Isn't this a strange predicament

Now what?

ANDREW WALLACE/TORONTO STAR

Not much left to play for except perhaps to show everyone why we might be able to say things are looking up for next year.

Strange feeling around these parts, it being the first time in three years that they’ve got utterly meaningless games to play and thank goodness it’s only six.

Last time we were in this predicament, they were at least finishing a 27-win season with a bizarre sense of optimism because Bryan Colangelo had come on board and the love-o-meter was going berserk.

Now?

Not so much.

Interesting times ahead.

-

So, what do they do?

Respect the game.

The players still need to play hard, the coaches still need to coach hard and loafing is out of the question.

The next two opponents: Atlanta here tomorrow and Indy there on Wednesday, still have something to play for, the Hawks for a playoff seed, the Pacers to keep faint hopes alive. After that – especially the two games against the horrible Wizards – we’ll see, but they have to keep doing what they’ve done the past two weeks for the next two nights.

They owe it to the fans, to themselves, to the opponents and to the other teams in the conference.

-

Missed a great opportunity to drop an outstanding trivia question on you.

There was a chance that an off-spring of a former Raptor could have won an NCAA basketball championship. But that was dashed with a loss. Who was it?

Don’t scroll down, I’ll tell you later.

-

Action: Yeah

Reaction: Right.

Sorry, but there was scant of either and you really don’t care that on a late-fourth quarter Jose turnover on a fast-break he probably should have passed the ball ahead instead of dribbling it because that’s the way to get easier transition opportunities.

Or do you?

-

If I had logolepsy, I might be able to come up with an apt description for this season. But I don’t so I’m going to have to spend the next week and half figuring out just what to say.

-

For now, here’s a letter that’s quite timely:

Q: Point Blank: Now that it's "officially" over: How do you make the final few weeks of the season meaningful for yourself and the reader? What are the interesting storylines that we can look forward to?

Matthew S, Thornhill

A: That’s the billion dollar question and I guess now we find out if I’m any good at my job.

Like today? What’s today’s story since they’re not even practicing? And how in the world do I find a way to make people who pick up the paper on Wednesday morning want to read.

Figuring that out is what I get paid the mediocre bucks to do and all I can really say is keep checking back in because while I have no idea what I’m going to do, I’m pretty confident I can do it well.

We will keep up the in-game blog, which I presume will become even more of a Q and A session than it already is and there’ll be the usual gems here.

-

The Hall of Fame announcement comes in a few hours and word’s already out that the super-class will include Michael Jordan, John Stockton, David Robinson, Jerry Sloan and Vivian Stringer are the North American inductees.

It doesn’t get much better than that group, does it?

The only other two possibilities – Don Nelson and Chris Mullin – pale in comparison.

The one thing that’s quite shocking: Sloan will gain induction into the Hall of Fame before he wins an NBA Coach of the Year award. Truly odd.

-

And here I thought I knew a thing or two about boozing.

The little line yesterday about the red wine and Coke – a concoction I still find verging on disgusting – sent off alarms all over the world it seems.

So, to all those who enjoy a wee dram of calimocho, I apologize.

Although I did check out this whole “That’s what everyone drinks in Spain” theory on my favourite Spaniard and Jose tells me it’s usually just the kids and it’s only, only, only ever done with cheap wine and, because he doesn’t drink, he cannot vouch for the taste.

-

Oh, having blown the “Chris Bosh Is Definitely Maybe Coming To New York In 16 Months” story a day earlier, here’s how one of the papers chronicled yesterday’s game.

-

Speaking of New York, riddle me this: The Knicks haven’t had a winning season in nine years, the last time they’ve been in the playoffs was when they got swept in four games in 2004, they will likely lose close to 50 games this season, they are capped out for next year, tax-busted for this season and next as well and are banking on someone coming in 2010 to all of a sudden change things around? Why in the world would anyone want to go there?

-

Another letter:

Q: Who determines what stats are given during the course of each game? Is it the stat people at the arena? Because wouldn't some of them be stingy, and, hypothetically, deny someone a quadruple-double, where as some lenient ones could give them out easily? Is it consistent?

Harry J, Auckland, NZ

A: Well, obviously things like points and rebounds are pretty impossible to screw with but there is a level of subjectivity to things like assists and steals so I guess that chance exists.

But every scorer in league works from the same manual and under the same guidelines and are, from my personal experience, quite honest.

-

Okay, I probably need some help and advice.

We’re trying to figure out what, if anything, we can do with the in-game blogging once the playoffs hit, given that I’m probably not going anywhere and, you know, there won’t be any games involving the locals.

Do we follow one series? If so, which one? Do we only do games most of us can see on TV? Do we follow certain players? Do I re-acquaint myself with my couch and bad sitcom and cop dramas?

We’re not sure. Are you?

-

Oh yeah, trivia.

