And the guards just keep on coming back

In case you missed it, and we only had a very tiny item in Sunday’s paper because I was slacking a little bit, Leandro Barbosa is coming back.

At least that’s the plan.

Barbosa picked up the option year of his contract on the weekend, and while I can’t say I’m the least bit surprised, now we have wait and see how he fits in whenever the next season begins.

Already with Jose Calderon and Jerryd Bayless under contract, I think the backcourt rotation is pretty set unless Bryan feels compelled to move someone and there’s been no indication privately that anything is afoot.

Combine those three with DeRozan and you can already see how crowded it is in the backcourt, there might be room for one youngster to crack it as the fifth guy in a five-man rotation so when you’re wondering what moves might be made this summer, take in mind the crowded nature of the one and two spots.

What was it that Casey said on draft night?

Oh yeah:

“We’ve got umpteen million guards.”

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Oh yeah.

Nothing of interest happened on Treme last night.

Not a single thing.

Honest.

And if it did, I wouldn’t tell you anyway.

Enjoy.

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It’s going to be like a Festival of Raptors Basketball over in Caceres, Spain this week.

Understand that DeMar and Sonny are taking their show on the road to help out Jose at a camp or somesuch over there, at least that’s what Jose sent in one of those tweet thingies last night.

Nice to see the lads hanging out in the summer and Jose’s always the international social convener.

I know he had Bosh over there one summer and AP one year and it’s kind of cool when the teammates hang out, just to increase the level of familiarity between them.

Be nice if there was a grunt there to chronicle it.

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From our list of Things That If They Were On My Back Deck Would Send Me Scurrying To The Front Porch, how’d you like the Bollywood thing and the BET Awards on the weekend?

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This gets to another week bit of news, not unexpected, that developed when you might have been off doing things:

Q: From what I understand is that the Raps will pay $500 thousand towards JV's buyout (next year) and JV will pay the rest. Well what if JV said, look I don't want to spend a million or so dollars, I want to wait 2 years so that it costs me less. Not that I expect him to do that, but can a player in that situation tell the NBA team to wait for solely the money reasoning?

Eric M, Guelph

A: They absolutely can, if they want, but I don’t remember it ever happening as you describe it.

Now, we also all know that they have reached an official agreement on a buyout of Valanciunas’ contract and he’ll spend next year for sure playing with this Lithuanian club team before heading here for the 2012-13 season.

It would, of course, be far better if he was to spend the season in the NBA but having some definitive answers on when he’ll come this far in advance lifts a bit of a cloud that’s been hovering since draft night. And since they got it done so quickly and without any rancour at all, speaks to a pretty good relationship that’s developed between the Raptors and Lithuanian officials and that’s only going to help, too.

Bryan suggested late last week, before the official deal was agreed to, that regardless of what transpired, Toronto would keep a close eye on its asset in the coming season.

That will probably mean several visits by members of the team’s staff – at least when they’re officially allowed to after any lockout – and constant communication between the two teams. Politically, the Raptors can’t demand or even ask for any specific style of play or anything like that, but a good working relationship sure helps.

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Of course I watched a great chunk of the women’s football game on Sunday; tough loss but that Sinclair’s pretty special, no?

The women’s World Cup is one of those events that you have to pay attention to even if you know nothing about the team, the sport, the magnitude of the event.

And if you’re a guy who’s ridden a bullet train from Beijing to Tanzing to watch them play, it’s even more important to pay attention.

Check ‘em out this week if you can.

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A weekend thought:

What takes longer?

The first round of the pucks draft or the gestation period of an elephant?

Yeesh.

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Keeping with our all things Jonas bent, the kid’s in for a pretty busy summer.

He bolted out of his Friday news conference to get back home so he could join his Lithuanian team for the Under-19 world championships that start this week in Latvia and he’s going from there to join his senior national team training camp for EuroBasket that’s being held in Lithuania starting in late August.

Good thing the kid’s young and full of vim and vigour, no?

We’ll get more into the Under-19 thing during the week since Canada’s actually in the same preliminary-round pool with Lithuania (wonder how much a last-minute plane ticket is?) but it’s got to be nice to know one of the Raptors, so to speak, may be taking part in the two most significant summer events on the basketball schedule.

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I’ve got to go to closet and dig out the rumpled raincoat, find myself a nice cigar to light and then go fight me some crime.

RIP Columbo.

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Comments

[Jerry]

What is he doing in the under 19 tournament? I thought he was 19?

