Idle chatter, bold bench moves and a fine burger

Oh, man, how about those Mavs?

Jason Terry’s standing at a podium with a gaggle of media types hanging on his every word and he makes the somewhat ridiculous assertion that Portland’s the best defensive team Dallas has faced in the playoffs.

DeShawn Stevenson’s about a half court away and he’s telling anyone who’ll listen that LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are “great actors” who get away with selling calls (as if everyone in the NBA doesn’t try that).

And it makes a fellow think two things:

One, it’s great fodder for off-day stories for some people and as a guy who often has to come up with those off-day pieces I can say I’m quite thankful for that, even if yesterday was a Dwane Casey day for me.

Two, shouldn’t someone in the organization try to get to these guys and tell them, ‘um, boys, shut up, let sleeping dogs lie.’ Really, the last thing anyone closely connected with a team wants is someone who’s playing like crap – and Terry and Stevenson have hardly distinguished themselves through three games – to say something inflammatory.

I don’t imagine either of the comments will resonate too much with the Heat but I do know James and Wade will be apprised of them and I’ve got 16 as the over-and-under number for combined points for Terry and Stevenson tonight.

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Well, the alert reader who gave us Twisted Root Burger here in Dallas is owed a large measure of thanks.

It’s been on Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives (and that’s one of those Food Network shows you don’t pass up when you flip through the dial and see it) and it didn’t disappoint.

Now, I’d probably still rather have a Five Guys burger but the atmosphere was entirely dive-y and the burger with bacon, pepperjack cheese, fried onion strings, tomato and mustard was solid, if not spectacular.

But I’d never been, it was dark, absolutely unpretentious and relatively cheap (which keeps the money folks happy back home), folksy with a couple of TVs and cold Shiner Bocks and what more do you want?

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Oh, you wanted the list of kids working out for the HOTH today?

Well, depending on whether they all got to town (and that’s never a sure thing at this time of year), the first session has Kemba Walker and guard Jacob Pullen of Kansas State and four small forwards: Will Graves, North Carolina; Marcus Simmons, USC; Dallas Lauderdale (most conflicted geographical name ever?), Ohio State; and Curtis Kelly, Kansas State.

The second session has Brandon Knight, guard Isaiah Thomas of Washington and forwards Alex Stephenson of USC and Frank Hassell of Old Dominion.

As I mentioned yesterday, and reiterated in this story that went up yesterday afternoon, it’s a bit of a shame that the two kids who are legit hopefuls for the No. 5 pick, won’t work out against each other.

Agents are evil.

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Oh, this is a freaking hoot.

See this story about our friends at Pearson vowing to improve the “experience” and turn the airport into a “destination.”

What’d the wise man once say?

Hahahahahahahahaha.

Seriously, the airport, particularly Terminal 3, is lame. Not enough services, not enough space, not enough common sense shown by many who work for the companies that the airport authority hires (you can hide those people who administer lines in whatever colour jackets you like, they still don’t know what they’re doing) and unless you make some structural changes, it’s still going to be lame.

Three pet peeves:

Customs Hall at Terminal 3 is a closet.

There is so much wasted space it’s shameful.

There are so many pedestrian bottlenecks they should tear it down and start again.

Okay, that’s a bit of a soliloquy since I have no hope whatsoever that the folks at the GTAA or whatever the heck it’s called will pay attention but they’ve got soooooooooo far to go to make a “destination” or an “experience” it’s not even funny.

Rant over.

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So, what do the Mavs have to do to get back into this series?

Well, apart from the obvious – get some offensive production fro someone not named Dirk – it’s not get themselves into holes.

Really, being down eight, 10, 12, whatever it is, is too much to keep coming back from, as we saw in Game 3.

And if that doesn’t happen, maybe the game doesn’t get down to a final possession.

Rick Carlisle hit on it yesterday when he pointed out the Mavs actually won the final three quarters of Game 3 but lost.

“At the end of the first quarter was a period that really hurt us because they scored seven points in under a minute … Really, the remainder of the game we played well enough to win. We won each quarter by one or two points and those were positives.

“But it’s a good example of how the first quarter carries over to the fourth quarter.”

Guess you don’t just have to tune into the final two minutes.

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I hear the pucks people covered themselves in glory up in Boston last night.

Saw the dude get laid out on the late, stupid, dangerous hit; the highlight shows down here are full of the fights; a 7-1 rout sounds like a wildly entertaining game.

