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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Comments

[Edward]

Doug, yesterday you called every Toronto Raptor fan an "idiot" while you were being interviewed on Prime Time. Could you explain why you think that?

Thanks

Blogger's note: Was mostly a joke that missed, sorry if you were offended.

[john]

Hey Doug, In case it slips your mind in the future, you will always remember your Anniversary because Robbie Alamar will be celebrating his anniversary on the same day and there is no way anyone can forget that right? Maybe you guys can even get together for double celebration dates?

[LeeZ]

Band Aid the first of its kind? Why you no-good (expletive deleted) son of a (expletive deleted), you are a (expletive deleted)...oh, wait. Whoops, sorry, my bad. Just remembered: no more personal attacks. Damn! Er, I mean, darn!
lol
Actually, I would submit that the Concert for Bangladesh was the first of its kind, which George Harrison and friends came together at the behest of Ravi Shankar, who died yesterday. I lived in Paris at the time and was 13, and I stayed in the movie theatre through three performances of the film, such was my enthrallment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfT02AATyNE

Blogger's note: Good one, entirely slipped my mind

[PK]

Although it's still early, it looks like Davis has quietly had the best season of his career. A handful of double-doubles off the bench already. It's nice to see, after hearing about him really work hard on his game in the off season.

So far who do you think is the 'Most Improved' Raptor from last year (whether they are still on the team or moved elsewhere)?

Blogger's note: Too early

[sam]

Ed Davis was good last night - and JV was pretty impressive as well.
The offence in the first half last night had a flow to it as Jose was able to get the ball into the hands of both staring bigs in the paint. I admit I'm a Jose fan, and still not sold on what Lowry brings to the team as the starting PG.

Good for Ed and JV though....

[Matt M]

I think if the Raptors end up firing Colangelo they should try to replicate what San Antonio has with Pop and what Utah had with Sloan. Casey has proven his basketball acunem to an extent. Either he should get the president's job or they should hire a GM that fits with Casey's philosophy and make it know that the coach can't be fired. Maybe then the players and coaching philosphy will mesh and players will know they have no choice but to play hard and in the system. Maybe it won't work but little else the Raptor have tried has worked either.

[marc in panama]

Hola Doug,

Hard days to be a Raptors fan, eh? When you look at who is injured, (starting pg, sf, pf) and the length these guys have been out, all does seem lost. But as you point out in today's blog, there is now an opportunity to see what a guy like Davis can do over a long stretch.

My question to you, is what happened? Although pre-season is, you know, pre-season, wins were there. Obviously team don't run their "A" sets, at that time, but it really appears to an outsider, that when the regular season tipped off, every good thing the squad did during preseason was forgotten. It's like, they didn't "turn it on" when it started to count.

Do the players care? Sure I get that no one likes losing, but to these players, is Toronto just a stop a long the way. Does a guy figure it out pretty quickly when he goes to t-dot, he's always going to be relegated to second best, that a selection of sportswriters and sports talk radio guys are going to suggest in this hockey mad town, you don't matter, the game you play doesn't matter, and so it just becomes a place to put in your time, maybe take that second contract, work on your skills, and then get out? Is history to repeat itself? Will the Raptors become like what the Expos were to Montreal and baseball? Will this opportunity for Davis just make him a better player for someone else?

Ciao amigo,

marc in panama

Blogger's note:That's a bit much for here, sorry

[Sharkey]

Doug did you see Adam Sandler? This might have been the funniest bit of the night. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0-f45LuD5Q

Blogger's note: Missed it

[Steve]

There was a bit of booing in the house when they'd fallen away a bit in the 4th and then ran two really dud offensive possessions in a row finishing with a pass directly to a Nets defender. Credit to the guys though they closed it up from there and managed to stave off the pent up rage of the fans for another game.

Although I didn't expect them to win last night when it became apparent that they had a shot at it I was surprised that:

a) Dwane sat Jose for so long into the 4th. By the time he came back out we were in quite the hole after leading for most of the game. I guess the logic here is resting him not knowing how long Lowry is out but at this time I think the team badly needs a win just to stem the bleeding.

b) We must have wasted 40-50 seconds in the final minute and a half, down by 7, between running a very long offensive possession that took nearly the entire shot clock off and then proceeding to allow Williams to do the same without being fouled.

[Peter]

My friend and I, in our semi-regular Raptors debate yesterday, decided that the Raps shouldn't try to trade Jose and Bargnani for a stud 3, but should instead try to retain Jose and consider moving Lowry and Bargnani. We looked like geniuses early in last night's game, and then word came that both Bargs and Lowry will miss the foreseeable future due to injury. Yup. It's our fault. :)

[Bob]

Hey Doug first half Raps run offense through Ed and JV and are up by 8. Third quarter Ed and JV combine for 0 fga and raps now are down. What gives?

[Moshigh]

I didnt even know there was a concert for Sandy relief. Just hope they are really helping those in need.

I keep hearing all this Lowry not so good , looks like Jose is better. I just have to ask how much games in the last couple of years has Jose helped Toronto, when last did Jose get Toronto get into the playoffs?? Has he been a dominant guard for a extended period of time? No...

