Does anyone really know what time it is, besides mail time?

Okay, a five-hour time change going one way, a five-hour time change coming back the other way and now they give me one more hour of change to deal with?

I have some issues with those people in Greenwich or wherever they are.

Anyway, have at this until game time.

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Q: Hi Doug. I am going to try to have two questions answered for the price of one.

First: if I am correct, you seem to imply that it is not clear whether the Raps should keep Reggie given that they already have a glut of bigs. But when I see his performances since he has returned and consider how well the Raps were playing before he got hurt, I don't really see why they should even think twice before offering him a contract. After all, he's become one of the top rebounders in the league (at least if stats are to be believed) and he brings the defensive presence the Raps miss so badly. What's your take on this?

Second: I really think that basketball is a beautiful sport to watch (movements, creativity, etc.). What's your take on that? What do you think makes basketball so special? What would be your top 5 of the sports you find "aesthetically pleasing" to watch?

Ooops, there are more than 2 questions in my message, sorry about that.

Keep up the good work.

Regards

 

Matthieu B, Bern, Switzerland

A: I think they should offer him a contract but I don’t know whether or not he’d take it. Guess that would depend on years, dollars and whatever the new CBA looks like but there is no doubt that Jay likes to use, primarily, a rotation of three bigs and that’s going to be Andrea, Amir and Ed Davis. Is there room for Evans? Of course but when all four are healthy, are there enough minutes?

Played at its best, with ball movement and player movement and incredible athletes working in unison, it is the best game in the world to watch. It has elements of dance, astounding athleticism and enough contact to satisfy those who like their games physical.

Also on the top of my list would be soccer played at its highest level, there are elements of baseball that are unreal to watch unfold from a good seat just high enough up and, don’t tell anyone, but the gracefulness of a 400-metre runner is something to behold if you watch from afar.

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Q: Hey Doug. I was at the Friday night game at the O2 and was quite pleasantly surprised with the atmosphere. For me, I was quite anxious to see how James Johnson fitted into the Raptors... earlier, you had mentioned that JJ would grab a rebound and push the ball up the court as a point forward and that this was a luxury that the Raptors have never had. However, in watching JJ during the match, he did this a few times and each time he was way out of control, often leaving his feet on passes or holding the ball too long on the wing. So is this point forward thing something Jay wants or is this JJ trying to impress quickly on a new team?

And after a few games, what do you think of JJ overall and his future with the team?

 

Felix T, Loughbrough, UK

A: I think his future is bright. He’s a better shot-blocker and defender than anyone they have at the small forward position now and his ability to get a rebound and go creates all kinds of transition opportunities.

Now, he may not always make the best decision, and I’m not sure I want him running screen-roll in the halfcourt, but as a guy who ignites a break, he brings a characteristic the Raptors need.

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Q: Hi Doug. You mentioned in your blog this week that you feel the National Anthems at the beginning of each game seems like a "colossal waste of time and energy", and I have to admit that I agree with you. I would not miss having the anthems sung at each game.

But it got me to thinking. How would you feel about the national anthems being removed from schools? I can remember singing that thing everyday up until college/university, but for what?

Do you think the national anthem should be removed from schools? If not, does it make you think that perhaps we should keep the nation anthem in sporting events? Because outside of sporting events, I can't think of any other time I hear the national anthem.

Quite frankly singing about a piece of land everyday seems silly to me. I think it would have a lot more meaning if we saved it for important days like Remembrance Day and Canada Day.

 

Drew F, Oshawa

A: I think if you over-saturate anybody with anything it diminishes the significance. I also think there’s a place to be reminded of what the country is and what it stands for.

So, yes, I could advocate dropping of the daily rendition of the national anthem and playing on special occasions so it has some impact.

That’s my issue, basically: It loses meaning if it’s heard too often.

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Q: Hi Doug! So a person gets up Friday morning, looks out the window and proceeds to gripe about yet more snow, more winds, more snow, more shovelling, more snow and another week going by without being able to wear sandals. And then the radio is switched on and you hear the news of the catastrophic earthquake, tsunami and resulting devastation in other parts of the world. So I'm wondering, have global events ever prompted you to rewrite, or rethink, the content or even just the tone of your writing, either in a story you're working on or the daily blog?

Thanks.

 

Lorie P, London

A: I wouldn’t say it’s caused me to re-write, but certainly to re-think and perhaps be more judicious in the use of some phrases. But what events like the disaster in Japan, and others all around the world, do is give pause to realize how lucky I have it and, at some level, how insignificant what I do is in the grand picture.

