Changes to Olympic hoops may hurt; and what will Bosh do?

With all this wealth of young basketball talent coming down the pike in Canada, how’d you feel about very few of them ever having a chance to play in the Olympics?

Yep, that’s perhaps no Games for Kevin Pangos or Andrew Nicholson or Myck Kabongo or Tristan Thompson or Cory Joseph or Kris Joseph.

One of things David Stern dropped on us at the lottery last week – and it’s not the first time he’s brought it up – is that the NBA will be pushing for the Olympic basketball tournament to be an under-23 affair.

Now, there are all kinds of political games still to be played and this is not a done deal. Stern didn’t say whether it’d be for 2016 or 2020 (my betting is he wants it sooner rather than later) and there are other issues at play.

FIBA wants the Olympics expanded to 16 teams and wants a three-on-three tournament (think beach volleyball for basketball) added to the Games. The IOC likes to have the glitterati at their Games, even if they can get lost in a multi-sport event so maybe there’s a compromise to keep the top world players in the Olympics if the IOC gives one or two things that FIBA wants.

But look at it this way:

Having the Olympics as Under-23 – even if you grant, say, two roster spots to players over 23; I believe soccer at the Games allows three exceptions – lets FIBA promote its World Cup as the biggest event for the sport every quadrennial.

The NBA wins because it probably keeps whining owners (hello, Mark Cuban!) a bit more quiet if their top players only have to give up two years out of every four to play for their countries instead of going almost every summer.

Players get an out, too. And I wonder how many of them, in the heart of hearts, would welcome just doing the worlds and being able to place responsibility somewhere else for not having to take part in the Olympics.

I’ve done a handful of world championships – Toronto, Indy, Athens and Turkey – and it truly is a “basketball” event, unlike the Olympics, where it’s just part of a grander program.

There are too many teams at the worlds, 24 when probably 18 or 16 would be better, but I do think it crowns a more legitimate champion than the 12-team Olympics does.

I know a lot of young basketball players here dream of the Olympics though because of the pageantry, because they are part of something bigger and to have that taken away would be tough.

It’d be especially tough here, where we place far more emphasis, rightly or wrongly, on the Olympic basketball tournament than we do on the worlds. But maybe we need to adjust our thinking a bit, maybe we need to consider the world championships the end all and be all.

We may be headed that way and I don’t have a problem with that.

(As long as Canada doesn’t wear blue uniforms)

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Big day for cops worldwide yesterday, wasn’t it? And for the dude at the internet café who fingered the alleged body parts guy.

But getting caught in an internet café? That’s got CSI or Law And Order or something like that written all over it.

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Well, for a team that had won 20 in a row, these last three games have been rather disappointing for the San Antonio Spurs, no?

Great one last night, though, for fans at least. Anyone who doesn’t appreciate the speed, creativity and skill that’s been shown in the Western Conference final might want to rethink things.

Funny thing, however, is how quickly perceptions can change which, as we’ve said, is a great thing about sports playoffs.

It was about week ago we were lauding the Spurs for being so efficient and effective, Tony Parker was phenomenal, Tim Duncan had been reborn and Manu was, well, Manu.

Today? Parker can’t handle long defenders, Duncan’s aging before our very eyes and Manu is, well, Manu.

Anyway, I don’t think the series is over, that’s for sure.

But having just been in OKC I will tell you this:

That will the loudest arena ever. Like jet engine loud. Don Cherry suit loud.

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Someone remind me in the next few weeks when I’m complaining about the draft that I’m glad I don’t have to worry about the baseball one.

It might be the worst for tracking. A zillion rounds, a billion players from high schools and college and you’re supposed to know stuff about the players?

Yeah, right.

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So who’ve you got tonight?

Heat? Celtics?

For the “other” NBA conference final, there’s definitely some juice in this series now, thanks the Celtics and their resiliency and the Heat and their inability to find a level of cohesion.

The fun part tonight – if it happens and it seems like it will – will be to see how Chris Bosh handles more attention and pressure than maybe he ever has.

