This and that and an intellectual properties discussion

With nothing really going on – I know, it’s early in the day and things change – what else would we do but look back a day or so. And pray the day stays quiet so I can sit around and do nothing, which I do very, very well.

-

Okay, let’s deconstruct this possible Banks-Carroll trade a bit more since the deconstruction process was rather spread out through the comments yesterday.

And a reminder, the deal’s not done, as we mentioned right off the bat yesterday, so if it falls apart, it falls apart. But if it doesn’t …

Point: Carroll’s contract is too long.

Counterpoint: Yes, it likely is but it’s not a killer by any means.

The short-term financial gain may not seem all that significant – it’s about $700,000 or so over the next two years – but it is since it gets Toronto that much further away from whatever the tax threshold will be. And that can never hurt.

The final two years of Carroll’s deal -- $3.9 million and $3.5 million – are hardly horrible. They're not great but it will be far below the league average which, I believe, would perhaps make him possibly tradeable. And, besides, you have to trust me that Bryan and his bean-counting henchmen have crunched every conceivable number and they can live with that salary two seasons from now without sacrificing any flexibility regarding Bosh’s future; they have the rest of the major parts of the team locked up past that anyway. It’s not like not saving less than $4 million a year will let be major players in free agency in 2011 or 2012.

Point: Why not wait and trade Banks in February or next summer?

Counterpoint: How’s your crystal ball working these days?

Why on earth people think GMs next summer, or even next winter, will be more willing to take on that number than Dallas is now boggles my mind. If there is a way to get that contract off the books to you thank your lucky stars and take it. You do not – under any circumstances to my mind – wait for lightning to strike twice.

Point: Carroll’s can’t defend

Counterpoint: Who cares?

Look, we’re talking about a specialist, a shooter who should see very, very, very limited minutes on a team with DeMar DeRozan, Marco Belinelli, Antoine Wright and Jarrett Jack all capable of playing the same spot.

Carroll’s insurance. Deep-down-the-bench insurance.

-

Point: Just let Banks sit there

Counterpoint: And do what?

Take up space? He’s an asset, and if you can turn an asset into another asset you like better, go for it.

-

Point: The trade’s nothing for nothing.

Counterpoint: Sort of.

It’s not an earth-shattering deal; it’s 15th man for 12th man and that’s hardly worth getting worked up over.

But, here’s one to consider: I know that Banks has not been a real problem in the locker room but there are those in the organization who think he could be a bit of pouter if he had to sit for another season and get no action. Carroll? Well, the people in Charlotte, where he spent the majority of his career, love the kid. “Absolutely great guy. Absolutely great quote.” That’s what one e-mail I got on him said.

Now, if they can just get this deal done, the summer has to be over, right?

-

Point: Why not just buy him out and re-sign Pops?

Counterpoint: Arrrrrrghhhhhh!!!!!!

-

Henry Abbott over at TrueHoop has one of – no, you should probably make that the – best blogs out there and he’s always unearthing very cool stuff.

Like this gem from Arizona involving Captain Canada and Shaq.

And you wonder why sometimes team chemistry issues arise?

I can’t remember anything like this occurring around the Raptors at any time I’ve been around. I guess the closest thing was that there was talk – and that’s all it was – about business arrangements involving Butch Carter and a couple of the players on his last team that might have gone sour but certainly nothing that approaches the Nash-O’Neal thing.

-

A good night for Canada in Puerto Rico.

How much it matters remains to be seen but one thing I’ve noticed paying very little attention to the runup to the world qualifier next week is that Argentina doesn’t seem like Argentina at the moment.

Now, that could change once they start playing for real but a lot of the usual suspects are gone from that team and we might be in a down period for the perennial contenders.

-

Oh, yeah. Mail. I could use some. Please.

(As an aside, what you get on the weekend or Monday likely has to take you through an entire week; Super Family’s heading west for a legitimate vacation next week – Vancouver, Whistler, Seattle and back to Vancouver suggestions greatly accepted – and I’m not sure I’ll be doing any typing unless something of huge significance occurs. So, get those cards and letters in, maybe we’ll get enough to do a couple mailbags that I can put up on different days while relaxing at Nat Bailey or The Kells or some other swinging hot spot.)

