Searching for a star and a second favourite team

A handful of digressions and list and a look back at some atrocious Thursday night picks.

Yes, it was a quiet day of travel and no involvement with the HOTH so …

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Was walking up the tunnel after the game the other night in Phoenix with a guy I know and we’re quickly dissecting the game and the season.

“How’s it going,” he says.

“Well, they’re 20-51, kids who don’t quite know how to play yet. Can’t wait for it to get over, to tell you the truth.” And the guy looks at me and says, without hesitation:

“They need some stars, guys who can do it themselves.”

There’s the rub.

Neither of the team’s two best scorers – DeMar or Andrea – can create for themselves yet and when it comes down to the final minutes of a close game, they have run plays rather than give the ball to one “star” to make something happen.

Now, maybe it gets better, maybe DeRozan evolves into a guy who can break down his defender and get to the rim and we’ve sure seen him try, most recently on the last drive the other night when Gortat blocked him at the rim.

But until he does, those end-of-game situations are going to be tough, and likely not that successful.

Eleven to go!

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Hey, Air Canada!

Get into the 2000s and put some self-service check-in kiosks in the Phoenix airport, would you?

Perhaps you’ve noticed you run quite a few flights there and since you’re always blathering on about being the “best this” and the “best that” do some folks a favour and start acting like it.

Please.

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You’ve only got a few hours left to get in the MGD Best Seats thingy. The hope is to reach the winners this afternoon so they can have, you know, really anxious time between now and Wednesday all a’tizzy with anticipation.

Click right here to get your name in.

Thanks.

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What’s up with the Warriors?

This is.

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How about those NCAA picks, eh?

Got, what, one of four right last night?

Glad none of you used them for your own purposes.

But, if you’re sitting around today trying to figure out the rest of the Elite Eight, you’d be wise to go with North Carolina, Richmond (gotta love the Spiders!), Ohio State and Virginia Union. Commonwealth (sorry, Sherm; must have had Oak on the mind)

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Speaking of those games last night, it was the first time I’d really had a lot of time to sit and watch undistracted and I have to tell you, there’s something about this Jimmer kid that’s kind of compelling.

Now, I don’t know if he’ll turn out to be Adam Morrison or JJ Redick, to be honest, but I know some NBA team’s going to take a shot at him and hope he develops into some kind of offensive specialist who can have a long career.

But, thankfully, there’s no way these guys here are going to have a shot at him unless the grab up a later first round pick and I don’t see that happening.

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Oh, I knew this was coming.

Q: Hi Doug. Your Magnum reference on Thursday simply begs the question: what are your top 5 TV theme songs of all time?

Gale M, Toronto

A: Okay, here are the rules. You have to realize the era in which I grew up, the songs have to have lyrics because singing sure beats humming and here you go; in no particular order:

Beverly Hillbillies

The Flintstones

Gilligan’s Island

Cheers, and,

 

 

 

Green Acres, which might be No. 1.

I know Cheers is a bit of a cliché so I can be convinced otherwise.

Another digression ended.

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Going to stay up late tonight and watch this one from Oakland?

Might be a good idea if you like free-flowing games with little or no defence.

You’ll also probably see a lot of early offence; the Raptors lead the NBA in fast-break points (18.7) and the Warriors are second (18.6) so it could be zany.

Now, there’s one thing I’m not too sure of anymore. For the longest time, the Warriors seemed to be everyone’s “second favourite” team. Maybe it was Nelly and the way he coached ‘em but they did seem a lot more fun and memorable than they are now.

Don’t get me wrong, I love watching Dell’s kid play and Keith Smart does trot out some unusual lineups but Golden State seems to have lost some of its cachet, no?

I’m not sure who’s supplanted the Warriors as everyone’s second-favourite team. Maybe Oklahoma City, although the Thunder are legit and doesn’t really fit into that “lovable but non-threatening” category that clubs like the Warriors do.

Maybe there isn’t one?

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Now, I know that in your sub-conscience, so many of you want to chat and ask questions, right?

Well, here’s your chance to do it for real and give me something to do after I take a trek to the peninsula tomorrow.

Click here. Write down some words. Send ‘em along. They’re always welcome.

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Speaking of mail, let’s get one done now.

(Mostly because I don’t have a lot of items and would like to get this to the usual length)

Q: Hey Doug. Can you comment on the overall mood of the team these days? It's been a tough season and I worry about how it affects the team going forward. There are a lot of young guys and possibly some fragile egos. How does the atmosphere around the team compare to other losing seasons?

