But Canadians should also be celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. King, who fought against racial discrimination and segregation in pursuit of equality for men and women of all races.

Below is a recreation of Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech (August 28, 1963) voiced by NBA Hall of Famer Alex English.

[radioclip id=5045178]

English grew up in the Southern U.S. during the Civil Rights movement. As a noted student of history, he was thrilled to be a part of this tribute to Dr. King.

I produced and directed this recording along with former Sportsnet 590 The FAN colleague Ian Cunningham back in 2011.

Honestly, I don’t think there is.

LeBron James is a generational player. He is, arguably, among the five best of all-time. We are lucky to be able to see him in his prime.

And, just as teams in NBA history had to do against Michael Jordan and the Bulls, or Kobe & Shaq and the Lakers, you enter each season already knowing who the “favorite” is and how tough it’s going to be to beat the best. Ask the Pistons or the Pacers. Or the Kings or Blazers (and many more).

The Raptors are now in that boat in regards to James and Cleveland. They are not better than the Cavs. But can they be better with a roster-altering trade (that would likely limit your depth and potentially negatively affect team chemistry)? Or by keeping the stability and cohesion intact, and grooming a younger core that could help keep the Raptors contending during James’ final years, when he may be on the decline?

I guess we’ll find out.

Kevin Durant would have looked nice in a Raptors jersey though :)

https://twitter.com/BRC14/status/819251096636030988

The automatic reaction says: Boston. And they’re good. I like their team. They have a nice balance of youth and experience and a versatile roster up front, and in the backcourt. But if the playoffs started today I would still pick Toronto to win in a 7-game series against the Celtics.

The team I would be weary of?

Chicago.

If the playoffs started today, I would be feeling uneasy about the Bulls.

You can’t discount star power (and star calls) in the playoffs, so Dwyane Wade would be dangerous. I don’t have to tell you about Jimmy Butler and how he haunts Toronto—on both ends of the floor. And with Robin Lopez, Taj Gibson and Bobby Portis up front, along with the size and 3pt-shooting abilities of Doug McDermott and Nikola Mirotic too, I think the Raptors could have issues. A Bulls-Raptors series would be a scary proposition.

On my MVP list today, Harden would be third. He’s a very close third to Russell Westbrook.

Triple-doubles aside, I think Westbrook is doing more with less around him. The Thunder don’t have as many wins as the Rockets, but Harden has more talent around him in Houston, and so Russ gets the nod for second.

So who’s first?

No, not LeBron James. What he’s doing in Cleveland this year (yes, with a fabulous team around him) is as good as any other season he has turned in. Sadly, too many folks have become bored by James’ greatness. And given that he’d likely be 4th on my list, I suppose I’m as guilty as others of not fully appreciating his dominance.

My first place vote— my MVP— would be Kawhi Leonard.

He’s a five (or more) tool player on the offensive end and as tough as they come on the defensive end— a true lock-down guy. His Spurs have the second-best record in the Association (including the third-most wins and second-fewest losses) and Leonard is easily the biggest reason why.

There is no denying that Paul Millsap has a lot of what the Raptors could use. However, whether he is still actually available or not, I don’t think the Raptors can make a true evaluation of their team until they see what Jared Sullinger can or cannot provide.

Thus, to answer your question, I don’t know. But I’m not certain Masai Ujiri does either. Until he sees Sullinger in action it would be hard to evaluate if some other PF would help move the needle more. Sully may be the guy.

Problem is… if Sullinger doesn’t return until the end of January (I’m speculating) you have only about two weeks to make your assessment of him and your team because the NBA’s trade deadline will be looming in mid-February.

The Raptors were high enough on him to go sign him as a free agent last summer so I’m assuming they’re prepared to roll with him.

That’s hard to say because you don’t know what/who is truly available and what/who opposing teams would be asking for in exchange.

But you wrote in a follow-up tweet to this one that you basically meant a “bang-for-your-buck” kind of deal. So to follow on that note…

A bang-for-your-buck deal may simply involve adding a veteran piece for one of your less-experienced players or a draft pick. However, if you dealt a pick for a player, you’d likely have to make a corresponding roster decision — as Toronto already has 15 guys on its roster.

