A day early but as good as ever; the mail is in

Hey, you folks did pretty well for a short week. Way to go.

Okay, before I head to into a day that’s supposed to be about 35 C (and we know me and excessive heat), let’s get this out to you all.

We’ll be back after practices and before dinner, thanks for the tips.

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Q: What if someone related to the Raptors organization let something slip by accident, but it wasn't off the record and he/she begged you not to mention it. Would you refrain? Or would it matter how juicy the info was? How do you balance the line between being friendly with people in the organization on a day to day basis and reporting something they said that may make them infuriated with you?

Shawn L, Bowmanville

A: I’m going to take the easy way and say it really depends.

And it depends on things like how big the story really is, if it can be verified easily, if it’s big enough to risk losing a source for the rest of your life over and things like that. It’s a balance and we all do it. I’m sure there are little things many of us could write about the teams and players we cover that would titillate readers but which might cost us more valuable information from the same source down the road.

I guess it comes down to a matter of trust between readers and writers; we give you what we know, what we can confirm and the stuff that’s important.

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Q: Hi Doug. How likely is it that BC can offer the new coach a contract that is longer than his own? How much of a factor is contract length for coaches and will it affect the list of potential coaches?

Thanks

 

 

 

Octavio U, Toronto

A: I think all coaches want deals that are guaranteed for as long as they can get them; I also think two years plus an option, perhaps with the same level of achievement that’s necessary for Bryan’s third year to kick in guaranteed, isn’t a bad contract.

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Q: Hi Doug. Will the signing of Rubio by Minny change the draft at all? Also could you comment on the rumour of Flynn to Raptors-he's a poor shooter with a weak assist to turnover ratio. He does not seem to be an upgrade. Thanks

Douglas L, Toronto

A: Shouldn’t really change the draft at all, it was highly doubtful Minnesota and its point-guard-collecting GM was going to a shot at Irving anyway. What it might do is change what the Timberwolves seek in a trade to get out of the No. 2 spot.

And, in my opinion, Jonny Flynn is not at all better than either of the point guards Toronto has under contract now and to seek him would be foolish. Besides, I’d thought that nonsensical rumour was dead?

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Q: Hey Doug. I'm going to get the jump on mail this week, just because I always feel pressured when you start doing the "Mailbag looks empty... don't fail me" shtick. I know you did a list like this not too long ago where I believe you listed your top 5 Euro players of all time (Rasho, Pops Mensah Bonsu, Garbo; folks like that). So if this is too similar or already covered, just ignore this:

Your Top 5 Non-American, Non-European players in NBA history, please.

Thanks, Doug. Enjoy Dallas.

 

 

 

Andrew P, Toronto

A: Man, you’re cutting off a lot of the world there.

Not sure what you use to delineate Europe but I’ll give you these five, from best to fifth

Hakeem Olajuwon

Dikembe Mutombo

Yao Ming

Now, I’m not sure if you count guys like Ginobili, who is non-American, non-European but he cut his teeth playing over there.

Absent guys like him, I guess I have to look to Australia, how about Bogut and Luc Longley?

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Q: Hi Doug, thanks for keeping us up-to-date on all things Raptors. Truly just a statement, but I just came back from my first trip to NYC and from reading your blog I had to try a couple of things. I had my first Yuengling and had a few rounds at McSorley's.

Two great experiences.

Cheers

 

 

 

Landon G, Whitby

A: Another satisfied customer. Well done! See, if you pay attention here, sometimes good things will happen.

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Q: Doug, what do you think were Jay's best and worst moments (games) during his stint as coach?

Ron F, Toronto

A: Wow, that’s a tough one, there were sooooo many games.

But two come to mind:

The bad would be the Chicago game in Toronto at the end of the 2009-10 season when, with everything on the line, they played terribly.

The good? Some might say the home win over the Lakers last season, I’m going with a loss. In New Orleans, on a Monday afternoon. They had about eight able bodies, probably six who were legitimate NBA players and Jay mixed and matched rotations and lineups and had his team in the game in final seconds. I wrote the next day that they should have picked up his option at halftime of that game and I still feel that way.

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Q: Hi Doug, not sure if you've answered this before, but has a city ever been in the NBA and NHL finals at the same time?

 Sean S, Toronto

A: Not that I can find in my exhaustive research, no. And I’m glad, because I wouldn’t want to have to double up and help the pucks.

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Q: So something unrelated to Raptors.

When you travel around to all the wonderful NBA cities, where do you eat? Or should I say where do you prefer to eat. Do you ever go grocery shopping, throw together some quick meals or do you have no time for that?

