An expected process is unfolding as it should

Not sure this should come as any big huge surprise given the circumstances and what we know but Marc Stein’s reporting Jose’s agent and Bryan are working to find some deal that’s amenable to both sides.

Now, it doesn’t mean anything is imminent – although we all should know how quickly things can change – but it does make sense to explore all avenues.

If nothing happens, nothing happens. But after listening to Bryan the other day talk about “multiple teams” that called about Jose in the wake of the Lowry trade, there could be some fit somewhere in the league.

Would suck a bit. Despite the bleats of so many of you, Jose’s a fine NBA point guard, he’s given six solid seasons to this organization and I think a point guard combo of he and Lowry would work just fine.

Have been trying to reach Jose directly but he’s with the Spanish national team getting ready for the Olympics and a bit preoccupied. I wonder how much of this might be an agent trying to drum up something for a client, which is what agents are paid handsomely to do and which is just good business practice.

As soon as the Lowry deal was leaked, ears perked up around the NBA about the possibility of a Calderon departure and if I know one thing about NBA general managers it’s that when they smell blood in the water, they go all low-ball with any offers. It’s part of the dance.

But of this we can be certain: There are talks going on -- how serious they are no one knows -- but I also know Bryan isn’t going to do a deal quickly just to do a deal and if this goes into the season before other teams decide they have a point guard need, so be it.

However, if something happens, you have to be certain that Bryan gets a point guard in return or is looking at someone in free agency.

A Lowry-Calderon duo, or Calderon-Lowry, would be a position of strength; a hedge against inevitable injury with two proven NBAers and a tandem with a difference in styles that would change game.

I don’t think any of you would be as confident in, say, a Lowry-Ben Uzoh combination, would you?

I don’t know what the eventual outcome to this will be – my spidey sense says status quo for a little bit – but if it happens, it’ll be a tough day; we’ll chat about that then.

-

Thoughts are with all you triskaidekaphophia sufferers out there.

-

So it’s about 30 C last evening, not a cloud in the sky, the Mighty Red Tigers are ready for action.

And we get rained out.

Yep.

Somehow, the zany folks who program the sprinkler system for parks here decided that 5 p.m.-6 p.m. would be a good time to water the infield and that 6 p.m.-6:45 p.m. would be a good time for left field to get some sustenance.

Dopes.

Kinda reminds me of this, even if it is rather low quality and doesn’t have the best line of the scene:

“I can get us rainout.”

But what the Mighty Red Tigers aren’t is …

-

You guys are good.

It wasn’t 10 minutes after news leaked out that the Houston Rockets were going to use the amnesty provision on Luis Scola that I got the first question about him here.

And, after some of my own due diligence, it’s not happening.

While they’re lots of love for his game – and I’m a huge fan – it’s not really the best fit for this organization as this time and they’ll take a pass. The combination of money, years left, roster composition and where they are in the building process means there’s a lack of interest.

Sorry.

But you guys are good.

-

You know, sometimes there are benefits to doing this gig.

One of my sort of branch-out jobs this week was to be part of the paper’s “Help” series and I was able to piggyback on a golf thing to get some tips myself.

Turned out to be a not bad story, and a pretty good video that’s here and Bradlee Ryall (his website’s here) up at Braeben here in Hazelville (New motto: Home Of Inappropriate Sprinkler Time) is one outstanding teacher.

If he can massage our subject’s swing and make it seem so logical and sensible to a guy watching, I can just imagine what he’d do with a full range of lessons.

“Great athletes come to me for golf lessons and they’re robotic. They’re great football players or basketball players or hockey players and they’re just a different animal over the golf ball. You have it in you to be great, it’s just how can we get that out of you.”

We probably weren’t at the practice green for more than 45 minutes and I came away with a far better understanding of what I need to do around greens thanks to Bradlee and Steve.

And trust me, after scuffling it around the last time I played – barely able to hit it out of my shadow – I could use an hour or two of intense instruction since I’m not getting nearly the weight I should in The Friendly Nassau Matches.

-

Hey!!!!!!

Summer League starts for the HOTH today!!!!! Pumped?

Anyway, the roster finally got released last night – it’s here for your reading pleasure – and I caution you, as I do every year, with these words:

Summer League doesn’t tell you who can play, it tells you who can’t.

Best thing I ever saw at Summer League: Hoffa getting 10 personal fouls in one game (you can’t foul out of Summer League games, sadly); it was a classic moment.

-

Mail, please.

Haven’t heard from some Irregulars in quite a while.

You know the drill.

