I wouldn’t possibly ask you to wade through all the mail I got this weekend one sitting, you folks were over the top.
So here’s about half of it and it still tops out at about 3,700 words. Read this, watch the game at 1 p.m. with me and we’ll get rest up later tonight sometime.
And thanks.
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Q: Hi Doug. Was the Sinclair interview the result of building a relationship this summer? Or were you just in the right place at the right time?
Kevin M, Maple
A: Mostly right place at the right time, actually. She just happened to be there for a day when I was. Good timing. That said, I have spoken to her in group situations many times and there was a level of familiarity there.
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Q: I've got two, Doug -- I've never had two!
Do you have any idea whether Mr. Nash has ever touched base with our new Canadian athlete of the year? He has to be a fan, right?
Truth be told, I had hoped I would be a bigger fan of K. Lowry's than I've turned out to be. Given that Jose is the type of PG I most like to see, I was also looking forward to having a new smart & flashy guy on board. But now - not so much. So, are the coaches and/or players satisfied that Lowry is the guy they thought he was? What's the overall feeling about his style of play, as well as his performance in that role?
TL I, London
A: I believe they have spoken and are at least casual acquaintances from being at some of the same things.
I think most people with the organization are disappointed in the injuries that have delayed any major impact Lowry may have had early in the season. But overall, they know what he is, and knew when they got him.
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Q: If getting a guy off the floor after an injury takes more than 40 seconds, are there injury time-outs? Official time-outs?
David M, Grimsby
A: If a player is hurt and there’s a 20-second timeout called and it takes longer to treat him, most referees will give some leeway; if a longer time is needed than, say, a minute or two, it’s not a timeout charged to either team.
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Q: Hi Doug. We've been wondering the following for quite a while: why does there seem to be so much imbalance in the NBA schedule? Specifically, why does it so often happen that one team in the second game of a back-to-back not only has to travel, but also goes up against a rested opponent? Do you know how often the tired team wins this? While I understand the necessity of back-to-backs to fit in the 82 games, surely the NBA schedulers could make it so that teams playing back-to-backs played other teams in back-to-backs?
J & G H, London
A: I don’t have that information, sorry. But I do suspect – again without doing a lot of grunt work – that it evens out pretty much over the course of the season.
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Q: Hi Doug. Question for you? Would you rather keep your gig covering the Raps, or trade it to cover the lock out?
Ben S, Burlington
A: Are you kidding? If they never won another game and every game was on the road in the Pacific time zone and every comment began with “you fat know-nothing homer” (and some have), I rather do this than write HRR or “systems issues” or make-good clauses or whatever.
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Q: Hope Super Wife enjoyed her fresh Pacific salmon fresh from Van. Airport(I keed...I keed). Loius & Frank was a great start. Instead of adding Smokey, Marvin & Al you added Roger, Bruce and Mick..
Hope you had a special evening.
Regards
John C, Mississauga
A: Roger? Of course we did, and I presume there was some singing.
And it was a nice break, thanks.
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Q: Hi Doug! I was wondering what impact the loss of Jamaal Magloire has had on the Raptors this year. I'm sure he's doing a swell job in the offices, but maybe he can come back?
We need his $hit talking and cheerleading, can't help but think he was a big part of the defensive improvement last year.
Your thoughts?
Mike P, Oakville
A: Jamaal’s a vet and is around every practice so, yes, he’s helping. But I think we can all agree that his days on the court are over.
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Q: Thanks Doug for all your fine writing! Pick one or two players (please be reasonable) who you think would be able to immediately impact this team. Along the lines of what Garnett did for Boston. Yes we are brutal right now but I think one experienced guy who knows how to win would make a huge impact.
Last thing is I am taking the whole family to the game Friday and when I get to games (5-7 per season) the Raps usually win!
All the best.
Rob H, Cambridge
A: Glad you got your win. But, really, it’s hard to pick a guy or two, to tell you the truth, because we have no idea who might be available. Let’s say a guy like Grant Hill, or even a Derek Fisher, someone who’s been around forever. I’m not advocating for either of them and know they’re both impossible but that’s the kind of veteran I think they need. Trouble is, you don’t get them in the middle of the season because teams that have them tend to hang on to them.
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Q: Hi Doug. Welcome back to the Eastern Time Zone. I want to thank you for your daily dose of raptor and basketball tidbits but what's really nice is that you spread your blog to other things going on in the world. Good on you. My questions are related to the blog:
Have you ever missed a day? I recall you sometimes typing small ones for whatever reason but don't think i ever recall missing a day.
For the other news around the world, do you jot it down on a notebook to add to the blog later or do these things come to your head as you type along each late evening/early morning...just curious.
Frederick L, Mississauga
A: I’m sure I’ve missed a day but the honest truth is I don’t recall when it might have been. Some days are slower and later and less than others but …
As for the compilation process, because my mind is often feeble, if I hear something or think of something that might be usable, I’ll send myself an e-mail or jot down a note on the iPhone (although sometimes I do that and forget to look) or I’ll open a file on my laptop for some day’s blog in the future and jot down some notable occurrence.
I’m not sure if I found all the questions I’d stored but I hope so. If not, I’ll look a bit harder tomorrow.
But until then, enjoy this bonus mail and we’ll be back with the usual fare sometime Monday. No promises on when given the time zone thing and an early flight out of L.A. but it’ll be here sometime soon.
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Q: Season's Greetings, Doug (Or is it too soon for that?) Every now and then Twitter is really cool. I might've first dipped my toe in its waters to follow celebs, but quickly saw that it was more useful for me as a link to really interesting stuff - concert clips, links to magazine and newspaper articles, sporting events, etc.
So yesterday one of those 'interesting' links appeared and it was to a podcast featuring none other than our own Doug Smith on Chris Sheridan's show. Fun to listen to - sounds as though you two go back a long way - but something he mentioned caught my attention and it was how in your role as President of the PBWA, you are sometimes called upon to negotiate 'situations' that might arise between a member writer and the team he covers, and I guess, the NBA too?
Anyway, he said he thought you were very good at this part of your gig and I'm wondering if when you leave all the glitz, glamour and good life of the beat writer's avocation behind you, is this something you might want to pursue?
Hey - if the pucks are still pucking around in meeting rooms in NYC, maybe you can lend a hand, or voice, or swift kick somewhere useful! Cheers.
Lorie P, London
A: Oh, no. Yes, I’ve loved my time as the PBWA president – the second two-year term expires this season – and it’s been cool to mediate things between members, teams and the league but once it’s done, I am done working as any kind of mediator. I’d rather just express my opinions and let someone else listen to those of others (I keed, a bit).
And, yes, Mr. Sheridan and I go back a couple of decades, we’ve covered too many NBA, international and Olympics events than I or my liver would care to remember. He’s one of the greats.
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Q: Hi Doug. I am sure you have felt like a judge at a witch hunt lately. I am sure you have your fair share of mail from the Lowry haters, Jose haters, Demar haters, and Bargs haters. I actually like all of them and would hate to think of where we would be without them. Who do you receive the most rants about? Why do you think this is?
Andy F, Aberdeen
A: This year? Andrea for sure. Last year? Jose for sure. Year before that? Jay I believe it was. Tends to move from target to target
And why? Perception is reality, fans perceive one player or coach is responsible for what’s going on – absolutely incorrectly but it’s easy to rip from a lack of knowledge – and then it becomes piling on from others. It’s kind of like a mob mentality.
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Q: Greetings, so Los Angeles another place with a spectacular number of places to visit and see(and a few that it is better you don't!) A personal fave albeit somewhat south of the sprawling megalopolis, a little brew pub in the beach side enclave of Laguna Beach. First spot that I ever encountered pumpkin flavoured beer. May well retire there one day.
Anyway today's thought process revolves around "professional pride". Certainly the Jazz game was a shock insofar as the speed to and degree of, capitulation. And one thought that I was left with was this game could be a very necessary step in the maturation of the HOTH.
The frustration and embarrasment of the players might well provide the necessary incentive to buy into some plan hatched for the purpose of becoming competitive.
Not entirely fair maybe to ask you this, but …
Do you feel that there is sufficient cohesion between the parts (players) to see the solution in the form of this group? (My meaning is looking around their dressing room the faces they look at are for the most part, faces that they can believe in?)
Thanks for what you do.
Doug T, Brantford
PS It wonders me what Charles Darwin would think of the crosswalks in the Jazzs' hometown.
A: I do think they believe, yes. But I also think their confidence might be at an all-time low that’s troubling. It be all that they need is one win out of nowhere, some big victory over a good team that helps a turnaround. Or maybe they need a close win over a bad team just to validate what they’re doing.
I do see cohesion, but as you’d expect, some nerves are frayed; they’re 4-16 and everyone knows that’s no good.
