Chemistry lessons without test tubes

I know. A bit late. Blame the Mighty Yankees Coaching Staff Off-Season Planning Session.

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It was kind of interesting to chat with Chris Bosh yesterday about the whole concept of “team chemistry” and how a group of very disparate personalities gets together.

Quite aside from shooting down the perception there was some Euro-North American rift (the “The Atlantic didn’t have anything to do with it” line was pretty good) he raised this point:

“If you don’t like the guy, you’re not going to pay attention to the message, you’re going to pay attention to how it’s delivered. It takes time for that.”

And I think that’s precisely what we’re seeing with this team.

It wasn’t that they didn’t like each other or that there were separate factions, it was that they hadn’t quite figured out what buttons to push or how to interact with one another.

It happens everywhere, I think.

Look at your work or school or whatever.

Put together 15 or 20 people from all walks of life, tell them to spend hours and hours together at the job, knowing that if one of them screws up slightly, the whole organization breaks down.

It’s not going to be a seamless process, is it? The whole dynamic of “team,” whether it’s in an office or a locker room, takes some time to unfold.

It took more time than many had hoped for or expected for this basketball team to figure it out but it seems like they finally have.

It doesn’t mean everything will be all sweetness and light from now until the end of the season, there are sure to be blips and losing streaks and other issues to deal with.

But it does seem like they’ve figured out who each other is and that’s a good step. After all, as Bosh pointed out:

“I think it’s very important to like guys. We spend a lot of time together, more time than we spend with our families.”

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Oh, can I just say I find it insulting or something that there’s a hockey rink at Fenway?

Seriously. Do it at Wrigley or Dodger Stadium or some other ball park.

The Fens?

Bad. Very bad.

I may have to stop by there on Saturday afternoon to lodge a personal protest.

Or just go to a restaurant and sit around.

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I don’t know much about 12 Step programs but one of them is admitting you’ve got a problem, right?

Well, Marco Belinelli seems on the way to recovery. Or at least he’s giving it a shot.

He was the last guy on the floor doing serious shooting drills after practice on Monday, working with Dave Hopla on catching and shooting.

And it was working on the same old stuff we’d seen for months.

“Maybe sometimes my balance is bad. Especially when I go off the screen or double (screen) action or something like that. I shoot too fast, I can take maybe more time to get my balance. It’s my shot and I have to be patient.”

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So Charlotte kills Milwaukee last night and here’s how Rick wrote it up.

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It’s been 45 minutes or so that I’ve been sitting at this machine and in that time no one’s suggest a Jose trade or that the Raptors go get the disgruntled, surgically-repaired Tracy McGrady.

Wait!!!!

Jose for Tracy in some package deal!!!

There you go. Kills two birds with one stone.

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You know last week, when it was pointed out it’d take 73 days for the Heroes Of The Hardcourt to play their next 30 games after playing their first in 53?

Remember when I said it sounded great and relaxing but that there’d be days when I’d welcome off-day story ideas?

Well, that point has arrived and we’re like a week into that stretch.

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As I’m sitting on a stool next to Marco after practice yesterday – and after he’d had that little shooting session under the auspices of Dave Hopla and Eric Hughes – the conversation got around to Sunday’s game.

And it was pointed out to him that it was the first time in his NBA career that he’d fouled out of a game.

True player that he is, he had an explanation.

“Really? I make six fouls but, really, I made three.”

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This is odd and I should remember it when I read the stories in April about the soaring cost of a season of snow removal and how my taxes may have to go up to pay for it.

A huge snow plow just came around the crescent for no other reason than the guy wanted to go for a drive, I think. The one-zillionth of a centimetre we got over night hardly calls for a plowing.

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A word of caution from Chris Bosh about all this great – and by great I mean passable – defence of the last couple of games:

“To be quite honest, against Detroit, they don’t shoot the ball well from the outside … and we gave up a lot of second chance points to them on both games so we probably got lucky on that one.”

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Comments

[Kevin A.]

For people who want to know the latest on Mr. Evans, there's this little nugget from his Twitter page:

"i take an X Ray on the 30 so i will let yall know whats up by friday or sat."

So.. yeah. There's that.

[erc]

I remember a time when you opined that Dave Hopla was kind of a smoke and mirrors-type shooting guru and not really necessary to the Raptors scheme of things.
Looks like he's still around and that you've accepted, if not downright embraced, that fact. Good for you, Doug. You are teachable.

Blogger's note: Why do you think my opinion has changed?

[AS]

OMG! Dave Hopla is Back! We're saved !!

