Trade chatter's simply a part of life in the big leagues

I read with great amusement the past couple of days all the dispatches that have to do with trade rumours and the impact they have on some teams.

Specifically, of course, it begins with Kobe Bryant ripping Lakers management for the speculation surrounding Pau Gasol and how Bryant wants – I’m not entirely sure how – GM Mitch Kupchak to either tell Gasol he’s not going or is going or something.

Here’s the latest story from Los Angeles that has the specifics of Bryant’s whining and Kupchak’s response and you need to read the home run that Ken Berger hit about the dysfunctional nature of the Laker front office.

There really is no answer, though.

Sure, Bryant’s ticked, I imagine Gasol is too but general managers have to do what general managers have to do and if that leads to a month or two of speculation or a couple of uncomfortable weeks leading up the deadline, well, that’s the way life is.

Now, no one would really like a trade if they’re not unhappy where they are. No one wants to be told you work here one day, you work in another city tomorrow, here’s your hat, what’s your hurry, thanks for the years of service but that’s the nature of the business and everyone pulls on a uniform knows it.

Sure, it’s disconcerting and it is disruptive to life but to suggest there should be some unequivocal statement that nothing – or something – is going to happen is, frankly, ridiculous.

I think you know I have nothing but admiration for the way Bryant plays basketball; he is a joy to watch every night and one of the very best to ever play. But in this case, he’s dead wrong and firing shot across the bow of the front office can do no good whatsoever.

Reading the Berger story lays out one of the wackiest front offices in all of sports, to be sure, and perhaps that’s what has led to Bryant’s frank and open discussion of what’s wrong above him.

But trades – and trade speculation and rumours – are part of life as a pro athlete; you need to find the strength of will to play through it, keep your head down and do your best and see what happens when the deadline arrives.

It’s not an easy situation for anyone but that’s just the way it is.

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Oh, I know there’s far better stuff out there than this but it is Fat Tuesday and I wish I was at Mardi Gras and that makes me think of Treme and the best theme song on TV today:

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Wow, we did well yesterday.

Funny thing about this place is that every now and then something happens that evokes comments and reactions and a wee bit of debate.

You folks did tremendously well yesterday and if you’re an Irregular just catching up, go back and read the comments.

Makes a guy feel good to be able to facilitate that stuff every now and then.

Wait ‘til we do Pucks Trade Deadline Day!

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Could use some mail, folks.

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So, it was nice to get back to the gym yesterday and talk about some real basketball stuff with the lads and as the daily tome suggests, there was a lot of discussion about one of the fatal flaws with this roster.

When it comes time to get a basket, one play to win or tie one game, there are so few individual options available to Dwane Casey that it truly has to be a team effort.

Now, maybe he could just give the ball to Leandro Barbosa, clear everyone out and let him beat an opponent with pure speed, and maybe he’ll eventually be able to give the ball to Bargnani at the elbow and see what transpires but those are far from sure things. I’m not entirely sure Leandro handles the ball well enough I’m not entirely sure Bargnani is quick and determined enough.

That means there has to be a screen, or two screens, or something off the ball to get them a really good look and, so far this season, that hasn’t happened to often.

Oh, the thought is there: We’ve seen the play at the rim a couple of times and if DeMar had ripped the ball through forcefully at the end of the Lakers game instead of making a weak move and fading to the sideline, things may have been different.

But they weren’t and until Bryan finds some kind of stud wing who has the skills and temperament to make the right move, it’s going to be a “go-to guy by committee” and that’s a dicey proposition.

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Everybody taking down all the Family Day decorations today?

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Oh yeah, you also read, I’m sure, that Andrea isn’t going to play until after the all-star break and while no one is even speculating on whether he’ll be in Houston on Monday night for practice, I’m wondering if we’ll see him before the first home game after the break.

I know they’re being extra cautious about the calf and giving him all sorts of time to rehab but I’m thinking it’s about time he at least got on the gym floor to find out what he can do.

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You read this very nice piece in our section today about the ex-pitcher turned author and his books that chronicle his life in the pen.

Sounds like a good one, I’ll be interested in reading the one about his time with the Jays but …

Ball Four’s still the gold standard.

Isn’t it?

