Yes tonight at midnight in theory it could all come to an end. After 2 years of hype and build up from the folks at ESPN. The 2010 Free Agency Market opens for business. In the true spirit of overkill that we have come to expect/mock ESPN for.... they are ready. A Lebron tracker page on their website complete with count down clock to free agency. What you are still not impressed? Or there is more people. How about the game that is sweeping the nation, the NBA Free Agent Slot Machine. Spin the slots and send LBJ,D-Wade, CB4, Joe Johnson, Dirk and 3 others to possible destinations. Fun for the whole family. This along with all the great ESPN Insider info that is so good you have to pay for it. So what if Jalen Rose was wrong about his guarantee that LBJ and Bosh would be Knicks. They have your money regardless of if they were right or wrong. Not to mention the info will make it's way to Real G.M and other media soon enough right or wrong.
I may have to eat my own bit of crow if LBJ, Wade and Bosh end up in Miami. When a writer, who's name escapes me, from ESPN suggested it was possible that all 3 guys could end up playing for the Knicks. I believe that I responded that he was pretty much insane to think that could happen. Well he was wrong about New York but there seems to be a decent chance it could happen in Miami. The 3 superstars have apparently met and it seems that James is the one that is sitting on the fence according to the speculation.
It all leads you to wonder is all of this good for the NBA as a whole. It would appear the NBA tampering rules are now more guidelines then reality. Players conspiring which has never been illegal has now become public and broadcast everywhere from social media to CNN. When the dust clears from all of this about the only thing I am confident of is that David Stern will still be NBA Commissioner. If he is not happy with how this all plays out, he will be able to do something about it fairly soon. After the summer of free agency in 2010, we will gather again next summer for the summer of the CBA. Stern and the owners including the ones that this free agency will not benefit (Which will be many) will be looking to fix this. Things were already looking looking dark in terms of the CBA and this free agency period is not helping matters. When players can impact on how the league is shaped and not owners. Is it any surprise that owners don't like that?
At the front of that list should they not save Lebron you can expect to be Cleveland. You could make the argument that if not for Lebron the Cavs franchise may be gone. The Cavs were is sorry shape when the magic ping pong balls fell and they were given their king.Should they lose him does the franchise just fall right back to that abyss it was in? Which in case you forget was one of the worst franchises in the league that could not draw flies to their games. That is a problem in a number of markets these days. What is the message to those markets from this free agency? Stern created a CBA that was designed to prevent the NBA from going the way Major League Baseball has. Giving home teams that advantage of being able to pay the most and the longest contract was suppose to help teams keep their stars. However if the 3 biggest players in this free agency all thumb their nose at that. What does that say to fans of those small market teams? It is one thing if teams fail from their own stupidity like the Knicks did under Thomas or the Clippers have done since leaving Buffalo. However to have not at least in theory a level playing field is not good.
This is not to mention the Raptors who although having the money to compete, they still face a lot of the issues they have since the franchise was born. The fact we still hear on a routine basis players mention taxes as an issue in playing in Toronto. While no we still don't get ESPN, we do have Sportscentre not Sportscenter. The fact the Raptors still have to deal with these things is both frustrating and surprising given the world we live in. Toronto while loved as a road destination by almost everyone in the NBA, coming to play,stay and live is a different matter for some.
Bryan Colangelo has taken a lot of heat of late with all that has gone wrong. However while the results have not been successful the basic plan was an interesting way to find a loop hole. His approach to trying to use Toronto's appeal to European players was a great idea in theory. Over time it has been proven to be unsuccessful. Bargnani, Turkoglu, Calderon, Garbajosa, Nesterovic and others have had varying amounts of successes and failures. The one point that is a red flag to this European loop hole is international play. The Raptors have learned this over and over. The worst example in the injury of Jorge Garbajosa and his playing for Spain far to soon. Which would end his career in the NBA. Jose Calderon would be injured in playing for Spain. While most recently Hedo Turkoglu came into camp burnt out from playing for Turkey in the summer. He would go on to have a terrible season that was injury filled.
The advantage to having American based players is the odds they will play for Team USA are slim. Even if they do as in the cases of Vince Carter and Chris Bosh, the amount of time they have to play in games is far less than a Hedo has to play for Turkey, or Jose for Spain. That is another issue that David Stern needs to address. While the NBA grows and becomes more global in scope, having all of these players suited up for their countries in the summer, and then play a NBA season is burning the candle at both ends. Just like it would be difficult for hockey players in this country to say no to playing for their country. The same is true for these Euro players to say no to their countries. The NBA eventually has to find a way to say no for them.
But that is more of a side issue. The point is in theory the idea was a pretty good one despite the fact it failed. The NBA is on the verge of a free agency that will have a far greater impact then just where James, Wade, Bosh and others play. This is by all accounts, a game changer for the league going forward. The fallout maybe as much drama as the 2 year build up to July 1st 2010.
Showing posts with label 2010. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2010. Show all posts
6/30/10
5/28/10
The FA 4 Summit
The Lakers hit a game winner by Ron Artest and Orlando is half way to making history. Quick we need to have a story to trump that says the 2010 free agent class. Well with that being said, news breaks that a meeting of what most consider the top 4 free agents is going to happen. Where it will be? Some place in "Everywhere", which is the current residence of Chris Bosh. Jokes aside, Lebron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Joe Johnson have agreed to sit down and have a meeting. This is big news for people that can't get enough 2010 drama. Could you honestly imagine stars of the past doing this? There is something about this that just turns my stomach. This is in a sense player collusion. Not that it does not make good business sense. There is nothing against the rules for these players to do this. Still there is something about it that just as a fan bothers me. If owners were to do the same it would be against the rules.
All this being said what can this meeting accomplish? I am not really sure to be honest with you. Do any of these guys want to play with each other so badly that they would cost themselves money? The argument against that thinking would be, if you could build a dynasty out of this everyone would make the money they leave on the table back. There are no guarantees of that even if 2 or 3 of these guys would agree to hook up that a dynasty automatically follows. The only guy in this group with a ring is Dwyane Wade. While James, Bosh and Joe Johnson all have failed to find a supporting cast that has been able to get the job done. Wade, Bosh and James came together under the banner of USA Basketball and were able to win a gold medal. They had a ton of talent along for the ride. Including Kobe Bryant who has no time for meetings about the future as he is still playing in the post season.
The pressure on this group of 2 or 3 guys regardless of the landing spot would be intense. If that landing spot is N.Y.C increase that by 10 fold. While the idea of a dynasty sounds good, if it doesn't happen that could do a lot of damage to all involved. There are lots of agendas at play in this high stakes game. Not just the players but the league and television on the national level would all benefit out of this in a way. David Stern went on the record saying he would prefer that James remained in Cleveland thought. This is seeing the bigger picture in this. While one super franchise could be created based on where these guys call home. It could also destroy others and greatly impact on the competitive balance of the league as a whole.
What is great about the legends of the NBA is they for the most part remain a part of the game and care about it's legacy. Is all of this 2010 madness good for the game as a whole? When the playoffs have had to fight for headlines with 2010 Free Agency, something is wrong with that. I admit that I have never been a fan of the rumour mill. However at the end of it all, should we not all agree that the team and players that win a championship should have center stage over 4 guys that have failed to win one. That only makes sense doesn't it?
