Some stuff to finish off the year

That was kind of a fun game, wasn’t it?

No, they didn’t beat the ’83-’84 Celtics or ’95-‘96 Bulls or anything but it was a good, tough win forged with some energy and effort.

All in all, a good end to the year.

So’s this:

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THREE THINGS I LEARNED

This ought to keep some people a bit quiet

If they’re going to go down, they want to go down with a fight.

As part of some new defensive tenets, little tweaks that seem to be working all right, the Raptors want to get up into ball-handlers in the halfcourt, apply a little pressure and see what happens.

As Jay explained, it’s not always going to be pretty in general and specifically against the Bobcats:

“Last time we played these guys, we showed the tape and we were five feet off guys and let them do whatever they wanted to do. Even though we knew we were going to get blown by tonight a couple of times – and we did – we thought more pressure on the ball would create turnovers, would create deflections and that’s how we’ve been playing for the last 13 games.

“We just decided to not be positional players; if we’re going to get beat, let’s get beat aggressively.”

Nice.

That means the next time we get incessant complaints about guards getting killed by penetration (like the second Jose comes back), we can put it all on the coach and suggest it’s just all part of the strategy.

Thanks, Jay.

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Something to build on?

It was one game against a vertically-challenged opponent but it had to be at least a little heartening to see Andrea Bargnani work a bit more in the post last night than he has, isn’t it?

It’s not like he’s become Wilt or anything but they ran a set where he flashed from the baseline to the middle of the lane, sealed his man by making himself “big” (large target, arms spread, legs apart, looking for the ball) and either went to the rim or took a little turnaround eight-footer.

No idea if he’ll keep it up but it did show that he’s got some moves down there.

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An early sign

Okay, it was one basket early in a game that was close but there was one play about eight minutes into the game that kind of signaled what kind of night it was going to be.

Ball’s going out of bounds right in front of the Charlotte bench when Bosh dives on the floor after it to make the save and keep it alive.

He knocks it to Jarrett Jack who takes off on the break and hits Sonny Weems for about a 15-footer.

Weems misses but DeRozan’s at the rim for a put-back slam, the joint’s going crazy and everyone’s up off the bench.

It makes the score 18-13 and it’s hardly the turning point but it showed early that the locals had some oomph and energy to their game.

And was a very nice play to watch unfold.

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Oh, yeah, there’s this, too

REGGIE NEWS

REGGIE NEWS

REGGIE NEWS

I know very few of you are wondering but we chatted with Reggie Evans before the game and got this update, which I will mention once now and probably about 1,000 times over the next four or five days.

He’s better.

He had an MRI on Monday, it came back clean and he’s hoping to start some serious on-court work soon.

Given his level of conditioning and the fact he hasn’t played a minute of basketball for two months, he’s probably a month away from putting on a uniform and contributing.

As for his work during this hiatus, he told us he can work on the elliptical trainer now to keep his cardio up, he’s getting in some light, shooting, can dunk, make cuts on his sore foot without any discomfort and is generally in pretty good shape.

He also said he’s been getting some cardio work in at the University of Toronto pool and made it sound like it’s pretty comical to see.

“All the students are laughing at me because I can’t swim. They’ve got all kinds of safety people around.”

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I’m sitting there watching the fellas dance and hug and go through these elaborate rituals right before the game starts and all I can reall think of is this: If they paid as much attention to where they’re supposed to be on halfcourt sets and defensive possessions, maybe they’d really have a reason to hug and love each other.

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Dang. Forgot to mention this yesterday but thought you’d still like to know.

When we’re finally let into practice, one of the first thing we do (after counting the players to make sure they’re all there) is check out what hangers-on are in the gym.

It’s usually a small number – there seems to be fewer family and friends sitting around this year – but there were an extraordinary number of strangers the other day.

Pops had his high school coach and a billion members of his staff in there and there was one guy who looked remotely familiar sitting on a stool watching.

Then I see him talking to Micah and while they’re not actually squishing bugs or trying to hit one back up the middle, it comes to me:

Joey Votto.

