That was something, wasn't it?

Well, well, well.

That was something, wasn’t it?

Luckily, there’s another game tomorrow, one on Saturday and all kinds of time for other issues to rise to the fore.

Until then …

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THREE THINGS I LEARNED

(Seriously, I learned nothing last night but I guess we’ve got to stick with tradition).

Everyone’s right

Yes, Chris Bosh and Jarrett Jack and Antoine Wright called them out last night after that dispiay of utter capitulation, rightfully so.

In case you missed it:

Bosh:

"The defensive effort hasn't been there for a while. We didn't magically appear last on the charts defensively. I mean, tonight was just a total embarrassment. We couldn't stop anybody. We haven't stopped anybody all year."

Jack:

"Every time something happens it's always, `It's okay, it's all right.' It's not all right. Problems go by without attacking them or challenging them or bringing them to the forefront and getting them solved. We can't keep putting them to the back of the bus and just saying, `That's okay.' It's not all right. Everybody can't walk on eggshells around here and say, `We're playing good basketball.' We're not."

Wright said much the same thing; he gets the right to criticize publicly when he plays better.

Now, the thing Jay has to do is get tougher, sit some guys and, as my learned colleague Jack Armstrong might say: Put a boot up someone’s butt.

And leave it there.

Does the coach possess those traits? Maybe not as much as, say, a Jerry Sloan or a Gregg Popovich or even a Sam Mitchell (and it’s utterly amazing to me how many Mitchell fans have come crawling out of the ground now) does. But he can, I’ve seen him and I know he’s done it with teams before and he must do it now.

It’s not easy. But it’s necessary.

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The other guy does, too

I don’t know what, precisely, that Bryan can do because I don’t think he can go in the locker room and start ripping guys w foithout it being seen as a blatant undermining of his coach.

But this has to be primarily on him, he put this group together and he’s got to get it fixed. Maybe a few threats here and there, judiciously made either in cahoots with his coach or to people close to under-achieving players is in order.

But to think he can magically place a call or two and make some significant trade now is folly. It doesn’t happen that way.

Other GMs aren’t lining up to obtain players from a 7-13 team, certainly not for anything close to equal value, and as perhaps we remember from 2004, a panic trade is a stupid trade.

Maybe the best thing is for Jay to do something to change the lineup and for Colangelo to stand by him and let the players know in no uncertain terms that he’s with his coach and if feelings are hurt and playing time cut, well, tough noogies.

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That said …

I will offer this knowing it turns me in a Grunt Pinata.

It was one game, it’s been 20 games, there are 62 to go and the season is not over.

I think some change has to be made to the lineup and the way players are used, I honestly think they need to simplify the defence even more (don’t give the players options on coverages, don’t overload them with possibilities, don’t make them think) and there are issues, no question.

It’s dark right now but it’s not lights out on the season.

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Oh yeah, and there’s this, too:

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There’s been at least one other memorable night in Atlanta with these guys over the years.

Way back in 1998, as part of what became to unaffectionately known as The Drinking To Forget Tour near the end of the 16-66 season, the fellas faced the Hawks in the Georgia Dome while they were building Philips Arena.

They lose 105-91 (a relative nail-biter, I’d say) but during one timeout in the game, Oliver Miller is spied goofing around with The Chicken there, which is a rather sickly bird as I recall.

Not only does it catch the attention of then-coach Butch Carter, who is entirely not amused, Butch’s brother Cris Carter, who’s at the game.

Afterwards, in the hallway, Cris is a tad miffed at what’s transpired and how Oliver was maybe showing up his coach and acting well, acting like Oliver

All I recall is Cris being physically restrained from going into the locker room to, ah, have a word or two with the offending big man.

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In Atlanta? Cousin Sekou’s replacement summed that one up this way.

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Hey, mail time, girlz and boyz. Send ‘em here and the usual caveat applies: Questions like: “They suck. Your thoughts?” get deleted right away. Save us both some time and don’t bother.

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I’m not sure who’s happier that Allen Iverson’s back in the NBA: Allen Iverson because he gets to start again or me because I will never, ever have to answer a question about him coming here.

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Speaking of, I don’t know when Reggie Evans is going to play.

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How ‘bout them Nets, eh?

Killed by the Mavs, they’ve now lost more games to start a season than any franchise in history.

That’s cool!

