As we sit back now and wait for the July 1st deadline to pass and bring with it the start of free agency and the next round of NBA transactions, there still appears to be several topics of concern on the minds of NBA fans and Raptors fans everywhere.
SO in no particular order, here are some thoughts to keep your mind hopping while we wait for the next big transaction:
GIVE ME A 3 OR GIVE ME DEATH
I think Raps Fan raises a really great point here - and even though I would rather have JO than a slashing 3 and even though I’m not sold on Gerald Wallace or Mickael Pietrus, Raps Fan is right: a slashing 3 puts this team over the top. The brain trust at MLSE certainly believes that the main issues with this team were on the interior, not on the perimeter, and that is why they went big- both with JO trade and with the draft. The goal is to “up” the points in the paint and offensive rebounding on one end and cut both those stats down on the other. As it stands now, I think this team can win 50 games and is a legit contender in the East, but to be considered a realistic contender for the NBA title, this team does need to add a slashing 3. The problem is, those guys just cant be found everywhere. Hopefully BC can find a way to address this in the marketplace or maybe Jamario Moon can actually become this type of player (no seriously), but I think that unless BC is willing to move Bargnani, they don’t appear to have too many other chips to bring in this kind of player.
FREE AGENCY
Now I know everyone in Toronto is in love with Maggette (including me) and I know he would patch a lot of holes, but assuming that BC and the Clips cant make a sign and trade deal for him, then what? Even if we can bring in Maggette, this team needs some more experience - and by this I mean guys with rings - and not cheap rings like PJ Brown in Boston, real rings like Robert Horry or Sam Cassell (from Houston, not Boston). So in addition to bringing in a guy a like Duhon to back up Calderon with the mid-level (although all signs point to Roko coming over to play next season so that is not looking too good right now) I’d like to see the raps throw their midlevel at a guy who can play 15 mins a night but can bring the intangibles AND teach this team how to win.
THE DRAFT
I cried when CDR went 40th overall.
Look it up, I have yet to read a sports analyst write about the draft and NOT comment on how Jersey may have had the steal of the night by getting him this late.
I’m Ok with Nathan Jawai at #41. At 6″10 and 270lbs, he has been called a “poor mans Elton Brand.” Even if he only ends up being a poor mans version of a poor mans Elton Brand, Id be ok with that. Word on the street is that he is coming over this fall and will occupy the vacant seat in row 2 that Maceo Baston kept warm all season. Hope he owns some nice suits! No, seriously, for a team so badly undersized who got completely embarrassed in the middle in the Orlando series (and all year long for that matter) adding more size cant hurt.
KEVIN MCHALE
Can somebody please do something about this? How does this man still have a license to draft? This guy is a like a drunk driver who keeps getting behind the wheel. How many more mistakes are we going to let this man make before someone intervenes. The league needs to appoint someone to act on his behalf and on behalf of the entire Timberwolves franchise, perhaps a Minster of Self Defence? Or how about Minister of are you f#%$(% stupid? The Joe Smith debacle should have tipped off a few people in the commissioners office that something aint right with the GM of Minnesota. What about Sam Cassell AND a #1 for Marco Jaric after a KG MVP season and getting to the Western Conference finals? Drafting Brandon Roy and then dealing him for Randy Foye? KG to Boston? And now this? Now, I love Kevin Love, after all I’m a UCLA guy, but Love for Mayo? Wow! Leaf fans can take solace knowing that even though Isiah is no longer in New York there is still one franchise out there way more messed up then their beloved home team. Here’s an interesting question: who wins a championship first: the Minnesota Timberwolves or the Toronto Maple Leafs?
VINCE CARTER
How do you like them apples? Be sure to say “knee-how” to Yi for me. Let me know what the view is like from the cellar of the Eastern Conference. Karma, sweet karma.
