Leader? That's one of the key things to watch for

The gang's all here! (REUTERS PHOTO)

There were all kinds of interesting topics broached at media day, most of which will need far more investigation and time to develop than we had in short period we got with everyone on Monday.

One that will re-occur over the course of time, and we’re talking weeks if not months rather than days, is where this team will get its leadership.

I’m not talking about the screaming, yelling, faux leadership we sometimes see, but the kind of calm reassuring personality who, when things are going rough, will be the guy teammates and coaches look too.

And, to be sure, there will be rough patches with this team. Many of them and they will be quite trying.

As all kinds of people mentioned, leadership cannot be bestowed, it has to be earned and it’s earned on the practice court and the locker room rather than under the bright lights of a game.

I think Jay probably made the best point:

“I’ve always said it doesn’t have to be the guy who talks the most. When I coached that 2000 Olympic team, Steve Nash was the leader and I don’t know if he said two words in the locker room to many of the players. He led by example.

“Yes, there can be vocal leaders but if you can’t back it up with your actions on the floor, the players see right through that.”

There aren’t a lot of “old heads” on this team, guys who have been through the wars and have the battle scars that come with tremendous respect.

What I want in the leader of a group I’m in is grace and the ability to help others out when things are not going well. Anyone can “lead” when things are good; the greats lead when things are bad.

The disingenuous, as Jay pointed out, are quickly exposed.

I don’t know who that might be on this team because no one’s seen it in action yet but a youngish group that could very well struggle needs someone from within to be able to settle things down, to soldier on with the same determination win or lose.

Who emerges as that guy might be one of the more fascinating things to watch as this season unfolds.

-

Let’s see  

“We want to prove people wrong”

Check.  

 

“It starts with defence”

Check.  

 

“Of course I have to rebound better”

Check.  

 

“It’s not who starts that matters, it’s who finishes”

Check.  

 

“We embrace our European-ness, it’s a heckuva continent”

Un-check.

Still, we hit it pretty close with the list from yesterday, no?

-

It’s Monday, it’s DWTS and as I click through for a minute, all I can think is:

What kind of Mother would name her son The Situation?

-

You know who one of the forgotten Raptors seems to be? That’d be Reggie Evans.

Yes, last year was a total disappointment, what with him missing 50 or so games with the foot injury and then playing a tad selfishly when he did get back on the floor.

But of all the guys who seem to have changed their bodies a little bit – mostly the young kids who are simply growing up – I was pretty surprised to see how slimmed down he is.

No idea how much weight he’s lost, one guy put it at 20 pounds, but he does look in far better shape than he was even at the start of last season.

Funny what a contract year might do for a guy.

-

Ed Davis is a low talker and if one of the coaches shows up today in a puffy shirt, I’ll know why.

-

From the department of “they all said the right things” both Jose and Jarrett seem quite cool with the competition that’ll rage for the starting point guard spot.

I have no idea who’ll win – and no one does, really – but neither of them seemed at all interested in backing down from the challenge.

Said Jarrett:  

“Competition is always good in every day life. You don’t get lax, it keeps you on your toes, it keeps you sharp. I think if there’s competition at training camp every day it does nothing but keep you sharp. At the end of the day, it’ll get settled by us and that’s the best way to do it.”

Said Jose:  

“I think that’s going to be like always, everybody has to compete for their minutes so I think Jay is the one who has the tough position to choose. We have to work for ht tam win games; we’re different so I think that’s good.”

Said Jay:  

“I think a lot of it will be determined on chemistry, on how well they play in training camp and that’s one of the things we’re really excited about when we start camp tomorrow is that it’s going to be competitive and it’s going to competitive for starting positions and playing time.”

Said Doug:

“It doesn’t matter who starts, it’s who finishes but I still think Jose runs a team on the floor a bit better and probably should be the starter."

-

Let’s start the mail process.

Click. Send. Make my day.

