Better late than never. Or so they say

Okay, we’ve hit that day.

I’ve got nothing. Or at least very little.

Took a day off, no game, no real news.

In fact, I only stopped by practice to get some stuff for someone else and to make sure no one had bolted.

So this is as dry as it gets and, thanks to some machine and wireless issues, it’s late to boot. Great, eh? Lucky you.

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Super Son and I are about to fill in the bracket – the winning bracket in the D. Sagat Invites His Buddies To Show How Smart They Are pool – and we’re thinking about this whole NCAA tournament thingy and what it might mean to the Raptors.

AP PHOTO

Tar Heels guard Ty Lawson is already familiar to the scouts.

The short answer: Not much.

Scouts have been scouring the college ranks since late last year and the body of work on the kids who might be draft picks has really already well established. Whatever happens over the next couple of weeks will be interesting but it can’t cloud opinions that have been formed over months.

It’ll be fun to watch guys like Griffin, Derozan, Henderson and Harden play and to see if they can last through the grind of three weeks of high intensity games but there’s really not a lot that will happen that will change the minds of too many scouts right now.

It’ll be things like private workouts and having dinner with prospects to get a feel for what they’re really like that might change things. What happens on various courts this week is not the most important thing.

Unless, of course, you’ve got a chance to win your pool.

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Speaking of scouting, here’s a typical week for one of the big shot Raptor brainiacs.

They flew this morning to one city like Philly to see a couple of games today, are off to somewhere like Miami tomorrow to see another couple of games and then off to a couple of other cities on the weekend to see more games.

It’s all commercial travel – no charters, no five-star hotels – and I’ll be interested in hearing how they fared living like the common man when it’s all over.

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A quick mail thing on one night, one line, no change

Q: Check out Gerald Wallace's linescore from last night vs. Sacramento: 25pts (on 13 shots!), 12reb (7 off rebs!), 2 blocks, 2 steals, 11 for 11 FTs. Is it safe to say now, in hindsight, that if the TJ-for-Wallace deal was really on the table, then the Raps should have gone for that instead of Jermaine? Or would you rather have Marion? To me, Shawn Marion is great as a complementary player, on a team where others can create. But, on this Raps team, he is not utilized to his full potential because no one can create opportunities for him. Gerald Wallace just gets the ball and goes.....

Don H, Lima, Peru

A: That’s an impressive line, indeed. For a whole game.

The only thing I’ve ever said about Wallace is that his contract – three years after this and almost $30 million – is an albatross so I’d rather have Marion and the financial flexibility his contract presents. I’m not entirely sure Wallace has a long-term position in the NBA and his deal is too constricting.

I’d love to go through his full season of boxscore lines and find one that’s not nearly that good but I don’t have the time. Or the inclination.-

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One place you might want to look for the future is actually the NIT tournament, which is now the very poor cousin to the big dance.

Maybe it’s because we were in Charlotte earlier this week but there’s all kinds of interest in Stephen Curry and his NBA future.

A guy who’s opinion I respect thinks Dell’s kid might be one of the big sleepers in the draft.

He’s not overly quick, not overly big, but he simply knows how to play the game. He’s one of those high basketball IQ guys who overcome some physical limitations to just get the job done.

I’m not sure he fits exactly what the Raptors need – quick, defensive-minded shot creators – but there’s no doubt he’ll be on the board whenever it comes time for Toronto to draft.

And they’ll have to make a decision on him.

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What’s the limit for Our Man Roko?

Q: Hey Doug, if I'm not mistaken, not too long ago you envisioned Roko Ukic as a backup even in his prime. But more recently you have said: "the kid, who I really think is going to be good one day". Have you changed your mind on him? or do you simply mean that you "really think" he will be a good NBA backup guard? Thank

Andrew R, Halifax

A: I’m not sure I ever said he’d be a lifelong backup, actually. And this is all guesswork because no one knows how he’s going to develop with any certainty but with his work ethic, skill level and desire to improve, there’s no reason he can’t be an NBA starter.

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Yes, Marc Iavaroni was indeed at practice yesterday as an interested observer and that’s pretty much what he did.

He was acting as you’d think any “consultant” would, chatting privately with coaches and players and sitting back and getting the lay of the land. Not imposing himself on the work, or the people, just gathering information and forming opinions he’ll share with Bryan later on.

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This is old but maybe someone missed it and I’ll catch them up right now.

In a shocking development, ESPN2 has dropped the Toronto-Washington game next week from its broadcast schedule.

