Visits with the Raptors and an offence in disarray

Everyone still here?

Guess that whole rapture thing didn’t quite work out, eh?

Not sure if it was astronomy or astrology or just the lunatic rantings of a guy but it had the impact of New Coke or Y2K, didn’t it?

But it does assure we’ll be here for the next little while so …

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So we had Taj Gibson in Game 1 of this series I’m at and Udonis Haslem in Game 2 and I’m wondering when some star is going to take over and make on game his.

My best guess would be Dwyane Wade, who has that innate ability to absolutely dominate a game.

He hasn’t yet, he’s home tonight, it’s a “pivotal” game to borrow a time-worn cliché I’m sure hundreds have, or will, and Wade’s going to have a rather rabid – by Miami standards – crowd behind him.

And isn’t that what these series are supposed to be all about?

The best players taking over?

We’ve seen it with Dirk and Durant, we haven’t seen it in this series, really, and I don’t now if it’s because of the defence of the other guys or the mentality of the top players in the East – who can be more deferential than maybe they should be. But whatever it is, we need someone to put their stamp on this series with some crazy 40-point night and we haven’t yet.

I know the series is close and the two games have each had their redeeming qualities but, so far, the East really pales in comparison to the West and I don’t know if we saw that coming.

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Yes, the HOTH were busy in Chicago, quite.

Yes, Enes Kanter cancelled a scheduled meeting – not sure if he’s got a promise, delusions of grandeur or what but he didn’t meet with them and they still hope to either get him to Toronto or go back to Chicago where he’s working out for a little sitdown.

But it didn’t mean it was all deep dish pizza and jazz, that’s for sure.

I’m told by impeccable sources that the Raptors did manage to meet with a handful of possible draft picks over the two days as they get down to figuring this out in earnest.

Who?

Well, the list I got had:

Derrick Williams

Klay Thompson

Brandon Knight

Kemba Walker

Kawhi Leonard

Alec Burks

The twins Markus and Markieff Morris.

Now, these were chats after watching some of them work out and there’s been no consensus developed, no firm “list” drawn up and it’s still relatively early in the process.

I’m also not sure if that’s a complete list – I believe it is – but there will be more to come, I’m sure.

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There was a gelding that’s blind in one eye and trained by an 80-year-old running in Preakness?

If only that sport mattered, it’d be fun to cover.

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Okay, it’s about 4 p.m. Saturday, I’m sitting on a stool outside by a pool sipping a cool drink, getting a leg up on this bloggy thingie for the morning while watching a hockey game on a TV that’s hard to see because of the glare on a 30 C afternoon.

Oh, and trading texts with a crazed Bruins fan who’s in an establishment in Orillia.

That’s an odd day. Very.

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Oh yeah, you saw that list of guys Bryan and the henchman chatted with in Chicago and I’m sure a lot of you went, ‘What? No Europeans?’

Don’t despair.

They’ll get their shot.

The next big gig is a camp for European draft eligibles that begins June 9 at La Ghirada in Treviso (oh, how I wish I was going there) and there are plans to watch – and interview – Bismack Biyombo, Jan Vesely, Jonas Valanciunas and Donatas Montiejunas, among others.

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I need a ruling.

Can a guy have cake for breakfast?

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So I’m watching ESPN last night and they’re all over Jose Bautista for the two-homer day and the other-worldly season that he’s having and one thing comes quickly to mind:

“See, Chris, they will pay attention.”

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Okay, so there’s no doubt many of you – and I – think Scott Brooks of Oklahoma City is a pretty good NBA coach, right?

Well, I was watching that game Saturday night and all I could think of is that’s one of the most predictable and boring offences around.

Not sure if it’s because players keep busting plays or because they aren’t good ones but, man, that’s a tough way to try to win a big series.

And they won’t, if things don’t change.

Oh, and they won’t if Kevin Durant cannot make a three-pointer. Yes, I think he takes too many – he tends to settle too often – but if he’s going to take 13 over the course of two games (as he did in Games 2 and 3) he has to make at least one.

And since I’ve got a week or so in downtown Oklahoma City riding on this – and it’s a very under-rated downtown of good spots, good stools, good people – outcome, I kind of hope Durant picks it up.

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Have no real idea how things are going to work here in Miami tonight with seating or wireless or access or what but if you’d like, we’ll try one of the world-famous IGBT okay?

I know it’s the Sunday of the holiday weekend back home but let’s see who shows up, or it if even works well.

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Did you see Peja last night?

With those over-the-ankle white socks and dark shoes and a rather unique gait, every time I saw him run I thought:

A young Morty Seinfeld hanging around Del Boca Vista.

No idea why, but I did.

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Comments

[LeeZ]

@jim: All this talk of cake...maybe you had some LCD-laced gateau this morning, because that is the only plausible explanation for anyone in their right mind to even SUGGEST that Calderon and a 5 pick in this weak draft would land Westbrook. No but SERIOUSLY, dude.

[LK]

Hey Doug, I hadn't received my invitation to the barbecue at Casa Doug yet, so I thought I'd write and find out what was going on. :) Seriously though, I would be remiss if I didn't write in to say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" to our favourite grunt!! Hope you're having a great day and celebrations continue well into the night. Thanks for all you do, best wishes always!

Blogger's note: Thanks very much

[Mike kovacs]

Happy bday. May you have abundant wireless!

Blogger's note: That would be nice, thanks

[Dave, Cornwall]

Doug:
Happy Birthweek.

I celebrated mine yesterday. I think that makes me a Gemini and you a Taurus. I wasn't in Miami, but it was 25 degrees and sunny here. I had a beer with an appetizer and wine with my grilled T-bone on the deck.

I hope you will be able to find a cold drink and a hot meal for your day also.

I will you many more Healthy, Prosperous and Happy Birthweeks. my friend.

Blogger's note: Am jealous; much appreciated

[ashm]

Hey Doug
One thing to keep in mind that separate Jays from raptors are their two championship. Raptors franchise needs to get respect in NBA somehow or else we will be bottom feeders same as 22 other teams!!