Some game, some Oscars and a first plea for help

That Dallas team’s pretty good, isn’t it?

Even when the HOTH rattled off 18 points in a row early, there was a feeling the tide would eventually turn and did it ever.

But I imagine a lot of you were off watching the Oscars when it did so …

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THREE POINTERS

A new handler

Must have been half a dozen times or so Sunday that we saw James Johnson grab a rebound and take off leading a break, sometimes even waving off Jose to tell him to get up the floor.

And everyone’s fine with it.

All season long, Jay’s been talking about wanting a second ball-handler on the floor for exactly those instances so they can get going into their offence without having to wait for whichever point guard is on the floor to go back and get the ball.

Now, it’d be nice if DeMar (who is a relatively bad rebounder for someone so athletically gifted) was able to help out a little bit, too, but Johnson is giving the team exactly what it needs with his ability to get out in transition.

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The Spanish Rodman?

I’m not sure how some of you are going to blame this on Andrea’s deficiencies on the glass, but somehow Jose Calderon led the team in rebounding Sunday with eight.

It took some deep delving into the history books to find out that, no, it wasn’t the first time that had happened. Well, I guess technically it was; he once tied Bosh with a team-best nine boards in a 2005 overtime game against Washington.

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New looks?

Jay said the moves were made as much out of necessity as anything but we were treated to some odd groupings in that Dallas game.

James Johnson in the front court with Ed Davis because Amir Johnson and Alexis Ajinca were in a little bit of foul trouble; Jose with Bayless and Barbosa at one point when they decided to go super small and DeMar needed a break on night where Sonny had nothing.

Now, I don’t imagine we’re going to see a lot of that but as the final quarter of the season unfolds I’m also sure we’ll be treated to a few moments of experimentation.

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There’s more, of course.

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I’m going to let you in on a little secret.

I’ve had a bit of a crush on Melissa Leo since she was on Homicide, Life In The Street (an excellent show that also gave us John Munch) and now that she’s in Treme (another one that’s a virtual must-see for me and it should be for you), she’s sill a big fave.

So when I heard it was her who dropped the F bomb on the Oscars, I’m thinking, ‘yes, I have good taste in unrequited crushes.’

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There was an interesting question in the mail yesterday that kind of got short shrift and got me to thinking more last night.

It had to do with the possibility – remote that it may be – of the Raptors buying out Reggie Evans.

I still don’t think it’ll happen, no one from the team has ever broached the subject even in private conversation but, at some level, doesn’t it make a bit of sense?

In a perfect world, Reggie comes back, grabs his dozen rebounds a game, the Raptors win a bunch of games and have all kinds of momentum going into the post-season.

We do not live in a perfect world.

So, in order to keep giving Ed Davis the minutes he’s been getting, and to run Alexis Ajinca out there every now and then to see what he’s got, maybe a Bye Bye Reggie Buyout is on someone’s mind.

But, as I said, no one’s brought it up even in passing so I don’t think anything will happen.

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Mr. Sefko reports on Sunday’s game thusly in the cyber-pages of the Dallas Morning News.

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Speaking of buyouts, things are going to have to happen quickly in a lot of cities because deals have to be done by March 1 in order for the bought-out players to have post-season eligibility if they sign somewhere else.

I know it’s a sore point for many but benefits to the team losing a player would include saving a few bucks over the last six weeks of the season as well as creating playing time for young kids they want to take a look at for the future. Oh, and I guess there’d be some goodwill generated and that’s never a bad thing, either.

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I had a feeling Griff might hit a homer with his reminiscences of Duke Snider.

He didn’t let me down, as you can read here.

And how many of you were like me: Soon as you heard of his passing, you started humming the song Talking Baseball.

You know the one:

Willie, Mickey and the Duke.

Yeah, that one.

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Okay, here we go.

London time.

I’m not going to have a lot of spare time early in the trip with the back-to-back games Friday-Saturday, stuff to do Thursday but there should be lots of chance Sunday and Monday to do things.

Now, I’ve seen the Cabinet War Rooms (fascinating) and the palace and stuff so I’m looking for other must-see stuff and recommendations.

