It's time to get this game over and done with

Okay, I’m suffering quite a lot from Chris Bosh burnout.

Really.

But I don’t know if you are so …

-

It was actually not bad to sit down with Chris with Zic and a gaggle of Miami writers because he did have some marginally interesting stuff to see and, despite his flaws, he has always been willing to engage in conversation.

Nothing earth-shattering, as you know from having poured over this tome, right? But the rather short conversation did cement home one thing I’ve thought about him for a long time.

He wants to be liked. He likes to be liked. He needs to be liked.

Doesn’t make him a bad guy, in fact it makes him like a lot of us, but I wonder if the desire to be all things to all people doesn’t take away from his abilities on the court. He doesn’t have a mean streak about him, which is a good trait in almost every instance, but a wee bit more nasty would have made him that much better a player.

Now, if we can just get tonight over with without any great incident, I’ll be quite happy.

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I have a new thing in basketball that I hate more than anything.

Coaches who call timeouts in the dying seconds of lost causes for no reason other than to show someone that they’re working or something.

Frank Vogel did it in Indy last night, calling one with his team down seven and 15.2 seconds left and Vinny Del Negro did it Sunday with, I believe, his team down six and about five seconds left.

Really, what’s the point?

You think either of them had some super-secret seven-point play they could draw up? And don’t give me the “they get to advance the ball and you never know what’ll happen” stuff; that’s too far-fetched.

I think they do it so they feel good about themselves, they can leave the court knowing they did everything in their power to make themselves noticed or something. Or to drag out a game and make my writing life miserable (and we know, it’s all about me).

It’s right up there with a reset to 14 on the shot clock off a kicked ball and the refs who aren’t going to call a foul if a shot goes in but mysteriously toot their whistle late if there’s a miss.

I’m cranky when it comes to that stuff.

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Want to know what they’re writing in Florida about this gigantic struggle tonight?

Well, Ira’s right hand man Shandel got up to Toronto early and filed this somewhat telling piece; and here’s what Ira had to say about the game in Indy.

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I’ve seen a lot of things on the basketball courts over the years but I cannot ever remember a 90-foot lob pass.

So when Dwyane Wade threw one to LeBron James last night – rebounding a miss under the basket and heaving a perfectly-placed pass to James at the other end, it was perhaps the “wow” moment of the season.

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Phil Kessel scored two goals in one game?

I was going to make some snarky comment but I got distracted by the pigs that were flying past my head.

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Okay, I have a direct 7 a.m. flight from Indy to Toronto and a speaking engagement out in Scarborough at 11 a.m.

Surely to all that’s good in the world, nothing can get screwed up, can it?

Wish me luck.

-

I would assume a lot of you read, or heard, about Bill Russell getting the Presidential Medal of Freedom down here yesterday, right?

Now, you know how I feel about Russell and what he meant to the game with all his many accomplishments.

But what he went through off the court was no picnic and he took stances at a time when it was a dangerous thing to do, he broke down barriers (first African-American coach of any pro sports team) and carried himself well in every possible manner.

Now, we can debate the role of athlete’s in a city, whether they should be lionized or loved or simply appreciated for the time they are there before moving on but I don’t think that’s the case with Russell. He was Boston.

And every time I’m in that city and go through the Ted Williams tunnel out of Logan or see the statue of Red at Faneuil Hall or hear them talk about Yawkey Way or the erecting of a statue at the Garden for Bobby Orr, one thing comes to mind: When are they going to get around to doing something for Russell. And I mean something big.

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Send me some mail.

Please.

Here.

I’ve got five hours to kill in a plane, the current issue of The New Yorker has been read; not sure how much of Vanity Fair’s Hollywood Edition I can handle and I need something to kill some time.

Thanks.

-

So I’m sitting on a stool after the game typing some of this stuff up and the fellow next to me looks over and says: “It’s too late to be working, man.”

And I’m thinking, I need to put that guy in touch with the honchos at the Home Office.

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You remember TJ Ford, right?

Slight fellow who played in Toronto once?

Well, he’s still in Indy – ran into him in the hallway at Conseco the other day – but he’s certainly not part of any Pacers future.

They’ve been trying to trade him for about a year and haven’t been able to finalize a deal and you know they are working diligently to ship him about before Feb. 24.

I have no idea whether he can still play even a little bit – and I would suspect the answer is no since he hasn’t now for two different Pacers coaches – but I will always give him this: After every game or practice, he’d walk by the assembled media and ask, “do you guys need me?” and not too many athletes do that.

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The things you see when you’re paying a little attention when you normally don’t:

Roy Hibbert skips rope on the court before the game to get loosened up.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before.

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What’s the rest of the week look like around these parts?

Good question that I don’t really have an answer for.

Guess there’ll be the usual gobbledy-gook here in the morning before a noonish flight to L.A. and I’m wondering about the advisability of an IGBT on Sunday night?

