Tuesday August 31 2010 – 1:40pm Eastern – Toronto, ON

What separates the ‘good’ teams from those that are simply TRYING to be good … is experience. Sure, ‘talent’ matters, but we’ve seen plenty of ‘average’ teams (both pro or amateur) overcome the odds and knock off elite talent. In those cases, more often than not, it’s ‘experience’ that is the greastest unfluencer.

Experience – simply lack there of – has let Canada down at the FIBA World Championship in Turley.

The Canadians latest setback was a 68-63 loss to France earlier today. With the loss, Canada now drops to 0-3 and their tournament is all-but over. Games against New Zealand and Spain remain, but it would take a minor miracle to now see Leo Rautins’ crew advance to the 2nd round (or beyond).

Team Canada was tied at 54 with just over 5:00 minutes to play against France but when the Frenchmen built-up a late 3-point lead, the Canadians simply couldn’t get over the hump. With no less than 4 open looks at a 3-ball (two from Jermaine Anderson and two from Levon Kendall) Canada could never crack through and get that key bucket.

And Denham Brown’s ill-advised decision to go for 2 – with Canada down by 3 – with about 0:06 seconds to go was bizarre to say the least.

Experience.

Canada led at the half and after 3 quarters against Lebanon, and lost.

Canada nearly led from beginning to end against Lithuania and blew a 17-point lead in losing the game.

And Canada played hard and was within 1 with less than :30 seconds to play … and lost.

0-3 could very easily be 3-0 right now.

Experience.

Hopefully the future is brighter based on the experience that has been and will be gained in Turkey.

E. Smith

———-

* this was written on my BB … sorry for any spelling mistakes, etc

Sunday August 29 2010 – 9:17am Eastern – Toronto, ON

Canada vs Lithuania …

The Canadians lead 18-7 with 3:17 to go in the 1st quarter … let’s chat it up …

Friday August 27 2010 – 11:14am Eastern – Toronto, ON

As the Canadian men are getting set to tip of the World Championship in Turkey, Canada Basketball has just announced a new 3-year partnership with Bell.

Bell will financially support the Canadian team and Canada Basketball’s national programming efforts and growth.

“Bell is very pleased to play a role in the development of basketball across Canada . We’re proud to be present on the national team’s jersey’s at the FIBA championships in Turkey this month and look forward to unveiling other elements of our partnership in coming months,” said Loring Phinney, Vice President of Corporate Marketing at Bell.

Canada Basketball also unveiled a new team jersey (pic below) featuring the logos from both Canada Basketball and Bell.

“We have been working hard as an organization to reach the point where we could attract a corporate national partner of the calibre and commitment of Bell ,” said Wayne Parrish, Executive Director and CEO of Canada Basketball. “This is a tremendous opportunity and one on which we and Bell will be building significantly in the months and years ahead.”

Canada is one of 24 teams competing in the 2010 FIBA World Championship – beginning tomorrow – in 4 cities throughout Turkey (Ankara , Kayseri , Izmir and Istanbul).

E. Smith

Tuesday August 24 2010 – 11:01am Eastern – Toronto, ON

SUSPENSION COMING?

If you haven’t already seen this (then you’re probably living under a rock), check out the brawl between Greece and Serbia during an EXHIBITION tune-up for the World Championship. 

The NBA is sure to take action against Serbian big man – and Oklahoma City Thunder center – Nenad Krstic. 

I’m thinking a minimum 10-game suspension is coming for Krstic when the NBA season rolls around in October/November.

NOT AGAIN

In another exhibition game over the weekend (Spain vs USA), Jose Calderon injured his hamstring and he will miss the Worlds in Turkey.  But what does that mean for the Toronto Raptors?

Probably nothing.

The early diagnosis is that Calderon should be good-to-go in a month when training camp opens in Vancouver for the Raps.  Could the injury turn out to be worse than originally suspected and, thus, could it linger into the season and cause problems from Jose all season?  Sure.  But we just don’t know.  Heck, using that theory … we could say that the injury could turn out to be a lot better than originally suspected and he’s ready to go well before camp even opens.  It’s a total crap-shoot at this point.

As for what the injury means RE: Toronto’s alleged ‘desire’ to deal the PG … let’s be real for a second.