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Q: Hi Doug. What are the rules on trading an injured player, especially one that may be out for an extended period of time, 6-8 weeks?
Thanks,
Trevor B, Saskatoon
A: No rules against it. Generally teams acquiring players require that they take physicals but if everyone knows a guy is injured and will be back, they take that into consideration and do the deal.
But there nothing in the rules to prevent it, if that’s what you mean.
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Q: Hi Doug. A general NBA question. I often hear that early afternoon games are tough since the players are more adapted to late nights than early mornings. If so, is it more difficult for the western conference teams to play in the east than the eastern teams playing in the west? Is there evidence, statistically or anecdotally, to suggest this? If all teams lived in the same time zone do you think the gap between the east and west would be even greater than it is now? Thanks for your thoughts!
M S, St. John’s
A: I don’t have the statistical data but I do know there is a rhythm to a season that, if disrupted, can cause at least a bit of confusion.
But over time, I think good teams will win out and I don’t know that there’d be much disparity at all.
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Q: Hi Doug. How would Casey or yourself get this team upbeat and confident? What are the teachable moments from Utah that you would stress and build upon?
Thanks for your insight
Scott R, Toronto
A: There were very few teachable moments in Utah, what I would do – and I don’t know if he did it – was show parts of the first and second quarters when things were going okay and make them see – again – that they can be good if they trust each other at the end of the floor.
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Q: You wrote the other day that the biggest problem with the defence at this point is Valanciunas being a step slow on the rotation (due to being a rookie). What are the other problems and what are the approximate contributions of all the problems to the slide back towards the bottom of the league from the middle of the pack last year (in points/100 possessions).
Jim R, Toronto
A: The other problems are basic: Kyle Lowry gambles a bit too much on the perimeter which leads to open lanes; DeMar DeRozan’s having a harder time this year keeping his man in front of him, with the same result; and Andrea Bargnani is slow to rotate and is not having as big an impact on the ball in high screen-roll. It’s been a breakdown in almost every facet of the game. Correctible if Lowry stays home; DeRozan works harder and Bargnani is more energetic, as he was a year ago.
Had a bit of an issue with the stuff I got Saturday and late Friday (I inadvertently deleted a file) so this will have to do for now and I promise some bonus mail on Monday or later today.
Enjoy this and we’ll see some of you about 3:30 east this afternoon, right?
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Q: Hi Doug. Following up on a subject that was mentioned in Monday's IGBT regarding food/meals/snacks provided to the media. What percentage of arenas provide decent to good/great offerings? You seemed a bit underwhelmed with Denver's menu. Does it tend to be consistent by arena (good/less good)? Or hit and miss? As a food lover myself, these things are of vital interest.
Cheers!
Kate C, Toronto
A: I would say 40 per cent offer what you’d call “good” fare. Most of it is mass-produced dinners that are passable rather than outstanding.
And it’s pretty much the same year to year in every arena; Staples would be among the best, Miami among the worst. We don’t ask for much other than a variety of fresh stuff; Staples always has lot of choices, Miami has pre-fab slop most nights.
But we know who has good dinners and who has stuff we can pass on so we adjust our daily eating habits accordingly. We might pass up a late post-shootaround lunch if we know dinner will be good, we’ll load up on deli sandwiches at 3 p.m. for bad arenas and wait for post-game wings or somesuch. The dietary habits of some grunts leaves a lot to be desired.
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Q: Good day Old Friend. I say Old friend because I have been reading your blog and articles for a very long time. So although you don't know me I certainly know alot about you. Kinda weird how that works.
Anyways, just writing to clarify something with regards to the Chiefs playing the game on Sunday. I believe (not certain) that the league left it to the owner whether to play the game or not. And the owner of the team left it up to a vote amongst the players. The player captains voted and decided to play. So although I agree with you that no one should ask of the players to go out there in these circumstances, the choice was left to them and they decided to play.
Just wanted to point that out.
Thx Doug! (Mr. Smith?). What do you prefer for future emails?
Georges B, Ottawa
A: That is a good point that I was unaware of in the immediate aftermath. But I also wonder if there wasn’t some subtle pressure from above since I have been told by friends in Charlotte that the team was told to continue with its travel plans in the very early afternoon on the Saturday. Regardless, I don’t think I would have voted to play.
And I like Old Friend, works for me. And I appreciate the sentiment.
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Q: We did get to hear Leonard Cohen at ACC. Wish you'd been there, Doug, if for no other reason to hear poetry at the ACC rather than the insipid music accompanying our Raps point guards as they try to get into their half-court offense. But poetry brings up the question of players as readers and the overall ways coaches connect with players. Phil Jackson gave books to his players as a way to bond with them and show them other ways-ideas. Coach Mike Katz did same with his players at Humber and Univ of Tor. Does this work for the pros? Is a coach going to reach the modern NBA player with this kind of concern for their personal development?
What is the relationship between effective coaching and concern for players? I get the feeling Pop in San Antonio will receive lots back from the four vets he was concerned with when he gave them a day off the schedule.
Charles N, Toronto
A: I honestly believe that the good coaches treat the men they are in charge of like men; and it varies on how they do that. The relationship is often dicey, though, because it would take a while for a coach to understand which players need to be coddled and which need to be challenged. I guess it’s not unlike real life, where you need to know how to get the most out of your employees and I also truly believe all employees are not created equal and you treat more valuable workers a bit differently.
I think books would work with some players but some would say “what is this” and be lost. It takes a good coach to know which player is worth the effort.
As for Mike Katz, one of the great basketball minds in Canada, I understand there was a great event for him a couple of weeks ago. I missed it but he remains one of the all-time greats I’ve come across in the game in Canada.
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Q: Hey Doug. Sekou Smith said that Kobe is "Top five on most people’s list and in everyone’s top 10.". Do you agree? Where is he for you?
David S, Calgary
A: This is one of the great debates in the game, isn’t it?
You have to put Jordan, Robertson, Russell, Abdul-Jabbar and maybe Wilt in the top five, no?
And what about Larry Bird? Or Elgin Baylor? Or a few others you can probably guess.
Today? Today I have Kobe in the top 10 for sure but I can’t figure out whether he’s No. 6 or 8 or 9 or 4.
Nice conversation on stools, though.
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Q: They say it never rains in southern California. Is this true? Lots of talk of opportunity, though.
Assuming New Orleans is going to give the Hornets name back to Charlotte, will Utah help out the anti-pelican lobby and give the Jazz name back to N.O.?
How about The Raptors changing their name to The Huskies? Maybe it would change their fortunes. The guy could give up the chicken suit and become Sgt. Preston, or even better, Sgt. Renfrew and Cuddles (Dave Broadfoot reference)
Bob E, Kanata
A: What? No Dudley Do-Right? Imagine the logos!
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Q: Hi I Love your blog and column, thanks so much for the great job you do. I will greatly miss it if and when I have to subscribe for it.
Thanks so much.
Gerald B, Mill Cove, NB
A: There’s no indication now that will be the case. Let’s see how things play out whenever it is in 2013 that things change.
But thanks for the kind words.
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Q: Question regarding weight training. Was here watching an excellent game by Mike Petrius, and they spoke of him being in the gym in the morning.
Now, most people I know cannot fathom lifting weights the day they are supposed to shoot a ball (makes you all gimpy), but we hear NBA Players who have excellent workout regimes, which includes lifting during their game days.
Without the usual answer that athletes are simply better than us, and that they are freaks of nature to be able to recover.
How do they really pull this off I wonder?
Atif K, North York
A: Well, it’s not like they do some Lou Ferrigno workout an hour before any game. Mostly it’s to get the body working, to work up a sweat and get the juices flowing, so to speak.
Just like when you see guys riding stationary bikes during a game, it’s just keeping the body going.
Oh, and they are a bit super human compared to many of us mortals.
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Q: I have a question, but first: Oh, woe is me. I hold tickets for the season to watch at team that sucks . . . again, another year, every year since I bought those tickets! We hear lots of excuses: one night it's attention to detail, another it's spacing, a third it's the big Italian that went 4 for 20 without playing defense, sometimes its injuries, or "we just have to play for 48 minutes" -- too often it's all of them. Despite all of this, players with marginal talent or (unfulfilled) promise get big, long-term contracts. It seems that players, the GM, maybe even the coaches all live inside a bubble and act from a sense of entitlement, or a state of perpetual rebuilding.
Here's the question. Do you agree that there is no real accountability -- true mutual accountability -- for producing results in the organization? What is your prescription?
JP B, Ottawa
A: I disagree. There is accountability, just not impatience. And obviously not to the level that some fans want; sorry abut that, but that’s the way it is.