If Sullinger is healthy you still may look to have that vet up front — someone that can play the four or the five — to spell off either Jonas Valanciunas and Lucas Nogueira or Patrick Patterson and Sullinger (with youngsters Pascal Siakam and Jakob Poeltl waiting in the wings; watching and learning).

https://twitter.com/darealbigf00t/status/819253220665073664

I’m all but certain we answered this in a previous mailbag. So I’ll keep the answer short: yes.

In fact, I think he makes the Hall of Fame. Unlike some people, I think his NBA career alone puts him in. But we also need to factor in that the Basketball Hall of Fame is about more than just the NBA. Carter had a huge impact on an entire country, growing the game and inspiring a generation of young players, too (many of them who are now playing professionally in North America and around the world).

This is extremely hard. And so subjective. But my five:

PG: Magic Johnson
SG: Michael Jordan
SF: LeBron James
PF: Tim Duncan
C: Bill Russell

Note: Magic and M.J. were no-brainers. Thus, I couldn’t get Kobe Bryant in there. LeBron is a lock. And the centre spot was a pick’em with Wilt Chamberlain, and Kareem in the mix for me, too.

The toughest call was the power forward spot. But because I’d get enough scoring from Jordan, James and Johnson (not that Duncan can’t score, too), I opted to get some rebounding and blocking from Tim Duncan—making my sixth man Larry Bird as a result.

https://twitter.com/_lenito/status/809120751735500800?refsrc=email&s=11

Absolutely not.

Pascal Siakim has been fabulous (what more could you ask for from a rookie that has started every game for an 18-7 team that is only a half-game behind Cleveland for number one in the East?) but when Jared Sullinger is able to play, you absolutely find time for him. ASAP.

Siakim will likely still have a role in the 2nd unit upon Sullinger’s return— his rebounding, defence, energy, enthusiasm and ability to run the floor and make the simple play are all assets. And he’s going to start another 20-or-so games anyway; Dwane Casey said in Boston last week that Sullinger was still about 5 weeks away, and that was in reference to rehab and workouts and practice and not actual game action.

But when he is healthy, Sullinger gives you experience and knowledge, size and strength, defence and help down low for the other bigs. And Sully has range too. He, unlike Jonas Valanciunas (or Jakob Poeltl or Lucas Nogueira) can— and will— venture out beyond the arc.

I do not foresee Masai Ujiri signing a player to a contract via free agency, to only let that guy go midway through the year (after paying him the whole time during his injury) before he has ever played a regular season game for your organization. I just don’t see that happening, nor do I think it should.

Let me preface this by saying that, as a fellow Burlington-born guy, I’m pulling for Heslip.

But his NBA pursuit won’t be easy.

Is he big enough or strong enough to guard opposing two-guards? Is he a good enough playmaker to run the point?

What’s more, the unfortunate reality for Heslip, as it relates to the Raptors, may be this: Is he going to push the likes of Norm Powell or Terrence Ross out of playing time? Or at the point, make a dent in Cory Joseph’s minutes— let alone Fred Van Vleet’s or Delon Wright’s (when he returns in January)?

The last time I saw Heslip play in-person was with the Canadian national team, and I was impressed with how he looked on the floor (and not just as a shooter). There’s no denying his 3-point stroke is quick and lethal. The man can flat-out shoot.

Frankly, I wouldn’t judge a guy based on whether he ever makes it to the NBA or not because there are plenty of opportunities to play—and get paid— across the world, and to carve out a solid national and/or international career.

For now, let’s enjoy having a Canadian playing so close to home and monitor his progress as the D-League calendar unfolds.

At the risk of sounding too much like Dr. Phil, I think Ross has simply grown up.

We (media, fans, et al) often forget how young many guys are when they first come into the Association. And whether a player is a junior or senior in college, some are simply more mature or equipped to handle the lifestyle change that comes with being a pro more than others.

Ross is a father now. He has the security of a contract extension from last year (which, oh by the way, looks like a steal now). And he understands his role within a core group of players that he has forged a chemistry with over the last 3+ years.

He has matured.

Ross is now one of the best 3-point shooters in the league and he has shown the awareness and smarts to start putting the ball on the floor again and attack the rim. Furthermore, he has rejuvenated his defence. He is a multi-tooled player that is absolutely an asset, both now and in the post-season that lies ahead for Toronto.

