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

[Ryan]

Ah we have the most basic cable package which, if analog, includes TSN. So we still have Sportsnet and TSN, which are unremovable.

My fiancee found that out actually, which was kind of cool. If you have the basic package with Rogers but use the digital box, you'll only get up to channel 28 or so. But take to cable out and plug it into your TV directly and you'll get a good amount more, which includes TSN and The Score.

It's not HD, but it's better than nothing, and yes my fiancee is amazing :)

Blogger's note: She is. Good job

[matt s]

I for one believe the Raptors are pretty luck people still get angry. I could certainly see, with this franchise, a completely blase attitude from the stands, brought on by year after year of mind-numbingly terrible play. So what emotions should fans show at 3-12? Joy? Angry is way better than indifference, but I think we're all quickly headed that way (see: Carefoot).

[Cal]

Doug,

I understand that as all other newspapers T.Star has financial difficulties. Since i am a subscriber for more than ten years I would like them to do better so I suggest you should be paid by Raptors, since your "reporting" most of the time has nothing to do with journalism, but with acting as a paid consultant for Raptors management. At least in that area you are doing an excellent job.

Blogger's note: Haven't heard anything like that before. Yawn

[sam]

There's been some good points mentioned today, and the usual suspects spouting their usual talking points. Andrea is the whipping boy of this years team followed closely by Jose and if Fields wasn't on the injured list he would be added to the list.
Aside from last night's meltdown and perhaps the game in Boston, the HOTH have played some inspired and entertaining ball this year. It hasn't produced as many wins as expected, but there are some good stories, and a light at the end of the tunnel. JV, Ross, Davis....jose filling in admirably when Kyle was out are a few good stories.
@mos high...your posts are like a broken record. From the outside looking in, I'm certain you don't have the insight to value what a player means to his teammates. Calling some one a cancer is disrespectful to the player and to those touched by the dreadful disease.

[john]

@Mos High,
I agree that AB is not a HOF player, but what is with the hate on for him? I really don’t get it. Last night he scored 21 points on 12 shots which is incredibly efficient. So go ahead and bench/trade AB, where are you going to get those 21 points last night? Or do you plan on just ‘tanking’ for another year to get a better draft pick that may pan out in 3-4 years. If he is as horrible as you suggest do you really think a trade will yield 20 points a night in return or maybe you’re going to ‘fleece’ another GM? Really?
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The Raptors leading rebounder last night was their point guard. Both small forwards are hurt and SF was their weakest spot to begin the season so now it is even more noticeable. They are not getting the production they expected out of KL and DD just gets bottled up by other teams cause the Raps have no outside shooting to keep the defence from packing the paint. I guess if we just traded AB, or sat him on the bench, all these other glaring deficiencies would evaporate?

[Rob.V]

Most are so irrational. What happened to keeping our heads?.
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Let's play the what if game:
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What if they fire Colangelo today?
What if they give Andrea away today rather than seeking the best possible move for the team post Dec 15th?
What if Colangelo were to fire Casey this afternoon?
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It's different for sure... but would anything change?
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Get a hold of yourselves will you.

[David in Oakville]

WOW! Glad I went to the movies last night with my wife. (And I can totally recommend Silver Linings Playbook - go see it, especially if you know anyone from Philly or if you are keen on Jennifer Lawrence - she is magnificent)

Sounds like the game was apocalyptic.

There is only one reason why you would fire Bryan now... the guy you want to replace him is available now and may not be in a few months or you fear he is going to make some crazy move to save his job.

Yes, it is time for Bargnani to be moved.. but only if the deal is right. Bargnani & Kleiza for Pau Gasol, I would make that deal but I think LA is a long ways away from being so frustrated by Gasol that they make that trade and I fear they would want Jose as a back up to Nash. And really, Gasol has never played on a team as woeful as these Raps and he might not adjust well either.

If Dwane could only come up with a simple defensive system geared towards players who don't care to play defense we might have a chance ;).

@Rob - yes very classy and funny (as always). I don't know anyone from the deep south so I won't argue with your choice of language. We both agree that it is amateur hour over at CBC Sports website.