All this being said what can this meeting accomplish? I am not really sure to be honest with you. Do any of these guys want to play with each other so badly that they would cost themselves money? The argument against that thinking would be, if you could build a dynasty out of this everyone would make the money they leave on the table back. There are no guarantees of that even if 2 or 3 of these guys would agree to hook up that a dynasty automatically follows. The only guy in this group with a ring is Dwyane Wade. While James, Bosh and Joe Johnson all have failed to find a supporting cast that has been able to get the job done. Wade, Bosh and James came together under the banner of USA Basketball and were able to win a gold medal. They had a ton of talent along for the ride. Including Kobe Bryant who has no time for meetings about the future as he is still playing in the post season.
The pressure on this group of 2 or 3 guys regardless of the landing spot would be intense. If that landing spot is N.Y.C increase that by 10 fold. While the idea of a dynasty sounds good, if it doesn't happen that could do a lot of damage to all involved. There are lots of agendas at play in this high stakes game. Not just the players but the league and television on the national level would all benefit out of this in a way. David Stern went on the record saying he would prefer that James remained in Cleveland thought. This is seeing the bigger picture in this. While one super franchise could be created based on where these guys call home. It could also destroy others and greatly impact on the competitive balance of the league as a whole.
What is great about the legends of the NBA is they for the most part remain a part of the game and care about it's legacy. Is all of this 2010 madness good for the game as a whole? When the playoffs have had to fight for headlines with 2010 Free Agency, something is wrong with that. I admit that I have never been a fan of the rumour mill. However at the end of it all, should we not all agree that the team and players that win a championship should have center stage over 4 guys that have failed to win one. That only makes sense doesn't it?
3/2/10
"Jiggy Bits" By Danielle de Graauw
I am kind of an academic when it comes to professional or amateur sports. I like looking at stats and analyzing and predicting based on fact. I like looking at the history of a team and the game because I truly believe you need to know where you came from to know where you are going. Let's face it, there are a ton of people out there who will give you their opinion, flapping their lips about something - NBA-related or not- and you can usually tell if they are full of it. This is why I was a little apprehensive to take on this gig because some of the blogs out there are just that - people flapping their lips - just insert ego and the internet. My career up until this point has been the who, what, when, where, why and how of sport and for the past little while, I was told to throw those rules out the window. What a fantastic feeling to have people read your "inside voice" in words and truly embrace what you are doing. I know some of you have told me I AM full of it but at least you are reading and I have kept you coming back. Comments - whether positive or ridiculous - are proof nonetheless that people are paying attention to what you are doing. So thank-you to both. Now let's get down to business.
The Other Elephants in the Room
I know James mentioned Chris Bosh as the elephant in Dino Nation discussions early this week, however, I think another large land mammal needs to be invited to that party: Lebron James. Think about it. Lebron will be 25 years old in 2 years and will also become an unrestricted free agent. When he signed on for an extra three years in 2006, there was an opt -out option in his contract which he could choose to use after this season. Then every team in the NBA would be all over him like syrup on a pancake - love it. Like maybe the Chicago Bulls? Lebron did file the paperwork recently to change his number 23 to 6 (his number with the USA Olympic Basketball team) "out of respect to" Michael Jordan. Or maybe this was a move knowing MJ is the big boss man now in Charlotte and wants to reside in North Carolina working under one of the greats. Even Arsenio Hall would say 'hmmmm'. I am just trying to get you to think outside the box, remember? Man, I can feel my inbox filling as we speak.
Now think back to the draft class of 2003. Remember who was also invited to that party? Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. They both signed similar contract extensions. Sure, for the most part we think these guys will stay put. But is your heart or your head doing the thinking. As fan neither is bad, but in the business world of the NBA, you need to be thinking with the latter. Dwayne, Chris and Lebron are hot commodities and if there is even a hint that teams with money want them, there's a very good chance they are at least listening.
A breathe of Fresh Air in Charlotte
Just when you think we would never see him in the spotlight again, there goes Michael Jordan buying the Bobcats and making us all feel giddy again. So his first item of business since getting the team from previous owner Robert Johnson, was to play a little game of H.O.R.S.E. with guard Gerald Henderson. Showing up to the shoot around, talking trash and losing those two games of H.O.R.S.E. proves the old adage: "Attitude reflects leadership, captain". Anyone who has seen the movie Remember the Titans understands how important this is and how the atmosphere of a club really reflects what's going on at the top of the pyramid. This may be a sign of a more hands-on approach for Michael to be seen as just one of the boys and not just a "suit" that makes decisions. But to be sure he keeps his focus, here's my 'New Boss Top 5 List' (in case he calls on my services):
#1 - Rename the Bobcats. Open the contest lines now. With the new excitement brought on by Michael's take over, this club needs a make-over. And he knows a thing or two about marketing. Right around the time Toronto fans were asked to name their club, Jurassic Park was in theatres. I wonder whats on tap in Charlotte?
#2 - Have lunch with Bobcats Head Coach Larry Brown. Continuity is so important. But even Larry knows that with new ownership comes evaluation and sometimes, movement. I don't think he is on his way out since Larry and Michael have at least one thing in common besides their love for basketball. Family. Both of them have extended support in the area and Larry also signed on with the Bobcats knowing Michael's growing involvement at head office. That has to count for something.
#3 - Get used to being the boss. Showing up to a shoot around and talking trash with Gerald Henderson was great and actually opens the lines of communication by just being around. But players and public alike still see him as MJ the great and not Michael the boss. I have so much respect for super star players giving back to a sport they love. However, taking on a new challenge like this, opens the door to taint that image. It's a risk, yes but I think Michael is up to the task.
#4 - Fans will expect more. Charlotte Hornets fans were devastated when the team moved to New Orleans in 2002. When you have someone like owner George Shinn setting ultimatums back then what do you expect? So he alienates fans and the team is out of Charlotte. Now you a a situation where basketball fans in Charlotte learn to distrust who manages their professional clubs - especially ones with an uncertain furture. Insert Michael Jordan and a weight seems to lift and fans are getting excited again. Positive but guarded, fans will want to see the proof before the pudding.
#5 - Talk to the media. I was a little disappointed he refused to talk to the media at that shoot around. I suppose he wanted to have time for the steak to marinate so-to-speak and get away from the "Does this mean you are coming out of retirement" type of questions but they are always going to be there. He has every right to choose when and where he talks but the average fan can't really walk up to the guy and exchange 'wasuups' at the grocery store. So it is our job to tell the story and bring the game to life. It is a little hard to do that without the main character.
James (The Dino Blogger not Lebron) was on The Team 990 in Montreal talking about this and other things NBA on the weekend have a listen.
The Other Elephants in the Room
I know James mentioned Chris Bosh as the elephant in Dino Nation discussions early this week, however, I think another large land mammal needs to be invited to that party: Lebron James. Think about it. Lebron will be 25 years old in 2 years and will also become an unrestricted free agent. When he signed on for an extra three years in 2006, there was an opt -out option in his contract which he could choose to use after this season. Then every team in the NBA would be all over him like syrup on a pancake - love it. Like maybe the Chicago Bulls? Lebron did file the paperwork recently to change his number 23 to 6 (his number with the USA Olympic Basketball team) "out of respect to" Michael Jordan. Or maybe this was a move knowing MJ is the big boss man now in Charlotte and wants to reside in North Carolina working under one of the greats. Even Arsenio Hall would say 'hmmmm'. I am just trying to get you to think outside the box, remember? Man, I can feel my inbox filling as we speak.
