Dangerous times and you've got to love those Spiders

Missed practice yesterday because of the drive so there’s a dearth of anything really new here but it doesn’t mean it’s not interesting nonetheless.

Really.

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Had an interesting chat with Bob McCown during a stop on his show Thursday that touched on one topic we don’t get to very often here.

Whether there are still many of you who actually care what’s going on with these guys.

There is no doubt that there is a level of apathy that’s setting in, a troubling sign for any team, and that’s probably the one thing they need to be worried most about.

Yes, there are still very many of you who care passionately, which is a good thing for them, but the sense I’m getting here and during games and anecdotally just hanging around is that so many of you don’t really care as much what happens, that it’s more about what’s going to happen in June and July that’s at the front of your mind.

They are destined to have the lowest attendance in franchise history, they could very well be headed to a lockout that would bring any summer interest to a screeching halt and there are signs that the interest that’s waning will be hard to get back.

I’m not sure what they can do to create any kind of buzz or to get back the fans they’ve lost over this season but they need to do something.

The worst thing that can happen to a team is that it becomes somewhat irrelevant in its market.

I don’t think we’re to that point yet with the Raptors but we’re closer than we’ve ever been and they need to hit some kind of home run between now and the summer to get some juice flowing again.

Best of luck to them.

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Hey, how about them Spiders?

Not bad for a dude who has no clue about NCAA basketball, eh?

Didn’t see a whole lot of the tournament on Day 1, a long drive and an important appointment will do that to a guy but I guess it was pretty good.

That’s probably the best thing about the drama of last-second elimination and I’m glad that’s part of it because watching teams run three-man weaves for a shot clock that’s about five minutes long before missing a three-pointer is pretty hard to take.

Anyway, since I’m channeling my inner Al McGuire, keep a close eye on Marquette today.

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One from the mail? Sure.

Q: Hey again Doug, hope you had a good St. Patrick's Day. I don't remember mine :D

Was just wondering... To rack up an assist, does the person receiving and scoring the bucket have to score within a certain number of seconds? Certain number of steps?

I ask this because I notice a lot that yes, an assist is counted when the scorer makes a basket less than a second or 2 after getting the pass, but I also notice that sometimes even after 2-3 seconds and a hop-step, or even a dribble drive and a score that an assist is still counted. Please enlighten me with your logical information.

Thanks again, peace man.

 

 

Sky D, North Bay

A: St. Patrick’s Day?

Dead quiet, actually. Got a wee bit of Irish on but it was a work day most of all; I tend to see the day as almost as close to Amateur Hour as New Year’s Eve but with a bit more legitimacy.

Oh, and it’s Super Dog’s birthday (she’s five) so that kind of dominates home.

Anyway, there is no strict rule on assists except that the pass is supposed to lead “directly” to a basket. Doesn’t always seem to work that way and there is some subjectivity to it but those are the guidelines.

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What’s up in Washington?

Let’s check with Michael Lee and find out that the Wizards seem far worse off today than the Raptors do.

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Back to the tournament for a second.

Do you think the Butler coached designed a play where a dude fell down into a buzzer-beater?

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So, the road trip that’s coming up is a bear – Thunder, Nuggets, Suns, Warriors, Clippers in seven days – and you can almost count the games left in the season on the fingers of two hands.

Oh yeah, we’re in for a big finish, aren’t we?

Kind of makes tonight’s game pretty important for their collective psyches, no?

They haven’t really played a good game since beating New Orleans here what seems like an eon ago and I wonder what they’ve got in the mental tank for the Wizards.

I’m not suggesting this game will be season-defining or any huge benchmark but it might be a late-season measure of mental acuity; they need to play well and they need to play hard.

It’ll be interesting to see if they can.

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Interesting stat.

(Or not)

In 10 games as a Raptor, James Johnson has 14 blocked shots.

The other two players who’ve started at small forward, Sonny Weems and Linas Kleiza, have combined for eight all year.

And that, folks, is a big reason why it makes sense that Johnson starts and factors largely into the team’s future plans.

