Another piece of the puzzle about to be put in place

Happy Draft Day!

Or, as some of us like to think of it: Third worst day of the year after Pre-camp Media Day (too many people, no real stories, takes forever) and End Of The Season Locker Clean Out Day (it drags, we’re all tired, no one really says anything but you’re there waiting for about three hours).

Anyway …

What happens tonight?

Who knows?

After a flurry of activity with folks around the league last night, though, it’s come to this for the HOTH, and it’s something I’ve kind of been kicking around for a while:

The only quasi-realistic guy who can come in and help fill a need right away is small forward Harrison Barnes but I can’t envision a scenario that has him fall to eight.

Sure, Damian Lillard or Dion Waiters would be nice but I also can’t see either of them being there at No. 8 and the rest are, according to a lot of people I talk to and whose opinion I respect, are okay but hardly difference-makers for this team.

It’s a group of Austin Rivers, Perry Jones and a handful of others and if it comes to that, Bryan has to try to pull some kind of trade magic, give up eight and a player and move back to get a later pick and a better player.

Can he?

History would suggest not but this is one of the weirdest drafts that I can remember; there’s always chatter and disinformation and smokescreens and speculation but it seems there’s far more this year than there has been.

Who’s going to screw things up? Well, at first glance I’d say Cleveland might do something off the wall at No. 4, I can see Sacramento doing something at No. 5 and the biggest wild card of ‘em all is Houston, which has three picks and a desire to move at least one, probably two and maybe all three of them.

For the HOTH?

This is not a transformative night by any means but it could be significant. If Bryan can somehow solve his small forward issue today or tonight it’s going to be a huge leg up on the free agency season that starts Sunday (a guy can’t get any rest, can he?) and things might be looking better for the future.

But if he has to hold his nose and take someone at eight who’s just a player with some promise, I think it has to be seen as a disappointing night.

Whatever happens, we’ll be sitting around tomorrow talking about it and dissecting it and wondering what it all means when the simple fact is this:

It’s a bit piece in a continuing process of improving this team; no matter what we say or what we think or what others say or think, we won’t know for sure until next fall so I’m not sure there’s any reason to get too bent out of shape regardless of what goes on.

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Five things I’d love to hear from a team executive tonight:’

“We have no idea if he can play but he made some shots when he was being guarded by one of our assistant coaches one day.”

“Sure, he’s short but he’s also slow; mental makeup will cover a lot of failings in an athlete, our sports psychologist told us.”

“No, it’s not the guy we wanted, are you on drugs?”

“We don’t think he can come in and contribute right away but we had to take someone.”

“We had no trade talks whatsoever, what do we have that anyone wants?”

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Okay, this is official:

Penalty kicks to end soccer games at hugely significant international events is a stupid way to decide a winner.

Let ‘em play!

Sure, they might get tired and play might get ragged and they might be out there for hours but who cares?

You need to find a winner on the field, not from the spot. Watching that Euro semifinal yesterday (aside from the fact it was a boring dive-fest for the first 90 minutes) left me entirely empty when it was over.

I’d rather have ‘em run until they drop and someone scores; I’d like to see coaches have to save substitutes just in case the play 150 minutes, I’d like to see overtime tactics instead of penalties.

(I’d sure have loved to see Ronaldo take one, too; wasn’t that the oddest big-game coaching decision since whoever it was left Gretzky on the bench in Nagano?)

Sure, it’s dramatic and I know the fans love it but, really, it doesn’t make any sense. They need to play those games until there’s a winner.

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And five things I’d love to hear from a draft pick tonight:

“I guess I can get used to the city; wasn’t my first choice.”

“I just want to come and get my shots and my minutes.”

“I have no idea what my teammate are like, I only watched good teams last season.”

“I don’t care what style they play, I’m going to get mine.”

“The shortest period of time I have to be here is three years, right?”

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Mail?

I’d love some.

Click. Write. Send.

And don’t forget we’ll be here tonight sometime just before 7:30, please join in, it’s fun. No idea how long we’ll stay but it’ll be worth it.

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A couple of the all-time good guys decided to hang ‘em up yesterday.

Anthony Parker told folks in Cleveland that his career’s over and it was a pretty good one; played about nine years in the NBA, was one of the classiest Raptors I ever had a chance to write about and I’m sure he’ll do well in whatever he does.