Yes, the Raps tried to trade Calderon earlier this summer (to Charlotte – with Reggie Evans – for Boris Diaw and Tyson Chandler).  But that doesn’t necessarily mean the club is actively shopping Jose.  Perhaps the proposed trade with the Bobcats was simply a transaction that, at the time, made sense for both teams.  Toronto was searching for a centre (and they still are) and Charlotte was in need of a PG.  Perhaps Charlotte even asked for Calderon specifically … as opposed to the theory that many have RE: Toronto giving up on Jose in favour of Jarrett Jack.  There’s a very good chance that Bryan Colangelo is quite comfortable heading into the season with both Jack and Calderon; two veteran PGs to lead a fairly young squad overall.  Heck, Calderon is the longest-tenured Raptor on the roster and the elder-statesman of the club.

If Toronto decides to attempt to deal Calderon again or if another team comes calling about Jose’s services, this latest hamstring injury should have little-to-no impact on those conversations.  Teams know what they’re getting with Jose Calderon and his latest setback is not career-threatening or anything drastic at all. 

And with the Worlds (starting Aug. 28) expected to be a virtual who’s who of NBA presidents and general managers, you can expect the ‘dog days’ of summer to finally leave us and more deals (even if they’re minor) to start getting rumbled around.

MORE WALKING WOUNDED

The Canadian Men’s National team looks more like a M*A*S*H unit right now as they get set for the Worlds in Turkey later this week.

Already playing without Jesse Young and Carl English this summer, Leo Rautins now has almost a quarter of his roster in question with injuries to:

- Andy Rautins (knee)
- Jermaine Anderson (knee)
- Jermaine Bucknor (ankle)
- Aaron Doornekamp (n/a)

There are rumblings that A. Rautins may have sustained a mild concussion during the Aug. 12 game (at the ACC) vs France as well — or that he simply had his bell rung.  But there’s no question that the New York Knicks are keeping a close eyes on things; making sure to protect the investment (and contract) they have with the Syracuse guard. 

E. Smith

Thursday August 19 2010 – 4:16pm Eastern – Toronto, ON

I know, I know … 99% of the time this is a BASKETBALL blog but with the dog days of summer in full effect and not much to talk about on the hardwood other than the Canadian Men’s National team and their preparations for the World Championship in Turkey, I thought I’d take a 1-day tour of the grid-iron.

Afteral, it is “Football Week in Toronto” and tonight the Buffalo Bills play host to the Indianapolis Colts at the Rogers Centre.  I’m heading down to the game … and I’m hoping for a solid contest (though I know that’s seldom the case in exhibition play (in any sport)). 

To get me jacked-up for football even more this week … I was invited to participate in a media/celebrity flag football game at the RC a couple of days ago.  Under a sunny sky – and an open roof – on Tuesday afternoon, my “Bills” team pulled out a 32-24 win over the “Argos”. 

Photographer Michelle Prata caught some of the action that day … so I present to you this ‘photo blog’ from Tuesday’s game. 

- Huddling before the game with the likes of Mike Ganter (Toronto Sun) and Gareth Wheeler (SUN TV)

- Asking “Bills” coach (and former Buffalo Bill) Steve Christie if we should ‘go for 2′ following a TD by Wheeler.

- Pulling down about a 40-yard bomb over the head of defender, and FAN 590 co-worker, David Alter.  Alter tripped me, and then landed on top of me but I held on to the ball and have some nice carpet/field turf burns on my face, arms, and legs.

- We were beating the “Argos” so badly at one point that they went to the sidelines and recruited Pinball Clemons to help cue their comeback.
- And even though Pinball helped, more troops were needed, so the “Argos” grabbed current Argonaut (and current CFL Offensive Player of the Week winner as well) Chad Owens to assist as well.

- Finally, one more recruit was needed to get the game close, as QB Danny Brannagan was asked to suit up for the make-shift “Argos” as well!

- Meanwhile, on the “Bills” sideline, coach Christie welcome Cory Boyd to ‘the dark side’ … as Boyd help lead my squad to the 32-24 win.

- All smiles after a big win.

- The group shot – after the game – with folks like me, Wheeler, Ganter, Terry Koshan (Toronto Sun), Chris Zelkovich (Toronto Star), Alter, Owens, Clemons, Brannagan, Christie, Boyd, Evanka Osmak (Sportsnet), Jason Portuondo (Sportsnet), Katherine Dolan (TSN) and many more.

———-

We’ll get back to BASKETBALL tomorrow!

E. Smith

- special thanks again to Michelle Prata.  Check out her work at www.michelleprataphotography.com

Monday August 16 2010 – 11:40am Eastern – Toronto, ON

Fresh off a 3-0 week on Canadian soil, Team Canada has now headed to Greece for an exhibition tournament as they continue to get ready for the World Championship later this month in Turkey.

But what do victories over China and France (twice) mean?

