Time for a change, and the best Montreal has to offer

All right.

Way, way late thanks to some interweb and computer issues.

Sorry.

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Change is afoot, apparently.

Yes, Jarrett for Jose seems to be a done deal – it’ll be confirmed at shootaround in an hour or so – and I guess it was inevitable.

Jose, as we’ve said for days, really seems to be struggling offensively and what seems to be a crisis of confidence has reached a point where change is absolutely necessary.

As one guy said to me yesterday, maybe playing against backups – at least to start his run each game – will allow him to get back to where he was.

Now, I know there are all kinds of you who won’t agree, but when his game’s going, he’s an excellent point guard, a shooting threat from anywhere on the floor, he is still the best guy they have for running an offence effectively and, with the right rotations and help, he’s a good enough defender. Great? No. Good enough? Yes.

What I’m interested to see tonight and for as long as this goes on, is how Jarrett handles the starting role.

He’s prone to turnovers, and sometimes gets a little “me first” in the offence and while he does play at a good tempo, I’m not sure it’s a perfect fit with guys like Kleiza, Bargnani and Evans.

I guess what it comes down to now is that Jay has to find a way to win more than anything else and while this is a gamble, it’s one he has to take.

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Okay, so there was a guy in the comments yesterday who asked about the top players from Montreal?

Well, after much consideration – well, okay, some consideration – here’s what we’ve got:

Stewart Granger

Dwight Walton, who’s here and looks like he could still get 20 and 10 for Canada.

Bill Wennington

Wayne Yearwood

And I guess it’s a tie between Sam Dalembert, Joel Anthony and I guess Juan Mendez would make the top 10, too.

Have at it, Montrealers.

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Hey, whoever it was who gave me Brutopia on Crescent needs a public thanks.

After a long train ride, a nice locally brewed IPA and a bite to eat was entirely welcome.

What deli do I do for lunch, knowing I’m near the Bell Centre or whatever they call it.

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I’m sure we’ll touch on this subject again before the season starts but it’s a quick mailbag thing today:

Q: Hey Doug. Long time reader, first time writer. Thanks for keeping us up to date on this team through the highs (1999-2002; 2006/07) and the lows (every other year?).

Since all of the pre-season prognosticators are saying that this team will win only 22-25 games this year, I wanted to know if you could give us a sense of the mood inside the locker room? Have they resigned to the fact that it'll be a tough season, or do they look/sound like a team that might play with a chip on its shoulder?

Meraj D, Toronto

A: I’ll tell you this about every single pro athlete I know:

They think they can win every game they play, they are supremely confident no matter what the “experts” say and there is no convincing them otherwise.

The mood is like it is everywhere: They presume they will always win and a lot of them – the vast majority – pay no attention whatsoever to what people say.

Some will pay lip service to the issue and suggest they’ll use it as “motivation” but if you truly need the ramblings of writers and broadcasters who are making guesses left and right as motivation, you might be in the wrong business to start.

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I’m told everything should work well courtside tonight so don’t forget that we’ll try one of the in-game bloggy thingies and I would expect a large turnout.

See you at 7 or just before.

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So it truly is about them.

When we were talking to Jay the other day about playing the Knicks tonight and then again on Wednesday when things matter, the conversation got around to not showing all their stuff and the like.

Seems it doesn’t matter.

“We’ve been playing and coaching for our team and we’re going to do that. We’re going to try to get better and we need the game to do that; it’s not like we can hide one thing going into this game.

"Going into our game on opening night, they’ll have watched all eight of our pre-season games and they’ll know everything we have.”

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Sometimes one word speaks volumes.

Someone – I think it was M. Ganter of The Other Paper – asks Jay about Andrea’s help defence and whether it’s gotten any better.

No.

And the conversation ended because it was pretty obvious the coach wasn’t interested in talking any more about it.

It wasn’t a “calling out” or anything; it was the coach being miffed and not wanting to expand publicly on his feelings on the matter.

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Remember that mailbag thing from a few paragraphs ago?

