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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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

Counterpoint: Arrrrrrghhhhhh!!!!!!

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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.

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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.

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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.)

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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.

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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.

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Comments

[Erc]

Thanks for explaining the vagaries of the potential trade. You DA MAN.
Oh, by the way, when you describe how BC demolished last year's collection of ballerinas, would you say he has:
a) thrown it up?

b) grown it up?

c) blown it up?
Drive safe and use a designated drinker.

Blogger's note: You think I'm answering your crap? Oh, and I'm deleting the other one.

[Dan W]

Calderon is a very good point guard, but I doubt he will make the All star team. After the first round of the playoffs both Derrick Rose and Rajon Rondo will be considered. Gilbert Arenas if healthy would almost be a lock. Jameer nelson and Devin Harris for there scoring ability will get alot of attention. If sessions ends up in new york his stats could be all star worthy. If Calderon somehow manages to lead the east in assists and score in the low to mid to mid teens with his high shooting percentages I think he should get some consideration if the Raptors are winning. He almost made it two years ago. But he doesn't have the flashiness to his game that usually gets guys noticed.

[Jamie]

Jason Williams signed with Orlando. I feel like that could be a really good pick up for them.

[@Spudz_Altraps]

Hi Doug,
Have a trade idea for you - hear me out.

What about Banks, O'Bryant and Douby for Barbosa? Phoenix may be still looking to cut salary, and Barbosa was in Porter's doghouse the whole time he was there. Not sure what Gentry's plans are, but they may still want Richardson as the starting 2-guard.

Barbosa could start for the Raptors until they figure out what they have in Belinelli and DeRozan and it frees up a couple of roster spots.

Thoughts?

Blogger's note: I think this is as absolutely far-fetched and unlikely and impossible as anything I've ever read.
(You asked)

[lukasz]

Why doesn't most of the raptors salary pay for 8 players (maybee 9)and the rest of the roster comprise of guys dieing to play in the nba at minimum salary?
And don't give me an awnser that has the word injuries in it.

Blogger's note: Cap rules, logic, the whims of the men signing the players, the demands of obtained contracts.

[David]

If Victoria is in the cards, you MUST pick up some of the Philips line of beverages...the Longboat Double Chocolate Porter and the Espresso are good bets, as is the IPA. I like the Penny Farthing pub for a place to get at least some of them on tap: if you can get past the faux Irish decorations, it's a beautiful building in a nice part of town (Oak Bay) with a surprisingly tasty menu (i.e. the family could go there for dinner).
Ferris's Oyster Bar (downtown) is also a great place for a bite and some local brews (or non-local scotch).

As for sights, Saltspring Island is a great daytrip from either Victoria or Vancouver, and Tofino/Ucluelet are both well worth the trip as well.

[Dave in BG]

@Spudz

Sorry man, but are you really JP in disguise?

3 bags of dog c__p for the Best in Show???

Doug was kind in his response....

[Dave Fritz, Kingston]

Hi, Doug,
If you like Indian or spicy food, try Vij's (11th & South Granville) or Ouisi (Creole-Cajun, 13th & S. Granville, tell the chef, Darcy Fry that I told you about the place) in Vancouver. In Victoria, Spinnaker's Brew Pub is a must. Great food, pub-style but quite classy, reasonable prices.

The Museum of Anthropology in Van and the Royal BC Museum in Victoria are wonderful. And orca-watching, from either place.

Have a great time!

[Dre]

Is Brian's tenure as GM riding on this season? Seems like if it doesn't work out this year (especially with a core player on a big contract), and Bosh leaves (no superstars), all of us celebrating these 'genius' cap moves may be asking for his head.

Also Steamworks in Gastown has Doug Smith written all over it. Good house beers on tap, view of the North Shore, and a place you can bring the family.

[Courtney]

When you come to Vancouver, you have to do the tourist regulars like Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge. I could recommend you to much nicer places like the previous poster (Lynn Canyon), especially around Whistler but they would require a time and effort that a family vacation probably wouldn't warrant.

I'm a native Torontonian, Raptors fan(obviously) but I think the Grizzlies need to come back here. What do you think the chances are that Vancouver could support an NBA team again and is Heisley in the mood to sell? Any other owners around the league other than in Charlotte looking to bail?

