This is either early or late but it's got some good stuff in it

Magic in seven? Are you on crack?

I know, I know.

Well, look at it this way: If they win, it’s probably going to have to be seven so it’s not like I’m going to blow it like last series where I thought they’d get Cleveland in seven and they made me look like a doofus by winning in six.

But I digress.

Thank goodness for a compelling fourth quarter because for about three quarters, that looked a lot like Raptors-Bucks on some February Tuesday night.

But it did present some interesting tidbits. Like …

(And yes, this is either late or early, depending on your coast, but I’ve got to get up and write an off-day story before I travel so it was easier to knock this off now).

CHRIS CARLSON/AP

Orlando was this close to tying the series.

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“Excrement.”

Well, actually, the four-letter synonym for “excrement” and Kobe Bryant finally gave us his best quote of the series and we can’t really write it.

The question was: What were you thinking when the ball was in the air to Courtney Lee (at the regulation time buzzer)” and Bryant told us exactly what he was thinking.

“Excrement.”

It was what we shall forever call The Sam Play, a lob to the most unlikely guy on the floor, almost exactly the same play Sam Mitchell drew up for T.J. Ford the night the refs blew the timing in Atlanta and it would have been a spectacular end to a rather boring Game 2 of the NBA Finals if Lee had been able to finish.

Kobe was impressed.

“Honestly, it was just a brilliant play. It was just a very, very smart play that he drew up. He knew my eye was more on the shooters coming up, and just a hell of a play by a hell of a coach.”

It really was a helluva play (and I’m not suggesting Sam was the first one to ever run it, but why not give him some props) and it would have been the defining moment of Lee’s young basketball life.

“It was very close,” was how he put it. “The ball rolled off the rim. ... I just had to finish but I didn't.”

Stan says he’s run it “two or three” times before but no one can ever remember him running it for Lee.

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So, what do the Magic do now?

Well, they’ll get a big boost from their fans and homecourt on Tuesday but they’re going to need every edge they can get.

They can only hope the fans, and the familiar rims, will allow their point guards to play even passably well; right now, they are killing them.

The Lakers simply don’t guard Alston and only give Nelson cursory coverage, which allows them to have another defender to dig down on Howard. And since Los Angeles is also paying practically no attention to Gortat when he’s out there in Howard, I can see huge trouble looming for Orlando.

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The Things You See, No. XXVIX

A cameraman filming a colleague FILLING HIS PLATE IN THE FOOD LINE IN THE MEDIA DINING AREA before Game 2.

I swear.

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I think I should probably put this under some ‘save-get’ key on the old keypad because the question comes up almost nightly now, it seems.

Yes, My Favourite Marcin is a pretty good back up centre. Yes, Marcin Gortat is a free agent.

No, the Raptors are not going to make a pitch for him.

Before anyone gets all hot and bothered about any fours or fives out there, consider this:

Chris Bosh, Andrea Bargnani, Kris Humphries, Rasho Nesterovic, Patrick O’Bryant, Nathan Jawai and – doubtful but maybe – The Legend Pops Mensa-Bonsu.

That’s the front court. Four of those six guys already have guaranteed contracts, Nesterovic is still a very likely probability and even if they don’t do Pops, they’re full in the front court.

So, yes, Gortat’s good; no, he’s not “on the radar” unless things change dramatically between now and July 1 and that’s about 99.9999999 per cent not going to happen.

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Know who my favourite Laker is?

Derek Fisher.

Not because he’s old like me but because he is far and away the most thoughtful and intelligent interview subject on the team. He’s the go-to guy in the scrums on the court when the practices are over because he’ll look you in the eye, consider the question before answering it and answer in full and complete sentences.

Like a grown up.

Good guy; no wonder he won the 2008 Magic Johnson Award given out by the Professional Basketball Writers Association for the player who best combines media relations and on-court abilities.

(Needed a plug for our PBWA after chairing first annual meeting Sunday).

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Hey Jalen.

Or Jalen’s people.

(And Jalen did once give us one of the all-world quotes about his penchant for collecting people by declaring in Detroit: “My entourages have entourages; that has to stop”).

I didn’t mean any disrespect, I thought your arrival was cool, and befitting a dude like you.

Anyway …

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Remember I told you about this Vic The Brick character, a radio chat show host out in L.A. who passes himself off as a journalist when the final hits town, even though him wearing the Laker gear probably means none of us take him seriously.

