A search nearing a conclusion and Canadian Cadettes rolling

What’s this?

Lots of basketball? And some Raptors stuff?

Guess I have to save stuff off topic for tomorrow or the next day. I know. You can’t wait.

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Are we close to finding out who the next coach of the Raptors is?

I think so.

Seems Dwane Casey was in town on Tuesday to be interviewed for the job – he flew up between Dallas winning the championship and today’s parade – and that would lead me to believe that Bryan Colangelo has to be getting close to making a decision on Jay Triano’s replacement.

No one will say it even off the record because things are being held more close to the vest on this decision than any other in Bryan’s tenure it seems, but It only makes sense that Casey would have been the last of the interviews since they had to wait for him to finish his season.

And that might give us an announcement in the next few days.

Now, personally, I’d be quite fine if they hired Casey.

He’s got all that attributes they want – head coaching experience, a record of success, an ability to teach defence – and from the few times I’ve talked to him – and the many times I’ve talked to people about him – he seems stern but fair.

Lawrence Frank’s okay, I guess, but there seems to be something about him. It’s second half stuff but more than a few people I’ve talked to about him since the finals begin tell me his autocratic ways and unwillingness to delegate, can rub people the wrong way.

Not that he’s a bad guy, just that he’s got some quirks.

You also know that I, for a large part, think coaching can be a tad over-rated so I’m not entirely sure any of these candidates are appreciably better than the guy they got rid of but I say Casey’s the right choice.

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Man, who knew there were so many Claire Huxtable fans out there.

Shame on me, I guess; but it was my list so nyah, nyah, nyah.

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You probably didn’t know this but there’s a bunch of young Canadian women laying waste to Mexico.

It’s the national Cadette team – under 16 – and they’ve rolled through three games of the FIBA Americas world qualifier, blowing out Puerto Rico, Guatemala and Mexico in the first round.

As we’ve said lots of times, the future of the national women’s program is tremendously bright – these girls are as young as Grade 8 – and this week confirms that.

The Canadians get Brazil n the semis on Friday as they chase a berth in next year’s worlds.

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Oh, yeah, they covered themselves in glory in Vancouver on the ice and off it, didn’t they?

High level of knuckleheadism out there, isn’t there?

I’m sure it’s not just me but for the life of me, I cannot for a second understand the allure of burning cars or looting or rioting or the level of idiocy or passion you’d have to have to do it.

And it reminds me that if I’m ever in a city that loses – or wins – some championship, I will most certainly be staying indoors. On a stool.

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Let’s get this rather topical one out of the mail and if you’d like to get in on the fun and frivolity, just click here, pose some interesting question and send it on.

Q: Hi Doug, I've often wondered what exactly is involved in a "Coaches Interview". Any insight into this? I'm assuming it's not like a typical job interview, but am curious if it's formally structured as in X's and O's and situational based questions and the best answer win the guy a job, or is it more informal general bball conversation and the GM makes an instinctive decision based on who they feel would be the best fit for their team. Keep up the good work.

Dave A, Kingston

A: It’s probably a bit more involved that some of you might think.

I haven’t actual sat in on one, of course, but I have spoken to people who have, here and in other cities, and it’s quite involved.

They can do things like go through strategy sessions (“What do you do down 3 with less than eight seconds left and you don’t have the ball?” “Your best player gets a third foul with six minutes left in the second quarter, what do you do?”) to simple conversations with the GM and other Henchmen to see how personalities mesh.

The best interviewees show up with specific plans to discuss, practice plans, weekly or even monthly day-by-day schedules drawn up and printed out booklets of offensive and defensive systems they’d like to implement.

I’ve heard of one guy who came armed with all kinds of negative reports about him and was willing to go through each and every one to show how he’d change.

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Give Kawhi Leonard this.

He pays as much attention to mock drafts as I do; or at least that’s what he said yesterday after he worked out for the Raptors.

“When they move me up on the draft board, it doesn’t mean the team is going to pick me. That’s what the scouts or the media thinks that owns that website so I’m not caught up in that. I could go to the 20th pick but that’s how it is and I’m not looking for the pick, I just want to get picked by a team and be in the NBA.”

Now, I’m pretty sure he takes a quick look every now and then, or is at least told about the mock drafts by friends but that’s a pretty good attitude to have.

Working out on the same day as the two local heroes (check out the story here), Leonard got short shrift and outside of standing there chatting in some leotard, he was destined to be a bit of “the other guy” on the day.

But he’s a legit prospect at No. 5 so it was interesting to hear people say he shot the ball better than they thought he would.

Nice, soft spoken kid, if he develops offensively that’s a huge boost because he comes with the reputation as a standout defender.

And we all know they could use some of them around these parts.

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Now, this was a glorious Mighty Rockies victory.

Dude hits a two-run, walk-off homer in the bottom of the last, we get a 15-13 nailbiter of a win go to 5-1 on the season and all’s right in the world.

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Speaking of the draft, this probably isn’t going to happen but what if it did?

One guy I was talking to around the gym yesterday brought up this scenario and I thought it was entirely cool.