@Mos - hope you are doing fine now and making a full recovery.

[Eric]

Doug, your opinion is your opinion and that's fine. I mean after all this is your blog and you have every right to say what you want.

BUT, I've been reading it for a few years, and I consistently read about you supporting Raptors' management and almost condemning those of us who stand up when the team is not achieving.

You write that BC has had 3 years (after Bosh left) to turn it around. I'll argue that he has had 5 years to move the Raptors in a positive direction and he has not. You also argue that it is not one person's fault. However, BC is ultimately responsible because he is the one who makes changes and has put this team together. Year after year we enter the season with expectations, like this year when BC said that the Raptors should be contending for a playoff spot. By the end of the season he will likely end in a press conference saying that this play developed, this play did too, but injuries were a factor. Enough is enough.

I get the interpretation from your analysis that being a losing franchise is acceptable. I have seen little to no improvement in the Raptors throughout BC's tenure, and yet you continue to support the "process". More like a process of continual losing. And to tell your readership to not over-react and accept it, is just ridiculous.

I have no idea how to fix the Raptors, but I do tend to agree with many that it is time to part with Bargnani. They clearly need to move in another direction, as this one has not been consistent enough.

I just wish that by the end of the season BC finally takes some responsibility. I do not think they will be close to making the playoffs, but that's unpredictable until they play some more games. I'd be shocked.

Anyways, I usually enjoy your insight but in this case I have to agree with the majority that your constant overall support of Raptors' management is mind-boggling.

Blogger's note: Your disagreement is fine with me, good on you. And if they are this far removed from the playoffs at the end of the season, I'd advocate change at the very top. But I'm not willing to suggest they make some knee-jerk move 15 games into a season.
But, if they do make a move in April and Valanciunas and Ross and DeRozan and Lowry go on to have great years, I want you to come back and offer after-the-fact kudos to the guy who brought them here. Deal?

[Eric]

@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!"

In response to this post: It's not about who do we bring in. The point is that when a professional is doing a poor job they must be replaced. When you do not produce results within 5 years, you are out. It really is as simple as that. Think about it from a restaurant stand-point. If the GM or head chief is consistently under producing and the restaurant is failing, changes will be made to right the ship. BC has tried to change the menu (Jermaine O'Neal, Hedo, TJ, etc.) and it just didn't pan out. It is time to make a bigger change now.

Tim, BC has failed Toronto for 4/5 years, why continue to let him? (Out of fear no one can do a better job than producing a 3-11 team?) Come on, weak argument!

Blogger's note: And, at the end of five years, we'll see what happens. We're a long way from that, even if that doesn't fit the "off with his head" over-reaction of the past two weeks

[S.R.]

@ John... really? You thought Bargnani had a good game last night because he had 21 points? You are not seeing the whole picture my friend... it isn't just about scoring!

[Brad B]

I realize that the fans are upset, but what about the other teams in the league? The fans of any of the bottom 6 teams in the NBA could probably make the same complaints the Rap fans are making here, but we haven't . It's all fine to grip, but who would we recommend to replace AB and BC with? Would they do any better?

I've decided to readjust my expectations after last night and I feel much better now. I think we are going in the right direction overall, but to get there I think will take at least until the end of the season. It's probabably better to have any hope crushed now and just go along for the ride the rest of the season than to suffer an even greater crush when they're knocked out of the playoff race on the last day of the season.

I think what is really bothering the fans is the thought that the Raptors traded their 1st round pick for Lowry and they're afraid (with the team's penchant for attracting bad outcomes) that Houston will end up with our 4th pick in a deep draft.

But what can we do now? At this point we're on the MLSE rollercoaster and can't get off for the duration of the ride. At least Doug had the good sense to stay on the ground before the season started.

[Mos High]

@ sam you obviously didnt read my comment, I have had a tumor removed from my body. I dont take cancer for joke not even a minute or a second. But dont think I cant use to prove a point.

