A bit of dissection of the big transaction is in order

So, what’s new?

A bit of a night, wasn’t it?

We’ll stick with the usual format but be focused on the big deal, okay?

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THREE POINTERS

(Well, maybe four or five, depends on what kind of roll I get on)

An interesting dynamic

You know what I’m wondering a lot in all of this?

How Dwane’s going to work with what Bryan’s given him.

Now, I am not for a second suggesting there’s any kind of conflict there, they get along, they want the same thing, they have as solid a relationship today as they did the day Bryan hired Dwane.

But …

We all know Dwane likes to coach with a defensive bent and with a rather controlled offence that will take its shot at an early shot in transition but one that he’d like to have that relies on a steady hand on the tiller if that doesn’t happen.

That doesn’t exist with the new group, I don’t think.

The Raptors are, as far as I can glean from what I’ve seen and heard, going to be far more high risk at both ends of the court than Dwane would like, I bet.

They will gamble on defence – and gambles seldom work – and they will be far more improvisational on offence. Kyle Lowry, who was very good in Atlanta, is not the precise, scripted kind of guard, at either end of the floor, that the coach prefers.

I don’t presume things will deteriorate at all between coach and players but I do think Dwane’s going to have to temper some of his expectations about his team and how that team is going to play.

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There has to be more

Bryan told us after the game (and it’s in here somewhere) that he thinks more could be coming in the three weeks before the trade deadline.

And it has to.

I know he’ll continue to try and find a new home for Andrea Bargnani (and Bargnani went through shootaround on Wednesday and could be back in action on the weekend at the latest) but there has to be at least one other move.

There is no way they can keep going with just two point guards on the roster, especially given the fact Kyle’s been banged up more often than not this season (his back’s not quite 100 per cent now) and John Lucas III is not the answer as a full time backup, even though he looked okay on Wednesday night.

So that has to be Job 1 and with an open roster spot now, I’d expect the hole gets filled sooner rather than later.

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Thin, thin, thin

Remember when depth was something that was going to be a tremendous help to this team?

Not so much now, is it?

Consider the knee woes of Mickael Pietrus and Linus Kleiza (I don’t now if either of them will play for a very, very long time) and the reluctance to use Aaron Gray (the last two games notwithstanding) and the vagaries of youth that make Terrence Ross Quincy Acy dicey propositions night to night, this is not a team that can go deep into the bench.

And that’s going to make health a significant issue as the rest of the season unfolds.

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We interrupt the various rants for this. Just because.

Big football game down in NOLA, I hear?

Well, this dude’s got some NOLA connections and if you hear some Harry Connick Jr. in your day, it’s not a bad day.

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A personal note

I think you all know this but there hasn’t been a nicer, more genuine, normal person to deal with on this roster in the 18 years I’ve been around than Jose Calderon.

He is just a good, good man; honest, friendly, respectful and he will be greatly missed.

He is an excellent NBA player regardless of the blinders so many of you wear; he plays hard every night, he turned himself into one of the best shooters to ever wear a Raptors uniform and his love for the franchise and the city cannot be understated.

Boss Davis? Dwane once said Ed was fooling people because he was the smartest kid in the class but didn’t want anyone to know it. He was a good and personable kid who never refused a request to chat and often had some solid insight to give.

The locker room is a worse place today than it was yesterday and since I spend a fair amount of time around this team – and, yes, it’s all about me – that’s too bad.

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Stevie Boy sends this photo array along; dude does good work, no?

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So …

I understand at a high level the love and desire this franchise has had for Rudy Gay for years; Gay is now the second- or third-best small forward in franchise history before he’s even put on a jersey or taken part in a practice.

But …

That was a steep price to pay, it really was. They are terribly thin in the frontcourt now and paper thin at point guard. Yes, Bryan suggests more moves are coming but we all know talk can be cheap and until something does come up, this is what it is.

I’m glad they didn’t give up either Ross or Valanciunas along with Calderon but I think they gave up too much.

It’s an okay deal at a steep price and until we see how this team performs over, say, the next month, I can’t suggest it’s a slam dunk.

