A lot of little things right now

Oh, oh,

We’re almost going to have to start dealing with the “what do you think of this guy”: remarks if they keep having these dang off-days. Seems that’s just about all there is in the mail and on your minds.

Of course, this afternoon might be a bit different given the events but I have a sneaking suspicion no one’s going to say anything at all.

And that’ll leave us to our own devices. Great.

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Hey, here’s one:

Remember Bryan’s day-after-the-end-of-the-playoff-series chat last April? One of the points he made was that he had to find, over the course of the summer, a 20-point-a-game guy to augment Bosh.

DARREN CALABRESE/CANADIAN PRESS

Remember after last season, the Raptors wanted to find someone to augment Chris Bosh? Turns out they already had him: Bargnani.

Well, in a roundabout way, he has.

Had him all along.

Dude named Bargnani.

It’ll take some rounding up of figures but since he’s been a starting centre – which was his best position since, oh, I dunno, the day he came to his first training camp – the kid’s averaged 20 a game.

I know it’s a different 20 a game than the GM or anyone had envisioned that day after the Orlando spanking was administered – it was a wing player everyone was thinking about at that time – but it’s still a solid second scorer to go along with the team’s most effective offensive producer.

So I’m thinking when they start looking around this summer, if Bosh is back, the priority has to be someone who can defend, first and foremost. Offence isn’t the issue with this team, depth and the inability to stop anyone is what has to be solved right off the bat.

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After Dave’s thorough news story today on Chris Bosh there are only two things I can say for at the moment:

Dads need to take responsibility for their children above all else, and;

There are three sides to every story – yours, mine and the truth – and we don’t have them all yet.

But the story does lend some semblance ot explanation to a few things that went awry early in the season.

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You know what was really refreshing yesterday?

Hearing Nate slag the D League.

How many guys would have come back and junk like “yeah, I worked on my game, it was great, good experience, just what I needed, an opportunity I took advantage of?”

Well, Nate gave us some of that but he also told it like it is:

It’s a league with more than its share of selfish players looking to get their numbers and teammates be damned, they want to get called up.

“It’s different. It’s more of guys trying to get their own.”

Oh, and Boise?

“Boring, nothing to do.”

Welcome back, big fella.

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This is off topic but I could watch Ichiro play baseball every day for a season. Have said that for years and last night’s game only cemented it. The dude is incredible.

I only saw the last six innings of that Japan-South Korea game but I don’t imagine I’ll see a better one for a long, long, long time.

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Oh yeah, this is the last time I’m going to mention pizza. And I’ll only mention it in the context that not since Jose-TJ have we had such a kerfuffle around here. You people are crazy passionate about a lot of things, it seems; defence, Jay, Sam, Bosh, Calderon and a free slice.

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Speaking of T.J.

The more things change, the more they remain the same.

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Okay, list time and parents might want to put a filter on the next few lines to keep ‘em away from the eyes of the kiddies because this is obscene:

Jimmy King

Tyson Wheeler

DeAndree Hulett

Remon Van de Hare

Albert Miralles

Roko Ukic

Uros Slokar

P.J. Tucker

Edin Bavcic

Those, ladies and germs, represent every second round draft choice made by the Raptors since their inception and it’s a litany of mainly never-would-be, never-was, never-heard-of detritus that should the shame of any professional basketball organization. I'm not entirely sure it's possible to come up with a "most obscure" or "worst" of that list; it'd be about a five-way tie in those competitions but even I had forgotten all about Edin Bavcic.

Now, you know I think Roko's going to be good, and I know they got Nate Jawai (a might-be at best right now) as a second-rounder and traded for one or two who played but, really, that list is shockingly bad. And before anyone asks, there is no reason to ever expect Giorgos Printezis to play a meaningful minute in the NBA.

Of course, this may mean nothing for this year because they don’t have a second-round pick at the moment but if Bryan does get one, surely to goodness they can’t blow another one, can they?

