Halfway home and time to take a breath

Halfway home?!?!?!?

Yeah, we are.

We’ll have lots more specific stuff in this piece I have to write from the comfort of Casa Doug tonight while the lads are frolicking in southern Florida but you’ve all noticed, I’m sure, that we’re 41 games through an 82-game regular season.

Nice!

Anyway, where are they?

Short story would be that they are slightly behind where I though they’d be, maybe two or three wins in the standings, but other than that?

Awful close.

There’s been growth of the kids, everyone’s doing pretty much what I thought they’d do – the injuries have, of course, cut into that a little bit – and if you were listening all fall, the fact they might still climb into a situation where they are playing significant games in April with a hope of grabbing maybe the final post-season slot means they are pretty much heading in the direction they should be.

Yeah, there have been disappointments (and we’ll get more into them as I start typing a far bigger look at the team for tomorrow’s paper) and a few rocky stretches (seems eons ago everyone was supposed to get fired when we landed back in Toronto from Portland, doesn’t it?) but, all in all, the season’s unfolded pretty much as we expected.

What I can’t get over is that it’s halfway through. This has been as busy a first 2 1-2 months as I can remember; hopefully the second half unfolds at a much easier pace.

That’d be nice, no?

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At no point, ever, do I want to hear a hockey fan whine about greedy owners or ungrateful players who spit in the eye of supporters, arena workers, support staff and any number of others.

Not after those same people who moaned and criticized all through the lock out and then came back wallet in hand to fill arenas the first chance they had to give their money to the same people who took money away from so many innocent workers during the four-month lockout.

Shameful and never again will I, or should you, believe anyone who says anything like “I’m done with this sport.”

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You never know what’s going to pop up on the old iTunes shuffle some days. It’s like a box of musical chocolates, isn’t it?

This is on there, a quick google look to learn a bit more and maybe find another tune or something and, voila!, this is the anniversary of Sam Cooke’s birth.

Let’s dance!

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We should start early since there’s the odd Saturday night game this week and mail is going to have to be Saturday morning.

And I’ll probably need some leftover to use Monday since I’ve been invited to this Team Up Foundation’s Red Party on Sunday night and who knows how that’s going to turn out.

So …

Click. Write. Send.

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Yes, I was remiss here yesterday morning and I am absolutely going to give you Stephen Lewis as one of Canada’s great orators.

I heard him several times at several events and most them were apolitical so the words resonated at a different level.

But here’s one for you:

Do the words make the speaker great or the style?

Sometimes I wonder, to tell you the truth, and maybe a lot of wonderful, would-be moving speeches are lost by bad delivery, monotone-speakers, boring men and women.

And, conversely, could someone with a brilliant style and a distinct voice – say a James Earl Jones – read a phonebook and still stir us?

I would hope that great messages are not lost by bad speakers; I fear that’s not the case.

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I will say that having to get Super Son to school for Seven Stinking Ayem one day and then to the doctor for Eight Stupid O’Clock the next is going to wreak havoc with the usual morning stuff today and tomorrow.

Plus it’s about Eleven Billion Degrees Below Zero and I’m not built for the cold so that sucks, too.

(Actually, I’m not built for the heat, either; I need temperate, dammit).

End of the whining.

For now.

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Bit more Raptors?

Not sure if you saw this Alan Anderson piece that went up yesterday (shame on you if you didn’t) but there’s one more point about him that I think might be understated a bit.

He’s a bit of an agitator.

Not mouthy to the point of punkishness and he doesn’t go out of his way looking to stir stuff up but he does.

He got to Dwight Howard on Sunday, that’s for sure; and there’ve been a couple of other times (DeMarcus Cousins comes to mind) where he’s rankled.

Is it him? He doesn’t seem to care, as he told us after practice.

“I just play hard, whether it gets under their skin or not, I don’t control that. I control what I do and that’s play hard. When I play hard, some guys don’t like when you play hard, some guys can handle it. Whether or not they handle it is up to them.”

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So one day after saying that Pau Gasol was going to be a starter again, Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni changes his mind in Chicago on Monday and Gasol’s now a backup with Earl Clark starting.

That team is more of a train wreck every passing day.

It’s astonishing what’s gone on there, simply astonishing, and if Gasol’s not moved by the trade deadline, I’d be stunned.

And you know what that means?

More Toronto rumours, I’m sure.

Now, would you do Bargnani and, say, Anderson, Kleiza (who the Raptors are likely to amnesty next summer) and John Lucas III or something like that for him?

I might.

