Some bad stuff but the feeling won't last

Look at it this way:

There’s another game tonight!

Anyway …

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THREE POINTERS

Bad Bargnani

Yes, that was Andrea’s worst game of the year by far. Listless, couldn’t make a shot, far too slow at both ends.

But you kind of knew early.

First quarter, first couple of possessions and they tried to get Bargnani in the post but it looked like he wanted none of it. He started his move too far from the basket – pushed out there by far from the most physical defenders in the game – and made a couple of half-hearted efforts to get into the paint, settling for little fadeway jump hooks about midway up the lane.

No, not good enough at all.

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What’s that I see?

I’m sitting there watching the second half unfold – and it almost caused my retinas to burn – and first I see Marcus Banks on the floor, then I see Banks and Jose on the floor at the same time and then I see Jose and Jarrett on the floor at the same time and I’m thinking, “quick, rub your eyes, they’re deceiving you.”

Not sure what Jay was up to except trying to find some kind of magical combination that would provide a spark but it didn’t work.

And I don’t know that we’ll ever see it again; nor do I think we should. It’s too small a backcourt, at least one guy’s playing out of position and there are other off-guards who probably need the minutes.

As one-time experiment, maybe it was worth it. Long-term? Don’t think so.

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Who is this guy?

In his first two seasons in the NBA, Sonny Weems attempted 18 three-pointers (11 last season) and made, um, two.

So far this season, he’s attempted 11 and I’m wondering if he’s channeling some inner Dell Curry or something.

Now, I’m all for a guy extending his range and he has made four of six in the last three games but Sonny’s strength has to be mid-range and attacking the basket and to watch him take two threes in the first half last while not getting to the free throw line one single time in the entire game is a bit much.

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And now …

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Okay, forget it.

The Clippers and I are through.

Yes, they were my surprise darlings before the season began, now they’re 1-10, stinking the joint out on a nightly basis and I’m done with ‘em.

I blame Donald Sterling.

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Lots of links.

Here’s Washington’s from last night.

Here’s Philly’s for tonight.

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Speaking of Philly …

Big O’s ticker trouble

It’s at the very end of The Drinking To Forget Tour – a raucous four-game road trip right near the end of the 16-66 season that I’m sure I’ve recounted before – and we’re in the coaches locker room before the game talking to Butch.

There’s a ruckus in the hallway, Oliver Miller’s been complaining about his chest, and there he goes, wheeled on a stretcher. Now, recall, this is one game after he’s served a one-game suspension for hamming up with The Chicken in Atlanta during a timeout in a one-sided loss and there’s not a lot of goodwill betwixt O and the team and there are suspicions that he’s perhaps not quite as ill as they are being led to believe.

Anyway, The One And Only Phil Jasner doesn’t know the backstory and tries to assure the collected brass that they have great heart institutes in the city and O will get great care.

Says one of the Raptor poobahs, who shall go nameless:

“Tell ‘em if they find one to take it out."

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Payday? Close but not quite

It’s the Saturday night before Game 7 in 2001 and the ongoing fued between Oak and Tyrone Hill has been a running story all year, Ty owed Oak an obscene amount of money and Oak wanted it.

Well, the story goes that Ty showed up at the team hotel with a brown paper bag filled with cash, many tens of thousands of dollars, to pay off his debt.

Oak, that okay with you? Is it over now?

“Don’t see no interest; ain’t over yet.”

Or words to that effect.

Man, I miss Oak.

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A lost opportunity

Same 16-66 year, darkest season of beat coverage I’ve ever had in any sport at any paper, and one of my lasting regrets. The start the season, it was 1997-98, with two straight losses which is no big deal and then win their third game, a stellar triumph over Golden State and then – get this! – rattle off 17 straight losses.

And yours truly had the honour and privilege of covering every single one of those 17 and if you don’t think that taxed my creative abilities, let me tell you it did. You walk into a locker room a dozen games into a streak like that, knowing you’ve got nothing to ask and they’ve got nothing to say and get 650 good words out of it.

So, where’s Philly fit into this?

Well, it was Dec. 10, 1997 when the streak came to a merciful end.

In Philly. Walt Williams went off for 39, Damon had 14 assists and it was like the weight of the world was lifted.

How’d I feel? Ticked.

I was home, watching on TV while old colleague M. Harding took the trip.

That’s right, I lived through 17 straight losses and missed the win.

Grrrr.

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Sarah’s little girl survives and Brandy, who was perfect on Monday, gets bounced? I blame the Tea Party.

