Latest news with #YeOldeMailbag
Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Raptors mailbag: Trade RJ Barrett or Immanuel Quickley? What are expectations for Toronto next season?
A bit miffed that the Knicks haven't called Mother Star for permission to talk to me about the coaching opening, but then again I don't know what the answer would be. I do know it's a big part of Ye Olde Mailbag this weekend, so enjoy. Oh, and be nice to be your dad today (you listening, Super Son?) and let him enjoy Father's Day in whichever manner he wants. I saw where Rogers had been approved by the five leagues that it is involved in as a part owner of MLSE to up its stake to 75 per cent, basically just a rubber-stamping process as no league is going to refuse them in upping their stake. My question, or rather confusion, lies in Larry Tanenbaum's 25 per cent stake. I have heard for a while now that his stake can be acquired by MLSE in 2026. This would make Rogers the sole owner of MLSE. Is this a done deal? Is it a given that Larry will sell his stake? Does he have a choice? Although I don't see why he wouldn't, as MLSE has morphed away from him being really the face of the corporation and he has his new venture in the WNBA. My question is: Is his stake definitely going to be sold in 2026, or what are the factors behind it in terms of MLSE acquiring it? Thanks and have a great day. —Doug B. In deep trouble at times Friday night, the Thunder reduced the Finals to a best-of-three heading back to Oklahoma City on Monday night. In deep trouble at times Friday night, the Thunder reduced the Finals to a best-of-three heading back to Oklahoma City on Monday night. Rogers has the rights to obtain Tanenbaum's 20 per cent — he had sold five per cent earlier — this year under the original terms of partnership. It's expected that it will be, but nothing in business at that level is done until it's done and it's not done, so this will be an interesting boardroom story to follow. Good afternoon, Doug. I have really enjoyed the playoffs this year. The basketball has been good, and the series have been reasonably competitive. Has there been a year that you felt the playoffs as a whole were below par? Which NBA Finals series did you enjoy the least? And to end on a positive note, which year's NBA Finals did you enjoy the most? —A.J. Falconer in Burlington In recent vintages, I seem to recall the overall tone of the 2013 playoffs were only saved by an epic Spurs-Heat final; the rest of the playoffs were pretty bad. So maybe that covers off both aspects? I don't listen to his podcast, but I seem to read an awful lot of what he said. Do you have an opinion of Bill Simmons? —Paul M. I really don't. He's not someone I pay any attention to. He's certainly a good success story, having become this giant from a humble start as a one-trick pony Boston Sports Guy, and he has created journalism jobs as a boss, but I don't put any weight on his opinions or his weight in the sports and entertainment culture world. Hi, Mr. Smith. Been a while since I asked a question here, but I am getting excited about the upcoming season and step forward that I hope the Raptors are healthy enough to take this year. That being said, it has been often discussed that they have many duplicate pieces. How many players do you feel could make up a team that can challenge in the playoffs? Is Immanuel Quickley a starting-calibre point guard or better suited as a two? With the glut of two-threes that they have, which or how many can be in a quality playoff team? —Niagara Nick The roster as constructed right now should be a playoff team. Once you get there, it's health, matchups, hot hands and good luck that determine mainly who advances. Yeah, I'd say he's a starting quality point guard, not an all-star but certainly good enough to start in a post-season series. As for how many two-threes? I think you need probably four guards, three wings — or let's say five smalls and three or four bigs — to comprise a good roster. And give my best to Niagara. I gotta get back there soon and see if any of the old haunts are still haunting the place. Or discover some new ones. Hi, Doug. Can't complain about the playoffs being boring! Both NBA and NHL finals are competitive to say the least. Oh, the late nights and early-morning work hours mean pre-game naps for me! Some questions: 1) Many articles suggest that if the Raptors are involved in any trades, RJ Barrett is a target. No offence, but why not Immanuel Quickley? Similar age and contract, or is there less of a market for guards (mentioned Jakob Poeltl a lot, too). I automatically disregard any multiple-team trade rumour where the Raptors are the only team that benefits and someone demands a third of our roster and/or every draft pick for the next four to six years! 2) Tyrese Haliburton and SGA were both acquired by their respective teams in the first couple of years in the league by trading an all-star player. Should this be the model for team building? Or was this just two examples of savvy GMs pulling off a heist? 3) How likely is Dr. Alex McKechnie to manage another Kawhi Leonard-like recovery in the case of Brandon Ingram ? Getting back to potential trades, wouldn't it be wiser to see how well the healthy roster works together before making any moves (assuming no crazy offers too good to pass up are made!)? In this week's mailbag, Doug Smith takes questions on potential Raptors trades, the NBA Finals, Bobby Webster, the G League and much more. In this week's mailbag, Doug Smith takes questions on potential Raptors trades, the NBA Finals, Bobby Webster, the G League and much more. 4) Another draft question. Yes, the draft is largely a crapshoot, but as interest in Khaman Malauch grows, the odds of him being around for the Raptors may fall. Would it be so terrible to pick a player maybe an inch shorter with a similar wingspan? Also, based on last year, it looks like management prefers fourth- or fifth-year players rather than freshmen. Thoughts? It's sad that the team losing the championship will wonder what they need to fix when the truth is, with luck, they are essentially good enough! Thanks for keeping us going until next season! —Bernie M. The general theory I'm hearing about RJ being bandied about is that his contract, while a bit more expensive per year, has two fewer seasons left than Quickley's and that makes him a more interesting asset to discuss. And the larger value might make it easier for money to fit in a big deal. Doesn't mean it's why they want to deal him, it's that the fit is better. Big trades, like the ones that got Haliburton to Indy and SGA to OKC, are always just parts of the team-building process. And as much as we think now the Pacers and Thunder fleeced the Kings and Clippers, both Sacramento and Los Angeles firmly believed they were making deals to improve at the time. It just didn't work out. I don't know if Alex and the team's medical staff will make magic with Ingram, but their history suggests they will and it's part of the reason the Raptors pulled the trigger. They have faith in their staff. And yes, all things considered you'd want to see if things work before pulling off a big deal, but you have to strike when the opportunity arrives, if it does, and what's possible today is unlikely to be available in, say, next February. Yes, the draft is a crapshoot, no question. But it's not inches as much as it is overall skill set that will determine who gets taken. The four-year college 'vets' have generally come later in the draft and it's a conscious decision by management at that point. I don't think it should come into play with a top-10 selection. Hey, Doug. Hope you are enjoying the longer days and transition into the summer months. The warmth and sunshine just seem to change about everything for me. The firing of the head coaches for the New York Knicks (NBA) and Dallas Stars (NHL) after reaching conference finals has me scratching my head. Highly successful