Fore! (What did you expect? All hoops?)

I tell ya, if they ever had rain delays in basketball, I’d be a stark, raving lunatic.

(Not that I’m not now, according to a few of you).

For real, 7 1-2 hours without a ball being struck; at the course at 9 a.m.; off the course about 9 p.m. and they still don’t have the first freaking round finished. Sweet? Not so much.

But it’s a job and someone’s gotta do it, right?

And, besides, I guess it beats working for a living.

Anyway …

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How, you wonder, does one while away a 7 1-2 hour rain delay?

At the trough, apparently.

Three of the golfers were talked to near dark last night – Scott Verplank, Retief Goosen and Mike Weir – all talked about taking a couple of meals during the Open shutdown yesterday.

Whew!

Seems some of us grunts who spent more than our fair share of time scarfing down sandwiches, fruit, cookies and snacks were being just like the golfers. Except, in one case at least, for that whole physically fit thing they’ve got going on.

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Maybe it’s the time of year but the press tent was littered with basketball dudes. There was me and M. Grange ™, Stumpy’s making a guest appearance as a golf scribbler and Bea Arthur – oops, I mean B. Arthur – was in attendance, too.

In fact, it was Bruce who pointed out the fact the offer sheet for Jamari Moon is something like three years and $8 million dollars, which provided the biggest shock I’ve had in a very long time.

Now, Jamario’s a nice guy and I hope he has a long and fruitful NBA career ‘cause it took him so long to get to the league but if Danny Ferry really offered him three years and something like $8 million (even if the last year isn’t fully guarantee), I never want to hear the Cleveland GM talk about tough economic times.

That’s a ridiculous deal. Good for Jamario, though.

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Two-part golf story, kind of long but what the heck, it’s not like we’ve got Raptors stuff to talk about.

The good folks from the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame – and if you’re at the Abbey this weekend make sure to stop in, they’ve got an excellent Mike Weir display and a raft of other interesting stuff – put on a little symposium with Dave Barr, Dan Halldorson, Wilf Homeniuk and Bob Panasiuk during the delay yesterday. Chat got around to their best finishes at the Open and here’s what Barr recalled:

“1988 was the year that I thought I had a really good chance at winning. Posted 66 the last day and was in the clubhouse at 13-under and every year prior to that, 13-under was a winner.

“I guess the last group, Ken Green’s group, was still on the 13th when they called it on that Sunday and when I woke up the next morning, I’m in the clubhouse and the wind’s blowing 25 (mph) out of the northwest and I’m thinking, ‘hmm, maybe I can still win it. These guys have to tough it out for six holes or five holes in this wind.’

“Then all of a sudden everybody starting shooting birdies and eagles and it just kind of slipped away.

“I still thought I had that chance when I woke up Monday morning that I could possibly be in a playoff or win it outright. But I ended up tying for fourth.”

Okay, good story, right?

Well, it gets better. That tournament was sponsored by DuMaurier, back in the day when tobacco companies could do that sort of thing, and when Green – hardly a bon vivant, in fact he’s about the furthest thing from a bon vivant you could imagine – is making his acceptance speech, he botched the name of the company so badly it was comical. Kind of like:

“And I like to thank Dumier, or whatever it is, for sponsoring the event.”

Well, back then, they used to bring the defending champ back for a day the next summer, invite some of hackers out to chop it around with him and pump up the coming tournament.

Funnily enough, the good folks at Dumier, or whatever it was, didn’t extend that invitation to Green. And the assembled hackers really didn’t miss him.

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A wee basketball note:

I know it’s too early to think about how teams stack up in the East (I’d kind of like to let teams, you know, practice once to see how they look) butthis is a good signing.

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Judging by this story, it would appear Tunisia has some work to do in the world of under-19 women’s basketball.

And judging by the picture that goes with it, organizers down in Thailand have some work to do in the world of selling tickets.

Still, you have to beat the teams you’re supposed to beat and Canada was supposed to win so it’s all good. The victory should be enough to get Canada into the second round-robin portion of the tournament, a win over Japan in the final preliminary round game will give them a big boost going in.

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On a matter of entirely no importance, can I just say that as a rock and roll dude, Kevin Costner makes a great thespian.

Walking out of the course last night alongside Young Tim (not to confused with Old Tom or even Popular Ray) we got to listen to the, um, musical stylings of Costner and his band. I don’t believe I’m rushing out to the eight-track store.

