Rookie moments, visitors from France and Hump in a fight

They didn’t beat the team with the best record in the NBA on the second night of a road back-to-back?

Damn you, Andrea Bargnani!

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THREE POINTERS

Back to earth

Yes, Terrence Ross struggled a little bit – just 4-for-13 from the field and six missed three-pointers on six attempts – but there’s something about the kid in the last couple of games that you have to like.

He looked like a deer caught in some headlights early in the season but you can see him attacking the paint far more often and his confidence seems to be growing every minute.

At one point in, I believe, the third quarter, he got the ball in the far corner and could have hoisted a three. He knew he wasn’t shooting it particularly well and instead of hesitating and thinking about another here, he immediately went into the lane.

He didn’t make the shot but his coach and teammates noticed his aggressive move – it was mentioned in the post-game period – and they’re coming to like the way he’s playing an awful lot these days.

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A hectic few minutes

Well, it was nice to see Quincy Acy get some time and he sure can liven up the end of a blowout, no?

A flagrant foul after he inadvertently smacked Kyle Lowry in the eye in about his first minute was kind of cool.

And then in the dying seconds he somehow got tangled up with Josh Selby of the Grizzlies under the far basket and was bumped out of bounds.

As Acy’s walking back in, he gave Selby a nice little shove in the back – totally missed by the three officials – and Selby ends up with a technical foul when he goes back at Acy.

Love the kid’s spirit, was kind of nice of him to put some juice in the last minutes of a boring game.

(And it didn’t have a huge impact on my filing at the buzzer so that’s okay).

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What’s up with Pietrus

Wish I knew for certain but there is no question there’s a lot of legitimate interest and it wouldn’t surprise me if something happened quickly.

(An aside: Pietrus is going to have to pass a physical and it was a year ago now that they flunked him on one because of a knee issue so take that into consideration).

Anyway, here’s the thing: He could very well be the best small forward on the roster the second he signs but to think he’s going to come in and all of a sudden turn things totally around is silly.

He’s good – solid shooter, good athlete, can defend – and he’s an upgrade but don’t get your hopes up that all of a sudden the problems at that position are going away.

Here’s something to think about: If Bryan is going to pull off some deal where he divests himself of a significant player out of the rotation – and he shouldn’t right now – I think you need to put the fantasy of Pau Gasol out of your mind and go looking for a small forward to plug into your trade machine.

That’s the gaping hole in this roster, that’s what has to get fixed first.

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And we move on …

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Things you hear in airports because people don’t have the common courtesy to either speak quietly or find a private location for their telephone conversations:

A dude, obviously bit peeved, uses the phrases “dad-gum job” and “cotton-pickin’ business” in a three-minute conversation.

Gotta love the south.

I have to use “dad-gum” in some game story sometime.

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No, you don’t often see a couple of guys from France – one wearing a cowboy hat and one who looked a lot like Harpo Marx (and didn’t speak, either) – sit in with The Memphis Blues Masters at the Juke Joint on Beale Street and knock off a passable rendition of Route 66.

But, then again, you folks don’t hang with me too often.

They weren’t as good as this guy but who is?

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A random cabbie conversation on the way to the FedEx Forum

“How’s your team? You gonna win?”

“Hell, no.”

“Why not? You’ve got that guy 7-feet and he’s shooting the three-ball like hell.”

(If he only knew)

A minute later.

“Yeah, your team might win, Conley’s sick.”

“Sure, but you’ve got Jerryd Bayless.”

“He’s no good. Can’t dribble. Shoots too much. He’s a shooting guard.”

Who knew scouts moonlighted as Memphis cabbies.

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How about that little fracas in Boston?

Tell you what, if I’m the Celtics, I’m quite worried that my starting point guard is going to get hit with at least a five-game suspension – and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if it was seven or even 10 – after taking a couple of shots at Kris Humphries in a brouhaha that spilled into stands.

First, the league rightfully frowns on its players interacting with fans that way – I think it was Nate Robinson and JR Smith who got 10 games for a fight that put fans in danger – but the big factor is going to be Rondo’s history.

