To be a basketball fan in Canada in pretty much being a social minority. I feel like demanding for rights and the whole 9 yards. Can you ever in your wildest dreams imagine the Raptors first pre-season game being broadcast on main stream T.V? Even playing Steve Nash isn't going to make that happen. Yet the stupid Leafs play the Sens on the main network on Sportsnet? This is really encouraging that these idiots are back in the basketball biz isn't it? If a Leaf gets a paper cut can we assume that Raptors will be moved to Sportsnet 1? Which I like a bunch of people don't get. Yes it is TSN 2 deja vu all over again. There are a lot of conflicted interests when the people that own the hockey team also own the basketball team.
If we are correct in assuming the Raptors will struggle this year, then it becomes important that you keep your fan based engaged. Well that is hard to do when over half your games are buried on secondary cable networks. While these networks claim they are giving sports fans more. What they actually are doing is creating a class system for sports and allowing the monster that is hockey coverage to grow.
Raptors on all levels will need to build bridges and not burn them this season. No matter how hard they work it is likely that we see a dip in attendance. If the losing happens that is expected there is nothing you can do. Unlike the Leafs, in terms of basketball, the fans will not show if the team isn't winning. Letting the product get buried is not a good idea. People find other things to do these days. It is becoming harder and harder to get people to come out to games. I am not sure that having you product hidden away on obscure channels is the answer. Ask the NHL how that whole VERSUS. thing works for their product in the U.S.
I grow frustrated and tired with the broadcasters of this country. They have no vision or plan other than to expand on the only thing they know that sells which is hockey. It is pretty sad and even more sad is people watch the stuff. It is hard to be a fan of a sport not called hockey in this country.
Tomorrow will try this chat thing again and maybe will try an earlier time? How about 4pm? See you then. DNB CHAT OVER ON THE RIGHT>>>
9/22/10
9/21/10
"Jiggly Bits"
I have heard it all. From the naysayers and eternal Raptors' optimists, I think we've covered every camp from 'they look like a second year expansion team' to 'Don't worry, Davis. It's only 6 weeks'. Whatever camp you belong to, please do me one favour. Don't get your hopes up. There are pockets of Raptors greatness to get excited about this season but don't fall into the trap most die hard Leaf fans do. We can't expect DeMar DeRozen to pick up after Chris Bosh, though we would all like to see him have a great season. If you honestly think the Raptors are going to make the playoffs this year, you need to book an express train back to reality. You can't expect a team who struggled last year to take you to the promise land. With training camp starting soon, let's take one game at a time and build on it. With all the things going wrong with this club, the Toronto Raptors need support from everywhere, especially its fans. But if they don't start moving past the 'pockets', fans will set up camp elsewhere. Let's talk about the NBA's 'Power of Immunity', another Davis in the headlines and Ron Artest throwing his championship ring at a good cause.
Unloading and Reloading
Let's pretend DeMar DeRozan, Andrea Bargnani and even Ed Davis proves to be everything the Raptors need and more. It won't matter because a little thing called the Traded Player Exception will hang over this, meaning it could make the Raptors' situation better or worse. Allow me to explain. When Bosh went to Miami, the Raptors got a bargaining chip worth $14.5 million and has about a year to use it. This means the Raptors can get salaries from other teams up to the face value of the exemption without sending any players or salaries back to match. But with this $14.5 million, there are some NBA salaries that are too big to be taken on by the team because then any NBA player could be signed on without any sacrifices being made. For example, look at what Utah and Minnesota did this summer. Al Jefferson was sent to Utah so he could replace Carlos Boozer. So Utah is all happy to get a 20-10 power forward to replace an out-going 20-10 power forward and Minnesota is happy to dump $13 million from the Timberwolves' books this season - AND a cool $32-million over the course of the rest of his three year deal I might add. So now, Utah can look forward to a possible Western Conference final. The Raptors can make a move like this one at any time this season but making sure they do it before the trade deadline. I know - this is all enough to make your head spin but things we need to think about going into this season.
Artest at his Best
I know he got knocked for it but I think it was cool Ron Artest thanked his psychiatrist for relaxing him during last year's playoffs. It takes a pretty strong person to admit they are seeking professional help and the fact that Ron Artest did it on a national stage will certainly help lift the stigma. But he wants to do more. He wants to give his championship ring away and not just to the highest bidder, either. He has had some celebrities and investors offer him some serious cash but he wants to raffle it off so that an everyday fan can have a chance to own it. The price of these raffle tickets? Between one and three dollars. All the proceeds from the sale of the ring will go to programs helping families and kids with mental health issues. He took advantage of a program when he was 13 years old but funding for the program was dropped so he never saw it through. He is even helping push for the passage of a Mental Health in Schools Act which would support funding for schools across the U.S. to set up mental health programs for students. He's still looking for investment partners but he wanted to make sure the fans were taken care of. For someone who sometimes comes across as from another planet, he brings us down to earth with a project like this one. Kudos to Artest.