And then I wake up early this morning, check the twitter feed and find out from Jose that it looks like Garbo’s putting a lid on his career.

Can’t think of a better guy – forget player, just a guy – that I’ve had a chance to write about. Sure, he was excellent on the floor, played hard, played smart, could make a shot when you needed it, but off the court, he was cool.

Two good ones:

It’s his rookie year, he wins NBA rookie of the month (the same day he’d won Mr. Europa or something like that) he’s walking out of the interview room after a shootaround.

I get up beside him as he’s going to the locker room, suggest he should be pretty proud and looks at me and says:

“If I am rookie of the month, this league is blanked”

Classic.

And one day we’re in Madrid as part of the European training camp trip and I’m in the lobby bar of the team hotel waiting for Stumpy or something like that, sitting there having a beer by myself.

Garbo’s over at another table with his agent or someone and after they finish, he walks by to say hello. I point to the brand I’m drinking (it was all unknown to me) and ask him if it’s a good one that locals have.

He looks at me like I’ve got three heads and says:

“That beer is too light for you. You need to have a man’s beer.”

He orders me a Presidente, we sit there and have it and if you don’t love an NBAer who has an affinity for a beer and will help you pick one, well, you’ve got issues.

Love the guy.

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Comments

[Andrew Gregg]

Hi Doug:

I could never figure out why Garbo never came back to play for the Raps. I know his break was gruesome, but teams have kept worse players around with devastating injuries. It just seemed so odd he never wore the uniform again. He's exactly the kind of guy this team needed--and still needs.

AG, Toronto

[LeeZ]

So let's say Houston makes the Raps a great offer for the 8th pick (Lowrey plus their 12th pick), and neither Lillard nor Barnes nor Waiters is still on the board when it comes time for BC to make his selection. Assuming BC has not violated tampering rules by being in touch with Nash, he has no idea whether Nash would come to Toronto. So, here's my question: do you feel BC will go "bird in the hand" and pull the trigger on the trade, thereby ending his courtship of Nash before it even begins, or does he go bird in the bush and risk coming up with neither Lowry nor Nash? Secondary question: any possible scenario where BC does BOTH? I mean, I can't envision a scenario where both Lowrey AND Nash play for the Raps, but is there one? Or possibly BC makes the trade, pursues Nash, signs him and then trades Lowrey?

Blogger's note: You could do both; not a perfect world but what is?

[Nick M]

I always thought that 'being able to play both gaurd positions' was the nice way of saying a player was really a scorer but too small to play/defend shooting gaurd. This was always a negative, for example, Steph Curry(although he has done well to become a PG), Monta Ellis, Mo Williams, Jared Bayless etc...
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All of a sudden this has become a huge advantage for 2012, shoot first, draftees like Rivers and Waiters. Is there something I am missing?

Blogger's note: Not sure your original assessment is right and there's a move to multi-positional players now

[Jacques]

Doug,

Roy is coming out of retirement, would you take a shot at signing him on Sunday?

Blogger's note: Doubt it. Small money, short term, few guarantees

[Felix]

Doug,
Would you kick the tires on a Pau Gasol trade? If so, what might you offer?

Blogger's note: Sure. This pick, more picks, money, couple of bigs; tough to make the money work without gutting the team though

[chris]

1 - MKG is WAY better than Barnes. 2. We get a talent upgrade at 8 as long as we don't select Rivers. Jeremy Lamb could help the team (more upside than Demar). Dion Waiters could help the team (we`d have someone who can actually penetrate).

[Bill Short]

Nice
Gotta love Garbo

[Jacques]

Sorry Doug, one more question. if we are going to keep Jose for another year, why not go get Pau for AB and the #8 pick. Does this make sense?

Blogger's note: A bit

[Dallas]

with Garbo and Parker Retiring, It would be nice for the Raps to bring them back to ACC to be acknowledged before a game for their careers. Two guys, with more class and Bball IQ between them, than we were use to seeing hin these parts.

