Time to really get ready for the season

Here’s another way to tell the season – or at least training camp – is right around the corner.

Am told the local coaching staff is headed off for its annual “retreat” this weekend, a time to bond, figure out what kind of stuff they’d like to do once camp begins, go over some of the bookkeeping and administrative crap they have to deal with and, if I know this staff, they’ll eat very well.

Anyway, it happens every year about this time – used to include some golfing as a diversion way back in the Sam Era, not sure that’s the case now – and it got me thinking.

Why don’t we have a Grunt Retreat?

You know, get the papers to fund a weekend away for eight or 10 of us so we could sit around and develop some of our own ground rules, hopes and dreams and expectations for the coming season.

Like? Well, like …

Start times

I’m pretty sure we’d all like nothing but afternoon games. No deadline pressure, still time to spend with the family over dinner. It’d be at the top of this guy’s list.

All for one, one for all

If we’re sitting there and someone makes a big shot and we can’t figure out whether it was 22 feet, 25 feet, 18 feet or some whether it was contested or uncontested, we shall come to a consensus, stick with one description and it shall become fact. After all, no need to confuse people who read more than one place.

After all, if we all say it's fact, it's fact; whether or not it's actually fact.

Put ‘em on probation

If, by consensus, we feel any player is not giving 100 per cent or staying within himself or just trying to help the team or simply trying to run, rebound, defend and do whatever the coach asks, we shall stop interviewing him until he learns that clichés are the devil’s work and should not ever be used.

I’m sure there are more that’ll come to me; I’ll save ‘em for some breakout session at our retreat, which I would like to hold in, oh, Maui.

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Hey, Bryan Colangelo’s on a coaching search!

(Stop! That’s not what I mean)

You need to go deep into the news files to find this out but John Treloar, who coached the mighty Erie Whatever They’re Calleds of the D League, got a new gig in the front office of the Phoenix Suns.

And seeing how the Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers share the affiliation with Erie – although you’d never know it by the number of guys the Raptors have sent to the minors – they are being “consulted” on the search for a new head coach.

And, sadly, I don’t believe I’m in contention for the job.

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So, Casa Doug, with the notable exception of, well, me, is a Survivor House and everyone, with the notable exception of, well, me and Super Dog, was all in a tizzy with the new season starting last night.

Me? Yawn!

As some may know, my tastes in reality shows runs more to DWTS but if I had to go on one, well …

Since I can’t dance, don’t think I can dance, have no talent and won’t eat bugs, I’m figuring Amazing Race was right up my alley.

After all, it seems a lot like one gigantic (bad) road trip and that’s got to count for something, right?

-

Let’s start the mail, and remember:

Click, write, send.

Q: Hi Doug, first off, thanks for the blog, love reading it every day.

This question is kind of a hypothetical one, and might be difficult to answer, but here goes.

Way way back in 1981, Jay Triano was drafted by the Lakers, I believe, but he never played in the NBA. I assume that at the time, with less teams in the league, it was much tougher to crack a roster than it is today. Which brings me to my question, if Jay was playing today, would he have been skilled enough to crack a roster of one of the now 30 teams in the league? I only ask because I know he was a very skilled player, and would be interested in hearing your thoughts on the topic.

Thanks Doug!

Peter R, Regina

A: As much as I’d like to think so, the way the game has changed, with the depth of talent, even though there are so many more teams, I don’t imagine a young Jay Triano would have a spot in the NBA.

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You know me and NBA refs, right.

Honourable men who do the best job they can under hugely difficult circumstances, men who need experience and common sense to do their jobs lest every game degenerate into a steady stream of free throws and fouls.

It is, in my opinion, the hardest game to officiate well, there could conceivably be a whistle on every possession and only those who’ve been around have the discretion necessary to allow the players to play.

This story by Howard Beck in yesterday’s New York Times saddens me a little bit because it is another step in a purge that’s been going on for a while.

Now, all refs are not great, don’t get me wrong. There are missed calls and there are those who seem to be too confrontational but it is a job that requires nuance and you only get that over time.

Anyway, on a personal note, I’m going to miss Phil Robinson, who worked the Raptors game in Madrid a few years ago and who I got to know a bit by wandering the streets around the hotel with him and his wife for a little while.

I’m sure the young kids coming in are good refs who know the rules. I’m also sure it’s going to take them a while to figure out the NBA game and what’s required to make one run smoothly.

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Comments

[Mike D.]

