Of people, purses and all-time numbers good and bad

Lots of little things today as camp marches on.

It’s a red-letter day for the Heroes Of The Hardcourt, actually. The end of two-a-days is always welcomed.

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Remember Brian Skinner? Dude with the weird beard they had here for a very brief interlude way back in the day?

Well, might he be the guy that lands the Raptors Erick Dampier?

Skinner signed a non-guaranteed deal with the Bucks yesterday and word I’m hearing around the league is that Milwaukee is no longer in the race to land the veteran centre.

Am told now it’s down to Houston (24 minutes a night behind Yao) and Toronto (likely a starting spot and an increased role) and Dampier is supposed to be in town to chat sometime today.

Not sure what they’ll do with him, probably give him a tour of the joint and sit him down with Jay and the staff to go over what they want to do here this season.

I have no idea what his thoughts are – and I’m pretty sure he’s not going to do any media today – but you’d have to think that what’s offered here isn’t so bad. I know Houston would have a better shot at a playoff berth and it’s probably a team with more talent but if you’re 35 and looking for one contract after this one, why not go where you’re going to have more of a chance to make an impact?

I will say this, though: I think it’s pretty much getting to fish-or-cut-bait time for all concerned.

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Quite an interesting chat with Sonny Weems last night after the evening practice.

You see some of the results here but he also made a couple of other points that kind of made me think, yeah, this kid is growing up a little and more comfortable with his place in the city and the team.

We were talking about him and DeMar going out among the people to goof around and play ball and stuff and he made the point repeatedly that they’re just doing it because it’s what they do and not for any glory or fortune or whatever.

But he’s also wise enough to know that there may be those out among the people who have ulterior motives and he’s wary.  

 

“You just have to know where you can go and where you can’t go. That’s all it’s about. When you get outside your area and try to do things too much, you need to settle down.”

How do they know?  

“Our backgrounds. Coming where we come from, you can sense that’s not the place to be and this is the place to be.”

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I believe that one thing you shouldn’t do when you’re leaving a practice gym is go and pick up your European Carry-all (aka, purse).

But there was Alvin Williams, who should know better, sporting an over-the-shoulder number when he departed practice yesterday morning to jaunt off to some high falutin’ Henchmen meeting.

Of course he got grief from the other coaches and some of us and it will continue unabated. Wait ‘til he shows up wearing a shirt with a three- or four-inch collar sometime.

Said Jay after Alvin had wandered off to wherever Henchmen go:

“We’re trying to get him one of those clip-on ties so he can just do it a lot quicker and snap it on before he goes.”

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Don’t get me wrong, I loved all the bad shooter suggestions yesterday, they really got the list going but, to be clear, I was talking only about guys who’d played for Toronto.

No way I leave Bill Cartwright or Anthony Mason off my list. Or Reggie Miller for that matter.

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Cue the spooky music.

I heard on my early-morning coffee run that it’s 50 – FIFTY – years ago today that the Flintstones first hit the air and I get back home, turn on the machine and see that Stoney Curtis died?

Wow.

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Hey, Vancouverites?

All suggestions for ways to kill idle time greatly appreciated. Super Family and I were out there a year ago for a very nice vacation but this is a Grunt Trip and therefore there will be more nights free.

Let’s have ‘em.

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David Stern is not to be trifled with. And Ted Leonsis sure found out that the NBA is nothing like the NHL.

In what had to be the quickest fine ever leveled by The Commish on an owner, it took about five hours for Stern to dock Leonsis $100 Large for having the temerity to suggest NBA owners are after an NHL-style hard cap in their next CBA negotiations with the players.

Now, there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Stern’s message was aimed at far more people that the new Wizards owner and if you thought there’d be any leaks as the talks continue, think again.

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We noted that Leandro Barbosa settled on No. 20 and, of course, it sent us immediately scurrying to the guide to see who besides him, Damon and Alvin wore that number. It’s Fred Jones and Carlos Delfino and it sparked a mini-debate over which was the greatest number in franchise history.

Me? I go with 20, but it’s a close race with No. 15 which was, well, you know the one guy and Vince Carter, too. Third place? How about No. 13, which was Doug Christie, Jerome Williams, Mark Jackson and Mike James? That’s not too bad, either.

