Lots and lots -- I mean lots -- of mail

Well, you folks came through in the clutch, again.

Thanks, as always.

Have at it, see you tonight just before 6 p.m. for the game, right?

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Q: Hey Doug, since NEDA lost its government funding they have suspended operations and basically lost their personnel to other jobs. I am doubtful the government will step up to save the program, do you think an organization like MLSE would have interest in sponsoring it? It seems pretty obvious that private interests will have to ensure the future of competitive basketball on this country's national teams.

Peter S, Hamilton

A: Canada Basketball is one of the leaders in a fight by organizations representing teams to get the government more involved with funding but it’s an uphill fight.

I think NEDA (a program where high school students played and studied year ‘round) was one of the best things that organization’s ever done and it’s a shame it’s been dropped.

That said, I think the private and corporate sector does have to get more heavily involved but the funding needed now is to run programs, what with four teams going to world championships this year, a perfect chance to gain invaluable experience.

MLSE has done an excellent job helping out, with manpower, money and by letting the national teams use its Air Canada Centre facility and I know there are plans to even enhance that role in the future.

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Q: Hi Doug. Great blog. Non-Raptors question although I'm extremely pleased with what they are doing now. I have a question about journalism. What are your thoughts on ex-NBAer's Paul Shirley's article on Haiti? http://www.flipcollective.com/2010/01/26/if-you-rebuild-it-they-will-come-by-paul-shirley/ (feel free to delete link if you publish this) As a jounalist, do you think that ESPN should have fired him for this or is it his right as a journalist to write whatever he feels?

Michael B, Ajax

A: I don’t think he should have been fired, no. Not at all. It may not be a popular opinion that he expressed (in a nutshell that aid for Haiti may not be the best use of money or support) but it was his and if you ask people to write opinions and they don’t cross any major boundaries (legal, racist, sexist, what have you) you need to live with what they right write.

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Q: Hi Doug. I love how Bargnani's playing this year but have a question on his conditioning, as in does it exist. Even if we take his sore ankle into account for the Knick's game, his numbers on back-to-backs are significantly worse than his average. (Conversely give him 2 or more days and he's dominating)

Is it a matter of his diet or working out? Or is it because he's adapting to a new position and hasn't learned how to pace (ie play it efficiently) yet?

T Y, Toronto

A: You’re argument that he is “significantly worse” on the second night of back-to-backs, I’m afraid, is flawed.

Not counting the New York game – and I’m giving him a pass because his ankle and foot were obviously bothering him – in the nine other times he’s played back-to-back this year (he missed a game in Milwaukee with the back), Bargnani has averaged 13.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.

That’s two baskets below his average, hardly consequential, and an increase in his rebound totals.

Included in those games were a 22-point night at Dallas and a 17-rebound game at Indiana.

So I don’t think there’s a “because” because the argument’s wrong on its face.

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Q: Hey Doug. I know I know, I've submitted about 10 e-mail questions this week alone but if you get a chance could you dig up the answer for this one for me:

What is the Raptors longest win streak?

For some weird reason I can only find their longest losing streak online...odd.

A P, Markham

A: You need to get a better interweb, I fear.

The longest winning streak was nine games, from March 22 to April 9, 2002.

The longest home winning streak was also nine, from Feb. 23 to March 8, 2000.

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Q: Hey Doug, with all these players hitting scoring milestones in the past month or so: Kobe (25,000 Pts) Timmy and Dirk (20,000 Pts), Nash (8,000 Assists) it got me thinking about how stats are counted. Are they just regular season totals? Do they include post season and pre season? Similarly coaches all-time records are they just based on regular season games? Are post season stats counted entirely separately?

Matthew M, Toronto

A: They are just regular season numbers, the league and teams keep track of post-season records separately.

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Q: Hey Doug, you mentioned the Wiz may not be able to void Gilbert Arenas contract. If that's not an easy void, what type of player actions would make a voided contract easily produced?

Manny G, Mississauga

A: I don’t know, except to say that the “morals” clause in the collective bargaining agreement is vague enough that any good lawyer can argue it’s not applicable. A player once choked his coach and didn’t lose his contract; others went into the stands to beat on fans and escape with their deals still intact.

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Q: Hey Doug, do you ever feel tempted to bring out the comments you put up at the beginning of the year about giving the team time, and seeing how things progress? They would seem almost prescient now. (Got any stock tips?)

My real question has to do with "working the refs". It seems that a lot of players question/argue calls and this is supposed to plant seeds for the future to get a break on calls. However, this doesn't make sense to me. The closest analogy I guess us regular folk have would be if you got, say a speeding ticket. "Working the cops" would make things a whole lot worse, and I would think it would be better to be nice as opposed to argue. Can you expand on this at all?

