A little mail for a lazy Sunday

Good morning everyone.

Having fun with this March Madness stuff? Wildest finish I think I’ve ever seen in that Butler-Pitt game. Not sure what was worse, the fouls or the calls.

Anyway, here’s some stuff to tide you over until the game tonight.

Enjoy.

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Q: Hey Doug, as always, love the blog.

I was wondering what is your sense, given your contacts and the time spent around the league, of there being a lockout next season to the point of actually loosing games? I'm not looking for a percentage or odds, but rather if you're leaning one way or another regarding what will occur regarding labour negotiations.

Thanks,

 

Diego S, Toronto

A: For the longest time, I truly thought saner heads would prevail and they’d know enough not to kill the golden goose. Now? I’m not as sure.

I can see a situation where we have a summer lockout and the sides come to their senses in September and October so that no games are lost.

But that’s a total opinion gleaned from various conversations, I don’t think anyone can say for certainty what’s in the minds of David Stern and Billy Hunter because they’re keeping things close to the vest.

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Q: Hey Doug. I am very curious about your perspective on the management running the various NBA teams. I am not simply speaking about the GMs either. Undoubtedly there is great management and poor management.

In your opinion what are the top three and the bottom three? The Class Acts versus the Gong Shows.

More interesting, what might be the reasons for your ranking.

Thanks

 

Andy F, Aberdeen, Scotland

A: I’d say the poster children for good management, from top to bottom today, would be:

San Antonio: Great drafting, financially prudent, consistently good.

Oklahoma City: Solid young core, connect with fan base, built for long-term success.

Los Angeles Lakers: Yes, they spend more than most but they make bold moves that pay off.

Now, on the other side?

Los Angeles Clippers: Donald Sterling. ‘Nuf said.

Cleveland: Dan Gilbert strikes me as a bit of a blowhard and they seem to have messed up the post-LeBron era because I don’t’ know how well positioned they are for the future.

Detroit: Ownership muddle, wretched roster of young and old, coaching changes almost annually. It’s been a mighty fall.

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Q: Hey Doug, you've been dropping Jerryd's name here and there over the past several weeks, and I read that one piece you wrote specifically about him about a week ago. Given that it's almost time to evaluate the season and look ahead to the next several years, do you think he'd fit into the master plan? In this environment, do you think he can improve to possibly being a quality starting PG? I remember watching him in the documentary "Gunnin' for that #1 Spot" and thinking this guy could really do something in the league, and I was excited when we traded for him. Of course, we all witnessed some of his growing pains early in his tenure here, but he showed some upside to his game as you pointed out and he's a guy I still want to like. He seems to have the work ethic and personality to a) want to improve, and b) fit in with the culture of the team and city. Plus, let's remember that he's still a pretty young guy. What do you think?

Joe P, Toronto

A: I think he’s made great strides in the last month as he’s become more comfortable in his role and with the team and I’d count him as a piece for the future.

I think he may morph into some kind of backup combo guard at both backcourt positions, but he’s shown me enough to warrant hanging around.

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Q: Hi Doug. Long time reader of your blog. Always full of mildly interesting information about the Raptors, basketball, and the trials and tribulations of being a grunt.

I read your blog this morning where you discussed the apathy about the Raptors of late. That is when I realized I am in the boat of fans who just don't seem to be as interested as before. I wouldn't know (or care) when and who the Raptors are playing this year, which is a shame. You mention needing to "hit a home run" and I was wondering if you can expand on that. What do you think needs to happen between now and the start of next season to build a renewed sense of optimism?

Thanks.

 

Sal L, Toronto

A: I didn’t mean one specific thing, like acquiring some “star” because I like the idea of building a group. What I think fans need to see is astute drafting and the addition of solid core players who truly address needs.

I’ve said all along there are some intriguing pieces on this team but it’s a delicate job to fill in the holes that exist without cutting into what’s building.

So I’d rather see Bryan pull off a handful of solid moves – a “home run” – rather than strike out with one guy.

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Q: Hey Doug. If there's something from a Canadian perspective to be excited about watching the NCAA tournament it has to be watching perhaps future Canadian NBA talent, in particular Cory Joseph and Tristan Thompson of Texas, both from the GTA, as well as seeing potential Raptor draft picks. My question is in regards to many of these athletes going to college prep schools in the US in order to get noticed by the big time universities. Do you think that the only way for Canadians develop into NBA players these days is to go this route? Is it impossible to get noticed from playing high school basketball in Canada? Myck Kabongo, a McDonalds All-American high school player from Toronto and committed to Texas next year, also went this route.

