Tuesday November 30 2010 – 11:46pm Eastern – Toronto, ON 

Some stories move me to veer away from the usual Raptors / basketball chat that is normally saved for this space.  And today is one of those days.  This is one of those stories …

———- 

As informed, insightful, connected, opinionated, entertaining, and engaging as Jim Kelley was ON the air … he was even more special OFF the air, in every day life.  He was a genuine man; a kind-hearted person who was as loved in his personal life – with family and friends – as he was respected in his professional life. 

The hockey world, the sports world … the world … lost one of the good ones on Tuesday. 

You’ll be missed Jim.

E. Smith

———-

For more on Jim Kelley’s life, please take the time to read this obituary from my friends at Sportsnet and Sportsnet.ca:

———-

Hall of Fame hockey columnist Jim Kelley died Tuesday after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 61.

Kelley began covering the NHL in 1981 for The Buffalo News and went on to cover the Stanley Cup Finals for 23 straight years. In 2004, Kelley received the prestigious Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award for honour in journalism and hockey. Later the same year he would be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Kelley was a broadcaster on all-sports radio station The Fan 590 and had been a columnist for sportsnet.ca for several years. On Tuesday he filed a column evaluating the two-year reign of Brian Burke in Toronto called ‘All part of the process’

SPORTSNET.CA’s Mark Spector remembers Kelley as an old school veteran with an impeccable work ethic.

“To any writer of my generation, Jim was old school. A column, sidebar and notes were considered a regular day on the beat for Jimmy at the Buffalo News – 1700 words boss? No trouble just get it all in. There, Jim became to Sabres fans what Frank Orr was in Toronto and Jim Matheson still is in Edmonton: a workhorse, who gave you a laugh every day while keeping you up on your team,” said Spector.

“He was that veteran scribe who could sniff out a misdirection play from some coach or organization faster than you could say ‘Hull’s foot was in the crease.’ He would break the story the team didn’t want broken, and had a legendary dust-up with Dominik Hasek because of it. In his last year, when he realized his days were few, he shared much with me whenever I’d call or email. So eloquent, so oozing perspective.

“He filed his final column at 1:30 am on the day he passed. This, dear readers, was a sports writer’s sports writer,” said Spector.

“Jim displayed every attribute you would want not only in a journalist, but a person as well,” said Sportsnet’s Managing Editor of Hockey Patrick Grier. “He operated with a character and integrity that was to be admired, and it led him to stories lesser writers wouldn’t get. He was a true pro, and I know he would take a special pride in having filed a column on the day he died,” said Grier.

Kelley was known and respected for having a voice and taking a stand, even if it was the unpopular one.

In his own words, Kelley said of his writing: “I don’t ask you to agree with what I write, but I would hope you read it with an open mind, think about what’s being said and, hopefully, realize that there is always more than one way to see the game.”

Kelley is survived by his wife Susan, daughters Erin and Megan, and three grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were pending.

———-

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2010/11/30/kelley_passes_away/

Monday November 29 2010 – 4:27pm Eastern – Toronto, ON

DAVIS SET TO DEBUT

The Toronto Raptors announced on Monday afternoon that they have recalled rookie forward Ed Davis from the Erie BayHawks of the NBA D-League.

In 2 games with the BayHawks, Davis averaged 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks in about 17.5 minutes of action. 

Davis is expected to arrive in Toronto in time for Tuesday’s practice and he will be in the line up for the Raptors when they host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night at the ACC.

———-

QUICK UPDATE ON PEJA

Peja Stojakovic, who missed yesterday’s game against Atlanta with a swollen left knee, did not practice with the Raptors today. 

He will be re-evaluated again tomorrow and his status for Wednesday’s home game versus the Wizards has yet to be determined.

———-

WALL SHELVED

Raptors fans may not get a chance to see rookie sensation John Wall in action on Wednesday.

Wall missed Washington’s first showdown against Toronto – 2 weeks ago – when the Wiz blew out the Raps in D.C.  The youngster was sidelined for that game with a sprained ankle … an injury that actually kept him out of Flip Saunders’ line up for 4 games. 

Wall returned to action against Philadelphia on November 23 and then played again two nights later … when the Wizards were hammered in Atlanta.   However, he was back on the Inactive List on Saturday night when Washington lost by 1 to the Orlando Magic. 

His latest ailment:  a bruised right knee.

The Wizards play in Miami tonight and Wall is listed as questionable for that game.  

There’s no doubt that Washington could use the rookie’s services though.  Not only is Wall averaging 18.0 points and 9.1 assists, but the Wizards have yet to win on the road this season (0-7) and they’re currently playing without Yi Jianlian, Al Thornton, and Josh Howard as well. 

