Almost a full house and a trip down memory lane

A series of random, mainly unrelated thoughts today after spending yesterday doing pretty much nothing but booking travel and making work plans.

-

So, all indications are that Linas Kleiza will be back for tonight’s game against the Washingtons after missing two games with the Achilles issue.

What’s it mean? Well, with Leandro Barbosa still out I presume it’ll still mean some minutes for Julian Wright but it gets them back to a four-wing rotation if that’s the case and I honestly wonder about the wisdom of that.

With the way DeRozan played in Florida, I think they need to extend his minutes, not have them reduced at all and that might be what happens if you throw another guy into the mix.

I asked Jay after the Miami game what might happen when all the wings are healthy because there’s no way the world that they can play five in a game – DeRozan, Weems, Kleiza, Barbosa and Wright – and he said made a joke about “maybe I can” and added that he liked the competition between players for time on the court.

Of course, he wasn’t serious because five wings, two point guards and three or four bigs is far too many guys to run out nightly and expect any on-court cohesion to develop.

Now, I can see things like early foul trouble forcing him to go with four guys on the wing but there are going to be nights when things are going well and normal that they don’t need more than three and it’ll be interesting to see how the guys left out handle it.

-

A Did You Know:

Did you know that six of the last 17 games between the Wizards and Raptors have gone to overtime? That’s a hugely disproportionate number of overtime games and makes a grunt quite happy he’ll be watching from somewhere comfortable tonight just in case.

-

There is news about the Wizards that you’ll want to know.

Here’s Michael Lee’s piece from the Post this morning.

-

Memories and moments of Washington? Yeah, there are three for sure.

Mo’s big moment

We all remember the circus halfcourt shot that Mo Pete hit that night to send a game to overtime that Toronto eventually won, right?

Of course, we all remember that if that if he didn’t make that shot, Toronto would have avoided New Jersey in the first playoff round and who knows how that would have played out, but that’s not the story.

The story is about interlopers and drop-ins and rare visitors to the beat.

To set it up, I will tell you this: Among pro sports to cover – and this is generally held throughout out our industry – basketball is the toughest to write at the buzzer. So much can happen in so little time that you find yourself crazed with the final few seconds of a buzzer beater. This team takes a lead with 1.5 seconds left, that team makes a shot with 0.4 seconds left and whole story turns around and editors rarely give a rat’s bum, they want their copy NOW.

Anyway, a fine young lad named D. Naylor, now a big time TV dude but then a Globe correspondent, dropped in for that game while in D.C. doing football and some pucks or somesuch and to see the look on his face when the entire story turned around with a halfcourt prayer was classic.

As I recall, he got through it just fine but it did illustrate one of the hazards of covering this game.

-

Yes, a Sam moment

Wouldn’t be a road tales day without one, right?

I can’t remember what year it was but they started out horribly on the road and we’re standing talking to Sam in the hallway outside the locker room before the game.

He makes some crack – and it was quite funny at the time – to the effect that if the Raptors don’t get better on the road, they’re going to become the Washington Generals, the long-time whipping boys of the Harlem Globetrotters.

Well, it cause quite a stir because – somehow – it was misconstrued that he’d called his team the Washington Generals and that was thought to be terrible, even though it was pretty close to the truth.

Trouble was, he didn’t. He made a joke, it was how some of us reported it and it just goes to show you that things can really get twisted around.

Man, I miss Sam.

-

Bosh’s big shot

Remember the night Chris Bosh hit a three-pointer right before an overtime buzzer to win a game? Good shot, in rhythm, fine play call, open look that no one saw coming.

Don’t remember him getting ripped for taking it; am sure that would have been different had he missed.

-

Okay, I’m all about Jennifer Gray as DWTS gets down to the final. Super Son’s still locked on to that Disney lad and it’s causing quite a bit of consternation around here.

-

Let’s get a mailbag leftover done, shall we?

