A little bit of news and a whole whack of mail

Well, things didn’t quite work out as well as many had hoped over in Thailand, where the Canadian under-19 women finished fourth and just out of the medals.

Here’s the story as it unfolded over night.

Still, fourth is nothing to sneeze at – best finish ever at this event – and the fact the top players on the team are a couple of 16-year-olds, I think the future’s brighter than it has been.

It was a pretty impressive run by this team, I’m sort of excited to see what they can do in the coming years.

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Now, onto the mail, which is going to have to get everyone through until Tuesday; with a deck full of people expected this afternoon and the coolers filled, I have a feeling tomorrow may be a tad slow.

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Q: Hi, Doug, just read your comment about Bruce Bowen and how the BB of 5 years ago would have been a great fit. Yes, he would have been. Who would you put on the all-time "they would have made great Raptors if they'd arrived 5 years earlier" team? I'm thinking Olajuwon at the top of the list. Marion is probably in there, too.

Dave F, Kingston

A: Ah, list time. I like.

Okay, I’ll give you Olajuwon as the poster boy for “got him a bit too late” but the rest of the team shakes out like this:

Mark Jackson.

He’d lost a step when he got here but in his heyday, he could run a team.

Charles Oakley

He was pretty good for the Raptors, he was really good in his prime years with the Knicks.

Rod Strickland

He only had a cup of coffee in Toronto but he had some game.

Dell Curry

He was 36 when he got here; if he’d come to Toronto in his late-20s, he’d own every three-point shooting record the franchise could think of.

Marion might be the Sixth Man but, really, he was pretty much the same guy as five years ago, just with different talent around him.

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Q: Oh my God Doug, you're not going to believe this. Todd MacCulloch is one of the select few representing Canada at the World Pinball Championships! That's just great!

Mohammed J, Mississauga

A: Oh, I’m not surprised at all. Todd’s been an internationally ranked pinball player for some time and is an aficionado of the “sport.”

And it’s real pinball, not video games. Truly old-school, which is another reason I’m a big fan of his.

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Q: You're a Sox fan, does news that Ortiz and Manny were on that list make you any less of one now? No offence to you, but I couldn't be happier that this is being shoved in the faces of all those arrogant bandwagon jumpers.

Shawn L, Bowmanville

A: No, it does nothing to or for me. I presume all of the top players of that era were juicing – when it wasn’t illegal – and if all 104 names came out, I think we’d see a who’s who of the game.

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Q: I was wondering if you could expand a bit on the difference between "rebounding" and "defence", and how they apply to the success of a team.

You've mentioned such things as Bargnani being a good defender, even if his rebounding is low. The Raptors appear to be, judging from their players, a low rebounding team, but I get the impression that you think their overall defence will be fine.

As a somewhat stats-oriented fan, can you debunk/break-down the value of rebounding, and how it should affect our view of the Raptor's ability to defend?

Charlie D, Montreal

A: I think given the abilities of the coaching staff and the fact they’ll have an entire training camp and pre-season to drill the players, I have no doubts this will be a better defensive team. And, no, I do not think you can determine that by numbers, which can be bent, folded, mutilated and spindled into anything you want them to be.

And let’s say this about Bargnani: If he stays at the same numbers of rebounds per game that he put up as the starting centre last year and continues to improve on his defensive position and boxing out techniques (like face-guarding his man, which he has been terrible at), I have no doubt his contribution on the defensive end will be greater, even if the numbers done show it

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Q: Hey Doug, I read that FIBA is making some rule changes: moving the three-point line to 22 feet, implementing a restricted area in front of the basket and getting rid of the trapezoidal lane in favour of the NBA rectangle. I know in the past you've expressed a fondness for the trapezoid, so what do you think of these changes?

Chris W, Iqualuit

A:I think they’re selling out to the NBA. I like the trapezoid, absolutely, and it should remain. In fact, it should be implemented in the NBA.

I can see them moving the three-point line back, it was like a layup for some guys.

Now, if they go tinkering with their timeout rules – two per half, must be called by coaches, I’ll be really miffed.

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Q: I'm an old fan of Morris Peterson. Does he play the same position as Carlos Delfino? Would it make any sense trying to reacquire him from New Orleans? He put up good numbers in 06 and I never felt that Sam utilized him well for his talents after that. Last I heard he was down the bench with the Hornets. Would rescuing him from New Orleans make any sense with Triano's style?

