Rebounding, Sioux Falls Sam and what about the Huskies?

While the Raptors and their travelling party of merry gentlemen were frolicking in the sunshine of Orlando yesterday – and they will this morning, too – some of us were back here dreaming up ways to entertain you.

And, before I venture off to Gotham, here’s how that all worked out:

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ANDREW WALLACE/TORONTO STAR

Hard to believe what we're seeing on the glass right now.

You know what I wish I knew?

Why the Raptors have of all of sudden become one of the better rebounding teams in all of basketball.

They’ve out-rebounded every opponent in this five-game winning streak and are something like plus-69 on the boards in that time. That’s entirely unusual.

Here are two theories:

Shawn Marion, after something that was like a mini-hiatus from playing well, has re-emerged as arguably the best rebounding small forward this team has ever had, that boosts the total.

And, frankly, The Legend has something to do with it, too. Pops gives the second unit an athleticism it hasn’t had, really, all season and that boosts the total, too. I know he missed a game in there and was ineffective in a couple of others but the numbers he gets help, too.

One more that can’t be discounted? Their rebounding prowess is helped immensely by their relatively high-powered offence. Since they’re scoring so much, they’re able to get back and set up their defence rather than being beaten down the court in transition, having to scramble and giving up all kinds of offensive rebounds because they start the possession out of position.

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Oh yeah, news!

Regulars here will know that I’m not a big proponent of neutral site exhibition games – Rome and Madrid being the two notable exceptions – so it was with great consternation that I learned yesterday that we’re going to some place called Sioux Falls (which I think might be in Idaho, that garden spot) next fall.

Generally for neutral site games, the arenas and working conditions are sub-standard, the cities are small and uninteresting (again, Rome and Madrid being the exceptions) and it’s just an overall pain in the bum.

The only good thing about this one?

They’ll be playing the Minnesota Timberwolves (it’s Minnesota’s home game and they move around to such joints as Sioux Falls and – yikes! – Billings to fulfill some goofy bank sponsorship) and that means there’s a chance we’ll get to see The One And Only Sam Mitchell and his return to the NBA coaching wars.

We can only hope.

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Did anyone notice that a bunch of NBA teams are wearing green warmups and Denver had green jerseys last night in the league’s latest Save The Planet campaign.

No one, as far as I can tell, has whined about them stealing the Celtics colours to further their cause.

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Just in case you were wondering, and many were given the tank-no tank, lose-win, increase your chances at blowing a draft pick in the back end of the lottery, here are the percentages of winning the thing depending on where they finish among lottery teams:

Eighth: 2.8 per cent

Ninth: 1.7 per cent

Tenth: 1.1 per cent

Eleventh: 0.8 per cent

Twelfth: 0.7 per cent

Thirteenth: 0.6 per cent

Fourteenth: 0.5 per cent.

And, seeing how I figure they’ll at least remain ahead of  New York and likely catch New Jersey in the last week and a half and they’re ninth now, a couple of wins takes them from a 1.7 per cent chance of winning to, perhaps, 0.8 per cent.

That’s what? Nine-tenths of one per cent? Big whoop.

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Please, do me a favour?

Someone slap me the next time I even contemplate making a wisecrack about an April Fool’s Day prank I didn’t witness with my own eyes.

Thank you.

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Seriously, if the Washington Wizards can show up with “Zephyrs” uniforms on (a nod to the Chicago Zephyrs, who moved to Baltimore in 1963 and eventually became the modern day Wizards), next season Toronto can trot out some Huskies jerseys?

Can’t they?

People have been asking about the possibility for years and years now and while I’m loath to suggest ways Maple Leaf Sports can make more money, this is a no-brainer if they’re going to “celebrate” a team from ’62 that played in another city, surely they can “celebrate” a team that played in the league’s inaugural season.

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Here’s a topic a few people have broached:

Q: Greetings.

Is there any way the Raptors can send Nate to an elite Euro team next season to play a lot and develop his skills and still retain his N.B.A. rights? Surely that would help him more than either the D League or infrequent garbage time minutes. And someone like Rasho or Jake would be a better known quantity as the last big in the short run. Thanks.

Dave R, Aurora

A: No.

The only place they can send Jawai next season is the D Leauge, they cannot assign him anywhere else except to the team in the minors they have an affiliation with.

The only way he could wind up in Europe is if Toronto waives him and buys out the last year of his contract and I cannot imagine that happening.

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Oh yeah, forgot yesterday ‘cause this stupid cold is still bothering my brains but the DWTS departure of the computer nerd and Playboy bunny means people finally got things right.

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Just about every time we’ve wondered this season about the mental toughness of this team and how it would respond to serious challenges, we’ve found it lacking.

