Tickets, get your tickets. Cheap!

Today, let’s tackle the big shots for a while. After all, they’ve got some ‘splainin to do.

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Wanna know what happens in my perfect world?

Wait, I take that back.

Wanna know what happens in my perfect world regarding one facet of basketball that I have to write about every day?

Here’s what happens:

The bean counters and tall foreheads over at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment are sitting around deciding when to spring the full season ticket renewal thing on the unsuspecting customers.

They call this guy, let’s say Mr. Grunt, and invite his input.

Them: “Mr. Grunt, oh wise one, what should we do?”

Grunt: “Sit down, folks, and listen closely.

“First, do not – I repeat DO NOT – even contemplate as much as a one penny increase in a single seat in your arena.

“In fact, you need to freeze the prices of every seat in the bottom half of the lower bowl and you have to reduce the price of the top half of the lower bowl by about three per cent.

“You need to reduce the price of seats in most of the upper bowl by five per cent and you cut the cost of seats in the corners by seven per cent.

“These are horrible economic times, people are losing jobs left and right, the amount of disposable income is drying up rapidly and if you want casual fans to augment your season-ticket base, those tickets have to be affordable.

“The Phoenix Suns, Minnesota Timberwolves, Charlotte Bobcats and Detroit Pistons have already announced they’ll reduce or freeze ticket prices so there is precedent in the league today.

“Oh, and one other thing, if season ticket holders want to pay over time, you allow them right now to make seven or eight equal monthly payments – with no interest charges – and if they want to pay it all up front, you give them another two per cent off.”

“You’ve put a substandard product on the court this season, you’ve been party to one of the all-time fan screw jobs in history with this Rogers, TSN2 mess you got yourself into and, trust me, you don’t have a lot of goodwill with the people.”

Them: “Are you out of your frickin’ mind!”

Mr. Grunt: “Power to the people, baby!”

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TORONTO STAR FILE PHOTO

There's the Raptors, and there's guys like Charles Oakley.

We’re standing around chatting with Chris Bosh yesterday and the conversation turns to Mike Curry, who played here in Bosh’s rookie season.

And some interesting stuff comes from Chris:

“He taught me how to work, he taught me the value of hard work, even when you don’t feel like it. Mike always grabbed me and said ‘we’re going to get extra shots up.’ I didn’t understand why, (I thought) I got enough shots in practice. But he took me anyway and he showed me how to work to be successful.”

And then I wondered: “Who does that for this Toronto team?” Quick answer? No one.

And maybe that’s part of the issue, there is no one on the roster to police teammates, to make ‘em work harder than they normally would.

Maybe when Bryan’s out shopping this summer, that’s got to be near the top of the list.

Trouble is, those old codgers don’t exist much anymore. I guess maybe you could say Garnett does it in Boston but Orlando doesn’t really have one, Cleveland doesn’t really have one, the Lakers don’t really have one. You could probably say San Antonio has three or four ‘cause I think of a lot of them as oldsters.

Remember when Toronto was good? What’d they have? Oak, Dell Curry, Kevin Willis, Muggsy Bogues, Dee Brown. Old dudes who knew what it took.

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A solid question of money:

Q: Hi Doug, with the recession settling in do you think it could be a good time for Stern to let teams buy out bad contracts? Buying out contracts cost teams money, but it would allow a team like the Raptors rid themselves of one or two bad contracts (if they had any, cough Banks, cough Kapono), to put a better product on the floor to keep a declining fan base interested.

Steph R, Glencoe

A: That’s an excellent question.

There is precedent, the had a contract “amnesty” in 2005 – teams could buy out one player – and with the economic woes that exist now, it might be a way to reduce payroll on long-term deals. Depending on when the CBA talks begin in earnest and what the global money situation is like, I would imagine it’d be something they will revisit. And should.

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They’re in love with Antonio McDyess these days in Detroit.

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Oh yeah, there’s this:

There was apparently some whacked out report yesterday about the Knicks making Carlos Delfino some $4 million offer?

Um, here’s the truth:

The Knicks don’t have their mid-level salary exception left and could only offer a pro-rated veteran’s minimum.

Carlos is just getting over a shoulder injury and is still under contract to Khimki.

Why in the world he’d want to sign with a team now – one that’s life and death to sneak into the playoffs – instead of waiting until the summer to find out if he can get a better offer from a better team is beyond me.

