We now turn our attention to ... I don't know

Well, at least the golf is done. A day later than expected and after a couple of extra holes just to make the whole dang thing longer than anyone expected which leaves a guy to wonder: What the heck do I do now?

Well, there is some vacation to take, some of my own golf to be played and a big ol’ deck just crying out for some companionship (along with a handful of patios, I’d imagine, if there are any that are open and inviting) but for this little neck of the cyber-world, I’m not too sure.

At least last summer, we had Beijing with some hoops, some water polo (how do they get those horses in the water?) and some of the biggest, scariest bugs you ever saw (remember that one?).

This year? Nada.

So, while we try to figure out what, if anything, we do here. I suppose a series of campfire stories and tales from the deck might suffice but I imagine they'd get old in a hurry.

But, for today at least, there’s this to pass the time:

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As usually happens this time of year – when the NBA really goes on vacation – attention gets paid to international competition.

And while there was going to be all kinds of hue and cry over Jose playing for Spain in September’s European champions, if he’d decided to, wonder if anyone’s overly concerned about the rather significant number of his Raptors teammates who are going to see action next month and in September.

We know Roko is playing for Croatia and we all know Andrea’s going to play for Italy in the final qualification event – and then maybe EuroBasket – in what’s going to be a pretty busy summer.

But there are others.

I’m not entirely clear on Rasho’s obligation to Slovenia, although I don’t remember him taking a summer off, and Hedo is all set to play for Turkey at an exhibition tournament early next month in London and is scheduled to participate in the big September event in Poland.

Oh, and Pops has been called to the England side – in case the zillion of the Legend Lovers out there were unaware.

I think you know my feelings on things like this: Appearances for national teams means far more to the European-born players than you can ever imagine and, if they want to play, they should go ahead and play.

Doesn’t lessen the angst among fans, though, does it?

But one thing it does is provide some basketball interest in the dog days of August and September and if we’re going to keep this little exercise going in some reduced form, the more games and news, the better.

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Oh, here’s a verbatim report from someone I trust on Andrea in an exhibition game against Canada on the weekend:

“He looked very confident, almost “cocky”…..and the team seems to have finally recognized his leadership, working the pick & roll play for him.”

Take that however you like.

Italy beat all three teams at the exhibition tournament – Canada, New Zealand and Portugal – and Canada beat Portugal and New Zealand. The Tall Blacks beat Portugal.

Not sure what that means, if anything, to the Canadians, who have one more exhibition game against Italy on this leg of their preparation tour for the world qualifier in Puerto Rico in late August-early September.

The group that went to Italy included nine, maybe 10 of the players that’ll go try to grab a berth in the 2010 worlds in Turkey and the more games they play has to be a good thing.

We’ll catch up with the Canucks when they get back and get working again, around the middle of August.

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Apropos of absolutely nothing, all that rain out at the Abbey reminded me of a story:

Lightning bolts all around, thunder booming, rain pelting down and here comes a guy striding off the golf course holding a club aloft over his head.

“What in the world are you doing,” the crowd screams. “Don’t you know how dangerous it is?”

“Ach, laddie,” said Angus. “I’m fine. Even God can’t hit a 2-iron.”

I’m here all week, folks, enjoy the veal.

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You people been following this Lamar Odom nonsense out there?

Short version: Lakers offer something like three years $27 million; he wants four-$36 million. Lakers pull offer, Miami gets in the picture with 5-year, $34 million full mid-level thing and Odom’s eyes light up. One day he’s going back to the Heat, one day he’s going to talk again to the Lakers.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

The best speculation I’ve heard – and that’s all it is – is that Odom’s using Miami’s lower offer as leverage against the Lakers and will end up going back to L.A. in the end.

I will say this:

If the Lakers end up, in effect, trading Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza for Ron Artest, they are no longer the summer favourites to win the West.

