If common sense prevailed, TJ Ford should be taking in the last few minutes of games with a warmup tracksuit on.
The point guard position can be played in a range of ways (see Iverson, Allen. Then see Johnson, Magic). Some styles (Jose Calderon’s) are more conducive to closing out games steadily, than others’ (Ford’s). The reasons are a plenty.
1) Ford’s me-first early in the shot-clock attempts, do not help already inadequate rebounders in establishing position.
2) The lack of a consistent approach from their floor marshall, means the Raptors’ offense doesn’t have a natural rhythm to it; Parker/Delfino/Moon have to be ready to catch an ill-aimed (rarely at the chest) pass with 3 seconds to go, throw up a fake and get a shot off.
3) 5′10 PGs, not named Allen Iverson, who scowl at the refs, dart into the lane and throw up hopeful teardrops are rarely going to induce free-throws; especially VALUABLE, late-game, road free throws.
4) Lastly, with the more efficient Calderon on the floor, better shots are taken. Plain and simple. (82games.com has a +6.9 point swing when Me-J Ford is not on the floor. Thanks Statman for the correction) .
No brainer.
(aka Sam Mitchell)
April 4th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Jesus…please see my comments from a few days ago. Just watched T.J. cough up the ball to Boykins…what the hell is it going to take for Sam to get a clue and get him the hell out of there when there’s less than 5 mins left in tight games!
I find myself in a strange situation here. Having been a fan for so long and being forced to watch the product they’ve put out there for the past 5 or 6 years I really want to see a team that is successful, however, I find myself almost hoping they’ll lose so this moron gets turfed!
April 5th, 2008 at 2:42 am
wow, you called this one.
first sam, then tj. then eastern conference title.
April 6th, 2008 at 2:15 am
Talent wins in the NBA, TALENT, starts in the NBA, I would not trade TJ because of his play, I would trade him because of his health. Does anyone even acknowledge when Jose has periods of bad play, NO!!!. To me this site seems more like an Anti TJ fansite more than anything else. Please, we need to learn to appreciate the duo and not austricize one of them. Talent + Control = Greatness
April 6th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Now, now: the +10.4 point swing is a bit overstated. Two-thirds of TJ’s -6.8 comes from the +4.7 when he’s off the court, during which time it’s safe to assume Jose is on. Jose also gets a +4.0 bonus when he’s on–so it’s like you’re counting that twice. In reality, the difference should be a 6 point swing. (Which is bad enough.)
April 6th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Statman, you’re right. Was an oversight on my behalf. Will fix and credit.
Thanks.