Well, any win is a good win and those victories help build confidence if nothing else.  However, in the grand scheme of things I think folks should temper their enthusiasm for what may come at the Worlds.  Sure, a blowout win over China (ranked 9th in the world by FIBA) was nice to see in Vancouver but would the result have been any different if Yao Ming had been playing?  And in both of the 2 games against France, Canada controlled the pace and play and blew out the Frenchmen in the 2nd of the two tilts.  But did Tony Parker’s absence (not to mention Joakim Noah, Ronny Turiaf, and Rodrigue Beaubois) have anything to do with France, ranked 15th, faltering so badly?

The Canadians are a young, up and coming team and the future is certainly bright with the rising talents of Joel Anthony, Andy Rautins, Denham Brown and more.  And the addition of Matt Bonner (some day) will help.  Plus, more young studs should be sprinkled into the system over the years based on what we’ve seen from the Junior and Cadet teams.

The national program is building and budding but it’s not quite ready to blossom.  A top 10 finish would be a huge accomplishment for the 19th-ranked Canadians … let alone finish in the top 3 like some fans have dreamed or theorized about.

———-

Following Friday’s Canada/France game at the ACC I ran into Masai Ujiri – assistant GM of the Toronto Raptors.  I knew that Masai’s name had been thrown around in Denver for the club’s vacant General Manager job … but … little did I know that when I saw Masai (according to Doug Smith) he had just gotten off a plane from interviewing with the Nuggets.

———-

One man I won’t be running into this season is the Raptors now FORMER Director of Security, Willis Richardson.

Richardson will not be back with Toronto this season and he’ll be truly missed.

For those of you that were fortunate enough to hear some of my interviews with Willis over the years, you’ll know how special and interesting this man is.  As a former member of the F.B.I and former officer with the Baltimore Homicide division, Richardson – barely 40 – has a lifetime of stories to share already!

His face and voice (and laugh) will be missed on the road … and at home.

I wish Richardson all the best.

———-

Finally, all is quiet in Raptorland right now … but that doesn’t really mean anything, does it?

How many deals involving the Raps have gone down over the past few seasons that simply came out of nowhere?  Toronto transactions – like it or not – are some of the best kept secrets in the NBA.

———-

E. Smith

Saturday August 14 2010 – 1:35pm Eastern – Toronto, ON

While Canada was busy knocking around France last night, another ‘story’ was unfolding at the ACC.

Raptors swingman, DeMar DeRozan, was in Toronto to get things finalized on his condo for the upcoming season and he decided to wander over to the gym for a little mid-summer ball.

Although DeRozan joked that many of his followers on Twitter were campaigning for him to go after his Canadian citizenship, he won’t be doing that anytime soon! But DD said that he was impressed with the play of Canadian guard, Ryan Bell, as well as NBA’ers Joel Anthony and Andy Rautins (who just signed with the Knicks). DeRozan also mentioned how physical the game was compared to the way the game is played – and called – in the NBA.

But as the kid from LA stood there in his Mars Blackman glasses (clear lenses; fashion-only … not prescription), an early sign of potential ‘leadership’ came shining through.

While DeRozan was careful to not criticize his friend(s) and former teammates, he said that Toronto has a ton to offer NBA’ers and that the grass isn’t always green on the southern side of the border. DeRozan, when asked about Chris Bosh’s departure and some of Hedo Turkoglu’s critical comments about the organization, said he and guys like Sonny Weems and Amir Johnson embrace the diversity of Toronto and Canada and recognize how important it is and potentially lucrative it could be to represent and play for the only team in an entire country.

He went on to say something that I’ve been preaching for weeks … that it’s all about winning when it comes to the players. DeRozan pretty much implied that if (when?) Toronto begins to turn things around, this will be a prime destination because, according to him, T.O. is already a “Top 5″ road destination for players around the league.

The sophomore also spoke about the critics that are out there – saying the Raptors will be fine; relishing the chance to have more of a role and impact this season.
Oh, and he’s also looking forward to globetrotting to Vancouver, Montreal, and London, England this season.

For more on DeRozan’s 5-10 minute chat with me and the rest of the Toronto media in attendance last night, click on the link below and hear things – word for word – for yourself:

[audio:http://pmd.fan590.com/audio_on_demand/demarscrum-es-20100814.mp3]

———–

E. Smith

Friday August 13 2010 – 12:36pm Eastern – Toronto, ON

From appearances on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” and “Live with Regis and Kelly” … to ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange and throwing out a first pitch at a Florida Marlins game … Chris Bosh is certainly reaping the benefits of being state-side and being in the public spotlight this summer.

