Good plays, good moves, good weekend

That was some weekend, wasn’t it?

Everyone feeling at least a little bit better?

Here we go with the last full week before Christmas (yikes!!!); hope the malls aren’t busy.

Anyway …

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THREE POINTERS

A loud game

Dwane made a very interesting point in a pre-game chat about what’s made the HOTH a bit better of late.

“You can hear good defence.”

Well put, no?

And sure enough, even from the second row (one row behind the legendary Mr. Wu and The Lovely Katrina who run this website that you should all look at and show around) we heard more chatter in that game than any I can remember this season.

And it’s not long conversations, it’s just like “hey, behind you; watch the screen, shooter coming through, get up in his face.” All things that should come naturally but often don’t even for good teams; all things that make sense but need to be hammered home every day.

It’s working, the question now is whether it will continue.

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Going big

Game’s on the line and in doubt, Rockets have the ball after a timeout, we’re all wondering how they’d get an open look at the three they needed and what do the Raptors do?

Play maybe their best inbounds defence of the season thanks to something we haven’t seen all year, I don’t believe.

Dwane put Amir Johnson on Jeremy Lin inbouding the ball, a long, tall active guy to disrupt passing lanes and it worked to a ‘T’ because Lin was bothered so much he almost panicked and threw the ball away.

Was a subtle, effective move we’ll see more of, I’m sure.

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Speaking of …

We have all seen first-hand the trials and tribulations these fellows go through at times simply trying to inbound the basketball late in close games.

So, yeah, there were some nerves, I’m sure, when they had to do it with about 12 seconds left, clinging to a three-point lead.

And then Dwane went to his bag of tricks.

For the first time I can remember, he spread the floor; put Amir and Jose in the backcourt to run some screen action and had Alan Anderson and John Lucas in the frontcourt to do the same thing.

The ball? The ball was in DeMar DeRozan’s hands and I don’t ever remember that happening.

Worked to perfection, there was room for everyone to see, there was no traffic near the ball as is too often the case and Anderson did his job to perfection, setting a screen for Lucas and then flaring to the near corner. He was open, got the ball, made the three-point play to seal the game and it was a moment of an excellent play and excellent execution.

Haven’t seen much of that.

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The rest of the stories?

Sure.

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Man, can’t wait for them to renew the Bills in Toronto thing, eh?

Not only have games been basically atrocious, the atmosphere, I’m told, has deteriorated since any original buzz and excitement.

The Bills players certainly don’t seem to have any desire to come to Toronto; their fans can have the usual tailgate boozefests that might take away the sting of having to watch the crap on the field and organizers couldn’t give away tickets at the end.

(And do you think that’s going to play next year when the poor saps who paid full price three months ago are asked to pony up again?)

Nope, even as a one-off deal that was suppose to fun, this whole exercise seems to have devolved into a boring disaster that no one gets truly excited about.

Can’t wait to ignore it next year.

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Okay, I have a question and I absolutely do not know the answer.

Let’s say you’re a dad and you’re out somewhere with your daughter, who looks about three, could be four, might be two but she’s in that neighbourhood.

The wee lass has to use the facilities, as kids – and grownups – do.

Do you take her to the men’s room and hope anyone in there is cool? Do you ask someone you’ve never met to watch her when she goes to the women’s room? Tell her to hang on, you’ll be home soon?

Saw a Dad – at least I presume it was a Dad – with his small daughter – again, I presume it was a daughter – in the men’s room of this joint I was in after the game Sunday night and it got me thinking. Is that what you do?

And since I’ve never been in that spot, I have no idea.

Whaddya think?

(Yes, we continue to break new ground here; it’s what we do)

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This is very cool.

I can recall Darrell Walker, who was a relatively young, exciteable coach when I was dealing with him on a daily basis, telling me a lot about African-American art and his education and things like that back in the day and as I told him last night in some texts, he should be very proud of what he’s done and I hope some young players around the league take notice.

Yes, it took a long time to get a university degree and in no way does it help him in his career, but he did it. And that’s a good signal to send.

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We were in the presence of greatness and if you don’t believe, take a read of this and see what a young kid thinks about an older gentleman.

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And, finally …

I often find it difficult to explain just what I want in a leader – of a team, of a club, of a country.

I think it often comes down to a “presence” and a style and a powerful ability to make points and make those feel that, yes, there is someone in charge that you want in charge, someone in whom you can great faith.

I don’t have an abiding interest in the minutia of American politics, I have beliefs and I’m sure others do to, but I do know when the leader of that country does something so special everyone should sit up and take notice.

Like this:

I know the proof of his words will be in his actions in the future about the scourge of senseless gun violence that is seemingly never-ending.

But that speech ….

Wow.

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The end of the weekend mail, and there's lots

 Told you there was more.

Lots more, as it turns out.

