Today has to be a better day, doesn't it?

Join Doug Smith for a live Q&A at 1 p.m. Friday, as the Raptors prepare to take on the Washington Wizards.

Hey, irregulars. Here’s the gig:

We’ll be back at 1 p.m. today to do the usual chat (had to switch from noon because the office is preoccupied with the World Cup draw then) but that’ll be it for the day here.

I’ve got some plans for this evening that involve a Mighty Yankees Coaches and Maybe Some Dads post-work bun-toss and then I may find a nice local bar stool to sit at and watch a game without having to type every 40 seconds.

That’ll let me relax before the morning flight to Chicago to pick up the lads for their match with the Bulls.

See ya later. Until then, have at it …

-

Since no one was talking much yesterday – couple of e-mails to people who normally respond weren’t answered – I’m not entirely sure what, if any, changes might be contemplated by the Raptors tonight.

Two ways to look at it:

I would be shocked if there wasn’t something. Not necessarily as punishment or reward, but because the level of frustration is off the charts and sometimes change is good simply because it’s change.

But, on the other hand, consider this: If they do make changes, is it giving whiny players (all of whom need to play better regardless of their roles) an excuse? And knowledge that, like little screaming kids in malls, that if they yell they’ll get their way. And Lord knows what they might try next time.

Difficult balancing act.

-

That was some kind of day.

You know how coaches are always saying you learn more about players in bad times than you do in good?

Same with readers, a point I knew but one that was hammered home on an otherwise nice off-day of doing mindless stuff around the house.

Lots of comments – more than 100 – and probably as many e-mails. Lots of interesting opinion, some that I and others share; some quite off the wall, in my opinion. But all written, it seemed, from the heart.

And then, my friends, we come to the knuckleheads. You know, like the two or three blatantly racist comments I deleted immediately, the name-calling, the childish remarks. You know, classy stuff.

Not sure if it makes people feel significant, or smart, or silly but it’s a pain the butt to have to read ‘em. Luckily, while everyone out there has the “send” key, I also have the “delete” key.

As I’ve said many times before, the vast majority of you wear your hearts on your sleeves and have an unbridled passion for your team that is to be applauded and, I would hope, appreciated and noticed by the people who matter in Raptorland.

The punks? Well, they’re likes pimples on the ass of the world. Flaws you just have to live with.

But, I’ve got to tell you, every now and then I wish someone would come along and pop those pimples into oblivion.

-

Wanna get away from these Heroes Of The Hardcourt for a bit?

I notice that the season’s almost a quarter over (yes, I am trained professional) and that means it’s time to take stock of a few things.

Like …

The big surprise

You’d have to put Phoenix at the top, wouldn’t you? Oldsters like Steve Nash and Grant Hill are rolling and the other guys are not stiffs by any stretch of the imagination. Thought they’d be okay, but 14-5 after playing 13 games on the road already? That’s impressive.

The big disappointment

In these parts it’s these guys but maybe all those people out there around the league who gave them no respect before the season began were smarter than some thought. So we’ll take the locals out and, right now, maybe it’s a tie between Washington and New Orleans. The Wizards just looked “off” the other night here; the Hornets are old and slow on the wings and will be life and death to make the playoffs.

Biggest non-story

Allen Iverson announces retirement.

Yeah, right. We all know he was just playing Toronto against Philly to get a new deal, right?

The Why-Am-I-Not-Entirely-Surprised

Ron Artest: I used to swill Hennessy at halftime, and in the car (being driven by someone else) on the way to the game and I smoked a lot of pot and partied hard. And I just want to get this out now to show how irresponsible I was. But, believe me, I’m really better now and there will be no temptation whatsoever to party in Los Angeles. Not gonna happen. Honest.

Titanic Division

The Raptors, Sixers, Knicks and Nets are a combined 16-60 and have lost 32 straight games between the four of them. The sound you hear is Doc Rivers snickering.