May as well, right?

-

 

 

Comments

[Tabber]

doug (the poster, not Smitty) is missing a point when he says that sporting venues are not places of worship - some of them definitely are, and have more cultural significance than some buildings dedicated to worship of false idols. Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Yankee Stadium, the old Montreal Forum, Maple Leaf Gardens are definitely of cultural significance, and mean more to more people than some "official" places of worship. There's also the architectural significance, but apparently knocking down such places is justifiable to doug. That that point of view is in any way common is a sign not only of disrespect to the past and the events that took place there, but a symptom of the current rush to change where change is not necessarily a good thing. Don't forget the expression "those who do not remember the past are doomed to repeat it", and have some respect for the achievements that have stood for decades, if not centuries. Better those iconic structures than some cookie-cutter modern multi-purpose facility without atmosphere.

[joe]

Doug,
Thanks for bringing good insight and good common sense during this whole Bosh episode. If people want to boo him because he's a member of the Miami Heat and you want the Raptors to win, that I can understand. Other than that, I see no reason to boo him. After VC left, he was the only reason the Raptors remained relevant around the NBA. On the court, he busted his butt to get a W and was often the only Raptor putting in any effort. Off the court, he did so much charity work, was great with the media, and and excellent representative of the city and the franchise. In the end, he took a once in a lifetime chance to play with D.Wade and Lebron. The manner in which he left was childish, no doubt about that. But, hey, he's a 26 year old kid caught up in the Hollywood hype. He let success get to his head. I think lots of people have done that. In the end, Toronto sports fans are supposed to be very appreciative of hard working athletes. Bosh was one of them. Show some class, Toronto fans and give him a nice warm applause when he's introduced. That would send a message to everyone around the league. Unfortunately, I think you'll hear more boos than cheers. That's Toronto sports fans: quick to forget the good people do and highly negative. Is it any wonder why so many athletes in so many sports don't want to play here.

[vank]

Hey Doug!! Not sure if you heard David Sterns "pod cast" but he dropped this:

"I think maybe or maybe not on my watch, when Seattle has plans for a new building, I think it's a very prime city for an NBA franchise. We've been visited or contacted by three different groups that are putting up a building in Las Vegas. ... We've had visits from Anaheim, we've had visits from, believe it or not, Vancouver."

Realistically, what are the chances of Vancouver OR Seattle getting a franchise in the next 5 years? WHY hasn't Seattle built a new building yet?

Blogger's note: 10-90 and no public money available in Seattle

[Vincent Lam]

Doug, you're not alone in thinking Boston should have a statue erected of Bill Russell. You're in good company, the most powerful man in the world agrees:

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4680752/transcript-of-obamas-comments-on-russell

[Mike kovacs]

I guess Ira will be in for a surprise at the reception that Bosh will get ( not that I agree with it).

[brent]

Doug,
Knowing that you just can't get enough of Carmelo Anthony, try this link: http://espn.go.com/nba/features/carmeloanthonyslotmachine
Enjoy!

[Dave T]

You're always saying "that's why they play them." So why not call a timeout in the dying seconds? Crazier things have happened - I'm sure you would know as a beat writer. I don't have a problem with coaches calling time-outs if they truly believe they can still win. Case in point - Tracy McGrady - 13 points - 35 seconds.

[Binder]

Sun Network here in Fla did a Chris Bosh thing last night. You know about his return to Toronto. According to Bosh all was good.

[KJ]

Booing questionable tactic - clearly motivates T-Mac. Even if you don't buy that, shouldn't it be directed at guys who do arguably nasty stuff, guys like KG? Embarassment over the stupid stuff Bosh said leaving likely enough punishment for any "wrong" he committed in going.

[Lake Simcoe]

They call themselves "Heatles".......fans call them "Hateles"....

[RapsLover]

The Raptors won a game? Whoa, there go those darn pigs again.

Just imagine if Kessel had more goals than Raps had wins... er, wait.

Glass houses, stones... think about it.

[GM]

* 15.2 seconds seems like a long time to me if you're down only 7. With the way players are kicking their legs out and flopping while taking a 3-pointer, there's always the chance for a 4-point play. A steal and another 3-pointer, tied. Easy-peasy!
* Doug, I think you misread Jean-Marie's comment. Or I did.

[The J]

Yay, the Raptors get to be relevant for a day!!

Part of me hopes they play Bosh really hard, and the game even harder. I'm not suggesting they literally send a big guy to toss him around (what's Dorsey up to anyways, Can Reggie just suit up to toss the guy into the first row?), but I would like them to play up to the intensity of the crowd. I remember the times Vince would embarass the Raps while a crowd that wanted nothing but to beat him went home empty handed. I know nobody on the Raps hated Vince like we did, and as time went on, it was mostly people who had never even played with him. But atleast feed off the crowds energy. If your fans hate someone, then you should too, they are your bosses after all. Cleveland getting steamrolled by the Heat was embarassing, let's hope it's not the same for TO.

