Of Hedo, hacking and a busy day ahead

Join Doug Smith for a live Q&A at noon today, as the Raptors prepare to take on the Atlanta Hawks.

Kind like that déjà vu feeling all over again, no?

Look at it this way: Only 63 more to go.

-

THREE THINGS I LEARNED

They (heart) Hedo.

No, Turk’s first month has hardly been a huge success and, yes, he was awful in the fourth quarter last night, missing all six of his shots, clanking one free throw and missing a couple of key defensive assignments that led to crucial Washington baskets.

Seems $53 million doesn’t go as far as it used to, eh?

But seriously, he’s not going anywhere. He’s not going to the bench to start games, he’s not going to the bench in fourth quarters and, as everyone told us last night, if the same situation arises tonight, he’s just as likely to have the ball in his hands again as not.

Why? Because unlike some fans, the Raptors brass and the guys who wear the uniforms know that Turkoglu can make big shots and big plays and they fully expect him to.

You don’t (this I know because I’m an astute reader of your minds, e-mails and screaming rants) but they do.

And, in many ways, so do I.

Now, I thought they should have run some screen-roll action or gone to Bosh in Phoenix and I probably would have put him in screen-roll with Andrea with 30 seconds to go last night and not Bosh but the guy’s made a career out of making those plays and two failings in a month isn’t going to dissuade anyone from putting the ball in his hands.

The defensive failings? Like not getting a body on a big on the weakside or watching Caron Butler blow by him for a baseline dunk? Those are failings he’s had all along. It’s funny what not having Dwight Howard back there will do for a guy, no?

But to think he’s not going to be out there in crunch time is zany. The coaches like him in that roll and, according to Jose, so do the players.

“I want him on my team instead of Orlando for sure.”

-

Once was enough?

Third quarter, about three and a half minutes left, Raps down two and charging and I’m watching Marco pretty much wrestle Brendan Haywood about 20 feet away from the play while yelling at the refs to make sure they saw what was going on.

Hacking Haywood on purpose? First time I’ve seen that from these guys and it struck me as an odd strategy to employ.

Guess it kind of worked because Haywood only made one of two free throws but they never did it again and it seemed to absolutely come out of nowhere.

Odd.

-

It’s still a routine

Oh boy, back-to-back coming. And we know what that usually means.

A loss.

There had been some thought – first proposed by the coach – that perhaps they’d change things up a bit, maybe hold a shootaround the day of the second game just to get ‘em up and going bright and early.

Not sure if that ever made much sense; and it seems Jay’s had second thoughts.

“I don’t know what we can do. With four games in five nights, or three in four now, I don’t know if makes sense to go practice and get guys up and run. We’ve just got to tighten up our preparation and come with some energy.”

Makes entire sense to me.

-

And in the rest of the news.

-

So, how’s your day shaping up?

Me? I’m off momentarily to see a man about a heart (hence the avoidance of all things Atlanta), figure I’ll be back for a noon chat, am hanging in the FAN590 studio answering questions with the esteemed Jack Armstrong from 2-3 and then back here for a 7 p.m. game blog.

Just thought you’d like to know where you can reach me.

-

Notice how quiet it’s been by the Raptors bench these last couple of games.

And I’m not talking about the lack of offensive production here.

No Reggie.

No bouncing around, coaching, hugging, cheering, showing off his wardrobe.

I’m told he’s been in Florida – where he and his family live in the off-season – and he’s due back up here today.

And, no. I don’t know when he’s coming back.

-

Okay, so some guy at NBA.com goes through the standings, perhaps while sitting at his desk, perhaps while riding rapid transit to his job, comes up with seven teams that Allen Iverson would help – in his own estimation – and with the Raptors on it, the e-mail floodgates open.

Sometimes this whole “wired world” thing irks me.

Forget for a minute that Allen Iverson is going back to Philly by all account.

Even if he wasn’t, it doesn’t make sense at so many levels I’m getting tired of pointing it out.

So, three points.

What’s Toronto’s biggest failing? Defence. Is Allen Iverson going to solve that problem?

What’s Toronto’s strong suit? Offence. Does it work as well with a two-guard dominating the ball.

Does Toronto need a chemistry-killing, me-first, start-me-or-I-sulk guy on the north side of 30?