For the “other” guy in the Big Three, he’s certainly become far more important during his absence and I’m sure there are fans out there who will expect him to come in – if he does – and not dominate but at least shine and give Miami what it’s been missing

I wonder if he can. Or if he will.

Every now and then, Chris has shown a tendency to try and do too much, to get a bit too wound up, to over-exert himself when he knows he’s carrying a heavy load of responsibility.

I’m sure there will be all kinds of deflecting when it comes time for coaches and teammates to talk about his return; they’ll say no one player can do it all or make a huge difference but they will be wrong.

The Heat, simply, need Bosh. They need his presence because he demands attention from a defence; they need his presence because on defence he may not be the strongest guy in the paint but he is a presence and Kevin Garnett won’t be able to roam freely because Bosh is there.

I just want to see how he handles it because he could very well be the key to Miami winning this series.

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Comments

[511]

I like the under-23 idea for the Olympics. A lot. I’m just not crazy about seeing the NBA’s best - especially when one of ours is somewhere in the mix - not taking the break that they know they probably need but don’t take because of whatever obligation-thing they feel. And it’d still be as entertaining (maybe more in its way?) with the younger NBA stars there, I figure.

It’s gonna be real tough for Spurs to tie the series in OKC. Wouldn’t bet on them but ... also wouldn’t count Popovich’s team out just yet. Can’t wait.

Also can’t wait for tonight’s game. Been cheering on the Celtics so I’m hoping Bosh isn’t quite up to speed or isn’t quite synced up with his teammates. But LeBron is such a monster. As a player, I like LeBron way more than Wade - Wade is too sneaky-dirty for my liking - and if I had to wager ... I’d have to think all day on that one. But I’m hoping Celtics can go back to Boston with one to win instead of two.

I love the damn playoffs. So hoping the Raps can be there for a round (maybe two? ya never know) next year.

[DannyFromFreddy]

I must be over my "jilted ex" feelings about Bosh. I'm pulling for him to do well tonight.

[J.r]

If the Raptors get Rudy Gay, does this help them right away to make the play offs ? or Do we still need to make more moves ?

Blogger's note: Wouldn't hurt. But what are you giving up? Unless that's known, it's an unanswerable question

[sam]

I'd like to see Bosh come back from injury and show his importance to the great unwashed and assembled critics of his game. Then again, I'd like to see the Celtics win -

[Shawn]

Morning Doug,

Given you had the choice.... to get one of Gay, Iggy or Granger who would you want?

I put these three names out there because they all seem to be "on the market."

Blogger's note: What "market" Rumour market? Asked and answered in mailbag, actually. No need to do it again here. Sorry

[doug]

good game last night...these conference final series have been doozies, the west is just all as a fan you want to watch. pretty good stuff...I am not a fan of the under-23 concept, mostly because it's all about Cuban whining and Stern reacting, plus I think it's a poor marketing move by the NBA...was busy yesterday so never had a chance to post, but a lot of angst over nothing it seemed....and your exactly right about Spoelstra, I said on here a bit ago that out of the 16 teams in the playoffs, Spoelstra would be my 16th ranked coach...he isn't a coach, he's a sideline administrator, doing subs , keeping the ship moving forward but not a coach, not even close....in fact be interesting to see James actually be coached in his career as he hasn't been yet...and in regards to books for father day, just read where Peter King on his MMQB article next week will be recommending his 6-7 books for father day, be interesting to see his choices...ok cheers..and Rudy Gay talk makes me happier then the Wilson Chandler talk I must say..

[Raptors fan]

@TLI (from yesterday)

@"Raptors fan": We had two posts bringing us up to speed on the soccer uni-s. One of them was "ignorant" -- not in the sense of your definition, but in the sense of the rude or crass tone conveyed by the context. The other was welcome contribution.

