The start of the weekend mail

Hey everyone.

You go through this while I catch a morning flight up or over to Charlotte (my sense of geography’s a bit off) and we’ll get back with some Friday post-game stuff whenever I can.

Oh yeah, might have a couple of hours to putter around on the ones I didn’t get to but there aren’t too many, if you want to get in on the fun, you know how to do it, right?

But first, a bit of Van?

We’ll have more later, it’s a big Irish day.

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Q: Will the NBA ever consider giving all of the teams that don't make the playoffs (1-13) the same amount of lottery balls. This way fans aren't compelled out of good sense to root against their [insert sub-500 record here] teams for the last three months of the season just in the hopes of getting the next [insert transformational star player here] in the draft.

It grinds on a fan base to go into each game hoping your team plays well but falls short. Because everyone is afraid of becoming that dreaded .500 team that can't go deep in the playoffs but isn’t bad enough to pick first or second in draft. Watching Raptors games have become a joyless affair.

If every team gets equal weighting come lottery time the number 1 pick will still go to a "have-not" team and fans can actually enjoy games by rooting for their teams and be rewarded with either a playoff berth or a chance at winning the lottery.

Something has to change. NBA must realize its not healthy for the fans in half their markets holding their noses, rooting against W's and waiting for a half-hour lottery draft show in May. Not exactly the kind of thing that makes you want to plop down 100 bucks to go see a game.

Alex P, Toronto

A: No, I don’t anything will change, nor does it have to. While a bit flawed, the lottery process is good, in my opinion. And since the draft is arguably the smallest part of building a successful team, I don’t know that anything has to change.

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Q: Good Morning Doug. I asked this question to you last night and was wondering, during the off season are there many trades that take place in the NBA? Also, can you explain the Raptors financial salary for next year, I read that they will have between 10 and 20 million in cap space depending on the "trade excemption"? I need some clarification.

Matt D, Dorchester

A: Sure, there are lots of trades consummated around the draft and a few sign-and-trade deals at the start of free agency so that possibility absolutely exists.

Without knowing specifics like the salary cap number, the Raptors are under the assumption – and it’s always a very good assumption – that they will have more than $10 million to spend on free agents with a chance to increase that significantly if they decide to use the amnesty clause on any player.

And let me use this to add this about the Barbosa deal:

Let's say it's draft night and the Raptors are picking, oh, seventh for argument's sake. They don't like the seventh pick all that much but some other playoff team does and they've got a really good player who makes $9 million a year they want to get rid of for tax or payroll purposes.

The Raptors can now trade for that guy without gutting their roster; they could not have made that transaction had they not freed up Barbosa's money this week.

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Q: I am losing any hope for the Toronto Raptors for the next 8-10 years. Miami, Chicago, Orlando, Indiana, and Atlanta appear to be strong. Then New York, Philadelphia, and Boston will always be competitors. Unless we land a mega superstar, what chance do we have in the years to come? How can we compete with these team with the Raps so young and so many pieces needed?

Yogesh L, Woodbridge

A: Eight to 10 years? Wow. That’s long-term gloom and doom; perhaps another sport might be in order?

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Q: Hello Doug: so as of this writing (Wednesday), the Raptors are 4 games out of a playoff spot, so they are technically still in the race. Now, I want to clarify: I'm not saying they will make it, and I don't think they will. But let's do a hypothetical and say they somehow sneak in to that 8th spot (we'll assume in this situation it would be a playoff trip that leads to a four-game sweep at the hands of the Bulls). Fans would love it I'm sure, seeing as it would be a surprise, the players would obviously want it and would relish the opportunity even if it's only four games, and of course the owners would love the extra playoff cash. So yeah, there's obviously some positives to be had. However, this isn't supposed to be a playoff year -- it's meant to be a year of learning and watching a young team grow while waiting for some more pretty good pieces to come in. Sneaking in to the playoffs means they'd be out of the lottery and it would rob them of a potentially very good pick. Of course the front office isn't going to ask the team to tank it (and the team obviously won't), but I have to think despite all the positives a surprise playoff berth could do for the franchise Colangelo and his basketball office-mates have to be cringing a little bit at the fact they are basically in a race for the 8th spot that wasn't in their rebuilding plans until maybe next season. Would you agree with that?

Simon S-G, Toronto

A: If they’re cringing, they should be fired. You play to win and find out where you are at the end of the season and if that means eighth in the East and you have the 15th pick, so what?

