Of Lamar, bad singing and Bryan's time to chat

Oh yeah, we’re headed to on Game 7 for sure, don’t you think?

No way the Lakers play that well two games in a row, is there?

Could be shaping up to be a nice weekend because I fully expect a Game 6 in Orlando on Saturday and now a Game 7 in L.A. on Sunday.

What I don’t expect is many to care but we’re going to be dark here in this little corner tonight, big baseball game goes until about 8:30 and I presume a coaches meeting will be required after.

So, no in-game blog but I’ll be back for Denver-LA tomorrow night.

And away we go:

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About last night

MARK J. TERRILL/AP

Lamar Odom: X Factor.

Who is that guy?

I really wish I had a handle on Lamar Odom but the more you watch him play, the more of an enigma he becomes.

In a lot of respects, he was the best player on the court last night, rebounding, scoring, blocking shots, playing defence.

In a lot of respects, he’s been the most disappointing player over the course of the series, invisible for long stretches, unable to make his mark on close games when it counts, passive at both ends of the floor.

Phil Jackson, in one of his more lucid comments, suggests Odom is the X Factor in every game and he’s probably right about that.

The thing with guys like Odom is you want them on your team for precisely the reasons he showed last night. He’s a 6-10 ball-handler with shooting range and an inside game and those don’t come around too often.

The fact Odom’s an unrestricted free agent this summer also adds to the equation. He doesn’t start but he can dominate, I don’t think anyone would suggest he’s a maximum-value player you can build a team around but every good team with realistic championship aspirations would want a guy like him.

If, as many think, a guy like Shawn Marion might get $7 million or $8 million from his current team, how could someone not pay Odom $10 million or even a little bit more?

But if you do, what do you get? Game 5 Odom? Or Games 1-4 Odom?

Tough, tough call.

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Oh, this makes sense.

Speaking of Odom, maybe Bill Plaschke has an explanation in this column.

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What’s it all mean?

Does the winner of Game 5 automatically win the series, especially if it’s the team with homecourt advantage?

I’m sure the percentages are overwhelmingly in favour of the Lakers (I think I heard last night it’s like 86 per cent that the Game 5 winner eventually takes a series) and I’d agree wholeheartedly if we were talking about any team other than mercurial Los Angeles.

Remember Houston? Same situation and they went on the road and dropped a stinkbomb of a game and the Rockets were far worse off than the Nuggets are.

I see a seventh game Sunday in this one, as much because of Los Angeles than Denver.

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What’s up in Denver?

Speaking of the Nuggets, they had to come away kicking themselves for the way things unfolded in L.A. in Game 5.

They were tied going into the fourth quarter, were getting almost any shot they wanted and had pretty much negated Kobe Bryant, who was strangely passive for long stretches.

So what’d they do?

Stop scoring, stop defending and lost.

And this despite a return to form of Carmelo Anthony, whose 31 points showed he was pretty much over the stomach flu and ankle woes that robbed him of anything in Game 4.

This time it was the bigs who let them down, Nene, Kenyon Martin and Chris Andersen, who were out-scored 54-36 in the paint and simply unable to stop Odom, Gasol and even Andrew Bynum at times.

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Stop the presses

Losing team whines about calls – check out this story – and isn’t that doing exactly the same thing that they are upset at Phil Jackson for doing: Planting seeds.

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Ban him. Whoever he is

Okay, you know me and anthems so this is a bit of a soapbox issues so if you want to scroll down, be my guest.

I read that some buffoon named Tyrese Gibson bastardized the U.S. anthem before Game 5 in a manner that is as much disgraceful as it is disrespectful.

As Dave Krieger of the Denver Post points out in his column, it’s one thing for baseball fans in Baltimore to accentuate the Oh in the Oh, say, can you see? and one thing for Houston fans to bellow “Rockets” at the appropriate time.

But to change the words to “our Lakers were still there” is shameful.

End o’ rant.

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Does this pass for news? Was having a conversation with someone in the Raptors organization, who shall go nameless, yesterday and asked when the much-anticipated hiring of Marc Iavaroni and the rest of the staff might be completed.

“It’s close” was the reply.

Hardly a surprise but I bet some of you are interested.

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More Raptor stuff, without it being very big

The most significant stuff that happens at the Chicago pre-draft camp this week won’t happen anywhere near a court: The big goings-on will be in hotel meeting rooms.

Not only is Bryan going to meet with a dozen or so players – meetings that will likely include sports psychologist Dana Sinclair just so she can get a feel the minds of these kids – but he’s also going to run into Henry Thomas, the agent for, among others, Chris Bosh and Anthony Parker.

There will be nothing big come out of it, you have to trust me on that, but the more face time the better, I guess.

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Comments

[WA]

How about we ditch the psychologist? What do we need one for to tell us our upcoming rookie is a youngun who will get sucked into something stupid at some point, if not be on good behaviour (a la Anthony Parker who is very respectable). Waste of MLSE money.

I got a better use for her, instead of interviewing rookies, how about she tell you how to ignore idiots!!! Doug, you said the other day you still haven't been able to do it.

