The start of the weekend mail; and some Hall of Fame tunes

Hey, way to go, folks.

Late rally got us this, there are a few left over for tomorrow and we’re always open for last-minute selections.

Do it here now because I’m not a big fan of Atlanta and see a hotel lobby stool in my future, leaving me time to mess around tonight.

Thanks

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Q: Hi Doug. I'm hoping you'd respond to Raptors related question for once. I believe this season was a complete waste with no progress at all. Amir johnson was non existent, Ed Davis hasn't really developed at all (same as last year) and...nothing else really. The only way I'd see this season not being fully wasted is if they finish in the bottom 5 to have a chance for a number 1 pick. Your thoughts and analysis?

Thank you

Kam H, Richmond Hill

A: For once? You new here? See the stuff I deal with?

Well, I’m not sure I can convince you otherwise but the last thing this season was was a complete waste. Ed Davis is far better than he was, as a group they are significantly better defensively and they accomplished almost all the realistic goals that they set for themselves. They might not be playing the post-season or for a championship, but they moved ahead, which -- in case you haven’t been paying attention since Christmas – was what the season was all about.

Now, I’m pretty you don’t actually want “thoughts and analysis” rather than validation for your opinion. In my opinion, they are far ahead now than they were a year ago.

And, not sure if you’ve paid too much attention to the pucks lottery or what but it doesn’t matter where they finish, they have a chance at the top 3 picks.

But thanks for playing.

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Q: Hi Doug. I'm from a small town called Perth city in West Australia. Huge Raptors supporter, I even traveled to Toronto to live and breathe the boys a couple of years ago. Is it just me or do I not see that Amir Johnson is overlooked as being a great trade this year? I never seem to see his value and find him awkward to watch? Am I the only one?? I feel there would be a hundred other plays his size that could fill his shoes???? Love the blog I read it everyday and am a true fan of your work. I would appreciate to hear back!!! Keep up the awesome blogging! Love all the way from Down Under!

Jeff W, Perth

A: By almost anyone’s standards, I think the consensus would be that Amir has not had a particularly good year. His numbers aren’t off that much but his impact on games has been far less this year than it was last. That said, I still think he can be a valuable contributor to an NBA rotation.

However, I do think that, depending on how the lottery shakes out, Bryan should at least explore what he might bring in a trade. Not sure what that will be but it’s a conversation the GM has to have with his counterparts.

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Musical interlude? Why not.

Hall of Fame weekend down in Cleveland, wonder if the dudes from Faces regret these hair-dos.

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Q: Hi Doug, I don't know if you had heard this but around a month or so ago a premier league footballer (Fabrice Muamba) suffered from a heart attack at just 23 years old (he's now 24). He's recovered now but it was devastating and unexpected considering his young age.

My question is in the NBA has someone ever suffered from a heart attack Or has any other condition mid game? Final question is how thorough and frequent are the health check-ups for NBA players to make sure this doesn't happen?

Thanks

Chinaza E, London

A: Mentioned this a week or so ago but, no, I don’t recall an instance of any NBA player having a heart attack during a game. They are given extensive physicals before each season and deal with trainers and medical staffs daily but it’s my understanding that heart attacks can, sadly, just happen and there may sometimes be no preventative measures that can be taken.

Glad Muamba’s doing better, too.

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Q: Two unrelated questions:

How likely is it that Jamaal Magloire is a Raptor next year? Or a Leave (would certainly bring Truculence if he can stand on skates)?

And, if you are coerced/forced to be a TOD beat writer for a day/week/whatever, will your cheering stop? Or will you become like Vinay Menon, blogging as TOD fan? Just curious.

Jim S, Thornhill

A: I’m beginning to think it’s more likely than not that Jamaal will be back, they love the way he mentors young players and the commitment he brings at practice. So it wouldn’t surprise me at all if there was another one-year, non-guaranteed, veteran-minimum contract in his future.

And I do think that if I get assigned to a Jays series or two that I can separate myself from liking them to reporting on the games objectively. Probably been around long enough to be able to do that well for a series or a week or whatever.

And Vinay did such a good job, I wouldn’t want to take a shot at anything like that, lest I fail miserably.