You’ve already got a very high draft pick coming next year – consensus of non-Raptors scouts I’ve talked to this week is that Valanciunas would today be the No. 2 pick behind Anthony Davis.

So, to me, the pick is a bonus, they’ve got a promising kid coming anyway.

Win games, gain experience, teach the kids what it takes and, in effect, your 2012 draft bonanza came in 2011.

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Q: Doug, your comment about Ed Davis' free throws from the "low baseline shot" got me thinking.

The Raptors broadcasts all like to mix up the camera angles during play, sometimes near the end of the game, and I can't take it any more. During play, only the side camera angle should be used. The other baseline, under-the-basket or close-up cameras should be for replays only (OK, I'll allow free throws, too). You just can't see anything, and gauging the trajectory of a shot becomes almost impossible.

But it's not just for basketball. One prominent channel uses a behind-the-net camera for pucks power-plays and it's awful. The players are so far away and you can only see half the ice. Yet in both hoops and pucks, these horrid angles (for live action) are constantly used. Why? "Just because"?

Please use some of your vast influence to tell them to knock it off.

Thanks. Much appreciated.

Mike B, Toronto

A: I have no influence but, trust me, people in power will see this and your point will be made. It’s not just you, either; if there’s been one consistent complaint about the broadcast – and I don’t see enough to know if it’s legitimate – is the camera angles.

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Q: Howdy do, this week’s random thought/question revolves around something that has come up in the IGBT and in the daily blog. On a number of occasions you have made mention of your enjoyment of a tale well told, or conversely, well written. I find myself wondering if, in your experience, that someone who crafts a wonderful tale in print is also to be expected to be a wonderful storyteller in person? Understanding that a person's confidence with their audience can influence this, has it been your experience that the two are mutual abilities?

As always thanks for what you do.

Doug T, Brantford

A: I don’t know if they’re expected to be but it’s my inclination to say they generally are. There’s an auditory component to the written word – I believe readers “hear” as much as they “read” – so if you write with a lyrical quality, you should be able to tell the same story verbally. Can’t say that’s always true but the writers I hang with can usually spin a yarn.

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Q: There's a lot of talk right now about Mississauga's Andrew Nicholson playing for the St. Bonaventure Bonnies. Where is this St. Bonaventure situated?

Phil D, Toronto

A: Picturesque Olean, N.Y., just down the road from Buffalo.

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Q: Hi Doug. ESPN 30 For 30 films is debuting "The Announcement" this weekend, documenting Magic Johnson's proclamation of being inflicted with HIV. I think this will likely be one of the best in the already incredible 30 for 30 series. Do you have any idea when and where we will be able to see this in Canada?

Bryan W, Toronto

A: I understand it’s an outstanding show that tells an important tale very well. So, of course, it’s going to air in Canada on Saturday, March 24 at 2:30 in the afternoon. On TSN2.

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Q: Hi Doug, I saw this in True Hoop, "The most obvious change means shooting guard Gary Neal, who made the team last season as a 3-point specialist, will become starter Tony Parker’s primary backup at point guard" and was wondering how Cory Joseph's season has been going? Not so good I imagine, but what do you know about it?

Kevin M, Maple

A: It’s going as expected; he’s a college sophomore learning how to be a pro in an NBA program with great expectations and little time to handle the vagaries of youth.

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Q: Given Ricky Rubio's injury, how concerned will the folks back in Spain be about Jose's ankle with the Olympics just around the corner?

K J, Toronto

A: No, not in the least. It’s a sprained ankle that might keep him out two weeks in March before the late-July Olympics. Am sure they yawned, actually.

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Q: Hi Doug. I was heartbroken hearing the news about Ricky Rubio's injury. Raptors fan at heart but the T'Wolves have been exciting to watch this year. Do you have any anecdotes regarding ACL injuries? Do you think there will be permanent damage, ruining his upside. Even if he returns, do you think his potential is now limited because of the injury? I often hear about players recovering, but losing lateral quickness. Any insights?

Mike H, Toronto

A: Everyone’s different and I have no guess on what Rubio will be like in a year or so when he’s back. But it was his court vision and passing skills that made him stand out, not jaw-dropping athleticism.