And that’s why I really can’t wait to see how things unfold at Madison Square Garden tomorrow afternoon.

Remember Feb. 20? The Raps had come off the all-star break ready to make their move, talking tough and proud about how it was there time to charge up the standings and become something of a factor in the Eastern Conference race. They had a day of practice, were well rested and facing a Knicks team that is far from, you know, good.

Knicks 42, Raptors 22 after one.

Knicks 127, Raptors 97 final.

The word “embarrassment” was thrown around incessantly in the aftermath, quite rightfully so, and while I know there are few statements to make at this time in a lost season, it would behoove them to come out with even a modicum of energy and effort tomorrow, if for no other reason than pride.

Yes, it shall be interesting.

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Speaking of the Knicks, it says here that they’re getting ready to give Eddy Curry some burn at home and if I recall correctly, they booed his under-achieving, overweight self the last time they saw him and I don’t presume fans have become more charitable in the interim.

Might make for an interesting afternoon.

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And a last one from the mail until tomorrow morning when I’m hoping to have a big ol’ mailbag for you to digest ‘cause Sunday’s little corner should be taken up with whatever hijinks occur tomorrow afternoon.

Q: Hey Doug: Got a Sports/SocioEconomic question for you. If Michigan State makes it to the National Championship game on Monday night, what do you think will cost more, an average lower bowl ticket at Ford Field, or an average house in foreclosure in urban Detroit? For reference, the CBC had a report on their newscast a few nights ago saying the average foreclosed home in Detroit was going for about $500, just so banks could get them off their books. Sadly, if MSU makes the final, I think the cost of an average lower bowl ticket will be more than one of those foreclosed houses.

Roger B, Toronto

A: I’m sure you’re right. But I don’t think it’s all that unexpected, seeing the skewed place sports occupy in our society.

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Comments

[Norm]

Hi, Doug:

Just another angle to the Rap's recent rebounding success -- because they are shooting better offensively, there are correspondingly less defensive rebounds available to the opposition. Since the majority of all rebounds are "defensive", a better shooting percentage automatically (or almost so) results in better rebounding comparisons.

Also, I doubt very much that there is such a thing as a "neutral sight" -- A neutral "site" I get, but I would guess that any "sight" produces either a negative or positive reaction, seldom if ever "neutral".

Blogger's note: Yeah, got that site thing changed, thanks

[Kevin]

Hey Doug -

Aren't you glad that people take the time to nit-pick every blog post you make? I'm sure these are the same people who have never made a mistake in their life. Ever.

[anthony.mackay]

The rebounding is surprising but there are also several things falling into place at the same time.

1) Bosh might be making progress with his personal issues and is regaining confidence and simply having more fun on the court, also his knee might be feeling much better and giving him some extra ups.

2) Marion is getting used to our system and has always been an above average rebounder for his position.

3) Andrea is finally used to his role and is no longer getting jerked around and playing minutes at the 3, the kid is also getting stronger and next year should have some man strength.

4) Jose appears close to 100% and while he may not be a monster on the boards.. it does allow the other plays to focus on their game and stop second guessing/worrying about the PG play (turnovers)

5) JO in the line up, JO our of the line up had to have an effect on what each players roles were night to night.. having a consistent starting 5 can do wonders for a team confidence and reaction time.

6) Moon is no longer standing on the 3 point line waiting for a long rebound to bounce straight to him so he can jack up a 3.

Ok that last one might not be the reason but the first 5 points are for real.

[J. Millett, Halifax]

Doug,

Love your blog... many times during the year it's more exciting than watching the Raptors play. How much value are the coaching staff putting on the play of Joey Graham, especially on his physical style against the bigs, like DH the other night and the spark he gives coming off the bench. Would he be a candidate for the "most improved Raptors player of the year"?

Blogger's note: Only if you took Andrea enitrely out of the question; and the coaching staff -- and all the world -- are not going to take a few games into consideration when evaluating Joey

[James]

Hopefully NYC fans are a little more charitable to Curry this time based on coming back to the game after his former girlfriend was killed. He might be a bum on the court but he's done the right thing with his son off the court so, hopefully, the crowd acknowledges that. Perhaps this could be a catalyst for a new Curry? We'll see.

[Lorie]

Hi Doug:

Best part about broadcasting from Madrid? Any talk about future trips to Europe for exhibition game purposes? Sioux Falls! They have got to be kidding! Would one HAVE to attend the game personally, or could it be done by proxy?

Blogger's note: Madrid's one of the great walking around cities I've been in; love the downtown area. And, no, I presume I'll be in Sioux Falls with the rest of 'em

[eni]

Aren't they playing the first game in T.? Assuming by Gotham you're referring to N.Y. and not T. then I guess I'm mistaken, please disregard.

