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.

-

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).

-

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.

-

And we move on …

-

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.

-

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

[Colin K]

"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"

Nice. I think that's probably the case for all of us. But when we read and/or contribute to the conversation about this team, we all "enter the world". Even if the Raptors won a championship, it wouldn't impact my life in any discernible way. I would just be disappointed that the season was over and eagerly anticipate November 1st.

[raptorsfan]

I think this season is over, no playoffs and losing a draft pick. Why they say they look for playoffs while none in the roster proved to be a consistent player on a winner team? Jose and AB are the only player who played in the playoff but their defence are not good at all.

Seriously, I think AB won't improve his rebounding skills. Tired of watching him not boxing out guys. It's his 7th+ season now rite?

DD seems not the SG that able to knock down shots and dribble the ball, etc. I think they need an elite SG.

Then Casey is overrated. I just think last year because all the players had a long time off so they just didn't shoot that well and that's why their opponent shooting % is low.

Look at this season? No defence at all. I don't see coaching is an upgrade than Jay. It seems Jay did a better job of making guys do offence.

Here's what I think they should try to do if they can't turn it around or improve this season!!! Not sure if it's possible but worth a try.

Trade AB for Al jefferson who can post up and play defence. Then trade DD and additional player for T Evans who has SG/PG skills. That's what they need. I think DD and TE both need a change. Then finally hire former orlando coach stan van gundy or former portland coach nate mcmillan who are proven head coach.

I'm not surprise they're where they're at. I'm just surprise after just 22 wins in a 66 games losing season then everyone saying they can make playoffs? Are you kidding me?

[james]

John: "There’s something kind of comforting seeing Garnet hit the floor hard....And that was a flagrant? His [Humphries'] 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."
Amen brother!

[Hansari]

Objective: Every single general manager in this association should have their eyes on one objective, competing for a ring, coming from Oklahoma, I got accustomed to following the Hornets & then the Thunder and that is exactly the mindset that gets the job done. There are several skills that are required to achieve this objective though, N.O. failed at this the first time around (with CP3) and quickly improved and their rebuild is moving in the right direction now.. So lets see what a potential new general manager, or B.C. (hope he's gone soon, I don't even understand how he's been running an organization for 7 whole years like the commentators mentioned today and still has it in such a limbo) should possess in order for a successful rebuild to be occurring:

1. Spotting talent, assessing 'star' potential & making the right decisions come draft day
2. Collecting assets (Demar Derozan/Jerryd Bayless/Kyle Lowry) not liabilities (Linas Kleiza/Landry Fields/Jose Calderon/John Lucas III).
3. Always being in 'control' of the franchise (specifically speaking, players [Harden/Bosh Saga etc].) and not hesitating to make moves that need to be made
4. Retaining stars & assets, having a vision and getting players to buy into that vision, working towards a steady improvement which makes it easier.
5. Dealing players, and drafting players late in the draft that compliment the playing style of the coach and the star who you're building around.
6. Staying away from free agency, except when a 'great oppurtunity (on a bargain) presents itself, and even then only when the team just needs to take that next step to compete for a championship.
7. Building a high character atmosphere with high character players.

So... The Raptors G.M. of 7 years only does two of those things well.. Drafting & #7 (see what I did here?)

So what is it that any competent general manager (or our soon to arrive 'new gm') would be doing right about now? I think one of two things.

1. Do everything to get the pieces that allow this squad to achieve a playoff berth since we've traded away our pick (top 3 protected), while retaining assets that have the potential to improve us to a team that is able to compete for a title in the near future.

2. Trade anything that has a fading potential and anyone that won't be in their prime when this team is ready to compete for a ring.

I'll leave #1 for the new G.M. to address if he takes that route, lets talk about number 2

I.M.O: We need to assess our players and extrapolate potential development over the next 2-4 years, and based on that we need to assess what role this player 'may' be able to play, on a championship team.

