Working hard and keep the streak alive (no, not that one)

Hey, look at it this way.

They didn’t lose last night. Makes today an easier day around these parts, too.

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The theme of yesterday’s practice, and the theme of the entire season to date as a matter of fact, was the need to work hard and play hard for 48 minutes every game.

No slacking off for a few minutes here and there, no easing into games, 100 per cent intensity for the get-go.

I guess it was Cliché Day as well as Signing Day.

Anyway, it does get to a point that a lot of people have asked about lately and raises a question for which there is no logical answer.

Why?

Why do athletes – and it happens to every team in every sport in every city to some degree – seem to waver in their intensity every now and then?

Can’t say. Can’t be explained. It just is.

And to all of you who write in asking about it, I can only offer this: Do you have great days every single day at your job?

Do you work consistently hard every second of every day at the office or the factory or on the road?

No way.

You may think you are, but you’re not.

But to suggest these guys aren’t “trying” is, frankly, ridiculous. They may not be successful, the other guys might simply be better but it’s a disservice to suggest they don’t care.

I know that sounds entirely defensive of athletes and perhaps it is but I’ve been around them a very long time and I can assure you they do try and do care.

They don’t always win and they don’t always do the right thing and they make glaring mistakes and lose games but sometimes that’s just the way it goes.

But to think it’s lack of effort is wrong.

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That said …

This team is not very good at the moment, there’s been some defensive slippage and I’m still not sold on the theory that the offence is good enough and if they don’t smarten up, the entire season could be in the toilet two weeks from now.

And then all we’ve got to look forward to are those “wow” moments in every game and the entertainment that a night out gives us.

Oh, wait a minute.

That should be enough, right?

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Ed Davis Update

(And not since the never-ending ‘When Will Reggie Be Back’ flood a year ago have we spent so much time dispensing little or not information)

Anyway, he did a little three-on-three yesterday that was about his first semi-serious work.

But if you’re looking at timeline, look way down the road.

The kid’s going to need more than a few practices to get up to even close to speed and with the way the schedule breaks down, there’s not a lot of time.

I’m guessing – big guess, too – that you’re looking at two, maybe three, weeks at the earliest.

And, yes, I’ll answer this again next week. Promise.

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So I see the Heat lost last night to Utah because Paul (not Ronny) Millsap went berserk and it’s pretty interesting, what’s going on in Miami.

There’s no question that team is great – you can’t have James, Wade and Bosh and not be really, really, really good – but there are some huge flaws, most notably in the paint and at the point.

Let me ask you this: If Pat Riley calls you, do you make a trade with him? No way, right? He’s got nothing you want, he perhaps helped orchestrate the biggest free agent coup ever and if you think some rival GM is going to help make that team better, I think you ought to think again.

Kinda cool, no?

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Time to talk about the streak.

No, not the three-point one, that’s a fun one that gets mentioned once a game because the Irregulars like it.

Jarrett Jack’s streak; he’s at 295 straight games and counting and as he kind of limped out of the gym after practice Tuesday, he had this to say about his prospects for tonight:

“I’m definitely going to play. Still stiff but I’ll be out there. I’ll give my team 10, 20, 30 minutes. I’ll give them whatever I have.”

Jarrett’s third among active players on the Ironman list; Andre Miller’s at 620 and Derek Fisher’s at 420.

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I swear, if Bristol is the DWTS winner (and she’s a semifinalist), there should be a federal inquiry. I’m torn, conflicted, confused as to whether the kid Kyle or The Lovely Jennifer Gray should win but it’s ABB. (Anybody But Bristol, in our love affair with acronyms).

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Charlotte?

Here’s what Rick’s saying about the Bobcats, who are scuffling along almost as badly as the HOTH.

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Let’s do a quick one out of the mail, shall we:

Q: Hi Doug. I know you don't get to every game in person. Wondering which assistant coach you think gives the best halftime interviews. I've been impressed with PJ's candour, and Jim Todd was always good.

Your favorite and why?

 

Jeff I, Toronto

A: You’re right, I see so few games on TV I probably don’t have as informed opinion as I should but I do see some and I do get to listen to some of the interviews when I’ve got the front row seat at home games.

