Cue the scary music as we look at Gaines

A bunch of little items after a rather boring Thursday but games come fast and furious starting tonight so the slow time ends soon.

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Now, this is scary.

You remember Sundiata Gaines, right?

He’s the kid who got called up from the D League by the Utah Jazz – the moment was captured on TV in one of those “behind the scenes” things -- and, after just one practice, he finds himself on the court, at home against the then-mighty Cleveland Cavaliers in the dying seconds of a close game. He drills the first three-pointer of his career to win the game and leaps on the scorer’s table to bask in the adulation of fans and teammates.

The date:

Jan. 14, 2010.

Today’s date:

Jan. 14, 2011.

Wild stuff, eh?

Anyway, that little snippet of news aside, what do we make of his arrival on a 10-day deal yesterday?

Not a whole lot but it’s certainly some insurance, especially after Jerryd Bayless kind of hurt his ankle again at practice.

But the bigger concern they had when they picked up Gaines was Jose’s foot. It’s getting better but it’s not near 100 per cent and while they can manage his minutes and rehab and all that stuff when there’s time between games, it gets dicey when the games pile up and there isn’t a lot of down time.

And with a back-to-back starting tonight and one to finish the road trip next Friday-Saturday in Florida and games in New Orleans and San Antonio in between, they figured it was wise to have a young fella around just in case Jose can’t go or is hugely limited.

I still think they can get by with Bayless and Barbosa and that it’s going to take Gaines 10 days at least to get up to speed enough to play but they don’t pay me the mediocre bucks to make such decisions.

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Speaking of the D League …

Hey, Solo’s back.

As we said all along, Alabi was sent down to Erie mainly so he could play in the D League Showcase – all the league’s teams gather in one place for three days of games – and he’ll be back on the end of the bench tonight.

No, he didn’t get really good down there; no, he’s not ready to play in the NBA yet; yes, I’m sure he’s glad to be back.

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Oh yeah, more on Gaines.

Know who had a lot to do with Toronto’s decision to pick him up rather than any of the other unemployed point guards out there?

Darrick Martin.

Yep, Darrick’s working in basketball development with the Minnesota Timberwolves – Gaines’s last team – and when the Raps called Darrick for info on the kid, he gave a glowing report about Gaines’s willingness to get a team in its offence rather than look for his own shot and for his character of the court.

And, funnily enough, I’m told Gaines will wear jersey No. 2 during his stint in Toronto; probably not in homage to D Martin but still kind of interesting in a “I have to fill out this blog with marginally interesting tidbits” kind of way.

Now, if the kid hits the lone three-pointer of the game in garbage time at the final buzzer, we’ve got ourselves a story.

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As a wise man once said, not much good happens when worlds collide.

Yep, this is me and the pucks.

Sort of. A little bit. Not much but enough.

But it was nice talking to Popeye for 20 minutes or so on the phone and he promised to slap Sam in the head for me so something good came of it.

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There is no way in the world anyone can feel anything but bad for Brandon Roy with the news yesterday that he’s going to have scopes on both knees and there’s no guarantee that’ll even work well enough to get him back on the basketball court any time soon.

It was always fun to watch him play – and hopefully will be again – because he was so good at controlling a game without being overly flashy, just the way I like it.

But it’s also worth pointing out that maybe someone owes some doctors a bit of an apology because all we heard around draft time was that there were concerns about his long-term prospects.

I really, really hope Roy gets back to at least something approximating what he was; I also think we should pay closer attention to reports before drafts now and not be so quick to judge.

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What are you doing at noon?

The cool kids will be here to ask questions that I’ll try to answer.

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Detroit?

Well I don’t know for 100 per cent sure how much a mess that team’s in right now but the decision to sit Rip Hamilton for an entire game the other night – a move Tayshaun Prince called “buffoonery” and that’s a word that should stick – can’t be a good thing to diminish any chemistry issues or clashes between coach John Kuester and the players.

And with that in mind, and with the Pistons having taken yesterday off from practice, here’s what’s in the papers heading into tonight’s classic struggle down at the arena.

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Best thing about a home renovation? When it’s over Super Son has a nice subterranean room all to himself and I live a Wii-free existence.