Based on this I have come up with this list (assuming we rebuild):

Players That Stay: (5 Year Projection)
1. Jonas Valanciunas (Best Case: Top 5 Center In The League, Worst Case: Average Starting Center)
2. DeMar DeRozan (Best Case: Top 10-15 SG/SF, Worst Case: Great 6th Man On Competing Team)
3. Terrence Ross (Best Case: Solid Starting/Sixth Man SG who plays both ends, hits a three, glue guy - Worst Case: Average Roleplayer)
4. Ed Davis (Best Case: Average Starting PF, Worst Case: Great Bench Energy Player)
5. Quincy Acy (Best Case: Scrapper, contributing roleplayer - Worst Case: Europe.)
6. Landry Fields.. This guys contract is terrible very unlikely to be traded so.. Have to include him here. (Best Case: Finds his touch after surgery, good shooter, good defender, high IQ, glue guy - Worst Case: 7 mil bad contract clogging up cap space)

Players That Need To Go: (By Trade Value)
1. Kyle Lowry
2. Andrea Bargnani
3. Jose Calderon
4. Amir Johnson
-------Hard to trade below this point
5. Linas Kleiza --- (Amnesty???)
6. Alan Anderson (Low Contract, Let It Expire)
7. John Lucas (Low Contract, Let It Expire)
8. Aaron Gray (Low Contract, Let It Expire)
9. Dominic McGuire (Low Contract, Let It Expire/Waive)

What should be noted is that our pick is top 3 protected this season, next season it will be top 2 protected. So.. Thanks to B.C. we're already starting to work from a deficit, that said we must turn at least one of our current assets (Lowry/Bargnani + Calderon) into a high lottery pick (preferably in Wiggins' draft) and the rest of the players who can be traded should be traded to bring in players with a high upside (Thomas Robinson/Derrick Williams type players, who can be given playing time during our rebuild and better assessed and allowed to showcase their talents.)

During the rebuild, all of our young players should be played a maximum amount of minutes, exposing them to other scouts while padding their stats. At the same time they should be assessed after 2 years to determine whether they are useful to us in our goal of a championship.

The smart thing to do if we were going in this direction would be to 'SECURE' a top 3 pick, I can't stress this enough, we 'MUST' do something of this sort, look at what GSW did last season, in order to secure a pick they tanked as hard as possible to move up in the lottery.

After doing things right.. We could finally be capable of competing for a championship, that's the only way we ever will be able to turn things around for this franchise.

2015:

High Upside P.G. Through Draft.. (Heck even throw 35 year old Jose Calderon in here & we'd be seeing daylight)/Jerryd Bayless/?
Andrew Wiggins/Terrence Ross/Jerryd Bayless
DeMar DeRozan/Derrick Williams?/Landry Fields/?
Thomas Robinson/Derrick Williams?/Ed Davis?
Jonas Valanciunas/Ed Davis/?

Think about it.

[AT]

"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"

just like everyone else here....

[ad]

"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."

Huh? Who is he going to trade to get a SF? Bargnani? So basically he would be filling one hole and creating another. Davis and Johnson are minimally skilled bench players that should not be starting at PF. Not a bargnani fan either and he would be a good 6th man. Basically, this is a roster devoid of talent and isnt "rich" in talent at any position except MAYBE pg but are only a lowry injury away and lucas stinks.

[JPGR]

I don't agree (personally) with the "time is not now". Maybe not for BC's job, but he should hand over the GM job to Ed.S and take on the President role full time - If I was a gambler, I'd bet that is already in the plansst certainly to talk about Casey's job security.
But, with the players on this team, yes. Listen here, Fields is NOT the answer at SF this team needs if they want to be serious contenders, he makes a great second unit guy and strengthens the team that way. Caleron/Bargnani have to go - its time. Not cause they suck, but because they have trade value that could net ius the SF we need. Also, we are healthy at PF and PG if they are traded. We know what JC and AB have to bring as the two focal points of this team, and it simple hasn't been nearly good enough - the proof is in the results, there is no upside with these two anymore. The team needs to move on with them and gain a new identity by bring in new blood to play with there draft picks and Lowry. For the next two years, they have DD, JV, TR, KL, ED to build around. trade JC, AB, AJ and LK if they can and plug up the SF and back up PG (that doesn't cost us 10 million towards the cap so they have no wiggle room to improve if they need to)
The biggest problem for me (and sounds like the the rest are hitting on this too) is there here is NO accountability or new culture on this team like Casy said there will be. Yes, there are some key injury's on this team....but 3-11!!!!! Come on, man! Everything this team says they want to do or what they want to be, they are not. Us fans are angry about that. Its not just 16 games in - its been 6 years since we made they play-offs with only one year at playing .500 ball at best -that's a lot of losing and a lot of patience to ask from cash paying, time investing fans)...Time is now - make a bold trade get that dominating SF. Start chipping away at the ten games under and hopefully be able to make a bit of a run at this season. By staying coarse, the team will continue to lose and forwhat!??? the team will be in the bottom 4 of the league, and come "ping pong" time, I assure you the NBA will have not influence the ping-pong balls BUT some how the Raps will get the 4 or 5th pick just making it eligible to send straight to OKC! Make the move now BC (after 6 years of nothing no play-offs no winning seasons - NOW IS THE TIME!). Casey said when he got here "new culture" and "accountability" nothing else less will do. If that is what he wants then he is failing to achieve it - last year he had those things, this year, nope!. He talked the talk and in his second year so far his team isn't walking the walk. This upsets fans, because nothing has changed since Casey got here at the end of the day - team is 3-11, defense sucks still, no accountability on players ie, Bargnani and Casey's explanation the other day about the San Antonio game. It was very hypocritical his explanation to what he has been preaching and that is upsetting to people and rightly so. Its very irritating because I care so much as a fan and still after promise of change - no new culture.