Davis wins an Emmy?
So another Davis is making headlines in the NBA lately. This time it is Baron Davis of the Los Angeles Clippers. Next Monday, the Emmy awards for news and documentaries are handed out in New York City. Why should this be associated with a point guard from L.A.? Well, it just so happens Baron Davis served as executive producer of "Crips and Bloods: Made in America" which is up for best documentary. His money and expertise went into it as he escaped from the world the documentary describes - through basketball. The documentary focuses on the root causes of gang life and why some kids choose this life. I want to see it just for the narration alone. Academy Award winner Forrest Whitaker lends his voice to the piece and it includes interviews from actual gang members and NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown since he works with inner-city kids. Davis has also started a production company called Verso Entertainment and hopes there are more documentaries to come. So now there's two more NBAers looking past the end of their careers. Just wonder who's company will make more of a name for itself - Steve Nash's or Baron Davis? Time will only tell.
Good News for Paul Allen
This guy has fought the good fight with cancer. Portland Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma last November. Twenty years ago, he also battled another cancer Hodgkin's Lymphoma. But now, he said on the team's official website his follow-up cancer test came out clean. His secret? He said attending basketball games helped take his mind off of his health issues. Basketball saving lives. Love it.
Basketball Beyond the Floor
Be sure to tune in this Thursday for Basketball Beyond the Floor when we discuss Rick Pitino's Rebound Rules: The Art of Success 2.0. Until then, happy reading.
Unloading and Reloading
Let's pretend DeMar DeRozan, Andrea Bargnani and even Ed Davis proves to be everything the Raptors need and more. It won't matter because a little thing called the Traded Player Exception will hang over this, meaning it could make the Raptors' situation better or worse. Allow me to explain. When Bosh went to Miami, the Raptors got a bargaining chip worth $14.5 million and has about a year to use it. This means the Raptors can get salaries from other teams up to the face value of the exemption without sending any players or salaries back to match. But with this $14.5 million, there are some NBA salaries that are too big to be taken on by the team because then any NBA player could be signed on without any sacrifices being made. For example, look at what Utah and Minnesota did this summer. Al Jefferson was sent to Utah so he could replace Carlos Boozer. So Utah is all happy to get a 20-10 power forward to replace an out-going 20-10 power forward and Minnesota is happy to dump $13 million from the Timberwolves' books this season - AND a cool $32-million over the course of the rest of his three year deal I might add. So now, Utah can look forward to a possible Western Conference final. The Raptors can make a move like this one at any time this season but making sure they do it before the trade deadline. I know - this is all enough to make your head spin but things we need to think about going into this season.
Artest at his Best
I know he got knocked for it but I think it was cool Ron Artest thanked his psychiatrist for relaxing him during last year's playoffs. It takes a pretty strong person to admit they are seeking professional help and the fact that Ron Artest did it on a national stage will certainly help lift the stigma. But he wants to do more. He wants to give his championship ring away and not just to the highest bidder, either. He has had some celebrities and investors offer him some serious cash but he wants to raffle it off so that an everyday fan can have a chance to own it. The price of these raffle tickets? Between one and three dollars. All the proceeds from the sale of the ring will go to programs helping families and kids with mental health issues. He took advantage of a program when he was 13 years old but funding for the program was dropped so he never saw it through. He is even helping push for the passage of a Mental Health in Schools Act which would support funding for schools across the U.S. to set up mental health programs for students. He's still looking for investment partners but he wanted to make sure the fans were taken care of. For someone who sometimes comes across as from another planet, he brings us down to earth with a project like this one. Kudos to Artest.
Davis wins an Emmy?
So another Davis is making headlines in the NBA lately. This time it is Baron Davis of the Los Angeles Clippers. Next Monday, the Emmy awards for news and documentaries are handed out in New York City. Why should this be associated with a point guard from L.A.? Well, it just so happens Baron Davis served as executive producer of "Crips and Bloods: Made in America" which is up for best documentary. His money and expertise went into it as he escaped from the world the documentary describes - through basketball. The documentary focuses on the root causes of gang life and why some kids choose this life. I want to see it just for the narration alone. Academy Award winner Forrest Whitaker lends his voice to the piece and it includes interviews from actual gang members and NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown since he works with inner-city kids. Davis has also started a production company called Verso Entertainment and hopes there are more documentaries to come. So now there's two more NBAers looking past the end of their careers. Just wonder who's company will make more of a name for itself - Steve Nash's or Baron Davis? Time will only tell.
Good News for Paul Allen
This guy has fought the good fight with cancer. Portland Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma last November. Twenty years ago, he also battled another cancer Hodgkin's Lymphoma. But now, he said on the team's official website his follow-up cancer test came out clean. His secret? He said attending basketball games helped take his mind off of his health issues. Basketball saving lives. Love it.
Basketball Beyond the Floor
Be sure to tune in this Thursday for Basketball Beyond the Floor when we discuss Rick Pitino's Rebound Rules: The Art of Success 2.0. Until then, happy reading.
