Raptors Q&A with Doug Smith

Join Doug Smith at noon as he takes your basketball questions. Use the comment button to submit your questions.

Comments

[Jake Stevens]

Although Ed Davis had a decent game yesterday don't you find he is undersized at the power forward (PF) spot. He may be listed at 6'9 but he appears to be 6'8 at most and unless you got exceptional stength and skill at 6'8 you can't be an effective PF in the NBA.

Jake Stevens

Blogger's note: But you can at 6-9?

[B.Viddy]

Solomon Alabi got zero burn in last nights game. I was very surprised with the dearth of bigs and the game out of hand that he was not even a consideration. Is this kid so wet-behind-the-ears that even putting him in in a blowout would not be beneficial to him?

Blogger's note: Would seem that way, yes

[Ted S.]

Hey Doug. Any word on whether you are going to get to go on the London England trip? If you need a translator/navigator, let me know. I'm free that weekend.

[tzvi]

thanks, your q and a sure beats my pp and j sandwich on this lunch break! you think the jays are going to pick up greinke? you think the raptors should follow the jays framework and stockpile young talent and not worry about winning this year?

Blogger's note: You never, ever, ever in a million years "not worry about winning"

[Dave in Ottawa]

Hi Doug,
I've read that the owners are looking to eliminate all the salary exceptions, including the 2 year veteran and mid-level, as well as the Bird-rule. Wouldn't that lead to an exodus of good veterans and average players and create a bigger drop off between starters and bench players? What do you think?
Thanks

Blogger's note: Haven't really.

[steve]

kleiza doesnt seem to be a good fit. seems like he has his own agenda when on court, is this a matter of lack of coaching?

[Jonathan]

(Just woke up so not sure if you've mentioned this in the blog)

Your views on the D-League were questioned, and the story linked to on Hoops Hype http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/12/15/life-in-the-d-league-not-as-difficult-as-young-raptors-suggest/ Does it feel odd being somewhat of a news-maker, as opposed to a reporter?

Blogger's note: Go figure, president of D League team takes exception to criticism. Yawn.

[Jim]

What is really wrong with Peja's knee? We keep hearing it is swollen, but from what? And what is the prognosis? Is it possible that he's not being played for another reason, and the knee is just an excuse?

Blogger's note: Not sure, don't have an answer about the reason behind swelling; and no, it's not "just an excuse."

[Karl]

Doug,

Not sure if you are still looking for feedback on the new format for question period and for the in-game blogs, but the new system is classified as "social networking" by the gremlins that inhabit my company's IT firewall and I can no longer follow along from work. Also doesn't work on an iPad.
Thanks.

Blogger's note: Thanks, someone in charge will see this.

[The J]

Read that D-League article, the only part I liked were the comments:
"aditya 12-15-2010 4:30PM
i agree that doug smith views are wrong ...."
-
Why am I not surprised by that one?

[J]

@Jake Stevens: The best measurement you're going to get is at the combine, and Davis measured a legit 6'9" without shoes. If you're comparing him to other bigs, do consider that some have grown since their listed measurements, and others were "downgraded" for some reason. Bosh measured 6'10.25" without shoes before his rookie year, so if we go by the common scheme of listing heights *with* shoes, Bosh could have been listed as 6'11", or even 7'0", and Davis is 6'10" for all intents and purposes.

@tzvi: Don't think you can ever compare baseball and basketball. Baseball teams are much bigger, take longer to develop, are a lot less predictable in the draft, and have the benefit of farm teams. Only a minority of teams make it to the playoffs too.

[Tim Miller]

Doug,

How about a shout out to former Raptor Kris Humphries who according to MSN is dating Kim Kardashian now. That's some nice work Kris!