Sohail G, Collingwood

A: I think the byplay between players and refs and coaches and refs is just that: byplay. No malice aforethought, it’s forgotten as quickly as it’s said. It’s just a facet of the game given the nature of the interaction.

Some refs welcome it, some are disdainful of it and I don’t think it works, regardless of the manner in which it’s delivered.

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Q: Hey Doug, I was all for naming the franchise "The Huskies" back in the day. Unfortunately, Jurassic Park was quite the hit back in the 90's. I'm loving the throwback jerseys. To me, it seems like they may be making a transition back to the Huskies. It makes sense, as the team colors (blue/white) would then be consistent with EVERY other T.O. team. How likely is it that the franchise will be re-named? Also...do you think 'Raptors' is a somewhat ridiculous team name?

Craig S, Halifax

A: Not going to happen. I don’t know that it’s “ridiculous” more than a bit out-dated but, you have to admit, it’s unique.

And the last thing they should do is go to blue and white to match other Toronto franchises, you want your brand to be unique.

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Q: Dear Mighty Yankee Coach_Who was their best first baseman other than that HOF guy? (Pepitone? Skowron?)

Also, is there a defence that you or Jay could devise to stop the opposition's "waterbug" kind of guard? Nate looked unstoppable a few times Thursday night. He left Jack in the dust a few times. This seems to be a team weakness. The help D seems at least one or two steps slow giving assistance.

Force Outs...bring em back!

Bob E, Kanata

A: I guess you mean the New York Yankees and not the Mississauga North Peewee House League Yankees, right? I’l give you Mattingly since you have to be referring to Gehrig and I had an affinity for Pepitone, myself.

Anyway …

There’s not much they can do, really, because they don’t have a lot of quickness in the guard play and tiny little fast guys are always going to cause problems. What they have to do in those circumstances is get better help defence, or go far under screens to cut off unimpeded access to the rim.

But stop them? Not going to happen.

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Q: Hello Mr. Smith. You may have done this already, so excuse me if you have. But after 15 years - if you could transport all Raptors players through time so that they were standing before you in their prime, who would you love to see play together on the team?

Love the live chats by the way - I've only really gotten into watching basketball in the last few years so watching the games while reading your comments really helps me learn a lot.

Cheers!

Nancy D, St. John’s

A: Please, it’s Hello, Doug. I’m old, but not there yet.

I would love to see Damon Stoudamire play with Vince Carter, Mo Pete, Chris Bosh and Antonio Davis. That would be great, great group.

Then I’d come off the bench with Alvin, Doug Christie, Tracy, Oak and Andrea and let the parade talk begin.

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Q: 19 Days until the trade deadline. What 3 teams SHOULD make a trade? What 3 teams are MOST LIKELY to make a trade? What 3 teams will TEASE the rumor mill and change little to nothing? And if you’re up to it, which category do the Raptors fall in?

Lex C, Victoria

A: Knowing that it’s still almost three weeks until deadline day, this can change, right?

I think Boston needs to address depth issues, I think Denver needs to get bigger and I think Portland needs to do the same.

I think Houston is absolutely certain to deal Tracy, I think Philly will shake something up and I think Golden State will make some kind of move.

I think Phoenix is a tease, as is Chicago and the Knicks. I see a lot of talk but I’m not sure how much action there.

And, right now, I think the Raptors don’t really fall into any of those categories.

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Q: I have no doubt that the Raptor's improvement over last year has to do with a deeper bench. Wouldn't you agree?

But not just in games; in practice too. I can see some great scrimmaging with two aggressive PGs squaring off, Sonny pushing DeMar, Antoine smack talking Hedo. Who do you think picks up AB and Bosh?

Ryan S, Boston

A: I would absolutely agree given that all four key subs – Jose, Antoine, Amir and Marco – have been, or could be – starters in the NBA.

Rasho would play Andrea a lot and I think Amir would give Chris some work in scrimmages. And everyone would benefit from it.

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Q: Doug, why doesn't anybody talk about bringing in a "star" player to come in and sign with Toronto to play alongside Bosh? All we hear is, "D-wade wants Bosh to sign with Heat" or "LeBron says it would be nice to have Bosh in a Cavs uniform". Sure those are winning teams, which gives those scenarios some merit. But I also heard things like "Bosh to play with Derrick Rose" or "Bosh and Durant in OKC?". I think that's stupid. Why don't we hear Bosh trying to attract some more guys to Toronto instead of the other way around? At this point in the season, who are all of the untouchable Raptors in trade scenarios?

Mike U, Winnipeg

A: Because Toronto doesn’t have any flexibility under the salary cap; it’s that simple.

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Q: The Raptors have been playing solid defence lately. I've noticed that they are rigorously forcing baseline. Had they been doing that from the beginning of the season? What are the merits of this? (as opposed to forcing middle)

Derek H, Toronto

A: Yes, they have been; they don’t want to give up the middle and think of the baseline as an extra defender. There’s physically less room for an opposing player to go.

