A big day coming and a big night ends quietly

Many, many digressions today since all I saw yesterday were airports, a hotel and about 40 seconds of an optional Miami Heat workout.

Oh, and one of the oddest, or saddest, Valentine’s Day moments I’ve seen.

Read on, please.

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So, Bosh.

Boo? Cheer? Silence?

I have a feeling on what’s going to happen, there will be venom spewed and the game will devolve into just another night but here’s one thing I’d like to point out.

Did you ever stop to think that maybe Bosh did the franchise a favour by moving on?

How many of you who will boo and get angry and hate him spent the past few years in hand-wringing angst about the Raptors being unable to really make a move up the standings?

And was that because they had one guy who dominated everything and nothing they could put around him worked?

You know how I feel, that Bosh was a sublimely talented player saddled with a group around him that never really meshed. Was it his fault that Jermaine O’Neal didn’t pan out? Did he show up fat and uninterested any year like Hedo Turkoglu did? Was his fault he played for three head coaches and under four general managers in seven years?

And maybe him moving on was a cleansing moment for the franchise. It allowed the HOTH to truly get on with the process of improvement, and going young and seeing how things can build from the ground up rather than with one piece of a puzzle already in place.

This is a difficult and trying year for everyone connected with the team but maybe it’s a necessary step back to eventually make a step forward. And I’m not sure either of those steps could have been taken if Chris had stayed.

I will say this: Over his seven years in Toronto, Bosh was a loyal and diligent employee. He played to the best of his abilities, was a good teammate and excellent player on the court.

He was – and this debate will rage for years, I believe – the best or second best talent to ever put on a Toronto uniform but the time had come when he had to go, for his own sake and, as it may turn out, for the sake of the franchise.

Boo him if you like; but in your minds, know that you owe him some thanks, too.

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What’d I miss around the Raptors?

Well, seems very little.

Did talk to one guy last night and the overwhelming sense I get about the game tomorrow night is “ho-hum.”

Fans may get worked up but the players – most of them – see it as another game. They’ve already played against Chris twice so that’s not going to be a new experience. They know it’s a cruel business sometimes and players make decisions for their own personal reasons.

The one thing I got from talking to a few guys here and there, though, is that the energy in the building will be fun, it’ll turn a game into an event

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I notice Carmelo Anthony hasn’t been traded yet.

Man, I can’t wait for Feb. 25.

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Okay, this is getting ridiculous.

Remember the flight delay I had to sit through when the co-pilot was stuck in traffic?

Well, I beat that on Monday morning.

We’re told the 6:30 a.m. American Airlines flight from Pearson to Chicago, where I was to meet up with the American Airlines flight over to Indy, would be delayed half an hour.

No reason, just a half hour delay.

Well, it turns out we were delayed – get this! – because the fire alarm in the Toronto hotel the pilots were staying in went off and they were trapped outside without their bags and couldn’t get to the airport on time to drive the plane.

Yep, a stupid fire alarm in some stupid hotel backed us up just enough that the extra 20-minute wait for a ground hold in Chicago, where the wind was blowing (a shocker!!!!), made me miss the connection and spend a delightful two extra hours in O’Hare.

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Why can’t I get the sound of Jim Nabors singing Back Home Again In Indiana out of my head?

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Bobcats 109, Lakers 89.

That’s why they play the games.

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The nice things people do.

The plane at the gate next to us at O’Hare was headed for Atlanta and about half an hour before it’s to board, a U.S. soldier in uniform comes wandering by.

As soon as he sees him, the gentlemen doing the paperwork for the flight says, “come here, sir” and prints him out a new boarding pass with an upgrade to first class.

That should happen for every Canadian and American soldier at every airport for every flight as a matter of course.

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All right, I don’t know if this is sad or what but it was a fascinating moment to an eavesdropper.

I stopped by to see Elmo’s cousins – Harry and Izzy, who live next door (that’s going to take some deep Hoosier knowledge to get) – and when I’m on my stool this guy sits down a couple of seats away.

Dressed to the nines, three-piece suit, I hear him ask about the timing for a meal. He’s got a friend joining him and he wants the Cosmo perfectly chilled but not watered down, he wants the lobster tail hot and the drawn butter at the perfect temperature at precisely 7:30 because the lady will be joining him.

Oh, then he says he’s been trying to convince this woman to see him for months but when he mentions her, um, boyfriend my ears perk up.

