Advice that no one wants to hear: Time to chill

That was something, wasn’t it?

Hadn’t seen one of those in quite some time, gotta say it was easier to write than a buzzer-beater and we know: It’s all about me, right?

Anyway, early flight to Memphis, can’t wait to see the comments when I get there.

Enjoy.

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THREE POINTERS

Trade this guy, fire that guy, bench the other guy.

Let me ask a question of the collective minds who are cluttering up the comments and the in-box with “I’m never watching this team again” and “the season’s over” and “everyone’s got to go” stuff.

Where’d you think they’d be this year?

Mid-30s wins? Clawing at eighth? In the lottery?

Well, you may still be right.

Look, last night was bad but, truth be told, it was an aberration; we can all agree that they’ve been “in” most games, just unable to finish them for whatever reason.

So, they go in tank one night. Big whoop. It’s going to happen and, frankly, I’m surprised it hasn’t already.

So, with 67 games to go, all the realistic goals are still achievable; they are better, I think we can all agree that Valanciunas and, lately, Ross look like keepers as rookies and that DeRozan hasn’t been spoiled by his contract extension and Lowry looks good. We can agree on that, right?

So three years into this process – which truly began the year after Bosh left – they are where they probably should be.

The kids will get better, the schedule will turn and they will get to where all sane-thinking people thought they would: Somewhere in that 7-10 spot in the East; with some win total in the 30s.

And if they’re not? Well they maybe it’s time to change things at the top but, whether you believe it or not, there are pieces there and the process is moving forward.

And if any of you can prove to me that you thought they’d be better than scraping into eighth, which is the next step in the process, I’ll give you credit for being overly-optimistic.

Unless you hit some lottery luck on the very best year, or unless you run franchises in Miami, L.A. or New York, it’s a long, tough slog. They are on that slog.

We all knew it, you knew it in your hearts. Remember that the next time panic sets in.

Thanks.

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Ross’s big night

Yes, that was a breakout kind of night for the kid, who not only made shots and had dunks but he defended James Harden pretty well at times.

Does he need to play more? Maybe a bit but 35 minutes last night would be about tops.

Does he need to start? No way.

They need his energy and talents off the bench right now; I don’t know that anyone would feel comfortable with Dom McGuire energizing a second unit and Linas Kleiza is simply too hit and miss.

So, by all means play Ross more consistently, let him finish games but leave him as the first win off the bench. It’s the best use of personnel right now

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Ross’s big dunks

They were great, weren’t they? Yes. All but one and I’m sure Dwane and the staff will let him know about it.

It was early the fourth quarter, there was a loose ball at midcourt and Ross picked it up with no Rocket between him and the basket.

However, John Lucas III was about 30 feet ahead of him, equally open, and instead of passing the ball and staying back on defence, Ross took off and finished a dunk with a Rocket in hot pursuit.

Trouble was, it left Toronto with only three defenders back and the only thing that saved them from giving up an easy transition break and a 5-on-3 was a Houston timeout.

The right play would have been to make the pass and play defence; it wouldn’t have been as sexy, but it would have been smarter.

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Extra?

Hey, remember when we gave you this from the Broadway show Memphis and how I mentioned that relatively unheard-of Broadway actors and actresses were something else?

Well, this, from the same show and man, it’s good no?

And if we hear anything like that post-game at the Beale Street Juke joint, it’ll be fine with me.

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Mail? Let’s start.

Click. Write. Send.

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Here’s what should happen.

Every major league baseball player who has played since 1975 should wake up today and make some large, personal financial contribution to whatever cancer society exists where they live because they wouldn’t be nearly as wealthy as they are today had it not been for Marvin Miller, who died yesterday of liver cancer.

Now, I don’t know what your feelings are towards unions in sports and what they’ve done but we wouldn’t be where we are today – in any sport – had Miller not done what he did in the 70s for major league baseball.

I think things may have swung a bit too far towards the players but that’s neither here nor there, Miller took baseball players out of virtual servitude and into an incredible era and his work carried over into other sports.

And players should tithe some of their salary in his name; they wouldn’t have the money if it wasn’t for him.

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Casey Janssen had shoulder surgery?

Even when things are going good, things are going bad, aren’t they?

I know, they said he’ll be back for camp and no reason not to take them at their word but, man.