[Mos High]

I find it akward that people are saying Bosh betrayed the Raptors by not saying if he is leaving or staying.

How many of you would have been happy if he came out saying he leaving, there would be comments Bosh hates Toronto etc..

How can he say no comment, its a tuff position for anyone to be in, we dont know the inner workings. Colangelo Im sure has lost a lot of respect from players around the league by coming out and saying stuff that he feels!! This GM has a #1 player Andrea "Spectator" Bargnani who maybe gives full effort 1/3 of the games he has ever played...Now people talk about the last 20 games where he may have not went full out!!! Come on.

Yes this team is starting over, but NOBODY CAN SAY THIS TEAM IS BETTER WITH OUT HIM. Who is Raptors #1 player who a flippn Spectator!!

[Kate C]

Strangely and unexpectedly, I have spent the last 6 months defending Bosh. Not because I love him so much, but because there is so much misinformation being spewed about him. I'll be at the game tonight, clapping and cheering for a guy who gave us his best while he was here. Sure, it didn't end up taking us where we hoped to go, but I don't believe that was for a lack of effort or desire on his part.

[Mos High]

Comment got cut off,,,,Finally All you dopes saying he betrayed the team, I agree by letting them keep Bargnani and Calderon.

He should of demanded the GM to end the Euro Alliance and trade Bargnani and Calderon!!! Maybe he did and GM said no!!!

Blogger's note: "Dopes?" Classy. Makes you seem like a true grown up

Now Toronto has no all star and a spectator as #1 player!!

[Kelsey]

Why would people want Bosh to stay here and let his career rot away..Look at the stiff's like Bargnani on this team.

If Bargnani doesnt re-sign another deal will Raptors fans be upset?? Will they boo him, NO why because he is a dud and not a #1 #2 or #3 player on a good team

STOP TALKING ABOUT PLAYERS DONT STAY...Who wants to come to a team where there loosing every year. Vince, Bosh both signed 2nd deals they didnt just walk. You Toronto fans are so crazy, go follow the leafs and watch there sick team and there barbaric sport!!!!

[Karen P]

I like this honesty from Chad Ford....Something other than Bosh=).....

Herman (Toronto)

With Ed Davis and Amir Johnson showing signs of potential. Does there come a time when Toronto looks to trade Bargnani? Maybe they should take a shot at Odem?

Chad Ford (1:36 PM)

It's a good question. The answer is ... not as long as Bryan Colangelo is the GM. GMs fall in love with the players they draft. It's part of our psychological need to justify our decisions. Colangelo took him No. 1 over Rudy Gay and Brandon Roy. He needs to be right. Trading him is tantamount to admitting he was a bad pick. Lakers are suffering from the same problem with Bynum. As a rule around the league, teams tend to overvalue their own players and undervalue other team's players. It's partly why we don't see more trades in the NBA. But if Colangelo were to leave the Raptors, my guess is the first move a new GM would make would be to trade Bargnani. He's talented, but it's tough to have a 7 footer on the floor who refuses to rebound or defend anyone.

[Lorie]

Doug!
In order to help you avoid migraines and accelerated hearing loss, maybe we could hurriedly organize some other way for people to express their Bosh-based displeasure tonight? What do you think of whistling? yodelling? fingersnapping? Or do you have another idea???

Blogger's note: Silence?

[J]

@Kate C:

/signed

We saw how quickly people jumped to conclusions re: Baron Davis and Blake Griffin. In the end, people will pick the interpretation that matches their preconceived notions best.

[m]

Interesting interview with Hubie Brown.
http://www.fan590.com/ondemand/media.jsp?content=20110215_113049_14572

[kathyt]

All this Bosh, Bosh, Bosh... big whoopdeedo. Personally it’s a good thing he’s gone, never thought of him as being the corner stone of the franchise; just be thankful he’s gone to South Beach with his fake tough guy act. Is it the all star break yet, cuz I think we all need a little breather.

[Ted S.]

I hope the fans really "bring it" and make tonight the most memorable night of a lost season.
.
Boo the deception, the unnecessary cyber-drama, and the leadership vacuum that was Chris Bosh - not his talent and body of work in Toronto.
.
I wish I could be there.

[Michel G]

Kelsey states: "You Toronto fans are so crazy, go follow the leafs and watch there sick team and there barbaric sport!!!!"

The best thing about this blog is it makes me laugh. Crazy Toronto fans (like Kelsey) calling other Toronto fans (like me) crazy. I love the pucks.

[Kent]

people who say Raptors are better off without Chris Bosh have no idea how far this franchise has fallen and will continue to fall. For a close approximation, see Minnesota post-KG era.