/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/raptors/2021/11/28/raptor-goran-dragi-takes-personal-leave/goran_dragic.jpg)
The ebb and movement of a routine week reveals right here, you may inform which questions have been posed in response to losses and which got here on off-days.
It’s enjoyable to see feelings roil and, for some motive, plenty of fascination with the assistant coaches this week.
Have enjoyable.
Going to be onerous tonight at a sport in an empty area to maintain the quantity down on the Payments sport we’re certain to be watching from the media seats.
-
Q: Hello Doug:
You could have made the purpose as have others that taking part in 6-7 guys isn’t sustainable long-term. I might counsel it's a recipe for catastrophe if one of many large weapons equivalent to Fred or Pascal goes down with an harm.
In the beginning of the season, Banton was getting time and appeared to be progressing. Is he so dangerous now that Nurse has benched him?
In the beginning of the season it gave the impression to be about seeing what the younger guys had - has that modified?
Svi is a disappointment, however certainly Yuta might present some high quality minutes of reduction. Is there one thing incorrect with him post-COVID?
Nurse is a terrific coach however I'm wondering some days about his use of gamers. Do Masai and Bobby have any say in how Nurse makes use of his gamers, or as a coach does he have full autonomy.
I like this group - they're linked, play for one another and are constructive, however it might be a wasted 12 months, particularly in the event that they don’t make the playoffs. I've a way that administration can be okay with that, however then, what do I do know?
Keep protected.
Raven
A: It’s really a recipe for catastrophe if VanVleet or Siakam undergo a long-term harm no matter what number of minutes they’re taking part in.
It’s not that Banton is dangerous, it’s that Nurse has discovered a bunch he thinks offers his group the perfect likelihood to win each evening – you may’t actually argue with the truth that works – and proper now it doesn’t embrace Banton. That doesn’t imply it received’t sooner or later someday.
Nick’s received autonomy to play whoever he desires, as does principally each coach within the league.
No, the start of the season was certainly about seeing what a number of the younger guys had. And perhaps what that they had wasn’t fairly sufficient in the mean time.
And the very last thing that is, no matter the way it seems, is a wasted 12 months. Simply take a look at the expertise Barnes and to a lesser diploma Achiuwa are getting. I can’t say this usually sufficient: This was ALWAYS a season of constructing and gaining beneficial expertise and, as Nick says numerous occasions, reps. In that regard alone, it’s been fairly good thus far.
-
Q: Doug
What really occurs when on courtroom officers overview a play? Do they impart with somebody in Secaucus whose sole jobs is to press rewind and play or do they management the tape?
Finally who makes the choice? Is it the refs? Or somebody from the league?
Fred Lorico
A: For all however Flagrant Foul opinions – that are the only real accountability of the on-court officers – it’s a collaborative effort and I don’t know who speaks to the published producers to ask for which replays but it surely might be anybody.
-
Q: Hey, Doug, rookie errors are expensive. We actually miss the scoring from GTJ. Our greatest likelihood to win was the two brick 3s. This one hurts. This sport was entertaining, we have been in it until it ended. Luka did his factor. I believe Fred dribbles into bother usually . Sustain the effective Articles.
Thanks. BILL.
A: Veteran errors are equally expensive J
-
Q: Hello Doug
I used to be questioning what kind of protocols it's important to undergo once you go to the world. Since you presumably work together with the gamers for interviews, do it's important to do a fast take a look at previous to entry, or simply present proof of vaccination?
I believe I recall you mentioning in a tweet in regards to the workroom having everybody properly spaced out, however I used to be questioning about the remainder of it.
Thanks
Jo
A: For video games in Toronto, we've got to go a fast take a look at with the intention to get to the work room and interview rooms and likewise take a full PCR take a look at on the similar time. We’re solely notified if these are constructive – mine was one Sunday after I’d handed a fast take a look at at precisely the identical time.
They’ve restricted the variety of what’s referred to as “pink zone” entry passes to allow them to keep social distancing guidelines within the media room, media seating and pre- and post-game interview rooms. “Inexperienced entry” credentials enable reporters within the constructing however there solely entry is to look at video games from the higher press field and participate in pre- and post-game availabilities via Zoom.
These are the strictest media testing protocols within the league; in different cities, the league solely mandates proof of full vaccination and now a booster shot as properly for Tier I entry.