I really wish people would do at least a modicum of research before they publish, you know, poop and send people scurrying breathlessly to their keyboards to e-mail me about it.

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And, finally,

Q: Doug, if you could hand pick your starters for each position between the Raptors and the Heat rosters who would be your five? I have Jose, Wade, Marion, Bosh, Bargnani (and I think most people would). So does that mean that the difference between fighting for home court in the playoffs or fighting for last place in the East is really just due to 1 (very good) player. I guess that would explain the Heat's record last year vs this.

Brad M, Port Dover

A: Ah, yes. One extremely good ball-handling, slashing, dynamic scoring wing man is the difference between mediocrity and, maybe not greatness, but goodness. It always will be, it always was and it has been a failing of this roster for years.

Comments

[bballer]

we agree with that slashing type of sg that is needed for this team. it is amazing that 3 years post vc, colangelo still has not found that type of person. that is why so many people hate bargnani. it is not who he is, but what he isn't. we all wanted that type of player for the team and was optimistic about roy. we realized that drafting bargnani was a missed opportunity. with this years draft, bc must angle for harden at all costs. even if we have the chance to draft griffin or habeet, still pick harden. there is no nba player who can be available that can do what he does.

also, ever since garbajosa went down, this team has lost its toughness. is there any other small forward who may be a free agent this year who can bring that sort of toughness to this team?

[Fed up.]

bosh is a joke,
We’re standing around chatting with Chris Bosh yesterday and the conversation turns to Mike Curry, who played here in Bosh’s rookie season.

And some interesting stuff comes from Chris:

“He taught me how to work, he taught me the value of hard work, even when you don’t feel like it. Mike always grabbed me and said ‘we’re going to get extra shots up.’ I didn’t understand why, (I thought) I got enough shots in practice. But he took me anyway and he showed me how to work to be successful.”

And then I wondered: “Who does that for this Toronto team?” Quick answer? No one.

-- RIGHT THERE, stands the reason that he is not a leader, he never was, and never will be, BOSH is at best a #2 guy, you can tell there's no respect for the guy, remember the bosh, moon incident? had bosh had moons respect, moon would have turned around and said it was my bad, my captain leader told me i was wrong, instead moon turns and goes hey why is everyone angry for. the biggest problem is that this team HAS NO LEADER, nobody on this team has any ort of KILLER INSTINCT they are all great role players that don't fit this team. each and everyone one of our guys would be fill a perfect bench role on any other team in this league. Blow this team up. stack up on draft pics (see portland as a great example) and start anew.

[Tony F.]

If the model is to find is to find the Slashing forward who can carry a team on his back -- the good news, they exist. The bad - there's only 3 that I can think of.

[Joe T.]

Re: Tim's question about the ballsin the glass box

If there had been a close-up of the case, you would have been able to read the sticker that said "Break Glass in case of Emergency Need For Balls During Game". Each team has these and most have already gone through about 20 cases this season. The Raptors have yet to break open their first box of 2008-09...

[Dan W]

Even though the season has been a disapointment, it will at least make for a more interesting offseason. I never have much intersest in the ncaa or the draft when the Raptors have low pick or no pick at all.

[TJ]

TO all of you who wish for one of those special draft picks that can turn our team around, I am wishing too!!!
There are a few gems in the draft his year, there is every year, and no matter how much research scouts, GM's and coaches do on certain players, there is never a guarantee that they will be a difference maker (except for the rare LBJ). Drafts are (sorry for the punn) a lottery.
I liked BC's pick of Bargs, he will be a good player for years to come, albeit mostly a pure scorer.
I have posted comments b4 saying we need a 2 or 3 slasher too, but I think that is just obvious to anyone who watches the Raps regularly.
Harden would be a great pick, but I think we should try and get another lottery pick from anther team, be it through trade or that extra cash the Heat sent us...
I think if we could get a slasher (Harden, Teague) and then make a move for Stephen Curry, he could be a great combo off the bench. Instant scoring, creates his own shot, and can handle double and triple teams. He just seems to be a winner.
Doug what do you think of Dell Curry's kid? Is Stephen NBA ready, as a bench player of even a starter?
I think he is too small for a starting 2 guard and not quick enough as starting 1. your thoughts?