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Q: Hey Doug, before the season started I thought my raptors would only win 7 games. so I really focused my attention on college basketball, to see who could be the team changer for us. Unfortunately, I'm not sold on any 1 player. It was supposed to be a good draft but I don't see any James, Howard, wade or Durant in that draft. Anthony Davis? Looks more like Camby than Duncan. WHO COULD CHANGE OUR TEAM DOUG?

Patrick B, Ottawa

A: NO ONE PLAYER, REALLY!

It’s not about one guy, the James, Howards and Durants don’t come around all that often. So it’s about pieces and if they get a good one to go along with what they’ve got and got coming, it’s all part of the growth.

Now, I hope you’re not trying to denigrate Camby, are you? Dude’s had a pretty darn good career.

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Q: Hey Doug: The other day in the IGBT, someone asked if you had ever hit an albatross. Your response made me think that, as a sports fan, you've probably gone a few rounds yourself. If that's the case, care to tell us what your handicap is?

Tim H, Windsor

A: My handicap now is whatever I can negotiate with my playing partners on the first tee; I start at about 19 and give a little in the give-and-take.

There once was a time when I played an awful lot and got it down to high single digits; then life interrupted, Super Son arrived and I haven’t scared 10 in more than a decade.

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All of Guns n Roses won’t be at the Hall, which is tough. This a good late-night singing song, no?

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Q: Hey Doug: This came up on a sports radio station I listen to. The speaker suggested that casual sports fans, if 'their' team is not involved, will only watch a competition if one of the competitors is a 'hated' one - the Yankees, the Heat, etc. This way, they have someone to cheer against. Otherwise, there is no reason for them to watch. This was brought up because Tiger Woods was out of contention at the Masters, and so, the speaker suggested, no one would be watching, unless they were a fan of one of the contenders. Do you feel that this is an accurate assessment of casual fans? Do we need someone to 'hate' in order to watch? Along the same lines, do people watch NASCAR in the hope that there will be some spectacular accident?

Thanks again for all you do!

Tim H, Windsor

A: I’m not sure if that’s the case in regular seasons, when I think casual fans will watch a game just for the sport of it; I imagine when it comes time for a championship, people would pick out a “villain” in a series and perhaps take a stronger rooting interest than they would normally. But as for a run of the mill Tuesday night in the middle of a season, I think a fan might tune in just to watch a game rather than to cheer against someone.

And, yes, I believe there are casual fans who will watch a few minutes of a car race hoping to see a wreck.

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Q: Doug. I look at teams with money to spend in FA. Portland and Toronto fighting over the Top Free Agent Hedo... Detroit clearing cap room to get the FA in Ben Gordon... (and added Charlie V).

My point is... just because we have millions do we have to spend them this year??? The F.A crop 2013 looks much stronger than this year's crop.

Jeff M, Saint John

A: No, they don’t have to “spend” them at all and I agree this is an underwhelming free agent class. But please don’t discount the possibility of trading into some of that valuable cap space because they have to do something to improve the talent level.

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Q: Hey DS. I have my own opinion of Lamar but I was wondering, is this practice normal? Inactive for rest of season and getting paid? Are there other players that this has happened to? Just curious.

Thanks.

Simone S, Toronto

A: No, not normal at all, not at this time of year and not with a player of Odom’s alleged status. Sometimes, teams acquire players at the trade deadline on small contracts that are used as salary cap ballast and those players are told to stay away but this is a rare event.

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Q: Hey Doug. Love the perspective your blog brings and well considered opinion. The Raptors are finally bringing in D League guys to audition - great move. More information on more players in actual NBA games equals better player decisions. Why haven't management done this more often and earlier in the years when playoffs were not an option? Or at the beginning the year instead of the Anthony Carters or Rasual Butlers? Keep the blogs coming.

Jim W, Ajax

A: Well, a couple of reasons, actually.

First, you can’t do 10-day contracts early in the season.

Second, they wanted to get a look at their own guys, with some old heads around for emergencies, and once they did that and the season was all but over and the injuries mounted, they decided to take a few games to check out some other young players.

And, frankly, only one of them really has even a sniff at a training camp invitation, which should probably tell you about the skill level in the D League. Sure, some guys have a good week or two; most are flawed enough that they can’t really help in the long-term.

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Was checking out some G n R for what you saw early, saw their cover of this one and couldn’t bring myself to use it.

It is, and will forever be, a Dylan song.

