Bad game bad weather, bad times all over the place

How’s the weather there?

That storm hit yet?

Trade you for the icy sleet that’s falling here.

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THREE POINTERS

A true cheap shot

Pacers get the ball with 25.4 seconds left, the game’s over and what they need to do is dribble out the clock, roll the ball along the floor, let the Raptors inbound it to end the game and walk off the court, right?

Wrong.

Dopey Darren Collison, a kid who should know better, ends up putting up a three-pointer – bush league move, without a doubt – and it riles up Jay no end.

And, with 5-10ths of a second left in the game after the basket, he’s ticked off enough to want a timeout just to make a point; refs won’t give it to him for some reason and that’s what he was doing on the court after the game talking to ref Danny Crawford.

“(It had) nothing to do with the game. They wanted to extend the game by shooting a three with the clock running down so I was going to call a timeout. I don’t think you do that stuff.”

No, you don’t.

It’s not like there was pizza on the line or something.

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A learning experience

Pretty good media seats in Indy, right on the baseline about 10 feet from the Raptors bench and it provided a wee bit of insight (when I wasn’t chattering away with the In-Game Bloggy Thingy Irregulars, that is).

Third quarter, Raptors on defence, Julian Wright’s guarding Danny Granger on the weak side and cheating a bit as a help defender into the middle.

He gets about three steps too many away from Granger at one point and can’t get back to him to contest an open look that Granger ultimately misses.

Soon as it happens, Jay turns, walks down the bench and says to all his guys:

“That’s too far. Right move but you can’t go that far away.”

No idea if anyone got it, but it’s a good in-game teaching moment to a team that needs a lot of them.

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Can’t make a play

If I can read my chicken scratch handwriting well enough – and penmanship seems right up there with arithmetic on Things Doug Doesn’t Do Well – there were six times in the second half of the game when the Raps had numbers on the break and came away with nothing but six turnovers.

Sonny Weems, who really needs to work on his ball-handling skills every single day, had about three of them and the normally sure-handed Jose Calderon had a couple.

Those are the kind of plays that suck the life out of a team trying to claw back into a game and they happened far, far too often with this group.

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More?

Okay.

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Yes, I agree that the only time you should like ice is when it’s in a glass chilling some liquid.

Especially now.

A bit of an ice-storm – and it doesn’t seem to be overly horrible – kept the Raptors in Indy overnight and will keep the Beat Grunt in Indy until Wednesday morning and it’s just an overall pain in the bum.

For the Raptors, it meant the Man Who Is Truly In Charge, travel/equipment guru K. DiPietro had to scurry around during the second half of the game to secure hotel rooms (luckily, the city’s pretty dead and it wasn’t that hard).

Pour moi? I’m at the mercy of Delta, which tells me there’s a 7 a.m. flight Wednesday that’ll get me to Atlanta early enough.

We were trying to figure out if the Raptors had ever been in such a situation, where they’ve had to check back into a hotel and couldn’t fly out after a game and the only time I can remember was in the first, or maybe second, year when they had some plane issues (the pilot steered it into a ditch taxiing to the runway, as I recall) and had to stay in Cleveland an extra night.

Me? Delays all the time but this is only the second time I’ve had to stay an extra night somewhere in the middle of a road trip. Delays caused me to miss a connection in Denver on the way to Phoenix one night and I believe it was M. Grange ™ and I who got to hang out there.

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What’d Mr. Wells say about that one?

This is what he said.

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A scout and a writer I know were sitting behind me at the game Monday chatting before it started and got me into the conversation:

Writer: Doctor, what do you think of Durant calling Your Boy Bosh a fake tough guy?

Me: I believe Kevin Durant is an astute young man.

 

 

Writer and scout: Hahahahahahahaha.

Look, Chris Bosh is a lot of things and at some levels I still quite like him; a tough guy is not one of them and trash-talker is certainly another.

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Man, there is near-universal loathing for Andrea Bargnani out there these days. I don’t recall it ever being this bad.

Yes, he’s been quite bad of late; no, I don’t imagine he’ll end up being a 30 per cent shooter for much longer; yes, he needs to defend better; no, he’s a tough physical presence and never will be.

And here’s one from the mail on it:

Q: Hey Doug, I've learned to appreciate your blog now that I can't catch as many games. Anyway, you were mentioning that Andrea gets a pass in the post, sees the double, kick out to Jose, and then moves away from the basket. Is that Andrea not willing to fight for post position or does he not know that he's suppose to go there or did he just want to play the D differently?

Thanks and keep up the good work!

 

 

Felix F, Edmonton

A: For the most part, it’s an unwillingness and the coaches are on him all the time about it.