In fact, it’s far from it but I’ll avoid kneejerk reactions and give it time.

Today? I think they might have fallen in love with a guy a few years ago and had some blinders on when it came to him and what they were willing to pay.

Today? I think they are vastly improved at one position and much weaker at two others and that’s not progress, that’s just change.

Unless Bryan has more moves up his sleeve – and moves for this year, not in the summer – this trade makes them different but not a whole lot better.

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Oh, yeah: The refs.

Now, we all know I am far more supportive of NBA officials as many of you would like and I won’t rant about a call here and there because it’s often whining and not worth it.

But that being said, they blew the last Toronto possession like I’ve seldom seen a play blown. DeRozan got hammered – heck, I thought Anderson might have been hit on the scramble shot before DeRozan’s – and Dwane going off as he did won’t do anything except make him feel better, and a little less wealthy.

But what everyone has to realize is that Dwane finally snapped publicly not because he’s looking for calls, he was and is looking for fairness and he didn’t get it last night.

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Couple of quick housekeeping issues.

The askdoug@thestar.ca e-mail is up and operational, I’m told. I can’t get access to it until the chipheads get at my machine tomorrow but I’ve missed hearing from some of you and hope there are all kinds of interesting missives there when I can look at them.

Oh, and it was odd not doing an IGBT, missed some of you. But it was necessary and we’ll be back tomorrow night.

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And, finally, before I head to the airport to rush back and hopefully get to practice in time to get more reaction (it’s doubtful that Gay will get there in time to talk to us today), there is just one more question:

How is Delta going to screw me today?

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Comments

[Peter]

I'm glad that you took the time to talk about your personal feelings about these two men leaving the team. Your relationship with Jose, while a professional one, was still obviously a good one. Having seen Jose grow, mature, become a father, a meaningful Olympian and more, I've always wondered if there is a twinge of sadness for a guy in your position as you have to watch a man like Jose leave the team. You are someone who would see and understand his personal life and know the frustrations that a trade like this can have on his family, and it's interesting to see your honest feelings. It's interesting to see that, yes, this is a business, but it's still real life. If you get a chance to talk to Jose, let him know that the fans will miss him, but also that we feel for him and his family as this change has to have an impact with them.

[deaner]

The saddest part of it all...this probably means BC gets extended. Why would they let him do this to the team if he wasn't going to be?

This is a brutal trade for the Raps and makes the Pistons a major player in free agency. Nothing like helping out your rivals eh Bryan??

[Tim]

" I think they might have fallen in love with a guy a few years ago and had some blinders on when it came to him and what they were willing to pay."

Exactly. I've never been one to call for anyone to lose his job, but man, BC has not done well over his tenure. Too bad it looks like he's going to get an extension.

[Matthieu]

Wow, couldn’t believe the news when I woke up. As Doug had written in a previous post, this trade comes at a steep price.
Of course we have to see how it pans out but the following can be noted
a) With Davis, they’re parting with a cheap, young and smart asset that had markedly improved his game this season and formed a very strong frontcourt with Amir
b) Whatever happened to the strategy of “putting a young core together and let it grow”?
c) Hard on Jose. He was the face of this franchise and had been playing great basketball over the past two months.
d) Gay’s PPG are down from the last three seasons plus his FG% is close to horrendous.
So all in all it seems like a bad move and I am not sure a thinner frontcourt, a glut of wings as well as a weakened PG position make the Raptors significantly better let alone a playoff contender. Plus I don’t really know about the chemistry in the locker room will evolve from now on (not sure DC was very pleased to lose a leader and a willing learner at the same time), even though this component is often overrated.
And I feel bad for Jose.

[KMAC]

Hi Doug
Thank you again for putting into words what I've been thinking. I've been a Raptor fan and supporter for years and right now, like never before, I just feel sad and a little hopeless. I think we're starting over...again. I've never known the Raptors without Jose, what a first class player and man. His respect for this city, team and fans was never once in doubt. I'm afraid I don't feel that in the least from the player slated to try and take his place. I wish him much fortune in Detroit or wherever he ends up - they are a lucky team and city.
Thanks Doug

[Michel G]

I guess I'll have to secretly cheer for the Pistons. I never though I'd say that. Great move by the Pistons. They're bigs will grow to appreciate Jose real fast. Especially that Drummond kid. Hopefully Ed gets some playing time in Memphis.