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Q: Hey Doug, marvelous job as always. I believe it was the second last Celtics/Raps game where Ray Allen nailed a three to solidify their lead late in the game. And on that play Big Baby Glen Davis set a screen like a bodycheck that sent Bellineli to the floor when he was chasing Allen. I was thinking that Reggie Evans with his wide, stout body could probably set some bell-ringing screens to free up the offense. And maybe it won't always be about him as a rebounding/defense specialist.

But my question for you is with the recent rule changes in regards to defending (ie handchecking on the perimeter)and the emphasis on a more offensive smooth/flowing game do you think this evolution of the game has left more defensive role players on the bench? Or even out of the NBA? Maybe it's nostalgia but i miss the guys that could (sometimes) really shut down the top scorers.

Patrick C, London

A: I think it’s left more one-dimensional players on the bench and I’m okay with that. Because I see the game as a free-flowing, ballet-like performance, I’d much rather see motion unimpeded by players who are only on the court because they know how to get away with stuff.

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Q: Hey Doug, here's another one, since you asked. Do you think all this 'whos-going-where-for-who-or-for-how-much' talk is good for the game? Or do you find it to be more a distraction from what the game is really about?

Joe H, Toronto

A: I suppose in some twisted way it’s good in that it gets more people chattering about possibilities; my issue is that some of the concocted trades are so out of the realm of possibility that people spend far too much time debunking them when they could be doing something, you know, constructive.

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Q: Hey Doug, pre-season you mentioned that Weems would never be anything other than a deep-bench player, my hunch is that this was a feeling held by Triano as well. It strikes me that Triano does a fantastic job of keeping an open mind and truly has the respect of his players. Can you give us the inside perspective on his leadership style?

Andy F, Toronto

A: What he’s done is assure that everyone knows their role and is ready to contribute when called upon. Take Weems as a prime example. When Antoine Wright wasn’t going well, Jay used him and found a serviceable wing; when Wright got it going and Marco was playing well, I know for a fact that Jay went to Sonny, explained the situation and told him to stay ready in case minutes popped up. Sure enough, after not playing much, when DeRozan got hurt, Jay had a willing, and ready, guy to fill in as a starter because he had been truthful with him and let him know that was still a component to the team when he was needed.

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Q: Great work Doug, love the daily blog. Question is about Jay Triano. I have seen games live and on TV. It seems like the players really like playing for him. In particular Bosh looks like he has a relaxed relationship with Jay. Do you think that Jay's relationship with CB4 impact his resigning in Toronto? Also, he is a candidate for coach of the year yet?

Brian M, Barrie

A: I think coaching plays a rather significant role in the decision-making process of any free agent. Coach of the year? No, I don’t think so, it’s going good now but the Raptors are only three games over .500 and there’s lots of basketball left to be played.

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Q: Hey Doug, when a player is called for delay of game, like for hanging on the rim after a dunk, what is the outcome of the call? It seems like they call it, but nothing happens after that. Is it a case of having to get more than one delay of game call against you or your team before they give a technical free throw or something like that?

Thanks Doug, keep up the great blog.

Peter R, Regina

A: Exactly. A first delay of game is a warning, any subsequent one is a technical foul. I don’t recall ever seeing a second called in a game I’ve been act, to tell you the truth, which would suggest refs use a fair bit of discretion in calling a second one on a team. It’d have to be a pretty egregious play to bring a call about.

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Q: The Raptors have been playing solid defence lately. I've noticed that they are rigorously forcing baseline. Had they been doing that from the beginning of the season? What are the merits of this? (as opposed to forcing middle)

Derek H, Toronto

A: Yes, they have been; they don’t want to give up the middle and think of the baseline as an extra defender. There’s physically less room for an opposing player to go.

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Q: What would your advice be to journalism students how would some day like to take up the same line of work that you do now?

AJ P, Toronto

A: It’s pretty simple, really, and goes what I told some students the other day:

Don’t pigeonhole yourself and get your work where you can, learn the technology so you can deliver information on many “platforms” and find places to write but, most important, find places to write and be edited because as good as you think you might be, you’re not.

Take every opportunity to write and to read, learn the language and its usage.

Best of luck.

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Q: Yo yo yo Doug,_I have not sent in a question in awhile and today I have 2 (probably easy ones for you). First, Matt Devlin among others calls Bargnani "il Mago.” What does that mean in English roughly? Do you know? Even though I have Italian in my heritage I do not know the term (or Italian) for that matter. And secondly, where has our good friend Nathan Jawai landed?

In the meantime, keep up the good work and I have noticed there has not been very many 'chicken' references this year, is the team that much better that we can talk about it rather then the mascot. We are making strides no?

