Of point guards, Rafa's bold pink outfit and Canada-France tonight

Hmm.

Indy’s out of the market for a point guard and Toronto still has two.

Oh, woe is them?

I don’t think so.

As you well know, the Pacers had talked to the Raptors a handful of times, they couldn’t work out a suitable deal so Indy moved on and got themselves a pretty good young guard.

Good for them.

What’s it mean here?

Nothing.

I’m sure Bryan will still field calls about Calderon – and Jack – and while so many of you refuse to believe it, there are people in the game smarter than us who think Jose’s pretty good.

Whether a deal gets done or not is impossible to say, I suspect it’ll be harder now with one natural trade partner no longer looking but I’m sure efforts will be made. But what if nothing happens? Is that a calamity?

Not in the least.

I’ve said all along that I didn’t think they “had” to trade one of the guards but that they would try - but going to camp with both Calderon and Jack is not a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination.

It’ll be up to Jay to figure out who’s best as a starter and who’s best coming off the bench and that’s what coaches get the big bucks to do. Me? I’m fine with two of them being here, as long as there’s a clear-cut distinction in the minds of all the players and coaches who has what role.

The reason for moving one of the guards was to get something back to fill other holes, like at the three and the five, even if such a move would weaken them at the point.

If nothing happens there, guess Bryan will have to find other ways to address those other points of concern.

-

You know what really surprises me about the big four-team deal yesterday and the reaction around these parts?

It’s astonishing that people were ripping on the Raptors for somehow “missing out” on Collison.

I’m sure they made a ball and I’m sure if they had someone like Ariza to give up and were willing to take on the odorous James Posey contract and were able to get two other teams involved to the point where they were satisfied with what they’d get, Toronto might have been involved.

But to think the Raptors “missed out” is simply foolish. Sometime teams get what they want in other places, it’s as simple as that.

-

But how about that Julian Wright, eh?

Considering he played less than 13 minutes a game for a Western Conference team the Raptors only saw twice a year and has been in the league a whopping three years, I certainly don’t have a book on him or a good handle on what he can do.

I believe it was a move made to take a shot at something different.

It was apparent with DeRozan and Barbosa and maybe Weems and possibly even Jarrett playing some two that there was no place for Marco here and getting a young kid at the same money who might be able to contribute a little bit is a no-brainer.

But it’s also not a very significant move.

-

Mail time.

Q: I enjoy your Q&A immensely as it delves into interesting areas not covered by normal columns or blogs.

Thanks for your answer regarding Jay today.

I do sometimes wonder how many submissions you have to ignore as inappropriate or opinions disguised as questions. Please keep up the good work (and keep the filters on).

Bruce H, Whitby

A: It really depends on the issue of the week and time of the year, as you can well imagine. Let’s say something happens like, oh, Bosh leaves. Well, we might get 50 a day that are 45 rants and five questions and it’s getting through the rants that make the day a lot longer.

As a rule, I try to get not to every question but to every topic and I’d say, as a general estimate, I probably answer 65-70 per cent of the queries shipped this way.

The ones I most like are ones that don’t deal the mundane stuff like, “why didn’t Jay use DeMar in the second half of the third quarter of Tuesday’s game” or “why don’t they sign Tracy McGrady and Allen Iverson, you dope.”

The biggest issue I have is answering the same question week after week. I know it’s impossible for everyone to read everything done here – and very presumptuous to think anyone would – but if I’ve hit on a topic one week, it’s probably going to be another couple of weeks before I get back to it in some other form. Kinda stinks for the gal sending the second question on the same subject and that kind of bugs me. Nothing really that can be done about it, though.

I will say, however, you are an inquisitive lot.

And, speaking of, click, send, yadda, yadda, yadda.

-

Okay, if I can remember how, I think we should do a live blog off tonight’s Canada-France game, don’t you?

I have no idea how it’ll work since it’s not on over-the-air television anywhere or on radio and I have no idea what kind of crowd we’ll draw but let’s see if we can get at least a few people here just before 7 p.m. and see how it goes.

-

How about that Isiah Thomas.

One step ahead of Sheriff Stern, he withdraws from his gig as a “consultant” to the Knicks because of the conflict of interest it would have created – and the rules it would have violated – had he kept that job and still coached his college team.

I still say Isiah is a good schmoozer and an excellent judge of college talent (check out his draft record) but I do know the NBA looks quite dimly on contact between team employees and draft-ineligible collegians. And that’s exactly what Thomas would have had every single day.

Makes sense he doesn’t have the Knicks gig, I’m glad he stepped back on his own before he was told to go.

-

So, Tennis Boy’s era is over and not a minute too soon.

Aside from one glaring error (Novak Djokovic won the 2008 Australian Open, I guess I just read right past that in his bio) I seem to have escaped unscathed.