You, too, could see your name in lights by clicking here.

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I presume a lot of you have seen this update about the collective bargaining talks and how David Stern and the owners would like to cut salary costs by a third or so.

Seems a bit of an over-reach but there is no question that the financial outlay to the players is going to be the central issue in the talks as they progress.

I remain pretty confident that saner heads will prevail and they’ll get a deal done without any work stoppage and I guess having a number out there at least gives the public some idea of where they’re starting in the inevitable to and fro of negotiations.

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Comments

[Chris]

Doug, if you like ribs, you need to go to the Bar-B-Barn on Guy. It's a little hole in the wall, has a cool atmosphere, and was a long time hangout of Habs and Expos! Best ribs you will hava had in a long time. Good chicken too. Best of luck

[Kevin]

Doug writes:
Way, way late thanks to some interweb and computer issues.

That's your excuse and you're in Montreal? Something doesn't add up.

[Steve]

I would add Trevor Williams and Tommy Kane to the list of best ever MTL ballers.

[Andy]

Good enough defender? Yikes. He's a turnstile.

I can't think of a worse defender at the PG spot in the NBA, honestly. If you have any names, I'd be impressed.

[christine]

Jose addressed some the problems he is having on his website. Unless the spanish to english translation is off here and there, I think what he wrote is really telling.

P.S. Any OUA updates yet? :)

Blogger's note: I've got no OUA/CIS stuff yet :(

[Josh C.]

Hey Doug, I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed my suggestion of Brutopia. I'm from Toronto and I make it a point to stop in at Brutopia during my annual visit to Montreal during their Mondial de la Biere (beer festival).

Unfortunately, I can't think of a great smoked meat place close by to the Bell Centre as I usually go to Schwartz's as they have the best in the country (about a 30 minute walk from the Bell Centre). A decent smoked meat place relatively close by to the Bell Centre would be Dunn's Famous (http://www.dunnsfamous.com/) on rue Metcalfe, a little northeast of the Bell Centre, north of Rene Levesque and just before Ste-Catherine.

[norm]

Doug, for a quick bite, I feel I have to recommend the very best shish-taok (lebanese chicken wraps) in the city, which is right near the Bell center and on Crescent street. Just above Maissoneuve on the West side, and half-underground is "Boustan", which serves fast lebanese food of a quality you've never imagined before. Montreal's got a lot of it, and Boustan is always voted the very best of all of them. Add a salad, and it'll put any other deli-type place to shame.

On another note, where are the grunts seated in the arena tonight?

[Nilay]

Doug its so like you to still be praising Jose for his past (years ago) accomplishments and questioning how Jack will handle the starting role. Like come Doug get over it Jose hasnt been very good for about 2 years now and this pre season he has looked horrible. You are questioning Jarrets "me first" attitiude rather than question Jose's non-existent scoring/defending at least with Jack his "me-first" attitude gives us some points on the board, and if guys like Bargs and Evans cant keep up with Jarrets tempo they need to have a seat on the bench also...we cant keep starting games down 10 in the first 3 minutes! Jose is a great team first guy but that can only carry you so far in the NBA if you cant score and cant play defense! Get over it Doug and start calling it as WE all see it Jack is playing better than Jose and desereves to lead this team!

[kelsey]

Good morning all,

Its another day and a blessing to be alive and breathing.

NBA Owners looking to cause damage, yes some players are overpaid, just like Im some people you work with.

Well its refreshing to hear Jay Triano be blunt but honest on the topic of defense. As much I want to see Raptors get a high draft pick, I hate to see the loosing the will have to endure. I was just going to write today on this topic...How hard it must be for the coaches (and the media) to hold back what is so obvious.

There is players who are over helping as they know team mates are extremely weak on defense. I wont mention there names but if you pay attention you know. If the starting Centre on this team has regressed, its only a serious indication of what lies ahead for this team

Im sure Jay knows that the coaches seat well get hot with each loss. I need to think negative, this way what ever Raptors do can only be a positive. Therapy.

