A few little things that are wildly interesting -- honest

All right.

Bryan on Bosh. Since you insist.

I actually got to listen to the now-infamous radio interview – which is far, far, far better than reading any of the interpretations of it because I kind of like to hear the nuance of the words and their context – and I expected, it was far less incendiary that I was led to believe.

The one thing that caught my ear, though, was the suggestion that Bosh was medically cleared to play with the ankle after the all-star break and was more careful coming back than perhaps the team would have liked.

(And, contrary to the Associated Press story that’s on our site right now, that’s the issue, rather than the broken nose-surgery thing at the of the year; at least, that’s how I heard the interview)

I know pain management and recovering from any injury varies from player to player and circumstance to circumstance so I’m not sure there was anything anyone could do except ask every day whether a guy feels good enough to go.

Other than that?

Well, it was no surprise that Bryan thought issues arose around the all-star break, he said that in late February and early March.

And it was no surprise that he made mention of the various moves they made to surround Bosh with different teammates because he talked about that a lot after the season.

What the whole thing was, I think, was a compilation of various issues rolled into one interview at a slow period in the off-season and caused a stir disproportionate to the actual words and news.

That happens a lot.

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Wow.

A trade. That went through.

My, oh my.

How about that?

Anyway, David Andersen is not the answer, I don’t even know if he’ll play an awful lot but it’s a tweak to add some depth at no cost and what’s the harm in that?

Look at it this way: If they get anything out of him, a few minutes here and there; a basket at a key point in one game; some serviceable time if someone ahead of him gets hurt, it’s more than worth it.

Big deal? Heck, no. But a deal nonetheless and, this summer, that’s huge news.

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David Andersen is the third Aussie to be on the Raptors team.

Anyone get the other two?

And no scrolling down, that’s cheating.

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Of course there’s more coming.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that Bryan cannot be done yet in his summer moves; I fully expect he’ll find a taker for Jose Calderon – although I’m still not sure that’s the wisest thing to do – and I know he’s been trying to move Reggie Evans, if at all possible.

I don’t know when stuff might happen but I am 100 per cent certain – and this comes from talking to people here and around the league – that more is to be done before we can even think about assessing the summer of activity.

That’s the thing about this time of year. Sure, we can look at each individual deal and wonder if it’s good or bad or somewhere in between (and somewhere in between is pretty much how you can look at everything) but the total package has to be assembled before a full assessment can be made.

And we are certainly not there yet.

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Hey, thanks everyone.

David Andersen played the better part of a decade in Italy, Russia and Spain, he wasn’t born on this continent and he’s only been in the NBA for one season and I don’t think there was one comment that said:

“Arrghhh. Bryan and his @($*!*#^@#%@!* Euros”

Really, thanks.

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Shindig tonight.

Details here.

Be there or be square.

Actually, it might be kind of fun if there are handful of the senior men’s national team players around these are guys you don’t know, hardly see and if you get a chance to stop by and chat, you might find they’re people you’d like to cheer for.

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So, I’m still confused. Is Russia in Europe or Asia?

(Joking, folks. I’m joking).

But you can add geography to the fun stuff we’ve done around here now.

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Once Turk’s little “I’ve got to get myself out of Toronto” diatribe hit the airwaves way back in the day, if you had been told he could be traded for a backup combo guard and a backup big man and be out from under that contract and save about $30 million in long-term money, would you have been okay with it?

Just wondering because that’s pretty much exactly what happened.

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I wouldn’t trade Jose Bautista, by the way, since that seems to be the big sporting topic of the moment. Of course, I would trade him if I got some good prospects and maybe a bench player for him.

How’s that for equivocation?

Seriously, though, doesn’t this whole issue in baseball kind of mirror issues in every sport in so many ways? There are no absolutes, it’s ridiculous to make bold and blanket statements like “trade this guy” or “don’t trade that guy” because none of us knows what offers there are, what other things might come into play and to simply make declarative statements does nothing.

