Ho. Ho. Ho.
And a Merry Christmas Eve day to you all.
Depending how today goes – there’s one more trip the mall in my future and I do have some other typing to do that I’ve put off too long – we may have a little something here tomorrow.
If not? Have yourselves a great Christmas and I’ll find you from Dallas on Boxing Day morning.
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This off the top is of little interest to you and I don’t ever do it but got an e-mail at askdoug@thestar.ca from Peter in London that I need to respond to but can’t because I don’t see return addresses in that file. If you can send me a note with your e-mail, I’ll help you out the best I can.
Okay, the questions:
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Q: Hey Doug:
Merry Christmas to you and your Super Family. Will Super Santa be generous to Super Son this year?
This time of the year is a good reminder of the sacrifices you have made over the years to ply your craft and provide your readers with the latest news and views about the Raptors. Over the years, how many Christmas mornings have you missed and how many times were you unable to be with your family at such a special time of the year? You have at least this reader’s gratitude for everything you do.
Being away from your family Christmas eve and Christmas day probably means you have had or witnessed some interesting times on the road. Have you gone carolling with Jack? Any anecdotes (good, funny or even sad) you can share?
Especially appreciated, as always.
Phil
A: I appreciate the kind words. If this is season No. 23, my guess would be there’ve been 17 or so Christmas Days that have included a flight. But we’ve got it down pat at Casa Doug with the early morning celebration, big breakfast, car to the aiport. And I’m thinking turkey tonight’s a good idea, no?
Not a whole lot of Christmas-specific things, actually. Tend to land, find the hotel, and hang there.
There was one time, though. Bill Harris of the Sun and I landed in Salt Lake – after laying over somewhere because you can’t get there from here. Well, it’s snowing to beat the band in Utah, we come out of the airport to grab a cab and the cab line person says: “Sorry, there are no cabs.”
Seriously. No cabs! They all were off taking people to Park City, the snow was too much and we weren’t getting one. Ended up walking to the car rental place, renting about the last car there, taking it to the hotel and leaving it parked for a day and a half because it’s about a 10-minute walk to the arena. Merry Christmas, indeed.
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Q: That contest in Philadelphia was less than beautiful but it may have been the most satisfying win so far this season and, as you noted this week, nothing was more satisfying than seeing Wright back in the lineup. He raises their versatility quotient exponentially. He seems to recognize that getting his arm tangled up with Cousins's, er, torso was not advisable and will be more careful in the future. This underlines, yet again, the fragility of an athletic career; it can end in a second.
And with that, Mr. Blogger, I wish you and yours, and my fellow irregulars, the best of the season and safe travels for the remainder of 2017. We'll reconnoitre in the new year.
James A., Victoria
A: Careers can end in a split second and it’s why I am, and always will be, a proponent of athletes striking while the financial iron is hot. Get paid because it can disappear in a second.
Best to you and yours, as well. Hope we get back to that cool little spot in Victoria one day soon.
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Q: Happy Ho-Ho-Ho to all at casa Doug and of course you Well Written Scribe!!
Have to credit the Raptors for pulling out a game that was certainly a tale of two halves? Only concern in my mind is getting down as big as they did will work most of the time against the lesser lights, however, against the Golden States, Bostons, San Antonios et al of the Association, not so much! The work of the lesser lights has been very impressive and if they keep up this level of play, they could get to June perhaps?
Also wish to give you kudos for the entry regarding how well Canadian women are doing? The identification camps are certainly making sure that no one is missed and that is a good thing. I am not a big fan of the prep teams, male or female that are en vogue in Ontario as I think it takes players away from the whole high school experience, but, what do I know? Plus, still scratching my head as to how Kia Nurse "homecoming" is at the Mattamy Centre?? Ms. Nurse managed to get herself noticed by playing high school as well as rep, so, you can get noticed!!
As to your holiday entertainment choices, I agree with White Christmas, A Christmas Carol and Home Alone, but, you have to include A Charlie Brown Christmas which happened to be on the telly this evening.
Continued good health for you and yours through the holidays and the New Year!! All the best,
HAMMER JOHN
A: Yeah, I have mixed emotions about the “prep school” explosion throughout the country and wonder if the overall development of young men and women is truly being served. And you make one point that I have been trying to hammer home for year: If you’re good, they’ll find you. Doesn’t matter where you play or who you play against.
A Charlie Brown Christmas is indeed a classic, I haven’t seen it this year and hope to correct that today.
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Q:http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-42452955
What an amazing career. Breakfast at Wimbledon was a must for me back in the day, Borg, Mac,Connors, Martina, Chris.
I always found Enberg a cut above. Knowledgeable; used the colour person well; good recognition of the moment and wasn't over the top. Very Classy.
A major part of my sporting life.
Sad to hear.
Johnnyc
A: Enberg was outstanding and the voice of my generation. He never interjected himself into the event, had a perfect pitch and tone for whatever he was describing and should be studied by all young broadcasters.
A big loss.
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Q: Good day, Mr. Smith,
I hope your travels take you to places with better weather than we in Ottawa have had the last few days. Let's just say that any doubts of a white Christmas have been obliterated, as have all sidewalks and bike lanes.
