On Roko and Philly and the Setting Suns

Slim, slim pickings today. Spent yesterday in Casa Doug doing quite a bit of nothing until Super Son and I were lucky enough to be among the tens of fans at the Italy-Venezuela tilt down at the ball yard.

Oh yeah, taking Philly off tonight but seeing as it’s a TSN2 game, sitting around the house eating bon-bons and avoiding fresh air isn’t going to happen. Guess I’ll have to find a Diet Coke, veggies-and-dip emporium somewhere to take care of the live blog thingy.

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First up, the Curious Case Of Roko Ukic.

STEVE RUSSELL/TORONTO STAR

The curve flattened quite a bit for Ukic on Feb. 11 vs. the Spurs.

I must admit to being a bit baffled by the use – or non-use – of the rookie point guard this last little while. He’s gone from 15 to 12 to nine to four to one in the last five games and it’d be all well and good, I guess, if they were five wins.

But, as most know, they weren’t.

Finding out whether Ukic can play – and I think he’ll eventually be a solid rotation contributor – was one of the keys to this season and finding him a consistent 12-15 minutes a night was going to do that.

It’s not that I think he should start, or even play half a game, but more consistent minutes would give a more consistent idea.

Yes, Anthony Parker has done a good job as the backup point guard most games and it’s a role he might play next season. But that’s only if he comes back and that’s not a certainty. I don’t know how much they’ll want to pay him, I have no idea if some European team might throw enough money at him to send him back over there but the simple fact is Ukic is under contract next year and Parker isn’t.

And say one thing for Ukic: In the dying seconds of a quarter, a half or a game, the dude wants the ball in his hands. Too much, some would say (and there are times I certainly agree) but on a team sorely lacking wing players with the ability to break down their man off the dribble, someone who’ll try it is a welcome sight.

He’s got to get better at it, especially knowing when to get past his man and look for an open teammates, but that’s all part of the learning curve.

The curve’s flattening out.

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Things aren’t going particularly well for Sammy Dalembert down in Philly these days, but at least he’s getting some instruction from someone who knows a thing or two about being a good NBA centre.

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I’ve picked this one only as representative of about the six I got asking the same thing yesterday:

Q: Hey Doug, what do you think of Marcus Williams? Is he on the Colangelo's radar at all? I know he couldn't crack the Nets or the Warrior's lineups, but Williams may be a better backup PG than Banks/Parker.

David H, Toronto

A: Okay, I think we need some guidelines around here: Any player who wasted away on the bench of a team with a worse record than even Toronto cannot for one single second be seriously considered as someone they’d have interest in.

I know Nellie does some wild things out in Oakland but Marcus Williams has been an unadulterated bust now in two cities, why in the world would these guys even sniff around him?

He is not a good NBA player. Never really was, never really will be.

As one scout said to me one time: “He doesn’t bust plays because he wants to bust them, he busts plays because he doesn’t know them.”

Just want you want in a point guard.

I’m sure there are people out there in readerland who like this guy; you will not find one in the NBA, though.

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I now pronounce the Phoenix Suns dead.

And what’s that mean?

Well, a theory once espoused by the wise Butch Carter was that GMs looked around the league each summer to find the most disappointed organization out there and try to pick it clean under the guise of helping it improve.

Outside of Toronto – and maybe Philadelphia – you’d have to put the Suns on that list.

But here’s the thing. Suns owner Robert Sarver once forbid team broadcasters from mentioning or interviewing Bryan Colangelo during Raptors-Suns game and still won’t allow him to be shown on the scoreboard if he’s at a game in the US Airways Arena.

You think Sarver’s really going to sit down and listen to serious talk between Colagnelo and Steve Kerr? Probably not, and something that should be kept in mind.

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New favourite ball team:

Netherlands.

Anyone else watch that great game last night before clicking over to Phoenix-Dallas?

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It’s Cranky Doug for a minute:

Q: Your lists of "top 5 greatest" disgusts me.

Why, in modern sports media, are we so obsessed with the impossible question of who is the best of all time? It is both ignorant and arrogant of you to possibly assume that you could ever pinpoint the five best positional players/coaches of all time. It just seems ridiculous to me. You are only setting yourself up for failure.