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So, what’s up this weekend, you ask?

Well, I can’t imagine the Raptors actually getting around to filling those final two roster spots – which is a huge tick-off because I’m allegedly on holidays again next week – so it’s going to be a quiet 48 hours of hoops.

The Mighty Yankees have a makeup twinbill tomorrow morning weather-permitting (and trying to keep 12-year-olds focused for one game is hard enough, getting them to concentrate for two on a Saturday morning is going to be a hoot) and then there’s more golf to scribble about.

Of course, Bryan may surprise us all and do Rasho and Delfino, or Rasho and someone else, or someone else and someone else. And that would be very nice because it’d mean the summer of movement is over.

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Comments

[TJ]

Ahhhh, the good ole soup at Mendy's for the suit. Classic.
Doug, much respect!
If people want a guest blogger, then let the masses write their comments
and the star can post them? But in these dog days of summer, all we will
do is write hypotheticals about players and the up and coming season.
But hey, I would write and read what others have to say.
Doug, go do your golfing gig, and enjoy a brief break in the rain to work on
your tan ;)
cheers

[Dave in BG]

I stand correct :)

Blogger's note: He's he kind of guy you'd like to have a bowl of soup with

And another subtle reference to a classic secondary Seinfeld character :)

[Tim W.]

Chris R:"Remember that this is only because the Raptors do not want to pay the luxury tax. They could do it if they really wanted to.

If they were really and I mean REALLY serious about winning, they'd pay the tax just like several other teams are doing right now."

Please learn how the salary cap/luxury tax works before making broad claims. Even if they wanted to, the Raptors cannot offer Lee anything more than the bi-annual exception. If they didn't have Roko, Banks and O'Bryant, it STILL wouldn't get them under the salary cap, unless they also renounced Delfino. Besides, those players are under contract and no matter what the Raptors do nothing will change the fact that their contracts count against the salary cap.

And most of the teams that intentionally went into luxury tax territory this year are contenders (San Antonio, Orlando). New Orleans is trying to dump contracts to get under it.

It really bothers me, as I've stated before, when fans whine about the Raptors not going into luxury tax territory when they didn't even make the playoffs next season. It makes NO financial sense to pay the tax unless you're a contender and have a hope of going far in the playoffs. And even then, teams are only doing it when it makes sense because you end up paying DOUBLE for any player you pick up. COnsidering how much people complain about how much guys like Marcus Banks are making, do you really want a bloated payroll for a team that hopes to simply return to the playoffs this year? Will adding Lee make them a contender, even if they could pay for him? No way. He'd be a backup and doesn't play much defense. How is that going that going to help? Do you really want to be paying your front line in excess of $50 million a year?

[LC]

2 years ago, Moon would've been underpaid. Now hes overpaid. How times have changed.

[CARLoS M.]

remember when seemingly every sporting event was sponsored by smokers? just thinking about it makes me sick.

[Woody]

Howdy Doug, enjoy the golf.

Love the Bania,watched that one the other day, I like a few shows later he agred to have two mre dinners with Bania.

Tell everyone enough with Pops, just is not that great of a player to make a difference for this team.

Agree or disagree this team needs a good backup centre more than anything? Hopefully in the vain of maarcus Camby, Clippers are shopping centres, they have 4, don't have much to offer, but lets get rid of some more first round draft picks with a Banks and an Ukic or Douby (my preference). I think Ukic may surprise some still. This may bring us very close to the top 3 and hopefully not beyond the luxury tax.

Whats up with the NBA, there will be around 5 $100 million salaried teams (tax included). 15 teams will be over the luxury tax, and half of them will not be that good. Just billionaire madness. Should be a pretty nice luxury tax cheque the Raptors will get. Perhaps explain how that cheque breakdown works.

Also for those teams under the luxury ax threshold it is probably without question we are one of the most talented, not sure if that counts for anything.

Enjoy the day, giddy up, Woody

Blogger's note: Will do, eventually

[Bryan Walderman]

Hey Doug,

I haven't heard much lately on Smitch ending up in Minnesota. Is that conversation over and done with, I was really hoping to see him back in the NBA this season.