Can you imagine if they hadn’t? Can you imagine someone tuning in looking for a really good Friday night basketball game and getting Raptors-Wizards in what could be one of the most insignificant games in the history of the league?

Yeah, that’d go a long way to enhance Toronto’s reputation around the league, wouldn’t it?

The bad news? They’re sticking with the silly 8 p.m. start time for the game ‘cause they don’t want to screw around with the fans any more than they already have.

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Okay, Super Son’s got the brackets all printed out and we’re ready to roll.

I’m thinking North Carolina, aren’t you?

And I’m thinking it’s a nice day to spend on the couch watching a hoops marathon.

Will report back tomorrow on how we did.

Comments

[Rahil]

Memphis!

[Michael]

Doug,
Can you post your bracket, or at least list your Sweet 16?

Also, you should talk to your tech guys about RSS feeds. I'm able to view your entire blog in Google reader. Great for me, but bad for the Star because I never see the ads. (I can't believe I'm promoting seeing ads, but I love your paper, and want to see it thrive!)

Blogger's note: We'll keep you up to date each day on our bracket progress, or lack thereof.

[Takashi]

I am not sure about North Carolina Doug, Ty Lawson is injured and i think they are a overated bunch specially Tyler, who will get destroyed once he faces Oklahoma and there beast Griffin.I got Louisville wining it over Pithsburg.

Who you got beating North Carolina beating in the finals?

[Derick]

haha Doug, i'm also thinking UNC but, now that i look at my bracket, not to many upsets... glad march is here and i'm able to take my mind off the raps season woes for at least a month... must feel the same for you no?

[TJ]

Hey doug.
How much money will the Raps have this summer to spend on their free agents signings? And what do you think of us doing a sign a trade (using Marion) for Maggette (GS) or andres nocioni and reshard McCants (Kings)?

Blogger's note: Won't know amount until July

[Patrick]

Hi Doug,

Since you mentioned looking up one of Gerald Wallace's poor statlines, here's one for you (from January 9): 40 mins, 3-11 FGs, 6pts, 6 rebs and 0 trips to the line.

While Wallace is certainly a good player, the point is simply that anyone can pick out a good statline from almost any player and profess that he's the greatest thing since sliced bread... For example Acie Earl once had a 40 pts game. Luke Jackson dropped 30 pts for the Raps. Anthony Morrow started his career by scoring 37 pts on the Clippers.

I'm assuming that you unfortunately regularly get e-mails along the line of "Oh, so and so had a great game last night, I knew he was great! Raptors should have traded or signed for him. What is Colangelo thinking?!".

Anyway, any news out of the "Red Party" last night?

Thanks!

[Rob.V]

@ Tim.W from yesterday (& others from past blogs).

First off, dude you're a serious baller and part of the reason I check in here at the blog when I can. A breath of fresh air when most are debating Doug’s grammar! (of all things).

Having said this, I have to disagree with your perspective on our coaching situation for next season (which appears to be ok with things as is).

Jay has seen the arrival of every one of these players with this team. Do we really think he is the "freshest" of voice? I don’t buy the argument that we need a training camp (as per some of the comments I've read recently) to determine anything. Each and every game that passes with minimal effort on defence is unfortunately an indictment of him as a coach. That may not be fair, but it’s the way it is.

I do agree with players "making" the coach to some degree however I don’t think we can discount the value of an experienced coach who somehow finds a way to get results. Jay may be "that" guy one day however it has yet to be been proven with this team. As you mention there are guys out there who have been through losses as with what Jay is experiencing which is exactly why I believe we should find someone who’s accomplished something past this stage. It’s a must for a young team trying to find it’s way.

Also, if Colangelo fired Sam at 8-9 for "underachieving"... how the hell does he hire a guy who's gone 16-33 (to date) after the fact. If Colangelo does re-hire Jay, I'd be interested to see how he spins this because in my opinion that sell job will be right up there with... "weapons of mass destruction".

[James C.]

Wallace for TJ? I thought our con-man turned down the Felton for TJ trade. Either way, Felton prior to this season didn't show he could stay in the league and correct me if I'm wrong but Wallace didn't want to come to Canada. Hindsight is always 20:20 and even though TJ was damaged goods, taking JO and his 40% of the salary cap for 2 yrs is and was a dumbassed move and we're now living the downside of con-man's brillance.

[Rob.V]

More On Coaches:

There are certain coaches in every sport that just simply know how to "get it done". Jay will get his chance however we need one of these guys NOW!. Bill Parcells immediately comes to mind however lets look at someone in the NBA.

