Whither Phil, Doc and Turk? Read on.

Join Doug Smith at noon Friday for a live basketball Q&A.

See, told ya Lakers in six.

Bit of a dog of a game but it was close and compelling at moments and went down the wire and that’s about all you can ask for.

I do honestly think the better team won and the right guy was named Finals MVP (Kobe) and if the final wasn’t exactly an epic, it was at least seven games and had some drama.

Now, one of the big questions being kicked around yesterday was about the future of the two coaches and whether Phil Jackson will ride off into the sunset with his 11 titles now that his contract is up and whether Doc Rivers will take a bit of hiatus to watch is family grow up.

I, and every other person writing about the issue today, have no factual basis for our assumptions and guesses but I can see Phil handing over the reigns and not taking the significant pay cut that Jerry Buss wants him to take. He and Kobe have slain the last dragon out there – the dastardly Celtics – and perhaps it’s time to pass the torch to either Brian Shaw (a well-respected assistant) or Byron Scott (the ex-Laker who is sure to be in the running if the job is open).

Doc’s a bit of a different story. He’s got no one behind him ready to take over – although the well-connected Marc Stein’s suggesting Kevin McHale would be logical and that makes entire sense to me – but I can definitely see how he’d be tired of whole circus and the pressure and the personalities on his team and it might be time to go and savour his kids for a year and watch them grow up.

It’d be too bad if either, or both, left the game because they are interesting personalities to say the least and the coaching ranks would be worse off without them.

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You cannot imagine the number of immediate e-mails I had yesterday asking what impact the Sixers-Sacramento trade (Sam Dalembert for Andres Nocioni and Spencer Hawes) would have on Hedo Turkoglu and the Kings.

Well, impeccable sources, people I trust and who have never, ever steered me wrong, tell me it has no impact.

And that’s because the Raptors and Kings have not had a single discussion about a possible Turkoglu trade and there are no indications they ever will.

A couple of people have intimated to me that there some interest out there in Turk (“a handful of teams,” according one person who’d know) but that the King are not one of them.

I have no idea what those teams are – sources are loathe to give too many details lest it scare off potential suitors – but I’m pretty sure someone will eventually whisper a team name or two and then the fun can begin.

But as for the Kings?

They aren’t in play right now.

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Here’s the thing about draft workout kids and guys like me.

More than jump shots or ball-handling or the nebulous “work ethic” we want quotes. Good quotes from well-spoken young men we might have to deal with 175 days next season.

So, I’m all for Patrick Patterson being the No. 13 selection. Insightful, looks you in the eye, speaks slowly and clearly.

But if he’s gone, I’d be quite in favour of Xavier Henry getting the gig because that kid knows what’s going on.

With the big muddle in the middle of the first round of the draft – No. 6 could be No. 16, No. 7 could be No. 9 – we asked him whether it matters if he’s in the group from, say, 6-10 or the one from 11-15.

“I want to find my right team. The number thing doesn’t matter, you’re playing for your second contract not your first so finding the right fit for you is more important than just going as high as you can.”

That kind of honesty about the contract and the future is refreshing.

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Greatest interview of the post-finals melee?

Ron Artest with Doris Burke thanking everyone you can imagine.

Including his psychiatrist.

It really was stream of consciousness rambling and pure joy and it was delightful.

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What are you doing at noon?

Well, if you’ve got some time, we’ll be here for an hour or so to answer questions in between what I hope is a really good football twinbill with Slovenia-U.S. and England-Algeria.

And since it’s Friday, there’s an afternoon stool with my name on it near home and that’s where the mailbag starts so click here, send a question and help give me something to do pass the idle hours.

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As part of our workout regimen (and I mean draft workout media regimen not something silly like, you know, a workout regimen) we get to chat with some designated Raptors spokesman who is not the president and general manager.

It’s usually Jim Kelly, although Masai bailed us out with the nice story about Solomon Alabi the other day, and Jim’s usually quite forthcoming.

Yesterday, he dropped this nugget on us and it looks like whatever “list” they are developing now has all its parts.

There was a suggestion in a private conversation earlier this week that the Raptors might try to have another group in next week.

Not so, says Jim.

“We’d always like to get a few more guys in but I think at this point, we know that we’re not probably going to get anybody else in. We’re probably looking at we might bring a few people back next week.”

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Speaking of Raptors and workouts, this will save me a lot of typing.

Now, I warn you: These guys are here mainly to fight for spots on the summer league roster, the chance of any of them even getting in invited to the main training camp in October is thin.

I think this is the fourth time they’ve had one of these things and only one fellow – Jamario Moon – has turned to be a player.

So, please, don’t get too excited quite yet.

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Okay, I’m sure there are other specifics of the final we should talk about – Kobe’s legacy, the future of the Big Three and whatnot – but we’re out of space and time here. But there’s always tomorrow and it gives me time to collect some thoughts.