9/20/10
Ed Davis Goes Out For Pre-Season and Beyond
Well this is not great news to start a new season. The MRI that was done on Ed Davis revealed a tear in his meniscus. It required surgery that was performed this morning in a Toronto hospital. This will rule the Raptors 13th selection out for training camp, pre-season and most likely the first couple weeks of the season. Normal recovery time for this injury in a minimum 6 weeks.
Needless to say this is a set back in his development and he missed a good part of last season with UNC for an unrelated injury but you have to wonder is this just one of those guys that has bad luck in terms of injuries. See Greg Oden who is the poster boy for this type of thing. While the Raptors have plenty of depth to handle the lose it is more a case of the setback in the development of the rookie.
Paul Marks the Raptors team medical director and orthopaedic surgeon performed the procedure. Raptors will have Media Day a week from today on the 27th and open camp in Toronto for a few days before heading out to camp in Vancouver. It would seem unlikely Davis would make that trip with the team. Just another blow to what has been one of the worst off-seasons in franchise history.
Needless to say this is a set back in his development and he missed a good part of last season with UNC for an unrelated injury but you have to wonder is this just one of those guys that has bad luck in terms of injuries. See Greg Oden who is the poster boy for this type of thing. While the Raptors have plenty of depth to handle the lose it is more a case of the setback in the development of the rookie.
Paul Marks the Raptors team medical director and orthopaedic surgeon performed the procedure. Raptors will have Media Day a week from today on the 27th and open camp in Toronto for a few days before heading out to camp in Vancouver. It would seem unlikely Davis would make that trip with the team. Just another blow to what has been one of the worst off-seasons in franchise history.
Camping In A Week
Believe it or not the Raptors will open up camp in a week. After what I would class as an emotional summer, the reality of life without Chris Bosh begins. The Raptors also start with a couple players injured already. Jose Calderon was expected to recover in time for camp after having to skip the World Championships. Has he? Guess will find out shortly. Then the news that Ed Davis the Raptors first pick was spotted at a Toronto hospital getting a MRI. Yeah that isn't good. Knee issues before you have played your first NBA Game? Lovely. After what happened a couple years ago with Nathan Jawai are the Raptors just unlucky or do they need to be more on ball in terms of medicals on new players. Maybe that is just frustration on my part. But it does make you wonder why teams passed on Davis who was pegged to be selected in the top 10.
I can not recall a season that I had such low expectations. The U.S media has the Raptors dead and buried as a favourite to win the Draft Lottery. While I think they are low balling the Raptors slightly, they still are in the right neighbourhood. Raptors without more moves made to this roster will not be a playoff team. In fact even with moves they may not be enough and they would have to be bold ones.
Speaking of moves what about the guy making them? His future is still very much up in the air. Just 1 year left on his deal and no real idea on his future. Does he want to stay? Do the Raptors want him to stay? Do all of you (Not that you get a vote) want Bryan Colangelo to stay? Also if Colangelo future is in doubt that would mean so would Jay Triano's as well you would have to figure. If this Raptors team struggles as most expect, this will be the big topic of conversation. What becomes of Colangelo and Triano? Safe to say that despite his struggles in Toronto that Bryan Colangelo can easily find another job. The job with the New York Knicks could be there for the taking. It is funny how things have changed. When Colangelo first arrived he was like a saviour for this franchise and yet now there are many that would not be sorry to see him go. Reminds me of one of my favourite Jack Armstrong expressions "Peacock Today, Feather Duster Tomorrow". I am not even sure Colangelo can dig himself out of this self made pit. Did he totally miscalculate his ability to bring back Chris Bosh? Was he blown out of the water that he could not get a reasonable sign and trade for him? These are things only Bryan knows. But it is safe to say that based on his actions of the summer he is not exactly sending Bosh a Christmas Card.
Camp will be shifting out to the west coast this season. After a few days in Toronto, Raptors will be Vancouver bound. So that rules the DNB out for camp this year. A drive to Vancouver is slightly longer than one to Ottawa. So like all of you I will be watching from a far for camp. It was a great experience being there last year though. If Raptors did camp in say Montreal, I would love to go again. Safe bet they are not returning here to Hamilton for camp anytime soon. Raptors first ever training camp was right here in Copps Coliseum. I doubt anyone on the Raptors had any idea where Hamilton was at the time.
Lots of questions to be answered at this camp and pre-season. Who is the odd man out as Raptors come in with 16? Starting point guard is? Shooting guard? Small forward? Think we know our 4 and 5 is Amir and Andrea? Unlike in years past I am not sure if anything is set in stone. The days of being able to just place people in the starting 5 are over at least for the short term.
I will just be happy when we can establish a team and not be having constant make overs being done. Remember that old expression about team chemistry? Do people still believe in that anymore? Raptors have had little of that in the Colangelo Era. It may not be the best season on the court but the future of this franchise moving forward is going to be dramatically impacted by the results of this season be they good or bad. At least it should.