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I swear, I was sitting in a local yesterday afternoon waiting to swap stories with Griff after being in the office and one of the TVs had on a replay of an old Raptors-Wizards game from a couple of years ago.

I look up and there’s the original Legend – Pops! – throwing down a vicious dunk and all I can think of is:

“Don’t check the e-mail, someone was watching and will want him back.”

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You know what?

I kind of missed that In-Game Bloggy Thingy, too.

And because a few of you were nice enough to write yesterday suggesting it’s okay to do it from the comfort of home, or perhaps some day the comfort of a lounge, we’ll bring it back for the rest of year, regardless of where I am. A bit more work but it’s fun, actually. A kind of nice sense of community has developed or something.

That’s after tonight, though. Have plans that can’t be changed.

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Okay, some lucky group of high school students out in Scarborough will get the time of their lives this morning (yes, speaking engagements are another part of the gig) but that means I’m away from here for a few hours.

Can’t wait to get back and read the angst.

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Comments

[Peter]

I didn't want to write yesterday to put any pressure to bring the in game bloggy thing back, because I totally respect the need to spend time with family, or take time for yourself, but now that it's going to be back for sure... THANK YOU!!! It's fun to watch the Raptor's win, but sitting through a terrible game like that, knowing there's nothing but a losing season ahead, I really missed the entertainment value that the blog provides.
It's games like last night where the Super Dog updates, and the menu items at Casa Doug, and the Hazelville references are really appreciated, because let's be honest, the Raps offered NO entertainment last night.

Good to see that you missed the blog too!

[joe]

Hi Doug,
Any word out of MLSE as to whether Colangelo will be offered an extension this year or will they be waiting until season's end?

[GJC]

Hey Doug - one good thing about last night's performance is that they should be well rested for Philly tonight!

[Eddy]

I'd like to know why Brian Colangelo continues to get a free ride with the Toronto media. He must have pictures or something.

[JT]

Doug,

After this type of start and yes, it's incredibly early in the season, do you think it's likely the Raptors win 30-ish games or does it look more likely they might be in the 20-25 win range?

[Al]

What a massive letdown after their efforts in Florida. I hope Jay runs them til they puke next practice (works in my men's rugby league).

On the bright side... the Leafs won.

[Dee from Sauga]

Hey Doug!

Which high school were you refering to? Was it at Pope John Paul? Panther pride!

Blogger's note: Laurier in Scarborough, a fine time had by all

[Kevin W]

Did you catch Jay's halftime interview? I'm pretty sure he said "We're playing like horsesh*t right now", absolutely classic. Eat your heart out Jim Todd, Triano is coming for the crown.

[Derek S]

Morning Doug,
Interesting in today's blog that you "give up on the Clippers" after their 1-10 start, but you seem surprised that so many fans are down on the Raptors after their 2-9 start?
Last night's game in particular was a stunning example of why so many fans get frustrated. It was evident from his chat at half-time and post-game that Triano is equally frustrated with his group. I agree that the Banks/Jose combo was strange, but I think at that point Jay was willing to send "anyone" on the bench in to play, to try and send a message to the rest of the team that anyone willing to give some semblance of "effort" is going to get to play. Unfortunately there was no such person on our bench last night.
For a team that "seems" to recognize that their only chance to win is by playing at 100% effort, they might as well have just shook hands at centre court and gone home last night, skipping the game entirely. The Wizards, without John Wall are a team that this Raps squad "should" have had a legitimate chance at beating. This is the kind of game that they "should" be jacked up for - a game when they should expect a win, when realistically there won't be many such opportunities this year.
I've never been that critical of Bargnani in the past (frustrated at times, but not critical), but I seriously think that if Colangelo gets a good offer for him, he needs to pull the trigger. I'm not saying "look for a trade", as that puts you in a weak negotiating position, I'm just saying that he shouldn't consider him "untouchable" in regards to trade talks. Forget that he was drafted #1 - the issue is what his salary is. Based on what he's getting paid, he needs to be far more consistent than he's shown at this point in his career. There's always going to be nights where your shots don't fall - that happens. But good players still find a way to contribute in other ways - defense, rebounding, assists, drawing fouls, etc. When Bargnani's shot isn't falling, he just completely gives up, as he did last night, and not surprisingly, the rest of the team seems to follow his lead.