Just curious.

 

 

 

Sean F, Mississauga

A: Let’s just say I’m a creature of habit and have “locals” in almost every city where I know I can go, usually alone, sit at a bar, get a good meal and a conversation.

I prefer out, actually, I like interaction and room service does not in any way appeal to me. And since I seldom stay at places that would be equipped to throw together a meal, I never do. What I do like, though, is a nice market or deli nearby to grab a sandwich for lunch in the room while I work game days.

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Q: Hi Doug. What about Don Nelson? Sure we'd probably lose more, but they'd be a lot more fun to watch!

Chris A, Bowmanville

A: Oh, my. There’s a first. Yes, it might be fun but it also might be a train wreck. Bring it on!

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Q: Hi Doug. We need a new coach, Shaq just retired . Please let us know if you get any suggestions about this one in the next few days.

I mentioned the other day on the IGBT - if Miami wins a few championships, is it LeBron or Wade who feels the need to step away and then defeat Miami.

 

 

 

Kevin M, Maple

A: Answering a (hypothetical) question with a question: Which of those two has already shown mercenary characteristics?

Just sayin’

And I’m pretty sure you’re out front on the Shaq stuff all on your lonesome.

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Hi Doug. Always appreciate the great work and insight. Just following up on your blog post this week on Scottie Pippen's comment in regards to LeBron's caliber as a player in the league - can you contrast the intensity level of Kobe vs. MJ?

I know you've seen Kobe as a player covering the Raptors, and with Buss' son calling him the "workaholic", how does his work ethic and preparation compare to that of MJ's?

 

 

 

Michael T, Toronto

A: I’d love to give you a definitive answer but I began covering this circus in ’95, when Jordan has already established his bonafides and I wasn’t around very much. Same with Kobe.

But, and this is information gleaned from people whose opinion I respect and who have been around a longer: Kobe’s work ethic and desire to add wrinkles to his game rivals that of anyone who has ever played.

I understand no one matches Jordan in demanding, and getting, more out of his teammates by the sheer force of his will but it’s closer than many think.

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Q: Been a while since I have email a question, thought I would give it a shot. Heard some trade rumors of BC trying to get more draft picks or trade for a better draft pick. Any truth to the rumors?

Thanks,

 

 

 

Sean F, Mississauga

A: You’re going to hear a lot of rumours -- some far crazier than others and very, very, very, very, very few rooted in fact -- between now and draft night.

But it is my opinion that the last thing these guys need is a second young player to add to a young core beyond the pick that they have.

And while I’m sure Bryan would love to move up, if he can’t get to No. 1 (no way) or No. 2 (I don’t see a Minny fit), he’s sticking with five; if anything, he’d probably be more interested in moving back than up. Now, before you all go berserk trying to figure out where he’s going to trade down to, consider this: If there’s not much difference in players after No. 2, why in the world would anyone want to move up to No. 5? Could it happen? Yes. Chances? 5-95.

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Q: Hi Doug. Could you ever see a day in the distant future where unions of major sports leagues merge, similar to the way unions have crossed the boundaries of occupation to gain collective bargaining strength? Obviously owners would gasp in horror, but could Player's unions see strength in numbers and argue for percentage sharing across the board? That way, we may see some leverage on issues universal to sport such as health.

Could you see it? What would it take, and what would it look like? (Sort of a big question, no?)

 

 

 

Nathan G, Beaverton

A: I can’t see it, I’m afraid, because each sport has so many unique characteristics, the most significant being:

Baseball: No cap whatsoever.

Football: Hard cap, non-guaranteed deals.

Basketball: Currently guaranteed contracts, soft caps, maximum salaries on best players, unlike any other sport.

Hockey: Hard cap.

See my point? I can’t see any of the union heads giving up what they’ve already got to fall in line with the others.

And, if you ask me, of the four, I honestly think basketball’s is the best, although it needs some tweaking with regard to the percentages paid to the players. I like a system that gives teams a chance to keep their own players by paying a premium, if they want.

But it also gives players the right to move if things aren’t going the way they’d like them to, like two certain players did last summer, sacrificing salary to search for success.

Now, it’s not perfect, by any means, but I think it’s got a good blend of attributes you’d want.

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Q: Seems NBA fans outside of Toronto value Bargs more highly than Raps fans. I've even read two blog trades proposed by Toronto natives in which the blog author replies that we can get more than that for Bargnani.