And now Kiki Vandweghe takes over as interim coach now (and seeing him and lead assistant Del Harris sitting and watching the game was like watching two death row inmates wait for their final meal).

I have no idea why I find this the least bit amusing and the only reason I know about it because someone sent it to me but the press release announcing Kiki’s new role included this:

“Ernest Maurice Vandeweghe III was born Aug. 1, 1958, in Weisbaden, Germany, where his father was stationed as an Air Force physician. His nickname, Kiki, was given to him early in childhood and is German for curly headed.”

The stuff you learn here is amazing, isn’t it?

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All right, that’s it for now. Rain’s stopped so the sucky Super Dog might actually venture to the out of doors and there’s a house to be cleaned and Christmas decorations to fetch because we’re all about Christmas in the first week of December around here. Yip!!! and Eeee!!!

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Comments

[Ak47]

I don't care how good Triano is, but it's time to ring the changes, because whatever he is saying to the players isn't working.

[Dermot]

Hi Doug,

I thought I noticed a confrontational exchange last night between Jarret Jack and Triano during a timeout with about 6 minutes left. Did you catch it? Leo and Matt didn't. I'm not sure if it had something to do with him being taken out or just the game in general (his comments after the game kind of make it seem like it had to do with the game).

Blogger's note: Didn't see it

[sara]

Doug , maybe is time to change the title of your blog from "The Goods on the game" in "The Horrendus on the game".

[LeeZ]

To paraphrase Bette Davis, buckle your seatbelts, Doug. It's going to be a bumpy morning. I'm guessing you'll easily top the hundred mark in submissions today. Jack is absolutely right, people do have to get called out and sat down, they do have to earn their minutes. Messages do have to be sent. Players do need to get embarrassed. Example: if the starting five aren't bringing any defensive intensity, bring in the scrubs in a wholesale substitution, even two minutes into a game. That's how messages are sent. Knowing Jay as you do, how do you figure he's feeling right about now?

Blogger's note: He's feeling like crap, he's mad and frustrated and I'm a sure a bit confused. It's not a good time but those are feelings everyone connected with the team is feeling I imagine

[DDT]

With the way the raptors are playing, when the raptors play the Lakers, Can Kobe go for 100 this time?

[Sam]

Hi Doug:
I love your heart-warming blog as always. It put my broken heart, all in one piece together and makes me hopefull with our raptors, they way they play. I remember well at the begining, you have answered some one who asked if it's to early to push the panic button and you said no, wait atleast 20 games.
Do you smell any trade? I am freaking out about CB4, leaving town and feel great amount of pressure for fixing the problem to avoid his departure (i feel like being raptors employee due to feeling the pressure for the way this team has performed so far). What are our trade assets to bring a tough defender? Do you see Jose playing at top level? his defence????? Your thoughts please

Blogger's note: I give my thoughts every day. They have few assets and don't need a major trade; Jose hasn't played well for a lot of the year. There.

[J. Millett, Halifax]

I am impressed with the play of Amir Johnson so far this year. How come the Pistons never tried to develop his offensive abilities, as he seems to have a good touch around the basket and when he shoots free throws his technique looks fine.

[Mike]

Hey Doug how come you didn't go for the family reunion in Atlanta?

"Jack wasn't the only man in the Raptors' locker room questioning the motivations of his team, as Toronto Star columnist (apparently Cousin Doug knew what was coming and decided to postpone our family reunion until All-Star Weekend) Dave Feschuk made clear:"

From Sekou Smith at http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/12/03/hangtime.blog/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt2

[DS]

I was at the game lastnite cause I live in Atl and yes it was very disheartening to watch my guys get humiliated like that. Yes Jay has got to thicken his skin and sit folk down. I think players are referring to Jay being hesitant to call out Bargnani and Hedo, especially Hedo. Hedo's effort is subpar at best and players are starting to get tired. Yes it's a touchy issue considering they just signed this guy and have committed 5 yrs to him but the babying has got to stop. It all started at the beginning of te season letting him call shots and just sit out training camp beause of fatigue (unless he was really injured) I mean u just signed a fat contract damn it, u need to take a couple days to rest and then get out there and show em what u got. If you noticed not one of European players called anyone out so it has to do with there make up an ball playing philosophy "just score and everything is ok". Switch the starting 5 now and if ur keeping hedo in there a light switch has got to come on. Maybe they need to really consider starting him at the 2 and putting Johnson at the 3 along with Jack, Bosh and Bagnani.