But then I go and write because that’s what I do and, truth be told, eventually life has to go on.

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Q: Derrick Rose's SAT Scores Wipe Out Memphis' Record 38-Win Season. He cheated on his SAT by letting somebody sit to take the exam for him.

Under the NBA one year eligibility rule, he is ineligible to play in the NBA. All the Chicago Bulls win must be invalidated also to be fare with the other NBA teams. A rule is a rule, and there must be no exception just because you are Derrick Rose.

 

Angel B, Mississauga

A: Nice try, flawed logic. The NBA rule actually stipulates no North American can enter the draft until a year after his high school class has graduated, what they do in that year doesn’t matter.

Why the hate for Rose?

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Q: Hey Doug...keep up your good work for us loyal Raps fans. A quick question as March Madness roll around. If a NCAA basketball player who plays well in the Tournament and is going to leave school and be a lottery pick, will they stop going to classes/skip their April exams or in their 1-year minimum school commitment, are they required to fully finish to be eligible for the Draft?

Derek H, Newmarket

A: Oh yeah, they’ll stop for sure. And I would wonder how many of them were diligent students during the season. But the reason they stop for much of April is so they can work out privately with some conditioning and basketball coaches and prepare for the individual workout season for NBA teams.

And since that’s their next “job” and college is supposed to prepare you for the workplace, I guess its understandable that they do. Not right, and probably not across the board, but understandable.

-

Q: Hi Doug, DeRozan has doubled his scoring average from roughly 8 points to roughly 16 ppg. He's also made increased in every other stat (turnovers too unfortunately). My question is, would DeRozan be in the running for the MIP award? Also who else do you think deserves consideration for the MIP awards? My list would definitely include Kevin Love, maybe Zach Randolph and Kris Humphries being a long, long shot?

Chaz E, London

A: Nah, I don’t think he’s even on the radar. A lot of it’s a function of increased minutes and the absence of Bosh. I would think a guy like Ray Felton might have a good shot at garnering some votes, Russell Westbrook has to be in the conversation and, I know this won’t happen, but you could probably make the argument that Derrick Rose could be the MVP and the MIP both.

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Q: Doug: Is Doug short for Douglas? Anyway, after seeing that incident in Montreal, I was wondering if players ever think that the next game they play may not only be their last game, but it might be their last day of living. Do you think today’s athlete, in any of the 4 major sports, deal with that possibility on a personal level?

Justin S, Sudbury

A: I don’t think they can, or should. We could all live in fear that it would be the last day we could walk or work or fully function and if you live with that fear, I don’t think you can be yourself. Sad and tragic things happen to people every day, it’s a part of living that goes hand-in-hand with the human existence but if you think about, what good does that do?

And, yes, Douglas it is, but precious few people ever use it.

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Q: Hey Doug. Was watching some Madness games from the 80s on the Score and it looked like the players were half the size of today's players and that the court was twice the size.

It appeared that the players had more room to run and cut, which opened up the lane. It got me thinking with today's players bigger and stronger than ever, can you predict a time where they increase the size of the court, even if it's by, say, 10%.

Would you be interested in seeing basketball played on a slightly larger court, even if it's in a experimental capacity? The NHL tried some different things in their last summit. Does the NBA hold similar experimental summits?

Thanks.

 

Moe D, Hamilton

A: I can’t see a time when they change the dimensions of the court, actually. Mostly because of the economic impact of losing the most expensive seats in the building and also because the physical construction of some arenas won’t allow it.

It would be cool, though, if it could happen because I think we’d see even more how great these athletes are with more space to play in.

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Q: Hi Doug. As this year winds down, the NBA site have the 'x' - clinched and the 'o' - eliminated from playoffs thingy going on it got me wondering. Obviously the 'o' is coming soon but I think this year featured 'tighter' games. I don't know if you have the stats, but even though they lost many more games, a lot of those games seemed closer (you lose by a bucket and it's still a loss). Maybe it's just me, but games seemed tighter this year. (not the crushing games like Atlanta last year). So do you think the point differential has changed much? I don't have the stat monkeys.

Cheers!

OOPS.... I mean thanks!

 

Jason L, London

A: A quick check of the trusty guides and notes shows the Raptors are 11-23 so far this season in games decided by 10 points or fewer and were 24-18 in such games in 2009-10. They are 1-4 in games decided by 20 or more this season and were 5-9 in such games a year ago.

