The start of the weekend mail, as usual

A bit of rant – not mine, but one I’m proud of – to start and then some of the usual stuff.

I’m on a plane most of the morning, will get to what I get to when I get to Orlando. And it’s looking increasingly like a lobby bar stool tonight since few of you gave me Orlando ideas, which I contend says as much about Orlando as it does you.

Have fun.

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Q: Hi Doug. This isn't a question. Well, not my usual sort. It's a rant. And I hope as a Tenured Irregular you'll allow me to say this here. I was sort of amused by your grumping about game ops and how inane you find them. Amused because I watch all my Raptors games and TV and am spared from having to endure them. But during the home opener Wednesday night I found it somewhat insulting to have the camera focus repeatedly during the game on bosomy women jumping up and down waving those bits of cloth souvenirs handed out to all attending the game.

Sadly, I find women sports fans are still often thought of as either wishing to engage with athletes or encouraging their children; seldom is consideration given to the fact that many of us are intelligent fans of the game. These images do nothing to illustrate positive images of women as serious, thoughtful sports fans.

However, that being said, everyone has their own definition of fun, and we all watch and attend games for different reasons, but I wonder whose idea it was to broadcast - and indeed, linger - over those particular images and how does one go about encouraging them to rethink their shot selection? Thank you.

Lorie P, London

A:I think you may just have; I believe a few people with titles in the office may see this. Or have it pointed out to them.

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Q: We had a power outage last night and almost missed my alarm this morning - good thing we have a dog that was hungry.

This got me thinking about close calls that you might have had throughout the years. Have you ever almost missed a game because your watch was set wrong, or the snooze button was hit when it shouldn't have been?

Traveling would also be difficult especially with all the different time zones you could cross. Do you have to set your watch accordingly every time you are about to travel?

Lastly, how do you keep track of game start times? Do you have a Blackberry device that keeps track of those things?

Just curious.

S S, Newmarket

A: I’ve actually been very lucky over the course of a decade and a half of a lot of winter travel. The only game I’ve missed, at least that I can recall, was a home game on a Sunday night against San Antonio – it was actually the game Bosh went past 10,000 points, if I remember correctly – and it was because silly Air Canada couldn’t get me out of Logan on time because of weather. Other than that? I’ve lived a pretty good travel life.

But the greatest fear? We book so far in advance that I’m afraid I’m going to be flying to, say, Charlotte, while the team’s going to say, Orlando. Never happened but it’s what I fear.

As for game times and the like? I do it week-by-week and hope I don’t screw up.

So far, so good.

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Q: Doug, there are times when I watch DeMar that his game reminds me a little bit of HWSNBN. Could you please compare how you think DeMar would measure up to HWSNBN when he was at this stage in his career?

Jordan Z, Toronto

A: In his third year, Vince was exponentially better than DeMar is right now; he had deeper shooting range, a far more explosive first step and a knack for getting to the rim and dunking that DeMar can only hope to emulate some day.

Look, I think DeMar’s got some major talent but he’s no Vince. I think time has clouded people’s memories at just how good HWSNBN was.

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Q: Hi Doug. Thanks as always for your diligence on the blog. Not sure where you find the time/energy to do it. Couple of questions for you.

I saw that Damien Cox wrote an article about the HOTHC. How long before you write one about the Leaves?

You've mentioned many times that it's very difficult to compare stats from one basketball league to the NBA. In particular, you've talked about how the NBDL is probably good for showing who CAN'T play in the NBA, as opposed to who can.

How then is one to judge how well Jonas Valancinuas is doing given he plays in a different league?

Best wishes for you and Super Family for the New Year.

Sohail G, Collingwood

A: You are able to judge him primarily on the development of is skills, not by the success or failure of his team or his pure stats. You want to see if he’s getting more comfortable in screen-roll situations, you want to see if his footwork on defence is getting better, you want to see if the form on his jump shot is smooth and consistent, you want to see his body mature. Lots of ways to find out if he can play even though the relative merits of the two leagues are light years apart.

Me and the pucks?

Surely you jest!

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Q: Doug: You were so anti-Babcock in the past. And you have been so positive-Colangelo over his tenure.

Will you now, with this terrible team, admit that Colengelo is a failure. When he entered with the Raps, he had a #1 pick, cap space, a budding all-start in Chris Bosh, and he still couldn't take this dream situation and turn the Raps into a credible playoff team....Terrible!