Am about to shut this down for the night, have a good evening; will try to get on the usual morning schedule this week.

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Q: Happy Weekend Doug. What is your opinion of the move by Memphis to hire ESPN basketball analyst John Hollinger as their VP of Basketball Operations? Do you think this is the start of a trend to emphasize statistical analysis as a more complete way of evaluating talent and the make up of a basketball team? Are you breaking out the math books Doug?

David W, Oakville

A: I’m very glad for John, who I count as a friend; it’s a great gig he’s got and I’m sure he’ll do well in it.

But as for a “start” of a trend? No, not at all. The trend has been developing for years and years and years and practically every team puts some stock in advanced metrics. This is just a hire of a guy everyone’s heard of to do a job anonymous men are doing in the majority of franchises.

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Q: Hi Doug. Just had a question about scouting. I'm sure over the past 18 years you've seen some changes in how/when/what teams look for when they scout prospects/other teams. I was wondering if you could comment a bit about how scouting has evolved.

Sohail G, Collingwood

A: It’s far more technogical now than it ever was. Just Sunday afternoon, I saw a couple of scouts in the press room after the game editing video on their laptops to go along with their e-mailed reports. That kind of immediacy you never got in the past.

But what they’re looking for hasn’t changed much. It’s play calls and what counters teams might have off them, tendencies not only of the players but of the coaches in such things as out-of-bounds and late-clock plays and any new wrinkles a team might have put in.

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Q: Doug. I am just curious to know if you now much the players read about themselves?

With so much time on their hands and instant access to everything, do they devour everything that is written about them? Do you know if any of the players/coaches are regular reader of your little corner of the web?

Thanks

A T, Niagara Falls

A: Like with many things, there’s no clearcut answer. Some read voraciously and mention things you’ve written, often jokingly and there those who profess total ignorance to all that’s out there. I find that claim dubious because someone close them have always read and will pass things on.

I would say it’s been my history that most know what’s out there about them.

And I do know there are people connected with this team at every level who read every word because they’ll make a point of commenting some days.

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Q: Hey Doug: Congratulations! You've just been named GM of an expansion NBA team! You're going to be able to take five players off any teams you would like. There is one stipulation, however - the players you choose must be ex-Raptors. Who do you take?

Thanks for all of your hard work for us!

Tim H, Windsor

A: Let me get this straight: Players who are in the league today and once played in Toronto? Hmm, you know what, there aren’t an awful lot of them.

I guess I’d go with Chauncey Billups, even though he’s hurt, which makes me think Jarrett Jack, who is having a pretty good year in Golden State might get some love.

How about wings of Vince Carter and Carlos Delfino and you have to go with Chris Bosh and, I suppose, Matt Bonner up front?

Am sure I’m missing an obvious one, or maybe two, but it’s been a long few days.

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Q: Hey Doug. For anybody to think that firing Casey would solve the team's problems I think they should think again. I'm not sure the firing BC is a solution either. Yeah, he's missed on attempts over the years but overall his moves have not been terrible (although his man crush on Bargnani is getting embarrassing). He just hasn't hit it big on any of them. Well, neither have most other GMs as it's the nature of the business. I get the impression the BC is well-regarded around the league as is Casey (unlike say, former GM Babcock). I would be more worried if both coach and GM were ridiculed by the rest of the league. That said, which Raptor regime was the least-regarded, least-respected in the league? I feel you have special insight into this.

Danny P, Montreal

A: Again, that’s impossible to say with any certainty because I don’t check in with every other team often enough.

I will tell you this: Bryan is well-regarded around the league for his body of work; there were some who wondered if the Raptors had reached a bit too far with the hiring of Rob Babcock. Other than that, it is as you’d suspect: Some other GMs like Toronto is doing, others question it.

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Q: Bobcat calling for trading and firing of everyone BUT one thing he did say was how about re-hiring Butch Carter to which Coach Jake said "Will never happen". Why not, he seems like a hard nose guy which is what these guys need and I don't agree with any player movement or GM firing at this time and they do seem to have lost their way, which is the coaches job. So why not Butch, did he leave in that bad a cloud that even though no one is left from his last stay that he cant get rehired?

Jody L, Lunenburg

A: He is one of the best in-game and most prepared coaches I’ve ever come across, no question about it, and he could help many organizations. I don’t know all the inner-workings of his relationships with people who would have been here when he was but I think that might be something that needs to be smoothed over. Not saying it won’t be, or can’t be, but I think that’s the stumbling block, the departure wasn’t smooth.

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Q: Hello Doug. Bll Walton was quoted as describing Arvydas Sabonis this way: "a 7'3" Larry Bird due to his unique court vision, shooting range, rugged in-game mentality, and versatility".

From what you've seen of Jonas Valanciunas' skills, do you think he's got the potential to be as impressive - or perhaps an even more impressive - a basketball player than Arvydas? And do you know what Sabonis' opinion is of Jonas as a player? Thank you.