seasons, or in the Stars example multiple seasons. But clearly my definition of success and those organizations' definition are different. It seems the standard is now: win it all or you will be gone. Tom Thibodeau took the Knicks to a place they haven't been in a long while. One might think that's a good thing. Apparently not. What are your thoughts on this? Was the assumption that the Knicks advanced despite the coach, rather than because of him? Is there a lack of accountability by the GMs of these organizations for the roster? In other words, I gave you a championship roster, so you should have won a championship! It's not me, it's you. The Knicks and the Stars were right there. So close to getting to the finals. A play here, a bounce there and they're through. Now, a new coach, new system, etc., one could argue there is a higher likelihood you are worse next year rather than better, given how difficult it is to get to the conference finals. I don't get it. I know winning a lot of games for years on end, without getting to the ultimate goal, will cause reflection and perhaps change and rightly so (hello, Leafs ). I've just always felt that coaches get too much credit and too much blame, and the players on the court/ice ultimately will decide who's better. Maybe my thinking is flawed. —Chris I've always felt that coaches get too much blame and too much credit, but it's a hard argument to win given the focus on them and their position often as the only constant face of a franchise. But I don't think it's personal accountability as much as it is a stark lack of patience, and not to ever be forgotten is the impatience is often shown by ownership, far more often than by general managers. The owners are often the true culprit, and I think that's what was in play in New York. Kuhn has seen it all in his role as the Toronto Raptors' public address announcer since the inaugural season. Kuhn has seen it all in his role as the Toronto Raptors' public address announcer since the inaugural season. And while I can't speak to the Dallas hockey situation, I will make this point: At some juncture, some coaches have taken teams as far as they can go and there needs to be a change to take that final step, and maybe after three straight failures to take the final step a new approach is necessary. That was certainly not the case in the New York basketball scenario. The Knicks had showed constant growth and had not stagnated. Hi, Doug. Long time no submission (but doing so now to help keep you employed)! Having watched many of the playoff teams this post-season and their varying levels of skill, I'm impressed with many of those teams' future prospects — and concerned about how far Raps still have to go (in my opinion) to catch up to the better teams never mind climb over them in standings. How do you see the competitive landscape? —BBall Barry in North Bay/Sarasota I think the East is a bit of a mess and wide open right now, and I expect this Raptors roster to be quite competitive in it next season. Probably not to the level of winning the conference, but they can certainly take the next big step toward that. The distance to go isn't as great as you seem to think, I would say. Hey, Doug. Happy Super Dad Day! Wondering what you make of the latest soap opera from the New York Knicks? They fired Thibodeau and now appear to be asking the other 29 teams for permission to interview their head coach. (Maybe they should reach out to Red Auerbach. I understand he hasn't been under contract by the Celtics for a few years now.) Who should they hire? Is Dwane Casey no longer interested in coaching? If offered the position, should he accept it? I can't help to see certain similarities between the Knicks and Maple Leafs. What is it about these franchises that they appear close to returning to the finals of their respective leagues, and then everything collapses around them? Maybe Harold Ballard could be compared to James Dolan, but the Leafs have had solid — rational? — ownership for many years now. What should they do, or not do? Appreciated as always. —Phil I would never in a second recommend to a friend like Dwane that he consider working for Dolan and the Knicks. It's been a cesspool of ownership for about two decades and while Leon Rose may have cleaned it up a bit, it's still a mess. Who should they hire? Well, I'm sure there's an assistant out there who is eager for one of only 30 jobs like it on Earth who thinks he or she can somewhat survive, but I can't think of anyone in particular. Trouble is, it seems the Knicks are more interested in winning the press conference than anything, and that seldom works out. Leafs-Knicks? Maybe the common thread over the last 20 years is hubristic because neither team — until New York this spring — has been truly relevant in their sport, despite the fans' belief that they're good.
Hamilton Spectator
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Raptors mailbag: More Jakob Poeltl trade rumours, a Canadian MVP and comparisons to Maple Leafs fans
It's nice to see some familiar names in this edition of Ye Olde Mailbag that's back to its old self this week. Enjoy. Hi, Doug. I'm curious, what do you think the players and coaches do during the NBA playoffs on their every other night off? Rest, train, get together as a group and watch the other coast's contests, or some combination? I have this image of OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam sitting with their teammates, marvelling at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander , yelling at the refs. —Kerry I'm pretty sure they just do mundane stuff like dinners with pals on the team or friends and family who are travelling, rather than any full team events. They might well watch games and yell at refs, but not in some sanctioned or required team environment. Most of the team activities and responsibilities on the off-day are midday video sessions and extremely light shooting workouts. It's not a stretch to think Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will sound precisely like Steve Nash should a third NBA MVP from Canada ever materialize. It's not a stretch to think Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will sound precisely like Steve Nash should a third NBA MVP from Canada ever materialize. Hi, Doug. Pleased to s ee our local guy won the MVP award. Got me thinking about the idea of voter fatigue, though, with these choices. When Steve Nash won his consecutive MVPs, I always thought his following season, 2006-07, was better than the two MVP years. I think that it became much harder for voters to go for him the third time. Something similar this year. I am not suggesting that SGA was not a worthy winner, just that it was harder for Nikola Jokic to win yet again. Voters just thought it was time for a new face to be rewarded. What think you? —Bruce in Oshawa I think for some people the Jokic fatigue factor might have been real. But seeing the voting results — 79 first-place votes for SGA, 21 for Jokic, zero for anyone else — it certainly didn't factor in at any legitimate level. A dream final seems to be in the offing, although one should not get ahead of oneself. I am compelled to get in touch to add my huzzahs to the Shai MVP. What a great moment for Canadian basketball, and what a stunning player. There are so many intriguing subplots to these playoffs, one being watching Pascal and OG facing off. I have noted before my befuddlement at the trading of the perfect Raptor, and Siakam's performance (Friday night) only reinforces that feeling. Having said that, I can't wait to see next year's version of the Toronto team. Will you be attending the final series? —James A., Victoria It's been great, and not unexpected, to see Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby thrive. But it's also not a linear professional sports world and it wasn't working here, and probably wouldn't have had they stuck with it. Sadly, I'm not attending the Finals. Hopefully I can try to scribble some worthwhile words from afar. Hi, Doug. In a month or so, all the draft questions will be answered and a new NBA champ will be crowned. Some questions: 1) One of the four remaining teams will end up losing in the Finals. For each team, what changes would you suggest to get them over the hurdle. Are there any current lineups that shouldn't be tinkered with? 2) Read a rumour of the Lakers being interested in Jakob Poeltl . I assume this can't happen as there are no assets (aside from Luka Doncic and LeBron James) that would really be of use to the Raptors (or significantly different). Not to mention, we would still be missing a centre, not to mention a backup! Thoughts? ESPN's Shams Charania reported Antetokounmpo is open to leaving the Bucks, and Toronto should clearly make a call. It would be complicated, however. ESPN's Shams Charania reported Antetokounmpo is open to leaving the Bucks, and Toronto should clearly make a call. It would be complicated, however. 