Doug, I believe your cheerleading of Colangelo has made you a modest accomplice to the sad state we are seeing with the raps.

I truly hope one day you will hold Colangelo's feet to the fire, as you did with Babcock (although undeservedly in that case).

Sincerely, a disheartened Raps fan craving for the media to call it like it is!

Jessu S, Toronto

A: This is one of these great ones: It’s not so much a question as a plea for validation of an opinion and you’re barking up the wrong tree.

When he entered the Raps, he had a No. 1 pick, a terrible roster, some money to spend and – to kind of refresh your seemingly failing memory – he turned that team into a 47-win division champion. Yes, things went on a downward trend after that season and, oh yeah, the playoff team of the next year but they are, in my opinion, on the upswing now.

Sorry to disappoint and not agree with you but I have a feeling you don’t truly want people to “call it like it is” as much as you want people to “hey, agree with me, I’m right and you’re wrong.”

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Q: Hey Doug. I've got a general sports question for you. Are there any specific plays or instances in a game you generally hate to see? For example, I had endless timeouts when a game is out of reach or intentional walks in baseball.

Also, one more quick question, what's with the boos for Hump? You would know better than most, he seemed to come across as a genuine nice dude.

Thanks Doug!

Rob K, Toronto

A: Think we kind of touched on this last week; I really hate intentional walks, quarterbacks kneeling down with a minute to go, soccer players kicking the ball into touch (I’d rather they just booted it down the field) and guys dribbling out the last 19 seconds of a rout.

Of course, all of them are legitimate parts of the game so I guess we just roll with ‘em.

Hump? Just silly to me, fans being fans. He is a good guy undeserving of scorn or ridicule.

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Q: Hi Doug. So after 1 game, we have a better record than the Mavs (0-2), Lakers (0-2), and the Celtics (0-1), and are tied with the Heat. Can we start planning the parade?

Kidding.

Anyways, I know it's only one game, and I know the game wasn't against any of the above mentioned teams. Heck, it wasn't even against a team that will end up in the top 25.

However, were there things in last night's game that stood out and showed that they are buying into Casey's philosophies? Were there things that you probably wouldn't of seen too often last year? And things that continue to plague the team?

For me, and I know this is going to be a topic several times during the season, was Andrea's rebounding (6). However, from what I did see, he seemed to be a bit more active going after them. For example, he clanks a shot, which goes towards the sideline, and he went after it and almost saved it from going out of bounds.

Thanks.

Carl J, Barrie

A: The one thing we’re seeing – and it’s been present in all four games so far – is the willingness of the big men to show hard on high screens and impact the ball while slowing down the guard.

A year ago, they’d switch or try to go over or under the screen – which are two legitimate strategies lots of teams employ – but the change has made them a better defensive team against a standard NBA play. Hope they keep it up.

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Q: Thank you for the holiday videos great diversification & wonderful recollections especially the Ramones clip. Weren't they the best Rock'n'roll band.

Just noticed the names of a few giants in the sports industry who passed away in 2011 who resonated with me. To your younger irregulars yes there was a sportscentre before your Sportscentre. and it was on CNN, hosted by Nick Charles & Fred Hickman. It was must watching at the time..an industry leader.

Sadly Nick Charles passed away this year but his engaging personality & broadcasting excellence will not be forgotten.

Also Rod Beaton of USA Today/frequent contributor to sports radio also passed away, a great baseball guy, loved his views. Also the great Jim Kelley whose excellence is well documented.

Sadly they all left us far too young. Have a great 2012..

Keep Rolling!! Love what you do!!!

John C, Mississauga

A: Those truly were significant losses far too early – I think many of us of a certain age kind of grew up with Charles and Hickman – and there were others.

The great Neil MacCarl of our place and Earl McRae come to mind, as does Mike Flanagan among those we lost with a media connection

And that's a pretty good band indeed

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Q: Hey Doug. Any chance the Raptors acquire a SF via trade before the end of the trade deadline? I think James Johnson could be a great backup to a more balanced/elite SF.

Steve M, Glasgow

A: I doubt it. I presume Bryan will remain true to his plan and wait to fish in a deeper pool in the off-season with free agents and the draft. Now, if some stud becomes available he might consider it but that rarely happens in the course of a regular season.

And, actually and technically, James is a backup now. I know it’s not the same but ...

