Hardly a thriller but at least something was on the line

That was a dog of an all-star game, wasn’t it?

Over before it really began and I cannot imagine anyone in the world expected Justin Verlander to get lit up for five runs in the top of the first, pretty much rendering the next few hours moot.

But the National League now gets home field advantage in the World Series and, you know what, I’m fine with it.

Sure, it’s an all-star game and maybe not everyone’s at the highest level of intensity all night but it does add a level of competitiveness that might otherwise be absent. If you listen to players, they do care who wins and some of that has to do with what’s on the line.

It’s not the olden days, when there was no inter-league play and there was a true rivalry between the National and American leagues but putting some kind of edge on the game can’t hurt.

I’d much rather something like home field decided in a contest rather than by some arbitrary method like alternating years or record.

I guess regular season record would be the second alternative but the baseball schedule is so unbalanced, I’m not sure that’s fair. I can see it in the NBA, where the schedule is at least a bit more balanced and it’s records of the two teams in the final that determine who has Game 7 at home.

Now, as all-star games go, I’d probably have a tie at the top of the list between baseball, where there is some strategy and no hitter or pitcher wants to be embarrassed on such a grand scale, and basketball, where the first three quarters or so are for show before a fourth quarter can be quite entertaining and competitive.

Hockey? It’s never got anything approximating an “edge.”

Football? Yeah, right. It’s so far fourth it can’t even see third.

-

Theme week digression time.

Been a few days of US Armed Services sitcom memories, hasn’t it?

Well, M*A*S*H* is the gold standard and that’s not even open to debate.

-

Well, Mr. Stein got someone else on the phone last night and found out it didn’t take long for Jerryd Bayless to make a move.

Bayless is off to Memphis – no terms – and while it’s kind of tough to see a good guy go, it’s just part of doing business.

Raptors needed the money on the offer sheet to have a cushion to do their other deals, there’s a logjam at the positions he plays here and was just time to go, I guess.

Not sure it’s a huge on-court loss for Toronto. They have two proven NBA point guards in Calderon and Lowry, they have DeRozan, Fields and the rookie Ross they want to develop at shooting guard and I don’t know how happy Jerryd would have been as a fifth or sixth backcourt guy.

Good for him that he found a landing spot quickly, hope he likes barbecue and blues. A bunch of time at BB King’s or the Rendezvous isn’t a bad time at all.

-

Oh yeah, the qualifying offer to Sonny Weems is off the table, too.

Not entirely sure why, it was worth next to nothing (about $1 million I believe) and was non-guaranteed but it’s gone.

-

I read somewhere early this morning that the Dwight Howard Saga should end today.

Seriously. I did.

Can’t come soon enough if it’s true.

-

I think I’m going to need a big decompression day sometime soon so if you wanted to start the mail today, that’d be greatly appreciated.

Think we’ll have a moratorium on Nash questions and “why Fields” queries, okay? Thanks.

Click. Write. Send. As usual.

-

Hey, we’re coming to Montreal and Rama, I see.

Rama caught be a bit by surprise, hadn’t heard about moving the intra-squad game – guess it’s a bit of a show for a different audience and had a grown a bit stale at the end of a week of training – but Montreal was kind of rumoured for a bit and I’m glad they got it taken care of and announced.

Great city, as we know; was a great event when we were there a couple of years ago and kind of looking forward to getting back there.

Plus, we’ll have the added bonus of sitting around the media room telling “What if Nash did this” stories and I can get some inside stuff on Landry Fields.

The last training camp rumbling I heard was Halifax, not sure where that sounds but it’s going to be another cross-Eastern Canada kind of month. And that’s not a bad thing at all.

Oh yeah, Winnipeg gets Minnesota and Detroit in a pre-season game as the league expands its global tours to include a game other than one featuring the Raptors or Steve Nash.

Guess it makes sense with the Timberwolves for the geographic reason and I would assume the game would draw a sizeable crowd.

I’m just wondering when they’re going to make the Grizzlies go play somewhere up here; Vancouver would be sweet, no?

-

Not sure how I missed this but yesterday there was some kind of celebration of the 2015 Pan Am Games that are coming here; three years from opening day and can you feel the excitement?

No, me neither.