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Mail? I can handle a bit more and since today’s an office day mostly, I might have some to get some answers going.

As always, click here and type to your heart's content.

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Nathan Jawai and Paul Rogers.

They are the other two Aussies.

Rogers, of course, never actually played a game; he was signed as a free agent in February 1999, had a broken foot and was around just for a look-see and then was renounced the following August.

Yes, we are full of odd trivial knowledge in these parts.

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Comments

[Derek]

Hey Doug,
I like the Anderson pickup, only because it adds depth at a position of need, and we were able to get that depth without giving up anything of value (or spending alot or getting a long term hit).

And you're absolutely right - at the end of last season (even before Hedo said he wanted out) most fans (myself included) would have been ecstatic about moving Hedo and his monster contract for Barbosa and Anderson and all the $ saved.

Part of me hopes they don't move Jose, just for the sake of moving his contract. If they get a good offer, that nets them back pieces they need, or valuable assets in return, then that makes sense. However, if the best deal they can get only means moving his contract (without something significant coming back), I think you keep him for next year. With all the young and relatively inexperienced guys we're going to have playing significant minutes, I don't think you can undervalue the advantage of having an experienced ball-moving point guard like Jose - even if he is playing with the 2nd unit.

Although Jose may never be a great defender, or the fastest point guard in the NBA, I think he had a bit of an "off-year" last year - both in terms of his shooting percentage, and his free throw percentage. I suspect that both %'s will be better this year than they were last year (wherever he happens to be playing).

[Mike]

Doug, if the Hornets offer Okafor to the Raptors for peanuts (TPE, combination of Evans, Banks, and Jones, etc.), should they take it?

Blogger's note: Okafor has four years and more than $50 million left on his deal; I'd run away from it. Not walk, run.

[CrazeCarlito]

Hey Doug,

What about Sean Marks?

Cheers!

Blogger's note: Kiwi, not Aussie

[Gary]

First Aussie I thought of was Sean Marks, unless I'm mistaken. Thanks for the excellent blog, a daily staple that I (and many others), count on to start the day.

[kelsey]

Dont Trade Bautista...Blue Jays have to start somewhere, they cant do it every year. We need the Jays to at least have some names people can cheer for.

Now on to Raptors..I think the reason Colangelo did that interview was to soften the blow of losing Bosh, with that being said didnt like hime talking about the pain tolerance when a guy is in his contract year. Heck I would never rush back if I had $100 million on the line.

But in Colangelo's defense he did make comments about Bosh and that people may have been in his ear several months back.

I hope one day he says Bargnani was the biggest mistake he ever made...Should tried to trade down or just pick Rudy Gay ( nobody projected Roy as #1 pick) Why choose a 7ft big man who can rebound or play in post. When you have a big man like Bosh already.. WHAT WAS HE THINKING!!!!

Colangelo is full is ish though, talking about building around Bosh. He NEVER EVER brought in a dynamic 2 or 3 to play with Bosh Anthony Parker? S Marion? Turk a dud? come on....Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Colangelo your butt is nearing the barbaque!!!!!!!!!!

One more thing silly fans stop talking about american players dont want to play in Toronto, nobody loves to play for a loser, who is running to New York, New Jersey, Philly, LA Clippers, Memphis, Sacramento...Wake up...If Raptors win 47-50 games 3 straight years things change

[DP]

After listening to Colangelo's interview I feel that many of the stories out there have really made the story into what they wanted it to be. Journalistic license I suppose but rubbish nonetheless.

[Jim]

I dont understand how the Raptors are at the cap level with 60 million according to Hoopsworld (no TPE added) however other teams like the Heat are at the cap level with 70 million. I read an article on how Pat Riley is making things work financially for the Heat to put togteher a roster with the big three. I know its more of a (mail bag) question, I also know that the NBA salary cap is the most complicated agreement in the history of North America lol but is there an easy answer to this?

