This just in

This is hitting the ground running out here today:

Just got word that'll be officially released in a bit but the Raptors have added Marc Iavaroni to their coaching staff for this year and will bring back Alex English.

Surprised? Hardly. But glad it's done.

No details, yet, on whether they'll come to some arrangement with Alvin Williams -- that's still being worked on -- but now at least Jay Triano has half of his staff officially in place.

Will get to this more in-depth in the regular blog, which I'll get to as soon as I wipe the sleep out of my eyes and find a coffee, but it's a good move, in the opinion here.

Iavaroni brings some experience and intensity to the staff, English was well-respected by the players and his co-workers and, most important, Jay feels comfortable working with both of them.

It does mean Mike Evans is gone, and that's too bad because he's a really good guy, and they still have to finalize things with Micah Nori and Eric Hughes, which I presume they will.

Anyway, had to get this up quickly.

Now I have to go do the regular morning stuff. Be back soon.

Comments

[Tim]

Doug - I'm just interested to get your reaction on the news on espn.com that Chris Bosh has announced that he will not sign an extension this summer.

Do you think he'll let Bryan know his intentions for next off season in advance? How much of him staying do you think relies on the teams performance this year?

Blogger's note: A huge yawn. Boring. Non-news. And if they don't win next year, he's gone. But if they do, I think he stays. It's really quite simple that way.

[Eric]

Doug,

From where does Jay have experience working with Iavaroni? USA Basketball? I don't remember them working together.

Blogger's note: Various camps and clinics, most notably a few years at the Eurocamp in Treviso.

[GM]

If they don't win next year, he's gone? Like going somewhere else guarantees wins? I love it when players do that, then their new team ends up sucking for some reason (injuries) and their old team gets good. The grass ain't always greener on the other side. It just looks that way.