3) With the e nd of the NBA combine, what aspects of the event do you think are most useful in assessing players and influencing draft rankings? My guess would be the scrimmages, then to a lesser extent the testing and measurements. 4) Please forgive this question. When referring to the Raptors Bench Mob, which players are we talking about? At first, I thought it referred to the guys we got after the Rudy Gay trade (Greivis Vásquez, Patrick Patterson, etc.) but more recently I've heard it used when talking about Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, Norman Powell, etc. Were both groups Bench Mobs, or am I the only confused person? Thanks for the insights on the draft prospects! Whichever team picks Jeremiah Fears must give him jersey No. 0! A marketing dream! —Bernie M. We're a month from the draft and just about that time before the Finals could end. We've got lots of time. Teams can always tinker, right? So, Indy could use some rebounding depth, OKC can always use three-point shooting, Minny probably needs another shot creator and the Knicks have to be deeper than about seven guys. The Lakers will be linked to every upright, mobile big man in the league and still don't have any desirable assets to get one. Pay it no heed. If it's only on-the-court stuff at the combine, I'd say skill testing. The scrimmages would be second, but they really are five strangers looking out for themselves. First time I saw it, I said a combine scrimmage makes a Summer League game look like an NBA Finals game and the Summer League's often unwatchable. Texas freshman can shoot from anywhere but it's hard to conceive the Raptors having a burning interest in a point guard with the No. 9 pick. Texas freshman can shoot from anywhere but it's hard to conceive the Raptors having a burning interest in a point guard with the No. 9 pick. My Bench Mob is that second group. It was really, really, really good and that's why no one should expect to see another one here again. Hi, Doug. Hope you are we ll. Was listening to some of the players after the Leafs cleared out their lockers (again) and it struck me just how vague some of their comments could be about the injury situation. One player referred to his injury as a 'mid to lower upper-body' injury. It struck me that the Leafs in general are really coy about what the injury situation of a player is. Contrast this with the Raptors, who seem much more open about it. If a Leafs player needed a PRP shot like Brandon Ingram did, I doubt we'd ever hear of it. Which brings me to my question. Is this a cultural difference between the two big MLSE franchises? Or does the NBA have rules about disclosing injuries in the interests of transparency? Thanks for all you do. —MSG It's more a cultural difference between the leagues rather than cousins under the MLSE umbrella. There are certainly NBA rules about transparency — teams are required to update information and availability several times during a game day — that I am told don't come down from the NHL head office. And you say 'coy' and I say 'misinform intentionally.' That wouldn't be accepted by the NBA head office. Hey, Doug. Hope you are well and able to coast a bit until the draft. I'm wondering how great an impact playing for the Canadian national team had on SGA's ascension to being this year's MVP? Would this have happened, do you think, regardless of Shai's participation with the national team, or did the experience provide him with the 'it' (to recall a Paul Pierce comment)? Speaking of 'it,' I know you don't follow hockey much, but do you think that the Maple Leafs don't have it? While I do not watch a lot of hockey, I was struck by the difference between Leafs fans and Raptors fans. Aside from a clearly visible difference in the demographics of each fan base, I noted the difference in the language Leafs fans used in interviews outside the arena. They referred to the Leaf players as 'the boys' and talked about how 'we' struggled or persevered. This is language I don't think Raptors fans ever use when speaking about the team. I also don't think that in the days of the DeMar DeRozan/Kyle Lowry team playing well during the regular season, and then failing to advance in the playoffs, fans turned on the team the way that Leafs fans did. Your thoughts? Appreciated as always. —Phil For starters, there is special depth to this draft class ... all the way to No. 9 and beyond. For starters, there is special depth to this draft class ... all the way to No. 9 and beyond. I think SGA was on the path to winning an MVP award for a couple of years and would have gotten there regardless of the 2023 World Cup and 2024 Olympics. But the chance to play summers against the very best competition in the world certainly helped, and I think it should show other Canadian NBAers that, too. The 'clearly visible difference in the demographics of each fan base' is very well put, by the way. There is a deeper connection grown over eras that connects the Leafs to some fans, and I do hear more 'we' and 'us' comments on the hockey side than basketball, although it's more apparent in my world these days. As for fans turning on them and not the Raptors, I think it's because, by every imaginable metric, the basketball team has been — by a wide margin — more successful over the last 30 years, so the Leafs fans must be more fed up. I was going to pick and choose quotes, but it may not have been precise enough. Do you have an opinion on the following story ( click here to read ) ? Did AI cause the WNBA/WNBPA/Indiana Fever to jump the gun before solid evidence? —Paul M. Not an opinion on that specific incident, but I do think that any hint of such action needs to be investigated fully. They cannot be too careful in letting stuff go. The W has an issue and it's got to be addressed every single day by every single franchise, and most importantly by the league office. It's got to be a safe, fun, comfortable environment for everyone that's perpetuated by everyone, from players to the commissioner and everyone in between. Maluach ticks every Raptors box and could be around by the time Toronto picks. Maluach ticks every Raptors box and could be around by the time Toronto picks. Hi, Doug. Thanks for your insights. If the Raptors cannot get Khaman Maluach , trade picks nine and 39 to the Nets for their picks (19, 26, 27) and trade those picks to the Bucks with matching salaries for Giannis Antetokounmpo (but keep Jakob Poeltl and Scottie Barnes). If they cannot get that trade with the Bucks, still trade with the Nets, because there is nobody at No. 9 (if Maluach is not available) who is worth Nets picks 19, 26 and 27 (a lot of great upside talent there). Best regards. —Howard J. Feldman Sorry. Trading down to get two more rookie-scale guaranteed contracts for a team that's got too many young rookie-scale guaranteed contracts makes no sense. And I cannot think that two extra late firsts is going to tip the scale on a Giannis deal.