[Ry]

agreed that statements of You CANT TRADE Bautista.... or you HAVE TO trade Bautista, are ridiculous. What if they want to keep him but team X is desperate & offers 2 players Alex Anthopolous thinks are going to be as good as Halladay/Lincecum/Strasburg etc. How could he not consider doing that?.. or what if the best offer he gets is not good value? then should he just trade him because his value will never be better "he has to trade him" people should think about these things b4 proclaiming the Jays or any pro sports teams for that matter ABSOLUTELTY HAVE to make any move. (CP3 is a good example of this in the NBA)

[Steph]

It seems that the Raptors have improved defensively, on paper at least. Would that not encourage you to keep a point guard like Jose around?

[pain777pas]

@Kelsey

You are right on the money with Colangelo's yang. He stated that he tried to bring in pieces that could surround Bosh. Really? You've already mentioned them so I won't bore anyone. Seriously though Doug, did he not seem like an intelligent GM more than anything else. Keep Colangelo because there is no one else that can do a better job. Seriously! Keep Jose, lose Evans since we don't know what would have been anyway.

[dave]

Morning Doug,
What about Nate Huffman?

[dave]

nate's American...
why'd i think he was an Aussie?

[Lorie]

Morning Doug,
Thanks for the nice definition of context with your assessment of the Bryan Colangelo-Fan 590 chat the other day as being: "a complilation of various issues rolled into one interview at a slow time in the off-season [causing] a stir disproportionate to the actual words and news". Kind of a good reference point to use when digesting much of this off-season "news"! Anyway, a quick question about one of your ink-stained brethern: Is The Star doing anything to celebrate the long career of Dave Perkins as he approaches his retirement from the paper? Got a favourite "Perk" story or two (bet there might be whole lot more!) you could share with us, or would the raising of a post-work pint be more in order? :)

Blogger's note: I'll get some Perk stuff together shortly; he's done officially tomorrow but I think they'll find a way to keep him involved somehow

[James]

Doug:

I listened to BC's rant on the radio, and the one thing that surprised me the most was how he kept spilling this information, virtually unprovoked. There weren't too many questions asked, and he kept on going and going and going. No doubt he went on the air just to let this one go.

I know you've held Chris in high regard, and from watching him over the years believe him to be a pretty good guy. Do you think this BC rant aired all of the dirty laundry, or do you think there might be a little more yet to come out? If this rant was all of it, I'd say we had a pretty good human being as our franchise player for the last few years.

Cheers

J

Blogger's note: I don't believe there's anything more

[William]

I can't listen to the interview right now. Can someone please confirm that Colangelo is referring to the ankle and not the face injury? Also, Doug, would it be possible for you to find out if Bosh was cleared to play following his face issues? Thanks.

[Ryan]

The fans aren't frustrated by "Euros" but really just "Non-Americans"... it's just easier to call all Non-Americans as Euros, and it sticks for some reason.

[Tiger]

I agree that BC's interview was all old stuff, although expressed more expansively than the bits and pieces BC dropped before.
To me the issue is that he felt a need to back up the bus and run over Bosh again.
It makes his frequent assertions that "It's all on me" sound hollower than ever.
Disappointing that a man with his reputation chose not to take the high road and just move on.
But it's all consistent with the MLSE way of doing business: overhype their marquee players, use them past their "best before" date, trash talk them out of town, leave the fans with nothing but sour memories.

[Jay]

Doesn't Andersen's addition mean the Raps have 16 players? That isn't allowed is it so someone had to go and since they're unguaranteed, Jones or Dorsey, seem the most likely candidates, right? Wouldn't it have to happen before the trade? Sorry for all the questions.

Blogger's note: I've got 'em at 15 but it doesn't matter; they can have a million until the season starts if they want.