I can not recall a season that I had such low expectations. The U.S media has the Raptors dead and buried as a favourite to win the Draft Lottery. While I think they are low balling the Raptors slightly, they still are in the right neighbourhood. Raptors without more moves made to this roster will not be a playoff team. In fact even with moves they may not be enough and they would have to be bold ones.
Speaking of moves what about the guy making them? His future is still very much up in the air. Just 1 year left on his deal and no real idea on his future. Does he want to stay? Do the Raptors want him to stay? Do all of you (Not that you get a vote) want Bryan Colangelo to stay? Also if Colangelo future is in doubt that would mean so would Jay Triano's as well you would have to figure. If this Raptors team struggles as most expect, this will be the big topic of conversation. What becomes of Colangelo and Triano? Safe to say that despite his struggles in Toronto that Bryan Colangelo can easily find another job. The job with the New York Knicks could be there for the taking. It is funny how things have changed. When Colangelo first arrived he was like a saviour for this franchise and yet now there are many that would not be sorry to see him go. Reminds me of one of my favourite Jack Armstrong expressions "Peacock Today, Feather Duster Tomorrow". I am not even sure Colangelo can dig himself out of this self made pit. Did he totally miscalculate his ability to bring back Chris Bosh? Was he blown out of the water that he could not get a reasonable sign and trade for him? These are things only Bryan knows. But it is safe to say that based on his actions of the summer he is not exactly sending Bosh a Christmas Card.
Camp will be shifting out to the west coast this season. After a few days in Toronto, Raptors will be Vancouver bound. So that rules the DNB out for camp this year. A drive to Vancouver is slightly longer than one to Ottawa. So like all of you I will be watching from a far for camp. It was a great experience being there last year though. If Raptors did camp in say Montreal, I would love to go again. Safe bet they are not returning here to Hamilton for camp anytime soon. Raptors first ever training camp was right here in Copps Coliseum. I doubt anyone on the Raptors had any idea where Hamilton was at the time.
Lots of questions to be answered at this camp and pre-season. Who is the odd man out as Raptors come in with 16? Starting point guard is? Shooting guard? Small forward? Think we know our 4 and 5 is Amir and Andrea? Unlike in years past I am not sure if anything is set in stone. The days of being able to just place people in the starting 5 are over at least for the short term.
I will just be happy when we can establish a team and not be having constant make overs being done. Remember that old expression about team chemistry? Do people still believe in that anymore? Raptors have had little of that in the Colangelo Era. It may not be the best season on the court but the future of this franchise moving forward is going to be dramatically impacted by the results of this season be they good or bad. At least it should.
9/17/10
Bits and Bites For A Friday
In case you missed it the Raptors announced the signing of Ronald Dupree. If you are one of those dedicated hardcore fans, that name will sound familiar as he was on the Raptors Summer league roster. He is now on the actual roster which stands at 16 as camp is set to open in 10 days. The Raptors will only be able to carry 15 players once the actual season starts so will see if Dupree can actually earn a spot on the roster. There was a lot of talk that Bobby Brown would have got a shot with the Raptors but that was based in Jose Calderon not being a Raptor which he still is.
Obviously signing someone off the summer league roster is not exactly exciting or changes your outlook for the Raptors for this season. In the previews for the upcoming season the projections for the Raptors are truly scary. The lowest number I have seen is 22-60 for the Raptors. That is challenging for the 1st pick in the lottery type stuff. It is epic failure almost to the level of New Jersey Nets like performance.
When you examine the Raptors early schedule it is hard not to see them being below .500 after their first 10 games. They play a lot of good teams early and only soft teams in the first 10 would include the Kings, Knicks and Cavs. So even if they get all 3 of those that is a 3-7 start. They have a 4 game west coast trip in that first ten games that could easily be 0-4 if they do not get a win over the Kings.
It is very hard to be optimistic when you look what lies ahead for the Raptors. I am not convinced yet that they will be the epic type failure like the Nets. That being said they are likely looking like a low 30 wins team and can not see them getting close to the 40 wins of the last season that left them just shy of making the playoffs.
I think it is no secret to anyone that the Raptors to be a playoff team, still would need to make more moves to even be in the hunt. Signing guys from the Summer League roster does do that. It is kind of a strange feeling to be heading into a season with everyone pretty much expecting the worst with a view people holding out hope for the Raptors to surprise.
Normally the start of a Raptors season is something to be excited about. This season, I think it is something that if we all are honest, we fear it. Some how for the people in this organization they need to find a way to believe in where not many outside of it will. the fact there was new buzzing on Twitter that Ed Davis had an MRI is not exactly inspiring. People don't just go have MRI's for the heck of it. Oh well, ready or not the season is coming and it is coming fast.
Have a great weekend and see you all Monday.
Obviously signing someone off the summer league roster is not exactly exciting or changes your outlook for the Raptors for this season. In the previews for the upcoming season the projections for the Raptors are truly scary. The lowest number I have seen is 22-60 for the Raptors. That is challenging for the 1st pick in the lottery type stuff. It is epic failure almost to the level of New Jersey Nets like performance.