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Q: Concerning your comment in your article Dec. 27,2011. I have been hearing from Raptors broadcaster's and NBA game broadcaster's starting last year and your article made me take notice as I dont understand how a basketball game with four quarters can become a period. In your article and I quote " DeRozan had nine of his 15 pts in the 4th quarter and Bargnani had two of his five baskets in the same period. When I first heard this I thought these guys must do football games and/or hockey games and are just making a verbal mistake but I would hear it many more times during a game so what the hell gives? Does this mean that periods will become quarters from now on. During the Raptors first game I watched about half of it and no mention of periods and I will be watching tonight's game but only the first half. Thank you and I hope to hear a reason for this.

Ron K, Toronto

A: There truly is no nit too small to pick for my Irregulars.

Sorry, but you’ve spent too much time in this pucks culture of ours to get it, I’m afraid. A period is just that: A period, a length of time. It can be 12 minutes of basketball, 20 minutes of hockey, seven minutes of intently reading the best mailbag known to man.

So, yes, in many ways “quarter” and “period” can be seen as synonymous when describing anything other than the latest Leaves loss.

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Q: Deep thoughts? Watching the development of James Johnson, specifically his hairdo development. Noticed he shaved his faux/ mohawk off. I thought it was starting to look pretty good. Any grunt insights?

Could be a best 5/ worst 5 topic.

James I, London

A: In an effort to bring all the minutia to the Irregulars, we even asked James about the new ‘do and all he said was “It was time for a change.”

I like the latest look better; no faux hawk fan here.

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Q: Hi Doug. I want to know why Reggie Evans was traded when he is such a defensive beast and he could have helped in Dwane Casey systerm?

Thanks

Leo A, Brampton

A: He wasn’t traded, he left as a free agent and there was really no interest in bringing him back. One, it was doubtful he’d agree to a one-year, minimum-value deal; two, they want to split the time more between Davis, Bargnani, Johnson (not sure Reggie would have been happy with the 10-12 minutes that are available for the likes of Magloire or Gray)

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Comments

[Frank Langille]

Excellent point about HWSNBN vs. DeMar, Doug. All of North America was following the Raptors, and it was all about Vince.

[Peter]

Add my vote to Lorie's rant. I'm a youngish guy and never thought to much about it, but I now have an 8 month old daughter and issues like the one that Lorie points out are continually staring me in the face. I want my daughter to learn to appreciate sport and fair play. The only women she'll see at a Raptors game today are scantily clad ones (teaching her the need to show off her body to be appreciated) or the rather unintelligent yelling of the game ops lady. I get that the NBA is a man's sport, but more needs to be done to show young girls that there are positive lessons to be learned from watching this team play. I won't feel comfortable taking my daughter to a game until I see some changes. Great job pointing that out Lorie!

[David in Oakville]

Uhmmm... is it not a little presumptuous to suggest that a "busty", likely attractive, cheering woman who some camera person finds interesting (and the producer thinks makes good TV) is not a serious sports fan. How do you know? Sounds like Lorie in London is just as misguided as the TV producers.

Sounds to me like these woman are enjoying the game.

As a serious sports fan and follower of the Raps, I am not bothered by TV producers choosing to scan any semi-celebrity in the stands.

I also notice that cute kids get a lot of TV face time too, surprising that?

I notice Lorie in London did not suggest an alternative. Why not take the Raps broadcast crew to task for the lack of female faces. And while we are at it, where are the female Star sports reporters?

[Steph]

Demar's shot looks like it's coming from the back of his head, looks terrible and if it does not change we will see teams continue to back off him and take away his ability to drive.
..
And I like the new camera angle from above the floor that the Raptors are using this year. To me it is a real learning opportunity for casual fans, including myself.
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Props for posting Lories rant. So right that so many people don't see fans, they see gender and jump to stereo typical conclusions. Football seems to have the largest share of women fans that are regarded as real fans. Might make an interesting question to pose someday.
..
Happy New Year to all and have a safe trip Doug.

[Boko]

I have to admit that I actually noticed Andrea playing MUCH better on D!! Less so, José, but still an improvement! Our two stars now look like #1 & #2 NBA players. Amir is still hustling. Looking good, but ...

...the schedule looks to be against us (again). Our biggest problem this year may end up being not to get disheartened by the win %.