-

 

Comments

[sportschic]

Chances are, any move on Bryan's part will take place when it's inconvenient to you, so that would probably be when you're in London. Speaking of that, though, would they move Jose when he's at the Olympics? Kind of a distraction wouldn't it be (for him)?

I'd be sorry to see him go, but I understand why it may happen.

Blogger's note: I think a lot of league activity will cease during the Olympics, I'd expect all teams will have representatives at the Games scouting.
And not while I'm in London, it'll probably happen when I'm on the plane

[J]

I really hope Calderon ends up staying with the team, unless we get a fair deal for him, and it's hard to see that happening. People keep complaining about paying ~$10 mil for a backup quality PG; I'm sorry, but if you don't think Calderon is starter material, then just who in the league is going to give you a starter quality anything in return?

Assuming a Calderon for ____ deal, we're likely either going to have to pay someone to take his salary off our hands (undesirable), trade him for another overpaid player (if it's a longer contract, no way, and if it's also an expiring, I'd rather keep Jose), or trade him for several players with smaller contracts and equally smaller impact (as if we don't have enough low-impact, rotation-types).

The $10 mil is what it is: a sunk cost. Unless we need the extra financial flexibility this year (for something tangible, and not simply a TPE), we're better off convincing Jose to stay and holding onto it. Though his defensive shortcomings may finally be outweighing his offensive contributions, I still believe in his ability to make the transition easier for guys like Ross and Valanciunas.

[Dimi]

Hi Doug,
I had meant to send this through to the mailbag last week. I've been a long time Calderon fan and I'll be sorry to see him go. The question I was going to ask in the mailbag, and wonder if what we're seeing play out now, is a guy (or his agent) rightfully concerned that he's going to play a reduced role in a contract year ... impacting the interest/offers he'll get next summer. I guess what I mean to ask now is given Calderon' professionalism and commitment in the past to "what's best for the team", do you think the reaction would be different if he had a couple more years left on the contract.

[JT]

The whole Calderon situation. Because of BC acquiring Lowry, BC is now likely to trade Jose and already got rid of Bayless. I know its early to determine who fills in but who would you rather have? Combo of Calderon/Bayless or Lowry/Generic Backup PG? No offense, but I'd take Calederon/Bayless.

[J]

@raptorsfan (from yesterday):

Apples and oranges. You're comparing us to the Thunder and the Heat? When we have three supremely talented players (LBJ, Wade and Bosh, or Durant, Westbrook and Harden), then talk about not needing a great floor general. You make it sound like the choice is between Calderon and a Kobe/Durant/LBJ-type, as if we can trade Calderon for one of those. Substitute Bayless or Jack into Calderon's starting spot the last couple seasons and we still miss the playoffs.

I also suggest you look deeper into what actually happened before using the short run under Jack to support your argument. Aside from it being a terribly small sample size, you completely ignored strength of schedule and the expected slow start due to all the new bodies. In the games Calderon started before his injury, about half our games were against teams who were .560 or better (not simply .500 or better). When Jack took over, we played cellar dwellers repeatedly. Looking at the team's record versus the same quality opponent, both Jack and Calderon had similar success.

Lastly, if you replaced Calderon with Kobe on the Raptors this year and last, we'd probably still miss the playoffs. Does that automatically mean having a elite shot-creator does not matter if you want to make the playoffs? That seems to be your logic.

[Andrew Gregg]

Hi Doug:

I always like to scan down the summer league rosters and see what familiar names are trying to catch on with a big-boy team in the fall. And there is Adam Morrison suiting up for the Brooklyn Nets. There are always big busts in pro sports, but for some reason I find this guy intriguing--from collapsing on the floor in tears in his final Gonzaga game to just not clicking in the NBA. Wonder if he still smokes...

AG, Toronto

[marc in panama]

Hola Doug,

If salary space isn't needed to complete another deal, say for an upgrade at the SF position, I would be in favour of holding on to Calderon and having him come off the bench. I like the idea of Jose working against other teams second units, especially if young Valanciunas comes off the bench to start his career. Having an experienced point guard who is adept at running the pick and roll as well as Jose does, feeding the ball to the rookie makes sense to me. Sure it's expensive, but Jose comes off the books at the end of the year, his experience helps the rookie, and it allows Bryan the opportunity to maximize his return should another team need a starter due to injury during the season, by dealing from a position of perceived strength.

Ciao amigo,

marc in panama

[sam]

I'm not certain why BC and company always felt the need to upgrade the
PG position. . . .
To me there were other weakness' on the floor, that needed to be addressed long before the Guard position....