-

Q: Doug, with the minor struggles of the Heat, there has been a lot of talk about having players that complement each other on a team. Even with the solid play of James Johnson, it appears that the biggest need on the Raptors is Small Forward. Can you describe the type of 3 that would fit this team moving forward and complement the pieces that are already here? There are some 3s with very different styles in the draft but we all know you don't touch the draft in early March. However, it would be interesting to hear what you think this team presently lacks from the Small Forward position.

Evan G, Thornhill

A: It lacks a legitimate three-point shooting threat, that’s the biggest and most glaring offensive need on the team because having one spreads the floor for guys like DeRozan, Barbosa and which point guard is out there. That, and a solid defender and rebounder, would be the guy I think would fit perfectly.

Now, does that guy exist and can he be obtained with the assets the Raptors have? That’s the million-dollar off-season question.

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Q: Hi Doug. Long time reader of the blog. Definitely the first of the daily readings at work.

My question lies within the realm of killer instinct (yet another list). In terms of the league could you name the five best clutch players in the NBA both now and all-time? Also, who would you say on the current Raptors squad comes close to having a killer instinct? I'd be inclined to say Barbosa because I have seen him on a couple of occasions single-handedly bring the Raptors back into a game. However, he is seldom/never the one assigned the ball at the end of games.

All the best

 

Navid A, Napanee

A: Clutch players right now?

Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant, I wouldn’t the ball in Derrick Rose’s hands or Kevin Durant or Carmelo Anthony.

All time?

Jordan and Bird would definitely top my list with Magic Johnson, Jerry West and, probably, Robert Horry on it.

-

Q: Hi Doug, thought I would ask a business question dealing with the potential lock out. If the season is scrapped what veteran players may be forced to retire since they will be one year older (some with chronic injuries) and might not fit under the new salary cap rules. Seems to me the list may be quite long. Thanks. Keep up the good work!

 

MC, Toronto

A: Well, I think you obviously have to look at the old guys, like a Grant Hill or a Shaquille O’Neal or a Tim Duncan or a Kevin Garnett or a Marcus Camby or even a Steve Nash. The list would indeed be long.

But what if you look at it this way?

What if the league loses and entire season? Does it give those guys a year off to mend their bodies and take another run at it?

-

Q: Doug, there are obviously a significant number of Americans employed throughout the Raptors organization from players, to management, broadcasters, you name it. Do they ever mention being ticked off by what often passes as "Canadian superiority" comments that can turn up anywhere from casual conversations between people or even broadcast loud and proud in the media? Some of the things I hear my fellow Canadians say, most often in ill-informed error, about our southern neighbours makes me cringe sometimes. Just wondering how our US friends take it?

 

Ken K, Toronto

A: Never, actually. Some of them like a quirkiness – like the predominance of curling on TV at this time, the total passion for the pucks – but some are also impressed that some of us know something about their country, as well as ours.

Other than that? Most of the stuff you may hear never gets to them and it’s crickets.

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Q: I've really enjoyed your pointers on London. That's the guide we (Star readers) are missing. Where to find the best pub anywhere. Have you considered writing for the "Travel" section of the star?

 

Cruz F, Toronto

A: I haven’t, no. I think my, um, talents lie in the more anecdotal, life-as-a-grunt-on-the-road vein than they do straight “travel” writing. It’s fun but like Beijing and now London, it’s far more an added fun bonus for me, not sure I want to do it all the time. I kinda like my gig ‘cause I can do both.

But, I’m thinking “A Working Grunt’s Guide To The NBA” might be a good idea. If you know of a publishing house or an agent who can make it happen, I’m all ears.

-

Q: Hey Doug, how bout them Raptors?

Considering this seems to be the most cohesive group of heroes in years, who is least likely to be back and why?

In Sonny's case, does being bosom buddies with DD give him a demonstrable edge to keep the seemingly melancholy (of late) Compton kid happy in Canada?

Does Reggie's toughness & effort get him a new deal, or do they look at Chandler or another free-agent with more size to go with the three fours they have?

Is Jose back as the leader at PG, is Bayless still seen with upside, or do they look at a draft pick or veteran to replace either?

What's the hunger level for a three with Klieza out and no proven player or prospect at the position?

Wright, Alibi, Ajinca, Dorsey, any love in the organization for these guys?

In short, is this a drastically different team next year, or are the kids alright?