Craig J, Ajax

A: No, it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever to acquire Mo, who has a contract worth $6 million this season and $6.4 million in 2010-11. It’s not going to happen, it shouldn’t happen for any reason at all and I think we all need to move on from Mo.

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Q: Hey Doug, question about the mid level. How does it renew. Is it something every team has every year their ending over the cap or do we not get another one until Jack's deal comes off the books.

Malin B, Toronto

A: It is available to teams that are over the salary cap every year that they are. If the Raptors are over the cap at this time next year – which they undoubtedly will be – they will once again have that exception.

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Q: Doug, I was wondering about the hype around last year vs the hype around this year. The team was coming off a good season and picked up Jermaine O’Neil to put them over the top. It was a train wreck. What makes the pickup of Turkoglu and others that different? Thanks

Terry D, Kingston

A: I think you hit the nail on the head with the addition of “others.”

Yes, O’Neal was a gamble that failed miserably, firing the coach didn’t create a spark, injuries to Jose and Bosh wrecked a very thin team, backup point guard was more of a train wreck than you could have imagined.

I think having a nine- or 10-man rotation that – on paper – is vastly improved over last year, is the prime reason for such optimism. But, you still have to play the games so I think a few people – myself included – are “cautiously optimistic” at best.

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Q: Do you know if the FIBA Americas tournament (Aug. 26 in Puerto Rico) will be televised in Canada? Raptors TV, perhaps?

Peter B, Waterloo

A: Right now, there are no plans to show it anywhere.

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Q: Hi Doug, just wondering, since they say August is the month where things slow down a little bit during the off-season and the Raptors just have to fill in one roster spot, and now it seems Carlos Delfino is less likely to return, just wanted to ask if Quincy Douby's contract guaranteed? And if so, do you think the Raptors will retain him with four point guards already on board? Thanks!

Mike T, Toronto

A: It’s not fully guaranteed but he’s not going anywhere any time soon. The coaches were pretty happy he had to be taken out of the Turkoglu trade because they like his work ethic, his ability to play both guard positions and the fact he’s more than willing to bide his time and play only in the case of emergency.

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Q: The teachable moment for Raptors fans has to be the day we realized the talent without toughness means nothing in life ie: HWSNBN. And BC stated one clear goal at the end of this last disappointing season: get some toughness on this team. Without deferring to how they mesh in training camp and because you've seen all of these guys in action; tell me do you think the imports are tougher than the exports? Is this a tougher team?

TC W, North York

A: Yes, I do.

Reggie Evans is a true tough guy, Rasho’s toughness and willingness to bang is under-rated and Jack’s got a level of tough to him that fans will come to appreciate. Oh, and they can play, too.

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Q: I first quote you Doug before I ask my question.

"The most they can pay a player to fill that last spot is whatever his minimum value contract calls for.

"So when you’re sending in the: ‘Do they have any interest in this guy?’ questions, before you hit send, please ask yourself if a one-year (Bryan’s preference), minimum value contract is viable for whoever you’re asking about."

I read that B.C. is trying to fill the last roster spot with a back up SF.

1. Wright is big enough and quick enough to play and guard the SF spot, shouldn't he be the first option.

2. Based on your comment about Bryan signing a player for the minimum value how about Sasha Pavlovic, I read that the Suns plan to waive him. He has $1.5 million of his $4.95 million contract guaranteed. So once he clears waivers B.C. could snatch him up.

The other option would be Linas Kleiza whom the Nuggets may rescind their qualifing offer to avoid going over the luxury tax. Both these players would make excellent back-ups. What do you think Doug?

J D, Toronto

A: Yes, Wright is, at the moment, an option there.

Sasha Pavlovic couldn’t beat out Wally Szczerbiak for playing time in Cleveland at the end of last year, I cannot imagine him being worth a sniff here.

If Denver rescinds on Kleiza, Toronto might still have some interest but word I’m hearing is he’ll go to Europe rather than play for relative peanuts – read minimum value contract – in the NBA.

