A defensive clinic and the good and bad of the gig

Analysis?

We don’t need no stinking analysis.

Let’s just prattle on about a series of unrelated items.

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We all know LeBron James is freakishly gifted but what he did last night was, frankly, incredible.

If you saw the game, especially the latter part of the second quarter, you saw just how fast and explosive Derrick Rose can be, those two dunks were something else, particularly the second one where he slithered through about three defenders after beating his man.

But James, who is about 6-8 and 275 pounds, was not only able to get up on Rose and take away his shooting space when he defended him, he was quick enough laterally that Rose couldn’t get by him if his life depended on it.

That last possession of regulation time – hell, pretty much any possession in the final five minutes of the game and the overtime – was as good on-the-ball defence as you might ever see.

I remember writing before the series began that Erik Spoelstra felt James could guard every possession on the floor and being a bit skeptical.

After watching what James did to Rose, who is only the current MVP and a small, quick guard who should punish bigger defenders, any skepticism is gone.

And now I’m wondering how he’ll do guarding Dirk because you know he’s going to get a shot to do it down the stretch of close games.

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Raptors news?

Well, it’s not much – still nothing on Jay – but am told they will in fact meet with and work out Enes Kanter in Chicago in the first week in June.

And, according to one fellow I corresponded with yesterday, there was no huge snub in Chicago last week, it was the case of an e-mail canceling some meetings not being forwarded.

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Hey, how in the world did I miss Bob Dylan’s 70th birthday yesterday?

But when I finally heard, figured if there was a CD playing an endless loop of these five songs, it’d be just fine:

The Times They Are A’changin’

Subterranean Homesick Blues

Mr. Tambourine Man

Like A Rolling Stone

Blowin’ In The Wind.

Enjoy hearing those in your head all day. I will.

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Got this one out of the mail a few days ago:

Q: Doug. This started off as a comment but I turned it into a list question for the mail bag.

I think must of us get what you are saying comparing yourself to an NBA executive but really "a drill press operator...."? Agreed your travel schedule sucks and when you "have to" do something for a living it is "work" and work is work. However, at the end of the day, you get to talk about a sport that is obvious you enjoy, for a living, not a bad gig overall from an outside point of view.

Having said that, what would you say are top 5 best and worst things about being a beat reporter for the Raptors?

 

A T, Niagara Falls

A: Oh, it’s a very good job and I love it and that makes it easier to work hard. But, as I’m sure you and zillions others know, even great jobs have their moments.

But a list you want and a list you’ll get:

Five Best

The places you go

I’ve walked on the Great Wall of China, seen Sagrada Familia, visited the Parthenon and the Placa and seen the Sydney Opera House because of my job.

The peoples you meet.

I’ve been in scrums with Muhammad Ali and met all kinds of fascinating people because of my job.

The differences

No two days are alike and I quite enjoy that aspect of it. The sameness of any job would take away some level of enjoyment.

The autonomy

Yes, I have bosses but it’s nice to know that they give me my head, so to speak; trust me to get the right story and tell it well and that’s a rather liberating feeling.

And …

I am answering this sitting on a stool at a poolside bar in Miami with a glass of Land Shark at my left and a gentle breeze blowing to take the edge off a 30 C day.

Five worst

The travel

Yes, the job has taken to me to wonderful places and outstanding events but for a while there – and it’s eased a bit now – I averaged about 125 days a year on the road. That’s a lot of time away.

The hassle of travel

Airport two hours before a flight to the US, 90 minutes if it’s domestic in the States, take out laptop, take off shoes, remove belt, deal with – often – very dopey TSA employees who must have to check their common sense in the lunch room before they start their shift. Stand in security line behind new travellers who don’t remember to leave cell in bin, take coins out of pocket, remove all metal.

The deadlines

Sometimes they’re simply brutal. There are nights when they need 650 words at the buzzer, the outcome of the game can change once or twice in a split second and you have make enough sense of it that people don’t throw their computers in disgust when they read it. Hardest part of the job.

Extra off days

Seriously, coming up with something interesting and entertaining to write when a couple of off-days fall back-to-back is hard. There’s not a lot of time to develop really good stories, you tend to follow the back and that’s wrong. Easy, but wrong.

Not enough time

I guess this is a combination of those last two but we tend to have to write so quickly that it’s hard to turn a nice phrase, develop a theme, and tell stories well all the time. The giants of the business can, I’m not quite there yet.

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No one guessed the two northern most cities correctly here, although a couple of keeners back in Toronto took time out from draft prep to figure it out and let me know.

Bloomington and Minneapolis.

Bit of a trick question but what the heck.

