Sometimes, we lose focus on what the story really is

Howdy, pardners.

Ready for the second half? Hope so, it’s kind of inevitable and after this rather dead time – what’s it been, one game in the last 10 days? – it’s nice to get back into the hustle and bustle. I know we’re a bit late with the whole time zone thingy but after a rather slack weekend, we’ll get fully into the swing of things as soon as we can.

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You know, sometimes the media really gets me.

This whole NHL trade deadline crap you may have had to suffer through yesterday – and if you sat glued to a TV for an entire Monday that’s says as much about you as it does about them – says so much about the way some media outlets think of themselves it’s scary.

Folks, “we” are not the story and “we” don’t need, or shouldn’t need, to blow our own horns so much you can’t hear what we’re telling you.

We don’t need, or shouldn’t need, to become as big as the event we’re reporting, we don’t need to yammer incessantly about the number of “insiders” we have or the calibre of our “panel of experts.”

I’m pretty sure, or at least I hope, that fans and viewers and readers and whatever weren’t sitting home with some kind of scorebook keeping track of who had what rumour first, who beat the other guy by 10 seconds reporting the same news, who threw more resources at an event than the other guy.

Yes, we live in an era of immediacy that’s shocking and scary. People want to know right now what’s going on and, as we have seen, the fight to be first is fraught with peril. All too often the media rushes stuff out in the pursuit to be first that it lacks context and is sometimes dead wrong. That’s the worst part of all of it and it diminishes us all.

Now, it’s all well and good to cover a story thoroughly, I am all for that; but it’s even better to cover a story thoroughly and not becoming part of it, even on the periphery by telling everyone how good you are or how much better you are than the other guy.

I also understand the competitive nature of the business, especially in Toronto, which is second only to New York in North America for the amount of sports media that follows its teams with religious fervor.

I understand some measure of public relations and tooting one’s own horn.

What I don’t get is the overkill, the days leading up to it when it feels entirely like some people want to “be” the story rather than “report” it.

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A rather interesting social back-to-back here, with Houston tonight and New Orleans tomorrow given the post-Katrina relationship between the cities.

And, of course, it struck a musical chord in the back of the mind and look what I remembered?

Oh, and if I look deep enough in the bookcase where they’re all stored, I’m pretty sure I could find a Mary Chapin Carpenter CD thanks to Super Wife, although I fully admit to liking the sound.

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So, how about the Raptors?

Well, it was nice to see them last night – for the five or so minutes that we caught when they got done a two-hour workout – but there’s scant little news.

Looks like Kleiza’s a go for tonight – he went through the whole practice and will do shootaround in a couple of hours – but Bargnani only did a little bit of running on the side and isn’t ready yet.

Yes, it has been a long time, 14 games going into tonight, and he probably is being a bit more careful because of the nature of the injury. Can’t say I blame him, or the people who advise him, entirely, but it’s got to be about time to push it a little bit. If he’s on the court doing work, he can’t be too far from playing a few minutes, you’d think.

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A minor leaguer for a minor leaguer?

Man, I bet the Pucks fans felt a bit hard done by late Monday afternoon; the sense I got was they expected fireworks and got nothing.

Too bad.

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Now, you also know about me and car racing, right?

If they were running around my crescent, I’d go sit on the back deck so the Daytona 500 was not something I was even remotely interested whenever they were trying to run it.

(Oh, maybe I was a little, but only because I knew the Orlando airport would be a mess with all-star people and race fans and I was right; it was a Monday zoo)

But, did you see that fire? The one where the guy, driving all by himself, ran into a track-drying truck that was carrying jet fuel?

Wow. That was amazing and it is entirely beyond me how a professional race car driver, who goes at unimaginable speeds through traffic in tight quarters for a living, can run into a truck with no one else around.

Very cool!

Not enough to make me pay attention regularly but that was kind of neat.

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Want to start the mail?

I need a couple of question for Question Of The Day over at the Faceoff place (we can use some more likes, please) so help out if you can.

Thanks.

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I view this with very mixed emotions.

Sacramento seems to have a deal in place now for a new arena according to all the reports from Monday and I guess that’s a good thing because I like new buildings and it’s often a shame when a city loses a pro sports team.