And, because I’m as much about voice and inflection and style as information, I was huge fan of Jim Todd and like PJ’s style this year.

But, truth be told, I’m not sure there’s a lot of earth-shattering information that’s shared in those chats. They always have to defend better, rebound better, turn the ball over fewer times.

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Now, I do see some good ones over there in the mail slot (I’m trying to whittle down a list of five favourite steak joints) but there’s always room for more and you know how to get there.

Click. Type. Send.

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Sorry to disappoint any Irregulars out there but we can’t do a Question and Answer thing today, too much to do like banking, packing, writing, hanging around shootaround.

We’ll see if we can fix something up for Friday from sunny Orlando.

-

 

 

Comments

[DougG]

"They didn’t lose last night."
.
One thing I've noticed about my children this year, and their friends, all of whom are basketball fanatics, is they don't seem to care if the Raptors win or not. Last year it really bothered them. Some of them are hoping they lose every game so we get a decent pick, others just assume the Raptors will always lose and they should just accept it. It's no wonder half price ticket offers are rolling in as MLSE continues to destroy the sports scene in Toronto, single handedly. Now they tell us they are going to extend BC. Obviously, winning is not a requirement to be the GM of the Raptors.

[DaveT - Ottawa]

5 favorite steak joints?

I know it's probably blasphemy to a ``real steak joint'' but I don't think I've ever had a better steak than the Cowboy Rib-Eye at Ruth's Chris in Toronto. Server was great, atmosphere was good. Accommodated us walking off the street in jeans and a sweater just like if we were in Armani and stayed open for us and the 2 other deuces in the place to finish up with no pressure.

Good times.

[Michael]

Hey Doug,

Nice article today about Signing Day. Will there be pictures of all the drawings the players did for the wrapping paper? That would be interesting to see.

Blogger's note: Not from us, there were too many. Maybe the team posts them on its site, I don't know.

[SteveG]

Hey Doug,

About the intensity/consistently working hard thing. I do agree that many (most, all?) out there probably don't do that every single day. But let's think of it this way. Say for the 82 days where I need to work hard and be intense (in my field, perhaps project construction days, presentations etc.), I can probably muster that intensity, for the other days, sure, maybe slack a bit because it does happen and you're right. Those days for players would be off days, even practice, the off season, before games. But those 82 days out of 365, game days, 48 minutes of the day even, you'd think they could be intense from start to finish. I know it's a game (how nice a job is that) and in the grand scheme they're not important, and that msot players care and put forth effort, I trust you on that for sure, but really, slack off a bit on off days or before the game or after, but for 48 minutes, 82 (even say 79, because things happen) days of the year be intense maybe.

Great work on the blog by the way.

[Lake Simcoe]

When BC meet someone tonight, he will probably say: "Man, everybody knows you suck at drafting, now they know you also suck at trading. Welcome to the toilet!"

[ET]

Toronto Raptors management, coaches, and players are very lucky. Toronto Media is very kind to them. You can get away with mediocre effort on all fronts. Until people stop accepting mediocrity, we will never have a successful franchise in this city!

[Rob.V]

From yesterday:
Rob V. "His stock is at an all time low. You know - Buy Low – Sell High, right?!
"
But with his contract, there is no way you could call that buying low. And since he has been hurt so often over the past few years it's hard to know what he will even give. 22 and 7 sounds great, but is that something he is still capable of?

Good point however - “ And since he has been hurt so often over the past few years it's hard to know what he will even give”.

Sounds like Jermaine O’Neal no? Didn’t we agree to pay that cat $20-$23 million for a couple of seasons before we traded him to Miami. My argument would be that unless Arenas suddenly morphed into Tracy McGrady (ouch!) his contract could be moved.

Another point would be that the final year the contract actually becomes a huge asset so as I see it - if you get him at the deadline this year its only really a 2 year (and change) contract if things go south. But how could they possibly get worse, we’re the worst team in the league right now!!!

