Good games, a dance recital and a day that will live forever

Couple of entertaining games on a Sunday, no?

Good basketball, finally a football game that kind of lived up to the hype and the fact that it did has to make the NFL happy because if it had been a dog of a game, we’d all be talking about the half hour blackout.

How ridiculous was that?

Anyway …

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THREE POINTERS

Dividing time

It was about the first couple of minutes of the fourth quarter when my mind was wandering a bit and Rudy Gay and DeMar DeRozan were piling up the minutes.

And I got to thinking about rotations and who should play and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.

It came to this:

I understand that Dwane likes Alan Anderson and all that but shouldn’t the bulk of the backup minutes between those two guys go to Terrence Ross?

Good three point shooter, kid needs to play even through his inevitable struggles and it’s time to take whatever constraints there on him off.

They can still use Anderson a bit when Gay moves to the four but Ross would benefit greatly, I think, from the space created on the floor with Gay, DeRozan and even both of them.

I don’t know how good the kid is going to be but I suspect he’s going to be quite an effective player and now is the time for everyone to find that out.

Here’s one for you, and I have no idea if it’s doable or any names or anything but if there is a true backup point guard out there that you could get for Anderson, I’d pull the trigger on that deal yesterday.

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Time’s a’coming

Time for Andrea Bargnani to come back, that is; every indication is that it’ll be Wednesday and they need him. A lot.

Forget this notion of “showcasing” him right off the bat simply to move him, I think they need to spend two weeks finding out how effective he can be in what is a brand new team since he last played.

It’s wonderful that Aaron Gray is on this scoring binge of late but a lot of it is because teams don’t particularly guard him all that closely and the big that’s barely paying attention to him generally makes life difficult for either Gay or DeRozan.

When Bargnani’s back, he comes back as an experienced and legitimate stretch four who defences have to pay close attention to and that has to make life even easier for the two wings.

So forget the notion of a trade for a little bit, let’s see what he does to help the team in other ways.

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Other aspects of his game

Amir Johnson didn’t have a particularly good game Sunday – and he’s allowed to have an off-night every now and then because he’s been so consistently good – but one part of his game is improving immensely every day.

He has started catching passes in traffic as well as anyone in the league.

All those little shovel passes in the paint, where big guys are looming and little guys are sneaking around with hands waving, are hard to collar, it takes co-ordination, knowledge of where the ball is coming from and when and Johnson is exponentially better at it today that he was even six weeks ago.

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More? Just a bit, some football related.

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So, if I’m watching the ballyhooed halftime show of the big game, I’d rather it not be more dance than music. Wouldn’t you?

Yes, Beyonce is hot and that’s all well and good that the Destiny’s Child reunion happened in front of millions of TV viewers but it’s going to dance, use a holograph of Fred and Ginger or something.

But it was nice to see Kelly and Michelle and Beyonce back together, saw ‘em one night at halftime of an NBA all-star game in Philly back in the day and wondered if they’d ever do a show again. That was the game where they got booed by those warm-hearted Philly fans because one of ‘em had the temerity to wear a Kobe Bryant jersey the February after the Lakers beat the Sixers in the NBA Finals.

Not a great career move.

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Not sure how I missed this yesterday but Sunday was The Day The Music Died.

And while I’m sure I know all the words to this epic (I must, I vaguely recall singing it late, late one night in full throat with Jack Armstrong and Matt Devlin in some Irish place in Charlotte around the corner from Ri-Ra) I’m also sure no one knows them in the right order.

And I’m sure you’ll be singing in a second.

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So I’m telling my man Bobby as were chatting when I leaned back from my stool (Hello, Jack Astor’s at Square One) that San Francisco would win. Made his Niner fan friends pretty happy.

Until they didn’t win, that is.

I still got it, don’t I?

And now you know why predictions aren’t my bag.

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That’s pretty cool about the Davis Cup lads, no?

Not that there was any doubt seeing how there was a Niagara Falls dude playing and we all know that means certain victory but even beating Spain’s B or C or D team is a pretty good thing.

But isn’t that one event that falls far below the radar?

Yes, it’s a team representing Canada and that always gets some of the juices flowing but it’s also an individual sport and I’m not sure how that translates into a team game.

It’s like the Ryder Cup or the President’s Cup, something along those lines, where we are curious but not caught up in the patriotic nature of it all.

I’m proud of those guys and it’ll be a nice story whenever they play whoever they play whenever they play them in the next round but I wonder if it’ll ever truly catch on with even casual sports fans.

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Wind chill minus-18 today?

Yeah, guess it’s that time of year up here but isn’t that what winter in Canada is supposed to be?

Now I’m off to find the parka.

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Comments

[Dan]

In no way do I consider Anderson a terrible player, I just find he can get a bit shot happy sometimes. The Miami overtime is a good example. Even Lucas. These are guys who would be third string players on good teams and they come in just jacking up shots. That's why I like Gray. He just knows his role and sticks to it.
I agree Ross should get the minutes, Raps are now 7 games out of the playoffs spend some more time getting him and Jonas in the game.