What if Cleveland doesn’t take Kyrie Irving at No. 1? What if they go with, say, Kanter or Williams because they know they’ll get a point guard at No. 4 anyway and maybe Irving’s okay but not great.

That’s one theory I heard in the gym yesterday and then, the one and only Marc Spears kind of affirms the thought in this piece.

But if they don’t take Irving can you imagine what it’ll be like in Minnesota when they’re on the clock for No. 2?

No way the GM can take another point guard, is there? That’d mean he’d have five minutes to decide what offer he’ll take in a trade for that second pick.

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Comments

[Shifty]

Minnesota would take Kylie with No.2 no hesitation and then have whole offseason to listen for trade suggestions and pick the best one
They are desperate to get some veterans there

[Mike D.]

I have just finished reviewing your comment yesterday that you hoped Kawhi Leonard didn't come in and say "the usual stuff about wanting to come in and work hard, rebound and play defense, do everything the coach tells me". I'm calling on the Irregulars to suggest things that a prospect could say after a workout that would be more interesting to Doug (although they might not help his chances with the team).

My own suggestions: "I just want to come in and give a consistent 60-65% effort so I can save my energy to make big plays in big games", "I plan to leave defense and rebounding to the other guys so I can focus on developing my offensive game and make the highlight films", "The dirty work in the paint kind of intimidates me", and "It doesn't really matter which team drafts me; there are groupies in every city."

[Matt M]

Hey Raptor Fans. Joe Posnanski wrote a blog about Andrea Bargnani. Don't forget to read the words 'Lebron James' as 'Andrea Bargnani' for full effect.

http://joeposnanski.si.com/2011/06/15/the-case-for-rooting-against-lebron/?sct=hp_wr_a2&eref=sihp

[Jacques]

Doug, any word on BC trading up in the draft? Do we have anything to offer the Cavs for the first pick over all.

Blogger's note: No

[doug]

I dare anyone to predict what David Kahn will do...he reminds me of Matt Millen the ex GM of the Lions in the NFL who just drafted wide receiver after wide receiver..hence the ex part of the GM title...Kahn may well draft another a PG, as reports are now Rubio may not come...and how can you still say coaching is over-rated after watching that NBA final...it was all about coaching, both the good and the bad...and how it was the difference maker...

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Yeah, there are a lot of proud parents in Vancouver today...
@Mike D: How about something along the lines of "Dunking is overrated, but I'll hit the floor for loose balls if I have a clear path and I know the coach is watching" and "I will develop my brand to include the metric system" and "I have access to my own broadband set of television channels!" As long as he doesn't say "It is what it is" or "At the end of the day" or "Score the basketball", he's in. Cheers.

[Lorie]

Hello Doug!
Nailbiter, indeed! That sounds like a game worthy of some live-blogging! And stuff that would make Doug's ears perk up? "Sure hope Toronto drafts me...really want to score some Maple Leaf season tickets."; "I'd love to settle in Toronto...hear the sunrise over the Leslie Street Spit is something not to be missed."; "Sure I'd love to play alongside DeMar and Davis, but my real goal is to be a Doug Smith Irregular." (And please, can ask that players immediately stop talking about themselves in the third person?) Cheers! She said. :)

[Yony Bresler]

Interesting scenario regarding cavs and timberwolves.

But in that situation, would it make sense for Cavs to pick Irving work out a deal themselves, getting more bang for their buck?

[Dallas]

If Cleveland takes Irving and Minny traded down to allow Was to pick 2nd, I could see us being able to trade #5 to Charlotte for 9 and 19, and we could possibly get either Leonard or Vesely there, and then have 19 to look at Thompson, if he's there, or Motiejunas, or Iman Shumpert, or Nicola Vucevic... or someone like that.

If Knight's gone I don't know if our PG is there, and I don't know the type of C we're looking for will be there either.

[Josh]

If Casey's 53-69 record is what's considered "a record of success," I think the Raptors might just be setting the bar a little low here. Yikes.

Blogger's note: I think they probably take into consideration the team he had, the championship he just won and the decade or so on a perennially good Seattle team. But that's just a guess

[Kelsey]

Dwayne Casey, well sounds good and he is coming with a good rep., If he indeed is the Raptors final decision, I guess we will wait for Doug to break the news!!!

Draft, hmmm. Well I cants see Cavs going any other direction than taking Erving, Maybe Kanter drops to #4..Minnesota I feel will be open to anything. There boy Rubio I heard has been a bust in the Euro league, 8 pts in the finals (total!!! you would have to double check the exact, but it was really low)

The Raptors just have to pick what they believe is the best available player(hopefully a point guard) or any player that could have a impact...If K Leonard plays the 3 it would be great, not sure Sunny is back and last thing Raptors need is Klezia hoist jumps shots like he is the #1 option for this team..

One more thing, In true Toronto Fashion a piece of me is very happy to see Vancouver Choke...What more do people expect from a goon and thug league for a riot to happen!!!!Also Im tired of hearing people say it wasnt Vancouver fans who were in the riot. Thugs,goons and regular drunk people can also be Vancouver hockey fans. Stop the excuses.