Lorie P, London

A: While I think Valanciunas has a chance to be a very good player, in his prime Sabonis was one of the top 10 players on Earth, that’s a lofty goal I cannot imagine Valanciunas reaching.

And in a little while, or tomorrow morning, there'll be a Sabonis story on our site.

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Q: How would you describe Mr. Colangelo's managing style? Does he micro or macro manage? How empowered is Mr. Casey? Last year with no camp & Sterns' hellacious money grab there was a general competitiveness for a talent challenged team. This year both gentleman have appeared before the board any idea if the relationship has been strained?

They both are probably working extremely diligently to get where they want to go.

But coach/gm have to be on the same page at the end of the day.

John C, Mississauga

A: Of those two, he’s far more on the micro side than the macro; he’s involved in almost every decision to some degree. That said, he does give the coach all kinds of latitude, I’m sure there are suggestions offered but not demands made.

And I think by the very nature of the relationship there will be moments of creative tension but nothing that truly gets in the way of the big goal, which is to make the team better and maximize skills.

They do have to be on the same page or chapter, but not the same line or word.

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Q: Minnie seems to have given up on Derrick Williams for at least this year's rotation. Most scribes seem to think if he makes it, it will be as a 3. Would you take a chance on him as the Raps?

Gary M, Ottawa

A: For a cheap salary and a short-term deal as long as it doesn’t cost you anything of significance, probably would. I also don’t think he’s a very good NBAer so there’s that to take into consideration.

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Q: Doug. I noticed how well Jose has played when starting this season versus when coming off the bench. However since Lowry was a major acquisition I don't see them bringing him off the bench.

My question is with the absence of Andrea can Raptors try Lowry, Calderon, DeRozan and then their best 2 defensive bigs?

I am not sure who the two best on defence are and but Coach Casey should know and I suspect you have an opinion?

Oh as an aside please, please get the IGBT working for us Apple users.

Thanks

Freddy W, Cambridge

A: They actually have used those three at times in most games when they’ve been healthy and in some instances to success. But I don’t think you can manage the point guard minutes effectively if you used them as a starting unit. All moot, of course, until Lowry gets back.

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Q: All things considered, who is having the worse season: Lakers or Raptors?

David H, Mississauga

A: Given pre-season expectations – the Lakers to challenge for a championship, the Raptors to somehow get in the race for eighth place in the East – I’d say Los Angeles.

The Goods On The Game, Rockets at Raptors

Good afternoon, everyone.

The start of the weekend mail

I wouldn’t possibly ask you to wade through all the mail I got this weekend one sitting, you folks were over the top.

So here’s about half of it and it still tops out at about 3,700 words. Read this, watch the game at 1 p.m. with me and we’ll get rest up later tonight sometime.

And thanks.

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Q: Hi Doug. Was the Sinclair interview the result of building a relationship this summer? Or were you just in the right place at the right time?

Kevin M, Maple

A: Mostly right place at the right time, actually. She just happened to be there for a day when I was. Good timing. That said, I have spoken to her in group situations many times and there was a level of familiarity there.

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Q: I've got two, Doug -- I've never had two!

Do you have any idea whether Mr. Nash has ever touched base with our new Canadian athlete of the year? He has to be a fan, right?

Truth be told, I had hoped I would be a bigger fan of K. Lowry's than I've turned out to be. Given that Jose is the type of PG I most like to see, I was also looking forward to having a new smart & flashy guy on board. But now - not so much. So, are the coaches and/or players satisfied that Lowry is the guy they thought he was? What's the overall feeling about his style of play, as well as his performance in that role?

TL I, London

A: I believe they have spoken and are at least casual acquaintances from being at some of the same things.

I think most people with the organization are disappointed in the injuries that have delayed any major impact Lowry may have had early in the season. But overall, they know what he is, and knew when they got him.

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Q: If getting a guy off the floor after an injury takes more than 40 seconds, are there injury time-outs? Official time-outs?

David M, Grimsby

A: If a player is hurt and there’s a 20-second timeout called and it takes longer to treat him, most referees will give some leeway; if a longer time is needed than, say, a minute or two, it’s not a timeout charged to either team.

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Q: Hi Doug. We've been wondering the following for quite a while: why does there seem to be so much imbalance in the NBA schedule? Specifically, why does it so often happen that one team in the second game of a back-to-back not only has to travel, but also goes up against a rested opponent? Do you know how often the tired team wins this? While I understand the necessity of back-to-backs to fit in the 82 games, surely the NBA schedulers could make it so that teams playing back-to-backs played other teams in back-to-backs?

J & G H, London

A: I don’t have that information, sorry. But I do suspect – again without doing a lot of grunt work – that it evens out pretty much over the course of the season.

