And you thought I'd forgotten about you

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STEVE RUSSELL/TORONTO STAR

Georgia Tech teammates come together again in Toronto.

Thought so.

Well, being refreshed after a week of deck washing and weed pulling, ball games and barbecue hosting, looks like there’ll be some basketball work in the next little while.

Which is good for basketball writers but it might also mean I’ll miss a day or two in my next gig: Golf scribe.

Yep, the weekly foray to the Canadian Open begins today; not sure how we’re going to cover it or what makes it into this space each morning but it should be a hoot. I seem to know there’s a difference between a niblick and V-grooved gap wedge, let’s see what else we can come up with.

But first, the hoops …

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My man Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star got in touch with Jarrett Jack late last night for this story that says the deal’s done and it seems I’ll have a news conference to attend tomorrow.

I don’t think anyone’s the least bit surprised that Indiana isn’t going to match the offer, there are some financial issues at play with the Pacers that made it a virtual impossibility for them to pony up that kind of cash for Jack.

This was a pretty good move by Bryan Colangelo, no question. M. Grange ™ and I were discussing this while pretending to be baseball writers on Sunday night and it’s the kind of relatively quiet signing that could have a major impact on how the team does next season.

Jack’s big, tough, and – according to everyone I’ve talked to in Indy and Vegas last week – more than okay with the role that’s laid out for him here.

He’ll back up Jose, play some two, not complain and work hard.

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What’s left?

Well, according to everyone I talked to last week, Carlos Delfino and Rasho remain very much in play and I have a feeling that both situations – or at least both roster spots – will be taken care of in the next week.

And then what are we going to do? Loaf all of August? Sounds good to me.

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Okay, let’s for the sake of argument say the Raptors and Delfino can’t come to terms on a new contract, or that Toronto changes its mind and thinks having him might be too much duplication in the two-three spot.

What then?

Well, here’s one to put entirely out of your mind:

Just because there are suggestions – legitimate according to sources I’ve talked to – that the money is somewhere north of $4 million per, it doesn’t mean they’ll have the same money to spend on someone else if Delfino falls through.

Can’t happen. Won’t happen. The only reason Toronto can offer that kind of cash to Delfino is because he is their own free agent; and because they’ve tied up almost all, if not all, of the $5.9 million mid-level exception on Jack (and we haven’t found on the absolute particulars on the contract but it’s close to that number) they have no more money to spend.

What they will have is the so-called Biannual Exception (which starts at about $1.9 million) and veteran minimum contracts to offer.

They could, I guess, do some kind of sign-and-trade for Delfino but, trust me, every source I’ve spoken to thinks it’s virtually impossible that any other team wants to throw that kind of money at him.

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You watch those contrived in-house ad ESPY awards last night?

You’d think Michael Phelps could have worn a tie, no?

Maybe he traded it for some munchies back stage or something.

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What I find really interesting is that there seems to be a lot of questions right now on who’ll be in the starting lineup around Halloween when the ’09-10 season gets under way.

Antoine Wright? DeMar DeRozan? Carlos Delfino?

How about we do this: We worry about that once (a) the team has had a chance to, you know, get on the court together; and (b) everyone’s signed that’s going to be signed.

Suffice it to say that Calderon, Turkoglu, Bosh and Bargnani are locks; the other spot will likely depend on who looks best with who on the court, something we’re not going to find out until October.

We know DeRozan is going to play and I presume Wright gets some time, too. (Check the last post, a 10-man regular rotation includes the four dead-bolt starters, Jack, Evans, a backup centre, a backup three and one of Wright or DeRozan).

But who’s on the court to start opening night is not going to become clear for months.

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This just in:

People were impressed with DeRozan last week in Vegas, Douby did all right making decisions with the ball, Ukic was just okay and the Raptors won three of five games.

Now, please forget that summer league ever happened.

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So I’m a Seamhead on Friday night, filling in for our baseball triumvirate who were off doing more important things, I guess.

I go to the dugout before the game and interview Cito Gaston.

We go up for dinner and say hello to Pat Gillick and Gord Ash, who are dining at a table across the room.

And I’m thinking: Yeah, this is Flashback Friday for sure.

Made a guy feel like it was ’93 all over again and I was just a pup starting out in the bigs.

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I believe there were quite a few moments last season when I got letters or comments from fans killing the Raptors for the lack of productivity from their starting wings.

Hmm.

Now Cleveland’s got AP and has signed Jamario Moon to an offer sheet.

What’s it all about, Alfie?

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I know, I know, I know.

I’m a crotchety old codger who doesn’t quite get things.

But I’m going to say this: The passing of Walter Cronkite on Friday was every bit as significant to the world as any in the last month – and, yes, I’m talking about that crooner out in L.A.

Of course, people won’t be clamouring for tickets to this memorial but people of a certain age – like, say, my age – grew up with Walter giving us all the news. I remember the day Kennedy was shot, and being sent home from kindergarten to watch Cronkite; it was his reporting of bodies returning from Viet Nam that lend a certain credence to the anti-war movement in the United States, a movement that created a societal sea change. He was there talking to us when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon 40 years ago today.