See you then.

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Comments

[Andrew]

I like Xavier Henry's mentality. Because finding the right fit and playing for the second contract will become a sort of self fulfilling prophecy.

[robguy]

Hi Doug,

Thanks for the blog this year - especially the in game one! I find it informative and reliable - I am not one of those who desires the 'National Enquirer' of basketball news - there are plenty of those around and for me, an utter waste of precious time. Unlike a couple of posters, I prefer 'news' and like the rumours to be kept to serious ones only.
The Blog is particularly good as you keep the wasteful commentary out and I like the extra tidbits and learn a lot from them. I must contrast your blog to the horribly bad World Cup ones on CBC for example - too many comments adding zero and poorly moderated to the point I no longer pay attention.

[John MacDonald]

I really hope that they can lay off the whole comparing Kobe to MJ. Kobe is a great player and definitely one of the best in the game today, but let's all be honest and admit that MJ was on another level and there hasn't been anything on that level since. Quick question, relating to having draft prospects coming in for workouts. Off the top of your head can you remember any time the Raptors have drafted a player they did not have in for a workout/interview? Thanks and keep up the good work. Oh and how bad was Kobe for 3 quarters last night offensively. Ray Allen might not have had a very good night offensively but man did he play some good defense on Kobe last night.

Blogger's note: I don't recall, but my mind's a bit foggy this morning

[Matty-Pix]

I'm beginning to forget what was rumours, and what was stated.

Does it coincide with anything you've heard that Turk will be dealt by the draft?

Blogger's note: Haven't heard anything I feel comfortable reporting, no

[WH]

Hi Doug,

I agree. Patrick Paterson and Xavier Henry would be great picks at the 13th spot for the Rapters. Quality talented players with great poise and polish. If they are both gone early, I see the next two as Ekpe Udoh and Avery Bradley. Unfortunately there is a good chance all four will be gone by the time the Rapters select. Do you have any other personal picks?

Blogger's note: Been kind of tied up with the finals, figuring out the draft is next on the list

[Jeff]

Couple of former NBAer's on the list. Any word on what happened to D.J? If I remember correclty he had a lot of promise, but it would be difficult to crack the Sun's roster?

Blogger's note: No idea, really

[Tiger]

"I want to find my right team... "
"...finding the right fit for you is more important... "
hmmm...
So, is this kid implying that the NBA draft is like the MLB draft in that the kids and agents dictate who goes where (i.e. "signability is more important than talent)?
Great.
But I suppose Steve Francis already told us so.

[Kate Condon]

"reins" doug..

[D]

Doug,

Did a Euro pull down 18 rebounds last night to help his team win a championship? People in Raptorland have been telling me for years that wasn't possible...

[petro]

Doug... if the Raps sign and trade Bosh to a max deal... approximately what does the dollar amount come to for those contracts that would be traded back to the Raps.

Blogger's note: For the sake of brevity, about $15 million

[Pipit]

Last night's game 7 thus prove that Kobe can't be considered with the likes of Jordan, Magic and Bird. Last and most important game of the season and he can't summon himself to play like a superstar. Your wrong Doug when you said that the Finals MVP was given to the right person. It should have been given to Paul Gasol whose the main difference all series long. When Paul plays well, they surely win and when he plays bad, they've lost. You can't say the same scenario with Bryant because even if he plays well, they lost and just last night he played bad but they still prevail. Kobe, no more blatant blaming on your team mates because those guys just saved your huge ass in the most important game of your life on which you didn't man-up to play like the greats.

[Ian]

Gotta give you credit Doug, you picked the Lakers to win it all before the season started and you stuck with it the whole year. You could've switched and gone with Cleveland when they stomped on the oppostition all regular season, but you didn't. We won't hold it against you that it was Lakers in 7 instead of 6!

[kazbid]

hey doug. i dont know if u addressed this already but what is ur opinion on the kobe vs MJ (and the general marketing ploy of the NBA to convince viewers that Kobe is the greatest player of all time).

i mean i was only a teenager when MJ played..but i have a good memory of his impact..and he was dominant. plus i was a knicks fan at the time so its not with pleasure i praise MJ.

personally i wouldn't even consider kobe one of the top 10 players of all time let alone better than MJ (who is probably in top 5).

my question is: do you think there's merit to this discussion or is it just the NBA's ploy to make the current best player in the league seem relevant historically. i just dont see kobe being comparable to the wilt's, MJ's, magic's bird's and oscar robertson's etc of the NBA

[John]

@ Robguy

What level are you talking about? How can you make a statement like that when Kobe hasn't retired yet? If he surpasses MJ in titles, would he then be considered better? You shouldn't tell people to lay off a debate and then throw your own opinion in after, thus sparking the very debate you are telling people to lay off of.