Q: Doug, whatever happened to Butch Carter? Seems like after he got fired in Toronto, he fell off the face of the earth. Any clue what he is doing these days? And how come he never got involved with the NBA again?

Steven R, Clarkson

A: Oh, he’s out there, trust me. And I know he’d like to coach again and I think he should because he’s got a great knack for it. And he didn’t get involved again because few GMs would have the stones to give him a shot, which says more about them than him. But I wouldn’t be surprised if some college didn’t come calling.

-

Oh, right. Can’t do an in-game bloggy thingy tonight or tomorrow; got stuff to do.

Plus, I’m not sure there’s much added value to me sitting on a couch or a stool watching on TV. If you think there is, we’ll re-visit it for the next games I don’t go to – I think I’m bailing on Indiana and New York next month but that’ll be it for a while.

But we will be here at noon on Thursday for an hour-long question and answer session if you like. Figure it’s best to let these next two games unfold and see where they are.

-

Want to start the mail process since we’re back to a normal schedule this week without a silly Saturday night game?

Click here to write and send; I look forward to hearing from most of you.

-

 

 

 

Comments

[Rob.V]

Anyone read this yet. Looks like the perception around the league was that Bosh knowingly stiffed Colangelo and the Raptors organization. Maybe Colangelo had a very valid point when he stated that there was absolutley ZERO communication back then from the Bosh camp. Boooo! Boooo!

It doesn't matter at this point... however just relaying what Melo had recently said to the New York Post about him leaving the Nuggets if he doesn't sign the 3-year extension currently on the table.

He promises not to leave his team hanging. MELO: "I'm not Chris Bosh," We're not the same person. What I do will be straight up. Management knows that." New York Post

[j bean]

As far as the wings go DeRosan keeps improving and looks like someone that can finish when the game is on the line. Can't cut his time. Weems and Wright have the best defensive games and Weems can score as much as Kleiza or Barbosa. Wright is an intriguing player who is young and should be able to improve his scoring touch. It doesn't sound like Triano and Colangelo really have a plan for this log jam so we'll probably just see reduced minutes for everyone and not get a chance to see DeRosan, Weems and Wright continue to impress like they did in Florida.

[LeeZ]

So in view of this excess of wing players and the fact that DD needs more, not fewer, minutes and that Julian Wright is providing them with quality minutes at both ends (notwithstanding his occasional ill-advised 3-pt. attempts), why not have Barbosa undergo surgery to correct his wrist once and for all rather than having him struggle with the injury all year long? btw, how much of that would be the player's decision and how much the team's? I mean, obviously, no one can force someone to have surgery if he doesn't want it, but the team can shut him down if it wants to. And if it does, would the surgery cost him the entire season, or just a couple of months?

[Boko]

I don't think that it's strictly a 5-man competition for minutes at swing. I see DeRozan & Weems at the top level right now, period. It's more of a 3-man competition for minutes as the subs, IMHO.

[CARLoS M.]

Do you think Sam misses you too? I'm looking forward to your Sam article when the Nets are in town next month.

[Mike D.]

Not sure whether it was published yesterday or today, but I liked the DeRozan article. Of course, I know you don't really want praise, you're just trying to be aggressive and help the Star.

[Pipit]

Will John Wall play tonight after having an ankle sprain?

Blogger's note: No

[Kevin]

Hi Doug,

I'll leave it up to you to decide what is a good use of your time, but.... You should know that some of us may find your in game blog makes the game that much more interesting. I'm losing some of my passion for professional sports, but I still enjoy a good conversation and you certainly do provide that.

[GM]

I think there is definite value in doing an in-game blog thingy even when you're at home. It's not like you're breaking stories even when you're at the game, although you do find out about injuries and whatnot. But when you're at home, it's like a bunch of friends gathering to watch the game together and talk about it. It's a different thing than when you're actually there, but it's not a lesser thing.