Blogger's note: Year of birth, I believe

[John]

Hey Doug, Its been noticed that Sonny Weems is around the Raps quite a bit these days for someone who does not have a contract with them next year.
If he gets hurt in some freak accident in Spain, does he have insurance that will cover him? During a lockout, are players still covered by insurance in case of injury? On another note, is his being around a sign that the Raps may keep him in the fold? I know, lots of questions but hey if you slacked on the weekend this will make up for some lost ground...

Blogger's note: Thanks

[LeeZ]

Yes indeed, Peter Falk will be missed. Apparently, the people in wardrobe wanted to outfit him with some nice threads, but he insisted on wearing that raincoat of his (from his own personal "collection"), and it was also he who picked out the rickety old Peugot from the show's car fleet. And if you younguns out there haven't a clue what Doug and I are talking about, go ask your parents. You missed something special.

[jeff]

thanks for not ruining the plot of treme this week. keep up the good work.

[Jacques]

Doug, would it make sense for BC to inquire about Andris Biedrins?

Blogger's note: As a backup to the 19-year-old they just drafted for the future?

[MJ Walk]

Peter Falk was very good and well worth watching---A similar type TV show is "The Mentalist" starring Simon Baker. The show is regularly in the top 10 and now that Charlie Sheen is gone Baker may be the highest paid actor on the tube. A combination of irritating, humor and crime solving.

[Matt M]

Damn, I wasn't expecting pop quiz! I will guess the gestation period of an elephant is longer? No, change that to the NHL draft. No, let me google it and I will get back to you.
Have fun fighting crime!

[Chooch Peters]

Doug Smith sais - there is nothing going on from the Raps brass. Stephen Brotherson sais this in his latest article on HOOPSWORLD:
"We still have that hole in the middle that we have talked about being the center," said Colangelo. "Either through free agency or trade this is something that we look to address. We don't want to put too much pressure on a young player too early, so even if Jonas came over right away, you are not looking at a scenario where you would just throw him in. Obviously we want him to gain experience and that's important, but we want to let it happen kind of naturally. So our number one goal in trades and free agency this off season is to address the need of a big man, and maybe it's a bridge to the future". and this too: ""I know we have some things that we are looking at with respect to some trade discussions to maybe make some changes to this roster that would bring in something else," confirmed Colangelo". When talking about the future players BC was quoted on saying this. The fact Colangelo took a center who will not be available for a year instead of a more NBA ready college player could be taken as a vote of confidence in Jerryd Bayless and James Johnson

BC: "I think so, in a way you could draw that conclusion," said Colangelo. "I think James is excited that I didn't draft a small forward and Jerryd might have been excited that I didn't draft a guard, but the point being that these guys are here (today). They were excited to be at that (draft) party last night and be part of the activity mingling with the fans. They like Toronto, they like the city, they like playing for this organization and we are adding a piece here (Valanciunas) that is going to help them be better basketball players down the road."

Iguess the Raptors brass has Doug Smith on another level of importance as a reporter. It seems like it is a lower level compared to information others are able to secure. Ther you go Raptorss fans there are more candy shops in town other then Doug Smith's that offer a larger variety of selection.

Blogger's note: Thanks for checking in with the three-day old quotes taken out of context. Wanna be a tip sheet? Start your own stuff, your access here is now limited

[Mike D.]

Could the cooperation between the Raps and Jonas V's Lithuanian team include sending Joey Dorsey to Lithuania to work out with Jonas? I had the pleasure of meeting Joey on draft night and if Valanciunas could come back over here with even half of Joey's build I think most of the "soft Euro" concerns would subside.

[dv]

Columbo respect! I need to find the dvds.

[Tim H.]

"(wonder how much a last-minute plane ticket is?)"

I hope those wonderful bosses you have realize how important it is to your Irregulars to have you in Lithuania to report on the progress of the Canadian team. Based on their previous intelligent decisions, I have no doubt that, in their wisdom, they will be sending you off to do the excellent job that you do.

[grits]

The women's soccer was amazing. How long until Don Cherry adopts Christine Sinclair? I remember him showing Nash's bloody face on Coach's Corner. Yesterday's story was tailor made for him.

[Mike]

I've actually completely come around on the JV pick the past few days. Obviously I can't project ability, but the fact that he's going to take a year of seasoning in Europe means the Raps will be looking at another top pick next year. A 2012 talent infusion of JV and a top pick like Sullinger could be what it takes to make this team a serious threat.