I wouldn’t do anything that includes Bargnani and Calderon – you’d be gutting your backcourt and making the team simply different and not necessarily better – but if there’s another package that could be put together, I’d make a call.

Not sure if there is but why not give it a shot and you can imagine the Lakers are ready to make a move.

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Lost amid the whole sordid history of the HOTH, the Leaves and the creation of the monolith that is Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment is the contribution of one man many forget.

Allan Slaight.

I used to joke that they should name the arena The House That Allan Built because he was instrumental in bringing together two warring factions in the only sensible manner.

And when it comes time to write the official history of that company – as opposed to a more singular look at the zaniness what is the basketball program – he cannot be forgotten.

I mention this only because I haven’t or spoken to him in years but I see his name in the papers today for an astonishing piece of philanthropy and it’s worth noting that he had something to do with the sporting landscape in Toronto as well.

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Comments

[JT]

Interesting proposal Doug with the Gasol trade. I couldn't include Anderson though because he's way too valuable to the Raptors. If the money works, maybe throw Pietrus in there instead of Anderson? Those guys should really give the Lakers some quality depth on their bench.

What is the injury update on Kleiza? Is he done done?

Blogger's note: Not done, no.

[JHK]

We need at least one player to start and finish his career here - Mo Pete and Alvin was close one but let's keep Jose here and make it happen.
So I'm against Bargs + Jose trade.

[Tim]

Hi Doug,

Can you ask the powers that be to fix the "More articles by Doug Smith" link under "Hoops Links"? It's been broken for ages now, and not having that link makes it more of a hassle to follow your work.

Thanks!

Blogger's note: Am told it's fixed, thanks

[AT]

"I will say that having to get Super Son to school for Seven Stinking Ayem one day and then to the doctor for Eight Stupid O’Clock the next is going to wreak havoc with the usual morning stuff today and tomorrow.

Plus it’s about Eleven Billion Degrees Below Zero and I’m not built for the cold so that sucks, too.

(Actually, I’m not built for the heat, either; I need temperate, dammit). "

Simply Classic.Save some for the book, would ya?

[joeu]

Good morning ! That's a really good photo of Anderson driving.

[sam]

Aside from a few in game melt downs - games that they could of won - it's not hard to imagine the HOTH record around 500.
That's pretty much where I thought they would be.

Pau would be a welcome addition to the team. He has experience playing with both our PG's - I would prefer him over Rudy Gay - who seems to be the flavour of the month..

I forgot to mention - A few weeks back I flipped through a Euro league (I think) game on the tube and was surprized to see Jason Kapono, and Marcus Banks on the court playing for the same team....

[Andrew Gregg]

Morning Doug:

If you've got some inside dope on that trade scenario--and if you aren't just writing it to stir up us locals--please, do tell...

I'd take that trade. Normally I'd say deal Calderon now that his value is high, plus he has that expiring contract. I'd like to see more draft picks coming back this way. Doesn't make the team better the day after, but it will help next season and the season after that. BUT reuniting the Spaniards Gasol and Calderon would be excellent and I can see the Raps making a run at that 8 spot. That would be fun.

Not sure if they'd be breaking out the 72-point headlines in LA over the deal. But Bargnani would look good in a Lakers uniform as an option on the perimeter. He'd certainly be a better fit with Howard than Gasol is now.

Still, LA is going to need more than Andrea Bargnani to get out of the hole they're in.

AG, Toronto

Blogger's note: If I have news from sources it will be presented that way

[DaveB]

Speaking of " a box of musical chocolates". we watched Forrest Gump on the weekend (the first time in many years) and it is a good movie.

I also wouldn't give up Anderson because I think Alan, Amir and Jose are the heart and soul of this team. People keep promoting DeRozan as the face of the franchise but with his inconsistent, soft play he is so far from a franchise player that it isn't even funny. I also think Pau would be too much of a financial drain to do any trade for him. I think a straight up trade of Andrea for Pau would be all I would give up. I know the money doesn't work but throwing in pieces (Kleiza, Pietrus, Gray or even Quincy) is all I would do.

[Lorie]

Good Morning, Doug
Enjoyed your piece on Alan Anderson who shows the importance of a commitment to doing what it takes so as to be able to continue doing what he loves. Important life lesson, wouldn't you say? And what a tremendously generous donation by Alan Slaight and family. Now, many people may first think of Mr. Slaight's contributions to the Toronto sports scene, but what I recall is what he did as Program Director in that nondescript building at 1331 Yonge at St. Clair where magic and memories - and most importantly - MUSIC!!! - originated.
http://youtu.be/aJ55-TEMrzo
Yes, proud to have been a Chum-Chart-Carrying-Chumbug. Cheers! And may your Starbucks be hot, your Stella cold and your climes ever 'temperate'. Well...two out of three today... :)

[Peter]

When the Lakers still thought that they were going to be good, I can see them making the trade that you suggested. But now that the Lakers have complained about being old and slow, and have shown that defence is their biggest issue, I can't see them wanting Bargnani or Kleiza. Anderson would make sense, but he won't fetch you Gasol. Honestly, I can't see Kobe working out with Nash, and we know they won't trade Kobe. I could see them moving Nash.