As for that Bosh 3-pointer, why would he be ripped for taking it when he made it? That would be ridonkulous. But in no way should that be taken to mean it was a good shot. It's only a post facto good shot. Any shot, particularly a game winner, is a good shot if it goes in and your team wins. Had he missed, he would have rightfully been ripped.

Did Butch Carter play for the Lakers? When I was first getting into basketball, I chose my team -- the 1979 Lakers -- based solely on their lineup in the TV Guide. I noticed they had three "presidents" on the roster: Ford, Carter and Nixon. I thought that was funny so I cheered for them -- and they went on to win it all that year (1980). Don Ford, Norm Nixon... and was it Butch Carter?

[The J]

The best part of the Mo Pete shot was watching the replay from the Washington broadcast where the play-by-play guy was yelling "No!! NO!!!" (hows that for impartial commentating). If you recall AP hit another miracle shot to send the game to overtime the next year and I recall the play-by-play guys were saying "Not again!!! Not again!!!". There are also a couple of youtube videos of that Mo Pete shot where you can hear the cheering and taunting fans go to sudden shock and then silence when Mo hits that shot.

[Leaf fan in Van]

Doug: can't remember what year the Raps started horribly on the road? Was it -95, 96, 97, 98.....02, 03, 04....09, 10? It would be interesting if you could do a Worst 5 list (Road teams over the past 5 years)...

[Al]

Doug 2 questions:

1. The Miami or Orlando game where Andrea was on fire in the first half then stone cold in the second... was that fitness related or just a streaky player unstreakifying? And related, how is the team on Andrea this year? He is their leader in scoring, decent defence, some rebounding, and less in love with the 3-pt line than in prior years.. I think they'd be pretty happy so far.

2. Re the 5 wings... Will Barbosa, in particular, be ok with coming off the bench? He's a veteran, played in smoe big games with some great teams... seems to me he'd be a little ticked to be backing up Kleiza, Sonny or DD.

Blogger's note: Defensive attention first, maybe a bit of fitness; Barbosa's been coming off the bench is entire career

[kelsey]

Yes Mo Williams shot was bitter sweet. I believe Raptors lost that game they would have played a depleted Washington squad...could have should have etc...

Ah Man Im really hoping that Raptors stick with Weems and DeRozan. I just dont think Klezia matches the energy. Kleiza can hit the shot and play post, but I rather see the young guys...Julian must keep getting PT as his defense has been solid, the little things. Everyone knows Rapts needs a piece of defense they could get.

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Yo Doug,
I will second and third a nod in favour of the In-Game Blog Thingy for any old game any old time. If you were to In-Game Blog Thingy a darts exhibition on some netherworld cable "specialty channel", I would likely try to tune in for that freakin' darts show, just for the entertainment value of all the commentary.
You've pretty much singlehandedly changed the way many of us view our TV sports these past couple of years. A basketball game withOUT an In-Game Blog Thingy is simply a lesser event now. When the Celts and Heat tipped off on October 26, I remember thinking how perfect this game would have been for a Doug Smith IGBT, and how comparatively 'vacant' it felt for lack of same.
So, all due appreciation for nights off whenever and wherever you need them – and you absolutely do need them. But please don't second-guess for, well, a second how much or little 'value added' is happening with a DSIGBT. The value is HUGE (not an acronym). I for one know I'm getting way more than my money's worth!!
Cheers. And thanks for all the hard blogging. Go Raps!

[Raptoronto]

Doug - I know you love Butch don't let your admiration cloud your judgement... any coach that threathens to sue one of his own players over trivial comments during he most important time of the year AND was angling to overthrow their GM so they could have more control over personnel decisions will not be landing a job any time in the near future.