[red]

Thanks for another fantastic year, all the best to you and yours in the coming year. I am almost 99% positive that Toronto will have a championship parade this year, I mean century ;-)

[sportsbabel]

I'd like to echo Lorie P., for what it's worth. Gratuitous "cheesecake" shots went out years ago and are frankly unnecessary: Those watching the Raptors -- of both genders -- are sharp, thoughtful, knowledgeable about the game, and certainly worthy of more respect from Those With Titles -- particularly this season.

[LeeZ]

One thing I've noticed in DC's offence is a lot more movement and motion than in past iterations of Raptors teams. In particular, they've run a double screen (using two bigs) at the foul line to free Barbosa up. In the first game, the Blur curled off that screen (slingshot effect) and used it to slip uncontested to the hoop for layups. They didn't use it in game two for some reason, but then tried it once in game three. I love that play. I've often wondered why the Raps never (or rarely) used off-ball screens in the past to free up their shooters. Not sure why they've only run this double screen for the Blur so far. Love to see them run it for DD and, heck, even Bargs. On an entirely different note, the great Gail Collins, columnist for the New York Times, never mentions Mitt Romney's name without mentioning the fact that he and his family once drove to Canada for a summer vacation with the family dog strapped to the roof of the car. As a tribute to this wonderful journalist, this Irregular shall always include the following mention when discussing James Johnson: how is it that a small forward in the NBA does not have the foggiest notion of how to shoot a basketball? Is it just me, or do other Irregulars jump up from the couch screaming, pleading, BEGGING him not to shoot?

[LeeZ]

@Lorie: your rant/point is well taken. I must say, though, that being a guy, I have an internal battle with myself whenever the camera lingers on said bosomy women (you know the type of battle: angel on one shoulder, saying how wrong it is and demeaning, devil on the other, saying, come on, what's the problem here?). It may come as cold comfort to you to know that a) this sort of thing is much, much worse in European broadcasts of sporting events, and b) it's also way worse in tennis broadcasts, where the camera zooms in from up high, functioning as a peeping tom and zeroing in on female players' cleavage as they're hunched over to return serve. It's actually quite ridiculous how low (literally and figuratively) these (male) tv directors will go.

[Patrick]

Doug,

I was wondering if you could expand on something that has long bothered me. In the question regarding Reggie evans he was referred to as a "defensive beast". However, I would argue he was merely a good rebounder. I understand defensive rebounding is a big part of defense but I find myself frustrated when people automatically equate good rebounding with good defense. Reggie Evans was/is a great rebounder he was/is a mediocre on the ball defender who is undersize, with poor lateral movement. Since this mailbag focused on the minutia your readers point out I'd be interested in your take on this.

Blogger's note: I agree

[Dave]

I watched the home opener and I didn't notice what Lorie is talking about. If it was that obvious and intentionally done, I am sure I would have noticed. I have noticed a lot of shots of coaches and players during most games where there were "bosomy women" with excessive exposure sitting in the seats in the background. I have never thought of this as intentional.

As for the hatred of Hump., I asked my wife the same question. Her suggestion was that people believe Hump was a willing participant in the publicity stunt that was Kim's fantasy wedding. The people don't like to be taken as fools. There was a survey recently that rated Hump as the most hated player in the NBA, well ahead of Lebron. Personally, I think Hump is naive and was taken advantage of. I feel sorry for him. I can't imagine the ribbing he is taking from fellow NBA players.

[Brad]

Agree on shooting down the Demar/Vince comparison, at least at similar points in their career. Although Vince lacked some of the intangibles, talent wise he was the best in the NBA (remember a time when a straight up Kobe-Vince trade discussion was actually a reasonable consideration). If Demar keeps working he has a chance to be very good, maybe an all-star but he still has a ways to go.

[Mike D.]

@Lorie, I have also noted the frequency with which the TV and in-arena cams tend to focus on.....um....young ladies who are likely to suffer from chronic lower-back pain. I agree that many times it would be more interesting to watch the interaction in the huddles, but most camera people are male and I guess one can't just ignore a billion years of evolution.

[joeu]

Good commentary from Lorie P.

Even as a guy, and presumably the target of that particular "shot selection",
I am both uncomfortable and wary whenever I see an attempt to sell me something by wrapping it in short skirts and cleavage.

[Kevin Murray]

Good morning,

Two observations from the rant this morning. Lorie also probably noticed more newspaper coverage of the Bikini Basketball League than then Women's National Team this summer.