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Q: Hi Doug. Question for you? Would you rather keep your gig covering the Raps, or trade it to cover the lock out?

Ben S, Burlington

A: Are you kidding? If they never won another game and every game was on the road in the Pacific time zone and every comment began with “you fat know-nothing homer” (and some have), I rather do this than write HRR or “systems issues” or make-good clauses or whatever.

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Q: Hope Super Wife enjoyed her fresh Pacific salmon fresh from Van. Airport(I keed...I keed). Loius & Frank was a great start. Instead of adding Smokey, Marvin & Al you added Roger, Bruce and Mick..

Hope you had a special evening.

Regards

John C, Mississauga

A: Roger? Of course we did, and I presume there was some singing.

And it was a nice break, thanks.

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Q: Hi Doug! I was wondering what impact the loss of Jamaal Magloire has had on the Raptors this year. I'm sure he's doing a swell job in the offices, but maybe he can come back?

We need his $hit talking and cheerleading, can't help but think he was a big part of the defensive improvement last year.

Your thoughts?

Mike P, Oakville

A: Jamaal’s a vet and is around every practice so, yes, he’s helping. But I think we can all agree that his days on the court are over.

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Q: Thanks Doug for all your fine writing! Pick one or two players (please be reasonable) who you think would be able to immediately impact this team. Along the lines of what Garnett did for Boston. Yes we are brutal right now but I think one experienced guy who knows how to win would make a huge impact.

Last thing is I am taking the whole family to the game Friday and when I get to games (5-7 per season) the Raps usually win!

All the best.

Rob H, Cambridge

A: Glad you got your win. But, really, it’s hard to pick a guy or two, to tell you the truth, because we have no idea who might be available. Let’s say a guy like Grant Hill, or even a Derek Fisher, someone who’s been around forever. I’m not advocating for either of them and know they’re both impossible but that’s the kind of veteran I think they need. Trouble is, you don’t get them in the middle of the season because teams that have them tend to hang on to them.

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Q: Hi Doug. Welcome back to the Eastern Time Zone. I want to thank you for your daily dose of raptor and basketball tidbits but what's really nice is that you spread your blog to other things going on in the world. Good on you. My questions are related to the blog:

Have you ever missed a day? I recall you sometimes typing small ones for whatever reason but don't think i ever recall missing a day.

For the other news around the world, do you jot it down on a notebook to add to the blog later or do these things come to your head as you type along each late evening/early morning...just curious.

Frederick L, Mississauga

A: I’m sure I’ve missed a day but the honest truth is I don’t recall when it might have been. Some days are slower and later and less than others but …

As for the compilation process, because my mind is often feeble, if I hear something or think of something that might be usable, I’ll send myself an e-mail or jot down a note on the iPhone (although sometimes I do that and forget to look) or I’ll open a file on my laptop for some day’s blog in the future and jot down some notable occurrence.

Well, that was different outcome than most

Honestly, at some point soon, regular sleep patterns will return and I’ll be back to normal with all this stuff.

We’re just not there yet. And since I’m usually just doing mail on Saturdays, the body clock says it’s hard to find the away-from-sport nuggets, the brain’s a tad disengaged so this is bit shorter than usual.

Anyway …

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So, everyone feel a tiny bit better today? No, the big win doesn’t wipe away the stench of the first 23 games by any means but since I keep mentioning each game should be taken on its own as a one-off entertainment event, you have to admit Friday night was run, right?

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THREE POINTERS

Where’d that come from?

Wish I could adequately explain it.

Couple of things, though, stood out:

The rotation was a bit tighter thanks to some injuries, although 10 guys played at least 16 minutes so that wasn’t all that much different. Guess the thing was the right 10 were used, there is no question that they played better defence – closing out on shooters, facing a team without a true post presence or a break-down point guard certainly helped – and that’s going to have to be their calling card now.

We’ve seen Dwane hammer home his system to much the same group a year ago and, I say this is all seriousness – at some level Jose is a better defender for this system than Kyle Lowry is. He communicates a bit better, knows where his help is coming from and doesn’t stray from the job at hand with high risk, low reward gambles.

Overall, his skills aren’t as good but sometimes it truly is a matter of horses for courses.

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Tempest? Meet teapot

So Andrea Bargnani chats with a paper back in Italy and all of a sudden there’s an eight-hour kerfuffle over here.

The phrase “worst team in the NBA” somehow came through in the translation and too many people took it too literally, in my opinion.

First off, the English words certainly aren’t parsed or offered in any manner in which I’ve heard Andrea speak in the seven or so years I’ve known him, leading me to think the translation was a bit off.

And, truth be told, there are times when Andrea is prone to hyperbole at some level; I would guess he was making a point that given where the Raptors were when he spoke they were pretty awful.

That’s hardly news, is it?

The interesting thing?