-

Had a chance to quickly talk to Andrea before he was shuttled off to do a dozen or sit sitdowns and photo shoots and a massive scrum and, of course, after the obligatory “how was your summer” stuff, the real topic was broached: Me: Hey, saw that video of you and your friend for GQ. That was something.

He: Yeah, it was a good summer.

-

I couldn’t help but notice that Carmelo Anthony didn’t get traded in some huge and convoluted four-team transactions.

Whole lot of ink was spilled on that one, wasn’t it.

-

Might have been the most well-attended media day in years. Seems odd, given the low expectations and the lack of real buzz around this team but there were all kinds of different organizations represented.

Figure we’ll be back to seven or eight of us this morning, thankfully.

Fewer people, more chance to get some quality time with a guy or two.

Yesterday was a bit of a gong show (no Unknown Comic, though) because there were scrums going hither and yon, little booths set up when there players hid out doing one-on-one things with TV networks and radio stations and much confusion about who was where when.

In the estimation of some of us, it’s the second-worst day of the year, almost as bad as the day-after-the-season-ends when we’re jammed in a little ante room and sit for six or seven hours while guys clean out their lockers, say their goodbyes and finally come to chat.

Today thought? Today will be good, I have a feeling. Might actually get some work done.

 

Comments

[AT]

Doug says:
It doesn’t matter who starts, it’s who finishes but I still think Jose runs a team on the floor a bit better and probably should be the starter."

So then who finishes in your opinion?

As I wrong or as Colangelo not said that much in a long time about this team. Is that because he is not done?

Blogger's note: Jose probably finishes close games, being a more adept shooter and better at the FT line. Bryan's not done at all.

[Mark L]

Doug, is Jay contradicting himself when he says you don't have to be vocal and how Nash led by example. He called out Bosh for not being vocal and at least the first half of the season he was pretty good on the floor.

Blogger's note: No, not at all. I think last week's thing might have, you know, been blown a bit out of proportion; as things are wont to be when they're second- or third-hand

[John]

Does it not seem odd to anyone else that Jay made a statement about a leader not having to be vocal, but last week on the Fan he said Bosh wasn't a vocal leader in the locker room. Sometimes I think it's better just to ignore everything he says.

Blogger's note: Okay

[Dave in BG]

Doug

No Unknown Comic, but was Gene, Gene the Dancing Machine there?

Blogger's note: DIdn't see him or an endless loop of Chuck Barris, which would have been cool

[john]

Hey doug, the person who I think has been under the radar is Demar. When he was drafted, he was considered by many of the experts to have the biggest upside in the draft. Any news on his developement? I find it strange that his name rarely gets mentioned anywhere in the mediea... Is there a reason for this?

Blogger's note: Um, no. I think DeMar gets enough ink

[Derek S]

Hi Doug,
I caught some of the media day interviews on the news channels last night. I almost had to laugh when I saw an interview with Barbosa (which was probably typical of many of the interviews yesterday), in which a reporter asked Barbosa if he was willing/able to come in and be a "leader" on this team. He seemed genuinely confused/surprised by the question, and gave an answer along the lines of "they didn't ask me to be a leader, but if I need to be, I'll do whatever is needed." The poor guy hasn't even dressed for a single game for our team yet (or even a practice), and we're already asking him if he's ready to be a leader. Seeing it in those terms sort of high-lighted how ridiculous these kind of questions are at this point in the season. Let them play, and thinks like "leadership" work themselves out on the court and in the locker room.

I think part of the reason this media day was so well attended is that for most sports/media outlets, they see this years version of the Raps as sort of a "train-wreck in the making", and sadly, a train-wreck team tends to get more attention than a hard-working mediocre team.

[pain777pas]

I have no prediction for this team right now. Again back at square one seeing the media day interviews yesterday I like Kleiza, Andrea and Demar. Barbosa looks like a happy man. Jose and Jack really going to battle in practice just try no to get injured in practice. Weems seems confident. Ed Davis seems subdued about his injury but I hope he just gets healthy and then start playing. I have alittle optomism if Andrea and Amir can grab boards, Ed Davis block shots, Jack and Jose get in the paint, Demar and Weems getting it done slashing, and Kleiza, Andrea, and Evans banging in the post. Should be interesting.

