A classic cab ride and a stroll down memory lane

It’s below zero here and there was a bit of wind yesterday and, I’ll tell ya, the locals are up in arms.

Kind of reminds me of the time we got here to find two or three inches of snow falling and you would have thought the apocalypse was upon them.

Or the time I got here to find the only rental they had a was a pickup truck – complete with a gun rack on the back of the window – and man, did I feel out of place.

Anyway …

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Jay brought up an interesting point Monday when we were talking about the Charlotte Bobcats and how it’s going to be on DeMar and Sonny tonight to take care of Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace.

“They’re kind of like who Sonny and DeMar can maybe evolve to be as players, the way they play and the experience they have. It’s a good matchup for those guys and it’s good to go up against guys like that and learn.”

Now, I’m not quite sure that DeRozan and Weems can grow into those two guys but I do see Jay’s point, to a point, so to speak.

I’m still not entirely sure that DeRozan and Weems can play together – I think their skills right now are quite redundant – and I also didn’t think the Jackson-Wallace thing would be all that great. Yes, Charlotte got to the playoffs for the first time ever a year ago; this year it’s been a struggle.

I think one of your wings has to be a legitimate three-point shooting threat and that’s certainly not the case in Toronto right now; I think one of them has to be able to consistently break his man down off the dribble and that’s certainly not the case in Toronto right now.

Maybe one or both of them develop those skills but if you’re looking at one place for Bryan to spend some of his money, that’s where I look even more than for a large shot-blocking centre which would be a close second on my list.

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Seriously, it doesn’t get better than this.

Walking out of the terminal at the Charlotte airport, heading for the cabstand on Monday night.

See it and as I’m heading there, there are two cabs ready to pull out, a little car and a van and I’m figuring I’ll have to wait a minute or two for a ride.

The van pulls away from the curb and comes to a stop.

The side panel opens, a guy says, “Hey, my man, get in. Where you going?”

It’s OAK!

Yep, the one and only.

He’s in town to see Michael Jordan inducted into the North Carolina Hall of Fame at halftime tonight (quick question: What took them so long to do that?) and he was in rare form in the 20-minute drive downtown.

He’s a big fan of Jerryd Bayless, is working on a couple of media things (a potential radio gig and a TV cooking show that’s in production), still can’t understand why the Raptors have a seven-foot three-point shooter and can’t wait to write his book.

“It’s going to be a real book. Not just stories. I’ll tell the truth.”

Best.

Cab.

Ride.

Ever.

Well, second best, maybe. The guy who took us from the hotel in downtown Washington to the airport and turned out to be a guy who played high school basketball against Oscar Robertson was the best.

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How would you like to take a summer road trip to Philly, a very fine city full of things to do, and see Roy Halladay on Friday night, Cliff Lee on Saturday and Roy Oswalt on Sunday afternoon?

How good would that be?

Seriously, that was some serious news to wake up to this morning.

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Here’s a good one from the list of lists:

Q: Heya Doug, you asked for a list and perhaps this is one to get the synapses firing.

Top 5 Raptor game winning buckets. It's always a good thing to remember those bright moments in our beloved team's history, even if they are so few and far between.

Thanks for all the hard work, it is appreciated.

 

 

 

Lorne D, Tokyo

A: Right off the bat, a disclaimer: I know I’m going to miss one or two and I’m pretty sure there will be Irregulars who point out the folly of my selections. And they not all be “buzzer-beaters” in the strictest terms but they were all game-winners.

And, as always, these are in no particular order.

Vince at Boston one night.

Hit a shot from the far sideline where were we sitting, tough turnaround jumper as I recall, and then won another game in L.A. very shortly after.

Vince dunks on Hakeem.

At Toronto, right in front of the Raptors bench, everyone in the joint new what he was going to do and he did it.

TJ at the Clips

The clear out and let him operate at the top of the key, he hits the game-winner and Sam goes berserk. Very funny. Very good play.

