Who should be there and who should win (the game and the awards)

Join Doug Smith at 1 p.m. Wednesday for a live basketball Q&A, as the Raptors get ready to take on the New York Knicks.

Good morning Bobcats, er, I mean Raptors fans.

How’s things?

There’s really not a lot to say today that hasn’t already been said. So, I’ll say a lot.

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What I will say is, as I did in the paper today, this is no one’s fault but the Raptors, whose freefall in the second half has been stunning.

I have no idea what’s going to transpire tonight (these two teams have defied logic too often for me to fall into that trap) but it’s going to fun, that’s for sure.

So, because there’s no need to be too serious until this all unfold however it does, why should we be? So …

I’m often asked whether it’s better for us Grunts to have them in the post-season rather than out and, on the whole of it, I’m not entirely sure which side I fall on.

Let’s see what happens if they don’t make it:

I have to care about the draft

And, trust me, a couple of weeks of covering kids coming in for pre-draft workouts is like a couple of weeks of a migraine.

Bosh is about 1,000 per cent sure to leave

Now, that may be the case anyway but the thought of five weeks or so of sign-and-trade questions is at some level quite horrifying.

Do we need to worry about a coach?

I don’t think so – the vibe I’m getting doesn’t suggest there’s any move afoot to replace Jay if they don’t get in – but it’s something that’ll be in discussion and, if it happens, that’s whole other layer of work.

Let’s see what happens if they make it:

I have to go to Cleveland (sorry, Cleveland)

Not to mention we’ll probably have to drive back and forth between Games 1 and 2 because they’ll practice back in Toronto most likely.

The whole “inevitably losing” thing

Finishing the season after a four-game sweep kinda takes the fun of covering the intensity of the post-season and, trust me, it’s kinda fun to cover a series.

Bosh is about 999 per cent sure to leave

And all the extra work of covering a series just leads into five weeks or so of sign-and-trade questions.

So, let’s call it a tie and I’ll comfortably sit back and watch tonight.

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But if there’s one thing I really want to see tonight, it’s Bosh in the arena.

I don’t care if he speaks to us or waits until tomorrow morning to do it; I think he’s got to be there just for support. And appearances.

Now, I don’t know how he’s feeling physically, I don’t know how anyone would be feeling a week removed from nose surgery and I can never assume to know someone else’s pain threshold.

But this might be the last night he’s with this group and it might be the last night he’s with this organization and I think it’s important that he be there.

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Questions?

Okay.

Answers?

I’ll try my best.

But we have to back it up a bit today, to 1 p.m. from noon for some scheduling matters over here. But guess it’s okay, the game’s an hour later so it won’t screw things up too badly, I don’t think.

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One easy, two hard.

At least that’s how I saw the three NBA awards ballots I got last week and which I will dutifully submit to the head office today.

The easy one’s easy to figure out, right.

MVP

There was a time mid-season when I figured it was Kobe and I said that a few times. But, as we know, times change. So, the five in order

LeBron James, Cleveland; Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City; Kobe Bryant, Lakers; Dwyane Wade, Miami; Steve Nash, Phoenix.

Yes, it’s hard to leave Carmelo and Howard off but someone had to do it.

Now the hard ones

Coach of the year

It’s hard because you could probably have six guys in consideration and they only let you do three. And they are:

Scott Brooks, Oklahoma City; Scott Skiles, Milwaukee; Jerry Sloan, Utah.

That’s leaving off the likes of Alvin Gentry in Phoenix, Nate McMillan in Portland, Eric Spoelstra in Miami and that wasn’t easy to do. I’m sure you could make a case for a couple of others, too, but I didn’t.

Rookie of the year

Man, this might have been the hardest one of them all. Lots of good candidates, most from very bad teams, mind you. But still, lots to choose from. And I chose:

Stephen Curry, Golden State; Tyreke Evans, Sacramento; Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee.

That leaves out Darren Collison, who probably will finish a strong fourth and I’m sure there are a couple of others.

Why Curry over Evans? I just think he does more; shoots it better from distance, handles an offence extremely well. He’s far more athletic than you’d think at first glance and I just think he’s had a better year.

And, please, don’t give me Evans’s 20-5-5 crap, either. You know me and stats to begin with (they don’t really mean a lot standing on their own) and read my friend Jonathan’s blog post about how they were achieve.