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There’s a report out there – well, here, actually – that says the Celtics and Pacers are looking for a third team to consummate the trade involving Marquis Daniels.

Two words: Call Memphis.

After all, aren’t the Grizzlies just the nicest facilitators of trades that do nothing for them but help others?

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Oh yeah, the Under-19 girls haven’t started today’s game against unbeaten Spain yet so there’s nothing new to report. But judging by past results, it’ll take an upset of biblical proportions for Canada to win and they’ll need to knock off China tomorrow and hope the United States does the expected and beats Japan to have a chance at a top-eight finish.

Luckily, tomorrow’s game’s in the middle of the night here so we can get something in the morning; if you want to check later today on Canada-Spain, go here.

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Comments

[Aaron]

Have you seen what Starbury is up to?

http://www.justin.tv/starburytv

He's been broadcasting for the last two days high as hell.

[Grant]

What? A Toronto newspaper reporter can't criticize the New York Knicks because the basketball team he covers has never been very good? Maybe, New York Knick beat writers get to make personnel decisions for their team - unlike their counterparts in Toronto. That would explain a few things.

[Tim W.]

The New York Post blog is quite funny, especially because all the people who have commented so far actually agree with you.

---

I think Memphis is trying to improve by good karma. I can only guess they've figured out they're a cursed team for what they did to Vancouver, and are trying to reverse some cosmic negativity, or something.

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And Doug, considering what you have to work with, you've done a great job posting something everyday.

[BrianV]

Doug,
I know you don't care about what the NY Post readers or writers (or anyone else) has to say about your post on the irrelavent Knicks, but I havent found any comments on the NY Post site disagreeing with your view. You don't need to be a sports journalist to figure out the Knicks will be in the lottery next season and a destination to avoid if you are a free agent in 2010. Walsh is putting in a lot of time preparing the invitations to his free agent wedding in 2010, but he has not been stocking the bar so anyone would accept the invitation. Good luck with that, Donnie.

[Mahdi]

http://www.interbasket.net/news/331/2008/07/19/world-olympic-qualifying-tournament-semi-finals-international-run-on-sentence/

There is the interview where he said he would retire.....

[Michael]

Hi Doug, how's BC doing with Carlos? Is it getting close to a deal? What's preventing to get a deal done? Thanks.

Blogger's note: All in due time, no one's in a rush.

[Around The Horn]

they are going to talk about the mess that is the Knicks on around the horn later today. Should be vaguely interesting. Which got me thinking. Why don't they get a sports writer from Canada for the show? for all us Canadian fans who watch the show on TSN. Someone tell Tony Reali he needs to get a Canadian on the show would ya! Doug Smith on Around The Horn representing the Toronto Star. I can see it already! can you?

[aditya]

james singleton - if he is somehow not offered a contract by dallas, can shoot the 3-ball...he is a 4 though i believe and possibly could guard 3`s

[Jack]

Here's an interesting observation from Bill Simmons:
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To Toronto's Bryan Colangelo, who spent money more recklessly than Michael Bay. A $53 million extension for Andrea Bargnani? Sure! Another $53 million for Hedo Turkoglu? Why not? How 'bout $20 million for a third guard (Jarrett Jack) just because he's college buddies with Chris Bosh and might sway Bosh to stick around next summer? Absolutely! As always, there's nothing more dangerous than an NBA GM in desperation mode. Smart moves for 2010 -- dumb moves for 2012, 2013 and 2014 ... and, of course, he'll be gone by then. Sorry, Raptor Truthers. You deserve better.
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What's gonna happen in those years, Doug?
Care to enlighten your readers?

Blogger's note: We'll all be one year closer to retirement?

[todd vaughan]

doug does have an innate ability to write the truth...unless it involves the relentless mediocrity of our raptors...but we need glass half full people...love the blog

[doug]

ironic thing is Lee Trevino was hit by lighning, severely hurt, in fact he had physical problems for years as a result of it..I was on Thames Valley golf course in London when the group ahead of me on the same hole were hit, two died...never go under a tree,leave your clubs under one but get in the open and get soaked...