I don't know if you remember my email a couple of days ago, talking about that "2 guy", but I was watching HOOPS last night and Azibuki came up as a topic of conversation (I know I misspelled that), what do you think of him and what are the chances BC goes after him. Last thing, is he a 2 or a 3? Thanks Doug

Blogger's note: The kid from Golden State? He's all right, I guess. Certainly nothing special

[Peter]

I think we need a new rule. We get to critique your grammar, spelling, and other items in your columns, but not in your blog? What do you say everyone? Nobody critiques the grammar in our comments. We lay off the grammar criticism in the Live Blog, why not the do the same for this blog?

[Pharaoh]

Doug, I agree that Marion and Pops have provided a big boost on the boards, but I would also argue that Bosh has been more active in the last few games than he has been in quite some time, particularly on the offensive end. I've raised this before and I know you disagree, but I'd still like to see him put on a few pounds in the offseason. More weight may slow him down marginally, but it also means more force when he attacks the basket.

[Tabber]

Okay, in regard to Kevin, comment, Doug, woulld you rather have mistakes not commented on and preserved for all eternity, or pointed out so you can correct them? And Kevin, I think that should be "lives", to agree with "their" and "made", so we can add you to those people who have made mistakes (including me!). You're welcome ;)

[Nick M]

With all the speak this year of what might have beens for the Raps. Do you think Joe Dumars, with AI problems on his mind, was watching The Denver Nuggets beat the Utah Jazz last night and thinking 'Man, Chauncey and Melo look good together, if only I had the chance to make them teammates.'?

Every team makes mistakes.

[EarthJuice]

Doug,
It isn't about "winning" the draft lottery. It is about moving up 2 or 3 places if possible. If you think there is no difference between a 5th pick or 6th pick and a 11th pick, I would have to disagree with you. Having said that, it is rare that I do disagree with your views. Keep up the good work.

[Louise]

Hey Doug,
Love the blog. Sioux Falls is in South Dakota. My family's car broke down there once on vacation. Great place, awesome waterpark and friendly people.

[Jason]

Dude, get Cold fX already. That stuff is incredible.

[Kevin]

That is precisely my point Tabber. :)

[sg60]

This winning streak needs to be kept in perspective. Yes, they're playing well and I much prefer what I'm seeing now relative to the mess we've had to witness through the majority of the season. I'm sure this will help their confidence and possibly prove to themselves that they're capable of playing much better basketball than they have this year.

But does this really prove anything? I don't think so. They've generally played losing, if not plain bad teams (Orlando a notable exception, and possibly Chicago), and they're out of the playoffs. There's absolutely no pressure. This is garbage time for the season. Time after time this season the Raptors have absolutely folded if anything significant was on the line. If they beat the Knicks on Saturday it proves nothing because there's nothing on the line, except maybe pride. Any proof that this is truly a better team will have to wait for next season when the games actually mean something and by that time they'll probably be a fairly different team. In the mean time at least us fans can enjoy a much better brand of basketball.

[James C.]

My take on Marion is two-fold: (1) The light bulb finally lite up inside that a contract has to be earned for the rest of his career; and (2) Don't laugh, but he's really a warm climate player. When he first showed up in Feb you could see in him that he was cold, wondered how he ended up in the cold and wondered how he could escape the cold. Whether he can re-adopt to the cold (remember he played half of the season in the desert for the past 10 yrs and he went to school at UNLV) is still questionable. Three yrs at $5MM is a borderline call but then again our GM is on a long borderline call streak.

[Paul]

Wow. Slow day. How many posts about whether to correct grammar? I put the over-under at 14.

Have fun in Sioux Falls! I guess you have to take the good with the bad (at least you don't have to go to Winnipeg for Naismith Cups anymore).

[Doug]

this whole premise that they are playing and winning against bad teams is false, as it's the NBA and there is for one thing no such thing as a "bad" team aside form the Clippers....in those 5 games they beat Orlando on the road which had won 13-15 before that game, a Bulls team fighting for there playoff life a Bucks team that beat the Nets by 30 points in there next game etc.....its the NBA each team is capable of beating any team on any given night, case in point last night Wiz beat Cavs.....

as for rebounding to me it's fairly simple, basketball is the ultimate team game, points on offence come off of passing, movement, teams sharing the ball, rebounds work the same way, Barg's blocks out his guy, Marion being active leaves a rebound for Bosh for instance, guys are doing there individual jobs therefore contributing to the overall result, improved rebounding, the more individual a team becomes in its effort the more counter-productive it becomes...

[Dave]

"The Nuggets donned green uniforms as part of the NBA's Green Week. Some of their players also wore green shoes, part of the league's promotion designed to raise awareness for a more ecologically friendly environment.