[Ren]

In the Jose article, it mentions that the Raps would be looking at teams that are under the cap and can take on all of Calderon's remaining money. Can you let us know who those teams are?

Blogger's note: First of the week after everything to do with offer sheets gets settled; kind of fluid at the moment

[Lawrence]

Hi Doug,

So would you now say we let go of the wrong point guard? the one that actually wanted to stay here. In the process of acquiring Kyle Lowry, though it seemed like a great acquisition at the time, we ended up losing both Calderon and Bayless along with Gary Forbes and that future first round pick as a result.

Blogger's note: No, I wouldn't. And, one, Calderon's not gone and, two, no idea what would come back if he goes. Forbes is a tiny bit piece, the pick has all kinds of protection on it and, believe it or not, Bayless is not an all-star; nor a starting NBA point guard

[Striker77]

Morning everyone,

I agree with Sam about the raps not necessarily needing to upgrade the pg position, but having Lowry is a good thing... I have always loved Jose, and would hate to see him leave. However, he deserves to be a starter in this league, and since he has put in solid years with the same team, maybe a change for him would be good. I say that with sadness though. There is something about him that is very real and down to earth...he would,do be missed. I'd rather see him starting for another team, rather than being a back up. I'm not a fan of two starter caliber pgs on the same team. Just my humble opinion..have a great day folks!

[Jeff]

Any interest in Luis Scola of he is Amnestied?? Bargs, Val, Grey, and Scola is better than any Amir or Davis combination...

Blogger's note: Come on, if you got to here, you must have read? Gotta do some work on your own, sorry

[AT]

@sam is really dead on. PG was not the biggest issue with this team. Why do you think that BC focused there when there is a bigger glaring problem at the 3?
and now to get rid of Jose and bring in another PG makes little sense. It will be very difficult to get an upgrade in Lowry/Calderon combo so why would he do it?
I think Jose has been professional enough and doubt that there would be a controversy. If anything, I think he would work harder to try to make it a competition for starting PG which can only be good for the team. So to go out and trade a top 15 or so PG for something lesser for ego's, makes no sense.
do it only if there is an upgrade somewhere else.

[Scott T.]

It would be smart to wait to know for sure if they got Fields before dealing Calderon because you don't really know if you're short at the 2/3 right now. However, with Fields it would seem like they're very deep in guys who's best position is the 2 with DeRozan, Ross, Fields and very short in guys who's best position is the 3 in J.Johnson and Kleiza.

Also, is July 17th the last day to amnesty a player? that's what I've been hearing.

Blogger's note: It is, for this year.

[Mos High]

@ Sam. This is a point guard driven league. Calderon is no where near top tear of point guards in this league. He is a good player and would be excellent as a back up.

I know we all are arm chair GM's but I have to wonder if you guys have been watching teams with good or even half decent point guards attack Jose for the last couple of years. It is so obvious. Also point guard is the first line of defense, again last year he was a bit better.

What has Calderon done? they werent winning alot of games. He rarely, rarely takes it too the opposing PG. Come on, liking someone and acknowledging what they do on the court is 2 different things.

Lowry will be the first attacking starting PG since TJ Ford. Lowry rebounds, Lowry steals, Lowry basically plays defense. Its not Jose's fault but he will never be good defender. Again but he is a nice back up guard.

Bargnani, Demar also fall in the line. As they have not helped propel this team.

Bayless has will be on his 4th in like 5yrs. He is a good effort guy but not a good fit for Raptors.
This team needs to continue a complete overhaul. Bargnani will be the next to go by next year if he doesnt help this team really win some games this year.

[GM]

Someone was saying yesterday that Calderon should go because the team didn't make the playoffs with him (even if it actually did). Is that same commenter also denigrating Deron Williams or John Wall?

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Amen and amen again: All this focus on point guards to kick off the free agency season, when the point guard position was perfectly serviceable as is, and at the cost of ignoring the one glaring hole at SF that really, REALLY needed to be addressed first, foremost and "all in"... it's mind-boggling to me. I flat out don't get it.
Now, do I think signing Lowry was a good signing? Absolutely. He may very well be the best guy on the squad right now. But...
Doug, can you explain any of this, or ask BCo to, in detail? Am I missing something? Or is there maybe a method to all of this madness that results in a "stud 3" and a balanced roster come November? Cheers and thank you.

[larry lukeeborg]

mos high...seriously...methinks you must be the president of the tj fan club.

[Jim Rootham]

Friday the thirteenth come on a Friday this month!
http://www.cartoonartoriginals.com/NewSiteDailies/Da-65-1-4.jpg

[GM]

@mos high says: "Lowry will be the first attacking starting PG since TJ Ford." Please, please, please, don't let Lowry be anything like TJ Ford. I'm all for an attacking point guard if he also gets his teammates involved in the game, too. Unfortunately with TJ that never happened. Teams that go 1-on-5 are never successful.