Dwane is accountable to Bryan, Bryan is accountable to his bosses on the board, it’s just that, as most prudent businessmen do, they realize that throwing everything away and starting over all the time might not be the best idea.
But, trust me, when things go bad, underlings hear from their bosses, they just don’t make it public all the time.
Nothing like a morning with a wireless glitch in the hotel, sorry this is late.
Well, you folks really loaded this up this week, thanks.
And there are a couple left over that I’m hoping to expand on in the usual morning fare this week.
Enjoy this.
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Q: Hey Doug: You've just been made general manager of a newly formed team. They don't have a coach yet, so you need to hire one. What 'credentials' do you look at? Former NBA head coach? Former NBA coach? NCAA coach? Former player?
NOT that I'm suggesting (like many of your readers) think it's time for a change at the top of the Raptors!
Tim H, Windsor
A: I’d like a guy with experience in the NBA, not necessarily as head coach but someone’s who’s been on the bench for a while and that’d be my top priority. Experience as a player would be nice but not entirely necessary and I would never take a guy right out of college.
But the over-riding attribute would be communication skills; I’d need a guy who could make a point and be willing to listen to others.
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Q: Good Morning. Pretty simple question and I know you have probably been asked a thousand times. What makes a good General Manager?
John P, Louisville
A: Good luck? Seriously, good GMs get breaks, I think.
But the four traits that come quickly to mind:
A willingness to gamble a bit in player acquisitions.
Someone who surrounds himself with knowledgeable people.
Someone who sticks to his convictions and doesn’t panic.
Someone who works hard at scouting – college, pros, Europe – trying to unearth someone who fits the program he’s trying to build.
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Q: Hi Doug. There are obvious signs that this team has improved: DeRozan has done a great job with his footwork, attacking the rim, jumper; JV's energy on the glass; Amir's chemistry with Jose off the bench; and Ross' confidence in his shot are only some of the areas that I have been seeing with this squad. However, all the names that I mentioned would all be great role players on other teams, yet their our key players on this team. With Bargnani and Lowry being our key go-to guys, can this roster compete with the rest of the league when our key starters, key bench players and key go-to guys can be considered just solid role players on other teams? If not, wouldn't you agree that this team needs to address that issue?
M M, Newmarket
A: Compete for a championship? No, not yet. But “address” is a nebulous thing, right? Do you “address” it by allowing, perhaps, Valanciunas to become an all-star and Ross to become an above-average player and for DeRozan to continue his improvement? Or can you “address” it by moving one of those pieces and maybe another for someone you consider better? Or can you “address” it, perhaps, by getting lucky in a draft?
So, yes, it needs to be addressed but there are many ways it can be and one isn’t necessarily better than another.
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Q: Hello. What with his statue phobia, is Lillard afraid of Bargnani on Defense?
Bob E, Kanata
A: Ding. Ding. Ding. I read this out loud in the media room on Friday night and got a handful of guffaws.
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Q: Hi Doug. I hope you don't mind a glass-half-full type of email (my guess is you're not getting too many these days)._Do you think that not having a draft pick this year is a positive thing for the team, in that there's truly no reason to tank the end of the season? Mentally, will this help the team focus purely on getting better, regardless of playoffs, and set the team up with the right mindset for next year?
Follow-up: are you personally happy that you won't need to deal with hundreds of emails suggesting the Raps tank the season?
Thanks a-plenty,
Charlie C, Montreal
A: Au contraire, mon ami. The fact the Raptors only keep their pick if it’s No. 1, 2 or 3 should they miss the playoffs may lead to even more calls for more losses so they cement a bottom-three chance going into the lottery.
Can’t wait.
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Q: Hey DS. Given the recent turn of events in Duncanville aka San Antonio (What are your thoughts on the $250K fine?), I was curious: when a team/player is fined, where does that money go exactly?
Simone S, Toronto
A: It goes into the NBA/NBAPA charitable fund and is parceled out to the many good works the league and players do.
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Q: Doug. With Mickael Pietrus sitting in France for the entire season so far, and with the Raptors having obvious interest demonstrated from last year, and their ongoing need for a 3 point shooter, any thoughts on why they would have waited so long to bring him in?
Chris B, Ottawa
A: Not sure there was “obvious” interest this year and they didn’t make any overtures because (a) at the beginning of the season, Pietrus was looking for more than a one-year, veteran-minimum contract and (b) they had Landry Fields and Alan Anderson. The renewed interest came when those two players got hurt and the fact each could – could – be out for another month made it imperative they find some solution.
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Q: Hi Doug. A few questions for you:
During last week's Raptors/Spurs game, Calderon was called for a 5 second violation on an inbound pass. In those situations, are referees obligated to count out the time or merely do a silent count in their head before calling a 5 second violation on the inbound pass?
What are your thoughts on the current NBA draft system? Would you prefer something different such as rewarding only the 1st pick via the lottery and then slotting everyone else according to won/loss record?
Thank you and have a nice and safe road trip with the team this week.
Joe D, Mississauga
A: Referees do count out loud but it’s sometimes hard to hear, which is why they also use arm motions with each second. Plus, a player just has a sense of when he’s getting close to the five-second limit.
The draft? I have no problem with it; and since they only award the top three picks via the lottery, I’m not sure changing to one would improve anything. In fact, might it not make teams thinking about tanking even more if extra losses gave them at a shot at only one prize instead of three?
Have yourselves a good day, we’re here at 1 p.m. for IGBT and then I believe off to a house party for the big game.
Oh, and in case you were wondering?
Argos 29, Stamps 25
Remember, you heard it here first.
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Q: Hey Doug: I've noticed that a couple of blogs this week elicited more than one page of comments. That got me to thinking (see all the good thing your blog accomplishes!), off the top of your head, what (insert number here) blogs got the greatest number of comments? It will be interesting what cranks up the angst of your readers.
Thanks!
Tim H, Windsor
A: Off the top of my head?
I do know the day I had the temerity to suggest that perhaps Jose Calderon was a better option than T.J. Ford got ‘em going pretty well, and there was the day they traded for Shawn Marion. I recall that elicited more than a few comments.
Those are the two that stick out in my mind; there’ve been more than 55,000, it’s hard to distinguish which days got more.
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Q: Doug. I'm from Toronto and am a huge Raptors fan, however that is not why I am reaching out to you.
There's a trending video right now on Youtube (45,00 hits in 1.5 days), and it involves Kenyan Orphans re-enacting Larry Bird's steal from 1987. The video has already been picked up by TBJ and Ball Don't Lie and I was hoping you could tweet or promote it. The entire project is for charity and that is why I am reaching out to you. You have a large and well-educated following and I'm sure some of them would want to see this. Enjoy the 1:59 short. It truly is incredible.
Regards,
Dan F, Toronto
A: I have seen it, it’s outstanding and I’m glad to help.
And any time you can hear the gravelling tones of Johnny Most, you should.
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Q: Hi. I'll try once more. During half time the TV cameras show the players in the dressing room without any coaches. Do the coaches ever breach the sanctity of the players room for some measured pointers?
Dusty B, Sydney Forks
A: I’m pretty sure I answered this the first time.
Yes, the coaches give the players some time to cool off but they are in there going over stuff for most of halftime.
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Q: Hi Doug. I've been reading your blog for a few years now almost daily but never sent in a question. So here it is:
I'm just watching the Tor-Det game:
I notice Bargs and JV set picks but seem to move out of the way really quickly before the opposing player really runs into them. Is that just a lazy pick or afraid of contact or something? When KG does one of those, it's almost like a body check. The Raps pick seem more like an annoyance. Am I missing something? Thanks!
Mazz A, Calgary
A: I’ve mentioned a few times that I think the bigs “slip” too many screen rolls; I think they should them a bit longer more often. But it’s not laziness or avoiding contact, it’s a play; I just think they do it too many times that it becomes ineffective.
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Q: In the past, you've talked about the importance of winning and getting to the playoffs versus tanking to get a better position in the draft lottery. Watching the past two games it struck me that we may be seeing an example of why that is. We have some talent on this team but not a lot of experience winning. Do you believe this is playing a factor in this season's record?
Robert N, Toronto
A: I think it’s a minor factor but certainly not the biggest one. But it’s true that the more close – and intense – games you play in, the better you get at closing them out. This team’s got a ways to go in that regard, as we’ve seen.
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Q: Hey Doug. I want to preface this by saying I like Lowry, I enjoy the intensity he brings and I love the way he attacks the basket. However, I am seeing a bit too much 1 on 5 from him and he seems reluctant to pass the ball in close games. For instance, the game against Detroit, with Bargs playing his best game of the season, Lowry ran up the court and shot an ill-advised jump shot at the buzzer rather than looking for Bargnani (who was 13-20 from the field). It just feels that Lowry is not as great as involving his teammates as Calderon is. Am I right in this assumption? And has Coach Casey sat down with Lowry and ask him to look for open teammates, or does he accept it as part of his overall intensity?