[Tom]

http://www.theprogram101.com/2010/09/how-they-did-toronto-raptors/ - They basically said that this team was more 5th seed then 8th seed last season, and that this has been a poor off-season because now the team is LUCKY to be an 8th seed.

[Derek S]

Doug - I must admit I'm a little disturbed at the idea that we'd be going after someone like Earl Barron. Do you really think he's that much of an upgrade over a Joey Dorsey? Don't get me wrong, I don't have any illusions about Dorsey's abilities (he's a hard working role player who hopefully won't have to play a whole lot of minutes unless its in garbage time), but I really don't think that Barron, Brezec (had he been available) or any of the other free agent names I've heard tossed around would be significantly different. If we are going to make a move for a big, I was hoping that Bryan might be able to pull off a trade with a team for their back-up, or 3rd center - someone who's below most teams radar because they don't get alot of playing time, but have "potential" since they've never really had a chance to play significant minutes. Someone along the lines of where Gortat was 2-3 years ago, or Fesenko in Utah 2 years ago. Given that Dorsey's contract is non-guaranteed (so they can jettison him if he's not playing well with no financial penalty), do you really think that Barron is enough of an upgrade to signing him to a guaranteed contract (regardless of the amount)?

[Avi Nash]

Maybe this year our Raps will be like the Thunder of a coupla seasons ago and surprise everyone! :) Sigh, hope springs eternal, eh?

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Morning Doug,
I may need another coffee, or I'm just plain dense, but could you translate that "low talker/puffy shirt" thing, please?
I'd put my money on Jarrett as the early contender for "leader" status. He keeps things low-key, even-keeled and in good perspective, never showboats, and seems to have a genuine grasp of what honest effort and being a "winner" are all about. I get the impression he wouldn't be shy about calling out his cohorts, either, if he thought it was warranted. (I can also see Amir picking up a lot of those same traits as he logs more playing time and confidence – a bit of an Antonio Davis in the making, perhaps?).
Final note, I agree 110% with doug that it's way past time for the locals to be showing some support for those most excellent Jays. Some excitement shown in August might have helped keep them in contention just a wee bit longer into September than they managed on their own. Sure hope the stands are well filled to give Cito a proper send-off. He more than deserves that. He's set the table this year for another playoff-calibre team of heavy hitters and hungry all-around gamers next year, a group with huge potential. Thank you, Cito!!
Cheers. Go Raps! I think they're going to be really fun to watch this season (as long as you're happy watching hard-played basketball, not necessarily winning basketball).

Blogger's note: One more obscure hint: Today Show

[Angelo]

I see Jack, Evans and Johnson emerging as the vocal leaders of this team. Still think they'll need a center to compete against Chicago, NJ, NY, Charlotte, Milwaukee, they should agressively go after Dampier before he agrees with Houston

[doug]

no Chuck Barris to bad he would have been a killer interview as you could have asked him about his CIA spying days,,,low talker/puffy shirt see Seinfeld show.....this team in some cases reminds me of this years Blue Jays, lost there main clubhouse guy best player in Holliday, everyone wrote them up and others stepped up and filled the void...be interestign to see with this group who does what and how the pecking order is re-defined....

[Pipit]

It's comical how Jay talked about leadership when he is the person who mostly needs it. This guy hasn't prove anything good yet. Last season's horrid results were mostly on him especially on how he handle the Hedo situation, on how he addressed the point guard controversy and on how he didn't get most out of Bosh especially the 2nd half of the season. It's nice that the lone Canadian team has a Canadian coach but if this so called "nice thing" doesn't get results, it's time to get one whose much more capable no matter what part of the world he came from. Everytime this team does not win, Jay always has a lot of excuses. It bores me to death everytime I hear this guy speak on interviews after the games.

[doug]

"wrote them off""..also whatever the reason it's good to see Evans come into camp in top shape, it sets a example and show's professionalism....