Now, as I’m sure you figured, we quickly went from “best” to “worst” and that’s when things got interesting.

What do you think? Is No. 55 – Rafael Araujo and Acie Earl (who for the longest time held the franchise single-game scoring record) worse than, say, No. 9 (Tony Massenburg, Sharone Wright, Roy Rogers, Kornel David, Rick Brunson, Pape Sow and Maceo Baston) or, for instance, No. 25 (Oliver Miller in one of his many incarnations, John Long, Lloyd Daniels and Aleks Radojevic).

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Remember way back a couple of weeks when I said I didn’t know if any of the pre-season games were going to broadcast and that I hadn’t heard that they would?

Well, it’s not been announced yet but you might be able to see up to six of them.

TSN or TSN2 are allegedly doing the ones in Vancouver and Montreal and Raptors TV is going to have the four at home.

That’s a whole lot of suspect pretend basketball games to whet your appetite for a suspect real basketball game season.

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Mail?

Yes. Please. Here.

Long flight tomorrow and need something to do on it.

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I believe my new favourite Blue Jay is the kid who wore the eye-black moustache as a tribute to his manager last night.

Tres cool.

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Comments

[Steph]

Seems Dampier's waiting it out just long enough to miss the two a day's. Nice way to start with new team mates.

[Mike D.]

If we do sign Dampier it will give us a nice "side of beef" selection for the front court: Dampier, Evans and Dorsey. And please don't tell me that a Dampier signing will mean the departure of Dorsey because it will ruin my whole weekend.

[DougG]

Stern should fine himself for failing to even investigate if Riley tampered with Bosh and James. The liar, Chris Bosh, admitted this thing was in the works for a couple of years. Leonis is just pointing out the obvious, a hard cap is the only option small market or foreign teams have to get, or keep any stars on their team.

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Morning Doug,
A right proper send-off for Cito last night. Ya done good, Toronto!
You can call it a "man bag", you can call it a "murse", you can try to get away with calling it a "satchel", but you can't call it an easy look to adopt. I'll just stick with my backpack, thank you.
A little Dampier (though it's supposed to dry up by the weekend) in Raptor Red could be an easy look to adopt. Wouldn't hurt a thing. But if Dampier happens, then who goes?
Cheers. Go Raps!

Blogger's note: That's tough to say; likely Dorsey

[voislav]

The kid is Travis Snider

[Derek]

Hey Doug,
A few weeks ago when it was floated out there as a possible rumor that Toronto was one of the cities that Dampier was considering, I believe you'd said at the time that you didn't think he would be a good fit here, even if the rumor did have legs (if I'm remembering correctly).
I can see from today's blog why Toronto might be a good fit for Dampier as a player (lots of minutes and possibly starting), but do you think he's a good fit for the team, and what they want to do, and in terms of the players around him?

Thx!

Blogger's note: Let's put it this way, not a bad fit. But I don't think he'd make a huge difference.

[kelsie]

Hey Doug,

I don't think Dampier would make much of a difference but I keep on hearing that it would give Andrea the chance to play the 4, "his natural position".

When has the 4 been his natural position? He hasn't played the 4 (for a full season) in the NBA and rarely guards 4's (not sure about his experiences for Benetton). I wonder why it's a given that it is his natural position and he will thrive when it will require him now defending the Bosh's, Stoudamire's, Boozer's, J. Smith's, and Gasol's of the league instead of less mobile (and usually less scoring) centers. Is this more Raptor's spin at work or is he truly a 4? I don't see it.

"Stern should fine himself for failing to even investigate if Riley tampered with Bosh and James. The liar, Chris Bosh, admitted this thing was in the works for a couple of years."
DougG

While I agree a hard cap might be necessary to ensure the Lakers and the Heat of the league aren't able to create huge disparities between teams what is there to investigate in Miami? They all played out their contractual obligations, they were FREE AGENTS and they decided to sign in Miami. Miami only freed up the cap space at the last minute to make it happen. Do you really think they were all kicking the can until 2010, biding their time until they could play together? Life goes in so many different directions and there are no guarantees. Liar's are those that perpetually don't tell the truth. How was Chris Bosh a liar?

[pat]

If Alabi or Dorsey get sent to the D-league would they still count against the 15-man roster?