And yes, you have failed - - - Joe Dumars? The omission of Jerry Sloan as one of the best coaches!

What's next, are you going to make up the top 5 GMs and suck up to Bryan by putting him on the list? Stick to what you do best and leave the prophetic "greatest lists" to the commissioner when he tries to add another 25 players to his 50 Greatest come the League's 75th anniversary.

Jordan E, Toronto

A: This irks me no end so …

Let me get this straight.

It’s an “impossible question” and “ignorant and arrogant” to try and have a little fun and do something like a top five list and it’s “ridiculous?”

And then you do point out failures like you’re right and I’m wrong.

Unreal.

Dude, it was a fun exercise and if you hated it so much and it’s so worthless and “ignorant and arrogant” why in the world would you be so presumptuous as to make suggestions for your own list.

I swear, the stuff I sometimes have to read …

End of rant.

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Forgot this yesterday.

I don’t believe they should let Julianne perform with her beau, even if he is some celeb of some sort and I believe Lawrence Taylor hasn’t spent as much time in the studio as he should. We will not have a sports type among the finalists.

That’s not code; if you understand it, that’s cool.

Comments

[Pete W.]

First off I have to say this is not a slight at Doug; nor is it intended to be.

Whoever thinks Doug has the final say in all things basketball is insane.

This is in reference to Doug's top five list; which, I think are fun and they leave room for discussion.

People need to realize that what Doug is presenting here is his opinion and not basketball fact.

Maybe you choose a different group for your top five coaches.Thats what is cool about Canada.Its a free country.

There is no right or wrong answer to an opinion question and people like Jordan E need to get over themselves.

Of course Jordan E will be of the opinion that I am posting this to suck up to Doug and I'm fine with that; after all everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion.

[RK]

Jordan E. is an idiot.
Keep up the good work Doug.
Impossible lists are good fun, and the subjectivity is in part what makes them fun.

[dc]

how much of the raptors dissappointment is involved in the fact of t.j. ford's injury and subsequent departure?
compared with previous seasons, Ford and Bosh running the pick-and-roll and the dribble penetration of 'the little engine' is what made the raptors offense work. Calderon has been a liability first on defense against faster guards and second he has been slow on offense and appears to struggle getting close to the basket.
What happened to the pick and roll? Does Triano not favour it? is Calderon not as capable of running the play?
is it accurate to describe the decline of the raptors point guard situation with the decline of the team? I'm not saying Calderon isn't the best pure pg the raptors have had, but either injury or the adjustments that the opposing defense have made (or a combination of both) have hurt Calderon's ability to run the team all season long.

[Alan Squires]

Hey Doug,

Heading to Toronto to see my first raps game on Sunday vs. the Pacers. I hope they don't decide to tank the season before then. I am heading to the Harbour Sports Grille after the game. What do you suggest I order from the menu and what adult beverages do they have there I should try? Thanks!

Blogger's note: Ask your servers, they're there to help

[Patrick]

Hi Doug,

I've enjoyed the top 5 lists. They're a fun little exercise/diversion that allows for a little trip down memory lane while also inspiring some healthy debates (well, "healthy" for the most part).

Any plans to do a few more of these? I was thinking maybe best defensive players of all-time (hello Bill Russell!) or perhaps best teams/dynasties of all-time.

Anyway, have a good one!

[Jay Menard]

I just can't get worked up about the Raptors. What happens happens, and there's no point worrying until free agency and draft.

Speaking of the code... I was worried when I saw the Real LT -- but mainly because I thought it would mean an early exit for the fetching Edyta. But then I saw the rest of the dancers.

Here's a question for you Doug: I've been watching this show since half-way through the first year. Do you not feel that this may be the worst group of dancers yet? I think Shawn Johnson, that SATC guy (has he done anything else?), and the Bachelor dumpee probably will coast. I just hope Edyta can stay on and give me (another) reason to watch.