BRYAN COLANGELO
Kudos to you big man! Kudos to you! I know I have been pretty harsh in my assessment of your reign up until this point, but you did it. Right or wrong, for better or for worse, you went in to this offseason like a fighter in a championship fight who was losing the fight entering the 10th round…you came out swinging… and with the mentality of “either I’m going to knock this guy out, or get knocked out trying.” You told Garbo to take his ball and go home for being such a jack ass for the last 18 months and while that contract could have helped us (maybe?) in a trade, I gotta say, I like the fact that you were decisive and sent a message that no one was going to push you around (it makes me wonder how he would have handled the Alonzo Mourning debacle from a couple of years ago).
Your trade for JO has left nothing up to the judges - there will be no one going to the scorecard. Either it will be an enormous success or a complete disaster. Whether you like the trade or not (and as you know, I love it) you gotta admire the moxy, and you gotta respect that kind of bravado. This IS the Bryan Colangelo that everyone told us we would be getting when he came here as GM, but we just never had the chance to see it before with his signings of AP, and Garbo, and trading for for guys like Rasho and Humphries. Now the REAL Slim Shady has finally stood up.
CHRIS BOSH
Sorry I wrote that whole “trade you now” article. I still think you rock. (I’m writing this just in case the NBA ever gives me a press pass and I’m forced to come face to face with the big man- although FYI CB4 I’m the guy who bought you a beer a couple months back at JoMamas on King street, just for being you - even though you make $13 million a year and I make $10.50 and hour).
So, Rapsfans, we have seen a fairly eventful last 7 days, and that smell that is in the air is…hope. Now, lets just hope that what follows on July 1st is more of the stuff that brought us JO and less of the stuff that brought us Fred Jones.
As always, Standing in the key, I’m the Dr., I’ve got my feet planted, and I’m planning on taking a charge.
Phdsteve.
Technorati Tags: 2008 Free Agency, Alonzo Mourning, Anthony Parker, Brandon Roy, Bryan Colangelo, Chris Bosh, Chris Duhon, Chris Robert-Douglas, Corey Maggette, Elton Brand, Fred Jones, Gerald Wallace, Jermaine O’Neal, Jianlin Yi, Joe Smith, Jorge Garbajosa, Jose Calderon, Kevin Garnett, Kevin Love, Kevin McHale, Kris Humphries, Maceo Baston, Marco Jaric, Mickael Pietrus, Nathan Jawai, OJ Mayo, PJ Brown, Randy Foye, Rasho Nesterovic, Robert Horry, Roko Ukic, Sam Cassel, Vince Carter
June 30th, 2008 at 9:40 am
i’m pretty sure the vince carter situation wouldn’t have been an issue if bc was here. and, if he had traded him, he would have got more then a bag of balls and some donuts.
i have to agree, good or bad, he put his balls on the line and brought in a big name guy to fill some major holes. you have to respect that.
50 could be a reasonable goal given this current team. i’m not 100% sold on that yet. but one thing is for sure, we are better off talent wise (maybe not cap wise) then the last couple seasons.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:43 am
Personally I think BC should wait until Canada fails to qualify for the Olympics and picks the 3 best available players to set at the end of the bench.
They will come cheap and at least their families will attend home games
June 30th, 2008 at 10:35 am
LOL…maybe carl english is worth a look, not sure about anyone else on the roster (mostly because I don’t know anyone else on the roster).
June 30th, 2008 at 10:39 am
The Raps are in great shape. Except the problem of roster spots.
I dont think the slashing 3 is coming this offseason, I think it is more likely that they will sign the fillers they need to complete the roster and if the team is on pace to make a big run at the playoffs next season, that is when BC trades whats left of his expiring contratcs, at the trade deadline in Feb.
I hope, and thats the point of the article, that I am wrong and that BC does sign a 3. but there aren’t too many to go after and the Calderon situation, which has not been solidified yet, might encroach on the MLE.
So the question is, do we wait and see what this lineup can do, or do we max out now on a pretty weak free agent market?
