This has been talked about for a couple days or so but there's no thread for it (that I've seen).

http://www.mlive.com/pistons/weblog/

A.Sherrod Blakely

Thursday, January 26, 2006

Hammond Toronto-bound?
Don't be surprised if the Toronto Raptors try to snatch up John Hammond, Detroit's vice president of basketball operations, to replace Rob Babcock, who was fired on Thursday, as their new GM (and possible team president?).

They had a LOT of interest in Hammond when the job was open before, but he wasn't all that interested in it at the time. While they are struggling now, they do have some nice young pieces (Bosh and Villanueva) that, to some degree, make it a more attractive job.
Because of that, it would only make sense for them to try and see if Hammond has had a change of heart.

The Raptors know they can't screw this hire up like they did with Babcock, so they know they have to find someone who has some type of proven track record who has a clue about putting together winning teams.

Hammond has been the No. 2 guy with a Pistons franchise that has made one shrewd move after another, helping catapult the Pistons into one of the NBA's premier teams without breaking the bank to do so.

He's a smart guy, sharp, and well respected by front-office execs across the league, as well as players.

Guys like that, sooner or later, are going to get an opportunity to run their own franchise.

And Hammond, to his credit, is smart enough to know what jobs are worth considering, and which ones to sprint away from (Portland).

This guy deserves a shot at running his own team, and if the Raptors are serious about throwing in the title of team president, well, then that just might be enough to convince Hammond to leave Detroit.

http://wtfdetroit.com/viewtopic.php?t=781&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15

I wrote:


how the fuck is Toronto more attractive to Hammond now than it was then?

They had Vince Carter the last time they approached him.


MAYBE if they traded Jalen for an expiring contract before the deadline Hammond MIGHT be interested.

Cap space, young team and 2 first round picks basically means he could put his stamp on that team.

Once he fired Mitchell he'd be alright.

However, the "word" is that Mitchell is tight with Bosh and if you fire the coach you risk pissing off your star big man.

Do you keep Sam just to please Bosh?

OR

Do you pull a Larry Bird and keep the coach until your star is locked up and then fire the coach?

Option A might cost you Bosh but it would likely bring wins, which might please Bosh more than Sammy can.

Option B is dirty, but you keep your star regardless

http://wtfdetroit.com/viewtopic.php?t=781&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15

Oops.

Swat this shit?

Go for it, find a good one.

Maybe an Austalian block of some sort?

What about LB's boy on the Tall Blacks?

edit: I did an image search on "Tall Blacks", are they really sponsored by Burger King?

P, can you explain that ritualistic dance they do before the game?

Not like this thread is going to be saved by this info, but what the hell?

The haka?

http://www.haka.co.nz/haka.php

I suck at posting images. Even after all this time.

http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2005/01/28/paul_hogan_narrowweb__200x240.jpg

SWATTED, MATE!!

"We are the All Blacks, of the New Zealand people."

"We stand on this field arrayed for battle."

"At our backs we feel the might of tradition wrought by those who have gone before."

"Over our hearts we bear the Silver Fern, emblem of mana to die for."

"This challenge is now thrown out to you. Take it if you dare for we will not withold ourselves this day and the faint of heart will surely be lost."

Whiti te ra! Hi!


Thanks for the link, P.

That is the first time I've actually read it.

I knew what it was but never read it before.

So thank to you GD.

also good morning, good afternoon, good evening or goodnight.

I'm off to bed