He got a two-game suspension last year for tossing a ball at an official and got one game in the playoffs for pushing a ref; he’s a repeat offender and that’s not going to sit well in the office.

Five games? Ten games? Neither would surprise me at all.

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I think we’re going to do mail a couple of times on the weekend because it’ll help me with my travel plans so help a fellow out, will you?

Click. Write. Send.

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Comments

[Mike D.]

Speaking completely objectively, a guy with the size and rebounding skills of Hump should be a little embarrassed that Rondo and Jason Terry were able to roll him backward so easily. If he'd bent his knees and lowered his centre of gravity he would have been able to hold his ground.

[GK]

"Here’s something to think about: If Bryan is going to pull off some deal where he divests himself of a significant player out of the rotation – and he shouldn’t right now"

So when should he? You always talk about what they shouldn't do....shouldn't sit this player, shouldn't move that player, but never any insight as to what they should do when it affects any of the current players, coaches, management, etc. The Raptors are now 10 games below .500 and playoff contention was the declared goal by the team, coaches and GM. They'll need a .500 record to sniff at the 8th seed meaning they'll have to play the rest of the season at 10 games above. That seems highly unlikely.

I understand not wanting to provide an opinion in your articles, but why not your blog? Isn't that the point? Your soap box is high on things like iconic Jets fans and pop stars attire, but void of any opinion and insight regarding the team you cover. Are you a contrarian? Or are you concerned about possibly offending a player or source within the organization? If I do get a response I'm sure it'll be something snarky or your go to "yawn", but this blog has become nothing more than a PR tool used to defend the team and management.

Blogger's note: My opinion is you don't give away guys in a panic mode after 15 games; you work hard to find a good deal and when it comes up, you make it. You most certainly do not listen to fans. That opinion is oft-stated. Guess you missed those points. And just because they don't agree with your thoughts doesn't mean the points aren't opinion; perhaps too subtle but what can you do. If you want screaming, there are other places for it

[JHK]

Two things:
1. DD got spoiled. SG who can't shoot beyond 10 feet? Not sure how 10 mill justifies it. What is he shooting beyond the arc? 25%?
2. Rondo will get away with 3. He is too superstar for NBA. They can't afford to lose him for that long and they also wouldn't let Celtics go down like that.

[K. Wright]

Hey Doug,

Since it's time to chill and not panic yet, I'll be waiting for your instructions on how I should react regarding the team. keep me posted.

Thanks

Blogger's note: No problem, most certainly will. For starters, enjoy it for what it is: Sports, entertainment, a diversion.

[Arlene]

Who else might be available at the small forward position that would be an upgrade (discounting Pietrus) or do Raps have to wait until trade time to upgrade?
I would be happier with this team if guys were allowed to stay together and play together for more than a year. Brian has revamped the team many times in the past few years with different players that have to learn to play together and this takes time. The really good teams have players that have great familiarity with each other because they have played together....Boston, Memphis, now Miami and Oklahoma....plus they have superior talent.
Think idea of Raps making the playoffs this year was misleading for fans.....but the organization needs to sell tickets. Lowry was touted as some kind of hero...not happening, although he is an upgrade.

[Penny]

Hi Doug - I really enjoy watching the Raptors play basketball and most of the games have been very entertaining. The last two, though, have been very hard to watch in the second half. What happens to the team at half time? In both of the last 3rd quarters, the players come out and commit lots of fouls, stupid turnovers and ineffective offensive plays. These plays always seem to be isolations for DD and when he has a top notch defender on him like Tony Allen last night, he can't do anything. He desperately needs to learn how to pass. Also in deference to all the AB haters and his lack of getting rebounds, what has happened to JV lately? He had 5 rebounds in Houston and only 2 last night.

[AT]

Signing Pietrus to a short term contract certainly wouldn't hurt this team. I think what this team really needs is someone who can get this team believing in themselves and play with more confidence. (to completely steal from Sam Mitchell in his radio interview yesterday) they need a guy like Kevin Garnett or Jordan that can get guys motivated. This team does have the pieces to be OK but could finish with 20 wins or 35-40 wins, it is totally up to them.

thought Lowry was that type of player but the more we see him, he does not seem to be the leader on the court many assumed he would be.