M-V-P, M-V-P

Sure, the chant can be annoying (Michael Lee’s story says they do it for Earl Boykins, for God’s sake) but I guess there are some legitimate candidates right now. Like:

Steve Nash. I know he’s the hometown favourite but he’s legit, right?

Kobe Bryant. You’d be astonished at home many people I talk to – coaches, players, scouts – rave about every aspect of his game. To them, he’s the best; and it’s by a far, far, far wider margin than you’d think.

Who’ll fall first?

Milwaukee’s fast start was built on an easy scheduled dominated by home games; they’ll be back where they belong soon, I think. And that’s in the 9-12 slot in the East.

On the rise?

Do not sleep on the Spurs. Yes, they lost to Boston last night to go to 9-7 but that’s a veteran team that knows it doesn’t matter a lick what they do in November and December, they will be judged by how they do in the playoffs.

-

Bryan Colangelo to various reporters yesterday, paraphrased:

“This is not a coaching issue. You want someone to blame? Blame me. I still believe in this group but talk is cheap.”

Right on every count.

It is on him, mainly (although the players really need to take some responsibility for the shocking lack of effort and basketball intelligence we see on almost a nightly basis) and he’ll be judged at the end of the season.

Not on Dec. 4.

-

Speaking of oblivion, there’s a game tonight.

I imagine everyone’s pumped for this, aren’t they?

Wouldn’t it be a hoot if they won tonight and tomorrow and went 2-1 on this trip? I know, there are no pigs flying around Mississauga as I type this but it would be a hoot, no?

Anyway, not sure what Mike Lee was up to yesterday on the Wizards beat, let’s read here and see what he had.

-

Best Washington story?

It’s Dec. 31, 1997, Raptors at Wizards, Toronto’s 4-25 and no one cares about ‘em at all. There’s no blogs, no chats, no nothing. No one gets up early and reads New Year’s Day papers so all we’re hoping for is a quick, uneventful game, a chance to escape the arena before the Gladys Knight concert (no Pips, just Gladys) and grab a cocktail or six.

Well, we’re talking to then-coach Darrell Walker before the game and Darrell’s a wee miffed at rookie Tracy McGrady. About an hour to game time, Darrell tells us that if Tracy doesn’t smarten up, he’ll be out of the NBA in three years when his rookie contract is up. Seeing how Toronto and Isiah had put a lot of stock in young Tracy and here’s the coach all but saying he’s a bust, it becomes, you know, a rather significant story.

So we write it, write the gamer, the night drags on forever (Toronto gets edged 118-91 in a thriller, as I recall and it was a 9 p.m. start to give Gladys a chance at attracting a crowd) and we’re sitting in the press room listening to her muffled singing of Auld Lang Syne at midnight.

Trundled back to the hotel we used to stay on the edge of Georgetown, it’s freaking LOBBY BAR IS CLOSED so it’s two Miller Lites out of the minibar to usher in 1998.

And that beats Mo Pete’s circus shot as the best Washington story in franchise history.

-

Comments

[O.J.]

Doug,

We all know the starting lineup has to change but is that enough? You say it is too early to talk trades but if defense is predicated on effort & we are aware of the continued lack of effort from some of our starters, why do we wait another 2 months when the value of those players are even lower? There is great talk of trading Bosh because others namely Jose & Bargs, have signed contracts recently. How would trading the best power forward in the league statistically speaking help us? What kind of message does it send to the rest of the stars in the league who would even consider Toronto if we trade or cannot resign Bosh? Just thinking 5 steps ahead because this isn't that 47 win 2007 team. (This could get really ugly before new years)......