[N]

This team looked so overmatched against the Hawks it wasn't funny. Only Derozan and Amir showed any signes of heart. There is no fire on this team, don't know what is going on. Its funny how Bosh called out his team on D, when watching him last night, he was one of the worst offenders, constantly being exposed by Horford and Josh Smith. In fact, Bosh looked like he did not care at all, esp on the Defense ended. If he doesn't want to be here, he should be a man about it and tell Colangelo so we can trade him for a real low post player.

[Andrew]

Right now, the team has to change its culture. The positive energy we used to see from Reggie on the bench ceases to exist. All players are far too comfortable in their roles and are showing no motivation. It is strikingly obvious to me that this needs to get changed, quickly. First of all, why are we starting 3 sub-par defensive players and 2 average defenders. Mix-up the rotation and give those who get blown by on Defense and an immediate sit-down. If all that's left to play is Pops, Amir, Sonny, etc...then so be it. These other guys are not playing hard. I was at the Cleveland game, I saw their energy on both sides of the ball, and it is gone. It has been gone since the Charlotte loss. Bosh is settling for more jumpers (check his shot chart), Hedo may as well be napping, Bargnani is a terrible defender unless motivated, and Calderon's offense is back, but let's face it, he has no lateral quickness.

I don't expect a blockbuster trade because I do not know if we need one. It's also unfortunate because I'm a huge fan of Triano yet he can't motivate these guys to play. I say use the bench for those who don't play defense, especially your "star" players. That will set a precedent. If we don't, we can always tune in next year to watch Bosh and Wade run the easter conference.

[Kelsie]

Hey Doug,

I'll keep it light today cause I sure venom will be spewing early and often in the mailbag today but I second your notion that it's amazing hearing all of the Mitchell 'bashers-turned-supporters' lining up to praise the old coach that previously 'ruined' Barg's.

He was fired after 8-9 last year after a poor defensive and lifeless performance against Denver last year.
How many efforts have we had like that this year??

Watching Joe Johnson play I can't help but think to myself, if BC can find another one of those, although I did like Derozans effort last night??

I heard the post game stuff from the players. Frustration is mounting obviously but with who??? No players names were mnetioned and it was the 'everyone is to blame' but obviously they feel there is more blame to be given to others specifically and I am wondering whom they are referring to. Is it #7? Turks or Calderon perhaps? Feschuck in his article mentioned that certain players don't respond well to criticsm. Why can we not just identify who everyone is speaking of?

Doug do you have any ideas who they might be referrring to?

Blogger's note: I don't, at least not enough to write it. It takes a while to get that information, players and coaches are loathe to name names, it takes developing trust and time.

[Kelsey]

Ok, maybe my comments have bothered people about European based team (no personal offense meant)
Ive seen comments saying what about Gasol in middle and Dirk in Dallas. Stop there. These teams are not "BASED ON EURO PLAYERS" Its not to be disrespectful its fact. The Euro game does not stress defense from what Ive seen (watch some games on NBA tv).

Let me put it better. Raptors can not win with players that have no concept of defense. I said 2 games ago that it was PANIC time and its here. It really hurts as a fan
(1st time I bought seasons tickets this year) really dissapointing. So Doug and all the rest of you can defend these no defense players all you want. Bosh deserves to be in a better place. Can we say re-build AGAIN!!!!

[brennan]

woo-hoo...
now wasn't that a shoot-out last night?...except our gun got stuck in the holster.
seriously, defence is a mind-set, you either have it or you don't. you either care, or you don't.

a few weeks ago, i caught a clip of BOS-GS. vladimir radmanovic is in transition and he uses an up-and-under move to score on kevin garnett. KG grabs the ball, slams it between his hands, and screams something not meant for children to hear at himself. he was genuinely pissed that he got beat. you could see in his body language that he wasn't going to let that happen again - this, mind you, happened in the middle of the 1st quarter. long story short, KG obviously took the basket to heart and forced vlady into 5 turnovers. vlad is a catch-and-shoot guy.

[Kevin]

I bet you're on pins & needles with anticipation of some of the comments you're going to get today.

Blogger's note: And that's why I'm going grocery shopping and maybe cleaning the house to take an hour or so break.

[chili]

Hey Doug,
This is not a question about the Raptors because I know you will be bombarded with that.
It's the Iverson situation. He was signed by Memphis this year and released him. And then Philly signed him for a year. Is Memphis still on the hook for his contract this year?