Also, there is a report that Toronto is still trying to get Boris Diaw? Why? For a team eating contest?

Blogger's note: Yes, they would count.

[Peter]

Alvin Williams has a man purse... and he used to be so cool! Thanks for the update, Doug.

[pain777pas]

Cito was the best manager in Blue Jay's history for good reason and Toronto showed him the love. We have great sports fans. Now Dampier will be a good piece and will give Jay some more options. Andrea can play 2 positions maybe 3 depending on the matchup. Dampier is a centre. Historically he's played with Dirk and can get dirty when called upon. I'm liking this as a ONE YR DEAL. BC should not get sucked in here but just take the wait and see approach. Doug, a one year deal would be what you'd do eh?

Blogger's note: Maybe a team option for a second to have a wee bit of control but nothing guaranteed past one

[Chris]

"Blogger's note: That's tough to say; likely Dorsey"

And with that, half of Toronto now hates Eric Dampier.

[VikZ]

All Alvin needs now is a fur coat and a higher pitched voice and voila - we got a Seinfeld

[Lorie]

Hey Doug,
Okay, okay. It seems we might need a bit of a fashion update around here. Now, please cut Alvin some sartorial slack! In order to carry around all of today's modern accessories, the "Messenger Bag" is where functionality meets design, and are becoming quite popular with many men. And while some styles are oh-so--chic and have names like "The Leather Metropolitan", there are some bags that come in plain old canvas (also described as "Rugged Twill") that might be an easier transition from the familiarity of the backpack or pants pockets. Give 'em a try, boys. Next lesson: the benefits of daily use of exfoliating skin products. Stay tuned.

[DaveT]

Talk about fashion faux-pas with the murse, but to me it's a little easier to stomach than the whole wearing-your-backpack-across-your-chest thing that seems to become more and more prevalent. For one, how is that comfortable at all? For another, it looks ridiculous!!

[Skiff]

Is it possible that at age 35 it might be in Dampier's best interest to NOT play starters minutes to earn another contract? Perhaps the best equation for him is to be a backup on a good team doling out solid if unspectacular minutes, then being showcased for the has been/never was that he is on a lousy team being lit up every other night?

Just wondering...

[Joe W.]

Hey Doug,

Just about every Blue Jay threw some eye black on the upper lip as a tribute to the 'Cito Stache' last night. It was shown on the Jumbotron each player waiting in line to get 'stached by Shawn Marcum, the apparent ring leader (head comedien) of this new group of young jays. Do the Raptors have an budding jokester/leader who the younger guys gravitate towards? It seems to be working for the Blue Jays who are coming together nicely as a young group. I'd like to see the Raptors young gunz develop in the same way, and maybe it takes a Marcum type personality to get the kids to gel as a group. Thoughts?

[Nick]

Why would Dampier sign with Houston when they have Brad Miller behind Yao?

[Josh]

You really need to learn to write in complete sentences.

Blogger's note: Why?

[shane]

What would be the approximate salary that the Raptors would have to pay Dampier, should he choose to sign in Toronto. Would it have any bearing on the TPE from the Bosh deal since he is a free agent(I believe)
Thanks!

Blogger's note: Veteran minimum, about $1.4 million maybe. No impact whatsoever on the trade exception.

[Marc]

Me thinks, if Dampier has anything left in the tank he's a huge addition as three positions get upgraded, Dampier does better "Center" type things than Bargagni, Bargnani moves over to the Four and is an upgrade over Amir, Amir becomes the first big off the bench, an upgrade over Reggie or Ed. I say that's significant, maybe makes a 10 win difference from say, 25 win team to 35...okay it's not the playoffs but that's still significant.

[chili]

Worst number? 26

[Ian]

Didn't Houston sign Brad Miller to back up Yao? Dampier would be 3rd C in that rotation.

[James]

#34 RAPS!

Charles Oakley (best raptor of all time)
Hakeem the Dream (he served the community)
Carlos Rogers (he was cool)
Aaron Williams (...)

[john]

Dave T. 'the whole wearing-your-backpack-across-your-chest thing' is actually used to prevent pick-pockets from stealing its contents so its not exactly a fashion statement.

[Dave]

#15 has the be the best....VC and also Garbo.