Yes lowry doesnt have the pass first mentality. But Raptors need attackers. Jose makes great passes, but he can no longer drive to the net, makes limited mid range shots. Its like 3 or nothing. He is a nice back up. Im willing to give Lowry a full season at least. We have seen what Jose can do.

Give Ed Davis his chance, all I have to say. Raptors have been plagued with no SF for years!! Oh my Rudy Gay would have been really nice.

Anderson,Pietrus,Klezia,Fields non are starters on a decent NBA team.. All that money would be better served on overpaying a guy at that position.

Demar at 2 is ok but he cant shoot the 3 good, this is a problem.

Chances of trading Bargnani gone down the drain, so has this season, Im usually optimistic person, but the nail is in the coffin.

[LeeZ]

Two questions about José:
1) Where is that burst of speed that he used to have to get to the rim for three or four layups a night? My theory is that he has shut down that move entirely because of the hamstring issues (it was almost always on drives to the hoop that he injured himself). Or is it simply that he's lost a (or several) step(s)?
2) One recent rumour has been that he has asked for a trade. Have you spoken to him about this, and if so, did he have any comment?

Blogger's note: Might have lost half a step; and, yes, I spoke to him last week; the story is here http://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/nba/article/1299420--calderon-to-play-500th-nba-game-in-raptors-uniform

[DaveB]

Glad you had a good day yesterday. Well deserved.

It was a good game last night. Jose actually passed the ball to JV and he produced. Leo has been stating for a couple of games that JV works hard, runs the floor, seals his man in the post but doesn't get rewarded with the ball. Well he was given the ball last night and produced until a couple of cheap calls forced him to the bench. Ed played really well but ran out of gas as he is not used to playing that many minutes. This, a sticky ball on offence and Joe Johnson heating up from the three point line caused them to get in a hole in the third and early fourth. That plus the Nets 35 free throws to the Raptors 17 made it difficult to win. Also, Ross and Pietrus couldn't hit a barn door last night.
However, the team does play better with Jose at the point.

I understand the Casey is true to himself. However, he must be demoralizing to play for. We have all seen Ed playing well only to be replaced by Andrea and watched the game slip away. Well yesterday, Acy drove (with his girlfriend and baby boy) to LA, took a flight back to Toronto, rushed to get to the game on time because he badly wants to play. Well, he didn't get off the bench last night when they only had 8 other players. Disgusting.

Let's hope for the same effort on Friday. With Amir and Alan back I think they can win.

[Geoff Read]

While JV and Davis got the attention, I thought Calderon played well. He had a steadying effect on the team.

I would not fire Casey. He's been given almost nothing to work with - what's he supposed to do?

On Band Aid: I love that song in a so bad it's good kind of way, but the portrayal of Africa and Africans is so patronizing it's funny:

"And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmas time The greatest gift they'll get this year is life Where nothing ever grows, no rain or rivers flow Do they know it's Christmas time at all?"

A few corrections: there might be snow in Africa, although in select locations. Those places that don't have snow don't have it because it's an equatorial continent - most of it is also in the southern hemisphere. Australia, similarly, won't have snow this Christmastime. I'm not sure that should be cause for us to pity Australians. Someone should've explained this geography to the songwriters. Lots of things grow in Africa, there is tons of rain and the longest river system in the world (the Nile) as well as several other major river systems (The Zambezi, the Congo, and the Niger). Not all Africa is a desert and we shouldn't think of a vast continent with diverse populations and cultures as some monolithic arid wasteland full of children with swollen bellies covered in flies. Finally, of course, while Christianity is one of Africa's major religions, the majority of Africans are not Christian, so if they don't know it's Christmastime it's probably because they don't care.

[Boko]

Which Raptors are, without a doubt, Coach Casey`s kind of player?

Blogger's note: Not entirely sure, probably Anderson, not sure on Valanciunas because it's too early

[Chaz T]

The only thing about this team I feel absolutely confident in proclaiming is: Dwane Casey is NOT the problem (or even one of many problems). Raptors fans are not "idiots", but any pointing fingers at him are.

[DaveB]

Earrlier i posted that Acy and his girlfriend and son flew back to Toronto. It wasn't completely correct. Here is the correct version.

http://sports.nationalpost.com/2012/12/13/the-morning-after-quincy-acys-crazy-cross-continental-sprint/

I still think it was wrong for Casey to not play him.