I think for August you should do a once a week update thingie , as we all need a break from b-ball, recharge our batteries...or you could do a review of all the teams one a day for the month...the two teams that improved themselves the most I think are...San Antonio and Orlando people underestimate how happy Carter will be in that situation just one of the boys, a happy Carter is one hell of a ball player...

[Tim W.]

BrianV: "Walsh is putting in a lot of time preparing the invitations to his free agent wedding in 2010, but he has not been stocking the bar so anyone would accept the invitation. Good luck with that, Donnie."

Nice!

[J]

Being a New Yorker myself, I have to say that the NY Post is and has been sadly irrelevant for some time.

[Kol Nika]

Hey Doug,
I'm hoping you can give your opinion on something I've been reading a lot on from the American media/bloggers. Everyone, seems to be unanimous on that fact that Bargs has been overpaid, which I totally disagree, I think he is a complete steal at 10 mill, especially if he develops even slightly from the end of last season. He proved to be a descent defender, and with more practice and a full year as a starter, along with training camp will only help. I think all his numbers will be up this year.
Also everyone(down south) seems that the Raptors overpaid for JJ, which I completely disagree. I've always liked JJ, even from his Portland days, and I think his probably the exact point guard that Portland needs at the moment, he dosent need the ball in his hands to be effective. They got him for 5mill a year, which as you've said before is below the NBA average salary. You got a starting point guard (if he isn’t now he will be a legit one in 2 years max, especially if you consider some of the starting point guards around the league and the fact he pretty much was the consensus starter in Indiana last year) at a bargain price. A big steal in my opinion.
As for Turk I agree that he was overpaid, but not because he dosent has the skills but because he is a bit on the decline I think. But I think that there was no way he could have been had for less by any team, because that was his market value at the time, especially if you consider the contract Charlie and Gordon got, you have to think he deserves a lot more then them, older or younger.
I know you always feel like we raptor fans somehow feel insecure as Canadians, (about no stars wanting to come to Canada, which is more a case of wins and success then location in my opinion), but I don't think my observations are in the same category. I feel like every move the Raps do has some major flaws to the neighbors down south. It appears the writers see our moves inferior when most US teams get the benefit of the doubt (Jason Kidd overpaid? Also Steve Nash a tad over paid; I think Kidd money would have been more appropriate for Steve, at the cost of getting me in trouble with Canadian fans).
On top of that you have to consider that everyone has been praising the signing of Parker by the Cavs. Don't get me wrong, I love parker as a player and would have loved it if he had stayed with Toronto, but what bothers me is that Parker was never praised down south for his play while in Toronto, and all of a sudden its like the Cavs got an all-star.(don't say that Parker was on every GMs calling list at free-agency, because I don't disagree, any contender would have been crazy not to pursue him) I just think this he should have gotten some of this praise from the media, not just GMs, along time ago.
Can you please share your opinion on this? Thanks

Blogger's note: I've expressed my opinions on all these deals as they happened; the fact someone has a contrary opinion doesn't surprise, or worry me. And you make your points well.

[aditya]

http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/john_schuhmann/07/28/072809schuhmann.trade/index.html

sums it up the best

[doug]

I love reading Bill Simmons...his articles this week on Almost Famous quotes is good stuff....but his b-ball knowledge is questionable, so anything he says needs to be taken with a grain of salt or a couple grains...I like the idea of you on Around the Horn, but you wouldn't last having to put up with that windbag Jay Mariotti who should be thankful he has that gig since he was dumped by his newspaper and has few friends in the field I would surmise...be good to see you go at with him, I wouldn't even want to be paid just to be able to go ay jay....plus you ever notice how Jay is always in the final two it seems, coincidence i think not, there not fools at ESPN, they know people hate the guy, and he is a blowhard, but they also know he helps pays the bill...