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Q: Doug. Just wondering is there going to be any discussion of moving DeRosen to SF. I think that is the most suitable position for him if he can bulk up and improve his defense. Also there are going to be lots of options At SG this off season either with free agents (Ray Allen) draft (J. Lamb) or trade (James Harden). I think the most glaring hole in this roster is a closer/creator other than PG. what do you think?

Manuel M, Detroit

A: I’m going to go back to my long-held belief that the difference in shooting guard and small forward is much a case of semantics as anything so, sure, if DeRozan bulks up and extends his shooting range consistently, you can call him whatever you like.

Now, I seldom talk about specific players for a summer at this point in the season but to dash your hopes, I will suggest that a 36-year-old Ray Allen will have no interest whatsoever in the Raptors, the Lamb kid is intriguing but at least a couple of years away and would be a late-lottery pick most likely and if Oklahoma City lets James Harden get away, it will be solely because Sam Presti has lost his mind.

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Q: Hi Doug. Irregular reader, newbie questioner. I have a draft question. Say a kid like Anthony Davis knows he's going first, but doesn't like any of the teams that can draft him. He decides not to enter the draft, but after the draft occurs, hires an agent. Is he now a free agent and can sign with any team he wants, or does he have to wait until next year's draft?

Thanks

H T, Markham

A: No, he’s not. He would have to enter the draft the next year and he’d be screwed for going back to college because he signed with an agent. Europe or D League or NBL Canada would be options.

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Hope Caper]

Hey Doug, while I didn't expect much from the Raps this year I was looking to see who improved and have to agree Amir slipped a little. Davis shows some upside and it is going to be tough for the Raps to decide if they have to move one, after all Amir is a vet but his age is still indicative of more to come. I thought Jose possibly had his best year as a Raptor in that this team is not the same without him. Same could be said for Bargs. After that parts become interchangeable. I do think Bayless, JJ and LK (who had a decent return after his injury) showed enough to be brought back or traded for someone they need. For sure there is no doubt bepth of any kind will be advantageous going forward.
Hairstyles? How about the countless millions Rod inspired to emulate his "do"? I can remember being tempted at the time but had just cut my hair to get a job and so was saved the deja embarassment.

[Jay]

Reggie Lewis collapsed mid game in the early 90's

[LeeZ]

@Jay: yes, Reggie Lewis, and Hank Gathers in college. Don't think in either case it was a heart attack per se, but it was heart-related (enlarged heart, I believe, or Maraphan (sp.?) syndrome). Doug, I would quibble about your assessment of Ed Davis: his play has been very inconsistent this year. He has taken MANY games off, he has not developed any discernable go-to moves (a little left-handed baeline jump hook a few times, but only once in a blue moon), his free-throw mechanics are atrocious, and he has not once showed he wants to put his stamp on a game. On the plus side, he has improved his mid-range game a bit (that little jumper of his is a nice addition) and he has shown some nice big-to-big passing. He came into this season with a supposed 15 pounds of additional muscle, but to no discernable effect. Overall, I actually don't think there's been a NET improvement, far less the "far better player" that you speak of. But neither has he regressed, which is always a real risk for sophmores (see: jinx, sophmore). I think next year will be a very interesting year for him. This is what I'd like to see from him: a reconstructed foul shot (which DC says will be happening this off-season); more muscle (and a couple of extra inches in a late growth spurt would be great!); becoming more of a centrepoint on offence instead of just an afterthought (i.e. developing that jump hook more, and adding another move or two); CONSISTENCY, game in and game out. If those things happen, he will be a keeper. If they don't hapen, or at least don't start to happen, I will be worried.

[coachd]

Hi Doug,
Interesting question about heart attacks. It got me thinking. Didn't Reggie Lewis of the Celtics and Hank Gathers (who never played in the NBA )both die from heart -related conditions they suffered on the court?

[Dennis]

Reggie Lewis collapsed and died from the same heart condition. Recently Cutino Mobley was forced to retire when traded to the Knicks and the medical caught that heart condition. So it's definitely not unheard of in basketball or all sports really.