Doug, wondering if you'd comment on the comments from Bill Ingram in Hoopsworld, that apparently Raps are unwilling to deal for Lowry, because their hoping to get Steve Nash. It's an interesting thought, an one that look plausible. Assuming it were true, and I acknowledge that we don't know that to be the case, would it be a responsible decision? I guess from the Ownership point of view, Nash in this market would be huge. But Lowry really came on as of late, is well loved by Alvin Williams, his contract is a great value, and he seems like a coach casey player, who's at the age to really stay and grow with this group. While with Nash, he's more higly paid, much older, and interms of ability, while i'd give him and edge, it's not a big edge, at this point of their careers, and the trend is seemingly moving in Lowry's favour. Add that to the idea that this isn't an either or proposition, but rather not getting Lowry, for a chance at Nash, when at the end of the day, we may very well be overrating our chances at Steve, and the Lowry Deal may be off the table after draft night.

Just wondering your thoughts on the Nash situation, and any comments about the whether the prospect of Nash is worth the risk, basketball wise. Marketing wise, can't really compare impacts of Lowry vs Nash.

Blogger's note: I don't believe the original premise so it's all moot

[AT]

Doug,
I am surprised that this is considered your third worst day! Speaking for myself, after a few years of missing the playoffs, this is by far the BEST day of the year (BY A MILE) Quick question, will BC have offers on the table that he can opt to take or not take depending on what happens 1-7... for example a trade for #8 but he wants to keep it if Barnes is still on the board?

Blogger's note: He better; it's part of the job

[skiff]

Crawford. Marc Crawford. That's the name of the coach who decided not to employ the services of the greatest goal scorer in the history of hockey for a do or die penalty shoot out. Lest me forget his name.

What a fool....

[Dave B]

Does Nash's new position with Canada basketball make Toronto a more attractive destination than it would have been otherwise?

This is an exciting day for me. As the "draft is a crapshoot", I will be happy with whatever they do.

Blogger's note: Not a factor

[nasko]

Doug, I think Ronaldo would have shot the 5th penalty, but Portugal were out by the time it came to it

[sam]

Whatever Bryan does tonight, I'm sure it will be analysed to death - either praised, or panned with a chorus of BC's has to go. It seems at number 8 there are a few warm bodies that are possibilities for the HOTH.
Let's hope BC can pull a rabbit out of his - even though it seems he has nothing up his sleeves.

[JC]

Chad Ford at ESPN has a brand new mock draft where he actually has Barnes falling to the Raptors at 8. Davis-Robinson-Beal-MKG-Drummond-Lillard-Waiters and then Barnes. Could happen.

Blogger's note: Longshot but it could; they'd be overjoyed here

[Mike D.]

I'm hoping we draft John Henson and he plays on the second unit, just so one day I can read an IGBT that says "AB and Jose sit down for a breather and in come John Henson and the Muppets".

[Mos High]

To be honest, Im tired of hearing this Nash to Toronto stuff. Its not happening, no way no how not a chance. So for you who like to dream its ok. If you like Nash Im sure you would want him to go to a decent team so he has chance at winning.

Also maybe Canada wide Nash would be a good player to get, but I really dont think the majority of Toronto area fans will go head over heels for Nash. He is a West coast Canadian player Victoria/Vancouver.

@ Dallas bring back Garbo and Parker to honor them. Hopefully Not anytime in the near future. Parker maybe a nice guy, but he was less then stellar. The way I hear people talk of Parker you would think he was a allstar. Garbo had a nice run, but never came back. Maybe in 5 yrs from now if they visit arena, you put them up on the big screen.

No clue what will happen tonight, but hoping something positive for the Raptors team.

[Peter]

In the press conference the other day, Bryan said that they've been working for 2 years to get to this point with flexibility. After having a number of losing seasons, is it fair to say that Bryan's decisions made in the next week or two will be the determining factor in whether he gets renewed or not? In other words, if he can't significantly improve this team over the next few weeks, will he be done?

Blogger's note: Will have a huge impact on his future here, no question

[Timothy]

Have you ever considered writing a book about your experiences with various players and being a beat writer? I loved the two Garbo snippets you had there, makes me wonder what other gems you have. Anyways I would be the first person in line for the book provided you didn't try and charge more than 19.99 and the print was large

[The Real]

"Accelerated rebuilding process"? LOL

Why not rebuild the right way as it's never been done in Toronto, especially under Colangelo's watch.

What is there to accelerate? He has a team with a lack of talent and no-all stars. Any 2 guard drafted tonight will most likely be better than Derozan from day 1. They are locked into a player (AB) for the next 4 years on a contract no other NBA team would have given him, that doesn't want to defend or rebound which is a position that DEMANDS physicality to be succesful. What is there to accelerate other than a GM's contract extension?