Blogger's note: They resolved any financial issues before he officially left.

[omid]

hey doug, I'm not one to rip a coach first after tough stretches, but clearly triano is one of the bigger blames here. After I heard him actually say that he believed they played hard last night is just mind boggling.

[F]

Instead of "calling people out", I would rather see them take on some of the blame, vow to play better defence and with more energy *themselves*, and come out and play that way. Then they would set an example for the others to follow.

Because right now, if you watch games closely, Bosh and Jack do not have a leg to stand on when it comes to preaching about energy or defence. More often than not Jack leaves his man wide open to "semi-help" on the ball, then gets burned for the three-pointer or blow-by. Bosh gets repeatedly driven and dunked on.

They should acknowledge their own shortcomings and lead by example. That's what real leadership is, and what the Raptors need.

[John Bastedo]

There has been an odd amount of Sam Mitchell love lately, and I don't get it.
Sam would call out his guys? I don't buy it. Sure he'd have established whipping boys, and after every loss he'd throw his team under the bus for "not executing" his brilliant plan, but that's not the same thing as establishing an environment of legitimate accountability and discipline.
Sam had this team just under .500? Sure, playing his all-star power forward over 40 minutes a night in 13 of 16 games. How did that work out as far as burning the player out and seeing his stats tumble December? Bosh played over 40 in only 14 games the rest of the season, a lot of those coming at the end of the year with a break in sight.
Jay's not perfect either - the real ideal would have been to fire Sam if you knew he was on such thin ice in the summer and bring in Mike D'antoni if he was your guy - but let's not pretend Sam Mitchell could mold a group of offensive players into a defensive juggernaut.

[Matt M]

That scratching sound you heard last night was the Nets and Knicks circling their Raptor dates on the calendar. Seriously, although I'm very happy Bosh, Jack, and that guy who didn't play last night stood up to challenge this team it wasn't hard to see this loss coming. The Raps play horribly through adversity and three things were stacked against them last night, including back-to-back, playing against a far superior team at home, and playing a hungry team that wasn't playing well so were definitely going to come out focused. See, three excuses for a team that eats excuses for breakfast then chokes on them during games where they are supposed to be competitive.
Well, I suppose we will get another day will be another day of quasi-racist talk about how Europeans don't have the genetic make up to be 'leaders' here among the commentators. Man, I thought I had left all that crap behind when I stopped following hockey. Although part of me hopes GM's around the league start buying into the crap, 'cause there are at least ten more European players I'd love to see on the Raps for the 'Gasol to LA' discount. My guess is that far too many GMs in the league are too smart to believe you can judge ability by looking at a player's passport. I'm still hoping Raptor most fans are too, but I am quickly losing faith.

[Matt from Oakville]

Who says Mitchell would 'have to' turn them into defensive juggernauts? The Raptors are reaching for NBA history with the lack of defensive showing this season. Its either Ivaroni has displayed total incompetence with regard to the schemes he has been drawing up, or the players are simply not following them. I'd probably point towards the later - which is scary, given the amount of optimism we once had about this team.

[John Bastedo]

I really hope New Jersey wins the "battle of New York" this Sunday, because I'm really scared we're going to be the Nets first victory on the 18th. We're THAT team.

[oliveira]

three things i observed

team doesn't have anyone interested in playing defense
--> BOsh played horrible last night including on D
--> Jay HAS to shake things up to get better effort
team is lacking passion
--> why do they get paid millions to lose so badly
where is the team cohesion
--> it seems like players don't interact to improve communication and effort; during the Lakers game, Gasol and Bynum were constantly speaking during a break; ehre you only see guys joking or covering their faces

BC NEEDS to consider trading somebody or donig something to get their attention

[gdr]

Every game is so predictable. The Raps just go through the motions now, with the expectation of losing each and every game. I cannot see how this team wins another game. A high school team would score 100 on these clowns. I bet the NETS have the Friday, Dec 18thgame circled on their calendar! Any game versus the Raptors is where streaks and slumps end...

[Dan W]

Now that Jack has seemed to have got things going, maybe it's time to try starting him. He has been great at getting to the basket and he seems to have found his shot again. Although with the amount Hedo handles the ball it does make sense having Calderon out there since he is the better shooter. I would like to see them start Jack and Marco at least for a couple of games. I know Marco is streaky but he seems to always play hard on D.