Secondly is the Vince - Demar comment (I cannot say comparison). Before Vince went to the dark side, he was like a magnet in basketball. I remember listening to a Chuck Swirsky promo with the half-man, half-amazing routine and it was unbelievable the number of spectacular moments he produced.
No game was over if Vince wanted to take it over. That he was so good is part of the love/hate thing fans can't get over. Bosh was a solid ball player, but few who played this game could play it like Carter did for a short while.

[Paul]

I am with Lorie on this one. I attend most games at the ACC so I don't see a lot of the broadcasts, but I have 2 young sons I take to the game and I now feel awkward even when the June Taylor Dancers come out.

I almost feel like apologizing to their mother after the game.

I am not a prude but it is something I would prefer not to have my sons exposed to repeatedly.

To each their own, I guess...

[Matthew Kovacs]

Hey Doug,
Today I just went to an Arsenal game at Emirates Stadium, and it was a much different experience from North American Sports. People dont show up late to the start of the game, and dont leave to take a washroom break halfway through.
The fans are also much more passionate towards their teams. When I went to a Bruins vs. Leafs game (as a bruins fan) all I got was dirty looks. If you were a QPR fan at the game I went to then you were given the middle finger, and pushed around. The pubs even had signs on the door that read "Home fans only!" Even american football fans are not as passionate about their teams as British soccer (football) fans.

[Matthew Kovacs]

By the way, there are no bosomy women jumping up and down at EPL games. ( Mike on matt's login )

[Michel G]

I might be nitpicking, but Carter came into the league with three years of college under his belt. DeRozan might never be as good as Carter in those early years, but let's see how far he develops. Of topic, the Dallas Mavericks can sure pass the rock.

[GM]

Reggie wouldn't be happy with 10-12 minutes here but he's happy with the 0-5 minutes he'll be getting on the Clippers? And did anyone offer him the chance of turning down a 1-year contract or did they just assume he wouldn't want it? I think if you have the chance of having a player on your team who does one thing better than anyone else, it's better than having a generic player who does a bunch of things just okay.

[doug]

I was watching Leafs game got bored, watched a bit of Juniors tourney bored...so flicked to Dick Clark's Rockin eve...and this act came on, what is it with english music, they are so far above everyone else,...I never heard of this act before but they blew me away...Florence and the Machine, check out their vids...she is a cross between Stevie Nicks and Kate Bush....plus any band in this day and age that has a harpist on stage has my vote....this isn't a high quality vid, to much bass but she has a unique voice to be sure...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erBquehcTx4

[james]

I can't remember a better mailbag/comments than this one. Are we getting more intelligent Doug? Lorie, thanks for the reality check.

[doug]

@Lori...you get no sympathy or understanding from me in your rant....we don't live in a politically correct society we never have...and remember sex sells, its your own insecurities showing thru, what do you care if bosomy women are shown??...what do i care if women fawn over Brad Pitt or whoever...it's no different, are they the women I go for, no, not at all, but I am comfortable in my own skin, women are so insecure at times and try to be the voice of all womanhood, do you realize that makes you no different then the so -called offenders??...get over it , why do you think women soccer teams/volleyball teams have resorted to semi-nude calendars, will I buy one, no never...but also I realize I am me, there are those that will both women and men...so like it or your rant holds no water as your just showing yourself to be a weak vulnerable woman who feels threatened by those "shots"...don't be,,,,as it makes you look trivial, ...just saying..

[Deaner]

Doug,

I mean Phoenix is awful, and yes Nash is loyal and may NEVER ask to be traded, but shouldn't they try yo trade him? He is an asset, they do need picks and maybe marginal talent in return to start the rebuilding.

For all his class, isnt it fair to say, its over with the Suns, they have no hope against the likes of OKC, LA, or Memphis??

The market for Nash however is very small as his salary is a hinderence with making a trade. There are only three teams I can think of that he could even be traded to that are "contender-ish"........... Atlanta, Memphis and on the outside, Boston.

Do you think he will retire a Sun, in a losing system? Its seems such a waste......

[Anne MacKay]

I agree with David in Oakville. I was angry reading this this morning and I was inclined to think that only Male persons would notice the state of dress/or undressof females at a basketball game

As a female I was offended.

I don't care the sight of men taking their shirts off and flexing their muscles like "The situation" However I don't see myself seeking the press to complain.