Bosh goes deep

At Washington, end of overtime, second possession where they went to him as I recall and he drills a three from the top of the key.

A sweet moment

This is the most cloudy memory of them all – and after you’ve seen 1,000 or so games it’s understandable, I think – but I recall Lloyd Daniels hitting a three right in front of the bench in Cleveland way back in the day to win a game or seal a victory or whatever. If Sweet Pea did anything else memorable in his short stint here, I can’t recall it.

Anyway, that’s what I’ve got.

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So, I can’t help but notice that the Miami Heat have won nine straight and one question pops to mind:

(And it doesn’t ‘beg the question’ by the way)

Did Erik Spoelstra get smart all of a sudden?

Holy Bat-overreaction, Batman!

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For some reason, my man Mr. Bonnell got a day off Monday.

But the paper keeps writing about the Bobcats and here’s what it had to say.

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What about Julian Wright?

How much time is there for him?

He was lauded all over the place Monday for what he did on the weekend – and rightfully so – and you figure he’ll get some time tonight with Jose still out, Barbosa as a point guard and Wallace and Jackson to contend with.

But what about when Jose comes back?

That puts Leandro back in the wing rotation more than as a point guard and once you toss in DeRozan, Weems and Kleiza, there isn’t much time for him.

Should be, though.

How about using Linas solely as your fourth big most nights? Might take some pressure off Ed Davis, who is still very, very, very much finding his way in the game and would allow Wright to fill in on the wing more than he did in the first 22 games of the season.

Makes sense to me.

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May as well start the process now.

Click here to send mail and tell me all your innermost thoughts.

Or something like that.

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Comments

[The Waterboy]

There is one game-winning bucket I can think of which you might have wished you remembered: The one in Washington where one of their players tossed the ball high in the air, only to have Mo Pete jump for it and get the shot off just in time... and it goes in!

The shot itself was memorable on a "Did I just see that?" basis; but it was also memorable for the Washington announcer's call: "NOOOO! Not Possible!"

Blogger's note: Didn't win the game, just sent it to overtime.

[Mike D.]

A cab ride with Charles Oakley! I think you just lived one of Bill Simmons' fantasies.

Btw, I think you're missing a noun (centre?) at the end of the section where you discuss places for BC to spend his money. Either that or you're trying to coin a phrase.....I think most Raps fans would be in favour of "a big shot-blocking", no matter which Raptors provides it.

Blogger's note: Got it, thanks

[Josh]

I still say MoPete's half-court shot in Washington that sent the game to OT - after the Wizards player threw the ball in the air thinking the game was over - was the most memorable buzzer beater... just an unbelievable sequence.

[Mike D.]

Dang...that should have read "no matter which Raptor provides it". Nothing shrinks a head faster than making a typo in a paragraph in which you point out a typo.

[JHK]

Speaking of redundancy, I can't help but to think that one out of Sonny, Demar and Wright has to be moved. Also one out of Bayless, Jose and Barbosa needs to be moved as well... (keep Bayless please). Throw Peja in the mix along with the TPE, we've got solid assets to play out a few trade scenarios.
Surely Bryan is looking at this... no?

[Matt M]

I'm all for keeping both Weems and DeRozan. There are 48 minutes in a game and neither are really good enough right now to play over thirty. But they do work hard on their games. I see no reason they can't both extend their range to the three point line. They might never shoot 50% from beyond the arc, but if they can get to between 35-40% then that will open the floor. After which the dribble penetration becomes easier and both become far more effective, even when playing together. Now if the right three point shooter (young, willing defender, good character) becomes available then I won't bad mouth a trade. But it doesn't seem likely.

[Cal Q. Less]

What does Oak have against our seven foot, 3 point shooter? I think he's pretty good.

[Rob.V]

Julian does deserve more minutes and I also agree with JHK, neither Weems or DeRozan are starters at this point in their career however I don't think you move your 1st round pick so I wouldn't be surprised to see Weems packaged with Peja (or other) in the near future.