If he continues to play like this for the remainder of the regular season, he very well may be in the running for the Sixth Man of the Year award— as DeMar DeRozan has recently suggested and touted.

Jonas Valanciunas’ minutes were a common theme from a number of folks that tweeted-in questions this week.

Valanciunas is Toronto’s third-best player right now and the third option on this team behind, obviously, DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry. So I can appreciate your desire to see him play more and be used more.

But when it comes to the last four games specifically, there is a logical explanation.

Let’s work in reverse:

Vs Golden State: After a solid start in the first quarter for JV and the Raptors overall, Golden State went smaller in the second quarter and subsequently went on a run. Warriors centre Zaza Pachulia wasn’t on the floor a ton and the match-ups against JaVale McGee or David West weren’t as favourable for Valanciunas.

Thus, Dwane Casey looked at other options. Ultimately Toronto got caught in Golden State’s up-and-down game, and that pace doesn’t favour the Raptors big man either. The Raps weren’t slowing down and working the post on the offensive end and you can’t rely on JV to be sprinting back on D everytime either (few big men can). So I really think Wednesday was purely match-up driven.

Vs Cleveland: Valanciunas logged 34:29 minutes, only 44 seconds less than his season high on opening night against Detroit. So I don’t have an issue with his usage on Tuesday at all.

Vs New York: After the victory over the Knicks, Casey acknowledged (I’m paraphrasing) that he wasn’t certain how healthy his big man was. Was he fully back to 100% after missing a couple of games with a knee contusion? The coach was being cautious. But furthermore, Lucas Nogueira was playing out of his mind in what was arguably his best game as a pro. The decision to limit JV was easy and not without merit.

Vs Charlotte: It was Valanciunas’ first game back after a week of rest—sitting out two straight games – and he was simply eased back in. Nothing more, nothing less. And based on Casey’s words the next night (as noted above) there was certainly a feeling of cautiousness from the coaching staff with their big man.

With battles looming over the next few days with Jusuf Nurkic, Nikola Jokic, DeMarcus Cousins and DeAndre Jordan I would expect to see a whole lot more of Valanciunas. I bet he averages 30+ minutes and his role increases again.

https://twitter.com/slammindannyg/status/799475381975715840?refsrc=email&s=11

I’m not sure I would describe it as a “hole”, Dan.

Though Toronto has gone small at times this season, we haven’t seen DeMarre Carroll play much at the four. Instead, Casey has gone with a heavy dose of Pascal Siakim and Patrick Patterson, with a small sprinkling of Jakob Poeltl (though most of his minutes have been at the five).

Yes, Jared Sullinger was supposed to be the starter and I think he could have had a solid impact on the Raptors starting unit this season (and will when he returns in the New Year). However, even with Sully sidelined, Toronto got off to a 7-2 start with a rookie power forward.

Siakim has not looked out of place. He’s active and unafraid on defence, and he has shown confidence to take a shot (when needed) on offence, while running the floor, setting screens and chasing down rebounds and tip-ins. He’s high-energy and hustle— the kind of characteristics every coach wants.

Personally, I’d be more “concerned” about Toronto’s team-wide inconsistent 3pt shooting right now, and not their alleged hole up front.

I know there has been a ton of talk over the last two games about the whistle and the perceived notion that Toronto doesn’t get calls (hey, at times, I buy that theory too). But Vince Carter is certainly not the last Raptor to get calls.

See: DeMar DeRozan.

On Wednesday night, though hacked and whacked without a call on a few occasions, DeRozan still went to the free throw line 17 times! In fact, he set a personal record for consecutive free throws in one game with those 17.

He has been to the line 15 or more times in three games this season and has headed to the stripe 10+ times on five occasions. And then there’s this:

2016-17 Avg. free throws per game: 10.5 (4TH in the NBA)
2016-17 Total free throws attempted: 115 (4TH in the NBA (tied with Damian Lillard))
2016-17 Total free throws made: 94 (6TH in the NBA)

Last year’s numbers? Among the league-leaders as well…

2015-16 Avg. free throws per game: 8.4 (3RD in the NBA)
2015-16 Total free throws attempted: 653 (3RD in the NBA)
2015-16 Total free throws made: 555 (2ND in the NBA)

For what it’s worth here are Vince Carter’s highest free-throw numbers during his time in Toronto:

6.7 Avg. FT per game (1999-2000 and 2000-2001)
551 FT attempts (1999-2000)
436 FT made (1999-2000)

Check back next week for Eric Smith’s weekly mailbag, and remember to send your questions to E on Twitter @Eric_Smith using the hashtag #askE

Also: “Hoops” returns for it’s 16th year tonight with a jammed show featuring interviews with DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry, Cory joseph, Demarre Carroll and Terrence Ross. The show airs at midnight on Sn590 The Fan. Podcast available on iTunes.

