The kids think everything's going to be all right

We all know there are some, um, issues with this local gang of basketballers but, I have to tell you, it was pretty interesting around the arena yesterday when we were waiting for another day of pre-draft workouts.

DeMar DeRozan wanders by, here comes Sonny Weems, there’s Jarrett Jack, Amir Johnson trundles by and Joey Dorsey makes an appearance.

None of them had to be in town, they could have easily got their work in wherever they spend their off-seasons, but they all wanted to be here so they could check in with the coaches and get some teaching.

I was trying to think the last time I saw five young Raptors all in the gym here in June and I don’t recall when it was; perhaps back in the early days of the Butch Carter era.

It’s not usually until September that everyone starts arriving back in town for a long season and I’m thinking it says something about these kids – and what they want to accomplish – that they came up now.

We didn’t get a chance to talk to Amir, he was running late and we’ll probably get some time with him when we’re back there on Thursday but the others all said the things coaches like to hear.

DeMar wants to work on his penetration abilities because he knows if he beats his man off the dribble, he’s going to use his athleticism to get to the rim.

Sonny wants to extend his shooting range and work on his ball-handling.

And Jarrett? Well, if you read this, you know what Jarrett had to say.

Anyway, it may be not be the biggest news of the summer for this team but it’s a pretty good sign that at least the young kids are on board and looking to make things better.

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A couple of Irregulars were asking last night about one of those infamous Question And Answer Hours and, you know, it kind of makes sense given where we are.

So, we’re figuring Friday noon to go over Game 7, the workouts this week and whatever else is on your mind.

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Jarrett Jack’s a pretty bright kid – mostly because he shares my opinion of what used to be known as the planned Free Agent Summit.

While we were talking to him yesterday for this story, the conversation, as it always does with NBA types these days, got around the Summer of LeBron that’s coming.

Sayeth Jarrett:

The only part that makes it crazy is this free agent summit they’re talking about, that’s the only part that’s driving me up the wall. I hope they don’t do that, I hope they don’t all just sit around and ‘all in favour of me going here, everybody say I.’

“I hope they don’t do that.”

Now I never actually thought they would, I figured it was some extrapolation by a couple of guys looking for stories one day but it sure seems to have caught the fancy of a lot of people.

To Jarrett and me because his words are something I might say:

“This meeting stuff is just a little weird … I would never think to hear Magic and Larry and Kareem meeting up to see what’s going on.

“It’s like they’re trying to make a monopoly or something."

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Family digression time.

Sometimes parents do silly things.

Figuring Super Son’s graduation from Grade 8 was a milestone, we figure a cell phone’s a good idea as a gift, right? Yeah, right.

He’s probably going to exceed the unlimited texting option (I got one from the kitchen while sitting on the front porch typing this) and the repeated – and I mean REPEATED – versions of some mindless song called Burning Soul or something along with the Super Mario Wii theme as possible ring tones is burning my ears.

Yeah, sometimes parents do silly things.

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I’m sure a lot of you were like me and quite surprised when Steve Kerr hung ‘em up as GM or president or whatever his official title was out in Phoenix yesterday.

Well, the word I’m getting from talking to people hither and yon is that the reason was pretty predictable:

Money.

As you’ll read in my Coro-spondent’s piece here, owner Robert Sarver may or may not have decided Kerr had to take a pay cut (I’m hearing he did) and there is questions about whether or not the owner wanted to shell out the cash it’s going to take to keep Amar’e Stoudemire in town.

Whatever turns out to be the real story, the perception is this was a cash-driven decision.

Now, I’m hot and cold on Sarver. I thought he was a buffoon for a long time with his courtside antics, he redeemed himself a bit with the whole Los Suns things in my eyes but this one’s the tipping point.

Not only do I now think it’s a virtual certainty that Stoudemire walks, I don’t know how a guy with a reputation like Sarver’s getting is going to be able to attract either good free agents or good employees and I’m figure he goes frugal on his next GM hire.

Now, Kerr’s had his moments. Shaq was a stupid idea, Terry Porter was not much better but he’d redeemed himself a bit by getting Nash to re-sign, grabbing Grant Hill and putting together a pretty entertaining team.

I guess on the whole, Kerr’s tenure is like that of every other GM I can think of: Some good, some bad and a guy who just tried to do his best.

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More Raptors news? Man, you folks must be in heaven today.

While chatting with DeMar and Sonny yesterday, both told us they plan to play for the Raptors summer league team out in Vegas.

Good calls on both accounts; they could each use the work and another sign that these kids seem to get it.

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Got mail? I don’t have much so here’s your shot at sending a letter or two. Click here and we’ll start putting together the weekend missive.

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Okay, because we had so much local flavour here today, we kind of gave short shrift to that series going on out in L.A. Which is okay because I’m going to need to fill this space tomorrow and what better way to do it than setting up a Game 7.

But I will leave you with this: Lakers in six.

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Comments

[vince]

Hi Doug, thanks for the morning read and great blog as always. Its good to hear that the young guys are coming in early -- sign of good things to come !!