Blogger's note: Not unheard of, no

[doug]

funny you mention about Camby as a buddy of mine who is a big hoops fan and I were discussing defense and defensive players...as many fans seem to like guys who hustle and play defense (which I do as well) but they have to bring something on the offensive end in my opinion...for me there have only been 3 players that I have seen that play the game at a high level defensively and bring nothing to the offensive end...or if they do it's a bonus, and 2 have won titles the one numerous titles, to be a starter on a championship team and not be expected to contribute on the offensive end is pretty rare...the 3 are Rodman,Ben Wallace, and Camby, if there are others I would like to hear about them, so yea to me as well I think Camby has had a pretty fine career....

[Eric-in-NS]

A question I would have asked during the IGBT during the Celtics game (I watched the game later via DVR):
Why was Gary F. in for such a short time? He seems to be a scorer. Did he try to do too much on his own? Did he fail defensively? Both?
Also, re: TOD, 3-game sweeps are pretty rare. And G. Zaun warned in the pregame that Baltimore wouldn't be a pushover. Keep winning series victories -- most of the time -- and they'll be fine. Winning 2 out of three all year equals 108 wins. 5 wins per 8 games = 101 wins. Etc.

Blogger's note: Forbes thing was simple; Kleiza played well

[sportschick]

Sadly, a soccer player in Italy died of a heart attack today. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/apr/14/piermario-morosini-collapses-during-game I know when a young Spanish player died a few years ago, it turned out he had a defect that was undetected even by the battery of tests they do on these athletes. It was written about at the time that there was a specific test that would have detected it, but it is expensive and not done routinely even though they do a lot of other tests; there was lobbying to have that be standard if I recall correctly. I may not have the facts exactly straight because it was a few years ago, and my memory isn't what it used to be! Very sad when a young person dies in their prime.

About the Raps, it seems I missed both a good game and a stinker this week.

[Gord]

I agree with Patrick B (sort of...) you described “legendary” players with Durant, James, Howard as to whether there are any in this draft! Not from any scouts stand point that has been written or staed, but who really knows. As I watch and follow "march madness" just for the sport of the up coming draft as I do every year and here is some of what I have seen so far. This was supposed to be a deep draft - and it is. Ill assume here for a second, what Patrick is realistically expecting from this draft or wanting for the Raps is a "take over player - a immediate impact player someone with all star written all over him"…and I do too, it could happen, because it does almost every draft, but predicting who that player is and when they should be taken is a crap shoot for every GM in every sports after the first few picks – even then nothing is ever guaranteed. Lots of players who don’t fair well in the tourny or in their w/o's fall to the middle of the draft and do very well (Iggy, Nash, Rondo) just for a small example.
In this draft the Raps could use MKG (Michael Kidd-Gilchrist): SF for Kentucky, he is an excellent defender, 6'7 with a long wing span, athletic, really high IQ, learns quickly (words from his coach), good offensively but not great. Can take his man off the ball, can shoot but not great at it, hustle plays around the rim and rebounds are usually how he gets his baskets. Casey would love this guy - you can teach offence way easier then the defensive – even though his offence is not that bad, more so his defence is that good it out shines everything else) and this guy is ready to step in. MKG will mostly likely be gone by the 2 or 3 spot.
Another guy that looks good around 4-7 spot that could help that Raps is Bradley Beal: 6'5 SG, this kid can score, his jump shot is terrific, can create his own shot, can drive and finish the net, great passer and unselfish player, hits the three, he is big and in great shape for a SG (207 pounds) and also can play defence well with a high basketball IQ is a fresh man at Florida and averaged 18 points almost 6 assist and almost 4 rbs per game. He is predicted to be an immediate star for what ever team takes him. His down side is, he has a slow first step not the fastest player and needs to improve ball handling skills. Drafting him would force DeRozan to SF (where I personally think is his best position) unless the Raps trade and get a SF then it will be a battle for the SG spot – competition is always good.
Another guy they shouldn't pass up is Thomas Robinson from Kansas. He played behind the Morris twins (who were drafted last year) for two years being the youngest of the three and this year (his Junior) year he started and exploded leading the Jay-Hawks to the final game in the tourny. Over the season he averaged 17.8 pts and 11.8 rounds (better numbers then Davis). In the final against Kentucky he dominated with something like 16 rebounds and 28 points. Robinson is the real deal, he chiselled and big like Howard, plays a big bruising inside game, dominates on the boards, he is 22 and ready to play, small learning curve, he will be an all-star. He is only 6'8 maybe 6'9 considered small but plays like 7 footer - wing spend 7'4 I believe. He would look so nice beside the tall lean scoring/rebounding 7'0 Valancunuas. These kids both play big around the net - Trade Bargs for a SF - and get this guy if you can! The Raps will be beasts with a Robinson/Big V duo.
Other guys to watch for not necessarily for the Raps, but are players who should be all star potential:
Jared Sullinger - PF
Andre Drummond - C (although, I’m not a fan)
Harrrison Barnes - SF (should be Raps draft plans)
Perry Jones – SF/PF
Jeremy Lamb - SG (waiting for w/o's to see where he will land) is the Raps headlights – especially if they trade down
Speaking of trading down, there is a PG who plays for Kentucky who is good and has a high ceiling (Kendal Marshall) he is a J Kidd/J Calderon clone with potential of being a Rondo. He is 6’, big with a long wing span and is the best passer in NCAA averages 11 assists per game I believe and has amazing court vision and very high basketball IQ. Can shoot, but never looks for his shot and didn’t need to with MKG, Jones and Davis in Kentucky. Who ever gets this guy is going to get an All-star in my opinion.
This is why the draft is considered deep - Marshall could go 10th-17th and be an all star. Another example of this, there is guy (Will Barton) who plays for Memphis is a sophomore (SG/SF) who led his conference in scoring, good rebounder and player all around - predicted to go in the early second round - normally a guy like this would go early/late 1st round and is now being bumped to the second round. The Raps have two seconds - even though they are not big on too many more rookies, there will be some players there able to help them or another team on the cheap. So if Bryan decides not to take on more players these picks could be a valuable commodity this draft and he could flip them in a trade for a good experienced rotational player or as part of a package.
Two players the Raps are said to be high on in Free Agency are Ersan Illaslova (spelled wrong) and Goran Dragic – I have read multiple times they would like to add both, another option is Batum from Portland (Restricted FA) play (SF), once again I read it in an article from bleacher reports that Casey is high on Batum would love him on his team.