[WSG]

An open letter to MLSE:

A lot of years ago, I was a huge CFL fan, though at times, due to the ‘blackout’ rule that they once had, it wasn’t always easy to be one, speaking for myself. One day, a game was scheduled for Labour Day Monday (I think it was), with the Montreal Alouettes playing at Hamilton Tiger-Cats. I was pumped and ready to watch (loved the Als) … and right at the time that my TV listings said the game would commence, the screen went to a printed notice that said ‘due to local blackout rules this game can not be seen in this area’, or the like; I was in Toronto. In a fit of (perhaps) irrational anger (I know and freely admit), I swore off the CFL that day … and since that time of many years ago, I’ve RARELY watched a complete CFL game. (I’m now an NFL fan.) Silly? It could easily be said, yes. But people are not always logical and rational when it comes to their sports teams. Also, I’d wager that I was not the only one who jumped off a league or team band-wagon for reasons of similar ‘silliness’.

I don’t know if you, MLSE, agreed to the TSN2 deal (regarding the Raptors) quietly thinking that the home games (like tonight) would likely get increased attendance because of not being available to most local Raptors fans (as has been suspected by some – and was the misguided thinking, we all learned, behind the old blackout rule – see Chicago Blackhawks recent history to understand how that thinking backfires) … but, know this MLSE: regardless of how much or how little you thought it all through before … if you do it again, it will very likely not be long before it backfires on YOU. I for one, will do whatever I can to find another way to get my basketball ‘fix’. You got me once on this – I did go to a game this year because it was on TSN2 – yes, I have rotten Rogers – but I’ve since realized that playing into your hand in that fashion makes me a chump … so it won’t happen again. I have gone to fewer games this year than I have in any other of the past seven years, so that you know.

I might’ve sent a version of this to you privately if you had a contact email address … but you (strategically? callously?) do not have one that I can find. So, I post it here for you and for all to see.

Sincerely,
WSG.

[Bill Wong]

I am amazed how people keep talking about getting a slasher. No doubts there were times that the Raptors could score (but in some games they score a lot and shot better than 50%), but the more imminent concern must be on the defensive end, which they failed to make any improvement since game 1 of the season. Finding a more defensive-minded coach/assistant coach may be more important than anything for this team.

Plus who says that a team without a slasher cannot be good. Go back and check out Stockton/Malone's Utah Jazz and who were their two and threes? Honacek, Russell, Matt Harpring, etc. I was pretty sure they got to the Finals with those "non-slashers".

[Lavi]

Interesting interview with Jay Triano on CBC right now.

[Abbas]

No mention of the CB4-cast last night on CTV? For those that don't know, Bosh appeared on CTV News in Toronto last night and did the weather, as well as sit and talk about his charitable work in the community. It only served as a reminder to the fans that this guy is truly an asset for this franchise and city, and is arguably the most talented and classy professional athlete in Canada right now.

I have to agree with your comments a few days ago, that if Bosh does leave via trade/free-agency, he will be greatly missed. Certain members of our fanbase (read: Online Basketball Forums) don't give the guy enough credit. He's not a "mediocre" player on an "OK" team... He's an all-star on a roster of D-Leaguers. Lastly, if the Raptors can draft James Harden, Colangelo could make up for not getting Brandon Roy.

[Kelsie]

Seeing a lot of draft talk on the blog.

Keep it up fellow bloggers!

I like Harden but from watching him he seems like he is not as much of an athelete at the 2 spot as you would like. I'm curious to see if he can get by NBA defenders off the dribble consitently. He's a good prospect though.

I heard Teague's name on the blog. I think he's another good prospect but his size (6'2) will translate to the 1 spot in the league so I don't know if he's on our radar. That being said he has two teammates Aminu and Johnson that if you have been watching Wake games this year are both destined for the pro's.

Aminu is more lottery bound than Johnson but either one would be a wing upgrade to our team.

The sleeper to me is Willie Warren over at Oklahoma. He's a bit small for a 2 guard (6'3-6'4) but when we talk explosive athletes with the natural ability to break down his man off the dribble (which he does in spades)he fits the bill.

It's a shame that many fans now have more excitment for the draft than the on-going season. Take note BC, get your act together and speak the truth from now on.

[Kelsie]

and don't forget about Henderson. another solid 2-guard prospect.

[Brendon]

Hi Doug:

I agree that the raptors need to address the issue of their lack of a dynamic, scoring wing player. But it also seems that Coangelo (in part by circumstance) has built the roster in reactionary fashion beginning with a) a point-guard controversy, b) lack of defensive presence in the middle, and now c) lack of a scoring wing. These are problems, yes, but I also think there are more inherent problems that are difficult to pinpoint and I'm not convinced the current roster of players compliments each other well enough. One thing I do believe Conangelo should consider is what builds fan excitement and this probably groups into two main categories; a winning team and a young, improving team of which of the Raptors are neither. Given the economic landscape MLSE's reluctance to go over the cap, and regression of perfromance from 06-07, I think now would be perfect opportunity to shift the focus on building from the draft and acquiring young improving players.

