Some good shots, some ugly shots and Yu's payday

The sameness to games this season is starting to irk me, just so you know.

And starting to make me wonder how we’re going to write the next 51.

-

THREE POINTERS

Time to be assertive

Lots of questions from more than a few people about whether or not Jose should be shooting the ball more because the offence is so dysfunctional right now.

(Oh, and the number of ‘they play better without Bagnani’ comments seem to have dwindled a little bit).

No, probably not.

I think he takes enough shots as it is, he takes good shots for the most part and to ask him to all of a sudden change the way he plays for the sake of four or five games doesn’t make an awful lot of sense, actually.

What Calderon needs is someone to run high screen and roll with because that’s where he’s most effective and that guy doesn’t exist right now.

None of the bigs can do it – none of them are good enough shooters – and Barbosa needs the ball to facilitate his play and the small forwards? Well, enough said about them.

-

An ugly look

You know how people are always asking about worst-looking shot and the like?

Well, I’m telling you, watching Ed Davis hoist jumpers is, well, retina-burning at time and if it doesn’t get fixed, I’m not sure how effective he’s ever going to be.

Ball’s on the wrong side of his body, it’s more “pushed” than “shot”, it’s rushed and flat and it’s simply not good enough yet.

Now, I still think there’s some promise in Davis’s game because he’s got great instincts defensively and might be one of team’s best off-the-ball defenders. He may eventually become an accomplished shooter, or at least a better scorer, but he’s not nearly there yet.

But I guess that’s what this year’s all about: Finding out about guys and no one said all the discoveries would be good, did they?

-

An old, old group

Now, I know it’s a relatively small sample size and includes only one viewing in person but, right now, the Celtics aren’t that good. They look old and slow – not a surprise – but the one thing they don’t seem to have is that swagger and cockiness they had in all those good years.

They weren’t really yipping and yapping last night, they played a relatively sedate pace (although Rondo was tremendous until he got hurt) and I don’t see them having any chance against the two best teams in the East – Chicago and Miami.

-

Some more? Sure, we’ve got some more …

-

Remember Yu Darvish?

Yeah, him.

Well, was I the only one slightly surprised that Darvish only got a six-year, $60 million deal from the Texas Rangers yesterday?

I know the total package with the posting fee and the contract is more than $100 million but, really, that salary does strike me as relatively small.

Wonder how they feel down at Blue Jays headquarters, where things have been awfully quiet of late. No, I don’t think whacking Mark Teahan or bringing back Kelly Johnson, Carlos Villanueva and Ben Francisco is, well, big.

-

You’ve done well in the mail so far but I need a wee bit more to get me through Saturday and Sunday mornings with no games to deal with.

Some here would be good.

-

Hey, my friends at Canada Basketball have some friends in town and it’s a pretty big deal.

It’s the FIBA technical commission that will be meeting here Friday and Saturday and, once again, it’s a bit of a feather in the organization’s cap.

I understand the likes of Patrick Baumann, the secretary general of FIBA; our old friend Stu Jackson of the NBA, and FIBA president Yvan Mainini are among the big shots who’ll be around for a couple of days that include Canada Basketball Night at the Raptors game against Portland on Friday.

The technical commission comprises officials and coaches from around the world who look at the international rules of the game. It’s a big inside-basketball but the significance is simply that these folks are here. One of the big tasks for Canada Basketball for years has been to enhance its reputation with FIBA and become more relevant worldwide.

Combined with the growing prominence of the country’s age-group teams – and the women who still have a good shot at making it to the London Olympics – these are the small things that can add up to big things in the future.

The stuff they talk about is probably going to be a bit dry for all of you – and for me – but that they’re doing it here can only be a good thing for Canada Basketball.

-

You know I have little use for NCAA basketball at this time of year, right?

Well, there’s one team I’m kind of interested in at the moment, the unbeaten Murray State Racers.

And that’s got everything to do with Popeye Jones because he’s the only Racer I know and one of the good old-time Raptors.

-

So I’m sitting here watching Mike and Mike In The Morning on one of the ESPNs (the tennis is on the usual station) and, once again, I can’t for the life of me figure out why some Canadian all-sports network/radio station can’t do the same thing.