Our good friend Paolo, who often joins the IGBT in the middle of the night (you should come by, it’s fun) read the original Gazzetta piece and suggest the nuance is that Andrea thinks a trade may be inevitable. Don’t know if it is, but he’s certainly accepted the possibility, probably willingly.

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Big impact, no numbers

Alan Anderson missed all eight field goal attempts he had and got five rebounds in 21 minutes and had one of the best games of anyone, as Dwane nailed in his post-game comments.

“If you want to stay on the floor is the defensive effort and the toughness, that’s one thing I thought Alan Anderson brought to the table, his defensive toughness, his presence.

"He didn’t make a shot but he was felt by their team. He manned up on OJ Mayo.”

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More? We’ve got some, sure.

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This is a compliment, right?

We’re talking to Dwane about having experienced players (it was the genesis of this story) and the difference between young players and old and he says:

“Just like, say, a rookie writer vs. Doug. It’s the same thing. Grey hair, he knows all the bars to go to and everything else. So that’s the key, the experience.”

Really. That’s good, right?

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I’m not saying we all have to love Kevin Garnett all of a sudden or anything like that, but this moment with Kevin McHale last night?

Gold. And my friend Fran Blinbury nailed it with this piece.

Friday was a day of unspeakable horror and incomprehensible sadness; a day when I’m sure we all caught ourselves staring off into space, numb.

There are no words, none, that suffice, none that can explain anything, none that can offer enough solace for those touched by this insanity.

I hope everyone hugged someone last night; and they hug them every day for the rest of their lives.

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Do you know that it’s 10 days ‘til Christmas?

How the hell did that happen.

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We’ve got about a jillion words of mail to plow through this afternoon or tonight but I think some editing might be in order since more than a few deai with situations that are now passed us.

Got anything else for me?

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The Goods On The Game, Mavericks at Raptors

Hello, everyone.

Welcome back.

Mavericks at Raptors, game-day Dino-bytes

The usual game-day, post-shootaround look at tonight’s Raptors game

 

DALLAS (11-11) vs. TORONTO (4-19)

Air Canada Centre

TIPOFF: 7 p.m.

TV: TSN; RADIO: FAN590

 

Probable starters

Dallas: Derek Fisher, O.J. Mayo, Dahntay Shawn Marion, Chris Kaman; Toronto: Jose Calderon, DeMar DeRozan, Mickael Pietrus, Ed Davis, Jonas Valanciunas.

 

Key backups tonight

Dallas: Vince Carter (remember him?), Darren Collison (was a starter until Fisher’s arrival); Toronto: Amir Johnson (refreshed after one-game absence), John Lucas III (has to run offence efficiently).

 

Season series

Dallas 109, Toronto 104, Nov. 7 at Dallas

Mavs had a big lead and let Toronto back in the game, just not back far enough. Chris Kaman and O.J. Mayo got Toronto with 22 points each.

All-time, the Raptors are 10-22 versus the Mavs and 7-8 in Toronto.

 

What happened this morning

A bit of good news

Hardly earth-shattering but Alan Anderson’s got the nod to play with no minutes limitations. He’ll come off the bench but should get substantial playing time.

“I wouldn’t have come back if I was limited in anything,” he said. “I’m full go to.”

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Amir’s sorry

First chance to speak with Amir Johnson since the league suspended him for that untimely mouthpiece toss Monday in Portland and he was as contrite as you’d expect.

“It was hard, letting your teammates down,” he said, before telling us he’s apologized to the other Raptors.

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Whistle-blowers

For those who care, Bill Kennedy, Bennie Adams and Karl Lane are in charge of this evening’s festivities.

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Can’t wait

We will be among greatness tonight.

There’s a suggestion that Arvydas Sabonis, one of the truly great players ever, will be in the building. He’s here checking out his countrymen Jonas Valanciunas and Linas Kleiza in his role as chief of the Lithuanian basketball federation.

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Oh yeah

Vince says hi. We’ll have more on him here later on this afternoon.

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Since we asked …

Rick Carlisle knows a thing or two about Dwane Casey and he knows a thing or two about the NBA so it was logical to query him on the state of the Raptors, wasn’t it?

“Case is a great coach and he’s a champion. I’m sure they’ll stay the course. They’ve got a young team and they’re beat up with a lot of injuries.

“They’re extremely dangerous, they had Brooklyn down 15 points in the game the other night.

“This franchise is a lot healthier than it may appear from a won-loss record. They’ve got a great young coach, they’ve got one of the best GMs in the league.

“You asked me my opinion; that’s my opinion.”

 

 

 

Worst ever? Neither the season nor the trip

It seems to be the question of the week and I imagine it’ll pop up a lot between now and whenever this season draws to its gloomy close.

And the answer is, no.

This is not the worst season ever, not sure it’s even close.

I’ve been around this organization for as long as it’s existed – it’s always been a better story than a team – so I do think I have some gravitas and context when you start talking worst, or even best.

