Welcome back to the usual fun and frivolity

Everyone have a good weekend?

Lots of family time and game-watching? Well, forget that. We’re back to the usual routine here, folks, with some idle ramblings from a mixed up mind.

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Happened to catch an awful lot of basketball over the last 48 hours – on the gardening breaks as the legs stiffened up – and I have to tell you, there was nothing more compelling than that Spurs-Mavs game on Sunday night.

That’s the kind of playoff basketball I love, tough, hard-fought, great performances from unheralded players and if there was any doubt the Spurs are for real, they should have been dashed after watching them play defence like in the olden days.

Aside from the punk move by Eddie Najera – and the horse-collar hit on Manu was as bush league as any I’ve seen this post-season – the game had everything.

But, two questions did emerge:

Do you think they’ll trade Tony Parker since, as has been pointed out to me numerous times, it’s stupid to have something like $13 million tied up in a backup point guard?

And how ugly does Manu look with that contraption on his face? Anyway, that game underscored one clear fact about playoff basketball: You never know who’s going to step up and win a game for you out of nowhere.

George Hill, who’s good but not great, makes every shot he looks at – and scorches Jason Kidd and Jason Terry like I’ve seldom seen – and DeJuan Blair comes out of nowhere to provide about 14 minutes of exceptional energy that keys a huge run.

That’s what’s so cool about the playoffs, kids coming out of nowhere. And it doesn’t matter now if Hill or Blair disappear completely for the rest of the year, they’ve won one game for their team and that’s about all that can be expected.

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How much money do you think Raymond Felton’s costing himself in the Bobcats-Magic series?

He’s an unrestricted free agent this summer and I’m sure teams are watching closely as he’s continually burned by Jameer Nelson, who is becoming a very good big-game player.

So, you’d think the Bobcats might in the market for a point guard this summer, wouldn’t you?

Know any teams with an extra one?

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Speaking of point guards being abused, what Russell Westbrook is doing to Derek Fisher should probably be illegal.

And it’s really turned that series into something a lot more than I thought it would be.

I still think the Lakers win it because Kobe’s eventually going to go off and they’ll also figure out a way for Pau and Bynum to dominate as they should but Westbrook is emerging as the story of the series, isn’t he?

I remember last year, when the Thunder were still very much a work in progress, discussing that team and how Durant was going to be a star.

The guy I was talking to was quite impressed with Durant, as we all were, but he kept going back to the same point: That Westbrook had the chance to be really, really, really good.

He kept hammering the point home before each of the times the Raptors played Oklahoma City and any time mention was made of that team.

The guy?

Raptors assistant Gord Herbert, who seems a pretty astute judge of talent, even from a distance.

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Going to be a late night, I hope and expect.

Because of few of you have asked – and I generally tend to listen – we’ll try to do one of those in-game blog thingies off the Suns-Blazers, which doesn’t start until 10:30 eastern time.

Sooooo, maybe nap time this afternoon but we’ll give it a shot and see how many are around. And, I’m told the system should work just fine for me to see the insightful comments you send so all should be good.

We’ll figure out today how we handle the rest of the week, okay?

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Speaking of the Blazers, not sure if I’ve mentioned the tremendously cool thing they do before a game at the Rose Garden, which is one of my favourite arenas in the whole league.

Just before they get thing started, they started passing a game ball down through the stands, from the upper deck to the lower deck to the top seats along the sidelines and finally to midcourt and to the players.

The arena is dark-ish, there’s a spotlight following the ball and the fans really get themselves worked up as the whole thing is shown on the TV screen on the scoreboard.

Now, it’s not a real game ball but the thought is there and it’s cool to see and sure beats, in my opinion, some waif no one’s paying attention to walking shyly out to midcourt to hand a game ball to an official.

I’m sure there are people at the highest level of Raptordom reading this and it’s an idea they should steal.

Oh, and don’t forget the Karaoke Cam we’re stealing from the Pistons, either.

I tell ya, I may single-handedly improve the “entertainment” experience at Raptors games.

And we haven’t even started about ways to improve the whole pizza ridiculousness.

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So, when did Michael Jordan start channeling is inner Mark Cuban?

Watching the Bobcats for the two home games, it became apparent that Jordan’s really trying to become a hands-on owner, sitting at the end of the bench – it looked like he was just another injured Bobcat – and dispensing advice while cheering his head off.

I’m not sure owners should ever be that involved in a game, to tell you the truth; I admire enthusiasm but I think there needs to be some separation between ownership and the people who coach and play the game.