Toronto Star
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Raptors mailbag: More Jakob Poeltl trade rumours, a Canadian MVP and comparisons to Maple Leafs fans
It's nice to see some familiar names in this edition of Ye Olde Mailbag that's back to its old self this week. Enjoy. Hi, Doug. I'm curious, what do you think the players and coaches do during the NBA playoffs on their every other night off? Rest, train, get together as a group and watch the other coast's contests, or some combination? ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW I have this image of OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam sitting with their teammates, marvelling at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, yelling at the refs. —Kerry I'm pretty sure they just do mundane stuff like dinners with pals on the team or friends and family who are travelling, rather than any full team events. They might well watch games and yell at refs, but not in some sanctioned or required team environment. Most of the team activities and responsibilities on the off-day are midday video sessions and extremely light shooting workouts. Basketball From Steve Nash to SGA, there's a Canadian secret recipe for NBA greatness It's not a stretch to think Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will sound precisely like Steve Nash should a third NBA MVP from Canada ever materialize. Basketball From Steve Nash to SGA, there's a Canadian secret recipe for NBA greatness It's not a stretch to think Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will sound precisely like Steve Nash should a third NBA MVP from Canada ever materialize. Hi, Doug. Pleased to s ee our local guy won the MVP award. Got me thinking about the idea of voter fatigue, though, with these choices. When Steve Nash won his consecutive MVPs, I always thought his following season, 2006-07, was better than the two MVP years. I think that it became much harder for voters to go for him the third time. Something similar this year. I am not suggesting that SGA was not a worthy winner, just that it was harder for Nikola Jokic to win yet again. Voters just thought it was time for a new face to be rewarded. What think you? —Bruce in Oshawa I think for some people the Jokic fatigue factor might have been real. But seeing the voting results — 79 first-place votes for SGA, 21 for Jokic, zero for anyone else — it certainly didn't factor in at any legitimate level. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW A dream final seems to be in the offing, although one should not get ahead of oneself. I am compelled to get in touch to add my huzzahs to the Shai MVP. What a great moment for Canadian basketball, and what a stunning player. There are so many intriguing subplots to these playoffs, one being watching Pascal and OG facing off. I have noted before my befuddlement at the trading of the perfect Raptor, and Siakam's performance (Friday night) only reinforces that feeling. Having said that, I can't wait to see next year's version of the Toronto team. Will you be attending the final series? —James A., Victoria It's been great, and not unexpected, to see Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby thrive. But it's also not a linear professional sports world and it wasn't working here, and probably wouldn't have had they stuck with it. Sadly, I'm not attending the Finals. Hopefully I can try to scribble some worthwhile words from afar. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Hi, Doug. In a month or so, all the draft questions will be answered and a new NBA champ will be crowned. Some questions: 1) One of the four remaining teams will end up losing in the Finals. For each team, what changes would you suggest to get them over the hurdle. Are there any current lineups that shouldn't be tinkered with? 2) Read a rumour of the Lakers being interested in Jakob Poeltl. I assume this can't happen as there are no assets (aside from Luka Doncic and LeBron James) that would really be of use to the Raptors (or significantly different). Not to mention, we would still be missing a centre, not to mention a backup! Thoughts? Raptors Opinion Bruce Arthur: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Masai Ujiri have a history. But is it the right time for the Raptors to trade for a superstar? ESPN's Shams Charania reported Antetokounmpo is open to leaving the Bucks, and Toronto should clearly make a call. It would be complicated, however. Raptors Opinion Bruce Arthur: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Masai Ujiri have a history. But is it the right time for the Raptors to trade for a superstar? ESPN's Shams Charania reported Antetokounmpo is open to leaving the Bucks, and Toronto should clearly make a call. It would be complicated, however. 3) With the e nd of the NBA combine, what aspects of the event do you think are most useful in assessing players and influencing draft rankings? My guess would be the scrimmages, then to a lesser extent the testing and measurements. 4) Please forgive this question. When referring to the Raptors Bench Mob, which players are we talking about? At first, I thought it referred to the guys we got after the Rudy Gay trade (Greivis Vásquez, Patrick Patterson, etc.) but more recently I've heard it used when talking about Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, Norman Powell, etc. Were both groups Bench Mobs, or am I the only confused person? Thanks for the insights on the draft prospects! Whichever team picks Jeremiah Fears must give him jersey No. 0! A marketing dream! ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW —Bernie M. We're a month from the draft and just about that time before the Finals could end. We've got lots of time. Teams can always tinker, right? So, Indy could use some rebounding depth, OKC can always use three-point shooting, Minny probably needs another shot creator and the Knicks have to be deeper than about seven guys. The Lakers will be linked to every upright, mobile big man in the league and still don't have any desirable assets to get one. Pay it no heed. If it's only on-the-court stuff at the combine, I'd say skill testing. The scrimmages would be second, but they really are five strangers looking out for themselves. First time I saw it, I said a combine scrimmage makes a Summer League game look like an NBA Finals game and the Summer League's often unwatchable. Raptors Insider Raptors NBA draft: Tre Johnson a raw 'bona fide bucket-getter' but does he fit in Toronto? Texas freshman can shoot from anywhere but it's hard to conceive the Raptors having a burning interest in a point guard with the No. 9 pick. Raptors Insider Raptors NBA draft: Tre Johnson a raw 'bona fide bucket-getter' but does he fit in Toronto? Texas freshman can shoot from anywhere but it's hard to conceive the Raptors having a burning interest in a point guard with the No. 9 pick. My Bench Mob is that second group. It was really, really, really good and that's why no one should expect to see another one here again. Hi, Doug. Hope you are we ll. Was listening to some of the players after the Leafs cleared out their lockers (again) and it struck me just how vague some of their comments could be about the injury situation. One player referred to his injury as a 'mid to lower upper-body' injury. It struck me that the Leafs in general are really coy about what the injury situation of a player is. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Contrast this with the Raptors, who seem much more open about it. If a Leafs player needed a PRP shot like Brandon Ingram did, I doubt we'd ever hear of it. Which brings me to my question. Is this a cultural difference between the two big MLSE franchises? Or does the NBA have rules about disclosing injuries in the interests of transparency? Thanks for all you do. —MSG It's more a cultural difference between the leagues rather than cousins under the MLSE umbrella. There are certainly NBA rules about transparency — teams are required to update information and availability several times during a game day — that I am told don't come down from the NHL head office. And you say 'coy' and I say 'misinform intentionally.' That wouldn't be accepted by the NBA head office. Hey, Doug. Hope you are well and able to coast a bit until the draft. I'm wondering how great an impact playing for the Canadian national team had on SGA's ascension to being this year's MVP? Would this have happened, do you think, regardless of Shai's participation with the national team, or did the experience provide him with the 'it' (to recall a Paul Pierce comment)? ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Speaking of 'it,' I know you don't follow hockey much, but do you think that the Maple Leafs don't have it? While I do not watch a lot of hockey, I was struck by the difference between Leafs fans and Raptors fans. Aside from a clearly visible difference in the demographics of each fan base, I noted the difference in the language Leafs fans used in interviews outside the arena. They referred to the Leaf players as 'the boys' and talked about how 'we' struggled or persevered. This is language I don't think Raptors fans ever use when speaking about the team. I also don't think that in the days of the DeMar DeRozan/Kyle Lowry team playing well during the regular season, and then failing to advance in the playoffs, fans turned on the team the way that Leafs fans did. Your thoughts? Appreciated as always. —Phil Raptors Opinion Doug Smith: Why Raptors fans should sleep well after pipe dreams of winning the NBA draft lottery For starters, there is special depth to this draft class ... all the way to No. 9 and beyond. Raptors Opinion Doug Smith: Why Raptors fans should sleep well after pipe dreams of winning the NBA draft lottery For starters, there is special depth to this draft class ... all the way to No. 9 and beyond. I think SGA was on the path to winning an MVP award for a couple of years and would have gotten there regardless of the 2023 World Cup and 2024 Olympics. But the chance to play summers against the very best competition in the world certainly helped, and I think it should show other Canadian NBAers that, too. The 'clearly visible difference in the demographics of each fan base' is very well put, by the way. There is a deeper connection grown over eras that connects the Leafs to some fans, and I do hear more 'we' and 'us' comments on the hockey side than basketball, although it's more apparent in my world these days. As for fans turning on them and not the Raptors, I think it's because, by every imaginable metric, the basketball team has been — by a wide margin — more successful over the last 30 years, so the Leafs fans must be more fed up. I was going to pick and choose quotes, but it may not have been precise enough. Do you have an opinion on the following story (click here to read)? Did AI cause the WNBA/WNBPA/Indiana Fever to jump the gun before solid evidence? ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW —Paul M. Not an opinion on that specific incident, but I do think that any hint of such action needs to be investigated fully. They cannot be too careful in letting stuff go. The W has an issue and it's got to be addressed every single day by every single franchise, and most importantly by the league office. It's got to be a safe, fun, comfortable environment for everyone that's perpetuated by everyone, from players to the commissioner and everyone in between. Raptors Raptors NBA draft prospects: Why Duke centre Khaman Maluach would be a logical pick Maluach ticks every Raptors box and could be around by the time Toronto picks. Raptors Raptors NBA draft prospects: Why Duke centre Khaman Maluach would be a logical pick Maluach ticks every Raptors box and could be around by the time Toronto picks. Hi, Doug. Thanks for your insights. If the Raptors cannot get Khaman Maluach, trade picks nine and 39 to the Nets for their picks (19, 26, 27) and trade those picks to the Bucks with matching salaries for Giannis Antetokounmpo (but keep Jakob Poeltl and Scottie Barnes). If they cannot get that trade with the Bucks, still trade with the Nets, because there is nobody at No. 9 (if Maluach is not available) who is worth Nets picks 19, 26 and 27 (a lot of great upside talent there). Best regards. —Howard J. Feldman Sorry. Trading down to get two more rookie-scale guaranteed contracts for a team that's got too many young rookie-scale guaranteed contracts makes no sense. And I cannot think that two extra late firsts is going to tip the scale on a Giannis deal.
Toronto Star
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Raptors mailbag: Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumours and a lasting Gregg Popovich memory
Man, not very many submissions but an awful lot of questions in Ye Olde Mailbag, if you know what I mean. Enjoy. Hey Doug: Hope you are staying well. Thank you for the insightful articles about some of the key players who will be available during next month's draft. If you were in the 'room where it happens' on draft night and both Derik Queen and Khaman Maluach are there to be selected, which one would you recommend the Raptors pick? And why? ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW At the time of writing, the team matchups for the Eastern Conference semifinals are set. Who would you pick to win, and in how many games? With Gregg Popovich out as the Spurs' head coach (wishing him well), any thoughts about the end of that era for San Antonio and any favourite stories about Pop? Appreciated as always, -Phil Raptors Raptors NBA draft prospects: Why Duke centre Khaman Maluach would be a logical pick Maluach ticks every Raptors box and could be around by the time Toronto picks. Raptors Raptors NBA draft prospects: Why Duke centre Khaman Maluach would be a logical pick Maluach ticks every Raptors box and could be around by the time Toronto picks. Draft questions like that are really unfair to some degree because I've not seen either play in person or watched them work out and I've never sat across the table from them to look 'em in the eye and see what makes them tick. But you asked so I'll answer as long as you understand my answer is coming without wealth of knowledge. As much as Queen's offensive game seems to fit well with the Raptors there are enough pink flares — conditioning, weight, age, work ethic — that I'd go with the younger Maluach. In the East, I'm dead sure I'll be in a tiny minority but I like the Pacers. I think the experience they got last year will be invaluable and I just like the construction of their roster. Plus, I'm a huge fan of Rick Carlisle. The other one: Boston rolls, probably in five. I love Pop. Have forever. Love his politics, love his don't-give-a-crap willingness to step outside basketball and his way of calling silly questions silly questions. One story, and I am sure I've written about it before but here we go: FIBA World Cup in Indy, 2002. Late night. Lobby bar of the Westin, the greats Liz Robbins and Chris Sheridan and I are solving all the world's problems at our table while a gaggle of big-time NBA and USAB folks are a few tables away. Pop's walking past us on his way out, toting a near-full bottle of wine. He spies us, walks over, deposits the bottle on our table and says something like: 'You guys can't afford this but it's good. Enjoy it.' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW And I believe we did. I said this Friday in the social media world — — everyone should be wary of saying 'there'll never be another' about anyone. Except Pop. There'll never be another Pop. Hi Doug, What a difference a week makes! Basketball Appreciation: Gregg Popovich had a view of the world, and it changed both the Spurs and the NBA Gregg Popovich understood the world. Basketball Appreciation: Gregg Popovich had a view of the world, and it changed both the Spurs and the NBA Gregg Popovich understood the world. Luka Doncic and LeBron James sent packing and talk in Raptorland about something besides Cooper Flagg! I'll get right to it: 1) Shortly after the Bucks were eliminated, talk sprung up about Giannis Antetokounmpo heading to the Raptors. Before the trade deadline, RJ Barrett was a name often mentioned in potential trades. Any idea why him above all others? He's had a career season, shouldn't we want to hang onto him? 2) Sticking with the thought, from the outside, which Raptors are the most desirable in trade? Who do other teams want? I understand for trades that salaries must match, which limits options. Is it fair to say offers won't be seriously considered until the draft lottery results are final? 3) A question you may not be able to answer: How much attention do players pay to courtside fans and how easily are players distracted? I remember years ago several attractive young women seated near players and then several assistant coaches swapping seats with the players near the ladies by halftime! Also recall this season RJ Barrett scoring, then suddenly recognizing a star from Game of Thrones courtside. I would assume players not dressed or out of regular rotation would be easier to distract. Thoughts? 4) Who is your pick for coach of the year (next to be fired) and why? Shouldn't Detroit get it? (From dead last two years straight to nearly pulling off the upset playoff win!) Who has the most influence on the awards? (I assume media) ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Thanks for your assessments of the most intriguing prospects. Let's see how things shake out in the next couple of months! -Bernie M. Indeed, there was some Raptor-specific chatter this week. It was nice, to a point, since the focus here has shifted a bit from life's generalities and other sports. Raptors Opinion Doug Smith: Giannis's time in Milwaukee may be over — and another blockbuster opportunity could be there for Masai Ujiri and the Raptors The Greek Freak's future is one of the hottest talking points around the NBA after the Bucks were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in the first round. Raptors Opinion Doug Smith: Giannis's time in Milwaukee may be over — and another blockbuster opportunity could be there for Masai Ujiri and the Raptors The Greek Freak's future is one of the hottest talking points around the NBA after the Bucks were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in the first round. The original chatter about Barrett, real or imagined, comes from the good season he had last year and a contract that's a combination of shortish and not overly financially burdensome. Any other players in a deal might be simple cap ballast to make the money work. These days, the most coveted assets in teams wanting to make moves are future assets (draft picks), young players with promise and expiring contracts to replace longer ones going out. All of which the Raptors have, as well as bigger, more expensive players like Scottie Barnes. And, yes, there will be nothing contemplated at all until after the lottery a week from Monday. My feeling — and we don't sit anywhere near courtside anymore so I can't attest to it fully — is that players hear a lot and keep their reactions — good to some of the jokes and famous fans, bad to the idiots who ruined the experience for others by being knuckleheads — to their selves. It's hard but they have to. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW This was the ballot I submitted for coach of year, in order: Kenny Atkinson, Cleveland; J.B. Bickerstaff, Detroit; Tyronn Lue, Clippers. Doug Smith's Sports Blog Opinion Doug Smith: Raptors mailbag: DeMar DeRozan's future, a sizable roster issue and a hot mic In this week's mailbag, Doug Smith takes questions on whether former Raptors can win a ring, what plagues the Atlanta Hawks, the Blue Jays and more. Doug Smith's Sports Blog Opinion Doug Smith: Raptors mailbag: DeMar DeRozan's future, a sizable roster issue and a hot mic In this week's mailbag, Doug Smith takes questions on whether former Raptors can win a ring, what plagues the Atlanta Hawks, the Blue Jays and more. The total improvement in leading Cleveland to near historic heights gave Atkinson a narrow edge but I could easily have flipped one and two. One thing to remember is ALL of our votes had to be submitted before even the first play-in game was played. Hi Doug, Now that Milwaukee has had another ignominious exit from the playoffs, there's talk that the team needs a reset and that Giannis Antetokounmpo might be available in a trade. John Hollinger at The Athletic suggested that Toronto would be a potential trade target. Let's not forget that Masai Ujiri has long coveted Antetokounmpo. Hollinger suggested Barnes and the 2025 lottery pick would get this deal done. Of course it would! But I'm not making that deal if I'm Ujiri. Maybe Barnes for Giannis one for one would make sense, but I wouldn't include the lottery pick. But I'm not a basketball savant. So I'm wondering if you thought the Raptors could put together a credible package to secure Antetokounmpo and, if so, what would it take to get it done? ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW All the best, -Marshall A. As I wrote, I think they could very well put one together. Whether it intrigues Milwaukee is entirely unknown, as is this: Giannis has been more than loyal to the Bucks, I'm not sure there's any interest in his end to move. That's going to factor greatly into whatever unfolds. Antetokounmpo? The Raptors should chase after him? Really? Sure — who wouldn't want him on the roster. But the fit? He's 30. Surround him with players — nine of whom are currently 25 or younger? Sure — Jakob Poeltl is 29. Sure — Brandon Ingram is 27. But the fit isn't obvious. We've been going in one clear direction in the rebuild — and this would change everything. Hard to imagine him — even if he had a positive opinion of the roster — wanting to be on this team — particularly if you're trading Barnes and another decent piece for him. And surely you'd only trade for him, this time, if he were sticking around for more than a year — because we won't be winning that championship next year! Raptors Insider Raptors NBA draft prospects: Why this freshman centre is intriguing but a risky pick for Toronto Maryland's Derik Queen has elite offensive skills and shot-making ability but major questions will dog six-foot-10 big man in the pre-draft process. Raptors Insider Raptors NBA draft prospects: Why this freshman centre is intriguing but a risky pick for Toronto Maryland's Derik Queen has elite offensive skills and shot-making ability but major questions will dog six-foot-10 big man in the pre-draft process. If there is any interest on his side to play here — it is to play with Scottie Barnes — he's praised Barnes in the press before. Therefore, the logical first piece to trade for him would be Ingram instead of Barnes. On the other hand, this is supposed to be Barnes' team — that kind of changes if we add Antetokounmpo with him — so maybe there is no choice but to trade Barnes for him after all? Regardless — whether we offer Barnes or Ingram — other teams will offer more. Not seeing what value you can add in, unless we sign a player just to trade him to the Bucks. My guess is he wants another championship. The question is does he do the unfortunate thing and insist on going to a shortlist of contenders? It would really be irritating if he ends up with a Los Angeles-based team. This scenario is exactly unlike the scenario where we grabbed Kawhi Leonard. The Ingram trade made a lot of sense. Not sure trading for Giannis — given the obvious cost — is the way to go here — unless there is a way to steal him like the Lakers did with Luka Doncic. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW -Jeff V. I'll try to answer your concerns. He's 30, not 45. Fitting in with mid-20s guys is easy. Plus, I'd rather the Raptors add a veteran — let alone an NBA champion, MVP, Finals MVP — than a teenager who's maybe three years from maturing. I cannot say this louder: IF THE IDEA OF REBUILDING IS TO GET BETTER PLAYERS, WHY THE HECK WOULDN'T THEY TRY TO GET ONE OF THE TOP THREE IN THE LEAGUE? And, yes, keeping Barnes out of a deal is the perfect scenario. Virtually impossible but, yeah, you start without him in a deal but it cannot be a deal-breaker. In my opinion. No, Giannis may not even want to leave, but I know enough about him that he's not ever going to join some super team and he's not seen to be a ring-chaser. He wants the challenge. And, frankly, given the state of the east compared to the west, Toronto's awfully close to competing for playing in the NBA Finals than a lot of west teams. I was just reading an article in the Star in regards to Coca-Cola arena on the CNE grounds. Do you foresee that venue being a long-term home for the Tempo or do you see or hear of plans for another facility? As the article states it is cramped, and space to grow internally is at a minimum. In terms of the money-makers, concessions/merch sales, the present situation makes it hard to grow those revenue streams. In terms of the whole 'fan experience' (Shatkins term) I wonder about its long-term viability as a home for the Tempo. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Also I found interesting in the article was this tidbit of info 'MLSE holds a long-term lease to run and operate Coca-Cola Coliseum and is responsible for upgrades.' It has previously acknowledged that venue access with capacity crowds can be difficult, but declined to discuss any changes planned to better accommodate Sceptres and Tempo fans. Tempo The Toronto Tempo have a new home in an old building where the Sceptres play. How will Coca-Cola Coliseum make it work? The PWHL's Toronto Sceptres play sold out games at the Coca-Cola Coliseum. Next year the Toronto Tempo, Canada's first WNBA team, will too. Tempo The Toronto Tempo have a new home in an old building where the Sceptres play. How will Coca-Cola Coliseum make it work? The PWHL's Toronto Sceptres play sold out games at the Coca-Cola Coliseum. Next year the Toronto Tempo, Canada's first WNBA team, will too. Would MLSE be that open to investing money into the infrastructure of the facility to help a 'competitor' make more coin, although MLSE would as well as a result of increased lease rates, etc., which comes with any upgrade. I am sure Larry Tanenbaum and his investment group are all aware of this situation and have plans in place, for a practice facility, long-term home, etc. Just wondering if you had some insider info. -Doug B. I don't have a lot of inside knowledge except that I would imagine as the Tempo get a foothold on the market, they would hope to attract more than the current Coca Cola capacity and a larger venue, they hope, would be necessary. But I think they're years from that and on the odd occasion could play a game or two as tenants at Scotiabank. What also needs to be pointed out is that the same venue houses the AHL Marlies and if there are upgrades, it would enhance the experience for the MLSE-owned minor-league affiliate of the Leafs, so maybe everyone wins, and maybe Kilmer Sports Ventures chips on the cost of some upgrades. There is, though, definite plans for a Tempo practice facility that is their own, it's part of the franchise's expansion agreement.
Hamilton Spectator
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Raptors mailbag: Will Masai Ujiri acquire more NBA draft picks? How about Mavs centre Dereck Lively?
We've got some lengthy answers to some lengthy questions at Ye Olde Mailbag , which is OK because there's not a lot here. Enjoy and hopefully things pick up in the coming weeks. When the referees refuse to blow the whistle, is it still called basketball? Game 1, Detroit at New York for example. Then there is Ed Malloy. Why is he refereeing the playoffs? Cleveland has 20-plus foul shots as the first half ends in Game 2. Is this something engineered by Adam Silver? —Robert McMillan in Alma, N.S. Ed Malloy generally grades out as a very good official, and that's when every call made by every official in every game of the NBA season is looked at by people in the league office. That said, officiating is under the microscope in the playoffs and humans are held to a superhuman standard. Mistakes are going to be made — like layups are going to be blown and coaching decisions will backfire and I'm going to make typos. It happens. And please believe me, because I know it to be true: Every NBA official hates missing calls, and they hear about it from their bosses. The son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper is a six-foot-six lefty with smarts and instincts But I will die on the hill that says NBA referees are the most consistently good officials in the four major North American pro sports. And I will add this, too. I know there's an old wives' tale about the game being officiated differently in the playoffs than in the regular season and I will dispute that with this: The players are different in the playoffs than in the regular season, the game is played differently and guys try to get away with more holding, hitting and fouling. Hi, Doug. So far, the NBA playoffs have not disappointed and each series is entertaining. And lottery day is three weeks away! C'mon ping-pong balls! Some questions: I read the results of the recent players-only polls rating players and coaches. It's interesting that their perspective sometimes doesn't match those of the fans and media. For example, Trae Young and Tyrese Haliburton are almost universally viewed as overrated, Norman Powell unanimously seen as not given enough credit. Opinions on Scottie Barnes were split. Is this likely due to the East vs. West differential in games played vs. the Raptors ? (If your team plays Toronto twice and Scottie has a bad game, it impacts your opinion.) Also, most felt an OKC vs. Boston final was likely and doubted the Cavs (and Donovan Mitchell). Thoughts? As the Raptors go into another extended off-season, everything has to be about forcing the next step. That's making the NBA play-in — at the least. As the Raptors go into another extended off-season, everything has to be about forcing the next step. That's making the NBA play-in — at the least. 2) Last year, we were surprised by a series of draft deals landing us four picks in total. Given the quality of this year's draftees, do you think that we might see Masai Ujiri make similar moves? 3) Sticking with our roster, am I correct in assuming Garrett Temple and Chris Boucher are the only players that are unsigned currently? So two picks coming in means either one, both or some other players will need to be dealt as all spots are spoken for as of today? 