[Johnn19]

Doug, re two many guards.
Calderon missed 14 games, Bayless 9 games, and Barbosa 24 games, and Sonny 23 games, and Casey may find his gazillion shrinking to a problem.
Raptors need at least 2 PGs, 3 SGs, and 3 SF's (with Kleiza prob out till Jan or later) with a priority being a center to keep Jonas's spot warm for a year.
With Leandro now back that makes 10 contracts commited, with 5 openings to fill if and when 2011/2012 begins.
I assume with Jonas signed by Rytas, he cannot sign with Toronto till next year.

[Stephen]

Doug,

Am i wrong in thinking that David West is out of his mind for not signing an extension with NOLA ?? How can a guy who is currently injured, with an ACL issue none the less, walk away from a contract extension and guaranteed money???

I don't think in recent memory I can remember a free agent being signed, while injured and in rehab, for a greater amount than their current contract. Can you?

Blogger's note: No, I can't. Probably been one or two but none that come to mind

[John]

Doug I was just trying to help with passing the day with a couple questions between booking flights and hotels in Lithuania. ;-)
Any chance on getting answers or is the insurance and Sonny thing not real clear at the moment.

Blogger's note: Insurance to help at a clinic in Spain? Not an issue, just like he was running his own camp in West Memphis

[Lorie]

Hey Doug!
The Canadian Girls looked good yesterday and got better as the match progressed. And much admiration for Christine Sinclair; tough-minded, gritty, determined performance. And I was thinking, can you imagine the flailing about, the shrieking, the outraged protestations if it had been a guy receiving that elbow to the nose? He'd still be squawking about it. Wasn't there a refreshing lack of histrionics in yesterday's match?! And, 'just one more thing'! Much admiration as well for the late Peter Falk. He was quoted as saying: "For my money, Patrick McGoohan is the quintessential Columbo adversary." The two actors were great friends apparently and it showed in their episodes together. Do you remember those ones, Doug? Great Classic TV.

[Johnn19]

Doug, regarding the NBA lockout, if it happens, what is Jonas status as he is at this time only a draft pick of Raptors, belonging to Rytas in Lithuania?
Can the Raptors have contact, and input to his condition and game, if it has been agreed with Rytas as part of the buyout that will not be consumated untill after the 2011/2012 season, when he becomes an NBA player?
Also I have read that Casey had a prior relationship with the new Rytas coach when both were in Minnesota.

Blogger's note: No official contact

[Mike]

Doug, would you be surprised if the Raptors started the season with Calderon and Bayless as the two point guards (granted with Barbosa as a combo in reserve)? I got the feeling that was one of the weakest links on the team, especially with Calderon an injury risk. Thanks.

Blogger's note: Wouldn't be surprised at all

[doug]

I hope the above poster is being tongue in cheek about Don Cherry "adopting" Sinclair...her performance was one for the ages, but I am personally getting tired of people like Cherry,telling me what a Canadian is when he doesn't have a clue, or he does but it's his vision..he's a bigotted, divisive person he forgets that's not a part of being Canadian...or Rob Ford and his Pride parade stance, good for you you've gone to the family cottage for 30 years, but you were never mayor of Canada'a largest city...so do your job and quit being divisive...same with Blair's column last week...these people don't speak for me and I wish others wouldn't allow them to speak for them, i don't need Don Cherry to tell me what a great Canadian Sinclair is or Nash or whomever, in fact the less he tells me the better...

[Mr. Cook]

In case Mother Star takes reader opinions the same way that the FCC in the US takes viewer complaints--where the ratio multiplier is something like 1:1 kabillion--I'll throw my hat into the ring on wanting to read Doug's articles on the Vicious Valanciunas Victory in Vilnius.

[drew]

Doug I have been away for a while, I remember Reggie Evans being an un restricted free agent. Did the Raps offer him anything, or is he still on the market?

Thanks

Blogger's note; Contract not up until Friday

[jc]

Hey Doug,
Thanks for the updates. A few of the posts have been hinting at this but what are your thoughts regarding weems? I seem to think you said before he would not be resigned (don't quote me..errr..you). Given the chemistry that is there, is he not a reasonable back up guard (if he accepts that role)? Speaking of chemistry, most of the Jonas youtube videos show that he is an accomplished dunker but if you check out some of the other ones, it seems like he's got a fun personality on the court which understandably didn't come across in his broken english interview. That can't hurt.

[ian]

Doug,

Do you think the Raps will persue Tyson Chandler and does having Casey at the helm strengthen their chances of landing him?

Blogger's note: Not doing free agents 'til we know the system

[JHK]

I know that it depends the new CBA and the lockout as well but what are the chances that the Raps would sign a significant free agent this summer?
I think they will have at least a mid-level exception to use.

Blogger's note: What if there is no mid-level exception?