Couple of quick points: Tennis replay is outstanding. I know it’s got to do with the finite measurement of the court and entirely clear-cut rules of in and out but it’s quick, it’s efficient, everyone in the stadium sees it and it’s never, ever wrong.

And

Not sure about Rafael Nadal’s pink shirt on Wednesday; much louder than Roger Federer’s the night before but I guess that’s not a surprise, kind of meshes with their personalities and playing styles, no?

Hmm, the last time I might have paid this much attention to Nadal was when he was supposed to come to a Raptors game with Jose but got tied up beating someone at the Sony Ericsson Open.

Anyway, I believe that concludes my summer of Today I Am An Expert In This Sport because with basketball today and tomorrow, perhaps some rest time next week and then Turkey, I’ll be back swimming in familiar waters.

Lucky you.

-

Comments

[AT]

"I’m fine with two of them being here, as long as there’s a clear-cut distinction in the minds of all the players and coaches who has what role. "

but isn't that the dilemma right there? Who is best in what role between Jack and Jose and are they going to be OK with it? I mean, really OK, not just saying all the right things. I doubt it very much.

And for all sorts of reasons, including team chemistry, it is probably important to have the most important pieces in at training camp (eg. Hedo last year) fully participating on the court and off (I guess you call it bonding).

Doug, why is there so much silence from the Raptors? What are they waiting for?

Blogger's note: Silence? It's holiday time, slow time around the game, nothing much to say.

[NoMorePanzies]

Doug, you might want to take off those rose colored glasses you got on. The raps did miss out on Collision considering the return that the Hornets got for him. Also, you kind of contradict yourself when you say:I’m sure Bryan will still field calls about Calderon – and Jack – and while so many of you refuse to believe it, there are people in the game smarter than us who think Jose’s pretty good.

Whether a deal gets done or not is impossible to say, I suspect it’ll be harder now with one natural trade partner no longer looking but I’m sure efforts will be made. But what if nothing happens? Is that a calamity?

Bottom line is Yes this does in fact hinder the raptors so i wouldn't say it does "nothing". Because of this the odds of Jose "no defense" Calderon and his monster contract will more than likely be anchoring and hindering this team down for another year. Colangelo has been unimpressive this offseason yet again.

[LeeZ]

Sad to see Belli go. He's an exciting player with a good skill set who has never been able to put it all together. In my mind, he's not (nor will he ever be) a shooting guard. Too darn streaky, and his shot mechanics too darn whacky. I actually think he would make a good, maybe even a very good, point guard. His size would create mismatches. He has astounding court vision, and there's no one better on the Raps (José included) in terms of passing off the pick and roll. He is an excellent finisher at the hoop, something he'd have more of an opportunity to do given his size advantage over the opposing p.g. And his shots would likely come from closer to the basket, and he'd be able to get them off more easily against a smaller opponent, hence no need to hoist them way off balance like he currently does. And on d he'd be competent if not spectacular. Am I crazy?

Blogger's note: No, not crazy at all. His decision-making in the halfcourt might be an issue, though

[John S]

NBA.com is reporting that the Bobcats "badly wanted to get in on the 4 team trade" and that the Raps would have involved as well. We would have supposedly given up Jose and gotten back TJ Ford (quoted from an anonymous source).
Why in all hell would the Raptors give up Calderon for Ford? I'm assuming that this is the typical junk reporting that's been happening this summer... any insight Doug?

Also, no idea why the Rockets gave up Ariza for Lee and a trade exemption.

[kelsie]

and while so many of you refuse to believe it, there are people in the game smarter than us who think Jose’s pretty good.

Fair enough, but why would the Raps be so intent on trading him if this is the case? Not sure how truthful these rumours are but it was reported that he was supposed to be traded to Charlotte (again) yesterday for Dampiers expiring and we would get back Ford (sounds like quite a stertch).

My question is, if Jose is so valuable and yes there are holes to fill on this roster in other areas, particuarly at the 5, why not keep him as the current players will need a steady hand on the offensive end of the floor to keep an effcienct offence from going South?

It seems like the Raps are doing everything in their power to rid themselves of him, yet if he was as solid a pg as other NBA people think, why would the Raps be so intent on moving him? Roster holes or not, the need for steady playmaking on this team will be essential for any success this year.

My humble opinion is that he is highly overpaid for a back-up pg which is the role he thrives in. He's yet to play a full NBA season as a starting pg and his defensive woes are well known through-out the league now. The problem is the Raps want to play Jack as the lead 1, but how do you justify a $9 million dollar bench player getting only 20 minutes of burn a night?