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Q: With the trade deadline coming up, and after looking at the standings and realizing the Raps were only 5 games out of a playoff spot to a reeling Knicks team, it seems like an opportunity was lost this year to get into the playoffs. I can understand going with a youth movement if you're building around Kevin Durant/Russell Westbrook caliber players, but I don't see anyone of that ilk on this roster. Now I'm know expert, but a great first step for a young team, would be to get in the playoffs and get a taste of what it's like and then you can build off that knowing you're now a playoff team. It seems the mindset is if they aren't a top four team in the Conference, they don't want to even get in? How long do you let someone choose the players, who can't even get it together enough to get to a .450 winning percentage in a conference that is loaded with sub-par teams?

Shawn L, Bowmanville

A: Well, the GM’s got a contract through this year and next and an option after that. Does that answer the question?

Why is an opportunity lost? Why has it changed? Why is any different today than it was at the start of the season with a clearly-defined plan that they haven’t strayed from once?

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Comments

[LeeZ]

@AlexP: couldn't agree more (re: all non-playoff teams getting the same number of ping pong balls). And Doug, I agree with you that the draft is arguably the smallest part of building a successful team; that is, I agree with the word "arguably", in that I would argue just the opposite! As you have correctly pointed out many times, this is a players' league. Look at all the successful teams, and virtually all of them have scored big time in the draft. Go back to the Spurs, when they had that horrible year and their consolation prize was drafting Duncan. Presto voilà, they were a contender for years to come (it wasn't just the draft, of course; there was great coaching too. But the greatest coaching in the world ain't gonna cut it if you don't have the horses). And if you don't have the horses to begin with, the challenge is HUGE. Look around the league: Rose and Noah; Durant and Westbrook; Griffin; look at Cleveland in their previous incarnation and now: they drafted Lebron, which instantly took them from horrible to amazing; he fled, and then they sucked again. They drafted Irving, and already they are playing WAY better than expected, as the kid is a 4th quarter scoring machine. Are there examples of teams botching the draft? Of course. Can it be a crapshoot? Of course. But by and large, I can't think of a single factor that's more important, especially when it comes to high draft picks, hence the tanking that either does happen, is perceived to happen and the "fan tanking" alluded to by @AlexP. Doug, which factors would you place above the draft in terms of importance to reviving a franchise?

[brad]

I loved Alex P's idea about the equal ping pong balls for every team that doesn't make the playoffs.No system is perfect, have always thought maybe a better way is extend to all teams in the league a chance at the first couple picks, but I think the idea of equal weighting of non-playoff teams is great. Not that players themselves believe in the whole 'tanking' strategy (as they are playing for their own jobs) - but for fans and even upper mgmt, the allure of higher draft positions (especially in key drafts such as 2003 etc) would be eliminated with this structure.

Doug I usually agree with you but I think its understating the importance of the draft by saying its the smallest part of building a successful team - for teams not in NYC, LA, Miami etc that have a harder time attracting free agents just based strictly on destination I'd say its a huge part. Get one or two solid picks, build a foundation from that - then once future is bright and/or winning it gives an opportunity to add free agents. Free agents join only for $, for location or for winning program - if Toronto's not willing to dramatically overspend (a la NYC), its somewhat proven that players are necessarily attracted to Toronto as a destination (in most cases), then the only way Toronto attracts top tier free agents is if future is bright - which is based on draft. Trades are more in Toronto's favour but the Rap's have had enough refuse to reports that even that's not gtee'd to build a successful team, plus you still need the assets to make it happen (usually from draft as well).

Alex P - great idea.

[Striker 77]

Hey Doug,

I am sorry to bring up the Barbosa trade again, but something just does not sit right with me... not trying to be difficult.. but,

I was doing some back tracking in my mind. Please correct me if I am wrong in this line of thought:

TJ Ford (and R Hibbert, I think) became Jermaine O'Neal, Jermaine O'Neal became Hedo Turkoglu, Hedo became Barbosa, Barbosa became a second round draft pick...

I know that all of the players that eventually became Barbosa are WAY passed their prime, but they were some big players. Am I wrong in thinking a 2nd rounder was a bit of a surprise, even though you mention that 29 GMs thought it that way? A 7 or 8 million dollar contract is a 2nd rounder...

Having said all that, I get why it was done...

Blogger's note: Nothing in sports is linear

[Rick from Mississauga]

@AlexP and your idea of all non-playoff teams getting the same number of lottery balls: sorry, your idea makes too much sense for the NBA establishment to like/support.
(Doug, please don't add a bloggers note to this comment. Most of your bloggers notes are either to chastise/send off your readers or to yawn. Please delete this second paragraph in brackets if you choose to display my first comment addressing AlexP's suggestion. Thanks!)