Take into account we’re staying at Canary Wharf and I have no idea where that is in relation to anything but I’ll take whatever you’ve got.

And offer thanks already.

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Stevie Boy continues to do good work as the ace shutterbug.

You can see what he produced, here.

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I cannot wait for the breathless, unrelenting breakdown of the “third line left-winger for 17-year-old pimply prospect” stuff today.

Part of me hopes there isn’t a single trade all day and some of you can watch insiders call each other on their cell phones on TV.

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Comments

[The J]

I agree with the assessments of Sonny, but I would actually consider bringing him back next year. With the lack of opportunity he has had in his career, I see last year as a "rookie" season of sorts. Making this the typical sophmore slump. Combine that with the injury and it's not surprising how bad he's been. Of course, I would only bring him back at a bargain basement price, and not be afraid to keep him at the end of the bench and playing only garbage minutes if that's all he proves to be worth next year. But I still feel like last year when he was attacking, and playing agressive defense, he looked like a kid with a bright future. Not sure I would give up on that so quickly. Even though he has looked awful at times lately.

[The J]

Also, on the NHL Tradedeadline, so far it's been riveting. According to my TSN Trade tracker there has been 15 trades already involving 32 players and 12 picks. It's a relative who's who of players you've never heard of and will never hear of again. The Leaves traded a player away for a 7th round pick!! Now that is showing faith in your scouting team! But I guess it does make getting James Johnson for a 1st rounder look bad. Now if the Raps could have got him for 7th rounder, then that would have been a steal.

Used to be the NHL trade deadline day was eventful and the NBA deadline was a dud. Looks like things have definetly flipped this year. I doubt we will seen any NHL names comparible to Melo or Deron being moved. I don't even expect a Kendrick Perkins level trade.

[doug]

the guard position in the NBA is much like being a defenseman in the NHL...it takes a while to master it, or fully comprehend all it entails...Nash was no sure fire point guard out of the gate, or Billups..so to say Bayless has shown his true colours or value is just wrong....he has had some credible games a starter it's coming off the bench he has a hard time with, getting into the flow, asserting himself etc...way to soon to pass judgement on him...watching games yesterday, was interesting...Lakers/Thunder good game, intense, tough , well played but in no way does it mean a lot, as when Perks plays he will nullify Bynum, as yesterday Bynum was a force not with Perks in there will he be....Mavs/Raps, the Mavs are a fine team but I still have my doubts about t em getting out of the West or making any real noise, to me there achilles heel is Jason Kidd, he's not the Jason Kidd of 7 years ago or so, I have my doubts...and then the Heat/Knicks, i find it interesting that LeBron is in the MVP conversation, it boggles my mind...as in 2 games this week which is just a microcosm of the Heat season , he is not a finisher, the Heat are terrible at closing out games and James dominates the ball at the end, if there is any player in the NBA begging for coaching it's James...he needs to get into the post, and drop this point guard act...the Heat and there fans are all excited about getting Bibby maybe after his buyout went through..come on they have Wade, LeBron so what hole is Bibby going to fill???...Lebron is so far out of my MVP radar, he's not even a blip on the screen...he has no clue to team b-ball, and last year Wade made a living hitting game winners, this year he doesn't even get to touch the ball in the waning moments, unreal...these guys being given buyouts are being given them for a reason...

[Sparky]

Doug, let me second the recommendation for the Imperial War Museum. It's fantastic and there's plenty of amazing memorabilia from the UK's loyal Canadian allies. Also, for a museum called the "Imperial War Museum," it is surprisingly balanced, critical and thoughtful in its portrayal of both Empire and war. I could have spent days there. Underrated!

[joeu]

@james
Re: Best American Cop show, ever

I'd make a case for Hill Street Blues. In my mind it paved the way for gritty cop shows. I loved that they were doing cinematic stories on series tv.