Yes Jack is not as controlled as Jose, but at least this makes him less predictable. I really want to see Jay Triano back up what he says about accountability. If the starting centre continues this route there must be more bench time. If someone scores 18pts but allows other team 40pts, your not much help.

Triano had a whole preseason and training camp with this roster to implement his system..Major factors either system is flawed or the players/talent just cant hack it..

I wish to return to Montreal and actually have a good time...

We will just have to see..lets Go Raptors!!!

[Boris]

Re. smoked meat for lunch, try Dunn's on Metcalfe St., only a short walk northeast of the Bell Centre.

[pain777pas]

Doug, I am an Jose fan to an extent. He is a controlled player that can make good decisions with the basketball. Jack is a more potent scorer all around because he has the strength and confidence to go to the hole. He is a scoring point but with the team that we have seen play this is exactly what is needed. Jack is younger and can get better. I have no problem with Jose playing with the 2nd string and improving their games while Jack takes the starting role and develop a chemistry with the starters. If he can draw and kick to Andrea and move the ball to an open shooter like Kleiza or slasher Demar this will be fine. When he has the lane he should go to hole get fouled or better yet score. Jack is not some untameable project he is a leader by choice or born. Outspoken and competitive. I don't mind this move at all and in time might just get the Raps some extra wins. With Evans on the floor shooting will be needed and someone who is always confident in their abilities should be on the floor.

[J. Millett, Halifax]

Doug,

If you or anyone else wants up to date information about CIS or OUA basketball go to http://wasssports.blogspot.com/

[Pipit]

Doug, you've been to Jose's defense for God knows how long and is becoming ridiculous. I can't even see consistently in the actual games on most of the good things that you say about Jose. And everytime a player comes and threatens Jose's position like Jarrett, your always critical with them when its clear as day that the player is outplaying Jose in all aspects of the game. I know how players pay the media to sweeten their image. Are you on Jose's payroll monthly?

Blogger's note: If I was, do you think I'd be here letting people take anonymous shots at me?

[Sharkey]

Doug ... Dunn's is good, but Schwartz's is the ultimate. It's on St. Laurent, a bit out of the way, but it's worth it. That's the real smoked meat. Or do Snowdon on Decarie (Snowdon Metro Station)
Also if you want a great breakfast go to Beauty's at Mont-Royal and St. Urbain (Mont Royal Metro, then route 97 west 4 or 5 stops). Best breakfast place in Montreal or Toronto for that matter. The guy who opened it as the counter is still running around at age 89 or however old he is now.

[Lorie]

Hey Doug,
Wireless issues?
Interweb concerns?
Computer snafu's?
Well at least YOU didn't get snow, right???
(And, did you do Dunn's!)

[JHK]

I agree with Kevin.
There was no computer issue...
It's MTL on a Thursday night...

[Robert]

I understand everybody has different opinions about each player as to whether they are good or not! But with all do respect Doug - you are way off on your vision of Jack and Jose and how they help the Raptors; I'm not sure what games your watching. You said while speaking of Jack "He’s prone to turnovers, and sometimes gets a little “me first” in the offence". He has almost identicle assists numbers as Jose this preseason and all of last year (last year off by .9 an assist per game)so if Jack is "me first" then I guess so is Jose (just Jose does the "me first" with out the scoring, rebounding or defense). Jack does turn the ball more the Jose, but is scoring almost 10 points a game (this preseason)more then Jose and Jack plays better defense (always has)then Jose and rebounds better (always has). Also "me first" is not a bad option in a PG, you speak like it hurts the team. I want my PG to score and undertsand when to be "me first" and when to set up a pass - is Jack a starter!?...I rather him not, this team NEEDS a good young all-star caliber PG. However Jack is a better option then Jose, the only reason Jose was starting is because the Raps are trying to show the league he is what he used to be "a starter". Obviously the rest of the league was right - He aint!!!If Jack can get pretty much the same assists as Jose, play better D, and score 10 more per game and is a better rebounder - then it's a no-brainer, at half the price tag and by the numbers and by the playing on the floor Jack is the #1 choice on this team. Right now, I rather Banks as the second tier PG and Jose can sit and think things over at the end of the bench. Yes Jose when on his game is good and sometimes exciting - but, his D has never been there and he has been in a slump since last preseason. It's one thing to like a player, but this team wants to win, the business wants to win and Jose is hurting this team with his play and his contract that could be used more wisely for players who earn thier money. So when you say "he runs the team better" what do you mean? he can't score or play D, doesn't rebound and only averages 6 dimes per game - when he is on the floor the team is almost always behind or blowing a lead. So unless your talking 2007-08 how do you defend the obvious? The obvious being Jose is a really bad player right now. Worse then Banks!