Blogger's note: Whatever

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Top o' the morning to ye, Doug and Irregulars!
Hats off (okay, today, derbys off) to J. Bayless once again! He's coming around, and so am I. Forbes is rounding into a very interesting rotation player too for the stretch. Good, gutty work by this bunch, and I think they're WAY more fun to watch than last year's crew.
May the luck of the Irish be with ye. Slainte! Go Raps! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7O9OqBd2us

[DQ]

I think what a lot of us here forget about this season is that regardless of where we end up come draft time, the Raptors are well positioned to be players at the Draft itself.

Calderon will be an expiring contract next season, so at the draft he would have one year left. We have a boat load of cap room, multiple picks, and some young assets.

IF we made the 8th seed, or did not, and still finished in the 7-10 slot in the Draft Order, i think BC is well positioned to make a move up IF that is what he wants to do. Also, and this is key, with the brutal play of top seeds in the NCAA, some guys might see their stock fall and decide that staying in school another year would be beneficial. You could see half the projected top 10 decide that one and done is not the route to take. Its possible.

Remember that teams like Washington say, have too many young guys, and might be willing to move backwards in the draft or right out of it if they can be given a veteran, and I think Toronto can act as a great 3rd team in facililtating draft day deals.

BC will pull something off at the draft, of this I am sure, He will trade for a wing with long term contract, and avoid having to hope to sign that type of player in free agency when teams like Dallas, NJ, Minnesota and Indiana will all be slightly more attractive spots to land for free agents.

In summary, who cares where the Raptors finish. Whats more important is what they start with next season, and between then and now is an eternity of trade/free agent/draft possibilities.

[Dunk]

If the Raptors ever had success in attracting prominent free agents, I'd understand the Barbosa move. I don't. "The Blur" is one of the best players coming off the bench in the NBA. Instant offense personified.

He's a positive influence to young guys and indicated that he wanted to return. He is the type of team player that is a necessary recipe for a strong NBA contender.

What will BC do when the solid free agents decline to play for the Raptors?

Pay another HEDONOT 10 mil per yr out of desperation?

[SheikYurbouti]

Change the draft lottery, enabling (per current standings) a .500 team in the West and a .143 team in the East to have the exact same chances, because some fans feel some angst about their priorities? The current lottery system isn't perfect, nothing can be, but it certainly is agreed that it's the fairest available to the franchises, whose big money is on the line.
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Want some holes in Alex's proposal? You'll still have some of the exact same fan priority confusion. How about bottom of playoff seeding teams trying to out tank each other (and fans angst about what they should so) to get that 9th seed (at .500) so they can have same shot as a terrible team at .143. Does that work better for ya?

[GM]

I also don't want to linger on the Barbosa trade, but permit me some more idle thoughts. In your scenario on draft night, why would Barbosa's salary still be included? Doesn't it end at the end of the season? And even if it did, what are the odds Colangelo will be faced with such a scenario? Sure, it's possible, but why not just cross that bridge when you come to it? i.e. trade his expiring contract right then and there for a second round pick or whatever. It still boggles this foggy mind. And while Bayless and Forbes played well last night, I still don't think either is a player who is a major contributor on this mythic 'team-of-the-future' everyone is envisioning. If Forbes continues playing like he played last night, teams will key on him. And then what? If you key on Barbosa, he can hurt you both ways: play him too tight, and he'll zip by you; take away his speed by backing off and he'll hit from the outside. And finally, I just like the idea of having a few veterans sticking around and not having a completely new roster save for the young guys.

TV camera angles: The baseline shot doesn't really bug me. It's the paint-by-numbers directing that really bothers me. If a player blocks a shot or gets a good defensive rebound, they always show a close-up of him running down the court, even if a fast break is developing and we miss the basket. In a game that's decided, they feel the need to not show us the final 15 seconds, or whatever, so we can watch the players on the bench stand up expressionless and start walking. Riveting stuff!

Vladimir Nabokov was one great writer who, by his own admission, was hopeless when it came time to speaking. Not sure how good a yarn he could spin.

Blogger's note: Contracts expire July 1, post-draft

[Lee in Ottawa]

Lets face it the only free agents that will come to Toronto ae second tier players, (Butler, Klieza, Barbosa,,etc). If you think any top tier free agents come to Toronto I have to ask what you been smoking. I mean we went gaga over Wilson Chandler, come on, Wilson freakin Chandler.