[LeeZ]

@AT: please don't try to lump Doug in with Randy Newman. To paraphrase Senator Lloy Bensten: Randy, I served with Doug Smith, I knew Doug Smith, Doug Smith was a friend of mine. Randy, you're no Doug Smith! Now, a more apt comparison would be to compare the way Randy Newman looked last night with a cross between Walter Cronkite and Captain Kangaroo! Don't believe me? Check out the photo: http://oscar.go.com/award-show/photo/index/724615/724637
As for James Johnson, he needs to stick to a mid-range game and slashing. Spot-up jumpers are definitely not his thing, at least based on first impressions.

[Matt M]

Damn Bargnani. If he had been in the building then Calderon would have at least 10 more boards.

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Thanks @The J, that's kind of what I was hoping to hear. Between a sophomore slump and maybe a lingering injury, I'm not really ready to give up on the guy either – but you just don't give up on plays either (or defence, or offence, or rebounds, or games). The term "moral victory" was mentioned last night. I thought they had theirs in that first half, when they proved once again that this team is more than capable of playing effective defence as well as putting up points. They just need to learn how to apply themselves for far longer stretches – and don't give up on plays! Give 'er! Cheers.

[doug]

@D-Mac..Weems knows the writing is one the wall for him here in Toronto as do a few other guys..Dorsey,Wright, maybe Ajinca (as i am not sure of his contract situation), as BC blows up the roster at the best of times...I never pay attention to those "expendable" parts when there on the floor, as to me they who are they are and won't be in the picture come the fall...Weems reminds me of Moon in a way, different ball players, but they need to understand they need to bring a few things to the dance floor, there not good enough in their one area to justify them being a bigger part of a team...guys like them need to have their strength/s, but also have other aspects to their game or strive to do so...nothing worse then to be typecast as a actor same goes in the NBA for role players in my opinion...and to me Weems kiss of death came surprisingly to me, when BC was asked about him, and he said to paraphrase "he needs to become a better passer and not shoot as much"...for BC to not only be so forthright surprised me but was also very telling...

[m]

American cop shows... don't forget The Wire.

[Lorie]

@D-Mac: Great post regarding Sonny Weems. "Measured indifference" is an accurate description, I think, and pretty much sums up what I've observed from Sonny lately. Keeping in mind, of course, that when watching on TV you're captive to seeing what the camera allows, but much of what has been allowed to be seen hasn't been very encouraging and shows his play to lack a consistent intensity and just plain effort. (I know, that can be said of many of the HOTH, but not to such a degree.) Now, I watched the Oscars last night. Closely. And I've also watched Grunt TV (if memory serves) and I just don't see it. Even when I remove the bifocals and squint my eyes. Randy Newman. Doug Smith. Not even close. Paul Newman maybe. (And, yes, Doug. I accept personal cheques.)

[craig]

Doug,
Does Sonny still practicing his three point shots from the first row seats? Has he sunk a few? Because he sure doesn't sink many "real" shots.

[KO]

Hey Doug, my suggestions for London would be replete with pubs, but I will restrict it to one since many of the Irregulars have no doubt provided you with more than enough lotions already. I know you have been to the War Cabinet etc a lady so it's likely you have come across it already, but one that stands out from a "cool tourist", as well as a historical perspective (Disraeli an original member of the gentleman's club, watering hole for Churchill, etc) is St. Stephen's Pub just off the bridge in Westminster (Address: 10 Bridge Street, London, SW1A 2JR). Once you grab your pint of Badger's Fursty Ferret head back out to the street and get a shot of you and your pint with Big Ben just over your shoulder. I also think cask ale is a great experience for the adult beverage conoisseur, so beyond the options there, so if you find anywhere serving Doombar Real Ale (out of Cornwall) give it a shot, it was my favorite of the adult beverages I tried. Enjoy.

[james lannin]

hey doug,
whatever direction you go in london, you will probably not end up exactly where was expected. if you use a G.P.S. "IT" will probably get confused and need a few minutes to re-group. awesome city but historically, accurately confusing. Curvy streets is fun!

[Daniel]

You need to be a fan, but I myself could never resist the zebra crossing near Abbey Road studios in St John's Wood.

Shakespeare's Globe burned down in 1613, and the Puritans demolished its successor, but there's a modern reconstruction a couple hundred metres from the original spot...