I think it already has.

Unlike some people, I still have a ton of respect for Vince Carter, the person and the player. He put the Raptors and Canada on the map and put the league on notice too. He helped cultivate generations of Canadian basketball fans and players. To me, there’s no question that his jersey should be retired by the Raptors one day.

But the minute DeMar DeRozan re-signed in Toronto this past summer— on the heels of an All Star season and a berth in the Eastern Conference Finals—on the verge of winning another gold medal at a world competition he took the mantel.

A kid from Compton has adopted Canada. He didn’t even entertain any other offers. It was Toronto, long term, from the second there was a decision to make.

His ridiculous numbers to start this season only add to his lustre. But, coming off a franchise-best 56-win season while playing alongside a fellow All Star, Kyle Lowry (the greatest 1-2 punch the Raptors have ever had) he was already in the top spot.

DeRozan’s name is scattered throughout numerous pages of the Raptors franchise-record books and his stranglehold on history with the organization will only grow. He will sit atop all of the records that matter most.

Carter. Chris Bosh. Lowry. But it now all starts with DeRozan. And when he’s done, nobody will ever wear #10 again for the Raptors.

The offense may be the least of my concerns Bob.

DeRozan likely can’t keep up this torrid pace. But together, he and Lowry can—and should—be able to carry at least 40 if not 50 per cent (or more) of the offense on any given night. Throw in Jonas Valanciunas, Patrick Patterson, DeMarre Carroll and Terrence Ross and your offence should keep you in most games. It did last year and thus far it’s been fine through four games in 2016-17 (bolstered, of course, by DeRozan’s explosive play).

The greater concern— and I use that term loosely given that the season is eight days old— is the defence. Pascal Siakam and Jakob Poeltl have done well thus far, as good as could be expected for two rookies. But can they match and approve upon this early season success as time goes on and opposing teams start figuring them out and start going at them that much more?

And will Toronto’s perimeter D improve? They were among the worst in that category last season and the trend has sort of continued over the first handful of games this year as well.

In the end I think Toronto may win fewer games than last year but still be in position to be as good or better, playoff-wise, than they were in 2015-16.

I’m not concerned about it at all.

I think there are a few things at play, not the least of which is DeRozan’s all-world start to the season; you’ve got to keep DeRozan on the floor as often as possible.

Second, the Raptors have had some issues scoring on the perimeter, meaning Terrence Ross has to play. While some may disagree, Ross is arguably your best 3-point shooter and as such he can help stretch and space the floor.

Finally, DeMarre Carroll is (mostly) healthy and his defence and intangibles are an asset for Dwane Casey.
So he needs to play, too.

Where does that leave Powell?

I think you can find roughly 8-10 minutes for him right now. Then, perhaps, as we get beyond the first 10 games of the season (let’s remember the year started just over a week ago) you can steal a minute or two from both Ross and Carroll and maybe even a couple from DeRozan if his workload is decreased in an attempt to avoid over-usage. Suddenly now you’re seeing Powell in the 12-15+ minute range. And on nights when fouls pile up for others, funks occur, or any injury happens, Norm springs into action.

Again, I’m not overly concerned. Let’s let the season breathe a bit.

Each week this season, Sportsnet insider and voice of the Raptors on SN590 The FAN, Eric Smith, will answer your questions about everything happening in Raptorland and around the Association. Send your questions to E on Twitter @Eric_Smith using the hashtag #askE

https://twitter.com/dalemanucdoc/status/791062853121929220?refsrc=email&s=11

The key for Jonas Valanciunas is finding consistency— and I believe that extends to both ends of the floor.

I have always felt that he could, or should, be a more integral part of the offence but with Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan as the primary ball handlers and scorers, Valanciunas isn’t always going to get his touches like he did when he exploded against Indiana (and the first three games against Miami) during last year’s post-season.