For what I’ve gathered and read about the games, a truly second-rate multi-sports event in the global sense, they are stuck in a morass of political bickering and delays and unknown costs to the taxpayer.

Maybe they get it all worked out and maybe there’s a buzz a couple of years from now but at this moment, they are so far off the radar, I’m not sure spending even a dime to tell people it’s three years to kick off was a good idea.

Yes, if there is a legacy of first-class facilities for youngsters to use in the future, that’s a good thing; hands up anyone who thinks that’s going to come without some significant cost. If at all.

-

 

 

 

Comments

[Dallas]

So, if I interpret that correctly, training camp may be held in Halifax this year?

That would be great for us East Coast Raptors Fans.

Blogger's note: May. Nothing finalized. Stay tuned

[LeeZ]

"Doug, I just don't get it (then again, I'm a lowly volunteer bantam level coach, not the GM of an NBA team). Dorell Wright was on the block. Golden St. made no bones about it. They drafted Harrison Barnes, so Wright was expendible. Wright averaged 16.4 points and started all 82 games during the 2010-11 season. He led the league in 3-pointers made (194) and finished third in voting for the NBA's Most Improved Player award behind Kevin Love and LaMarcus Aldridge. But Mark Jackson wasn't unduly impressed and cut back his minutes significantly, and Wright's production slipped (not a whole lot, but it definitely slipped). The kid is 6'9, has a silky smooth three pointer and gets to the hoop. Have to admit, don't know anything about his dee, but he would seem to be just what the Raps need to spread the floor. Even with his slipped performance, he shot something like .360 from 3 last year. So, GS just traded him to Philadelphia for the rights to some Croat whom the Raps traded to Philly back in '06. In other words, they just dumped him for a stiff who will never play in the league. Now, perhaps BC has an eye on some stud SF, but if not, if the Raps break camp with the same cast of SFs as last year (Fields and DD are not true SF's), then I guess my question is, what gives? Any insight would be appreciated.

Blogger's note: First out of the gate is they didn't have the $4 million or so; second, maybe they don't quite value his as high as you do"
Doug, for the sake of argument, let's assume it was solely a dollars and cents issue, as you suggest it might be. Could they not have acquired him, then shed some salary in some other cost-cutting move? I dunno, one of the best 3-point shooters in the league, only age 26, on a very inexpensive contract that expires after the season, playing a position the Raps really need...yeah, like you say, maybe they're just not that into him! But me gottsa to wonder why!

Blogger's note: Nope, would have to create the space first

[coachd]

Hi Doug,
MASH is definetely the gold standard, but you can't talk MASH without mentioning All In The Family (I know not a military show). What a 1-2 punch that was growing up. Talk about a super team on CBS. Good to see Bayless get a new team. I think the Raps did him a favour by rescinding his QO. I like the idea of a Calderon and Lowry PG combination. May be one of the best in the league.

[Michel G]

@LeeZ: Fields was a SF in college and has played a significant amount of minutes at the position in the NBA. Check his stats page at 82games.com. It shows that he's more productive at the SF position, especially defensively. I don't understand why people have a problem with this signing. It fits perfectly with what the Raptors are trying to do (defensive culture, etc.). Wright is a one-dimensional player. Don't you think Toronto has enough of those.

[Mos High]

Dorell Wright really played terrible last year. Toronto certainly doesnt need shot happy players.

Truthfully I also like the Fields signing, yes maybe a tad too much money, but I cant see him jacking the ball up countless times with out a concious. Again he rebounds and plays defense. Toronto needs a identiy and defense is a good way to start.

I have been saying this since Lakers got Nash, Im confident the Lakers swoop in and somehow aquire D Howard. A chance to play with Nash and Kobe? Lets just wait.

Bayless nice guy but too small in that combo guard role.
Weems seems to be a good person, but going over to Europe may have cost him, hopefully he lands another NBA spot or its back to Europe.

[JT]

Doug, Lowry didn't get along with his coach. I've read multiple times he didn't like sharing his starting duties last year. How does he co-exist with Jose?

Blogger's note: Guess we'll find out

[Anthony R]

Hi Doug,
When a team gives an offer to a RFA, but then resinde their offer, that GM would lose credibility with that player's agent. Right?

