A week like no other -- good and bad -- about to unfold

Ah, draft week!

Best week of the year?

Worst week of the year?

Just another week of the year?

I’m going with the final one of those.

I know there those among you who find this quite the exciting week, new beginnings, new players, new starts and all that.

But the fact is: This is one very, very tiny piece of a big puzzle, especially where the HOTH are concerned.

Yes, they are likely to get a guy at No. 8 – if they make the selection – who has some promise and I can guarantee when it’s time to talk about him on Thursday night, there will be raves about his abilities and how happy they are that he was still there. But who should it be? Well, I’m going to have to think about that for a day or two and try to figure out the realistic chance of getting him.

That’s the issue with this week.

What I really don’t like, though, is the near hourly updates and speculation that keeps you hopping. Or frustrated trying to figure out what’s true.

This guy’s stock is rising.

This guy’s stock is falling.

This team’s doing this for sure.

Unless they do something else.

And it’s especially difficult when you’re selecting No. 8 because so much of what you do depends on what others ahead of you.

It’d be all well and good for me to suggest Austin Rivers is the best fit, or Perry Jones III is worth a shot or Damian Lillard would be a wise choice but that’s all dependent on what transpires with picks 2-7 and, even a draft neophyte like me can’t figure that out with any certainty.

But I will say this: No matter what position he plays, the Raptors need not worry about what they have when they make their choice.

This is a young team with some interesting bits and some promise but it’s not like it’s a roster dotted with all-stars that’s coming a successful string of seasons. And competition within a roster for playing time is never a bad thing.

(Although I still say trading out of No. 8, packaging the pick with a player to get a player is the best course of action).

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So, do I need to watch Newsroom or what?

Considering I think The West Wing was one of the best TV shows ever and Sports Night was as under-rated as anything on the air, I’m thinking the answer will be a resounding yes.

Of course, being in England for almost a month this summer’s going to be a bit of an issue but we can get around that.

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Know what’s a great night?

Sitting on a patio with friends with music playing (Hi, Mick and Angelo’s, best local in the Falls) after a day beating up an unsuspecting golf course.

Kind of takes the sting away from the missed shots, the gentle fades that turn into vicious slices and, I tell you, golf and I are almost done.

Time was, I could move the ball around pretty well but with creeping age and creaky joints, I don’t have the time necessary to work hard enough or play often enough to be any good.

And as I was hunting for balls in fescue all day Sunday, it really hit home.

Great game. Frustrating, though.

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Okay, we’ve got four Euro2012 teams left and I’m wondering who I jinx next.

Portugal, I think.

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I’m sure you all read this dispatch setting up the national women’s team and its Olympic qualifier that starts this afternoon in Ankara, Turkey.

It’s pretty straightforward what has to happen: They need to beat Mali today or France tomorrow and then someone in a cross-over quarter-final and they’re in the Games.

(And, we are endeavouring to have daily coverage through the week)

Straightforward but not that easy; these tournaments have a way of putting all kinds of pressure on athletes who’ve had an awful lot of time to think about the games, the consequences and the schedule.

But the one thing I got from seeing the women when they were here in Hazelville earlier this month, and from knowing them over the years, they do have a mental toughness about them.

I don’t know a lot about the opponents they’ll face – a bit by reputation and style of play more than anything – but I’ve contended all along that this team has the talent to be in the Games and I imagine they make it.

And you know who should be happy about that?

Canadian sports fans.

I know the Olympics are a different breed and it’s often about individuals rising to the occasion on one specific day but there’s something about team sports that captures the imagination.

The tournaments build momentum and interest and seeing how there is only one Canadian “team” at the games – the women’s soccer team – having the basketball team there will give fans of team sports something to watch develop.

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So I hear I have to go to the ACC today; bunch of second-round picks are allegedly working out and it’ll be nice to see the people.

And since I’ve been lucky enough to avoid all previous draft workout sessions, a chat with a Henchman or two is order, I believe.

