Schedule turns, a day in history and some halfway stuff

The Raptors?

I’ve got nothing of substance, really, since they practiced in Miami and I was back here. Just a couple of text messages back and forth with a couple of people to find out nothing of substance happened.

But a quick check of the schedule does show it could be an interesting time – and a time Dwane will love – over the next little while.

After the back-to-back tonight and tomorrow, they don’t play on consecutive nights until at home to Denver and at New York on Feb. 12-13 heading into the all-star break.

That means practice-game-practice-game-practice game for more than two weeks and with the expected returns of both Valanciunas and Bargnani, that will give the coaching staff all kinds of time to get them back into the swing of things.

And players will like it, too.

May have mentioned this before but there is a rhythm to a season that players really enjoy; having a game followed by a game followed by a day off followed by a game gets their bodies and minds into some routine and it’s generally when they perform their best.

Just like mid-December and then early January when the arduous schedule changed dramatically, the next fortnight could be intriguing.

I’m not suggesting they’ll do anything like climb into the top eight in the East – more on that in a bit – but given that we’re less than a month out from the trade deadline, it could give Bryan Colangelo even more pause to think about things.

What if there is a more improvement and a natural growth of a team that’s still kind of young? Is he then reluctant to do anything – not so much for this year but to not disrupt the predictable pattern of improvement? Or if something irresistible pops up – and, no, I have no clue what that might be – does he pull the trigger knowing there will be a predictable step back as new people get familiar with other people and perhaps new roles?

It’s easy to sit back and say, yeah, they have to do something to improve the roster; it’s harder to know what that might because everything’s a gamble and one wrong move can undo any good that’s been done so far.

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What do you do with an idle hour or two in a late-afternoon when stools are out of the question?

You flip through the channels while loafing on the couch and run into, as we’ve mentioned often, one of the most under-rated and early-cancelled sitcoms in the world.

News Radio!

And yes, Phil Hartman’s really and the whole cast is solid but – and I absolutely did not realize this under yesterday afternoon – Khandi Alexander’s in it!

And since I see a lot of CSI while I’m typing in the morning – HBO on Demand every now and then, too – and I love Treme, it’s pretty cool to have traced her career arc.

Those are three pretty solid shows. Impressive.

And now you know how little it takes to impress me.

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So we got this very cool huge poster from Preservation Hall in New Orleans framed – not up, but framed – and it led me to the iTunes and who doesn’t need a little Rebirth Brass Band to brighten the day?

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Yeah, that was a wonderful day of coasting yesterday.

Was supposed to do this Raptor and it turned into that and then this league thing and I was typing two-thirds of the day.

You might want to read it, just to make me feel good.

Thanks.

The league one was interesting because it would seem we’re headed for a typical mid- to end-of-season pattern unfolding.

There’s always been a theory floating around that teams spend the first third of the season getting used to each other, they spend the next third of the season solidifying a playoff spot and the last third of the season jockeying for position in those top eight slots.

And I can see that happening again and it will render the next three months or so kind of boring in most cities.

The case can probably be made that the eight playoff teams in each conference are close to settled – I guess you can see how there’d be races for eighth and maybe seventh but that’s about it – and that leaves a handful of teams in each conference with little to play for in the last half of the season.

Wonder when the tanking talk will start for real?

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Hey, remember Canada Basketball?

Needs a head coach for its women’s team?

Well, all we’ve got so far is that the application process closed last Friday and it’s almost interview time.

I’m told they cast a pretty long net, to CIS schools, NCAA schools, through the contacts of their corporate sponsors to whittle down a list.

Not sure what the next step is or when it’ll unfold, just wanted to let the few of you interested in Canadian women’s basketball know what was going on.

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So I’m out walking Super Dog about 5:30 this morning and it’s a zillion below and where she normally wants to go to the corner to get all her business done, today she gets to the end of the (very small) front yard and she’s all finished and running back to the door.

Smart dog.

And not-so-smart owner who could conceivably be in Florida rather than here.

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No, there will be no IGBT tonight or tomorrow; I figure tonight’s a couch night and tomorrow might be a stool evening so I’m a bit sorry about that.

But I’m sure to have this stupid machine on and since I caught you entirely off guard by an early call for mail yesterday, why not send a note or two to say hello since I may putter around on it during the game.

You know the drill.

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Speaking of the Raptors.

Remember this?

Seven years ago.

Kobe.

81.

No, I wasn’t there – I’d done an early part of a west coast trip and Jim Byers got to it – and, no, wasn’t all the disappointed I missed it. Saw it on TV and it wasn’t like it was 101 or anything all-time record breaking, it would have just been an awful lot of work on an awful tight deadline.

But it was something, that’s for sure

Enjoy. Or don’t.