"The only thing I don't like about that is they remind me of the Celtics," Karl said."

[Jc]

Wait, did the April fools joke in Orlando turn out to be fake or something? What did I miss?

[The Original JJ]

Tabber, there's only one "l" in "would". See?

I agree that the Raps have not played much inspired ball this season, and yes, the streak should be taken with a grain of salt. However, they are still not mathematically eliminated from the playoffs and I'd be willing to bet that due to the streak, the players are riding an emotional high right now and somewhere deep in their minds are actually thinking "If we beat NY twice, and Chicago loses to such and such and so on, maybe..." Thus, they are still in fact playing for "something", whether any sane person actually believes it's attainable or not.

In theory, if Detroit doesn't win at least one more, the Raps could take over 7th seed. In theory, if Chicago wins only one more of their remaining six and that one not being the last game of the season against Toronto, the Raps could be in 8th. In theory, the teams between Toronto and 8th could lose enough to pave the way for the Raps.

And to quote Homer Simpson: "In theory, communism works. In theory."

Doug writes: "Oh yeah, forgot yesterday ‘cause this stupid cold is still bothering my brains but the DWTS departure of the computer nerd and Playboy bunny means people finally got things right."

Seriously, Doug, Steve-O is a better dancer than Holly?

[Tim W.]

Earthjuice: "It isn't about "winning" the draft lottery. It is about moving up 2 or 3 places if possible"

Uh, the lottery is only to determine the first three spots. The rest of the field doesn't change. The Raptors would either move up to the top 3, or not at all. At worst, they'd move down three spots, but that's incredibly unlikely (if three better teams go 1,2 and 3). And even if they had lost the last ten games, they'd still be in only the 7th spot right now.

[Serge P]

EarthJuice, the NBA lottery is only for the top 3 picks so a team cannot "move up 2 or 3 spots" from the 8-9th pick. If you're picking 9th for example you will likely get the 9th pick, however, if you get lucky you could end up with picks 1, 2 or 3. Now, if you were picking 9th and were unlucky enough to have 3 teams picking AFTER you get the top 3 picks, you'd end up with the 12th pick (i.e. you move down a spot for every team behind you that moves up). So basically, no matter where in the lottery the Raps end up they will either get a top 3 pick, "their" pick, or a pick that is no less than 3 spots down from "their" pick.

[Dave]

Hi Doug, It's been a while since I've written anything...mostly cause there's not too much to comment on at this point...nice litte win streak, though! I have a question/comment regarding off-season acquisitions, and I have a feeling that you will let me know how silly this is, but I am eating lunch and my desk, and figure I'll toss it out there anyhow...with a little justification/preface...

So, it is clear that the Detroit Pistons will be dismantled at the end of the season. Wallace almost certainly gone, Hamilton's can opt out, Iverson will definitely be gone, Kwame Brown stinks and will go, Bynum and Maxiell are restricted...

Now recently, Iverson has been quoted as saying he would rather retire than come off the bench, which leads me to believe there won't be alot of large offers that he finds desirable on the table...

So, now here's where you say "That's stupid, Dave - lifetime ban for commenting on my blog"....I, in my infinite wisdom, was thinking yesterday - while discussing with the wife the type of black-hole, me-first, no-set-play-works-for-me kind of player Iverson has been in his career - that Iverson could be a viable option for the Raptors to take a look at....now let me justify a little:

He - along with pretty well all the free agents this year - will have to accept something of a paycut. Would he play for a quick 2yr, $17-18Mil? (i.e. 8-9/yr) I don't know. I do know he won't get offered anywhere near the 20.8Mil he makes now.

Would a signing like that be an incentive for one Marion to take a long look at signing a similar 2yr deal worth something like $12-13Mil (6/yr) Maybe?

Would a lineup of Calderon, Iverson, Marion, Bosh, Bargnani Strike fear in opponents hearts, and confidence in Raptors'? Maybe. Would there be enough left over to get a viable back-up PG for behind Calderon? Who knows? Would they be as concerned with this back-up role knowing Iverson is capable? Do you know?

Would there be enough shots in a game for Iverson, Bosh and Bargnani to get thiers? Not if they all need 20+...

All I know is, I would LOVE to hear Iverson in press conferences on a regular basis!! I want to hear about PRAC-tice!

So, I suppose that was more of a window into my mind than a question...but what do you think Doug? I think, as I said before, you're gonna say I'm nuts, but gimme something. There's also the relatively high draft pick to fit into the roster...and The Legend...But I don't think this idea is a crazy as some!
Good work on the blog, Doug, Keep it up!!

Blogger's note: I don't think they should make any overture whatsoever to Allen Iverson.