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Comments

[Canadian Paul]

Doug, you've been saying it's still too early since the season was 5 games old. They're now 3-12 (soon to be 3-13) and second from bottom (thank God for the Wizards!). Most fans expected a low-seed playoff position or just a bit better than last year. Others expected just improvement as a whole.

They are headed for 6 in 7 away games, sandwiched with a surprising Phoenix encounter. If things hold (and there's no reason to believe otherwise), they could be 3-19 or 4-18 by the end of this stretch.

Now, this is not the Lakers' expectations, but at 3-19, some heads would need to roll. Don't you think?

Blogger's note: No, not necessarily

[Crapangelo]

Doug, you're the ultimate slappy. Continue to preach patience just as you did last year, just as you did the year before. You'd be the ultimate boss to work for!!

Anyways, back to reality, Colangelo needs to get fired and/or not brought back at the end of the year and then and only then will this team have a decent opportunity to acquire proper talent and properly assess potential draft picks.

P.S., Terrance Ross does NOT look like anything remotely resembling a keeper as of yet. Tell Brian i say hello!!

Blogger's note: What in the world makes you think I'd hire you?

[Sharkey]

Every professional athlete in every sport should know the name Marvin Miller and thank Marvin Miller. He's the reason athletes get paid what they do -- if it wasn't for him, athletes would still be treated like de facto slaves, paid peanuts and tied to one team.

[Penny]

Hi Doug - last night was undoubtedly KL's worst game of the season. When you're playing your old team, you want to show them that they made a big mistake in trading you. Unfortunately, Kyle's play last night showed the Rockets that they made the right move. Lin ompletely outplayed him as did Tony Parker in the San Antonio game. KL is not really much better than Calderon in stopping penetration which forces JV to try and stop it and he has not learned how to do that as yet.

[lee in ottawa]

Anybody seen Andrea. I last saw him at the end of the first half last night. Again and again, how do you go off for 19 in the first half then disapear?

[Rob.V]

7 REASONS WHY MLSE SHOULD RETAIN COLANGELO

7. He’s committed to turning it around, & who is available that is better?.
6. 2 Time executive of the year is no “fluke”. Injuries are not his fault.
5. Draft: You may not want to hear this but: AB, DD, Ed Davis, T.Ross, and JV “are” assets.
4. He works hard, (Hedo), then works harder, Presto!-poof! ... it disappears (J.O anyone).
3. He looks internally at shortcomings and is willing to bring in help. Stefanskie, a defensive minded coach in Casey vs. the offensive hires of the past (D'antoni-Triano). Looks to improve in every area - Alex M.
2. He’s respected around the league and is highly regarded by other GM’s and agents (although you may not want to hear this either).

1. To spite kids working at CBC posing as professional writers.

(Please feel free to mentally accompany this next paragragh with that famous melody from the movie Deliverance).

See, dat der mummy! I just wrote dat dang article – 6 reasons why, and it be jus as in formation ed as dat writin guyz from da CBC. it might jus be read across da dang country 2… I reckon. Me tinking dat dis must mean dat I’m now one of them profess-ianally journa lip-stick writin types like dat fellow from da CVC!!
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I’m gon write bout dem der Raftors for a livin momma.

See, no name calling at all Oakville… I’m classy!!!

[Matt M]

Patience? Isn't this a T-Dot sports team? There are a limited number of fans who do not long for the green grass on the other side of the fence. If Colangelo gets fired they will turn on the next guy, regardless of pedigree, plan, or results. If Bargnani gets traded they will turn on DeRozan for not being Kobe Bryant in his prime. If Calderon gets traded they will turn on Lowry. And without a couple of superstar players that are almost impossible to get the Raptors will be a middling team. And so the cycle goes, ad infinitum.
Stay the course. Colangelo is likely better than anybody else that would come to Toronto. Bargnani should be traded, but not for nothing as illustrated by the team falling off a cliff when he was injured last year. Any improvement in defense will be mitigated by the loss of offense. Hopefully the team gets a top three lottery pick this year, because adding a superstar player to this team would go a lot further to improving this team than any moves that are available now.

[AT]

Doug,
Raptors realistically have 3 or 4 starters and 10 or 11 players that can come off the bench. Only 5 can play at a time. With 67 games left it probably wouldn't hurt to trade some of this depth for another starter or two. I would be curious to know if Colangelo is actively looking to improve this team or if he wants to ride this one out as you suggest?