Now think back to the draft class of 2003. Remember who was also invited to that party? Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. They both signed similar contract extensions. Sure, for the most part we think these guys will stay put. But is your heart or your head doing the thinking. As fan neither is bad, but in the business world of the NBA, you need to be thinking with the latter. Dwayne, Chris and Lebron are hot commodities and if there is even a hint that teams with money want them, there's a very good chance they are at least listening.
A breathe of Fresh Air in Charlotte
Just when you think we would never see him in the spotlight again, there goes Michael Jordan buying the Bobcats and making us all feel giddy again. So his first item of business since getting the team from previous owner Robert Johnson, was to play a little game of H.O.R.S.E. with guard Gerald Henderson. Showing up to the shoot around, talking trash and losing those two games of H.O.R.S.E. proves the old adage: "Attitude reflects leadership, captain". Anyone who has seen the movie Remember the Titans understands how important this is and how the atmosphere of a club really reflects what's going on at the top of the pyramid. This may be a sign of a more hands-on approach for Michael to be seen as just one of the boys and not just a "suit" that makes decisions. But to be sure he keeps his focus, here's my 'New Boss Top 5 List' (in case he calls on my services):
#1 - Rename the Bobcats. Open the contest lines now. With the new excitement brought on by Michael's take over, this club needs a make-over. And he knows a thing or two about marketing. Right around the time Toronto fans were asked to name their club, Jurassic Park was in theatres. I wonder whats on tap in Charlotte?
#2 - Have lunch with Bobcats Head Coach Larry Brown. Continuity is so important. But even Larry knows that with new ownership comes evaluation and sometimes, movement. I don't think he is on his way out since Larry and Michael have at least one thing in common besides their love for basketball. Family. Both of them have extended support in the area and Larry also signed on with the Bobcats knowing Michael's growing involvement at head office. That has to count for something.
#3 - Get used to being the boss. Showing up to a shoot around and talking trash with Gerald Henderson was great and actually opens the lines of communication by just being around. But players and public alike still see him as MJ the great and not Michael the boss. I have so much respect for super star players giving back to a sport they love. However, taking on a new challenge like this, opens the door to taint that image. It's a risk, yes but I think Michael is up to the task.
#4 - Fans will expect more. Charlotte Hornets fans were devastated when the team moved to New Orleans in 2002. When you have someone like owner George Shinn setting ultimatums back then what do you expect? So he alienates fans and the team is out of Charlotte. Now you a a situation where basketball fans in Charlotte learn to distrust who manages their professional clubs - especially ones with an uncertain furture. Insert Michael Jordan and a weight seems to lift and fans are getting excited again. Positive but guarded, fans will want to see the proof before the pudding.
#5 - Talk to the media. I was a little disappointed he refused to talk to the media at that shoot around. I suppose he wanted to have time for the steak to marinate so-to-speak and get away from the "Does this mean you are coming out of retirement" type of questions but they are always going to be there. He has every right to choose when and where he talks but the average fan can't really walk up to the guy and exchange 'wasuups' at the grocery store. So it is our job to tell the story and bring the game to life. It is a little hard to do that without the main character.
James (The Dino Blogger not Lebron) was on The Team 990 in Montreal talking about this and other things NBA on the weekend have a listen.
2/5/10
CB4 Meet Ari Gold... Sorta
So Chris Bosh is hiring Ari Gold to be his agent? Dang!!! Well not exactly but a story by Mark Spears from Yahoo has got everyone buzzing. The 2010 Trio all might be considering going the Ari Gold route or in reality CAA (Not Canadian Auto Association)- Creative Artists Agency. That is a Hollywood "A" List style agency much like the one portrayed in the show Entourage. Ari Gold would drool at the client list these guys have in reality. Brad Pitt, Will Smith, Tom Cruise and Julia Roberts among them. Recently this agency has tried to invade the sporting world landing Soccer star David Beckham, Super Bowl QB Peyton Manning , Jimmy Johnson Nascar Champion and Derek Jeter World Series Champion. In B-Ball they already represent Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson and Tony Parker.
It is not really news that Bosh has other interests beyond basketball. He starred in his own DVD "First Ink" that he also helped produced if memory serves me right. Bosh has worked for NBA-TV and the Tonight Show back when Jay Leno was hosting the first time. Bosh likes to explore options beyond basketball and that is not a secret. Safe to say this agency can offer him a ton of ideas in this regard. What does this mean for his basketball future? That is the real question isn't it. Can an agency like this in a down economy generate 30 million dollars in extra revenue that could make walking on the Raptors at least not a penalty for Bosh financially. Not sure if that is possible.
I will say this though in terms of Hollywood vs The Sports world I think Toronto as a city is more respected as a city by the Hollywood folks. Many movies get made in Toronto not as many as in the past with the rise of the Canadian dollar but it is a popular place to make a film. So could CB4 be a sidekick to Will Smith in a movie shot in T.O? Maybe but the point that I am trying to make is Toronto is not thought of in the Hollywood world as this far off strange land. Also could an agency like this see the unique opportunity to market Bosh in Canada and make him the big fish in the small pond of Canada in terms of advertising. While still offering him some chances in the U.S as well.
The truth is at the very end of the article it says that all 3 of Bosh, James and Wade will ultimately go where they want to go at the end of the day. Which takes us back to square 1 does it not?
So do not read this story and think that anything has changed in terms of Bosh being traded at the deadline. It will not change the game plan to keep Bosh and look to re-sign him. Besides what NBA G.M would do better with an Ari Gold style agent than Bryan Colangelo? I can't think of any off the top of my head? There is also a rumour that the Nets want to steal B.C away from T.O. But he likely watched the game Wednesday in fact not likely I saw him there so once he has watched the Nets do you really think he wants that headache? He is a lot closer to his goal in Toronto then he would be in New Jersey.
I think everyone will be happy when trade deadline has come and gone so we can all get on board with what Bosh has been doing all season. Focus on winning and this season. What a great and novel concept. You can see why Hollywood will love this guy. He thinks out of the box.
It is not really news that Bosh has other interests beyond basketball. He starred in his own DVD "First Ink" that he also helped produced if memory serves me right. Bosh has worked for NBA-TV and the Tonight Show back when Jay Leno was hosting the first time. Bosh likes to explore options beyond basketball and that is not a secret. Safe to say this agency can offer him a ton of ideas in this regard. What does this mean for his basketball future? That is the real question isn't it. Can an agency like this in a down economy generate 30 million dollars in extra revenue that could make walking on the Raptors at least not a penalty for Bosh financially. Not sure if that is possible.