Thanks
Dave R, Markham
A: Yes, they would like him to pass to wide-open teammates and do mention it. Often. But Lowry’s skills lie in his ability to get into the paint or the meat of the defence and break people down. Everyone’s known that, and accepted that, since he arrived in July, don’t imagine it would come as any big surprise.
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Q: When is it time for Colangelo to go?
Chris Bosh leaving without adequate compensation was a fireable offence in my opinion, on its own
A lot of overpaid underperformers: Amir Johnson, Linas Kleiza, and now Landry Fields.
No discernible plan. Anthopoulos for the Jays has operated on a clear plan since he took over. Colangelo seems to start something every couple of years and then blow it up.
I used to follow the Raps very closely. I won't follow them again so closely until we have a new GM that is more substance than style. Thoughts?
Nathaniel S, Toronto
A: I think you should enjoy whatever it is you do with your newfound idle time.
And, no, 13 games into the season is not “time for Colangelgo to go” and we’ll see where they are at the end of the season, when his contract expires.
Until then, why make a move?
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Q: Hi Doug. Got a basketball question that's been bugging me for sometime now regarding assists.
When is an assist credited? Obviously, when a player immediately makes a basket, the guy who passed it to him gets an assist. Assuming the 2nd player makes the basket:
If the player dribbles it a couple of times before making a jumpshot, how many dribbles do you count before it no longer becomes an assist?
Or if he drives but has to get around several screens before making the basket, how far can he go before it's no longer a assist?
Or maybe it's a matter of time elapsed like when he holds on to the ball for a while in one position then makes a jumpshot, how many seconds can he hold on to it for it to be considered an assist?
Confused, thanks for enlightening me.
p.s. got one also for rebounds: if a player volleyball taps it outside to a teammate, who gets credited for the rebound?
Peter M, Toronto
A: It’s very subjective and there are no hard and fast “rules” in the book. The manual suggests an assist goes to the player who makes the pass that leads directly to the basket but it doesn’t, as far as I know now, differentiate whether that basket needs to be scored within a certain number of dribbles or, say, a five-second count. But each stats crew from each city gets league-conducted training each year so hopefully there is some consistency.
On the rebound thing, if a player is judged to have “control” of the ball as he taps it, he should get the rebound but, again, there is a bit of subjectivity involved.
With a few other things on the go, I didn’t watch that Detroit thing near closely enough to offer anything of substance to any discussion so here’s mail.
And there’s lots more where this came from to get me through tomorrow.
But, first ...
Yes, he was a brilliant villian in Dallas but ...
RIP, Larry Hagman.
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Q: Doug. I caught just a little bit of Butch Carter on Prime Time Sports this morning on replay. Very cerebral discussion.
In the little I saw, he was talking about things that the Raptors needed to get better at, like maintaining intensity when the subs start coming in, winning the 1st quarter so the starters don't get too tired, etc. I wish I had seen it all.
My question is what do you see Dwayne Casey has to get better at in order to help the team succeed?
David M, Petawawa
A: I could take the easy way out and say a bit of everything, like we all do.
But there could be more creative offensively but the fact is they get a lot of good shots, they just don’t make enough of them.
Maybe a more firm rotation but, again, he’s got a couple of rotation guys hurt and no one’s really emerging by playing consistently well.
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Q: Hey Doug:. In his article about the Gibbons' hiring, Not Grace Kelly said:
"A baseball manager really has only one baseball job -- handling the staff."
If you were forced to say that a basketball coach 'really only has one...job,' what would it be?
Thanks for keeping the ship righted in these trying times for Raptors fans!
Tim H, Windsor
A: Managing the egos.
Of players and their agents and their friends.
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Q: Good day, would have to agree with the issue of traveling on American Thanksgiving, would be far preferable to be curled up on someone's couch, good meal and an ample supply of Sam Adams or Yeungling at hand.
Anyway, to the point, to what, if any, extent will the buzz around the Blue Jays affect their professional sport brethren here in Toronto? I find myself wondering if might be similar to teeing it up against someone that you know to be more accomplished at the game, a little added incentive to strive for a result?
Thanks for what you do.
Doug T, Brantford
A: The people who run the other organizations are so fixated on their own success that someone else’s big splash does really “drive” them at all. I know Bryan is a friend of Alex’s and would be glad for him and would wish him well – and I presume it’s the same for Brian Burke – but incentive to make one’s team better is internal.
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Q: Is there a limit to the number of ludicrous questions I can submit before I am cut off from submitting any questions?
I think this is my first of the season... If the Knicks cannot find the same level of success once Amare returns as they are seeing right now, do you think the Knicks will try to move him and do you think Bryan might be interested if he could get Amare for a package that includes Bargnani and say Fields? (Is there smoke coming out of your ears or did I only manage to score an eye roll?)
David W, Oakville
A: Not in a jillion years would they ever, ever, ever consider that for even a blink of an eye. Been there, done that, seen the career-limiting surgery, now the cap-crippling, uninsurable contract.
I know that no contract is truly untradeable; I will say with 99.99999 per cent conviction that Stoudemire’s contract makes him untradeable.
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Q: Is this the same person who never played for the National team.
Warren R, Surrey
A: Yep. And you’re the same person who’s never talked to an NBA player or coach? But have watched a lot of games from Mom and Dad’s basement, right?
Thought so.
That’s weak, son. Very weak. But thanks for reading.
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Q: Ah U.S. Thanksgiving in the Texas triangle..._Do the locals eat a meal similar to us Puritans?
When will Ross get some decent playing time? They could have used his quickness on D in the fourth against Philly. How about a little more offense guy (the pasta king) versus a D guy (Mcguire) on respective possessions?
Marty Robbins..El Paso or maybe Houston by ...Dean Martin?
All the best!
Bob E, Kanata
A: Yeah, I get you on the Ross, think he’s earned a few more minutes because his attention to defence is coming; he doesn’t lose his man on every play now. Lots, not but every one.
Never been to El Paso, can’t see ever getting there, either. But …
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Q: Hey Doug! Any insight into why Amir consistently gets more minutes than Ed Davis? Just about every game I've watched this year it seems like Davis has outplayed Johnson.
Erik S, Toronto
A: Both of them have been so up and down this season, I don’t think anyone can clearly say one has been better or worse than the other.
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Q: Hi Doug. Appreciate all the work you do to keep fans updated on the Raptors. I grew up in the Toronto area but has been living in the Seattle area for the past 8-9 years. Still root enthusiastically for the Raps :). I read that this past Sunday was Jonas V bobblehead day. Wanted to see you know how I can acquire one. Are there any extras left over from the stadium give away?
I didn't know who I could contact so I thought I'd give you a try. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.
Allan K, Seattle
A: I’m told they ran out quickly; only possible place I could send you would be to the team’s website to see if there’s an on-line store or something. Sorry, that’s the best I’ve got.
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Q: Hey Doug keep up the good work I look in the boxscore and see a stat for BA what exactly is that. Also on a missed free throw is that considered a rebound for a player on the stat sheet.
Jan V, London
A: BA is “blocks against” or the number of times in a game a specific player’s shot is blocked.
And yes, rebounding a missed free throw is a rebound.
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Q: Haven't heard much about the National Basketball League of Canada lately. How's the second season going and what does it need to do to keep growing the league and sport in Canada?
Darren K, Kitchener
A: Unfortunately, this has been such a busy month – I think someone at home said it’s 24 days with either a game or a flight – that I haven’t been to a game or talked to many people about the league. I will in December, I’m sure.
But from what I’m told, things are going well. There’s a new expansion team in Windsor that’s doing good things, they just announced that Ottawa will have a team next year and the Montreal club, which got such a late start, is doing okay.
And it needs slow, steady growth with solid ownership that connects with the city.
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Q: Hi Doug. I really like Kyle Lowry's game. He's tenacious. When we acquired him from Houston, we gave up a protected 1st round draft pick, and Gary Forbes.
I'm curious about a protected 1st round draft pick. I understand that the Raptors have up to 5 years to fulfill their end of the deal. So, if we tank this year (let's hope not!), and we have a top 5 draft pick, we can shift it to another year.
But I also understand that Houston has a say in the matter too. They can request that it's a higher draft pick (perhaps #10-15), rather than being stuck with a lousy pick. And they may also be able to dictate when the transaction is to be completed. Can you shed some light on the situation.
Gary D, Stouffville
A: No, the protection that’s on the pick remains, those trade negotiations are over and signed-off on; nothing can change in that specific transaction.