Bill M, St. Catharines

A: No way, I’m all about The Chicken and try to reference he/she/it whenever I can.

Il Mago, roughly translated my friends tell me, is The Magician, a nickname he’s had for a while, and Nate’s still plugging away in Minnesota, playing about 11 minutes a game or so.

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Q: Hey Doug, from your time around the Raptors, you must notice their confidence increasing as this season goes on. Do you get the feeling that the players and coaches think, and honestly believe, they can win it all? Sure, predicting a championship takes a pretty big ego and I wouldn't expect anyone to admit to that. But do you get the sense they think they can?

Rob E, Scarborough

A: I think they honestly believe – as does every other player in the league – that they can win every game they play. And well they should.

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Q: Doug, there is a new segment on the Raptor broadcasts that let us listen in on Jay T. during the time outs. I think a lot of fans find this hugely entertaining and add another dynamic to watching a game. I am sure you remember those NFL Films. They were awesome and they had a lot of player and coach dialogue? My question is, is there anywhere to get similar type of entertainment for the NBA?

A T, Niagara Falls

A: I’m sure if you plumbed the depths of NBA.com’s video archives, you’d be able to find something.

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Q: Hi Doug, This Internet thing (that apparently we have Al Gore to thank for) has changed our personal worlds so very, very much that it is sometimes difficult to imagine how life itself existed before we were all part of this instant interconnectedness. And I wonder, in the world of sports, and particularly the NBA team here in Toronto, since 1995 when it all began and those first few fans tentatively dipped their toes in this Raptor experience, how has the make-up of this fan base "changed", if at all, as technology "developed"? I read recently somewhere that NBA fans are considered to be the most technologically savvy of all sports fans (they didn't include me in that generalization!) and how, if at all, has this affected the demographic you engage with? And dictated the tools you choose to use to do it? Thanks!

Lorie P, London

A: I think given the opportunity to interact with people around the team is the greatest change and that’s got everything to do with the internet and this blog and mailbags and the like.

And also, because I think the NBA skews to a younger, more technologically capable demographic, there’s no doubt it’s the leader in pro sports in that regard.

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Q Hey Doug, I was listening to the Fan on Friday afternoon to Jack and Eric. They made a good point about there's nothing more to talk about the Leafs. Nothing really to say. With that being said, wouldn't this be a good time for the media to hype up the Raptors or at least MSLE to say hey, our number 2 product deserves more coverage. What's your take on that?

Nick T, Milton

A: I think as they get better, you’ll see more coverage; but we still have at least one story in the newspaper and a story and a blog on the website every single day. I have no idea who makes what decisions at other media outlets but I’d say our Raptors coverage stacks up pretty well.

As for MLSE, they can’t do a thing; it’s up to every media outlet to decide what it decides is newsworthy.

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Q: Doug, I was hoping you could help me understand your thoughts on David Lee. I understand that he plays for a terrible team and perhaps has some issues as an individual, but 29 and 18 are impressive numbers from the other night. My issue is that the players on his team are not defending him, other players on good teams are and he seems to get double doubles with some regularity. Are the other teams not defending him as hard as they would if he was Chris Bosh or has he really just been a floater that gets lucky? From where I sit he seems to deserve a little more than a mid-level exemption if he can offer a team a double double each night. I am sure many players in the league are paid much more and do not offer their teams the same effort. Thanks.

Terry D, Kingston

A: My thoughts are pretty clear. He puts up good numbers on a dreadful team and he’s an average to below average defender. He’s a good serviceable player who’d be an energy guy off the bench on a truly good team.

And with a new CBA coming in 2011 and the economic uncertainty that brings, I honestly don’t see anyone outside of the absolute top tier free agents getting long-term, lucrative contracts this summer.

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Q: Doug, I know some of the players get together with players from other teams - do opposing team coaches get together for dinner or the like (like Iavaroni in NYC with D'Antoni?) Is there loyalty amongst the former coaching team members? Would Jay have dinner with Sam in Atlanta?

And on Iavaroni, with the improvement of the Grizzlies this year, how much of it do you think relates to Lionel Hollins, versus the foundation of Iavaroni last year, versus the improvement and additions of players?

Geoff H, Toronto

A: Not so much loyalty as friendship. If you’ve known someone for years and developed a close relationship, you might have dinner together but given schedules and travel demands, it’s often difficult to get together.

I don’t know about the relationship between Mike and Marc but I’d be surprised if they met up; it’s probably more likely that Maurizio and Mike would have dinner. I don’t think Jay and Sam were that close in other than a professional manner so the answer there would be no.

As to the Grizzlies, I think it’s a basic maturation of the players as much as anything.