You know, if 10 years ago someone said I'd be watching a dancing show, I'd have laughed in their face. But their athleticism and abilities are amazing (also watch So You Think You Can Dance with wife and daughter). And for you Neanderthals who make every TV-watching choice a referendum on sexuality, I'll say the same thing as I do to my 14-year-old son -- hot women, skimpy clothing... yeah, what a horrible thing to watch. Give it a try, you may be surprised!

[Andy]

Hi Doug - please keep up the great work on the blog. It's much appreciated morning reading.

Re: Roko vs. Parker as backup PG. Could the explanation be as simple as the organization (Jay, Bryan, et al) wanting to chalk up more wins before the end of the season? Parker has done quite well in the role and with how sensitive the psyche appears with this team, I have to imagine the team is desperate to get out of this losing streak and to end the season on higher note than what they are in now...

That being said, Roko's shown enough flashes that I'd sure like to see more of what he can do - his contrasting style to Jose's sure seems like a good compliment.

[Matt]

I agree with the assessment of the Roko situation. I'd probably go a step further and play him about 20-25 minutes to see if he can be consistent with more playing time. If he can't, and the Raps are serious about winning next year then at least they will know and can let Parker, Delfino (maybe), or find someone else to run the point. If he can then they have another piece already in place.

My assessment of the Jordan E from Toronto email is that there is a number of people out there who read blogs etc. and write comments or send emails for the sake of ruining it for everyone, particularly the person writing the blog. They are online hecklers and they are pretty effective at it to. I'd personally like to stuff them in a small room so they can criticize each other on how ineffectively they pump gas and surf the net in their Mom's basement so that everyone can be happy. That said, I don't think they are going away soon but hopefully there is solace to be had in the fact a lot of the people who read sports blogs and the like do so because they realize the more they read the more educated their opinion will be.

[Kelsie]

Hey Doug,

Read your colleagues article regarding Triano not bad-mouthing our GM and what he's built, and his coaching prospects for next year. I like Jay but he's gone what 15-32 since he took over? How Colangelo could justify extending his contract is beyond me. If you do extend him I'm guessing that would make next year pressure filled because how can you bring back an interim coach that has lost so many games and hasn't changed the culture of the team? Once again I really do like Jay, but if this was Alex English or Mike Evans with the same interim tag and the same record, there would be ZERO consideration in retaining either of those guys and no one would utter a word. We can't give Jay a pass just because he's Canadian. This teams problems are too significant. I think we need a proven guy, I just think MLSE is too cheap to spend the money while they're still paying Sam.

Good topic you brought up this morning but why isn't Roko playing? He should be.

[Kendal]

Morning Doug -

In a blog post from a few days ago you mentioned that the next two TSN2 games would be shown on Raptor's TV; does that mean we can catch it live tonight OR that it will be replayed on Raps TV? Your blog today makes me think that it won't be live on Raps TV. :(

Thanks in advance.

Blogger's note: It's not live on RaptorsTV; it'll be shown immediately after

[Kendal]

Me again - I just answered my own question by doing some quick research - the full game will be shown on Raps TV starting at 10 p.m.

[Takashi]

Why is the media trying to help Jay keep his job? First Jack Armstrong says on the fan that BC needs to make Jay his guy and now every article in today papers are talking about how great Jay is.The man took over a team that was 8-9 and look at them now they are out of the playoffs.

Stop giving Jay Triano a free pass!

[Paul]

In My Opinion, Jordan E is a loser. I'm so glad that Opinions can't be "wrong".

Keep up the fun, Doug. To the haters, what else is there to write about to keep things interesting on the daily blog? Would you rather not have something to read? Here's an idea - get back to work?

[Pharaoh]

Doug, couldn't agree more on the Roko situation, though I've been saying the same thing all season. Sure, he makes mistakes, but how will the kid ever learn if you don't give him a chance to work things out. If they've been using Parker more at the PG spot because they think they can win more games that way, then the whole Raps organization is seriously delusional - this season was over a long time ago. I'd give Roko 20 minutes a game and encourage him to take a few jumpers every now and again.