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Seriously, folks, some of you owe me mail.

And luckily for you, I think we’re going to have to have a day’s delay in its delivery thanks to the Saturday night game in Washington.

So, click, write, send and say hello.

Like this fellow did:

Q: Hi Doug. In my mind one of the best stories of this years Raptors is Leandro Barbosa. Not only has his speed been so fun to watch but his interviews and comments seem genuine and thoughtful (including his comments on driving in the snow). Any chance he gets consideration for 6th man of the year award? Even if he doesn't, I hope BC keeps him around, he is the kind of player I love to cheer for.

Thanks

 

 

Trevor B, Saskatoon

A: He has been quite a nice story indeed and he’s a very good guy. Just the other day, Zic asked him about Marta and when you can get an NBA guy to talk knowledgeably about women’s soccer, it’s cool.

Anyway, to your point.

As a guy who has cast more than a few post-season ballots over the years, I can tell you one hugely determining factor in any of the votes is team success so, no, I don’t imagine he’ll get any consideration whatsoever.

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In case you were wondering …

Pats will roll, the Steelers should win and how cool would a Green Bay-Chicago NFC Final be?

You’re welcome for the tips, it’s what we do around here.

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Comments

[Dave]

So Doug, you think that Dejuan Blair is the next medical concern draftee to have his career cut short? I remember the same types of reports about his knees coming out of Pitt, and that probably contributed to him sliding to the second round, if I remember properly. Now here's the question: Brandon Roy gave Portland three good years of national prominence...now it could be all over...would you take those three years, or the longer stint of mediocrity that Bargnani seems to be delivering? (I'd evaluate Bargnani above mediocre, but not the Raptors teams that he's been a part of).

Blogger's note: I'm glad you'll pull back on characterizing Bargnani as mediocre and here's an interesting fact: Bargnani has played in more playoff games and won as many series as Brandon Roy. And should have many more years of productivity ahead of him. I think it's a no-brainer

[Matt M]

Brandon Roy is hurt? Should have drafted Rajon Rondo! Ok just kidding. Bargnani will be a very good piece when this team starts to win consistently. I apologize BC for ever doubting the Bargnani and DeRozan picks.

[Lorie]

Morning Doug!
Well, you weren't kidding about needing a side of scary music for today's read of the blog. Yeah, yeah, that January 14th stuff was kind of neat, but, Doug - you wrote a pucks story??? Please, please, reassure this Irregular that it was a primarily a basketball story with hockey as only a secondary theme, and not the other way around!!! (But whatever your answer, it was a good story and nice to read about this fine family.)

Blogger's note: A one-off deal, not to worry

[Dante Belvedere]

so is gaines good or bad? im confused

may b he wil play good... bargnani and barbosa being 2 hot 2 handl right now, theyb shood always get, az hedo turkoglu once said, "BALL!"

[Dave]

Interesting fact indeed Doug...I hadn't realized that Roy hadn't won a series...but I think the total amount of playoff game appearances has Roy with a 12-11 edge...just to nit-pick a little... Have a good weekend, Doug!! (Bargnani for president!)

Blogger's note: Roy's only played in nine post-season games according to his NBA.com stats page.

[Chris]

Doug love the blog but can you please retract your Pats and Steelers comments...you're jinxing my picks!

[Johnn19]

Just for intersts sake Brandon Roy has played 23 games this season at avg 16.6 ppg and a salary of $13.6 mil and with a guaranteed $68.6 million for the next four years, whether he plays another game, or at the same level or not.

Bet there are a lot of very nervous people in Portland starting with the GM!

[dave]

Read and enjoy every day but this - but still kind of interesting in a “I have to fill out this blog with marginally interesting tidbits” kind of way. - had me laughing out loud. As to your next comment, the garbage 3 would have to be for pizza to truly make it a story for you. Thanks as always

[joe]

Terrible news about Brandon Roy. Great player and person. I hope it all works out well. You're right Doug, in pointing out, the importance of doing your predraft due diligence on all players. There was huge concern about his knees heading into the 2006 draft. That's why he fell to 6th and oddly enough was taken by Minnesota who subsequently moved him to Portland. In retrospect, BC took way too much negative heat for picking Bargnani. Sure, he may never be as good as Rajon Rondo but if you look at all the other good players taken in that draft: Aldrigde, Rudy Gay, etc., it was a pretty good pick.