When you examine the Raptors early schedule it is hard not to see them being below .500 after their first 10 games. They play a lot of good teams early and only soft teams in the first 10 would include the Kings, Knicks and Cavs. So even if they get all 3 of those that is a 3-7 start. They have a 4 game west coast trip in that first ten games that could easily be 0-4 if they do not get a win over the Kings.
It is very hard to be optimistic when you look what lies ahead for the Raptors. I am not convinced yet that they will be the epic type failure like the Nets. That being said they are likely looking like a low 30 wins team and can not see them getting close to the 40 wins of the last season that left them just shy of making the playoffs.
I think it is no secret to anyone that the Raptors to be a playoff team, still would need to make more moves to even be in the hunt. Signing guys from the Summer League roster does do that. It is kind of a strange feeling to be heading into a season with everyone pretty much expecting the worst with a view people holding out hope for the Raptors to surprise.
Normally the start of a Raptors season is something to be excited about. This season, I think it is something that if we all are honest, we fear it. Some how for the people in this organization they need to find a way to believe in where not many outside of it will. the fact there was new buzzing on Twitter that Ed Davis had an MRI is not exactly inspiring. People don't just go have MRI's for the heck of it. Oh well, ready or not the season is coming and it is coming fast.
Have a great weekend and see you all Monday.
9/16/10
"Basketball Beyond the Floor"
"My proudest times as a coach are those when I recognize that a group of players has become a team, a whole that is truly greater than the sum of its parts" (Mike Krzyzewski in The Gold Standard written with Jamie K. Spatola). If you were paying attention to the 2010 World Basketball Championships this year and wondered, how did Team USA do it? The Gold Standard: Building a World-Class Team is the answer to this question. While it doesn't talk about this year's team, it explains how Duke University Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski took over the Team USA program and brought it to life with some key tools. It certainly helps he was blessed with some serious talent on the squad, too. This is one of the first 'how to' coaching books one can take seriously. Each chapter lays out the layers to building a great team and shares the 'moments' from his coaching career which exemplifies this. Think about it. For the past 30 years, he has been the Head Coach of the Duke University Blue Devils, won 3 NCAA Championships and 12 National Coach of the Year awards. Why wouldn't you listen to what he has to say about coaching? There is so much meat to the book that we can't possibly touch on everything, so let's dig into the highlights.
Take the time
This was the underlying thread which ran through the book. Take the time to choose your people, understand context, gain perspective, form relationships, develop a support system, establish standards, cultivate leadership, learn the language, adapt internally, practice, for self assessment, get motivated and last but not least, game time. This is how he lays out each chapter - a sort of 'good coaching techniques' checklist. One of the first Krzyzewski techniques that stood out for me was the notion of 'selfless service'. Coach Krzyzewski wanted to see if his 2006 Olympians had a capacity to feel at a deeper level than looking out for number one. So he brought in a former player of his, who was a General in the United States Army, Bob Brown and 3 wounded soldiers, to give the players a pep talk: "What makes teams great is the selfless service - It's putting the needs of someone else before yourself. On the basketball court that might be diving for the loose ball or taking a charge. On the battlefield it may be running into a wall of bullets or putting your life on the line for someone". Clearly fighting for your country and fighting for Olympic Basketball gold are two very different things. But the point was made. I agree. It is OK to have an ego and be driven, but the ego cannot be bigger than that of the team.
The 'moment' which exemplified this point was my absolute favourite. Captain Scott Smiley was one of the wounded soldiers and was permanently blinded by a piece of shrapnel in his eye. USA Basketball staff got him a set of earphones which were connected to the lav mics on Dwayne Wade and Gilbert Arenas. With Wade and Arenas doing the play-by-play, Captain Smiley could experience practice. Well, doesn't Dwayne Wade pause to express his pride for wearing the Team USA jersey to Captain Smiley but acknowledges people like the Captain were the real heroes? There are a few players I can think of which need this lesson - to think beyond the end of their nose.
Knowing when to "me" and when to "we"
"The best leadership your team can have is a combination of your strengths and theirs" - Mike Krzyzewski. You may or may not know, as Head Coach of the Duke Men's Basketball program, Krzyzewski recruited Kobe Bryant to come play for him. Had he not decided to got straight to the NBA, Krzyzewski says in the book Kobe would have played his college days with him. This is what I find interesting. Krzyzewski saved an email from Kobe and in it Kobe describes his vision for the Olympic team: "...I think our team should be filled with players who are willing to play for you. Guys who want to be coached so that you can do what you do best with no worries of communication between pro players and college coach". This was my concern back in April of 1989 when FIBA voted to allow pro basketball players to play in international competition or for a national team outside the NBA. Olympic players and coaches are not paid so what is the draw for these players? Some come from teams where they are catered to, so how does a college coach get these guys to listen to him? By getting players with Kobe's mindset to model that type of behaviour. Krzyzewski also touches on this when he talks about adapting within the team: "When leaders make clear their willingness to change, it establishes an environment in which everyone can be comfortable adapting". Again, it is OK to have an ego and be confident in yourself but you can't see yourself as above the team. Let's face it, we all have egos and if someone tells you they or someone else doesn't have one, they are clearly delusional. The idea here is, keep the ego in check.