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Just in case you checked out the Heat boxscore from last night to see how Jermaine and Jamario did, this will clear up any confusion about why O’Neal didn’t play.

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An answer, and a question.

Q: The offensive goaltending rule was instituted after Wilt Chamberlain's first season - like you guessed, in an effort to curb his ability to score so effortlessly in comparison to everyone else. As you know, it didn't work; his scoring average went UP for his sophomore season.

Anyways, my question is one that I've been pondering for a while. Who out there can ever replace Oak on this team? I don't mean the punching-Tyrone-Hill-during-warm-ups-Oak or "I-bring-my-lunch-pail-and-eat-ham-sandwiches"-Oak, but the veteran presence who challenged Carter to be a better player. I don't know of a single player in the NBA like that right now. He doesn't even have to be talented, just a grumpy old veteran.

Keenan W, Edmonton

A: Oak was a singular talent and personality, there is no other and there will be no other.

But it’s the problem across the league. There are very few “old heads” out there acting as mentors. I guess you could put Dikembe Mutombo in that group and here’s one that might have gone unnoticed by many:

In talking with coaches, scouts and people who know the Charlotte Bobcats best, of all the new players they’ve added this year, this improbable season of a legitimate playoff hunt, you can make the case the most important has been Juwan Howard.

I’m told his leadership, his ability to teach younger players and his willingness to accept a role has been a huge factor in the Bobcats’ relevant resurgence.

Trouble is, there are very, very few of him around and I’m not sure Bryan’s going to be able to find one.

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There were 5s, 3s and 4s?

I don’t know if the performers sucked or Carrie Ann, Bruno and The Other Guy were just cranky but that was like DWTS Grunt Edition last night.

Some of them looked like they were doing the Hokey Pokey. Or the Frug.

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Comments

[Alex]

Hi. Watched the Suns game on my computer while the WBC was on TV (Not a happy day here in Korea), and wondered what you though of Goran Dragic compared to Roko Ukic? Who's the better player, who has more potential, and why?

Blogger's note: I haven't seen enough of Dragic to form an opinion, actually. I know the Suns think highly of him.
And I know it can't be a happy day there, but that was one helluva game; and you do have the gold medal thing to remember.

[Peter]

Hi Doug,

How much responsibility do you have to your paper to report on the Bosh situation. Obviously it sounds like a big deal, but I'm hoping that we can still come to you for "Raptor's news" and rely on other parts of the paper for "deadbeat news" Should we expect this column to fill up with non sports related news for the near future?

Blogger's note: No, not necessarily; we report what happens.

[Jason]

Doug,
Doesn't having the majority of offense coming from the two positions that are easiest to fill with defensive minded players cause concern?
What I mean is that I believe if you want some defense, your going to be hard pressed to get enough of it from the SG and SF positions. Its almost like the Raps are going to have to fill these two spots with some serious man to man defenders which will hurt the offensive flow.
Maybe you could provide insight as to what type of players you would put in these spots that would best compliment the core offensive guys at the other 3 spots.

[Patrick]

Hi Doug,

I completely agree that the Raptors have made some truly pitiful second round picks (and some first round picks as well but let's not get into that).

That being said, I don't think that Roko should be on that list. Sure he's an inconsistent rookie, getting inconsistent minutes but he's already done more than any of the other players that you've listed (and he's shown enough this year to warrant some guarded optimism in regard to his NBA future).

Anyway, just my two cents.

Have a good one!

Blogger's note: It was a list of bad ones, it was a list of everyone.

[Steve Q]

matt bonner was a 2nd rounder wasn't he?

Blogger's note: Not by the Raptors, obtained in a trade

[oaksdaman]

Juwan Howard - anyone recall him apologizing to the Raptors bench after one of his Wizard teammates threw down a dunk in the final seconds of a game?

A gentleman indeed.

[Mark Waschkowski]

"it’s a litany of never-would-be, never-was, never-heard-of detritus that should the shame of any professional basketball organization"

Roko is shameful now? I don't think you feel that way, but the way its worded, if I was Roko I would be pissed! :)

Blogger's note: I'll change the phrasing.