[GK]

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

Meh....history suggests it's five more years of losses regardless. A name change is more or less about perception. Why a city with some tradition behind it regarding basketball chose to name it's team after a villian dinosaur from an early 90's blockbuster is beyond me. It's just as well to try and right some wrongs now as opposed to later.

[JGPR]

How about Big Ed Davis last night. In such a bad game for the entire team, he was a lone bright spot. He got the start, and banged with the best C/PF duo (arguably) in the league, on the best team in the NBA. Not only are teams (when playing Memphis) have to deal with the beast they have down low, but Rudy Gay is a terrific rebounder too, with Gasol and or Zach boxing out, Gay often benefits from the open rebounds and is an active player on the glass. BUT not Ed, he banged with those boys big time last night proving his worth again. He finished 3-4 shooting from the field, 4-4 from the FT and out rebounded Gasol in less minutes. Three of his six rebounds were offensive resulting in second chance points. He had a block and 4 t/o's however, Gasol and Randolph are great defenders with active hands. Lots of little things like redirected shots, tipped rebounds that don't get on paper are part of Ed's game and was last night. Our new Davis - just like the old Davis!
@Doug,
I see you pointed out Ross' 0'fer behind the arc, but no mention of Calderon's ZERO assists and 2 t/o's!. Honestly, if he isn't going to get assist we does he do!?????? No excuse for not even ONE assists, when its the best part of his game

[GM]

@GK writes, "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?" and then goes on to suggest starting all over again from the ground up. You can't have it both ways. Do you want new players or don't you?

And @doug writes, "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?" Uh, that's the very definition of a fair-weather fan. Hey, if you don't like to watch any more, that's your prerogative. But don't try to spin it any other way.

I'm still wondering what possible difference it makes if Doug Smith goes off on BC, Casey, MLSE, or any player. Sure, it might appease some frustrated fans, but then what? I don't get it.

[Liam]

I thought Ross played well, hell if you gave him 30 shot attempts per night like El Barno, I'm sure he could knock down more than 2 of them. Big Val is looking amazing so far. And I second the previous poster who wants to change the name back to HUSKIES. Petition time maybe?....

[Jeff]

I'm all in for a name change to Huskies - this organization needs a rebirth.

And Doug thanks for doing this blog. Even though there is a lot of angst amongst us fans you provide us with a forum to share our thoughts and comments and I'm appreciative of your efforts.

[Steve]

"Why a city with some tradition behind it regarding basketball chose to name it's team after a villian dinosaur from an early 90's blockbuster is beyond me."

You want to know who could come up with such a stupid name? They asked the fans of course. Probably warrants reflection given all the pie in the sky trade suggestions in here.

[Dan]

To Raptorsfan. Evans is just as bad on D as Demar. Yes his dribbling may be better but his shot might be worse. It's a lateral move. Al Jefferson is a good post player and better rebounder but he is not known for his defense either. He struggled as number one guy when he was with the Wolves. He is an upgrade Over Andrea but you need to put some better shooters around him to be more effective when he draws a double team. Plus you risk losing him at the end of the season and since Raptors struggle to sign free agents it's not worth losing Andrea for a 1 year rental. Andrea may not be the greatest player but name a free agent Bryan has signed who has been better than Andrea.

