Some this, some that, some time to take it easy

If anyone deserves a day off, it’s these guys, don’t you agree? That was a tough, relatively gritty win in tough circumstances; not something we usually see here from The Heroes Of The Hardcourt and they deserve a day of rest.

Like I do.

And you do, too.

Let’s all coast today.

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THREE POINTERS

That’s what they were talking about

We’ve seen, and discussed, all kinds of growth in Andrea Bargnani’s game this season, mostly in his post offence, but there were two plays late last night that really stood out to me.

And go to what Jay’s been saying for months, that if Bargnani does “the other things” he’s way more valuable.

The blocked shot on Harrington with 59 seconds left was huge, just as it was for Bargnani to stick with the miss and grab the loose ball.

And the way he defended Harrington the final Knicks possession, closely and aggressively out at midcourt (and I’m pretty sure Bargnani got a hand on the ball at least once) was stuff we hadn’t really seen too often.

In days gone by, Bargnani let his offence dictate is defence and there’s no question his offence was missing last night, in no small part because he was bothered by a sore ankle. (I’m told by people in the know that that was more of an issue than a foot during the game).

But when he couldn’t make a shot, he still made a play and it’s another step for him.

And them.

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It’s what stars do

Can we now, once and for all, put all this crap about Chris Bosh and fourth quarters and not being The Man to rest?

Can we just make it go away? Like forever.

Not only does he make the game-winning basket on a huge, tough, determined drive (kind of like the Philly game except from the other side of the court) but he stays with a tough defensive assignment the next time down the floor and blocks Tiny Nate Robinson at the rim.

It’s been said of a long, long time in these parts that Bosh is truly a great player and a great finisher and all he ever needed was better players around him to let his team flourish and he to be even better since opponents would have to worry about other Raptors.

And with the way Bargnani’s going and the way Jose’s been going and Jarrett and last night, Turk, we’re seeing just how dominant Bosh can be.

We’ve said forever that it’s never about one guy, never has been, never will be and we’re seeing with Bosh how true that is.

He’s getting help, and he’s playing out of his mind.

Pretty nice to watch, isn’t it?

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I was stunned, too

No, I didn’t know Turk could dunk, either.

I figured he could. But three times in a game? One a drive down the lane that was not only powerful but, dare I say, quick?

Heckuva game by the favourite piñata of impatient fans, wasn’t it?

I have no idea where it came from or when it might come back but the sense was he wanted to dominate from the start and did.

I haven’t watched the replay closely enough but it struck me during the game that he didn’t have the ball any more than he usually does, they still ran dribble-handoff stuff through him about 80 per cent of the time, but that he simply did more with it when he had it.

And he made a shot or two, which I always knew he would eventually do.

I don’t think anyone’s ready to pronounce him 100 per cent back but I think even the greatest of detractors would have to admit he’s getting there.

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There are other tidbits, too. Like …

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I see in Dave’s notes that Dino Meneghin, an iconic Italian star, was at the game in his role as president of the country’s basketball federation, trying to convince Bargnani, Belinelli and Gallinari to play for Italy this summer.

Word is that he didn’t get a yay or a nay from any of them and it looks like we’re headed for another summer questioning whether key Raptors should play for their countries or not.

So let’s get this out there right now: Yes, if they want to, they should. Without question.

Just like Turk should play for Turkey, Bosh for the United States, Jose for Spain and if Rasho shocks us by making a Slovenian Comeback, he should, too.

We’ll have this debate a lot, I’m sure, because the whole “they’re-main-obligation-is-to-the-team-that-pays-them-the-most” issue won’t ever really go away.

But it’s really quite a simple decision to me: Representing your country is one of the greatest things an athlete can do; I’m not sure some people understand that, but it is.

And they should.

If they want.

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Ask me what I’m doing today.

“What are you doing today, Doug?”

“Thanks for asking. I’m about to head to York University to take part in their annual Sports Business Seminar and, yes, I fear for the future of higher education if they’re listening to me but they asked and I’m glad to help.”

Seriously, this is now two things in a week for me out among the people (Hi, Ernst and Young!) and the next thing you know, someone’s going to show up with a camera, some pizza and soda and I’ll be truly at the top.

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In New York, one of the local rags wrote this about that big game.

(Speaking of the Knicks, as I’m watching Nate Robinson hang on a rim like it’s the first time he’s touched one, and David Lee preen after the huge accomplishment of making an uncontested dunk, and Al Harrington flick out his shirt like he’d just made a shot to win a game, I’m thinking: That team is far too full of itself for one that’s got such a horrid record. And I’m wondering if there’s a correlation there and I’m thinking, yeah, there is.)