[Stephen]

Not sure I see the value in bringing Gasol up here...Davis's play has steadily improved as a starter, Amir is a great first guy off the bench and JV should be back in a week or so. I don't want Gasol taking minutes from any of those guys and would prefer moving Bargs for a useful wing or a/some pick(s). (Same with Calderon if we can get him signed back next season..)

[Rob.V]

The Lakers have done everything in their power (dating back to last season with Bynum in the lineup) to reduce Pau Gasol's trade value which is good news for every other team looking for a big.
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Let's be clear. Mike D'Antoni's system is like Kryptonite to Pau Gasol... and Gasol is everything that Mike D'antoni's system is "not"... but he's still a good player.
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In a half court offense Pau is still one of the best on the block. He's had injuries this season and I would question his conditioning at this point however he's not nearly as bad as D'antoni's system makes him out to be. No, he's not the Pau from 2008... but who is? He's also one of the best big men at passing the ball.
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I like the deal for the simple fact that it gives us some huge cap flexibility in the summer of 2014 with one less year of Andrea's $10-$11 million on the books.
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The concerns of course would be does this move stunt the growth of JV for a year?. Not really, because I'm sure we could find 20-25 for him just the same.
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Anderson should be starting at SF. It's quite clear that Q is going to be able to give them some good minutes off the bench in the 3/4 spots so I'd look to move another wing (not named Ross or Derozan).
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Maybe there was a Raptor wing that just had a great audition for the Lakers on the weekend that they might be interested in.

[Arlene]

As others have stated above, I wouldn't give up Anderson in a trade. He is too valuable to the Raps, and most certainly would not give up Calderon. Brian needs a brain scan if he does something like that. Bargs as a straight-up trade, and maybe throw in Pietrus and/or Kleiza. Bargs is younger, with greater potential while Gasol has bad knees. Think Gray is too valuable in event of an injury to Amir or Ed. Calderon and Gasol playing together would be cool.
I had another scenario in mind - Pietrus and Kleiza for a James Johnson return to bring in a "tough" guy or return of Kris Humphries who seems to have fallen out of favour with Nets.
Gay is highly over-rated, IMHO.
Will be interesting to see how the Raps try to contain LeBron on Wednesday.
I really like Anderson's grit and attitude....fun to watch.

[kent]

15-26, 5.5 games behind Boston. To think that they will win 6 more games than Boston or 7 more games than the Bucks the rest of the way is just plain stupid. They are not in the race. Please stop pretending like you predicted things correctly. You are usually 8-10 wins off and, well, you are right on pace.

Blogger's note: "Stupid" is a bad word; not saying you have to agree but use some class, please. And frankly, I don't care what you think about predictions

[lee in ittawa]

Have you noticed everything has gone downhill since Swirsky left.

[john]

Here is a red letter day, Doug has made a trade scenario! Something must be brewing cause its not something done very often. Kleiza has more value as a Raptor that can be amnestied than as a broken trade piece.
As for twisting, whenever I hear that song I can only think of this version,
Cheers,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsL5NhFfUus

[ad]

I dont see why you are reluctant to include calderon in your trade proposal. Calderon isnt the future and the raptors need to get value for him while he is playing well. Lowry is the better basketball player and should be playing the majority of the minutes. The lowry-calderon situtation has been completely mismanaged by this incompetent organization. Im not saying trade calderon for gasol necessarily, but raptors need value for him rather than just let him leave for nothing at the end of the year. Also, one problem with your proposal is lakers do not want long term salary so they likely arent interested in bargnani (among other reasons as well, probably). Lastly, no way lakers want that collection of depth players +bargnani you are suggesting for an all star.

[uncalum]

Thanks for calling out the hockey fans, Doug. What a joke. And the Star this morning...a separate page of coverage for each period of the game? I wasn't sure if I was reading a newspaper, or a Maple Leaf fanpage. Maybe those geniuses at the NHL and NHLPA should have only signed a two year agreement so they could do this again before the 2015 -2016 season.