It’s a long show at four hours, gets great guests, is simulcast so people at home can watch while they’re getting into the day and, simply, is good.

-

Oh yeah.

Remember how I mentioned in the IGBT that Jose would likely be crushed by the El Clasico result Wednesday?

Well, when he got done dissecting the Raptors game, he did express much dismay at Madrid’s loss to Barca. Can’t figure out how they simply can’t figure out a way past their biggest rivals this year.

And that game … well, it remains the one football fixture I try to seek out; too bad no network had it on down here.

-

 

 

Comments

[JHP]

Spring training starts in a few days and maybe we get to see if YU is the real deal. I'd be very surprised if the Jays struggle to score runs but pitching will rule the day. Any chance of doing a quick review in the coming weeks?

Blogger's note: Of course

[sam]

Some games must be tough to watch. Last nights game was one of them. A struggling offense, and some suspect shot selection doesn't make for a good story line. The HOTH really need to get Andrea and Bayless back on the court.
I missed part of the game and most of Gary Forbes play. To me he remains a bit of a mystery, but the box-score suggests he had an efficient game with a team high 18 points, but perhaps a little light on assists and rebounds.
I'm wondering if the PG position in his future and if he can learn enough this season to become the backup freeing Bayless to be next years version of Barbosa. If Bayless is back next season that is....

[Alan C.]

Doug, Mickeal Pietrus looked serviceable for the parts of the game I watched, and the stat line wasn't bad. Might the Raptors not have regrets that they passed on him?

Blogger's note: No, six weeks ago he wasn't healthy and they had to move on

[D-Mac Ottawa]

We've seen glimpses of "very good" from DeRoz these past couple of years, but I don't recall ever seeing even a hint of a glimpse of "great". Right now, a few minutes of "good" here and there would be great. The guy's still young and figuring it out – seems the adjustments he really needs to make are between his ears. Then maybe he'll get back to that consistently "very good" level.
Cheers. Go Anthopoulos!

[Rob.V]

Is it time for a trade?. Maybe, 2-3 weeks from now?
-
The shortened season will be close to ¼ of the way complete any day now and quickly beyond that we will be one third complete (how insightful is that information?).
-
Seriously though, the games are coming so quickly that the Raptors (in any other season) will have had enough of a sample size to (as dude suggested) see what they have (or don’t).
-
It’s clear to me that this team needs a legitimate 2nd scorer. Yes, when Andrea returns he will open up some shots for other players and yes Bayless will help however without Andrea this team is “exposed”!!!
-
This team needs a 2 or 3 that can flat out put the ball in the hole. A guy who can get his own shot and offence for the team at will.
-
A Monta Ellis type.
-
I’m not suggesting Colangelo trades half the team over the next week however if I’m the GM (which I always am) I’m going to look very hard to see what type of player is out there at the deadline even if it means a DeRozan or Ed Davis is in the conversation.
-
I do this because I have also learned that Casey’s system and attention to detail works! So I’m comfortable plugging in another offensive guy as I have full confidence that Casey will be able to incorporate said player on the defensive side of the ball. It’s truly amazing what Casey has done on the defensive side of the game in such a short period of time (with essentially the same crew as last season).
-
If this team is going to be better next season they are going to need a #2 guy. Boasting Andrea and a legitimate #2 will entice the #3 FA we’re going to need to push us into the upper echelon of the Eastern conference.
-
I know it’s early, and I know it’s only year 3 for DeRozan however I am a little disappointed that DeRozan is not (selfishly) hoisting up 20-25 shots a game in Andrea’s absence.
-
True scorers almost have to be reigned in a little in their early years and I’m not convinced DeRozan has that killer instinct to want to score 40+ a night.
-
Also, IMO its 90-10 that Barbosa is traded by the deadline. He’s simply too valuable to contenders right now not to be dangling this asset out there.
-
What do you guys think?

[JHK]

@Rob V
No, they shouldn't trade anyone in this roster.
It's best to sit back and grind out this short season and wait for the ping pong balls in May + arrival of Jonas.
Also the cap rooms.
We will know what BC is truly made of in few month.

