Leiweke hasn’t exactly given BC a ringing endorsement. Neither have the other critical decisionmakers, George Cope and Nadir Mohamed, but they will almost certainly defer to Leiweke’s judgement. After all, he’s their choice to run the show, and they can’t exactly intervene in Leiweke’s first big decision. Either he’s the boss or he’s not.

Mar 10, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Cleveland 100-96. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

I’m doubtful that BC resigns, for several reasons. He wants vindication of his decisions; he’s made some questionable trades and drafts, but the pieces seem to be coming together, albeit at the pace of a drugged snail. He’s been through the tough times with this organization, and now wants to enjoy the fruits of his labour. Furthermore, I think BC is a loyal fellow, and wants those who have been with him in the losing years, like Maurizio Gherardini, Wayne Embry and Dwane Casey, to share in the accolades. BC hires strong people, not Yes-men; he’s the one who gave Masai Ujiri his chance, then allowed him to leave for the big job in Denver. Ujiri was just named the NBA Executive of the Year, an honour BC won in his first season helming the Raps, but hasn’t had a sniff of since.

There it is – I’m on record as saying BC won’t resign. If he’s going to go, they’ll have to toss him out. And that may well happen.

Brian Boake is Senior Editor for Raptors Rapture. “Like” Raptors Rapture on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RaptorsRapture for all the latest news and updates about the best damn NBA team from Canada.

The goal appears to be defensive improvement, particularly of green-but-game Jonas Valanciunas, but I’m sure that’s only half the story. I’m confident our forward-thinking Assistant Coaches like Tom Sterner and Micah Nori will turn their attention to the other side of the floor, to figure out how to beat ghost defenders, then real ones (read the article).

December 19, 2012; Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto Raptors guard Jose Calderon (left) listens to Toronto Raptors assistant coach Tom Sterner (right) during the second half at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Detroit 97-91. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The macro-significance of the Raps’ trail-blazing is the acceptance of statistical analysis when thinking strategically about basketball. Moneyball-type musings have been rare in hoops. I think there are two reasons for that, one being that no sport lends itself to statistical analysis better than baseball, because no sport has such a clear-cut line of demarcation between offense and defense. Even in football, it’s possible to switch due to a fumble or interception, but in baseball, you’re either batting or fielding. There are no transitions or turnovers to muddy the waters, so individuals’ stats are “pure”. It’s also the only sport where time is irrelevant. Basketball ranks third in frequency of transition, and in acceptance of statistical analysis. Hockey, the major sport with the most frequent transition between O and D, is the last refuge of the Luddite.

The other reason I believe basketball has been behind the statistical analysis curve is the lack of a leader, someone with both technical credibility and charisma. John Hollinger, whose PER (Player Efficiency Rating) calculation is a very useful summary datapoint, might be the closest. However, his profile is but a shadow of the pioneer of baseball statistical analysis (a.k.a. SABeRmetrics), Bill James, who also is a vastly superior prose stylist.

Can the Raptors’ organization demonstrate the value of extracting insight and team improvement from reams of visual data? Let’s hope so; if their efforts can hasten the arrival of a brighter future, Raps’ fans will be thrilled. We’ve certainly seen more than enough of the dreary present to know our team needs all the help it can get.

Brian Boake is a co-editor for Raptors Rapture. “Like” Raptors Rapture on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RaptorsRapture for all the latest news and updates about the best damn NBA team from Canada.