But that also means there’s one fewer franchise in play for a relocation and that’s another monster blow to both Vancouver and Seattle and a trade of Sacramento for either Vancouver or Seattle would have almost made up for the disgusting Vancouver-for-Memphis trade that was the HWSNBN transaction of franchises.

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Oh yeah, remember this:

We’re two weeks and two days from the NBA Trade Deadline; I better marshal the troops and get the ads done to trumpet our ability to do our jobs.

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Comments

[Shawn]

Morning Doug...

Wanted to get your thoughts on the Nets signing Gerald Green. I remember watching the D League allstar game this weekend and saying to myself that he would look good in a raptors uniform. He definitely would not be our worst wing! So much talent, and he is still young enough that he might get "it". I'm sure couple of years in the D made him mature some. Do you know if the raps had any interest in him at all?

Blogger's note: Probably not; he's okay but hardly a difference-maker

[Andrew]

Any steam to the Raps moving Barbosa to make room for Wilson Chandler. Its gotta happen before Thursday of he's a no-go? What are you hearing?

Blogger's note: None, nothing, nada

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Morning, Doug, and Happy Houston to ye! Nice take on the "media wanting to be part of the story" story. Could you get Reggie Miller to read that about 40 times, please... and then quiz him? (and maybe his sibling, too?)
Hey, how about some more Southern cookin'... a little gumbo on your bayou jambalaya? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZmB0oTE0AQ
Cheers. Go Raps!

[Steve]

On the Nascar crash Doug, read that something in Montoya's car broke that caused him to lose control - which ended up him crashing into the back of the truck. So it sounds like he would of normally avoided it, but something went wrong with his car. So just a little info for you on that crash.

Blogger's note: Thanks

[David in Oakville]

Nice work on CBC's Metro Morning today. First time I have heard you on the national broadcaster.

Is that a first? Hope it's not the last!

Blogger's note: Thanks. First in a very, very long time

[Jeff D]

I know you've done a list of best and worst airports before. I just wanted to add that I think New Orleans airport is the worst I've seen. Was that on your list of worsts? I've got Charlotte at the top of the best list.

Blogger's note: Believe it was

[Heath]

Any news on 'Sheed coming back to the league? Haven't seen anything for a few days. Looked like the Lakers are trying to rekindle their inner Payton/Malone.

Blogger's note: Or finding a warm body if they're thinking about moving Gasol

[Peter]

So how do you feel Doug? Yesterday with all of the Rick Nash talk in the Hockey Department, your Steve Nash story turns into a bigger story! :)

[Sharkey]

No city, even one as bleak as Sacramento, should lose a franchise like that. Sacramento does love their Kings, it's really their identity as a town -- I mean, who outside of that state would even remember that it's Sac-town, and not LA or San Francisco, that is the capital? Good on them for finding a way to get the Maloofs to pour in some money as well, I can't stand when the billionaire owners hold the cities and taxpayers hostage to fund the arenas or stadiums. And good for Sacramento to hold on to its team that means so much to them. Hopefully they can start ringing those cowbells again soon. Now if I had to guess which club does move from a city that is apathetic towards their club, I'd have to say Charlotte.

[Thomas]

From yesterday: "THANK YOU!!!!!!!! Ive been waiting 3 years for you to say the Raptors and "new point guard" in the same sentence! Not that what you say matters to anyone really including the Raptor brass....BUT you're insufferable stubborness to not be able to see Jose (beyond the fact you're a huge fan) for what he is to the team when it comes to winning. He is isnt a winner in teh NBA and the teams he QB's aren't either! And now, you admitted just how much better this team would be
with a better PG! Ha! niice!