———-

MO DONATIONS NEEDED

MOvember is about to come to an end.  And while I’m sure that saddens many of you, including my wife (he just looooves (note the sarcasm) my moustache), you still have time to get in some last-minute donations for Prostate Cancer research. 

Support me … and a great cause!  And here’s more motivation for you to donate as well:

The FAN 590′s Andrew Krystal is right behind me in fund-raising.  I’m leading the FAN team but my lead is narrow and Krystal is gaining quickly.  Please, I can’t lose to him.  Help me make sure I’m locked-in as the top money man.  Donate now at:  http://ca.movember.com/mospace/774896/

FYI … here’s how the FAN 590 rankings look as of about 4pm on Monday – with 1 more day of MOvember to go:

1.  Eric Smith 
2.  Andrew Krystal (morning show host)
3.  Dan Dunleavy (morning show sportscaster)
4.  Jason Rozon (network station manager/co-ordinator)
5.  Jordan Lavin (promotions department)
6.  Greg Brady (afternoon host)
7.  Paul Jones (Raptors play by play voice) 

Thanks again everyone. 

Have a good one. 

E. Smith

Sunday November 28 2010 – 4:31pm Eastern – Toronto, ON

Toronto falls to 6 and 11 on the season, losing to the Atlanta Hawks 96-78.

THE START

Raptors – started Joey Dorsey (not Amir Johnson) in place of Reggie Evans;  Andrea Bargnani led all scorers with 9
Hawks -coughed up only 1 turnover;  used a balanced attack to go up 4 (27-23) after 1 Q;  shot 55% FG

AT THE HALF

Raptors – used a 10-2 run to wipe out a 7-point lead for ATL but then fell down again by 8;  Leandro Barbosa had 8 points in the 2nd QRT
Hawks – got 9 PTS in the QRT from Marvin Williams (leads all scorers at the half with 14);  led at the half, 52-46

AFTER 3

Raptors – shot just 3 of 17 from the floor;  were out-scored 25-11 by ATL (Hawks up 77-57)
Hawks – Josh Smith dominated the QRT with suffocating D and he filled up the stat sheet w/ 9 PTS, 5 REB, 2 ASST, 1 BLK, and 1 STL in the QRT

THE FINAL FRAME

Raptors – DeMar DeRozan scored 10 in the QRT but it was far too little, far too late;  Raps finished the game at just 39% FG Hawks – built their lead up to 23 points early then cruised to the 18-point win

———-

ALSO OF NOTE

Bargnani scored only 5 points in the 2nd half

Jose Calderon did not have an assist in the 2nd half, finishing with 5 dimes, and 3 points on 1 for 7 shooting

Josh Smith recorded a triple double for the Hawks:  12 PTS, 13 REB, 10 ASST

Atlanta scored 50 of their 96 points in the paint

———-

Post game edition of The Rap, including a post-game interview with Hawks center Al Horford: [audio:http://pmd.fan590.com/audio_on_demand/therap-ericsmith-20101128.mp3][audio:http://pmd.fan590.com/audio_on_demand/alhorford-es-20101128.mp3]

The Raptors will stay in Toronto … getting set to host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night at 700pm Eastern at the ACC.  Paul Jones and I will be on the Fan 590 with the tip off.

Have a good one

E. Smith

Sunday November 28 2010 – 12:28pm Eastern – Toronto, ON

Further medical tests conducted Saturday in Toronto confirmed that Raptors forward Reggie Evans sustained a non-displaced fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot (also known as a Jones fracture). The injury occurred during the third quarter of Friday night’s game at Boston. The team and Evans are currently exploring and arranging treatment options.

Evans missed the first 51 games of the 2009-10 season with a left midfoot sprain sustained during a preseason game October 14, 2009 against the Celtics.

Evans has averaged 4.0 points, 12.1 rebounds and 27.3 minutes in 16 games this season. His rebound average ranks third in the NBA. He grabbed a career-high 22 rebounds Wednesday versus Philadelphia.

Sunday November 28 2010 – 12:07pm Eastern – Toronto, ON

Quick update for ya folks …

Peja Stojakovic has a swollen left knee and will NOT play today against the Atlanta Hawks.

Pre-game on the FAN 590 comes up in less than 25 minutes.

E. Smith

Saturday November 27 2010 – 6:47pm Eastern – Toronto, ON

Reggie Evans was scheduled to have more testing done on his right foot this afternoon.

The Raptors expect to be able to confirm the extent of the Evans’ injury – thus far diagnosed as a fracture – some time tomorrow. However, we will likely have to wait a little longer for a decision from the training and medical staff RE: a course of treatment and how long The Regend might be sidelined.

Expect to see a whole lot more of Amir Johnson and don’t be surprised if Joey Dorsey vaults up the depth chart – especially while Ed Davis is still down in Erie, PA in the D-League.