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Q: Doug, I would like to get your thoughts on the man defence that Casey is employing. It seems like the help/rotation is complicated and has players out of position too often and leaving too many perimeter players wide-open or with a helpless defender closing from too far away. This reminds me of the D that the Raps tried to play under Jay Triano which was also very complex and ultimately failed miserably.
I am not saying they are in any way the same, but the results of defenders, too often, running around in chaos seems eerily similar.
Nick M, Hamilton
A: That may be what you see but it’s not what they want; they are trying to do precisely what they did last year, protect the paint and close out to shooters. It’s just not working as well right now.
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Q: As painful/crushing as the last minute losses are (single tear) I still love watching this team play. So much talent and teamwork starting to gel. Good intro in my mind for the newbies if they can get through it - rough schedule, young team, lack of ref respect, early injuries, tough losses - Welcome to the NBA. From what you see is Casey spinning it to them that way?
Is it just a mental hump to get over and how long can it go with damaging the product?
The potential for a sustainable, quality team to grow together is the highest it's been since VC days.
Adam D, Peterborough
A: That’s the big question: How long can they handle this series of soul-sucking losses without imploding and it’s up to the coaches to keep giving some kind of positive reinforcement until they get some wins and see some fruits of their labour. It’s not easy but it has to be done.
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Q: (Sorry - I don't have a question, just a comment.)__re: "I don’t know what, if anything, eventually will [happen] but if enough complaints are lodged against enough officials and the league agrees calls are being regularly blown, some official is going to pay some price."
I'd much rather that officials be given help to make the right call rather than being penalized for making mistakes. This help could be in the form of training, better use of available technology, or both. All referees, especially at the pro level, have extremely difficult jobs and mistakes will be made. Adding additional pressure by making them afraid of punishment does not seem like a good strategy to improving their performances.
Andrew W, Toronto
A: There is no perfect answer to missed calls; never has been, never will be in any sport.
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Q: Hey Doug. What's it going to take for this team to start winning? Is there one intangible or just "be better at everything?”
Thanks
Andrew C, Halifax
A: A couple of breaks, some big games from unexpected sources and a few missed shots by opponents would be on my list.
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Q: Hi Doug, after the Charlotte game and watching Bargnani get bullied by Biyombo, especially down the stretch, would it be so terrible to have him on the second unit and Amir play with the first unit? Amir, not as offesively gifted, could've contained Biyombo and prevented a few Charlotte second chances, especially in the critical fourth. Between Kyle and Demar, I think there's enough offense to make up the difference, even more so when they go into the fourth with an 8 or more point lead. Bargnani will be the 5 on the second unit, playing with Calderon, who he's obviously more comfortable with. Plus it will be against the opposing team's second unit, so the damage won't be as great as their first unit guys torching him. Of course, this is all predicated on Jonas not fouling out and/or playing well. Have you heard or seen practices where Dwayne is thinking the same thing? Always a pleasure Doug! Keep up the good work!
Tim L, Mississauga
A: I don’t see how that makes them any better; different, but not necessarily better. And the flaw, of course, is that you point out to Biyombo “bullying” Bargnani and Biyombo, of course, is not a starter.
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Q: Hi Doug. Well the Raptors are having a bit of a tough go to begin the season and that seems to be an annual occurrence. Many of us are hopeful that they will be able to pick up a bit as the schedule eases.
It seems the Raptors often have a tough schedule early, more road games then home games and a 4 or 5 game west coast trip in November. Is there any reason for this? Is there something that happens annually at the ACC that uses a lot of home dates early in the year? do other teams have home dates available early in the year, but less later on? It would be great if next year the Raps played 15 of their first 20 at home for a change.
Thanks
Greg M, Halifax
A: No specific reason, it’s not like Chicago, which usually has a seven- or eight-game road trip in November when the circus takes over their arena, or San Antonio, which is always away for about two weeks around all-star because of a rodeo in their building.
It’s just the way it worked out this year; a bad break but nothing anyone can do about it.
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Q: Hi Doug. I appreciate your basketball knowledge and opinion.
Andrea Bargnani - so frustratingly inconsistent! not being the greatest defender but making his shots is bearable. Not making his shots and being outworked defensively is just unprofessional. Does he have off court issues? Is he really a good team mate? Is it time for a change of address for him?
Herb H, Whitby
A: Probably wished you’d held on to this after his 34 points Friday, I bet.
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Q: When one team goes small, inevitably the other team matches. Why doesn't it happen more often that the other team stays big to create a mismatch the other way?
David H, Mississauga
A: Mostly because coaches don’t see the overall benefit at the other end making up for the mismatches at the other. And most “smalls” are far more versatile than “bigs” so teams generally want to match up the physical virtues more than anything.
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Q: Hi. Embedded video from ytube on your blog will not play on my iPad. Other places at thestar.com work fine, eg hobbit trailer. Could you ask a tech guy about it?
Jason M, Oakville
A: I sure will. I have no clue why that is – I’m still trying to figure out the magic of television – but someone might tell me what I’m doing wrong.
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Q: Hi Doug. I fully agree that athletes should fetch what they can on the open market, given their short careers and the demands of their jobs. Maybe a small hometown discount if they really like where they are or doing so will help the team be more competitive, but I wouldn't suggest that any athlete should be expected to give up millions due to "loyalty".
I really am a Jose fan. His defense may be lacking at times, but he always gives a great effort and does an excellent job on the offensive end. Having said that, I am also excited about what Kyle Lowry brings to the table.
Jose has been well compensated for the last 5 years, even though I am a fan, I would say he has been a bit over-compensated. I would like to see the Raps keep both Lowry and Jose, but I think that they can only do it if Jose's next contract is much less for 2014-15 and beyond (when a Lowry extension would kick in).
What do you think Jose's market value would be next year? I think a 3 year contract for $20 MM may be doable for the Raps, but think that Jose may command a bit more than that. (say 4 years, $28 - $30MM). Do you think we can resign him and afford Lowry's extension?
Thanks
Greg M, Halifax
A: I cannot guess at his market value, too many variables at play like what teams will have what cap space and what needs next summer.
I do know the Raptors will talk to him in the summer and hope they can come to an agreement. And I also think everyone understands that the next salary will be lower than this one; how much is the question.
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Q: Doug. Should the Raptors offer a contract extension to Jose Calderon? Will they? If we've learned anything over the years, it's that two point guards are better than one point guard. Jose is a leader, an excellent teammate, has enjoyed playing in Toronto and doesn't pout when he has been made the "back-up" point guard. If the price is right (and no one bowls them offer with a great trade offer during this season), wouldn't it make sense to bring him back?
Alan G, Toronto
A: See above but know that they won’t talk about an extension now until the summer; doesn’t make sense from either side.
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Q: Hey Doug. I have to disagree with your opinion on how officiating was handled last night. The refs cost the team the game and its not the first one this season. Raptors are now 3-9. The fan base is frustrated and angry.__Coaches and management have to know they are starting to lose casual fans, again. They should be angry, and they need to show the fans they are. Coach, or management, should have come out, in the game or media, and harshly criticized the officials.
At this point its no longer about appeasing the league(and it's desire that everything run merrily along) - It is about the fan base. Embarrass the league. Take the fine. Show the fans you care. Generate some excitement.
And, yes, I know the officials are going through a transition phase, adjusting to the new rule interpretations. And, its the hardest sport to officiate. But, they are doing a poor job of letting the players, and the rules, determine the outcome of the game.
Nathan T, Newmarket
A: Why come out and bash officials and spend about $35,000 of your money when the quiet, formal way to lodge complaints got exactly the same result?
Of course they’re angry but putting on a show for fans does nothing, really.
Enjoy this while I figure out if there’s a stool to sit on and watch the big tilt this afternoon.
We’ll be back with something tomorrow morning (there don't seem to be many questions left to get to) and, of course, the IGBT for the Magic tilt.
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Q: Hi Doug. So I see by his tweets and his blog that Chris Sheridan thinks you and your team did a terrible job filling out the All-Star nominees and calls the ballot "a joke". They even name the selection committee members - so look out there may be upset fans around the world looking for you!
Are there league requirements that your committee has to adhere to? For instance, Sheridan kept harping about how ridiculous it was to list Omri Casspi while far more deserving players were omitted.
Joe S, Kingston
A: Yeah, I saw Chris’s critique, guess he lost my phone number or e-mail address to talk about it. Too bad.
Yes, there are league requirements, we need to find a minimum of three players from each team to put on the ballot and, yes, I’ll give you Kyrie Irving and Anderson Varejao from the Cavs and then who? Maybe we missed on Casspi but he’s at least as worthy as, well, who? Alonzo Gee? Tristan Thompson? Six of one, half a dozen of the other.
Chris’s other rant, about Damian Lilliard would have been, you know, accurate, if he had taken the time to call any of and found out that we do the ballot before the regular season begins and traditionally only include that year’s No. 1 draft pick for ceremonial reasons more than anything.