No. No. No.

End of story.

Sorry to the many AI supporters out there but, even if Bryan fell on his head and actually considered this, he’d be dead wrong.

-

If I’ve got these links figured out right off the bat, here’s what Mike Lee wrote about that spectacle.

-

And here’s what the folks in Atlanta are learning about the Hawks today. Cousin Sekou  has blown off the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for greener pastures so this is a new name on the list.

-

Hey, I got myself a copy of the June Taylor Dancers 2010 calendar last night and if you’re looking for a stocking stuffer for that special someone, it’d be a good idea.

Mostly because the $15 goes to the Raptors charitable foundation and irregulars will know I think that group does a very good job.

Anyway, now I’ve got to figure out where to hang it.

-

Hey, I’d told we’ve got a winner in the contest for tickets for the Dec. 13 game and even though they are scuffling mightily right now, I presume she still wants to go.

But I want to say thanks to everyone who clicked to enter on the off-chance they’d get to have brunch with me. Oh, and see a game from pretty good seats, hang out courtside before and listen to us grill Jay after the game, of course.

There were something like 2,324 entries, which strikes me as a lot.

And we appreciate it.

-

Comments

[George]

I think that was the toughest loss to swallow... The offence looked stagnant and I think the Raptors just somehow expected to win just by showing up at the game. There was no ball movement on offence, Jose was by far the best offensive threat and Amir was the only one who looked like he wanted to win. Tough loss.

[Rick Findlay]

Doug - good article on Hedo`s tough night. To me the biggest factor was Haywood able to guard Bosh with mininal help and hold him to 30% shooting. Raps continued to dump it to him with mediocre results - need some better alternatives in these situations

[DougG]

I know the GM and Coach don't care but just an observation, I've never seen Raptor fans so angry and disappointed as they are right now. They seem to be tuning out the team and writing off the season as well and this is from a fan base used to losing and futility.

Not sure if things are really any different this time, but there does seem to be a greater number of empty seats around the ACC lately.

[gdr]

Its getting really tiresome to watch teams make layup after layup in the 4th quarter. And when the Raps play some D (I use the term "some" lightly) and force a missed shot, it usually ends up in the hand of the opponent while 2 or 3 Raps stand around watching. Boxing out and rebounding are the easiest part of the game, but it takes dedication and mental toughness. Things I currently do not see from any Raptor! Notify me when this teams gets a clue, then I may start watching again...

[jas]

prediction... 35 point loss coming tonight.

[Sean]

I was at the game last night and I found it hilarious and at the same time sad when Hedo hit the 3 at the end of regulation to win the crowd pizza and the audience erupted... don't think he'll do that again.

[sara]

Is quite difficult to explain why an-hot-hand Bargnani see the ball once in the last quarter,whereas Bosh and Hedo got the green light to force shots, after shots, after shots ...Triano said that we don't need Andrea's shooting abilities , we need defence from him. Maybe yesterday was one of those game where Bargnani shooting abilities were much more needed than his defence liabilities.

Jack Armstrong on the FAN 590 : yesterday he said that Bargnani doesn't deserve to be in the starting line and should not be allowed to play untill he understand how to defend. Is he suggesting a trade ? because a 50 mil. bench warmer dones't make sense

[CC]

The raptors don't have chemistry to kill, and getting AI wont let them get any worst... They need someone like AI but not AI..

[S.M.]

Doug,

Really enjoy your blog but sometimes you are a little safe with your comments and they always seem to align with what management/coaches may be thinking. Management and coaches are often wrong and get fired.

I am not a huge fan of bringing AI up here but he is an upgrade on defense. None of our guards are better than AI on defense - even if he's north of 30. That is sad but true. Also, who cares about our offense scoring 100+ points if we can't stop anyone? We are not going anywhere in the playoffs if we even make it there with this crew. I'd rather have someone that slows down our offense, dominates the ball, AND makes stops at the other end.

And if we are complaining about AI's poor attitude about coming off the bench...maybe we should look at our own team. I am certain that the reason there hasn't been a lineup change is because we have some ego's to stroke in our starting lineup. I think Jack, AI, Turkoglu, Bosh, and Johnson (Evans when he gets back) is a better and more balanced starting 5 than what we have. Too much offense and no defense is NEVER going to win you enough games.