Blogger's note: My insufferable stubborness? As opposed to, say, yours? Seriously, you want validation more than opinion and it bores me to death. But where does it say they can't have 'em both, which I believe is best. And I will point out that Jose has won more on bigger stages than anyone on this team. But that doesn't fit your mindset so is quietly ignored. Nice. Silly, but nice"
WOW! you're thinned skinned....even more so here than you usually show. I could careless about being validated on this site - (the TSN Hockey panel of basketball). I am always going to point out you're over blown evaluation of Jose. You're "man-love" for him and comments are simpley like reading a Maple Leafs article....You see him through a "fan's" eyes not a real perspective of value and talent, therefore even though he gets whipped by first guards (like Kemba Walker and the horrific Bobcats) you think he is an all-star. AND who cares if Jose has won over sea's....means NOTHING (ask any NBA hall famer) means nothing if you cant win in the NBA. This is why the NBA is the greatest league in the world for basketball. It seperates the Jose's from the Nash's. ANY other article you read (American/Canadian) doesn't even come close to evaluating Jose the way you do and its sad to read since you claim to be the "best go to guy when it comes to the Raps). Readers want "real - truthful" info....not "Doug's personal, thinks he is good enough to a be GM - but isnt" opinion. The 4 or 5 on here who do! once again dont count cuase we all know they are you're friends. Its so obvious. paying Jose to be a 10 plus million back up PG to bring in Nash is stupid - plain and simpley dumb!

Blogger's note: Yawn. Double yawn. Point made, now you're done, thanks

[Dave B]

Doug, if you have time for a good meal in New Orleans, check this place out. http://www.antoines.com/info.html

[SheikYurbouti]

Hey, good on Sacramento!!! And good for me, haha. My daughter lives in the general area and I get to see a game when I visit :). It's tough to find a game in Calgary.
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My Houston music offering is from a long forgotten Houston based group, though the tune certainly isn't forgotten:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wro3bqi4Eb8

[DannyFromFreddy]

Thomas, what colour is the sky in your world. Jose is a solid PG. There are a lot of teams that would love to have him. Yes, he had an off year last year but this year he is back as one of the top PG's in the league (assist/turnover ratio, shooting percentage, etc.).

Get over your hate for him. Name a PG in Toronto's past who has played better (while in a Raptor uniform, not what they did previously).

[Pipit]

Jose is what he is. A starting point guard on a bad team but a second stringer on a good one. He's deficiency on defense is what making him away from belonging to the elite point guards. With the change in NBA rules favoring wing men and point guards, it's really hard to hide Jose's weakness. For the Raptors to go forward, the team needs a better point guard who really can stay in front of his man. With Jose's salary, it is not in the best interest of the Raptors to keep on paying him if he stays on and be a second string guard. I like Jose. I like his intensity and his pure guard play. But if the Raptors really want to take the defensive team route as Casey talks time and time again, the Raptors need to decide if they want to keep a player who will always be the primary cause of collapsing team defense.

[Jeff D]

@ Dave B. There is no shortage of good places to eat in NO for sure. Ever tried Arnaud's on Bourbon St? Simply amazing.

[Boko]

Thomas, the ONLY real passer on the Raptor team is José! Anyone would be crazy to trade him away, unless they're getting another passer in return, but why would another team even do that, then? Calderon is the 10th best PG in a league with 30 teams. I wish that I could say that about every starter we have!

[doug]

yes I guess something broke in Montoya's car, quite a crash and good no one was seriously hurt, the question I am asking is why is their a truck with 200 gallons of jet fuel out their to begin with?/...I know it is because they use jet engines to dry the tracks but their has to a better way....I am glad were back to some real ball tonight, been awhile it seems, I actually watched some NCAA games on the weekend for the 1st time this year and I came to 2 conclusions.....1 the NCAA needs to get rid of the 35 second shot clock, no wonder these kids are nowhere ready for the NBA, over-coached, to slow, methodical take it down to a 28 second shot clock, 35 is way to long.....also I would draft any kid that came out of Kentucky if they were equal to another kid in another program, Calipari can coach I realized on the weekend, he isn't a "systems" type coach at all, he plays to his players strengths whether it was a Cousins or a Irving now Davis, and they run pro sets, and never use the 35 second clock they look to score within 24 seconds....excellently coached team in ball movement, unselfishness, I watched them and left pretty impressed....as for the others not as much, watching Notre Dame go 4-31 brick after brick from 3 point range left me fearful for the game and what was that coach thinking....anyways good to see some pro ball again...cheers...

[Marlon]

@Thomas: So, by your logic, Steve Nash is NOTHING too because he hasn't won in the NBA yet?