[mark]

"Of course, this afternoon might be a bit different given the events but I have a sneaking suspicion no one’s going to say anything at all."

hey dougy- what are the events that no one is talking about? i'm out of the loop...

Blogger's note: Check our website

[Curious]

Hey Doug,
Any idea why this Bosh story is only coming out now? If Mathis filed suit November 26, 2008, wouldn't it have been public knowledge then?
I'm just curious as to the timing of this article.

Blogger's note: No answer for you, sorry

[Duncan]

Doug, regarding the pizza issue: my two cents thinks that any promo should be based on a defensive goal- holding the visitors to under 85 points, or something like that, and instead of the fans getting a prize, MLSE and a corporate sponsor could make a donation to a local charity.
Your thoughts?

Blogger's note: I've been writing for years that they should collect the stubs and give them to a food bank if they're going to keep up the inane promotion at all.

[Jeff D]

I have personally contacted two local charity organizations to explore whether collecting the ticket stubs and distributing them to those in need is feasible. It's been a couple months and I have not heard of any progress being made yet. As far as I know they wanted to clear things with MLSE.

[James]

Hey Doug,
If i remember correctly, you did a recent post on former raptors that got in trouble with the law. Coincidence that our star player is now in trouble or do you moonlight as a psychic?

[Dennis]

Bosh's personal issues sure would explain a lot about this season and why things have gone so bad. This team relies so much on Bosh and it's plain to see that his and this teams mental focus are just not there this season. Here's hoping Bosh gets his personal life sorted out soon and comes back next season with a renewed sense of determination. We need CB4 back and dominating games again!!

[Wilber]

Doug,
Nice bday present for CB4. But well said about waiting for the truth and manning up to one's responsibilities if they're yours.

I'm sure you realize the flaw in your food bank logic - the payoff for the sponsor is having me go in for my free slice and also buying a drink/salad/additional slice. Or enjoying the cardboard so much that I'll come back another time for more on my own dime. As a ticket buyer, I don't mind the promotion. I see it as a fabulous parting gift for my time at the ACC.

I did pick up my slice on the way home yesterday and brought it for lunch today. I'm a short walk from the ACC/Star building, so let me know if you'd like me to share.

I know about the "diamond in the rough" second rounders that have gone on to higher profile success, but is there any success % for 2nd round picks in general in the league? Maybe pick an arbitrary measure of what constitutes a legitimate NBA run, rather than 10 days, etc. How about the same % for 1st rounders?

Thanks and let me know on the pizza.

[LeeZ]

Two things, Doug. Re your response to the post asking about the timing of the article ("no answer for you, sorry"): does this mean you don't know, or aren't at liberty to say? And secondly, your colleague's article says: "club insiders have whispered allusions to "off-court stuff" to explain his inconsistencies." Had you yourself heard these whispers, and if so, why didn't you (or Dave) report them? I'm not saying you should have, mind you. I'm just curious as to the journalistic thought process that goes into making the decision on whether or not to publish such whispers. Are there legal/confidentiality/ethical considerations? Thanks.

Blogger's note: I'll get into this more in the moring but I'm note one to ever, ever report "whispers" without trying to find out fact

[John MacDonald]

I know that you're not impressed with the second round picks of the past but look at some of the players that they have got that weren't ever drafted. Garbo, Moon, and a guy who's going to be good for the next 10 years Jose Calderon. Look at the positives Doug. Sure the second round picks are where you go for the hidden gems but only a hand full actually get any kind of success in the NBA.

[jhaus]

my take on the 'za issue: regardless of whether it is an offensive goal or defensive goal, the guys on the floor are going to try and score as many points as they can and limit the other team to as few points as they can; that is the point of this game we call basketball. this promo is strictly for the fans and it is more than a little embarrassing that 'we' are so caught up in getting a piece of crappy pizza. as embarrassing as it is that we cheer for a hundred point loss, it would be more embarrassing to me that we boo a win where the other team scored 87 points (or whatever the threshold might be). in the end, it is a distraction from the game. if you want pizza so bad go to the pizzeria instead of the basketball game; you could probably get a large with 3 toppings for the price of the cheapest raps ticket!! i gotta agree with the blogger on this one!!