1) Who cares if we had 18 “up to speeds” you can never get enough education – besides it is irrelevant to the point you made in previous message (many correction posts there are) wasn’t even mentioned by you. Point you made is that one reader was ignorant – my point in response was you didn’t use the word in the proper context and therefore you do not understand the definition of the word and did so with aggressive arrogance at that – My sub point was Doug didn’t due his due diligence on a piece he commented on supporting the other readers comment that he is right – it was right and you are wrong…ergo ignorant! Doug’s opinion is fine and I would like to hear this is why I read this blog - as long as he has the facts and knowledge before making such an attacking barb at our national soccer team.
2) “not in the sense of your definition” – the definition I posted was word for word from the Oxford English dictionary, so “my sense of the word” is the correct sense. YOU however use the word to describe - as you would say: rude crass…well you’re wrong! You use the word incorrectly, ergo you just shown your ignorance to the word and the use of the word ignorant.
@Doug – I enjoyed that bit yesterday about what a reporter from SA said about the Raps…nice job. It reminds me of shades from the VC/AD era when people outside Toronto were seeing signs of a good team in the NBA…this off season is going to be exciting. I know it is hear say (everything at this time of year is – the difference this year is Tor gets to be buyers so the speculation as a fan is exciting) but here are some players available that Stephen Brotherson has said the Raps were high on: Rudy Gay, Dragic (cant recall his first name correctly), Lowry (if he is available), Josh Smith – all would be great for this team ‘s goal to hit the play-offs…maybe not Smith so much (in my opinion unless he plays SF). Or if we keep the pick – to think we could have Harrison Barnes, Bradley Beal (doubt he will fall – but my favourite pick), Jeremy Lamb (Brotherson is high on this guy and has been talking about him since before the tournament), Marshal, Lilliard all have high “all-star potential” ceilings…plus the money to add a quality FA….exciting times in Raptor land.

[doug]

plus just came across this little blurb from a fairly reliable reporter/source in regards to Nash and the Raps pursuit of him..I hope it comes to fruition..

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/221382/Raptors_Blazers_Nets_To_Lead_Pursuit_Of_Nash

[AT]

Under 23 rule is a great suggestion and works on many, many different levels and I can't really see the downside to it.

[apd]

One other point about "alleged body parts guy getting caught in an internet café": the day before, I heard a French cop say that he was confident they would catch him because "alleged body parts guy" was a narcissist. Didn't really get what he meant until they found him online... reading about himself...

[Lorie]

Morning Doug!
My Goodness! No one does pomp and circumstance, brass bands , splendid uniforms and horses marching in unison as well as the Brits. The Royal Jubilee has been quite the spectacle, hasn't it? And did you catch any of the highlights from the Jubilee Concert last night? The Queen looked to be having a Royal Blast; and it wasn't just the great music, I'm thinking, that brought a delicate blush to the royal cheeks. Did you see who she positioned herself close to on the stage? None other than Sir Tom of Jones! He's still got it, and she knows it, too. Yes! Was kinda hoping he'd perform this one to her and for her while acknowledging her fondness for the Royal Tiara.
http://youtu.be/vQrmhYfl-B0
And, Doug, this proposed age limit of 23 for the Olympics - would it apply to women's basketball, too?

Blogger's note: It's unclear about the women; I'm not sure

[Rob.V]

Great game last night. OKC is just playing harder for longer periods of time. Younger, faster, and now apparantly hungrier than the Spurs.
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Manu in the 3rd quarter was a flash back to Manu of 2005. Simply brilliant!!! Tony Parker picked it up late however the Spurs role players are going to have to have a serious impact in game 6 if they want to make it out of OKC alive.
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Yes, I know Pops has forgotten more about Basketball then I will ever know however I find myself disagreeing with his substitutions. The Spurs had the best record in the league because of their depth - I'm not sure changing this formula is going to work for them. The problem appears to be sheer talent/effort.
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Diaw has been invisible. I need a 4 who's going to go get me 7-10 boards a game. Anyone notice K.Leonard is putting up (near) double digit boards & points in this series?. Kid plays like a 10 year vet - he's a freakin rookie!!... good for him!!! The problem is SA needs more than Leonard and Duncan rebounding the ball.
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Me?, I'm playing Blair next game because they are going to have to get on the glass and play with more force in the paint. They need more muscle inside... and I'm definitely going to give SJax more minutes because I know he's going to compete. But that's me, I guess we'll see what Pops comes up with.
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OKC seems to be passing all of the tests that they couldn't in previous years.
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Overcoming championship teams? L.A-Dallas - Check, Check!.
Coming back from an 0-2 defecit in the conference finals? - Check!
Winning big games on the road? - Again, Check!.
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What??, Westbrook with a "quiet" 12 assists???. Check, and Ding!, Ding! Ding! It's like they see the light at the end of the tunnel.
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When Westbrook steals the ball and runs the floor alongside Durant does it remind anyone else of Pippen-Jordan doing the same thing? It does to me. It just appears that these cats are unstoppable.
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Starting to look like a new NBA dynasty in OKC.