-

Oh oh.

Time to head people off at the pass.

Desmond Mason is not going back to Oklahoma City.

No, Desmond Mason is not coming to Toronto.

Just thought I’d mention that before people asked. Because that’s what people do.

-

Speaking of mail, I told Jeff S. that I’d move this over from the comments yesterday

Q: Which Raptor has the best shot at making the All-Star team next season along with Bosh?

A: I think it has to be Hedo, don’t you? Probably should have made it last year, probably should have had some major consideration the year before. I imagine he’ll be on the minds of a lot of coaches if he gets off to a good start through February and the Raptors do, too.

And, you know, is it out of the realm of possibility to think that if Shaq, for instance, gets hurt or doesn’t play well in Cleveland – and I have no idea how they’ll use him with Ilgauskas – that Bargnani might not be the second best centre in the East behind the guy in Orlando? That might be a stretch but if he’s getting 20-7 every night, I bet there’s some stumping for him.

-

Comments

[Ravi]

Hey Doug,

Love the blog.

I think people need to relax. If BC could trade Kapono and his $6.2mil and $6.8mil salary over the next two years for for Evans, who fills a need and is cheaper, I'm pretty sure he'll be able to move Carroll if he needs to over the last two years of his deal. I think BC has proven he has the ability to move anyone. I just wouldn't be concerned with how Carrolls contract over years 3 and 4 affect this team. I think BC has to be more concerned of the next 2 years. Resigning Bosh or making sure he's in a position to go after someone in 2010/11 if he has to. And thats where the savings over the next two years comes in.

[Archie gillespie]

Hey Doug, since mid-May here in Victoria we've had about 4 days where it rained. Forecast is looking the same old 22- 25 and sunny (no bugs either). It's also not the boring old folks city many make it out to be. Enjoy the holiday out here.

[Ambrose]

It's going to be a big and crucial year for Il Mago, and no you're not crazy for mentioning his name in the realm of all-star possibility. Not many big men in the NBA have the agility that our starting 4 and 5 do, and if Triano fully utilizes the tools he has this year, Bargnani's name will be floating around the MIP award. He looked great playing for Italy this summer, and has really gotten to the line banging in the paint without disrupting his deadly perimeter game. I love it!

Matt Carroll is a baller. If we can snag him, we've now got some major deadly backup sharpshooters. Carroll's game mirrors that of Kapono's, and even more versatile when going to the basket, and that in itself presents a pretty clear picture of where the depth in our roster is currently at, compared to last year when someone like Kapono was a second option.

By the way, I don't really see a solid backup for Hedo at the SF position yet?

[shahin]

1) We want to save 700,000 now but then hope BC can move the remaning of almost 7 million later !!! Why !!! Why do we need to do this ? The only gain I see is 700,000 which we will not use anyways !!!

2) Talking about Crystal ball !!! Aren't we using that and crossing our fingers that BC will be able to move Carroll after 2 season and get ride of his 7 million. I rather use the crystal ball on banks since if it does not work out, the damage is less than Carroll.

3) Can't defend ? Who cares !!! exactly my point !! So why bother tieing ourself down with him, Is it just for the 700,000 !! This guy will not see any playing time at all.

4) I agree with you but I do not see Carroll to be an asset. So why bother ??

5)It is not nothing for nothing at it. It will bound us to a bad contract for additional 2 years !!

6) I agree with you on the last point. There is no reason why we should buy him out.

At the end, if Dallas does not give us a first round pick for this deal, this deal in my opinion is one of the worst deals ever, manybe as bad as VC to NJ !!! well, on the 2nd thought, not as bad as that one ;)

[Dana, Hopewell Cape, NB]

Hey Doug,
Happy vacation, I am just coming off mine. Great news over the summer as in all the moves. I am with you on the Bosh thing. He showed what he can do early in the season and he also showed what happens when you carry the team on your back over an extended period of time.... it wears you out. He is a soid performer who doesn't quit unlike some of the players TO has seen over the years. Whats not to like?

