End Of The Week Blahs...

May 2, 10:07 a.m. End of the week blahs as front office, coaching staff and players scatter. Bryan Colangelo tells the Globe and Mail's Michael Grange, Sam Mitchell is not going anywhere putting constant rumors to rest that the Raps would have a new bench boss next year. Doug Smith in his Toronto Star blog hands out grades to the Raps roster. I give Grange and Smith an "A" for a job well done informing the readers with their blogs on a continuing basis. Now that the season is over, I'll miss talking to Mike Ganter of the Toronto Sun. I always toss a baseball statement or two at him since he once covered the Jays. The Jays in the win column... parade starts at 11 AM! My man Steve Buffrey is always engaging. Steve, keep that Wednesday column coming! Playoff ball last night as the Pistons put away the Sixers. I like Detroit to beat Orlando in six games. The Magic are certainly well rested. P.J. Carlesimo survived a pink slip in Seattle. Sonics GM Sam Presti has a ton of pieces to play with including first round picks and cap room in the off season of '09. Regardless where they play, and it certainly appears Oklahoma City is on the map for THIS season-a lock for 09-10- the franchise has a bright future. Checked out Peter Vescey in the NY Post who is reporting former Syracuse star Derrick Coleman is in urgent need of a heart transplant. I will go on the record and tell you Avery Johnson is going to excel wherever he goes. George Karl says he'll be tough next year with Denver. The Nuggets flamed out against Kobe and company and have a ton of cap issues. Is Marcus Camby on the block as stories persist? If so a number of teams will be knocking on Denver's door. Marc Iavaroni will keep his job in Memphis ending speculation he would be one and out. Good move. Memphis has had five coaches in seven years. I can now rest comfortably after hearing Dewayne Wade and Star Jones are just "friends." I want to read about Wade ON the court instead of OFF the court. He needs to get healthy and play a full season or close to it. Good stuff from ESPN's Marc Stein on the situation in Dallas. A good night for Detroit sports teams. The Pistons blew out the 76ers. The Tigers swept the Yankees in NY for the first time since '66 and the Wings demolished the Avs. How hot is Detroit's Johan Franzen? I was surprised to read that Joe Girardi is struggling with the NY media. I have been around Joe for many, many years and always found him engaging. Reading more and more about Roger Clemens is sickening. Question/comment about the Raps/NBA? E-mail me at cswirsky@torontoraptors.com or call me at 416-509-2555.