Thanks

 

 

 

Simon G, Belmont

A: There is no effect going forward and the mood, given the circumstances, is just fine. Sure, they’d all like to be 50-22 and headed to the playoffs but there’s also a feeling that there’s something brewing that will take some time to fully cook but will be well worth it when it’s done. And, because of the youth of the team and the promise they think that holds, it’s a far more pleasureable mood than, say, at the end of the KO year or the 27-win season of 2005-06, or even last year when there was a huge No. 4 cloud hanging over the franchise.

No one’s “happy” but no one’s thinking this is the worst thing in the world.

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All right, no IGBT tonight or tomorrow, right? Game’s are too late, I’m likely to be planted on some sofa watching them through tired eyes and I’m pretty sure a lot of you have, you know, lives to lead.

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Comments

[joe]

Doug,
Good points on The Raps needing a star. I hope they can land one in the draft. Williams of Arizona has looked really good so far along with Kemba Walker. Irving of Duke looked pretty good considering his long layoff. I hope Barnes of North Carolina has a good game today. Hopefully the Raptors can land one of this kids come the draft and they emerge as star player over the next few years.

[Nick Martin]

Looking at this with increasingly superficial interest, unfortunately, I tend to see the Raptors as a team full of promising young players and a veteran or two who would fit nicely into the top eight or nine players on most teams, but would not be among the first two in talent on that team, more likely not the first three. You're right that they need stars, desperately need to land one in the draft this year, but whether one's out there as a free agent despite all their cap room is debatable.

[Matt M]

This team is two players away from 60 win seasons and championship dreams. Unfortunately those two players are Dwight Howard and Chris Paul.

[Diablo]

Yeah it seems the love for Golden State has diminished, I know mine has...I think they were once lovable and showed promise, they no longer have much of either...could people be tired of the Monte Ellis show?

As far as OKC I think they are both lovable and the underdog to the all-mighty Lakers...when looking for a team to cheer for when not otherwise invested in the west...what could be better?

Speaking of the west...I'm sure there are some disappointed IGBT fans that wouldn't be up so late and don't have lives to lead ;)

[Lorie]

Doug!
Hello again. I know it was only supposed to be a couple. But I am doing this in the interest of meeting your Canadian Content Quota. (Just humour me and act like such a thing exists, 'cause I have two more that are national treasures!
1. The Theme From "The Tommy Hunter Show" - 'Travellin' Man'; and
2. The Theme from "The Littlest Hobo" - 'Maybe Tomorrow'.
(And,@Richard: of course! WKRP. I've been thinking of "The Turkey Dump" episode and chuckling ever since.)

[LeeZ]

How about top 5 instrumental tv theme songs? In no particular order:
Dick Van Dyke Show
Green Hornet (LOVE that trumpet)
Get Smart
Mash
Seinfeld

[Mark V]

I'd say right on with OKC or maybe Blake Griffin's Clips being the '2nd favourite team'... I found the Suns took that billing for a lot of people, but like the Warriors, it seems to be getting less popular.

On TV themes, as a male representing the 26-26 demographic, I must concur with the Fresh Prince notion... EVERYONE knows *every single word* :| which can either be great fun, or great irritation, depending on mood. Much akin to Bohemian Rhapsody or Don't Stop Believin', these days.

Good times.

Mostly.

[Gerald Tanner]

Probably from before your time, but how about "Have Gun, Will Travel"

love the blog, read it everyday

Blogger's note: Vaguely recall it; how about Rawhide?

[sam]

I think DeMar can develop into the "Go To" guy at the end of the game. His natural gifts, quickness and athleticism can only work to give him an advantage. He just needs the confidence.
I'm afraid it's not in Andrea's nature to be that guy - For all that he does so well, a pump fake here and there might not get the job done - attacking the rim might -

Tv Theme Songs:
Recently discovered Jimmy Fallon - doing a spot on Dylan singing the theme song to the forgetable TV Show Charles in Charge....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-zLxLHG9Vw

[The J]

Must be from the same generation as Nate, because I agree with his additions. The Fresh Prince theme song is known word for word by everyone of this generation, and is still probably better than anything he ever released commercially. How about a couple more suggestions:

Married With Children (yes its a Sinatra song, but I think it will forever be assoicated with the show)
Friends (Hate the song, but it did become a hit after the show got popular)
Star Trek and ST the next Generation (Great Monologues and cool music)
Since some people mentioned the Hockey Night in Canada theme, does anyone remember the old NBA on NBC theme? Was composed by John Tesh (so he wasn't useless after all) and went well with '90s clips of Magic, Bird and Jordan doing the switch hands layup with his tongue out.