Are we seeing the glass as half-empty, or do outsiders just look at his stats lines?

 

 

 

Gary M, Ottawa

A: Blog trades? I’m telling you, when this fad that is the interweb dies off like pet rocks, I’ll be very happy.

Now, Gary, I’m not sure of your Irregular status or how often you come by these parts but I think you know that HOTH fans around here tend to eat their young.

I know few want to hear this but Bargnani is the guy opposing teams game-planned against for the most part this past season. That may change with the ascension of DeRozan but it’s a fact now, and without being able to give you specifics because Bryan doesn’t tend to share such insights with me, but there are teams on which Bargnani would be a good fit.

Look, he’s not an all-star and he’s never, ever going to get you 9 rebounds a game (the fact he never was seems lost on Johnny-Come-Lately Critics) but he’s a good NBA player. Yes, the advanced metrics guys will argue otherwise; I tend to, you know, list to NBA coaches rather than read numbers.

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Q: Hi Doug. Two-part question.

With all the hype around the Heat this season, there has been.... let us say less then kind words thrown their way in the media and in arenas around the league. I wanted to know your personal opinion about whether the observation that in comparison, Wade has gotten off lighter then James and Bosh. To be fair in Bosh’s case, my vilification of him might be based on the team that I cheer for. Even with Bosh playing well right now, are the masses ready to realize that the Raptors are better off with him in Miami? The team has cap space, are young, exciting when they put it all together for stretches and the future looks bright. I would argue that while he is a great talent, Bosh is not worth max money and in order to win, he needs to be the secondary option.

Also, tell Brian to bring back Jay!!!!! We all know that you have the pull to make it happen.

 

 

 

Sean G, Regina

A: I think it’s pretty obvious why Wade’s come in for less harsh criticism: He didn’t leave his team. And the fact he stayed and played through those dreadful years when the Heat was dumping players to make cap space to do what they’ve done earned him some points, too.

And, while I see your quite valid point on Bosh, let me counter with this: If, somehow, they had been able to find another “max” player, or someone close to it, don’t you think Bosh could have morphed into a spectacular 1A guy? I do? They tried, they couldn’t in seven years.

But I honestly have a hard time believing a team losing a 20-10 guy is better off. Different? Yes. Better? No way.

Oh, and sorry about the Jay stuff.

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Q: The Heat play stifling team and help defence. During some possessions, it's the best I've seen. Their D seems to remain consistent, even as the Big 3 shuffle on and off the floor. Is there something they employ in their system that is different than what others (read: the Raptors) employ? Or do we simply chalk it up to personnel?

PJ H, Toronto

A: Not really anything different, at least too different. They might change pick and roll coverage a bit but nothing too drastic.

And what it is, really (and I know this is the chicken’s way out), is a combination of system, the willingness of players to work hard to nearly perfect it and the willingness of coaches to drill it into them at the expense of almost everything else.

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Q: Doug, I tuned in just in time last night to watch the big comeback. Great to watch. The one thing that struck me was how Dirk handled himself when they finally won (after he scored the last 9 points for the Mavs). A bit of a fist pump but nothing over-the-top. Just wondering, if the situation were reversed and it was Lebron leading the comeback and it was in Dallas, how do you think Lebron would act towards the Mavs fans?

 

Rich K, Toronto

A: Oh, I don’t know that there’d be much difference. Probably a bit more exuberance but nothing like openly mocking them.

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Q: The Champ! Wow, heard the Champ in years! Do they still do it on the radio!?!

Thanks for reminding how funny that used to be!!!!!

 

 

 

Jeff H, Toronto

A: I haven’t heard it anywhere in years but I’m glad a few of you got the reference; I like to drop things like that in every now and then to make sure everyone’s awake.

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Q: Hi Doug. What are Jay's coaching options? I would think he could go somewhere else as an assistant, but does he have a hope of being an NBA head coach again?

 

Kevin M, Maple

A: Jay’s respected enough as a basketball mind and connected enough with enough good coaches that I’m sure if he wanted to be an assistant immediately, he could find work. But maybe he’d like to catch is breath for a bit and see what opens up?

Head coach? Frankly, I’d be surprised.

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Q: With all the Shaq reminiscing going on, can you tell us the most devastating Shaq performance (either a dunk, a game, or something else) versus the Raptors that you can remember?

 

Chris W, Iqaluit

A: Has to be the Bosh as RuPaul line, right?