[sam]

Happy to hear the In Game Bloggy thingy will make a return - A blow out is not the same without you -
I must admit I lost interest in the game - and seeing a few guys go through the motions last night was frustrating. Hearing Jay swear during the half time interview was a little entertaining - but didn't make up for the lack of effort the Raptors displayed -
Let's Hope tonight we see a little more enthusiasm.....

[yertu damkule]

don't be so rough on bargs, doug...remember, he's a uniquely gifted 7-footer.

[MJ Walker]

Could not believe the player rotations that Triano trotted out last night. Does Jack have pictures of someone on the coaching staff? Is there something that says he has to always play more minutes than Jose or he will sulk? In almost every game this year the Raps are behind when Jose comes into the game, he settles the team down and they get the deficit cut. Last night Jack was substituted back in around the eight minute mark of the second quarter because Jose had two fouls. So what--he has six to give in total and he seldom fouls out.
For one night it would be nice to see Jose start and play 35-38 minutes and let Jack play 10 minutes or so. If not please trade Jose--he deserves far more than what this coaching staff is giving him. Every time he has a good game his minutes are less than Jacks and if the minutes are close Trino will get Jack back into the game in order to make sure his minutes are greater. Jack reminds me of a basketball version of Domi--lots of comments but very few results.
One question Doug--You seem to be an expert on DWTS so I assume you vote each week. Right or wrong?

[SheikYurBouti]

From a ghost irregular: very long time reader, rare commenter from Calgary (yes, you have many fans of your writing outside the Toronto area). For what it's worth, like some others, feeling a little shy about asking you to do the in-game blog thing from casa doug, but it's missed here too.
I'd like to know your opinion on what happens to bring almost an entire team down to a low energy level like last night. They had two excellent games, followed by two days rest. Wouldn't you think they'd be pumped by their performances and physically recovered?

[Diablo]

Hola Doug!

Good to hear you'll be bloggin' on. I have no issues with you bloggin' from the comfort of your couch or bar stool, it's a great way to "watch a game" from Argentina where it is difficult to catch the games. You nailed it with the sense of community comment...it's like watching with a room full of friends. I look forward to the next...

[pain777pas]

Morning Doug,

It was a good to know that Wall didn't suit up and make life worse for the Raps. When Wall and Howard get back on this Wizards team they have some pretty nice pieces if they can gel. Nothing to say really about this game. Arenas was back and filling it up and the Raptors just aren't any good Doug. Why did I say anything positive about Jose? I knew that it was a flash in the pan for CB to see. He does not want to be traded and if the coach doesn't instill confidence in this team they will lose to the Clippers. Kaman and Baron aren't playing Doug. Those two are important pieces to that Clippers team. I see a better output from this team when they return. If they were in the East they would actually have a shot at 8th. Doug, the 76ers for all intents and purposes with the nobodys save Brand and Iggy can beat the Raps. That is sad don't you think? I must now be honest and echo a sentiment from Kelsey another commentor on your blog Doug. Building around Andrea which is another Bosh will yield the same but in all honesty worse results. This team needs to change its focal point. Derozan and Weems are the guys I put forward. Young and hungry for glory. We need guys with grapefruits not raisins Doug. What do you think?

[chris]

So Im just wondering if CB0.1 has asked on his twitter account what he should do now? I cant believe melo called him out. Its almost to see a guy I cheered for on so many nights struggle so much (but not at all after he played us last year). I guess it goes back to what a lot of loyal fans knew all along. CB4 was a good player, allstar?? borderline. He was a terrible defender, never got superstar calls and only looked good on a lot of nights because we were an inexperienced team. Last night sucked, there will be more of those, but hopefully with the trade exemption, Ed Davis and a top 3 pick, we can look forward to the future.

[Lorie]

Well, it may not last for you, mister, but I quite frankly have had it up to here with that crap! I am not wasting another second of my TV viewing time on such claptrap. This season has turned into an utter travesty. The inclusion of a contestant whose very presence must have been seen by even the most unaffectedly simple network execs as allowing for the Republican Rabble Fringe to befoul this celebration of dance with partisan political poop...well! As I say, this may not have gotten your shorts in a twist, but I'm going to go to the top on this one! Bruno! I've got your number and I'm calling it. I sense a kindred spirit! (Yes, yes, of course I am talking about DWTS. The Raptors are gloriously politically neutral.) And, yeah!!! DSIGBT lives...in all its glory, from all its venues! Irregulars and Interlopers give thanks.

[Jimminy]

+1 regarding bringing the in game blog back. Last night when Banks replaced Jose my first thought was that I would have appreciated your take on it.