I will say this though in terms of Hollywood vs The Sports world I think Toronto as a city is more respected as a city by the Hollywood folks. Many movies get made in Toronto not as many as in the past with the rise of the Canadian dollar but it is a popular place to make a film. So could CB4 be a sidekick to Will Smith in a movie shot in T.O? Maybe but the point that I am trying to make is Toronto is not thought of in the Hollywood world as this far off strange land. Also could an agency like this see the unique opportunity to market Bosh in Canada and make him the big fish in the small pond of Canada in terms of advertising. While still offering him some chances in the U.S as well.
The truth is at the very end of the article it says that all 3 of Bosh, James and Wade will ultimately go where they want to go at the end of the day. Which takes us back to square 1 does it not?
So do not read this story and think that anything has changed in terms of Bosh being traded at the deadline. It will not change the game plan to keep Bosh and look to re-sign him. Besides what NBA G.M would do better with an Ari Gold style agent than Bryan Colangelo? I can't think of any off the top of my head? There is also a rumour that the Nets want to steal B.C away from T.O. But he likely watched the game Wednesday in fact not likely I saw him there so once he has watched the Nets do you really think he wants that headache? He is a lot closer to his goal in Toronto then he would be in New Jersey.
I think everyone will be happy when trade deadline has come and gone so we can all get on board with what Bosh has been doing all season. Focus on winning and this season. What a great and novel concept. You can see why Hollywood will love this guy. He thinks out of the box.
9/2/09
CB Where 4 Art Thou? (in 2010)
This is the ultimate question that Raptors fans have been wondering for awhile now. But not just them, but the league as a whole league has, with not only Bosh but Wade and James. ESPN had their 50+ basketball experts chime in. They only had 3 of them come back with Toronto as the answer. Here is the article if you failed to see it.
Ok first off, the fact ESPN has over 50 so called "experts" or as they refer to in the article as observers is truly scary. Second and more important it is critical to understand that ESPN has a bias and agenda in this stuff. They need to hype up the 2010 draft class because they have made it into this huge deal. It seems that James and Wade may end up going no where so why not Bosh to move. Not sure they counted on Bryan Colangelo being so successful at his make over of the Raptors. ESPN is in the rumour spreading and selling business. If 2010 free agent class turns into what this blog predicted as the basketball equivalent of Y2K it makes ESPN look BAD. So the fact 49 of their 52 folks see Bosh on the move is hardly shocking. To be honest, I read it and yawned loudly. It is really the same old thing. But honestly what really does ESPN know about the Raptors? They do cover so many of our games don't they? Sure they have one of our former players in Jalen Rose (also Mark Jones brother of Paul Jones). Jalen guaranteed that not just Bosh but James would end up being Knicks. I am pretty sure it is not a money back or satisfaction guaranteed prediction. However maybe it should be given that ESPN charges people for their "Insider" info. How they are able to pull that off is pure genius to me. It is proof that P.T Barnum was right when he said "there is a sucker born every minute". It pains me to point out this next fact to ESPN and all the suckers..opps I mean NBA ESPN Insider subscribers, but you may be dead wrong AGAIN.
It seems that here in Toronto an article in the Globe and Mail (Via Real GM) is painting a different picture. Bosh if you recall I believe in July had stated, what most knowledgeable folks already were aware of, that he would in fact play out his contract and opt out to become a free agent. This was hardly a newsflash. However an economic outlook for the league as a whole that is grim, combined with an off-season that was truly remarkable from Bryan Colangelo may have opened minds and doors. Bosh who once said that considering an extension was not an option has now left the door open to at least listen about one. Does this sound like the move of a man ready to bolt faster than the Jamaican sprinter out of Canada. It sure does not sound like the guy who has been counting the days till he can escape being in exile here in the far off land of the Great White North.
Now listening and signing are two complete different things. However when you consider that it was not even an option and now it is that is progress. What will ESPN do if the poster child for making 2010 relevant signs with the Raptors. Pray the Cavs and Heat fail most likely. I have said all along that based on all that we all have observed Chris Bosh to me seems happy to be a Raptor and happy to be in Toronto. The only thing he has ever wanted is to be able to win and have a team around him that is capable of doing that. So for as much as it is about dollars and cents it is about winning to with Chris Bosh. There are lots of teams that would gladly pay him top dollar to come play for them. However Chris has always said for him it is about winning. I have no reason to suggest it is not.
The outlook should Bosh amazingly sign an extension would be drastically different in some ways. This team and Bosh would not have the distraction of the Bosh Free Agent Circus coming to town everywhere the Raptors played on the road. It would allow this team to be focused on Bosh's main goal to win. It would also add to the summer in which Bryan Colangelo has made the impossible become possible. Bosh is spending time in Africa right now so it is not like this will happen tomorrow or next week. But the fact we are even having a conversation that it could blows my mind.
However, no matter if he does or doesn't the fact remains that I truly believe that Bosh as he said years back wants to be part of the solution here in Toronto. I also think Chris likes to have "his own" team and is not just going to change jersey's for the sake of it. You can make all the fake arguments you want about media exposure and all of the rest. However the truth is Chris Bosh has a pretty sweet deal being the best player on the only team in a country. I think he understands that and gets what that means.
He saw what it was like when Vince Carter checked out and what has happened since. I don't think Chris Bosh wants to go out like that in Toronto. The day may come when Chris is no longer a Raptor but it seems that a lot of signs point to it not being as soon as everyone thinks or hopes in some cases.
Does anyone have an answer to the question that is our title? Yup, one guy and that is Chris Bosh. He has made it no secret he is not a fan of the constant 2010 questions and if he signed and extension all of those questions would go away. It seemed like something that was never possible even a month ago. However now there is a small light to think...MAYBE. If not it really is not the end of the discussion. The only thing fans here can do if it doesn't is cheer this guy and make him feel wanted and needed. He still is, despite all the changes this team has made, the best player on it. If you are going to boo Chris Bosh this year at anytime..pause take a breath and think about it for everyone's sake.
If Steve Nash can sign with a Suns team that shows very little promise going forward. Is it really so crazy for Bosh to do the same with a team that seems on the right track? I truly personally hope this is not the end and just a new beginning. It has been a pleasure to watch Bosh mature and grow as both a player and a person. It has been a privilege and a joy and not one that I am will to give up. Not that I get to have much say in it. Wait maybe I do.
We had a poll of our staff here at Dino Nation Blog and 1 of our 1 basketball observers thinks that Chris Bosh will remain a Raptor. That is free of charge by the way for all of you wonderful readers of the Dino Nation Blog. That means about the same as what 50 + people think at ESPN...Nothing. Only Bosh knows or will decide and that is the bottom line cause CB4 said so? If you want Chris Bosh to stay in Toronto give me a hell yeah?