Besides, it makes my fingers twitch to have to write Tyreke Evans in the same sentence as Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan and LeBron James because, frankly, that’s a slight at Oscar, Michael and LeBron. Evans may one day be great, I can say with absolute certainty he will not be in the same class as those three.

And I’m also sure that if you parsed the numbers deep enough, you could find out that Curry, or Jennings, or Collison, or, heck, even DeMar DeRozan put some kind of statistical thing that few others in the game have ever done.

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Never mind how my man KC wrote the game story last night (it’s full of “we’ve fought adversity all year” and “glad we control our own destiny” clichés) the story out of Chicago is an alleged physical confrontation between GM John Paxson and coach Vinny Del Negro.

Here’s the story and I’ll just say this, this makes that whole fabricated Vince Carter-Sam Mitchell piece of crap we had to deal with look like nothing.

I never thought Del Negro would be back as the head coach next year; now I’m 100 per cent certain of that and I would certainly hope Paxson gets run, too.

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When I was watching Bulls-Celtics last night, one thing did catch my attention a bit more than anything else.

No, it was not Craig Sager’s sportscoat.

It was when he was doing one of his sideline hits and the topic was players taking nights off to rest down the stretch of the season.

He mentioned that he’d spoken to someone at the league office and was told that, yes, the league was quite aware of the impact sitting players for no reason other than rest has on other playoff races and the paying customers.

Stern apparently said in the statement the league’s board of governors would discuss the matter when it meets this week for its annual pre-playoff gabfest.

I have no idea what – if anything – the league might do except hammer home the need to respect the game and the integrity of races when deciding when to give guys nights off.

But I think it’s a good step that they’ll talk about it.

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Let’s get the first request for mail out of the way, even though I imagine there’ll be all kinds of end-of-season or prepare-for-playoffs questions to come in the next couple of days.

Click here to send what you’ve got on your mind.

Comments

[Matty-Pix]

I'm a musician, so in the spirit of the band playing while the ship sinks ... i'll watch every second tonight.
-(and maybe get a nice surprise ... who knows).

[AT]

Even though the Celtics lost, it was good to see Doc Rivers pretty much go with his usual rotation (other than the Tony allen injury).
Doug, some time you are hard to read. When you say Bosh is 999% gone or 1000% gone is that your opinion or what you think we think?

Blogger's note: That's my opinion today. Seven weeks ago, I thought he was staying, today I don't. Who knows what I'l think in July and it shows you the folly of trying to guess before the time arrives.

[Mark L]

Grunt TV tonight Doug?

Blogger's note: Yep, that's the plan now

[kelsey]

Well its the last day, its been a up and down ride, lets hope somehow raptors do squeeze into playoffs, so fans get at least 2 more home games.

Bosh I feel will be in the ACC. Feel bad for him and the potential last weeks of his career in Toronto.

Bosh we thank you if you decided on leaving (in a sign and trade)

Sorry Doug and others. Triano must be replaced, need a Lawrence Frank, Jeff Van Gundy someone who can flippin get guys to play defense. Triano system or asst coaches systems has worked. No more trials, pay the doe for a new coach.

I really dont want to see Bargnani or Calderon back next year. They just bring the wrong atmosphere(soft and limited defensive hunger)

If any stay, must come off bench, no more starting roles. It sickening. I could not handle another year of a soft Euro squad. Nothing against Euro players, but its a failed experiment.

LETS GO RAPS

[Jeff]

Hey Doug, if Chris Bosh sees this video, maybe he'll decide to stay?

http://basketbawful.blogspot.com/2010/04/torontos-sad-song-for-chris-bosh.html

Maybe not, but that surely was the highlight of my morning.

[Matt M]

Firing the coach would be a mistake, especially with a year left on the contract. Studies have shown that the difference between the impact coaches have in the NBA is negligible. Maybe a couple points a game. This team needs to become a contender before it needs to start worrying about those couple points a game. To do that it either needs a Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, or a big three. Bosh could have been one of the three but since he is likely to leave the Raps need to start over. Hopefully with a sign and trade the process will be short.

[Parminder]

Doug, watching Noah the last couple of games has been really impressive. Intimidating defensively, well coordinated and a good passer too. Is he the best young center in the game?