[Andrew Gregg]

Hi Doug:

Another Raptors crisis. I know the team PR people are looking to the bright side while planning anniversary celebrations. But I think the history of Toronto Raptors' crises is more interesting than it's triumphs. Here's a selected list:

-B.J. Armstrong refuses to show up after the expansion draft
-Isiah Thomas is miffed that Alan Slaight won't accept his "offer" to buy the team
-Damon Stoudamire follows Thomas out the door
-Kenny Anderson refuses to show up
-Darrell Walker
-Butch Carter threatens to sue people during the playoffs
-Chris Childs forgets how to count
-Butch Carter gets fired
-Wilkens sets the all-time loss record
-Kevin O'Niell
-Rob Babcock
-Rafael Araujo
-Vince Carter says he won't dunk anymore
-Vince Carter gets hurt a lot
-Vince Carter demands a trade
-Alonzo Mourning doesn't show up
-Kobe's 81
-Sam Mitchell fired

And now this latest cauldron of hurt feelings, bad play, poor coaching and inevitably, players looking for the nearest exit. And others refusing to show up. It's a vicious cycle and unfortunately, it is the narrative of the Toronto Raptors first fifteen years.

AG, Toronto

Blogger's note: I've always said this is a far better story than a team

[jimt]

my fix would be to start bosh/jack/rasho/turk/amir.rotate calderon in the back and barney for the bigs with belli/derozen/wright put in as triano sees fit.of course this is temp till reggie gets back :)

[nigel]

err...whats a bun-toss??

and on that note, who is June Taylor?

[John]

I feel for BC. He has assembled a group of "pieces" that he thought would be entertaining and win bball games. I still think he is right.

I feel for Triano. As an assistant coach one of his jobs was to get a little closer to the players and be a buffer to the HCoach. He is obviously a great bloke. But as HC i wonder if his days as ACoach now count against him in this tough situation....too close to the players. Certainly he has defended them way past when it is apparent that they should take responsibility themselves. But the core at least still appear to support him, however Toronto's culture has been on the wrong track for...well, years. And Triano has been part of that culture.

I figure if the players don't turn this around in the next 5-10 games, BC has no choice but to hit the phones (if he has not done it already)and find a new HC with some grunt. That will be the last excuse gone the players will have to continue this no-effort play (and yes I agree that it wholly rests on the players shoulders, but what ideas do the coaching staff have to fix it?).... I would like to see someone like Avery Johnson have a go at shaking this team up and installing some "effort" principles.

It is real hard to teach non-scorers to be scorers , but it is not hard to teach players to play D, rebound and run the lines. These things are 90% attitude and hard work, and 10% athletic ability. Just get it done. No excuses.

I know Doug you cannot support such an idea (and yes let rip on what you think of Johnson as a HC), but this situation cannot go on and the REAL issue needs to be addressed...not a bandaid. Make a move to change the culture please BC. No offence to Triano intended....I just think he is probably too much their "mate".

How many good players have come to TO and turned into cats, and how many leave and become better players on other teams? This is not a mystery.

Sorry but i think BC has to make the call soon. Change the culture now.

[Geoff Read]

Hey Doug,

Thought you did an outstanding job of handling the angst-filled onslaught yesterday.

So... was the racism you mentioned from some posters more Don Cherry or John Rocker? I'm guessing Don Cherry. Idiots.

I have to go write a lecture on the decline of the Ottoman Empire - if you have one lying around send it to me.

Blogger's note: I had an Ottoman Empire thing around here but I believe Super Son "borrowed" it.

[erc]

I believe you're the same guy who wrote that snark "is what I do".
Correct me if I'm wrong, but snark seems to involve pointing out people's shortcomings and foibles, accompanied of course, by a clever little twist.
If you give it. Take it. You have a good job. You do it well. It involves a certain amount of public pronouncement and public criticism. It cuts both ways.
You may have some heart issues that are not mechanical. Racism, hatred and the desire to see someone obliterated are not acceptable. That applies to all of us. Delete away.

[AS]

Hey Doug,

What do the guys at the beat call u? We need a good nickname I'm sick of saying "hey doug". We got Chucky, MGrange, and Doug Smith. It just doesnt flow well. I mean, I could greet you with "grunt", but I mean, that seems a little derogatory, no? We need something that is smooth yet pundit like 'swirsk'. How about letting the readers give/vote you a nickname?

[MrHappy]

Chris Bosh should get traded to the Chicago Bulls.

http://www.realgm.com/src_checktrade.php?tradeid=5305054

To Bulls: Chris Bosh and Marcus Banks
To Raptors: David West, John Salmons and two #1 Picks
To Hornets: Tyrus Thomas (from Louisiana) and Jerome James

This trade makes sense.

