Thursday July 17 2008 - 9:50am Eastern
I’m supposed to be on vacation, but it really hasn’t worked out that way this week … given all that has happened with the Canadian Men’s Basketball Team. There was a brutal loss … followed by a dramatic win … topped off by the release of one of the club’s best players.
As Canada gets set for a must-win game against Croatia on Friday, the attention on the team is off the floor, not on it, following Samuel Dalembert’s departure.
There’s a lot of “he said, she said” going on right now though. Nobody - fans or media - really knows what happened with Leo Rautins, Dalembert, and/or the rest of his teammates. The details of how things boiled over have been kept in-house.
However, I may be able to shed some light on the situation.
I spoke with Leo last night - in an exchange of a number of emails. Understandably … he still didn’t get into every single detail — those things should be kept in-house if at all possible … for team unity if nothing else — but he did provide a little more perspective.
I was able to piece together a little more of the story by chatting with others close to the team in Athens, Greece as well.
None of this is meant as a personal attack on Dalembert, but here’s what I was able to learn from some of the conversations I had regarding this soap opera:
Dalembert’s overall commitment has been questioned recently … for reasons like … he’s frequently late; stays out late; doesn’t eat meals with the team. There’s a sense that he had maybe alienated a number of his teammates.
Further to that point, it sounds like not one player said a word about Dalembert’s departure. Nobody. There was a suggestion that some may have even been glad to see him (or his attitude) go.
Why is it that Joel Anthony - the other NBA’er - can fit in and buy in to what’s being preached, but Dalembert apparently couldn’t? Granted, Anthony’s not making $50+ million, but should that matter? Does the money suddenly give Dalembert some sort of free pass to do or say whatever he pleases?
Why is it that Dirk Nowitzki seems to be able to adjust to the international team — going from being a star (and MVP) in the NBA … to being ‘one of the guys’ on the German team — but Dalembert allegedly can’t? Ditto for even a lesser star like Carlos Arroyo and Puerto Rico.
Heck, you could even look at Team USA. Think of all of the attitudes and arrogance that could be present on that club. But if you remember last summer … wasn’t Kobe Bryant a defender, not a scorer? And how many shots did Jason Kidd take?
Guys bought into their roles for the betterment of the team. You didn’t have a rebounder and a shot-blocker jacking up 18-20 footers; not doing what makes him (and his team) best.
Plus, what happened earlier this year when Jerry Colangelo called Amare Stoudemire and invited him to play on the team and the big man hesitated? Well, last I checked, Amare’s not on the team. Unless you’re committed, you’re not wanted. Period.
Dalembert has said - in the past - both privately and to the media that he really likes Leo Rautins and that no coach at any level has done for him what Rautins has. But when confronted with some of the issues that seemed to be disrupting the team and/or upsetting team officials and coaches, Dalembert apparently scoffed at those suggestions and engaged in a heated verbal exchange with Rautins.
This run-in happened on the team bus and those close to the situation said Dalembert swore at Rautins (something the big man later denied) and the coach asked him to get off the bus.
Again, apparently no teammate stood up for Dalembert and some even laughed (openly? I don’t know) when Sam refused to accept the fact that some of his behavior and attitude was possibly hurting the team chemistry on and off the floor.
Rautins told me the door is open for Sam to return to the team … sort of. He stressed that it’s really not his decision. Rautins said the decision to come back or not is up to Dalembert … but only if his teammates want him back. Basically, the coach is allowing his players to decide if they want Dalembert back or not (if Sam is even interested in returning).
I would expect that kind of situation to unfold AFTER this tournament is over though - if Canada qualifies for Beijing; I can’t imagine Dalembert would play again in Athens.
For what it’s worth, I applaud Rautins for taking a stand on this issue. If Dalembert was hurting the team … then it wasn’t worth keeping him around. Any suggestion that Canada Basketball should simply put up with this because Dalembert is their biggest star is ridiculous. Making millions means nothing. If you don’t have the right attitude or approach, why should others automatically cater to that? Is that going to make your program desirable to other players down the road - including other NBA’ers? For example, would Anthony (an NBA’er) want to come back to that kind of environment?
There’s no doubt that this decision sets Canada back quite a bit though.