Did we miss on Casspi? Maybe. Does it matter in the long run? Not a whit.
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Q: Hello Doug. Well, Monday's titanic trade sure messed up Tuesday's paper as far as Raptor's coverage; that improbable win and Jose's first career triple double sure didn't get front page coverage. Now truthfully, I couldn't tell you what page the game story was on because all the Blue Jay fans in my neighborhood seemingly snapped up the ever-decreasing number of papers delivered to my local outlet, but I'm guessing it was tucked somewhere on a back page, in the bottom corner, where the high school sports scores are listed. Anyway, it was a great win and a nice milestone for Jose.
Now, the question: I was watching (I think it was) Jack Armstrong interview Amir Johnson on the court post-game and in the background saw Mr. Jim LaBumbard leaving the court with a basketball in his hands. Now is that a normal part of his duties, was this particular ball being 'saved' because of Jose's achievement or maybe it was a case of something else entirely? Thank you!
Lorie P, London
A: Nice catch in the background of TV shot. That was indeed Jim wandering off with the game ball and it was indeed him getting for Jose to mark the triple-double. Things like that don’t happen often and it’s certainly not part of the job description but Jim knew the magnitude of the performance and figured Jose would appreciate a keepsake. And I’m sure he did.
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Q: Hey Doug: I was listening to the halftime radio show of a Pistons game last night (not by choice - it just happened to be on when I got in the car). They had one of the staff of the Pistons on, talking about 'metrics.'
He said that he categorizes shots as 'valuable,' 'less valuable,' etc.
The most valuable shot, according to him, was a free throw - he stated, that historically speaking, free throws were made 75% of the time, much higher than any shot. That was why it was so important to get to the rim.
The next shot from within the restricted area, zero to three feet from the net, which has a very high success rate.
Next was the three-pointer. I may have forgotten the exact percentages, but it was something like 37% for threes, which would be the equivalent of 52% for twos, in order to score the same number of points.
The least valuable shot, to him, was what he called a 'wood' shot - inside the three-point line, but out of the paint.
Do you agree with his evaluations? Would you change the order?
Thanks again for all the time and energy you put in, just to keep the Irregulars happy (and others, unhappy)!
Tim H, Windsor
A: I wouldn’t change a thing, actually; and all my friends in the advanced metrics world would unquestionably agree with me.
I’ll give you a little anecdote, locally: The DeMar DeRozan shot chart looked, in large part, like a “DO NOT DO THIS THING” last year, he took far too many long twos for anyone’s liking. That’s why they are insistent that he either get to the rim or go back a step or two and shoot a three this year, it makes far more sense. Whether he does it or not remains to be seen but it’s something they want him to do.
Same with Rudy Gay, who takes too many long twos for anyone’s liking, despite his skillset.
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Q: Hi Doug. With the way Caldron is playing it's only a matter of time until PG controversy questions are going to come up. Now, clearly, there is no controversy, but it’s becoming fairly obvious that Jose and Lowery are 2 out of the team's 4 if not 3 best players. A point could also be made the Jose has been their best player over the last 3-4 games (since Lowery went down). You cannot play one of your top players for 20 min a game, especially after he posts a triple double.
Also, Jose is a PG, playing him at 2 next to Lawry for 5 min doesn't fully do justice to him.
Any idea how to solve it, or how is the team planning to go about it?
Can Lowery play the 2 for extended periods of time? Can Derozen play the 3?
Jon A, Toronto
A: There is no point guard “controversy” anywhere except in the imagination of fans. And they can, actually, massage the minutes so that one of Calderon or Lowry spend some time off the ball, as they did for the first few games of the year. If you want a breakdown, consider this: Calderon plays 20 minutes at the point and 12 at shooting guard, and Lowry plays 28 at the point and 10 at shooting guard. It works, has worked and will work.
People tend to see demons where none exist.
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Q: Hey Doug. I was the fan with the giant Jack Armstrong head at the Pistons-Raptors game last season. I'm getting it ready for next Friday, just wondering if you knew if Jack is calling the game (otherwise I have some arts and crafts to do! Maybe a Matt Devlin with real hair?).
Best,
Josh R, Windsor
A: Well, Detroit’s a TSN game so Jack should be there. Am sure he’ll appreciate whatever it is you have in store. I won’t be there to see it, that’s a Cathal Joint, I have some Grey Cup duties to attend to.
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Q: How about The Beast wear those wide receiver gloves in practice, so that he can get used to catching the ball? Could he wear them in a game?
Any pressure on BC to respond to the TOD trade?
Boys High School ball starts next week, will you catch any games?
Are you ready for the Mayan calendar mania about to swamp our airwaves?
How about a little Barry Mcguire...you know...The Eastern world it is explodin, violence flarin, bullets loadin...
Bob E, Kanata
A:Not in a game but it'd be fun to see.
And seeing the workload of my seamhead friends this week, I hope Bryan stays the course; don't imagine he will, but it'd be fine with me.
High school ball? I vow to get out somewhere sometime and there are days when I wished the Mayan calendar was right, to tell you the truth.
As I promised, here’s what was left over from this morning, have a good rest of your day.
Me? Even when there’s no hockey, there’s hockey. The ACC’s got some old guys game or somesuch as I sit here waiting out practice.
They better get done soon, I have an Argos game to watch.
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Q: Hello. How about the NBA doing something about the cameramen along the baseline? With all the new technology couldn’t they install some remote controlled devices and save some players' ankles?
I see one of the Oklahoma players thinks Bargnani is a waste of a big man who only shoots from the outside. Is it time to show everybody his drive and dish move? Oh wait, he did that already once in a game.
Bob E, Kanata
A: The cameramen are a huge danger and needs to be addressed before someone blows out a knee, or worse. There is a rule that says there has to a three-foot wide clear escape lane directly next to the stanchions but it should probably be wider. It also says the photographers need to be four feet off the baseline, I think some might creep and that should eight. They also have to have soft lens covers mandated by the league.
I like the remote devices thing, for sure, you should be on the competition committee, I’ll mention it to Bryan.
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Q: I earlier posted a list request of stools (or chairs) that should not be missed. Norm's chair at the faux Cheers Bar at Feneiul Hall, Boston was one. In addition, a burger at the SNL featured skit "Billy Goat Tavern" should probably be there too. Any additional can't miss travel spots?
Thanks as always.
Nick K, St. Catharines
A: The thing of it is, I tend to avoid those kinds of cliché touristy places because they’re generally filled with, you know, gawking tourists. Have never been to the Cheers place in Boston, have been to the Billy Goat but it was years ago. My tastes tend to run to local saloons, lobby bars and familiar restaurants where I can see old friends.
That said, The Fours in Boston, Major Goolsby’s in Milwaukee, Hoops in Auburn Hills, The Palm in the Sheraton in Philly, St. Elmo’s and its cousin Harry and Izzy’s in Indy, Ri-Ra in Charlotte are don’t miss places if I have the nights off I need to enjoy them.
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Q: One thing that drives me nuts about the NBA is the amount of traveling players get away with. Refs are pretty good about travels that directly affect the defender on a drive, but other travels that occur, particularly when a player is receiving the ball (Lowry is just one culprit) are routinely ignored, I imagine to 'speed up the game'. To my mind it cheapens the game, and makes players lazy about their feet and more liable to travel in other situations. When I played in high school, such things were always called. Should that not be a 'point of emphasis', or am I just being crotchety?
Alan C, Lindsay
A: I think you might be over-stating things a bit.
If you go through this and find the definition of travelling as it is in the official rules, it might help a bit.
Do they miss the odd travel? Probably. Do they intentionally ignore it to speed up the game? Not a chance.
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Q: Doug greatly appreciate what you do, I enjoy the slices of non basketball info that you put forth. One of the things in your articles that you sometimes do is to give us game photos by the star photographer, any chance we could see the photos being a bit more of a regular part of what you do, maybe put the squeeze on the tall foreheads.
Keep up the good work, thanks from the good folks in nova scotia
Gary K, Truro
A: I would if they were available but not all photogs put together the same picture blogs or photo arrays that Stevie Boy does. If they do, I will.
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Q: Greetings, possible early mailbag here. Several times I have seen you refer to 10/15 games being the period necessary to start to fully understand what Bryan has wrought. Just curious, is that period of time a typical proving period or have you taken the HOTH's specific schedule into consideration? They do seem to have a concentrated early season in so far as the number of games and the proportion of road games.
Part two, if the HOTH competed in one of the western divisions (as a home division) what might change in their makeup or approach?
Thanks for what you do.
Doug T, Brantford
A: To me, that’s pretty typical regardless of the schedule. I think it takes that long for most teams to shake things out, even the good ones.