Raptors Lineup:

PG - Calderon, SG - Salmons, SF - Turkoglu, PF - West, C - Bargnani

Bulls Lineup:

PG - Rose, SG - Hinrich, SF - Deng, PF - Bosh, C - Noah

Hornets Lineup:

PG - Paul, SG - Peja, SF - Posey, PF - Thomas, C - Okafor

Toronto would get an All-Star, a solid role player and some draft picks in return. The Hornets would get a hometown kid and some salary to dump, which they need to do. The Bulls would get the PF they desperately need.

This would be a smart trade to make.

[Mathieu Yuill]

Great Washington story. Miller Lite. Dag! Worst. New Years. Ever.

Circus shot is till one of my top five Raptors moments, though - in terms of what made me jump off the couch. The Vince Carter dunks at the all star game would be another, Matt Bonner and KG mixing it up and I'd have to think of two others. Might be the first time I saw the Raptor in the inflatable suit - that's pretty funny.

[Lazaros O.]

We all remember what happened when you previously used the phrase "life and death to make the playoffs" :-) Should we now consider the Hornets favorites for the NBA title? :-)

PS You will be missed at Clyde's tonight

Blogger's note: Ah, Clyde's!! One of the top post-game stops on the circuit, big bar, good crowd, kitchen open late and, as I recall, a fella can get a Yeungling or three if need be

[Andrew Gregg]

HI Again Doug:

"A far better story than a team." You couldn't say that better. The shenanigans of the many and various Raptors through here since '95 are as amazing as they are amusing (Antonio Davis not wanting his kids taught metric, Damon Stoudamire not realizing that Mighty Mouse was an actual cartoon, Vince Carter and his Mom, Vince Carter's Mom and her parking spot, Vince Carter's Mom and Charles Oakley, etc.). At least we're not in Clippers territory--yet.

And all I can say about the Ottoman empire is that they spent far too much time with their feet up.

AG, Toronto

[sonnyb]

@ AG That my friend is a great t-shirt slogan waiting to happen. Well done...

[F]

Great point on your analogy of whining kids getting their way.

You're absolutely right; it's going to be a huge balancing act for the coaching staff between making changes that need to be made and not appearing to simply capitulate to complaints from players that complain about defense yet fail to play consistent defense themselves.

"Talk is cheap", indeed.

[Aaron J.]

Sorry Doug,

Good story, but I still gotta go with MoPete's circus shot for the "Impossible... Impossible" come from behind win, as the best Washington story!

[brennan]

Hey doug,
its not just raptor bloggers that are always so cynical, racist, and negative....its the whole web, anytime there's an available comment section anywhere - someone will always try to rip the reader and his/her topic...
its sad really.
thank god for the "delete" key.

anyways - here's a great read on reggie evans, cheers:

http://huggingharoldreynolds.blogspot.com/2009/12/waiting-for-godunk-my-tryout-with-my.html

[anthony.mackay]

Toronto Raptors eh... maybe Toronto Soft little Kittens is more appropriate. These guys workout, lift weights, why are they scared of contact!

Maybe they gotta put a couple more plates on the bench and push harder, a little more testosterone and Hard As F*** attitude during the game could go along way.
IE - See Celtics, Lakers, Nuggets... even the short little Rockets!

We got the talent on this roster to score, someone needs to bring that Oak-tree toughness and mindset. Yes Andrea's D has improved... but he still doesn't like putting a body on someone when its time to bang in the post.

[Ian]

One change I would make for tonight would be to start Bosh and Amir up front, bring Bargnani off the bench.

[Mark]

"But, I’ve got to tell you, every now and then I wish someone would come along and pop those pimples into oblivion."

You know what you've just published is a threat, right?

You know you can get in trouble for that, right?

I suggest you contact your legal counsel immediately.

Blogger's note: See what I mean?