Ok first off, the fact ESPN has over 50 so called "experts" or as they refer to in the article as observers is truly scary. Second and more important it is critical to understand that ESPN has a bias and agenda in this stuff. They need to hype up the 2010 draft class because they have made it into this huge deal. It seems that James and Wade may end up going no where so why not Bosh to move. Not sure they counted on Bryan Colangelo being so successful at his make over of the Raptors. ESPN is in the rumour spreading and selling business. If 2010 free agent class turns into what this blog predicted as the basketball equivalent of Y2K it makes ESPN look BAD. So the fact 49 of their 52 folks see Bosh on the move is hardly shocking. To be honest, I read it and yawned loudly. It is really the same old thing. But honestly what really does ESPN know about the Raptors? They do cover so many of our games don't they? Sure they have one of our former players in Jalen Rose (also Mark Jones brother of Paul Jones). Jalen guaranteed that not just Bosh but James would end up being Knicks. I am pretty sure it is not a money back or satisfaction guaranteed prediction. However maybe it should be given that ESPN charges people for their "Insider" info. How they are able to pull that off is pure genius to me. It is proof that P.T Barnum was right when he said "there is a sucker born every minute". It pains me to point out this next fact to ESPN and all the suckers..opps I mean NBA ESPN Insider subscribers, but you may be dead wrong AGAIN.
It seems that here in Toronto an article in the Globe and Mail (Via Real GM) is painting a different picture. Bosh if you recall I believe in July had stated, what most knowledgeable folks already were aware of, that he would in fact play out his contract and opt out to become a free agent. This was hardly a newsflash. However an economic outlook for the league as a whole that is grim, combined with an off-season that was truly remarkable from Bryan Colangelo may have opened minds and doors. Bosh who once said that considering an extension was not an option has now left the door open to at least listen about one. Does this sound like the move of a man ready to bolt faster than the Jamaican sprinter out of Canada. It sure does not sound like the guy who has been counting the days till he can escape being in exile here in the far off land of the Great White North.
Now listening and signing are two complete different things. However when you consider that it was not even an option and now it is that is progress. What will ESPN do if the poster child for making 2010 relevant signs with the Raptors. Pray the Cavs and Heat fail most likely. I have said all along that based on all that we all have observed Chris Bosh to me seems happy to be a Raptor and happy to be in Toronto. The only thing he has ever wanted is to be able to win and have a team around him that is capable of doing that. So for as much as it is about dollars and cents it is about winning to with Chris Bosh. There are lots of teams that would gladly pay him top dollar to come play for them. However Chris has always said for him it is about winning. I have no reason to suggest it is not.
The outlook should Bosh amazingly sign an extension would be drastically different in some ways. This team and Bosh would not have the distraction of the Bosh Free Agent Circus coming to town everywhere the Raptors played on the road. It would allow this team to be focused on Bosh's main goal to win. It would also add to the summer in which Bryan Colangelo has made the impossible become possible. Bosh is spending time in Africa right now so it is not like this will happen tomorrow or next week. But the fact we are even having a conversation that it could blows my mind.
However, no matter if he does or doesn't the fact remains that I truly believe that Bosh as he said years back wants to be part of the solution here in Toronto. I also think Chris likes to have "his own" team and is not just going to change jersey's for the sake of it. You can make all the fake arguments you want about media exposure and all of the rest. However the truth is Chris Bosh has a pretty sweet deal being the best player on the only team in a country. I think he understands that and gets what that means.
He saw what it was like when Vince Carter checked out and what has happened since. I don't think Chris Bosh wants to go out like that in Toronto. The day may come when Chris is no longer a Raptor but it seems that a lot of signs point to it not being as soon as everyone thinks or hopes in some cases.
Does anyone have an answer to the question that is our title? Yup, one guy and that is Chris Bosh. He has made it no secret he is not a fan of the constant 2010 questions and if he signed and extension all of those questions would go away. It seemed like something that was never possible even a month ago. However now there is a small light to think...MAYBE. If not it really is not the end of the discussion. The only thing fans here can do if it doesn't is cheer this guy and make him feel wanted and needed. He still is, despite all the changes this team has made, the best player on it. If you are going to boo Chris Bosh this year at anytime..pause take a breath and think about it for everyone's sake.
If Steve Nash can sign with a Suns team that shows very little promise going forward. Is it really so crazy for Bosh to do the same with a team that seems on the right track? I truly personally hope this is not the end and just a new beginning. It has been a pleasure to watch Bosh mature and grow as both a player and a person. It has been a privilege and a joy and not one that I am will to give up. Not that I get to have much say in it. Wait maybe I do.
We had a poll of our staff here at Dino Nation Blog and 1 of our 1 basketball observers thinks that Chris Bosh will remain a Raptor. That is free of charge by the way for all of you wonderful readers of the Dino Nation Blog. That means about the same as what 50 + people think at ESPN...Nothing. Only Bosh knows or will decide and that is the bottom line cause CB4 said so? If you want Chris Bosh to stay in Toronto give me a hell yeah?
1/12/09
Finallly...Chuck Swirsky Returns To Toronto!!!
No one will ever confuse Chuck Swirsky with The Rock. But he was a rock star of sorts for a lot of Raptor Fans. When you work in the media you get a chance to meet a lot of people. But I can say that Chuck was truly on of the nicest people I have had the pleasure of meeting and talking with. I have told the story before in the blog so I will just give a short version of it this time around. When I was in College, working on a small sports talk show. I did basketball as part of that show. Those little animated movies I have been doing are named after the segment. I really wanted to do a good job covering basketball. So I took a shot in the dark and e-mailed Chuck. I explained that I was wondering if he would consider doing a interview for the show once in awhile. Not only did he answer he was all for it. He would be a guest many times. Not only that he would help me make contacts and be very helpful to me. All from an e-mail. He did not know me and all he knew is that I loved basketball and the Raptors. I really was grateful for all he did.
The Blog never really got rolling to the point that I thought about inviting Chuck to be in it. Also with his own blog I was not sure if he would come on and be in it. Knowing Chuck he likely would have. But for whatever reason he never was in the Dino Nation Blog till now. Everyone was stunned by him leaving. I remember Eric Smith expressing that he found out at same time as everyone else did. In fact I may have even scooped Eric as I read the story early in the morning when it was breaking. I honestly thought it was an internet rumour gone wrong or something. But it was true and on his Radio show an emotional Chuck said he was leaving the Raptors and taking a job in Chicago to work for the Bulls. Now the Bulls are coming into town to take on the Raptors for the first time this season.
I wrestled with the idea of if I should ask Chuck to come to the blog. I had reached out to his replacement Matt Devlin who has been a guest here many times. I really have enjoyed getting to know Matt and he is a fantastic guy. He has been very kind to me and I have been happy to get to know him and help you the readers get to know him. So I didn't know if it was right to interview Chuck. I did not want to be disloyal. But I thought back to the first conversation I had with Matt and he talked about how helpful Chuck was to him in making the transition to replacing Chuck. So I figured Matt would more understand. So it was just a case on if Chuck would be willing to do it. So I fired off an e-mail and in true Chuck fashion his response was fast as can be. Chuck is truly on of the fastest people to responding to e-mail in the world. It is remarkable. He was all for it and said whenever you want to do it just give him a call. That is the type of guy Chuck is. So I was calling Chicago and it was almost strange to hear his voice on the other end. It had been awhile. So I asked him a few questions and he was happy to answer them all. Here is are conversation in the Starting 5.
I also have wrote an article for the Industry Magazine that will be out in February and the topic is Toronto as a future host for the NBA All Star Weekend. Chuck is one of a number of people I asked to give their take on the impact that would have on Toronto. I will let you see what he had to say.