[LeeZ]

Regarding the Roko situation, I feel part of it is on the organization and part of it is on him. He had that great game against the Spurs, and then shortly thereafter they went out and got Banks, who cut into his p.t. a wee bit, at least at first. But ever since, I've noticed him trying to be a poor man's José, i.e. staying on the perimeter and being content to pass laterally, rather than do what he does best: penetrate and kick, or penetrate and get his shot blo...er, I mean, penetrate and score (sorry, low blow). So, yes, by all means, the organization (notice I didn't say the coach; my hunch is that BC has a little say in all this) should give him more minutes, but Roko has to do "his thing" rather than play it safe.

[fg]

im getting annoyed at all the MLSE cheap spending and bashing, the truth is (and correct me if im wrong Doug) that MLSE has spent alot of money on the raptors, probably more then on the leafs teams. The raptors have been in the top 10 payrolls for many years. they are at the 70 million just like over 20 other teams in the NBA. i think they were as high as 6 just 2 years ago. but they have never been as good as there payroll. this has nothing to do with spending. Get over this lets buy this buy that, oh money solves everything attitude. Raptors payroll is very very respectable, in the higher half of the league, just the team is not in the higher have of the league.

[Mo]

Anyone else see Sam Mitchell on NBA TV?

I don't know how long he's been doing it, just saw him there yesterday (and this morning). Sounded a little nervous at first, then again he has to fill the role of a loud-mouth-attention-seeking-analyst/comedian. Boozer actually thought he was Gary Payton for some reason.

Doug, do you think Sam's happy with a TV gig or is he looking to coach ASAP?

Blogger's note: He wants to, and I'm pretty certain will, coach next year

[Nick M]

The Pheonix Suns are dead? So what are we to make of the Raps?

As far as the Trevor Ariza flagrant. It looked a lot like Horford's foul on TJ. The real dissapointment for a Raps fan. Watching Roy stand up for his teammate in the middle of a crowd in front of the Lakers bench, knowing that not one Raptor did the same for TJ-save SMitch running down from the other end of the floor. Pathetic!

[Erc]

Doug, Enjoyed the all-time lists. Just thinking about the coach's list and how tough it is to rate them.
Would Jackson have been a great coach without Michael, Scottie, Kobe and Shaq? Where would Red have been without Cousy and Russell? How would either of them have fared with this year's Raps?
Would a clearer evaluation be to rate coach-GM combinations in tandem? After all, a GM is responsible for bringing in the players and getting the coach he wants to direct them. No 'great' coach can be one without great players. And, yes, I believe a great roster could be scuttled by poor coaching or the wrong coach for the situation.
I just think coach-GM combinations would be a clearer way to evaluate how management teams assembled and directed great players.

[Mark L]

In response to Nick M on Trevor Ariza. The difference between the two was that Horford was clearly sorry after the play and knew exactly what he had done. Ariza on the other hand didn't seem to care and started getting in the Blazer's faces.

[James C.]

Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't our Con-man (oops again, Colangelo) try to get additional #1 pick from the Knicks or others in order to draft Marcus Williams that year? I'm sure there'll be revisionist history that will deny any of this but then again I won't be surprised if Williams shows up one day in a Raptors uniform. In a frustrating year with little achievements and with a coach trying to save his job, can someone please start up a movement to FREE ROKO!!!

[PK]

The WBC is one of the best things to hit Toronto in a long time. If you're a sports fan and TO is lucky enough to host this in the future, you need to spend the $25 and go to a game no matter who's playing. The pride both the Italian and Venezuelan fans had the game last night was awesome!

[Serge P]

Come on people, isn't it obvious? "Jordan E." is really "Eddie Jordan" using a bad pseudonym and he's just pissed because Doug left him off his top 5 coaches list.

[chris]

Keep it up with the top 5 lists. They're interesting, entertaining, and a good starting point for some discussion. There are worse things considering the crap of this season.

Good point on Roko. Its funny - i was at the game on sunday and the offense seemed to play MUCH better behind Parker than Calderon....but we still need to play Roko. There's also a good read on this very same topic at raptorblog.com if anyone is interested.

[dave]

Nice call on the Dutch. What a game!