E. Smith

Friday November 26 2010 – 10:18pm Eastern – Boston, MA

Toronto falls to 6 and 10 on the season, losing to the Boston Celtics 110-101. 

THE START

Raptors – allowed 7 points on 4 turnovers;  shot just 34.8% FG;  had Andrea Bargnani go 0/4 FG … for 1 point
Celtics – shot 66.7% FG;  Rajon Rondo went off for 8 assists (Boston had 12 total);  led by as many as 14 (31-20 after 1st)

AT THE HALF

Raptors – used a 12-0 run to cut the BOS lead to 1 at one point (58-82 at the half);  Bargnani scored 10 PTS in the Q
Celtics – coughed up 13/23 FG to the Raps;  still scorching at 57.6% FG;  Kevin Garnett leading all scorers @ half w/ 16

AFTER 3

Raptors – scored only 9 points in the opening 10 minutes (finished with 15 (28-15 BOS));  Bargnani:  scoreless QRT again
Celtics – shot 10/17 FG and had their percentage back up to 58% through 3;  opened up a 22 PT lead at one point

THE FINAL FRAME

Raptors – cut the once 22-point deficit down to 6 but couldn’t get over the hump;  outscored BOS 34-24
Celtics – Glen Davis scored 10 points in the 4th;  BOS finished the game with *64* points in the paint overall

———-

ALSO OF NOTE

Bargnani scored one point in the 2nd half

Bargnani’s stat line:  0 points in the 1st Q … 10 in the 2nd Q … 0 in the 3rd Q … 1 in the 4th Q

Peja Stojakovic scored 13 points in the 2nd half – 10 of them coming in the 4th

Kevin Garnett scored a season-high 26 points

Jose Calderon had 15 assists and 3 turnovers (12 points) in 33:32 minutes

Toronto coughed up 22 points on 18 turnovers

Reggie Evans left the game in the 2nd half with a right foot sprain and did not return.  After the game, Raptors head coach, Jay Triano, said Evans broke his foot on the play and will be out an unspecified amount of time———-

Post game edition of The Rap, including a post-game interview with Celtics guard Ray Allen: [audio:http://pmd.fan590.com/audio_on_demand/rayallen-ericsmith-20101126.mp3]

———-

The Raptors will head back to Toronto … getting set to play host the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday afternoon at 100pm Eastern at the ACC.  Paul Jones and I will be on the Fan 590 at 12:30pm with the pre-game show and we’ll have the tip off just after 100pm.

Have a good one

E. Smith

Friday November 26 2010 – 12:55pm Eastern – Toronto, ON

After 3 straight home games – and 3 straight wins at the ACC – the Raptors are back on the road … getting set to face the Boston Celtics tonight.

And being on the road means … the return of the world-famous Fan 590 VLOG!

Check it out below … VLOGGIN from the hotel in Beantown on “Black Friday”

Again, we’re on the air with the pre-game show at 7pm tonight and we will have the tip off just after 730pm.  Be sure to tune in for interviews with Jose Calderon, Reggie Evans, Andrea Bargnani, and more.

And don’t forget to check back at this space here, and at www.twitter.com/Eric__Smith, for the latest roster updates prior to tip-off tonight.

Toronto has lost 4 in a row in Boston but they’ve won 4 in a row overall … so which streak will hit 5 tonight?  We’ll soon find out!

Have a good one

E. Smith

Thursday November 25 2010 – 10:50am Eastern – Toronto, ON 

There has been a lot of talk in recent days about the potential lockout that is coming to the NBA this summer. In fact, just a few days ago NBA Players Union head, Billy Hunter, said he was 99% sure there’d be a lockout in July. And he’s telling the truth.Heck, Hunter could have gone so far as to say that he was *100 per cent* certain of a lockout … and I still would have agreed with him!

But that doesn’t mean we won’t have a 2011-12 season to talk about.

My gut tells me that when the current Collective Bargaining Agreement expires on June 30 2011, the lockout will hit (as of July 1st) and it will drag on into late September/early October; essentially on the eve of the 2011-12 season. Then, and only then, will talks and negotiations truly get serious and a deal will be hammered out.

Why do I think this?

If the owners are trying to cut costs and overall spending in this latest CBA, don’t you think they’d like to avoid a summer of handing out cheques for participation in x-number of ‘Summer Leagues’ around the NBA? Don’t ya think they’d like to avoid paying fringe players x-amount of money to fill out the Summer League rosters or to pay for team staff to sleep and eat at Las Vegas (for example) hotels and restaurants for nearly two weeks?

And don’t ya think the players wouldn’t mind having a summer off?

Sure, the paychecks won’t be rolling in every 2 weeks but ‘player appearances’ will disappear, mandatory team functions or training sessions won’t be allowed, and participation in things like ‘Summer League’ will be prohibited. Plus, the long the lockout drags on, the greater chance there is for the players to eventually see Training Camp – and maybe even the pre-season – drastically reduced or chopped altogether.