With Jesse Young hurt - and Dalembert now gone - the Canadian front court is looking pretty thin with Levon Kendall and Anthony as the only true ‘bigs’ left on the team.
We’ll see how it all unfolds on Friday morning when Canada tries to advance to the Semi Finals … when they play Croatia.
E. Smith
* As I said, I’m on vacation. So I’m going golfing now! Thus, your comments (below) may not be addressed until later this evening.
Hi Eric,
I think we need to hear Dalembert’s side of the story before we praise Rautins. Dalembert is the third player that I know of who has disappeared from the program under mysterious circumstances (including Denham Brown and Juan Mendez). There is more to coaching then having knowledge about the sport. I respect the “tough love” approach Rautins seems to be implementing, but it is a fine line. Incidents like this can have implications with future recruitment into the program.
Thanks,
- RickRick
Hey Eric,
Hope the Golf Game goes well, I felt bad when I found out you were on vacation sending you an e-mail on this. Enjoy your time off. A life in the media means Vacations can be cut short based on things like this. Raptors fans should be thankful to have dedicated people like yourself covering the team.
- James BorbathRautins is not the coach that this team needs. I find that he
acts like he’s been coaching for years while he has no previous experience, correct me if I’m wrong. The Bob-cat said it right yesterday on his show. Rautins is not the coaching answer.
I know Leo is your guy so I don’t expect you to be objective, just wanted to vent.
Later..
- ErrolDespite all that, I still think Dalembert should have played the entire tournament and then released from the team after the tournament. He’s arguably the best player on the team and would have definitely helped against the Croatians. Leo didn’t handle this situation as well as he should have. No need to create this circus in the middle of the tournament. What a shame!
- Beburg aka The relief pitcherAs for your comments. I don’t know if I agree. these things are I agree not great for building team concept. But Sam Dalembert is a name that ALL Basketball fans likely know. Canada basketball needs to have players that people know to build a profile. If this group can some how be successful. Which I hope they can they will get known. But I think to average person they think what is going on. Why can’t Canada Baseketball make it work with Guys like Dalembert, Nash, Maglorie. After all this is not TEAM U.S.A can we honestly afford to turn away NBA talent? I don’t think we can. But Regardless I still sat Go Canada Go no matter who what.
- James BorbathThanks for the Dalembert update Eric. An unfortunate situation for our national team. Kinds of sounds like Sam wanted to be treated like a “primadonna” and for the good of the team I think they made the right decision. I don’t blame Leo for feeling fed-up.
Cheers Eric. Now go and enjoy some R&R. ;)
Doc
- DocEric:
Heard your phone-in session with Mike Hogan yesterday and wondered how long it would take for the issue with Dalembert to show up. I went to both of the Team Canada games in Hamilton against Lebanon and New Zealand.
I was shocked and disappointed at the way that Dalembert played in the first game and cleary demonstrated an attitude that he was top dog, but did absolutely nothing to demonstrate it. Save for a few rebounds he obviously got by his size, he didn’t deserve to be on the floor. They played much better without him, and I was really impressed with the play of Joel Anthony, and a couple of others whose names I can’t remember Dalembert did not come out for warm ups for the second game, and we could see he was being worked on in the dressing room for some type of hip problem. He came out to start the game but was not contributing at all, and sat on the bench for the remainder of the half, and did not show at all for the second.
There were times when they were in trouble with both teams they played, and the Team was significantly out coached. Fortunately for Canada, they lacked any depth, save for one player each, but certainly had better effort, ball movement, penetration and shooting skills.
I was also very disappointed in the play of Carl English, who I thought at one point a few years ago, he was going to make the grade. But his attitude seemed immature and had stints of just being a ball hog, and throwing up bricks to boot.
Lastly, I was very shocked by the lack of involvement by Leo Rawtins. I love his colour commentary and his apparent knowledge and love for the game. However, I saw none of that on the floor in both of the games. One of the assistance coaches was obviously doing the job Leo should have been doing, and save for a few words at the end of each time-out he virtually stood on the sideline or sat, and just watched the game, showing virtually no emotion. Something was, or is, very wrong with the Team from both the attitude and coaching standpoint, and needless to say I was not surprised at all that they lost the first game in Greece, and don’t expect them to go much further than their second half win over Korea.