[Joachim T]

Doug,
What's your assessment of Hedo thus far? Right now through 18 games, his stats are down a bit compared to the last couple of years but I think even if he reaches the numbers (play an extra 2 minutes, get an extra 3 pts, extra 1 assist, and about 0.5 a rebound), I can't see how the Raptors would significantly improve. On a good NBA team, I think Hedo is more like a 4th scoring option (he'll make his own plays and create for others but won't have many set plays run for him). He was sort of a 3rd or 4th option on the Magic (Howard, Nelson, Lewis/Hedo). When the Raptors signed him, he was anointed and introduced as the 2nd option behind Bosh and perhaps "the" guy for late/game winning situations.

[Matt M]

Hey they needed to win and they didn't. As Sam used to say that makes tonights game in Atlanta a must-must and friday's game a must-must-must win (maybe not in this context). And of course Hedo should have the ball at the (see your psychic link to my email doesn't work), his strongest suit is his play making ability. Maybe he should be looking pass first when his shot isn't falling but then I kinda chalk yesterday up to one of those games. They probably should have won but got out worked by a Washington team with many of the same issues that the Raps have. Get to do it all again tonight.

[O.J.]

Doug,
In my view it is more than obvious that the starting lineup has to change NOW. The playoffs are in the balance. The question you have to ask yourself is who plays better with Bosh, Bargs or Amir? Bargs scored & grabbed boards yesterday but in the 4th quarter he is a liability because he doesn't drive. I've noticed multiple games wherein Amir's hustle and intensity better compliment Bosh. Andrea had boards last night but he doesn't bring that consistent effort every quarter never mind every game! He has to know that he can lose his spot if his aggressive cutting, driving and rebounding isn't there whenever he is on the court. It is my believe that offense comes off the bench and you start the game with defensive intensity.

That being the case, I would place Jose and Bargs on the bench (you can't worry about feelings or being drafted 1st overall at this point) and I would start Jack & Amir. Your thoughts?

Blogger's note: You seem to be a regular reader, I think you know my thoughts.

[stan]

i'm sure like many people who wrote you after last night's game, i'm in the same boat at pointing last night's loss squarely at turk. however, i do recognize that he brings the chance of end-of-game-big plays, and for that, i agree with you in that he should be in at the end of the games. HOWEVER... his defensive liabilities REALLY do hurt us. what makes it very difficult to like him is the fact he clearly coasts at points throughout the game. the defensive lapses hurt us cuz they seem to come at the worst time - killing any momentum we've built. anyway, my point is, if they're doing defensive substitutions with bargnani at the end of the game, doesn't it make sense to take turk out too? my problem is identifying who would come in, however i imagine when evans comes back, him and amir would be the 2. even so, i think having bargs in there (i can't believe i am saying this) to rebound over turk at the end of the game would be the smarter move.

[Matt]

Why would Bryan be wrong for considering Iverson? Is he right for bringing in a player with the same skill set as two other players that were already in his starting line up? Was he right when he brought in O'neil whose offense was similiar to Bosh that they couldn't figuire out spacing? Was he right for firing Mitchell when he had the same record as Triano does this year?

Yeah Bryan sure has done a lot of things the right way without taking any chances...

You are better than that Mr. Smith. Use your analytical powers for good. Iversons style of play is different than anything we have on this team. His diversity on offense alone is enough to make me think they should have looked a little harder at that one. But why would we want another guy who gives 100% effort all the time? Dont we already have Amir Johnston?

Blogger's note: Offence is not an issue with this team, defence is

[Sean]

I just dont know anymore lol!! This season so far is much worse than last. I will say this though, SIT ANTOINE WRIGHT DOWN AND GIVE WEEMS A TRY!! Man that guy irks me whenever he has the ball in his hand. Also I agree with Doug, Iverson is not going to be the answer here, so forget it people! Turk just had one of those games, you could tell after the game he felt horrible by the way he was shaking his head while walking off the court. But all in all this team has some serious issues and if this continues Bosh WILL BE TRADED before the deadline. Right now it wouldn't really matter either way if he's here or gone.

[greg]

this raptor team is soft plain and simple that's the part that makes it hard to watch. it isnt fun watching guys flex and pose after getting easy layups and dunks against the team, while our guys have this listless look on their face.