I like the idea of boycotting players who spout clichés, but to demonstrate good faith I think you also need to get agreement that the Grunts will avoid asking questions to which they already know the answer.....for example, nobody will ask a player who just missed the potential game-winning shot how he felt when it didn't go in.

[josh]

"After all, if we all say it's fact, it's fact; whether or not it's actually fact."

How delightfully Orwellian of you, Mr. Smith!
I look forward to the eventual end of our war with Eurasia.

[d]

When mentioning refs, there is at least one female, so don't forget to mention the honorable women who do the same job as well !!!

Cheers Doug !!!

[kelsey]

Good day Doug,

I will take 2 lines to chime in on the reporter.
1st: That Krystal show is like shock jock stuff, he has valid stuff, but to be honest his show to aggresive to what most of us are used to
2nd:You dont go to bank with a hood on your head,If your money lender you dont walk with cash exposed and a jeweller doesnt walk around with there inventory exposed.

Listen Doug, I like you are sticking up for media, but come on and everyone else. No one should be disrespected, but if you wear extremely sexually energizing clothing certain attention will come with it.
When I searched this reporter I was shocked that they even let her on the field/locker room..Pants that are basically painted on her. I cant stand people telling me that her clothing should be looked past. Why the hell is a woman with that sexual energy walking into a dressing room? Again Im not sure what was said, they should try and hold back. BUT WARNING DONT ALLOW NONE PROFESSIONAL CLOTHING PEOPLE INTO LOCKER ROOMS!!!!!! it doesnt mix..Would be ok for guy from Old spice commerical doing interview in extremely tight pants and a muscle shirt going into a females locker room, how would that work out.

Nice to feel the Raptors come back around and another emotional filled season coming. Im expecting my 1st child and he/she(we are choosing not to know sex until birth) will be born a Raptors Fan lol!..I scouped up a Bosh authentic Jersey for only $19.99 wow!!! usually at least $100.00. I know Bosh is gone but I can wear it with pride..My wife wears old VC jeresy when she is cleaning the house..

Anyways hopefully they either play really well (somehow) or hurtfully just bottom totally out and get a chance at a really good draft pick..

I cant see Bargnani stepping up
Calderon situation is a mess right now
Barbosa maybe he gets hungry
Young Guns need to step up another notch
Im glad Jack will run this team
Lets go Raptors!!!!!

[Ryan M. in Ottawa]

I don't want to harp on it but someone's sure to point it out, it's honourable men AND women (woman?) who ref the NBA right?

[R]

Hi Doug, as i have been waiting for the season i have been watching some of the Raptors Classic games from the past, such as the game Damon and the team beat Jordan, Great game with Carter vs. Iverson. Over the years of reporting the Raptors...what Raptors has been the game that captured your attention the most as a Basketball fan.

Blogger's note: That's going to take some time and is better suited for a morning. But I will do it soon

[Steph]

Here is my Fans wish list for this year.

Have some controversy amongst journalists and reporters. The game can get boring, but when fellow scribes add spice by publicly disagreeing, well that’s just fun.
..
Have players actually say what on there minds. Never mind the politically or career saving stuff. Lets hear what really on there minds.
..
Have another Charles Oakley type player, one that takes no bull and gives the horn to players that deserve it.
..
Actually having an influence on how the arena is managed. No more $10 beers and $6 hot dogs.
..
Put the fans zone in the lower tier. It’s time the real fans can be heard.
..
Have a reporter / journalists reveal information about the game, players, coaches without diluting it down to boredom. (Sorry Doug)

Feel free to add your own wishes to this list.

[Kevin A.]

If this doesn't make you want to watch this year's "Amazing Race", I don't know what will:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGPJQhPD4rs

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Morning Doug,
Glad to hear Javie is back for another season. Do you think they'll issue Dick Bavetta a Segway to get up and down the court in style for his 32nd season?
Yesterday's blog-a-thon made for some pretty stellar reading. A ticket to Erie Bayhawks stardom: $175. Ms Saines' working wardrobe: $832. Another inspired offering from Aditya: 28 cents, give or take a quarter. The FAN590 Krystal Meter: Apparently in free fall, without a chute. The Doug Smith Raptors Blog: PRICELESS!
Thank you, a few thousand times over. Has your blog ever been entered for a media award or two? (Hint to Star editors: The Canadian New Media Awards are at the Design Exchange in late November, ya know.)

[John Blaze]

What do you all think of MLSE apparently being pleased with Colangelo so far?? The clowns that run MLSE all need to go before Raps or Leafs are competing.