Throw away the rulebook - sort of.
Instead of a list of rules, Mike Krzyzewski believes in establishing a set of standards. He believes once a group agrees on a set of standards, they unite and become focused to a single purpose. In the book, he lists a set of 20 standards his Duke team needs to live by. Here are the ones which stand out for me:
(3) Confront Immediately - Let nothing linger.
(12) Flexibility - We don't complain.
(17) Unselfishness - We make the extra pass. Our value is not measured in playing time.
(18) We are This Duke team - The time is now - not the past.
#12 and #17 kind of go hand in hand since the one thing you hear players complain about is playing time. However, I am not sure it is OK to be satisfied with, say, 5 minutes of playing time. Sure, you don't complain and realize your contribution might have been helping your team gain possession in the transition let's just say, but I think the 5-minute-a-game player needs to continue to work hard and improve his game to show why he deserves more playing time. More playing time means more time on the floor to become better. Something which can't be accomplished in 5 minutes. But I think this is what Krzyzewski is trying to say: work for more playing time, don't try and complain to get it.
Flick Pick of the Week
See if you can find the made for TV movie "Final Shot: The Hank Gathers Story". It's a true story about a college player named Hank Gathers, who collapsed and died during an NCAA Tournament game. Keeps with the theme of keeping things in perspective.
To follow this week's discussion, I thought we would read Rebound Rules - The Art of Success 2.0 by another NCAA coach, Rick Pitino. You will also know, Rick Pitino was Coach and President of the Boston Celtics. I want to see how this compares to The Gold Standard. I will see you on Tuesday for another serving of Jiggly Bits. So until then, happy reading.
Take the time
This was the underlying thread which ran through the book. Take the time to choose your people, understand context, gain perspective, form relationships, develop a support system, establish standards, cultivate leadership, learn the language, adapt internally, practice, for self assessment, get motivated and last but not least, game time. This is how he lays out each chapter - a sort of 'good coaching techniques' checklist. One of the first Krzyzewski techniques that stood out for me was the notion of 'selfless service'. Coach Krzyzewski wanted to see if his 2006 Olympians had a capacity to feel at a deeper level than looking out for number one. So he brought in a former player of his, who was a General in the United States Army, Bob Brown and 3 wounded soldiers, to give the players a pep talk: "What makes teams great is the selfless service - It's putting the needs of someone else before yourself. On the basketball court that might be diving for the loose ball or taking a charge. On the battlefield it may be running into a wall of bullets or putting your life on the line for someone". Clearly fighting for your country and fighting for Olympic Basketball gold are two very different things. But the point was made. I agree. It is OK to have an ego and be driven, but the ego cannot be bigger than that of the team.
The 'moment' which exemplified this point was my absolute favourite. Captain Scott Smiley was one of the wounded soldiers and was permanently blinded by a piece of shrapnel in his eye. USA Basketball staff got him a set of earphones which were connected to the lav mics on Dwayne Wade and Gilbert Arenas. With Wade and Arenas doing the play-by-play, Captain Smiley could experience practice. Well, doesn't Dwayne Wade pause to express his pride for wearing the Team USA jersey to Captain Smiley but acknowledges people like the Captain were the real heroes? There are a few players I can think of which need this lesson - to think beyond the end of their nose.
Knowing when to "me" and when to "we"
"The best leadership your team can have is a combination of your strengths and theirs" - Mike Krzyzewski. You may or may not know, as Head Coach of the Duke Men's Basketball program, Krzyzewski recruited Kobe Bryant to come play for him. Had he not decided to got straight to the NBA, Krzyzewski says in the book Kobe would have played his college days with him. This is what I find interesting. Krzyzewski saved an email from Kobe and in it Kobe describes his vision for the Olympic team: "...I think our team should be filled with players who are willing to play for you. Guys who want to be coached so that you can do what you do best with no worries of communication between pro players and college coach". This was my concern back in April of 1989 when FIBA voted to allow pro basketball players to play in international competition or for a national team outside the NBA. Olympic players and coaches are not paid so what is the draw for these players? Some come from teams where they are catered to, so how does a college coach get these guys to listen to him? By getting players with Kobe's mindset to model that type of behaviour. Krzyzewski also touches on this when he talks about adapting within the team: "When leaders make clear their willingness to change, it establishes an environment in which everyone can be comfortable adapting". Again, it is OK to have an ego and be confident in yourself but you can't see yourself as above the team. Let's face it, we all have egos and if someone tells you they or someone else doesn't have one, they are clearly delusional. The idea here is, keep the ego in check.
Throw away the rulebook - sort of.