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Q: Hi Doug. Do you think the Raptors might explore a sign-and-trade with Delfino going to the Knicks for Wilson Chandler? Chandler became somewhat redundant when they drafted Jordan Hill in the first round this year, and do they really want to be re-upping his rookie contract in the Summer of LeBron? At least Delfino could provide some support at the 1 guard with Nate Robinson departing, and his deal would likely expire after one year, giving the Knicks their much-desired cap flexibility. Is this feasible?

Mark I, Oakville

A: No, not feasible at all. Chandler only makes about $1.2 and no way Carlos takes a deal at that low a number.

Comments

[michael]

hey doug
what about defino(5 mil) and a 2nd round draft pick and maybe douby for kyle kover(5.3)?? i think its a good deal

[Steve Gosse]

chandler is a SF, and Hill is a PF.. so drafting Hill has no effect on him..

plus, I would imagine it would take a lot more than Delfino to pry him away from the Knicks, they are very high on him as he has a great season last year.

Quick non-raptors question Doug, do you see the Bulls moving up this year in the East? Sure.. they lost Gordon, but I think Salmons at the SG slot might be a better option anyway.. (taller, still a great scorer and actually plays some D).. and with Luol coming back from injury, they may even be a better team now

Blogger's note: Better than seventh? I'm sure they'll be in that 4-10 group somewhere

[doug]

you going to do the once a week blog thingie for August? as there is nothign going on besides the sit on the edge of our seats suspense about re-signing Pops or not...if thats all were waiting for then let's skip August

did you read this snippet from Garth Woolsley's column this morning truly appalling "The Detroit Lions, coming off that 0-16 disaster, have placed their faith in head coach Jim Schwartz. He tells a reporter he's an avid reader but doesn't open anything written by women. "If I find an author – David Morrell, Mario Puzo, John Grisham or any guy I hear is good – I'll read everything he did. I don't read books by women. I've tried to, but their perspective is different, so I stick with what I like."..I really don't think personally this guy has read a book in years and if he thinks John Grisham is worthy of reading ahead of the likes if Ayn Rand, Alice Munro, Atoowd etc then good luck with that coaching thing...I hope the Lons go 0-16 again with this neanderthal at the helm.

[Raps Fan]

Hey, Doug

Is it true that the Jazz have a Knicks first rounder this year? If this is true what the HELL WERE THEY THINKING?

Eric Smith offered this to Chuck Swisky, that we trade Roy Halladay for Darrick Rose? You think that could be a fair trade?:P

You didn't answer this but, I think Joey.G would be a good fit because he'll take low money and he can play the 3 and 4? what do you think?

Blogger's note: I've answered questions and comments about Joey often. I do not think he's the answer; been there, done that

[Erc]

Doug, You've been wallowing in a lot of admiration lately regarding your vast knowledge of all things Raptor and the killer schedule you're forced to endure.
Time to restore a bit of balance.
You are a reporter, a self-described beat grunt. You are neither fish nor fowl. You are allowed the hang around the fringes of the game and glean whatever inside information management wishes to pass on through you -- the medium.
You judge the work ethics and results of multi-millionaires, but you aren't one. You have a certain knowledge of how it all works, but since ' you never played the game' -- and to a pro athlete, you never have -- it is superficial and suspect.
You are a forgiven fan, a paid snoop, a court jester and the team's unofficial conscience. You are a sports reporter. Everyone you approach, while working, you are looking for 'the angle'.
You get great seats and trips, but the novelty wears off to a certain degree. You get respect from the 'insiders' but also disdain. Like the players, coaches and GM's, your flashes of briliance and dumb-azz mistakes are a matter of public record.
The fans, who yearn to be like you, don't really understand a lot of this. It ain't all gravy and a Holiday Inn in LA can look a lot like one in Scarborough, from the inside, at least.
Still, it beats working for a living.
You are a fine writer and reporter. This is never more evident than when covering sports, you really don't 'care' about.
You are also extremely insecure and blindly egotistical, like so many of us are. You need to keep the, 'little people' -- the fans -- down there where they belong, kind of like Davy Crockett at the Alamo.
You have a very good understanding of the game of basketball, but so do a number of regular commentators. I enjoy reading your work, but I also enjoy and appreciate the 'work' of regular contributors like Tim W., the 'other' Doug, Eric, Darko, GM, LeeZ, Laura, I think,Dave in BG and many others. It all works together and without their knowledge and interaction, this blog wouldn't pack near the punch it does.
So keep up the good work. Keep slaving away for humanity. Keep fathering you little surrogate family of admirers and slapping down the 'haters', but please don't ban Eric, I enjoy His comments and he's right as often as you are, if we throw away the 'inside information' that BC wants you to have.
Keep up the good work and we'll all work to keep you honest.