Posted by: The J | November 09, 2010 at 01:07 PM

[Mike P]

About going hard at work all the time makes sense Doug, however, they are not working an 8.5 hour shift that somtimes causes me to pace myself. These players are responsible for 2:30 hours (with breaks) of work per day or every other day. If i had to do my caseload in 2.5 hours, i would be working like a mad man, my intensity would be through the roof. So it just sucks hearing that you are coasting on possessions because of potential discounting principle or you are feeling tired. you are working for a small period of time, go as hard as possible during this acute time frame. Every job is mentally draining and some are also physical, its how you cope with it. I assume these guy's motivation and determination is better than the avg since they have made it to the professional level. so it just mind boggling sometimes that they can't play a full 48.

[Rob.V]

Also from yesterday:

You're right about buying low and selling high, but you're wrong that now is the perfect time to buy low. It might not be buying high, but it's still buying 3 more years after this season of his $20+ mil salary. Unless Washington takes back equivalent salary composed only of our "trash", packages Wall with Arenas just to dump him, or buys him out so he can sign with us for the minimum (wherein we wouldn't be the only team interested) it's not actually buying low -- just buying when nobody else is dumb enough to.
Posted by: J | November 09, 2010 at 06:49 PM

J, Love your posts dude however:

Are you suggesting we do nothing, or trade for more mediocre talent. I suppose we could finish last in the league this season and hope we win the lottery (crapshoot if you ask me).

Arenas is only 28, can still ball, and I know you follow the game so I think you would agree with me that its not easy to get your hands on a 3X All NBA player. He did return for 32 games last season and was 22-7 so it’s not like the body didn’t hold up. It was stupidity that kept him out, not health.

Think about it. We were willing to (overpay) Bosh to the tune of $17-22/23mil for 6 years (120 Million!!!), when we clearly knew he wasn't a leader or would make us a winning team. Come on, admit it... you were ok with this. I was! Crazy eh? Hindsight really is 20/20.

A true star in Arenas at 2 ½ years, plus 1 year of an expiring deal that is totally moveable doesn’t sound so bad to me.

All I’m saying is that if they leave Miami 1-8 or 1-9 this week Arenas should be under consideration at the highest levels if say, Calderon and the TPE would get it done.

And again, we’ve forgiven Colangelo for worse (JO and Hedo). The answer is definitely not to sit on our hands and do nothing!!!. Arenas and one of the FA centres I mentioned yesterday (K.Perkins?) could turn this franchise around in a big way by next summer.

Also, Areans/DeRozan has the potential to be one of the best back courts in the league with time.

And I know tha you understand the whole "steve fruitman" side of the business much better than I however with Barbosa, Banks, and Evans coming off the books next season... and maybe you move one of Amir or Bargnani as well (if Ed Davis shows promise) I’m not so sure this team would be strapped financially even with Arenas’ contract next season. but maybe you can share your thoughts here.

I’ll leave it there though as I’m not really a huge Arenas supporter, I just think this team may be desperate enough to try to make another big splash and I wouldn’t be against it. We’re going to need a star to attract other players if we’re serious about turning this thing around.

[Coach K]

Good to see an insiders view on "effort".

I hope Ed Davis is off 4/5 weeks. The Raptors coaches hands are full right now building a team concept. On this team, at this time, Davis is just too young to rush into the NBA for any reason and the team needs to be sure mentally Davis believes his body is once again invincible.

Losing...honestly this makes games affordable and attendance an option for many many of us. When this team finally looks like an NBA contender tickets will be harder to get than the Leafs. I don't think most basketball fans (or advertisers for that matter) realize the community interest in basketball and the demand that a winner will create.
I am enjoying these cheap opportunities to see the best athletes in the world playing a game in my backyard!!

[Rob.V]

One last one from yesterday (I promise).

You mentioned that some pay near $20,000 per season to watch ball. Somehow I can't generate much sympathy for these poor little rich kids when they whine about the Raptors.
Posted by: m | November 09, 2010 at 05:17 PM

What does this have to do with being rich or spoiled?

What I was debating with Doug (which I’m sure he was aware of) and partially defending that other dude yesterday was that if you’re a sports writer, Doug’s absolutely correct. Who cares?, it is entertainment. He’s not paid (or pays) to give a crap if the Raptors win or lose.

I imagine some paying customers have paid hundreds of thousands of personal dollars essentially putting their money where their mouth is, so I don’t think its wrong to care about what product is being put on the court year after year.