[Wilber]

A blog giving Barbosa some love has to include his classic Avatar stint:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8D9ksRJ5PY

[HopeCaper]

Hey Doug, just a comment on a few people re-thinking their opinions of players that the Raps have been developing. New players are a crap shoot as you really have no idea how well or bad the rookie will be which is why you don't jump on th eplayer, coach, or GM about how lousy they are. It takes time and to paraphrase that's why they play for years to determine how good they are. To me the Raps look good for the future. Good corps of players who if given a cfhance to play together should turn out to be one of the better teams especially with some additions at key areas. A lot of the holes they have right now are developmental the only real question is who steps up.

[The J]

As for the Popeye Jones/Pucks story, couldn't you find a picture of Popeye in which he wasn't getting dunked on? That's just cold. But I have to admit it's great seeing that old pin-striped big logo jersey next to a Washington Bullets jersey. The only thing better would have been to see a Navy/Orangey-Yellow/Red Denver Nuggets jersey with the Mountains and City skyline.

[GM]

* You may be right about it taking ten days for Gaines to get up to speed enough to play, but that certainly wasn't the case in Utah. And for Sloan, yet! Not only did he hit that game-winner but he played well before that, too. How does that jibe with your current assessment? Was it just a fluke thing? Granted, if he was all that good (or consistent) he wouldn't have been available to be called up only a year after his triumphant debut.
* Yeah, the sixth man award is always handed out to a player on a pretty good team, but I wish that weren't so only because individual players can't control how good the team they're on is going to be. I think if someone is having a great season, regardless of his team's record, he should be rewarded for it. Sure, if it's close between two players, then give it to the guy on the better team, but you shouldn't be penalized for playing on a bad team.

Blogger's note: My current assessment is that he played about 9 1-2 minutes in that game a year ago and hit a rather desperate shot because the Cavs didn't pay much attention to him; as a PG running a team for more than a few minutes, I think it takes about 10 days unless there are dire emergencies and you send him out there unprepared and simply hope for the best

[GM]

* Sometimes I wonder if I, and other fans of a particular team, go overboard with our criticism of the refs because we're so passionate about our teams that it's a case of forgetting the hits and remembering the misses, as it were. But then I watch a game where I have no vested interest, like last night's Orlando-OKC tilt, and I realize the refs really are inconsistent and, well, bad. I was favouring Orlando because I like Turk and resent Oklahoma for stealing the Sonics, but I didn't really care either way. One one play late in the game, Howard steps out of bounds with the ball, looks at the ref as if he had been pushed, then the ref blew his whistle to call just that. Didn't look like he was pushed to me, and the replay confirmed it. The ref just called it because the biggest star essentially told him to. Then even later in the really close game, Howard goes out to set a screen for Nelson and it's totally a moving screen. Really obviously so. And... no call. Imagine if that were Amir.
* In the chat today, you said your top five munchies were Chocolate chip cookies, Sour Cream and Onion potato chips, Doritos, Diet Coke and Oreos. One of those things is not like the other! This reminds me of seeing large people order Big Mac, large fries, two apple pies... with a diet drink. Why bother?!
* I didn't see the Gaines debut game but watched a video of the highlights last night. He hit a couple shots, had a nice assist, and the fact he was even out there with the game on the line was something. He wasn't left alone any more than usual. And by the time he released the shot, someone was right on him. Still, it was a huge shot in a very big game.

[doug]

this is the way I look at a guy like Gaines ...there are what 30 teams, every team has a scouting staff that is scouring the earth and literally knows about every player (some scouting staffs are better then others) so to me Gaines is who he is and where he is for a reason....a 10 day contract player, who might parlay it into a season long type of deal but expendable in 10 days or whenever, a filler piece and that's not personal as he sounds like a professional and good character....Diet Coke, I drink that stuff by the truckloads, literally...I drink so much of it that people started buying me Coke memorabilia when I was 16 or so (back then it was Coke),as i always have one on my hand or close by..I have so much memorabilia now I can't display it all in my rec room....good stuff...so cheers...