Too bad, and just like Hockey and Baseball in Toronto, we will just have to live in hope for the next opportunity. Or maybe we won’t.
Bob
- Bob LyonsThis is just an unfortunate situation all around. Bad for Sam, bad for Leo, bad for the team, bad for Canada. I think it was Rowan Barrett who was saying that maybe Sam wasn’t aware of just how much you have to commit yourself to the team. When you’re playing 4 games in 5 nights it’s mentally and physically taxing, but thinking about the flag keeps you going. I can see how it may not mean AS much to Sam as it does to the other guys. Not saying Sam doesn’t love Canada, but I can see how it might mean more to someone who was born and raised here, as opposed to someone who lived here for 3-4 years. I could be totally wrong though. In any case, I would love to see Sam come back if he comes with the right attitude.
- AmandaI am also not sure that Leo is the right man for the job and have to question why Jay Triano was fired in the first place. juan and denham not being part of it, who knows. Ken Read steps down because his son is part of the program and Leo has his son on the team, is there a conflict.
Someone mentioned Bob-Cat and what he said. With the lack of financial support that we give our basketball teams, anything we achieve is great.
- Tait LusteThis team is going nowhere in a hurry. Absolutely, no chance of them winning on Friday. Rautins should resign, conflict of interest with his son on the team. Why they got rid of Triano baffles me. All that did was alienate Nash. Rautins has no business being in charge. It will be years before this team is competitive on the international scene and Dalembert won’t be playing for this team any time soon. What a mess. They’ll probably lose by 20-30 on Friday!!!
- BrianI find it fascinating how so many of you are suddenly experts on the Canadian national team … knowing the inner workings and dynamics, etc.
Well, at least you’re passionate if nothing else.
Some of you need a fact-checker though … or at least a refresher course.
- E. SmithI can’t believe how many are saying that Sam MUST be accomodated due to his status. Any player who doesn’t make an effort to be “one of the guys” and at least eat with teamates is a terrible team player. This guy needs to grow up! Plus he was clearly abusing his freedom as a player with his shot selection (two 3pt attempts!!). Magloire is a disgrace and Nash put his personal feud over the Triano firing ahead of his patriotism. Start holding the players to account Canada!! That said, bring back Triano
- SteveEric -
I went to the games in Hamilton and Toronto, I was shocked to see that Leo was not the guy with the clipboard during ANY time-outs. It was Mike Malone or Dave Smart that were the focal points of the team huddle with Leo just throwing in words of encouragement at the end!!! Clearly, Leo does not have the long term X’s & 0’s background to effectively coach this team. The assistants are essentially doing the head coaching job here. In light of this, Canada Basketball should be ashamed for firing the best coach in this country…Jay Triano. Jay Triano would have never let a situation like the Dalembert one to arise in the middle of a qualifying tournament. It would have been dealt with before leaving Canada. Clearly, the Dalembert situation was a distraction for the players during the Korea game and now they are man short for the most important game vs. Croatia, which turned out to be a 83-62 loss. Furthermore, now there is a shroud of negative publicity circulating around this team, based on the “he said, she said” war of words between Leo and Dalembert in the papers. This is certainly not the type of the publicity that Canada Basketball needs.
- Jimmy RoseI really hope that Wayne Parrish takes a step back and realizes that Leo Rautins is just not the right guy to lead this team. Parrish needs to relieve Rautins of his coaching duties and pray that Jay Triano would even consider returning to the Canadian bench. Triano helped the Americans last summer and I bet he is helping them again this summer once the Raptors summer league is over. Triano is good enough for Team USA but not Team Canada??!!! Something is wrong here, Eric…
Yea let’s publicly support the coach after aquiring half the story…great idea.
The offence was pitiful BEFORE Dalembert left the team! No plays to run, lets just pound it in to the big guys.
Good for Sam to walk away quietly when his idiot coach goes on a power trip.
Ah well I’m sure the masses that read an Eric Smith blog(lmao) will rise up and help save Leo’s coaching job…or not. All thats left to hope for now is that Rautins is fired as the Raptors commentator as well.
