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Wednesday March 18 2009 - 10:32am Eastern (Toronto, ON)

TWIT?

I recently joined the Twitter world - some time last week (twitter.com/Eric__Smith).  I wasn’t forced into it, but it was heavily ’suggested’ that it might be a good way to keep folks up-to-date on what’s going on with the Raptors, this blog, and any other breaking news or noteworthy info.

But would I twitter or tweet during an actual broadcast - while on the air with Jonesy?  I highly doubt it.

To be honest, I have sent out emails during a broadcast - but that has been done during a commercial break, not while calling the action LIVE.  I think that would be unprofessional and unfair to the audience because, clearly, I wouldn’t be giving the game my full and undivided attention.

Which brings me to Charlie Villanueva and the great Twitter Debate of 2009.

Charlie V logged on to his page during the halftime of one of his recent games, and posted a message for all of those following him on Twitter.  Yes, during a game.

Granted, it was at the half - so he wasn’t playing or sitting on the bench or anything like that but you’ve got to question where his head was at (in the game?) if he was more concerned about keeping his online fans informed of his current mental state and not on the GAME itself.  You are in a playoff race Charlie!

However, CV31 did go out and have a BIG second half … helping lead the Bucks to a big upset over the Boston Celtics.  Thus, I can’t sit here and say that his concentration was totally thrown off!

Let’s just deal in common sense though …

I don’t think teams should even have to ban cell phones or BlackBerries or iPhones in the locker room … ’cause it should be basic knowledge that you’re not supposed to turn on your phone and check messages during a freakin’ game! 

Unless you’ve got a pregnant wife or girlfriend that is about to give birth any day … or a friend or family member on their death bed … there’s NO good reason for an athlete to check messages or log on to websites during a game.  Period.

Now I’m going to go onto Twitter to tell folks to check out this blog.

COACHES

I have no idea what the Toronto Raptors coaching staff will look like next year.  I think it’s still totally up in the air whether or not Jay Triano will return as the head coach.

But no matter who is in charge, I think the Raptors have been around long enough that it’s time for them to start dipping into the past and going to their roots a bit.

There have to be a few former players that are interested in coaching; that are looking to learn the ropes.  Thus, why not find a guy that knows this city and this market — someone that has a connection to the fans and the organization — and give him a shot.

To be clear, I’m not talking about the head coaching job.  I’m simply talk about an assistant’s job.  You see it all of the time in the NBA — former players keeping ties to an organization through coaching or front office jobs.

Again, no matter who the coach is next season, I’d love to see a guy like Alvin Williams added to the staff as a 3rd or 4th assistant.  And if not Williams, how ’bout Charles Oakley (who has expressed interest in coaching in the past) or Darrick Martin?

SEEING RED

For those looking to make some last-minute plans for tonight, why not check out the Raptors RED Party at Muzik? 

The bash gets underway at 7:00pm and you’ll get a chance to interact with all of the players, coaches, and front office staff.

Proceeds from the event go to the Raptors Foundation for Kids.

E. Smith

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 18th, 2009 at 10:32 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.