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Comments

[Dan]

Doug,

They'll be airing Newsroom here in the UK starting in July. We'll be a few weeks behind as usual though.

[Matt]

Calderon + Ed Davis for #9 + Ben Gordon? BGfills aneed of a vet and a scorer of the bench, while with 8 and 9, raps can take Lamb and Rivers and solidify their wing core for the distant future. When BG's contract expires it will be time for extension talks for the 8th and 9th picks plus Valanciunas (if he comes over this year). Pistons shed salary and get a good mentor to show Knight the ropes of PG play, as well as a more ready big (still with potential) than the one's to be available at 9.

[Mike D.]

Yes, golf is a terrible, frustrating game, but there's always one moment in each round that keeps me coming back: the moment when I peek out between the branches in the deep rough and see the beverage cart waiting patiently on the cart path.

[S.R.]

Hi Doug,

Got two tickets from a colleague, to the Toronto Raptors draft party at Maple Leaf square. I tried searching online to see what this is and who will be there but was unable to find anything of significance. Do you have any idea of what this is and whether any of the players will be in attendance?

Thanks.

Blogger's note: Not entirely sure, but there are usually a couple of players hanging around town draft night

[D-Mac Ottawa]

What I love about this week has nothing to do with the draft itself, because it always takes a couple of years, or more, to know how any draft pans out. What I love is the sheer anticipation of an entire new season that's now ahead of us – nothing but promise, and hope, the possibility of some wild trade(s) on draft night, a wide open free agency field... none of us knows what the 2012-13 edition of any NBA team will look like right now, so anything and everything is still possible. Maybe even for the Raptors! Cheers. Go Raps!

[sam]

There seems to be a lot of posturing with the draft, whether it be from the players, agents, or teams - You can lose sight that we are talking about a collection of kids who happen to play a sport exceptionally well, and are on the doorstep of being set for life financially.

[sportschic]

Last week, Platini tipped a Germany Spain final. This was before the quarterfinals games had been played, and I found it annoying. It could still play out that way, but I don't think the head honcho should answer questions on the subject. I can't imagine David Stern saying anything similar. It would be like during the playoffs saying the teams he imagined would be in the final. I think league execs should 'recuse' themselves from answering this type of question. What do you think?

Blogger's note: I tend to agree, sometimes silence is the best idea; we know about conspiracy theorists out there

[Moshigh]

@ Matt, sorry I dont really dont think Ben Gordon is the way this Raptors team should be going (my opinion). He maxed his effort out in Chicago couple years ago. Landed a big contract but has been less then impressive since.

To me its whatever move is the best move. If Raptors can get a player that is NBA ready then go for it. But I also wouldnt mind Raptors moving the #8 pick for a good player that could have a solid impact on the team now. Not everyone will be a OKC with draft picks.

Im not buying rumors of Nash signing with Raptors.

Euro 2012 big deal for many, but not for me at all.

[Mike kovacs]

Newroom last night was great - excellent characters and a good story. I am not being sarcastic when I say thanks for jinxing Portugal. I hope that you want Italy to win over Germany as well.

[Lorie]

Hello Doug!
Ahh, Golf and Vintagehood. They really don't go together all that well, do they? Unless you've been blessed with the never-bothered-by-age swing Moe Norman had. It sort of evolves into game of increased strokes: those needed to get round the course and the therapeutic sort needed after. (By the way, has anyone read Lorne Rubenstein's new book "Moe And Me"? Thinking it might be an interesting one about a real Canadian phenom - pre-Bieber.) Well, this is THE day our SWNT has been working towards for a long time. Doug, do you know if when the game against Mali tips off at 2:15ET the FIBA website will be offering a (free?!) live feed? Cheers! And Go Canada!!!