If this trade had been made last summer, there wouldn't be as much angst. This was a good deal by the Raptors. We have the same record as last year. We're down to 26th in defensive efficiency. The dynamics of this team needed to change, which is why I presume they made the deal last summer for Lowry. This continues the process with more to come (we hope). The Raptors have only had one winning season in the last 11 years. Any change is welcome.

[Lawrence]

Hey Doug:

Did you ever watch Dallas?
No, no not the Mavericks, the television show...the old television show...with the Ewings (a basketball name if there ever was one)...JR, Sue Ellen, Bobby...Well, maybe you watched and maybe you didn't, but if you did, then you'll remember Miss Ellie, the quiet, calm and steady matriarch of the Ewing family...and you'll also remember in Season 8, the actress that you had come to know and love in this role, Barbara Bel Geddes, was rather unceremoniously replaced with the less loveable Donna Reid...and things just didn't look or feel right on Southfork Ranch.
Well, I couldn't help but feel that something similar had happened to the Raptors yesterday- 8 seasons of calm and steady work at an important role unceremoniously replaced...it doesn't feel or look right, does it?
The bright side of this trip down 1980's television lane? Well, in Season 9 the Dallas people brought Barbara Bel Geddes right back to resume her role...perhaps, just perhaps, the Raptors can do the same thing, and bring the FA point guard back that we have come to know and love...that's what I'm hoping for...

Blogger's note: I thought that was all a dream? Oh, wait. Never mind

[Steven]

I will wait and see what other moves may be made in addition to this one before making a full evaluation, but the short-term would appear to be an overpay in terms of both salary and flexibility for the hope that a player maximizes his potential.

The redundency of skills among the Raps top players as it stands likely serves only to limit time for the continued development of Ross.

Calderon was leaving at the end of the season, and even if the assumption among the Raps brass was that Davis would never be more than a skinny role player, he was useful and on a friendly contract. Turning those assets into a big return was not going to be easy.

The Raps have essentially swung for the fences here that Gay is a potential superstar who has been underwhelming this year (and before). There are many analysts who praise his skill set and see a strand of greatness. However, the scale of his contract limits further options to add talent.

It is possible that given that the Raps will not attract major free agent talent at this point, this kind of approach to acquiring talent is the best way forward.

However, it just seems to have been undertaken without an overall plan or vision for the team's future.

Maybe that is still to come?

H

[JHK]

What I didn't understand is why Ross is untouchable when BC extended DD for 4 years...
Wouldn't you rather give up Ross and keep Ed?

[PK]

I know that everyone always falls back on the analogy of "your can't leave the outcome of the game in ref's hands", but 3 games is substantial and could be the difference between making the playoff or missing them (maybe not for the team this year, but it could be applied to any team in the hunt for the 8th seed).
There's always been some disparity in the ease at which some player's get calls in their favour, but after blown no-calls costing the Raps 3 games this season, at what point does the league's integrity begin to get questioned. They can't just continue to acknowledge blown calls after the fact if they care at all about their credibility.

[Dave]

In some ways, this trade epitomizes the increasing shallowness of todays society. Using the oft repeated mantra 'its a business' (which translates to 'I don't have to defend my lack of honour'.), the Raptors have dismissed the qualities of loyalty, leadership, perseverence and youthful growth/development for (perceived) instant gratification. A very sad message, and I believe, a very sad mistake.

[Andrew Gregg]

Hi Doug:

As much as I appreciate your candour this morning, I don't think you really need to take a shot at your loyal readers over "the blinders" so many of us wear. I've got no doubt that Calderon is one of the good guys and I've got no issues if he was a particular favourite of yours. But the Raptors have never won anything with him at the helm. Right now the team is 16-30 after half a season with Calderon as the starting PG for most of the time. They haven't made the play-offs in several seasons. He had an expiring contract. Those of us who were calling for him to be traded had very sound cause.