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Q: Why is it that trade rumors that seem to be out there for a long time never seem to come to fruition (such as Bosh for Bynum or Jose for Kevin Martin) but trades that are more likely to happen just happen overnight without any media leaks (Eduardo Najara for Kris Humphries or the Richard Jefferson trade over the summer)

Michael B, Ottawa

A: Because GMs are sometimes good at not leaking stuff. But, truth be told, stuff like Bosh-Bynum, Calderon-Martin were absolutely the figment of writers’ imaginations, extrapolated guesses with no basis in fact.

The Najera-Hump deal was out there days before it was finalized, so too was Jermaine O’Neal both to Toronto and to Miami so some people do get stuff as it happens.

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Q: Hi Doug. I was wondering what happened to the post-game video recaps? That was one of my favorite features of your blog.

Ryan S, Boston

A: Staffing situations dictated we dump it. Used to be that a videographer would come over at the end of each game, do the quick hit and go back and post it; now we don’t have the luxury of that many staff members and my time is best spent writing than doing video looking into a laptop screen.

We may resurrect it sometime but I don’t think it’ll be any time soon.

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Q: Hi Doug, thanks for the all great work with the daily blog and in game blogs. I was looking at the team payrolls and it appeared that the Lakers were in the neighbourhood of $91 million (from hoops hype) for 09/10 season. Does this figure (assuming it is accurate) included the dollar for dollar luxury tax for going over the cap. If not, just curious what the total cost for their team or any other team would be.

Monty M, Toronto

A: No, any number you see out there – and that’s pretty close to the actual Laker number – is simply salary commitments for this year. So, with a tax threshold of, roughly, $71 million, the total money the Lakers will have to pay out is about $111 million.

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Q: Doug:I 'm a transplanted Toronto boy who still follows all the major T.O. teams closely. So it’s a bonus when a game with one of our teams is televised down here in NY. So during the game with the Knicks, the announcers here point out that the Raptors were about to tie an NBA record of four straight wins where they had come back from double digit deficits, inclusive of course of some pretty good teams (e.g., the Lakers). They are the third team to do that in NBA history and not a peep from the local scribes?

Perhaps more to the point, is that this run reflects what I believe is a turnaround in this franchise. There is a growing confidence that this group can win games no matter the circumstance, i.e., no panic and belief if they stick to the game plan, they can prevail. This attitude can only flow from a team that believes in themselves individually, each other as teammates, and the coaching staff as leaders. I'd suggest this is quite a sea change for this franchise and bodes well for the future, regardless of whether Bosh stays or goes. Do you see it this way?

And I truly appreciate how you've used your blog to personalize your relationship with your readers. Helps me feel connected to my home town.

David B, New York

A: There is a newfound confidence that is quite unusual and quite welcome and I know that Bosh appreciates this group of teammates immensely. I have no idea, however, how much that will factor into whatever decision he makes.

I also know that Bryan has locked up a core group of players that is solid and will have every chance to grow together, regardless of what happens with the team’s best player, and that’s a solid management move.

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Q: Hey Doug, I noticed Demar didn't make the trip to NYC last night, and it seems like Reggie goes on almost all the road trips. Is this a players decision?

Also when do you think Reggie will get hit with a warning for his constant violation of the NBA dress code. He definitely puts the "street" in "street clothes.” Jared C, Toronto

A: No, it isn’t.

I asked Jay specifically about this on Saturday and what he told me was that they’ve got Reggie on a workout program that’s one hard day and one soft and the “soft” day happened to coincide with the game in New York so they thought it better that he be around the team than staying home. On that particular day, it was more important that DeMar stay home, work with members of the team’s training staff and get more treatment in Toronto in the team’s own facilities that he could have ever received on the road.

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Q: You've gotta let us know when you're on the radio. I only caught the last 30 seconds of your interview. I like hearing what you have to say, can't you tell us in the blog?

Peter L, Toronto

A: I use this question not for some egotistical, ‘hey, look at me’ reason but because it’s asked often.

The fact is, interviews like the one Friday are usually very last-minute; Friday, for instance, I got a text around 10 a.m. to tape that segment at 1:40 p.m.

Same goes for most McCown moments and anything I do for the morning show.

So, unless someone gets me a regularly scheduled gig, it’s catch as catch can.

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Q: Doug -- at recent home games I couldn't help but notice that the young guys (mostly Amir and Sonny) were showing sideline enthusiasm that we just haven't seen here for some time (maybe ever). Didn't matter whether it was warm up, pre-tip, early or late in the game, they were dancing, high-fiving, pumping the crowd and their teammates. Do you put any stock in "youthful energy" as an X-factor, particularly as teams sometimes drag themselves through the mid-season?

Kevin G, Toronto

A: I do, actually, a fair bit. This is the youngest, most exuberant team they’ve had here in years and I do think it’s contagious. Guys like Weems, Johnson and DeRozan do get each other, and by extension, their teammates going and even the relatively older guys like Reggie Evans and Marcus Banks do more than their share of pumping guys up.