And for some great campyness the old Spider Man cartoon (..Friendly Neighbourhood Spiderman..), and the Old 60s Batman theme. I know the only words in that song were "Na, Na, Na, Na, Na, Batman!" but I bet it will now be in a few of your heads all day.

[The J]

And I guess since I mentioned a cartoon (and Doug had the Flinstones) you could add Family Guy, Transformers and GI JOE (I always loved that my version of the Gi Joe toys said he was a Canadian Hero).

Oh, and the Muppets Show.

[LeeZ]

Whoops, I forgot to include the theme from the Barney Miller show.

[chris]

Other good ones -- Night Court and Magnum PI.

[TLI]

Rawhide, for sure. Frankie Laine for the win!

[Steph]

To Richard & Lorie, Michael uhh I mean Doug, the best episode from sitcome for your entertainment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ST01bZJPuE0

Blogger's note: As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly.
Best
Sitcom
Line
Ever

[Smalahove]

@nate
We only had one channel, The NewVR. You either watched the Raptors or you watched paint dry...:) That's how I became a fan, watching them on CKVR. I wonder how many others became fans that way.

[Moe]

Hey Doug,

Magnum PI rules - great theme and great car. Which leads me to this question (maybe for another list): if money were no object, which 5 cars would be in the driveway of Casa Doug?

Thanks!

Blogger's note: We'll do that one day soon

[Heath]

For instrumental you guys missed Miami Vice and the ever classic, Dr. Who.

[joeu]

Another musical digression ?? No Problem !

Sticking to the "must have lyrics", The Flintstones and Green Acres are in for sure.

How about ...

Rescue Me
The Sopranos
The first season of Happy days which used a re-recording of Rock Around The Clock, by Bill Haley
Crime Story (great, great series too ), using a re-recording of Runaway by Del Shannon

Maybe being original songs doesn't fit the list, but for their respective series, those songs were a perfect match.

And, hasn't anyone been inspired by the guys at Carver High to, once in a while, try singing in a locker room ?

[Manale]

Everybody's second-favourite, non-threatening team is The Clippers, Doug.
At least, when Eric Gordon is healthy.

They've supplanted the Warriors for me.
Man, I used to tune in to the Warriors a LOT last year.
Even after piling up losses, they never seemed out of a game....
But this year I usually pick Phoenix or the Clippers.

I like watching the (New York) Nuggets, too, but they're actually slightly more dangerous than I expected. Now they just need to bring back the rainbow jerseys...

[Big Ken]

Doug : I couldn't resist. How about ...The Lone Ranger! Hi Ho Silver! and the theme music for Perry Mason and Bonanza are still tops for me.

[The J]

Smalahove - That early in the franchise I wonder how many people became fans of watching the paint dry.

How about Knight Rider, that was a cool instrumental. So was the A-Team. And for a cheesy song with lyrics how about the Fall Guy?

[Robert Bertuzzi]

A star, how novel! But why bother when the organization can keep promising a future that is never to arrive if it continues down this development path of absorbing more and more reclamation projects.

It is a shame that this topic gets raised so late in the year when substantive basketball matters have been replaced by talk of TV theme shows. Looks like a lot of drivel drive penetration on here today.

Blogger's note: You must be new here. We do stuff like TV theme songs and music all year long. Enjoy

[Adrian]

All they need is a star or two! Lol! That's all they need and they are set! Love it, Doug. Lol. How do you top that??!?!! I can't (no surprise, right?). Raptors are just a few tweaks away now. All they need is the most crucial part of the team. :^) This apple pie is almost ready, all that's left is to add the apples and flour! I need to take another bow. It has truely been a pleasure.
.
By the way, all the Cavs are lacking is Lebron James. Aside from that they can win. Hopefully they will acquire him this summer. It would be a good move! Lol. Just goofing around, Doug. I love watching these reactions that could have been predicted oh about 12 months ago- oh wait! Have a great weekend, guys. 60 losses in sight now.
:^)

Blogger's note: Most men I know are men of their word. Why are you still here?

[Manale]

Sea Hunt was pretty good.