[Mike]

@raptors Fan
Unfortunately, your "word for word from the dictionary" did not include the informal entry ...(taken from Oxford online - about 8 seconds to find)
1 lacking knowledge or awareness in general; uneducated or unsophisticated: he was told constantly that he was ignorant and stupid
[predic.] lacking knowledge, information, or awareness about something in particular: I was largely ignorant of the effects of radiotherapy

2 informal discourteous or rude:

It would seem that rudeness is also a legitimate rendering of the word ignorant. Your sense of the word then was incomplete.

I am sad to say that this is my first post. Long, long long time lurker. Thanks for the time/effort Doug.

[J]

@Raptors fan:

Might want to look at your own writing before accusing others of using words incorrectly. For the second day in a row, you've incorrectly stated, "Doug didn't due his due diligence" (though, actually, you said "Doug didn't not due his due diligence" yesterday). Also, "[as] an Canadian," "know I do," "your talking," "you're [ass]," "like a phsyco," "it is hear say," and countless more in today's post are all pretty ignorant.

"the definition I posted was word for word from the Oxford English dictionary, so “my sense of the word” is the correct sense."

Actually, I'm pretty sure the definition you posted was not word for word from the OED. I'm not saying I'm 100% sure, considering I only have one edition of the OED, but I'm pretty sure, especially since your definition matches quite literally word for word the one listed at thefreedictionary.com and quoted from the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language. Nice try making it sound like you have the ultimate word on the issue though, throwing around the OED's rather hefty prestige and all--tsk tsk!

The word "ignorant" is indeed informally used to mean rude or uncouth, behavior you would stereotypically expect from someone who lacks education. On the very same thefreedictionary.com page, the Collins Thesaurus of the English Language lists as an example, "Some very ignorant people called me all kinds of names." The OED even lists in its online definition of "ignorant": (informal) discourteous or rude. Considering the extreme informality of your own writing, I somehow doubt you're against all but the most formal usage of English.

[Shawn]

@... Blogger's note: What "market" Rumour market? Asked and answered in mailbag, actually. No need to do it again here. Sorry

Doug do you think we all read each one of your posts and/or mail bag answers?... How hard is it to give a one word answer? (even if it maybe for the second or third time) Get off your high horse man.

I'm sure there are other beat writers that the star can employ who won't have a hissy fit everytime a fan asks or says something that you don't agree with.

And... regarding your "go somewhere else" comments... we aren't coming to your personal website doug... this is the toronto star's official page... unfortunately you are the guy covering (all though questionable) basketball.

Blogger's note: Sorry; had answered a hypothetical question once, no need to do it again. If that's not sufficient, I'm not sure what else I can do.

[Hope Caper]

@Shawn, spaz much?
I don't blame Doug for not answering a similar question over and over again. He is not wikipedia. It is a blog which I assume he is doing outside of his regular duties because I didn't read anywhere that Doug was dropping anything to pick up the blog.
I was going to tell Doug how I felt about Shawn's comment but I guess I'll hold off.

