The usual fare and some Canada Basketball news

A little tardy today, had an emergency “oops, forgot it was us in charge of car-pooling” thing happen. Hate it when life’s little calamities pop up.

Anyway …

-

THREE POINTERS

He’s getting enough

It’s kind of interesting for me to read questions and comments about how the Raptors need to “put more stuff in” for Bargnani or “get him the ball more.”

As one guy closely associated with the team said Sunday: “It’s not that we don’t get him shots, he’s just got to make them.” And, yes, as you see by glancing at the stats, Bargnani does lead the team in field goal attempts, he’s getting the ball down low, at the elbow and off the high screen-roll.

He was as good Sunday as he’s been in any of the pre-season games and the “sky is falling” concerns about his shooting woes early seem a tad unfounded now, don’t they? I think the best thing for Bargnani is going to be the emergence of Linas Kleiza as a top scoring threat. As long as there’s somebody else on the court to attract some attention away from him, Bargnani can thrive. And they so desperately need him to score, any little bit of help is important.

-

Is small effective?

For the first extended time, we saw the Heroes Of The Hardcourt go with a smallish lineup Sunday against Phoenix with Linas Kleiza in the front court as the nominal power forward.

And you know what? I think they should use it a lot more, even against teams that are more traditional with their lineups.

I know there will be some defensive issues with it but Kleiza seems to be strong enough, and savvy enough, to handle the assignment and their weak side and help defence seems a bit better so far this pre-season.

Offensively, as was mentioned in today’s missive, the free-agent Kleiza just has a way about him that makes him dangerous no matter where he’s playing.

This is a non-traditional team, without one big scorer or proven go-to guy so why not go a bit more non-traditional and play small more often than not?

-

No shock at the reaction

Anyone the least bit surprised that Turk took a rather light-hearted approach to the reception he got ought to re-think things.

As we’ve known since early last season, Turk’s default position in all things is to laugh it off, shrug with a “so what” kind of attitude and plod along.

It’s how he’s wired and it became evident to a lot of us about last December.

Does it make it right? No. Is it entirely wrong? No.

It’s the way he is and whether or not you think it’s a character flaw, it’s certainly not going to change.

Oh, and the fans?

Not quite in full throat, and certainly not as vehemently angry as I expected them to be. Maybe it’s getting old?

-

And on to the news of the day.

-

Here’s the gist of what’s going to happen at this Canada Basketball show we’ve all been invited to after Raptors practice:

Leo Rautins is back as head coach of the men’s team on a two-year deal.

Allison McNeill is back as head coach of the women’s team on a two-year deal.

Wayne Parrish, who has a new gig at Post Media, is the new president of Canada Basketball.

Michele O’Keefe, most recently the highly-regarded executive director of Ontario Basketball, moves to Canada Basketball and while my sources didn’t have the precise title, she’s pretty much the overseer of all things basketball.

There may be more but that’s all I could get trolling the hallways around the Air Canada Centre on Sunday.

So, what do I think? We’ll get to it more in-depth tomorrow after this thing today but I have no problem with the coaching decision on either side, that’s not biggest issue facing the organization.

The hiring of O’Keefe is a bold move and one that should serve the organization well but it’s still a long, long road back to any kind of international prominence.

Canada Basketball has taken big steps forward in the last three years or so but there remains much work to do.

-

Was that really Guillermo Mota that I saw warming up in the Giants bullpen last night?

What is he, 67?

Man, I wish Super Son was a situational reliever.

-

You know what? That was an exceptionally well-officiated game Sunday.

I don’t know if it was the crew (a veteran group of Joey Crawford, Scott Wall and Haywoode Workman) or the fact the players were on their best behaviour after three of them were tossed for dissent the first time the teams played but everyone acted nice and responsibly and nothing untoward happened.

Excellent.

-

Didn’t see Bryan an awful lot yesterday as they were rolling up another relatively easy pre-season win over the Suns.

Presume he was in the back calling the league to find a way to get the Raptors into the Western Conference.

-

So I’m guessing the Raptors news of the day after practice is going to be health.

To catch you up from yesterday, David Andersen sat out with a back issue, Julian Wright had a heel thing and we found out after the game that Joey Dorsey’s got hamstring problem and he wasn’t available.

Kind of rotation by attrition, I guess.

The one that bears watching, though, is the grotesque elbow problem Jarrett Jack’s got.

The thing is swollen up almost twice the size – he told us it’s a bursa sac thing but seeing how my medical knowledge rivals my math abilities I’m not sure what that means – and while he’s playing through it now, it’s hard to imagine him lasting a really long time with it if things don’t improve.

But he hasn’t missed a regular season game in more than three seasons – and that’s a pretty good ironman streak – so who knows, maybe he can suck it up and go.

-

 

 

Comments

[Eddy]

Is Turk ripping Colangelo, the coach or MLSE when he states they are the reason free agents do not want to come to, or stay in Toronto?

Blogger's note: No idea, probably a bit of everything

[chris]

I like Leo a lot but......why not get an experienced coach, and utilize Leo in another role????