[The J]

"My wife wears old VC jeresy when she is cleaning the house." - Hey, that gives me an idea of what to do with my old purple VC jersey, and my red and my black Bosh jerseys: rags around the house for cleaning. VC should be good for cleaning toilets, the one Bosh can deal with the oil and stuff in the garage and the other Bosh can deal with the kitty litter. Now that will help ensure they don't go to waste and can be considered very green minded.

[M]

I see that Kelsey's moral sense ranks right up there with his spelling ability!

[kelsey]

Hey The J....Come one use VC but dont use the Bosh jersey lol!...Lets not go all the way back to Bosh, but it were you in your career. Would you honestly, honestly stay with the Toronto Raptors...(I bleed purple, red or whatever colors are now) Look at this roster, look at the failed pick ups (Bargnani, Turkaglou, J Oneil). If you were working at company going downhill but had a chance to join a large properous place what would you do!!! Come on.. We are fans and the players its there LIFE!!!! remember that!!

I should of bought a Raptors Turkaglu jersey (I think they were $14.99 authentic ones )for Ines, so she could cover up those painted jeans when in the locker rooms.

[Mark L]

Doug,

What's this about Ronald Dupree?

Blogger's note: One year, non-guaranteed deal; little more than camp fodder

[Johnn19]

Great news Doug the Raptors have signed forward Ronald Dupree off their NVSL team, the playoffs are now assured, how did you miss this great news?

[DougG]

"What do you all think of MLSE apparently being pleased with Colangelo so far?"
.
It means ticket sales must still be good in spite of his record.

[kelsey]

@ "M" yes I should proof read my writttiiiinngg..However this is a sports blog not a paper for school. Please talk more about my moral sense I want to hear about how you know my 32yrs on this planet..I guess you dont agree. Thats fine we all have opinion. I guess you havent see the reporters clothing. Im not saying she specifcally deserves it, but I hope she wasnt surprised. Let me ask you would be ok with a female member of your family in that sports environment, more over how about her clothing? with a bunch of football players, many that have large egos when it comes to women.... I say no, because I know how some of us men get. Bottom line..
So keep your politically correct stance for womens rights!! have have good day!

[The J]

kelsey - Truthfully I have no issues with Bosh. Was dissapointed with how he treated his departure and some of this comments since then (mainly the 7 years to make up for comment). But like you I completely understand his need to leave, and put more blame in Colangelo, etc. for his failed moves. I know that the failure of the Raptors can be seen in two ways: Colangelo could never build a team around a star player, or Colangelo made multiple moves to find the best fit for Bosh, but he could still never deliver. I understand both views but still side more with the Colangelo's moves were the wrong moves. So no I don't blame Bosh. But that being said, I can not see myself ever wearing my Bosh jersey to a game because he no longer plays for them. Which means I am left with a cheaply made (yet expensively priced) tank top. I just don't picture myself wearing that anywhere else either. So the kitty litter might be extreme, but atleast a dust rag is justifiable. You should consider the same thing. Seeing that you have a baby on the way, you will be looking for as many rags as you can find. Trust me. From spit ups, tossed or sputtered baby food, the in-the-middle-of-a-diaper-change surprise pee, and of course the dreaded complete diaper breach, you will need as much clean-up material as you can find. A turkadoodoo jersey would be perfect for baby doo doo.

[pk]

Doug, when ideas suddenly arrive on your head, whether it is an answer to a question or number 2 on the top 5 list, how do you manage to record? iPod? Recorder? A classic notebook and pen? Just curious.

Blogger's note: Usually e-mails to myself on the Blackberry or, if I'm at this machine, I'll set up a document for the next day's blog.

[Aditya]

sir doug, count on this, a star is gonna be born, this coming season....2010-2011..... take a guess.... its michael beasley... he's gonna light the world on fire...he's gonna haunt you in your dreams.....

still can't believe you called antoine walker's comeback attempt a joke....

[J]

Just wanted to say, Mr. Cook's post yesterday was very well-written and pretty much sums up pretty much everything I would have to add to the Ines Sainz topic. Apparently I missed the part in the instruction manual that came with this body where it warned, "Caution: Keep away from attractive females or offensive behavior will inevitably occur." She was asking for it? That's a potential rapist's mentality.

[JHP]

Doug

I know this sounds kind of negative but it's going to be a long year. I put forward the premise that the only reason the present GM is going to be signed to a long term deal is combination of the following

- tall and dresses well
- says very little and picks his words well
- comes from a respected basketball family
- holds the corporate line

So are these the traits a GM needs to hang around long term, or is it more a function of team ownership ?