As I wrote today, there are still parts off his game that need improvement – shooting being the primary one – but if he gives them that kind of defensive presence, I can live with the odd missed jumper.

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Nice calm drive back, if you care.

No snow, no wind, no nothing and I don’t know what kind of scenery it was – I’m pretty sure the 402 and 401 aren’t lined with Eucalyptus trees – but it’s not that bad a journey when the weather’s good.

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Want to send in some mail and say hello?

You can do it by clicking here, telling me your innermost thoughts (well, within reason, please) and sending it along.

Since the journey tomorrow from Toronto to Oklahoma City is rather circuitous (you try getting from one place to the other in a direct line), I’m going to have some plane time to get it done.

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Comments

[Smalahove]

@JT
When you start giving away free tickets with a pizza order, it tends to anger your season subscribers who paid up front before the season began. Those subscribers are a lot more important to a struggling team than someone who will attend the odd game if he can get a ticket for under twenty bucks.

[GDS]

I think Colangelo's job should be evaluated only once the team picks a trascendent talent through the lottery and he will have to complete the team around him. In my view, no GM would be able to do well with this team under these circumstances. In the NBA, which is a different animal from many other team sports, you need individual superior talent to be successful or even relevant. I think us supporters should cut Colangelo some slack and let's all cross our fingers come June.

[doug]

to people that talk about these "superteams" affecting whatever, it's a crock and a cop-out , just like with the Blue Jays when J.P. labeled Toronto a "small-market" team, and he stated we couldn't compete with the Yanks and Red Sox, it's all a load of you know what....you just need to take a different approach....as do the Raptors and that's why last year I was hoping and begging for BC to trade Bosh, as he had to do with the Nuggets did with Melo, when your a GM you have to recognize the market and situation your in....BC needed to get assets for Bosh, it was to me just not a very intelligent move from a intelligent man...here is a interview from a player, a smart player, a well-spoken one that knows how the NBA works and he states it very eloquently...

http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/videos/2011/03/17/shane-battier-good-management-always-wins/

[Andrew]

Hi Doug,

Interesting blog post today, and I wanted to chime in with a response. Prior to this season, I've watched all but 2-3 games combined over the last 5 seasons. If I was out on the night of a game, I would tape it, and avoid knowing the score like it was the plague. The next morning, I would get up early to watch the game before work.

Since around January, when the Raptors showed they just don't have what it takes right now to turn a corner, I haven't watched more than 5 or 10 mins of a game. I even forget when they're playing...which is entirely new to me. I have been so passionate about this team for so long. I thought that last season was hard to stomach, this season is a serious punch in the guts. I really enjoy watching DeMar and Davis grow, and seeing Bargs as the top offensive threat (which he maybe should've been the last few years, with Bosh focusing more on the boards/D...), but I just can't watch them right now. Every single game has the potential to be a hard working grind it out effort or an abomination. Too many abominations. I'm shocked I have lost interest in this team, but I really feel like there is not a lot to cheer for in the short or long term. I need something. At this point, I don't even know if I'll come back next season. Too many other good teams/players to watch.

Lastly - I used to read your blog every single day. I have written to the mailbag and commented in the blog so many times. Last few months, I don't comment, and I read your blog maybe once a week. Don't get me wrong, you do an amazing job with the blog, I just don't feel interested in the team and therefor don't come here often.

I must have Raptors-related depression.

[Rob.V]

Mr. Tannenbaum - Although the on court results unfortunately resemble year one, the Basketball bar in Toronto has been raised over the past 5 seasons. The fans are speaking loud and clear here today, and thoughout the season.
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We want to win, however we are fresh out of patience. This franchise is slowly slipping into Clipper territory. The next year should be about turning ownership over to someone who cares about on court results, as much as trust funds and coffers.
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We deserve better.
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I can only speak for myself on this. Freezing ticket prices is a nice gesture however truth be told, I'm willing to pay the full fair... but I expect to win.
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You must understand that the fans perspective is not that far from a Vince Carter's or a Chris Bosh's perspective... rebuilding the next 4 seasons is not an option for us. We need veteran players who know how to win!!
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In 16 years, I have never been so disinterested in this team. I cannot tell you how many games I have given away this season or simply let the tickets go unused. My account rep is calling me to renew, but for the first time in 16 seasons... I'm just not willing to pick up the phone at the moment.