Chuck Swirsky- "I think it would be a spectacular event in Toronto, because the city is tremendous. I think it would showcase what the city is all about. I would encourage the NBA and every board of governor member to allow Toronto to host the event. The city would do a great job. I know that MLSE and Larry Tanenbaum has the point person behind this would roll out the red carpet. I would completely support it. I have supported it. I would do anything I could to provide the energy to make it happen to have the All Star Game there. I hope it can be worked out.”
Personally I have moved on. But that does not mean that I don't still remember Chuck and respect all that he did in his 10 years in Toronto. He did mention that he still is a Canadian which is something that will always make him part of this country. He no doubt had a huge impact on the country in his time here. As you can see is those comments and in the interview he still very much loves Canada even though he did leave. I wish him well and nothing but the best for him and his family. His leaving will always be a bit of a question for folks as to why. I respect that he said it was a family decision and am willing to respect that. I have made my own choices in life based on family and can totally understand. I have had my issues from a broadcast standpoint about Chuck. But never as a person he is first rate. Even those issues I may have as a broadcaster do not change the fact that he was and is very passionate about his job and what he does. May we all have that much passion for what we do both in life and in our personal lives. So I personally say welcome back Chuck.
The Blog never really got rolling to the point that I thought about inviting Chuck to be in it. Also with his own blog I was not sure if he would come on and be in it. Knowing Chuck he likely would have. But for whatever reason he never was in the Dino Nation Blog till now. Everyone was stunned by him leaving. I remember Eric Smith expressing that he found out at same time as everyone else did. In fact I may have even scooped Eric as I read the story early in the morning when it was breaking. I honestly thought it was an internet rumour gone wrong or something. But it was true and on his Radio show an emotional Chuck said he was leaving the Raptors and taking a job in Chicago to work for the Bulls. Now the Bulls are coming into town to take on the Raptors for the first time this season.
I wrestled with the idea of if I should ask Chuck to come to the blog. I had reached out to his replacement Matt Devlin who has been a guest here many times. I really have enjoyed getting to know Matt and he is a fantastic guy. He has been very kind to me and I have been happy to get to know him and help you the readers get to know him. So I didn't know if it was right to interview Chuck. I did not want to be disloyal. But I thought back to the first conversation I had with Matt and he talked about how helpful Chuck was to him in making the transition to replacing Chuck. So I figured Matt would more understand. So it was just a case on if Chuck would be willing to do it. So I fired off an e-mail and in true Chuck fashion his response was fast as can be. Chuck is truly on of the fastest people to responding to e-mail in the world. It is remarkable. He was all for it and said whenever you want to do it just give him a call. That is the type of guy Chuck is. So I was calling Chicago and it was almost strange to hear his voice on the other end. It had been awhile. So I asked him a few questions and he was happy to answer them all. Here is are conversation in the Starting 5.
I also have wrote an article for the Industry Magazine that will be out in February and the topic is Toronto as a future host for the NBA All Star Weekend. Chuck is one of a number of people I asked to give their take on the impact that would have on Toronto. I will let you see what he had to say.
Chuck Swirsky- "I think it would be a spectacular event in Toronto, because the city is tremendous. I think it would showcase what the city is all about. I would encourage the NBA and every board of governor member to allow Toronto to host the event. The city would do a great job. I know that MLSE and Larry Tanenbaum has the point person behind this would roll out the red carpet. I would completely support it. I have supported it. I would do anything I could to provide the energy to make it happen to have the All Star Game there. I hope it can be worked out.”
Personally I have moved on. But that does not mean that I don't still remember Chuck and respect all that he did in his 10 years in Toronto. He did mention that he still is a Canadian which is something that will always make him part of this country. He no doubt had a huge impact on the country in his time here. As you can see is those comments and in the interview he still very much loves Canada even though he did leave. I wish him well and nothing but the best for him and his family. His leaving will always be a bit of a question for folks as to why. I respect that he said it was a family decision and am willing to respect that. I have made my own choices in life based on family and can totally understand. I have had my issues from a broadcast standpoint about Chuck. But never as a person he is first rate. Even those issues I may have as a broadcaster do not change the fact that he was and is very passionate about his job and what he does. May we all have that much passion for what we do both in life and in our personal lives. So I personally say welcome back Chuck.
12/18/08
Hope Is Fading For Raptor Fans
In part of doing this blog, I try to read a lot of forums and see what fans our saying and thinking. That has been a pretty depressing task as of late. This latest loss for the Raptors has pushed a lot of Raptor fans to the brink. There are emotional and angry posts from fans. They are deeply upset and desperate for change and answers. When I turn on the Raptors post game coverage on Raptors T.V I see a different picture. The players are not happy or anything. But I do not see the anger or fire from anyone as well. It has been a growing concern for me and it makes me deeply concerned for the rest of this season. I have heard it suggested that instead of sending the message that the performance of this team was unacceptable. The firing of Sam Mitchell has instead given this team an excuse to use for it's lack of performance. There is a lot of talk of new systems and learning on the fly with little practice time.
But some of the things going wrong have nothing to do with systems or anything that advanced. Rebounding is basically, if you ask most basketball people a question of just simple desire. This team has not had that desire and has got beat badly on the boards, and given up many key second chances to other teams. I am sure teams keep this stat, but I am not sure where you would find it. But I am guessing that the Raptors defense on the first attempts of the teams they match-up against is pretty good. It is those second and in some cases third chances that are killing the Raptors. The other problem is the long droughts they have on offense and this team just continues to fire shots when it is clear that they need to be taking the ball to the basket and getting to the line. That is one of the things this Raptor team actually does very well. But you can't take advantage of a strength if you never use it. Jose Calderon is on a record streak to start the season for making free throws but you need to get to the line more to make that impact on the Raptors in a meaningful way.
I think at the heart of the frustration is the fact this team shows signs of being good. Last night the Raptors stormed out to a 12 point lead. We have seen this team build big leads against even the Boston Celtics. However they just can not find a way to hold these leads. Being honest who honestly thought we would beat the Mavericks last night? I am thinking not to many. But because the Raptors built up a lead it gave you reason to be hopeful. That hope gets crushed as fast as that lead fades away. Watching the Raptors can be like watching the stock market lately. When they go down at least it isn't costing you money. Well if you were not among those that bought tickets at the ACC. When is the last time you can remember Chris Bosh being booed at the ACC. Normally there are chants of M.V.P and nothing but love. However last night after he blew a dunk attempt the fans let him have it. Some fans are even saying we don't need Bosh and to let him walk in 2010.
That is how crazy it is getting. Chris Bosh even though he has struggled since the firing of Sam Mitchell is the best player the Raptors have by a wide margin. He had an unreal first month of his season. He had high expectations for this season as well. The reality of those expectations not being met could be catching up to Chris Bosh. The talk of what he will do in 2010 and comments made by Jalen Rose, Kevin Garnett and others is not helping. The million dollar question is does Chris Bosh still have faith in Bryan Colangelo and the Raptors. How is all this losing and the failure of this roster impacting on that. This is not the season that Chris Bosh had forecast for himself. It started the right way for him as an individual but the team after that 3-0 start has just gone south. Raptor fans based out of fear are worried that Bosh will go the way of Damon Stoudamire, Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter. I have never seen Bosh has that type of person. He wants to win though and he cares deeply about it. However he has said in the past that he wants to be part of the solution in making things work in Toronto. However he can not do it alone and can the Raptors find someone who can help him carry that load.