Well, here’s his big “question” to Kobe last night:

“Experience is divine on this squad right now, making the plays, executing down the stretch. You've reached the abyss with the warrior glare, but it just seemed tonight Gasol and D. Fish separated themselves making key plays in money time.”

Reached the abyss with the warrior glare. You can’t make that crap up.

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We, the collective sportswriting “we” that is, know how this week is going to unfold because we all live under Koppett’s Law, as presented by the late, great sportswriting legend Leonard Koppett.

The law suggests what ever inconveniences the greatest number of people (primarily sportswriters) is what will happen so …

Magic win Game 3; Lakers win Game 4 and while we’re all sitting in our homes next Sunday wearing Laker facepaint because we don’t want to have to book a Monday flight to L.A. late Sunday night, the Magic will win Game 5 in some dramatic, likely double-overtime, fashion.

Trust me on this one.

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The Stan Quip Of The Night, pre-game edition:

Q:. I don't know how often you think back to your days in Miami, but after you left there, did you ever question your ability to coach or connect with NBA players?

STAN VAN GUNDY: No.

Comments

[Dallas]

So Doug,

I assume you are saying that it's 99.99999999% that Bosh isn't traded before July 1st? Either, BC must be very closeminded to completely ignore possible ways to imporve the franchise, and listen to offers. And really I doubt Bosh stays past 2010, if you have your ear to the ground you would notice a tide of negative opinions about Bosh among Raptor fans growing since last winter, by the time 2010, rolls around it might be nasty. I'd put him at one airballed three or one uncontested dunk given up before the boo birds come out at the ACC.

There's just something so frustrating to have a guy hold the franchise up say you must win to keep me, and then watch him coast or struggle for long stretches of the year, and yet say there's no negotiating any less than the absolute max. I think both parties may need a change of scenery.

Thanks.

[Eric]

Something for our friends Bargnani, Bosh and Calderon (and cheerleader Douggie) to think about- last night in the late 4Q and OT, the Lakers put the following five on the floor: Gasol, Bryant, Odom...... FISHER and ARIZA. The Magic countered with Lewis, Turkoglu, Howard....... COURTNEY LEE and REDICK!!!!!!!!!

As we wait for Colangelo to not only re-sign Shawn Marion but also sign a terrific wing scorer to "Take some of the pressure off" our friends Bargnani, Bosh and Calderon, maybe we should remember that not every team needs to surround its stars with more stars in order to win. Not every team complains about it either. Not every team's media buys it hook, line and sinker.

If you're a true star, you carry your team. You don't lead them to 33 wins and deflect blame elsewhere. If you're not good enough, you're not good enough. See LA and Orlando in the finals. That's the way it should be done. Moreover, before the finals I hadn't heard Orlando even mention Jameer Nelson's absence. If that had been Toronto, they would have cried to whoever would listen, "JAMEER NELSON! Can't judge us until he returns!" Thankfully some teams are not like our favourite neighbourhood softies devoid of leadership, attitude and intangibles, the web-savvy Toronto Raptors.

[Erc]

So, Derek Fischer is your favorite Laker. Not mine. I'm sure Derek gives great interview, but there are a few other dudes on that team I'd rather watch.
Kobe is the greatest blend of super star talent and unbalanced mental state since Ty Cobb. Likely a tough interview,though. Excretement!
Pau Gasol and Lamar Odum are the kind of spectacularly-athletic giants that make the NBA what is is. But can they quote?
You are in a different place than we are Doug -- way inside. You like it there, but has the thought ever occurred that maybe,you are TOO far inside. Hello, in there.
Jalen asked you, 'what are you going to do with that mess?' Good question. I don't think he believes Delfino's the answer, like you do. Maybe you should have mentioned that Rasho's coming too. Are they both, media-friendly, Doug?
You have a great life. Hope you don't weaken and begin wondering why some of us like to watch Pops play. It could complicate things for you, and none of us want that.

[Kelsie]

Hey Doug,

No comments about Lakers-Magic. Magic can't win next 3 at home so series will head back to LA with Lakers up 3-2, best case scenario. Worst case.....the brooms will be out before the weekend.

I know it won't come to an end anytime soon but this whole Bosh speculation stuff is growing tired already. Lets wait and see what happens but let's also remember that this guy has given the team everything he has had since he was drafted. He's been loyal, classy, and a great ambassador for this organization. He is by far our best player on the squad and someone I root for every night so I hope no matter what happens next year, we the fans give him the respect he has earned, no matter what 'select media' (Feschuck) may want us to think about him.