[doug]

omg what is going on here lately..I don't need to read the definition of the word ignorant to know what it means...what it means to me is this..if your on the subway and are sitting and a healthy person, then offer a seat to someone that is less fortunate and in need such as a person with a cane, a pregnant woman or just a person that has a ton of bags and is struggling...if your being served in a restaurant and the waiter/waitress does their job, then do yours and leave a fair tip, next if on your cellphone and in public you are not I repeat ARE NOT in your living room at home, be considerate and last being ignorant is not respecting others points of view or listening, that to me defines ignorance...and I can't believe there isn't more Game of Thrones talk on here what a series , what characters, what a web of storylines the season finale was a humdinger..cheers and please as someone once said "can't we all just get along", as what happened in the Eaton Center doesn't define Toronto or my Toronto....no matter your political stripes or beliefs, it's a great city...so cheers...

[m]

Re: that Shawn kid.

Ain't self-entitlement wonderful?

[AT]

I really enjoy reading these comments everyday!! If not informative, educational and entertaining!!!

[Rob.V]

Here's the problem as I see it.
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There are posters who visit other sites where you have the ability to ask the same question (slighlty modified) about 50 times over during a standard 1 hour chat. I.e
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Poster #1 - What would it take to get Rudy Gay?
Poster # 2 - Could the Raptors trade Ed Davis + Pick for Rudy Gay?
Poster #3 - What are the chances Colangelo swings a deal with Memphis for either OJ Mayo or Rudy Gay?
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And on it goes... for an hour!. Until next week's chat, when the same questions are rolled out for yet another hour.
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I visit those sites as well however if you're expecting dude to cover fictional information over and over until July 7th or 11th whenever you can sign players it's not going to happen (here).
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There really is "nothing" to talk about right now with respect to the Raptors, so dude doesn't.
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Having said this, I don't entirely disagree with Shawn either though because he is coming here to get an opinion from someone that he obviously admires (gotta sign those autographs dude. lol!).
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There will be plenty of (real) Raptors news next month for all of us to dissect.

[Mr. Cook]

I know I'm hopelessly late to the comments game today, but for posterity purposes:

If 3 - on - 3 becomes an Olympic sport I am of the opinion that there may be quasi-professionals (professional street ball players and non-NBA-leaguers) who will choose to focus on this and it will be interesting to watch the evolution of that game. As a relatively young man who is still past his prime and can't keep up with the kids today (I could dunk once, now it brings tears to my eyes when a 19 year old jumps up and does it to me....and I'm 28) I've been impressed by the organized 3on3 that occurs in those swag-prize tournaments. People that know the game and take it seriously come up with surprisingly clever play calls and never before have defined roles been so important. The flip-side is of course that three (3) over-sized three-men (SF) can dominate or an athletic 4. A pound-and-grind game is only useful if the big man can *really* grind and a quick point guard / playmaker is only useful if he can shoot the lights out.

At one point, body parts killer went to high school in a very small town in Ontario for two years west of Peterborough when his name was still Eric. I was at the rival highschool but in that town you know everyone your age demographic and I knew him. Not particularly sociable as I recall--then again not particularly psychopathic either.

As to the grammar lessons in the comments--I used to teach grammar to kids and ESL university students as a part time job. I use grammar incorrectly all the time on Doug's blog. People should get over it, from any perspective. Nobody is drafting these things slowly and with forethought.

[Heath]

"One other point about "alleged body parts guy getting caught in an internet café": the day before, I heard a French cop say that he was confident they would catch him because "alleged body parts guy" was a narcissist. Didn't really get what he meant until they found him online... reading about himself..."

Like posters on a blog/facebook/twitter???yawn. Other than the (severe) crime is the whore-ism really any different than anyone else? Ooooo, Here's what I had for lunch! I feel bad today, I wish I had some chicken soup! I like ducks!
It's about being a social whore, those of you that disagree....cancel your facebook accounts and see how you survive....Glad they got him and hope we never have to hear from him again. I'm tired of seeing his plastic face on the Star. Just keep in mind the narcissisism of so many with social media...why do it?..for your own ego. Why is it different a murderer would do the same? End o rant.