I just had one, very hypothetical, question for you, regarding the return of Vince Carter. If the Raptors continue to play at least solidly, do you think that there could be a deadline deal this season for Carter and some other pieces from the Kings? I admit that I'm not well aware of their individual skillsets, or salaries, so have no idea if there would be a fit. Just thought it could be a fun little exercise
Cheers!
Alex
A: I was a proponent in the summer of making a run for Vince and I know they did, but a dollar number he wasn’t interested in. Now? I’m not sure who he’s better than, I don’t think they should give up a young player to get him and they don’t have draft picks the Kings might want. Can’t see it happening.
I can see teams calling about him, though. How’d he look in, say, Milwaukee? Or Washington? Pretty good, I’d say.
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Q: Hi Doug,
I was enjoying my first 4k TV NBA broadcast watching the Pacer - Celtic game (4k sports is crisp btw, but not the 'wow' factor as when we went from regular def to HD 10 years ago).
As a raptor fan I loved pacers big comeback to take a 4 point lead with 9 seconds to go. Only to see the most ridiculous crushing final 10 seconds ever. Aside from the braincramps the players made, there was a major mistake by the coach many overlooked. When kyrie hit the 3 pointer to bring the celtics to within 1 and 9 seconds to go, he used his last timeout for the sole purpose for refs to go to video review to confirm it was a 3 (even though both his feet were well behind the line).
Had they just inbounded the ball, it would have kept clock running and a boston player would have surely fouled them to stop the clock. And then refs would have reviewed it anyways, while preserving the timeout, plus the ability to advance the ball should they need it. So when they found themselves down 1 with 2 seconds to go, they couldnt run a play, or advance ball to midcourt, and it was game over. It was a wasted unneccesary timeout. Not saying they would have won, but they would have had a legit chance to score points even with 2 seconds.
Which makes me ask, what is the rule for when refs can go to video reviews. I thought it was only when there is a interruption in play, like ball out of bounds, or during free throws. The only exception i notice is for three pointers, which they usually do during commercial breaks and adjust the score, even if several more minutes of game elapsed before the review. How is the rule different for the final minute? Does the coach have to burn timeout to get the review? What if he is right and it was only a 2, does it still cost him his timeout? Normally i dont care too much, but that very odd situation just happened and it cost the raps a game in the standings ;)
And just quickly to add to that, when they go to review why cant the refs ever call a missed foul call or non-foul? Why are those corrections taboo?
Cheers and Merry Xmas to you and family.
RHL
A: They didn’t call timeout to make the refs review the call, that’s solely determined by the referee. They called timeout to advance the ball, which turned out to be a costly mistake. So it’s not like it was a “challenge” rather than a strategic move the backfired.
Foul calls – except on whether it was a three or not or a block-charge -- are not reviewable because the games would never end.
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Q: Hello Doug
I think this is more a stream of conscious than anything, but here goes. I’ve been struggling with the whole anthem protest. I don’t for a minute think the players should just “shut up and play!” I think it’s a matter of free speech, and I’m an absolutist when it comes to that. I just wonder if for most it’s nothing more than symbolic, similar to Earth Hour, when you do a simple thing for one day, pat yourself on the back for doing something “good” and then forget about it when your deed is done. I won’t pretend to even remotely understand what it’s like to be a visible minority, so again I’m okay with them protesting. It’s just that I’m sure a lot of players do a lot of good in their communities and I wish that would get more play time as I think that is way more meaningful. I can also appreciate those that tune into sports as a diversion and don’t want to see it politicized. I was just catching up on my reading of SI (which spurned this email) dedicated an issue to this topic. Steve Kerr had an article, and man he was poignant, pragmatic, contrite, and balanced. I can sense his struggle with it all. I came away thinking, if voices are as clear as his I have no problem with politics being part of sports. I don’t agree with Kerr 100% politically, but I don’t have to when someone shows a genuine desire for discourse. Alas, that is something that is lacking today, from all political spectrums.
On a more festive front, I want to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! I love coming here every day to see what’s on your mind. Thanks for allowing us irregulars to be a part of the community.
Santino
A: The lack of intelligent discussion and discourse – where both sides make valid, well elucidated points – is lost and we have to get it back. The level of vitriol is too high too often and no one listens, everyone screams
It sucks.
And Merry Christmas to you and yours, too.
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Q: Hi Doug
I know I should be wrapping gifts but I am looking up stats non NBA… Do you know after Steph Curry what player in the NBA has the highest offensive rating?...( JV actually in number 9!) He also has the second highest net rating in the NBA.. yes, the rookie OG Ananoby and not a sniff at Rookie of the year talk at the quarter position. Some other interesting stats, Freddy V has the 7th highest defensive ranking and I am sure #1 on players less than 6 feet tall and is 9th in turnover to assist ratio. Pascal ranks number 1 in the league in loose balls recovered, and Kyle leads in charges drawn. We cant forget Yak who is tied for 7th in altered shots. It would appear that we (sorry, I meant the team,) has been putting together a pretty impressive bench filled with guys who get after it. We really haven’t seen CJ Miles assert himself as a 6th man between injuries, having a first born, some dental work, and frankly haven’t needed it. I think post Christmas we will see how much more CJ brings and will be that much better for it.