[CavaLIAR]

Don't know if you care to watch, but Bosh is on Regis and Kelly at 9am.
(Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh) still looks wrong, need to get used to seeing that.
Anyway, no biggie.

[erc]

Doug, You are much like the captain of the Titanic, a very strong, experienced seaman to guide us through this stretch of stormy weather.
Bosh leaves. Yawn. Jose stays. Whatever. The seas are high and the bergs are everywhere but Capt. Smith never flinches. That's why you da captain, Doug Smith.

[Derek]

Hey Doug,
As you said, I know absolutely nothing about Wright, so I guess you have to cross your fingers and hope that a "young and athletic" player without much of an impressive track record can find his game in TO, playing with some other young guys.

I'm probably in the minority when I say that I won't be at all unhappy if the Raps end up starting the season with both Jose and Jarrett playing the point. One of the challenges I see though (regarding your comment about each of them having defined roles) is that last year, when Jose was mostly coming off the bench, he seemed to develop really good chemistry with Amir Johnson. Assuming Amir becomes a starter this year, that might swing the balance in favor of having Jose as your starting point guard, to take advantage of that chemistry.

Is it that much of a problem to mimic what we had last year, where both guys play significant minutes, and you "ride the hot PG"? At any given time, either guy could start (or finish) depending on who was playing better, or who matched up better against a specific opponent. Why is that scenario a problem?

Thanks as always Doug - keep up the good work.

[CM]

@NoMorePanzies

What would you suggest this 4 team deal would look like with the Raptors involved, what team would have been left out, what pieces would have went where? Are you aware of the complexity of a 4 team deal. All teams have to be on board, all teams have to benefit. So in what world were the Raps ever in a position to be a part of this and get Collison?

I suppose BC had total control over MJ wavering on the Jose for Chandler deal, and he had the pieces to offer Charlotte that were better than the pieces Dallas offered. It was certainly BC's plan for the Barnes deal to fall through.

Before Twitter and Facebook and whatever, you wouldnt even have heard of these deals to be disappointed when they fall through. I have no doubt that BC has fielded 100's of calls and there have probably been many more deals that have failed that we didnt hear about.

There likely is interest in Jose, but lets not forget that there has to be teams interested that the Raptors feel will offer something to improve their team for him. If he doesn't get moved it will be because there was nothing presented to management that seemed worth while. It's a two way street, Bryan can't just enforce his will on the league. If he could, we'd have Bosh, Chandler, Diaw, Barbosa, and of course Bryan would have found a way to seduce N.O. into sending Collison to T.O. Or better yet, he would have got Steve Nash from phx too.

[fg]

Hi Doug,
How about for some fun summer writing, lets see what GM in Raptors history has had the most player turnover ratio.. Boy.. BC has gone through like 84 players in his 3 years as GM, can we get a dog day of summer writing on the BC turnover ratio.... mayeb we can put an over under on the amount that he changes next season....

I know you like to defend the raptors more then criticize, I have no problem with the move and understand it, just it is hard to ignore the amount of scrambling and turnover BC has created. It has to be the highest in the NBA, worse then minny, mem, sac... it has to be the worse turnover...
How about we put an over under on how long BC will be allowed to build an expansion type team every offseason.....

[Joey H]

@NoMorePanzies... NoMoreStupidComments!
Why do we need Collison with Jose and JJ? Would that not have created the exact same problem you point out at the beginning of your comment, of guys really being OK being a backup, especially to a sophomore!? Get real.
And you say 'unimpressive this offseason yet again', and I'm curious as to what you would have wanted him to do? Put a gun to Boshs head and forced him to stay?
Run into the 76ers locker-room and walk off with Iguodala in a shopping cart?
Perhaps knock Stern off the pedastal and say 'The Raptors draft Wall instead! Suckers!'.
You guys are unreal.

[Dave]

Chris Bosh will be on Regis and Kelly this morning.

[Bill in NS]

Doug I feel sorry for you having to read the same things over and over, being told how wrong you are all the time.

The main players that moved in the 4 player trade were Ariza, Collison, Murphy, and Lee. My question to all those who say we missed out, who was it that we could have shipped out to make this deal work for all 4 teams involved? The hornets wanted rid of Posey's contract and that was how anyone was getting Collison. Murphy, Lee and Ariza are better than anyone we have besides Bargnani, and I am sure he was not going to be traded for Collison. I like Jose and feel he will earn back some fans this year, but he was not going to work in this deal.

So for all the people on the "we missed out" bus, please shed some light on how we missed out on this.