June 30th, 2008 at 11:16 am
the risk for me is that if we wait and see, we might have to overpay when we are desperate to add someone we might have gotten cheaper had they acted earlier.
i just read somewhere that jarvis hayes probably wont be resigned by the pistons, he could be a nice rotational player to add to the bench, and would come fairly cheap. he plays tough, and can hit from the perimeter, albeit streaky.
another point of concern for me is adding a major piece midway through the season. i was hoping that by february or so, smitch would have some semblage of a set rotation. adding another piece, a slashing 3 in this case, might mess up an already suspect attempt at putting together the right rotation.
June 30th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Raps Fan I agree
Wait and see is not the ideal but might be what is on the horizon. The counter point is of course that a better player than what is available right (July 9th) now would be expendable from a team not making the playoffs next Feb, as many players always become available at that time of the year.
We, as Toronto Raptors, always overpay for players to come here anyway. Trade deadline will cost us picks, which I can see your point of overpaying
Hoping for smitch to have a set rotation is like hoping Kevin McHale drafts the right player. I think you and I agree that Smitch has one last chance to lead this team beyond the first round of the playoffs.
June 30th, 2008 at 11:53 am
Hayes would, if he came cheap, be a good 10 minute guy for the Raps. I dont see him as the answer though…
June 30th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
agreed that this is smitch’s last hurrah…
also, on hayes, that is exactly what i was thinking. a solid rotational player who gets a few minutes a game. like joey graham, but you know…good.
June 30th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
No need to bring the Leafs into this. Lets keep the focus on the Raps. How I wish Smitch was FIRED!!!!!
June 30th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
They are both products of the same sick system.
June 30th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Jarvis Hayes was dropped from the Pistons rotation as soon as the playoffs started because (1) He plays no defense (2) He’s very inconsistent.
It doesn’t necessarily need to be a small forward, it could be a shooting guard. A wing of any type will do. Anthony Parker is big enough to play the small forward. Moon is quick enough to play shooting guard. A small forward would be ideal but a shooting works well, talent reigns supreme.
The Raptors can’t wait and see. Their window of opportunity isn’t big enough. Jermaine only has 2 years on his contract and with his injury history there’s no clues to how long he’ll be able to play at a high level. It’s all in or not in at all. You can’t go halfway on a trade like this and expect to be successful, it simply won’t happen.
All eyes to Bargnani’s uniform. If he’s a Raptor next season then team won’t be a contender.
Daves last blog post..Draft Reports: Indiana Pacers
June 30th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Personally I am shocked about some fans response to The Oneal/Ford trade.
The Raptors were 41-41 last year with glaring weaknesses:
1. Defense (not just perimeter Defense) Defense everywhere.
2. Rebounding
3. Starting center. Rasho was solid for 30 games however not the answer
4. point guard dilemma
5. Small forward who can score and defend.
6. Andrea (was pretty bad last year)
So now the way I see it this trade has either solved 5 out of these 6 or improved them and here is how:
Providing he is healthy which I know is a big if but not so much as TJ the main piece going the other way. So lets look at the above six and allow me to explain how this trade either solves or improves 5 of these:
1. Defense (not just perimeter Defense) Defense everywhere. Oneal is a premier defender a shot blocker and can almost shut down any center in the NBA not named Howard.
2. Rebounding. Oneal is clearly a huge upgrade rebounding over Rasho and Andrea at starting center.
3. Starting center. Rasho was solid for 30 games however not the answer. I love Rasho but he is not a 6 time all star period. Oneal is much better.
4. point guard dilemma. Calderon will flourish playing 38 minutes a game as he did when Ford was injured.
5. Small forward who can score and defend. This deal does not help here however you could argue we have 2 solid shot blockers when opponents get through our perimeter defense.
6. Andrea (was pretty bad last year)
He gets to come off the bench relax not guard opposing starting centers and should be a top 5 big man coming of the bench and will still see significant playing time of close to 24 minutes a game.
Now lets talk about the present lets break the raptors down by category.