Kristian B, Toronto

 

PS. How great does Canada Basketball look going into the future with all this talent coming down the pipeline??

A: I don’t think it’s necessary to go to prep school in the States at all; and in some ways I think it’s a bad idea to get yourself into what can be an unseemly process that early. Trust me, if a kid’s good, they’ll find him, like they have with so many Canadian high schoolers, who get the level of competition they need to improve in summer leagues and tournaments.

Yes, Myck Kabongo went to a prep school, Kevin Pangos (another name to remember) went to a tiny high school north of Toronto.

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Q: Hi Doug. Long time reader but never weighed in with an opinion or question until I saw your query regarding waning interest with the HOTH. My husband and I have been big fans of the Raptors for the last several years but this year we have not watched as many games. Not because we don't want to, but because we hate being held hostage by whoever makes the decision to broadcast on channels you have to pay extra for. Of the next fourteen games we can only get four on our cable package. Who does make that decision by the way? Ok - so now I've sent you an opinion and a question.

Joanne WF, Etobicoke

A: That’s a Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment decision in consultation with their broadcast “partners” and I think it’s ridiculous they are spread over so many networks, and versions of the networks like Sportsnet One and TSN2. It’s silly and is one of the main things I hear about from disgruntled fans.

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Q: Hey Doug, love the blog. Can you tell me which is the official logo of the Raps? I thought they were going with the claw but I see the old dinosaur floating around from time to time. I don't like the dinosaur but that is just me.

Thanks, Doug.

 

Tamara S, Halifax

A: Not sure one is more “official” than the other but I think the team would prefer it to be the claw. That’s my favourite, actually, but if people want to use the other one, so be it.

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Q: Ciao, Doug. Every single day I read your blogs and articles. I really always appreciate your amazing job. Two questions for you.

I do not like the Raptors situation from the management point of view. A team cannot plan his future not having a GM full focused. The Raptors have not already confirmed Brian Colangelo. The Roma Football Club is involved in a similar situation. And they cannot renew players and coaches contracts just because they are waiting the new property's decisions. It's the worst situation to build a brilliant future.

How can the Raptors property be so blind not deciding anything about their future GM? I think that Colangelo has deserved this and the property is not showing to have a clear plan.

Andrea, Demar, Amir, David, Jose, JJ (and maybe Reggie and Barbosa) are showing that they could be the core foundation of a good Playoff's team. Are they going to play again next year for the Raptors? What are your ideas about this?

 

Paola P, Roma

A: The confusion that surrounds Bryan is ridiculous but speaks to the major issues that exist at the highest level of ownership – the company is for sale, the board has a lot of different pieces – and I think it needs to be resolved quickly, and needs to be resolved with Bryan getting a new deal as soon as possible so that everyone can move forward.

As for the players? Yeah, I can see them all being back.

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Q: Thought of a questions in regards to the refs. You mentioned that there used to be 2 female refs, and one was let go after 2 seasons.

Do you know if they have reviews of the refs at the end of the season, or is it just some refs get tired of the travel/grind?

If there is a review, do you know what they look for? It would seem that being a part of a union, it would be difficult to let go of someone unless they performed horribly at their jobs.

 

Henry W, Toronto

A: Oh, they’re reviewed every season and, in fact, there’s a reviewer at every single game who files a report to the league office.

And they look for what you’d think: Blown calls, incorrect interpretation of the rules, physical condition, positioning on the court. All the stuff that goes into being a good referee.

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Q: Hey Doug. You mentioned in the IGBT about how teams prepare for playing the Raptors, and it got me wondering if, as this season winds down for our local HOTH, and with post-season play not happening for them this year, is there the same degree of preparation put forth by the team? That is, do they still have their people out on the road scouting other teams or do they at this point in this season rely more on just viewing tapes etc.?

Thanks!

 

Lorie P, London

A: Absolutely the same.

They do the same video prep for every opponent, the coaches go over the usual scouting reports to devise a game plan. They really do treat every game, regardless of record or opponent or time of the season, the same.

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Q: Hey Doug. Great job on the blog! It’s always a pleasure to read. I have a quick question about draft day strategy. I know you've always believed in selecting the best available player at the draft, but what happens if that player has stated or hinted they did not want to play for your team (i.e. Steve Francis and the Vancouver Grizzlies or Yi Jianlian and the Milwaukee Bucks). Would you still draft them anyway hoping they would play for your team, or would you choose the second best player available?

 

Jareen G, Kingston

A: That’s a good one. If a guy didn’t want play for me, or my city, and I had some interest in him, I’d probably try to show him the error of his ways but if he was steadfast, I’d probably move on. I wouldn’t draft someone to spite them, it does me no good as an organization.