Blogger's note: Just for the sake of accuracy, Jarrett has two fewer assists in 11 more minutes, twice as many turnovers and has 16 more FGAs

[GM]

I'm an unabashed Jose fan. But I'm also a Raptors fan. If Jack works out better starting and Jose off the bench, I'm all for it. We shouldn't be so hung up on who starts. The bottom line is wins. And if it doesn't work with Jack after a spell, and Jose's playing well off the bench, they can switch again. On Jose's website yesterday he wrote, "I am also concerned about the allocation of roles; thus far the preseason hasn't left a clear idea how those roles are going to be shared. We are all playing pretty much the same number of minutes and with equal responsibilities on offense. It is early, there remains another ten days until our first game, but we have unknowns that need to be defined." He makes a good point.

[AJR]

Doug, when do the Bargnani for Marc Gasol trade rumors start? Please.

[Trevor]

When is ED davis due back to play anyways ???

Blogger's note: Weeks, maybe a month

[Angelo]

I think people had better enjoy this NBA season because nba's heading to a lockout for sure next year in my mind.

I also think that if Jack is going to start it makes sense to start Barbosa, Weems, Amir and Andersen with him, that 2nd unit has earned the right to start in my mind based on their pre-season play and they'll mcompete better defensively. Will that affect energy off the bench? Somewhat but scoring and rebounding will still be there and if Bargnanihas trouble adjusting to a non-starting role that's too bad, he hasn't earned the right to start based on his poor defense.

[Henry]

Doug, how come you have always managed to be the only reporter who slip into the corner of the video footage during players interview? :)

[Kevin]

Good Enough defender? Doug, I know you have to pump out a lot of these columns but some cursory research would be nice. Last season, Jose allowed opposing PGs to put up a PER of 22.6. This means that, when playing against Jose Calderon, opposing point guards function at a level about equal to Deron Williams (PER 23.0). That's abysmal. And before you point to the rest of the defense (who shouldn't be on the hook for having to play 5-on-4 at all times), Jarrett Jack's opposing PGs put up a PER of 16.8.

Jose might be a good enough defender in a Rec league, but in the NBA he's a pylon.

[S]

Doug when you made this comment "Just for the sake of accuracy, Jarrett has two fewer assists in 11 more minutes, twice as many turnovers and has 16 more FGAs" were you referring to the regular season last year or this preseason because this preseason Jack has played 2 more extra minutes has 4.9 assists to Jose's 5.1 assists and yes jack is averaging about 1 TO more than Jose but he is shooting 56% to Jose's 28% and is making 71% (Holy Crap) of his 3's. So yeah as far as directing the team he is far off (as far as numbers) and the "me first" mentality?....I would be ok with that with those numbers!

Blogger's note: No, you're wrong. As of right now, Jarrett has played 162 minutes and Jose 151; Jarrett is 31-55 from the field and Jose is 11-39; Jarrett has 34 assists and 17 turnovers; Jose has 36 assists and 9 turnovers. Those are the numbers.

[m]

Get over it Doug and start calling it as WE all see it Jack is playing better than Jose and desereves to lead this team!
Posted by: Nilay | October 22, 2010 at 10:54 AM
Where is it written that Doug has any obligation to agree with you. Who are you?