[marc in panama]

Hola Doug,

Hard days for Raptor Nation right now indeed. Kyle Lowry looks like he's lost a step, some "jump" to me, After the second evaluation it sounded like he was going to be out another week or two, and suddenly a couple of days later he was on the court. So i have to wonder, did he come back too early?

Watched the Lakers game last night, and I have to b
Comment on Joey Crawford's blocking dance. Look, I know that the charge/block call is a tough one to make, but Joey made two mistakes last night. First of all, the call itself was atrocious. West was above the circle, didn't move, and was there long enough, Dominos could have delivered a pizza to him. For Joey to get the call wrong is one thing, but to do the "Block Dance" from the baseline to the three point line, to the music of his repetitive whistle blowing ilustrated a couple of things to me. He made a bad call and then celebrated it. He was either obviously caught up in the emotion of the game (which should never happen, correct?) or he thinks fans are there to see him dance and sing. Doesn't that role belong to the Laker Girls? Where is his professionalism? Blow the whistle. Make the call. But don't add what you think is "flavor" to the game. So I ask you, was this the manner in which a senior referee should comport himself after making that kind of call?

Ciao amigo,

marc in panama

[Peter G Saint John NB]

Hi Doug,
Thanks for being the voice of reason. After all, it's only a game.

[Peter]

I think that some of the angst comes from Bryan saying that he expects the playoffs this year, and that was his goal. When the GM says that in a contract year, after years of missing the playoffs, people expect something to be done. If they had gone 50/50 in the close games, I think the angst-o-meter would have been lower. The only thing that this team has proved so far this season is that they don't know how to win yet. There are positives, but there are far too many negatives a d getting blown out last night, and facing such a tough schedule moving forward, I think people feel (rightly so) that if management doesn't do something soon, that another season could be lost already in the next 7 or 8 games. I think it's fair to say that if Bryan's goal really is the playoffs, it's probably up to him to do something soon, because the opening day roster has proven that they are not a playoff team this year.

[sal]

Doug I think you've been with the Raps too long..You've become a MLSE shill. You come on and defend this terrible team day after day year after year.

[Rob.V]

Man, what are you going to do. Geez, I don't think anyone here or anyone with close ties to the league would have seen this coming for the Raptors.
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There are no excuses. They are what their record indicates. The question now is how the hell do they pull out of this tailspin. As mentioned the other day if Colangelo waits until December 15th the season will be all but lost, so a trade may be moot at that point.
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Seriously - now what???
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With the expectations going into this season I cannot think of a season in Raptors history that has been as tough as this one.
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The only thing I can suggest is that this is one of those times when you must, MUST keep your head about you. No rash moves. Hopefully get your injured wings back in the rotation soon and things turn.
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I will say this though. This team is young and they could use some veterans with mental toughness because they're clearly lacking this and leadership.
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I know it doesn't look like it on the surface however the Raptors have assets to make a substantial move.
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... but the patience to wait out the best deal is what is going to be the most difficult task right now.
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This is the last thing any of you want to hear however the operative word must, MUST be patience!
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BC and Co. are going to really have to guard against that "just because" deal because I imagine they feel 1000 times worse than we do today.
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Keep your heads boys!

[S.R.]

Andrea's defence was just atrocious last night. In the second half it was like he wasn't even trying. I've been a supporter of his for a long time, but last night was the tipping point for me. I do not think a team can win with one of its main bigs playing D like that.

Doug, Do you think there is anyway Dwayne Casey removes Andrea from the starting line up for even a few games. He has to be held accountable.

Raptors will not win with Andrea in the starting lineup... Either trade him or bench him.

Ed Davis might not be the most talented guy, but he plays hard every night.

[gavin]

If 3-12 is about where they are supposed to be in year three of a rebuild, lets get a new plan. I would have expected them to be better than the second worst team in the NBA. How can anyone suggest this is where they should be? Lets embrace ineptitude, is that the message? I would have expected a coach to adjust his defensive scheme to cover the three ball every now and then. If Dwane Casey was brought in to help this team defensively then I'd have to say looking at the numbers, he has been an epic fail.