It has nothing to do with being rich or spoiled. It’s more about being financially invested in the team and the organization.

So I disagree with Doug on that. But he’s a big boy... and knows I still love him.

BTW - Ask Triano or Colangelo if they think it’s simply “entertainment” to see what their answer is. I’m sure they would agree with me (not Doug) on that one too.

[Skiff]

Gilbert Arenas has the worst contract in the NBA and hasn't done anything remarkable for 3 years now, except sit...a lot! There is NO was the Raptors should try to get him. He's done. Sure his deal is an asset in the last year, but that's 3 years from now. Again...WORST CONTRACT IN THE NBA!!

[g.t.]

Regarding Intensity.

In sport , your intensity level has a lot to do with how your competition plays. Maybe the team you play against is just too fast (like Golden State), maybe you lost your rhythm as a result. These things happen when playing a physical game at this level. Remember every player in the NBA is more likely light years better than the best player we have seen that isn't Pro. So it is quite easy for any player to look short on intensity when being outplayed. It even happens to Kobe, and that guy works hard before and after games. We see it happen to Lebron as well.

Sitting at a desk is very different even if you are in a fast paced environment. It's highly unlikely that any of us deals with issues like nausea, muscle cramps/tears, lactic acid while getting the adequate training required to do our jobs. Unless you are in the Military of course.

[Lazaros O.]

Strange posting today, Doug.

First you write:

"But to think it’s lack of effort is wrong".

But it is exactly lack of effort that very often coaches blame their players for after a loss. Almost all teams take the night off from time to time (otherwise there wouldn't be blowouts).

Then you say: "And then all we’ve got to look forward to are those “wow” moments in every game and the entertainment that a night out gives us. Oh, wait a minute.That should be enough, right?"

Unless you're being sarcastic here. you are essentially saying that the fans shouldn't care if their team wins or loses, as long as they get some "entertainment" for their hard-earned dollars. What's the point of being a follower of a team then? You can get entertainment by watching the good teams on TV.

[Lorie]

Hi Doug,
So Jarrett Jack is a streak unto himself! You know, there is always good news if you just look for it, eh? Well, thanks for giving me another ARSE (Awesome Raptors' Streak Event) to follow. What technically is meant by this particular "Iron Man" moniker? To be excruciatingly clear about it: in order to maintain his place as the AIM (Active Iron Man) #3 does Jarrett have to be a starter, or just record some minutes in the game? And Bristol? Puuullease! If she goes on to win, this will be so obviously an example of absolute DRECK (Disney Rules Everything Conspiracy Krap).

[pain777pas]

Well watching Millsap last night was a delight. Really enjoyed that game yesterday. Miami is getting the best out of the teams they play. I like the Jazz. I have to say from the coaches to the players. If Okur comes back, we may have a serious fight in the playoffs with Lakers, Mavs, Jazz and SAS. Now about the effort thing Doug. I see your point. I know if I was paid to do what I love to do which is play basketball. For most players they really like playing the game or did before they were paid to do it. I'm not questionning their effort really. I just think that the Craptors stink. Plain and simple Doug. Good players mixed and matched and put on the floor by the management. Make moves to show they are doing something. I want the Raptors to stay here in toronto cause I would love to go see the good teams. I am pushed everyday in my sales job to perform and have to dig in deep to keep my job. If I don't do my job I'm fired. I try to create habits at my job to ensure that I am successful and KEEP MY JOB. You can become a habitual good worker at your job believe me. Most of us are in cruise control unless were in R&D and have to constantly innovate. No one can tell me that habitually the best players seek out rebounds almost habitually or even instinctively. If you don't dribble all the time you won't be able to handle the ball. Everything is simple. Effort to habit to instinct.

[chris]

Well, i would love to see Bargs actually man-up with his effort a little. He might be the softest starting center in the league. Terrible.

That said, the guys are working hard, staying close in most games, and losing enough to hopefully warrant a high draft pick. Given the alternative (overachieving and being on the low end of mediocre), I'd rather have what we have.

[Jack]

Oh sure, they try. They try their best. It's just that we don't see the results that we pay them for. Which means they are not really good. So is anyone of them worth $10 million a year? And by trying hard means one rebound per game? $10 million a year.

