The Goods On The Game, Vol. 49, Super? Well, we'll wait and see

Here's the dope, from people who know, on how to use a Blackberry for these gems.

BlackBerry users: To get the live blog of tonight's game, you need to open this page on your BlackBerry, then click on the name of the event, e.g. "Toronto at New Jersey". This is a small link that should appear just below this message. The mobile version of the live blog is very similar to what you see on the website. You can turn the auto-scroll off if you're trying to get caught up, then turn it back on for automatic updates.

You can even send me a comment from your BB, but you may need to enable javascript first. If you're using a BB Curve, open your browser, click the menu button, click on Options and then on Browser Configuration. Tick the box "Support JavaScript" and you're ready to comment. Other BlackBerry models may require a slightly different procedure.

Comments

[Aaron J.]

Doug,
Why has BC waited so long to tweak this roster? I understand that when a team isn't winning the sum of its parts are of lower value, however, there must have been some sort of minor deal he could have made. If for nothing else than to just bring in some fresh blood.
I may be wrong in this theory, but it just appears that BC has waited too long to make a deal, and he has left this team out to dry!

Blogger's note: You don't imagine it could have something to do with other general managers, do you?

[acieearl]

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=150~1031~3213~2797~1977~2010~3249&teams=28~28~28~28~1~1~1&te=&cash=

forward to BC...thanks

[Aaron J.]

Doug,
I know you hate trade rumors/scenarios, however, there's a lot of talk about potentially trading Bosh in fear that he'll walk in 2010. I personally would prefer he stays!
Just wanted to get some fan feedback on this offer:

Chris Bosh
for
Tayshaun Prince
Jason Maxiell
(1st round pick)

[kevin]

There are so many reasons that neither of those scenarios will ever occur...

[theolpicknroll]

Hey Doug, we know you're a basketball expert who just never had the height to be a dominant NBA power forward, and never got past the sports section because you apparently think John Grisham is a good writer, but why are you so sarcastic and condescending when you reply to some people's messages. I know some people are impolite, and I know I'm being impolite right now, but I never cared much about being a hypocrite and just want to know why you bother replying to so many comments when so often it seems you do it just to tell people off. Is this the Star's fault? I'd be only so happy to talk to your boss and tell them to make you stick to articles if it meant I wouldn't have to endure another one of your casutic replies. I'm just trying to help.

[GM]

I dunno, Doug. I think most of the shots were bad. To my eyes, it's the same stagnant offence that was there at the beginning of the year. Sure, Bosh was on fire then, but it was still u-g-l-y. Bring the ball up, pass to Bosh, watch him try to score. Or pass to someone else and watch him try to score. What's really stuck out with me over the last few games was how well opponents moved the ball with crisp passes. Chicago, Milwaukee and Orlando all moved the ball extremely well compared to Toronto. You can lay the blame on the players, but ultimately they have to run what the coaches want and what the coaches drill into them. You mentioned Van Gundy yelling out "Move the ball!" when the Magic had a big lead. I'd love to see that with the Raptors. Their offence is built for a team that has superior 1-on-1 players, but in fact they have inferior 1-on-1 players. If they played more of a motion game predicated on passing, they'd have a much better chance at success.

[Alex B]

Quick comment on Bosh's stats (Re. the juvenile comment that we should expect 30/12 averages).

I agree that we shouldn't have outragous expectations of Bosh, and that Winning will take contributions from everyone, but I don't think it's unfair to say that his numbers (particularly rebounding) have been underwhelming. He did start the season aiming to be MVP.

Numbers aren't everything, but what do you think we should be expecting out of Bosh? (My money: 26 and 10)

[Matt]

Hearing Bosh call out the ACC/Raptors fans for booing isn't very reassuring that he can handle the pressure of this city. Not that I would ever consider trading him, as we would never get close to full value.

I'm hoping for a move before or on February 19. This team can't go on like this - the body language of some of these guys are making games difficult to watch lately.

[rosco]

Doug,
I must say, its about time you speak the truth about this team. Now,why not Booo is the question. Here's my answer: When watching this team play its so visible, there's no energy, no intensity, no emotion, no ambition, there playing FLAT. Its like they have just givin up on the season already. But like u said Doug, come on now, there's something called PRIDE, if u can't keep your head up high and play for PRIDE,then this team has bigger problems than it looks. CB4, you now what, there's no burining desire to Lead this team, he sit's on the bench with a sulking face. Have some Pride, Man UP and give it your all out there, fans pay big money to come out and watch at least shows us SOME EFFORT... So embarrasing this team.

[Andrew Gregg]

Hi Doug:

I know the Raptors broadcasts are a mess this year, but I fully expected to be able to watch the game today at noon. I turned in a little late and all I got was the Magic running lay up drills. It went all the way to 2:30. Can you tell me what's going on?

AG, Toronto

[Peter]

Hey Doug, Stephen A. Smith reporting that Bosh has told Colangelo he wont resign with Toronto in 2010. Now I regard Stephen A. Smith as being pretty stupid, but have u heard anything at all?

Blogger's note: Nope

[Aaron J.]

Kevin

Unbelievable, if there are so many reasons why my scenario wouldn't happen... at least enlighten me with one. Otherwise your post is just an empty statement!
I didn't say that I thought this trade would or should go down, but whether Raps fans would consider that acceptable compensation if BC's hands were tied and he had to deal Bosh.

[Kevin]

I officiated a game today played by 15 year old boys who seemed to understand a motion offense better than some of the Raptor players do. I think Jay needs to go back to the drawing board and look at ways of getting some easier baskets than this team is currently getting.
To the Bosh critics, I think 26/10 would be possible with a slashing guard who causes defensive movement. Without that Bosh is often playing straight up against his men and subject to a lot of help too.

[JJ]

My God, some of you people are crazy with these trade ideas. The team doesn't need to get dynamited. The core of a successful team is here, it just needs to be tweaked and a couple better players added. You don't do that by trading the team's best player. Get some cap room and then go after a guy LIKE Josh Childress because Atlanta will probably be too cheap to match (or someone similar).

Unfortunately the tweaks that this team needs probably will not come until the summer. Which means we have to wait out 33 games more of this season and then look to rebuilding (I'm not suggesting tanking, but what has this team done to show that a) they can make the playoffs even as an 8th seed -- even with the atrocity of the eastern conference and b) wouldn't be swept in 4 games by Boston, Orlando or Cleveland? Becacuse there is no way they are making to the 5th seed to avoid one of those 3).

So take solace in that each Raptors loss now improves their spot in the Draft in June. Right now, without winning the lottery, they would be picking 8th. Which may not net a superstar, but it's a more valuable asset than say the 13th pick.

[rosco]

Get cap room and go after a guy like Josh Childress from Atlanta now there's a blockbuster move to Help Improve this Team. Wow, if you where a GM i can only imagine our roster. How about a Coach to start that actually knows what he's Doing First aka (Avery Johnson) the problem isn't scoring on this team, the problem is on the Defensive side of the ball. You will never win ball games if you can't get Stops. 2nd these players have to get more Athletic/Quicker/Better defenders that can keep there man in front not allowing penetration from the perimeter/Consistency offensively and being able to penetrate into the paint and create there own shots from the 2/3Spots. 3) They need another Big off the bench to Rotate in for Bosh/Bargs. So if O'Neal is your only barganing Chip, you can only do so much.

[Penny]

I don't think I can even watch these guys anymore.