[E Dizzle]

To comment on the last post. D Rose will be a starter next year, and for years to come, in the the all-star game. He will become the best PG in the league very very soon.

[Shawn]

Doug, I have long considered you to be nothing more than a mouth-piece for the organization and especially for any move that BC makes. Any doubt I had about that was completely removed by the fact that you are actually advocating this insane deal. Can you imagine what it will be like in 2 years from now when we STILL have 2 years left on Carroll's contract? Banks' contract is certainly not an asset, it is a liability and trading it for an even bigger liability makes no sense in this universe or any other.

Blogger's note: To you, yes. To others, no. But isn't that the fun of sports, the disagreement over personal opinion? Wouldn't it be hugely boring if everyone thought the same? What fun would that be?

[Jeff Steele]

Thanks for the shout out today Doug, appreciate it.

My guess at the next Raptor to make the All-Star squad is Andrea. I agree that Shaq will probably get voted in ahead of him if he stays healthy, but that's a big if considering how often Shaq takes time off with "hip soreness" like he did in Miami.

I feel like All-Star voting can be skewed towards number 1 picks and international popularity and I'm pretty sure Bargnani's jersey is one of the top 10 selling jersey's in Europe.

Plus I just have this feeling that he's on the verge of breaking out now that Colangelo's committed to him long term. He signed his best bud Marco along with his wise-cracking Slovenian mentor (Rasho), plus Hedo seems to have a lot of respect for Andrea's game and I can imagine him dishing Andrea lots of open looks on the perimeter. I guess I just feel like the stars are aligned for him to break out and start living up to the expectations everyone has had for him from the start.

I'll admit he is my favorite player and I'm a little biased in that regard so I should give Hedo and Jose credit for having an almost equal chance of getting selected though...I'm just hoping this is Andrea's year.

[james]

Vancouver restaurant: The Cannery (hard to find but well worth it).

Victoria : Cafe Mo-le on Pandora west of Government St. for something different.
Da Tandoor on Fort Street for Indian if you're into Indian.

And, of course, you might want to visit the recently named Ken & Kathy Shields court at the MacKinnon gym at UVic for professional reasons.

If I see you on the street, should I say hello or would you prefer to be glanced at and then ignored?

James

Blogger's note: By all means say hello

[doug]

believe it or not that was my daily commute for just over 2 years that ferry ride...worked in Tsawwassen and we lived 5 minutes form the Swartz Bay terminal...what a commute, beats the 401 anyday...Victoria is a beautiful city on the outside on the inside its not as pretty...lets just say it doesn't "accept" diversity as well as Toronto does...but Pacific Rim National Park is one of the truly beautiful places on the face of the earth plus a surfers secret as it has those Pacific waves, isolation and beauty...also Cathedral Grove is a must-see but before the windstorm of 97 it was unbelievable...the golf courses on the Island are fantastic as well as cheap once outside Victoria but even Victorias are reasonable.....have fun..

I think you need to ask people what their defintion of a "franchise player" is to me a guy that averages over 20 points, and double figures in rebounds is....those players don't grow on trees, and to compare him to Wde,Kobe,James, Duncan is absurd...those players are all Hall of Famers and we will never get any of those guys on this team...so then besides those four who would some of these bloggers franchise players be??...can't wait to see some of those answers....they may be a passionate lot these raps fans but they like shooting off their mouths when it isn't loaded at times..

[Riley Sutherland]

Just new to the blog, Doug. Not a huge hoops guy, but I admire your passion and writing. More journalists should be as involved and invested in their relationship with their readers. Thanks for making basketball palatable again.

Re: Vancouver. The Ouisi Bistro on Granville and 14th is a must, and of course the legendary Commodore Ballroom.

[LeeZ]

And I quote a post submitted by Bozo:

"Man, a guy goes to the dentist, gets back and it looks like work might be calling again.

Why do you have to tell us how busy your life is everyday? We do not care!!!!"

