Aretha Had it Right

Last time we spoke, there was a sense of optimism. The Raptors had just come off a 3-point loss to a fine club in the Washington Wizards.

Here we are only five days later… and things have turned sour. Like, you just sucked on a bag of lemons and your cheeks have concaved, sour.

Here’s how it started:

Friday, November 4^th… Vince Carter and the New Jersey Nets are in town; Game two of the season. VC drops 20 points, to go along with 7 boards and 6 helpers. Almost every play is run through him in the 4^th, while Richard Jefferson goes off for 35 points and 11 boards on the night. I’ll spare you theatrics since this is already old news by it reaches your monitor.

Nets 102, Raptors 92

The one bright spot was Jose Calderon, who yet again proved that he could run the club with confidence. Calderon had 20 points and 7 assists, instantly bringing some soul back into a lifeless club in the second half – after a driving lay-up, he stole an inbounds pass and threw a crafty no-look dish to a streaking Mo Pete for an easy bucket.

The crowd was louder at that point, than it was for any of the incessant booing of Carter.

After the game, I would focus my report on Calderon.

I asked New Jersey coach, Lawrence Frank, what his assessment of the Spaniard was:

“Oh, I think he’s going to be very good. We were here for that exhibition game, and to see him play against Washington, and to see him play again tonight… that’s definitely a great acquisition for Toronto. He’s a very good player.”

Calderon pretty much matched Jason Kidd – one of the league’s best point guards – play for play. J-Kidd, though, didn’t dole out too much praise too soon:

“He’s a going to be a good… you know, he’s young. He’s going to be a nice point guard for them. He runs the offense, he can shoot. So the more time he gets, and the more he starts to understand the NBA game, he’ll be fine.”

Vince had nothing worthwhile to put in this space, other than the fact that when he was asked about the booing, he replied: “It’s beautiful.”

Lammond Murray, on the other hand, was quick to insult the franchise to anyone that would listen. That would be me - mic in hand.

“Hey Lammond,” I said. “What are your thoughts on returning to the ACC when it actually matters?”

To which he replied:

“It’s alright. I don’t like the floor.”

The floor!?

“The new design on the floor kinda makes your eyes go Huuuuuh. The first day we came here it was like ‘what the hell did they do with the floor?’ All these zig-zag patterns… parquet. I don’t know what kind of parquet they put on the floor, but you know, whatever.”

The floor is kind of ugly - with the red looking more magenta than anything else - but it’s just funny to hear someone vent about it.

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On a side note, I think I got over my fear of the cameras. And I can remember exactly when that happened.

It was in that same visitor’s locker room, and a scrum had already encompassed Richard Jefferson. He was the top dog that night, so I had to get my mic flash in there, or the boss would be furious. I couldn’t see any open spots, but I did see that the bench beside all the reporters was vacant. So, me being the slim gentleman that I am crawled onto the bench, bearing bag and leather coat, and ducked under some reporters’ underarms to snag a spot right beside RJ. I then asked him some questions - straight and to the point - about his importance to the club.

I realized while I was writing my last entry to keep the questions quick and direct. So far, it’s helped.

==

Moving on… the Raptors had their first road game, and it took them to Motown. I wasn’t at the game, so I’ll spare you the recap (also because it’s a game that everyone would like to forget).

Pistons 117, Raptors 84

==

Then came the day that I was looking forward to most… The day Lebron came to town.

Then I got the call from the Boss.

“Zack, I’m going to need to pull you off the game. is sick. I need you to do updates.”

My role as a reporter is a lot easier to fill than that of the sportscaster. So my shot at interviewing Lebron James gets the bump. March 8^th. Circled on my calendar.

You guys better take some Vitamin C.

While I wasn’t pleased (that’s an understatement – I wanted to break stuff)… I’m still fortunate to be in the position I’m in. There would be more games.

But this one was monumental. It marked the Raptors’ 4^th straight loss to open the season. That’s the worst start in their 11-year team history.

Cavs 105, Raptors 93

Chris Bosh had a season-best 26 points to go along with 12 boards… but he couldn’t do it himself. The Raptors got out-rebounded 47-30. The “bigs” did nothing.

I went to shoot-around (practice) this morning, and talked to Coach Mitchell. For the first time in my brief reporting career, the man whom I was intimidated by so immensely directed some praise my way.

“Is this team built to stop the opposition?” I asked.

He paused, and then replied: “I’m not sure I understand the question.”

I reconstructed: “Is this team capable of being a team that can shut down the opposition?”

I wish I had the quote, but unfortunately, my minidisc was on pause!! Yeah, rookie mistake. That, and the fact that my batteries ran out…

In either case, on record, he talked about the team trying their best, then looked at me and said: “Good question.”

Obviously not good enough for him to answer one that I tried to ask as the scrum was wrapping up: “Sam, if rebounding isn’t something you can teach… how does a team improve on it?” He walked away, ignoring the inquiry.

Some of the other reporters there asked me what I tried to ask the coach. I told them. They also thought it was a gem.

Now while it may seem to be just a minor detail to you… it’s huge for me. Respect is a big thing. Confidence is, as well. I’m learning, and trying to build upon what I’ve experienced…

Just like the guys in purple and white.