JV had better be a saviour because this managment team is fooling itself and the fans. They said they were going to "rebuild". If that is the case do it the right way and continue to suck and draft until you get a collection of young players that are truly talented, instead of trying to prop up this current core of players (Bargnani, Derozan, Davis) like they are good.

Acquiring Nash, Iggy, Gay? That isn't rebuilding. That's a recipe for ensuring short-term excitement at the expense of any long-term planning and establishing a real foundation.

This so called rebuild lasted one season and netted them the #8 pick in the draft. Now you think you're ready to accelerate this thing? Why?

Why does the media not question BC as to constant altering of this franchises future and his ever changing vision for this ball club? We will still be here when he is gone, so shouldn't there not be more accountability here from his end, considering he's had very little success building an appropriate foundation in his 7 years as GM of the Toronto Raptors???

[Michael]

Doug, if you really think Waiters will be gone before we draft, doesn't that mean we will get a player with some amount of promise/fanfare:

Davis
Robinson
Beal
MKG
Drummond
Lillard
Waiters
Barnes

One of those 8 have to be available at our spot right?

Blogger's note: One does, it could very well be Drummond and how does he fit?

[Dallas]

I'm a BC supporter and think he has a real tough job in a real tough market, but I do have a hard time thinking that the premise I mentioned is moot. I acknowledge is a tough decision to have to make, that could end up really well, or not.

However, given it's been well publicized that we are after Nash, and it's been well publicized that Lowry could be available for the 8th pick, (I think you've acknowledged both scenarios to some degree) , that one thing wouldn't impact the other, considering both are starting level point guards.

But I respect your opinion.

[Dallas]

@Mos High

BTW I'm not talking about retiring their Jerseys', I'm talking about getting a curtain call, waiving to the crowd, and talking to some media.

I can't see what issue anyone would have with that.

[Rob.V]

I'm not sure why I don't believe the Nash rumours however I just do not.
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If a Lowry trade is in discussions at the highest levels it's because the Raptors want him... the Steve Nash talk is (I believe) a smoke and mirrors (leverage tactic) to get Houston to give back a lottery pick in the deal so the Raptors can also pick a player at either 12,16, or 18.
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Maybe Ed Davis and #8 for Lowry and 16? Then they can flip their 16th and maybe Calderon for a 3.
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I also think that bringing Lillard back in was to try and determine if they feel he will end up a better PG in 3 years (than Lowry is today!). If the talent is there, they should stick to their guns and take the rookie PG if he's on the board... will be interesting.
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As good as HWSNBN was in his early years you could argue that the injury to the other #15 (Garbo) set this franchise back as much as the VC shenanigans did.
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MosHigh - there is such a thing as being a "classy" organization that is attractive to future players. As it stands there is virtually no history with it's (better) players from the past. In fact, most of the better players left with some form of animosity from either fans or management - which is a shame. The Raptors should attempt to bring back more of their former players in an effort to establish some history. Garbo and Parker we're integral parts of that team that won the division title (more than any other Raptor team can say anyway)... and who doesn't like JYD or Alvin hanging around the ACC. It's all good man.
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Euro penalty kicks? Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. You have to let them play until they cannot play anymore to decide the game. Logic would dicatate the best team would eventually end up winning (more often than not) anyway. Spain took over that game in the very late stages of extra time and would have most likely won the game with more time however it would have been a shame had they lost on penalties. Maybe the answer is a couple of more subs in extra time however I'm shocked that FIFA hasn't already changed this.
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When we are talking about soccer of this magnitude and on this stage there is no way penalties should ever decide anything.

[Mos High]

I cant believe Im going down this road, but to be honest Bargnani's contract is not horrible and could be easliy traded if Raptors wanted to.

2012/13 -$10Mil
2013/14-$11mil
2014/15-$12mil

Rudy Gay is a good player. The numbers will show you why you hear rumors of them moving him
2012/13-$16,460,532
2013/14-$17,888,932
2014/15-$19,317,326

Gay a better player all around but not a mega star, he is getting mega star money.

Oh yeah Soccer/football to me fun to play, but can be extremely boaring to watch. The Shoot out is nonsense. Why not 8 on 8 in overtime less players more field, something alone those lines.