Blogger's note: Of course not. None of them are "worth" anything like their salaries. Doesn't mean a dang thing, though

[kelsey]

Good day All,

Its really tough to swallow that this team is one of the worst 5 teams in the league with no promise at all.

I never really gave it any thought but Arena's thing may be a knee jerk reaction..Its 2 sided, if he stays healthy he is still a threat in the league and must have a major chip on his shoulder, but unless u could bring others it makes no sense, suppose the move jose and someone.

Im sure they still have Bargnani, which is a major issue..I will say this UNTIL RAPTORS TRADE BARGNANI OR PUT HIM TO BENCH, this team will never grow. Its the same situation as Bosh but a much worse player. We all know Bosh didnt bring the team to another level. But at least he lead them. Bargnani can not will never be one, thats just not the clothe he is cut from not his fault

Colangelo should and is on the hot seat, So is the whole scouting for this franchise, teams like San Antonio, Utah always seem to find gems. Raptors very rarely.

1-9 is guranteed. Honestly hard pressed to have 5 wins by Christmas. They have to get games against Washington,Sixers and Pistons at least..Just my opinion

[Eddy]

Doug, now that Toronto is known as "White Vegas" do you think more basketball players will want to come and play here?

Blogger's note: One guy writes one phrase on a horrificly flawed premise and I should care?

[Ryan]

Ed Davis for Chris Bosh?

[kelsey]

That writer did a good job, He is a writer and in todays life people like the "juice" or TMZ moment. Well Im sure players dont do the same in Milwaukee or Oklahoma City.

Toronto is a Mega city with all the bells and whistles. I think just because its in Canada some people may be surprised. But saying that Bosh only played well because other teams were tired is non sense. What a laugh!!!

Entertaining though!!

PEOPLE STOP TALKN LIKE TORONTO FRANCHISE MAY LEAVE BECAUSE THEY HAVENT BEEN GOOD FOR COUPLE OF YEARS..Stop it, is sounds so silly. This is Not Vancouver and Im sure MLSE would never let that happen. To much $$$ to be made!

[Steph]

Today I usually run 12 k. I also run 6 K on Fridays and Saturdays. Mondays and Tuesdays 5 k. Today I stopped at 5K, Why because Monday night’s basketball game I played I got an elbow in the mouth, a sprained pinkie and a good bruise on the left calf. I can run with a fat lip and a sore finger but the bruised calf is limiting. This was admittedly a rougher game then usual, and yet it does not compare to what any pro basket ball player goes through.

My point is that effort is given based on what your body is telling you. Effort can be 100% all the time, there is never an excuse for not trying, but for anybody to say the efforts is not there is not giving credit to the athlete who day in and day out lives with constant aches and pains. Effort is not a moving target, but ability to deliver is. And that ability to deliver has so many factors that anybody who does not play any sport competitively could never understand. We all experience everyday illnesses and sicknesses, but athletes suffer from strains and contusions and sore tendons and stretched ligaments and who knows what else. Roll your ankle, take off your shoe to tape it up and get back on the court. Does that affect your effort, no but it does affect your ability.

I’m not making excuses for a lack of effort. You give what you can, but that changes based on what I said earlier. There are some players that have not always provided 100% effort, and we know a former player like that, and we will never forget or forgive that indiscretion. But that person is exception, not the rule.

[Eddy]

The Suns are holding a press conference shortly. I guess Dampier is gone again, if we still wanted him.

[GM]

The effort conundrum is fascinating to me. Because how can the group as a whole decide the effort is or isn't going to be there on a given game? If we're using the job analogy, you might phone it in one day but your coworkers are feeling good that day and pick up the slack. And vice versa. But in sports, it's usually a team thing. You might see one lone wolf out there hustling and playing well on a night when his team is being blown out, but that's about it.

Also, keep in mind, dear readers, this is not a Raptor-specific phenomenon. The Lakers and Heat and Celtics all lose to far inferior teams. What do you think they're doing except taking a night off? But that's why they play the games. If you just go by best teams, the Lakers shouldn't lose except occasionally to other top notch teams. They should never lose to mediocre or poor teams. Yet they do. In fact, the mighty HOTH beat them last year. How do you explain that?