-
Q: Doug, I so admire your work. For this BC fan you carry readability and I really like your geniality, grit and the attitude that age brings. Talking of which, I lived in Montreal for 2 years and totally loved Dave Van Horne and Duke Snider. The decision I keep in mind most although was the consolation introduced from the all “Andre est la.” Being outdated myself I'm bored by the hysterical calls made in the present day (particularly in hockey).
Now, a few questions. Why does Banton appear to attain so simply within the G League? Is it query of the league’s inferiority or Banton’s confidence?
Lastly, are you able to morph right into a retroactive Santa and provides the Raptors a bench? Please?
Thanks once more, Bev
A: Banton will get much more offensive freedom within the G League than the NBA as a result of (a) the expertise stage is a good quantity decrease and (b) he’s given an opportunity to attempt issues he’d by no means get away with taking part in with and towards NBA regulars.
My Santa days are coming: I received them Achiuwa with the return of Trent to reinforce the bench and fairly quickly I’ll get ‘em Birch to make it not less than a nine-man rotation, which isn’t too dangerous.
-
Q: Doug:
Jokic throws passes derived from his water polo days; Hakeem (I believe ) and Nash performed soccer lengthy earlier than they performed basketball. We study that they've transferred abilities from one sport to a different, clearly very efficiently.
It is intriguing:
Who else involves thoughts as a "switch abilities hoopster"? What may this say about (too early?) coaching of children for particular sports activities?
Charles N.
A: I definitely suppose soccer is way and away on the prime of the record as a result of good footwork is large in basketball and volleyball for the fast leaping abilities can be one other.
Right here’s one which I’ve usually considered:
Golf.
The muscle reminiscence wanted to repeat a profitable taking pictures movement form of mimics the muscle reminiscence wanted for a relentless, reliable golf swing, doesn’t it?
-
Q: Hello there Doug. So I might identical to your opinion on the Dragic state of affairs. One 12 months faraway from a big function on the Warmth and the Raps ship Dragic to Robidas island. I don’t perceive. The Raptors want a backup taking pictures guard…. This is not sensible.
Additionally I received my want on Kevin Pangos within the NBA but it surely isn’t going properly for him with the Cavs. Unsuitable group? Why?
Todd Shoalts
Port Colborne
A: There’s tons extra Dragic stuff different locations in right here, you’ll discover it I’m certain.
I hope Pangos is an NBA expertise, I consider he's, however Cleveland had a roster jam-packed with guards when he signed and clawing to get taking part in time was at all times going to be onerous for him. I don’t think about he had a rash of different presents and took the NBA deal he might get.
-
Q: Ought to we be involved that on the midway level of the season, Fred VanVleet is main the league in minutes performed? What do you suppose are the principle the explanation why Nick Nurse feels he must have Fred on the courtroom greater than every other participant within the league?
Justin L
A: No, you shouldn’t be involved. They’re not. I’m not. Somebody’s received to be No. 1, proper?
-
Q: Hello Doug,
Hope your restoration goes properly.
Agree along with your viewpoint about these current shut video games; spectacular exhibiting from Nurse's chosen seven. I believe Chris has benefitted essentially the most, exhibiting vastly improved capacity to complete on the rim (and 1!) and never get knocked down as a lot as he used to. Valuable and Justin are rebounding, however want a bit extra end.
Okay, questions:
1) No secret LeBron desires to finally play alongside his son, however Brony is nowhere close to the phenom his dad was at that age. Do you suppose groups ought to draft Brony in hopes of forcing the Lakers to compensate them? Or is he more than likely an undrafted signee of the Lakers? ( I do know, unfair query,however Giannis' siblings are fringe gamers at finest too)
2) Talking of drafts, any thought what number of scouts the Raptors make use of? I've heard point out that the group had been eyeing Barnes for a couple of years, however unsure if groups have worldwide scouts, NCAA scouts, and excessive colleges scouts. Appears like a "forged of 1000's" ! (guess I am questioning/asking about assets)
3) Whereas on the subject, who's your favourite basketball "discovery" story? ( i.e. who was discovered underneath essentially the most shocking or inspirational circumstances; these could be 2 separate issues)
4) Alongside the identical strains, which participant(s) would you most prefer to see make a comeback (or break in) to the NBA? BeBe Noguiera can be certainly one of my picks.
Bernie M
A: No group ought to ever draft for anybody apart from itself, a pre-arranged commerce would definitely be an possibility, although.
It’s not a forged of 1000's of scouts, that’s for certain. In all probability lower than half a dozen however every of these has individuals who tip them off and vastly stretches protection. And when you lock onto a child – just like the Raptors did with Barnes 5 or so years in the past – it’s straightforward to examine in on them on the few high-level tournaments every summer season.