And, I know no one really wants to hear it, but sometimes he gets it and that’s often forgotten in a rush to rip. He went hard to the basket a couple of times last night and, truth be told, his on-the-ball-defence on Carlos Delfino down the stretch of the Bucks game was very good.

Look, Andrea is what Andrea is. He’s a scorer in a bad slump who has some defensive deficiencies. Anyone surprised by that over the last three weeks hasn’t been watching the last three years.

He’s still a good NBA player and I’m a coach, I get infuriated by I want him on my team.

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A bit of perspective.

As we were leaving Conseco on Monday night, moaning a bit about the weather and the inconvenience, workers were draping the sections of the seats in black and preparing the venue to be the site of the funeral today for an Indianapolis police officer who was shot and killed in the line of duty.

Yeah, a bit of perspective, indeed.

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So, I really have nothing on today – I’m seeing stool, TV, and spending some of Mother Star’s vast riches on a piece of well-marbled red meat – so if you’ve got something on your mind, may as well get the mail started.

Write here, say hi, keep me in touch.

Thanks.

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Comments

[Peter]

Darren Collison?

If Nick collison is launching 3's in the last minute, then that's REALLY rubbing slat in the wound...

Blogger's note: Oops. Got that mistake fixed. Thanks

[Derek S]

Morning Doug,
Hope you're keeping warm in Indy. I'm really pitying you having to watch (and write) about this latest stretch of games for the HOTH. I'm assuming you heard Jay's post-game comments, where he said its "his fault" that the team is playing so badly, because he was forced to play guys for so many minutes when they were short-handed, and now they're burnt out. No dis-respect to Jay (I like him as a coach and don't think he's the problem), but I have to disagree with that assessment and hope its just a case of him trying to cover for his players in the media. I might agree with his statement if the Raps were good early, and were losing close games late when they were running out of gas, but that's not the case. Typically (like last night) they get in a big hole early, giving up easy buckets and playing porous defense, and then try to mount a huge comeback.
I'm sort of at a loss. I think Jay's a good coach, and examples like the ones you give in today's blog (about him teaching in-game to the guys on the bench) re-enforces that idea for me. That being said, he doesn't seem to be able to get through to the current bunch of guys he has. Alot of the things that are costing them games are things they all seem to recognize that they need to do, but they just don't. Things like boxing out, fighting for defensive position, rotating on defense, moving the ball, etc. If they were doing those things (or at least doing them better) and still losing, it'd be alot easier to take. But watching them make the same mistakes night in and night out, with little or no improvement is akin to Chinese water torture. I'm worried that if this continues, they might end up firing Jay, for no other reason than the usual wisdom that its easier to replace the coach than the whole team.

[sam]

Even thought DeMar and Andrea seem to be tossing bricks of late - Is it really wise for Julian Wright to be shooting from behind the 3 point line?

Blogger's note: The one three-point attempt he had came with about 2 seconds left on the shotclock and about eight minutes left in the second quarter. No big deal at all

[skiff]

The only thing that is interesting to me any more is why the assumption is Colangelo is in line to get an extension. This is the 4th year of bad teams that are getting worse. I guarantee my job doesn't extend me if my results are this bad. I truly don't know if someone else would be better or worse, but I don't see how they can stand by him, or why the media still defends him. Injuries aren't an excuse either. Every year there are injuries and teams need to build rosters to best handle these situations., This roster is a disaster. I bet a top tier NCAA team could beat them right now. The only fans I feel worse for are Cavs fans!! I'm not saying he hasn't made good moves or tried to fix his mistakes (which is admirable), but come on, there is no way he should remain in charge. I was at the Friday night game, and it was just an embarassing team to watch play basketball. Just because it was a close game doesn't mean it was worth watching...that's a lame justification!

[Anthony]

Has anyone seen Colangelo anywhere? Is he in hiding? Those of us who spent a lot of money to watch this D League team this year would like to know that you at least recognize there is a problem and plan to do something about it. I know we can't get our money back.

Gotta hand it to the Pacers they are at least trying to change things.

[DaveT (Ottawa -- er, Dublin)]

Quick question about the Collison issue:

Would he have it listed by the scorer's table as a turnover, or is it possible that they would turn a blind eye, not notice who had the ball in their hand, and list it as something like a "team turnover"? Don't get me wrong, I'm not a big stats guy, and I don't think you do it either way, but it might help if guys weren't worried about their numbers doing what I think is the right thing?

Blogger's note: Nah, a 24-second violation would go down as a team turnover

[Mark]

Doug, wouldn't you agree that as good as Andrea Bargnani is offensively, his defensive woes aren't worth the hassle? Isn't it easier to replace 20 points a night than have possibly the worst defensive center in the history of the NBA?