 

James K, Toronto

P.S. Notice there's no Barnagni question; you're welcome;)

A: I’ll rattle through these real quickly.

Sonny’s friendship with DeRozan will play no role in whether he comes back, it’s a harsh business.

I think they’ll try to reach a deal with Reggie but I don’t know if it’s doable.

Jose will be back but I think they will look at drafting a point guard if that’s the best available player and it could very well be the case.

They are starved for a three.

Very little love for any of them.

Drastically? No. Most change will be rather inconsequential at the end of the bench and at the back of the rotation.

-

Q: Greetings, very much enjoyed your writings from London. To a basketball question, tried this in the IGBT the other night but, admittedly, this is probably a better mail question. I would assume that as a team "gels" there comes a tipping point at which time the coach may not have to be as actively engaged in the flow of the game as to how we see Jay most nights. Not to say that they aren't paying attention just that the team on the floor is confident enough to be able manage themselves for the most part. Am I off base with this? Or a coach's personal style remains more or less the same regardless of the stage of development of his team?

 

Doug T, Branford

A: I don’t think you’re off base at all, as a matter of fact. There develops a comfort level between coaches and the guys on the floor as they grow together as a group. Players, through time, get to sense what a coach wants and while coaches keep hammering home the message, they don’t have to be quite as vociferous.

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Q: Hi Doug. Wondering if Raptors first round pick for Galinari in Denver would be a realistic trade that both Toronto & Denver would seriously consider? Or are the first 6 in this draft too weak for that? Galinari was a 6 when he was drafted if I'm not mistaken & I seem to have read somewhere that Denver is not too enthralled with him. My suspicion is that Europeans are probably more inclined to re-sign in Toronto than those from the US who are very good players. Better odds in this way of not having our hopes dashed when good US players here look to sunnier more familiar pastures when their rookie contracts are up. Is my thinking here realistic or too paranoid? I enjoy your writing & perspective on things. Take care.

 

Steve C-N, Cambridge

A: I don’t usually do these kinds of things but the last thing I think these guys should do is trade what’s likely to be a top five pick for a relatively one-dimensional guy who answers none of their problems.

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Joe]

Doug,

Have you heard anything about BC's contract extension? Your colleague, Feschuk, writes this morning that some bean counter from the Teacher's Pension Plan, a guy by the name of Silvestri, is holding things up. Leave it to these guys to mess things up. BC is the right guy to lead this team forward. If they don't resign him, it will be another colossal blunder.

[the511]

I LOVE that paragraph you wrote describing the beauty of basketball. I grew up on hockey and was lucky to do so in Montreal when the variety of Habs teams over those years were as fun and as thrilling as what a sport can probably be, but ... since discovering basketball - a few years before the Raptors began - my appreciation for THIS game has far surpassed however much I ever loved hockey. The only other sport that now rivals my affection for hoops is baseball ... which, for me, is the perfect summer-pastime for a die-hard hoops fan. And (I could say) vice-versa.

[malefax]

Well, Gallinari would answer ONE of their needs -- 3 point shooting from the wing.

[doug]

I have to agree with you, b-ball is just such a athletic sport played by big men that just make it look so easy, graceful when it isn't...the combination of offense and defense plus the ebb and flow of the games just make it a compelling game for me...also baseball unfortunately has lost a generation of fans, but it is a beautiful game, I remember watching the Expos a very athletic team , with Raines,Scott,Leflore stealing bases, the Hawk in center field,Carter behind the plate and to me the best throwing outfielder i have ever seen in Ellis Valentine...I was at a game with about 35,000 fans, and there was a hard single hit to the right field corner, Valentine raced over,picked it up and just turned and threw this missile to second base....no hop, just a strike a foot off the bag, there was a stunned hush from the crowd, as it was a unbelievable throw...then as realization set in and the replay was shown on the scoreboard, there was a standing ovation for him, that went on and on as you could tell even the players were in awe, it is etched in my memory and to this day it stands out in my memory as one of the most impressive athletic acts i have seen...another sport i love is horse racing, seeing those old tapes of Secretariat just describe poetry in motion, it was a awesome display....also I will always remember the gold medal winning men's canadian 4x100 relay team, it was the perfect race and just spellbinding....

[doug]

this is that 4x100 race..it is just a perfectly run race....one of Canada's greatest sporting moments, considering for us to have one world caliber sprinter is something, here we had 4, and they ran the perfect race....it's just beautiful to watch..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0g1dEiCtT4&feature=related