Nowadays there aren't any “uncommon” discoveries as a result of with the interwebs and youtubes and all of the membership tournaments, when you’re good, somebody will discover you. Years in the past, a child buried in perhaps NCAA division 2 or some small school may sneak by however that doesn’t occur any extra.
A comeback? Bebe had a billion probabilities and he by no means made it work. What I’d prefer to see is a child like Greg Oden or Brandon Roy come again with full well being and see what they might do. These are the unhappy tales, not blown alternatives.
Oh and I’d like Bruno to have been drafted a 12 months later by an NBA group with its personal G League franchise.
-
Q: Hey Doug
Hope you might be properly! At all times love studying your columns! Nice perception within the sport!
I've a query relating to the Raptors Teaching Employees. What number of Assistant Coaches are there and what are their roles? Do you see any as potential Head Coaches sooner or later?
Appreciated
Tim
A: There are a zillion assistant coaches, it appears. Truly, the Raptors record 10 on their sport notes – that places them proper on the prime of the league – and to attempt to clarify what every does would take paragraphs, not sentences. Suffice it to say Adrian Griffin, Earl Watson, Trevor Gleeson and Nate Bjorkgren are most concerned in game-planning and technique. Two of them – Watson and Bjorkgren – have already been NBA head coaches, Griffin’s been interviewed for vacant jobs a lot of occasions and Gleeson was a legendary head coach in Australia so any of them might do the job within the NBA.
-
Q: Hello Doug. I’d prefer to study extra in regards to the new additions to the Raptors teaching workers, please, and their have an effect on on the group’s general play. It takes time to combine new coaches simply because it does new gamers. Judging from some current second-half comebacks, the workers is beginning to come collectively. Ideas?
Invoice
A: A training workers will not be the identical as taking part in roster by any stretch, I’d contend. They aren't almost as depending on each other like gamers are and, actually, having differing opinions is usually good. It is a superb, skilled workers that has labored at each possible stage and so they know the best way to assist Nick devise methods and sport plans that give the Raptors an opportunity to win every evening.
And the developmental group does nice work in constructing the abilities of particular person gamers.
-
Q: https://youtube.com/watch?v=6bZucRoDZWI&function=share
So many fantastic commentators via the years in all kinds of athletic encounters. The sound of their voice triggers recollections from way back. I selected the good Ivor Robson ; not many would acknowledge the identify however would acknowledge the Scottish tones because the starter of the Open. The straightforward and stylish intro was so refreshing within the so excessive intros of in the present day. Simply traditional.
Johnny C
A: The one Open that I ever coated – Rory McIlroy going wire to wire at Liverpool, included Robson and I liked it.
-
Q: Hello Doug,
Actually loved that mailbag in the present day the place you let readers remind us of some nice calls.
I had by no means heard the Vin Scully name of the Dennis Martinez "El Perfecto" sport. I nonetheless suppose Van Horne's name was seminal (very similar to Tom Cheek's "Contact'em all Joe" name). However Scully was his traditional poetic self and it was good to listen to it from the LA perspective (particularly from somebody who had witnessed his share of unimaginable excellent video games).
Andres Cantor is at all times a should for soccer, however my very own private favorite is that this one from a World Cup qualifier between England & Norway (which Norway had no enterprise profitable). I used to be residing within the UK on the time and I will always remember it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqZTP8-8wIs
One of many funniest calls I've ever heard in my life.
Thanks once more for bringing again some nice recollections.
Cheers,
Marshall A
A: That’s nice, thanks. And, yeah, the entire mission was a cool couple of days. Should do extra of that kind of factor sooner or later if I can consider matters.
-
Q: Doug,
Sorry to be a jerk, however I simply can’t perceive the Dragic state of affairs. He insinuates he solely desires to play for a playoff group. Nicely, because the Raptors sit, they ARE a playoff group. They’re as a lot a contender as Dallas is. He’s getting paid $19 million to hang around in Miami. I perceive that the Raptors apparently are okay with simply having a $19 million commerce asset and that this was the worth of doing Lowry a favor and getting Valuable to the Raptors. However nonetheless. One can now not make the argument that he’s behind Banton or Flynn on the depth chart and so they wanna give the younger guys a shot. They’re apparently attempting to win—and never threat shedding by taking part in Flynn/Banton/Johnson on the backup guard spots.