It was milk spilled a long time ago, but i still find it incredibly laughable that they let go of Triano (by all accounts, a pretty good coach) for a guy who had never coached a game of international basketball (and maybe not a game of anything).

[Ryan]

There's no real reason to hate ("hate" in fan's terms) Turkoglu, since the fans didn't like him and he got traded. Situation resolved.

That being said, maybe the fans should start cheering him... cheering that he's gone.

Or maybe, he really doesn't deserve any kind of reaction. He wasn't going to be the reason why Toronto failed or succeeded with the team that they had.

[pain777pas]

The Raptors played well for 2 periods and secured a victory. The only concern is that outshooting teams may not be a good strategy against all teams. Against the Suns though that is the strategy. Timely defensive stops and trade baskets all the time. Good game for everyone except Demar. I really liked the way Kleiza again, Barbosa, Jack, Weems (new x-factor?) and A. Johnson played the game yesterday. Good stuff with the minutes they were given. This could end up Kleiza's team and I have to admit I have no problem giving him the majority of touches over Andrea. Andrea is skilled offensively because he can hit shots from anywhere on the floor. Being a 7ft will get him good looks all the time off screens and drive and kick passes. Enjoyed seeing the resilience to get the game close take the lead and close out. Go Raps!!!!!!!

[Sam]

Turk is what he is -
I'm wondering how long it will be until he finds it difficult playing alongside MVP PG Steve Nash. It appeared to me last year that Turk wanted to be the main ball handler and control the tempo of the game - I can't see his role with the Suns as it was with the Raps last year.

[kelsey]

I'm tired of hearing that Free agents dont want to stay in Toronto, did Shaq leave Orlando?, Tmac no longer wanted to stay in Orlando when he was traded.

Yes these were traded, but they didnt want to be there. The way Vince was playing, could you keep him around? he signed a 2nd contract and so the Bosh.. Toronto is not the only team that hasnt been good for a while.

Tmac wanted his own shine, Vince heart fell out and Bosh is in his prime and team going backwards.

Hedo, I will gurantee that he will not help Phoenix be a top team in the Western conference.

Bargnani had nice flow to shot yesterday, however the starting 5 on this team HAS NO DEFENSE. I wont put all the blame on one player. Its the unit. However I must say that Jose is always trailing the guard he covers in every game. If this is the starting line this team will be down 10-18pts every game. It cant work and there is nothing to indicate that it will get better, absouletly horrid defensive energy. Jose is terrible on D everyone knows. Ah man, Also I have to say that I miss Sam Mitchell, he wasnt the best but I believe Raptors defense has got much worst since Triano has been the head. He has had many players in the roster but same terrible defense. I guess I just need to blame someone.

[Mike]

Doug, I think you miss the point. Bargnani doesn't need more touches, he needs a system around him, better spacing and a couple of set plays. Just like he used to play this summer for his national team.
This freelancing style that the Raptors are playing is random and horrible to watch and will prove to be ineffective. There must be some discipline, someone has to organize the team, set the rules and try to limit or educate the selfishness of players like Weems and DeRozan.
A basketball team needs structure.

[norm]

I had a bursa sac inflammation a couple years ago. Looks absolutely horrible, doesn't hurt motion too much, depending on its size, and takes a long time to properly go away.
I'd imagine the medical staff of the Raptors would have some fancy ways of dealing with it, but the one thing I'll add is that there's nothing of long-term concern about this kind of thing... it looks bad, can hurt, but doesn't involve the muscles or tendons at all, so shouldn't be of any real concern.

[Jeff]

Mota's "only" 37, and been in the majors for 12 years. A decent career for a guy who's never started a game and has only 9 career saves, but hardly the pitching equivalent to Julio Franco. For that title, I'm thinking good ol' Jesse Orosco. (That guy hung around forever!)

[Drew M]

Regarding the lack of intensity in booing Turkeyglue, maybe the fans were booing him with the identical intensity he played with the Raptors (ie without?).

[Steph]

Doug, I would like to see Barbosa in the starting line up instead of DeMar. The speed and intelligence with which he plays is better suited for the starting line up. I know that he’s been a 6 MOY award winner, but with Kliza, Calderon and Bargnani the potential seems very good. And DeMar, on the second unit with Jack, Weems and Amir could use the relationship they’ve developed to be a better back up unit, in my opinion. Is DeMar in the starting line up because they are still trying to develop him? And what do you think of this line up possibility?

Blogger's note: I think they'd be too small

[Peter in Italy]

Dear Doug,

It seems that Turkoglu's attitude can be summed up in one word: "clueless".

[Lorie]

Afternoon Doug,
Thanks for that Canada Basketball update, and I think it's good that we get reminded now and then that our national programs - and the development of them - are ongoing processes that don't stop just because all those sexy summer world championship tourneys are completed. So, as I read your piece about Kleiza I wondered in how many countries - in addition to Lithuania - would you say that basketball is the premiere (well, maybe second to soccer) sport of choice for kids growing up? And could any of them be considered a bit of a "role model" for us?