Blogger's note: Looks like it's a non-starter, sadly

[anthony.mackay]

Hey Doug,
Just reminder from my comment a few days ago regarding the disappearance of low post play and if the current Nellie ball/fast break system will last, I think it would be a good talking point for next Monday ;)

In 2-3 years who are your top 5 centers in the league, I mean guys that can play with their back to the basket and have vast selection of moves, Howard will only be able to dunk on a 13 foot rim for so long before he needs to develop a sky hook, and the other superman might be retired by then. I think Duncan will still be a reliable scoring option at that time, and Al Jefferson should be dominating almost every other center in the league by then.

Off to the cottage !

Blogger's note: I've got you

[Matt]

Answer me this, did he crumble any crackers?

[Nick]

Hey Doug, what would you say is your all time favourite Seinfeld episode? For me its the Library episode. Mr. Bookman was hilarious. Your a comedian right Seinfeld? Well I try..Then I bet you think this is one big joke.

Blogger's note: Too many to choose from, I'm a big Festivus fan

[Scott]

Doug,

You mentioned in yesterday's blog that Delfino has 2 years at $8 million left on his Russian deal so why would he take a paycut. The problem for him is that various reports, and you probably already know this, have stated that he is still owed a large chunk of his salary from last year. So he has the option of guarenteed money here or a risk in Russia - his choice.

Blogger's note: Those reports are wrong; I was told by someone who'd know that he's owed about $800,000 and expected to have it today or on the weekend.

Source: Carlos Defino interview - http://raptorsrepublic.com/blog/2009/07/24/yet-another-delfino-interview/

[WSG]

Carlos Delfino being interviewed on an Argentinian midnight sports show called “Gol de Medianoche”. (Translated by Raul.) http://raptorsrepublic.com/blog/2009/07/24/yet-another-delfino-interview/

Q: Odds of you being with the National team from 0 to 100%?

A: It’s a 90-10 against.

I think he's been reading your blog.

[MB3]

Bring POPS back!!! Hustle and energy is what we want to see, and th Raps don't have it...yet. BC would make a huge mistake by not bringing him back.

[Carlton]

Whats your thoughts on Richard Griffin's article about ricciardi driving halladay out of town? Because it just seems to me that hes making something out of nothing

Blogger's note: I trust Rich's opinion

[Sean]

Bring back Delf and Rasho sure but unless BC has something crazy up his sleeve to deal away Banks, Douby, and/or Roko we're done. But hold on . . Oberto to WAS for the bi-annual exception? Hold the phone. Von Wafer may be offered NYK's bi-annual exception? Why not ours? He certainly would be key off OUR bench at the 2.

Doug, please help me get a clearer picture of our remaining cap space available. Delf is a Bird player but is Rasho also?

Blogger's note: No, Rasho would have to biannual or veteran minimum

[Sean]

Oh nevermind. I see it now. Thanks. But I like Von Wafer.

[sean]

"That’s a ridiculous deal. Good for Jamario, though."

That means you don't think he is an average or slightly below average player right?

Blogger's note: Yep, that's what it means. That's a lot of money for his talent; and a disproportionate raise even by pro basketball standards.

[Tim W.]

Sean: "Von Wafer may be offered NYK's bi-annual exception? Why not ours? He certainly would be key off OUR bench at the 2."

Von Wafer is a headcase who had a tantrum about playing time during the playoffs. No thanks. And if the Raptors get Delfino, that's Delfino, DeRozan, Wright and even Jack at the 2. Where is there any room for Von Wafer, especially if you want to develop DeRozan?

Oberto would have been nice, but at 6'10, he's an undersized C. When you play beside Tim Duncan, that's fine. He can handle the bigger centers. The Raptors need a big center to back up Bargnani.

[Dell]

To Bad on Sam Mitchell not getting a head coaching job this season. think what you will of him as a coach, but he sure is entertaining.

[Darko]

Why all the hoopla about Moon's salary, which is still less than
3 mil. To me he is still cheap for the League where one Yogi Stewart had something like 6 years/24 mil, where Keith Van Horn had max deal (or close, over 100 mil anyway) or just recently,
Wally the stiff 13 mil. per season over 5 or 6 years.
Or how about our very own Banks at almost 5 mil again on a multi year deal.
Just to mention few examples of silly contracts.
Doug, would you know where in Italy will Canada play. Italians are in Bormio and usually they hold tournaments there. Please tell me it's Treviso, otherwise I'm not moving my behind from the nearby beach.