[john]

Hey Doug, There’s something kind of comforting seeing Garnet hit the floor hard. I guess Hump got tired of the endless smack the 'tough guy' spews every night. Of course it was also right after Hump's embarrassing rejection of Rondo's layup. Nice way to see Rondo's streak end. I guess he can start a new one after his holiday...
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And that was a flagrant? His arm was straight up the whole time! He didn't hack at him or push him. Garnet is just old and lost his balance. That’s a no-call at all if it’s on DD, never mind a flagrant.
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Who will be the frothing masses whipping boy today? My bet was Boss Davis cause he led the team in rebounds but only got 6 and only had 10 point on 4 shots.

[GK]

"Blogger's note: My opinion is you don't give away guys in a panic mode after 15 games; you work hard to find a good deal and when it comes up, you make it. You most certainly do not listen to fans. That opinion is oft-stated. Guess you missed those points. And just because they don't agree with your thoughts doesn't mean the points aren't opinion; perhaps too subtle but what can you do. If you want screaming, there are other places for it"

I don't advocate for screaming or for panic. If they were 6-10 I could see your point. The team declared they were on the other side of the rebuild but clearly they are not. I realize the schedule has been tough but 3-13 is dismal even for the optimists. It's not about panic but rather embarassment. There's a great opportunity for the organization to increase their fanbase in this country given that the pucks are locked out and now they are literally the only thing on TV to watch in the evenings (aside from poker!). They are the lead story on the Connected's and Sportscentre's if only for the fact that there's nothing else to show. The casual fan sees the same old Raptors....falling apart in the fourth quarter and constantly underachieving. They consistently fire coaches, GM's and cycle through a large number of players year over year. When do the excuses stop? Why is it always time to chill no matter how grave things seem to be. When do we panic? 3-16? 4-20?

Is it mis-management? Ownership? Coaching? The players? Why is this franchise so bad? It has to be something. You've covered the team forever (literally).You know all the people involved. Perhaps it's your fault? I keed...

I'm of the opinion that this team should clear the slate. I think they should abolish this dinosaur nonsense and go with the traditional Huskies and try to bring some tradition to the organization that doesn't have to do with a player winning a slam dunk competition 10 or 12 years ago. Is this a foolish suggestion?

Blogger's note: So, ground zero again -- which will probably mean five more years of losing -- and a name change? Not going to happen.

[truth be told]

Ha ha. Playing the "Andrea didn't play" card? lol

I wondered where he was on a night they had to go match up with the best (and most punishing) front court in the league?

I'm hearing a lot of the "fans shouldn't panic" refrain based on the start of the year and while I do agree that no one should have expected this team to come out of the blocks on fire and ready to make the playoffs where is the "accelerated rebuild" and the increased depth through trades and free agent signings and stacking of assets that was trumpeted through the off season?lol

The expectations for this team were internally raised during the off-season. You can't announce how improved this team is going to be until you actually start playing the games and then wonder why the fans are disgruntled and unhappy and want change.

Blogger's note: And if those expectations -- challenging for a playoff spot -- are unmet 67 games from now, change will be in order. We are months from that point

[DannyFromFreddy]

Doug, if the Raptors do bring in Pietrus, wouldn't they have to drop someone off the roster? Who would it be? McGuire?

Blogger's note: They would; McGuire, Gray or, least likely, Anderson. But, yes, they would have to waive someone

[Rob.V]

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Meet the new loss!... same as the old loss!

Or how about:
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Don't cry, don't raise your eye... it's only T.O wasteland!
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHzjPnuxREQ&feature=fvst

[Geoff Read]

Hi Doug,

I'm back again today - in procrastination mode. I know you've been waiting to hear from me. (I keed)

I was at a bar last night - not a very good one unfortunately - and the game was on. I had to chuckle when I looked up in the first half and things were close and then checked again an hour or so later and the Raptors were well out of the contest.