Well, 7:30 comes and goes and I’m thinking this can’t possibly end well when all of a sudden here she comes, about 15 minutes late. She’s much younger, quite the looker and they seem to be quite happy. The cosmo’s good, the lobster looks delicious and he’s over the moon happy.

Well, now it’s time for another drink and he offers her another cosmo but, no, it’s time for another lobster tail and he says, ‘why not, give the lady what she wants.’

He’s happy. Quite happy.

Lobster’s done, I figure they toddle off for a walk or a nightcap or whatever (I couldn’t leave until this little drama plays out) when all of sudden, the girl gets up, says goodbye and is gone.

I figure the guy’s got to be crestfallen, right? Nope. He seems openly glad for the time he had and after I pay up and am about to leave, he’s in the same stool, having the fourth martini of his night.

I have no idea of the back story or what but it was an interesting evening to say the least.

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And with that, I’m off to find some basketball to write about.

Don’t forget the mail if you want to say hi. You can do it here.

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Comments

[Simon]

Hey Doug, great insight on Bosh. I completely agree with you, but of course he'll still get booed (although not nearly at the level LeBron or Vince have heard). The thing is, it won't be for his 7 years here, remember he did willingly sign an extension after his rookie contract. It doesn't have to do with the fact that he left to go to Miami and play third wheel to LBJ and Wade since that's his right, but it's all the comments about Toronto and Canada that he made after the fact that caused the fans to turn on him. That's what will make people spew the venom. I honestly believe had he just remained quiet and not said all the garbage about playing in Canada with no cable and all that he would get a warm applause. Nothing like Mo Pete or Nash get when they show up here, but he would have gotten some claps. I'm sure he will still get some too, at least at the pregame intros. Your thoughts Doug?

Blogger's note: I think you're entirely right.

[Striker 77]

Morning Doug,

This is just a thought that has nothing to do with your blog, which I enjoyed as usual...

Is it just me, or is Peja starting on a very good team (since Butler is out), pouring in 22 points the other night, a little unsettling... I mean, even though he had knee issues, it looked like he NEVER inteded to play for the raps,.. dude gets traded, all of a sudden his "swollen" knee is better?

I might be totally wrong, and this is complete speculation, but it has crossed my mind.. Wondering if anyone feels the same.

[AT]

you are really on a roll with great blogs lately, how are you going to keep this up???.... I was going to comment on the bosh thing but that was a such nice story about the soldier being upgraded to first class.. really puts the bosh thing in proper perspective...

[Dave]

"Was his fault he played for three head coaches and under four general managers in seven years?"...You're really going to count the Wayne Embry interim stint?

Blogger's note: Since Wayne's the one who dealt Jalen, which was a hugely significant move, I most certainly am

[onemanweave]

Chris Bosh had every right to sign somewhere else under the terms of his employment agreement. He exercised those rights.
Bosh gave Toronto fans some very good basketball. Most nights he was the best Raptor on the floor.
I don't mind that he feels he gets more 'exposure' in Miami. He does. His 'criticisms' have been pretty non-lethal. Get over it.
My beef with Bosh is twofold. He played everyone in Toronto for a sucker with his 'I haven't made up my mind' theme when he HAD made up his mind to leave.
Secondly, he stopped playing hard after the all-star break last year. It was obvious, even to a non-expert. He quit on his team and fans.
I'd prefer to see him ignored. On balance. that's what he's earned. No doubt, he'll hear lots of boos. It's attention. He's always craved it. Maybe in a perverse way, he'll like it.
Let's move on.

[Trevor]

ill be at the game tomorrow night.I wont be booing, Bosh did what he could in 7 years and picked another team big deal....I dont think this team was going anywhere with him as the center piece anyways. Hopefully they pick up a win against him though.

[JHK]

Nice words on Bosh. I have to say you've convinced me, and probably likes of many semi-intelligent adults, but you know there are lots of kids on Raptor land and they will be shouting out boos like as they were at a WWE show.
Guarantee it will be raining boos.

[Wayne]

I could not agree with you more on this one Bosh played his heart out while he was here you can't blame the guy for leaving for a better situation. The Acc will be rocking for sure really hope our boys make a game of it after the solid win on Sunday.

[LeeZ]

Here's my two cents: I think Doug and @Simon have nailed it. So here's what I would do: I'd have Herbie announce Bosh to the crowd and mention all the stupid things he said (bad cable, Canada's a foreign country, yadayadayada), which will give the crowd a well-earned right to boo the hell out of him. And then, he should announce him as one of the greatest Raps of all time, and mention all the things that Doug indicated in today's blog. That way, the fans get their chance to boo the stupidity surrounding his exit but then honour him for all the great things he did. Obviously, this would never happen, but it'd be kinda cool if it did, no?