Cronkite’s impact on the world as we know it was hugely significant; you kids should go read more about him today.

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Comments

[Boko]

Welcome back, Doug!

If I had to bet the home right now, I'd bet that Delfino starts at SG, DeRozan substitutes at SF/G, and Wright battles Douby for injury sub minutes at SF/G. (Banks will rearely see the court as a Raptor this season.)

[CARLoS M.]

"...trust me, every source I’ve spoken to thinks it’s virtually impossible that any other team wants to throw that kind of money at him"

I like Delfino but why would we be the only team that thinks he's worth so much? I don't get it.

Blogger's note: Good fit, roster spot, Bird rights, many reasons

[Chris Chan]

Hey Doug, i think getting JJ is a solid move. However, after tomorrow we will basically have 5 point guards (Calderon, JJ, Ukic, Banks & Douby). How can BC get this issue solved?

Blogger's note: Since three of them can also play the two, I'm not sure it's a huge issue

[Dallas]

Hi Doug,

Welcome back. I know I missed your blog. I have a question, I've asked it before, but I think I did so with a snaky tone, which I will try to keep out this time. But did the Raps front office become more tight lipped this off season? Like when you say you read in Mike Wells piece that there will be a press conference in Toronto, it makes me wonder why Mike Wells isn't reporting that writers in Toronto have written that there will be a Presser tomorrow.

It just seems like through the draft process, the FO didn't want to give much, except when they wanted to create some misdirection regarding who they were targeting with the 9th pick.

I guess what I'm asking is, in your opinion, would you say they are more or less cooperative with local media this year, than in years past? Was it in response to a disappointing year, last year?

Also have you heard any other names that they are looking at to complete the roster besides the usual suspects, of Rasho and Delfino?

Thanks, and welcome back.

Blogger's note: Jack called back a guy he knew; I presume if I'd worked harder Sunday instead of hanging with my family the non-earth shattering news about a news conference could have been reported.

[Kevin]

Hey Doug, what is Quincy Douby's status with club. He seemed to impress alot of people in summer league including Jay Triano. He played better than Ukic, is there a spot for him on the team?

Blogger's note: He's got a partially guaranteed contract, there's room for him

[Jeff W]

Welcome back, codger.

Some fans are killing Roko Ukic for "making the same mistakes over and over again" in Summer League. How might you account for that? Is it because of being unaccustomed to new teammates and the everyone-for-themselves style of play in SL?

Blogger's note: Because fans are fans. The coaches actually were impressed by some of his improvements

[Grant]

I presume AP and Moon will not start as they did in Toronto?

[Jeff]

Good to have you back Doug!!!

I haven't seen much of Jack, but considering he took over the starting spot from T.J at the end of last year, could Jack/ Calderon be an upgrade from the T.J/ Calderon days?

Is it safe to say PG, (even though we have 5 of them) is now a position of strength rather than weakness for the Raps???

Thanks!

Jeff

[wess]

Delfino wants 5 mill? sounds a little crazy. but I think alot of his inconsitency that is always memtioned had alot to do with the role Mr. Mitchell used him in.I say show him the money on a one year deal. give him the starting 2 spot and let him go have a career year and prove his worth.

[Steve S.]

To be fair, when you have Lebron James, you don't need a ton of production from the other wing players.

They'll get reasonably good defence out of AP and Moon, and can also afford to bench Moon when he starts jacking up ridiculous shots early in the shot clock.

[Jenuwine]

Welcome back Doug! As for Jack becoming a Raptor, this Raptor fan is thrilled. As for Delfino, He wants 5 million a year? BC better stay firm on his offer.

Do you think BC will try an add incentives or bonuses to the contract that will allow him to earn up to 5 million if Delfino meets his goals? How many years is BC looking to lock up Delfino for?

Thanks Doug. Always a pleasure.

Blogger's note: Not sure of terms

[Jenuwine]

Doug, one more question, How is Chuck Swirsky? Have you kept in touch with the Swirsk?

Thanks

Blogger's note: No idea

[Gary]

Hi Doug, summer leagues are for players in the NBDL or rookies to show off their skills. I want to know if the referees in the summer league are trying to show off theirs and try to make it to the big league?

Blogger's note: Yes

[Simon S-G]

Excellent point on Cronkite. I'm only 21 but I'm a journalism student, and I'm well aware of the role he played for the generation before me, not to mention the influence he had on journalists. Huge loss.

[dean]

Welcome Back Doug !!!!

The Cleveland Rap-taliers are sure making some moves and still talking about adding Matt Barnes? Is Danny Ferry smart or is he just making the same moves BC did three years ago? Moon with LeBron is going to be dunkfest city, ally oop mayhem unseen since HWSNBM and TMAC back in the day !!! They may not win the title, but the highlights each night will be electric.......