[Geoff]

In the spirit of trying to find a positive out of every game the Raptors play(something that has been actually pretty easy to do this year with the improvement of the defense), the only positive last night was the play of Gary Forbes. He seemed to be the only plyer with "bounce". I agree that Casey has done miracles with our defense, but without basically ANY outside shooting, the Celtics just packed the lane and it is no wonder DeRozen was so frustrated near the basket. Anybody have the stats for points in the paint for the Raps last night?
BC.....stay the course. Patience is a virtue.

[Tom]

I'm with Rob V. on the trade Barbosa at the deadline. If the Raptors continue to crap the bed and he's a free agent at the end of the year, see what kind of draft pick you can get for him from a contender.

Though I don't agree that there should be a trade at this time. This year was always going to be exactly what it is, a building year. I would hate to see them in anyway ruin their cap flexibility for this off season.

Remember that they will have 20 million cap space, high draft pick in a strong draft and the flexibility to wheel and deal. It may be painful to watch this year(thank goodness it's a shortened season) but it's going to be a fun summer. The draft, free agent signings, and wheeling dealing. What's not to like?

In most cases you can't draft a Kevin Durant or a Blake Griffin without having a bad year and getting a high draft pick.

Blogger's note: You can't "trade him for a draft pick"

[sam]

@Rob V, A trade may soothe the nerves of the fanbase, but may hinder the plan for the off season. Unless some team comes in and blows BC away with a deal i can't see him moving in that direction. Aside from Barbosa, Andrea,Jose or DD what do the HOTH have that anyone wants? The cupboards pretty bare.....

[Bill]

"Blogger's note: You can't "trade him for a draft pick""

What do you mean by this? Isn't this how Dallas got Odom?

Blogger's note: Have to have "room" to absorb the salary; Knicks had helped the Mavs by doing Chandler

[Tom]

Sorry Doug, pardon my ignorance but why couldn't they trade Barbosa for a conditional 1st or 2nd round pick in the up-coming draft? Does it have to be a player and a pick? Or are picks just not allowed in that kind of transaction?

Blogger's note: Has to match salaries unless the team acquiring him has room for the entire number under the cap

[Dave]

I feel for you Doug. Having to watch these games on TV is painful enough without having to try to find something to write about. Yes the defence has improved and the offence has disappeared. The final results this year will be similar to last year. The difference is that they were more fun to watch last year.

As mentioned in other comments, I am starting to question if they even have anything to build on yet. I agree with the comment that DeMar's biggest problem is between his ears. On his drives to the basket, he backs off at the last second and then looks at the refs for a call. If he continued, took the contact and tried to score, he would get calls. He is playing very soft now. I think the "star" status has gone to his head. Hopefully he can turn it around but I am not convinced that he will ever be an elite player or even an all star. By now (year 3) we should be seeing some evidence of that elevated play. All to say,there is still a lot of work to do and some gains to be made before we can attract any quality free agents.

[Cluck Kent]

Until someone can provide me with a better explanation, I have to believe that Dave Hopla was the reason the Raptors shooting percentage jumped the one and only year he was here as shooting coach. I'd be knocking on his door, the way the HOTH are shooting.

I think the other missing link for the Celtics is Perkins. I think he provided them with toughness and seriously eased Garnett's burden at the 4.

Following up some comments from yesterday regarding hockey, I get that it's more popular here in Toronto than basketball. One only has to flick the dial on the radio at any given time of the day or night to find half a dozen Leaf discussions going on. It would be interesting to actually count the number of hours of hockey talk per week on all Toronto radio and TV stations vs all other sports put together. I'd be willing to bet that the ratio would be greater than 10 to 1. Talk about your one trick pony. I get that it's more in demand, but after a while it's like listening to a mediocre bar band that plays the same song over and over again.

[Phil A]

In the NBA, it's very difficult to have a chance to win games without your top scorer. Its quite evident with Bargnani being out with an injury. I hope he come back very soon because it's very hard to watch this team play without him.

[joeu]

If I'm Yu, I go back to my team club and negotiate for a share of the posting fee.