Do you think MJ and Co. underestimated Raymond Felton and Tyson Chandlers value to that team? Suddenly, a trade for Calderon and a healthy Reggie Evans really, REALLY seems to make sense for the Bobcats, no?. But they did just get drilled for 31... so the Raptors better come to play tonight or they'll be in for a long one!

Lastly, from yesterday: @Rob V: As a wise man once said: "Hey, I represent that remark"! . But, and this may shock you (or maybe not), but my absolute favourite decade, musically speaking, was 1720-1730. Can any ten years best those that saw the creation of Vivaldi's Four Seasons, Bach's Brandenburg Concertos and Handel's Rodelinda? I think not! :)

Well, I definitely do not listen to enough classical music, so I'll have to give that a try, thanks for the tip!!.

"Hey, I represent that remark"! - I don't get this though??

[Steph]

Hi Doug. readers question, best player nick names.

My Vote, Ben Wallets.

[Mich G.]

Did you offer to help him write the book?

[sal]

tell Oak if it wasnt' for that seven foot three point shooter this team would have about 4 wins right now.

[LeeZ]

Wow. You getting a cab ride from Oak is to basketball reporters what Sheldon on Big Bang Theory getting a ride from Albert Einstein is to tv physicists!
Oh and Doug, did you pitch Oak on letting you be the co-author ("as told to Doug Smith")? I mean, SOMEONE's gotta translate Oakese into English, so why not you?

[sherry]

I had the MIA/NO game on in the background as I was reading.
I heard the commentators talking about Marco Bellinelli. They were pronouncing his name as "belly-nelly" - too funny!! :)

[dribbles]

The other thing about Sonny and Demar playing together is that neither is a lockdown type of defender, and neither is big enough to guard some of the bigger threes.

I'm with Doug. Commit to one of Sonny or DeMar (personally I'd take my chances on DeMar) and give Wright more of a look at the 3.

[Jeff]

Doug,

COME ON!!! You have to have Mo Pete's buzer beater from behind half in Washington. Can't remember the guys name but he trows the ball up in the air with like 4 seconds left and it comes down to Mo Pete with a second left. He heaves it from behind half court and raps win...(or did that shot force over time) Either way it was an amazing last second shot.... that one sticks out for me.

Blogger's note: Didn't win the game

[D-Mac Ottawa]

@Rob V: Thanks for the Odelay connection. Rather enjoyed 'Diskobox' – kind of Booker T & The MGs meets Donovan in 'The Season of the Witch'.
A couple of current names I'll pass back your way (though I really won't claim I've been 'current' since the early 80s...): a proud New Brunswicker named Matt Andersen, and a Brazilian pixie, Mallu Magalhaes. Check 'em out!
@Lorie: Carolyne Mas – wow! And @doug: 'Father and Son' has to be one of the finest songs ever written.
Oh, and Doug: Hey, good morning! You, sir, lead a charmed existence. Does the Oak stay as current with all things NBA as he does the Raptors? Is he still stumping for a spot with the organization? And can you see any circumstances under which something that cool might actually happen?
Cheers. Go Raps!

Blogger's note: Oak's as up to date and as opinionated as when he played.

[LeeZ]

O.K., so a few readers have asked you whether you offered to co-author Oak's book, and you haven't replied, which leads me to believe that you are indeed angling for the gig, and are no doubt in the midst of high-level negotiations as we speak! All I can say is, I'll want an autographed copy (by both you and Oak) when it comes out. Deal? Oh, one more thing: you've GOT to thank your legions of irregulars in the Acknowledgements!
:)

Blogger's note: If that happens, I will

[Lorie]

Hi Doug,
Not only was that some serious news, it was surprising news - and apparently not only to me, but to the Yankees and Rangers organizations, too. How refreshing is it to have news like this come at one from out of left field (pun intended) while being spared a LeBronish Dog & Pony Show. And did anyone see this little item from today's WSJ reminding readers that in the playoffs NY fans spit on Lee's wife and other wives of the Rangers in the stands. "Maybe, when all is said and done, the Yankees fans should have been just a bit nice to Cliff Lee's wife." Maybe niceness still counts.