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Q: Hi Doug. Do you find that we, the Irregulars, tend to not have as many blog hits in the "off season" months as what we would do in the fall/winter? Does the newspaper keep stats for each month of the year?

Thanks

 

Dave M, Sussex, NB

A: Oh, the numbers are down for the season on a daily basis. Not hugely but a bit and that’s entirely understandable.

And, to tell you the truth, the numbers are probably available for off-season months but I don’t really look at them. I just kind of keep my head down and plod along with whatever strikes my fancy when there are no games.

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Q: A few years ago I met this guy that had worked as a stats guy for the NBA. He told me a story about "Bird" points. Seems that Larry Legend had his own unique way of determining whether or not he was playing well. If I remember correctly, rebounds, steals, assists etc were added on the plus side. Points your man scored against you, turnovers, fouls etc were deducted and that became your "Bird" points. A more involved plus/minus like you would see in hockey.

Have you ever heard of this and is there any one actually tracking these numbers anywhere and if so who in the league and/or raptors would be leading.

 

Joe S, Brooklin

A: I’ve heard of it, in the same way you did in that Bird used to track it but I’ve never heard of a team doing it for all of its players. But in this day and age of over-analysis of stats and new “metrics” I presume there’s someone out there doing it every morning off video of the last night’s games.

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Q: Hi Doug, great list for Irish bars but they are all in the States. How about a list for Toronto!

Thanks,

 

NB, Toronto

A: Here’s the thing:

I seldom go out in Toronto, or Hazelville, or anywhere. If I’m not at one of my locals either working or decompressing after a night game, I’m usually home.

With all the travel I do, I believe that to be the most wise course of action I could take, if you get my drift.

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Q: Hi Doug. In regards to the team becoming irrelevant, I for one would be sad to see it. I think they need to consider a name change. Get something that is not a fad (Dinosaurs, Jurassic Park) and go for something that sticks and is recognizable and dignified. Not too sure what it would be...but I think it would help. What do you think?

 

Paul G, Aurora

A: Sorry, I think that’s the absolute last thing they need to care about. I don’t think fans are staying away or losing interest because of the team name. If they are, I worry about them.

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Q: Hi Doug. I love the IGBT, but missed it on Wednesday night because I was watching the game in a pub.

I may be wrong but it seemed me that Detroit was sometimes running quite an effective half-court press against the Raptors. My question is this: is that type of defence sort of a college, or even high school thing to do? Is it something that happens more often than I am noticing? I would have thought that there are about 100 ways to circumvent a half-court press, and it was fascinating to see it so many times -- and to see it slow the Raptors down so much.

 

Jeremy W, Halifax

A: The thing about various different defences – halfcourt presses, traps, zones, picking up full court man – is that it never takes an offensive team very long to figure out a way to beat it repeatedly. And that’s why most teams use them judiciously.

But, for three or four possessions, and then maybe for two or three possessions a quarter or so later, they can be effective.

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Q: Doug, in your opinion, how many players on the current Raptors roster do you see being in the opening day line-up next season (if there is a season)?

 

Bill G, North York

A: You know this is an entire guess, right?

I’ll go with Calderon, Bayless, DeRozan, Johnson and Johnson, Bargnani, Davis, probably Alabi at the end of the bench and Kleiza as he rehabs. The big question is Reggie and, right now, I don’t think he’ll be back but that’s a guess.

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Q: Hi Doug; As it is well documented, Reggie is loved by fans but it's more than likely he won't stick around because we already have 3 bigs under contract. Lets say (in Bob McCown's fantasy world) Andrea was traded for a wing player, would we be able to live with what would be the fairly inept offensive front court of Reggie (assuming he was re-signed), Amir, and Davis for the sake of having guys who can actually play defense?

Thanks.

 

Thomas T, Antigonish, NS

A: I think maybe you’re downplaying the offensive abilities of both Johnson and Davis but, in your unlikely scenario, that would be troubling and something I would presume the GM would address in other transactions.

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Comments

[chris]

Pretty tough to rate Cleveland for its future position, considering its the product of "going for it" by surrounding Lebron (they were front of the conference, remember?????).
Raptors are in a better position in part because they were a worse team and acquiring young assets.

[DMcCalgary]

"So I’d rather see Bryan pull off a handful of solid moves – a “home run” – rather than strike out with one guy."

As an intelligent man, and professional writer, I just know you're more sensitive to wise choice of words than displayed here, dude. When has using a "home run" analogy referred to a handful of solid moves ("small ball" maybe?) rather than a one shot blast for the fences? A bad choice of words is just that. An oops, move on moment. It's rather insulting to the intelligence of the readership to say that when you say home run, you mean small ball.