If that last-second shot had dropped for the Oklahoma women on Sunday night, young Abi Olajuwon, Dream Daughter, would have been playing against UConn tomorrow night and it would have been the first time ever an offspring of a Raptor would have been in that position.

-

Comments

[Patrick]

Morning Doug,

You asked rhetorically why would anyone want to go play for the Knicks given their financial and competitive state.

While I would agree with you, it seems to me that the organisation, along with the U.S. and N.Y.C. media, imbued by their sheer arrogance, are convinced that all NBA players dream of playing in the Big Apple. In their eyes, it's almost like they're doing a player a favour by allowing him the "honour" of playing for their team.

I know that I'm not being very objective (or rational), but it's that kind of "institutionalized arrogance" that makes me hate certain teams more than others (I'm looking at you Knicks and Celtics!)

[andy c]

if your going to ingame blog the playoffs you should follow the series that are available to us on TSN or The Score to maximize eyeball count

[aditya]

about the in-game blogging for the playoffs, my suggestion is to have a blog maybe twice a day (because I am sure there will be like 3 or 4 games per day in the first round pretty much every day). So, instead of an in-game blog, just do a review of a game or two....just my suggestion...hopefully it helps....

[anthony.mackay]

Stick a form in 'em !
Seeing a healthy starting 5 get on a little role was nice, if this starting 5 remains together and gets a actual training camp together they are at lest a 5-6 seed next year.

Any new ideas on what will happen with Marion? Do you think he would want to resign here even if we make him a nice offer?

[Jim]

Don't liveblog non-Raptors games, Doug...your audience will be small, and it's not worth your time. At least in the early rounds.

The conference finals and finals might be worthwhile blogging. Until then, get some rest for once.

[Simon S-G]

For the playoffs live blog dilemma, I offer this solution: live-blog a Seinfeld rerun! :)

[Harut S.]

If you cover any team during the playoffs it should be Portland, I personally think they're the most exciting team going into the post season.

[Pharaoh]

Doug, you could have checked with Roko as well - red wine and coke is also (somewhat) popular in Croatia, where it's called a Bambus.

[pooks]

Hey Doug,

Re: the playoff blogging situation...I guess you're implying you will not be travelling to any of these games so my suggestion would be to follow a couple of series in the first round, preferably in the Eastern Conference for the earlier start times. Any games involving Cleveland, Boston and Orlando would be my picks.
If the match ups are determined before the last Raptor game you can put it to a vote to us loyal readers while blogging(?)

I have a question....any idea why The Score can't (or more likely won't) air the Women's final live instead of using tape delay? Thankfully I have today off so I can watch the replay of the semi final today but I'm wondering if it has more to do with ESPN than their precious WWE ratings...

Cheers,
Pooks

Blogger's note: No, it's got everything to do with wrestling.

[Jack]

It's a lost season. Garbage time season.
Let's see what the other team members can do. I understand what Jay did last night with the playing time the starters had. He was trying to win and keep that flickering hope of getting swept by Cleveland in the first round. So the fav five played like 80% of the game. But now it's over, let's see what that Quincy Douby could do. Let's see how many shots Kapono takes instead of 5 per game. Let's see Pops' intensity game after game. Give a chance to Joey Graham to show his wares since he'll be a free agent after this season.
Give these guys more minutes.

[Andy]

"But every scorer in league works from the same manual and under the same guidelines and are, from my personal experience, quite honest."

There was a stat done by some guy on RealGM that showed that Chris Paul was averaging something-like 13 assists at home and 7 on the road.

eehhhh....

Blogger's note: And I've read that Steve Nash averages more assists on the road than at home. I'm pretty sure you can find all kinds of examples on either side.

[Kerry]

Hi Doug,

I would love the in-game blogging to keep up during the playoffs. I'd prefer not following one series exclusively, and i'm OK with you deciding what games are worth covering. You seem to know a little bit about the NBA. :)

[Jason]

Doug - a dynamic way to solve your in playoff game blogging conundrum would be to get your tech guys to post a vote box on your blog and have us dedicated readers choose. Once the match ups are solid of course.

Just a thought.

j.

[Eric]

I guess Calderon's hamstring was acting up again. Give him until next year. And if he struggles again next year, give him until the year after. Let's just keep pretending like the guy's inability to keep bodies in front of him on the defensive end- much less fight through the high screen & roll- and inability to lead a fast break offense are problems that will take care of themselves. And if we need an excuse.... old hamstring should do it.

"Ho-ZAY, Ho-ZAY Ho-ZAY Ho-ZAY..... Ho-ZAY..... Ho-Zay!"

[Nitin]

Hey Doug - probably not going to be your favourite idea, since it means more hassle to monitor, but why not let the fans vote on which playoff games you should do the live blog on? Presumably, they'd pick games that would be of the most interest to them, and if many can't see these games, then your blog will be even more useful and entertaining than it already is!

[John P]

"Why in the world would anyone want to go there?"