This isn't to say that Calderon is a bum. Personally, I'm a fan of his efficiency, but I think he's going to do better running a team with more talent than the Raps have here (jury is out over whether that's the case in Detroit tho).

Lowry is a more aggressive PG and Conangelo has now signalled that aggressiveness is what he wants.

I'm really hoping BC can turn a Bargnani trade into something useful. I've been a BC critic in that I don't see a plan here--I don't know what the overall vision for this team is. Toronto now has something like $37 million tied up in DeRozan, Fields and Gay with a thin backcourt and a spottier front court than the Raps had at this time yesterday.

But to me trading Calderon was a predictable move. It's a business, right?

[Mike D.]

@Michel G, you hit the nail on the head. Having a guy like Jose, who lives to get his guys good looks, could be great for Drummond and Monroe. And hopefully fulfilling for Jose.

Not a bad move for Ed Davis either. He won't be starting, but I'm guessing he'll be the first big off the bench for a team that looks like it's going deep into the playoffs.

Doug, do we know whether Gay will be in action vs the Clippers (since I have tickets)?

[David in Oakville]

Good Morning Doug,

Safe travels today.
+
Thank you for your words about Jose and Ed. Jose is a fan favourite for all the reasons you listed. This morning we can only wish him well and thank him for his efforts night after night. RESPECT. That is Jose to a tee.
Ed Davis, Memphis has a great young guy there with lots of potential. I hope he finds a fit.
+
@Deaner, so hope you are wrong about BC being extended. My thoughts, Colangelo lives or dies by what happens in the next 3 months. If Lowry and Gay do not make magic on the court, BC has to go. Put me with Doug, today, the price seems too high. I hope Rudy Gay proves me wrong and I am smiling in April.
+
@Lawrence, Never, ever speak ill of Donna Reed who was so wonderfully beautiful alongside Jimmy Stewart in It's a Wonderful Life.

[sam]

I'm going to miss Jose and Ed - It may be a sentimental thought, but to me Jose was the Raptors. The photo essay by one of the Stars finest illustrates the passion he brought to the court. I wish Ed and Jose well in Memphis and Detroit.

[nasko]

Hi Doug, it is a business, yes, but quality clubs do not do that. I cannot envision San Antonio doing this. On top of this, this trade just goes exactly against what BCo was preaching (long term plans, organic grow, evaluate, blah, blah...) He has no patience to build the team right, he is waaay to trigger happy. Now we have a combo guard as point, no clear back up point and 3 solid front court players (2 are currently injured, 1 is a rookie)
This season is gone... May be it was gone at end of November, but now we are throwing in the towel IMO. Do not like the trade, Gay is not what this team needed, not at this price. They will be paying max money for a good but not excellent player, meanwhile they traded a very good young player + Jose...
Doug, you say that the team is different, I say, it is weaker for the current season and Gay's salary pretty much handcuffs them in the future.

@Michel G, change is not always good, Change for the sake of change is just moving sideways, IMO.

Lastly, if Jose reads this

Gracias, amigo.

Cheers

[marc in panama]

Hola Doug,

The Fine levied upon Coach Casey by the NBA should total $1. I know you won't ever see it the way some of us fans have for a couple of years now Doug, but I have to say, this year here in the blog, and during the in game blog, you have been more critical of the quality of the officiating than in years past.

Ciao amigo,

marc in panama

[AT]

They didn't give up too much. This was a matter of getting "something" for Jose. Davis played a grand total of about 40 games where he was a true contributor and Jose is a FA at the end of the year. So they gave up an undersized 4 with limited potential.
This trade can't be fully analyzed until we see the next moves before the deadline. As it is, they have a very awkward line up an oft-injured starting point guard, a questionable second point guard, one or two legitimate bigs and a few back up bigs and a ton of guys in the 2,3 & 4 spots. Let's have faith that BC has something up his sleave that he will pul out before feb 21st. There's gotta be more....

[Steve]

I'm pretty down on this one, some fans appear excited that we've sold high on Ed and Jose yet we couldn't really have bought any higher on Rudy Gay.

