And the phones start ringing right away

About 25 minutes, as I recall.

That’s all it took from the time I first heard that Rajon Rondo was likely to have season-ending knee surgery until the first e-mail arrived suggesting the Raptors trade one of their point guards to the Celtics.

Wonder why it took so long?

Seriously, it’s only logical that a team in need of a point guard would come calling the Raptors, who have two with varying degrees of amenable contracts and diverse skills.

And the Celtics now have a need.

But I don’t see a good fit for Toronto either way, actually.

It’s not like this team here at this time in its development needs any of the old Celtics – Paul Pierce is the name you’ll hear floated out there more than any in that group – and any young players Boston have they’d want to keep as they try to move on from this aging group.

Do you do Kyle Lowry and his desirable contract (only $1 million guaranteed next year on about a $6 tab) for a pick or two and some backup kids?

Is there a fit that lets you deal Jose Calderon and his much more expensive deal (about $10 million) without taking on contracts past this year and not screw up next summer’s cap flexibility? And what kind of package could you get back that does that while improving a Toronto team that would then be missing arguably its most important piece?

A quandary, no? And one that Bryan is going to face every time he takes a call from any other general manager around the league.

Personally, and I don’t imagine this will surprise anyone, I’d look to move Lowry first for a couple of reasons.

And, no, it’s not at all because he’s a bad guy or a disruptive force or is doing anything to cause trouble around the team.

It’s just that his contract is attractive and what you could get back money-wise wouldn’t hamper your ability to move forward this summer too much.

A Calderon deal would have to be a blockbuster and no team is likely to deal expiring contract for expiring contract so you’d really be banking on the guy or guys you get back would make the difference for years to come.

This is a delicate time in this team’s growth as the plan unfolds. There are good young pieces in place – no stud, but good young pieces – and making a move in the next month or so is going to have repercussions for some time to come.

-

Oh, I’m going to say this and take the slings and arrows.

Rajon Rondo was, and will be, a delight to watch on a basketball court; he is a gifted, creative spark who epitomizes point guard play these days.

He also took games off when he didn’t think they mattered and when he didn’t care and I remember him loafing through a game here against Toronto when it looked as if he’d rather had been some other place.

I hope he recovers quickly and fully and has a long career of great games against good teams on national TV.

-

Hmm.

Golden State’s here tonight? They call Oakland home. Oakland’s in the Bay Area. So …

-

Speaking of trades, Mike D of Toronto wonders in a leftover from the mail:

Q: It's more or less obligatory for players to answer questions about potential trade rumours with some combination of "I never think about it; if it happens, it happens" and "It's a business." Can you suggest a few responses that, from the perspective of story opportunities or just personal entertainment, you'd rather hear?

A: Heck, yeah.

Here are five in no particular order:

“If they do it, thank heavens for small mercies.”

“It’s a good team calling, right? Playoff money?”

“I don’t know if it’s true but if you can make it happen, please go right ahead.”

“They don’t have Customs there, right?”

“Yes! My 15 per cent trade kicker with kick in!”

-

Speaking of Golden State, there’s no a lot of doubt in my mind that the variety of uniforms the Warriors wear make them the best decked-out team in the league, right?

I love the one with the cable car but the newest edition looks great, too.

It’s always fun to turn on a game and see what they’re wearing.

-

Just gonna throw this out there for no real reason to those who watched the end of the Celtics-Heat on Sunday afternoon.

Anyone notice how, with about 90 seconds left and down two, the Heat blew an inbounds play and turned the ball over?

And if you did, I’m pretty sure you stuck around to watch the Celtics, up one with 25.1 left, get forced into blowing their last timeout of regulation time because they couldn’t get the ball in, a timeout they could have really used when they had a possession with two seconds left in regulation and when they couldn’t call a timeout.

Figure that’s on Doc and Spoelstra, right? They need to get better coaching there or practice out of bounds plays more often.

-

A bit of piling on and, no, I didn’t watch a second but did you read this story about the 62-35 Pro Bowl?

Yeah, that’s a game that can go the way of the do-do bird and I can’t imagine anyone would miss it.

Sounds like it makes the NBA all-star game like old Lakers-Celtics battles of the 80s by comparison.

-

So we’re at the Red Party Remix – an outstanding event that raised a lot of money for a worthy cause and everyone should be congratulated – and all the players and coaches are there bowling and shooting pool and playing ping-pong and schmoozing at lots of levels.

And the most popular guy in the house?

Might have been Alvin Williams, every time I wandered past his little corner of the room there were pictures being snapped and autographs signed and people going ga-ga.

Good for him.

-

 

 

Comments

[Tim H.]

"And the most popular guy in the house?

Might have been Alvin Williams..."

Other than yourself, right?

[doug]

don't discount a 3 way trade between Celts-Grizz and us for instance, there we have matches and fits all over the place...ok cheers...

[Lawrence]

Any reason to believe that Jose will re-sign? Not re-sign? Has anybody asked him?