[Kent]

You predicted mid-30 wins in year 1 After Bosh. Remember the "they-could-have-won-9-more-games-if-Reggie-didn't-get-hurt" gem? Nope. Not even close. Year 2 A.B., same thing. Year 3, you predicted the playoffs.

You can't whine about getting your mailbox jammed from angry Raptor fans when you give them those expectations. I myself know to take 10-12 wins off of whatever you predict and let that be my expectation but there are people, Doug, who believe in everything you say. They think that because you get to walk around the ACC and talk to Raptor employees all day, you will know everything. Here's an idea for next year: take 10-12 wins off your predicted total. One, you would be more accurate and, two, you would get less angry emails. You are welcome.

[Andrew Gregg]

Hi Doug:

With due respect, the issue is not where they are now or were expected to be this season--it's where they are under Coangelo's tenure. There are some bright spots on the roster--agreed. JV and Ross seem to be keepers and I think DeRozan is a great cornerstone. But this team topples because it's foundation includes Bargnani and Coangelo either can't move him, or he refuses to. At the end of last season, when Coangelo called Bargnani the "enigma of all enigmas" I figured it was the last warning. Somehow somebody has to hold AB into account or move him.

Fans are losing patience so early because they've seen this too many times. I don't think chastising them for being frustrated is very reasonable.

AG, Toronto

[Penny]

@lee in ottawa - You go off and disappear when you no longer receive the ball. Bargnani did not play that many minutes in the second half and when he did, the play was going to DD or KL and not to him. He only had 2 shots and scored on one of them.

[Tabber]

Um, what's a "slappy"? Pardon my ignorance, but I'm older than Doug, have no kids so I'm not necessarily up on the language of today's kids - or if it ain't a new term, then I obviously have been sheltered from this somehow! Always happy to learn, so please oblige! Thanks!

[K. Wright]

It's not panic time but I think it's time to start looking at alternatives. Clearly Bargnani is not the saviour the Raps need to take the next step, I think it's time for BC to finally swallow his pride and make a move that shows the fanbase that he sees the flaws in this roster and is going to make a change. Namely, Pau Gasol. Wait, dont stop reading. A pairing of Gasol and Valanciunas would be a formidable frontcourt. I know Gasol's numbers are retreating this year but this is due to him having to play further away from the net to accommodate Dwight Howard. The Lakers need a scorer who can operate in the mid range(long 2) area out to 3 point and Bargnani is exactly that player. The Raps need a stronger player in the post and to bolster their defence around the rim and I believe this pairing would be beneficial to the raptors. If the Raptors are able to swing a trade that sends Bargs, Kleiza and scraps for Gasol while still retaining Calderon I think its a steal. An added plus would be pairing Jose and Gasol.

Whaddya think??

[Paul]

Hi Doug I do appreciate your blogs, article and great insight to the game and the Raptors. I can speak for me and say my concern is not that they are losing or even the blow out but it is how they lose. This year the Defence has digressed significantly. We have the supposedly best player that either shows up half a game and is not playing decent defence at all to merit him being on the floor. As a fan it is hard to see these things and get excited. It seems to be that not everyone has the same passion to compete. That is why I believe some fans are not happy. We just want to see them play hard when they are the floor. Learn from their mistakes.

[Tim H.]

To all the posters who want BC fired: Who are you bringing in to replace him? If there is the genius GM out there that you all think there is, why is he out of work? Try thinking before making rash comments!

[marc in panama]

Hola Doug,

Apologies, in my comment about Joey Crawford's block dance, I was incorrect on who the block was called on. Chris Duhon could've got that pizza delivered to that spot, David West won the free tickets to Crawford's floor show.

marc in panama

[Rob]

Good point about the Ross dunk....i didnt even notice that. You are right, decisions like that can cost us 1 or 2 point games in the end, and it takes no skill, just smarts and experience. (I did enjoy watching him throw them down though!)

[Jeff]

Andrea reminds me of John Wallace, a great offensive player but will hardly play a lick of defence. Give me a guy who is less talented but plays with heart and I'll take that guy.

I agree that changes should be made - trades, coaches, front office - whatever it takes.

Doug, remember something - we fans are not in a state of panic. We are passionate because we care and support the team and we want a winner in return. Without the fans (and readers) the team and you will suffer.