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Comments

[Peter]

I (mis)interpreted Kobe's statement in this way: Kobe, more than anything else is loyal to himself. He's also willing to do ANYTHING to win. He's shown that he can't be faithful to his wife, he's shown in the past that he was willing to be unfaithful to his team (by requesting a trade) I have no doubts that he would be willIng to throw Gasol under the bus if that's what it took to get a PG that could help turn the team around. I viewed Kobe's comments as a backhanded way to put the heat on the management to get a trade done. Kobe is leading the league in scoring despite having 2 Centre's who are more than capable of being scorers. To me, it sounded like Kobe was saying what would sound good to Gasol, while at the same time, put pressure on the GM to make a move. Kobe's been around a long time, he knows how to play the game. But reading Ken Berger's statement does provide some context. I still wonder though.

[AT]

I think many fans and irregulars (some beat reports?) alike still believe that this season actually means anything to anyone that matters at MLSE other than trying to land one of the top picks in the next years' draft. So when it comes to Andrea sitting out games and exercising "caution", is an understatement and it truly does play into the goals of the organization when he doesn't play.Tanking is a bad word but doing everything you can not to win is the best thing that this organization should focus on for the rest of the season and though at court level coaches and players are doing best they can, those up in the boardroom and in the accounting office are doing all they can to prevent wins. That is why this season is so difficult to watch as everyone still talks about what this team needs to do to win, but really it is not what anyone with the teams best long term interests in mind, really (should) want.

[LeeZ]

Ball Four the gold standard? Good lord, Doug, I just assumed that went without saying! In the words of the immortal Joe Shultz, sh*t-f**k! (or was that f**k-s**t?)

[Mike D.]

I know it would never happen, but it would be wonderfully ironic if after all Kobe's comments in that article to the effect that "I will support Pau during this time of uncertainty for him", the Lakers actually kept Gasol and traded Kobe.

[Rob. V]

I couldn’t get in yesterday however it was an interesting conversation.
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For the record I feel the ESPN editor should be fired (if he hasn’t been already) based on performance regardless if the guy meant any ill will or not.
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This guy simply was not good enough (or sharp enough) at his craft to be able to recognize the sensitivity that he should have had when dealing with a worldwide website.
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Having said this, should we not be concerned about how repressed we have become as a society over the years?
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Seriously, it might be something to think about.
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What if guy really meant this: 1. a crack, cleft, or fissure: a chink in a wall. 2. a narrow opening: a chink between two buildings. verb (used with object) 3. to fill up chinks.
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... and why is it that some of our favourites can get away with saying whatever they want?
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Look, just last week I loaded a post to a quote from Charles Barkley where he states “we don’t need referees… but the white guys need to do something” . Okay, it’s a little different, but the point is Barkley can get away with most any comment on TV and he’s just lovable old Charles!.
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You know, I actually felt bad for MosHigh last week when he talked about people running in the other direction. I was going to respond but realized I didn’t really have anything to contribute because our lives are probably so different (and I realized that I would probably be the one running in the other direction too! LOL kidding!). No seriously, I didn’t know what to write at the time…so I didnt.
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But it did get me thinking about it for a minute. How many times have I been lumped in with Al Capone, Charlie Luciano, because of the vowel on my last name??. Many!
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Recently, I’ve had an employee on (2) occasions make a (Tony Soprano) type remark about how the merchandise must have been “stolen” when I secured a good buy (business deal) for one of my companies.
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Now, I realize that this is on a much smaller scale however it’s still profiling, is it not? Should I have fired my employee for this? Nah!, I know he’s a good guy… he’s just an (old) insensitive fool!!... I’ll fire him based on his shoddy sales performance if it continues (next month).
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Anyway the point being, we are ALL subject to this are we not?
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Repression: Exhibit A.
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Knowing the demographic here I will point to Archie Bunker (All In The Family- for the young un’s). How many of you watched that show growing up and thought he was hilarious? Come on now, raise your hands!!
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I was too young to know what racism was at the time however I remember that show being a staple in my household as a kid.
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There is no way, NO WAY!!!... that show gets aired today on mainstream television.
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That is telling isn’t it?. What does that say about us as a society.
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Look, I know I’m all over the place here and again I’m not defending the editor at ESPN, but everyone with an opinion (behind a computer) seems to live in glass houses these days.
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Everyone is so worried about being politically correct, until they get to the comedy club of course where (insert your favourite comedian- I’ll take Chris Rock) is just DRILLING a particular race.
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Acceptable?... you tell me, what do you think of this??
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My point is simply this. We all need to chill!!... keep it light hearted… and keep the dialogue open on ALL subjects.
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Fear of eachother will get us nowhere!
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Check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RovF1zsDoeM-

