The usual fun and frivolity the day after a game

Yay!

One pre-season game left!

Tell me you’re not excited about that prospect, too.

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THREE POINTERS

The Struggles of Jose

No one’s exactly sure what’s going on with Jose Calderon but something sure is.

Six shots taken, six shots missed and the worst night of the pre-season by far.

Talking to a few people after the game and they were mystified about it, too.

Now, it hasn’t been the greatest of pre-seasons for him but the game last night was a tough one.

And one situation really showed just how tough.

Think it was in the fourth quarter, or maybe the third, and the Raptors were having a really good possession, which may be why I remembered it.

Ball swung side-to-side through about four guys and got too Jose in the far corner. He had a really good open look at a three and you could sense the hesitation when he caught the ball. Normally, it’s an easy catch-and-shoot situation but he thought about it, kicked it back to Bargnani and that’s where the shot came from.

No one that I talked to after the game was suggesting any dramatic change in roles – Jay continued to be publicly satisfied with the way things are – but there is that growing sense of unease that things have to get better in a hurry.

Will they?

I don’t know, you don’t know, they don’t know and that’s the problem.

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Back, back, back

These fellas talk a good game about transition defence and the need to beat teams back down the floor lest they give up easy baskets and there was one situation last night when it was really hammered home.

In the second quarter, Kleiza finishes a possession with a somewhat emphatic dunk and that usually means lots of leaping about and celebration on the bench and some marveling at what had just transpired.

But as I looked down, all the coaches and even a couple of players were shouting “get back, get back, get back” almost before the ball cleared the net.

They did get back, too, at least on that play, which is always a good thing.

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Andrea’s position?

Did you notice that they put Bargnani in a couple of different spot last night?

Sometimes at the elbow, where they let him facilitate some offence or try to take his man off the dribble.

Sometimes in the mid-post, for the same reason: So he could get into the paint and operate there.

Sometimes in the low post and he was entirely effective most of the night.

Now, his defence, especially his weak-side help, was atrocious but offensively he showed more variety to his game against the Bulls than he did in any other game.

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And on to other matters.

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Is this a bit over the top?

Seems, I don’t know, inappropriate or something to me.

Did you notice the little patch on the Bulls jersey’s last night?

A black XX and I was wondering who had passed away and what the tribute was for.

Turns out it’s to “celebrate” the anniversary of the team’s first NBA title.

Kind of lame?

Maybe.

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Seriously, I have two five-hour train rides and there’s only so much e-mailing or bbm’ing I can do.

Mail, please.

Here.

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Halladay-Lincecum Redux tonight?

My train better not be late, I need to find a stool to watch it in Montreal.

Trouble is, Super Son points out the Habs are playing tonight so I’m sure the ball game will be on some side TV in a corner somewhere.

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What’d KC write today?

Let’s check.

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Speaking of mail:

Q: Doug, I'm trying to figure out what the significance of the Belinelli for Julian Wright trade was. Marco saw some minutes on a regular basis. He was in the rotation, for the most part and actually contributed in some games.

Wright is likely only going to play if there is (are) injuries to guys higher up on the depth chart or in "garbage time" Was Marco's fate to be the same if he were to remain a Raptor.

 

 

Shane S, Thornhill

A: Lots of love – still – for Marco here but you’ve hit the nail pretty much on the head.

There wasn’t a way that Marco was going to supplant DeMar, Sonny or even now Barbosa in the rotation and what Bryan did was pretty much a favour to him by moving him somewhere he could get a real shot to play minutes and keep his career going.

But, if you remember, there were huge moments of inconsistency in Marco’s one year here that made the coaches wary about using him a lot.

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So, we got the answer to one question in the pre-game session last night, when it was still unclear whether Jarrett would be able to play or not.

Marcus Banks would have been the backup point guard, Jay told us, rather than Barbosa.

A couple of reasons, he said.

One, Banks has earned the chance to get some minutes in that situation by his work in games and in practices and it’s as much a reward as anything.

Two, Jay doesn’t want to disrupt the usual rotation patterns or take Barbosa out of his comfort level and role.

No idea if that situation will ever arise – Jarrett hasn’t missed a game in three seasons and I don’t think a sore elbow or some knee pain is going to keep him out – but that’s the way the coach is leaning.

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Okay, pack, practice, train.

Heckuva a day ahead.

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Comments

[GM]

It's clear to me: Jose is tanking it so he won't be traded!

