Keeping up with ... the Smith?

As you look back over your time covering the Raptors, how much has your typical week changed due to the social media explosion, 24/7 news cycle, etc? And if someone had told you back then how coverage of sports would change, what would your younger self’s response be? — Andrew

Man, a typical week all those years ago? I barely remember. But I do imagine they would have included a couple of days off and the post-practice writing would have been done in the office.

Now, days off are hard to come by and the pace of the day is unrelenting. And I actually can’t recall the last time I wrote in the office since I don’t have a desk or a phone. The social media phenomenon has simply accelerated everything, you have to react and do immediate hits right away and try to quickly add some context right.

My advice to me? It would have been something like, “You have to adapt because the craft isn’t waiting for you. And if you don’t keep up, you’ll be left out.” And I think I’ve followed it. We know trades are part of the game, but the DeMar DeRozan one is the most painful for a player and fan base I can recall … He seems to have moved on and has made the best of his current assignment. Would you agree? But is he at least content if not happy? I sincerely hope so, because he deserves to be. Can you think of any other trade that came anywhere close to the impact this had on the player and fans. I was very sad to see Jose Calderon leave … Looking forward to anything you can share with us about DeMar’s time in Toronto this week. — S.B., Newmarket

I didn’t get any significant time alone to chat — it was a whirlwind — but we did talk. He low-keyed it, had dinner with the Lowrys, hung out and stayed to himself, like he does in every city on every trip, basically. I think he did in part so he wouldn’t be overwhelmed — at least that’s one thing he told me — and although he knew in his heart what Friday’s reception would be, he didn’t want to say anything publicly in case it didn’t live up to the hype. It did. And believe me, he was touched.

As you can imagine, we’ve had many discussions about trades and departures and returns over the last few days. Nothing — nothing — had the impact that July deal did. And the only one I can possibly think of is Matt Bonner getting dealt one summer, but he never had the length of time here DeMar did.

The others? Nothing comes close, it really doesn’t. I can’t see Kyle Lowry in a coaching role when his playing career ends. But what about management? (He has that) tough, matter-of-fact, “it’s a business” attitude. — J. Stewart, Kingston

I’ve never had a serious conversation with Kyle about his longer-term goals and I bet he hasn’t thought much about it either. He’s probably got four to five years left playing.

If I had to guess between the two, I’d see him more in a teaching/coaching/strategy role than anything in a front office.

Or he might just go back to Philly, enjoy watching his kids grow up and play a ton of golf.