Blogger's note: Not that I can think of off the top of my head

[JT]

Doug,

With Bargs, I think he just needs to less predictable with his timing and rhythm of his moves and shots. If he's in the low post, it's 2 dribbles backing down and a turn around shot, all in one go. There's no hesitation(s), fake moves, a longer/harder back down dribble with Bargs to try and fake out an opponent. No up and unders, no spin-arounds, nothing. To start, he needs to hesitate on his post moves, whether it be holding onto the ball for a second or two or 3-4 back down dribbles in the post or something. I noticed he was being challenged more closely with his shot (other defensive players have timed him and his moves easy) earlier this pre-season.

[bob]

What is Basketball Canada Thinking? Leo Rautins is a terrible coach, it is time Canada find some one can develop some of the young talent that is coming up so we can be competitive in the future.

Blogger's note: How does a coach "develop" young talent when it's scattered around the globe?

[Jeff]

This can not be the starting 5, Again they come out and the team is trailing after the first quarter. This team is not skilled enough to Afford to be trailing by as many as 15 points every game. The roll of the starters is to the set the tone, and that tone should be set with Defense. With Bargs and Jose out there together, you just do not have the defense you need. Also Calderon gets beat every game by the screen, he does not fight through them, which allows the Guard to get into to the lane and create all the havoc of everyone having to rotate.

[marc in panama]

Hola Doug,

That Leo was retained speaks loudly where this program is going. Let's look at what the American's did after several years of dismal international results. They re-tooled their program, getting commitments from their best players to participate in the Worlds the year before the Olympics to even be considered for eligibility on the Olympic team. They hired a guy, Papa Colangelo to GM the team, recruit if you will, that talent. And then they went and got one of the best basketball coaches in the world to coach them. What did Canada do? Oh, yeah, hired a part time NBA analyst who said he could recruit current NBA players to the program. A guy who'd NEVER coached. A guy who chased the biggest "name" NBA player he had, off the team. Yeah, this is the perfect guy for the job....

Ciao amigo

[pain777pas]

@JT
What you're asking for Bargs to do is play great basketball. I don't understand why he isn't incorporating some unique offensive moves either. Sometimes believe it or not, it may get him benched because coaching is not comfortable with it and they'll call it being "fancy". LOL!!!!!!!

[Penny]

People need to remember that the starting 5 also started the 3rd quarter and played much better defense against the Suns' starters - the score went from 55-53 Suns to 78-72 Raptors. Maybe we should just give them time to gel - this was only their 3? start together.

[CC]

Hey Doug, Have you receive any comment or complaints of any kind here about Klieza some kind of "soft" don't know how to play D "Euro" type of player? Its funny cause i still read about Calderon and Bargs about no D but it seems the "euro" tag is gone now.. hmmm did i miss something???

[Sam]

With Kleiza in the Starting unit as a reliable threat to score - it does take some focus and pressure off of Andrea and opens him up to either shoot from the three or take it inside. Something I'm sure we will see more of in the coming weeks and months. If there's a consistent scoring effort from DeRosen and Jose - and some defense, rebounding from Reggie - I'm not sure scoring off the top of the games will be a problem - Stopping or making it difficult for the opposing team getting to the basket might be an issue - and something I'm sure they are working on.
A second unit featuring Weems - JJ, Barbosa, and Amir could add a pretty good shot of quickness and energy and scoring -

From last year Kleiza replaces Bosh's points - Reggie grabs the rebounds -

Am I being overly optimisticI?

[J]

First time I have to agree with Kelsey (on the first bit), only he forgot to mention the most obvious and glaring comparison available: LBJ.

If I'm not mistaken, Cleveland has had the most wins the last two seasons in a row (66 and 61), and is less than an hour away from where LBJ grew up. Yet he took a pay decrease to play elsewhere (even if taxes and promotional opportunities make up the difference, it's clear that he could have earned even more somewhere else).

We often hear the excuses, "he wanted to be on a winning team," "he didn't like living in Canada," "he wanted more money," or even "he didn't believe in the coach," but it's clear from the man that left wins, location, money and essentially his choice of coach on the table, that sometimes people just want a change of scenery. It's not all about you, Toronto/Canada. ;)

[J]

@ Jeff:

You should petition to have an NBA and national team coach fired and replaced with you.

[J]

@ Steph:

Don't forget that the lineup you propose puts 4 players that will stretch the offense in the starting lineup, and leaves only 1 (unless you count David Andersen) with the bench unit. Of course, the bench unit doesn't come onto the floor all at the same time, but they probably want to keep DeRozan and Weems apart as much as possible since neither has reliable range. Guys like Kleiza, Bargnani and Andersen could make up for this, but I'd rather have some of the big guys left inside to collect the inevitable missed shots (Kleiza was actually a very good rebounder in college before he developed his perimeter game).

[Keith Wagar]

Enough with the Jose bashing! He is not as bad as some seem to think! An Jack is not any better. Yesterday by my count Jose played more minutes against Nash than Jack but Nash had almost twice as many points and twice as many assists against Jack. Jarrett chased Steve all over the floor and lost him every time. Jose was able to turn him into the help defense on several occasions and caused Nash to commit 3 turnovers!