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Unlike a few noticeable others, who seem to magically disappear when their grand insights, boasts and predictions don't pan out, or who promise to stop posting altogether but still can't manage to refrain from squeezing off obnoxious little guerrila drivel droppings when the occasion suits them... I say kudos to @Kelsey: Good for you for taking a lot of shots but still having the guts to post your opinions – that's good spirit and good sports! Keep posting, dude! Cheers.

[Nick M]

If the Draftee drops something like...
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'One-on-one workouts ain't easy, One-on-one workouts ain't dead, the ho's are just scared' Draft him please!

[doug]

although the riot in Vancouver was despicable, abhorrent and well just plain disgusting....there was this amidst all the chaos...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/16/vancouver-riots-2011_n_878128.html

[Ken]

I'm curious as to what your acronym TOD is.

Blogger's note: Team Of Destiny

[The J]

To be honest I had been cheering for the Canucks all season and throughout the playoffs (tough week for me as I was also cheering for the Heat!). And man, was I dissapointed last night. But you know what I didn't do? I DIDN"T BURN A @#$%ING CAR!! Say what you want about fans of the Leaves, we've been through more losing than anyone but we don't tear our city apart. Well we only do that when the leaders of the world are in town, but that's a different story.
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@Mike D. - This is a fun one. "I don't plan on doing any rebounding, what I'll do is much harder", "I'd love to be drafted to Toronto, it seems like a great place to make a name for myself and then sign somewhere else when I reach my potential", "I'm really hoping to come in and be one of the best rookie's in this game and still not make the Rookie-Sophmore game", "Well I'm not European so I'll have to work on other ways of getting fans to complain about me", "White Vegas, sweet!", "There's a team in Toronto?"
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Re: Minnesota Pick. It sounds like the Rubio singing is any day now, but if you can get your hands on Irving would you turn quickly and trade Rubio? What about keep both and see who wins the job? Is it bad that I love to see Minnesota fail. Misery loves company I guess.
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I've definetly come around on Casey. No I don't think Andrea becomes Dirk in this analogy simply because you've brought Casey in. But any coach that can take offensively focussed players and build them into a championship level defense, is probably the best fit we could ever imagine.

[Mike kovacs]

Doug I thought that you took a lot of abuse but reading the comments to damien cox's blog today is a whole new level. I guess that is what one should expect from puck fans. I must admit though that i am a long-time Bruins fan so am quite happy. It was hilarious hearing my 11 yo tell me last night that he has been 'waiting my whole life for this!'! Bruins in 7!

[John]

When I see the riot in Vancouver, all I can think about is how awsome it was in T.O. when the Jays won the World Series and the 100,000 or so people spilled on to Young Street and how much fun it was. What a bunch of idiots...

[Shaun Guest]

Doug,
Have you ever covered an event with rioting like that afterwards? Pretty scary/sad stuff.

Blogger's note: Nothing like that, no. Couple of dicey post-NBA Finals nights, one in LA, one in Chicago but nowhere near that lunacy

[Chooch Peters]

Dwayne Casey would be a terrific fit for this club, but the Pistons are hot on his tail aswell. We need Kemba Walker in this draft cause he is a leader and can contibute immediatley - go watch his final run for UConn impressive, man...can you say mighty mouse 2! lol Jose Calderon NEEDS to go, Bayless and Walker will run this team (Bayless averaged 18.6 pts per game as a starter last year). Two players believed to be avialable that would help the Raps: 1. Marvin Williams, a 6'9 SF for the Hawks averages 12/5.5/1.5 per game as the 5th option on that team. 2. JJ Hickson 6'10 PF/C - the key here is he is willing to play Center averages 14/9 per game (averaged 18.6/10.9 after the allstart game last year). Calderon for either of these two, would make our team incrediably better - with drafting Walker. Leonard is the best option if Walker and Knight are off the table - But Walker and Knight have allstar potential, Leonard not so much. I read an article that said DeRozan wants to improve his 3's and rebounding next year (its his personal goal) and that is what he is working on this summer.

[Chooch Peters]

What ever happeneds this summer - DO NOT TRADE Bargs....20 plus pts scoring 7 footers who hit three's dont come by everyday. Casey will teach him focus and defense, with that will come an understanding of court positioning and rebounds will come by easier for the gentle giant. He has to tho, teach himself the "fire" it takes to win. But he is 25 I wouldnt be giving up on him too soon at all.

[Richard]

Doug,

Any insight into which way BC might be leaning if Kanter and Knight are both available at #5? From what I gather, it's highly unlikely but nonetheless a possibility. (I'm assuming those 2 would be at the head of the draft board)

And just in case anyone's thinking I've jumped off the "consider trading the pick" bandwagon - I haven't. I still think it's worthy of consideration if there was a Nicolas Batum, JaVale McGee or someone else of that ilk in the conversation.
But I'm crazy like that.

Blogger's note: No insight.