Blogger's note: Actually, it was a former player and it was a helluva story

[Lorie]

Hi Doug,
Well, add my voice to the cacophonous din of Irregulars who would miss the companionship of a DSIGBT (uh, thanks D-Mac Ottawa for another acroynm to add to our cache of 'em), because it IS (not an acronym) like sitting with friends, and enjoying their conversation, companionship and good cheer. And I don't know whether you've noticed or not but over the past few of years, the our local HOTH don't always provide 48 solid minutes of entertainment. You do. And then some. And hey, I don't know about anyone else, but I never have to give out MY (again, not an acronym) credit card number to log onto the DSIGBT (yes, this one is an acronnym), but if I had to in order to participate, I just might (and I am notoriously thrifty). So, seriously Doug, we hope you enjoy lots of nights off with friends, family and other pleasures of a personal life, but please don't think that live from the arena in-game blogging is the only in-game blogging that is worth doing. Heck, Doug, you could live-blog a construction and traffic mess from rush hour on the QEW and I bet lots of us would be entertained. Salut!

[doug]

I just think as i have stated before that a 9 man rotation on any team (discounting foul trouble) just doesn't work...Jay is the head coach and hence tough decisions are coming...he can't use 9 guys in double digit minutes, there is so much downside and most of all is this...having played b-ball for years the times i played my best and the team did was when we had 7 guys going full-tilt..as you know when your getting a break it's a quick one...you are into the game both offensively and defensively it just a flow to it, a intensity.....to trade a player for a player doesn't help so maybe a 2 for one or a draft pick...who it is is not my decision....well that sux, first time I was going to available for the I.G.B.T...(in game blog thingie) and it's a no-go, now who and what do i vent at??...guess go back to the old days, curse the t.v.....or yell my approval...

[Pipit]

Will the Regend be playing tonight?

Blogger's note: No clue, not there, haven't heard. Guess we'll find out at 7

[doug]

my apologies i never meant to plagarize D-mac ...I am at work and doing a few things at once...so i must have read his comment and sub-consciously did it....so my bad...Bob Dylan on his classic Modern Times album was accused of it, his response was, to paraphrase "maybe i did as i have read so much stuff in my life...it wasn't intentional".....as mine wasn't either...

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Hey @doug, I'm not sure what you thought you might have plagiarized, but imitation being the sincerest form of flattery... thanks! It was John Milton who said, "Copy from one, it's plagiarism; copy from two, it's research. " And Paul Gaugin said, "Art is either plagiarism or revolution." But Einstein said it best: "The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources." : )
Cheers. Go Raps! P.S. I was thinking the same thing today that, if a trade does come up, it's very likely going to be a 2-for-1 and who that might be... who knows, but I'd still keep the Young Gunz together if I could.

[Striker 77]

Look,

For all of you who think that Bargnani has issues with fitness, as a reason to why he sucks in the second half of games, look at it this way...

An opposing coaching staff watches Andrea Bargnani get 18 points or so in the first half, and then, ummm, think about what to do to make sure that he doesnt do the same in the second half... out come the other defensive systems to implement on the second half...

Bargnani's coaching staff has little or no answer to the adjustments that the opposing coaching staff make at the half, and then Andrea makes only a few points in the second half...

Honestly folks, what is more realistic? A pro baller in the middle of the season loosing that much steam in a second half? Or a team being out coached by the other teams staff when making adjustments to stopping the lead scorer?

[John]

Hmm. A whole blog and NOBODY is demanding a firing! Or did you put a ban on any posts that demand a firing?

[sam]

The Irregulars are a smart bunch - Good company indeed.....

[Christa]

I vote for the IGBT whenever possible, keeping in mind your need to not work ALL the time. Also, I understand that there may be some things "up with which the SuperWife will not put", to butcher Mr Churchill.

[CARLoS M.]

DWTS Update for you. And you think Raptors fans take stuff too seriously?

A Wisconsin man shot his television and then engaged in a 15-hour standoff with police because he "was upset that a political figure's daughter was on the show when he didn't think she was a good dancer, the complaint states."

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/crime_and_courts/article_3a5b6914-f1ce-11df-80f8-001cc4c002e0.html