Where'd Takashi go? I haven't heard him whine about Ettore Messina not coming over for weeks.

Oooooh, I know, how about we waive Dana so she can go see Dirk and counsel him about his life! (p.s. nobody start any bashing of Bosh - it's NOT his fault ---- happened)

[Dan w]

Is this Chicago thing where they do all the measurments of the players?

Blogger's note: Yes

[WA]

Doug, a full court press of questions for you (8 questions to pass halfcourt):

1. If you were an NBA GM and they would sign for the MLE, who would you take: Ron Artest or Lamar Odom??? (considering their personalities and on-court performance)

2. How do you think the Rafer vs. Jameer PG situation will unfold in Orlando next season - do you see Rafer being happy as a backup?

3. Who's a better golfer: Kapono or Barkley?

4. Who would win a 100m dash: Barkley or Shaq?

5. Does Grant Hill spend any time in Canada (other than when he plays against the Raptors) since his wife is from Windsor?

6. Will we see Dikembe Mutombo do any charity work in Toronto since he has some family here?

7. How do you like your chicken: roasted, fried, or in an arena doing stunts?

8. What rhymes with "ring ring ring" and each word starts with a "D"?

Blogger's note: Someone has too much time on their hands; and I don't have enough to do this now.

[ro]

does that mean AP gets a contract?

Blogger's note: Um, no, not necessarily; they'll meet, chat and plan to talk again.

[Eric]

I think the Cavs have to kill Orlando's confidence (Mr.Obvious returns). I think Orlando is the protypical Cinderella team here and is totally happy-go-lucky playing through this series. I sort of hate Cinderella team for that reason because it's soooooo much easier to play like that! Laughing, joking around, not a care in the world. If ORL came in as the #1 seed, it would be the opposite. I hate Cinderella teams and I don't want to see one in the Finals!

How does CLE kill that spirit? I don't know if it can be done. It just has so much momentum by this point, it's tough. I would suggest something that has nothing to do with basketball, thgouh- if CLE could somehow look like they're having fun too, I think it would scare ORL. CLE to this point just been the polar opposite of ORL- tense, angry, unsure of themselves. It has reinforced the Cinderella in ORL. If CLE could instead show signs of fun and happy, it could confuse ORL........ maybe confuse them all the way out of Cinderella status ("Who's the underdog here?") and then the nerves would kick in and who knows.

My other strategy would be to tell LBJ to win three games in a row. That would do it too.

[WA]

Doug, can you put the 8-question full court press in your mailbag for when you have more time?

Blogger's note: Already have

[Sonny Lags]

Doug, since CLE will lose tonight and LA will win tomorrow when will the Finals start? Sunday?

Thanks!

Blogger's note: Next Thursday, regardless

[CC]

interesting... could be accurate...

http://www.nationalpost.com/sports/story.html?id=1633221

Blogger's note: Um, maybe. It's actually an opinion piece, somewhat old, so, "accurate" is a matter of opinion

[john]

Always liked Odom, but another inconsistent player? Big, but prefers to play away from the basket for long stretches? Last thing Raps need.

Though I have no better ideas on how to fix things, so I'll just continue to believe in whatever BC does!

[kazbid]

hey doug..generally..aren't a lot of the unrestricted FA's in this upcoming year going to get a lot less than they expected?
i.e. gordon and marion who both wanted 10+ (well marion wants 14+) can you see any team offering them that sorta money?

odom and artest are free too..i find it hard to see any team (even dumb ones like the clippers) offering any of these guys 14-18 mil..in which case if these guys are only getting 8-12...i would think AI, rasheed wallace will sign for around 5-8?

I know it's guessing but my point is everyone who gets a contract this off-season is in for a paycut..yes/no?

Blogger's note: I'm sure lots of guys will be taking substantial pay cuts.

[Andy]

Doug do you get to meet any of the prospects that come to camp here? Have you met any past prospects that have ended up coming here?

Blogger's note: All the workouts have been open to the media for interviews at the end.

[bballer]

it is funny to read how many people think that svg is doing so well this round as a coach, whereas against boston, most think that svg deserves to get fired after the season. coaches only have so much to do with the game. talent trumps everything. fans dog coaches who don't call time outs. yet pjax rarely calls any and no one really complains.

playing odom more than bynum is presenting challenges for denver. starting odom against orlando will neutralize any edge orlando may have going into the series. the finals should be good regardless of who makes it.

[DJH]

I remember at one of these pre-draft workouts where there was concern that Dwight Howard couldn't bench very much. Seems pretty laughable now...

[Eric]

I think that National Post article posted by CC is fair. I think most fans and writers overlook the long-term ramifications of signing a player like Chris Bosh. Yes, he will command hyper-max money, the same that Lebron and Wade will. He will almost certainly get it. I don't think Toronto can necessarily low-ball him into signing for less. He will get his hyper-max deal and Toronto will then get less bang for the buck than the Cavs or Heat. In effect, the Raptors will be playing shorthanded from day 1!!! The Raps will be consciously and willingly making a decision to pay him the same money as league MVPs!!!