But yes I;m a broken record just like the Raptors right now. What new is there to say, The teams so called player is not good!! If you check out Atlanta Hawks blogs anytime they loose this year they blast J Smith. Call him J Clank etc. They just dont loose as much.

True Raptors fans who want good for the team WILL NOT SIT back and say it will be ok, we are tired of the loosing!!!

People say if you trade Bargnani, where are his 20pts going to come from. Well depends who they get. The issue is his game play will never help this team win unless he is off the bench. He can not get starter minutes.
I watch ever single game and its the same stuff, but its getting worse. Last 2 years Ive been blasting Bargnani people would say ok just give him chance. Last year more people started to turn.

Now this year look at the comments are overwhelmed with the acknowledgement Bargnani needs to be removed. Surgery is painful but it is necessary!!!

[Geoff Read]

Bottom line: I think the level of bitterness comes from the fact that fans (this is certainly true of me) thought that this year would be the year the Raptors would at least push for a playoff spot. Yet, I see no reason for optimism on that front. Once again, it appears the Raptors' season is essentially over by the end of November. As any student of revolutions could tell you, there is never a more dangerous moment for a regime than when it raises its people's expectations and then disappoints them.

[john]

@S.R. as soon as you get over the fact that AB is not going to average a double double and be on the all-defensive team your AB angst will be much more manageable. And yes, I do believe 21 points on 12 shots is a very efficient offensive night. If you blame the 117 Houston points on AB alone, or the fact their PG was their leading rebounder, I suggest you take a closer look at the picture yourself.
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@Rob, you have now managed to insult hillbilly's everywhere....

[Steven]

On a positive note, the year the Raptors won the Atlantic division in 2006-2007, they had the same kind of heavy road schedule and started 5-10 and the were 7-14 in early December. Obviously, all is not lost but I like most, I am really disappointed with the results. It just feels like we're always on the losing end of close games to the point that where I just wait for the collapse to happen and it always seems to. I've been a Raptor season ticket holder since 1995 (yes, I should be seeing someone for that) and can tell you that in the 5 of 17 seasons they were good, there was nothing more fun than the atmosphere at a Raptors game. The ACC vibrated from the noise at a playoff game. I can see from the comments section there is such passion in this town for basketball. It's too bad the home team is killing it.

[Colin W]

My expectations at the start of the season was that the Raps would finish 7th or 8th in the East. It may still work out that way. The problem I am having is with what seems to be indifference on the part of Casey in holding players accountable. I fully understand a player having bad games during the season and where there is an effort to learn from mistakes, I am all for cutting that player some slack. However, the coach seems more loyal to certain players at the expense of getting the team some wins and that is what I struggle with. Each player should be committed to winning as a team and should be prepared to do whatever it takes to win, even if it means sitting on the bench in the late stages of a game because of a prolonged scoring drought.

The fans deserve much better. It is one thing to preach patience; the question is at what point does that patience gets rewarded? Somehow it seems like we have seen "this movie" a couple of times before already.

[511]

Don't know how you do it, Doug. On one hand, it's nice to see that so many care so much about the day-to-day goings-on of the Raptors … but reading the ravings of what seems to be the majority - and in reality is probably only a vocal minority - is the not-so-pleasant other hand. People can be such sheep and sometimes be so easily persuaded to follow bad advice. All it takes is a few of them to nod in agreement while the thing is first being said and then if they listen more closely as the thing is hammered away at repeatedly, invariably, some will then start up the chant themselves. And we end up getting some of what we have today, seeing entitled idiots race around with pitchforks and torches, frothing at the mouth while chanting 'trade AB/fire BC'. It'd be awful if a nervous-nelly with straw-for-brains and too many shares in MLSE would find him or herself following the foolishness and then interpreting the noise we hear (right here and all 'round in various blogs) as being something that should be heeded somehow, and taken to the boardroom. Good lord. I just scared myself.