Did you mean Lakers in Seven? (and not six)

Cheers

[Bball]

Doug, any personal thoughts or thoughts from the Raps management on the players from Tuesday's workout?

Blogger's note: Not really from anyone in management; I didn't see enough to form a really good opinion. One guy did tell me the 13th pick was not in the gym

[Michael]

It's good to see that DeMar and Sonny are putting in the effort, that commitment is nice to see. I know you once mentioned that they might turn out to be "redundant" players, but I hope they keep them both on the team. I think they're effort and committment will be greater if they are playing together. Do you think Colangelo takes this type of thing into consideration?

Blogger's note: I'm sure it's part of the equation, yes

[Dave in BG]

Doug

Small typo, it is "aye" not "I".

And thanks for the info on the young guys. Now that is the kind of reporting even the complainers here have to appreciate !

[nigel]

Those are the exact kind of players that the Raptors should do everything in their power to keep ... These guys that came to work out and get better are the ones (along with Bosh) who carried the team for pretty much the entire year. BC should reward them by telling them that they are off the trade radar and they will be part of the core of the team for at least the next year.

Future Raptors = tough, hard workers, fast, and with HEART.

[nate]

I love that those 5 guys get it and are putting work in early. However, I think that MAYBE one of them could ever be a 5th starter on a championship calibre team.
The raps have always had success with the Pops and JYD's and Matt Bonner's as solid energy 6 or 7 guys, but they've ALWAYS flunked when they get the chance for a big splash. In a short time they have brought in a number of big names, but Olajuwon, O'Neal and Turk have all been HUGE disasters.
If they're ever going to compete they need to hit some home runs on the big names and not the 'good story' players.

[Tiger]

How about this? Raps in 5.
Don't ask me which year.

[City Country]

Good to see some optimism and level-headedness with the Raptors youths. A nice contrast to Bosh's sense of entitlement, Turk's lack of sense at all, etc.

[Pain777PAS]

Demar and Sonny working out together is great for this teams future. I like them both. Alot of potential if they get the experience and are allowed to play and make some mistakes. Sonny was punished too much at the beginning of the year and look he is willing to put in the work for all to see especially Raptors fans. They got nothing to lose next year play these two Triano or should I say Colangelo? What do you think Doug?

[KX]

Super Son is getting a cellphone for high school? I never got one until university!

[Boko]

nate,

Damon Stoudamire was drafted by us at #7
Vince Carter was drafted by the Warriors at #5, then traded to us immediately
Chris Bosh was drafted by us at #4

That's what has worked up 'til now, and that's what's going to work in the future ...

Then you build a team around them ...

[Andre]

Hey Doug, not sure if this is for the mail bag. But ill ask.

Can a semi-professional or even professional basketball league work in Canada?
I see other countries, Spain, Greece, Italy, Russia, Japan, even Australia has professional leagues. Hockey has Semi-Pro teams. Why not basketball? We need to develop more player, not only for the NBA, but for our national team. What do players do after university and college ball in Canada? Few get contracts overseas. Why not start something here? Play the games in the summer, so it doesn't effect the NBA or NHL schedules. Have teams in Montreal, Toronto, Hamilton, Nova Scotia, Victoria, Vancouver, cities like that. Is this me dreaming?

Blogger's note: Unless you're going to fund it, yeah, I'm afraid it is a pipedream right now

[Daniel]

Question:
Amir Johnson is a Free Agent, right? So by coming in and working with this coaching staff during the summer, does that mean he is more likely to re-sign with the Raptors and that he likes it here??
He has turned into a good Big off the bench -- really the first Big off the bench.

Blogger's note: Means nothing, really. He came back to the city where he's still employed to work out

[joe]

Very nice to see Sonny, Demar, Amir etc. working out. That's dedication and precisely why you keep these guys.

Doug,
1. Any news on Amir's contract situation?
2. Any news on Rasho? Will he find employment with the Raptors or some other NBA team or do you anticipate that he'll be headed back to Europe to finish up a very successful career.

Blogger's note: Amir's a free agent in July and haven't heard a thing about Rasho

[Jacques]

Doug,

Would you think BC has any interest in going back and running the show for the Suns. We then could move Maurizio Gherardini into that spot.

Blogger's note: Not a chance in hades

[Dean]

Doug,

I have a feeling you will hate this suggestion, but it at least has to be 10% feasible seeing what is happening in Phoenix right now.

Sarver is cutting costs, has lost his GM, and most likely to lose his coveted free agent and starting power forward.. They do have a young point guard who will get more playing time next season in Dragic.

My heart says that if Amar'e leaves Phoenix, that will immediately put Steve Nash on the trade market. Why play for a loser for two seasons to round out your career?? Why would Sarver want to pay what is it 22 million for possibly making the playoffs for two years?

If so, watch for BC to make a play for Nash, to finish his career in Toronto, which could be a catalyst for other great things here. Its a dark horse idea, may never happen, but if two teams are going to trade, BC and Sarver have a history.