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Q: Hello Sir. Sorry it has been a while but life and such.. anyway, I was excited form your blog by your mentionig the name of Jerry Sloan. What do you think the prospects of a jeff van Gundy would be? Would that meet the criteria laid out by BC? Do you think he would be a good fit? Also what is the status of the trade exemption and how much time remains before it expires? Thanks

 

Randy M, Crystal Beach

A: I don’t really want to get into a daily recitation of the merits of various coach-wannabes but I do think Jeff’s a very good coach, would be a good fit but I’m also told by people I trust that he’s not quite ready to come back and will probably have more lucrative offers when he does.

And there’s just over $9 million left of the trade exception and it expires July 9.

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Q: Doug. I'm sorry to see Jay go. He has some flaws as a coach, but did us proud as the first Canadian to coach in the NBA. I hope he won't be the last. We hear about up-and-coming Canadian players, but not coaches. Are there talented people out there we should be keeping an eye on?

 

Jason D, London

A: There are far too many good coaches in the CIS ranks to name here but I don’t think any of them have the connections, background and abilities to coach in the NBA. I hope I’m wrong but I don’t think I am.

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Comments

[Steve del Castillo]

Hi Doug,

Re: the same city playing in the NBA and NHL finals at the same time.

It was a long time ago, but the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks were in their respective finals at the same time, in 1992. I remember because we had just moved to Toronto that year, from Chicago.

The Bulls won. The Blackhawks lost.

[onemanweave]

Interesting take on sources. The pipeline is what gives the 'house' reporter his edge when covering a team. Without them, he's just another blogger with an opinion.
The trouble with deciding what's 'important' enough to peeve a source, is that oft-times the 'reporter's agenda and the team's start to dovetail. 'What's good for General Bullmoose is good for the USA' sort of mentality.
Thinking about last year's 'Chris-is-gonna-stay' to 'Chris-is-gonna-go' abrupt switch. Obviously both were generated by inside info. At no time did you pin Bosh to the wall for an explanation to his US-marines-mentality before the all-star break and his girl-scout-mentality after.
That's the kind of inside stuff a reporter can't get from handouts and it's the kind of stuff that makes or breaks him. Sources are important -- up to a point.

[Asob]

The Knicks and Rangers were in the Finals at the same time in '94.

[Rick from Mississauga]

Doug, how about Nash? He and Manu are from the American continent but not from the US....do they qualify as non-Americans in your books?

[Felix]

I know longley has rings (or maybe just one) but surely as basketball players, barbosa and scola have to be better? or are they in the same category as ginobili?

[Mike D.]

Sorry, Doug, didn't check your blog yesterday but I also liked your reference to The Champ. I think you should head fake the offending driver with the Highway Traffic Act and when the idiot goes for it, finish with a FLURRY to the solar plexus.

Glad to see so many people commenting on Lebron's post-basket posturing. I think I'd be more OK with it if he turned toward his teammates to encourage them, but he fact that he turns his back on them and faces the crowd makes it much more about him than about the team. You will notice that Dirk, for example, turns to face his teammates before any sort of fist pump.

[Rob]

to answer Sean's question I think Detroit did it a couple years ago with the pistons and the red wings.

[LeeZ]

You say that frankly, you don't see Jay getting another head coaching gig. On the other hand, you have often said that Jay is held in very high regard by many opposing coaches, GMs, what have you have. And through his work with USA Basketball, he has no doubt acquired some decent connections throughout the league. Also, the Denver GM used to work for the Raps, so there's a potential landing spot for Jay, to cite just one example. So in light of all this, why do you doubt Jay will get another shot at head coaching? (just for the record, I share your doubt, but think it's definitely a possibility, albeit not very likely).

[Blake Kennedy]

Some interesting perspectives on Jay. I think we should wrap up by pointing out that he's part of NBA history for more reason than just being the first Canadian head coach: he's the first coach in NBA history to have coached consecutive teams to being the absolute worst defense in the NBA (measured by points allowed / possession). I was absolutely convinced that he'd get a shot at making it a threepeat (and I have no doubt he would have, if he had returned), but I'm glad we've been spared the agony.
.
As for Bargnani, the opinion of opposing coaches who don't have to deal with his nonsense on a day-in/day-out basis - and who don't watch him 82 games/year - might not be all that meaningful. The advanced metrics people have the evidence on their side as to what a huge loss-producer that guy is (bad defense + inefficient offense = losing basketball); coaches who deal with him I'm sure aren't overly impressed on the team morale when his teammates watch him openly (and admittedly) loaf out there. Sure, coaches who see him once or twice per year might be impressed with the variety of things he does offensively, and probably don't see how generally mediocre he is at all of them. I can't even believe we have to have this discussion after this season: either he starts playing like an actual basketball player - and not a H-O-R-S-E contestant - or he goes, either way we're ahead. We'll never get ahead with him playing the way he traditionally has, no matter who our coach is.