They’re going to burn out VanVleet if they'll’t scale back his minutes, and it looks like they don’t have any reliable guards on the bench. If the Raptors might commerce for a participant like Goran Dragic proper now it could seem to be an ideal match. They want a Dragic-type scoring/ball-handling veteran guard and one other large. The Dragic-type scoring/ball-handling veteran guard is already on the roster. The minutes are there. Please assist me perceive what on the planet is occurring and why sitting round Miami ingesting piña coladas and amassing one million greenback bi-weekly paycheck is okay? I imply, good job if you may get it, proper?
Tony
A: Of all the various issues I'm grateful for, the truth that the long-expected Dragic deal will doubtless come within the subsequent three weeks is true there on the prime.
He left the group to cope with a private household subject that has not been resolved. And even when it was, I doubt he’d come again. And you could suppose they’ll “burn out” VanVleet however when you have been to ask, say, VanVleet or the coach or the medical workers – or me – you’d be informed you have been incorrect.
They really have very reliable backups to VanVleet on the roster: Their names are Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes.
-
Q: So Goran Dragic is getting paid 18 MILLION dollars for sitting on his butt or figuring out in Miami, or no matter it's he’s doing. Appears to me that when you’re an expert – in something you do, sports activities or in any other case – you do the job you’re being paid to do.
On the flip facet, you've gotten a few gamers – Banton and Flynn – who would like to earn what they’re paid (nowhere close to Dragic however nonetheless WAY greater than most of can dream of creating) however can’t get off the bench and right into a sport. Not that Nick ought to be taking part in them – a special matter – however I'm wondering how they preserve their spirits up, particularly once they see their teammates celebrating and so they know they’re not a part of it.
Joe S., Bowmanville
A: Banton and Flynn preserve their spirits up by engaged on their video games, being good teammates and attempting to enhance day by day. Identical to Watanabe, Mykhailkiuk, Johnson and Bonga. It’s fairly easy, really.
-
Q: Whats up Doug,
I’m a little bit late with this one, however I like Bob Cole’s “Ohhhhh child!” on Lemiuex’s 1991 Stanley Cup objective towards the North Stars.
And there’s the ever fateful name of “A TIME OF NINE SEVEN NINE!” by Don Wittman.
I do know there’s a buzz round FVV being named to the All Star group, and rightfully so, however the extra I give it some thought the much less it actually issues to me. It’s considerably of a recognition contest, definitely with how a number of the followers and gamers vote and it’s solely primarily based on half a 12 months’s efficiency. I believe the true value of a participant is being named to one of many All-NBA groups on the finish of the 12 months. I’m unsure why that’s not performed up extra when a Raptor is chosen (I’m certain it has to do with it being awarded publish season after curiosity has waned).
How do the gamers really feel about it? What about you?
Santino
A: Don Wittman was excellent.
I personally suppose all-NBA groups space a larger honour and of the few gamers I’ve requested in regards to the distinction over time, the bulk have agreed. However the public honour of being at an all-star sport, the excitement across the occasion and the very fact the who’s who of the sport are there makes it fairly darn particular.
-
Q: Hey Doug. I learn with fascination and began growing a little bit of a rant over the data within the Caleb Agada article in Friday’s Star.
For means too a few years the OUA and different USports groups have been taken as a right and their athletes underneath appreciated! Caleb’s efficiency versus Kevin Durant and Group USA was simply certainly one of many examples of world class athletes flying underneath the radar.
In 2012, I used to be teaching at Wilfred Laurier U and our Girls’s Curling group have been defending nationwide champs and we represented Canada on the Worldwide Curling Championship in Kurizawa, Japan.
At that occasion, our OUA gamers defeated former world champs from China and future world champs from Switzerland for the gold medal.
Only one extra instance of the excellent stage of elite efficiency from OUA athletes. My query what's going to it take to get the respect OUA athletes deserve? Particularly from our personal provincial authorities?
Cheers
Maurice
A: There’s little question the depth of the expertise stage in Canadian college sport has risen dramatically over the previous couple of years and I’m glad extra persons are recognizing it. The subsequent step is to have extra followers and media play nearer consideration extra usually.
-
Q: Do you keep in mind Norm Marshall doing requires the Hamilton Crimson Wings and Tiger Cats?
Attwell
A: Positive do. Do you keep in mind Marshall and Sandy Hoyt on the Sunday morning repeats of the Thursday evening Hamilton Jr. Crimson Wings video games? I do, used to pay attention and watch on a regular basis.
-