I asked DeRozan on Tuesday how much is on he and Lowry to get JV involved and here’s how #10 answered: “We’re the ball handlers (and) the play-callers. We’re the anchors of the offence. It’s on us to use the pressure that we get to get him easy (baskets), to get him going.”

Anyway, I think being involved in offence can help the focus and production on defence. Valanciunas is not going to destroy teams with his athleticism or jump out of the gym with highlight-reel blocks. But he’s a big body, and he positions it well, consistently putting up solid rebounding numbers. Plus, he often plays with an edge and attitude that says he’s not going to back down from anyone.

Two keys for the Lithuanian this season: 1. Staying out of foul trouble, and 2. Improving pick and roll defence.

Said head coach Dwane Casey of Valanciunas on Tuesday: “He’s improved (and) he’s more vocal now. He’s talking on defence (and) he’s knowing where he’s supposed to be defensively right now.”

Pascal Siakim and Jakob Poeltl will see the floor (especially Siakim, I believe). But as a fifth-year player who still hasn’t reached his full potential, it’s on Valanciunas to fill a large chunk of that void you speak of.

The thing that sticks out about that question is “when (the) bigs are healthy”, because right now they’re not.

Jared Sullinger is out for 2-3 months, and during his absence, rookie Pascal Siakim and Patrick Patterson are expected to fill the void at the power forward spot.

However, Casey had said earlier in the pre-season that he was, at times, going to slide Sullinger over to the centre position and use him as Valanciunas’ back-up in certain lineups.

Thus, with Sullinger out until some time in 2017, those backup centre minutes need to be gobbled-up. The door is now open for Poeltl, as well as Lucas Nogueira. And at least for one night— Tuesday’s opener against Detroit— Nogueira is banged up as well and not expected to play.

The big Brazilian has struggled to stay healthy at times during his young career so I could certainly see the Raptors needing “insurance” with the big club more often than not (until Sullinger finally returns). So I think Poeltl could stick with the Raptors and spend more time in the 416 than the 905.

When he does play, expect Poeltl to take his lumps, though. He’s a rookie big man after all. However, as his comfort level increases I believe you’ll see a steady (not flashy) young player. He’ll do the little things and his nose for the ball around the bucket will be an asset. He’s a smart player.

As discussed in the previous question, the injury bug has bitten the Raptors out of the gate, so that MAY hamper Toronto’s early-season record. But to be honest, I’m not expecting a major drop-off. I believe Casey and company have enough weapons, or options, to fill the void that Sullinger leaves.

That said, Boston is a very good and very deep team. The addition of Al Horford was a big plus for the Celtics. The front court rotation and depth is solid with their marquee free agent signing as well as the likes of Kelly Olynyk and veteran Amir Johnson. Brad Stevens’ backcourt— starring Isaiah Thomas, Marcus Smart, and Avery Bradley— is stacked with speed and athleticism and edgy defence too.

Boston could easily be a 50+ win team but there will be a lot of competition outside of Beantown for that number two seed in the East. Yes, Toronto is certainly still in the mix (and likely the favourite for a lot of folks) but the Indiana Pacers are a very intriguing team to keep an eye on as well.

And the next “tier” in the East could be a wild ride to watch throughout the season, with a ton of parity between clubs like Detroit, Milwaukee, Atlanta, Orlando, Charlotte and Washington…..and X-factors in Chicago and New York too.

https://twitter.com/shalaby_mike/status/791087532033409024?s=03

I think the bulk of Sullinger’s minutes will land in the laps of Patterson and Siakim.

But Casey has already acknowledged that whoever starts against Detroit may not be the same guy that starts on Friday against Cleveland or in future games as well. It could be a match-up driven decision regarding Sullinger’s “replacement”.

So, yes, I think we could see Carroll start at the 4 from time to time. Or if he doesn’t START, I certainly believe there will be stretches during many games when DC slides over to that position; allowing Toronto to play a little “small ball”.

The Powell portion of your question is intriguing. I’m not prepared to write-off Terrence Ross. I don’t think it’s a foregone conclusion that Powell will get a bulk of minutes again and vault ahead of T-Ross.