[Rob.V]

Funny how that works, eh. Nothing to ask the players, nothing to say.
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I don't think we've got anything to say this morning either. Until the team makes a trade there unfortunately is really nothing to talk about.
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Oh well. Ever wake up feeling great, stroll downstairs and notice that your dog has pooped (wet) all over your entire floor! A distance of about 20 feet, and radius of 2-4 feet in width. 105lb chocolate lab (if you were wondering).
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Now, I'm not sure why I'm sharing this with you all (misery loves company??)...nothing to talk about with the Raptors?.
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Anyway, this also makes me wonder, how the hell you do what you do on a daily basis. It's mind boggling to me really however for the first time ever I think I fully understand why writing and alcohol go so well together. There would be virtually no other way to keep your sanity frankly.
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And speaking of booze, surprise, surprise. I'm not a big beer drinker (more of a Martini guy), I ordered my first (large) beer of the season at the ACC last night and lo and behold - they hand me a "large" beer. I'm talking the up-sized $672.83 beer that MLSE would only serve at Leaf games.
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Now, for those not familiar - you could only order "medium" size beers at Raptors games for years.
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Here's a quick story for the yung un's. There once was a player named Ron Artest.
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Well, one night back in 2004 (when he and Stephen Jackson forgot their bi-polar medication back home in Indiana) they-he decided they were going to jump into the stands and pummel fans: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0Av4vlJBpQ
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Anyway, legend has it that the NBA would no longer allow the sale of "large" beers at stadiums. Now, this could be an entirely incorrect (fabricated) story however this is what I was told by one of the bar keeps at the ACC a few years back.
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Basically, this meant you could only order a medium beer at Raptor games, and a large at the far more "civilized" hockey games.
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Now, I'm not sure when this had changed however it apparently has and you can now really, REALLY overpay for an official large size beer at the ACC during a Raptor game.
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I guess there really was something (super) important to share with all of Canada on this fine morning after all.

[Rob]

This is what has killed this season: dumb decisions, not a lack of talent. Here is an example: End of first quarter, raps up 10 and playing really well, steal ball from nets, and run up court with 21 seconds left in qtr. its a fast break, but we dont get easy layup because nets ran back to cover. But pietrus is open for a trey, but there are NO raptors under the basket, only 4 nets. So he takes the shot anyways, and misses, INSTEAD OF RUNNING THE CLOCK DOWN FOR LAST SHOT. He misses......nets get rebound, come down the other way and score 3 gift points as buzzer goes.

At the time, nobody seemed to care, and didnt seem a big deal, cuz we were still up 7, but i wanted to throw my drink at the TV. I knew those gift 3 were going to come back and haunt us and they did.

How valuable were those 3 points at end of game??? Furthmore, we may have scored 2 had we gone for last shot, so thay may have been a 5 point difference on that one STUPID play.....

I think any grade schooler could have figured that one out and made better decision.

[g.t.]

After seeing what other teams are doing with talent that most don't know what to do with, such as Utah, Denver, Portland (almost every year) and how middle of the road talent is developed into winners (Philli) , current Chicago team with Rose injured, it just prove that to be respectable in the league you don't need a superstar. The superstar obviously makes you a contender.

To imagine that after how many years with BC in charge the team still can barely find a consistent starting 5 or even 3, or even one starter that we can say is a definite keeper, says a lot doesn't it? Do you believe instability of the roster and to a lower extent coaching staff is an issue here with this team?

Blogger's note: Sure, it plays a role; I'll dispute the "even one starter" point, though

[Mike D.]

Ed played really well last night.....probably could have scored close to 30 if he had realized before Q4 that he could take the ball to the hole against Blatche.

Ross also had a game impact that belied his modest box score. Very tenacious D and a couple of spectacular dunks in transition.

It's always fun to watch the Regend surreptitiously mauling people, but I was disappointed that Quincy didn't see the floor. I was really hoping for a few minutes of "beard-off".

[Steve]

"Yes lowry doesnt have the pass first mentality. But Raptors need attackers."

We need both, particularly given not many players on this team outside of Bargnani and Derozan can create their own shot.

As far as where Jose has taken us you are right, he has not taken us far, but right now Lowry is here and we're 4-19 with two of those wins coming when he was out.

Jose might not be the long term starting point guard solution (I certainly think the most likely scenario is a trade or him being renewed on a smaller contract as the backup) but that doesn't mean Kyle automatically is either and I don't think we should underestimate Jose's impact on rosters like the one we put out last year being able to win any games at all.

[JW]

Hey Doug, I'm a bit of a sucker for great comedic irony, probably from being raised watching British humour. So yesterdays chain of events, dripping with irony,had me laughing quite a bit.

Commenter on your Blog: Says Doug's being "hypocritical"
Doug - institutes a no tolerance policy banning name calling
Raptors Fans - show an outpouring of support and vigorously defend Doug's position that name calling is Wrong
Doug - goes on a national radio show to call Raptors Fans "idiots"

Gold....Jerry, Gold. That sequence of events has more layers of irony than an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm. And what's more funny than a good episode of Curb?

Well, there is one thing funnier. A referee sprinting from the baseline to block a Kris Humphries free throw. If only Hump had the good sense to pump fake the ref and take it strong to the hole. Now that would have been one for the ages.
http://m.youtube.com/index?&desktop_uri=%2F

[john]

@moshigh, "Im usually optimistic person," HAHAHAHAHAHA!

Have you read any of your posts? I read them and all I can think of is Eeyore.

You make a good point that AB probably won’t be traded now that he has a torn ligament in his elbow. I think it depends on which ligament it is and which elbow (shooting or non-shooting) though before he is a total write off for the year.

You gotta open your blinds and let a litte sunshine in once in a while!