Blogger's note: Not sure, not sure, wrote about that in Utah on the December road trip

[jimt]

what did we owe the garbo visit 2?how did the newbies enjoy the red party?do other teams have similar events?dont laugh but bowling can cause injuries are the raptors mindful of this.?ive heard of contracts that prohibit certain sports and activities.oh and if you have any funny curry stories from when he was a young gun growin up in Tdot. thx bored here might go tobogganing :)

[Arlene]

I agree - trade Lowry if a good deal presents itself, and keep Calderon. John Lucas is a more than adequate back-up. I would like to see him play more.

Have noticed that several other teams have problems with inbounds passes at the end of games. A measure of the opposition's defense?

Lakers vs. OKC - maybe Lakers have found their rhythm.
Heat looked vulnerable against Celtics. LeBron outplayed by Pierce.
Good games.

[jwss]

"They need to get better coaching there or practice out of bounds plays more often." ding, ding, ding!! Love it!

[Shamus 001]

Doug,

U hear about bosh saying he's a lock for the hall of fame and has been for at least 4 years! Wow! Was his ego always that big or is there something in the water in Miami?

[sam]

I have to admit that when I heard Rondo was out for the rest of the season, My first thought was there may be a match there. Then reality hit. What tradable asset do the Celtics have that would help the Raptors. Much is being made of the PG's on the HOTH...Jose is solid - Lowry with the potential to be a game changer. I keep reading from some writers and armchair GM's that Lowry is the best player on the Raptors. If this is true, I haven't seen that part of his game, and perhaps he left it in Houston.

[Ken]

1st trade:
Conley was injured yesterday too - Calderon, DeMar and a second pick to Memphis for Gay. Gives Memphis a great back up PG for the play-offs and an expiring contract plus a high ceiling young player like DD with a bit more cap relief. Toronto gets their game changing SF and Ross plays SG as a starter gaining valuable experience in this second half of an abyss season.

2nd Trade: Bargs and Klieza to LA for Gasols - he can mentor Valancunias for the next year and a half ans still provide solid play.

3rd Trade: Lowry for a 1st pick or a young player. Sign Jennings next year! nothing wrong with a PG who has a line of around 20/7/4.5, has a tight handle and can play defense at an average level.

Every team has in-bounding issue some time through out a season - still doesn't excuse the Raptors "continuous" botched throw-in plays...IMO

[David T (Ottawa)]

Hey Doug, just wondering: Since the Celts are in the 8-seed and they basically don't have a point-guard, would the Raps hold back on a trade for strategic reasons? For example, say a move presents itself that's not an obvious home-run, but a marginal win-win for both teams and involves, say, Lowry to the Celts, would the Raps press pause on a trade in order to improve their chances at the playoffs, since that's one less team in front of them? Getting a young core a first-round playoff exit doesn't seem like much, but playoff experience should be invaluable.

Blogger's note: It'd be a small factor, I'd guess

[Dave F, Kingston]

Hi, Doug,
Here's a couple of "Don't dos" for the front office. DON'T trade for the player someone was five or seven years ago (eg Paul Pierce now, Hakeem in the past). DON'T trade a first round pick.

How about this one, though. Assume the Lakers decide to trade Howard before he bolts. His last preferred destination is the Mavs and they appear to be interested.

It would take 3 teams to match salaries. Howard and Kleiza to the Mavs. Bargnani, Marion and Beaubois to the Lakers. Kaman, Collison and Sacre (all one-year contracts) to the Raptors.

Of course it's rolling the dice. The secondary players could be tweaked, too. But each team would seem to be getting good things for their particular situations.

[Lorie]

Well, once you all are finished speculating about trade scenarios to rescue the Rondo-less Celtics and are left wondering "What now? What can I do now to pass this Snow Monday?" Well, here's a suggestion. And it's a rather splendid one, actually. Bet not many - if any - of you are aware that today's the 200th anniversary of the publication of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice". And what better way to spend a snowed-in day than reading one of the clssics? But if you'd rather (and for reasons not completely unelated to Colin Firth starring in it. And that scene where he emerges from the pond and strides towards Pemberley. And the awaiting Elizabeth...sigh...) ...watch the BBC mini series and it should wind up just before tonight's Raptor-Warriors tipoff. Then again, I know Jane Austen isn't everyones cuppa and today's another big day. The 50th anniversary of the invention of Lego. So there's that. ;)

[Peter]

@ ken at 9:21 AM

Ummm... Ok, let's go through these one by one.

First,
You want to trade Calderon, AND Demar, AND a second round pick for Rudy Gay. When Rudy Gay and Demar are putting up virtually identical numbers right now... RIGHT....

Second,
You want to trade Bargnani and Kleiza to the Lakers for Pau Gasol. While this may have looked good in the first few days of D'antoni being hired, it looks ridiculous today. Why would a team with championship aspirations, who is also one of the worst defensive teams in the league want to take on two guys who play less defense than the guy they are giving up. Everyone thought that the Lakers would need shooters, when the reality is, they're easily able to put up points. Shooters might help with their style, but they need defense, not Bargnani and Kleiza. I'd pay to see Jack Nicholson's head explode when he hears the news!! POOF!!!

Third,
and I have to admit, this one is my favourite!! Yippee!!!