[Pharaoh]

Doug, what do you think the chances are that people will begin attributing the Raptors' poor play this season to Bosh's off-the-court problems? Feschuk is already hinting at it: "The case, perhaps, is the missing piece in explaining a sometimes puzzling decline in the on-court performance of Bosh and the Raptors." I really really hope that Raps management doesn't seize upon this as an "explanation" for the Raps play this season and overlook all of the glaring weaknesses of this club. Thoughts?

Blogger's note: Haven't really had time to gather too many well thought-out thoughts.

[Pat]

Most fans don't feel as strong of a connection to the game of basketball as you do, Doug. Also, it is not their job to attend the games. They go to have fun and that may or may not include cheering for a pizza giveaway promotion. It is really not as offensive as you think it is.

Now you have dudes like Jeff D actually taking action on the matter. Yikes.

[Ekim D]

Re: Peter's comment, I think this Bosh story is one that has to get reported whether he is found to be the father or not. It has been painfully obvious to Raps fans that the Bosh that we saw in November disappeared for some (until now) unknown reason. Whether he's the father or not, it has definitely impacted his play, and thus the play of the team overall (as he's their best player bar none).

I hope it's not true - Bosh is one of the players I respect most in the NBA (and not just b/c he plays here in Toronto). He seems like a genuine guy. After reading about the lavish birthday parties he throws for himself in yesterday's paper, it leaves an even worse taste in my mouth if true.

[dc]

if the report by feshuck about Bosh is true, than it will be another black eye on the early career of bosh and the colangelo era.
it's not the GM's fault, but the organization always takes some of the blame when unfortunate dirt like this surfaces (the portland jailblazers, the jail-bird pacers, and the knicks under 'guilty of sexual harrassment' isaih thomas).
First, two firs-round post-season exits, in which bosh clearly was under pressure and unable to come up with monster games against either new jersey or orlando when it mattered. Now, an ugly patternity suit that could drag on in the media for months, after a season where Bosh appeared disinterested, missed time to injury and the entire team is working toward a record close to the 27 wins we had before colangelo arrived and blew things up, again.

safe to say, if the situation continues to be messy, bosh would probably be happier starting over in a different town. i wouldn't blame him and if the allegations are true would welcome a new franchise player who isnt' concerned with boosting his partners fertility. or at least not break up with his pregnant fiance and totally abandoning her to pay all the bills.
that is hearsay. we should go to maury pauvich first for the truth.

Blogger's note: No one has heard both sides of the story, please keep that in mind.

[Mo]

Doug, were you and the others aware of the Bosh issue?
I'm not saying you should have reported it, I completely understand, support and respect that fact that you didn't.
I'm just curious if this is why the media hasn't punished Bosh as much as some of the fans have.

Bliogger's note: The story wasn't known to anyone until Dave wrote it. It was a clean, clean, scoop

[Chris P.]

Hi Doug,

Just wandering how long you and Dave have known about Bosh's current situation with his ex-girlfriend and whether you or Dave decided to hold off on reporting it for while. Did you both draw straws about doing the story? Do you feel a players personal life should be kept out of the news unless it directly affects their on court play?

Blogger's note: I explain as much as I can about the whole thing tomorrow morning.

[Ben F]

There are typically some fallen-on-hard-times people outside the ACC following Raps' games, both en route to Union Station and around the various arena exits. They are well aware of the nature of the pizza promotion and many of us ACC ushers try to gather stubs that are left behind in order to pass them along on our way out.

That being said, the involvement of charitable org.s will ensure that the stubs have the widest potential reach for those in need.

[chili]

Why even collect the stubs? Why not just make Pizza Pizza send the pizzas straight to the soup kitchen?