[The J]

GDS - You say "In my view, no GM would be able to do well with this team under these circumstances.". But this is the team he put together. Outside of Calderon (who he re-signed and has chosen to hang on to), no single player exists on this team that Colangelo did not bring in himself. So why can't he be judged by this team, he built it. As far as finding a transcendent talent through the lottery, he has had his chances. He has had multiple high draft picks, including a number 1 pick, so that is on him as well. Don't get me wrong, I think Colangelo can bring this team back to respectability, but there is no reason to give him a pass on the failures he has had.

[Mike D.]

Personally I would have felt way more engaged if there had been a Joey Dorsey article (like the solid one today about JJ) early in the season...

Re the post about James Johnson's block numbers still making him inferior to Weems or Kleiza, people really need to watch him play to appreciate the kind of player he is right now: a stat-stuffer. The blocks are the part of his defensive game that makes it to the scoreboard, but watch him for a full game and it's easier to appreciate the way he stays in the face of his man, consistently fights through picks, causes problems in the passing lanes and (probably most importantly for this team) generally denies his man penetration. Weems and Kleiza may be stronger offensively for the time being (although neither has Johnson's handle or passing ability) but they're not even close defensively. This team doesn't need more offense.

[saatuk]

I don't know which team most of the posters here have been watching. I've been watching the Toronto Raptors and find them a very interesting young team. The have a lot of talented players who are obviously improving in a steady manner. (couldn't possibly be coaching, could it? ) Management has upgraded the talent throughout the year (Bayless, James Johnson) and has scored on both of their last two first-round picks. (I'd include Bargnani but many minds seem obviously closed on that front).

I am sick and tired of maroons who think the answer is spending more money - there is a salary cap!!!!! The only way you go above the cap is re-signing your own free agents , but they have to agree - if they want to leave and take less money from someone else there's nothing you can do.

Jeez

[The J]

The hard part about this season is the sting of the recent pass, and the lack of hope for the future. The two seasons in a row that lead into this one have been surprisingly dissapointing (missing the playoffs with talent), and then losing your best player for nothing, and having no true replacement is a tough way to enter a season. But not having much hope makes it worse. Some of the other bad teams have something or someone to be excited about. For example, the Clippers have Griffen, Golden State has Monta Ellis and Curry, Sacto has Tyreke and Cousins, Jennings in Milwakee, etc. Heck even Kevin Love has brought some excitement to Minnesota. Meanwhile all we have is Derozan and a player who has actually frustrated and angered more fans than excited them in Bargnani. Even Washington who you say "seem far worse off today than the Raptors do." have John Wall and his future to be excited about.

Many fans are pinning their hopes on the draft but that is tough too. Some people can get used to cheering for their team to lose so we get a high draft pick but that has never been easy to me. While I see the importance of a high draft pick, it is hard for me to be excited about a team when the best outcome on any give night is to lose. Not to mention the #1 pick isn't likely (though possible) and the draft is supposedly weak overall. And that is even if all the best players declare. I can't imagine how weak this draft will be if the best players don't declare so they can avoid the lockout.

Well hopefully the lockout is short and successful. Fixing the league dynamic might be the best thing that can happen for a team like this one. But a long lockout would be hitting this team at the worst time, and would kill the fan base as a strike did to the Jays.

[HopeCaper]

Hey Doug, it seems some fans have confused vitriol with passion if these comments are a sample of feelings. Anyway it's good to know that Bargs and Calderon are still the ones people love to hate. As for me, I have watched as many games as I can and while some of have been blowouts most of them have been competitive. My take on the Raps is that since BC came to TO he has been looking for the missing pieces because of early success. I give him credit for trying but it seems clear to me that the team that made the playoffs was playing way over its head. Just adding pieces wasn't going to fix it. However this is easy to say in hindsight and I can't blame BC for not seeing the future. As you pointed out on many occasions the draft is a gamble. I would like to see this team move forward cautiously with the intention of building a franchise that is going to challenge each year. That takes time. I think if the typical fan looks at it this way it might not bring attendance up but keeps the basketball core fan engaged. Certainly if this team makes no progress over the next couple of years then it will be time to clean house. I think Hump is a good example of what can come from patience. He seems to be having a great year with the Nets.