4) Do you have any insights or rationale on the Orlando Robinson and Colin Castleton deals in the final week? Is there some advantage that the team has by releasing the former and signing the latter? Based on on-court performance, it wasn't the choice that I saw coming. Bonus question: Which former Raptors have the best chance of another ring this year? I'd say Kawhi Leonard, Powell or Pascal Siakam! Thanks! —Bernie M. Booked my flights and got the credentials for the lottery and a couple of days of the draft combine done, so it's indeed getting close. Hope the border remains open. The typical thing with those surveys is, there's such a wide disparity of seriousness from the respondents that they all have to be taken with a wee bit of cynicism, despite the anonymity and the good faith work of the reporters doing them. And yeah, there's a chance someone votes for or against anyone based on far too small a sampling. One thing I chuckled at was that Barnes got votes for both overrated and underrated. No, I don't expect the same haul mostly because they don't have enough roster spots, and I think they're too young as it is. Let this group age and grow. Neither of the contracts signed late by A.J. Lawson and Colin Castleton has even a dime of guarantee on them. Jared Rhoden's on the shelf for maybe six months, so there's lots of spaces along with Boucher and Temple to play with. The Raptors now get an entire summer to work with and look at Castleton, after having almost an entire season to work with and look at Robinson. And there's nothing precluding them from inviting Robinson to camp if they want and he doesn't have an invite anywhere else. In this week's mailbag, Doug Smith takes questions on whether former Raptors can win a ring, what plagues the Atlanta Hawks, the Blue Jays and more. In this week's mailbag, Doug Smith takes questions on whether former Raptors can win a ring, what plagues the Atlanta Hawks, the Blue Jays and more. And of those two, I'd go with Kawhi (and don't forget our old pal Norm there) but I suspect the correct answer is neither. Doug, I enjoyed the question and answer last week about memories of players long ago. I am a bit older than you (actually a few bits older) but think that there was much more mystique attached to the games and players in the past. That was because the supply of sports was much more restricted than today. I was a huge Mickey Mantle fan for baseball and John Havlicek fan for basketball. I think it was because I got to see these guys play on TV. Baseball was one game a week on Saturday afternoon and often the Yankees were featured. Also, the Yankees were in the World Series more often than not, so I got to see the Yanks and often the Dodgers. I think I could still name most of the Yankees regulars from the late '50s and early '60s from Whitey Ford to Bobby Richardson to Moose Skowron. World Series games were only played during the day, and I remember rushing home from school to see the last part of the game. It just seemed special, unlike today. NBA games were rarely, if ever, shown during the season and the Celtics were in the NBA Finals so often that I got to see Havlicek and his mates beating up on Jerry West and his mates on the Lakers most years. I very rarely got to see Wilt Chamberlain and can't remember ever seeing Oscar Robertson. Today, sports seems much less compelling because there is just too much of it. —Bruce in Oshawa I couldn't agree more with the point that television has, in some ways, ruined sports. It used to be games were destination viewing; now they are background white noise. I can't say this with 100 per cent certainty but if, say, Leafs or Blue Jays games were on once or twice a week, I'd watch; now I barely glance at the nightly onslaught. And I know I'd watch more out-of-market teams if they were on every now and then. But, alas, we are where we are. Two stories: The first 'jersey' I ever had was an old ribbed, sleeveless white undershirt (you know the kind) that I turned into a Havlicek jersey by scrawling the No. 17 on it in green marker. And maybe we're not of precisely the same vintage, but when I watch the Pistons these days and they refer to Jalen 'Duren' I immediately think of Ryne. (Google that one, young'uns.) Hey Doug, greetings from the beautiful Okanagan valley: 20C and sunny, all the golf courses are open. You may have seen the viral video of the fisticuffs on the links in West Kelowna. Reminded me of Rodney Dangerfield's old joke about going to the fights the other night and a hockey game broke out! I was born and raised in the Big Smoke, Toronto East General postwar house in Etobicoke, suburbia in Don Mills, high school at George S. Henry. Got written up in the Star (John Mable) and Telegram (John Iaboni) for organizing the 'second annual Henry Relays' in June 1971. The boss thinks his team is in a good spot, with a process that will eventually lead to a championship. The boss thinks his team is in a good spot, with a process that will eventually lead to a championship. Had scrapbooks of the Make Believes growing up. Davey Keon was my favourite. You can take the boy out of the city and all that, and I love reading your stories. But I go back to Jim Proudfoot and Milt Dunnell et al. I've been following with great interest the trials, tribulations and turmoil rolled up in one Edward Rogers. Never been a big fan of silver-spoon second- or third-generation tycoons. Stafford Smythe and Harold Ballard? The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (Eaton brothers)? I just found this article today from Maclean's ( click here to read ) that neatly summarizes his objectives for MLSE. Interesting how the link changes the word 'he'll into 'hell'. I was wondering how he was going to pay for all this AND pay Vladdy (no deferred payments). I understand he's investigating selling off minority stakes in all the cellphone tower infrastructure. You and others have reported on his opinion of Masai Ujiri. He vetoed MLSE getting involved with the WNBA team, w ith Mr. Tanenbaum already having his own sports and entertainment company. Given his history as the Raptors governor, member of various NBA committees, his close friendship with Adam Silver and the other owners, d o you foresee a future where Mr. Tanenbaum exits MLSE with the Raptors under his arm? That would leave a question as to where to play so not to further enrich Mr. Rogers. Toronto has needed another large indoor arena/entertainment venue for some time. As he would not be in direct competition with the Make Believes, MLSE should not be able to prevent him from putting up his own basketball-specific fieldhouse wherever he likes. He can partner with Drake. Kevin Durant needs a new home and motivation. Make him a part-owner. As our old friend Arte Johnson used to say: 'Very interesting.' Thanks a lot, eh! —Richard Rafton I cannot fathom what is going to happen at the very highest level of the MLSE boardroom. It's beyond my scope. But no matter what happens, I find it impossible to fathom severing the cash-cow Raptors (the single most valuable asset in the MLSE holdings) from anything else. The entire business model is built on one entity owning both teams and the facility they play in. And I can't foresee someone, say, breaking off the basketball team — a multibillion-dollar transaction — and spending the hundreds of millions to build a new place with nowhere to play in the interim. As I said, my business acumen is less than negligible, but I can't see that ever happening, Hi, Doug. If the Raptors fail to land a backup centre in the draft, I would like them to try and acquire Dereck Lively from Dallas. I believe he would be a perfect backup. Your thoughts? —Stan I am sure they'd love to get a 21-year-old, promising young big man still on his rookie-scale contract, and I would applaud the attempt. And the Luka Doncic catastrophe notwithstanding, I would presume the Mavs would like to keep him, too.