Any word on draft work outs this week or next?

Blogger's note: A workout Wednesday, they still don't have a confirmed list

[Chris]

Hey Doug, unless you know something we don't Rasho isn't on the Raps anymore.

Gortat would be a great fit for the Raps considering they don't have any legit bigs other than Bosh and Bargnani. He would presumably be ok coming off the bench for 20 min or so, wouldn't cost too much, and his inside power/defense/rebounding game would mesh very well with either of the other two.

[WA]

"It must have been two in the morning when we got to Detroit, 'cause nothing was open but hospitals, jails, and legs."

Best Jalen Rose quote ever! Hands down... ding ding ding! I'll never forget this one

And here's another one for all the Jalen lovers.

"Maybe I just didn't want Bush to win. I would have voted for you (the reporter) if you were running. Can't be any worse than what we've got." (explaining his donation in 2004 to the Democratic Party)

[WA]

I forgot, here's a Sam one too - this one is relevant since you brought up the TJ play.

"I thought so. Or I was just jumping up and down because I’m retarded." – Sam Mitchell, affirming that he believed a last-second shot (which was later discounted) to have been good.

Now on the subject of best quotes, here comes the rest of my top 10 (besides the Jalen quote about Detroit):

"Dampier is soft. Quote it, underline it, tape it, send it to him. Don’t ask me about that guy ever again." – Shaquille O'Neal

Fan: “I would just like to know... Have you ever dunked on Shaq during practice?”
Dwyane Wade: “No. And when I did try once, Shaq told me, ‘Don’t ever try that again.’”

"And (Reggie) Evans — you talk about Vlade being a flopper? This guy is taking it to a whole new level. He goes down when the air conditioning comes on." – Rick Adelman

"That game was dedicated to Rick Adelman. I'm at home, in the bathroom, trying to take a dump, flipping through the channels and he's complaining (on TV) about how I'm stepping over the line. I can't even do a No. 2 in peace. I'm sitting there grunting at 12:30 at night. Can I go one day without somebody saying something negative about me?" - Shaquille O'Neal (in response to Adelman commenting about O'Neal stepping over the line shooting FTs during the LAL-Sac series)

"David Stern should get with the mothers of the NBA and let the moms decide what the dress code should be. I asked my mother if I could wear a chain, and she told me yeah. So I do stuff that my parents allow me to do.” - Shaquille O'Neal (in response to the NBA dress code for players)

"That is why one day I said my game will be like the Pythagorean Theorem - hard to figure out. A lot of people really don't know the Pythagorean Theory. They don't make them like me anymore. They don't want to make them like that anymore.” - Shaquille O'Neal

"I don't care what people think. people are stupid.” - Charles Barkley

"If I weren't earning $3 million a year to dunk a basketball, most people on the street would run in the other direction if they saw me coming.” - Charles Barkley

"You know it's going to hell when the best rapper out there is white and the best golfer is black.” - Charles Barkley (in response to the thought that Tiger Woods is the best golfer and Eminem is the hottest-selling rapper at the time.

[Anthony]

Doug,
Are you on crack? That was a good (good, not great)Game 2. It was close all game, except for a couple lucky breaks for the Lakers, this series should be tied.

[anthony.mackay]

That's a tough one for the Magic, at least the next 3 are at home. They just can't create the same match up problems against LA that they could against the Cavs because LA actually has some quick, skilled, versatile BIGS.

I see Orlando winning 1 at home, maybe 2, no way they win all 3 or should I say it this way.. no way LA lose all 3.

Gasol is STILL underrated, this guy can do pretty much everything and he's a 7 footer, I'm not gonna compare him to Timmy D yet but you have to admit he's BIG with solid FUNDAMENTALS.

Do you see the Lakers wrapping this up in Flordia or game 6 back in the LBC ?

[Jamie]

That's a lot of bigmen! Rasho would be a huge improvement to our bench. Bringing Rasho in for Bargs/Bosh alone makes us a better team. I hope that goes down!

If so, I cant see them bringing The Legend back.

[sara]

Doug, Ettore Messina officially left CSKA and is likely headed to Real Madrid : do you think Gherardini will follow him ?

Blogger's note: Not this year, no

[jp]

The front court is full of something alright, and it ain't quality depth. Gortat is clearly superior to Jawai, O'Bryant and Humphries. Why should they even be a concern in getting Gortat? Pops and Rasho aren't even signed, so that's not hardly an obstacle worth mentioning.

