Thursday Thoughts...

June 14, 9:45 a.m. A message to the Spurs - please win tonight so we can move on and start focusing on the draft and offseason. Some believe most ballers have begun the process after suffering through the first three games of the Finals. The reports on ratings in Canada and the US are accurate. Brutal. But no one - no one can deny the experience, savvy and stability of the San Antonio Spurs. There is a reason they're about to win their fourth title in recent history: Tim Duncan. Tony Parker could wind up the MVP, but without Duncan, the Spurs are a winning team but not a Finals team. Not a dynasty team. Had the Celtics won the '97 lottery there is no doubt Boston would have won several championships. Regardless what happens tonight, the Cavs have some offseason work to do if they expect to return to the Finals next year. Then again, look at the East and that's why I'm encouraged about the direction of the Raptors. The East will be up for grabs next season... Book it. Quick thoughts on another beautiful day in the great city of Toronto... Good news for Mike James. He goes back home and to a Rockets team that should have a wide open offensive flow. Grant Hill is telling every interested possible free agent destination the same thing.." Love the organization, direction of the team..etc. " I hope the Raps go short term and get him but I can also see Hill going to the Suns. I wonder what kind of player Spencer Hawes will turn out to be. Orlando Head Coach Stan Van Gundy was rebuffed by Miami's Pat Riley in his attempts to take an assistant or two to the Magic. That's a shocker. Jim Todd leaving for the Bucks gives Milwaukee three ex Raps assistants on the bench in Todd, Brian James and Tony Brown. The Raps new assistant Mike Evans is a great guy and a solid basketball man. As I mentioned in Wednesday's CCI, Todd is an outstanding man and we will miss his charm, wit and humor. I can't wait to see what Portland does this off season and I'm not talking about their number one pick. The heat is on GM Billy Knight in Atlanta and he must produce. Good for the Calgary Flames. Mike Keenan is a quick fix. He's not a long term guy. He knows it. The Flames know it. Just win. Just win. A-Rod with No. 25. Yankees have won eight straight. Didn't A-Rod get hot after his trip to Toronto which brought on an assortment of issues in his world? I can just hear that 20 second sound bite... Question from reporter: Alex, why the hot streak? A-Rod: Well, in Toronto... Now there's talk he's interested in buying a place in Manhattan worth close to $20 million dollars. Don't think he's opting out. If Bud Selig forces Jason Giambi to cooperate with the Mitchell panel or face suspension, there will be a lot of players fearing the same punishment. Would you rather have a Super Bowl ring or a ring on Carrie Underwood's finger? If Daunte Culpepper is healthy - if - I think Jacksonville is a good fit. The Starbucks lemonade-gree tea is fantastic. E-mail me your thoughts on the Raptors/NBA at cswirsky@torontoraptors.com or call me at 416-815-6189. Always a pleasure.