But, what about qualifying offers to your own RFAs? Specifically Bayless and Weems? Does Bryan Colangelo lose credibility with their agents? Or is this an act of goodwill allowing freedom of a player to choose their destination?
Thanks for your time.

Blogger's note: No, not lost credibility whatsoever. Happens all the time, part of the business. It's really and truly not a big deal.

[Dave]

Hey Doug,

I just need to clarify for myself...sometimes I miss things, and am a little daft...I thought you had previously said pulling qualifying offers off the table was "bush league" and "bad business" and wouldn't happen....now BC has pulled two offers off the table. Were you previously refferring to some other situation? Just curious...and too lazy to go back and check your achives.

Have fun in London!

Blogger's note: Major difference between qualifying offers (which are protective measures as much cap-related as anything) and offer sheets, which are a promise of a contract

[sam]

Good for Bayless - I hope he does well in Memphis, perhaps he can learn how to pass and play nice with the other kids on his new team... Seriously - he was a good pick up by BC and played some good ball for the HOTH - once Lowry was obtained the writing was on the wall.
Is thier any word on repatriating Leandro?

Blogger's note: Twice as expensive as Bayless and, again, the fourth or fifth guard? No reason for it to happen

[The Waterboy]

From a Winnipegger:

The Raptors have played exhibition games here twice, the second time covering for a relatively last-minute pull-out by another city. As I recall, both games did well from a ticket sales perspective.

I'd have to think that the number one reason it's not the Raptors here again this time around could very well be logistics (preseason game in Montreal) rather than a lack of interest from the Raptors and/or True North (the Jets/MTS Centre ownership group).

[Tim]

Funny, that question about Bayless's qualifying offer has come up at least four times now. Thanks, Doug, for your patience and for just explaining it to whomever was curious.

[J]

@LeeZ:

I think you're over-valuing Wright. I admit I haven't watched him play, but his stats over the last two seasons indicate he'd add little more than a good outside shooter. Consider:

His 16.4 PPG in 2010-11 may seem pretty impressive, but he posted those numbers playing a whopping 38.4 MPG (I will give credit, though, for averaging such high play-time without missing a single game). If we adjust for pace and prorate per 40 minutes played, Wright posted a much more pedestrian 16.5 PP40 (and even more pedestrian 15.0 PP40 this previous season). In terms of only point contribution, those numbers place him squarely between Kleiza and--gasp--James Johnson.

Breaking down his offensive contribution, we see a bigger issue. While he posted a respectable 56.4 and 54.0 eFG% from outside the 3-point line in 2010-11 and 2011-12, respectively, he was sub-par to abysmal everywhere short of right under the rim. From 3 to 9 feet, he shot 38.3% and 36.7%; from 10 to 15 feet, he shot 30.6% and 33.3%; and from 16 to 23 feet, he shot 30.0% and 29.0%.

On the defensive end, in both seasons, the Warriors gave up points at a higher rate with Wright on the floor versus with him on the bench. In 2010-11, Wright had a slight negative impact (1.120 opp.PPP vs 1.104 opp.PPP), while in 2011-12, Wright had a significant negative impact (1.120 opp.PPP vs 1.081 opp.PPP). Looking at PER numbers, opposition SFs posted 16.3 and 17.9 PER in both seasons against Wright (better than average). By comparison, opposition SFs posted 12.0 and 13.8 PER versus Fields. Overall, Wright's defensive contribution, or lack thereof, made his overall contribution to the team essentially a wash in 2010-11 and a significant detriment in 2011-12.

Perhaps more importantly, unless we sent salary back (and I don't see who we'd want to give up for Wright, nor do I think the Warriors want salary back anyhow), we'd probably need to absorb Wright's salary into Barbosa's TPE. Since TPEs can't be combined in any way to take on a larger salary, this would leave us with a far less useful ~$3.5 mil TPE. Perhaps no more moves will be made for the rest of the year, but we don't know that for sure, and wasting flexibility for a SF who isn't necessarily better than any of our existing options just doesn't seem prudent.