Ross’ leash could be short though and Powell is always ready to pounce.

https://twitter.com/Rayflow23/status/791086031890223104?s=03

Let’s end the mailbag here with a little more on Ross and Powell…

As I stated above, Ross is still an important part of what Toronto wants to do. He’s a legit 3pt threat, arguably the Raptors best long-distance shooter. So it’s probably foolish to think that he’ll be cast aside or buried on the bench. Call me naive if I’m wrong (I’ll be the first to admit it)…but…

Fact is, I think Ross has matured. Age, pure and simple, has done that to him but so has becoming a father as well. At the risk of getting all “Dr. Phil” on ya, I think as you grow up, you “grow up” in the metaphorical sense, too. I’ve seen it too often for it not to be true. There’s a difference in the likes of DeRozan or Lowry or Vince Carter or Chris Bosh as they mature and figure out their lot in life and in the league, both on and off the floor.

However, Ross playing does not mean Powell won’t. There is room for both. Casey will need guys to back up DeRozan (who is still expected to log heavy minutes) and Carroll, and Carroll may see time at PF as well (as previously discussed). So the shell game for the head coach will not be easy. He’ll have a lot of moving parts. And that should bode well for Ross AND Powell.

Who ultimately plays more or has more of a prominent role could come down to who is able to play better defensively. Ross has shown an ability to lock it down in previous years, but not so much of late. And Powell looked very strong and unintimidated as a rookie last year. Can he repeat that?

Check back next week for Eric Smith’s weekly mailbag, and remember to send your questions to E on Twitter @Eric_Smith using the hashtag #askE

Toronto is riding the high of a three-game winning streak heading into the overseas showdown against Orlando and the club will be looking to exact some revenge as well — Scott Skiles’ club handed Dwane Casey’s crew its first lost of the season back in November after the Raptors had started the year 5-0.

Outside of DeMarre Carroll (knee surgery) and some team-wide jet lag, Toronto is healthy and ready to roll. The Magic, on the other hand, will be down at least one key body.

Forward Aaron Gordon rolled his ankle towards the end of Orlando’s practice on Wednesday afternoon and he’s now officially listed as questionable for Thursday’s game. But the Magic did get some good news when they learned guard Elfrid Payton is expecting to return to the lineup against the Raptors. He has missed four straight games with a left-ankle bone bruise.

Orlando has lost three of the four games since Payton was sidelined, and five out of six in 2016.

MORE SOCCER TALK
Much has been made — in this space and others — about the handful of Raptors that planned to attend Wednesday night’s match between Chelsea and West Brom.

But Payton and Magic teammate Nik Vucevic were scheduled to be in attendance as well.

An NBA representative told me that a number of Premier League players (no names given…yet) are planning to take in Thursday’s game at the O2 Arena, and they’ll be alongside celebrities like Idris Elba and chef Gordon Ramsay.

A sellout crowd is expected.

MORE BIG NAMES
The league office has also invited a number of former players to attend the Magic versus Raptors game, including Horace Grant, Muggsy Bogues, Rick Fox, John Amaechi and Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon. Commissioner Adam Silver will also be in attendance.

A number of the names listed above will join yours truly, live, during Sportsnet’s broadcast of the game.

4K ANYONE?
Rogers announced on Wednesday it had partnered up with the NBA and BT Sport to deliver Thursday’s game in 4K. It’s the first live NBA game to be broadcast in 4K.

Rogers cable customers can tune their NextBox 4k set to Channel 999 to get the game at four-times the pixels of HD.

The Raptors and Magic tip off a lot of 4K coverage that will be coming to Rogers in 2016 and beyond, including select marquee NHL games and every Toronto Blue Jays home game.

THE GLOBAL GAME
Outside of the common chatter that has been stressed by Dwane Casey and company throughout their stay in London — “This is a business trip” — another interesting topic came up Wednesday when Luis Scola weighed in on a number of European-related queries, from the league hosting more games overseas to the NBA actually expanding to Europe and beyond.

Scola was not necessarily on board with full-out expansion outside North America, and logistically I just don’t see how it would be feasible either (let alone the financial implications — currency rates/values being right up there among the issues), but he did think the league could do more than just the one game that’s currently on tap.

The veteran big man said he’d prefer to see a handful of teams make the trip across the pond to play three or four games over a week-and-a-half period, as opposed to the current set up that has Toronto and Orlando committing a week of travel in the middle of the season for only one game.