Blogger's note: They don't have a lot of money to spend and they need to spend it in other places rather than a position where they have half a dozen players under contract.

[Ryan]

Are the Raptors ever going to host an All-Star game, or are we past the point now where every city gets to host it once, and instead cities are just awarded the game based on how nice the city is... I mean who wants to visit Toronto in February, right?

[Matt from Oakville]

Just an observation... did any of the crazed Raptor fans want Gortat prior to seeing him playing in these playoffs? He's not much better (if at all) than Humphries. Hell, would a guy who averages just over 10 minutes of PT make a world of difference? I remember the same people saying the same things about Pops after seeing him in less than a handful of games.

Lets be realistic guys...

[SY]

Doug, if that's going to be the front court, where's the toughness that B.C. keeps on preaching all along? Didn't we trade Rasho for O'Neil in part because of O'Neil toughness?

I believe B.C. is at a cross-road right now, either he trades away the future and bring in as many proven talents to compliment Bosh as possible or he might just as well trade Bosh for future prospects. Other than CB4 and AB, the rest of the front court just ain't quality depth (Maybe w/ Rasho but certainly without the toughness). Herrmann (backup PF) and Camby (backup center) anyone?

-SY

[Rob.V]

WA - Those quotes are funny. It's no coincidence that Shaq and Sir Charles are all over most of them. It reminds me of a point Doug made a while back on how Shaq should stay involved in the game after he retires... it's a must!

I've always been a Bosh supporter but some of you make good points. If you're the "franchise" and want to be paid as THAT player... doesn’t it start with YOU!!! The only thing Bosh should be questioning is whether or not the GM (organization)is making an honest effort to win. The answer to this would have to be a resounding YES... so that should be enough to re-sign (or so you would think??). If not, we cant worry about it, BC will trade him and move on. Does Colangelo strike the rest of you as an IDIOT??? He’s NOT. He’ll do what’s best for the team. Now, can we please stop talking about the summer of 2010. I never thought there would be a day that I would be so sick of a subject that I would rather discuss HWSRN!!!

Does anyone really think the Magic can win 4 out of 5? I really wanted them to get last nights game… cause frankly I despise the Lakers… but the likelihood of this happening is 1-99. If they had only a hint, a pinch… ANY point guard play the series is 1-1. Playground legend was playing some great ball prior to this series however he seems to have disappeared as quickly as an Air France airbus 320. Anyway, so how long does SVG go before he plays AJ. It says here he should get some minutes in game 3... he's going to have to try something.

Also, watching Gasol has got me thinking how good of a player Bargnani can become. With the addition of some low post moves the kid has ALL the tools to be as good (if not better)... bolds well for the future of the Raps regardless of happens with Mr. 20-10 in 2010.

Doug, I think you’re missing the point on a guy like Gortat. The question is not that the Raps don’t have a lot of money to spend, but rather what salary will Rasho command this off season. If it’s close to what a Gortat will command you wouldn’t be doing the organization justice by not looking at him. I think the majority of us in blogland like Rasho but it’s simple $$$ vs., return on investment over the next couple of years, no? Any guess as to what Rasho may be paid this summer?

Blogger's note: I suggest, from information I've been getting, that Rasho will get little, if anything, over the veteran minimum. Which will be far less than Gortat will make since I presume someone will throw the full mid-level at him.

[LeeZ]

"I don't think he believes Delfino's the answer, like you do." Eric, do you even READ Doug's columns before you bother to spread your own unique brand of sunshine throughout the blogosphere? Doug is on record TIME AND TIME AGAIN saying that Delfino is overrated (at least by some zealous Raptors fans -- myself included!). But more to the point: Doug expresses his opinion. Agree with it, disagree with it, it's all good fun. Good natured give and take among sports fans or between fans and reporters is part of what makes sports so much fun. But why so bitter, Eric? Wife up and left you? Dog died? Whatever the reason, take a deep breath, chill out and try to be nice to your fellow man.

[ChrisD1]

Doug - Have you and Jalen kissed and made up yet? You don't want to lose him as a quote machine. Speaking of, who's a better interview...Jalen or Oak? I'm thinking different, but good in their own right. Thoughts?

Blogger's note: Oak

[Nick]

Is Rasho a 100% go? I like the guy and everything but man... that is not going to help this team get any better...