[J]

In case people still aren't convinced re: the difference between the Fields and Bayless/Weems situations, the key difference (ignoring all the CBA subtleties and implications) is that Fields accepted the Raptors' offer, with both parties intending to make it official as soon as they were able, while Bayless/Weems had not accepted the Raptors' qualifying offers (nor could they). It's no different from making an offer to, say, Nash, then calling him up prior to his decision to let him know you're pulling out of the sweepstakes. *No agreement, binding or unbinding, had been reached.*

[John]

Doesn't it make a ton of sense for us to take the Cleveland role in facilitating that Dwight deal? Seems to fit with everything Colangelo likes to do (ie pick up pieces as the third party in these trades) and it seemed like there were some real names headed to Cleveland. Do we still have the cap space? What do you think?

Blogger's note: Ship sailed and there was no interest whatsoever here in playing a role that might have made a divisional rival better. Wasn't in play at all

[jc]

Hey Doug,
I'm not sure how we all missed this article (or if we did), but there's a great read on the evolution of basketball in Canada on the espn website. Looks right up your alley.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/8143593/canadian-prospects-finding-home-ncaa-men-basketball-greater-numbers

[Geoff]

If we're looking at Lowry, DeRozan, Fields, Bargnani and Valanciunas as the starting 5, where do the Raps end up at the end of the season? High 20s? Low 30s? I'd consider Lowry and Valanciunas defensive upgrades at their positions, but I don't know what Fields ceiling is. Can he be the solution at SF the Raps have been looking for, or is he a depth guy behind a veteran leader that BC is still looking for?

The gossip mill had BC looking at Gay, Iguodala and Batum. I wouldn't put Fields in the same category as any of those guys. Should we expect BC to keep looking or, based on the money he was willing to give Fields, should we consider him our solution at SF?

Blogger's note: Guess we'll find out in November and you should ignore whatever bogus rumour mill you're looking at.

[J-S]

Hey Doug, long time reader, maybe only commented twice in the past 8 years... Great to see you say that Montreal is a great city, kind of agree with your opinions 85% of the time, but always thought you were an old school racist versus French people. All apologies, I misjudged you and am happy I was wrong!

[J]

Sorry for the multiple posts (pressed the post button prematurely), but as an aside, I'm suspecting that most of the offer sheet versus qualifying offer questions stem from dissatisfaction over the Fields offer sheet. I honestly do not remember anyone asking in previous years about the morality of rescinding QOs. For what little it's worth as an armchair GM, I would have been comfortable with a 3-year $16 mil offer, but 1) it's only a difference of a million per year, so not a big deal, and 2) I have a feeling the Knicks would not have been adverse to matching it then.

As another aside, I find it amusing that so many people are making Fields out to be no more than an end of the rotation guy. The kid only started all but five games (excluding when he was injured) for the Knicks over two seasons of .500+ ball. He only played the second most minutes on a .500+ team in either season, and contributed the most minutes across both seasons. Yes, much of that was due to trades and injuries, but the point is that he contributed significantly to the fortunes of the team. At the worst, he was the fifth man on a playoff team, and we would do well to remember that.

Bottom line: We're getting Landry Fields for $19 mil, so deal with it. If he plays hard on defense and performs more like his rookie year than his sophomore year, he will be more than worth the contract anyway.

[james]

I wish Jerryd Bayless good health. If he achieves this, Memphis will probably be glad they have him. As Mos High notes, he is a bit undersized. I wonder if he will keep his Toronto house.

[George]

I was a little surprised when BC decided to let Bayless walk. He was improving and a younger PG in the league. Also I believed that Jose would be in high demand in the trade market, given that there are teams without a quality starter. And perhaps gather some interest in a team willing to part with a SF. However, Jose is a better PG than Bayless. And if BC's plan is to make the playoffs this year, he needs to have consistent production from that position. And Jose still should have more than a few good years left in him.

[J]

Okay, this begs another post (last one, I promise!):

I was browsing some WP48 (Wins Produced per 48 minutes) stats, when I came across something very interesting (at least to me). For all the hate that BC gets for Bargnani (who is the kind of player WP48 absolutely disfavors), the latest acquisitions and attempted acquisitions have all been very WP48-geared.

[PG] Nash was the 2nd best WP48 PG last season (.260), trailing only Chris Paul (.313). Lowry was 6th best (.189), while our holdover, Calderon, was 4th best (.208). Bayless was way down the list (.094).