[mattmelanson]

We don't discuss trade rumours here, but apparently we start them...

Any idea why they threw up your musing as an actual article on the website Doug? Simply to fill space or get a discussion going on a slow day?

Blogger's note: Some reading comprehension might be necessary; at no time did I ever mention it was being proposed by either side. It is an idle thought not a "rumour." See why I seldom do it? It's is always misconstrued

[mattmelanson]

'Blogger's note: Some reading comprehension might be necessary; at no time did I ever mention it was being proposed by either side. It is an idle thought not a "rumour." See why I seldom do it? It's is always misconstrued'

That's exactly what I was saying Doug, I asked why mother star took your idle thought (referred to as a musing by me) and placed it on the website as a legit trade rumour - my comprehension is fine but perhaps my writing skills could use some polishing.

http://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/nba/article/1318328--pau-gasol-trade-rumours-raptors-may-be-a-destination-with-lakers-star-out-of-starting-lineup

Blogger's note: Sorry I misunderstood, that's on me. And the headline is on taller foreheads. I'll try to reach out to them

[joeu]

The obvious argument against trading Calderon is that he is more valuable contributing to the development of the team. He is making his teammates better, creating wins, and providing veteran leadership.

[GM]

Win or lose, I'm really enjoying watching the style of play the Raptors are employing this season. They have the look of a young up-and-coming team that's learning how to win. I haven't seen that in ages from them. There are going to be frustrating collapses and the odd ugly loss, but generally they're pretty good. Not playoff good, but getting there.

Someone commented that Lowry is a much better point guard than Calderon. I don't know that that's true. What I do know is I don't have to dislike one to like the other. I like them both and like that they offer different skills and strengths. On any given night, one might be the better one. That commenter managed to put the blame on the "incompetent organization". I sense that he would also be the first to say Colangelo must be fired. But he realizes, I hope, that Colangelo is who brought in Lowry. And drafted Jonas and Ross and Ed. And traded for Amir. Not perfect, but far from bad.

Another Star writer wrote about Nash saying it's a good thing the Raptors didn't get him. That may or may not be true, but I think he'd be playing much more like the Nash we've known if he were in Toronto. The Raptors play a share-the-ball style that he's best suited for. He'd be dishing to guys for dunks and easy shots, not standing around watching. The Raptors are way more athletic than the Lakers at this point.

Still glad, though, that his selfishness isn't paying off. I don't mean to single him out. I just don't like when any player finagles himself onto a stacked team in order to try to manufacture a ring. That's why I was happy Payton and Malone didn't win with the Lakers, too. All three guys are/were excellent players with or without a championship. Nobody should be saying they weren't good enough to win.

As for the hockey fans, of which I am not one, they're not a single unit. That is, not all of them were whining about greedy owners or players or threatening not to go back. For all we know, those who threatened actually stayed away.

Oh, speaking of the Lakers, here's one for your crack research staff: Has a team ever fired two coaches in one season? I'm sure it's happened but I can't think of who. And do you think there's a chance D'Antoni gets the axe before the end of the year?

[ptboscott]

james earl jones and the phonebook reminds me of jesse jackson reading 'green eggs and ham' on SNL! i was too young to get it then but i'm assuming now that that was the point...he could read anything and it would sound good. wow the tone here today sure took a turn for the worse; i thought the saddest day of the year was supposed to be yesterday so does that make today cranky reader day? if being a GM was as easy as all the armchair generals made it out to be then brian and his peers must just surf the net for a couple of hours each day and then burn all their money lighting stogies in their vast amount of spare time!

[john]

@kent, who really cares what someone predicted at the beginning of the year? Why bother even commenting on it? Its like predicting the weather, 50% accuracy is considered good. Were you one of the experts that predicted the Celtics and Lakers would miss the playoffs?
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There are so many factors in play for the balance of the season. The Raps play the Celtics 3 more times and the Celtics just lost to both the Pistons and the Hornets this week. They are an old team. Atlanta is also falling apart and have no scoring or Lou Williams for the rest of the year.
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Doug, correct me if I'm wrong, but did you predict 38-40 wins?

Blogger's note: Without checking, think I said 37-38

[Steve]

@kent: I don't think it's nearly as ridiculous a proposition as you make out, particularly given as I have pointed out before in the comments here they have all 4 of their games against Boston yet to be played (a team that actually lost the season to the Raps last year when the Raps were arguably worse and Boston arguably better).

I'm not convinced they will make it, but it's not nearly as outlandish or "stupid" a suggestion as you make it out to be if they continue to play closer to the 11-7 team of the last few weeks than the 4-19 team they started out as.