T.J Ford was suppose to be the guy that would help in that. The two Texas based stars were all smiles at first looking to build a long relationship that would lead the Raptors to success. Jose Calderon would end up being the reason that was not going to happen. Not that Jose did anything wrong he just got a lot better and challenged T.J for being a starter on this team. So the second try at bringing help for Bosh would be Jermaine O'Neal. However this marriage early on has not got off to a great start. J.O has battled to get back to be being healthy and play at a top level. There have been few nights when both he and Bosh have been good at the same time. Even in those brief times the rest of team as not always been there to support them. It is to early to say that this is not going to work. However the fact there is a rumour that a J.O for Shawn Marion swap has been out there makes you wonder. I am not sure how things have worked out with Bosh and O'Neal. There is no visible sign that the two do not get along. They have battled to find a way to work together on the floor. It has been a major adjustment for both.
This is the question for Bryan Colangelo. How do you help Chris Bosh now and still be able to help build a team around him and have the money to resign him in 2010? Colangelo gambled big time when he made the trade for O'Neal and the hope was he could find a way to build a bench out of the scraps he had left over after bringing in J.O's big contract and resigning Jose Calderon to a big deal. It just has not worked out and by firing Sam Mitchell he has put the spotlight on him. He needs to find a way to make this roster better and fast. This team is sinking fast and a mood for change in the fan base was not going to be met with just the firing of Sam Mitchell and hiring of Jay Triano. Colangelo is expected to make some kind of magic happen and make a trade that can fix this. It is not easy at the top and no one maybe be more disappointed at this point than Colangelo himself.
To give you some small form of hope for the future. Roko Ukic is showing signs of improvement and finally Nathan Jawai has been cleared and can start down the path to building his NBA career. The problem is that both of those things do nothing for the short term out look for this Raptor team. Triano even admitted that Jawai to his best guess may take a month to be actually ready to play a game. The Raptors will play next the Oklahoma City Thunder in the next game. That is a team that is truly in brutal shape. It is a chance for the Raptors to get a win and get that feeling back. However a loss and this season could truly go off the cliff. Even with a win the next game on the next night is against the Spurs who now have a healthy squad and are doing what the Spurs do. Quietly going about their business and winning games. They are always a tough team to play at home. The Raptors need to take advantage of a number of weak opponents on this road swing. If the Raptors can not pull off better than .500 on this trip they will be in pretty bad shape heading into the New Year.
So if you are looking for holiday cheer from the Raptors you may not find much. Beyond Jack Armstrong singing a Christmas tune you will not find much holiday cheer in Raptorland these days. The Raptors will have a lot of work to do in 2009 no matter what happens the rest of this year.
But some of the things going wrong have nothing to do with systems or anything that advanced. Rebounding is basically, if you ask most basketball people a question of just simple desire. This team has not had that desire and has got beat badly on the boards, and given up many key second chances to other teams. I am sure teams keep this stat, but I am not sure where you would find it. But I am guessing that the Raptors defense on the first attempts of the teams they match-up against is pretty good. It is those second and in some cases third chances that are killing the Raptors. The other problem is the long droughts they have on offense and this team just continues to fire shots when it is clear that they need to be taking the ball to the basket and getting to the line. That is one of the things this Raptor team actually does very well. But you can't take advantage of a strength if you never use it. Jose Calderon is on a record streak to start the season for making free throws but you need to get to the line more to make that impact on the Raptors in a meaningful way.
I think at the heart of the frustration is the fact this team shows signs of being good. Last night the Raptors stormed out to a 12 point lead. We have seen this team build big leads against even the Boston Celtics. However they just can not find a way to hold these leads. Being honest who honestly thought we would beat the Mavericks last night? I am thinking not to many. But because the Raptors built up a lead it gave you reason to be hopeful. That hope gets crushed as fast as that lead fades away. Watching the Raptors can be like watching the stock market lately. When they go down at least it isn't costing you money. Well if you were not among those that bought tickets at the ACC. When is the last time you can remember Chris Bosh being booed at the ACC. Normally there are chants of M.V.P and nothing but love. However last night after he blew a dunk attempt the fans let him have it. Some fans are even saying we don't need Bosh and to let him walk in 2010.
That is how crazy it is getting. Chris Bosh even though he has struggled since the firing of Sam Mitchell is the best player the Raptors have by a wide margin. He had an unreal first month of his season. He had high expectations for this season as well. The reality of those expectations not being met could be catching up to Chris Bosh. The talk of what he will do in 2010 and comments made by Jalen Rose, Kevin Garnett and others is not helping. The million dollar question is does Chris Bosh still have faith in Bryan Colangelo and the Raptors. How is all this losing and the failure of this roster impacting on that. This is not the season that Chris Bosh had forecast for himself. It started the right way for him as an individual but the team after that 3-0 start has just gone south. Raptor fans based out of fear are worried that Bosh will go the way of Damon Stoudamire, Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter. I have never seen Bosh has that type of person. He wants to win though and he cares deeply about it. However he has said in the past that he wants to be part of the solution in making things work in Toronto. However he can not do it alone and can the Raptors find someone who can help him carry that load.
T.J Ford was suppose to be the guy that would help in that. The two Texas based stars were all smiles at first looking to build a long relationship that would lead the Raptors to success. Jose Calderon would end up being the reason that was not going to happen. Not that Jose did anything wrong he just got a lot better and challenged T.J for being a starter on this team. So the second try at bringing help for Bosh would be Jermaine O'Neal. However this marriage early on has not got off to a great start. J.O has battled to get back to be being healthy and play at a top level. There have been few nights when both he and Bosh have been good at the same time. Even in those brief times the rest of team as not always been there to support them. It is to early to say that this is not going to work. However the fact there is a rumour that a J.O for Shawn Marion swap has been out there makes you wonder. I am not sure how things have worked out with Bosh and O'Neal. There is no visible sign that the two do not get along. They have battled to find a way to work together on the floor. It has been a major adjustment for both.
This is the question for Bryan Colangelo. How do you help Chris Bosh now and still be able to help build a team around him and have the money to resign him in 2010? Colangelo gambled big time when he made the trade for O'Neal and the hope was he could find a way to build a bench out of the scraps he had left over after bringing in J.O's big contract and resigning Jose Calderon to a big deal. It just has not worked out and by firing Sam Mitchell he has put the spotlight on him. He needs to find a way to make this roster better and fast. This team is sinking fast and a mood for change in the fan base was not going to be met with just the firing of Sam Mitchell and hiring of Jay Triano. Colangelo is expected to make some kind of magic happen and make a trade that can fix this. It is not easy at the top and no one maybe be more disappointed at this point than Colangelo himself.