And then think about the Vernon Wells effect---- what happens if Chris starts sucking or getting injured (more likely for him than LBJ, DWade)..... how will the Raps get out from under that $100 Million monster?

It's 1 thing to be a winner, sign your superstar who has led you to greener pastures and take a risk. It's another thing to be a 33-win team that has won three playoff GAMES in six seasons with said superstar and be just as willing to take the same risk. I call that bad business acumen.

[bballer]

the nba is breaking all types of viewership records on espn and tnt. in fact, the monday night game received more viewers than the infamous john and kate plus 8. but according to canadian numbers, the playoffs are only being viewed by 100k per night. doug, do you think that only a raptors playoff run can make

canadians excited about the nba? is the lack of canadian viewership of the rest of the league inflating the value we place on some raptors?

Blogger's note: If the Raptors made a run, I'm sure you'd see hugely inflated numbers; but the fact is, I'm not sure how they'd get counted because the primary broadcast would be on American networks.

[FB]

Hey Doug, temperatures in Hades got pretty darn chilly last night, didn't they, what with Kobe's SEVEN turnovers. Oh and he didn't have a 40 point game to go along with it? An absolute assassin, he is.

Blogger's note: Is seven eight? And who won?

[Chris]

Doug, you said "I'm sure lots of guys will be taking substantial pay cuts". With the economy in the state it's in, I agree. However, I can see teams wanting to take advantage of this by offering longer-term deals at the reduced rates. While on the other hand, players may be tempted to sign shorter-term deals in the hope that things will be better for the next contract when they can get a raise.

In your opinion, do you think we'll see any pattern to long term vs. short term deals this year? Will agents be pushing for one over the other due to the potential longer-term differences in net worth?

Blogger's note: Anyone's guess, really; but agents may want to lock players in for longer terms because there's a new CBA coming by 2011; teams may want short-term deals because they hope there will be significant changes coming to the new union deal.
It'll be interesting to see how it plays out.

[doug]

that article on Bosh is the kind that rankles me(want to use other words here but this is a family blog) ...as its so easy to pass judgement or make comments like this writer does, but nowhere do I see his alternatives mentioned to replace Bosh and those 25 points a game, 8-10 rebounds so on and so on...plus I am of the fact that Bosh falls under the radar because he makes no highlight reel clip shots, he is not glamourous, or have that one spectacular shot. Like a Howard or a Odom or many players, Bosh is just bosh and a 25 and 10 guy each night is rare....

[Matt G]

I hope you're not ultra sick of questions about your thoughts on the Sports Guy but his most recent blog hit a sore spot. Admittedly, the playoff's have been exciting throughout, but I completely agree with Simmons' that the officiating has dimmed them substantially. For instance, last night when Nene fouled out, I was completely fed up with the calls - Gasol initiated the contact and seemed to stumble into Nene. Maybe I'm just wound up a little too tightly but the crap o rama officiating pi**es me off. Anyways, to quote Scott Russell, your thoughts?

Blogger's note: The officiating hasn't been spectacular, not question about it. But everyone whines every year. A whole bunch of same old, same old. Teams complain.

[Kelsie]

I don't know if I would call Orlando a cinderella team. They just match up incredibly well with the Cavs.

The match-us are just not in Clevland's favour especially when Lebron guards Rafer and coach Brown refuses to try and go small (It would take Z off Howard and Varejo off Lewis) or perhaps extend his rotation since the other players around Lebron are not playing well (Why not give Hickson a look if Joe Smith is not doing anything?)

In their defence they were the number three seed and although I feel that the 3 point bombing can only last for so long, as you cant depend on the jump shot forever, the Cavs look ill prepared to be the team to do anything about it.

Howard and company are "beasting" them.

[CC]

The debate about Bosh would be is he worth the maximum contract? The article says it would be around 30% of of the cap?

James and Wade no question. They got their teams into the playoffs, and Wade's supporting cast is no better than the Raps. I would even say the Raps have a better supporting cast the the Heat.

So when its all said and done, When the Raps sign Bosh to a max contract (if ever), i hope they believe he's their guy that will lead them to the next level, not sign him to stay.

[Peter]

That bosh article is interesting. Even if the writer is correct (and I'm not sure that he is) that means Bosh's peak as a player is as a guy who averages over 20 points and about 10 rebounds. That puts him in a pretty small and elite group of players. Not a bad peak to be at.

Tha article also seems to state what everyone already knew: that Bosh needs more supporting players for the Raps to be succesful. Just like every player in the league. Lebron and Kobe can't even win it alone.

[aditya]

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/090528&sportCat=nba

great article....worth a read....

[CB]

Hey Doug,

What do you see San Antonio doing this off season? Would you think Tim Duncan would fit in with the Raptors? Is a trade doable with Bosh going to San Antonio with Kapono and in return Duncan coming here with Mason Jr.? An answer would be great to tide me over at work. Cheers

CB

Blogger's note: For one of the few times in my life, I'm speechless.
An answer? Seriously?
Okay.
No

[aditya]

man violet palmer leaving the NBA...kinda sad....i thought she was an OK referee