This pos(t)er is very aptly named. No but seriously, how far up your own ass do you have to be to post something like that? I guess it's lost on you that in a blog such as Doug's, a little colour and insight into the author is a nice touch. I'm guessing you're the type that stands on your porch, shotgun at the ready, and screams: "GET OFF MY LAWN!!!"

[Hao]

Isn't bosh always getting the back up center position for the all star game? Unless barganani plays strong through feb, and maybe jose as well.

[Jeff Steele]

Oh ya, I forgot to mention I have lived in Victoria BC for the last 17 years and I know a few spots you and your family might enjoy visiting out here:

1) The inner harbor is nice to stroll around at night to see the Parliament Buildings lit up (lots of great restaurants and pubs on Government St, Bard and Banker is a very cool night spot and the Stickey Wicket has a cool roof top lounge with beach volleyball courts)

2) Willows Beach in Cadboro Bay is a nice spot to visit on a sunny day with some spectacular views and scenery

3) If you can squeeze in a round of golf I would recommend Bear Mountain (designed by Jack Nicklaus) which will make you feel like you are in a fairy tale with waterfalls and lush greenery....and Cordova Bay is another gem of a course (and a little cheaper)

4) If Super-Son is interested in a fun but challenging pitch-and-put there is a great little 9-hole course called "The Ridge" right beside the 18-hole Cordova Bay course and I would highly recommend it (fun course to improve your short game!)

There are a plenty of other spots I could recommend, but you probably won't have too much time so I'll leave it at that. Hope you enjoy your holidays!

[Saj]

Doug,

Carroll move is ok in my opinion. Raptors will get something that has a chance to contribute (in whatever small way) compared to something that we know will not contribute period.
While on Vancouver Island, do not miss trip to Tofino and the Old Growth Forest along the way (2nd tallest trees in the world). Dining in Vancouver, one cannot miss out on asian seafood while in town, my suggestions are Sun Sui Wah (Authentic high end Chinese) on and Shiru Bay (Japanese Fusion) in Yaletown.

[AS]

Doug...then how can the raps afford to pay him the maximum that he expects? or why should they? Because truth be told, if Bosh was in the west all these years, he would not have made the all-star time 4 times, maybe once. Do you agree or disagree with that?...btw keep up the good work!

Blogger's note: Probably right. But, as a wise man once said, if if's were fifths, we'd all be drunks.

[Paul]

Doug, in Yaletown (Vancouver) there's a cool spot called Capone's - a jazz bar / restaurant with live music and good food. Check that out. If you want good wings, you might like the Cactus Club, and Earl's is always a good reasonably priced place to eat (and lift glasses).

[Aditya]

"Why on earth people think GMs next summer, or even next winter, will be more willing to take on that number than Dallas is now boggles my mind."

Players entering or in the final year of their contract are always sought after by GMs looking to shed longterm contracts

Agreed totally, couple the player entering the final year of his contract with another serviceable player, and GM's are going to be knocking on the door....(and you will get back a major player, second tier player ala joe johnson mold, who has a sizeable contract but the team doesn't want to pay it anymore --> due to sale of team, financial losses etc...) there is always going to be chris wallace as a NBA GM....

[david]

In Vancouver, go the Museum of Anthropology at UBC
http://www.moa.ubc.ca/

A well curated architectural gem that embarasses Ottawa's Museum of Civilization. I also loved it as a kid.

[Rav]

Dear Doug,

Last year I did a project for my Dad where I put together a list of Vancouver attractions for some of his business assoiciates who were visiting(I lived in the city for four years and can vouch for each one...)

I wanted you to have it. Hope it helps you have a vacation that befits the pleasure you give us the rest of the year. If you want a copy on Word email me and I'll attach it to you.

Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park:

Your pulse quickens as you step onto the swaying planks of Vancouver's first visitor attraction. Breathe in the cedar-scented rainforest air as you make your way across Vancouver's famous landmark. Only minutes away from downtown Vancouver, Capilano Suspension Bridge takes you to the natural splendour of rainforest trails through magnificent evergreens and the unique perspective of Treetops Adventure, a walk high in the trees. Naturally thrilling since 1889, Capilano Suspension Bridge is breathtakingly suspended 450 feet (135m) across and 230 feet (70m) above Capilano River. Cross over to Treetops Adventure and walk from one magnificent Douglas fir to another via a series of seven elevated suspension bridges, some reaching as high as 100 feet (30m) above the forest floor. A complete West Coast experience just minutes from Downtown.

http://www.capbridge.com/

Chinatown:

Marked as the second largest in North America, Vancouver's Chinatown is a colourful area filled with exotic wonders. The profusion of markets and stores sells everything from star fruit, gai lan, ginseng, herbal medicine and tea sets to hand carved chopsticks, rice paper pads and Buddha figurines. It's a very inexpensive place to shop for gifts and groceries. Pender Street, between Carral and Main, has shops selling curios, clothing, herbs and house wares. There's also an open-air night market that runs from 6:30pm-11pm during the summer weekends.

http://www.vancouver-chinatown.com/

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden:

This is the only full-sized classical Chinese garden outside of China. It employs the ancient techniques of the Ming Dynasty, condensing the serenity of the mountain, streams, valleys and hills into an urban sanctuary. Every niche and arch of the garden is meticulously laid out. Each plant, rock and piece of architecture is selected for its symbolic meaning and mood. The Chinese lettering at the entrance reads 'Garden of Ease'.

http://www.vancouverchinesegarden.com/

Granville Island:

Take a full day to explore this shopping and entertainment favourite, a destination on everyone's "best of" list. The island is five minutes from downtown and has the famous Public Market, Emily Carr College of Art, shops, restaurants, theatres, galleries, sculpture, performance art, history and the Kids' Market. There is also a water park and sea kayak rental, canoes and other water sports. Sample excellent microbrews at the Granville Island Brewery. At the quiet end of the island, the large Granville Island Hotel awaits guests.

http://www.granvilleisland.bc.ca/

Grouse Mountain:

Just a 20 minute drive out of downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is a year-round destination for people looking for adventure or a just a great view. Ambitious people can tackle the Grouse Grind - a 2.9 km hike straight up the face of Grouse Mountain. Grouse Mountain is also a ski hill in winter, with 26 runs that offer a variety of terrain. Other attractions include the Grouse Mountain Skyride, ice skating, snowshoeing, helicopter rides, a conservation centre, a top-of-the-mountain restaurant and more.

http://www.grousemountain.com/Winter/

Robson Street:

This was where the original German community in Vancouver shopped. Robsonstrasse, as it was formerly known, was lined with delis, bakeries and restaurants. Today, it's one of the city's most fashionable shopping streets: Alfred Sung, Salvatore Ferragamo, Chanel, Rodier Paris and Stephane de Raucourt are just some of the big names in this urban shopping destination. Options for grabbing a bite abound. Find everything from Schnitzel to Sushi along this bustling thoroughfare.

http://www.robsonstreet.ca/

Stanley Park:

Attractions abound in this massive downtown park, a veritable rainforest within a metropolis. To name just a few of the activities and attractions: the Children's Farmyard, Miniature Railway, tennis courts, beaches, children's water park, heated ocean side swimming pool, the Theatre Under the Stars, the Vancouver Aquarium and the 10.5-km perimeter Seawall, which is packed with joggers, walkers and rollerbladers.

http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/parks/stanley/

Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre:

This aquarium has become one of the biggest in North America. Inside you'll find more than 8,000 aquatic animals, hailing from as far away as the Arctic and the Amazon. The newly opened Pacific Canada Pavilion contains a living exhibit that interprets issues facing marine life of the Georgia Straight. The main attractions, however, are the Orca, beluga and dolphin shows.

http://www.vanaqua.org/home/

Vancouver Art Gallery:

This gallery is situated in a large heritage building located right in the centre of downtown. The fourth largest in Canada, it features four floors of inspirational pleasures. There are rotating exhibitions of major international works, as well as permanent collections of local artists such as Vancouver's famous Emily Carr. There's also a gift shop, cafe and open art library.

http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/

Vancouver Lookout:

Where can you get a 360-degree view of Vancouver and its outlying areas? From BC's tallest building, the Harbour Centre Tower. Its observation deck gives an unobstructed view of the city, Burrard Inlet, the North Shore mountains, Burnaby Mountain, West Vancouver and Bowen Island. Getting there is a spectacle in itself: glass elevators whisk you up 167 metres in 40 seconds.

http://www.vancouverlookout.com/

Victoria:

When visiting Victoria and Vancouver Island, you are more likely to run out of time than things to do. Victoria boasts the mildest climate in Canada and, offers outdoor activities year round. Golfing and gardening are a way of life on Vancouver Island, as are walking, hiking, cycling and birding. World-class attractions, museums, arts and entertainment, shopping, gourmet food and spas also delight visitors. The ocean is integral to life on Vancouver Island and, to truly experience Victoria, getting out on the water is recommended. Boating, sailing, fishing, canoeing, diving and whale-watching adventures abound. Exploring on the Island is a must and numerous tours and educational vacations are available. Whether exploring on foot, bicycle, horseback, scooter, motorcycle, bus, rail, plane, ferry or car, visitors to Victoria and the Islands experience scenic beauty and charm that are always in season. The official website has comprehensive information getting there, accommodations, restaurants and activities.

http://www.tourismvictoria.com/

Whistler:

Make the two-hour drive to this year-round playground for the rich and adventurous. For years, it has been ranked the number one ski resort in North America by various ski and travel magazines. Visit not only for the raw natural beauty, but also for the entertainment and shopping. Just a taste of things to do: shopping, dining, movies, hiking, biking, boating, camping, skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing and nightclubbing. Every range of accommodation and transportation is available. The official website has comprehensive information getting there, accommodations, restaurants, skiing and snowboarding.

http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/index.htm

The following 2 Websites have great information on other Vancouver activities including a variety of tours by Sea and Air:

Vancouver Tourist Info Centre:

Everything visitors need to know about the city is on hand at this tourist centre. Multilingual representatives provide accommodation bookings, car rentals, maps, brochures and everything else needed to enjoy the city. Located in the Waterfront Centre (the Station), this is the resource to seek out when you are new in town.

http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/

Things to do in Vancouver

http://www.vancouver.com/things_to_do/index.html

[EK]

Jose has the potential to compete with the likes of Harris, Rondo, Rose, Nelson for an All-Star spot. However, don't hold your breath waiting for a spot in the starting lineup, that's already Iverson's spot to lose. God help us all if he finds a team and gets voted in again.

[Sean E.]

Calderon has no shot at making, let alone starting, an ASG this year or possibly for the rest of his career. He will be behind Rose, Harris, Arenas, Nelson, and even Rondo this year. Rose and Harris will be perennial All Stars for years to come.

Hedo also doesnt have a shot in the dark at making the ASG behind Butler, Pierce, Granger and LBJ. Bargs definately can become the 2nd best C in the East behind Howard and should make a few ASG once Shaq is no longer useful.

However, I'm waiting to see how DeRozan develops. He oculd be amongst those that vie for the 2 spot in the ASG for years once VC and Ray Ray are out of the way. The crop of young 2s is more wide open.

[Aditya]

otis smith has a great poker face or response to questions....just day before yesterday, otis smith commented saying something along the lines of "we are still in pursuit of cj watson and as long as he is not signed, he is free to sign whatever and whereever he wants...".....next day he signs jason williams...

case 2: how he stole both bass and gortat from dallas....poker face...

[SkyJ]

Wow, people need to step away from the ledge. After everything BC has done this summer, you'd think the man (and his beancounters) know a thing or two about doing their job. Putting aside the fact that BC could probably move a 3-point specialist who will be making under the league average down the road if he needed to, we're talking about an end-of-the-bench player with a useable skill, who from all accounts is a good locker room guy that probably won't complain about his minutes or role. Don't underestimate the importance of team chemistry (*cough* Iverson, *ahem* TJ). Cancer is bad for you.

[chris]

So Doug - you're saying you like the move, right?

Blogger's note: If it happens, I'm okay with it.