ID like to see our guys get in the face of opponents and hack them every now and then and not go apologizing to opponents after knocking them down. save the friendliness till the post game for a change.

this game is mental just as much as physical. the raptors need to win the psychological battle, good teams get in the other teams head. i think that's where they are losing games. Particularly 3 of the last 4 games.

[Marc. A]

I want to hear from Doug the Gm...
what moves would you make if you were Colangelo?
Also, do you think BC deals CB4 before the all-star break if we continue playing the way we are?

Blogger's note: Right now, I'd make no moves. And I'm not doing February stuff until much closer to February

[Kelsey]

I will say it again and again. A European based team CAN NOT WIN IN THE NBA bottom line.

This is falling south quickly. This team for some reason does not have the extra gear. We can certainly see why Sam Mitchell had Bargnani on the bench..

Can AI really hurt (probably wont happen)..Im usually reasonable, however this team is in shambles. Who can Raptors beat right now?

Blogger's note: Yeah, that Tony Parker-Manu Ginobili San Antonio team sucked, didn't it?

[City Country]

I'm rather depressed with the Raptors this year at this point. They just seem broken.

I see their record sliding quickly just like it did last year and no real indication for a big recovery and return to over .500-ness (except for easier schedule, but the Raps have proved they can lose against anyone). I never would've guessed they'd be a lose 2 for every 1 win team this year. Sigh.

[Penny]

Doug, I think one of the biggest failings of the Raptors in close games is that they stop getting the ball to the players who are scoring. Bosh was not shooting well at all last night and had only 4 points in the whole second half. Turk had an absolutely terrible shooting night and who was taking all the shots at the end of the game? - not Jose or Andrea but Bosh and Turk.
If Turk is going to be the ball handler, then he must stop making all those turnovers - 4 this game, 7 another.
Once again +/- statistics are ridiculous - they had Jose at a -15 and Turk at a +14. In my opinion Jose's play last night was far superior to Turk's.

[N]

Whose responsibilty is it to make sure their players show some heart and not take losing lightly? Players look lost on D. Ready to say goodbye to the playoffs?

[Paul]

WE WANT POPS!

WE WANT POPS!

WE WANT POPS!

[Derek]

Just confirming what others have already said, love basketball, but for some reason I've stopped watching. I guess my expectations in the GM and the new team were too high. Now it seems all but enivitable that Bosh will leave and this team will just keep on sucking big time.

[steve]

seems like bargnani is getting all the flak for weak d- he's actually pretty good, and much improved on rebounding. bosh is caught watching on d just as much as everyone else. to sit bargs would be a huge mistake. i actually think we need to unleash him more. those moves to the basket last night were amazing. last year everyone was on him for not going to the hoop. seems like he becomes the scapegoat over and over. keep him going and keep him going on offense and i bet you'll see better d.

[Kelsie]

Hey Doug.

I shudder to think what the comments will be like if they lose to Atlanta this evening, which we know is entirely within the realm of possibility.

Turks did look awful last night but it wasn't just the turnover's late or the missed shots. It was the missed box out and foul on Haywood like you suggested, as well as that baseline dunk by Butler where token defence was played by Turk's as Caron walked right by him. It also irks me to see when he drives to the hole throwing shots up at the backboard screaming, trying to get calls, instead of finihsing strong trying to score.

The 'Hack a Haywood' startegy worked cause he missed a free throw but that stinks of desperation as we'd rather take our chanes with a poor free throw shooter than defend them inthe half court. Not sure why that was employed.

I don't know if it was you or one of the other media representatives that asked Jay about Barg's shooting last night and getting him more touches late in the game.
I'm no Barg's apologist but he should have had more shots especially considering Turk's was not hitting his shots and Bosh was being defended well by Haywood. Jay's answer was that they were playing him tighter which allowed the guards to score (his response appeared measured as he knew that he didn't do a good job of calling him any sets) but we couldn't find him on any pick and roll scenario's or run some direct plays for him?

Do you not think it was odd that they couldn't get him more than 1 shot in the 4th?? Do you think Washington's defence was paying that much attention to him?

To me it looked like they stayed, but they definitely were not glued to him.

Blogger's note: I did think it was odd, which is why I asked Jay that question.