Instead of a list of rules, Mike Krzyzewski believes in establishing a set of standards. He believes once a group agrees on a set of standards, they unite and become focused to a single purpose. In the book, he lists a set of 20 standards his Duke team needs to live by. Here are the ones which stand out for me:
(3) Confront Immediately - Let nothing linger.
(12) Flexibility - We don't complain.
(17) Unselfishness - We make the extra pass. Our value is not measured in playing time.
(18) We are This Duke team - The time is now - not the past.
#12 and #17 kind of go hand in hand since the one thing you hear players complain about is playing time. However, I am not sure it is OK to be satisfied with, say, 5 minutes of playing time. Sure, you don't complain and realize your contribution might have been helping your team gain possession in the transition let's just say, but I think the 5-minute-a-game player needs to continue to work hard and improve his game to show why he deserves more playing time. More playing time means more time on the floor to become better. Something which can't be accomplished in 5 minutes. But I think this is what Krzyzewski is trying to say: work for more playing time, don't try and complain to get it.
Flick Pick of the Week
See if you can find the made for TV movie "Final Shot: The Hank Gathers Story". It's a true story about a college player named Hank Gathers, who collapsed and died during an NCAA Tournament game. Keeps with the theme of keeping things in perspective.
To follow this week's discussion, I thought we would read Rebound Rules - The Art of Success 2.0 by another NCAA coach, Rick Pitino. You will also know, Rick Pitino was Coach and President of the Boston Celtics. I want to see how this compares to The Gold Standard. I will see you on Tuesday for another serving of Jiggly Bits. So until then, happy reading.
9/15/10
Some Keys to Beating Low Expectations
Every season since the Raptors won their Division Title they have come into a season with high expectations. This season is the first time they will enter a season with little to no expectations. The schedule maker has not exactly been kind to them as well. If you can still talk Raptors and playoffs with a straight face in 2011 that would be saying something. All that being said it is all in theory or on paper. The Raptors on paper looked to have a great chance for some when they acquired J.O. On paper they had a Spurs like set of twin towers with Bosh and O'Neil. But in reality they had nothing that reassembled Duncan and Robinson. Last season the Raptors on paper had a clutch performer that could close out games and get wins in Hedo Turkoglu. In reality you had a player getting a big fat contract that was more hungry for Toronto night life than he was basketball. The Hedo you saw at the recent World Championships looked nothing like the Hedo that wore a Raptor Jersey.
So this young group of Raptors have little expectations to live up too. It is more people have a lot of hope that Young Guns and others can step up and surprise. If that is going to happen here is some things that must happen for that to occur.
1. Demar DeRozan must have a break out sophomore season. If he is not playing for the Sophomores in the Rookie Challenge at All Star Weekend something has gone wrong. He had a respectable first season as the 4th or 5th option in the starting line-up for most of the season. This season he has moved up the food chain and should have the chance to score more. He also needs to improve on the other end of the floor and defend better than he did last season.
2. Jarrett Jack must be the clear starting point guard for this team. If he leaves any doubt and Jose Calderon remains part of the fold you could have an ugly point guard controversy the whole season long. Jack must come out and prove he is the best point guard and the easiest way to do that is to play well on the defensive end of the floor. Jose Calderon can be better on offense than Jack but if Jack can defend well that makes him the guy.
3. Amir Johnson must find a way to solve his foul issues. He is aware of the problem obviously as proof he made this funny video.
Seems Johnson got into the funny video game like Bosh. However like Bosh he needs to stay on the floor and produce. He obviously is not going to produce the same offensive numbers but he can bring the same things on defense if not more. That being said he has to be able to stay on the floor to do that. At the end of last year you saw a glimpse of what he can do when he does and it was scary good.
4. Sonny must be money. At this time last year if you are honest you were asking who the heck is Sonny Weems? He came to the Raptors with Amir Johnson and for many was thought to be some throw in. He was far more than that. Improving his range but not abusing it is the biggest thing for Sonny. The odd 3-ball added to the mix can make him even more effective. if he can prove he can make that shot people will not be able to play off him and that means he can take people to the hole and make them pay. Also as with everyone Mr.Weems must be part of the defensive effort. The same jaw dropping athleticism we see on offensive end needs to be seen on defensive end as well.
5. Colangelo needs to be 3 for 3. What are the 3? Barbosa, Klezia and his draft picks. If all contribute and do more then most expect it is a win for Bryan Colangelo. Signs look good based on World Championships. Klezia and Barbosa looked good representing their countries at the Worlds. Unlike Hedo let's hope they do the same for the team paying their checks. If Ed Davis and Solomon Alabi can be part of the rotation that will be great. For that to happen they will need to earn it. Both are going to be counted on for defense and rebounding. That will be how they can help this team the most. Any offense ether provide is a bonus.