[SA]

Hi Doug,

You tired? I'm tired...I'm tired of watching the HOTHC lose close games down the stretch...I'm tired of Calderone and Bargs inconsistent play and complete lack of toughness on the court (If Doc says his Celtics aren't playing tough then the Dinos must be cream puffs). I feel bad for Derozan and I just want to apologize to him for not having a real team to play with (ditto Bosh)...I'm tired of the basketball-challenged front office at MLSE making stupid choices like O'Neill and Turkoglu (Pietrus!? -- oh, shut the front door!)...I'm tired of hoping the promising rookie (enter Valenciunas) turns out to be an All Star only to be told year-after-year-after-year how 'his game is really maturing' (exit Bargs, please)...I'm tired of the word 'rebuilding'...Most of all I'm tired of Colangelo...If the Raps don't make the playoffs again this year and that (so-called) GM's still around come summer it will simply confirm (what we already know) that MLSE doesn't care about winning (or doesn't know how to win) and only has contempt for sports fans in this great city...Thanks for the Blog and rest up, it's going to be a long season...I'm tired. You tired?

[Tim H.]

Hey Doug:

Just to clarify (which I think you already pointed out several times) - the draft pick the Raptors traded is lottery protected, right. Which, I believe, means if it's a lottery pick, it's still the Raptors? So the people moaning about a lost season, and not even getting a lottery pick out of it are just trying to find things to complain about?

Blogger's note: If it's picks 1, 2, 3, Raps keep it; 4-14 they lose it; 15-60, they keep it

[dave]

http://raptorsrepublic.com/forums/showthread.php?9117-The-Toronto-Media-advises-us-not-to-panic-Are-the-Raptors-where-they-need-to-be

Here is a link. You may want to read it as they are talking about you!
I recommend going to the site to post a response! It would make them go
WHOA! I can't talk about him behind his back!

Also do they really need to wavie someone? Couldn't they send Ross or Acey down to the D league this season to free a roster spot?

Blogger's note: D League assignments have no impact, guys send down are still on the roster. They will waive someone, likely McGuire. And, no, not about to read that slop, read enough of it here

[james]

I always appreciate GM's contributions, consistently a voice of reason. And Hansari, thanks for all the work you put into your post; I don't necessarily agree but loved the food for thought.
Just caught this bulletin re the smartest guy in the NBA: Popovich will sit Duncan, Ginobli and Parker against Miami. Do you think there should be a rule about this kind of thing?

[akashsingh]

#firedougsmith

You are partly at fault, for not being critical enough of the franchise. And as such I'd like someone else to take over as reporter covering the raptors. Im trying to get that trending on twitter, and I have sent a complaint letter to the toronto star. Either start being less biased or suffer the consequences

Blogger's note: I think you mean: "Agree with me and validate my feelings and opinions." If I trend on twitter, whatever that means, I'd be flattered but I would presume you over-estimate your influence. Thanks for the thought, though. It's sweet of you

[lee in ottawa]

@Hansari Just make a point and get out, no one wants to read your novel.

[Heath]

Spurs by 12 tonight?........unfortunately, I think not. Don't mess with Pop, Mr. Stern.

[doug]

@GM that isn't my definition of a fair weather fan...to me a fair weather fan is what I was watching the Grey Cup as i never watch the Argos, or the CFL but I watched and cheered for the Argos that day...with the raps I am not a fair weather fan as i love b-ball and have a passion for the raps , ...with the raps I have just came to my senses and if Doug's job didn't dictate he had to do the raps game last night i am sure like many other b-ball fans he would have been watching the Nets.Celts as that was entertainment and a diversion......so not fair weather just sensible...ok cheers...

[doug]

well let's see how much the NBA is serious about people "disrespecting the game"..as this is beyond unimaginable the NBA needs to step up and address this...players were and are given t's for disrespecting the game this is far,far worse...

The San Antonio Spurs have sent four of their top-five leading scorers back home instead of playing the Miami Heat on Thursday in a nationally televised game...

“We’re getting tired,” Popovich said. “We’ve had a six-day trip and a 10-day trip. Usually you don’t have that in one month.”

unreal, bogus and totally unacceptable....cheers..

[DMcG]

Ha, different rules for Rondo and the Celtics. He got a big 2 games, and the Celtics are crying "excessive".

[sportschic]

That's crazy about the Spurs, and I agree with Stern that this is disrespecting the game and the fans. I look forward to Doug's comments tomorrow...

At least there was no big news (or big loss) on the Raptors front, so the Star's servers are probably safe from overwork, but you never know ...