[Rob. V]

Kobe?
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The last time he opened his mouth he wanted J.Kidd for Bynum. Now, I love J.Kidd, but if Mitch listened to him then... Kobe would still be living in Shaq's shadow with only 3 rings... 4 & 5 would have never happend!.
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Dont worry Kobe, I'm sure Mitch will address your concerns between March 1st and the 15th.

[john]

@ Poster Doug, regarding your statement 'it's no coincidence that the "Tea Party" came into existence after a black president was elected and anyone that argues otherwise is blind'
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What the heck does the Tea Party have to do with a black president? Show me where the Tea Party movement, which actually first started with the bailout of banks under the Bush administration and simply grew under the Obama administration financial bailouts and tax hikes, is not about being over taxed and Government fiscal responsibility, but about the color of the President? The Tea Party is a tax revolt, Just like it was 200 years ago.

[Dave B]

I re-read yesterdays comments. I just want to state that there were two different Dave's commenting yesterday. I made the comment about family day not being a holiday for everybody. I am also the Dave that often comments in the comments section. I did not make any comments about :chink", that was Dave #2. From now on I will sign as Dave B. There. I feel better now!

[511]

I don’t believe that what Kobe did, by saying what he said, was wrong. Now, Kobe might be the only player in the league who I’d say that about, but with Lakers management doing its best to avoid the elephant that must be in every room in that house right now, the pressure that must have been building for them all probably NEEDED some release. I also think that this business of attempting to trade a star-player - like Gasol - unsuccessfully, and then not dealing with that player in a manner that would settle his own mind -- and that of the team’s -- is borderline-bogus. And ‘borderline’, only because it all seems so unsolvable, at the moment. What Kobe did may yet even prove to be the thing that ultimately galvanizes their team (if it’s to be), regardless of how the Gasol saga ends. Then again, probably not ... but I doubt they’ll be worse off than they were, because of it.

[marc in panama]

Hola Doug,

Since baseball season is almost upon us, have you had the pleasure of reading Chad Harbach's The Art of Fielding? As good as Kinsella's Shoeless Joe, for my money.

marc in panama

Blogger's note: It's high on the list of must-reads; hear nothing but good about it

[mark]

Doug

I find you are very negative towards this season. Most fans are loving this season. Because the Raptors stink does not mean that the season is not a lot of fun. It has had some great games starting with Christmans day and the Raptors woes should not clog your vision of the league.

[J]

@Rob V:

"Everyone is so worried about being politically correct, until they get to the comedy club of course where (insert your favourite comedian- I’ll take Chris Rock) is just DRILLING a particular race.
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Acceptable?... you tell me, what do you think of this??"

I never liked Chris Rock anyway. =P

Seriously though, as an example of a funny joke involving ethnic stereotypes, I'd refer Russell Peters (I think that's his name) to you. He cracks jokes at fellow Indians, as well as Chinese people, and it's funny because... well, it's true! Contrast that with comedians with the same credibility as Nicolas Cage's version of Mandarin in The Sorcerer's Apprentice and it's light and day (just as an interesting tidbit, Don Cheadle and Jaden Smith were quite respectable in their Cantonese and Mandarin, respectively). I guess the bottom line is: if the target ethnic group can relate to it, it's fine, but if the only people who can relate to it are not the target ethnic group, then it's ignorant at best. There's obviously overkill sometimes when it comes to being politically correct, but just remember, visible minorities don't have the luxury of blending in (lord knows how many dreams I've had where I looked in the mirror and saw beautiful blonde locks of hair). Is it so bad to err on the side of sensitivity, or at least not on the side of ignorance?