[Geoff]

Any chance we could get a link to the CBC interview?

Blogger's note: CBC.ca and search Metro Morning; about the only idea I've got. It wasn't all that earth-shattering

[Tim H.]

"Blogger's note: Yawn. Double yawn. Point made, now you're done, thanks"

Please Doug - please say that that last part is true! I come here for intelligent, reasoned comments, and hate it when I have to put up with crap from people like Thomas and pipit.
Thanks!

[Peter G]

Thanks for sharing your opinion on NHL trade deadline day. My sentiments exactly.
As for Thomas: the only thing worse than your vitriolic comments on Senor Calderon, is your atrocious spelling.

[ad]

This bargnani injury is pretty suspicious if you ask me. How long does the guy need? Wouldnt be surprised if the raps are holding him out on purpose to lose more games and get a better draft pick. They were slightly less than ok with him in the lineup. W/o him theyre top 3 worst in the league.

[Rob. V]

Nash and Calderon?
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Sure, maybe in Boston next season! (with the big-old 3)
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Raptors send:
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Calderon
Amir
Keliza
filler
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Boston
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Sends us:
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Rondo
Wilcox
filler
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Boston's window has only a very teenie, tiny little draft left... just about closed. Ainge can talk all he wants about what a good position they are in however thier record says otherwise. He owes it to these HOF's to give it one last shot.
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They need depth and a big who can start along KG. Amir may not be a huge post up threat however he's an upgrade in the front court over JO, and can start against a majority of centers. He can help boston (even post KG) for years to come. The C's get a PG to run the show, and Kleiza can help at the 3 (and 4) in a pinch.
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We get a starting PG who is going to be with us for the next 4 years. We can still move Barbosa in a separate deal for a pick and TPE which allows us to make an offer to Chandler. If it doesnt work, we still have cap room for next season.
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Easier said than done, sure!.. but its a thought.
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Look, Nash and Calderon making $22-$23 million dollars next season just does not work... it's just not financially responsible for this team. If Nash comes at a home country "discount" (which wont happen)... maybe!

[Moshigh]

@ Thomas wow, I certainly dont agree with Doug or any NBA reporter all the time. But I must say they usually have a better scoup, feel for the players then the average fan. They get to see body lanuage, behind the scenes and countless other things they dont report due respect (I hope) You shouldnt talk for NBA legends. You dont think winning a Gold Medal was a big deal to those NBA players who won???

Jose has done much better job on defense this year. He is a good true point guard, but I think he still needs still needs to be more aggressive trying to score. This team is not good enough for him not to be taking at least 15 shots a night.

Colangelo hopefully wheels and deals, this team could use a minor shake up.

Bargnani, I think they have to baby him. He is the franchise player. No sense rushing him to hurt himself again. But yeah this injury seems to be dragging out. He has to cut down on Primo pasta and get some raw vegetables going

[Mr. Cook]

A veritable cornucopia of comments today: 1) Having a rather unfortunate set of knowledge these days about chronic lower leg pain and injuries, I am wondering if there is a more accurate description of Barg's injury to be fished out of a henchman? Is it really his calf? It seems that any sort of muscle tear would have long healed. If it's the knee that's a real issue because of his size, if it's a tendon in the heel, less so. Any random medical language that has crossed your notebook that didn't seem relevant at the time that you could share? 2) I appreciate you continuing to post those comments in the vein of Thomas and Pipit and Aditya and the former Adrian and so on. People seem to have a funny way of naming themselves on the internet and also fail to realize how much their personal, if hate-filled, voice comes through and it is easy to identify people across forums and comment sections as being one and the same. They're trolls even if they don't know it and the great thing about all this is that their comments, spelling and grammar errors and implicit racism--or at the very least ethnocentrism--will live in cached cyberspace forever. Thank you google spider-bots. 3) As I mentioned the other day I was also in Florida for a bit and I can confidently say that Canadian trade deadline day has nothing on the breathless coverage of the NFL draft combine down there. I was using it to fall asleep, but evidently there are actually millions of Americans that track every comment, every 40-yard time, and so on as if it actually matters. Great blog, as always.