Because being the guy to turn around Knicks and lead them to a championship is much better than being the guy who'll turn around the Grizzlies or the Raptors. There is no market bigger than New York, and for an athlete there aren't much bigger prizes than to be a champion in the heart of the Roman empire. (Plus the gazzilion sponsership deals that result from being that guy don't hurt much)

[Oliver]

Doug, you work too hard. Take the playoffs off from your in game blog. Pick it back up for draft day.

[Ken]

As for the playoffs, I have basically lost all motivation to follow given that Mr. Canada, Steve Nash is also out of the picture. Maybe you should start a vote counter so fans can vote on a series. What's your playoff prediction anyway?

Blogger's note: Why don't we wait until we see who's in the playoff and who's playing who before we think if any predictions.

[James C.]

Doug,
Who do you think has a brighter future in the next 2-3 yrs given the similarity of their records - Knicks or Raps? You'll probably defer by saying whatever Bosh decides. But really if you're a Knicks fan, you'll most likely have (with 99% confidence level) the best player in the league with LBJ in the lineup on opening day 2010, enough cap space to sign another star (Bosh, DWade, Yao et al), an owner whose prone to go over the cap anyways to feed the beast, a decent mgt and coaching tandem who recognized the problems of the past and have cleared out a lot of the issues (ie. bad players) with foresight, and some younger talent to supplement the lineup going forward (Chandler, Lee?, Gallinari, Duhon). Unfortunately for our Raps, what do we really have other than a budding star in Barney? A slow defensive liability PG whose going to take $10MM off the salary cap for 4 more yrs, a collection of wings who cannot defend nor create shots on their own, a number of undersized or throwaway bigs, a corporate ownership whose allergic to overspending for a championship, a most likely returning coach whose a little over his head but a safe choice as it appeases the local residents, and an overrated silver spoon fed GM whose best talents were to front his dad's astute eye for basketball talent. Are we being too critical and biased here or should I be taking a sip of the koolaid ?

Blogger's note: Who has the better roster, or at least starting five today? Would you have Caleron over Duhon? I'd bet 25 GMs take Calderon; Wilson Chandler over AP? Maybe. Al Harrington vs., Shawn Marion, apples and oranges, you can make a case either way, I think. Bosh and Bargnani or David Lee and Jared Jefferies? A no-brainer.

[Peter]

Hi Doug,

Any news on whether or not Gherardhini or Bargnani have any friends or family in the affected earthquake zones in Italy?

Blogger's note: Haven't heard a thing

[Takashi]

What the hell is wrong with the media that covers the knicks in New York?. I can understand they can write that every Baseball player wants to play there, because the Yankees always get them. But when was the last time the Knicks sign a superstar in his prime? I really dont think that team have sign one in over 20 years or more and I will LMAO when the this 2010 "Plan" falls right in the Knicks face and they end up with nothing.

Knicks + New York Media = Pathetic

[SY]

Doug,

Not sure if you replied my question already - Should the Raptors go for Richard Jefferson in the offseason? Why or why not?

Assuming we have 8 million in CAP - Kapono + CAP for Jefferson. Personally, I think it make sense for both teams - Jefferson is a good defender and can create his own shot player, Milwaukee needs the $$ to re-sign Sessions and Charlie V.

-SY

Blogger's note: I like Richard Jefferson's game a lot; I do not in the least like the fact he'll make $14.2 million next year and $15 million the year after.

[Uncle Zeke]

NY media and the Knicks... now you all know how other hockey markets feel about TO and Leafs coverage...

NY will always be a bigger NBA market than TO... Accept what it is, move on and don't be jealous...

[James C.]

Doug,
Of course the Raps have the better starting lineup today with Bosh (however, JC over Duhon ??? I don't think your 25 GM will take JC's remaining 4 yr contract @ $10MM so easily). I should've phrased the question better... Who has the better probability of being an upper echelon team competing for a title in the next 2-3 yrs ? As much as I love my Raps, the truth is obvious that the Knicks with Walsh/D'Antoni and LBJ/cap space is going to be ahead.

Blogger's note: Call me in 16 months if the Knicks, who possibly will have missed the playoffs for six seasons and not have had a winning season in 10, sign the first signficant free agent in the history of the franchise. And reallt writer loudly if they sign two

[aditya]

Blogger's note: I like Richard Jefferson's game a lot; I do not in the least like the fact he'll make $14.2 million next year and $15 million the year after.

i mean RJ's salary isn't all that bad....yeah, he's overpaid at 14-15 mil/year, but so is (almost) everyone in the NBA....his contract's for the next 2 seasons which is liveable....i guess

ultimate question though: would you take RJ (with 2 more yrs left on his contract) or gerald wallace (with 3 yrs 30 mil left on his contract) if you were the toronto raptors this offseason ????? (it's a toughie for me right now, i am gonna have to think about this a little more...but i think I would take RJ)

Blogger's note: Probably Jefferson but I'm not entirely sure, it is tough.