[SG] Despite having a down season, Fields was the 7th best WP48 SG playing at least 1200 minutes in 2011-12. DeRozan was a pathetic -0.030, but that can be attributed to being considered a SF for the WP48 calculation and he's been a terrible rebounder even as a SG, let alone a SF. Though I'm sure DeRozan would still score under the league average 0.100 as a SG, let's not forget that he was actually a pretty good rebounder in college. Why that didn't translate into the NBA, when rebounds are usually the one thing that does translate well, I have no idea.

[SF] SF's been a hole for forever, but not for lack of trying. BC did try to acquire Barnes, who was the 5th best WP48 SF last season (.217). Unfortunately, James Johnson suffers from being listed as a PF, but would probably be at least average as a SF. Some food for thought: Iguodala was 3rd best (.255), Batum was 11th best (.168), and Gay was 23rd (.119).

[PF] Ed Davis and Amir Johnson were the 6th and 7th best WP48 PFs last season (.200 and .188, respectively). Bargnani suffers from being listed as a C (-0.040), but unless he's listed as a SG or SF, the WP48 stat will forever hate him. More food for thought: Ilyasova was 3rd best (.251).

[C] Chandler was the best WP48 C by far last season (.311). If only...

It seems in recent years, BC has been targeting players with high WP48. While I still have my issues with the stat, it's not surprising that players who are efficient and are above average rebounders (or great passers) at their positions should be desirable. Considering the consistent level of WP48 performers targeted (1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th, 7th and 7th), I imagine we can expect more players of this type in the future. I would not be surprised if we ended up with Lowry, Fields, Iguodala, Bargnani and Valanciunas as our starting five, with Calderon, Ross and Davis filling out the rest of the top eight.

Blogger's note: Fanciful thinking on two parts: One, I have no idea what bogus Iguodala information is floating around out there now but there's NOTHING GOING ON and I shall remind you one more time: NO ONE-SIDED TRADES. How would they get Iguodala? For Gray, Ross, James Johnson and garbage?
End of rant

[J]

"Blogger's note: Fanciful thinking on two parts: One, I have no idea what bogus Iguodala information is floating around out there now but there's NOTHING GOING ON and I shall remind you one more time: NO ONE-SIDED TRADES. How would they get Iguodala? For Gray, Ross, James Johnson and garbage?
End of rant"

@Doug:

Oh, I think you misunderstood. The last bit wasn't based on anything, rumor or otherwise (especially since I actually detest the rumor mill, don't respect sites that pump them out, and refuse to believe anything until it happens). It was mere amusement at the statistical pattern. I could have used Lebron James (#1 of all WP48 SFs), but figured Iguodala would be more fitting, simply because of how many people seem to want him. =P

And no, silly, obviously not Gray, Ross, James Johnson and garbage; I have Ross up there in the eight-man rotation and I'm pretty sure household trash can't be added to a trade. ;) I think Kleiza (after he's helped Valanciunas settle in), Gray, Uzoh, Anderson, the rights to Tomislav Zubcic, Remon Van de Hare and DeeAndre Hulett, as well as $3 mil cash considerations ought to do it. That way, we could even keep both Johnsons and all our draft picks. Win win!

Blogger's note: Throw in Tyson Wheeler and they might talk

[Jack]

There's still an imbalance in the Raptors roster. A lot of people are putting Fields in the starting line-up. At what position? SF? Then you'll have 3 starters playing no defense at all (Bargnani, Fields and deRozan). They have deRozan, Fields and Ross competing for minutes. They can't put Gray, Davis and Amir at the same time. That will be zero offense.
I think Colangelo is not done making deals. He'll get role players once his core has been established. He's still got some tradable players.

[Penny]

Doug - Juat wondering why everybody here is assuming that Lowry is going to be the starting PG next year when Calderon is one of the better pick and roll PG in the league which is what I thought they were going to be concentrating on with Valanciunas.

[The J]

Hi Doug,
I have been looking at some of the articles stating that the Lowry trade is now official, but none of them note the final conditions on the pick. Has that been revealed yet?
Thanks.

Blogger's note: 1-3, 15-30 in years 1-3; 1-2, 15-30 in year 4, 1, 15-30 in year 5, none in year 6