[Chris]

I was never in agreement to signing Pops during these past hectic weeks. But during this last week I think it would be a good idea. So why dont we just sign the legend and call it an off season? Then if we need to trade Ukic during the regular season because there are problems at the SF position, than we can do so.

[aditya]

I have no doubt his contribution on the defensive end will be greater, even if the numbers done show it

done --> don't

[Patrick]

Hey, Doug, can they trade banks for Mo? Both are bad contracts with 2 years left(I think). But it would fill the backup SF gap

Blogger's note: They can. They won't. They shouldn't

[Leigh]

Was BC at the Canada-Italy game? What a spot for Leo to be in too, coaching Canada and seeing at least 1 (Andrea) maybe 2 (I don't know if Belinelli was there too) on the Italian side. I see that Andrea wasn't on the floor at the time of the incident, but he did come out to try and do a little peace-keeping. If he was at the game, what are the chances he (BC) sits down with all 3 afterwards?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWsC_XdG7NA&fmt=18

Blogger's note: Probably not; it'll be forgotten by the time camp rolls around. Fights in international games happen rather routinely; this one was a bit more serious but there aren't going to be any long-term issues

[Richard Spackman]

How much of the MLE is left, more than $.954 M.?
Buyouts are counted a part of the Cap. Can the total sum of a 2 or 3 year contract go on 1 year's Cap, or must it go on the Cap for the length of the contract?

Blogger's note: Length of the contract and yeah, that's about what's left

[brass monk]

Jalen Rose & Jermaine O'Neal are got-him-too-late first team all-stars. Alonzo Mourning should get some sort of honourable mention as well...

[Caleb]

Hey Doug, don't jinx yourself on the slow day. Last time you expected no action, Belinelli ended up in our local papers a day later! Speaking of which, of the two options available to the Raptors, which do you feel will yield a better fit: Signing Delfino with the bird-rights option (addresses wing defense and familiarity with many teammates) or trying to get a SF at the veteran minimum. Before being picked up by Orlando, I thought Barnes may have been a good player to have, but I can't really see any options out there that would be both willing to take the minimum AND be a great SF option. Any names out there you think would work?

Blogger's note: I'm not sure who you can realistically get;the Udoka kid's okay, Kleiza'd be all right. Am sure there are more at cheap salaries for one year but agents are likely going to hold on and see if there are richer deals in Europe

[A]

Hey doug you have to see this Italy and Canada basket brawl!!

http://nba.fanhouse.com/2009/08/02/italy-canada-redefine-meaning-of-friendly/

[Siddik Motala]

Doug check this out, A fight between Canada and Italy.Italian dude punches the Canadian in his head. http://bit.ly/1B70h8
More importantly two Raptors are involved and our Raptor Analyst.

[polat]

One of the better Sunday posts in a while Dougie.

Partly because I am Turk, I followed last year's Orlando team pretty close. Now that the big brother's in town you can imagine the level of euphoria I am in.

Anyhow, the raps (q) i am lazy to email. As the current roster set up, what in your opinion would be an ideal combination to man the center spot. Magic's SuperMan and that guy Gortat was pretty much perfect for them.

My not so open minded answer would be Sabonis + Divac. Two of the best passing centers in the history of the game. Imagine all the open shots and cutters these guys would find!

Blogger's note: They'd be pretty good; how about Russell and Jabbar?

[Adam Noack]

See the benching clearing brawl between Canada and Italy? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWsC_XdG7NA

Awkward for Gherardini?

Blogger's note: Awkward for all

[Steve S.]

Doug - any thoughts on Ime Udoka? I've read he might sign somewhere for the minimum, perhaps for a one year contract. I think he'd be an excellent fit for the Raptors at back-up SF.

Any indication as to whether he is on the Raps' radar?