-

 

 

Comments

[Jeff R]

Hi Doug,

Loved News Radio (always had a thing for Maura Tierney)

In the underrated and cancelled way too soon category, I offer you Aaron Sorkin's Sports Night. A slew of stars and/or stars-to-be. Lasted 2 1/2 seasons.

Blogger's note: Who didn't? And Sports Night was outstanding

[Boko]

Bryan, please do not trade José, Terrance or Jonas. If you're going to trade anybody, it has to be Andrea. Thank you.

[Geoff Read]

Let me echo Jeff R: "Loved News Radio (always had a thing for Maura Tierney)."

Totally.

I watched the Kobe game live on TV as I recall. I remember a comedy sketch about Wilt Chamberlain's 100 point night. The comic (can't remember who it was) was asking what the coach was saying during timeouts... "So, who's guarding Wilt? You might want to play him a little tighter." It was kind of like that - the Raptors just had no answer for Kobe, although my memory is that the game itself was actually pretty close.

[Filip T]

As much as I love MoPete, and as unstoppable as Kobe was that night, Mo should have retired after that game.

[Ray]

Doug, driving to Miami to catch the game tonight. First time for us. Any casual dining/beverage recommendation near the arena?

Blogger's note: Couple of good places in Bayside, small outdoor mall area directly across from the arena. Can't recall the name of it but there's one on the lower level overlooking the water that's quite cool. Park in the structure there and wander around

[Frank Lee]

I would like to know what "IGBT" means please. Thank you

Blogger's note: In Game Bloggy Thingy

[Dan]

I think it was Adam Sandler who did the routine about Wilts teamates.

[DaveB]

Is your application in for the Women's team coach?

I saw the Jalen comments on Kobe's night. If there is any truth in them, Sam seemed overwhelmed or refused to make adjustments. Maybe he wanted to send his team a lesson. Anyway, it was as much on the Raptors as it was on Kobe.

[D-Mac Ottawa]

So, halfway mark... you've got the Celts at #8, just under .500, then the 76ers, Pistons, our fearless Raptors and the Magic all within a couple of games of each other but 4+ behind Boston. Do you see the Celts hanging on, Doug? How capable do you think any of the four are of finding a five- or six-game win streak somewhere in there that could allow them to steal it?
Cheers. Go Raps!

Blogger's note: I think health and trades will determine it

[Tabber]

@Filip T, maybe he should have retired BEFORE the game!

[Colin W]

Nice recognition of Quincy Acy in one of your articles. He may not be ready for meaningful minutes but I like his progression and the fact that the coach is using him a bit more. Though still "raw", he reminds me a bit of Jerome "Junk Yard Dog" Williams.

Thanks as always for all you do with this blog.

[john]

Hey Doug, can the Raptors discuss an extension with Jose or do they have to wait till the end of the year? If he does leave can they still do the sign and trade thing that was available before? He says he's not discussing it but I can't believe for a minute that there haven't been some sort of discussions whether formal or informal.

As much as trading him would create a void at PG and negatively affect this year’s record, if he walks for nothing in the off-season it will be worse. I can hear the masses now "how could BC be so stupid as to not get anything for him!!" warming up. I mean at least get a big trade exemptions and a couple Williams's...

Blogger's note: End of year; and they wouldn't if they could now, why do something too early

[Geoff Read]

Dan - thank you, I think you're right. In fact, you are right - here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X9RioNpGkY

[David in Oakville]

Good Morning Doug,

So who will be enjoying boat drinks tonight.. Not Grace Kelly?
Very generous of your temperate seeking self to give up Miami in January.

SuperDog definitely earned her moniker this morning. My dog insisted on the full route, stopping every 30 feet to lift his paws so I could warm them in my hands.

Nice work with the half season summaries. Any idea where the Raps sit relative to other clubs in games lost to injury this season?

No word on when we might see Bargnani back? As much as Bargnani frustrates me with his play, I can't imagine he relishes coming back knowing that his minutes might simply be to showcase him to a potential trade partner. That can't be easy for him.

Put me in the camp with those would be reluctant to give up Jose in a trade... but if Jose was to be moved to a contender I would be happy for him.