[Sam]

I tend to agree with a couple of posts that suggest that the failed trade is playing with Jose's mind and heart.
I'm a big Jose fan - His past enthusiasm, attitude and team first approach sealed that for me, but I can't help but think he's upset by it and that is affecting his game.
By no means do I think it's right - or should be used as an excuse for a half hearted effort. Jose just needs that confidence back - It'll come - hopefully sooner rather than later.

[J]

"Blogger's note: I think they were up five when he left in the first quarter and an 0-6 night was bad."

Actually, I'm pretty sure they were down by more than five when he left in the first quarter. Jack came in and thats when they took the lead. Ironically, when Calderon came back in, they lost the lead but eventually re-established it, then Jack comes in and they lose the lead again and that was that.

As a side note, it is terribly painful to watch the Raptors offense when Evans is on the floor. I know he dominated on the offensive glass last night, but whenever they try to get him involved in the offense, it's clear how big a liability he is. While his rebounding is a big help, the starting lineup will have a tough job every night if they have to essentially go 4 on 5 every night.

[The J]

Doug, the Raps have the potential to finish the preseason at .500. I know the preseason means next to nothing, but do you think that is a sign that this team could go .500 this season? As sad as it sounds, something near .500 has been good enough to hit the playoffs the last few years. Though I think the East is finally stronger.

Blogger's note: Pre-season records mean less than nothing.

[Mike kovacs]

Doug, strangely when i use the link that i have saved for your blog it takes me to Oct 19th:

www.thestar.blogs.com/raptors

in order to get to the most current blog I have to add a backslash:

www.thestar.blogs.com/raptors/

weird.

[kelsey]

Well Well, people are coming around. Jose just can not cut it, mentality or physically at this point. This already a poor defensive team. But when your also no threat to score, its a wrap.

So many people on this blog think that Im against weak, defensless euro players..I am...It turns my stomach watching Jose play..

Why the heck did Colangelo extend Bargnani early? Someone answer MEEE!!!..Why, they should of kept him hungry. Now he thinks about going to Italy and drinking wine and expresso's...Bargnani is what he is a bench player not a signifigant starter in the NBA....Sam Mitchell used to blast him and it cost Sam his job.
TRIANO your next, Bargnani will cost you your job, guranteed!!!!! Bargnani has 5 rbs boston, 5 Phx and 3 last night....Why the heck have a 7ft centre that cant flippin rebound... Im sick

Honestly I was being optimistic about the team fighting for last spot. REALITY CHECK!!! No chance, I say No chance this teams makes playoffs...A 20 game win season, would be a HUGE for this team

Still love the Raptors

[kelsey]

Oh yeah and IM gettting a Bargnani #7 Jersey and putting "Clark" over Bargnani, As Keon Clark...He had way more use than Bargnani...BRING BACK KEON CLARK THE REAL #7....Im sick!!!!What 7ft struggles to get 5rbs a game, Bargnani!!!!!!!!!! Big Dud!!!!!!

Blogger's note: Seriously. We get it. You have an irrational hatred of Andrea Bargnani.

[Keith Wagar]

I believe that Joel Anthony and Samuel Dalembert spent time in Montreal!

[Brian Colangelo]

Boy, you guys really like to read into things here.

Jose went 0-6, bad shooting night for sure.. and maybe not a great pre-season. But from what I can recall the looks he was getting were "good' last night. His jump shot hasn't magically disappeared permanently, it will return.

The starters picked it up the second half and actually took control of the game (even withouth Jose's points).

[P,]

I hope I run into to you tomorrow just to say hi and tell you in person that you have the best basketball blog.
As for suggestions, we're going for the first time at Le Boucan after the game. I've heard only good things about it. There's also the Burgundy Lion which is really close to that spot (on Notre-Dame street, near Bell Center).
Hope you enjoy Montreal, P.

[Ted S.]

Joel Anthony played in Montreal.
.
I'm guessing James Naismith got some of his inspiration for basketball while scrambling to get to the bathroom while he was partying at McGill.
.
Can't wait for the game. Couldn't help but think that a fleur-de-lis Raptor claw on the back of the jerseys would be a nice touch - like the green striping on the Italy trip. Maple leaves don't tend to go over quiet as well in the Belle Province.

[kelsey]

Doug I dont hate any of the Raptors...But I do "hate" there game play. One thing I dont like to get the lines blurred like some fans. Its a game. I will verbally kill players on there game play but not personally.

But yes I "Hate" Bargnani and Calderons game play!!!!!!

[CC]

"As a side note, it is terribly painful to watch the Raptors offense when Evans is on the floor"

your right.. thats why i prefer Andersen over Evans anytime...