Great to have you back. Lets see Jarret Jack for 5.something or AI, four time scoring champ, league MVP, insane handle and can play the two for the exact same money.........Oh he has an attitude.I would too if I had his credentials and some punk coach made me ride the pine.Lets see, coach has been fired, so who was really to blame, AI or The Coach? Villifying AI is easy, respecting him as a future HOF'er seems to be hard for most people. The Lakers, Champs by the way, took on Ron Ron, by far the biggest cancer in the history of the NBA, so why is Toronto so aloof that AI isnt even on the radar????

Bosh Lewis Rondo LeBron
Bargs vs Howard vs Garnett vs AP
Hedo Bass Pierce Williams
AI Vince Allen Shaq
Calderon Nelson Some dude Varajeo?

That my freinds is the best starting line up in the East with AI over JJ.

But if they have to sign Chris's best freind in order for him to stay, then whats 20 million on a sub par, mediocre player who played on a garbage team last year???

Love your work, have fun at the Open....

Peace

Deaner

[Lola]

Well Cleveland has a super wing in Lebron already, so Moon and Parker would not have to carry anywhere near the load that was expected of them in T.O. I think they would do well in Cleveland.

[Jim Rootham]

Welcome back, even if your name is not Kotter.

I assume the offer to Jamario is better than an unguaranteed minimum. That's good, I like him. Of the 4 wings Toronto had at the beginning of the year they had the best record with him on the floor. He seemed to wind up as a bit of a scapegoat, as if the minimum wage player on the team was most critical to their downfall from the year before.

He has an unusual combination of strengths and weaknesses. Biggest alley-oop target in the league. Can't dribble in NBA traffic. Pushed his open 3 percent to about 40%. Will go for every pump fake going, but you have to pump fake or he will swallow up your shot (much better than knocking it into the 6th row). Seriously squeezes the passing lanes.

I assume he plays backup minutes, maybe even more that Anthony. I think the way to exploit him is to have him spend every possession fighting to get to 2 feet from the rim without the ball and having whoever has the ball immediately jack up a jump shot aimed at his head whenever he gets there. Close enough to the hoop to get a goaltending call if the defense goes up, I figure he has about an 80% chance of getting it down if he gets that position. If he tries 30 or 40 times a game and succeeds 3 or 4 he will make the Cleveland second unit dangerous. Also, if he is fighting like that his man will not be available at all for double teams.

[Daoud]

In comment to your post regarding Moon and AP signing with the Cavs - you seem to forget that both of those guys were starters in Toronto. AP is the definition of mediocre in every aspect of the game and Moon is an inconsistent as the weather. Both of whom will be back ups.

They would never be starting on a contender - but would rather be brought in to bring energy and play match-ups. That still doesn't qualify them as "good" wing players the Raptors needed.

[Shawn]

hey Doug! Since everything is going in BC's way.. can we expect Colangelo to offer Bosh an extension any time soon?

Blogger's note: I imagine he will; I imagine Bosh's mind hasn't changed

[Manny]

Doug,

welcome back... certainly was a dull week without you around.

My question: with the recent signing of Hedo and Jack, the additions of Wright and George and with the rest of the roster rounding to form in the upcoming weeks (Delfino, Rasho), do you think the Raptors have enough to possibly contend for the East Conf. title? If not, what other component do you think the team needs to get to that level?

Blogger's note: Let's wait until rosters are set and practices start before we even start thinking about who fits where

[Chris]

Is it sad that I checked your blog many times a day while I knew you were taking time off and wouldnt post anything?

[Calvin]

Hope you had a great vacation, it was well deserved and I hope you were able to get some R & R. A couple of questions, what do you think of Jack's game? Is he a pass-first PG, or more of a lines of a scoring 2-guard? I haven't seen him enough to warrant any opinions of his game. Secondly, do you know if Bosh and Jack are good friends off and on the court?

Blogger's note: Hardly saw him enough to know much and I don't know how good friends you can be when you see each other three, maybe four nights a year

[Wallace]

Welcome back Doug.

Nice piece on Walter Cronkite...he was a class act all the way.

Interesting comments from the Pacer fans to the Indy Star article. Mostly about how Jack will be paid in Canadian Dollars and how he will suffer from our inferior health care system.....OMG, the ignorance that abounds. And then there is the slagging of the Pacers and Larry Bird. Amazing how many armchair GM's are teaching Larry Bird about basketball. Must sound familiar to you. Guess we're not unique. Do you put any stock into the reports of Rasho and the Pistons?

Blogger's note: I'm sure the Pistons have some interest but if the money's the same, no way he passes up Toronto for Detroit

[Kameron Anderson]

Great post! And even though I come to you for your written basketball prowess; I agree with you on Mr. Cronkite. It would be nice to see people celebrated for the value they brought to the world while they were alive (through innovations, discoveries etc.), instead of how big of a celebrity they were. Idolatry is alive and well guess...

[Nat]

I believe this is a recent clip of Italy and Sweeden playing ( Doug tell me if I'm wrong) Il mago is looking a little flabby and slow againts such poor competition. However he did go to the free thrown line often getting ten points from the charity stripe. Thast might be good news for next year!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvHdhSz3wRA&feature=topvideos

Dioug have you heard anything about Bargs?

Blogger's note: I saw him in person about two weeks ago and he looked fine