[Simon]

Doug: The Stanley Cup and NBA Finals have been in the same city/state a few times. Most notably: 1992, the Blackhawks lost to Pittsburgh while the Bulls won title number 2. Then in 1994 the Knicks-Rockets was at the same time as Rangers-Canucks. Both went to 7 games and had the Knicks won it would have meant two titles in a span of days at the Garden. Also, 2003, the Devils beat Anaheim for the Cup while the Nets lost to the Spurs in the NBA Finals. I'm going to guess that the Bruins and Celtics have been in the finals at the same time at some point.

[Boko]

Since Manu was born in Argentina, and played for them, isn't he (South) American?

[james]

Non-American, non-European? I suppose it depends on how you define American, but how about Steve Nash?

[Farrukh I]

that question posed to you doug about a city being in the NBA and NHL finals at the same time. it actually happened not that long ago. In 2003, both the New Jersey Devils and the New Jersey Nets made it to their respective finals. The Devils ended up winning the finals over Anaheim however The Nets lost to San Antonio.

[Joe]

Hi Doug,

A few quick questions for you on this rainy Saturday.

1. Which of the home/away playoff series formats do you prefer:
2-3-2 or 2-2-1-1-1? Why?

2. How much stock do NBA scouts and GMs put into the performance of prospective drafts at the NBA scouting combine?

3. Were any eyebrows raised when Kyrie Irving's body fat was measured at 10.2% at the combine and when he decided against participating in any of the drills at the combine?

Thank you. Have a great Saturday.

Blogger's note: Sorry, rainy there; extremely busy here in Dallas

[T i]

Steve Nash should be at the top of the list of Non-American / Non-European players of all time

[doug]

you know it's your blog and you do a heck of a job, outstanding actually for the attention, effort and patience you show...but and you knew a but was coming..I would never ever answer or acknowledge a question such as "who were the top 5 Europeans" or who are the "top 5 non-Americans, Europeans"...it just plays into this whole Don Cherry that seems to be out there...to me players are players and there is no delineation where a player comes from at all, and no where in my mind or mentality do I have these separate lists and any GM worth his salt doesn't compare as well .....case in point will be the upcoming NBA draft as there are a few Euros in the top 6-7 ...to me it just generates a totally unnecessary debate,conversation...players are players as it is no different then people are people...

[Lorie]

Hi Doug!
So, you're not "built" for Dallas in June nor Milwaukee in January? Just what and where is your ideal "fit"? :) Love reading that some of Dirk's impressiveness is being attributed to the fact he enjoys playing the drums. And as it's long been acknowledged that studying a musical instrument does stimulate other parts of the brain and other abilities, think we might soon see snares, hi-hats and sticks as part of teams' training equipment? Oh, and earplugs for the grunts! :) Hope you enjoy that Texas cuisine and hospitality. (And is it at least a dry heat?) Cheers! Texas-size!!!

[J]

Agreed with lower-case doug as to the latter part of his point (not so much the earlier part).

It gets ever so tiring when people feel the need to label. Bargnani is a Euro. Vesely is a Euro who plays like an anti-Euro. Biyombo is a Euro because he plays in the Euroleague. Kleiza is a Euro despite playing high school and college ball in the US (whereas Horford is apparently an American instead of a Dominican because he played high school and college ball in the US). Kosta Koufos is a Euro despite being born in the US and despite playing high school and college ball in the US (it's bad enough when Americans are prejudiced against other Americans, let alone Canadians deciding an American is not American enough for them). I've even heard Przybilla being described as a typical Euro center. Sorry folks, he's as American as American comes.

Why not simply tell it like it is? Skilled but not very athletic. Unphysical and afraid of contact. A finesse type. As an example, isn't it easier and more descriptive for people to say, "Vesely is very athletic but not very skilled yet," instead of "Vesely is a Euro who plays like the anti-thesis of a Euro," requiring one to first think of what a stereotypical Euro player plays like, then think the opposite? Seriously? Describe the player without racial overtones; if he sucks, what does his origin have to do with it, and if he's a player, who cares where he's from?

[Jacques]

Doug, when Shaq goes into the HOF, which jersey does he wear?

Blogger's note: No clue and he hasn't decided.