Would this kind of attention have been possible in Toronto?

Yes, I think so. 

IF Toronto was a perennial playoff – or should I say, CHAMPIONSHIP – contender, Bosh and the Raptors would have been on all of the highlight shows and in the headlines on a regular basis.  As I’ve said 1,000,000 times … winning cures all.  That applies to anything and everything – including media hype and attention.

Plus, trust me when I tell you that I’m not saying this “begrudgingly” (again, I like Chris and have always had a good personal/professional relationship with him) … but … how much of this attention is for “Chris Bosh” personally, and how much of this attention is for what Chris Bosh represents and who he is now attached to (Dwyane Wade and LeBron James)?  And how much of this attention has come as a result of Bosh simply being more accessible and available than Wade and James? 

Again, I’m not being critical, I’m merely trying to be objective about the flurry of activity CB4 (errr, CB1) has had swirling around him for the past few weeks.  The “haters” would like you to believe that everything Bosh is experiencing right now is finally possible because he is finally out of that wasteland, “Toronto” … or … “Canada”.  And I believe that’s simply not the case.

The best thing about all of Bosh’s appearances – especially on TV – is that he’s been able to get out the word about his involvement in the “After School All Stars” program. 

Bosh is going to donate $20-per-rebound this season to the |After School All Stars” and you can do your part as well – by clicking this link and pledging to the cause:  http://www.hoopheroes.org/

———-

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

If you haven’t had a chance to check out Anthony Tolliver’s YouTube video, see below:

Too bad LeBron didn’t make his announcement in a similar fashion instead of putting us – and the city of Cleveland especially – through that ESPN charade / circus / debacle.

———-

OH, CANADA (TORONTO)

Team Canada knocked off France last night at the ACC, 69-58.  However, the story of the game may not have been on the court itself … but in the stands … where less than 2700 people showed up. 

Simply put, that’s embarrassing. 

Where are all of these die-hard basketball fans and hoop heads that are always clamouring for more ball, more coverage, more attention for their sport? 

I digress.

Hopefully more folks will show up tonight as Canada and France battle again at 7pm.  The Canadians are looking to go 3-0 in exhibition play as they continue to tune-up for the World Championship in Turkey later this month.

———-

E. Smith

Thursday August 12 2010 – 12:52pm Eastern – Toronto, ON 

I was on my soap box the other day on this very matter … but let me say one more time:  I hope basketball fans around Toronto and the GTA show up for tonight’s exhibition game between Canada and France. 

Many hoop heads (including me) like to complain that basketball doesn’t get the kind of attention and respect it deserves in the media – on radio, TV, or in the papers. 

Well, tonight’s game gives you a chance – as a basketball fan – to show the editors, program directors, and executive producers why your sport and your passion should be covered and why Team Canada BASKETBALL should be given the same kind of profile that other sports in this country receive (see:  hockey, et al). 

If we can sell out stadiums in Canada for under-17 girls soccer games, we should be able to get at least 5000 people into the ACC for a World Championship tune-up.  With lower bowl tickets as low as $19.95, there are no excuses.

Less than 5000 fans showed up for Canada’s game against China on Tuesday in Vancouver.  I hope Toronto has a better turn-out; and I hope Toronto puts in a better showing than the embarrassingly-low crowds that showed up at Ricoh Coliseum the last time Team Canada played here, in 2008.

For more thoughts on this ‘issue’ … check out Ryan Wolstat’s piece in the Toronto Sun today.  Ryan echoed a lot of the stuff I ranted about on the radio the other day:

http://tinyurl.com/2c548yq

———-

If you don’t already have tickets for tonight’s game, there are plenty available online.  However, if I can offer some advice:  buy your tickets at the BOX OFFICE. 

At the risk of ripping the almighty ticket-producer, TicketMaster’s “service charges” have gotten WAY out of control.  Thus, anytime you have a chance to buy your seats – for any event – at the box office … you should do so! 

And don’t worry … tonight’s Canada/France game won’t (unfortunately) be sold out so you’ll get tickets at the box office whenever you’re able to show up.

This public service announcement was brought to you by, E. Smith.

———-

WRIGHT STUFF

I have to admit, at this point I am luke-warm on the acquisition of Julian Wright.  It certainly can’t be looked at as a home-run move.  HOWEVER, given Wright’s athleticism and potential upside, I am more in favour of the move than against it.