Blogger's note: No, I wouldn't.

[AK74]

"He’s a scorer in a bad slump who has SOME defensive deficiencies."
I love your blog Doug, but really, "SOME"?? this word should at least be replaced to "big" or "massive" or any appropriate word in english
People are hating on Andrea hard these days, some think that is undeserved and people are too harsh on him, "he just needs to get back on groove" and other bs.
He has god given opportunity to do the thing he loves and make (big) money out of it, not many people can say that. yet his indifference on court, unlike his game, cannot be more consistent. Defence wins championships, and the day Bargnani gets traded will be the day this franchise truly starts rebuilding.

[chris]

Bargnani doesn't defend, rebound, or move without the ball. He's a somewhat streaky scorer who - when he's not on - is a complete liability on the court. In fact, his misses become rebounds off of long 3's (the worst kind for setting up fast breaks the other way).

Your expectations out of what a starting centre should be are too low, Doug. Way too low.

[Tree]

The problem with Bargnani is the same problm the team has: can't score consistently (even though he is a 'scorer' and the team is offensive-first), can't defend, can't rebound and don't seem to be getting any better. This is a severely flawed team ... I can't think of one thing they do well, and about the only good thing I can think to say is "at least they're not the Cavaliers". But, wow - this team is all around terrible.

[Bill]

What's the Raptor's worst losing streak? What is the worst losing streak in league history? Do you think we will break either record?

How much are Andrea and Reggie make this year, respectively?

[Peter]

Hi Doug,
Any chance that you could get a 1 on 1 interview with a player, coach, or executive while you're all stranded in Indianapolis?

Blogger's note: No. They're on their way to Atlanta

[Larry]

Didnt they do the exact same thing to the cavs? The difference is that there was actually more than 24 secs in this game.

[Eric]

Hi, Doug,
Just checking to make sure my report on passing your greeting onto Mike Evans in Halifax didn't get lost in the blogosphere. Yesterday afternoon I put it on the page linked to "Click here" under your picture. Short version: mission accomplished. In the longer report I sent a link to a picture I took of the Coach on Sunday.
Eric

Blogger's note: I'll check over there later; don't usually surf mail bag file every day. But am sure it's there and thanks very much

[HopeCaper]

Hey Doug, I am about to experience another lashing from old man winter here on the Bay of Fundy and it's getting old quick. It started snowing around Christmas and we have been averaging a major storm and a half every week since. I have to agree with you on Bargs. He provides points for the offence most of the time. Obviously Bosh was carrying a lot of the defencive tasks since he was averaging 20\10 per game. Personally I think you need a Reggie just to compensate for his lack of rebound nose. Leo mentioned last nite that if your outside shots aren't falling maybe he has to go inside. That isn't happening. Pure shooters just keep shooting, remember Kapono? Right now Bargs is a backup center playing as a starter. He has huge potential but only if he understands what the coaches want from him and then he delivers. In a few cases Leo and Matt were talking about Davis and how a rookie made the difference instead of Bargs. If Davis continues he will replace Bargs as the starter. I'm willing to give DeRozen more space as he is a sophmore. Really Andrea should have gotten it by now. His future is in his hands and he really needs to make the most of it.

[Anton]

RE:> the worst defensive center in the history of the NBA?

Probably the worst offensive center in the league too with only 3 out of 15 last night. Perhaps the guy should be on the bench until he starts playing? What an effortless embarrassment...

[Penny]

Doug - any word on when either Linas Kleiza or Leandro Barbosa will be back?

Blogger's note: No word

[kelsie]

Hey Doug,

Pizza wasn't on the line last night but the spread was 9 points so that last shot was relevant to some.

Been away from the blog for a bit but I'm getting really worried about the media in the city. Maybe you shouldn't pour salt in wounds or bite the hand that helps feed you but I find it amazing that none of the major media is questioning developments in Raptorland outside of injuries, tough schedules, or uneven refereeing.

1) Colangelo is being rumored for an extension when the results on the court and the roster he has assembled is terrible. He's one of the highest paid exec's in the league. Successful companies don't run this way and don't reward failure with contract extensions. It appears like it's a done deal but why is no one asking why?

2) I know Jay is a good guy but there is no evidence to indicate he is or can be a succesful coach in the NBA. This roster he has now shouldn't be used to judge his coaching ability, however he has had various rosters to work with, including a team that was supposed to win "50 games" like the GM touted. The fact remains that he has not gotten any of his teams to defend with any consistency and If you can't do that the soft culture on this team will never change. (side note)I am also not a fan of his swearing act in post games this year. Why is there no possibility or whispers of removing him as head coach? Mitchell was canned for far less.