Blogger's note: No word and haven't gone through 29 other teams and don't imagine I will; but think of it this way, any team with two guys who haven't played this year are already at 82 or so

[Rob.V]

81. Really!!, must everyone keep reminding me this week.
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Must we relive the embarrassment over and over. Please, LBJ, 82!, just get me 82!!... no, not tonight!... some other night. Just 82!.
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I'm not sure why this bothers me however 81 is just a really bad number to to be associated with in today's game...it really is.
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In fairness folks, Mo Pete played some good D. The Laker guy made some crazy tough shots, and it wouldn't have hurt if our then coach took the ball out of that Laker guys hands.
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Although maybe we should do a follow up with Raptor management first because maybe our then coach wasn't allowed to make defensive adjustments on #8... you know... like he wasn't "allowed" to coach Andrea.
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So, what does it say that apparently the only time the league references the Toronto Raptors it's either to apologize for incompetent refs that blew (or didn't) calls that helped them lose games... or #8's 81.
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It's been a pretty tough 17 of them no? This got me thinking of our history and unfortunately for us our 17 years in the NBA can be summed up like this:
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Raptors beat the Knick's in 5
Vince Carter (predating HWSNBN) wins dunk contest
#8 = (81)
The refs missed the call
The refs missed the call... again!!
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Glorious, yes?
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Man!
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But I do believe this franchise is heading in the right direction... and for nothing else I will take solace (and I hope you do too) in these very simple (but beautiful) numbers this morning:
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Lakers: 17-24!
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Yes, I too have a dream!, I have a dream. Through every valley, up high over every mountain... and on every Basketball court in this great (gun infested, and defective) nation of ours.... that the purple and gold will flounder... perpetually!!

[LeeZ]

Seems that Jermain O'Neal is a tad upset that his GM didn't consult with him over the replacement for the Suns' fired coach. http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--sources--jermaine-o-neal-has-heated-confrontation-with-suns-gm-200224705.html;_ylt=AqZ9fYv6fjF4VFpR67ITmQwLcykA;_ylu=X3oDMTFoZnA0Y2I3BG1pdANCbG9nIEluZGV4IGJ5IEF1dGhvcgRwb3MDMQRzZWMDTWVkaWFCbG9nSW5kZXg-;_ylg=X3oDMTFrO
Obviously, it's repulsive that a washed-up, injury-ridden geriatric like him would think that he is owed such consultation. But what if he were in his prime, and a star to boot? Let's take you (a star grunt in the prime of your career) as an example. Say one of the tall foreheads to which you report is being replaced by someone new. Doug, don't you feel you should be consulted as a sign of respect? Would you engage in a profanity-laden tirade directed at Star management if you didn't get your way?

Blogger's note: Who says I haven't?

[GM]

I'm sure the irregulars wouldn't mind an IGBT even if you're just watching from the couch. Then it's like a bunch of friends sitting around talking about the game we're watching together on the TV.

Blogger's note: I might like that, too, but I could really use a night to simply relax and not concentrate so hard

[511]

@Rob. V - "… maybe our then coach wasn't allowed to make defensive adjustments on #8 … like he wasn't 'allowed' to coach Andrea". Made me laugh. And post to say so.

And Doug … your comment to john -11:20 AM is near-begging somebody to mention the celebrated signing-in-the-corridor before that season-opener against the Pacers. But … I won't do it. Lol.

Blogger's note: If you did, it would be dead wrong 'cause that signing had to beat a deadline at midnight that night

[Tim H.]

What does it say about me (and/or the Irregulars) that I can often figure out who the poster is after reading just a sentence or two of the comment? (And no, it's not because I scroll down to the bottom of the post!)

[511]

Fair enough, Doug. The point, if there was one was that even you, I believe, felt it could've waited until ... later.

[sportschic]

@ Tim H. I can also figure out some of the posters after reading a few lines! Some, however, are more distinctive than others.

Since we've talked about sportsmanship (or lack thereof) on the odd occasion here, I'm surprised that no one commented on the Spanish runner whot's been in the news. The guy winning the race stopped short of the finish line and was apparently confused, but the guy following him didn't just pass him; he prodded him to finish. http://www.cbc.ca/news/yourcommunity/2013/01/internet-swoons-for-spanish-runner-who-helped-competitor-win.html

Sure, it's OT, but we do that here, too, right!

[Steve]

"Blogger's note: If you did, it would be dead wrong 'cause that signing had to beat a deadline at midnight that night"

I thought they could wait until the summer?

http://thestar.blogs.com/raptors/2012/11/paying-for-promise-rather-than-production-in-a-one-team-auction.html

Blogger's note: They could have and he would have been a restricted free agent; they had exclusive window until midnight that night to extend him

[doug]

Doug good blog today but this came out later in the day and takes priority over even Maura Tierney which is hard to do, we need to do a new list of top female and male for the women or those interested in that gender,not thats there is anything wrong with that of tv sexy tv characters by category, comedy/drama etc......but here is the big news the Pelicans will be made official tomorrow along with logo....can't wait and I mean that sincerely, will the logo be a realistic depiction, a cartoonish one, a combo of the 2, what colours??...so many questions....enquiring minds want to know...ok cheers...

[doug]

ooops forgot link....cheers..

http://nba.si.com/2013/01/23/new-orleans-hornets-name-change-pelicans/