[mdc]

Re Bryan on Bosh:
All BC said was that Bosh was M.I.A. - which is exactly where Bosh says he is now on his Twitter account :)

[Jim-Boy]

Indiana wants a PG and it was reported that they also want to move Dunleavy and according to reports, TJ Ford is "dead" to Jim O'Brien now. So, what about Jose (9 million) along with Banks and Reggie (5,080,000 and 4,847,956 million) for Dunleavy (10,968,254) and TJ Ford (8,5000,000)??? The money works and the deals are great for both parties...The Raptors get Dunleavy who can play the 3,4 and 5 position, plus TJ can back up JJ (if another deal isn't made) both players we would be getting from the Pacers are in the last year of thier contracts, and the Raps still haven't used thier Miami TPE....The Pacers get thier PG plus a servicable back up PG, shed away TJ and Dunleavey's contract like they are wanting too, plus Banks and Evans are in thier last year of contract aswell giving the Pacers cap flexiablity next year. It's a marriage made in heaven! lol

[Matthew]

I've seen scouting reports on Demar Derozan that call him the next coming of T-mac/Josh Howard (pre-sucking). What do u guys think?

[Striker 77]

I have been a Jose fan for as long as he has been here... ITs typical Toronto fan nature to curse a guy when he is not at his best... People do realize that there are good seasons, and not so good seasons for many players... It doesnt mean that he has to take the brunt of all criticism. You find other players who shot 90-50-40 and see what company Jose is in. He is capable of those types of numbers, and he could do it again... Wouldnt it really hurt if he were to go to another team and play like that again? The guy is a model PG... pass first, low turnover guy, with a good jump shot... So his d is not the best, what player is perfect?

[main]

Back to Colangelo's comments ,I sensed that Bosh gave up after seeing just how badly the team played when he was out. They got blown out by just about every game they played and seemed listless, unfocused and lacked passion and energy. Instead of working together to overcome his loss they gave up. I am sure he realized how bad the team BC put together around him was and knew they would go nowhere.

[Joe]

Hi Doug,

Thanks for some very sane comments about the whole Colangelo disses Bosh interview. I couldn't agree more with your assessment. It's a lot to do about nothing. Many media reports failed to report that Colangelo backtracked on his comments shortly after he made them. I'm surprised that he would air these comments in public. Seems rather unprofessional and it makes it look like sour grapes. Perhaps Colangelo was upset by Bosh's remarks in his Miami Herald interview on Sunday. I haven't read the whole thing put apparently Bosh stated that he will be noticed in Miami because people recognize the players around him. In a round about way, I guess that implies that Bosh wasn't too impressed with Colangelo's dealings, even though he signed off on most of them. When I look at the whole thing, it seems like one of the problems was a communication breakdown between Bosh and the Raptors.

Good comments about Jose too. Unless he can get a bonafide starting Centre or Small Forward who will help this team, it might be more prudent to hold on to him. If they plan to play this running up-tempo offence, you need a steady point guard to get the ball up to those running.

Don't know if you caught it but here's Bosh on Jimmy Fallon Show. He's quite funny. When he retires, acting/tv is something he should get into.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8Dl4pNGFAA

[dribbles]

Respectfully, I completely disagree with your interpretation of BC's interview. Unless I missed something, he had always been intentionally vague about players coming back from the ASG with agendas, and nobody connected with the team had ever publicly questioned Bosh's reluctance to play coming off a relatively minor injury.

The interesting thing, to me anyway, is that BC is basically saying that he was unable to build around Bosh as a centrepiece, that Bosh had all but checked out post all-star game, and that it was somewhat a relief not having that giant max extension hanging over the team. So why was BC so willing to sign Bosh to a max contract then? Why continue trying to build around him if nothing had worked?

I also thought BC's comment about Pat Riley selling Bosh and LeBron "the Kool Aid" and these guys drinking it was very revealing. BC was sure money would talk, and he was wrong. To me, he came across as bitter. He was being loyal to Bosh, and Bosh just turned his back. Doesn't look good at all...