[Jeff]

I'm glad to see all of this "panic" and the opinions by the readers, right or wrong, level headed or crazy ideas. The fact is all of these fans care about the team/game and are starving for a winner. Some teams in other cities would kill for diehard fans who are critical of every move because that means the fans are paying attention.And Doug you should be most grateful for all of the angst because we keep reading your blog - your towing the company line just as much as Chuck Swirsky was (a real homer)

The problem must be with MLSE - Raptors, Leafs, FC have all preached being fiscally responsible. But when Colangelo was in Phoenix, look at the players he had and the playoff runs. Time to get a single owner with deep pockets who cares about winning, not a conglomerate to make the fat cats happy. Until this is done and MLSE team will never win a championship.

Blogger's note: Grateful? GRATEFUL???? For the name-calling and rip-jobs. Heck yeah, I'm grateful as the day is long.

[Mike D.]

With a couple of exceptions the team has been in every game; on Sunday I sat and watched them take the Spurs to two OTs despite our best scoring threat having a terrible shooting game. Jonas looks great. Demar looks much better than last year. Ross is starting to surprise people. Bottom line, this team could still come out of nowhere and become a real bear for opponents to deal with. And hey, mathematically the Raptors could still finish the season 70-12.

Doug tells it like it is.....and even if he didn't, to the best of my knowledge nobody from MLSE is checking my blog posts for ideas on how to coach or manage.

So I'm chilling.

[gavin]

Unfortunately this is likely not for off at Raptors home games if things don't improve.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4xGGgz5TcI

[lee in ottawa]

@Dave B ,thats my point why was he not getting the ball. Was he never in position, could he not fight off his defender. Why was his number not being called? Why was the ball not going in his direction? This not anything new, happens all the time.

[LorenintheWoods]

"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. "

Which lottery did Memphis win? Or Indiana? Or Denver? Or Brooklyn? Or Dallas? Or Minnesota? Or Boston?

Or was there just some competent management, and the ability to properly judge their own players and not overpay mediocre players just because they're home-grown?

I'm just not ready to give up on this franchise being a winner, and I'd be more inclined to go it your way and be accepting of mediocrity if it looked like there was a plan in place.

Andrea Bargnani, for all of his shooting talent (which it should be noted, has been wildly overblown - his true shooting numbers are average - he just takes an unprecedented amount of shots) is a train-wreck from an analytical perspective. Accepting his lack of team-concept defensive awareness and rebounding just because "he is what he is" is unacceptable. He's hurting his team every time he's out there - even in his best moments it's like he's channelling the worst moments of Carmelo Anthony.

DeMar DeRozan is athletic and young. He's also decreased in efficiency every year he's played in the league, has a reputation as a poor defender, and from a statistical perspective, is a below-average rebounder and shooter. He can make difficult shots from time to time, but the numbers don't lie - he's just not even an average player in this league, let alone one that deserves anything close to 15% of a team's cap.

Amir Johnson, nice player, but 7 million?

None of these players would start on a contending team, yet they're the choice of management as foundation pieces. If you can tell me why committing to these players will make them challenge the best teams in the East, I'd love to hear it.

Blogger's note: Someday, someone's going to listen and actually read Amir's contract details. I'm done mentioning it. But thanks for the new reference to fiction

[Dan]

The Raps aren't so bad they just need a finisher to close out those close games for them. Not to mention the fact that it almost seems as if the refs have it out for them, not giving the younger players the benefit of the doubt on calls.

[Lorie]

Good.Afternoon, Doug,
Hmmm...I see 67 commenters have preceeded me here today; but without reading all of their thoughts, is it safe for me to assume I'm the first to thank you for the great tune from the show "Memphis"? Cheers! Suitably Bluesy ones.

[LorenintheWoods]

"Blogger's note: Someday, someone's going to listen and actually read Amir's contract details. I'm done mentioning it. But thanks for the new reference to fiction"

Per HoopsHype Salary Cap Team info:

Player 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15
Amir Johnson $6,000,000 $6,500,000 $7,000,000

Close enough for you? Regardless, a difference of a million or two (or three) doesn't change any of my other points one iota.

Blogger's note: You need better-informed sources but who cares when reality doesn't fit the opinion.