[raptorsfan]

Hi Doug, is Amir Johnson a free agent or restricted free agent this offseason?

How come the raptors didn't work on an extension like they did with DD?

I just think now that he's getting alot of mins and he's producing. Some teams that don't have a big will try to get him.

Will the raptors lose him or over pay him? What're the chances that he will be back?

Blogger's note: Under contract. And while I appreciate your interest, can't be doing all Q and A here. Sorry

[Andy]

I absolutely agree with you on the whole Alan Anderson thing. He's ruthless shot chucker - I'm still not going to forget that previous overtime against Miami, and has shot 6-34 (17%) in the last 4 games. There's absolutely NO reason why a 30 year old minimum player should be hindering the growth of arguably the most talented shooting guard rookie.

[LeeZ]

You know, by the time Bargs went down I had completely had it with him. TRADE THE BUM was my constant refrain. And for the proverbial bag of warm spit, if necessary. But I actually find myself curious to see if he can help the team in its new configuration, and for the very reasons you pointed out this morning. He could simply camp out at the top of the key and jack up the wide open threes he'll get, with the odd drive and pull-up jumper. Nothing more would be expected of him. Four boards a game? Fine, that'll do. I'd actually have him starting, so as to take advantage of all the open looks created by DD, RG and KL (once the latter gets back to his penetration game instead of this horrible imitation he's doing of a pass-first pg).

[LeeZ]

Doug, your Niagara Falls boy Dancevic was the revelation of our Davis Cup win. Beat a player ranked more than a hundred points above him and did it with ease. Played a SUBLIME match. Canada next plays Italy, in Canada, in April, I believe. We are now guaranteed a spot in the elite World Group through 2014 come what may. And we're actually favoured (slightly) against Italy. If we beat them, we make it to the semi-finals, for crying out loud. I mean, we'll lose those for sure, but just getting there would be CRAZY. It would be like the Jamaican bobsledding team getting the silver medal at the Olympics!

[AT]

Doug, not sure if you are influencing irregular thoughts or vice versa but you were bang on about AA and with regards to Andrea. His ability to stretch teh floor with create that much more space for DD and RG. Unless it is a huge upgrade at the 4, BC should stand pat with AB.Andrea will be a different player now. he does not have to be "the face of the franchise" anymore. There is a lot of truth when they say that Great players make the players around them better.

[Matt M]

I have similar concerns about Ross's minutes. I am also skeptical that Aaron Gray should be getting minutes at the expense of Valanciunas. JV should be getting the same treatment that DeRozan got in his rookie year. To become a perennial playoff team JV need to develop into an impact player. Playing Aaron Gray ahead of JV indicates a lack of interest in the long term development of Raptors franchise. In my eyes that is a fireable offense, regardless of how good a coach you are. Casey needs to get on board.

[Peter]

I don't think there's any question about whether Andrea could help these guys on the offensive end, for exactly the reasons that you mentioned. The concern is that he is going to continue to hurt you on the defensive end, and I'm of the opinion that this team needs to see what they can get for him before he frustrates the rest of the team. Our two best wing players need a rebounder more than they need an easier time on offense.

[Gavin Forbes]

Hey Doug Im sure your current work load is more than enough but I kind of miss the lunch hour Q & A you used to host in previous seasons. If i recall it was done once a week when the Raptors were home. I had a question about rotations in last nights game but its likely irrelevant by the time the mailbag comes around. Is there any chance of that being revived?

Blogger's note: There is, actually. Going to office to talk to Tall Foreheads today

[Penny]

Hi Doug - yes Amir had an off game for his standards yesterday but, on the other hand, what has happened to our screen and roll offense that was working so well with the bigs? Amir had 4 shots!
I don't find the games as exciting to watch with all the 1 on 1 being played. The ball now sticks all the time. I also agree with you that T Ross should be playing more minutes but he certainly didn't help his cause by shooting 2 air balls yesterday.

[sam]

I somehow had the impression that the Heat weren't taking the Raptors seriously in the first half yesterday, only to turn it up a notch in the second half. Half time adjustments.
Rudy had been a bit of a revelation in the first 2 games...DD has benefited, but Lowry seems to be in a bit of a PG funk...A few too many turnovers for my liking.

I'm wondering if at the beginning of the season if Andrea was feeling a little out of sorts, not really meshing well with Kyle's approach to the game. Perhaps he learned a few things while he was watching.

[AT]

@Peter with Amir.JV and even Lowry will help make up the difference in defensive rebounds. Another big on the offensive side just clogs up the middle..it's highly unlikely they make the playoffs so let it ride... it's not like AB is going to come back and increase his trade value with just a couple weeks before the deadline..