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Oklahoma City’s got no chance tonight, right?

Too mentally worn down from blowing that big lead in Game 4, up against the team that’s playing the best in the playoffs and on the road to boot?

Spurs by 12.

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I guess if Kristie couldn’t win, it’s good that the athlete did, right?

And, next season, we are paying much closer attention to DWTS.

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Worst part of going to Chicago today?

Mighty Rockies opener tonight and I’ll have to miss it.

If any of you kids are reading this, play hard, play for the guy sitting next to you, respect the game and have fun.

Oh, and hit line drives right through the pitcher’s legs, field the ball down to up in the infield and hit the cut off man.

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Comments

[Lee Z]

"you tend to follow the back and that’s wrong. Easy, but wrong." Not sure what you mean by "follow the back". And as for Dylan, a top 5 simply isn't enough, Doug. So I humbly submit a top 10 list of his greatest songs, in order:
LARS
Mr. Tambourine Man
The Times They Are...
Tangled up in Blue
Hard Rain
SHBlues
Ballad of a Thin Man
Blowin' in the wind
With God on our Side
Don't think twice

[Matt M]

I like the idea of Enes Kanter and have only heard good things, except that he didn't really play at all last year. That would scare me of if I was in charge. Too many mistakes have been made drafting protoypical bigs high in the draft. Maybe if he falls to five in a relatively weak draft he would be worth the risk. Of course, with the way this coaching staff develops players (DeRozan, Johnson, Davis) I'm sure he would turn out to be just what the Raptors need.
Hey, I was curious. If the Raps are looking at Tristan Thompson does that mean they are looking to acquire another first round pick for a cool three million or are they just covering all their bases?

Blogger's note: Covering bases

[Lee Z]

Just occurred to me that some of you younguns out there might not be familiar with Dylan, so...LARS stands for Like a Rolling Stone, and SHBlues for Subterranean Homesick Blues. Oh, and I'm SURE I'll get no argument when I say that Bringing It All Back Home is his greatest album. I mean, come on! SHBlues, Mr. Tambourine Man, Gates of Eden, It's Alright Ma, It's All Over Now Baby Blue, Maggie's Farm...one great song after another. Highway 61 Revisited comes close, but sorry, no cigar. You agree with me Doug, right? Right?

[dave]

WHAT!? No thoughts on what bargnani said!? Do you know everyone that reads you blog wanted your thoughts on it! Should he be traded now? Looks like that could be the best move for BC.

Blogger's note: There's nothing there

[Jacques]

Doug, I figured you would've wrote something about AB hinting he wants out of Raptorland. Your thoughts

[Dave]

Doug:
Do you think the brutal schedule (multiple days off) hurt the Bulls more than Heat? In addition it took a lot of interest away from the fans. I have enjoyed the OKC/Mavs series more.

Blogger's note: Don't think it had any impact

[Lorie]

Morning Doug,
Interesting question from @A T, Niagara Falls; and equally interesting answer. And wise counsel for aspiring journalists: there's soooo much more to it than hanging and chatting with famous athletes! (But the next time you see Jorge Garbajosa, could you ask him if there's even the tiniest glimmer of hope he may one day return to us???) Now, two quick things to keep you informed of the REALLY IMPORTANT news: Hump's just become officially engaged to his Kardashian girlfriend and Shawn Marion is filming his own reality TV show called 'The Ladies In My Life', and it's not like Ahhnuld's life: Marion's 'ladies' are his mom, sisters etc. So you're up-to-date now. Oh, and if I might suggest one more Dylan song for the Irregular Playlist. Dylan co-wrote "Forever Young" and here's a link to his interpretation of his own song. And it's beautiful. And a nice thought, too.
Cheers!
http://youtu.be/9sldgunY3Fw

[James]

Spurs by 12? Typo or wry joke?

[kelsey]

1st I have to thank Doug for this blog, that allows us sports fan to express our opinions.

Draft is back seat to Bargnani. Even if its getting blow out of this world(his interview thing) Its time Bargnani diapers come off. As we can see he is a cry baby, as Colangelo hurt his feelings....Im sure Raptors fans who understand basketball are tired of seeing a 7ft guy who can box out of rebound. I was so shocked when BC flat out called out Bargnani and end of season press conference.

He just doesnt try and this is a blue collar sports town when it comes to players. He is a Diva and poision in the water. Im glad this is coming out. The trade doors are open, WHO CARES ABOUT HIS 21ppg..His effort is horrid and lack of defense is a bad formula. You cant force someone to try!!! End this marriage this summer!!! Its gone on too long...I listen to callers and I hear, he can score!!! who cares, when you can stop the other team!!!!