[Heath]

Is the whole “Sager clothing thing” a joke everyone gets except for him? Is it his shtick or does he really have no fashion sense (including that awesome hair cut).

At least we got to see Marissa Miller.

[Parminder]

Also, watching the Celtics game last night - is there a bigger malaise than Rashhead Wallace? Bill Simmons had quite the article chronicling Sheed's exploits in Boston.

[KatWu]

Mister Doug: well said about Bosh showing up in the arena tonight. Hadn't even thought about that, but it will speak volumes for Toronto. [of course, he may just want to talk to his future employers on the visitor's bench. :)]
I'm excited to see David Lee tonight - could be our man next year....I really enjoy watching him play.
See you later for last day of school before summer vacation!

[Lola]

Mmm...so a Toronto win tonight AND a Chicago loss means Toronto makes the playoffs. I am a Raptors fan, but after watching the Bulls play the Celtics last night with so much heart and passion, I think they deserve it more. Toronto had so many chances they did not take advantage of. I'll be watching both teams play tonight. If both teams lose, the season is over for the Raps.

[greg]

WHAT The Kings did to get tyreke his 20 5 5 is a joke. If you make a player take 40 shots a night chances are he will make it to 20 points. Shot percentage is a lot more important to a teams success than how much you score. You only get that much posessions during a game. Tyreke is good but getting to the milestone playing bad ball is only making him look like a loser, which i don't think he is. He shot 8 - 23.

[DougG]

If Bosh leaves now he will be in the same category as Carter and McGrady. The thought of him leaving almost makes me sympathetic to MLSE. I mean what else could they do to give this guy what he claims to want, a max deal, being the number one option? It's not like we have won anything with him, or gotten out of the first round of the playoffs. BC has put a decent caste around him. Cleveland without Lebron, is no world beater, neither is LA without Kobe or Miami without Wade. Those stars seem to carry those teams much farther than Bosh ever has. If Bosh leaves now it will not only be an insult to the fans would have supported him and made him rich, it will likely set the franchise back for years, given the risks they took to make him happy. Should he go this organization really needs to decide how they can prevent the loss of another American star from setting it back every time one of them decides to leave, because they can't handle a little weather or people who speak more than one language.

[gdr]

wondering why the start time tonight is 8pm? Is this so all games start at the same time that may have playoff implications? Thanks

Blogger's note: Could be, but it also gave the TV networks some flexibility

[joe]

I hope Bosh is in the arena tonight. I also hope the fans give him a big applause and thank you for his time here if this is indeed the last go for him as a Raptor.

[Adrian]

Weems go/no-go?

Blogger's note: Don't know at 10:30 a.m., they're shooting around now; imagine we won't get official word until game time

[Paul B]

I agree, Bosh has to show up. I don't care if he's on a stretcher. Bosh, you are likely leaving, and we'll miss you more than anyone really realizes right now, but we've respected you, and will continue to. In return, you've respected Toronto and your team, and it is for this very reason that you must be at the arena tonight.

See you there?

[Rob.V]

Personally I'm not a fan of award time because they are so arbitrary... like my opinion.

Scott Brooks may be the "sexy" choice this year however that team has Kevin Durant. The same Kevin Durant that has been in the MVP conversation for the past 2 months. There's almost too much talent on that team for Brooks to be conisdered.

Nope, Scott Skiles has done much more... with much less in my opinion. He's had to deal with their franchise player (Redd) going down along with Bogut who is arguably franchise player (1A). This, along with a rookie point guard running your team tells me he would be more deserving... and also leads me to my next point.

Again, Curry and Evans may be the more "popular" picks here however Brandon Jennings has led his team to the post season in his first year and although his numbers have declined, they have declined because he has realized that he could do other things to bring his team to wins... and they have as the season has gone on.

To the run the PG positon for a playoff team in your rookie season is a true feat... and certainly talks to Jennings maturity and understanding of what it takes to win.

Dude, I'm actually VERY SURPRISED that you wouldn't give the award to Jennings... let alone have him 3rd?