[GM]

I don't think anyone – ANYONE – thinks Delfino is "the answer". But to suggest he's not even a part of an improved roster is ignorant.

[Michel G]

Dallas wrote the following about Bosh: "There's just something so frustrating to have a guy hold the franchise up say you must win to keep me, and then watch him coast or struggle for long stretches of the year, and yet say there's no negotiating any less than the absolute max."

I don't remember Bosh making any such statements. I could be wrong, I guess. By the way, when did Bosh ever coast?

[WA]

Idiots throw money away. Whoever throws the entire mid-level at Gortat is stupid. Overspend to overbid, overbid and you have less money for other things. Unless your name is James Dolan or Mark Cuban, than I'm sure luxury tax is a big issue for you.

Gortat isn't worth more than $5-6 mil for 3 yrs (for those who hate math, $1.7-2 mil per year).

Doug, any thoughts of where Grant Hill goes this summer? Does he stay in Phoenix for another year (until Nash's contract is over) or do you see him returning to Orlando to mentor the youngsters and be a valuable player off the bench?

Unless the Suns pull out some kinda deal and get a stud SF for the start of next season I can still see him starting over Barnes because he seems to be "looser" to start the game and gets in the flow of it very quickly. Somehow he seems to be one of those players who should either start or not play at all. It seems difficult for him to adjust playing with backups when he's played with starters (and a cohesive unit) his entire career.

Blogger's note: If Grant Hill plays anywhere other than Phoenix, I will be stunned.

[Patrick]

If Delfino realized he's a 8th - 9th man on a good NBA roster, he might be a good edition. The problem is Delfino like others on here thinks he's a 6th man or even starter. He simply isn't good enough to be that. He's marginally if at all more consistent than Joey Graham but he doesn't posses the athleticism or toughness of Joey. So his addition ain't greatly improving the roster.

[Patrick]

Something for our friends Bargnani, Bosh and Calderon (and cheerleader Douggie) to think about- last night in the late 4Q and OT, the Lakers put the following five on the floor: Gasol, Bryant, Odom...... FISHER and ARIZA. The Magic countered with Lewis, Turkoglu, Howard....... COURTNEY LEE and REDICK!!!!!!!!!

I would take either of Gasol/Bryant/ Odom or Lewis/ Turkoglu/ Howard over Bosh/ Bargnani/ Calderon. Both trios are simply better. Hell I'd take Ariza and Fisher over Calderon any way. Fisher as much of a role player he is, has and can make big shots when it counts. I'd like Calderon to make 1 big play when it counts. As for Ariza simply a better athlete in a game where athleticism matters.

Blogger's note: Hang on a sec. You would take 34-year-old Derek Fisher, who averaged fewer points (9.9-12.0) and assists (3.2-8.9) and shot worse from the field (42 per cent-50 per cent). over 27-year-old Jose Calderon? I hope your aspirations aren't to be an NBA talent evaluator.
And Ariza's a two-guard, not a point guard; nice apples and oranges comparison there

[dallas]

Michel bosh recently said not signing the extension puts pressure on him and BC to preform.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/bosh-wont-sign-extension/article1169199/

Here's an article from Micheal grange where Bosh says this

"More significant yesterday was Bosh’s view that he won’t consider a contract for less than the maximum amount allowed under the NBA’s salary cap.

“Without a doubt,” Bosh said when asked if he expected to receive a maximum offer. “I really don’t even see negotiating about that part.”

That means Bosh is expecting a six-year deal worth $130-million (all currency U.S.) if he re-signs with the Raptors next summer. As a free agent, the most Bosh could get – short of a sign-and-trade – would be five years and about $100-million.

That might make it more likely that Bosh is traded either in connection with the NBA draft on June 25 or at some point next season."

But according to Doug's math it's 99.99999999% not happening so don't worry. And to your question of when did bosh ever coast, How about December through February, did you not see all the guards finishing at the rim like he wasn't there, this year? He played with his mind or his heart elsewhere it seems. Why was he jacking all of those three's anyway. I know he's still got a lot of fans, and that's cool, he seems like a great guy. I just don't think he's tough enough to lead a team to anything and I think his awkward introverted nature creates a leadership vacuum on the team. It's like he's not stepping up to lead, and as long as he's there, no one else bears the burden.

Blogger's note: You're math is terribly flawed since no one -- not even NBA GMs -- knows what the salary cap will be in 2011.