Blogger's note: I don't believe it's free

[LeeZ]

Don't know if anyone posted this article before, so forgive me if you've all already seen it, but kinda insteresting talk with Vince about maybe coming back to the Raps as a FA. Let the shrieking and vomitting and brow beating commence!!!
http://blogs.thescore.com/raptorblog/2012/05/11/catching-up-with-vince-carter/

[jaunty]

Lots and Lots and Lots of rumour out there to "replace" actually doing work while at work!
I have heard more then one (strong) Nash rumour since yesterday - however I also heard Lowry and Gragic names too yesterday and today, so one conclusion we can make....they want a PG. I guess Calderon's great floor general, assist to ratio, "can run a team" (as Coach Casey politely and professionally said) isn't what the Raptors seek when build a Championship team. The are sayin' Calderon can lead the team, but when the team is trying hard to put toegethr the pieces for a championship/ply-off team - Calderon is NOT on thier short list! SO, If its (assist-t/o ratio) you want then Scott Machado (who lead the NCAA in that category last two years) is your new guy - he is so wanted that you can grab him with a mid second round pick - becuase its obvious how important (t/o to assist) ratio really is!!!!!
BYE BYE CALDERON!!!!!!!!! :-)

Blogger's note: Actually, they're not but you won't believe it. Think it might be prudent to have a backup? But whatever

[Rob.V]

S.R The draft party will host the first round of the draft and I beleive DeMar and Amir are scheduled to be there. This is actually interesting when you think about it.
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I mean, what are the chances that either of these two are included in a possible draft day trade that Colangelo had mentioned. Imagine that?.
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Hey Amir, great to meet you... really looking forward to you being back with the team... Huh?, oh wait... look up on the big screen... Jay Bilas is reporting that you were just traded along with the #8 pick to the Bobcats!!!.... Nevermind!... Hey DeMar... nice to meet you man...
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I mean, could the Raptors really ask these players to be in attendance, meet with the fans, only to have them traded on draft night? Logic would dictate that this is unlikely and that they are in the longer term plans for the team so guess this means... well, probably nothing really. Other than the trade rumours for Jose and Ed Davis are about to run rampant for the next 4 days.

[jb]

If Steve Nash joins the raptors, it says one thing about his character - all he cares about is money.

Blogger's note: So, make sure you write here the next time you get offered a raise at your job and turn it down, okay?

[gdr]

Doug, if the rumours are true and Raps acquire Lowry from Houston before the draft, would that kill any chance of Nash signing in T.O.? Love the blog, thanks.

Blogger's note: Sorry. Too many hypotheticals and if I do one, I have to do 'em all and I'd never get any work done.

[Moshigh]

If Colangelo could roll the dice and get Lowry somehow with the pick, I think its a nice way to build a team. I like Jose and he could certainly stay around as a back up. But Raptors need a impact player like Lowry. A guard he can score, rebound play defense and also drop some nices passes.

I know its just rumors but for this set of fans we need something to hope and dream about. Ed Davis could be moved, he is good rebounder and may develop. But with Big V..cant call him Big, so with youngster V coming over the front court getting to busy.

[LeeZ]

Newsroom has taken an absolute beating from the critics so far. They go on and on about how it isn't realistic and that in this day and age of infotainment and internet news, a newsroom like that is pure fantasy. But that's the freaking POINT! Sorkin is all about fantasy! What was the West Wing if not pure, unadulterated fantasy? Sorkin likes creating parallel universes, and people who are cynical and tired and frustrated and despairing can, for an hour at least, imagine how things would, could and should be, and at the same time be entertained and informed. I'll take that in a New York minute.

[Andrew Gregg]

Hi Doug:

I really like the weeks leading up to the draft and watching the draft itself. It's the most direct connection the NCAA game has to the pros. You spend the winter and the Tournament watching these kids and you wonder who is going to snag them come June. If Sullinger and Jones III had gone last year they might have been picked much higher than they are predicted to go this year. But who knows? Arujo and Villenueva weren't supposed to be lottery picks, but there were back room men who thought they were smarter than everybody else and picked them high. Then you have Damon Stoudamire at 7 (or was it 8?) going surprisingly high and turning into the ROY. That's good drama.