[Johnn19]

Something to look forward to:

Raptors @ Washington, cannot play any worse, can they?

One final thought re the Atlanta massacre.
Atlanta was motivated by very poor effort in their
previous 2/3 games and practicing hard for 2 days to
play Toronto, and were 7-1 at home.
Toronto was coming off a game the previous night, that they should have won, but for a poor 4th qtr.
The game was a perfect longshot for Rap's to win, which they did'nt as expected.
Raptors were in the game @ 8/9 pts down in the 2nd qtr until they couldn't score for a 4 minute period and Atlanta went on a 17-3 run, and game over, blowout began.
The final 146-115 was helped by extended garbage time and the starters except DeRozan, only playing 20/24 mins (and Bosh 2pts in 16 mins, an unbelievable performance).
By no way does this excuse the lack of defensive effort by all who played. But it is not an example of the effort put out for all 20 games, in which they were competive in 70% of them during a tough opening schedule, although only winning 7.
What this team needs and has not yet achieved is playing as a TEAM on DEFENSE and not as INDIVIDUALS, as they are now, and a LEADER, as Bosh demonstrated with his poor effort after playing 40 minutes vs Washington, he is not the one to lead, especially as he is not commited to Toronto, but to Chris Bosh, with an effort like that.
Leaders lead by example, consistent effort, and commitment to their TEAM.

[F]

Colangelo did not assemble a terrible team on paper. As almost everyone has seen and acknowledged, the problem has been lack of consistent play on the court, a lack of effort.

These are the same guys who started the year off showing great hustle and energy against Cleveland. These are the same guys who did not allow 5 of their first 9 opponents to score over 100 points.

I just hope that Colangelo is taking notes right now and remember which players show a tendency to just disappear defensively for games at a time. I hope he finally realizes that these are the same players that continually repeat the same pattern and will probably continue to do so.

These players play all-out for 3-4 games, take a break for a few games and give half-efforts, disappear completely and allow lay-up and dunk lines for 3-4 games, make statements to the media how "this all has to change", then go back to playing all-out for 4-5 games... lather, rinse and repeat the cycle...

Colangelo has to realize that there are players that will never be consistent, inspire similar lack of energy from their teammates and therefore cannot be relied upon to lead a team to playoff success.

I hope he is taking notes now, so that when the team does go on its next predictable upswing (and yes, it's coming), he can get good market value for these players and trade them for consistent, _self-motivated_ players.

[DougG]

They need more defense in the starting lineup and more offense in the second unit. Why don't they just balance the two lines up, if bringing in new players is not an option? Bargnani and Calderon might be deadly on the second unit, while they are a liability on the starting lineup, because of the general weakness of the other offensive players. It is probably worth a try, if it can be done without any eggs cracking.

[Matt]

Hi Doug,

I think people tend to forget about paying fans and their expectations. It's misguided for you to say that people (Colangelo, the team, Jay, individual players) will be judged at the end of the season, or halfway through, or at the trade deadline. As fans, we invest a great deal of time (and often money) to see effort and passion from the players. When the team fails so completely to deliver that, they get judged now. Success later in the season doesn't make up for the current pathetic effort now on display. That means Colangelo is judged now and not at the end of the season.

Also, given how many resources he's had at his disposal (cap space, no. 1 pick, money to sign free agents, etc.), he has a pretty mediocre track record in Toronto (save for the Atlantic title and immediate first round trouncing). We've all heaped an undue amount of praise of Colangelo. I'm happy to see he's shouldering the blame now and not excusing it on the absence of bit player Reggie Evans, but it's time to take a harder look at what Colangelo has actually delivered.

[Delk]

Start Amir at the 3 Turk off the bench or at the 2.

[Dave in BG]

Doug

I enjoyed reading your comments and reaction to all of the comments and angst posted yesterday. Well written on your part. I think you have correctly described the motivations (passion) of the fan base (myself included) and understand correctly where we are coming from.

Sorry there are a few knuckleheads out there who drag it into the gutter ("racists" I think you called them) and thanks for using "DEL"