That’ll build support for it down here. Maybe the folks in Atlanta will want a team back.

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Told you someone would do something bold with one of the coaching vacancies and there go the Golden State Warriors finally giving Mark Jackson a gig.

The additional addition of Michael Malone as Jackson’s lead assistant tells me that Mark knows that he’s in tough and need some help and definitely takes the edge off the fact he’s got squat in the way of coaching experience. Whether it’s enough? I don’t know but it’s a smart move by Jackson, or whoever suggested he do it.

So that leaves two gigs – Toronto and Detroit – and a handful of guys like Dwane Casey, Lawrence Frank, Bill Laimbeer (I keep hearing his name associated with the Pistons job) and Mike Woodson to fill them.

And I still promise you there will be other, surprising names that pop up for at least one of those jobs because that’s the way things happen.

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All right, first call for mail; I imagine we’re on the same schedule this week as last, a Friday of answering questions and a Saturday mailbag so we better get cracking.

Click. Write. Send.

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Oh yeah, we're here tonight about 9 for an IGBT, by the way.

 

 

Comments

[Shawn]

Morning Doug...

I have a two part question. Why wouldn't a team like the Raptors consider someone like Brian Shaw. He learned the triangle under Phil and while he may not be good enough to coach the Lakers the Raptors can surely do worse. Does any other coach in the NBA try to run the triangle? I can't think of any. Why do you think we don't see more coaches try to emulate it? Trying to copy a guy who won 11 rings can't be the worst idea.

Blogger's note: Would love to give you in-depth answers but this isn't the forum. So: I imagine they will and four words: Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant

[Matt M]

But haven't you heard, Doug? If the NHL gets rid of dangerous hits that knock stars and superstars out of the game no one will ever watch again. Never mind little of that occurs in the international game. Never mind some of the best games ever seen have been international. The NHL loses a ton of momentum after the Olympics (especially Vancouver and Salt Lake) because the American public gets to see what Hockey can be and then is disappointed because no team in the NHL can reach that level when the best players sidelined or ineffective because of goon tactics. But hey, thank the Mother I don't have to watch. I don't anymore.

[Jacques]

Doug, seems like the Wolves want to trade thier 2nd pick. Would you offer Jose and our fifth pick, for their 2nd and Flynn and some cash?

Blogger's note: Sorry, you know I don't play those silly Reindeer Games

[Simon]

Doug, wouldn't Jeff Van Gundy be the name Bryan is holding out for? Name guy, took a bad Knicks team to the Finals, and is a defensive-minded coach. Plus the added bonus is you get him off TV.

Blogger's note: I like him on TV

[joe]

Hi Doug,

Few questions:

1. Do you prefer the 2-2-1-1-1 or 2-3-2 format of the final when it comes to arranging home/away dates for playoff series?

2. How much stock do scouts and GMs put into the results that prospective draftees get at the scouting combine?

3. Has anyone raised an eyebrow regarding Kyrie Irving? His combine body fat was 10.2%, rather high for an elite athlete. He also didn't partake in any of drills at the combine.

Thank You.

Blogger's note: While I'd love to sit at the machine and answer questions all day, I can't. Sorry.
So: 2-3-2, a bit and yes

[Bill]

I, just like you, am not a "puck head". Even though I didn't watch more then 5 actual minutes of the game last night I still know the game ended 8-1 for Boston...(the rest of Canada rejoices!)

Why am I reminded of obnoxious Boston (basketball & baseball) fans when I see/hear Canucks fans? Can't wait for them to win so we can hear the never ending bragging...

[Lorie]

Hey Doug!
Will be interesting to see how Mark Jackson performs as a coach; lots of people certainly weren't enamoured of his performance as a broadcaster, but I think many were unfairly comparing his style to the sublimely frenetic and enjoyable Jeff Van Gundy. And, yes, please leave JVG on TV! (And Air Canada? Someone offered up an amusing mash-up of their logo recently..."Air Canada: we're not happy until you're not happy"...or was that you who said that? Maybe multiple times!)
That diner sounds great! And, having journeyed - gastronomically speaking - through lots and lots of food fads such as Asian Fusion, Cupcake Craze, Low-Carb, High Protein, Only Organic, Grains, Grains and More Grains, and The Sustainable 100-Mile Diet, I found my home in the "Diners, Dives and Drive-In" cuisine. Keep it simple - if not greasy - and un-pretentious: give me the low-brow when it comes to food heaven. In fact, if we were going to do the "desert island" thing with food like we've done here with books and music, my must-have meal would be: a generous serving of Four-Cheese Mac 'n Cheese, a Triple Chocolate Brownie (or three) and a neverending supply of ice-cold Orange Crush. How about you? What would your "desert island" meal be? Cheers! Texas Diner Style!!!