I think there will be some great talent available at 8. Then again I thought Lorenzo Charles, Ed O'Bannon and Byron Houston were all going to be All Stars. If the Raps do opt for Austin Rivers this year I'll have to learn how to root for a Duke player. Going to be hard. For that reason alone I hope its either Lillard or Lamb.

But it doesn't matter that much anyway, because Valanciunas could well be the ROY this season. Wouldn't that be great?

As you say, Doug, Toronto has always been a better story than a team. Lots and lots of intrigue building for this year. That's why I love being a Raps fan.

AG, Toronto

[Mike kovacs]

Critics drubbing Newrsroom is like police who don't like cop shows or doctors/nurses who don't like medical shows. It's because the errors are so obvious that they overwhelm any enjoyment of the show.

[JHK]

Chances of pick moving on a scale of 10?

Blogger's note: Today? 3. Tomorrow? Who knows. Thursday? Your guess as good as mine

[jb]

"Blogger's note: So, make sure you write here the next time you get offered a raise at your job and turn it down, okay?"
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k - about a month and a half ago a head hunter contacted me and offered me job with a different firm. The pay was around 35% more than what I am making. I declined b/c I am happy with my current place of employment...I mean where else can I spend all day on the Internet talking about fictional scenarios in the NBA on the star website and when I get tired, I close my office door and take a nap.
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Regarding Nash, the only reason he would come to the Raptors is if the organization GROSSLY overpays him and that he sees a job with the organization after retirement. That's all he's coming for, if he cared about winning and wanted more than the mini mid level, he join one of Dallas(if Deron is not signing), Portland or Pacers....without coming across as a ring chaser. If he wanted to chase a ring, he join Heat, Thunder(coming off the bench) or maybe Lakers but not NYK (melo is the ultimate ring blocker). But he would only come to the Raptors for one reason....3+ years and MONEY(a contract that no other team would consider offering, given his age and history of back injuries).

Blogger's note: Good for you; bet your family was happy. We'll be done now

[J]

@jb:

It's clear from your work ethic (or obvious lack thereof), that your analogy is anywhere but close to what was suggested. Nash clearly won't be turning down money to be a lazy bum.

[james]

It's not often that an obvious intimate of a prominent player like @jb posts to a blog. Very pleased to know what is in Nash's mind.

[doug]

every year in the spring I have to decide what my schedule is like in the next few months...why??..as it dictates whether I am going to play a fair amount of golf that particular year...I love golf and am was always around the scratch golfer handicap area...but if I know I have a busy year I maybe play once...as it's far to frustrating, as short game takes repetition, putting, iron play needs a touch/feel..so it's frustrating to play infrequently, as I get not only ticked at the results of a particular shot but get more ticked knowing I can do much better, just haven't the time...this year is a good golf year, a couple years ago I never played once due to life commitments....as to do it half-assed to me just makes no sense financially or more importantly mentally...ok cheers....

[jaunty]

Blogger's note: "Actually, they're not but you won't believe it. Think it might be prudent to have a backup? But whatever"...Ok time will tell, BUT I cant even begin to think the Raps are keeping a 10.7 million dollar back-up PG let alone one with limited skills like Calderon's - Colangelo and Stefanski are smarter than that. Mabey they amnesty him and sign him back at the mid-level (what he is worth)...yeah then mabey! My money is on either Bayless gets his (4.1 mil qualifier) and he is the back up next year or they pick up a back up in the draft with one of the 2 second rounders - reports say Raps have had lots of 2nd round potentials working out lately....OR mabey they get a back up PG in a trade or by F/A!?!...who knows....what we do know is, ots of more options over a 10.7 million dollar back up PG when the team is trying to build a winner...now that wouldn't be prudent! lol good day Sir!

Blogger's note: Please at least have rudimentary knowledge of the rules, can't amnesty a guy and sign him back.