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Getting back to Italian stuff for a minute, I don’t know if this catches on, or if it should, but an Irregular sent an e-mail this week suggesting we refer to Marco’s penchant for zaniness as “tiro ignorante.”

Seems there’s a somewhat legendary Italian national team player, Gianluca Basile (a guy I remember being out of his mind good in the Athens Olympics semifinals) who would take a rather entertaining or ill-advised shot every now and that’s what his offence became known as in some circles.

I guess the literal translation is “ignorant shots” and that’s far from what they are, but it’s an apt, and cute, description.

When I mentioned this to Marco, he was rather taken aback.

Let’s just say he thinks his skills are far, far better than Basile’s, an opinion shared by others in the Italian basketball community I spoke to the other night at the Heat game.

Anyway, no idea if that’s interesting or not, but it’s an item.

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Speaking of items, there’s always room for another mailbag question or two; don’t forget to send ‘em here today because we’ve got an early close this week thanks to the Mighty Yankee Parents Night Out Tomorrow which, if history holds, could be legendary.

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Comments

[aditya]

No, I didn’t know Turk could dunk, either.
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This is easy...Sam Mitchell starts Bosh, Bargnani (at SF), and Nesterovic (I believe) for a 3 big man lineup against the Orlando Magic in the playoffs. Turk is playing for the Magic....Turk gets a defensive rebound for Orlando and takes the ball up the floor, no one stops ball, no communication whatsoever and Turk goes in for a easy dunk dribbling the ball the length of the court (in Amway Arena)
(sorry posted twice, once in the other blog)

[esajr]

doug, it was an ugly game but entertaining and a win is a win. i think it is not the sprain on AB 's foot that affected his game. he has been playing lately lots of minutes and i think exhaustion will affect his game late in the season. the coach should monitor his minutes or else as a big man as he is, he will suffer various injuries later in the season. don"t you think?

[aditya]

my co-worker says you were joking about the turk not dunking....so ignore it if you were joking....
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I haven’t watched the replay closely enough but it struck me during the game that he didn’t have the ball any more than he usually does, they still ran dribble-handoff stuff through him about 80 per cent of the time, but that he simply did more with it when he had it.

And he made a shot or two, which I always knew he would eventually do.
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you are bang on about this though, bang on.....props doug....

[Shaun]

Hey Doug,

Did you catch the post-game interview with Jack Armstrong and Hedo? Pretty funny stuff.

Hopefully everyone can relax and realize that Hedo has been playing the same type of game night in and night out (aside from the dunks) and the shots just haven't been falling.

Enjoy the party tonight!

[Lavi]

Hi Doug,
After Turk's 26 point gem against the Knicks, he was asked what the difference was between this game and the past games where he didn't perform as well. His answer was "ball". Followed by a 10 second awkward silence, followed by "that's all I have to say".

As you mentioned in your blog, it seemed that Turk touches the ball about the same amount of times every game, yet there seems to be a disconnect between what he thinks transpires on the court, and what actually does, with regards to his touches. Is this normal for a player who is in a "funk"? Have any of the other teammates/coaches commented on this discrepancy? The problem I see with it, is that it seems like he's blaming his teammates for not giving him enough touches, which could turn into an issue down the road.

[O.J.]

If the Raps win the next 5 games before the all-star break, I think B.C. should be a buyer. Assuming, they do run the table before the break, do you think B.C. is a buyer or does he do nothing?

Blogger's note: What's he going to "buy" even if he could? A backup 2-3? That's about it.

[greg]

On other hoops news, , did you get to see the Magic game last night? Vince Carter is looking waaaaay beyond his best right now. He looks fat and slow IMO . Almost cost the magic the game. I would say after watching the Celtic and Magic matchup and both teams looking very worn out, that this conference belongs to the Cavs or even the Hawks by a long shot, unless vince gets his legs back or rondo plays like a superhero.

[Dave Fritz, Kingston]

Hi, Doug,
Re "Can we now, once and for all, put all this crap about Chris Bosh and fourth quarters and not being The Man to rest?" Apparently not. See Raptors Roll Cal over on Raptors Republic.

[Tiger]

Not sure what to make of Hedo's post-game interview with Coach Jack. The silence after his curt "Ball." answer was awkward, to say the least. This after TSN showed Raps' PR guy doing no small amount of cajoling to get him to come back to talk.
The "...but if not, I just go through the motions." part of his quote in Feschuk's story would seem to suggest that he had a burr up his butt, for whatever reason.
Not trying to ring alarm bells, just saying that that interview seemed incongruent with the Raps' big win and Hedo's own fine play.