[Gord]

opps - Kendal Marshall is 6'4 not 6' ....

[james]

As touched on in your game story, that effort against the Celtics will henceforth be known as Casey's Masterpiece. I'm still not sure how it was accomplished.
Perhaps the most significant comment I've heard this season about Toronto came from Popovich ("It's gonna happen for those guys!") after a similar effort with a deeper roster came up a little short against the Spurs. Now there is a dispassionate observer who can be trusted to deliver an honest opinion. If he says things will get better for the Raptors, I am happy to jump on board.

[D-Mac Ottawa]

And we can add Len Bias to the fallen.
I'm with you, @LeeZ, regarding ED. He's had a decent year, with no discernible jinx, but I'd still give Amir the edge between the two, in spite of Amir's comparatively off year. Amir has GREAT hands, he runs the floor better, he still has the best shooting percentage on the team, he sets better picks (and rolls), and he operates really well when outnumbered in the paint. He and ED are fairly even in terms of swats and boards, but I still say Amir can be a difference-maker, and if the Raps were to let him go, I'd be disappointed in the same vein as when they let Hump go. That said, again, I'd like to see both stay (far more so than Big Cat) because the 'upside' is still there to explore with both of them.
Cheers. And another Hall of Fame great: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCPb8funJo0&feature=BFa&list=AL94UKMTqg-9Dhi1nk9sbKuuM7fZWclNEN&lf=list_related

[doug]

Amir is what he is...Davis isn't, he'll be a fine NBA player, if he dedicates himself to the game in the off-season and no he'll never be the "centerpoint" of a offense or if he is god help us all (whomever your god is) his job is to crash the boards and collect "junk' points that's it....the object of this team is to improve, Amir should be moved....and I still say, as I mentioned on your IGBT last night, the signing of Vizquel was a mistake for the Jays, a certain player has lost his swagger, I don't believe in coincidences...cheers...

[J]

If I could have one simple wish come true, it'd be to never hear/read "I read it in an article from bleacher [report]" in a sentence purporting any degree of credibility. If you're even remotely familiar with the quality of work from that website, you'd realize that nothing can be taken seriously. Poor writers with horrible, self-serving logic--what do you really expect when anyone with an opinion can make an account and post an "article" on there?

[james]

Wow! Kudos to Gord for that comprehensive report on the draft-eligible. One player I noticed in the tourney was Beal and I believe he just opted for the draft. What does Gord think of Davis?