[The J]

Trading Barbosa is a tricky one. The "lose him fo nothing" option isn't so bad as yes it does mean he's gone, but the Raps have cap space going forward. Meanwhile, trading him could net a draft pick, but might bring back players who will not only hog up that cap space going forward but not might not be worth it either (the other team is willing to part with them for a reason). The only reasonable trade would be one that somehow gives us young talent we don't mind including as part of the core going forward, even if that takes our future cap space, and a draft pick or two. If that doesn't present itself (and it probably wont), the best course is to sit back and wait. My guess that's what BCs doing, and my other guess is either way he's already made his decision (trade or no trade).

The best course for fans is to take solace in that this season, though painful, is short. To quote Seinfeld "It's like a band aid, rip it right off!". Then we can get to 2012-2013.

[Boko]

I was disappointed watching us play yesterday. We seem to have a reluctance to play a fast-break game. That forces us to play half-court, which isn't good for us for the next 5 games or so. Guys, 1) Play D with intensity. 2) Get the ball up the court. 3) Get back. 4) When you're even a little bit tired, sub yourself off. Everybody has to be a part of such an endevour. And everybody should be getting tired early, if they're doing it right ...

[Canadian Paul]

Interesting reversal. Last year, the Raptors were 21th in offence and 30th (and last) in defence. This year, so far, they are 29th in offence (and heading for last) and 19th in defence.

Why is it always one or the other? (Mind you, the "other" is pretty bad too)...

[Chunk]

My big complaint with Calderon is he never seems to drive down the middle of the key. He always seems to go around the perimeter, which makes him very predictable. Yes, he needs to shoot more and create more openings for other players.

[SheikYurbouti]

@ The J

I think there is another scenario that would make sense in using the asset that is Barbosa in a trade. Taking back a matching expiring contract with either a draft pick or inexpensive young piece with potential they feel they can work with. The real possibilities may be slim, but an injury or two on contenders may increase them. At the moment, I think BC is going to remain patient and only do a trade that fits or trumps (a little) his plans for the summer. I'm dying to find out who he goes after on the FA market.

[Wallace]

Hi Doug,

Love the blog, as always. This relates to your article about free throws. I agree that Raps would get more calls if they attacked the basket more, instead of settling for jump shots. However, at the same time, the NBA is a league where referees make many, if not most, of their calls based on who the player is, whether a rookie or a star, or whether the team is "supposed to win" or not. In that stacked environment, it becomes very difficult for a have not team like the Raptors to even get to the line. Except for the occasional make up call in hockey, I cannot think of any other sport where the officials drive the game results more than the NBA. It must be extremely frustrating for Coach Casey or BC, but they know better than to openly challenge this fact. Mr Stern would certainly censure them severely.

[jc]

Maybe there is someone on the Raptors Ed should be hanging around if he's not. Weren't Amir's jumpshots retina-burning back in the day?

[GM]

* Jose shoots the right amount if he's surrounded by decent offensive players. But right now he isn't. He's making a move then passing to somebody with next to no chance of scoring. So while the team is short-handed, he should look to be a little more selfish. That doesn't mean hoisting up ridiculous shots; it just means knowing when you're a better option than your teammate.

* Speaking of being short-handed, Devlin mentioned the Celtics being with Wilcox and Dooling as if that were significant, as if it explained their record. I'm not saying the Raptors would be contending, but if they had Bargnani, Bayless, Kleiza and Gray all playing from the beginning, I don't think things would be looking as ugly as they are now.

* Which leads me to Bargnani's and Bayless's injuries. I've never been one to "blame the victim". You hear that in sports where fans get on a player for being injured. Crazy. However, how serious is Bargnani's calf injury and Bayless's ankle? Is the team being extra cautious or are the players saying they're not yet ready? And then it makes me wonder about NBA ironmen, like Karl Malone or AC Green who consistently played 82 games and if it was just a matter of conditioning, luck or playing through pain. Surely they suffered through calf strains and twisted ankles but kept playing and performing.

[Peter]

Now that this is a "Sports" blog. I'm hoping that you'll have something to say about Sarah Burke. You've covered a lot of amateur sports in your career, but I'm wondering if you've ever covered someone who has died because of participating in their sport. Tragic loss of a young life. My heart goes out to her family and friends.