[Kevin A.]

"After all, aren’t the Grizzlies just the nicest facilitators of trades that do nothing for them but help others?"

Bill Simmons lovingly calls Memphis GM the "Money Launderer".

[CHRIS]

yo doug some writer from the new york post has called you out on the knicks. You saying that THEY SUCK!!! what is your response to that??

Blogger's note: Yawn

[greg]

am i missing something because i thought marquis daniels already signed with the celtics?

[Tim W.]

Jack,

Bill Simmons is a great writer and very funny, but I have to say that he's not one of the better basketball minds out there. You don't read his columns for the content, generally, but for the entertainment value. Not that I don't agree with him a fair bit (calling out Chad Ford on his comments about Indiana's personnel moves was right on), but his predictions rarely come true and he's forever backtracking on what he's said (while fully admitting what he is doing).

I think Colangelo is being pretty good with his money, and really the only contract i can see him possibly regretting 3 or 4 years from now is Turkoglu's and that's only if he starts to break down (he's certainly right about him not taking care of his body, from what I've heard). I don't think Bargnani will be a bargain in 2014, but I don't think he's going to be overpaid, either. And Jarrett Jack may well go down as one of the best bargains in 2009. And Colangelo has a bunch of expiring contracts, too, so it's not as if he's been mismanaging.

[kol nika]

Doug, one more questions, sportsnet's article on the Okafur and Chandler trade is titled "Okafur to Windy City".
Now I'm really up to date on my American city nicknames but isn't that Chicago? Does this mean
A- rsn thinks chandlar plays for chicago (as show by the pic) and didn’t read the info in the article they copied and pasted
B- they have some info that one else does and we'll soon hear okafur will be shipped to Chicago?

[kol nika]

c- what am i doing check sports related news on sportsnet??

[lamarvannoy]

RE: Okafor for Chandler

The Hornets will actually save a bit of money over the next two years since 'Mek makes less than Chandler over that period, and it's doubled due to luxury penalties.

Whether the 40 or so million he's owed the following three years is a good idea is another question. But at that point the Hornets won't have to pay 21 million for the Mo Pete/Peja combo.

[LeeZ]

Hey, know what? I miss Eric. His arch wit, his insouciant style, his way with words, his je ne sais quoi. Eric, in these dog days of July, a Raptors Nation turns its loney eyes to you (woo woo woo).

[aditya]

watching the raptors game in an hour, going over some plays to find out where the defensive mistakes occurred (if there was one), it has come to my attention that kapono is to blame for a high degree of plays that can be resolved....now i understand what bryan colangelo meant that they are removing the soft label from the team when they acquired reggie evans for JK...

what bryan colangelo has done is remove the low IQ players and soft players...if you see jack, hedo and all the players the raptors are bringing in, all of them seem to have a high basketball IQ...without that, there is no winning in the NBA period...(thats the formula to winning)...with joey, moon, kapono gone, there is no one more happy than BC....even antoine wright has pretty good IQ since he is mostly at the right position at the right time, takes VERY GOOD shots when the oppurtunity presents itself, defends well, and was the starter for the Mavs when the playoffs started...

instance one: kapono elbows corey maggette (i believe or stephen jackson) when kapono has both hands on the ball....kapono moves the ball over his head, left and right (looking to pass), and catches maggette or jackson on the head....yeah, kapono is trying to clear space but he clearly elbows and apologizes to CM or SJ for elbowing him (unintentional)....2 seconds after, he`s asking the referee where the foul was and looking over at jay triano or sam mitchell as if `WTF` -- TYPICAL KAPONO

instance two: kapono is chasing the ball with keyon dooling and dooling gets to the ball. while kapono was swiping at the ball, he catches keyon`s face with his hand....a foul is called...kapono apologizes to keyon for poking him in the eye area or face and then does the same thing over again...puts his hand up (or waves it) like `Where is the foul`....