[Wallace]

Hello Doug. I know you are miffed about the fans impatience with Turk. What troubles me is his attitude about "the ball". He is saying that if you give me the ball early in the shot clock, I will make things happen (like last night). If not, I will "go through the motions"
That would seem to put a lot of undue pressure on the coaching staff and their play calling and take away the flexibility they need to operate the team efficiently.

[Kent]

Hedo's post-game comments are taking on a bit of a life on the interweb. Any thoughts, comments, or translation for us Doug? I'm thinking "Ball" might be a good response in the future when you are asked for predictions.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56GL0ayF9Fs&feature=player_embedded

[greg]

since Rose made the all star game, DD might get the nod for the rookie challenge?

[Nadeem]

BALL.... Go Hedo and GO Raps !!

[James Online]

Another Raptors win! Good that Triano must feel the heat for his job is off. They still need a tougher inside presence on defense to get beyond where they are today, but they are way better than they were a month ago.

About the comparison of Belinelli to Basile, Marco and the others are right. Doug, I think you've put Marco in a corner. I know you like him, and admire his moxey, but honestly stereotyping Marco into a wild player isn't fair. You pushed him in English the other day by asking him why he takes off balance shots etc. to the point where he says "maybe I'm crazy." It was a bit like, "are you crazy?" And he says, "I guess so." Same with the comparison to Basile: "Are you just as wild as Basile?"

No wonder he was "taken aback" by the description of his game in any way as "ignorant." That was definitely not "cute!" Who wouldn't be offended?

Marco is a creative playmaker whose very creativity makes him a headache for other teams to defend. He spreads the floor on the half court sets and brings a dynamic quality to the offense by being in constant motion, creating space not only for him, but for his teammates to operate. He works particuarly well with Jose and Amir, both of whom "get" Marco's game best. You yourself mentioned that we haven't seen passing like Marco's from a wing in a long time, if ever. That's "crazy?"

Notice that even when he was unable to get his offense going last night, the team played better with him on the floor and caught up to the Knicks (he was a +11 in 14 minutes without scoring!).

So just a suggestion, Doug: stay away from the misleading stereotyping. Sure he's got a wild streak, but that's not a bad thing. And it doesn't define who he is as a player.
Thanks! Go Raptors!

Blogger's note: I will, if you stay away from trying to figure out how I go about asking questions of people.

[david]

Raptors rejoice, this is someone else's problem:
http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/12691/vince-carters-bad-night

[The Dizzle]

Doug I completely agree with NY being full of itself. I could believe seeing Harrington prop out his jersey when he hit one three! What a douche. Bosh didnt even do that when he destroyed him in the post for the winning bucket! n
And who is David Lee? He's above average, bordering on a good player, but he talks to the refs like he's MJ.Does he ever think he committed a foul? D'antoni neeeds to put a lid on these clowns.

[Mark L]

Doug, I heard that Vanilla Ice is going to perform his "Ice Ice Baby" song at halftime next Wednesday against the Nets. Who came up with that idea? is that supposed to attract fans to come out and see a Nets game?

Blogger's note: I suppose you're right

[Mwain]

Again my man David Lee was the best player on either team. When Bosh goes to Miami the Raps should chase this guy.

[Chi]

Hi Doug,

Hedo had a great night. It was all "ball," according to him. How do the stats look? Did he get more time with the ball or did he just execute better?

I would say that he got most of the possessions that would usually go to Barg.

[John MacDonald]

What does no comment deserve a bloggers comment? Those are the only comments I ever read.

[Ray Ray]

Ball.

Epic. Instant classic.

[Peter]

Hey Doug, great blog as always.

I think playing for a national team in the off-season is just part of the territory when it comes to professional sports. Maybe the teams don't like it, but it's part of the deal. I know there's the possibility that the players get hurt or fatigued, but look at Bosh after his time with the Olympic team. You could argue he's actually better because of that experience and playing with those players; that he came back an improved player. Almost like he saw what he needed to become and over the past few years has made those strides.

[Sean]

The Harrington jersey-pull was the worst of the night for me...especially since that shot far from a game-ender. I guess players just get jacked to play in the Big Apple, but that team is an offensive stat machine and nothing more.

[Derek W.]

"Ball" Hilarious, had me in stitches. Best interview ever, I'll take that any day over 'We played hard and gave 110%" or any other cheesy sports cliche.

[RC]

Will Butch be "honoured" anytime this season?

Blogger's note: Hope so, but doubt it