Scott Skiles for example. A hothead?, maybe. Does he wear thin after only a few years? Probably, but he also knows how to get his players to perform to their abilities night in night out.
The Bucks have been playing without arguably their 2 best players for the majority of the season and yet they are still hanging around the 8th seed.

Skiles has them playing determined defence. Not some nights, EVERY night!. Even L.Deng had said (a few weeks back) that the Bulls simply do not play the defence required to win (as when Skiles was the coach a couple of years back). Coincidence?, I don’t think so.

JVG's teams have defended everywhere he's been. This is not make believe... history has proven this.

Avery. Is he a "control freak" as per what was portrayed in the media? Maybe, however I have two issues with this:

1) Why does everyone immediately jump on this as though it is a BAD thing? (to have control of your team). Our coaching staff has no control... look how good that has turned out for us???... And

2) What has Dallas accomplished since AJ's departure? Nothing! Maybe this effectively proves that Avery was correct in his views on how those players should have played the game.
What are we trying to accomplish?. Is the goal to be the nicest coach of all time?. The job shouldn’t be about who is the best at placating young spoiled millionaires?...but seems to be the way things are going. When did "getting results" stop becoming the objective of a head coach? It seems as though being a "loser" is acceptable as long as the coach and players are "harmonious".

Does Jerry Sloan ever worry about whether he's going to get a Christmas card from Kirilenko, or if the game is "fun" for the players.

These types of "hard nosed" coaches implement a system and it's not about how much they are liked by the players. It's about DEMANDING that your players respect the game enough to "play the right way"... which includes the most basic of principles. WORK HARD! (in between tweets! that is).

[Doug]

Pittsburgh...can play all the styles out there...Louisville had a weak schedule, North Caroline to one dimensional...Memphis could be a sleeper, not much of a sleeper as 2 seed...but still..

[TJ]

hey doug the reason I asked is because Marion is making about 16-17 million and then he's a free agent, so how much of that becomes free agent money ( apprx)?

Blogger's note: Until the set the cap figure in July and the Raps decide whether they'l renounce rights to Marion, Graham, Parker, Delfino, it's impossible to tell. It could range from more than $10 million to nothing

[Erc]

I've liked the way Roko charge and to the hoop, particularly late in games.
However, last few times I've seen him play, he has continually taken it himself while everyone else stood around. Would Roko be the first shoot-first point guard in the history of the NBA who couldn't actually shoot?

[Jerry C]

"’m not entirely sure Wallace has a long-term position in the NBA " .

Kidding right. Season averages 16.7 points , 7.6 rebounds, 1.8 steals. More importantly exactly the type of player that Toronto needs. A forward that can get to the basket, and a player that gives 100% effort at all times. I understand the salary concerns but as a player that could help the team win games he is way ahead of Marion and O'Neil. If the idea when O'Neil was brought in was to help the team , not just as a salary to drop, Wallace was to me at the time a much better choice than a washed up former all star. My opinion has not changed.

[steveG]

Must be nice to be able to sit on the couch and watch basketball on a Thursday afternoon. Of course I'll be trying that at work, but still.

[Kelsie]

Final Four: Michigan State, Memphis, Villanova, UNC.

Gotta take some chances in life!

Hoepfully UNC loses before that and destroys my colleagues brackets, lol.

Make sure you watch that Wake game tomorrow Doug, I have a feeling one of those players (Aminu, Teague, Johnson) might be in Rapos jersey next season!

[Chili]

Hey Doug,
Have you heard anything about European league players who could be drafted this year, aside from that Rubio guy and the American teener who went to play there because the NBA wouldn't let him turn pro after high school?

Blogger's note: Not really, Europe's been picked pretty clean

[Greg]

The thing with Marion (or more precisely having Banks included in the deal) is that the Raptors don't really have financial flexibility. Even if they renounce his rights along with AP and Joey Graham, they would have about $11M to sign players and their draft picks (they would need 4 players to fill up that roster).

[Michael]

I think Wallace is good but not exactly what we need and not someone that will put us on top. We do need help on rebound and defense but I think one player won't able to change the whole team system. We've bring in lots of players, Oneal, Marion, etc. We did improve a little bit in rebound lately but still not good enough time to time. Maybe, bring in another coach that may help. Because that's more like a team improvement. If we can get a defense minded wing then that's good but it should be a cheaper deal.

But what we really need is a player who can do dribble penetration by himself. It seems during late situation in the game we just can't get a basket. We need a SG who can dribble that will creates his own shot or set up others. When the game is close down the line and defense is tight. We need someone who can do it all by himself. This is not a PF/C job. Also this is something Jose can't do.

