELESS". Pretty much sums up my view of it this year, and what a dissappointment especially considering the expectations. No chemistry, no love, no heart, no pride, nothing. Just going through the motions.

[Gerald]

I'm afraid that we are going to regret not trading Bosh at the deadline. I see a steady spiral down of desire and skill until when he decides to leave(not if), and Colangelo will be struggling to get anything of significance for him. Most of it will be on the defensive end where both him and Calderon are seemingly exposed every night.

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Playoffs?! Might just as well discuss sticking a fork in the franchise at this point, because that was a franchise-killing performance. Name one NBA team that’s shown less pride in, oh, the last 30 years. Clueless, heartless, gutless, leaderless. Otherwise, hey, there’s some room for improvement. Go Jays?

[Matt]

I think what's saved me this season is that while I am a confessed die-hard Raps fan, I've been a big b-ball fan since before they existed so it provides a bit of perspective on things. It's too bad the way things are going, but really, someone's got to lose and it just so happens to be the Raps this year.

The NBA is filled with a lot of other stories right now that are a lot more exciting to me as a basketball fan, so I think some time away from the 'Raptor Nation' may be good for some fans out there who are feeling disappointed and burnt out.

Question, Doug: There seems to be a lot more serious injuries this year to top players than I recall in the past...is this true or are things being exaggerated in my mind a bit?

Blogger's note: I'm not sure, seems a bit more than usual but I haven't checked and would probably find out that it's closer to the same than we think

[al]

Sorry Doug, just can't stand to see they're/their/there used incorrectly

"the thing they’ve got to fix is there hearts."

"I really think they’re championship hopes are dashed."

- should be "their" in both cases

[Dan]

I believe Larry Miller also banned 'Brokeback Mountain' from the movie theatre he owned. Not exactly a classy move. Even in Utah.

[Lola]

There is a lot of fuss about CB and 2010. That's why I worry he's becoming overrated. He's a very good player, but must TOR sign him to a max deal to keep him? That just limits what you can do with the rest of the roster.

[Danny Husar]

Doug, doesn't it seem like Bosh is settling a lot more for the mid-range jumper than in previous years (or even beginning of this season)? It seemed like before, he would try to drive the basket and get a foul a lot more often than he is now. Thoughts?

[Bball]

Doug, with this current economic climate, I suspect there will be a lot of trades this summer with some teams over the luxury tax level looking to unload good players with longer term contracts for expiring contracts. Doug, can you answer 2 related questions:

1. Can trades be made after the season and before July 1?
2. Is it possible for the Raptors to trade the expiring contracts of players like Parker or Graham after the season and before July 1 when their contracts expire. I seem to recall some trades being completed in years past between teams that were not in the playoffs.

Thanks.

Blogger's note: The only trades that can be consummated between now and the end of the free-agent moratorium are between teams that have been eliminated from the playoffs.

[Spider-Man]

Anthony Parker is finished. Make sure he never returns.

[monroe]

Bryan Colangelo needs to do to this team what Michael Cimino did to that horse in 'Heavens Gate'. This team lacks leadership, intensity, and a will to win. They are an embarrassment. These players have no pride and the shameful performance last night speaks directly to Triano's failure as a coach, Bosh's failure as a leader, and the rest of the team's failure as professional basketball players.
Triano's a nice guy, but just doesn't have any command of his team. Bosh is a nice player, but not a leader or someone you want to give a max deal to. The rest of the team seem to be happy to be absolutely humiliated as long as they collect their paychecks. The season is now officially lost. Let's go for the lottery!