Also, "Come on, liking someone and acknowledging what they do on the court is 2 different things." I know I'm in the vast minority, but I'd much rather have a good or decent player I like and respect than a great player I don't like or respect. Ditto team. For example, I cheered for the Showtime Lakers (great players I also liked and respected) and then for the weak version that didn't make the playoffs with Vlade, Eddie Jones, Elden Campbell, George Lynch, Anthony Peeler and those guys. But when they got Rodman, Shaq and Phil Jackson, I hated them. Again, I know most people would just rather cheer for a winner. I want that, too, but not at the expense of players I like.

[gordo]

Wow. Denver has a 60 million 5 year contract on the table for Mr McGee. Even a math challenged guy like me can figure out, thats 10 mill a year. I know that the league is short of legitimate centres, but this guy averages 8.9 points a game. I am not even going to say Denver overpaid him. But can the people who keep saying the Raps overpaid for Fields take a look at who is signing for whataround this league and stop whining?

[David in Oakville]

I was hoping (and am still hopeful) that we will get to see what the tandem of Lowry / Calderon looks like. The Raps had some success with a tandem of TJ / Jose because their styles were so different and the guys around them complimented them well. I think it is a mistake to assume that an attacking point guard is a better point guard. Rafer (god love him) was an attacking PG as was Mike James, but both could be reckless and too often tried to make plays that were well outside of their skill set. TJ as well. No question, Jose needs help on defense, but that is why this a team game. If Jose had a real flaw in his game recently it was his reluctance to shoot when he had the open shot.
+
I laugh when people write nonsense like we need a PG who is capable of taking over a game, capable of getting his own shot and able to open the floor for the other guys out there and consistently get the ball to them. Really? Who doesn't need that? How many PG's are that guy?, Nash, Paul, Rose, Parker, probably Rubio, maybe Westbrook and Rondo. The fact is that the Raps need one player capable of taking over the game when needed... doesn't have to be the PG. It is ludicrous to look at one position and pin the defensive or offensive shortcomings of the team on one guy by comparing him to the elite players at his position. Unless we draft that guy we will likely never have him, but we are capable of having a team like the 2003 - 2004 Pistons.
+
I think the people who like Calderon (and I am one) do so not because we look past his flaws but because we know that one of those flaws is not lack of consistent effort, hard work and team play. It's true Jose is not a star guard, but he never aspired to be one. It is probably true that Jose is entering the stage of his career where he will have to play backup to a younger more atheltic PG.... but he will make an excellent backup for someone if not us.

[Vincent Lam]

I can't blame Jose for wanting a trade out of Toronto. On one side, you can argue that he signed a contract and is getting paid handsomely. Any trade or amnesty discussions involving him are a business decisions and he should understand that. On the other side, how can he feel wanted when he was already traded if not for MJ reneging? The club has not really given him a vote of confidence, especially when they call Lowry the point guard of the future. He's been a class act all the way, and has put the team first for so long. But enough is enough.

Familiarity might breed contempt with the fans. We all know what he is. A very good offensive player who shoots at a high percentage and runs the pick-and-roll well. His defense shortcomings, in particular on the ball defense, is well known. He deserves a team and fan base that that appreciate him for his abilities. It'll be sad when he leaves. There have been some great memories with him.

We keep hoping for players who don't want to be here. We should appreciate the ones who want to play for this team and city.

[sam]

@Mos high, The wonderful thing about opinions is that they vary from person to person. One can only see what he wants to see. The talent surrounding Jose over the years wasn't always an elite squad of real professional mens basket ball players. Seriously, when your starting line-up has names like James Johnson, Allan Anderson, Rasual Butler, Aaron Grey, Sonny Weems, Julian Wright, Hedo, Antoine Wright, Jamario Moon. Wow.....and Jose is to lead the team?

It seems that every year their has been a PG controversy from the great unwashed - whether it was Jose up against - TJ, or Jack or Bayless. Heck, at one point even Marcus banks was mentioned by the trade Jose crowd be a capable back up when we rarely saw him hit the floor. The thing is Jose always came out on top and always made the best of what he was dealt with.
There's always four other players on the floor with the point guard - and perhaps the other four weren't up to the challenge or had the talent that the team needed to have a winning record. To me thats the flaw in your argument, not Jose's style of play.

[james]

Silly me: I thought Lowry was coming to be Calderon's back-up.