Not sure they’d change much in another division, you get the guys you’ve got and go with them. In a perfect world, I suppose you’d piece together a roster to take a shot at your closest rivals but you don’t get to pick and choose your entire team.
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Q: Hey Doug: I don't know if this wildly entertaining, or interesting, or thought-provoking, but here goes.
What do you think of MLB's policy of teams having to interview a minority candidate for certain positions? If you were a member of a minority, and you were interviewed just because someone had to be interviewed, would you not feel like the 'token minority?' I'm not sure that it accomplishes what MLB thinks it accomplishes.
Thanks!
Tim H, Windsor
A: I can see where some might see it as some kind of tokenism but I don’t have a problem with it at all. Not only does it force teams to broaden some horizons, perhaps, but it also gets people into the interview process who might not get there. And the more you learn through one or two or even three interviews, the better chance you have at polishing yourself and your interviewing skills that might help you land a job.
Now, I wish we lived in a world where it didn’t matter but, sadly, we’re not quite there yet.
Here’s a whole whack of questions and there are some leftover that I’ll get to later today for tomorrow morning as a special added bonus.
I’d finish them off now but there’s grocery shopping to do and then a shootaround to get to for the game-day Dino-bytes.
Have fun with this and we’ll be back around 7 for the usual IGBT.
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Q: Derek's comment about sports psychologists reminded me of Tony Robbins (yes, the big head, big hands, late nite infomercial, fire walking Tony Robbins) telling the story of how he worked with Byron Scott when he was a Laker to improve Byron's shooting percentage. Robbins says it worked and it was documented by Life Magazine. My question, you have been around enough teams, enough guys, to see slumps and streaks... what is your opinion on sports psychology and what guys like Robbins can bring to the table?
David W, Oakville
A: The Raptors have a sports psychologist on a retainer as a consultant, have for years and it’s just another tool players or coaches can use if they see fit. I don’t for a second think they “solve” problems but if they can help in a small way by being offering advice, why not take advantage of them?
I think they bring an outsider’s look at an insular organism like a team and that can sometimes be good. But it’s not for everyone, there are players and coaches who’d rather keep things private, and that’s fine, too.
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Q: Looks like our Lightning is off to another great NBL season and hopefully won't be looking back at the loss of Gabe Freeman. You've mentioned how the NBL is a helpful incentive for young Canadian players to work for a pro career, but is not necessarily a stepping stone to the big show.
But I was wondering - does the NBL give coaches a better chance to showcase their talents for the NBA. I think we've got some good ones; not sure if the gig here will advance any coaching careers. What do you think?
TL I, London
A: I don’t think it gives them any kind of resume boost, most coaches – primarily NBA assistants -- get jobs in large part because of who they know when opening occur. That said, the more you coach, the more different situations you have to handle strategically and in dealing with personalities so in that way it’d help.
But I don’t thing any NBA GM or head coach would say, ‘hey, this guy’s been coaching in Canada, we should give him a look.’
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Q: Hi Doug. Thanks for the blog and all your other efforts to keep us entertained. Your company with my breakfest every morning is much appreciated.
I have a quick question about the way Raps games are being officiated. I am admittedly a fan of the Raps, and so there is at least some bias at play. However, it has seemed to me that we have been getting called for a whack of ticky-tack fouls and not getting the same treatment when we're on the offensive end.
Officiating in the NBA is a very hard job, but consistency is important. I know that they always give the 'name' players the calls, but we were getting whistled for everything against Dallas and Minny in particular and all their name players are currently on the shelf.
Is this just my own homerism at work here? Do the Raps need to earn a reputation as a halfway decent team before we get a fair shake? Did Dwayne at some point in his career say something unflattering about a Ref's mother and now finds his teams forever cursed?
What is your take on the way our games are being officiated?
Thanks for your efforts, and I am interested to know how you (and the irregulars) feel about this.
Matt S, Toronto
A: I think, generally, NBA referees do an outstanding job. Are the blown or missed calls in the course of a game? Yes, but not as many as you’d think.
I also think that every fan of every team thinks it gets a bad whistle on a handful of occasions every game so, yes, there probably is some homerism at work.
I’ll pass on this story:
We’re talking to Dwane on Friday about the game on Wednesday and the top of Valanciunas’s foul trouble comes up.
I had lots of comments about how Valanciunas doesn’t get the “respect” of the officials and how some of the calls are bogus and someone makes that point to Dwane.
“No,” the coach says, “those were all fouls.”
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Q: Hey Doug, love the blog. My sister will be playing CIS basketball next year for the Ottawa U Gee-Gees and since I'm a hardcore basketball fan I would like to prepare scouting reports for her on opponents she is likely to guard. I am wondering what an NBA pro scouting reports includes or looks like? (Ex: tendency to go left, bad free-throw shooter, cheats for steals etc) If you could show us a detailed scouting report, that would be great. Another thing, I think Andrea Bargnani needs to get the ball on the block more often and especially early in the game. I find that he turns the ball over more frequently when he drives from the 3 point line to the rim. By getting the ball on the block, he can use his excellent mid range game to open up his drives. Also, by getting the ball early in the game, I think he is more likely to play harder on defense. What do you think? Once again thanks for the input.
Frank B, Cornwall
A: Sorry, but it’s not like they make proprietary scouting reports available to the media so, no, I can’t show you a detailed one. But I’ve seen one or two in my day and they include a lot of the stuff you mentioned – tendencies, favourite shooting spots, lapses that might be exposed, favourite play calls at specific times of games. It’s not rocket science, it’s pretty much common sense.
And, sure, Bargnani works well in the post – but only if he gets himself planted in the paint; if he gets pushed a metre or two out, he’s in no man’s land and is far less effective. He’s better at the elbow, in my opinion, or out at the top of the arc.
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Q: When the Raptors drafted Terrence Ross I thought the would be getting 20-25 guaranteed minutes a night like Demar did. One of the reasons they said they drafted him was because of the need for a wing player to hit the 3. With Fields's struggles and the Raptors generally poor 2/3 rotation why is Ross not getting more burn? Do you think he would be better off with 20-25 mins a night?
John T, Mississauga
A: No, I don’t. And no, I don’t think he should be getting 20 minutes a night at all. He’s not physically ready yet, he doesn’t have consistent shooting range, he certainly isn’t strong enough to guard 3s and if you give him 20 minutes at the 2, that’s 20 minutes you don’t have DeRozan on the floor.
Yes, Ross is a good shooter with a lot of promise. But, no, he’s nowhere near ready for a major role and I don’t think one was ever envisioned for him as a rookie.
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Q: Doug, based on reading your blog I know you have strong views about Hall of Fames and retiring numbers for various sports. Just wondering what you think makes someone worthy have having their number retired or being a hall of famer for all sports. I think if we look at statistics of a player and compare them with people of the same era that would help plus historically. But what about playoff success, winning awards, leading the league in scoring, being on the first, second, third NBA/NHL teams. Are there anyone you can think doesn’t deserve to be in the various halls?
George B, Kitchener
A: I’m going back to my old friend Potter Stewart (google him) for the basis of the determination of what makes a Hall of Famer.
I don’t know what the specific definition is, but I know one when I see one.
It’s not just championships or stats or all-star teams; it’s a combination of all of them.
And while I’d love to got through the lists of Hall of Famers in all sports, or even just basketball, and figure you who doesn’t “deserve” it, time precludes me doing that.
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Q: Hi Doug, realize this topic has probably been talked to death already but I was wondering if you could reach out to your contacts within the Raptor's head office and see if the so called "poison pill" contracts that are being thrown around by teams (ala the one we gave Landry that screwed the Knicks and the one that the Rockets gave Lin that also screwed the Knicks) are being factoring into contract discussions?
I understand that teams writing the poison pill contracts average the cap hit but those accepting the poison pill have to take the hit as written (meaning we average Landry's contract over the 3 years so he counts 6m a year for us but for the Knicks he would have counted 5m each for the first 2 years and 8m the last year).
If Collangelo wants to ensure that retaining someone like Derozan is not going to screw up his cap space a couple years from now then it's maybe better to accept paying an extra 2m a year but average it over 4 years then taking the chance that someone will offer a similar contract to DeRozan where we would have to take a 15m cap hit in the same year that Barg's and Amir are free agents?
Anyway thought this would be an interesting slow news day discussion! Thanks again for a great column!
Abraham R, Toronto
A: Don’t actually have to “reach out” at all, we’ve already asked Bryan about the potential for something like a restricted free agent deal fit into his negotiations on the extension and he said it was a minor, minor factor.
It certainly wasn’t the prime reason they reached a deal and it wasn’t event a huge consideration. A small part of the thought process is all.