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Q: Good Morning. Let me see if I can set this question up. The Raptor's fans are in a place they seldom visit and normally do not stat long. Team has won 4 thrilling games in a row, the team is relatively healthy, coach seems to be managing the team/games well and it appears a soft part of the schedule is coming up.

Now some kind of trading deadline is coming up in 3 weeks. As the GM what would you do (this Saturday morning)

Nothing and roll the dice

Go for a minor upgrade

Trade several pieces hoping to get out of the first round

John P, Fredericton

A: Me? I do nothing. I’ve always been a proponent of letting teams grow and this group seems to have a lot of potential if it’s left alone, so it probably should be.

What I do I think might happen? I think Bryan will try to tinker, maybe make what he thinks is a minor upgrade at the backup 2-3 spot.

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Q: John Schuhmann from SI writes that "Jose Calderon is an overpaid backup" which I find to be a ridiculous statement from somebody who obviously only looks at the starting lineups of teams. What will it take, either from Jose or from the Raps, to get a bit of respect from hacks like this guy? Follow-up, would they even change their stance if the Raps won it all?

Thank you for understanding what all teams are doing and reporting evenly. It's certainly a draw for me to read insightful reporting.

Jason S, Ottawa

A: It is a ridiculous statement and I’d take it as such and not get bothered by it at all. It’s an opinion put forth by someone who might not know a Raptor if he sat next to him a barstool.

Comments

[Blake Kennedy]

Lyn:

There is no evidence that Jose makes this team better when he's on the floor when you consider both sides of the ball. There's more evidence that he makes the team worse, and if you'd like a complete exposition of why that is you can consider the data I've had posted at raptorschat.ca on that topic.

I'd also ask you to consider the possibility that a guy making $9 million/year who has to switch a big onto guards every defensive possession so he can run away from the ball damages the competitive will and collective accountability of a team. Pretty hard to take a guy seriously who simply cannot stop the ball, let alone pressure it, let alone adequately contest shots or come up with defensive plays, and that will wear a team's spirit down after a while in my experience. Truly selfless and competitive teams take their identity from the defensive side of the ball first.

Blogger's note: Can you be done now with this tiresome issue? You've got your little shot of self-promotion in here, I won't call you on the ridiculous blanket statements you try to pass off as fact but it's over, okay?

[just a fan]

how much is TJ Ford making in Indy to cheer on his teammates? If indeed Jose is overpaid, we should be thankful that he is actually doing something to help the team as opposed to nothing at all.

[Norrin Radd]

...look at the record of when Jack was the starter vs. Calderone...that sums it up...El Matador is a backup point guard period. He couldn't keep a chair in front of him.

Blogger's note: Of course it sums it up, it would have nothing whatsoever to do with calibre of opponent, schedule or the impact the eight other players who get into a game have on it. No way that would the case. It's cut and dried. Yeesh.

[Thierry]

Doug on your all time Raptors players in their prime I think you may want to include Olajuwan into your conversation. In his prime he was a great player ... I know when he came to the Raptors he was past his prime but in his prime he in one of the international greats to play in the NBA

[sm]

Blake Kennedy
What an obscure argument -
I must be watching a different Jose Calderon than you. . . .

[J]

"the team cannot afford to play him more because he's such a defensive liability"
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Blake,

Actually, the more accurate statement would be "the team cannot afford to play him more because Jack's such a defensive liability at the 2." Thus, instead of sharing the 48 minutes at PG and another 12-15 at SG, they're now sharing little more than the PG minutes.
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For all the talk about how Calderon sucks (and it's Calderon, not Calderone, Norrine), I haven't seen any talk about how without Calderon, the 8-4 record in the last 12 games could have just as easily been 2-10. In 6-7 of those 8 wins, it was Calderon that led several key Raptor runs. I'm not a big fan of +/- stats in general, but +/- can sometimes show if someone's defensive shortcomings are really hurting the team that badly, as well as whether a floor general was effective during his minutes. In the last 12 games, Jack was a -32 while Calderon was a +88. I'm sure had a cheaper option like Banks come off the bench, the Raptors would not be where they are now.
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Just to demonstrate the fickleness of some Raptors fans, let's look at Calderon's contributions since 2006-2007 with your so-called high end "research methodologies". In every year except this one (and there's still time for regression to the mean), Calderon has produced more than he has given up (see 82games.com). In fact, his production differential (which takes into account his defense) puts him in the top 3rd or top 4th of all starting PGs each year. Even last year, with his inferior play, he was 8th (behind only Paul, Parker, D. Williams, Sessions, Rondo, Harris and Nash). Compare to Jack, who has never produced more than he has given up -- not even this year.
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Don't like production differentials? How about Wins Produced? In every year since 2006-2007 (even this one, despite his injury absence), Calderon has been 1st or 2nd on the team in Wins Produced. His WP48 put him way above average in past years (.200+), and still considerably above average this year (.149). Compare to Jack, who currently projects as slightly below average (.093) and has only projected as slightly above average (.112) once in 2006-2007. Even in Calderon's worst year since 2006-2007, he still produces more wins than Jack in his best year. Think on that.
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I invite you to show me your "research methodologies" (aka stats) instead of just saying something to be true.