3) I know you said if you were a coach you would want Andrea on your team....as would I.... in a 6th man role simply because he doesn't leave it on the court every night. It often makes me wonder what his teammates think? I don't think he's good enough yet to merit playing through offensive and defensive struggles, especially if he's just not giving full effort. 21 pts averaged on 18 shots per game isn't as good a scorer as some might believe. I like developing young players, but you must also make them accountable. Why are his minutes and shots as high as they are on a nightly basis regardless of how he's playing?

Sorry for the rant, but I don't understand why the media is not asking these questions readily. There is a major disconnect between management and the fan base right now and you guys are or could be instrumental in communicating how we feel and asking the questions we want answered as a loyal but frustrated and angry fanbase.

[Troy Phan]

Hi Doug,

Since you brought up the topic of securing hotel rooms, I have a non-basketball related question I'd like to ask. Given the heights of these athletes are close to 7 feet tall. Do they request special rooms with beds big enough to accommodate their heights? Most king beds out there that I know of would be way to small for these guys.

Thanks,
Troy

Blogger's note: Pretty much regular beds.

[Tom]

After watching last nights game, I couldn't help but think how much this team really needs a in your face leader that's not afraid to bruise some egos. Quite frankly they need someone like Charles Oakley to get in Andrea's face and call him out regardless to how he reacts. He used to do it with Vince and Vince never played better in his carreer then whe he played with Oak. I know that you mentioned Andrea is who he is, but watching his defence and rebounding over the last little stretch of games with his shot not falling have been an excercise in frustration. I can't believe that his team mates aren't getting on him, or maybe we're just not seeing it. Jay seems like he's got a tough streak in him, but I just don't see him getting on Andrea. Sam may not have been the best x's and o's coach, but he would get in your face and call you out. And on the other side of it, if Andrea's shot isn't falling it's handicapping the rest of the team and they pretty much have to play 4 on 5 ball. The other teams know it and you can continually watch them target Andrea on offence. Jay would be better off benching and making a point. If he doesn't get pissed off for the benching or pouts who cares?

[uncalum]

Anyone thinking it's easy to replace Bargnani's 20 point average should just look at how well Bosh's 20+ points and 10+ rebounds have been replaced. You don't throw away 20+ guys in this league, you build around them. And to Derek's S post, I would add that it is the coaches responsiblity, like that of any leader, to get the players to follow his system. If he can't, there are only two problems: the players don't respect the coach's decision and, therefore, don't follow the directions, or they are incompetent and can't perform the tasks assigned to them. Given that the Raptors have been consistently at the bottom of the defensive standings under Colangelo and Triano you have to decide which case applies. Either almost every player that Colangelo has provided Triano over the past two seasons is defensively inept (in which case Colangelo should face the music) or Triano's systems are inadeqaute or his instruction of these systems is ineffective (in which case Triano has to be held accountable). All I know is that the organization has now reached a point where something has to be done. As a season seat holder I can attest to how dramatically the number of empty seats increased in the three games last week, as well as the energy of the fans in the ACC. And I doubt that there will be an increase in either when the mighty Timberwolves arrive Friday night. It's not hard to see the Raptor's attendance suffer the same dramatic drop that the Jays did if they don't right this ship.

[Binder]

Kelsie spoke about " a disconnect between the fans and management". This reminds me of an interview I listened to on ESPN radio. Dan Patrick was interviewing Jerry Riensdorf (not sure of the spelling, but you know Bulls, White Sox). Rinesdorf said "when an owner starts thinking like a fan, he will soon find himself sitting with the fans" . Its a business folks!

[Pipit]

Cannot understand why Andrea is still playing major minutes. If he doesn't have the will to play hard, give those minutes to others who wanted it. They're not winning anyways so its better to see other guys play and build confidence during this rebuilding process. Doug, do you know the reason why Colangelo acquired Ajinca? He plays the same style as Andrea and right now this team doesnt need another soft 7 ft guy who plays more of an outside game. Is Ajinca part of this rebuilding process by the team or another ala "Patrick O'Bryant" who will be discarded at the end of the season?

Blogger's note: Half a season free rental, no clue whether he's a long-term guy

[Kent]

I don't get Triano. What's the big deal about 3 extra points when you regularly give up 110? Why bother calling a timeout there to get back at Collison? The Toronto players were probably dying to get back to the locker room and he wanted them to stand out there even longer? Danny Crawford did Triano a favour there by ignoring him. Look, I have no doubt that Triano knows his Xs and Os (you don't get to work with Coach K and team USA unless you do) but that doesn't mean he is a good motivator, a leader of men or a capable head coach.

[Chris]

Have you always used the phrase mother star? Or is it because you read it in a fan's question?