In the heat of the moment, I think there’s too much of a chance for an owner, or a coach, to say something they might regret.

But it does give the TV directors a closeup they can bore us with repeatedly.

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Here’s one left over from the mail that’s kind of pertinent to what’s going on these days:

Q: Hey Doug. I am a big fan, I was just wondering if you think there is any chance the Raptors get Jermaine O'neal back this off-season. I am sure it’s a long shot but I feel like depending on what happens with Bosh he could bring a lot to the table with a smaller contract this time.

Scott C, Ottawa

A: Having watched Jermaine in this series against Boston only re-affirms the somewhat emphatic “no” I would have given anyway. The last – very last – thing the Raptors would need in the event of a Bosh departure is an aging big on his last legs. Not a chance in the world I could endorse even a sniff of that idea.

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Speaking of Miami, how good was Wade on Sunday? I have no idea what his future plans are but I tell yu, if Pat Riley isn’t working back channels today to get rid of about five of Wade’s supporting cast and surround him with even average NBA players, he’s going to lose him.

And if I’m Miami, I try to find someone – anyone – to take Michael Beasley and give back someone who cares on every possession. That kid’s lack of engagement is shocking.

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Comments

[Peter]

"And we haven’t even started about ways to improve the whole pizza ridiculousness."
... which of course, begs the question, "What would you do with the whole pizza ridiculousness?"
:)

Blogger's note: As I've mentioned before, win and hold a team to under 100 and donate the ticket stubs to a food bank to feed the hungry.

[Bob]

I know that you've said in the past that you don't get a chance to see a lot of teams other than the Raptors during the regular season so you might not have seen the Spurs much this year. Anybody who has watched them play isn't surprised at all with what Hill and Blair are bringing in the playoffs.They've been doing it all year and are legit players.

[Baester]

"Do you think they’ll trade Tony Parker since, as has been pointed out to me numerous times, it’s stupid to have something like $13 million tied up in a backup point guard?"
::: I couldn't agree more. At least Parker is somewhat half-decent... BC has to get rid of Calderon in any way possible.

[Adrian]

I'm wondering how Michael Beasley could possibly look any "less engaged" to you than Andrea Bargnani.

Blogger's note: When you find where I said that, please pass it on.

[AT]

Good Blog today,
OKC Lakers is a fun series to watch. And I would not underestimate what you said about Wade.. In an interview (I think at half time), he said "I am not worried about me, I can can get hot at anytime"... that says a boatload of how he feels about his team mates. (and I think his free agency).

[GDS]

Doug, in your reply above, do you suggest that Andrea couldn't care less? I think Bargnani is not disinterested at all, on the contrary; he just hasn't the I-am-not-missing-pass-me-the-rock attitude he should have with his talent, which makes it crucial for his success to finally encounter a great point guard any time during his career

[Phil]

One of the few pleasures of watching the NBA playoffs, as a Toronto Raptor fan, is seeing players who left here, because they wanted to be on a winner, never reach their goal. Shawn Marion looks to be another in that category, but at least he is warm.

[Mike kovacs]

Doug any luck in finding any info on NBA 3on3 tournaments? Cancelled due to lack of sponsors I presume? Thanks.

Blogger's note: I believe it was, yes

[Hope Caper]

Hey Doug,
I never thought Andrea looked disengaged. Maybe a little lost but not disengaged.

[Jacques]

What are your thoughts about sending Bosh to the Spurs. Tim signs on for 1 yr, maybe an option. Tim retires, Bosh takes over.

[Marc]

Frankly, I think they can and are fairly likely do a lot worse than O'Neal. I'd take him over Beasley or David Lee for instance. Sure I'd rather have Noah, Bynum or maybe even someone like Brendan Haywood. Maybe you have higher expectations than I do but I feel like the chances of T.O. landing a real quality big to play next to Bargnani next year are pretty slim assuming Bosh leaves.

[Andrew]

Hi Doug, watching Jermaine O'Neal is what makes me most worried about re-signing Bosh. Are you convinced that Bosh's knees will hold up for the next six years, considering he's already accustomed to heavy leg braces? I see the same sort of franchise murding contract in the 5-6th years with Bosh. Is that something you'd be willing to chance for 3-4-5 all start calibre years?