[John]

Yea whatever... keep towing Doug.

"Doug, is Jay contradicting himself when he says you don't have to be vocal and how Nash led by example. He called out Bosh for not being vocal and at least the first half of the season he was pretty good on the floor.

Blogger's note: No, not at all. I think last week's thing might have, you know, been blown a bit out of proportion; as things are wont to be when they're second- or third-hand"

So are you saying that either of the two statements were not actually said? Or if something is blown a "bit" out of proportion (whatever that means) , it suggests that it was never said at all.

[Lorie]

Hi Doug!
The Canadian Womens' team made a valiant effort but sadly lost a close game to Greece. What does this do to their hopes of moving on in the tournament? (@D-Mac Ottawa: If you need another obscure hint: The Count of Monte Cristo...! And thanks, as always, for the diverting esoteria, Doug.)

Blogger's note: Not sure it dooms them if they beat France tomorrow but it's a longshot

[joe]

Hi Doug,

Did the Raptors and every team in the league, slightly change the material used in their uniforms? As a I was watching media unfold across the league, I noticed the home jerseys of many teams seem to have some sort of mesh in them. Did the league change the uniforms?

Blogger's note: They did, to a lighter material I'm told

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Aha, thank you, sir, and your puffy shirts too. Never watched one episode of Seinfeld... or The Simpsons... or DWTS... or Desperate Housewives... or Dallas...
Never missed one episode of The Gong Show though... or Laugh-In... or The Twilight Zone... or Red Skelton... or the World Series... or a Raptors game... or pretty much any finals round of pretty much any playoffs... except when the goofy stations start jerking people around with their freaking rip-off 'specialty' channels... ...
Cheers. Go Raps!

[Snas]

Hey Doug. I'm heading to Italy next month and one of my stops is in Treviso. What was the name of the hotel that you haven't stopped mentioning since your return?

Blogger's note: Hotel Relais Monaco, if memory serves.

[The J]

PJ Carlisimo: "But I don't wanna be a pirate!"

[Geoff Read]

Nice Seinfeld reference. That show has aged like fine wine... it's one of the few shows from the 90s that is still watchable.

[kazbid]

Great seinfeld reference on the puffy shirt (or pirate shirt)

Doug have you given your guesstimte on the # of wins for Raps this coming year?

Analysts have completely written them off as 5th place in atlantic which is pretty insulting that ppl think we're gonna be worse than NJ, Philly and NY.
NJ and NY have some potential but I wouldn't be surprised if they're in the raptors range (of wins) and philly is not going to be beter than us. new coach..2-3 new ppl in the starting lineup..still no proven PG (Jrue may be good but Lou still needs to improve a bit)

Blogger's note: Too early for guesses

[doug]

sometimes i feel people get caught up in semantics...they are saying Jay contradicted himself etc...I think to me what he is saying is that Nash was a leader and his syle wasn't to be a vocal one...whereas Bosh wasn't a leader, and with the team they had last year, he wanted him to step up and take a lead, which Bosh never did he in fact seemed to distance himself from his teammates etc...more and more as the season went on...I think Jay is just talking to the whole leadership thing, which in some cases is over-blown,,,,the best leader I ever saw is wins.....which comes thru quality talent...you can have a team with 5 great locker-room guys but it's all negated if their talent level doesn't match....so this whole leadership kerfuffel is to me a moot point...

[John]

I think you telling us what Jay meant to say is semantics, and by your logic Doug's whole profession is semantics. The simple point was Jay was taking shots at Bosh after he had left and Bosh not being able to defend himself. Then he uses the same argument that he bashed Chris with to compliment Nash. I don't see how Bosh didn't lead, 24 and 10 nightly is a quiet leadership. The fact that your head coach says dumb things should worry people. Or how about after how many loses last year, Jay saying "we took good shots" "they just didn't fall" (after watching the Raps come down the court and jack up jumper after jumper), this should worry people. He's not a head coach, great assistant, not a head coach.