Lebron was serious last night and showed why he could basically be in MVP race every year. Durant is amazing scorer but doesnt have the defensive notch. Lebron was great on Rose, obviously bother Rose. On offense he was bullying Bulls players all the way to the rack..

Good day to all you Bosh haters, he has been solid for this team.

[TJ]

Think you meant Mavs by 12 Doug

[sam]

Thanks to Paolo in the IGBT last night for clearing up the latest Andrea rumour/news -

[Eddy]

Doug, there are a number of articles this morning claiming Bargnani ripped Bryan Colangelo and demanded a trade to a warmer city. Do you know the truth behind these reports, assuming they are likely exaggerations?

[Abbey]

Spurs by 10?

[Abbey]

Spurs by 12?

[Headshots Los Angeles]

The Bulls had a a great run this season. They should come back stronger next year. Lets start a new chant. BEAT the HEAT!!!

[Zow]

Any reaction to Andreas comments? Is this like Turk, or am i reading to much into it ?

Blogger's note: Nothing there, time to move on

[Juan]

Hi Doug
I fear you are correct about what the Finals matchup will be. Which leaves me with a dilemma - which team do I loathe less?

It's hard not to like Dirk but boy am I going to have to hold my nose and look the other way, A LOT, when it comes to rooting for anything associated with Mark Cuban. But that is what I will do.

[The J]

I have always found the criticisms of Lebron's game so funny. It's as if people want to hide the fact that he is young, that he entered the league at 18, and that he is still developing and learning, and just want to go straight to comparing him to Jordan, or a Kobe that has been through it all, or any all time great. It used to be that he didn't have a good jump shot, well it seems pretty dead on to me. Then it was that he wasn't clutch. Well you can ask Boston if Lebron is clutch enough (BTW I define clutch as scoring when it matters and not necessarily lobbing a hail mary buzzer beater over two defenders). They also said he was too un-selfish and that he couldn't be "the man". Well, while he left Cleveland to get some help, he doesn't seem to mind having the ball in his hands when it matters, rather than leave it to his two other all-star teammates. And of course all along the way he couldn't defend "like Kobe". And yet there he is, final minutes of a possibly season defining game, and he has drawn the task of defending the current MVP. And with that task, he is completly smothering him. He defends like Pippen, passes like Magic, has the exact size and height of Karl Malone, and yet can get to the rim and finish like Jordan. I will never say he is the best ever, or anything to that extent. But it is too bad so many people are focussed on pointing out his flaws that they fail to realize they are witnessing a once in a lifetime talent, and easily the best of a generation.

[Natalie (Vancouver)]

Hi Doug,
Excellent Dylan list! If I may, heres 5 more from the post-folk (oh the horror!) Dylan personal pantheon (and if you haven't heard the last one you're in for a treat): Positively 4th Street, Lay Lady Lay, Stuck Inside of Mobile With Those Memphis Blues Again, Not Dark Yet, Things Have Changed.
Happy listening!

[Peter]

Thanks for the blog Doug,

I would add "Visions of Johanna" and "Boots of Spanish Leather" to your Bob Dylan list.

Saw him a few years ago in concert, and he isn't what he once was, but the man is a legend. Plain and simple.

[Michel G]

The Hurricane (protest); Tomorrow Is A Long Time (ballad); Summer Days (Dylan can also rock with the best of them); A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall (I still don't know what he's trying to say, but I like it!); Desolation Row (Dylan at his best)

[jimmy]

Hey Doug,

Watching 60 minutes on Lance Armstrong last Sunday got me thinking. As a sports writer, do you think performance enhancing chemicals should be allowed in sports? Do NBA players take adrenaline shots? Has an NBA player ever been suspended for doping?

Blogger's note: No, I don't, and yes there have been cases

[Eric]

Why is LeBron James listed at 250 pounds on nba.com and you say he is 275? It doesn't make sense why they don't just get an accurate measurement each year.

[TLI]

"The giants of the business can, I’m not quite there yet."
Close enough for us, Doug. Look forward to your insight, humour and humility every day. Really.

"Spurs by 17."
Also love to see a man stick to his guns!!! One day, I'm sure it will be true!

[John D.]

Don't know if any of the Mighty Rockies will read this but I can tell you, Coach Smith's words ring true - I just returned from our game in CAIRO and we did none of those things. We swung too hard and dribbled it to the pitcher, we never hit the cut off man, and we whiffed on too many grounders to count. Oh, and we lost 9-1. Better words of advice could not have been said from your coach, except maybe the part about respecting the game and playing for the guy next to you!