[Johnn19]

Colangelo's criteria for Raps new coach:
"Someone with an NBA coaching pedigree, having achieved succes before, a very defensive minded perspective, limiting points while still having some flow to the offense" The choices begin and end with only 2 choices.
Lawrence Frank, 40 years old, NBA head coach 5.5years with Nets, record 225-241 and 11 years as an assistant, has the pedigree.
Mike Woodson, 53 years old, NBA head coach 6 years with Atlanta, record 206-286 and 11 years as an assistant, and played 11 seasons in the NBA has the pedigree. Both are experienced and young enough to relate to the Raptors young and growing players of today.
Dwane Casey does not have the pedigree, Adelman is 64 years old, Michael Curry was a disaster at Detroit, PJ is not considered, Keuster another disaster,
any of the current assistants don't have the pedigree, Van Gundy is a great TV guy, Sloan and Brown do not fit with young players who must play.

Blogger's note: I disagree entirely on Casey.

[John]

FINALLY someone is talking about the Pearson Disaster. 3 years and a million dollars a day in construction costs and I have yet to see a worst baggage delivery system in the world. Air Canada (and I don’t have any affiliation with them) takes the shots, but it’s the airport that is responsible for layout and service levels. Case in point, when flying International, you walk in the terminal and your check in is at the furthest point on the right hand side of the airport. You then have a 30minute walk cause all the international gates are at the exact opposite end of the airport. It’s completely idiotic.
The article mentions Copenhagen which I have flown to many times and has some cool features such as if you are waiting in the parking lot for an arriving guest, you can get a text that tells you when the Baggage is coming out, not when the plane lands.
I mean do you really think people are going to say "hey, let’s go to the airport and get some Christmas shopping done". Really. Do people insist on connecting through airports cause they have a Butterfly Garden? I think people just want to get where they are going and an airport is a necessary evil. After line up after line up and 45 minutes of time, nobody wants to go shopping.
The dough heads wont figure this out though.
Great rant though... It’s such a waste of public funds. It’s on par with the LCBO using our tax dollars to build luxury Liquor stores that won all kinds of store design awards when people have no other alternative but to shop there.

[Alek]

I cannot believe we are even talking about Dwane Casey.

Please stop promoting another guy who proved nothing as a head coach, another Sam Mitchell another Jay Triano. Toronto needs a proven and season coach. Bring home Lawrence Frank and that's all Colangelo should be looking at.

Dough, cannot disagree with your article about Casey... He is NOT a fit for Toronto. We don't need another motivational guy, we need a guy who has proven that he can coach.

[Shannon]

Hey Doug,

If you like Five Guys Burgers you should give The Stockyards a shot. It's near Yorkdale mall. The burgers melt in your mouth.

[Kelsey]

Well let the unravelling of the Mavericks begin... These guys should really just play. The mouth piece of the team J Terry has been a non factor. D Stevenson is not a big factor either. He saying Lebron and Wade act, yes this what players do...But who does it more than Dirk with the look of tears and wobbling his head and funny body movements.

I cant wait to see Dirk cry when Miami wins the title and realizes he will be the next Barkley,Ewing,Miller...Great player but couldnt get it done!!!! Wade will the player he see's in his dreams for the rest of his life!!!

I used to love Hockey, now no interest, I guess cause leafs have not been good and limited skilled players of leaf team, Also I just keep seeing near death checks that are sick. Some will pass away soon in hockey, hate to say it but just the reality.

I like Lawrence Frank, good for Golden State with Mark Jackson!!

[TLI]

Pearson turns into a "destination" every time we have an ice storm!

[Kelsey]

@ Alek....I cant agree with you. Dont mention Sam Mitchell in the same breath of Triano.. Sam had the team going at least...Jay never ever did. Never. Casey a good guy but I see a Woodson or L Frank as the Raptors next bench boss... Most likely L Frank due to his defense schemes.. Thats just my opinion

I only travel from Pearson if Im flying international. I must agree with the statements about terminal 3 terrible...Most my trips are now out of Buffalo, smaller easier and cheaper to fly from.