For those who attack Doug consistently for not voicing his opinion: he does voice it - you just don't agree with it. Sometimes, I don't either, but I wouldn't label Mr. Smith as someone who's afraid to speak (write) his mind.

I interpreted the "don't make a big trade right now" comment as meaning 2 things: 1) It's too early to panic (not sure I agree - if they don't do something soon the playoffs really will be out of reach by the time they do do something) 2) a deal for say, AB will see maximal return AFTER the upcoming date (Dec. 10th?) when teams can deal FA signings. (that seems like a good observation to me).

Enjoyed the blog today... thanks for helping me avoid work.

[Jeff]

Doug, let me guess, we shouldn't panic and instead wait to see how the season unfolds? Yes it is sports, entertainment and a game. But think big picture - it's a business. If the team continues to lose, sponsors may think twice, merchandise doesn't sell, tickets don't sell, tv contracts are not renewed, and players don't want to come here. That equals lost jobs for locals and lost entertainment overall. I'm tired of the losing seasons and of the whole MLSE fiasco about just making money.

I have been a loyal fan since Alvin Robertson hit the first bucket to start things off, and I'm starting to think of some other options for my viewing pleasure.

[Rob.V]

You know, I agree with Doc on "that stuff" not being tough however I would trade anyone on the Raptors for Rondo 9not that he is available). Yes, I'm aware of the personality deficiencies and other stuff you hear in the media however that guy is an old school NBA player, and arguably the best PG in the league. 6 ft, going after Humphries says something. Heart counts!.
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Here's the thing. If you want to win, you need experience and strong willed individuals. As it's been stated many times before this is a mens league and if your players are boys?... you will lose!
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I don't care what field your in, experience wins!
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Look, for every OKC that was lucky enough to arguably draft the best player in (I believe) 3 consecutive draft classes in Durant, Westbrook, and Harden you will have hundreds (young) teams struggling to win games.
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Not surprised at Pietrus talk - I believe I called that a couple of weeks back, and as mentioned a GM's threshold for patience is generally 14-21 days longer than mine so it's about the right time to sign him I suppose.
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Dude, if this happens I guess this means they can make a 2 for 1 deal down the road and not have to cut anyone at this point because tax implications (if any) would not apply until the end of the season, yes?

Blogger's note: Yes, tax is based on year-end salaries

[Geoff Read]

On the Humphries thing - I just gotta say I hate the Celtics. Talk about a team that dishes it but can't take it. Grow up. It wasn't even that hard a foul.

[Rob.V]

Oops!, they've got 15 so someone would have to go, you can disregard that.

[doug]

Dougs right when he mentioned that sport is just a diversion and serves as entertainment and should be kept in that context...well for me those points nailed why I haven't watched a raptors game since before the San Antonio game...I missed the San Antonio game for life reasons and after realized I actually didn't MISS watching the Raps at all as this team doesn't entertain me or it isn't a healthy diversion to me anymore as there just not any good, its the same old same old with the same old company line being spewed...a team owned by a multi-billion conglomerate with a team under that umbrella worth over a billion, and we have been given the line of "we can't go over salary cap",blah,blah,blah...we hire coaches that are B grade coaches, we sign players that are less then elite players....it goes on and on when all you have to do to see what a load we have been given is look at the Nets, they were perennial doormats, but now have a owner that is determined to build a winner and he is on the right road.....so i have pulled my support for this team, I watch b-ball, watched Nets/Celts last night and 1 minute of Raps game....I miss the IGBT but like Doug said its just entertainment well this team isn't supplying any of that at the moment and I am not a fair weather fan I am a die-hard one but come on, someone keeps serving you a load who's at fault if you keep going back?/..you are, raps have played me for a fool long enough, change the product or sorry I am not watching as there is far better product out there to be entertained by...ok cheers...

[Martin]

Hi Doug,

When I was watching the Nets/Celtics I was thinking "Please not another Malice at the Palace". Yes the Hump foul was hard on KG but KG has handed out similar fouls his entire career. I've watched the replay about 20 times and am surprised that Hump, Wallace and Rondo were ejected but KG only received a technical?My only wish is that when Hump committed the foul he started yelling "anything is possible!!!"