[dribbles]

Totally agree with Doug and "onemanweave" on Bosh. Indifference would be the ideal crowd reaction, but that's not going to happen. We still have fans booing McGrady. I mean, honestly...how ridiculous is that?

A part of me wonders if Bosh has regrets about going to Miami. Not so much leaving TO, but he's a 3rd banana and I wonder how that suits his personality. A cascade of boos will be the most attention he's gotten since he left.

[HopeCaper]

Hey Doug, hello from the snowy east (believe me when I say snowy). I have been reading you as much as possible but have been caught up with my own HOTH pursuit of an elusive provincial championship. I haven't seen many Raps games over the last few weeks and so your insight and summaries have been really great. I think the reason Bosh wouldn't say for sure before the deadline was because he was waiting to see what the Raps might pull. After all BC had rebuilt this team 3 times trying to find the right for for CB. So it would have been premature to say what he was doing. As for his "comments" re: TO and Canada I think they were taken out of context because he had stated on numerous occasions that he considered TO his second home and raved about the city. He also was instrumental in helping to bring those big names you mentioned to the city. It's interesting that the media conveniently forgets his past statements and complimdents about the city and our country. CB did his best and has moved on. I agree with you about the favour. By the time the right combination could be found CB's best years could easily have been behind him.

[Dan W]

I agree with the first commentor Simon. I've always felt Bosh was overated (one winning season in 7 seasons) I was just annoyed by all his comments to the media and through twitter.

[D]

Along with ESPN and appearing in Milk ads, there is one thing Bosh will get at his new franchise that he never would have got in Toronto - a thunderous and never ending chorus of hatred-filled boos. In his quest to be loved by those that matter, he is now hated by those who should have mattered. I will not rest my boos until he breaks down in tears at center court.

[Jack]

"You know how I feel, that Bosh was a sublimely talented player saddled with a group around him that never really meshed."
You failed to mention that when Bosh was here, the team needed a swing man/shooting guard. You said the draft is a crap shoot, except when there's a LeBron or Blake Griffin available, and I agree. So you pick someone that you need and at that time, that was what they needed, a swing man/shooting guard (Rudy Gay, Brandon Roy). So what did they do? Picked another big man as their number one pick. That didn't pan out as well too. When Bosh was here, he was doing a yeoman's job of scoring, rebounding and defending, while that number one pick was a spectator outside the 3-point line. He still is up to now. No wonder Bosh left.

[Lorie]

Hello Doug,
Beautiful writing. And I'm wondering if maybe the relationship between Bosh and Toronto was not that different from the couple you observed last night. The young lady arrived and was a charming and engaging dinner companion by your account. And while the evening may not have played out exactly as the gentleman had hoped, it would seem he was left with the memory of a lovely evening spent in her company. So, on Wednesday night, why don't we collectively sit back and chill (With a Cosmo or two? Now, that sounds divine!) and remember the many good times Bosh gave us. Now, as for you, Doug...how was that shrimp?

Blogger's note: As good as always

[Kent]

The amount of booing tomorrow will be directly proportional to the number of points the raptors will lose by. If you think T-Mac plays better with boos, check out LBJ and Wade.

[sherry]

LOVED the stories Doug!!! :)

[Dee from Sauga]

Who was the womans boyfriend? It made you perk up when you heard his name but you didn't say who it was.

[Steph]

Bosh is, first and fore most an opponent tonight. And as a fan I want every opponent to feel uncomfortable, I want every opponent to have to work extra hard during the game and I want every former player, those that chose to leave, loose. Some booing, some laughter after getting knocked to the ground is acceptable. Some respect for a good play also.
..
I don't like and don't believe all this crap about fans not knowing. Anybody who played anything competively, wether your getting paid millions or not, understands competition and the will to win. I know just about all of my opponents in the sports I play and some day's / weekends they are on my team, and others they are my opponents. What doesn't change is how I play against them. And that should be no diferent because your in the NBA.
..
I think booing Bosh will have an impact on how Bosh plays. He has a need to be liked, to fit in. Booing will make him uncomfortable and tend to make him slink back. I'm not going to the game, but if I was there and saw that booing was negatively affecting the way he played then I would do the same. And I think Ed Davis will be the Raptor to play Bosh really tough.

[Nick M]

How's that work?

A man lets another man buy his girlfriend Lobster and Cosmos on V-day for only a smile and a laugh while he waits at home to serve 'dessert'!

