News

For those who didn't get enough Jermaine O'Neal when he was in Toronto last week, here's a pretty good interview live from the gym in Vegas he is working out at it with Joe Abunassar, including some notes on the sophistication of the workout regimen he's been doing to get ready for the season.

As you may have read in today's paper – you all subscribe, don't you? --- I have a set-up for this week's Olympic qualifying event in Athens.

The tournament is actually underway already. Here's a brief Q-and-A with Sam Dalembert from the FIBA web site. Best line: “I don't have a clue about Slovenia.” He goes on to say that he just knows that the whole field is good, blah, blah, blah, blah, but it you think he could have thrown a bone to Rasho Nesterovic or something.

There are number of interviews posted on the FIBA site for the tournament: , but my favourite quote by any athlete at any time might be this one, by Fadi El Khatib of Lebanon, on the prospect of playing Greece in the opening game: “We know that against the Greek National Team we really don't have the slightest possibility of winning.”

I just love the honesty.

Anyway, I would have thought there would have been live stats or streaming or something from the games already underway, but I can't seam to find any for the long-awaited New Zealand-Cape Verde showdown. I am actually curious about the Korea-Slovenia contest which I think – if I have the time changes right – starts at 8:30 EDT. If any smartypants web surfers find something I should know, please tell me.

Anyway, most important, as I posted on Friday, you can watch Canada play Slovenia Tuesday morning on The Score at 6 a.m. and the same thing Wednesday morning against Korea. I will be liveish blogging, so put some coffee on for me.

What else?

Oh yeah, Raptors summer league. I am not in Vegas, covering the fine Raptors summer league entry. And no, I'm not regretting it. For those who may have missed it the Raptors were beaten by the Kings on Saturday, and before anyone gets all excited by the fact that Joey Graham scored 24 points and was 12-of-15 from the line, make sure you notice his eight fouls – you're allowed 10 in summer league. How many of those were offensive? If it's more than two than I'd say his line is completely bogus. Bulling people on his way to the hoop is what makes Graham one of the best pick-up players in the league, I'd bet. But when he actually has to get to the rim without pushing off? Haven't seen that yet.

I understand the logic of Joey playing big summer league minutes, but there was never any doubt that he would rack up some big numbers. As long as he has a clear physical edge Graham will always put up numbers and it's only easier for him when he's got a green light.

His problems at the NBA level come when he's playing against guys nearly as strong or nearly as quick, or when he has to pick his spots offensively. Those conditions create confusion and hesitation, in other words: Bad Joey.

Graham's best bet for NBA success is to be a starter on a terrible team. He would get numbers for sure, but his ability to put up stats in ideal circumstances aren't his problem, and putting up stats in summer league won't solve them.