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Q: While reading about your anticipation to read Rosie's book on Pat Burns, I thought that you'd be a natural choice to write the definitive biography of Jay Triano someday.
Bo K, Mississauga
A: Thanks, and I’m sure Jay would offer his thanks, too. And then we’d both wonder how big a seller that might be. Kind of a niche book and it’s hard to get a lucrative contract to write a niche book.
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Q: Hey Doug: I plan on reading the Pat Burns book when I finish the latest Grisham book.
If you were to write a book about any Canadian athlete you wanted to, who would it be, and why?
Thanks!
T H, Windsor
A: It’d be Nash, for sure. So many layers, such an impact on his country and his sport. Someone good’s going to do one whenever he gets around to retiring and thinking about it but it’s been mentioned and he’s not close to that situation yet.
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Q: Do you think the Raptors have enough NBA pros to put together 2 "teams" either of which could "start" or for that matter "finish" a game in the NBA? My point is to have two different looks to throw at an opponent and to have Dwane decide which team to start any given game. For example, sometimes Jose and his crew start with a pick and roll offense lead by a pass first point guard. Next half or next game, Kyle Lowry starts with his shoot first offense. And yes I sure do think Amir should be on Jose's crew along with Andrea Bargnani. Just as DDr is made for Kyle's crew. I mean, why have a group known as starters? What's the point? BTW Jonas is the only Raptor that I can see being ready willing and able to play on either crew.
Greg A, Nanoose Bay
A: No, not only do I not think they have the necessary talent, I can’t see that working. It’s a matchup driven game and what you think might work one night won’t work the next. You find out each night where you have advantages and try to exploit them the best you can.
Well, that was uneventful. After a first flight cancelled Friday afternoon (hello, Air Canada! Thanks a lot) things went swimmingly and the Irregular who gave me O’Keefe’s needs to be thanked.
Anyway, more on that tomorrow; have a read of this and meet back here tonight about 7:30 for the big game.
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Q: Hi Doug; First of all, your blog is great. When I first moved across the pond 10 years ago, it was a struggle to keep up with the HOTH and ever since I discovered your blog I haven't felt so left out. So thanks.
After reading the Derozan extension post, I started thinking. How much of your emotions get tied up in the Raptors? Obviously you're a fan, but you have to write with a certain amount of impartiality. It must be easier to write about them when they win, but do you get bummed when they lose (like the hardcore irregulars)? How does it all affect you?
Keep up the great work.
Jim L, London, UK
A: Actually, I’m not a fan, can’t be. I can cheer for a story but not a team.
That said, it’s only natural that it’s a bit more fun to cover a team that’s winning; the players and coaches are in better moods and often better to deal with, stories take on a bit more significance with a greater number of readers and it may be harder (or more) work, but it’s more fun.
(At least that’s how I recall it years ago when they were winning 47 games a year).
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Q: There's an Adidas commercial on TV these days that strongly implies that Derek Rose is back playing for the bulls or will be soon. Is that true?
Paul R, Toronto
A: No, not true at all. You’re looking at all-star break, most likely and Rose himself said if there’s pain or an issue, he could miss full season. There is nothing imminent at all.
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Q: Hey Doug I have two questions. First question, do you know what the "incentives" in DeRozan's new deal (does it include making the playoffs)? Second question, I remember you mentioning last week that you were in the selection committee that chooses the players who make the all-star ballot can you say which Raptors made the list or will I have to wait and see?
Pedro S, Lisbon
A: The incentives can range from personal performance, team performance or even extra promotional work and teams have to have “room” under the cap for them if they are achieved. It’s very, very complicated and I don’t entirely get it.
And, yes, I was on the committee along with Steve Aschburner of NBA.com, Kenny Smith of TNT and Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. And I’m afraid the confidential nature of our deliberations includes not making our selections public until the NBA releases the ballot. I think that’s Nov. 13 or so.
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Q: Hi Doug. It would appear you have risen to a whole new level of prestige within the NBA community. No sooner that you mention in your blog that the Nets-Knicks game should not be played in wake of the super storm, then the NBA changes its mind! That is what I would call persuasive power! So when did the Commissioner and his staff become "Irregulars"?
Mark L, Abbotsford
A: The tentacles reach far and wide, don’t they? But it’s even bigger than you think, it was New York Mayor Bloomberg who asked the NBA to postpone the game; that’s the kind of people we’ve got here.
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Q: Three questions.
How does the loss on Wednesday look now that Charlotte has beaten Indiana? And is the sky falling?
Three, regardless of whether I like that the NBA is continuing to play in New York despite the state of the city, is this situation something that could galvanize a team, particularly a veteran team, like New York? How about Brooklyn?
As always, thanks. Be safe. Peace
John D, Oakville
A: As I look out, the sky is not falling so I think everything’s okay one game into the regular season.
Sure looked last night like it might have galvanized the Knicks and their fans and I imagine there’ll be a bit more energy in the building here tonight.
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Q: Good morning, Doug. An encouraging ray of hope, a connected story, and two questions for you: LaGuardia and Brooklyn? Like Lester B Pearson and Hazelville - if you have to go anywhere in the post-Sandy New York area, Brooklyn is your best bet as both airports are in Brooklyn, on the "right" side of the river, so hopefully it's not too bad for you. Actually had the "weekend of the year" there just recently. My wife had a work conference in New York in late July, just a two day, one night flying visit, and invited me along. It was great! Babysitter arranged, flew out of Buffalo, landed 11:30, taxi to Manhattan Hilton, checked in and straight to the concierge - last minute tickets to Wicked (great show) and reservations at Bobby Flay's Bar Americain. Delicious, truly one of the best meals I have ever had.
Which leads me to my two questions: best food in New York City? and best impromptu, spur of the moment, "time filler" while in an NBA city on duty? Oh, and if you will allow a third, have you ever had the chance to take "superwife, superson, or superfamily" with you because of interest, holidays, just because...? Thanks.
A J F, Burlington
A: It’s been a while since there’s been time for a “good” dinner in New York but there’s an Italian place called Il Vagabondo (if indeed it’s still open) somewhere around Second and 62nd that’s really good (and it has a bocce court in the basement); time filler’s are also hard to come by, but I remember stumbling on to the Holocaust memorial in Boston one day, something I didn’t even know existed.
The family? They might make a trip every other year during the regular season, and they, of course, pick the good cities. Boston one time and I believe they’ll be in New Orleans having fun while I’m working this season. But it’s very much two trips; they do things, I work and we kind of meet up at the end of the day.
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Q: Hi Doug. Bit of an off topic question for you. We have a 13 year old in the house whose just getting rid to start the application process for high school. She wants to get into journalism, just like you. She loves to write and over the last year, she's grown to enjoy your column every day as she really likes the way you interact sports news with other topics in your daily blog. Can you provide any advice as to what she should be focusing on during her high school years to develop her journalistic interests. Thank you and keep up the great work.
Joe D, Mississauga
A: Wow, there’s not nearly enough time or space here to answer this fully but this is what I try to tell school groups when I talk to them these days:
Learn multi-media, it’s the way the industry is going and if you’re not on the curve or ahead of it, it’s tough.
That, and read. A lot, different things, see how other people write because it’ll help you find a style you enjoy. Plus, you learn stuff.
I wish her nothing but the best, these are tough times but if you’re good, they’ll find you.
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Q: Hi Doug. I was just wondering, I read and heard about NBA players who have expiring contracts, when asked if they want to stay with their present team and always the answer is "I loved this team, I loved this city" yadi yadi yada. Is that how they really feel or is it what their team PR people tell them to say. I remember this is the press release of Hedo Turkoglu before and when he went back to Orlando, he spew some fire about the Raptors. Thanks
Jacqui J R, Toronto
A: It’s not the team PR staffs who put words in player’s mouths but players – and coaches and managers – know what’s politically astute to say. It should probably be taken with a grain of salt.
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Q: Hey Doug: I'm assuming that babysitting gig worked out well for you ;
Outside the world of sports, are there any 'famous' people who know you by name? Perhaps someone who is a regular at some particular arena, and has somehow met you?
Thanks again for all the work - including the return of Nothing But Net! - that you do for us. It is much appreciated, and I hope the Tall Foreheads don't actually charge what reading a Doug Smith article/blog/IGBT/NBN is worth!
Tim H, Windsor
A: Famous people? Know? Not really. I have some friends with a measure of fame but that’s about it. There are nodding acquaintances with some people – the regulars you see at games – but that’s about it.
Doug Smith has been a sportswriter for more than 30 years, a journey that's included seven Olympic Games, numerous and varied championships and more dreary regular season games than he'd care to remember. Here, he'll talk about them all, as well as current events and pop culture. (Just don’t ask him about music nowadays — it's not his cup of tea).
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