[Rob]

People, Doug is the only one who can say ding, ding, ding!!! Don't wear it out.

[Henry]

As I was paying for my 12 dollar beef sandwich and buying another 8 dollar beer the other night I was thinking wouldn't it be great if there was a good product on the court too. In fact, the restaurant analogy stuck with me all night as I compared what I was being served on the court to going to a very expensive restaurant and getting a cold can of beans for $500.

Does anyone think a mass boycott of MLSE would drive them out of the Toronto sports scene so there is a chance of getting an ownership group that might actually spend some of their money on a decent product? One of the articles in the paper this morning seems to suggest that the Leafs are already noticing a distinct lack of interest in supporting their losing ways any longer.

[Bill Wong]

This reporter talks about the Raptors on nba.com from his objective lens:

http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/john_schuhmann/03/13/eastern.insider.20090313/index.html

[Harut S.]

I think Mr.Grunt and his adventures should be posted regularly on your blog... but thats just what I think.

[Jef]

Great Blog today Doug, lots of great stuff considering the actual season for the most part if over, and I am sure it must be tough to come up with tidbits to add to the blog.

Keep up the good work.

[Nick]

Hey Doug,
To your last point in the blog, if MLSE knew how to run an organization they would have listened to VC and never pissed off a game changer like that. NBA is a star driven league, MLSE cannot run a basketball team.

[Doug]

if anyone is looking for a quick fix from this years draft not going to happen unless we happen to get Griffin, which only will happen if we get first pick in a trade...he's the only immediate imapct player in this years draft...guys like Harden, Teague, Hill, Clark are all right prospects the one that intriques me most though as a Raptor fan would be Thabeet as he is 7'3", solid rebounder, shot blocker, "Physically he has all the tools, unlike many young players he has learned to be a very patient shot blocker that rarely bites on pump fakes Has yet to even scratch the surface of his vast potential. Although still learning the game, he doesnt have a lot of bad habits Very coachable in that whatever flaws he has in his game can be easily corrected Shows solid outlet passing ability which is rare for a player with his level of experience"...smart player I like him , a lot lot of upside...talented good young ball player...plus he's 265 pounds so is like a young Wallace, Dalembert a interior presence on defence..are biggest need...

[Jack]

Even if the Raptors drafts or trades for a slasher type of a player, the roles have to be defined in order to be successful. Let's say they get Harden. Bosh is still with the team. And so does Bargnani. Now, you put those three together on the court. There has to be a clear definition of what they will do.
Just like in Chicago a few years ago. Scottie Pippen played second fiddle to Michael and he was one of the best 50 basketball players the NBA selected. KG was the top dog in Minnesota but when he went to Boston, the load was shared between the Pierce, Allen and him.
Now here, if those three I mentioned before know their roles as who's the first option, how are the plays going to evolve around them, there's a good chance of success.
Where does it start? A good coach.

[Eric]

Do you (or anyone) think any of the Raptors enjoy playing with Andrea Bargnani? I don't care, if you don't have fun, you can't be successful. Is it just a coincidence that Andrea can score 0 pts and have the team lose by 5 pts, and then go off for 30 pts the next night while the team still loses by the same margin? Unless they enjoy playing together (having fun) teams will never be much of anything, and I don't know if anyone has ever enjoyed playing with Andrea Bargnani- certainly not in the NBA. Something needs to be done about that this offseason, I reckon.

[Tabber]

Has anyone eve enjoyed reading Eric? I don't care, if someone displays their ignorance so often, they are going to get pointed out. Please tell us where you get this info, and if you ever watched the Pistons in the past 5 years - did they look like they were having fun? No, they were strictly business, and they did pretty well. Point disproven, now go away and clean up your mom's basement while you surf the web, son.

[Brett]

Hey Doug,

Any chance the Raps use Marion's/AP's expiring contracts to resign Marion and add a Ben Gordon? 20 mill or so should be enough to lock up those two, giving us 2 swing men (a great defender/rebounder and a 2 who can create his own shot). Or am I out to town on this one. Thanks.

Brett