[sam]

To suggest BC missed out obtaining Collison is something we will never know. We can't be sure if the the Raps had any interest in him in the least.
The past couple of months a lot of names have been tossed around. You get a lot of wouldn't this player be a good fit - and it grows from a post - to why won't BC make that deal -

It's like how Marcus Banks - went from a bum - to a capable back up - How the legend of Pops grew from a 10 day signee - to the second coming - How Reggie Evans toughness was going to solve all the ills of the Raptors.
It's all purely speculative and no matter what you've read - from what ever source - We don't know and won't until a deal is done.

[Matthew]

"no idea why the Rockets gave up Ariza for Lee and a trade exemption"

because they dont want to pay luxury tax and they have this other guy in the same position named KEVIN MARTIN

[Nick Kajganich]

Hi Doug,

I will be online tonight as I can't make it down to the game and I was wondering since this is not broadcast in any form, is it possible that you do more updates than regularly for NBA games? I think scores and a desciption of highlight plays would be in order........If you think you can type that fast. (kidding)

Nick K

[Tiger]

Indystar reported TJ has declined a buyout offer, wonder if that was the fly in the soup?
Otherwise one would have to question the sanity of both GMs for trying to recreate past bad chemistry (TJ/Caldedron here, TJ/Jack there). Better that TJ rot with a new PG there.

[Dave]

For those who have HBO Chris bosh will guest star on Entourage at 10:30 Sunday night,

[Mechale]

DOUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

What would work is if they trade Dampier into the Bosh trade exception, creating a $13 million trade exception of their own. Then they could do that trade. That would create an $8 million (approx) trade exception for us. We could even structure it that they get Dwayne Jones in a separate deal for Augustine - yes, that's legal now - and they can waive Jones (non-guaranteed) and that would mean the trade exception generated for Jose is $9 million. We could either play or waive Dampier.

[Peter]

Hey Doug, thanks for all the great work you do in this blog. It's much appreciated. Even with the constant "blah blah blah...Jose is the worst defensive player in the league...blah blah blah...Bryan is the worst GM of all time...blah blah blah...worst off-season of any team in the history of the league...etc." Thanks for still doing this thing in the face of all the crazies.

Unfortunately, I think Julian wright is most famous for this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTqVjbEFh_s

I don't know a lot about him, though, like most of us, but he's young and could contribute at the three off the bench so who knows.

Thanks Doug.

[Mike D.]

So Doug, is it the repetitive topic or the "you dope" that I need to avoid in posting comments and sending mail?

With respect to the multiple posts about "if Jose is so good why are the Raps trying to trade him", I believe it's more an issue of playing style than ability. It's pretty clear from this summer's roster moves that the roster is being repopulated with more athletic guys who have the ability and inclination to run the floor and play a full-court game....DeMar, Sonny, Amir, Kleiza and now Wright all fit that mould. Jose is less effective in that style, but he's a conservative, error-free, half-court-oriented PG who was very effective in 2006, for example, when the mainstays of the Raptors' Atlantic Division championship team included Bosh (can run the floor but is obviously more comfortable in half-court), and slow-footed but savvy vets like Rasho and Garbajosa. I have no doubt that anyone building a team in that mould would still be interested.

[Mike S]

Just to clarify the terms and reasons for the trade
Houston traded Ariza for Lee for two reasons:
1. Trade gets them under luxury tax
2. Lee is fast & would mesh well with Brooks in case Yao goes down
Otherwise I think everything makes sense, though I don't understand why everything I've read says that this was a trade to placate Chris Paul. I understand that Ariza is likely the best player in the deal (Murphy maybe?) but it seems to me like this trade was an obvious salary dump to get out from Posey's contract. Was Paul threatened by Collison? Maybe you could clear this up for me Doug...

[Matty-Pix]

Not sure how likely the posted trade idea is for Jose:
http://www.nbadaily.net/wiretaps.cfm?id=703
But this is a Raptors space, and this is Raps stuff.

Doug, any word/idea if the Bobcats would give up Dampier's deal to get Jose?

Blogger's note: Haven't heard a word about it from anyone I've talked to here.

[Peter]

Thank you Doug for pointing out that the Raptor's didn't "miss out on Collison" The Raps have two capable point guards, why they should have been interested in another capable point guard makes NO sense. There are holes in this roster, point guard is not one of those holes. It made no sense for Bryan Colangelo to go after another point guard.

[Joey H]

@Kelsie,
Please expand on 'your humble oppinion'. Why is that you feel Jose is not a starter in the league. Collison hasn't spend a full season as a starter and people are basically putting him in the Top 5 pgs already. It's ridiculous. Jose is a proven play maker and proven shooter. Give him the minutes he needs, and a healthy Jose can run a team with the best of them.
At $9 million, he's expensive yes, but not unmovable, as proven by Hedo's far inferior season, and yet we managed a piece of the puzzle in return for him.
I remember fans were through the roof when Jose re-upped with the Raps, and now they are condemning him? Unbelievable.