6. Andrea Bargnani will be defined by this season. He must prove he can defend and rebound in this league. Andrea also will face the challenge of the occasional double team on offense with no Bosh around. This is something in the past with Bosh injured he has not dealt well with. Colangelo has stuck with Bargnani and not given up on him. If the Raptors are going to be successful Colangelo needs to be rewarded for that faith with a solid season from his 1st overall pick. It will be more about his blocks and boards and less about his points that defines success.
Aside from those six things the Raptors need to be healthy and get off to a good start which will not be easy. The X-Factor in all of this is Colangelo does not seem to be done with this roster. He does have that huge chip of the trade exception from the Bosh sign and trade. How this team performs could impact on how that is used. If it becomes clear this team is going no where it may make the desire to use that exception during this season less desirable. There is also the future of both Colangelo and Triano in question as we enter this season. If the Raptors can exceed expectations it likely paves the way for both to remain. If they don't what that will mean is for the MLSE board to determine.
A reminder that tomorrow night at 7pm we will be having our first official DNB Chat over there on the right>>>.
Show up here on the site then and we will talk Raptors, NBA or whatever you like with in reason. This will be a weekly occurrence from now on. The time might be subject to change but at least till the season starts we will keep it at 7pm. Hope to see a bunch of you come out and be a part of the chat. I have always considered it a privilege for me to get to know as many of you that read the blog as humanly possible.
So this young group of Raptors have little expectations to live up too. It is more people have a lot of hope that Young Guns and others can step up and surprise. If that is going to happen here is some things that must happen for that to occur.
1. Demar DeRozan must have a break out sophomore season. If he is not playing for the Sophomores in the Rookie Challenge at All Star Weekend something has gone wrong. He had a respectable first season as the 4th or 5th option in the starting line-up for most of the season. This season he has moved up the food chain and should have the chance to score more. He also needs to improve on the other end of the floor and defend better than he did last season.
2. Jarrett Jack must be the clear starting point guard for this team. If he leaves any doubt and Jose Calderon remains part of the fold you could have an ugly point guard controversy the whole season long. Jack must come out and prove he is the best point guard and the easiest way to do that is to play well on the defensive end of the floor. Jose Calderon can be better on offense than Jack but if Jack can defend well that makes him the guy.
3. Amir Johnson must find a way to solve his foul issues. He is aware of the problem obviously as proof he made this funny video.
Seems Johnson got into the funny video game like Bosh. However like Bosh he needs to stay on the floor and produce. He obviously is not going to produce the same offensive numbers but he can bring the same things on defense if not more. That being said he has to be able to stay on the floor to do that. At the end of last year you saw a glimpse of what he can do when he does and it was scary good.
4. Sonny must be money. At this time last year if you are honest you were asking who the heck is Sonny Weems? He came to the Raptors with Amir Johnson and for many was thought to be some throw in. He was far more than that. Improving his range but not abusing it is the biggest thing for Sonny. The odd 3-ball added to the mix can make him even more effective. if he can prove he can make that shot people will not be able to play off him and that means he can take people to the hole and make them pay. Also as with everyone Mr.Weems must be part of the defensive effort. The same jaw dropping athleticism we see on offensive end needs to be seen on defensive end as well.
5. Colangelo needs to be 3 for 3. What are the 3? Barbosa, Klezia and his draft picks. If all contribute and do more then most expect it is a win for Bryan Colangelo. Signs look good based on World Championships. Klezia and Barbosa looked good representing their countries at the Worlds. Unlike Hedo let's hope they do the same for the team paying their checks. If Ed Davis and Solomon Alabi can be part of the rotation that will be great. For that to happen they will need to earn it. Both are going to be counted on for defense and rebounding. That will be how they can help this team the most. Any offense ether provide is a bonus.
6. Andrea Bargnani will be defined by this season. He must prove he can defend and rebound in this league. Andrea also will face the challenge of the occasional double team on offense with no Bosh around. This is something in the past with Bosh injured he has not dealt well with. Colangelo has stuck with Bargnani and not given up on him. If the Raptors are going to be successful Colangelo needs to be rewarded for that faith with a solid season from his 1st overall pick. It will be more about his blocks and boards and less about his points that defines success.
Aside from those six things the Raptors need to be healthy and get off to a good start which will not be easy. The X-Factor in all of this is Colangelo does not seem to be done with this roster. He does have that huge chip of the trade exception from the Bosh sign and trade. How this team performs could impact on how that is used. If it becomes clear this team is going no where it may make the desire to use that exception during this season less desirable. There is also the future of both Colangelo and Triano in question as we enter this season. If the Raptors can exceed expectations it likely paves the way for both to remain. If they don't what that will mean is for the MLSE board to determine.
A reminder that tomorrow night at 7pm we will be having our first official DNB Chat over there on the right>>>.
Show up here on the site then and we will talk Raptors, NBA or whatever you like with in reason. This will be a weekly occurrence from now on. The time might be subject to change but at least till the season starts we will keep it at 7pm. Hope to see a bunch of you come out and be a part of the chat. I have always considered it a privilege for me to get to know as many of you that read the blog as humanly possible.
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