[Kent]

Brandon Roy has already achieved more in his short career than Bargnani will achieve. Rookie of the year, 3-time all-star and 2-time all-NBA. Possibly the 3rd best SG in the NBA behind Kobe and Wade before he was hurt. His Willis Reed-like moment in the playoffs last year indicates the kind of toughness and determination Bargnani can only dream of having. Debate all you want about draft order but it's insulting to Brandon Roy to compare him to Bargnani.

[Dancing june]

HOFFA!
http://deadspin.com/5733841/when-large-dunking-man-meets-poorly+made-backboard

courtesy deadspin.

[dribbles]

You can't kill BC for passing on Roy in the draft because nobody had him number one (though you could argue that with no clear cut #1, BC should have traded down). That said, the Raps would have been a better team with Roy and Bosh together than Bargs and Bosh. Of course had BC drafted Roy and signed him to an extension, and we now had Roy's contract on our hands, we wouldn't be too happy/optimistic.

I tend to agree with Kent about comparing Roy to Bargs. Roy was on the cusp of superstardom (I had him a notch, small notch, below Wade) and he could win games virtually by himself. Playing in the Western Conference also negates any playoff comparisons, sorry Doug. Portland never got Jersey in the 1st round.

Blogger's note: No one was comparing the two players talent-wise; it's who would you rather have today and I don't thin there's an issue about which one it would be.

[Andrew Gregg]

Hey Doug:

Check out Araujo:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P0hs1irhDs&feature=player_embedded

AG, Toronto

[kelsey]

Hopefully Gaines could help out if needed, really cant hurt...

Waiting to see what Colangelo can do with Peja, hopefully he can get some good return.

Bargnani over Roy for sure looking at things now..I must say I didnt feel that way up to 2 mths ago..

I forgot that Portland hadnt won a playoff series..

Honestly I have seen growth in Bargnani offensive game. Like the fact not jacking up only 3pt shots. However Rebounding, boxing out and defense must improve to take his game to the next level.

[Kent]

In light of Roy's injury, yeah for sure, you'd take Bargnani today. However, it's distrubing to me that Colangelo apologists are using this terrible news about Roy for their cause. Sure, there were health concerns on Roy's scouting report but if Colangelo knew Roy was going to be 3-time all-star and 2- time all-NBA, he would have taken that chance without a doubt. It's absurd that people are trying to put a feather in Colangelo's cap and lauding his foresight to pass on Roy.

[doug]

arguments like this to me are absurd, completely absurd who gives a rat's a** who was better, is better will be better...there both good players and to say there not is just ridiculous....and in the hear and now Barg's is the common sense selection over Roy that's all that was asked and answered...who cares if Roy had those honors and even he admitted he made a mistake last year and came back to soon from the knee surgery as it just made it worse for his other knee and if he had to do it all again in hindsight he wouldn't...so don't put him on a pedestal for his "heroic " act even he admits it wasn't to bright and the Blazers should never,ever have allowed him to do so...by them doing so proves one thing and it's a clear one...the NBA is a business, it operates on the "what can you do for me today principle" not yesterdays accolades...so the question was "who would you take today", the answer is obvious....and to me the larger question would be is it just coincidental that the Blazers top 2 choices, top 2 future players...were maybe mishandled???...there left with nothing or hoping Odom or Roy can at least come back and play....

[J]

I'm sorry, but did anyone here actually think Roy should have been picked first overall? Be honest now.

Fact of the matter is the comparison should never be Roy vs Bargnani in the first place. It was Bargnani vs Aldridge vs Thomas vs Gay (and I even remember some of you arguing for Adam Morrison). But never Roy; he was always slated as a solid non-Top-3 pick. The only thing worse than an Armchair GM is a Hindsight Armchair GM.

[Steph]

I bet there are several Raptor fans looking forward to drafting this kid. Watch him go.

http://www.komonews.com/sports/heroes/111892554.html

[DannyFromFreddy]

Doug, foregive me for this one ... but since Gaines will probably only play if Calderon or Bayless are hurting, I guess you could say "No pain, no Gaines".