[D-Mac Ottawa]

@mark, If you've been watching basketball for 3 years, you can be downright jubilant about the season, and the fact we're even having one. You bet, there've been some great games, there always are (it's the NBA). If you've been watching basketball for 30... or 40... or 50 years, this year, she maybe ain't so hot... and that has nothing to do with the State of the Raptors, which we all knew wouldn't be so hot either this year. That's not to say I'm not enjoying the season, though. I love every NBA season, the good with the bad.
A little more continuation from yesterday: There's a good point to be made about political correctness in all this as well, as @Gloria and @Rob V. and others have pointed out. A lot of lighthearted humour can be found in slang terms – it's built right into their origins. Archie Bunker is a great example. And any group that can poke fun at and spoof itself makes for some of the best humour going. "Harlem Nights" might be the best ever in that category: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtA_UjelS18
It's all in the delivery. You know when it's loose and light... but then there's that point where the slippery slope comes in: you don't alway know (or notice) when it's turning sinister.
Hell, I guess it's like any other invention ever invented – they almost always start out with the greater good of the world in mind, and then somebody always manages to find a way to put them to work for themselves for 'fill in the blank' ulterior reasons... C'est la vie. But be careful!
Cheers. Go Raps! Show us how much you enjoy playing the game and the record will take care of itself!

[doug]

thanks for the link to the Berger article, a excellent piece of journalism, I love just tell it like it is journalism, and as far as Kobe goes I just thinks he sees what Berger see's a organization that is being run by kids who thinks its their personal play thing and piggy bank, he's a competitor, likes to win has been dedicated to the organization and he privy to all this going on, well it would be exasperating, also it shows that Phil was much much more then a coach out there, he was the glue that held it all together, and protected his players....also that article on Dick Hayhurst was also a excellent piece of journalism I am going to pick up his first book and read it, he's just telling it like it is, interesting to play the guessing game on who on the Jays were "jackasses" as he states I have me guess on a couple....but he was naive or is to think their wouldn't be repercussions on his books, that's how it is in all workplaces, but good for him....ok cheers...

[Tim H.]

Hey Doug:

I didn't post a comment yesterday because, quite frankly, after reading all of the other well-thought-out, mature responses, I'm not sure where I stand.

"Makes a guy feel good to be able to facilitate that stuff every now and then." That's why so many of us follow your blog religiously - every now and then, you ignite a fire, and we find how insightful most of your followers can be.

On a different note, how are your plans affected now that the Bills game won't be played in Toronto?

[LeeZ]

Doug, which is a more dysfunctional management group: the gang at the Lakers, or (wait for it...) our good man Mr. Sterling at the Clippers? In previous years, this would be a laughable question, one that would never be asked, in fact. But now?

Blogger's note: An excellent question. Reading Ken's piece; you have to think it's a tie; I bet Sterling regains the lead when it comes time to pay all his good young players

[Rob. V]

J, I completely agree with you on being more sensitive (thus my original post on why I would have fired the editor at ESPN if he worked for me).
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Having said this, I am surprised you dont lappreciated Chris Rock. IMO, he's been one of the very best over the past 20 years (genius like!).
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I'm not sure if dude will post this (Rated R!!!... REALLY rated R,,) however here is some classic (older) Chris Rock: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3PJF0YE-x4&feature=fvsr
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Oh, and (my aplogies) I had no idea you were a dudette irregular (unless I just put my foot in my mouth, yet again- it happens!!). We've crossed paths here on a couple of occassions however I guess my (male) tunnel vision wouldn't let my brain think past it. Then again, it took me 2 years to catch on to Lorie being a woman as well... guess I'm not the quickest on the uptake when it comes to the interweb world.

[Lorie]

Hi Doug!
Speaking of very good books I reread Trent Frayne's "Tales Of An Athletic Supporter" this past weekend. It's a marvellous read: splendid writing and wonderful stories. Just can't recommend it highly enough for anyone too young to remember Mr. Frayne's writing - and the rest of us who might want to experience it again. Cheers!

[Jc]

"But they weren’t and until Bryan finds some kind of stud wing who has the skills and temperament to make the right move, it’s going to be a “go-to guy by committee” and that’s a dicey proposition."

.....so please humour us....who could that be? (I won't hold you to it).

[D-Mac Ottawa]

OMG it must be a full moon or a blue moon or a blue cheese moon or something – not only did MSNBC Sports actually mention the Blue Jays (okay, it took a question from a Canadian reader to prompt the mention, but at least an actual mention has been made), Tony DeMarco even went on to offer something nice in this mention of the Jays! Wow, what a day... http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/46469154/ns/sports-baseball/
Cheers. Go Jays! Go Raps!