Just a thought, maybe not realisitc, but to have a Canadian Hall of Famer lead this team for two years would be the greatest thing to ever happen to the Raptors.

Peace

[Lorie]

Oh, I could write a book about the Silly Stuff That Parents Do, (but I fear [as does my bank account] that that story is still being written) and Chapter One would be entitled: "Why You Should Never Give A Kid A Credit Card When They Go Away To University: or "I don't care if you did save $300 on that pair of marked-down Manolo Blahnik's; that was clearly not what I consider to be an 'emergency situation' for which I got you that credit card." Anyway, a question: Have you had any further update on Matt Bonner's eligibility as far as playing for Canada this summer? When does the roster have to be finalized? Thanks! (And do you believe Spain lost to the Swiss this morning? Don't you love sports? You just never know!)

Blogger's note: No update other than the process continues but they have until mid-August to finalize a roster

[nate]

boko,

I agree you have to build around your high draft picks, but when you say "build a team around them" that usually includes adding a high-end player from outside the organization to the mix; see: Gasol, KG and Allen, Shaq, Finley, Rasheed Wallace, Glen Rice, Dennis Rodman, Clyde Drexler.
You need to get batman and RARELY Robin too from the draft, granted, but every GM has got to make a successful high risk move to cement a title, history shows that.
I just think that over the years this city had far too often embraced the hard-working good guys when building a team when we have to be able to assess high end talent a lot more efficiently

[The J]

I never really understood why Nash signed that contract last year. Sure, I respected his loyalty, but right now he could be a free-agent and a major player in the Summer of Lebron. He could be going somewhere for that last chance at a ring, rather than finishing his career on a team that is now heading in completely the wrong direction.

[Adrian]

nate, I'm sorry, I didn't really even read what you wrote. :) Still couldn't help but notice- did you honestly put Glen Rice in that list? Michael Finley's a hilarious stretch..... but ok, you could be a fan, I don't know. But Glen Rice? You must be a Michigan fan or something. Or maybe you are Glen Rice. I think you're a genius for squeezing him in there, hoping he fits. Beauty.

[Mike D.]

Sorry Doug, but that passing reference does NOT qualify as a Joey Dorsey story. We're still waiting for your article profiling him and all his potential.

Blogger's note: The research involved is substantial

[Adrian]

By the way, I'd be remiss if I didn't post the link that's near and dear to my heart:
http://www.bgccan.com/upload/contacteng.pdf

This is the same man who some of you are childishly criticizing for his on-court play and free agency, while belittling his efforts in the community and assuming it'll just get picked up by someone else (because it's that easy). This man is obviously a class act in every way. Do everything you can to bring him back. Talk won't cut it.

[erc]

Good for Nash that he opted to stay somewhere that suits him rather than 'going somewhere for that last chance at a ring'.
It always seems kind of pathetic when a very good player jumps to a contender in his twilight years for a chance at a championship. Championships come to great players and sometimes, they don't. Sometimes the Malones and Stocktons meet Jordans and Pippens.. Would the Utah duo be more credible in b-ball history if they'd jumped ship their final year and signed with the Bulls?
Did Roger Clemens REALLY gain anything by jumping on the Yankee Express as it carried him, finally, to a Series ring? Rings mean something if you are somehow responsible for them. What super star is, or should be, satisfied with being a bit player on a juggernaut?
The only more pitiful thing, to my mind, is a bunch of superstar kids meeting in a five star hotel room to see which team to stack. It happens in every beer league eventually -- the best players all join the same team and ruin the competition that makes it fun. Morons. At the NBA-level, they'd be millionaire morons.

[doug]

Perkins has torn his MCL, and PCL....that's a serious injury will miss much of next season as well...to bad as he is a force to be reckoned with, his value is under-appreciated as people in this stats crazy era tend to look at a guys numbers....he's mean, does the dirty work, never takes a possesion off and plays hard-nosed D, and for the most part avoiding serious foul trouble...not easy for a guy playing his style just ask Amir.....so tough loss and this to me seals the series as gasol, odom will have the middle to exploit without Perks in there.....well time to go and have a peach....

[GM]

I agree with erc totally.

I'm still a little confused over the Jarrett Jack thing. I may be mistaken, but didn't you mention the rumour as something slightly more than that? And you hardly ever mention rumours, which is why I thought there must be truth to it. If you didn't, then I stand corrected. If you did, was it a slight brain fart or did you get confirmation from someone within the organization?

As for Adrian, you say you didn't even read nate's comment but decided to make fun of him anyway. And... you got it completely wrong. Not surprising. He wasn't suggesting Finley or Rice as possible free agents for the Raptors; he was listing teams that went out and got veteran free agents to help an already good team win a championship. Next time, actually read before posting.

Blogger's note: I don't recall ever giving any credence to any unsubstantiated Jack rumour until he brought it up yesterday. But I'm forgetful so if you can find it, that's entirely fine with me.