[511]

Some good comments. I’ve also attended fewer games this year ... but between what I did spend to see the Raptors play and the extra I pay for the additional sports channels, it has crossed my mind that I’ve been throwing good money after bad ... which is a first, re the Raps. While I’d make sweeping changes if it were up to me (including Matt and Leo, the TV production crew, Jay Triano and a certain key player who I used to be a big fan of), sometimes I wonder if the bigger issues - league issues - don’t have more to do with how disgruntled I am as a fan. It’s surely not the best of times to be a Raptors fan.

[Steph]

Doug, the apathy in Toronto is likely the same as in many other markets. The Raptors per say might not be the problem. This team lacks effort, is very poorly put together, has a GM that we aren't sure should return, has a rookie coach who has struggled with poor talent and an owner who measures success based on the bottom line. But all of this could be overcome. But.
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Fans in any market need to have hope that things can change. But the way the league is run with the difficult trade restrictions, the leagues inability or unwillingness to address the convergence of star players, the TV conglomerates who get to dictate when games are played, poor scheduling with to many back to back games where the players just go through the motions, are all valid points a fan looks at when determining the resources he or she puts into any team. What happens to Mini when Kevin Love leaves? And Chris Paul leaves New Orleans? And Griffin leaves the Clippers? The Raptors are not alone in trying to maintain its fan base, they are like many others teams struggling with the same issues.
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The league needs to address league issues. If Mr Stern continues to think the league consists of only 6-8 teams the fans in the other markets will simply spend their entertainment dollars else where. The result will be contraction and lost revenue dollars. The players in the end loose because once fans leave they never come back to where they were before. There are simply too many other entertainment options in today’s world.
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Rooting for a bottom feeder that is used as a development system for player selected “super teams” will have few if any fans. And a system that tells fans “it’s just business” when their star players leave is essentially telling them they don’t care for them. And that’s where as a fan I say, I don't need you

[Evan]

I won't care until the Raps get rid of Andrea Bargnani. He is easily the worst center/power forward in the league. Anybody, go look at his Per36 stats, don't look at points, only percentages. Compare these to average or below average SGs and SFs. He looks like one of them. Even better, compare them to Bayless.

Now note that Bayless play guard and Bargnani is a big man. Big men should produce the most possessions through RBs, be the most efficient scorers (NOT FG%, but TS%).

Also note, this doesn't take any defense into account!

Dude is worthless, and this team will never win unless Bargs is warming up the bench for better players. He is a black hole in the middle. I would rather see Joey Dorsey play and develop some offensive game, then watch Bargnani play his lazy game and get paid $10M.

[aquamarine]

I care as much as Bargnani cares. Does that answer your question?

[Lorie]

Hi Doug,
Well, our mettle's been tested this year, hasn't it? And not that we all weren't supplied with ample warnings before the season began (even here!) that this might be a difficult one, but very necessary for the development of our young players. Well, it has been difficult. But not nearly as painful as I thought it was going to be. Why? Because I've been learning (and thanks largely to the fun and at the same time educational IGBT) how to watch for the subtlties, the nuances, the elegance and flow and artistry of the game. Not just the score. Not just the slamdunks. Not just the plus/minus ratings. And every game (well, maybe except for that opening quarter the other night in Auburn Hills) has had some of that. They've consistently put in the effort. In spite of injuries. In spite of grim warnings and grave editorials. In spite of dwindling numbers of fans present. We may not have had an abundance of "holy crap" moments lately, but I've still had many moments of enjoyment watching improvement and development of these kids. But, the question is: are they relevant? Well, this is a young franchise. It hasn't worked its way into the fabric of our lives the way, say, the Leafs have. They haven't yet become "traditional". Traditional in that you take your kids to the games cause it's a tradition to do so, as your father took you and his father took him. You gather to watch the games with friends and family and colleagues, season after season. These things count. And make a team more about one game or one season, but more about shared experiences and family customs in their fans' lives. I hope there's no lockout. I hope Bryan and Jay are back. And I hope we can all take a deep breath, enjoy the process of creating a great team. Because I really believe we're on our way. Cheers!