[robguy]

Thanks for the great Blogs over the past year! I read and enjoy regularly, but rarely post. I am amazed at how you have to put up with a few intellectually challenged readers who cannot accept opinions different than their own and then feel empowered to insult yourself and other posters. Most contributors are very entertaining - I am getting better at ignoring some.
Obviously, I am reacting to a couple of late posts yesterday; I wonder if Bill Simmons gets criticized for his often incorrect trade speculation - while he is sometimes entertaining, 99.9% of it never happens - I would rather follow the game than a gossip column. I guess if he creates enough possibilities, one of them will stick sooner or later.
My opinion of some Toronto fans; I am convinced if Gretzky or Jordan had played here, a passionate few would have been clamoring for them to be traded - for whatever reason, impatient and passionate fans are part of the culture here. That is the only way I can explain the odd 'Bosh sucks or Bosh cannot shoot' comments in the game blog...

[James]

McGrady/Brooks for Calderon/Evans/Banks/Pops/O'Bryant

McGrady's contract is so mammoth that it's almost impossible to work out a trade between the two teams but I made it work

We get an upgrade and a PG of the future with Brooks and the Rockets...sorry I can't keep doing this with a straight face. This should never, EVER, happen.

[CARLoS M.]

I have to say that I am more impressed each day with Bosh's maturity and knowledge of the game. It's been nice to see him develop over the years. Let's hope he decides to stay with the team long term.

[Andrew]

I was in the "trade Jose camp", but guys, go back and watch Game 1 against Cleveland: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPKwxNr7BI8

He didn't shoot it well, but had 11 assists and finished strong.

[SkyJ]

Great comments about team chemistry being like any other workplace. That's what I love about your blog, Doug. You try to use this forum you have to provide some perspective -- which is much needed to counter the mob mentality and "group think" that happens in sports as with any other area of life. I'm afraid we're seeing it happen again with the "trade Jose" issue. I can already see how this is going to play out:
(1) The inevitable re-adjustment period when Jose gets back will be seen as proof by fans that he sucks. (2) More discontent will follow, fanning more flames. (3) Controversy and distracting story lines are played out in the media. (4) Players begin pressing. (5) Team play erodes. (6) Losses begin to mount. (7) Lather, rinse, repeat. And before you know it, another disappointing season for another Toronto sports team. I hope I'm wrong, because this recipe needs to be changed. Go Raps!

[WSG]

Yet another very good blog. You addressed the chemistry subject here with impressive perspicacity. As well, I very much agree with your feelings about hockey at Fenway. I’m a Jays fan, but I’ve been to Fenway and have no small amount of reverence for it. To put ice there just doesn’t seem right. Cheers.

[David]

Along the lines of your discussion with Bosh, it's interesting that Pop is saying San Antonio will need an entire season to integrate all of its newcomers and get them playing the Spurs' style of ball the way it should be. And the Raptors, with nine newcomers, 12 if you count only those who were here on Jan 1,2009, are supposed to gel overnight? Hopefully, the team can stay around .500 through January - a schedule with a lot of good teams - and then lock down a playoff spot in February which is a pretty slack month. That would be a pretty good achievement, all things considered.

[david998]

Chemistry may be improving but rebounding isn't.
And let's wait until they play some over 500 teams before we get so excited about their new found competence playing this game.

[Anthony]

I can't help myself with reading about how harshly people judge Bargnani..... He is certainly an enigma and generally how he goes, so goes the team, especially in second halves of games. I think he has played well down the stretch in almost every close game we've been in.....

With that said, there seems to be around Raptor boards comparisons between Joakim Noah & Bargs.... with many espousing that Noah is a much better NBA player. I am shocked when I read it. Sure Noah can rebound, play decent defense, but that is it.....

I have taken it a step further and look at Andrew Bynum and wonder why there is such great platitudes when it comes to his potential/ability. He plays with 2-4 All-Stars (including the best player), 2-3 lockdown defenders and a scary large front court. His range is under 10' at this point, as is the area he must defend. He has had two major injuries the last two years. Add to that his contract averages $14,000,000+....

Am i the one out to lunch on this one???? What do other scouts/gms/coaches think????

See what happens when the team has a few days off and there is other things to talk about.

[rapsfan]

is there a pregame chat today Doug?

Blogger's note: No game, so afraid not. Back tomorrow sometime I'm sure

[Gerald]

"Remember when I said it sounded great and relaxing but that there’d be days when I’d welcome off-day story ideas?"

The off-day story that has been staring you in the face for quite some time is the state of Raptor fandom. I understand why it is hard to write, but it would IMO be worth it to explore how the Raptor fans have gone almost completely off the rails in the past year or so.

The endless and almost unbearable kvetching.

The hysterical knee-jerk responses to almost everything that happens.