As much as the absence – or cancellation – of Camp or the exhibition sked might hurt the eventual on-the-floor product and performance for the fans, I’d imagine the owners would, again, not raise much of a stink over another month of savings from salaries, travel expenses, and so on. And you and I both KNOW that the players certainly wouldn’t sneeze at the chance to NOT have to deal with camp and pre-season action. It’s monotonous to them.

The League apparently forwarded an offer/proposal to the Union back in February but it was quickly declined. Then the Union sent in a counter-offer which the League has yet to respond to (essentially, declining it – by ignoring it). No further talks have been scheduled, though there are rumblings that the two sides could sit down to chat some time in early December. Whether that meeting does or doesn’t take place really doesn’t matter though, ’cause I can all-but guarantee you that an agreement won’t be reached. Not yet.

The two sides are too far apart on money – and salaries/costs – to get things worked out already. This has to drag through the mud a little longer.

The League wants to cut costs. The owners believe the players make too much money and they want to reduce the yearly raises, cut the length of contracts, and institute a hard cap. Meanwhile, the players dispute much/all of that. Check out what Howard Beck wrote in the New York Times:

According to the union, league revenues will grow this season by 3 to 5 percent, or about $100 million to $200 million. Meanwhile, negotiated player salaries will decline for the third year in a row and will fall below the 57 percent threshold for the first time, according to union projections. As a result, the players will receive a full refund on the 8 percent escrow tax taken from their paychecks.

The decline in player salaries is due in part to conservative spending by owners during a poor economy. It also reflects the changes made in the 2005 labor deal, which reduced annual raises and the length of contracts.

“Our contention is that the system that was put in place delivered everything it was supposed to deliver,” Hunter said, referring to the initial framework adopted in 1999. “The players never got a cent more than they were supposed to get. And ironically, if you review the press clippings from that era, you will see that the deals that were struck were lauded by the N.B.A. as having been major successes for the owners. So why now at this stage are we now saying that the system doesn’t work and it’s got to be overhauled?”

So don’t expect to hear of anything earth-shattering going down at this meeting in early December. In fact, I don’t know if you should buy into the theory that anything substantial will get done during the All Star Weekend in Los Angeles in mid-February — when the League and Union have said the most constructive mid-season talks could take place. Don’t bank on anything serious happening until the Fall. Don’t get caught up in the speculation and innuendo that will be out there in the coming weeks and months – especially when things drag on during the summertime. Just stay calm. A deal will come.

But there will be a lockout.

E. Smith

Wednesday November 24 2010 – 10:25pm Eastern – Toronto, ON

Toronto improves to 6 and 9 on the season, beating the Philadelphia 76ers 106-90.  That’s 4 straight W’s for T.O.

THE START

Raptors – shot 65% FG and opened up a 15-point lead (33-18) after one
Sixers – coughed up 10 points on 5 turnovers and dug a big early hole

AT THE HALF

Raptors – Reggie Evans set a new franchise record for rebounds in a half with 15;  TOR up 19 (62-43)
Sixers -no player on Philly had more than 8 points (Jrue Holiday) in the 1st half;  trailed by as many as 21

AFTER 3

Raptors – gave up 8 points on 7 turnovers but only saw 3 PTS shaved off their 19-point halftime lead
Sixers – shot 50% FG … led by the 8 points (in the QRT) from both Thaddeus Young and Holiday

THE FINAL FRAME

Raptors – shot just 8/23 FG but embodied the ultimate ‘bend but don’t break’ mentality … winning by 16 still
Sixers – started 4/4 FG but finished 2/11 FG after that;  never got the deficit down to single digits

———-

ALSO OF NOTE

Bargnani led all scorers with 24

Evans set a new personal high with 22 rebounds (franchise high is Donyell Marshall – 24)

Evans did set a new franchise high for rebounds in one half – with 15 in the 1st

Jerryd Bayless scored 13 points (adding 2 assists and 2 rebounds) in his Raptors debut (14:55 min)

Philly is now 0-4 when giving up 30 or more in the 1st QRT

Elton Brand (1-game suspension) did not play

———-

Post game edition of The Rap, including a post-game interview with Raptors guard Jerryd Bayless:

Bayless:
[audio:http://pmd.fan590.com/audio_on_demand/jerrydbayless-es-20101124.mp3]

The Rap:
[audio:http://pmd.fan590.com/audio_on_demand/therap-ericsmith-20101125.mp3]

———-

The Raptors will head to Boston … getting set to play the Celtics on Friday night at 730pm Eastern at the ACC.  Paul Jones and I will be on the Fan 590 at 700pm with the pre-game show and just after 730pm tip off.

Have a good one

E. Smith