Priceless, literally, priceless!!!

[Jeff S]

I could not agree with you more Doug. Last year I knew Chris was leaving (and anyone who thought otherwise was foolish), but I accepted it as his right. I was not pleased with some of the things that were said but I can accept that too. Boo him if you feel the need to, but I will remember him as a classy player who spent 7 mostly enjoyable years here (and signed an extension when he didn't need to). He didn't whine his way out of town (see Vince and Damon), and even Damon has now seen the error of his ways.

Robbie Alomar left the Jays and then we had the famous spitting incident and he was vilified by Toronto fans. Now that he says he wants to go to the Hall of Fame as a Blue Jay and all is forgiven. I'm not saying Chris will be in Springfield one day, but it would be a shame to see him in another uniform if he did go.

Hope you enjoyed your dinner Doug - Harry and Izzy's is a great restuarant.

[Andrew Gregg]

Hi Doug:

Call me unsentimental, but I think it's hilarious when Toronto fans boo the players who jilted them. And most of the time, if you look around as the cascades come raining down, people are smiling and laughing. It's what we do. Bosh probably doesn't deserve the full-on Carter venom, but so what? He said some really stupid stuff when he left. And after the game is over he can cry himself to sleep clutching his great big bags of money.

On a more interesting note, I've been watching some of the predictions for the 2011 draft and there is a very good chance that three Canadian kids will go in the first round--the two Josephs and Tristan Thompson. I don't think that has ever happened before, has it? Three Canadians in the first round in the same year?

AG, Toronto

[pn]

Hi Doug,

Absolutely agree with your points about Bosh.

I must say that I'm one of the few (possibly delusional) folks who think that this year is just about the best thing that could happen to the Raptors. So long as the losing doesn't begin to foment apathy and antipathy among the players, what we've got (from my rose-coloured pov) is a team of young, hungry, talented players learning to work together under a solid head coach. Many more losses can be attributed to bad luck with injuries and simply facing more talented opponents rather than the kind of losses that came with lazy/selfish/disinterested play in years past. It seems that these guys keep fighting and stay close in lots of games they have no business staying close in.

That said, a few W's as a feel-good reward for hard work is great, but from a cynical/pragmatic angle, the numerous L's can really be a huge boon at the draft when it comes time to address this team's most glaring weakness: lack of talent.

I really like the upside of this team, with tweaks of course, plus the big addition of a young stud from the draft, playing and developing together for a solid stretch of years. So long as they can stay healthy, of course.

I think that's a much brighter proposition than a few more years of trying and failing to make things work around Bosh, as good as he is.

[Mos High]

@onemanweave ...I hate sounding like a defender of Bosh all the time, but he was injured ankle and face in the 2nd half of the season..Face the last two weeks of the year. I wouldnt say he gave up but Im sure there was steam out his engine, terrible team, going no where and he is going into free agency, WHICH ONE OF YOU WOULD RISK $100 Million Contract.

Booing about 3 silly statements in 7 years is nonsense, but I understand why fans will. It makes for excitement, as people dont hate Bosh, but they hate Vince as he was a sucky baby!!!

@Jack...perfect comment, 1st round draft pick being a spectator. That defines Bargnani, this guy has talent but at the end of the day he doesnt have the motor to give it his all every game every play or maybe what he gives his all..Now Bosh is gone you cant hide Bargnani!!Me and many others have said, why Colangelo took Bargnani, when Rudy Gay was available (2/3) why take another soft 4/5 when you already had Bosh (oh well)

Hubie Brown on the radio this morning, with out saying it directly, broke down this Raptors team and coaching. He talked about accountability, he talked about if you take a bad shots you hit the bench, he talked about playing defence all the time.....Im sorry, I see all sorts of players on this team take shots when they shouldnt be and are not sit down!!!!

This team needs a total new Regime starting with Triano, Bargnani..Lets just be real

[Cluck Kent]

I think Chris Bosh was a nice, polite, hard working kid when he arrived here in Toronto 7+ years ago. I never felt he had the leadership qualities needed to be a franchise player but always believed he was a highly skilled player. Sublime might be a stretch, but I'm not here to argue semantics. Then, somewhere along the way, someone convinced Chris that he was too big for his sand box and he started worrying about his 'brand'. What brand? You're a basketball player for goodness sake. He must be so confused that after all the national TV exposure he's received his allstar votes dropped by half. Perhaps taking his 'brand' to South Beach will be the reality check he needs to remember that he is just a basketball player after all.