Big league hitter, local product and, I’m thinking, maybe one degree of separation for the de facto hitting coach of The Mighty Yankees.

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My guy Rick sums up last night’s affair like this in the cyber pages of the Charlotte Observer.

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Oh yeah. More mail. Send it here, please.

It’ll give me something to do Saturday afternoon in Boston instead of going to Fenway and screaming about the desecration of such an historic site.

Or it’ll keep me out of a bar.

Or not.

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Fun Stat That Means Nothing Except I Have Too Much Time On My Hands And Was Looking Crap Up:

Remember when Chris Bosh was leading the NBA in three-point shooting and how odd that was?

Well, he hasn’t taken, or made, one in a month.

Guess that fad’s gone, right?

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New Year’s Eve, right?

(Or, as some of us know it, Amateur Hour)

Everyone got big plans?

Do me a favour, okay? Right now, make arrangements to get home with someone who isn’t imbibing.

Please.

Thanks.

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I don’t want to say it’s regression to the mean but as I’m watching the Raptor point guards struggle at times with the ball pressure applied by the Bobcats and how it’s taking about 14 or 15 seconds for Toronto to get into its halfcourt offence at times, I couldn’t help but think:

Couldn’t they use their best ball-handling guard right about now?

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You know that marathon took 2:35 to play, don’t you?

About 20 minutes longer than any basketball game should take, in part because of fouls and free throws, in part because of the incessant video reviews and I’ve got to say, as a deadline-stressed grunt, I’m not at all pleased.

Like you care.

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Anyway, big day of practice, working on a feature, radio gig at the dinner hour and then a wee celebration before an early flight to Boston.

Have a great New Year's, folks.

See you in 2010.

Comments

[Busby]

As long as we are getting Lebron James and he agrees to a new deal I say let's do the Cleveland deal. I assume it is James we getting for Bosh because who else would we want from that roster that is even remotely equivalent to Bosh.

[doug]

what part of this don't people get....these guys are NBA and hence are pretty dam good ball players, this is not your local Y, or high school team, or university team or even top tier NCAA team....these guys ar ethe best of the best....so when a Felton has 23 points does anyoen think that maybe, just maybe he is good and had a good game.....it is not the NHl or soccer wher ethere are shutouts, or baseball.....it is the NBA where a 100 points are the norm....you know why??..not because of deficient defense, but because like the commercial says these guys are good....plain and simple....people need to understand that before they go on these rants that are baseless denigrating players and coaching schemes....these guys are good and some people on here just don't get that...

[Joe Smith]

2010 resolution for Doug - Be less of a snob.
Happy New Year.

[Dadeo]

Wow Doug, reading those 2 posts from James, my respect for you has increased exponentially!! Love the blog and the in-game chat. Keep up the great work and Happy New Year!

[James]

"Blogger's note: Think what you want, I absolutely don't care. But if you change your English usage and use "obvisous" I fear no one will have the slightest clue what you mean".

Is this all you have - finger slip remark as a reply. WEAK - very very WEAK and child-like. I know now, that I am right because a "finger slip typing" mistake is all you can reply back too. I also I know people out there are way smarter then you give them credit for, I am more then positive they understood everything I meant - just like you did. Hope you don't make a mistake on here in the future - because under your theroy, no one will understand ANY of the other stuff you wrote becuase of it.

Blogger's note: Done yet? I think you are.

[J]

James:

Give me a break. If you're going to argue something, use at least a modicum of statistical foundation and not your "feeeelings".
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1. Yes, Calderon is a defensive liability just like many other starting guards in the league, but this is the first season since his rookie year that Calderon has given up more points than he has scored (not counting assists, of course). The last three seasons, he has been +4.2, +6.1, and +4.9 (per 48 minutes) compared to the opposing guard on the floor at the same time, so you're wrong that he allows more points than he generates unless you meant only this year and his rookie season. Those numbers put him in the top third of starting PGs each season, if not better, and you're welcome to count for yourself.
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2. Why do you think "so does everyone else" makes your arguments more valid? Can you read everyone's mind? Obviously not mine, so speak for yourself.
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3. I'm going to help you out with a stat you remembered incorrectly. During Calderon's 22 starts, the Raptors allowed 109.2 points per game. In the last 11 that Calderon has not played, the Raptors have allowed 98.7 points per game. Altogether, it's 105.8 and still tied for 2nd worst in the league at the moment. Yes, it's sort of what you stated, but you have so many fallacies -- don't want people running around toting your "knowledge".
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4. I'm not going to claim to know the exact reason for the decrease in points against, but here is some food for thought:
- Average points against in the first 10 games was 105.9. Average points against in the second group of 10 games was 116.0. That's as big a shift (+10.1) as the last 11 games compared to the first 22 (-10.5). Unless you can point out who we should blame for the +10.1 points given up, I'll attribute it to small sample size.
- Before we go crazy over the 7-4 record since Jose went down, let's remember that of the last 11, only 2 games were against good opponents (Atlanta, Orlando) and we went 0-2, 114.5 points against. Compare that with the 11 good quality opponents in the first 22 games, where we went 1-11, 117.2 points against. That's not that big a change, if you ask me, and until we face a run of good teams, neither Jack>Calderon nor our recent defensive success means much.
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Feel free to respond with your own points; that is, if you can back them up.

[J]

James,

One more thing. When you say "I also sent FACTS quoted from the Score" -- FACTS, in capitals for emphasis and extra validity -- make sure you actually quote them accurately. The fact that you quoted 105 and not 109 leads everyone to believe you're not the most accurate and factual person. That, and of course, your rant full of juvenile threats, misspellings and horrendous grammar. Hope it was because Santa gifted you a ton of booze. ;)

[smitty7]

james: get a life man.it's not that serious.didn't the quote say tho that they played on the man for the past 13?not just against charlotte.i know you'll correct me if im wrong

[Dave in Ottawa]

Hey Doug,
Happy New Year and safe travels. Wanted to bring up two things I read at ESPN. In response to a raptors fan's question, Hollinger (I think) said that Amir is much better than Reggie. Agree? Secondly, a few people there are thinking a Calderon for Kevin Martin trade (once Sacto realizes Tyreke isn't a PG) makes sense for both teams. Have to admit, it is tempting. What are your thoughts on plausibility and impact if it happened?

Blogger's note: Amir's younger, taller and quicker but not as tough. Much better? Not sure I'd go that far.
Trade: Sorry, I don't go there if it's not being legitimately discussed by execs. And that was entirely fabricated by writers

[Ian]

I don't post comments that often, but I enjoy reading the blog and the comments from the regulars everyday. So to everyone who contributes... Have a happy New Year!!

[Elwyn Jennings]

James, you need some Christmas cheer, dood. And while you're at it, go grab some bball 101.

Joe Smith,here's new year's resolution for you: be less of a nob.

[Troy Phan]

Hey Doug,

First thing first. Happy new year to you and your family.

Secondly, I want to sincerly thank you for your effort and dedication that you provide for us fans. You bring a different perspective for the game in your blog and it got me to enjoy the game in different ways. I've been watching the game differently now, paying more attention to players doing their roles off the ball, watching how the offense/defense get set up. It's extremely hard though because I don't want to miss the action where the ball is, but I'm doing it slowly.

Like you I'm so annoyed by fans who play GM and their hyperthetical trade scenarios, or arguing to death about an opinion you express where they don't agree. I don't know how you can put up with it but I totally understand you. It's a blog and people should just chill. Blogs are usually written like a journal and personal opinions are more outward than a news article. Keep up the good work and all the best in the new year.

[jc]

Hey Doug,
I'm an easy going guy..things don't tend to bother me. If people want to cheer for pizza....whatever. But...that's two games in a row where Bosh is at the line making a very relevant free throw and the Raps just happen to have had 99pts at the time. And people are chanting "pizza pizza"?!! The "MVP" chants have finally ceased but now this? Talk to your people...make some sort of loop hole where pizza can't be earned on a free throw. Healthy new year to all.