Everything we talk about here is team play, winning, and integrity. We've seen Jennings put up 55 (and lead all rookies in scoring at the start of the season) however it's a testament to this kids character to stop jacking shots (for numbers sake) and buy into Skiles system for the good of the "team"... I would think the right thing to do is to award the rookie who has demonstrated outstanding team play, integrity, and who has WON, no?

You've said many times, numbers don't tell the whole story... and you're right!!! Can I sway you Jennings way with this arguement?

There is no doubt in my mind that Brandon Jennings is rookie of the year. His only problem is that he plays in Milwaukee... but that speaks VOLUMES as to why he won't win the award.

... and why this whole process of handing out awards really SUCKS!!!

[kelsey]

@ Matt M...Forget about stats..Triano is not getting this group to play any defense and they are worst than when Sam was coaching. Sam wasnt the best, but he wouldnt put up with lazy a** players bottom line

@ Doug G...Your crazy same a softies T Mac and Vince. Stop the non sense. Im tired of people who write on this blog tryn to compare Bosh to Kobe/Lebron or Wade These guys are BALL HANDLERS. Could Shaq win title with out a lethal ball handler? could Garnett? Realistically if you were Bosh would you want to re-sign looking down the bench at Hedo, Bargnani and Calderon as STARTERS. NEVER, who the heck would!!!!

@ Kat Wu...If Raptors even think of bringing in David Lee Im done with this team, unless Calderon,Bargnani are moved. Also no more than 9Million for him. Lee is good on a horrid team

[K Price]

Hey Doug if the Raps loose tonight should we be expecting end of season interviews tomorrow morning??..Would like to finally hear from Colangelo..Also I will be at tonights game and think after everything Toronto has done for Bosh the least he could do is show up tonight and say something to the crowd, an apology perhaps. We as fans were told at the beginning of the season to expect great things...we are still waiting...

Blogger's note: Bosh was here this morning; if the season ends tonight, players will do media tomorrow; nothing from Bryan until Monday, he's at board meetings

[Aditya]

its Erik Spoelstra, not Eric.

Scott Skiles is the coach of the year (no questions asked), not Brooks. When you compare Milwaukee's talent with OKC's, its not even a comparison (OK, Milwaukee has a rookie PG, washed up Stackhouse who didn't play in the league for 1.5 years, Kurt Thomas, Ilyasova, Delfino etc....NO, I did not forget Bogut....)

The John Paxson - Del Negro story - Am I the only one awfully proud of Del Negro for handling the situation as well as anybody could....Cool, calm, good composure with TNT yesterday.... can't believe people are ripping on him, including you Sir.... (props to Charles Barkley for supporting him)

[LeeZ]

Doug, I have sadly come to the conclusion that Jay has to go. And if he were to be fired, it would be unfair to him, in that new coaches need a bit of time to find their style, learn from their mistakes, etc. But this team and this organization needs a new and different culture. One of accountability. One of effort. One of being rewarded for effort and punished for lack of same. It needs a coach who, by virtue of his experience and stature, can command the respect and dedication of his players and get them to play hard, with passion, and not just at one end of the court. Jay is quite simply not this man. It doesn't seem to be in his nature to demand accountability. You obviously are better positioned than us fans to see Jay up close and personal. Do you feel he has what it takes to change the culture of this team?

[Pipit]

Doug, any prediction on what will happen tonight?

Blogger's note: Sorry

[Johnny B]

What I don't understand is why Chris Bosh is being hailed an untouchable superstar? He's a stat packer on a bad team. Have you guys heard of Elton Brand?? Seriously,no doubt he has great offensive and terrible defense skills but what has he ever done for the franchise? He's never been able to finish when it counts. He's certainly not the guy you want the ball for the last shot since he's proved he can only convert 10% of the time!

[Ska]

Your arguments for Curry are extremely weak. Who cares if Curry is deceptively athletic? Evans is more athletic and has a superstar build at age 20. He only played college basketball for a year to Curry's three. He has been FAR more consistent through the course of the season. He has led a Kings team that is worse than last year to 8 more wins. The same way Curry shoots extremely well, Evans drives the hole with the best of them. Most of all though, how can you disregard the first two months of the season where Curry's name couldn't be in the same breath as Evans'. Has Curry outplayed Evans since January to the point where two full months of NBA basketball are meaningless? It is very upsetting that someone that can have a published opinion defends his argument so poorly.