Side note, I couldn't help but worry when I first saw the article about the blogger from the score quitting. I had to do a double take to make sure it wasn't you quitting Doug! Imagine, if you quit we would be forced to get our Raptors insights from D. Cox. I don't like hockey but I hope the lockout ends just so he doesn't feel the need to provide "insight" about Hoops ever again.

Does Pietrus have any ill feelings about the Raps failing him on his physical last year? I hope Raps are able to sign him. I imagine that this would mark the end of Dom McGuire's season in TO?

[Colin K]

I'm sure its as frustrating for you as a professional as it is for us as fans to follow this team. How do you maintain an even keel? Is it the paycheck? That, I would understand. DO you bash your head against the wall when you get back to the comfort of your own home?

On another note. I couldn't agree with you more RE: Pau Gasol. Just keep walking. Only way I go after him is with cap space (of which we have little) or picks. A veteran PF would be nice, but I don't want to slaughter our flexibility to get it. Especially when that position is stacked already and there is the glaring issue at SF.

Blogger's note: When I get to the comfort of my own home, I talk to my wife and my son about life; trust me, this is not an all-consuming gig, just seems like it

[Dave B]

I am not sure Pietrus is any kind of upgrade. He "was" a good player. His light is getting dim and he probably hasn't played for awhile. I can only assume what his conditioning (not to mention his knees) is like. We have to stop picking up dad-gum "has-beens" and old players. It rarely works for us.

If you get a chance to hear Doc's post-game comments do so. He wasn't very supportive of his teams antics. He said that his team is soft and the display isn't toughness. I understand Wallace was ejected for his second technical he received for restraining KS who tried to join the party after Rondo went after Kris. Kris was also in a defensive mode so I don't think he deserves and suspension. Rondo will get very little because he plays for the Celtics.

I am still not convinced Lowry is an upgrade over Jose. He is different, but better is debatable. He is not a good defensive player because he takes too many chances. While he scores more points, he also takes more bad shots and drives into the trees. As I said yesterday, he is a slower TJ and probably not as good.

[Rob]

Lots of fans understandably upset. Dont think this first month could have gone any worse for the team, which seemed to have so much promise preseason. Terrible record, last in division by wide margin, no love from the refs, never-ending streak of bad luck, most players way under performing, coaching mishaps, last 3 minutes of every game is a horror show where every possesion seems to go against raptors and work out for the opponents.

Can you help a long suffering season ticket holder out and offer some kind of glimmer as i look at 5 more months of games i pre-paid for? Curious too....if you didnt happen to get seats to every game because of your prefession, would you spend your own dollar to be a season ticket holder to this horror show?

Blogger's note: Nope, can't help, won't help; not my job. I wouldn't be a season ticket holder to any sports team anywhere in the world, regardless of how good or bad they are. There's life to live.

[doug]

plus the excuses have to stop like "end of a long road trip" or "second night of a road back-to-back? "....the Nets have just played 3 games in 4 nights, last nights on the road in boston and did they play like a tired team or a team with excuses?, no they played hard b-ball....so those excuses don't wash if people allow them to then yes settle for mediocrity....cheers...

[bob]

Hi Doug,

I have never felt compelled to post a comment to you but here goes. Your blog tends to come across as "pro-raptors" not matter the performance on the court. You say you're not a fan of the team per say, but your words seem to indicate you have more in common with the Maple Leaf supporters, those who drink the kool-aid, than you'd care to admit. I have nothing bad to say about the kids on this raptors team, and really i have nothing bad to say about players like jose and Bargs. The problem is not them, they are what they are, but the negative spotlight must fall on Colangelo and Casey. You seem like a nice guy, but perhaps its time to take off the "koolaid glasses".

Blogger's note: But then I'd be stumbling into walls, and walls are hard, hitting them hurts

[bob]

"Blogger's note: But then I'd be stumbling into walls, and walls are hard, hitting them hurts"

True, but the truth sometimes hurts.. as my wife reminds me.