Bigs- Oneal, Bosh, AB7, The Hump
clearly the strength of the team. None better in the east. Bosh is getting better and better. Oneal is the best center we ever had and is not old. People he is 29 or 30 all bigs get hurt that is life in the NBA. When your 7 foot or close to it and play sports you will have leg problems. Shaq, Ewing, Hakeem, Bosh, Andrea and even Howard when he gets older will continue to get hurt so stop feeding me this BS about Oneal being this huge gamble so is everyone Big on the planet. Getting back to the our bigs Andrea and Hump are still super young and are going to have good years and get better with time. Andrea can still be a star maybe not a superstar but a real good player and Hump will have a solid NBA carrer and continue to bring energy.
Point guards- Calderon numbers were off the charts last year and playing 38 minutes this year will continue to get better, as for a back up Delfino Ukic or any decent free agent will be fine Most people don’t even Know CP3’s or Kidds or D WIlliams backup not a huge priority the was I see it.
Wings- Solid at 2 with Parker and Kapono not many superstar 2’s in east so we can get by here. Only concern is the 3 if any of Moon/Carlos?Joey can have a breakout season we will win it all. Cmon Moon.
June 30th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
After reading my above blog as you can see the 3 is the only postion stopping us from being the best team in the East especially considering Other 3’s in the East that we will be competing with for the crown are, Lebron, Pierce, Prince, Lewis and or Hedo, J Smith, Butler, Deng, Jefferson, AI. So its clear Moon, Delfino and Joey G are not in that class or close to it so What to do?
I think Ron Artest is the best idea but it won’t happen for many reasons and maybe that’s a good thing him and Oneal might have too much fun here if reunited at some after hours clubs. So Magette would be nice but I question his D against the above East forwards. So the answer is Pietrus. We don’t need him to score we need him to be Bruce Bowen like against these 3’s in the East lets give him our midlevel let Delfino and Ukic compete handle backup PG and were Solid we could even start Kapono at the 2 if we got him not 100 percent necessary but an option
Imagine
PG Jose
SG Kapono/Parker
SF Bowen I mean Pietruis
PF CB4
C JO
bench
Delfino
Parker or Kapono
AB7
The hump
Joey G (could be are Tony Allen if they let him play)
Ukic
and who ever else they sign
Tommorow I tell you who the next Play by Play guy should be.
GO Raps
July 1st, 2008 at 9:48 am
Wow, Shayne…give me some of what you have, because I wanna party too!!
Comparing JOs lack of playing time due to injuries over the span of TJ being here is just folly. Hell, I can’t even tell you the last time I saw O’Neal on an NBA court that made me sit up and take notice of his abilities. 2 years ago, maybe? He is one awkward landing or turn away from missing 3-4 weeks at any juncture. At least with TJ he would need to get hammered to the ground to miss time.
So if Bosh or O’Neal go down for a few weeks, who is the backup? Humph? You know that Bargs ain’t gonna work down low. So, Humph starts. You have an unproven backup in Baby Shaq and whatever fodder BC signs in the next few weeks.
Jose gets hurt…then what? Ukic? Have you seen this guy play? He’s closer to a no-talent Roger Mason.
We may have a good starting 5 with no injuries, but we have a putrid bench and no injury backup.
July 1st, 2008 at 10:16 am
I just want to inform the Raptorstalk forum that Calderon has posted on his website that he is coming back to Toronto and has reached a tentative deal with the club.
July 1st, 2008 at 11:10 am
Raptors Cap Situation/ Free Agency 2008
Most of us would agree that the Raptors have used the majority of their trade assets in order to obtain Jermaine O’Neal. With Free Agency signings beginning on July 9th, Bryan Colangelo and the Brain Trust of the Toronto Raptors have to fill roster spots as they continue to look for the elusive starting #3.