So …

16-66

This was the worst, bar none, never to be matched, as bleak a moment as I can recall.

It was the third year, 1997-98, and it was horrid from start to finish and, I swear, there were legitimate concerns about the viability of the franchise.

There was a 17-game losing streak that put a bullet in the temple of the season by the first week of December.

The team’s best player – Damon Stoudamire – worked his way out of town in a February blockbuster.

Coach Darrell Walker strolled through the lobby of the Sheraton Meadowlands singing “free at last, free at last; that God Almighty, I’m free at last” on the day he was fired.

It included the infamous Drinking To Forget Tour for a couple of grunts late in the year and if I’ve told you the story before, sorry, have to repeat it quickly.

They’re 15-56 going into a four-game road trip that starts in Atlanta. During a game there, Oliver Miller is goofing around with the Hawks mascot. Cris Carter, brother of then-coach Butch, kind of wants to beat up Oliver after the game.

We move on to Washington, where a few of us are going to have a relaxing night at Camden Yards only to be told they’ve suspended Oliver for a game and the trip is delayed a bit for work. We go, we’re cranky, have some Boog Powell barbecue and leave in about the fourth.

On to Philly and for some reason we’re flying there instead of taking the train. And we’re flying with one stop!

We get up in the air, land somewhere and it’s teeming rain. We’re in a plane with seat on one side and one on the other and it’s leaking. Seriously. Leaking. I look two or three rows ahead and see a flight attendant toweling off fellow grunt Bill Harris of the Sun and she’s saying, ‘oh, sir. Sorry. This shouldn’t be happening.”

Duh.

We get to Philly after a loss in Washington and half an hour before the game, they’re taking Oliver Miller out of the locker room on a stretcher because he’s having some heart issues, he says.

The All Time Great Phil Jasner says to a group of us that we needn’t worry, Philly has some great heart institutes, to which one guy says: “If they find a heart in him, take it out.”

Then we went somewhere else (Milwaukee maybe?) and, of course, they lose.

No, folks, this is not the worst and that trip last week was a picnic comparatively.

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And I’ll give you another that I think was more bleak than this.

Lenny’s last year

They’re coming off a playoff appearance the year before and 2002-03 is pretty promising.

It goes off the rails almost immediately, Lenny’s semi-retired, everyone gets injured and they don’t dress 12 men for the same game even once all year and they finish 24-58.

They lose the last game in Cleveland, the First Lady Of The Beat and I have to get up before the crack of dawn to drive back because we know Lenny’s getting fired and to add to the mess, they go on to lose the lottery to the Cavs, who draft this LeBron James fellow.

Yeah, it’s been a long strange trip, indeed. And I’m sure in the dark recesses of my mind there are even more.

This team?

This team is not going very well at all right now, there is no doubt about that, and the season, at the moment, is swirling in the toilet bowl.

But this team, I contend, has some pieces. I honestly think Jonas Valanciunas is going to be very good, I think Terrence Ross is a player and there is still promise in DeMar DeRozan and Ed Davis.

This is not nearly the worst it’s ever been, for the organization or the fans or, of course, me.

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Maybe I’m not that old.

Sure, I gave to Band Aid as a look back at star-driven benefit shows following that somewhat epic 12-12-12 doozy the other night. But after a couple of gentle reminders, I now recall the Concert for Bangladesh.

You should too; can’t imagine why I didn’t remember it this week with the passing of Ravi Shankar.

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Hey, Vince is coming?

Everyone excited?

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Mail. Got room for some but, folks, you’re getting a bit to game-specific and it’s not really timely. Just a reminder.

Click. Write. Send.

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Want some perspective?

You know how we should all be a bit more careful with the words we throw around nilly-willy sometimes?

Like we should never equate “war” with sports, the men and women who play the games are not “warriors” and there are things that should probably not be said in the context of sports given their context in real life.

Well, Andrea Bargnani, totally unbeknownst to him and without any ill feelings or mocking tones, mentioned yesterday that he was “depressed” with the way things are going for him and his team.

Totally throw-away line with no harm intended, something we all say all the time, right?

Well, it rankled just a little bit and Dwane Casey put the whole thing in a much clearer picture.

“Depressed is a strong word to use in today’s society and the way it is … I have that in my family and it’s a tough word.

Down is okay; but depressed is pretty strong.”

He’s right, of course. And a nice little reminder; a “teaching point” if you will.

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Staying true to oneself and a chance to show something

Of course I didn’t watch the entire game; that shouldn’t surprise you.

Big day, the 12-12-12 concert was over the top and, as I had suggested to a few, it was night over way early since I’m getting way old and 12-day road trips knock the crap out of me.

So, no game-specific stuff but …

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THREE POINTERS

It’s part of the gig

Did get to shootaround in the morning – felt it was an obligation I needed to fulfill after writing some critical words – and it was interesting to hear Dwane talk about all the stuff swlrling around him and the team.