[JHP]

You doing the in game blog ? And when does it start ?

[Damian Poor]

Unfortunately, Calderon's defensive negatives outweigh his offensive positives.

Here are the 82games.com splits for Calderon at point guard:
http://www.82games.com/0910/09TOR1.HTM#bypos
Notice that his PER rating is 19.2 (extremely high), but the opposing PG puts up 22.7 against him. 22+ PER is All-Star level production. So in effect, Jose Calderon turns your average NBA pg into an All-Star.

Compare this to Jarrett Jack's PER splits: http://www.82games.com/0910/09TOR3.HTM#bypos

If you don't know what PER (player efficient rating) is, please read here for an explanation:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&id=2850240

Jose Calderon is a wonderful, extremely talented point guard offensively. But he would be best be served on a roster with extremely athletic, dominant defenders at every other position. Unfortunately, this does not describe the 2009-2010 Toronto Raptors.

Blogger's note: "He would be best be served on a roster with extremely athletic, dominant defenders at every other position."
Who wouldn't?
John Hollinger is a great guy who has devised a very interesting mathematical formula to rank players. It currently, I believe, has Kobe Bryant as the eighth-best player, PER-wise, in the NBA. It is interesting mathematical formula.

[thedudeabides]

why is this calderon vs jack debate raging, anyway? we've got the two-headed point guard we dreamed of before tj became a psychopath. jay goes with whoever is going- and it's usually one or the other. when he has to he manages offense/defense in late game situations because jack is a bit better of a defender, but not by as much as people think, which is why it's usually wright or someone on the ball late in the game.

[J]

Norrine,

"...look at the record of when Jack was the starter vs. Calderone...that sums it up...El Matador is a backup point guard period. He couldn't keep a chair in front of him."

This just shows the weakness of your basis. How about we even try to consider the following:
- difficulty of opponent when Jose was starting (11 elite teams in 22 games)
- record against non-elite teams when Jose was starting (8-3)
- Jack's negative contributions in the first 12 games of those 22 games (-49 off the bench vs Calderon's -17 starting -- I'm sure you remember all the Jack hate in those first 12 games)
- difficulty of opponent when Jack was starting and Jose was injured (4 elite teams in 13 games)
- record against non-elite teams when Jack was starting and Jose was injured (7-2)
- difficulty of opponent in the past 12 games with Jose back and off the bench (5 elite teams in 12 games)
- record against non-elite teams in the past 12 games (5-2)
- record against elite teams in the past 12 games (3-2)
- Calderon's positive contributions in the past 12 games (+88 off the bench vs Jack's -32 starting)
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Gee, seems to me Jack got a lot more help from Calderon off the bench in the last 12 games than Calderon got from Jack in the first 12 games. Other that that, it's clear that our record was not better when Calderon was injured -- simply, our schedule was better.

[Blake Kennedy]

Doug, if you think Jose's defensive issues are a "tiresome issue" as opposed to problem #1 for this team, I don't know what to tell you. I've tracked this team on a level of detail that you have yet to do anything with except dismiss. The only reason it's tiresome is because the importance of it is being lost somewhere along the line.

Toronto is the single worst defensive team in the NBA. The single worst. #30 of 30 teams in points against / 100 possessions. That obviously has to change, and the #1 contributor to us being the worst defensive team is none other than Jose Calderon by an enormous margin, with his wonderful stop% of .358 this year (as I posted) and a defensive rating of over 119 points against per 100 possessions faced. If we want to compete at a higher level, I don't believe we can have Jose Calderon playing big minutes because of his athletic gap against other point guards (i.e. he's too slow, made worse by lack of proper stance and step-slide-sprint technique). I am a coach, I do feel pretty confident in my analysis of that.

For those who point to the team's recent success with Calderon back (a .583 winning percentage), keep in mind we did even better from the game against Chicago until Jose went down until the last game we played before he returned. And we were terrible with him as a starter, just like we were last year. At the very least, reasonable people can conclude that he's not exactly overly relevant to the team - like Schuhmann did for good reason, only to have the current President of the PBWA take an unjustified and unsubstantiated swipe at him.

Anyway, I've released the data to M. Grange and he's already mulling it over and I'm sure will have a meaningful interaction with it (if he can shore up his Excel skills). I think interacting with data instead of resorting to insults and dismissals is the more sure beneficial way to go.