I feel this move is one step forwards, two steps backwards. Maybe Colangelo makes another move by the deadline to make it a net improvement overall but he's talked this kind of situation up in the past and not been able to follow through with a deal.

Part of my apprehension is I'm really skeptical of what significant deal he can make without giving up Ross, JV, or Demar at this point. So much for building through youth.

[Rav]

I completely understand Bill Simmons' theory that when fans root for a team they essentially root for laundry as previously loathed players are loved once they put on your teams uniform and at times vice versa. Every so often comes a player that transcends that in such a meaningful way where even though we do not know them personally nor they us, we get to see them grow up both within the confines of the ebbs and flows of the team and away from it while we ourselves grow up over the passage of time. As the universal law of impermanence states all things can and will change and today is a new day for the erstwhile hoth. I will however, much like Lawrence look up at at the screen more when Pistons' highlights are on and part of me hopes that the stars align for player and hoth where one of the finest players and individuals to put on our teams bit of laundry will retire in it.

Doug please convey to José it best and how much he meant to some of us fans won't you?

[Rav]

*'our' best not ' it' best.

[Arlene]

Shocked at the trade news last night...but guess I shouldn't be, since something like this has been rumoured for weeks. So sad to see Jose go as he is a classy player and gave the Raptors very good years. Reading some other commentaries last evening, and of the 5 I read, no one thinks this is a good trade for the Raps. Davis is expected to get limited time with Memphis this year but to move into prominent playing time next season, when Grizzlies release Randolph. Calderon is a proven point guard who will make Detroit bigs such as Drummond and Munro even better, and good for a playoff run. Toronto gets another wing to go with a glut of wing players. Gay's playing may improve with a new team if he has something to prove. Who is next on the trade block - Bargs and Anderson combo? Kleiza and Pietrus warm the bench and bring nothing at present. Maybe there is a point guard in the D-league. I'm disappointed because it seems BC took a step backward in the development of this team.
Gotta say, the guys played well and gave it their all last night against the Hawks.
Respect them for that.
Injuries will be critical and Lowry is suspect, given his history. Sad reality is that GM's don't show loyalty to players...they are just another commodity and BC's praise of Calderon last night sounded hollow.
Glad baseball is starting soon.

[Johnn19]

Raptors are now just one more Lowry injury from disaster.

It's now just a matter of time
given his style of play and history.

[JC]

Bad trade--loss of depth, gain at a position where competence grows on trees, and loss of cap flexibility. Good teams have time to grow and all Colangelo has done is throw together a different jumble of players about once every nine months in the hopes something will stick. The broadcast last night made much of Lowry's friendship with Rudy Gay which is another way of saying that in 6 weeks the locker room will be polarized, Casey will be faced with an alternate powerbase that has the GMs ear, and Casey will be led out the door. Once the housecleaning is complete Colangelo's replacement will spend two years getting out from under bad contracts with lost draft choices and less team-talent on hand(as opposed to individual talent) than before the trade. To a man the guys on the broadcast last night touted the company line with no conviction whatsoever.

[Geoff Read]

What a terrible trade. I get that Calderon was going to be dealt because of his contract status - as much as I regret that because he's been the best thing about the Raptors this year and in many years past- but throwing in Ed Davis and a draft pick for Rudy Gay? It's lunacy.

And the thing that irritates me the most is that this confirms for me what I've come to think over the past couple of years: Colangelo has no plan. Building with youth? Apparently not, because if that was the case then throwing Davis away on a guy whose career appears in a downward trajectory makes zero sense. So what is the plan exactly? We are left with a middling point guard who is too selfish with the ball and erratic on defense (Lowry), and an above average but declining wing player who is too selfish with the ball and erratic on defense (Gay), and we're minus an emerging power forward in Davis who was learning to be consistent at both ends of the floor and looks on the verge of becoming a regular double-double threat in rebounds and points.

Unless he's got some genuine trade wizardry up his sleeve in the next few weeks Colangelo needs to be fired - this franchise is directionless and drifting towards another five years of mediocrity.

So long Jose and thank you for the years of dedicated service to the franchise - I think even those who didn't like your style of play would be forced to admit you were a class act all the way.