[Dave T (Ottawa)]

Hi Doug, out of town so not following the comments at all, apologies if this is endless repetition. I'm not suggesting they "go and do this", but it's odd I haven't even heard rumor or speculation of Larry Brown for Toronto. I'm personally not sure about the move, but I'm surprised: it seems LB's M.O for the last few gigs have been taking young teams, developing them, and making them respectable, then passing off the reins.

And the power struggle between him and Colangelo would make for good off-day stories. Are we not magnanimous?

Blogger's note: Because Larry Brown's issues - with young players, how he uses them, how he always seems to want to change the roster given to him -- make him almost toxic in Toronto.

[Steph]

John, take your shots at Air Canada and the terminal all you want, but leave the LCBO out of it. In my opinion we should all be thankful for the LCBO. These are the best stores in the world, with the best selection. As someone who has travelled you must recognize the cleanliness, selection, the Food & Drink Magazine, the ability to place an order, and everything else that the LCBO does to educate consumers.
..
LCBO = best store period. It's not perfect, and god knows Harper likes his cut, but compare these stores with anything other, alcoholic or not and you will be hard pressed to find another that offers it's consumers more choice and more amenities then the LCBO.

[Warren]

Hey Doug,

Read your nice piece on Casey today. But, a coach known for his defensive schemes, and "every play he's screaming something"... any chance he's trashed a hotel room or two as well?

Blogger's note: Be a great story if he did

[sam]

For the life of me I can't see what Lawrence Frank can offer over the other names being tossed around and for that matter, Jay?
His record as a head coach isn't much to get excited about, and for the most part he had the benefit of of Jason Kidd, Richard Jefferson and HWSNBN as core players. He won't have that benefit with the Raptors.

Blogger's note: People tend to forget the 17 straight losses to start one season with a roster not terribly unlike the one here.

[Jack]

You can have the best defensive minded coach with all of his assistants having the same defensive philosophy. But if the player(s) doesn't(don't) want to play defense, the coach should also have the fortitude to sit him(them) on the bench, regardless of what happens to the game.

[The J]

Kelsey - I totally agree with you on the Buffalo Airport. If you time the border right it is actually a much more convenient airport. And if you don't time it right than the wait time isn't much worse than the extra time you spend at Pearson. The parking in Buffalo is cheap and the shuttle practically picks you up at your car and takes you to the airport. And with it being so small, there is no confusion or endless walking. Plus it's got an Anchor Bar built right in to the airport. Wings and beer while you wait for a plane, what more could you ask for?

[Lee Z]

@Simon: JVG took a bad team to the finals??? What are you, on CRACK? Allan Houston, Lattrel Spreewell (at the absolute height of his career), Marcus Camby, Larry Johnson...oh and some guy named Patrick something or another. Yeah, that was one stinkpile of a team, alright!!!

[doug]

when we have a coach I state my opinion on how he is doing such as subs, play calling, use of t.o's etc...but I really don't give a flying frog as to this search, BC will hire who he wants and really in all honesty i can't differentiate between one or another in the sense I don't watch them enough or have a "book " on them as BC and his staff do....also whether this guy or that guy is a progressive step ahead of Jay is also irrelevant to me as Jay is gone as is Sam so that's all a moot point as well...I will give the new guy a chance and go from there, as let's face it in the next 2 years we are still not close to playing any June b-ball....I am glad it's not Mark Jackson though as I just think he is another Buck Martinez....but with all that being said if I were to make a hire, that was based on gut instinct my choice would be Bill Laimbeer, hungry to show he belongs, strong b-ball knowledge, a tough guy who will take no guff, played the game the right way and a good fit for these young guys...

[doug]

to the person that was discussing a Wolves/Raps trade...enjoy this, and it doesn't involve Jose ..it involves another Raptor who i would be reluctant to part with...

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=20047

[coachd]

Hi Doug,
After a week or so, I still don't understand the move to fire Triano. Unless they hire an A-list guy (whatever that means) what upgrade would there be by going with a Lawrence Frank or Dwayne Casey, or Mike Woodson? Weren't they all FIRED from their previous jobs because their teams didn't perform as well as they were expected? Was this move simply done to appease some MLSE board member, season ticket holders or some of Doug Smith's anonymous Irregulars who demanded change just for the sake of change? In the end, it's too bad that a good coach like Triano had to pay for the sins of others.

[Jacques]

If BC wants to make a bold move, why not hire Patrick Ewing. Isn't he looking to land a head coaching gig.