[uncalum]

Hard to be excited when you consider the following:

1. Controlling interest in franchise is up for sale. Will purchaser only be interested in the Leafs and look to dump the Raptors, therefore putting no capital into the team?;
2. President/GM's contract expires at the end of June. No indication of what will happen;
3. Coach's contracts expire at the end of June. No indication of what will happen;
4. Potential for lame duck ownership, GM and Coach to be responsible for high draft pick in maybe the weakest draft in the history of the NBA;
5. Team's young talent consists of players who couldn't even get playing time on their original team (J. Johnson with the Bulls) and have been traded every year they've been in the league (Bayless with the Hornets, Blazers, Pacers). The Bulls aren't that strong at small forward and N.O. knows that they will have to replace Paul in 2012, but dumped Bayless for Jack (?);
6. Team's true young talent (A. Johnson, Davis) basically play the same position. DeRozen developing at an alarmingly slow pace for a top 10 pick;
7. Bargnani and Calderon, whether you like them or not, are the cornerstones of the franchise. Management shows no interest in trading one and the other may not be marketable;
8. Rising tide of competition in the East (Knicks, Brooklyn Nets) eliminating easy pass into the playoffs;
9. Too many bad teams with players no one knows don't add up to excitement in the arena;
10. The lockout and what the league will look like afterwards.

I agree with other posters that the lockout could really hit the Raptors hard. Look what it did to the Jays and they were coming off back to back World Championships. The Raptors have no such pedigree. I've watched the atmosphere at the ACC reach the point now where you could drop your keys during the game and the sound could be heard four sections over. Tonight will be the second Friday night in a row where my tickets have not been used. Can't find anyone to take them and have no interest in driving all the way down to watch the game. I never imagined that happening. I've already decided not to renew my season seats next year, just to buy a flex package.

The best thing that could happen in the CBA would be contraction and the return of the hardship rule to the draft. Unfortunately, there is no way the Union would accept either one. There are just too many teams and not enough talent to have much of a balance in this league. There are a number of franchises who share our pain.

[Richard]

"How about show that you care about winning by spending some money and putting a decent team on the court, rather than just ripping your fan base off."

@Eddy
Not that it will make any difference in pointing this out... again. But the Raptors do spend "some money" and hover just below the luxury tax line. (I believe I previously responded to a similar comment of yours with a fairly detailed and comprehensive explanation of NBA spending guidelines.) The Raptor payroll is 11th highest among 30 NBA teams. So by your foolproof formula, let's call it, "Spend For Success" they should be playoff bound since I presume by your formula the 16 highest spending teams would certainly make the post-season. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to work that way. How crazy is that?

As a matter of fact, several of the 19 teams who spend less than the Raptors are playoff bound contenders. So your model may have some flaws in it.

I'd go back to the drawing board on this one if I were you. And maybe check a couple of basic facts before offering up those snappy remarks and "insightful" solutions.

But I forget... why allow a couple of facts to cloud a tried and proven, uninformed opinion.

[doug]

@uncalum...there are so many inaccuracies in your statements there is nowhere to start...wait yes there is, when did Bayless ever play for the Pacers???...and your a season ticket holder, that's scary......cheers...

[Darren]

What if the Raptors become irrelevant? You mean they aren't already? Does anybody in this city, other than die hards, give 2 craps about the Raptors or TFC? I think not.

Blogger's note: Are you pointing out as a diehard or just someone who likes to add, well, nothing.

[Peter - London]

Did Super Dog have a birth week? - I guess I am off topic.