[Lorie]

Hello Doug,
Historic victory for Canada in Davis Cup. (So big that our ice-hockey-loving Prime Minister took notice and congratulated the team.) And it looks as though those quarterfinals take place April 5-7 and are rumoured to return to the familiarity of The Thunderbird Sports Centre. Which would be a smart move by event organizers, I'm thinking. Another historic event - the DNA of Mr. Michael Ibsen, a Canadian living in London who is a direct descendent, provided the DNA to verify that those bones uncovered in that Leicester parking lot, were indeed those of King Richard lll who died in 1485. A truly fascinating story. And one more historic note...it's the last day of The Canadian Penny. Yes, we've all complained about them for years, but isn't it going to be sad to see them go? I remember saving them, playing games with them. And singing about them. Not so well as Billie did, though. :)
http://youtu.be/JxVXNWdHDq8

[Andrew Gregg]

Hi Doug:

I've been one of those guys who has wanted to tie the can to Bargnani for years. In fact my main criticism of Coangelo has been him hanging on to Bargnani too long. But like some other posters today, I'm also curious to see how he fits in with Gay. The arrival of RG has already been a positive for DeRozan (against expectations) and maybe it will spark Bargnani to actually earn his contract. Worth a try--what do the Raps have to lose? It's not like there is anything else at stake this season.

As for last night, I thought Tina Turner looked amazing in the halftime show.

AG, Toronto

[john]

Hey Doug,
Offensively I think having AB in the game with DD and RG will create an absolute nightmare for other teams to guard as long their jump shots are falling but aren’t the Raps already one of the worst rebounding teams in the league? With AB on the floor RG and DD will have to stick around to rebound more and that will take the fast break easy baskets out of the game plan.
It’s quite a dilemma between starting Gray or JV. Obviously JV is the future and needs more time on the floor but they can win more games now with Gray. What do you think about having JV start with Amir and having Gray and AB coming off the bench. Gray can make up rebounding lost by AB while still keeping the floor stretched. It will also create matchup issues for the opponents second unit. There are not many 20pt players coming off the bench in the league…

[ditch]

Hi Doug Smith
The over-under was 2:15 for the anthem performance, I was told. Did she beat Bleeding Gums Murphy? I didn't time it...dozed off. I've got a sawbuck on this. Little help?

[Geoff Read]

I hope AB comes back and plays lights out and finally reaches his considerable potential as he seemed to be doing before injuring himself last year. That said, I hope but am not hopeful.

Superbowl halftime show you say? Yawn. It has to be the most over-hyped non-event of the year. Given how militarized the Superbowl has become with military flybys and jingoistic displays of nationalism, I actually view participating in the half-time show as offering tacit support to US imperialism. Every time an artist I respect participates in it I cringe.

The Day the Music Died... big day in music history. For those who like their rock and roll with plenty of soul, check out this band, Alabama Shakes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Le-3MIBxQTw

[Geoff Read]

Oh yeah, and the Davis Cup thing was awesome, even if somewhat diminished by the Spanish no-shows.

[Johnn19]

Lowry's line vs Miami a not impressive 3 assists, 5 turnovers, 3/7 and 10 points, with his game plan being pass to DeRozan and Gay and watch and pray. Lucas111 was not any better. BC, Rap's need another option at PG.

[akashsingh]

we don't need andrea, whatever spacing he provides on the offensive end is nullified, by 1. poor rebounding
2. poor rotations and help defense
3. inefficient shooter, who doesn't have the best shot selection
4. conditioning.

we need to trade for someone with bargnani's skillset, but a much better player who isn't a detriment to the team.

might I suggest josh smith?

[Dave]

What happened to the IGBT yesterday? I was following it and then accidentally closed the browser window and came back to your blog's main page and it was gone (it;s usually embedded within a blog post, right?). It's still gone. Sometimes, I like to go back and read through the blog when I've missed the game or parts of the game.

[Tim]

Hi Doug,

What are the chances of the Q and A being revived this week? I've got a question or two I'd like to ask. I'm wondering if I'll get the chance to do so during a Q & A, or if I should go ahead and send to the mail bag.

Blogger's note: We're tentatively going to do one this Thursday at noon; will finalize tomorrow

[HopeCaper]

Well Doug you were right about this team and what the trade meant. Not necessarily better but different. Now the wings are leading the team instead of the guards. Its been 2 games since the trade so early times yet. Since I agreed with your analysis I wanted to point that out.

In fact what might come to light is that without Jose's steady hand at PG this team might have been made worse on a lot of levels. Certainly getting thumped by 15 is not the same as a loss in OT.

I was disappointed with the boos for Bosh. The guy was a warrior during his time here and this behaviour really speaks to their lack of class when they boo this type of player.

[Dave]

Oops, just noticed that there was a 2nd mailbag posted before (4:00pm) the end of the game. Did not expect to see a blog post during the game, so I didn't even think to scroll down past it. I thought it was the earlier mailbag.

[Joe]

@akashsingh

the only players atlanta would be remotely interested in would be t.ross and JV. what else could the raptors offer? you said so yourself that smith is a MUCH better player than AB, why would ATL take in a worse player in this trade?