What to expect from the Raptors? A little bit of everything

So here we go.

I am sure there were times when you wondered if there’d be an NBA season during the lockout and considering what’s about to unfold with the HOTH, I would imagine there will be times in the next four months when a lot of you will wonder if it’s even worth it that the season was salvaged.

Yes, there will be times when it looks like an unmitigated disaster, just as there will be times when it looks like the grand plan is unfolding perfectly, just as there will be times when it’s somewhere in between.

That’s the nature of the beast and you know I’m going to offer these words of caution:

Do not get too bent out of shape the nights they get drilled; do not get too euphoric on the nights they win. Both are going to happen, the former perhaps more often than the latter, but appreciate the game, the “wow” moments inside the game, and watch for incremental improvement of the guys whose futures seem tied to the franchise.

Look, I have no clue how many wins they’ll get in the 66-games that begin tonight, no one does.

They could win 14, they could win 18, they could win 26. There are an awful lot of awful basketball teams throughout the league and it is virtually impossible to say how this season will unfold.

But as it begins, here are some specific things you should probably pay attention to over the course of the next 66 games to see if they occur:

Intensity and consistency of effort on defence

We have been told, and told, and told, and told, that this season is about “culture change” and an emphasis on defence that will – they hope – be a foundation to build on.

What’s it mean? Specifically? Well, if you listen to Dwane Casey, or watch good defensive teams, it means more tenacity, more circumstances where big men show hard on screens to “impact the ball” and far less free passage to the rim for opposing guards and wings.

A willingness to get physical

Not dirty, but physical. Not beating on people or taking flagrant fouls or fighting; it’s setting hard screens and fighting strongly on those set against you; it’s boxing out with aggression, turning and facing and knocking your man away. Solid basketball.

So there’s two on the defensive end. Want two on the other?

Shooting range

If DeMar DeRozan is going to take the next step offensively – to steal one of the more boring clichés of the day – he simply has to develop a better outside shot. If he doesn’t, it’ll be more of the same – good but not great – and a season of lost opportunity.

Davis in the post

Dwane caught a few of us off-guard when he said he saw Ed Davis as a legitimate post presence off the bench. Me? I’m dubious right now, I don’t for a second think he’s strong enough but if that’s what they want to do, that’s what you have to look for.

Anyway, folks, it’s going to be an up-and-down year, I can assure you that. But if there is one thing you need to remember, it’s this:

It’s a game. It’s supposed to be fun. It’s not get to worked up about. Enjoy it for what it is. A wonderful sport played by gifted athletes.

Have fun.

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Helluva finish in New York, great finish in L.A., Heat look really good, Oklahoma City starts with a bang and I couldn’t stay up for Golden State-Clippers.

Not a bad start to the season and judging by the buzz I was getting from even casual fans, that whole “fans will never come back because of the lockout” thing might not be happening.

Of course, give us a week of games that more resemble the dog’s breakfasts we’re going to see over the course of the abomination of a season and we’ll see how everyone’s really feeling.

But yesterday? Yesterday was good.

And if this wasn’t the best intro to a sports season ever, I don’t know what was.

This is truly exceptional.

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Best part of Christmas?

Super Son seeing his Super Great Grandpa’s WW1 medals for the first time.

Can’t beat that.

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That is one wacky pucks franchise that shares the arena with the Raptors, isn’t it?

The word on the street from my pucks friends is that the Leaves have a tendency to treat the media with disdain – all of it, not just us like the silly Mayor of The City I’m Glad I Don’t Live In – but Christmas might have taken the cake.

The coach – he of the unspecial teams – puts out a tweet in the morning announcing his own contract extension in some joking manner; the general manager kind of confirms it in the same method in the afternoon and I type this late, late at night, there’s still no word from the franchise in any official manner.

Look, it’s no skin off my nose how they do their business but that’s kind of lame, isn’t it? Pretty big story they got out in a rather weak manner.

But how cool would it have been had some enterprising pucks reporter found independent confirmation by talking to Wilson’s family?

That would have been sweet.

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Hope you all had some fine eating over the last couple of days.

I sure did.

And if you’ve got to rank the components of a typical Grunt Family Christmas from top to bottom, you go with:

Stuffing (lots of savoury).

Gravy (dark).

The crisp skin of a roasted turkey (eaten while carving).

Mashed potatoes (with a lot of that gravy).

Brussel sprouts (sautéed by Super Uncle).

Nanaimo bars (homemade, of course).

Turkey (not a huge fan, actually).

Any vegetable (a kid at heart).

What have you got?

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Oh yeah, we’ve got the IGBT going tonight starting around 7; if the wireless works in Cleveland, that is.

And since Dwane’s keeping his starting lineup to himself these days, check back here about noon for a post-shootaround update with any news.

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Comments

[Andrew Potter]

This just in: The Leaves are now releasing all information to the media via message in a bottle sent afloat in Lake Ontario. Rumour has it that MLSE finds carrier pigeons passe, so they went with the next most sensible solution.