[Zombywoof]

Ron Artest was hilarious, he can be funnier than Shaq, and that's saying something. But Doris Burke stunk. Did she really expect him to talk about game tactics moments after winning the championship? And although it was immediately obvious he was ignoring her stupid question, she tried to press the issue. Bad!

[Matty-Pix]

I plan on winning Lotto Max tonight.
-If I offer to front the $3 million to buy a pick, do you think Colangelo would let me sit in the war room?

[John]

@ Petro

Please stop watching basketball, or at the very least stop commenting on it. You have no idea what you are talking about. Kobe had i beleive 15 rebounds last night and carried the Lakers through the whole series. Kobe was all over the court on both ends of the floor and getting thrown around trying to get rebounds. Pau played extremeley well, but I think Pippen used to play pretty good next to Jordan (I may be wrong so please correct me). Kobe didn't play well offensively through the first 3, but I guess the only thing you notice is who scores right?

[doug]

it was one of the most honest speeches i have ever heard....Artest's, thanking his psyciatrist and the boys in the hood in the same sentence...I truly felt good for the guy , all the stuff he has gone thru (a lot by his own doing), and to play as well as he did in the game as well as just see the pure elation on his face was just a joy to behold......a guy who had problems, never denied them or swept them under the rug....tried and is trying to deal with them and still perform at at a high level is to be admired and respected.......the whole MVP thing in the Finals is a mooot discussion, does anyone really care about that award?? or if they do they have their sights set on the wrong trophy....

[Louisy]

Doug,
you also though Miami would beat Boston...VERY few people agreed with you on that...would you like to comment?

Blogger's note: Didn't they? Yikes. I got one wrong? Oh, no. For shame. Hope you didn't bet the mortgage on my say-so.

[Pain777PAS]

Doug,
You can't stop the blog which I don't think you will with July 1st coming and the draft next week thanks for all your commentary. I'm glad Artest is a champion because he is misunderstood sometimes and probably is a grateful individual. As for Kobe he deserved this championship he was lights out throughout the playoffs. Now onto the Turk situation. What team salary cap wise can the raptors trade with to get rid of him? I'll say this despite his play last year I think that he would be the most valuable player if Bosh doesn't come back because if you saw how he played he understands the game. Triano did not want the ball in his hands to create for others and not enough pick and roll situations with Calderon and Jack to create miss matches for over the top of defender looks. He should if used correctly and has big men who'll stay near the basket average 7 or 8 assists a night. I did not see the creativity that is necessary for the roster that Triano had to be really successful. What do you think Doug?

Blogger's note: I think Hedo is still a good NBA player

[J]

John:

"Please stop watching basketball, or at the very least stop commenting on it."

Seems like you could take a page from your book as well, at least in regard to the commenting part? Twice, you were apparently too incensed to notice who actually wrote the posts you're responding to; twice, you bashed the wrong guy.

[AJR]

Hey, Doug

When talks of a Hedo-Kings deal surfaced, I was certain if such a deal would occur, it would be for Nocioni and Hawes, since all three players were unwanted on their respective teams. And of course we could use a good SF and C if we lose Hedo and Bosh. I got the right guys, but the wrong team.

1) Do you imagine there are any talks with Philly for Hawes?

2) How much of Bosh's future do you suppose will be dictated by Amare Stoudemire? I hear he could be headed to Miami to play with Wade leaving one less option for Chris.

Cheers.

[The J]

First off, I'd like to thank my hood. Hilarious, that guy has to be the most ghetto baller in the NBA.

Personally, I don't think anyone can take too much credit for picking the Lakers to win the series or having picked them before the year. They were always the most obvious pick. In fact, after the Celtics beat the Lakers in 2008 I predicted that we would see these two teams battle it out for the next couple of years. I picture the Celtics winning one more before the Lakers could vanquish their enemies this year. If it wasn't for a KG injury last year I may have predicted things perfectly, and yet I still don't consider my predictions to be that impressive. These two teams were just that good, and that much better than the competition, and it was obvious.

Here's a bold question for you Doug and anyone reading this at 2:30 on a Friday. If KG doesn't get hurt last year, do you think we would have seen Lakers vs. Celtics all three years in a row, and who do you think would have won that middle series. I know this is bold, but I tend to think that considering the fact the Lakers barely survived the Celtics this year(and maybe need a key Perkins injury, and a cold 4th quarter to do so) that a Celtic team one year younger would have gotten there two-peat. However, I still believe we would have seen what we did this year.

[The J]

Also want to say that I'm impressed that no one has said "Thank god the season is over, now we can get to the free agency period". I'm guessing there are more than a few people that are excited we can now finally get some answers to the Summer of Lebron. Kinda like the season finale of Lost in that way. You don't even care what happens, you just want some answers.

Well, it's gonna be a hot summer.

[Aditya]

Doug:
I havent' read it, sounds like some pretty good fantasy league fodder; I will say I am in no way a big Okafor fan
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Definitely not a fan of defensive players eh, Doug....