And it seems no players in this off-season appears have that skills or we can sign. Maybe we should try to find it from the draft and let him develop. I think Harden will be the one but properly we won't able to and then Henderson will be the next good bet.

[Doug]

Brandon Jennings PG for Lottomatica Roma is projected as going as high as fifth in the draft...good little solid point guard who was incidentally sat out a couple games for blogging unfavorably about a coach...the coach was subsequently fired and Jennings has excelled...

[Bill Wong]

If there is nothing to say, what about coming up with another list? Top five "most memorable" raptor players? Top five "most influential" raptor players?

[Tim W.]

If anyone cares, North Carolina is the team that Barack Obama picked to win it all, against Louisville.
http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2009/0317/obamasbracket09.jpg

Personally, I'm picking Oklahoma which, if history serves, means they will most definitely not win. Speaking of Oklahoma, no one seems to be mentioning their guard, Willie Warren. He doesn't have great size, but if his measurements are correct, he's the same height as Dwayne Wade and has a bit of a similar game, from what I have seen. I think if they can't get Harden, this should be the guy the Raptors target. He's the only other wing player that can create his own shot and plays aggressively.

While Henderson is certainly a nice player, he's not really a shot creator. Isn't that what the Raptors need? Henderson would be great if the Raptors were to sign or trade for a slasher SF, but that won't be until after the draft, so getting a slasher is a priority.

DeRozan is an enticing prospect, certainly, but is probably the most raw of the three. He also has the most potential. Fans will have to be a little more patient with him, but considering the state of the team, I'm not sure whether they will be.

Rob V.

Thanks. Let me make my opinion clear on Triano, though. I'm not saying he's a great coach or anything, and there are certainly coaches that I would hire that are available (Avery Johnson and Jeff Van Gundy are on the top of the list). My point with my comment, though, was that there are no saviours out there. All the coaches have some flaw that fans are going to start getting frustrated with when they start losing. And while several coaches would probably make some difference in the win/loss column, in the end, it's not going to make a really big difference, especially right now.

And the reason I don't have a problem keeping Jay is that, given so full year, he might be able to blossom into a great coach. Raptors management seem to think so, and I'm not one to disagree at this point. Remember that another coach under Colangelo struggled mightily at first. D'Antoni started his career in Phoenix with a 21-40 record (only a little better than Jay's record), which was not his first head coaching stint. He was an interim coach in Denver and had a record of 14-36.

Lastly, I never thought Mitchell should have been fired in the first place. I think GM's are far too quick to fire coaches probably because the other person they could blame is themselves, which they don't want to do.

[derek]

Stephen Curry? We already have him aka Jason Kapono..smart, gets the job done good sense of basketball..... yadayada.

[Kelsie]

Hey TimW, I've been watching Warren believe me, and I agree that he is a prospect and once they start actually working these guys out will be sought after and move up the draft board if he decides to come out.

Incredibly quick off the dribble, not the best decision maker but gets into the lanes with ease. A little short but athletic. When Griffin was hurt he shone, especially in that Texas game when Griffin got a concussion. I don't like Oklahome to win the tourney though, not enough defence.

DeRozan definitely has some potential and his frame does lend itself to the 3.

Looks like the draft and March Madness are the only things creating some excitment and anticipation for me nowadays cause these Raptor games are becoming too painful to watch.

[Doug]

Warren wasn't mentioned much as he is a freshmen but has moved up steadily, probably like a 7th overall pick or higher..it's just hard to evaluate freshmen, that come out of nowhere...Mitchell was fired as he wasn't BC's m,an, any GM worth his salt hires his own man as coach..BC was put between a rock and hard place, when Sam won Coach of the Year he had no choice but to resign him...but Sam is and was a middling coach, to stubborn and not a great in-game mind in terms of adapting...Brown the other night put on a clinic of in-game changes...you have to see the court and adapt, Sam was weak in that key area...

[SY]

Doug,

I cannot agree w/ Jerry C more. Wallace averages around 18PPG and 7RPG the last 3 years. How can he not have a long-term position in the NBA (as long as he's healthy)?

Also, how can his contract be constricting? Come on, 3 years 30 million for a 18PPG and 7RPG guy, an extremely good defender and a near all star talent - that's like one of the better contracts in the NBA.

Stephen Curry - I think he is a really smart and good player but the thing is we don't need another undersized player. We need someone w/ toughness.

-SY