ballocks

it's easy to spit on the team tonight.

if i were an optimist, i would enjoy a night like this when there really is no excuse- the team has to stare itself in the face and do something now. we're witnessing the same problems over and over and over again- excuses allowed us to not acknowledge our issues for awhile but there are no excuses left anymore. if demanding improvement was as simple as recognizing the problem first, maybe we're on the right track because the problems with this team could not be made any more obvious.

but i'll say something else that i've been reluctant to share with the board this year: i really don't enjoy watching this team. i mean, if there were ever a team that didn't 'compete' (whatever that means) it would be us. we just look so weak- physically, mentally, emotionally, you name it. i don't know what the problem is. even last year's team showed more spark- what's the difference between that roster and this one? mo pete? pape sow? pj tucker? what?

i've heard enough talk about being great together off the court. too bad this is not a fraternity. there's something to be said for chemistry, but there's also something to be said for sharp-edged competition and fire. we don't have the latter. for one thing, we don't go on extended runs. ever... unless no one's paying attention. and when that happens, we don't even celebrate them. we go back to the bench like we're in the midst of a preseason tilt vs benetton treviso. our games don't really go down to the wire anymore, either- and when they do, it's not because we mount a furious comeback in the waning moments. of all the teams i have ever seen in toronto, the one we have now must be the worst at celebrating. they're not enjoying themselves. it's like they don't know how; or it's like they don't think they're allowed. so passive and tired.

no technicals, no turnovers, no free throws drawn, no controversy- fine, some of those are good things. but when that's all you have, you're not only putting your fans to sleep- you're putting your team to sleep as well.

man, do i ever hope we're a playoff team and this is all a mirage.

peace