[Pipit]

I love Michael Jordan. I grew up in the 90's watching him dominate game after game like I've never seen one before and until now. But its disheartening to see him in the Bobcat's stand acting like he's mark Cuban. Cuban's antics are understandble because he do admits that he's a super fan of the game and the league but for Michael, he's the greatest player who played the game and he's acting like until now he can't get over playing. I'm pretty sure he do wants to get a uniform, dress-up and play in there everytime he see Felton do his kamikaze drives and turn over the ball. If he wants to control the outcome of the game, draft good players and not Kwame and Morrison. Doug, is Jordan the greatest player who played the game in your opinion? And if not, who is?

[Penguin]

To your not-so-subtle point about a team having an extra point guard that might be of interest to the Bobcats, do the Raps have one that Nelson has not also abused? For that matter, do the Raps have a point guard that hasn't been abused by most of the better point guards across the league? As for Beasley's lack of engagement, sounds like he'd make the perfect Raptor - I keed, for heaven's sake.

[doug]

the Mavs-Spurs series is interesting to me as it unfolds is this...the coaching match-up is so lopsided its ridiculous...Pops is Pops and unfortunately for the Mavs, Carlisle is Carlisle, he has so much talent on the bench but he isn't using it, his in-game decisions have been unjustifiable...he is to me a type of coach that has a system and plugs his players into it as opposed to a coach that takes what players he has and adapts...he's just been outcoached, his sub patterns have made no sense at times ....Bargs is so much better then Beasely it isn't close, plus people say Bargs is disengaged, yes he doesn't get involved in games and the flow sone days as every player does...but to say he has a lack of emotion is a fallacy to me as he is emotional, he is just more introverted, reserved but that can't be confused for lack of caring, emotion...he is just wound differently...to find offensive players as any GM knows is just so much more difficult them finding defensive ones, Barg's shouldn't be going anywhere and won't be...

[chris]

Blair is hardly a surprise....he's been doing this all year.

Agree on Beasley....just hope that we don't end up getting him in some sort of S&T this summer.

As for pizza -- your idea with the foodbank is awesome, but i don't think pizza pizza's marketing department would agree. Keeping opposing teams under 100 pts makes sense though. Or just pizza for a win.

[robguy]

"BC has to get rid of Calderon in any way possible." I am tiring of these comments. Was he really that much worse than JJ (who I like) but loses he ball far too often off the dribble? Yes JC had a bad year, but you do not give up that easily. For example, where are all of those "Anthony Parker" haters now? This goes across all of the sports pages - Toronto fans jump on individual players too easily and too often. (Pucks example - too many fans were all over Hal Gill - now he has a cup ring and is playing well again...hmmm....)
Doug you said it best yesterday I think - some players are asked to do a role too great here and they blossom when their roles are better suited and defined on better teams. The reverse is therefore true as well - you can grab a good player from another team and bring him to a weaker team and ask him to do more, but he may make a lot more mistakes in the process.

[S]

Hey Doug:

What would be a suitable trade with Bobcats for a raps point guard?

[mando]

What has Bargnani got to do with the comment on Beasley? Can't these people even read?

[The J]

Hey Doug, do you think you atleast partially jinxed the Suns with your comments back on Friday? You had them winning this round in 5 games, and practically put them in the conference finals with the Lakeshow. Next thing you know Brandon Roy is making a ridiculously fast recovery and we've got a tough series again. You keep talking up the Suns and even Greg Oden might find his way back this season. Heck maybe Drexler will pop back on a jersey or we might finally see Sam Bowie reach his full potential.

[Adrian]

So you don't disagree? Therefore, "if I’m (Toronto), I try to find someone – anyone – to take (Andrea Bargnani) and give back someone who cares on every possession. That kid’s lack of engagement is shocking." Thanks. I'm glad you said that.

[Nick]

Hey Doug, couldn't help but notice that there was nothing about the Nuggets and Jazz series. As a Utah fan I have to say I am surprised at how Utah has played since losing Okur. Nonetheless, the UkraineTrain stepped up his game big time. Any thoughts about the series?

Blogger's note: Great series, kind of waiting to talk about it because there was other stuff on the weekend, but I will

[GM]

I didn't think Najera's play was that bad. Yes, I think he should have been tossed based on the rules, but I think he was just trying to make sure Ginobili didn't complete a three-point play. But you should be commended for sticking with the Spurs all season, through their ups and downs. What's your prediction for game five? (waiting for it... c'mon, don't let us down!)

[Tony]

Tony Parker is a Vet All Star game breaker and is well worth 13 million.

[Penny]

Hey Doug - Even when you are being sarcastic - the bit about paying $13 million for a back-up PG - people still miss the point.