Blogger's note: If it's a dog, shouldn't it be Seven Birth Weeks?

[uncalum]

@doug

Bayless was drafted by the Pacers and traded to the Blazers. The word trade has a different meaning from the word play. I did not use the word play. Look then up in Webster's, then tell me what other inaccuracies you would like to point out.

[DougG]

I pretty much checked out before the year started. Used to be an avid follower. Hate to admit it but I'm shallow and at some point winning becomes very important to me. Like others, I don't think the organization has invested enough in winning. They also ought to communicate more with their customers to let them know what the plan is to become competitive, assuming there is one.
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James and Bosh really turned me off the game too.

[sam]

I wonder - if the people who complain about the price of tickets - actually go to the games.
To me It seems so inconsequential to be talking about how much money is spent on tickets when the solution is simple. Don't Buy Tickets! Why bitch about it? You have that option

It seems - Andrea's the whipping boy of the season, closely followed by Bryan, Jay and Jose. Nothing ever changes -

@Lorie I think said it best.

[doug]

@uncalum oh my bad, i thought you were saying Bayless played for the Pacers, I don't count draft day trades as having any relevance......here's a few things i diagree with... DD developing at a alarmingly slow pace for a top 10 pick is a reach...look at that draft and he is actually one of the better ones, how do you think Minnie feels with Flynn (a bust) and Rubio(who knows) both ahead of DD....DD is fine, any second year player especially a smaller type like DD that averages over 16 a game is doing alright in my books..., also Davis and Amir playing the same position is bad ,how exactly?...as they play tough, rebound and can score the ball, plus Amir can get into foul trouble as can Davis so depth there is a necessity and there what both younger then 23..also no new owner is even going to consider cutting loose the raps, the biggest asset any team can have and really is what there net worth is basically based on is the arena, stadium issue....MLSE owns the arena in which the Raps play, own concession rights, own parking, own the whole kit and kamboodle, so to sell off the Raps they would lose a ton and they can't sell the arena, so the net worth of the raps would plummet....plus people assume the raps lose money, I would guess they make the MLSE a pretty penny, they've never paid luxury tax, have been in top third in the league in attendance and still are....so the Raps aren't going anywhere, Jay has a option year, there is no lame duck ownership as you can accuse the Teachers pension Fund of being a lot of things but they won't be lame duck owners, as they won't devalue the franchise at all by dawdling, it will be sold soon, as there are many buyers who want a piece of that pie........BC's situation will be dealt with one way or another soon, as do you think BC is going to just sit idly by and wait??...Bargnani and Calderon are by no means the "cornerstones" of the franchise not even close they are pieces of the puzzle..., plus don't listen to "experts" that say this draft is weak, maybe overall, but where the raps are is fine as there are 10 players that are fine prospects, last year they said the same thing, go back and look at that draft some good players in the top 10 last year now having a impact.. this year will be no different...and to this not enough talent to go around argument I have watched the NBA for 35 years and believe me there has always been a 3rd of the teams every year that aren't any good...look back at some of the rosters and players /starters on them not exactly household names...but their your opinions, this raps team is to me fine moving forward, I would rather have this then a team of one, which the Raps organization has did far to often in the past...this is a fun young, energetic team that comes to play every night and has a large upside...

[GM]

Good discussion today. Am I less interested today than I was in, say, January? Absolutely. But I still watch every game, still like the young team, still think it has potential, with the necessary tweaks. I'm with @doug -- no slam dunk, please. Build a team, not a superstar with spare parts.

It's totally understandable why there's less interest today: the team is an also-ran and we're in the dregs of the season. No doubt there are more than a few other teams in that situation right about now. As for attendance, it may be the lowest it's ever been in Toronto, but it's still above a good many other franchises, isn't it? It's natural that there'd be less interest when the team isn't in the hunt for the playoffs. There's no reason to worry that fans won't come back because the casual fan is more interested in razzle-dazzle and wins than it is in basketball. And fair enough. To each his own. So if the team is in the hunt for the playoffs, or is over-achieving, this time next year all those casual fans will be back in droves. That's how it works.