Trade Lowry for a first pick, or a young player. So... give up on a starting calibre guard, for an unknown PICK?? Or better yet, some player who doesn't even have a name? I can only assume that you think that this young player will in some way help the team right?? But he doesn't have a name. Brilliant!! Let's do it!!

Oh wait, what's this? It doesn't matter what we get for him because we are going to, "Sign Jennings next year!" Yes!! I forgot all about those non-existent media reports that say that Jennings is desperate to become a Raptor. Oh yeah, and those media reports from the 29 other teams that claim to want to make sure that Jennings goes to the Raptors, and not to their team.

Yes... Ken for GM of the Toronto Raptors!! Book it!! It's going to happen, just like all of his trade scenarios!

Geesh! And people wonder why Doug doesn't address made up trade scenarios!

[Matt M]

I'd love to see the Raps get Kevin Garnett but that is only because I'd love to see JV develop into a KG 2.0 type player.

[Mark]

Players were bowling? I hope they didn't take any tips from Andrew Bynum.

[ad]

Why would you trade lowry first if he is supposed to be a core piece? Its funny, this team finally gets a talented player on the roster and they completely mismanage him similiar to what the lakers are doing with gasol. Calderon isnt resigning here nor should anyone want him to. The team has not won anything with him starting the past 5 years. The only constant has been awful d and decent offense from the pg spot. If the chemistry calderon brings is so valuable then why is the teams record 16-28? Give me a break. If the mediocre talents at best on the roster currently cant play with lowry then bring in players who can, simple. Lowry is the better player and needs to be given a chance to start and play more minutes after calderon and bargnani are FINALLY shipped out after years of defensive ineptitude and losses.

Blogger's note: Thanks, Mrs. Lowry

[David in Oakville]

Good Morning Doug,

I guess potential is in the eye of the beholder, but I have to admit that upon hearing of Rondo's season ending surgery my first thought was that the road to an eighth seed just got easier.

I can't imagine anyone looking at the Celtics roster without Rondo and thinking that there was a trade out there that might make it possible for this team to compete in the post season this year.

Paul Pierce does not retire a Celtic? WOW! I pray this does not happen because I still want to believe in loyalty.

And more to the point, since when do we trade within the division?

Could be an interesting few weeks before the trade deadline with the number of developing stories.

Keep a cool head BC and think about the future! and if you're not sure, pick up your phone and call your favourite GRUNT.

GO RAPS!

[Lavi]

Hi Doug,
Did you notice that Lowry was not on the bench at the end of Saturday night's game after Casey pulled him out for Jose? Anything to that?

Blogger's note: He spent most of the second half lying on the court try to work out kinks in his back

[kent]

Blogger's note: Thanks, Mrs. Lowry

Funny, this coming from Mrs. Calderon.

Blogger's note: Double yawn. But thanks for reading

[Allan]

Not sure why you would trade the good, young point guard, who is signed for next year, instead of the one, you tried to trade in the past and may not come back? However, one ought to judge these things on what you are getting back I suppose, but unless Boston is giving up Rondo, what could the Raptors possibly be interested in, more role players?

[john]

@David T(ottawa) I agree they shouldn't give the Celts anything and let them suffer. The more teams the Raps pass the better. They dont have a first round pick so who cares if they lose in the first round of the playoffs.
@Peter, I would trade Bargs and Kleiza in a heartbeat for Gasol. He's a double double, low post scoring machine the Raptors have not had in years, maybe ever. His numbers are down cause he is being asked to play out of position. I agree the other two trades are silly. Why trade Calderon when Gasol is coming to town? Those two could have very good chemistry and Gasol's NBA and world championship would be invaluable to bringing along JV.
-
Its fun to speculate but something tells me nothing is going to happen till much closer to the trade deadline. Injuries to key players have a way to increase the value of players you would like to move.

[ad]

"Thanks mrs. Lowry"

Always a pleasure, mrs. Calderon

Blogger's note: Yawn. First time's funny, second time's boring

[Geoff Read]

Mrs. Lowry,

I think this year has proven once and for all that the idea that Calderon is weak defensively is a myth. Rather, his apparent defensive weakness was really poor help defense from various teammates, most conspicuously a certain large Italian you mention in your post.

Doug: loved the sarcasm about the inbounding.

[Steve]

@David: The only problem with that is that everyone in Detroit and Phillie (both of whom are now ahead of the Raptors as a result of the weekend) will be thinking the same thing.

I still believe they can make it, as I did before the Rondo injury, but time is running out for them to learn how to play for four quarters night in night out if they want to make that a reality.

As far as trades I can't really see a deal that will make sense from both sides either. It's obvious that the Celtics would be interested in either Lowry or Jose both because of their play and the way their contracts work out but I'm not sure what they are going to be willing to give up that would make it a good move from a Raptors POV.

A lot depends on what mindset Ainge has, whether he is making a deal to try make another playoff tilt or whether he is content to start building for the post Pierce/KG future.

[Bill]

What are your thoughts on the Laker's current two game winning streak? It seems like the key to their improvement is making Kobe do Nash's job and make Nash play off the ball and shoot. If that is the case, they could have signed Jason Kidd instead of Nash and save a bundle.

Blogger's note: Too small a sample size