[jc]

couldn't agree more. "Forever" was awesome

[Chris]

"It’s a game. It’s supposed to be fun. It’s not get to worked up about. "
Hahaha! I see you tried to slip that one in there! Good luck with that!

[joe]

Good luck with the upcoming season Doug. Pace yourself and make sure to get some downtime. 22 games between now and Jan. 31 is a lot of basketball and travel time for both the players, coaches, and people covering the team.

Thanks for the inside scoop on the way the Leafs treat the media. Gotta remember, karma can be a bad thing. Could explain why they haven't done anything in 45 years. I just think that much like large multinational companies, like Toyota, the Leafs have just gotten too big and too arrogant.

The Heat looked great yesterday. Do you think they still need a play making point guard to solidify that line up?

[coachd]

Happy Boxing Day Doug,
Wow!! What a brilliant intro to the NBA season. It's amazing what you can do with technology today. What a wonderful trip down memory lane for all hoop fans. Thanks for posting it.
Looking forward to the Raps first game tonight. I'll be cheering for the Raps, but I hope Tristan Thompson has a solid game.

[Tim H.]

Hey Doug:

I did miss your Christmas blog yesterday - I'm glad I went back and read it today. You do provide a wonderful service to all who read your blog. I started reading it as a result of reading your articles. I find the two completely different - the blog does indeed sound like a casual conversation between friends with common interests. And I think the fact that you - unlike other Star bloggers - have found the "Blogger's Comment" button makes it seem even more so.
I had a wonderful family Christmas, and from your dinner description, it sounds as if you did as well. That's great, because if there is one thing that comes through your blog loud and clear, it's that NOTHING is more important to you than the whole extended Super Family.
I wish you peace and happiness in this wonderful season, and throughout the new year as well!

[doug]

that was a superb intro, you should have a contest, have your bloggers/irregulars name the players in order that appear in that vid...my fav xmas food is dressing, I love the dressing moreso then the turkey.....I understand the Leafs and the media thing but shouldn't the greatest concern be them extending the contract of a coach in mid-season that has missed the playoffs 3 years in a row, and this year is in a dogfight to get in, terrible special teams records all 3 years, and again this year...here's the difference, the Devils had made the playoffs a few years ago, 8 games left in the season, Lou fires the coach as he was unhappy with the way the team was playing, brings in Robinson and they go on to win the cup....one team striving for accepting mediocrity, another team settling for nothing but winning...the leafs settle....I watched 30 minutes of b-ball last quarter of Lakers/Bulls, hows does Mike Brown have a head coaching gig in the NBA???...mind-boggling...

[Cluck Kent]

Sorry I couldn't make it yesterday to say Merry Christmas but I received a new Ipad thingy for Christmas and I couldn't find you!

So Merry Belated Christmas wishes, Doug and the Irregulars and ll the best for the New Year.

It was a great day for basketball yesterday! I fear no one will stop the dastardly Heat after what I saw. Unless injuries or major trade happen to change things up I suspect that they will win it all this year. I look forward to seeing them play the Knicks as C Anthony always seems to get up for games against LeBron.

Merry Boxing Day everyone and to all happy shopping.

[Boko]

What to watch for from:
Amir, DeMar, Ed, James & Jerryd: Development. Improvement.
Andrea, José & Leandro: Adjustment. Balance.
Aaron, Linas & Gary: Patience. Contribution.
Jamaal, Rasual & Anthony: Mentorship. Support.
Soloman: Any positive is a bonus.

[james]

The one you missed: Clippers look terrific; Mark Jackson may wish he was back in broadcasting in short order.

[Lorie]

Good Afternoon, Doug,
You are right: that video that kicked off the NBA yesterday season was breathtaking - what a brilliant compilation; however the accompanying song - "Live Forever" by Drew Holcomb - is pretty wonderful, too. Here it is, with lyrics.
http://youtu.be/t8UXgTprJGY
And as Drew reminds us, "laughter is the only thing that'll keep you sane"; we should try to keep that in mind as we enjoy our Raps this season. Let's always remember to have fun out there! Cheers!

[David in Oakville]

Hey, Nanaimo Bars are the only desserts on the list and they are below stuffing and gravy? Seriously... kid at heart my foot.

Thanks for the link to TNT, I missed that and only saw parts of Miami / Dallas and OKC / Orlando. Basketball is not big with my extended family and the early game was not on when I was visiting my grandma.

I completely agree on all accounts about Leaf management and their treatment of the media.. totally disgraceful... and I think it is outrageous that Wilson got an extension now.. he has not earned it.

Happy Holidays Doug, glad you are here.

[Coltaine777]

Ed Davis strong enough ?...his rebounding numbers look strong enough lol...come on Doug of course he's strong enough...the question is does he have the footwork to get the job done down low...that's the key ...

Blogger's note: Unless, of course, you talk to coaches, trainers, teammates or executives. But I bow to your superior knowledge