The inappropriate booing at times (i.e., missed free throws, or an opponent going on a run - a RUN in basketball!!! Imagine THAT!!).

The distinct reduction in overall enthusiasm at the games (one thing that Rap fans have always had is a much more boisterous crowd, as compared to the Leafs).

And, of course, the pizza (although that is a little done to death around here).

[Kelsey]

hockey rink in Fenway does look weird, Belinelli decent off the bench player, however team is much more productive with Weem's getting his minutes, Also looks like Wright is getting playing time (defence). Bosh is top notched player tuning into a nice leader. I wont lie I knocked Bargnani, however we still need his scoring touch. Team needs Jack as starter to keep defence offense balance. Calderon could come off bench and be effective. Washington, Philly huge dissapointment this year. I could only imagine what there fans are saying!!

[:)]

JOSE IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE! AND THATS THAT!

[doug]

why all this angst or feelings towards Dave Hopla?....unless we don't see a side of him that you do, but every team has goaltending coaches, shooting coaches, quarterback coaches etc...its nothing to make a big deal of....good game tonight Cavs,Hawks both playing well, should be a good test for the Hawks be interesting to see how they respond...group dynamics whether on a team, or at work, in a family etc...are a on-going challenge, and one change has a domino effect, so to try and mesh 9 new guys, plus a coach in his first year and a few new assistants takes time....the main thing is to be aware of it and work on it as the Raps seem to be doing...plus Hedo seems to be finding his niche which can only be good for all involved...

[Prophet2k]

Sorry Doug but I gotta offer this as a trade that actually works according to rosters, salary, and nba rules(at least according to the ESPN trade machine).

Raptors trade: Calderon, Banks, Johnson, Evans and use the trade exception from the Kapono deal.
Houston trades: McGrady, A Brooks, J. Dorsey and C. Budinger.

Both teams trade 2 guards and 2 forwards but the Raptors take an extra 3 million on the payroll. That being said, I like Calderon as the starter and McGrady is probably on his last legs but I could probably handle Jack starting with a reasonable backup like Brooks, and the 22+ million expiring contract of T-Mac could make things really interesting in the offseason.

Blogger's note: No disrespect but this is not really the place for fantasy league deals.

[Keith Wagar]

Doug, knowing how you feel about thundersticks I thought that I would add my list of most annoying. (Anyone can feel free to add on.)
1. PIZZA, PIZZA, PIZZA! Come on -really now !
2. EVERYBODY CLAP YOUR HANDS. Please burn that tape- how juvenile
3. THE IDIOTS WHO ARE STUCK IN THE 80's AND TRY TO START A WAVE.

[Jose]

Funny that you mention my grammar mistakes when your blog was full of them yesterday and are most of the time. Furthermore, you even put the Raptors as the 5th seed in the East when they are actually the 6th. Honestly, how can you get that wrong? Contradiction? I believe so. Have a good night!

Blogger's note: I did. I made a mistake. Humblest apologies.
And it should be "is most of the time" not "are most of the time."
Thanks for reading. This is now over because I always get the last word.

[doug]

can people knock it off aboutt he grammar mistakes on here...its a blog, it seems certain people just wait for Doug to make a grammarical error...come on get a life, i for one write fast at work or wherever an sometimes proof read, sometimes I don't...as my english teacher in high school said , he was more interested in the thought then teh grammar, grammar can be worked on...think about it....so all this crappola about grammar is needless....Doug you say you want ideas how about a blog on eastern teams that have over-achieved under-achieved (Wizards)...branch out into the whole eastern frontieras its where the Raps reside...that ain't a bad idea you think....wheres the grammar police...

Blogger's note: That are a good idea. Thanx

[Jose]

Are the Raptors interested in McGrady?

Blogger's note: Not in the least. No

[Prophet2k]

My bad Doug, I was only trying to illustrate how convoluted a deal would have to be for it to work in real life. As I said I like Jose as the starter on this team and I am not desirous of a trade involving him but would live with one if it happened(since us fans really have no say about these things anyways).

Blogger's note: All cool

[chris]

I for one WOULD do a McGrady for Calderon + deal. Not that i like McGrady, but i do like his expiring contract.

And as much as i like Jose, he just doesn't (or can't) defend at a level that we need to contend for anything.

[Moe]

Hey Doug...

I've always noticed about Bosh how well-spoken and aware he is of himself, situations and trends. He embraces new-technology, for sure, and he's seems to have a high-level of emotional maturity.

What do other players and managers around the NBA think of Bosh as a person? He comes across as a "thinking man?" Is that an accurate assessment?

Blogger's note: I think that's quite accurate; and the feeling I got when I talked about him with member of that 2008 Olympic team