Bring Triano back to the national team!
- JustinOn the Fan 590, Leo said “…if you’re not having lunch with us, you’re not a part of the team” or something like that. Ridiculous. Team Canada isn’t exactly an overflowing pot of talent, and this circumstance seems to could have been handled in a less dramatic fashion.
- withclubsauceThanks for the perspective Eric. I applaud Rautins for taking a stand, not really on board with all of this, “Get rid of Leo” talk. Hopefully, Dalembert could get his act together and come with the right attitude next time around.
- AnasTeam sports are about team. In my experiences coaching I’d much rather have a player with the right attitude then a player with more talent but doesn’t give the effort or care about team. I’m disappointed that Sam isn’t part of the team because obviously he could be such an asset. However, if the reports of Sam’s lack of team commitment are true, my frustration is not with Leo but with Sam and Leo did what you have to do as a coach.
- GrahamWe need … HELLO …. Jack Armstrong to be the coach and while I’m at this he should be the full time colour man for the RAPTORS. Leo is so boring; he may be the nicest guy in the world but I liked being entertained and wining Canadien basketball teams. There are people out there that can do a better job than Leo on both counts.
- salLeo is just not the right guy for this team. Starting with his son on the team who is only a very average if not below average college player. There are probably 50-60 players who are better than him and yet he made the team. Other players see this and just do not want to play for someone like this. Lets get Jay back and maybe at the same time he could take over the Raptors. Jay has more coaching experience than Leo, who has none, and also has far more coaching experience than Sam did when he took over the Raps.
- Coach RushThis is a very sad news indeed. I’m not sure which person to believer but I guess time will tell which side is saying the truth.
But in my personal opinion, Coach Leo is not a good fit in the Canadian team. Heck, I don’t even know why I think he isn’t a good fit. My gut feeling is saying that he is not a negotiable coach to say the least.
- snitchPeople have a nature
Rautins seems like a class guy and in the two years I was a Raptors seasons holder he was always a class guy. In any business you need principles and the backbone to keep them. Whether Leo was right or wrong has to be decided later but if a coach is not in charge you have nothing.
I have always felt Sam was a terrible coach but I would have thought Rivers was nothing special. With a special team Rivers showed his brilliance. Sam will get his test this year. I hope some day Rautins gets his chance.
- milesEric.
- Mr. SFirst of all, i’d like to say thanks for takin time of on ure vacation to blog like this.
Second of all… COME ON SAMMY, WE NEED YOU!!!
When all else fails, childish insults always work I guess Justin?
First of all, I said “IF” this happened …
Second … I used “alleged” a number of times …
Third, whether Sammy D is ‘guilty’ or not … I’ve got no problem with him playing on the team again. It seems like Leo doesn’t either.
However … FOURTH and finally …
You talk about getting one side of the story … yet you fail to see that not one teammate defended him; not one player has come out in even casual support of Dalembert. In fact, Rowan Barrett was quoted saying something like ‘this isn’t the NBA, or even the NCAA or CIS. This is international basketball and things are different …’
That quote and the other points I laid out make me comfortable in writing what I did and approaching the story the way I did
Now you can go back to either reading or not reading this blog with or without your sarcasm
- E. SmithI have read all the comments regarding this matter and find interesting the differing perspectives. I have coached youth basketball and have found that it’s not just x’s and o’s that make your team successful. It is more about dealing with people as individuals to get the best out of them physically and mentally as they commit and understand their roles and responsibilities.
This situation with Sam shows that he was not dealt with correctly by team management. If Sam started alienating himself there must have been something that led to it and should have been taken care of before coming down to this.
If Canada basketball is to win at the the international level, they need NBA cailbre talent such as Nash and Dalembert. The primary goal should be to market this team as somewhere you want to play as is the case with USA, China, Europe, etc.
When I heard about this, I was very angry that Leo and coaching staff allowed this to happen. I now question Leo and his staff that they cannot manage one NBA ego and get him on board. It is obvious, Sam wanted to play for Canada with his efforts to become a citizen. He was a strong supporter of Canada and basketball. What happened???
Collectively, Canada Basketball is at fault and should shoulder full blame.
Phil B.
- Phil B.