Look, Dwane’s a grown man who’s been around this game forever, he knows what pressure, he knows it’s a win-oriented business.

But he also knows he’s not about to compromise himself or his principles no matter what and that’s an admirable position to hold.

“I’m a fighter, I’m scrapper, I’m still with this team … I’m not shying away from this challenge or this opportunity … we’re all men, we all have a job to do.”

I don’t know what the future holds for Dwane, I do not think this situation calls for his dismissal because I think that’s in many ways a knee-jerk reaction to two bad months.

But, to him, it really doesn’t matter what I think or what you think or what anyone thinks. He is going to stay true to himself, not compromise his principles and do his job to the best of his ability until someone takes his clipboard away.

Wouldn’t want it any other way.

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A chance to shine

Yes, it sucks that Bargnani is injured and that Lowry is injured and that Kleiza and Pietrus can’t stay healthy for more than a game at a time and than Anderson (who likely plays tomorrow) and Fields remain on the shelf.

But what’s it mean?

Well, one guy to look at is Ed Davis, who should now get the longest sustained period of playing time in his career and we’ll see what he’s got.

I’m told he was pretty good last night against Brooklyn (really, I watched way more of the concert post-dinner than I did the game) and now the question is: Can he do it for 10 or 12 or 15 games in a row.

Probably not – few are truly good for that long a period – but Ed’s shown flashes all season dating back to training camp and it might the most fascinating thing to watch as the next few weeks unfold.

He’s a good kid, I hope he does well, and he’s got solid skills and basketball instincts. Now it’s a matter of showing them on a consistent basis.

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I hear …

Am told there weren’t an awful lot of boos in the arena and that’s a good thing since it appears the few healthy bodies played hard and pretty well for long stretches and the game was at least marginally interesting.

Or maybe everyone was saving venom for Friday when the player formerly known as HWSNBN arrives with the Mavs.

Hope not; we’re past that, right?

And, besides, Vince is going be the best small forward on the court, I bet.

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Anyway …

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So, yes, I did see a fair amount of the 12-12-12 concert for Sandy relief; enjoyed Springsteen and Bon Jovi, was pleasantly surprised by The Who and Rogers Waters with Eddie Vedder was interesting.

Missed Nirvana with Paul McCartney and I’m told that’s too bad because it was pretty good.

But thing that struck me a lot of the night was the logistics of putting something like that had to be nearly impossible, that the artists need to be commended for giving their time and talent to raise funds and that it was a pretty cool show.

Now, someone would have thought of something like this, I’m sure and a huge concert in a great venue with a worldwide audience shows you how far we’ve come since, I believe, the first of that kind of endeavour.

Remember Band Aid?

I did last night.

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Lots of mail but room for since a lot of what I’ve got is game-specific to the road trip and by the time the mailbag gets up here Sunday sometime, it’s going to be somewhat forgotten.

Help me out, folks.

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This is a rather interesting story out of Philadelphia on Wednesday night after the Bulls went in there and beat the Sixers.

Joakim Noah had another big game – 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists – and then chalked it up to wanting to stick to Philadelphia fans who cheered when he was suffering from a sprained ankle last year in the playoffs.

Now, we know Philly fans can be merciless a lot of the time and sometimes the good-natured abuse they hand out can be fun.

But for the life of me, I cannot understand the depth of depravity – and I do think that’s the right word – that people reach to allows them to think they can cheer because someone gets injured.

Sickens me, actually. And it should sicken all right-thinking people. Shouldn’t it?

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Hey, thanks, all you brainiacs.

Thanks to you, I share some anniversary memories and now I’m on the hook for dinners, flowers, diamonds, jade, other jewels and, I believe, gold and frankincense and myrrh because Super Wife got wind of all the best wishes and read them.

But, a wee bit seriously, it brought both of us great joy and happiness that so many took time out to write.

As I’ve said many times before, this little place is like the coolest cocktail party ever, interesting people, fun conversation and the ability to move to vacant stool or table should the desire hit.

Many thanks from the bottom of our hearts, even if mine in stone cold.

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All right, a practice day – got a bit easier when the Mavs cancelled a late-afternoon workout here after a double-overtime game in Boston last night – and the big question is what kind of story we can possibly dream up out of Raptors practice. Methinks this is going to be a slow day in that regard because we’re almost at the point where we’ve got nothing to ask and they’ve got nothing to say.

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A long trip and a great day remembered

Guess this being late thing isn’t just about time zones, or I’m just not used to being home.

And since yesterday went from a 5 a.m. wake up call in Portland to blog before a long journey through Vancouver got me at Casa Doug about 9:45 p.m., there wasn’t a lot new stuff to think about.

So …

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Man, am I glad that one’s over.