Blogger's note: Um, okay. Pardon me for insulting you. Yeesh.

[doug]

@chris thats why the Spurs,OKC are on the list of better franchise's..as the Cavs sold out for this "going for it " mentality and it has cost them dearly....teams that are successful in my eyes don't let one player hold a team, organization, fans hostage by their desires or wishes...they need to balance it out, a perfect example are the Lakers people forget the Lakers won a title with Shaq,Kobe but it all hasn't been smooth-sailing, they had tough decisions to make, they chose to keep Kobe and let Shaq go , and it caused many tense moments in the organization as to what to do....then after the move Kobe was still unhappy, as the team wasn't of championship caliber, he was threatening to leave..well they made the Gasol move, and never sold the farm...the Cavs sold the farm, the Raptors were held hostage by Bosh and i am sure if BC could do it all over he would go the Nuggets route as they did with Melo...to me the successful organizations are in charge, not the players....

[DMcCalgary]

Yeesh, some people are above criticism, even as a writer in his choice of words meaning the opposite. Hope super son's baseball team understands your "home run" means a series of solid moves. We all do now. Not a bad way to express ones stated disdain for cliches though. Use them to represent the opposite meaning. I get it now. Brilliant! You're the greatest, Doug. Is that better?

Blogger's note: Whatever.

[chris]

Doug -- the Cavs were #1 in the conference and played in the finals. They also were "going for it" with the best player in the league. If you fault them for doing that, I don't know what to tell you.

Do you honestly prefer the last 5 yrs of Toronto to what Cleveland did? Honestly????

[TLI]

Doug, about the fans you've heard from who are disgruntled with how the games spread over so many networks... you just head from another one.
Pass it on, ok?

[bk]

Your writing is great and I look forward to reading your efforts every day. You are insightful, informative, and entertaining.
It must pain you as a professional writer to read some of the comments that get posted. Home run? Small ball? I think anyone with any reading skills would understand what you meant.
When Phil Esposito was GM of the New York Rangers he made a comment about trading singles hitters. Trade a .260 hitter for a .280 hitter. No wonder the Rangers were bad. He was aquiring baseball players.
Keep up the good work, Doug. You are appreciated by the vast majority.

[T i]

DMCalgary: I was thinking the same thing !!! Maybe doug meant "Get a Walk, Steal a base, move the runner with a bunt, following with a sacrafice fly" rather than a "home run" which would be the "one main move" analogy.

haha

it's all good doug! love the blog!

Blogger's note: To repeat: Whatever

[DMcCalgary]

@bk

Since you question my reading skills, perhaps you can show me where any writer, anywhere, has equated "hit a home run" with a series of solid moves, not one big blast. If you can, I stand corrected. Yes, baseball analogies are commonly used in many sports, including hockey, because they contain commonly understood meanings, and has been around longer than any other
pro team sport. As an elder who has seen loftier heights than most, as well as almost unspeakable lows, I thought I speak from experience on a lot of fronts.
In my small world, a home run is seen as one big blast. Perhaps I've been leading a sheltered life, and have been ill-informed. Please help a guy grow and show me some examples of where my reading skills have failed me before.

Look, I don't write in every day telling Doug how great he and his blog are, but that doesn't mean I don't come here every day, first thing with my coffee, to appreciate the information, insight, and entertainment, to say nothing of the comments from a growing group of intelligent, mature basketball fans. Being a minion just isn't my thing though. I make the mistake now and then thinking that someone, who is so proud of giving snark, can take a little. I make the mistake once in a while of feeling that someone who puts down others' use of cliches isn't going to use them himself, worse to use it meaning the opposite. I make the mistake now and then of thinking that a man of Doug's experience and wisdom appreciates that there's always room to grow and you don't grow just hanging around those that agree with you. I'm pretty sure Doug knows that (perhaps doesn't appreciate it in this little kingdom), and maybe you will one day when you grow up.

Doug, my apologies if you saw my original post as some personal attack. My choice of words ("insulting") wasn't the best, but as someone who puts down others' dumb comments at every turn, I thought you could take a little. I've been put in my place with "whatever". Oops, there I go again with the snark. I guess I just can't resist, just like someone else ;)

[J]

@DMcCalgary:

Sheesh, get a grip. You'd think a "professional writer" harping on and on about what a "home run" can or cannot represent in the world of NBA player acquisitions would at least be a bit more mindful of his own writing. I don't like your writing style; should I harp about your "errors" as well? Certainly, there are more important things.

[DMcCalgary]

Sorry