To give you some small form of hope for the future. Roko Ukic is showing signs of improvement and finally Nathan Jawai has been cleared and can start down the path to building his NBA career. The problem is that both of those things do nothing for the short term out look for this Raptor team. Triano even admitted that Jawai to his best guess may take a month to be actually ready to play a game. The Raptors will play next the Oklahoma City Thunder in the next game. That is a team that is truly in brutal shape. It is a chance for the Raptors to get a win and get that feeling back. However a loss and this season could truly go off the cliff. Even with a win the next game on the next night is against the Spurs who now have a healthy squad and are doing what the Spurs do. Quietly going about their business and winning games. They are always a tough team to play at home. The Raptors need to take advantage of a number of weak opponents on this road swing. If the Raptors can not pull off better than .500 on this trip they will be in pretty bad shape heading into the New Year.
So if you are looking for holiday cheer from the Raptors you may not find much. Beyond Jack Armstrong singing a Christmas tune you will not find much holiday cheer in Raptorland these days. The Raptors will have a lot of work to do in 2009 no matter what happens the rest of this year.
11/13/08
The NBA 2010 Arms Race
It has been a while since the Dino Nation Blog has done anything on the NBA as a whole. But with the break in the schedule it gives me time to talk about something that has been a major topic in everything to do with the NBA. The year 2010 is the talk around every basketball chat or blog you can find. In one way or the other it is all about 2010 and the guy in the picture above is at the heart of that. Where will Lebron James be in 2010 is anyone's guess and I am not going to tell you I have the answer. But that being said I don't think anyone knows maybe not even James himself. But that has not stopped teams from loading up a ton of cap space to make their bid in the Lebron James Sweepstakes. The consolation prizes in this lottery would be Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. But I sit here and ask myself a few questions. Some I know the answers to and others I don't. So I will go through some of the questions mixed in with my thoughts.The first question is why the heck are we talking about 2010 in 2008? Is that not just making this season and next season mean less. I know the answer to this one though. Fans have become knowledgeable to the point that they are more aware. Websites like Real G.M and all the media coverage and even blogs like this give fans a wealth of information. When a trade is made the cap applications are always part of the story and in some cases a bigger story than the player in the deal. I mean how must it feel for a guy like say, Rasho Nesterovic who knows he was traded for, as much because of his contract as he is for his play. It can't be a good feeling. But in a sense all players have become defined by the contract number they have as much the stats they produce. Any guy that has a contract that runs out in 2010 instantly has more value to a team based on the free agent class that is expected to be. It has become an arms race and the fans are as much a part of that race as the teams and the media have become.
The other question that makes you think is have teams got a split focus? Can that have a negative impact on some good teams now? Take the Raptors and Pistons as an example. The Raptors bring in Jermaine O'Neal and the Pistons bring in Allen Iverson. Both are risky moves for each club that could pay off in the short term and if they don't they have a lot of cap space saved up. The Pistons think they have a legit shot at Lebron James and the Raptors need to protect Chris Bosh to make sure he will be back and have enough money to maybe be in the hunt for a great second option. But what happens if the moves don't work and both J.O and A.I do not prove to be successful. Really does it matter for Joe Dumars and Bryan Colangelo? Is 2010 more important than the next two seasons? I think to a degree they think it is. What is it going to mean for the Pistons next year? Do they just keep all that cap space and wait for the King to come to Detroit? If the Raptors can't make what they are doing work does that hurt the chances of Bosh to come back? You also have teams that are not as good like the Knicks and Nets looking to get in on James sweepstakes. They are already bad and will take the next 2 years to see who is worthy to remain to be teamed with Lebron James.
All of this is the crazy NBA we are living in right now. The chase for a Championship may be alive in a few cities. But the chase for Lebron James is almost as big a race and as important for some teams. There is also that slim chance the King James say no to everyone and yes to Europe. After all the James goal is to be a billion dollar athlete and with the new Obama tax plan it will be tougher to do. As a total side bar note the King was out campaigning for Obama in Ohio which Obama won on election night. But more taxes mean that Lebron needs to get paid. But regardless of where James lands what happens to the teams that miss the mark? They will turn attention to Bosh and Wade. But if they are gone what happens? I mentioned just 4 teams with cap room but you can bet there is going to be more teams getting into this game. There is going to be a lot of money out there and some teams are not going to land the major prizes. What will they do with that extra cash? In these tough economic times do they just pocket the extra cash and save it for a rainy day? Those are questions worth asking as well.
It really has to make you wonder what the NBA is going to look like in 2010. If you are fans in Cleveland, Miami and Toronto are you not pissed that everyone is talking about having your superstar in 2010? Well they are kinda of talking about it if they are connected to a franchise. God forbid anybody say what is fairly obvious. That is tampering according to the NBA. But fans are not having to worry about tampering charges in the comments they are making on boards and blogs across the league. They all are a buzz for 2010. They are all excited or angry at the thought that they may or may not get Lebron James. We never had all of this drama with a Michael Jordon, Larry Bird or Magic Johnson. Which the exception of M.J's final run with the Wizards these players all stayed with the franchises the won titles with. Bulls, Celtics and Lakers go hand and hand with Jordan, Bird and Magic. Do the new school stars like James, Bosh and Wade care about that kind of thing. Loyalty in the modern sports world is a rare thing.
I don't think we find out these answers for a long time to come. It creates a really weird dynamic for the next few years. I sometimes think I am the only person who does not want to hear about 2010. I almost feel like it is Y2K and it is all this hype that leads to nothing. I mean no one is saying this but if James,Bosh and Wade all stay put and don't go anywhere it would kind of be like Y2K. The fact is that from a money perspective the teams they now are playing for will have the advantage in what they can offer from a pure cash perspective. Well they do against their fellow NBA clubs. If some European team wants to offer an insane contract they don't have a cap and do not have to follow the CBA of the NBA.
The other thing this likely helps the chances of the Celtics and Lakers have a better chance at taking advantage of people loading up on cap space and just hoping it works in the short term. This makes the road to the finals a little easier for these teams each time on of these risky cap type moves is made. That is if they don't work out. But if they do it is of double concern for these teams. A Pistons team that has A.I for a couple years and after that gets Lebron James. The NBA will never admit to it but they hope that LBJ ends up in New York to save the Knicks. The Knicks being better is always a good thing for the NBA just like it was to have a Lakers and Celtics Final. I don't think I am saying anything that everyone does not think already. Being good in large media markets is just good for business. Economics being such as they are today the NBA needs to work a bit harder to get those ad dollars and big money T.V, Radio and Internet dollars. All sports will have too.
So with all this talk of 2010 you need to understand that a lot of things can change in 2 years. Some that are far beyond the control of any team and even the league itself. Besides all of that there are two chance to go visit the White House and meet the President. Maybe even shoot a few hoops with him. That is what the focus should be. Who is going to win it all in the next 2 seasons. But this arms race is growing a life of it's own. But for me it is still all about who gets the ring and not who gets the King. I am tired of hearing about 2010 as much as I was about Y2K. In the end the calender turns to fast already in my view. I want to enjoy every second before 2010 and I am willing to start talking about it when it is closer to being the reality. But that is a long way off and so many things can happen both good and bad before we get to that point. So enjoy the moment and worry about 2010 when it is here. Besides it seems clear the NBA G.M's in the league are already worrying or planning for it already so no need for us fans to lose sleep over it. Even the ones in Toronto, Miami and of course Cleveland.
Only question I have left is what are your thoughts on 2010? Are you excited and can't get enough talk about? Or like me have you had enough of the talk and just want to focus on the game right now?
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