Longest trip of the year, in games, time and soul-sucking losses that turned every story into pretty much the same one.

But some personal observations and tips, if you want:

Best find?

Lumpy’s in Salt Lake and Epic Brewing’s Brainless golden ale.

A fine end

If you can shut down the trip after the last game at Kell’s in Portland with Gumby and catching up for an hour or so with Jay over a Kell’s lager it kind of takes some of the sting out of the journey.

Jay’s doing extremely well, loves being back on an NBA bench, truly enjoys simply coaching and working with players rather than dealing with some of the extraneous crap NBA coaches have to put up with. Loves the city, the organization and looks more relaxed than he ever did in the final year on the bench here.

Oh, and the Irish natchos at Kell’s (potato chips rather than tortilla chips) are outstanding.

Worst day?

You sit out an eight-hour delay at the Sacramento airport and I defy you not to want to stick pins in your eyes.

Speaking of The Kells …

A story.

It’s got to be about four, maybe five year ago and I find myself at a table there (it’s an excellent Irish pub with good music) with Stumpy and Jack Armstrong and was introduced to one of the worst concoctions I can imagine.

Ever hear of an Irish car bomb?

Half a pint of Guinness, drop a shot of Bailey’s in it and, boom, slug it back.

Now, I can’t handle the texture of Guinness nor its taste (had one on a tour of the factory with Super Granddad more than a decade or two and couldn’t have a second) and Bailey’s is a nice with coffee and that’s about it.

Anyway, they knock down a few of them and Stumpy is just starting his Slice Of Life rants in the Little Paper That Used To Grow so he writes about our night out and what we had consumed.

The Super Wives here in and Lewiston were not impressed; and Stumpy giggled every time we ragged on him about it.

And now that I’m home until a Christmas Day flight to San Antonio (I’ve got about Dec. 18 when Super Wife and Super Son are ready for another departure) it’s time to relax a little bit.

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12-12-12.

Nice ring to it, no?

Not sure what today is going to be like but I can sure tell you what 12-12-92 was like.

It snowed like nobody’s business in Toronto but that couldn’t stop the Wedding Of The Century from unfolding.

Super Wife in calf-high snow boots walking into the church before changing for a glorious stroll down the aisle, me looking ravishing and a tad nervous and the tuxedo-clad groomsmen and best man stopping for a post-ceremony pre-reception cocktail at some dive around Broadview and Gerrard and being asked if they were the band.

Yeah, was a helluva day for Super Wife and I and 60 of our then-closest friends.

Best thing I ever did.

And when you’re watching the HOTH tonight, I won’t be; I’ll be remembering all the good of the last two decades.

(And probably fielding a lot of calls from ticked off friends who took the under)

Dance, anyone?

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One game?

Yes, I believe David Stern might be getting a wee bit soft as he prepares to ride off into the sunset as NBA commissioner after the late-night suspension handed down to Amir Johnson.

The dude rifled his mouthpiece at a referee and hit him, for goodness sake.

But I guess the mitigation might have been the complicity of referee David Jones in the whole matter and Amir’s clean disciplinary sheet in the past.

Still, the one-game dead did surprise me.

Gonna make for some interesting lineups tonight when the Nets come to down, especially if Bargnani’s elbow is still an issue. That leave only Valanciunas, Davis and Aaron Gray as available bigs and that sound you hear is guys like Reggie Evans and Hump licking their lips.

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So I understand this is the last week of publication of a printed edition of The Sporting News and we of a certain vintage should have a moment of silence.

Now, I will fully admit I was far more a Sports Illustrated guy back in the day but The Sporting News was a decent second to Sport Magazine on the list.

(Yes, kids, this was even before there was an ESPN!)

Anyone remember racing to get that week’s Sporting News so you could read the notes on each team and check out the boxscores of the week?

That was kind of cool and gave rise in some small way to the notes pages that started to appear in newspapers which gave rise to notes packages that started to appear on the internet (hello, Nothin’ But Net) and I guess you can thank the Sporting News for this.

Or something like that.

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Hey, one more 12-12-12 note?

Not only did we set up The Wedding Of The Century to have a 20th anniversary on the last day ever we’ll have a date like this but it was also a birthday celebration of The Chairman Of The Board.

And, oh yeah, we danced to this one, too.

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Sure, if you’ve got mail, we’ll take a look at it.

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So the name-calling is over and I’m not taking much crap any more.

The whole comments part of this is to stir discussion, present alternative viewpoints and I think we’ve done it quite well over years.

But now? Now the name-calling and personal crap is over the top so it’s zero tolerance now. I’m not sitting here and letting anonymous people hurl personal insults, it’s a priviledge to have stuff show up here, not a right. It’s far to easy to block IP addresses and e-mail addresses; keep in civil or else. No warning, no nothing; you’ll be able to read but not write and my already high blood pressure might go down.

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