Blogger's note: I imagine a few would like to bail, given the chance to make some money. Not sure how far down Vancouver would be on a relocation list but I think it's a long, long, long time off before anyone gives it a shot again

[brent]

Doug,
Couldn't help but laugh my head off when I saw "Spudz" trade suggestion. You're right - it's as far-fetched and unlikely and impossible as anything I've ever read also . . . oh wait, how about this one: Vince Carter for Aaron Williams, Eric Williams, Alonzo Mourning and a couple of non-lottery picks?

[cb]

Would love to see you brake down the Amir Johnson trade and as a matter of fact all th erst that happened this off season in some of the upcoming posts. Now that we've had some counterpoints on each trade from both sides it would be cool to dissect some more.(I'm bored)

[Eddy]

Is this a basketbal blog or a tourist blog?

Blogger's note: I asked, many answered, I appreciate it.

[Sean E.]

Pops to the Rockets? Hope he gets decent minutes cause their roster looks terrible without T-Mac and Yao.

[JayZee]

Hey Doug,
The following should get a certain group going: "NBA sources told FOX 26 Sports Thursday the Houston Rockets have reached a verbal agreement on a contract with free agent forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu".

Let the wailing and gnashing of teeth commence!

But there's hope yet; Pops has yet to sign the deal. Maybe he's waiting for his true love to come through... :-)

[Jim]

Now seriously Doug! I truly can't believe you of all people are trying to sell us on a Banks-Carroll trade being a good thing for the Raps! Was that really you writing this post???

[marc in Burlington]

Hola Doug,

Yaletown Brew Pub --- I kinda remember wobbling out of there one night. Another Place was Sharky's, I think It's around the Hotel Vancouver, again a little fuzzy. Oh and for the best hotdog you will ever eat The Red Onion (they make their own) out in Kits.

Back to basketball: throw a first round pick in the deal??? In a deal for a couple of end of bench players? Sounds like somebody has already sampled some of BC's finest.

Have a great trip.

[Alex]

wow you came down hard on Erc. I didnt see anything wrong with his post.

And I think the proper terminology is "blown it up".

[GM]

Doug, I think you mixed up Erc with the dreaded Eric.

As for all the tourist stuff, skip it. Just go hang out at English Bay or Kits Beach. Walk the seawall.

[Kevin]

Doug
For all you do for us the least we can do is come up with a couple of things for you to do here in Lotus Land. Looks like you might need more than a week to see everything suggested though. About 8 years ago I went with my daughter's grade 8 class to the Police Museum in Vancouver. Didn't take long and it was kinda cool. The kids loved the confiscated weapon's room the best.

[skepticalrapsfan]

you're dreaming if you think bargnani's going to get 20-7...he'll be 15-5 shoot probably 42% from the floor, maybe a higher percentage from 3, shoot 80% + at the line but average max 2 a game...he might offer close to 2 blocks per contest which is useful but let's not overstate who he is please. Mehmet Okur is his ceiling not Dirk Nowitzki.

[Gene]

Hopefully everyone is doing okay after the storm/tornado. I still can't believe I saw it from my front door. POP's looks to be on his way to Houston so hopefully all the Raps fans can now leave it alone. I think Houston will be a good fit for him and wish him all the best.

[Tony]

Isn't it safer to have a 3rd point guard than a 4th shooting guard? Do you really feel safe with Douby as a primary ballhandler if Jose or Jack go down? (I know what you're going to say: you don't feel any safer with Banks--but at least Banks has played pg in the nba before...)

Blogger's note: So has Douby, and much more recently. Look, third string PGs are not very good anywhere in the league; I think they feel quite all right, in the event of a long-term injury to either of their first two, with Douby and perhaps even Turkoglu running an offence

[chris]

when you go to whistler rent a mountain bike with gear (around the Westin Hotel) and do one of the runs (the ski-lift is reworked to handle bringing up the bikes) - if you have wondered about mounmtain biking that will answer all questions - it can take about 30-45 minutes to bike down

[Tristan]

I have said this on another forum and it seems to make sense regarding Banks. With all of the great players in next years free agency I highly doubt that anyone will be looking to to take on Banks' contract. Also I have searched through the salaries for all 30 teams and there is not many people you can actually trade this guy for because he has no value. Based on the fact that he has no value and the amazing lists of free agents next year, we will just get a player who sucks just as bad with an even more monstrous contract. Raptor's fans need to stop thinking that we can get something good for this guy because he's expiring after next year. Maybe if the free agents were not as good then yes teams might take that chance, but with a deep draft and a star studded free agent list, why would any GM want to take pay a guy to sit and take up space???