[sam]

If it was a choice between Demar and Sonny - I think you have to stick with Demar - At present Sonny has flashes of brilliance and then disappears, or becomes jump shot happy in stead of attacking the rim -
Why does there always ghave to be a point guard debate. Jose does a lot of things very well - looks after the ball and I truely belive he makes players like Amir, Andrea and the two wings better - Bayless I believe has a way to go before he's a starting point guard - the game in Detroit showed he has the ability to score - but maybe at this point he's better suited to the guard spot where he can be a little more selfish with the ball.

Cliff Lee in Philly? A wealth of riches in the starting rotation is an understatement -

Since Music seems to be a popular topic here - let's put a word in for some Canadian Content - Blue Rodeo and Bruce Cockburn are favourites of mine - any recoding - anytime - Live they are pretty darn good too.

[Andre]

i love Oak! that guy is the best...

Name one 3 point shooting 7footer that lead his team to a championship?

Is there any thoughts to bring Oak in as a coach? that would be awesome.

[doug]

@D-Mac Father and Son to me is in my top 5 of fav songs, just the words and how Cat Stevens sings it , just a true work of art....you know that would be a extraordinary cab-ride with Oak but what perplexes me is how that man doesn't have a job in the NBA as a coach or on a network as a analyst, imagine him and Barkley??...I respect Jay and I realize a coach needs to build his players up but I don't see Weems or D.D. being compared to Jackson/Wallace i don't see it at all...plus Jackson has a very unique skill-set and besides that a attitude to match...so jay I think to me is just doing what a coach does trying to boost his young players and not only give them something to strive for but also as a coach a reason to push them....Lee always said he loved Phillie guess that proves it, if I were a professional athlete without them knowing (the team) I would take less to play in Chicago more then anywhere else, i love that city...I think people /fans/media don't give enough credit to the city/situation where a player signs...kudos to Lee for going where his heart wanted him to go (and maybe his wife)...

[Richard]

Doug,

I read yesterday that Memphis is shopping 2nd overall pick Hasheem Thabeet. He's billed as a shot-blocking big, 2 time NCAA defensive player of the year and has crazy length - listed at 7'3''. Something of a project offensively but could provide interior defensive presence and wouldn't be looking for many touches.
Any idea whether the Raps would (or do) have interest?
What's your take (as a potential fit for the Raptors)?

Blogger's note: My take is don't believe everything you read

[doug]

you know talking about Cat Stevens made me think of someone else...he has sort of fallen thru the cracks but was one of the great story-tellers, and a voice to match...here's a concert of his from Hamilton..back to back...a mini-novella...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmPwr-RvEfc&feature=fvw

[Jeff]

Alvin Williams hitting the jumper in New York - biggest bucket in Raps history as it clinched the playoff series. Thinking back, the future looked so bright, thought they would push for the finals the next few years. Sheesh.

[The J]

I was going to bust you on that Mo.Pete shot, then I remembered it wasn't a game winner. When I saw the comments, it was nice to see that I wasn't the only one thinking that way. If it didn't have to be a game winner, I'm sure the Mo.Pete shot takes the top of the list.
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If I'm not mistaken Vince against Boston and LA, and Vince's dunk on Hakeem happened in the same season. That was an exciting season and Vince developed a strong reputation of being a game closer. Which was funny that after he left TO, people questioned his abilities in crunch time. I guess they noticed his only game-winners were coming against TO at that point. Oh well, I guess I'll just sit here and think back to what would have happened had Vince hit one more buzzer beater in Philly.

Blogger's note: Mo's shot does for sure, if it won a game.