With the league-wide moratorium on free-agent signings lasting until July 9th, this gives us plenty of time to discuss. We all know that the Raps don’t have very much money to work with. I hope to clarify this so that we can all see where the Raps are heading or what is possible, so we get no more ridiculous “Let’s sign Maggette” banners. (The dream is dead, let it go)
The Raps line-up next season so far looks like this:
5-Jermaine O’Neal/ Chris Humphries/ Nathan Jawai
4-Chris Bosh/Andrea Bargnani
3- Jamario Moon/Jason Kapono/Joey Graham
2 – Anthony Parker/ Carlos Delfino (Restricted)
1-Jose Calderon/Roko Ukic (If he comes over, which is the plan)
Provided that the Raps resign Calderon (Which Calderon reported on his website that he has) and Delfino (more likely since the O’Neal trade, but rumours swirling that he is headed to Europe), they have 12 players on the roster for next season, 12 if you think Ukic plays here next season. NBA rules state that a team must have 14 players on its roster, with only 12 being on the active roster.
Calderon (Probably around 7-8 Mil)
Delfino (Probably 2 Mil)
Ukic (1 mil or so)
Bargnani 4,838,880
Bosh 13,041,250
Graham 1, 596,600
Hump 2,522,913
Kaps 5,356,000
Moon 427, 163
Parker 4,350,000
O’Neal 21,000,000
Jawai 800,000 or less
This adds up to 63-5 million (approx., depending on Calderon/Delfino/Ukic), leaving the Raps the mid level exception ( est’d at 5.6 mil) as the only thing left in play, which I am sure BryCo will try and use to secure a player at the #3. Last years Salary Threshold was 67.8 Mil, this season this will increase, probably into the 69-70 range, meaning any team over this limit pays tax of $1 to $1. (If the Raps are 1 million over this limit, they pay an extra 1mil to the league in tax.)
So the question becomes, which #3 do the Raps sign? Do they trade Bargnani?
Do the Raps package Parker/Graham/Bargnani in a trade?
Does the MLSE brass throw caution to the wind and spend money to win at all costs? (How else do you explain the recent moves, like buying out Tucker and (soon) McCabe)
Do the Raps stand pat, wait until this team shows what it can do with this line-up, and then make a trade during next season, when arguably a better player from a non-contending team might be available?
Who is the best #3 out there(not named Maggette)for 5.6 mil?
July 1st, 2008 at 12:41 pm
his name is mickael pietrus.
the only way i trade parker/graham/bargnani for a single player is if the guy is sick coming back (jefferson would have been nice huh?).
mlse HAS to spend money now, otherwise getting o’neal makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.
July 1st, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Well Altraps here are the facts about Oneal:
He has averaged 55 games the last 2 seasons over 16 points and 8 rebounds. Even if this trends continues having Hump and Andrea filling in for him and Bosh for that matter who is almost as injury prone for that matter might be a long term blessing alowing more time for Hump Andrea maybe even Baby Shaq or even Moon and Graham at the 4.
We have never had a center, Oneal is not even 30 yet ALL 7 footers get hurt he is a 6 time allstar and will have less presure and the best front court mate he has ever had. I love Ford I am actually the president of the TJ Ford fan club but turning Ford an Rahso into Oneal which addesses one of our two pressing needs was a bold move and if he can be healthy for round 1 of playoffs we will be favored over anyone not named Boston.
How is that bad? Why is there so much hate for a 6 time allstar. Clearly he does not fit in Indians up tempo offence and clearly playing along Bosh makes it the best front court or close to it in the East. As for back up PG Delfino is someone who has shown that he can handle the role if Ukic can not. What if Chris Paul were to get hurt or Deron Williams who the fuck are there backups you can say that about 90 percent of the teams in the nba.
I think Andrea and Hump are pretty good bigs coming off the bench and will continue to get better there are both so young, and bigs alwasys take time to develop and Moon can play some 4 as well.
Our bench of either Parker or Kapono (who ever does not start at the 2) Delfino, Andrea, Hump, Graham and Ukic is not as bad as you make it sound not to mention we still have our mid level.