Listen, Marco Belinelli had every opportunity to play – and maybe even start – for the Toronto Raptors last season.  But Beli never really took the bull by the horns and earned his minutes of the floor.  He’s a good guy and he has the potential (there’s that “P” word, AGAIN) to be an explosive player.  However, look at what happened in 2009-1o:  he was passed on the depth chart by a guy that wasn’t even a lock to make the team at the beginning of the season (let alone make it into the rotation); a guy who ended up starting for Toronto – Sonny Weems. 

Hopefully this move will be a wake-up call for Belinelli and a fresh start for Wright.  It’s a lateral transaction that could benefit both the Raptors and Hornets.

———-

E. Smith

SKED NOTES:

Games vs Atlantic Division

Boston (H: 11/21, 1/2, A: 11/26, 1/7)
New Jersey (H: 12/17, 4/10, A: 3/4, 3/5)
New York (H: 10/27, 12/5, A: 12/8, 4/5)
Philadelphia (H: 11/24, 1/26, A: 11/17, 4/8)

Total (H: 8, A: 8)

Games vs Central Division

Chicago (H: 12/15, 2/23, A:  1/4, 4/2)
Cleveland (H: 10/29, 4/6, A: 1/5)
Detroit (H: 12/22, 1/14, A: 11/11, 3/16)
Indiana (H: 3/11, A: 12/6, 1/31)
Milwaukee (H: 1/28, 3/30, A: 2/8, 4/11)

Total (H: 9, A: 9)

Games vs Southeast Division

Atlanta (H: 11/28, 1/12, A: 2/2)
Charlotte (H: 11/10, 3/13, A: 12/14, 2/22)
Miami (H: 2/16, 4/13, A: 11/13, 1/22)
Orlando (H: 4/3, A: 11/12, 1/21)
Washington (H: 12/1, 3/18, A: 12/16, 1/15)

Total (H: 9, A: 9)

Games vs Northwest Division

Denver (H: 12/10, A: 3/21)
Minnesota (H: 2/4, A: 1/29)
Portland (H: 2/11, A: 11/6)
Oklahoma City (H: 12/3, A: 3/20)
Utah (H: 3/9, A: 11/3)

Total (H: 5, A: 5)

Games vs Pacific Division

Golden State (H: 11/8, A: 3/25)
L.A. Clippers (H: 2/13, A: 3/26)
L.A. Lakers (H: 12/19, A: 11/5)
Phoenix (H: 2/25, A: 3/23)
Sacramento (H: 11/1, A: 1/9)

Total (H: 5, A: 5)

Games vs Southwest Division

Dallas (H: 2/27, A: 12/28)
Houston (H: 11/19, A: 12/31)
Memphis (H: 1/24, A: 12/27)
 New Orleans (H: 3/1, A: 1/17)
San Antonio: (H: 2/9, A: 1/19)

Total (H: 5, A: 5)

Games by Month

October/November:  17 (8 home, 9 away)                          
December:  15 (8 home, 7 away)
January:  17 (7 home, 10 away)                       
February:  11 (8 home, 3 away)
March:  14 (6 home, 8 away)                          
April:  8 (4 home, 4 away)

Games by Day

Sunday:  12 (11 home, 1 away)                       
Monday:  9 (2 home, 7 away)
Tuesday:  8 (1 home, 7 away)                          
Wednesday:  23 (15 home, 8 away)
Thursday:  0 (0 home, 0 away)                          
Friday:  21 (12 home, 9 away)
Saturday:  9 (0 home, 9 away)

Longest Homestand

4 games (4 times):                               

A – 11/28 vs. Atlanta, 12/1 vs. Washington, 12/3 vs. Oklahoma City, 12/5 vs. New York
B – 12/15 vs. Chicago, 12/17 vs. New Jersey, 12/19 vs. L.A. Lakers, 12/22 vs. Detroit;
C – 2/9 vs. San Antonio, 2/11 vs. Portland, 2/13 vs. L.A. Clippers, 2/16 vs. Miami;
D – 2/23 vs. Chicago, 2/25 vs. Phoenix, 2/27 vs. Dallas, 3/1 vs. New Orleans

Longest Road Trip

5 games (twice):                               
A – 1/15 at Washington, 1/17 at New Orleans, 1/19 at San Antonio, 1/21 at Orlando, 1/22 at Miami
B – 3/20 at Oklahoma City, 3/21 at Denver, 3/23 at Phoenix, 3/25 at Golden State, 3/26 at L.A. Clippers

Back-to-Back-Games

Overall:  18

Home game, followed by home games:  0             
Home game, followed by road game:  4
Road game, followed by home game:  5             
Road game, followed by road game:  9