[Big Ken]

Doug: The Doug that stated that there are good players in the NBA. ( such as Raymond Felton). I agree heartily with your comment! So the Question is, why get overly excited with in game stats, both, defensive and offensive? Enjoy the game, and keep it simple!

[graham]

James:
please start your own blog, call it "negative and stupid" or something equally descriptive of your mind set. Anyone who equates Colangelo's performance as a GM to that of JP Riccardi has no understanding of sport. You may have lots of strong opinions you wish to voice, but that's why blogging was invented: go forth and vent, but cease cluttering up Doug's blog with your continued inanities please: you offer nothing constructive. Doug may be snarky but he has more patience for you than his readers!

[doug]

I agree myself I nver have been or never will be astats man...thats why i appreicate a guy like Hedo so much an what eh brings...the entertainment factor of b-ball is what it is alla bout...to me they are the best atheletes of any sport, we are not talking small men these guys are large (i sat courtside years ago and saw Lanier i was in awe)...these guys are so good, try an go toa gym an hit a uncontested 3, these guys have a hand in their face, an do it consistently...there jus good, so to "stop" a team means holding them to 80 points in a best case scenario thats still 20 a quarter..its impossible to "stop" you attempt to minimize and thats it...

[Don W.]

Doug:
You are falling for the oldest trick in the book by responding to comments made by James. People like him work on the assumption that if they say something enough times somebody may just believe them. In addition when you respond if gives him the attention he so desires. In most cases his examples and what he is trying to say are at opposite ends of the scale. By calling Jose "Senor Matador" he is saying that Jose is quick and agile. By saying trade him to the Lakers he is saying that Jose is capable of leading the NBA champs. Last week he got completly mixed up by saying that Jose was benched by the Spanish national team and replaced by Ricky Rubino when Jose was actually injured and replaced by Ricky Rubio.

In the new year please don't respond to his "Pinhead" ranmblings.b

[SkyJ]

Seeing as we can't seem to get rid of the pizza promotion, here's my suggestion: tie the giveaway to paid attendance, make it free pizza for every game that's a sell-out. That puts the onus on the fans to come out to the games, and gets us away from these ridiculous distractions when a game is on the line. Everybody wins (except the Pizza Pizza franchisees, sorry).
Happy New Year to everyone!

[Kevin]

Did you like the line from Mike Ganter over at the Sun, "Bargnani, who normally shows about as much emotion as your average grazing cow, turned to the crowd and let loose a primal scream that even Bosh would be proud of."

I really think Andrea needs to work on that image makeover.

Happy New Year Doug

[Keith Wagar]

Just one area I would like some change. Raps are up one or two at end of quarter - other team inbounds and brings ball length of floor in 5 or 6 seconds for a shot. Need to work in some kind of full court or half court press or trap to at least slow them down so they can't get off a shot!

[Jamie B.]

Wow. Doug- I had no idea it was this bad. James' vitrol is right up there with the Republicans in the U.S.
James- take it easy, its a game for crying out loud! And what you are arguing about isnt even a big deal. I prefer Jack starting and am not a huge Calderon fan either- I think Jack gets/demands more from the players and it is that leadership, more than Calderon's lateral quickness issue that bothers me. Still, I'd rather have both than Jack with Banks as the full time backup... you wouldnt? Triano, BC and the gang see all of this...
...and Doug is not out to mislead us! Why would he?
Happy New Year.

[Aditya]

happy new year doug..!!! hopefully the raps win more games and there will be less angst amongst all of us...but then its not as much fun, is it..

[erc]

small-d-doug, I remember reading a quote years ago regarding the huge former Pistons pivot. It read something like, ' at 7.52 Lanier's shoes began to emerge from the Detroit dressing room and three minutes later he appeared.'
Big man, big feet, big game. He and Dave Bing and the rest of that crew didn't win any championship's that I re-call, but they were fun to watch. Hadn't thought about him in years, til you mentioned him.