Enjoy this, the last year you will not have to cover the Raptors on Christmas day! All the best.
Matt Daub |
A: The bench has, more often than not, been solid and if they can avoid any extended slumps – a tall order for very young players as a season grinds on – these guys can be pretty good.
Now go wrap the presents.
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Q: Hello, Doug:
Don't know about you, but I can now count the remaining number of scheduled trips to the mall on one finger. And with any luck, when I arrive two hours before it today's opening, there'll be a parking spot in the same time zone.
But I enjoy the hustle and bustle. Always have. And truthfully, it's not the big stuff I buy the day before, but rather the treats for the pets that everyone else always thinks someone else has picked up. We do this every year. Maybe intentionally. Because then it forces us (exaggerated sigh) to go to the mall one more time. And then we have to stop for fancy coffee. Oh, and why not pick up some Cinnabon, and I think we need a few more nibbley treats and snacks for unexpected guests. And some Jameson and Bailey's...And, oh, look! They marked down that book I wanted....And isn't that the Jones family over there? Let's go say hello....Yes, it's a tradition and it's treasured. The Last Minute Trip To The Mall.
Then home to open that Bailey's, wrap remaining presents while watching my favourite Cary Grant/David Niven Christmas movie. (I know I probably mention it every year, but the 1947 film The Bishop's Wife is lovely.)
I hope your Holiday bustle isn't too hustled and hurried - at least not to an unmanageable degree, and that you're able to relax with your loved ones and enjoy your own Christmas traditions.
Just one basketball-related item. Have you noticed that Jose Calderon is now starting with the Cavs? Does it surprise you? Does this make you as happy as it makes me?
Merry Christmas.
Lorie P, London
A: Jose has done a solid job as a starter and I’m quite glad to see it. When Isaiah Thomas gets back he’ll revert to backup status but the old guy’s still got some game in him and remains a tremendously effective shooter.
I did the mall yesterday and probably have to again today and that there isn’t some major punch-up in every parking lot every day from about Dec. 18 to today stuns me. People lose their minds at this time of year and I sometimes wish I had disposable car so I could ram half a dozen of ‘em just to teach ‘em a lesson.
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Q: I hear Jerry Stackhouse is doing a great job, can't be long until he gets better offers. How good/bad do you think Vince Carter would be as a head coach for the 905's? Given the number of players who have gone straight from playing to coaching in the NBA lately, it's not hard to see it happening.
Dan
A: Vince obviously knows the game and the young players in Sacramento seem to appreciate the tips he gives so, yeah, he might be an okay coach. But having spoken to him about the future, that’s never come up. I think, when the time comes, he’s more interested in a TV gig than one on a bench.
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Q: Hi, Doug,
Wonderful for my wife and me to get the chance to greet you at half-time during the World Qualifier in Halifax. You were as much a draw as the game itself. We got tickets as soon as you mentioned them in your blog so we had good ones not far away from you — or the game.
Question:
Is Lowry becoming Jason Kidd?
Bluenose Eric
A: That was an excellent night and I’m glad we got to say hello. Not sure when we’ll get back but I hope it’s soon.
I can see a little bit of Kidd in what Lowry is becoming but Kyle strikes me as a bit more athletic at this point.
But the on-court leadership and ability to dictate pace is reminiscent of Kidd. And he’s a pretty good standard to emulate.
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Q: Hi Doug,
I’m curious to hear your take on the Lakers retiring two jerseys for Kobe. I think it’s ridiculous.....pick one.
Drew
A: I have no problem with it and don’t see any other thing they could have done. He wore each for a long time, the team was excellent when he was 8 and 24 so how would you chose one over the other?
Makes entire sense to do them both.
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Q: Your line in one of the blogs "we"re into the dog days of the season" resonated with me. After an incredible offseason where the NBA was in the news perpetually with wonderful stories and the anticipation was ramped way up; The regular season seems so flatline; doesn't it?.. Houston; Golden State; San Antonio; Cleveland; Boston; Toronto creating room....then the middle of the road teams followed by the dregs. (You deserve it Memphis) . For me...Philly; Milwaukee have been underwhelming given the massive hype that surrounded them. I'm not a big Thib's fan ; I think his process is outdated and increases the chance for injury. ( disappointed they didn't renew Sam). Thibs has shortened his bench playing his stars consistently large amounts of minutes. The physical and mental fatigue has got to be huge. Most teams manage minutes in today's NBA. You can't deny Thib's success but at what cost? Do you like his stragedy?
Johnnyc
A: I don’t like it very much at all but in Minnesota’s case, the need to win and get into the playoffs is acute and this might be the only way to accomplish that goal. I fear, though, that late March and April will be difficult because players will have worn down. I guess the hope is that they solidify that post-season berth and can take it a bit easy late in the year. I don’t suspect that’ll happen though.
And there is a “sameness” to a lot of the season so far, we can only hope that the race for spots four through eight in each conference make April a bit dramatic.
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