Here's a question to tie DWTS and basketball together. Which current & retired hoops players do you think could win DWTS?

Blogger's note: Not Clyde Drexler, but Rick Fox should have

[kelsey]

I m not going to beat a dead horse, but Triano, Bargnani and Colangelo need to be removed from this team..

At the best Bargnani MUST BE MOVED...He doesnt even look like he is giving any effort. He is so soft he doesnt get after it...He is a sold piece of iron that is sinking this flippn ship. Colangelo should be fired just for defending this guy. He had no rebounds thru I believe 3 qtrs. His butt should be benched when his giving this effort.

WE ARE SICK OF THIS FLIPPN NON SENSE...

No more of this garbage, why is Anderson playing more than Dorsey, Anderson jacking up shots etc. Im sick of this.

[Jeff]

Really dissapointed in Bargnani's play last night. He had no interest in playing any defence or being aggressive at the offensive end. This team will go nowhere if the supposed focal point of the offence is not playing hard every night. It's time for someone in the organization to publicly call him out and demand better. JT should have sat him down for the second half of the game.

[alex]

I'm not sure what to say about what I saw last night other than Triano and Colangelo are probably going to find themselves in the unemployment line before long. Other things that crossed my mind:

- Bargnani would be outmuscled by a 12 year old girl for a rebound
- The team is generally devoid of talent and Triano doesn't seem to understand you need athletes to compete at this level. I'll admit Weems and Derozan aren't world beaters, but without either of them on the floor the raps are listless.
- We gave Amir Johnson THAT contract and he can barely get off the bench? am i missing something here?

[Jack from Holland]

Thanks Doug, the in-game blog is great for battling homesickness whilst abroad.

See you there!

[Pipit]

Oh, what can you say about Andrea. Such a cold blooded lazy snake. Doesn't work hard and doesn't care at all. Doug, can we have a coach who can whip this guy?

[Rob.V]

What have I learned over the first 11 games.

A) The critics were right. This team sucks! Theres no denying 2-9. Yes the schedule is going to turn a bit however they haven't proved that they are capable of winning at home either so... anyone interested in buying seats to some games this year???

B) Coach Triano is too helter skelter for my liking. i think its time to send a message to a couple of players (ahem! Bargnani). It's clear that Wright and Dorsey should be getting more minutes... for the simple fact that they are going to at least compete!.

C) If Dampier is still on the table I am dissapointed in the GM. What he's suddenly turned "gun shy"?? For virtually Patrick O'Bryant like dollars can you sign this bloody guy already. Javale is getting better... but he's no Wilt for gods sake. We need a rim protector and some toughness in the paint. if you're not going to play Joey... sign Dampier!!!

Reggie gives you everyhting however hes simply at a disadvantage height wise. Oh, and he's bang on with his post game comments... no heart!

D) I've been patient, very (as in 5 years now)... but its running out with Bargnani. Playing horrible is entirely acceptible. Playing with what appears to be zero effort... is absolutely not! DeMar, Sonny and other can get me 100 points... I need a 7 footer to lay some wood on somebody...see point C.

E) Funny how all the people calling for Calderon's head are quite now. Hey guess what.. the team still sucks... but you cant blame him anymore can you?

Also, (and I will duck for cover once gain) HOWEVER: Wouldn't it have been nice if Arenas was completely taking over the game (when it was in the balance in the 3rd quarter) for us rather than Washington? You need an elite PG to win... and guess what... they are hard to come by.

20-6-7 (in his first start of the season) sure would have looked nice in a Raps uniform last night. What, 30 off the bench the game before?? 3 Raptors PG's= 3 Agent 0's last night- as in (unfortunately) no impact!

But as our wise old prophet has stated here before. Lather.Rinse.Repeat!... so we try again tonight.

[Pipit]

I was planning to switch channel at the end of the game when Dorsey went in and I decided to see this guy play and see his intensity during garbage time. First play was when Arenas drove inside meeting Horsey. He fouled Gilbert and afterwards planned to help him get-up and exchange low 5 with the opponent. Didn't help when Jack and Matt was talking about him and how Colangelo made good in picking him up late and under the radar. Horsey was all "going the motions" until the end of the game. This sums up the play of the Raptors last night. Minimal talent guys who don't play like the way they should play. When your not that good at least mediate it with playing hard and a lot of effort. If the coach can't even motivate 2nd or 3rd rate players to play hard every night, then what else can Triano do? I'm sorry Jay, but your not good enough to coach in this league.