Blogger's note: No indication, no. He's okay but I imagine he'd be looking at more than a one-year deal

[Manale]

I miss Charles Oakley.
Somebody give that man a job where he can dish out new soundbites every week.
Do you think we'll ever see him as a TV analyst?

Blogger's note: I don't see that in his future

[Andrew Caudwell]

Did anyone see the highlights from the Canada-Italy friendly that turned into a brawl??? Bargs and his crew get feisty with the wrong guys!

[doug]

good little dust-up i see on you-tube between senior men's Canadian team and Italians...prevalent in it are Triano, Barg's and the newest Raptor Belinelli...total cheap shot by Manicelli on our Canadian boy so soem response was warranted...I was amazed on here last year as people were commenting that Barg's plays with no emotion I disageee then and I toally disagree now...theres a saying "don't worry aboutt eh loud ones watch the quiet ones" in terms of agreesion etc. and with Barg's that is how he is wound he shows litttle but don't think for a monemt there is little passion in there..it was evident and the more he became confident and trusted his game he also began to trust and show his emotions....I think this year with the addition of Belinelli on the team a fellow italian Barg's will have a break-out year in a lot of areas and he will show i believe good eladership potential, that kid has character..

[Jimmy]

Ok so Toronto has one more roster space.

I say we fill it with Pops Mensah-Bonsu, that gives us depth @ PF. Now figure out someway to trade M.Banks maybe to Hornets to get Mo Pete? Since Banks contract is the same length and we are stacked @ this position, and Mo Pete is a fan favourite and he can give depth to the SF behind Turk.I think contract is like 1-2mil difference which is incentive for hornets to save since Mo Pete is in the dog house behind D.Brown,R.Butler,J.Posey.

What do you think Doug? I know you say time to move on from Mo Pete. But I couldn't think of a real situation where we could trade Banks and get a decent SF back.

Blogger's note: Um, no. And the Mo Pete thing, while apparently interesting to a few people, makes absolutely no sense whatsover. If they can trade Banks, a miracle in itself, they are absolutely not going to trade him for an almost-done 30-something who has a contract that pays him $3 million more than Banks over the next two seasons.

[doug]

you like lists you should do a list of your top 5 Toronto area golf courses, that yuo have played...I am going to play at Pheasant Run today the old course lay-out I like that one...

what the heck is with people and this Mo thing...Mo Pete would be as useful on this team as would Mo the bartender from the Simpsons...Mo Pete's expiry date, shelf life has expired he was a fine useful player at one time but let's please deal in the here and now the guy is due over 10 million closer to 12 I believe thats absurd...

let's not forget Bill Walton there was a sweet passer for a center as well, that dude could play, but he suffered from the curse of the big man, bad feet....Yao is going through it now and sadly its a battle i don't think he will win, to much stress, weight on those fine brittle bones...big man's curse...

[Carlton]

Should the raptors use their final spot on a big man instead of a small forward?

Blogger's note: A three who can play a bit of four probably would be the best

[Jarrod]

To all the ERCs or ERICs, etc:

As a daily reader, I never expect a reporter to be 100% right all the time, especially in opinions shared about one player or the next. I love hearing people positing differing thoughts about a topic, including debate. I don't think Mr. Smith (and I'm sorry if I'm wrong as I have no right to speak for anyone but myself) believes himself infallible and he obviously has a journalistic responsibility to speak to his subjects (in this case Raptors players or management, NBA players and management, others) with respect and consideration - this does not make any journalist a team lap-dog, but rather a reputable reporter.

Eric, I think everyone can agree, has strong opinions and interesting thoughts about a number of topics including the potential addition of Iverson or his disregard for Rasho, which is a great and necessary ingredient for healthy debate. Namecalling and belittling a reporter for sharing his opinions in a blog (a place for opinions) goes beyond childish, but is irritating to dig through as a reader and, moreover, is simply stupid - it's like going to your grandma's house and telling her she can't cook. Of course you'll get thrown out.

Respectful debate is wonderful and interesting. Pee-pee poo-poo is not worth anyone's time.

[Mark]

The Cavaliers just waived Tarence Kinsey. His name has obviously not come up within the orginization (right?), but do you think BC would consider him for a minimum contract.

Blogger's note: I doubt it; not sure how good he is