Blogger's note: Tiresome? Yes. Yawn. I'm sure Mike's elated.
We're done; I get the last word and this is over.

[greg]

espn fired Shirley for his comments. SHirley shouldnt be mistaken for a journalist. He is a former pro athlete who is younger than many current NBA players , ie. he wasnt that good, who should know better than to extend himself publicly in controversial political discussions while trying to build his career as a sports reporter. DUmb move on his part.

If he did an ounce of research before writing such an article, he could have been justified and he could have properly slanted his views without causing such a stir, but what he said in his article was nothing more than just plain silly.

He only highlighted how unprepared he is to represent himself as a respectable media figure. That is why ESPN fired him, he should try building a career as a shock jock, like don imus ( who's shoes he couldnt fill on his best day).

The lesson here is to do your research before publicly stating your views when you are in the media. Pay attention in class next time.

[GM]

Yeah, I'm a little perplexed at the Jose bashing when things are going so well. As I've said, I won't knock Jack because I like his game, too, and I think it's great the Raptors have two capable guys in the game at all times. I find it funny that the anti-Josers keep changing their argument. When Jose was out, and Banks was backing up Jack, the argument went that the Raps were better off without Jose because, well, look at how they were winning. Now that Jose is back, and the Rpas are winning, well, they are winning despite Jose, not in any way because of him.

[Norrin Radd]

I'm not saying Calderon is bad...he's not as good as a lot of you think he is....Raptors beat the Lakers, Heat, Orlando, San Antonio with Jack as the starter...Calderon as the backup...nuff said......El Matador needs to remain a backup player...

[Johnn19]

Back-up - Smack-up who cares, the team is winning, the 2nd unit is contributing, the coaching staff is happy.

Jack is playing 24 mins @PG and Jose is playing 24 mins @PG ,and they are playing together, both are happy because they are winning. Why should we as fans care?

[Jillian]

I'm not quite sure why I wasted the last 15 minutes reading these comments. I've heard in the past that Raptors followers were some of the most rabid fans online, ready to defend or dismiss their beloved team with laser-like intensity. I suppose I had to see for myself.

I can't imagine that any of this stat-wrangling helps enhance the simple pleasure of watching this beautiful game. And all of the posturing among those so eager to demonstrate their basketball IQ on a forum that doesn't belong to them? I'm sure there are those whose comments have been published that are feeling pretty good about themselves...validated, in a strange way. To them, this may seem like a case of the pot calling the kettle black. No matter. The game will go on with or without these "fans".

[Henry Mak]

While I'm not entirely sure I agree with Blake you do have to admit that he seems like a pretty sharp stick. To dismiss what he brings to the table out of hand as emotion-based, mob mentality Calderon-bashing might be a bit quick on the trigger.

[GM]

Blake Kennedy's a coach. Not just anybody can coach, you know. You have to first volunteer to coach and then... no, that's about it. Hey, you know who else is a coach? Jay Triano. And Sam Mitchell. And I'm guessing they might be a little better than Blake Kennedy, although anonymous high school (or lower) coaches are often under-rated and just as good as the pros if only given a chance. Right Blake?

[Tabber]

Dang, clicked for Doug Smith's blog and got short-changed with some U.S. politician's statistical analysis. Having worked with stats for over a quarter century, I could turn those numbers around to show that Bosh is a better point guard than Tim Duncan. Just be aware of reality and you don't have to depend on stats, the eyes have it.

[T.Y.]

I should apologize for using the term "significantly worse" in the original question. In retrospect that was too harsh a statement, however his performance, both based on stats and observation seem to indicate a deterioration in performance on back to backs.
While observation is qualitative and difficult to express in a concise manner the following are his stats on 0 days rest (excluding the NY game) and the other games:

0 days rest: 40.2% shooting, 30.6% 3PT shooting, 70.8% FT, 13.1PPG
Other games: 49.3% shooting, 39.4% 3PT shooting, 83.3% FT, 18.6PPG

In addition of the 45 games (excluding NY) he has been held to less than 15 points in only 15 games this year. Of those 15 games 6 are from 0 days rest (or 67% of those games) while the other 9 are from the other 36 games (25%). The other 3 games on 0 days rest are 22,15,15.

For rebounding of the 45 games (x NY) he had less than 5 rebounds 16 times. Of those 5 (or 55% of games) are from 0 days rest, while 11 (or 31%) are from the others.

Shooting percentage: 14 games at 40% or less. 5 of 9 (55%) for 0 games rest. 9 of 36 (25%) for the other games

His other 3 years in the league also show some deterioration in performance on 0 days rest as well.

I don't want to knock the amazing strides that AB has made this year. I was just questioning if there are ways to improve his performance on those back to backs whether it be by improving his off-season work out to focus on stamina, improve his diet, proper pacing etc.