Blogger's note: I wouldn't leave that beach, either. The schedule that I have says they play Saturday vs. Italy in Trento, two more there and then two more in Bormio before they play Italy again Aug. 1 in Mogliano Veneto

[Mike]

So the average NBA salary is ~ 5 mill. When you break it down for the top 11 players on a roster it's more like 6.5 mill.

Yet you find it to be the most ridiculous thing you've ever heard when an RFA gets poached for 2.66 million when the RFA in question has put up a league average PER for the 2 years he's been in the league?

You can't be serious. Any player deemed good enough to fit into a teams rotation (say 9-10 players) is going to get more than the minimum salary. He's going to play about the same MPG as Jarret Jack and put up basically the same PER yet make 1/2 the salary, so I don't see this as being ridiculous at all (granted I love the Jack signing for reasons beyond his production, it is an insurance policy on Jose's health as well). Orlando gave the full MLE to a guy who will only be able to play 12-14 MPG. CJ Watson, Matt Barnes, et all are all 2-3 mill players. This seems pretty standard to me.

I don't see what the big deal is. There have been dozens of way, way, way worse contracts handed out over the years.

Also love all of the "omg Moon just jacks 3's" comments on the board, I certainly don't forget all the groans at the ACC last year.

2 problems:

1. He has no handles at all and can't draw fouls, so him shooting a wide open 3 is a better choice than putting it on the floor.

2. He shot the same % from 3 last year as Hedo.

Any chance we'll hear groans next year if Hedo is putting up 35% from beyond the arc like Jamario? Somehow I really doubt it. So where is the logic? And when you think about it, Hedo has an excellent handle and can draw a tonne of fouls, so it's a worse option for him to get 3pt happy when he has better options available b/c of his skillset. Moon does not.

Unless somehow it's more valuable for player A to put up 35% from the 3pt line than for player B to. Bizzarro world perhaps.

[TJ]

Great quote!!! " a festivus for the rest of us"
my wife and I can not agree on two things in life doug...
1 Seinfeld
2 butter vs margarine
I love Jerry and butter, you're halfway there on my side, so how about it? Butter or the other?

Blogger's note: If Super Wife and the doctor let me have butter, it'd win hands down

[Tim W.]

Mike,

If there's an argument against PER and looking strictly at stats, you just made it. The biggest problems with Moon are not his handle, but his lack of consistency, his total lack of defensive awareness at times, and his penchant for putting up ill-timed 3's. Just looking at stats, you can see that Moon and Turkoglu had the same percentage from 3. What those stats don't say is when each player took those shots, in what circumstance and how well defended he was at the time. Larry Bird has a career .367% from the 3 point line and isn't even in the top 100. Does that mean that guys like Bruce Bowen or Tyrone Lue are better three point shooters? Or does it mean that Bird had more offensive responsibility, had more defense focused on him, and took more 3's under duress than those guys?

Oh, and that .355 was the lowest Turkoglu shot from 3 since his rookie season.

The fact is that Moon is a tease who has the athletic ability to be a half decent small forward, but proved on the Raptors that he doesn't have the mind to do it. He could barely hold onto his starting position on a 33 win team with the only real competition for the position being a borderline NBA player who may not even hook up with a team this year. He can't really score, has the physical ability to be a great defender, but not the basketball IQ, and his best attribute is probably his rebounding, which was very average last season.

Darko,

Considering that Moon probably would have gotten the veterans minimum with any other team, I'd say he was overpaid. And no, it's not as bad as Banks, or Szczerbiak, or Van Horn, but those contracts were handed out at a different time. In this economy and shrinking cap, and considering that Cleveland is in dire need of upgrading it's roster in order to get to the FInals and keep LeBron, it's extremely surprising that Ferry spent what he did on Moon.

[Tim W.]

Oh, and butter is MUCH better for you, even with the extra fat content. You can mix butter with lecithin (and other things, although I'm not sure what), in order to make it healthier. The processing that Margarine goes through nullifies and beneficial properties it might have by being lower in fat.

[J]

Mike: It is when you remember that stats aren't everything. How do you capture context? Momentum? The truth is, neither Turkoglu nor Moon is a great 3 point shooter. They are both simply "adequate". The difference of course is that Turkoglu fans remember him for making clutch shots. When's the last time any Moon fan remembered him for being clutch? (I'm not the biggest fan of the term clutch, by the way, so don't bother preaching to the choir if you don't believe in it either. =P)