[Ryan M. in Ottawa]

Hey Doug, I'm having the same issue as "mike kovacs" in that my link also takes me to the Oct 19 post if i don't add the slash!

Blogger's note: I'll pass it on

[Ian]

SI just released their inaugural power rankings. Where do the Raptors lie? Bottom. 30 of 30. Let's hope they're wrong.

[CC]

i hope Andrea does not read your blog Doug.. it's good his offense if coming along slowly now but i hate it when i hear people complain that he only got 1 or 3 or 5 rbs for a 7ft. continue what your doing Bargs.. and i don't mind if you get 2 rebounds a night... and stop doing post up moves cause that's not what you do best..

[craig]

Calderon is a creature of passion. He plays his best when he feels challenged, upbeat and has something to play for. He has no passion or nothing to drive it. He will pick it up once he see's that he has something to play for - right now he doesn't, unless you count playing for eighth spot in the conference which would be good for 4 blowout losses in the playoffs.

[Jeff]

The problem the raptors have at Point, is they have too much money tied up in Calderon, that they can not afford to sit him. But if the coaches are really about accountablity, and do not want to mess with the rotation, then they should be starting Banks a pg, at least from What I have seen in his limited time, deserves a chance to play some minutes and see what happens. I am sure he can not have any worse numbers then what Calderon is producing, and he might even give some defense that Calderon lacks.

[Jack]

@kelsey
You should have heard Jack Armstrong's theory on why Bargnani can't corral any rebounds last night. He thought that Evans was getting all the rebounds or the chances for rebounds, so Bargnani was left with less.
Holy guacamole. These media people... anything to justify Bargnani's existence on this team.
Matt Devlin... he's another Bargnani cheerleader.

But there's no sense in beating a dead horse. We all know that Bargnani is a defensive liability. He may have a few good offensive nights but his defensive plays will always be lacking.

Offense sells tickets. Defense wins games. Rebounding wins championships.

[Kumaran]

Would you say there is only 2 playoff places up for grabs in the East? Heat, Magic, Celtics, Bulls, Hawks and Bucks are pretty much favourites to make the playoffs at the moment. Which 2 teams would you pick if you agree?

[Lenon]

Samuel Dalambert spent time in Montreal!!

[J]

@kelsey:

"Well Well, people are coming around. Jose just can not cut it, mentality or physically at this point."

Glad to see you can take anything and make it as negative as possible. Especially laughable since it's pre-season and it's not like you can magically lose the ability to shoot.

"Why the heck did Colangelo extend Bargnani early? Someone answer MEEE!!!."

You keep asking this question what seems like several times a week (I know you're just fishing for people to agree with you, but I'll bite). Surely you can figure out for yourself that the early "buy-in" was for cost certainty as well as based on the assumption his asking price would be higher later. There's the reason, and if you really didn't know, then you can stop reading here. Otherwise...

That he didn't do much last year to raise his value is moot; sometimes you get it right and sometimes you get it wrong, but this is neither. The first year of the extension hasn't even begun and you've been over-reacting (since last year) like he's being paid over $10 mil this year AND you've been shot with a shotgun. If $8 mil isn't his current value in the league, it sure isn't far from it. No way to prove it now since he didn't get to test free agent waters, but you can't prove it isn't either. And yes, raises are customary unless you're Matt Carroll.

The fact is he turns 25 in a few days, and his contract ends when he's 29. Maybe he'll continue to disappoint, then oh well, but what do we have to lose? We're even farther from being a contender now without Bosh, so either 1) you're deluded about how much help the team needs, 2) you think the smart move is to give up on potential when you have nowhere to go but up, or 3) you think all-star centers grow on trees and thus are not subject to salary cap rules. Either way, we get it, you hate Bargnani.

[kelsey]

@J...Like I said to Doug, I dont hate any of the players, because I dont know them personally. However I hate the way some of the players play for this team. Its just MY opinion, I really dont look for anyone to follow my opinion. Listen Bargnani is the so called biggest name on this team but "I" say one of the most under achieveing. When Vince was acting like a punk, me and my friends had discussions and arguments all the time as I was on him everyday. Superstar giving up, sick. That was way worse than Bargnani.

Im sure Bargnani is trying and its not his fault that a Orignization has to put the franchise player on him and the pressure.

What do people on this blog want to talk about. Dave Anderson? or how about the development of Amir Johnson? wait wait how about Marcus Banks?

Its ok ill try to limit how much I talk about so many fans knight in shinning armor!!!!