Last year we had as much depth as any team in the NBA and how did that work out? Come playoff time which is what were really going to judge this team by arent we? You need an 8 or 9 man rotation. Our best 3 players are now Bosh, Jose, and Oneal in no particular order thats pretty good. Go Raps. I belive in BC and we all should, last time I checked he was a good GM and won executive of the year not so long ago.
July 1st, 2008 at 2:26 pm
AltRaps you are always so negative. When you talk about injuries and Bosh/Oneil going down, you make it sound like the raps are the only team that will suck if their stars go down.
every team in the nba has this scare. If Lebron goes down who starts? If Kobe goes down who starts? If DHoward goes down who starts? Gm’s build teams banking on nobody getting hurt, but shit happens and guys step up or dont step up and you end up with a nice draft pick like Miami
nobody talks about RJ being injury prone anymore, but he only played 55 games a year ago. Oneil may have only played in 42 this past season, but the Pacers rushed him back and shut him down early. I may buy a JO jersey
July 1st, 2008 at 2:31 pm
So I’ve a question to ponder … how much different is the Raptors defense to the Pacers defense of the past one and a half seasons? (post Stephen Jackson trade)
(1) Jermaine is a constant between the two sides.
(2) Tinsley is a vastly superior defender than Calderon although he’s injured most of last year. Diener stepped into his place and is comparable defensively to Calderon.
(3) Granger is the best defender on the starting wings from either team. He’s a good defender rather than a standout. He’s superior to Moon.
(4) Dunleavy is a slightly below par defender but he has a decent impact defensively because of his size at shooting guard. Parker is a better defender.
(5) Jeff Foster and Chris Bosh. Bosh is more of a shot blocker and is a quality defender. Foster is a very tough defender who plays excellent post defense and makes terrific defensive rotations. The Pacers like to put Foster on the best interior player on the opposing team rather than Jermaine. Foster is the better defender and has been the better one-on-one defender than O Neal for a long time. Then again, Bosh gives the Raptors a second shot blocker which means they have two defensive anchors, a nice advantage. Since Bosh gets more minutes (Foster splits with Murphy) there should be a slight advantage to Toronto.
(6) The bench. Troy Murphy versus Bargnani is fairly even. Kareem Rush is better defensively (best perimeter defender on the Pacers) than either Delfino/Kapono. Marquis Daniels is again better defensively than either Delfino/Kapono. Harrison/Diogu versus Humphries, I’d go with Humphries by a solid margin. The Raps don’t have a backup point yet, Flip Murray was okay defensively.
So the Pacers first choice team is superior defensively on the perimeter on all but one position (Parker versus Dunleavy) and the Raptors interior defense gets a slight edge because Bosh plays more minutes than Foster. The Pacers team with Tinsley injured is superior in 3 perimeter positions, comparable in one, worse in one.
Pacers defensive efficiency was 15th last season, they were on track for roughly a 10th place finish if Jermaine/Tinsley had of stayed healthy.
The season before, with a somewhat healthy Tinsley and Jermaine played 69 games himself, finished 11th in defensive efficiency. That was under Rick Carlisle who always runs good defensive teams. That number is also a bit skewed because Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington were still on the team for the first half of the season.
Bear in mind Dick Harter works for the Pacers under Jim O Brien. He’s one of the best defensive coaches in the league.
Daves last blog post..Draft Reports: Miami Heat
July 1st, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Playing good defense is achieved by keeping the ball in front of the defense. You can’t do that without quality perimeter defense. If your team allows penetration you’re whole team defense is collapsing and scrambling all the time, moving out of position and giving the opposition the space to attack.
All those Dwight Howard alley-oop dunks were because of bad perimeter defense. The majority of those offensive rebounds were because of bad perimeter defense (drew his defender out to help, leaving Dwight with inside position). All that dribble penetration from Jameer Nelson was bad perimeter defense. All that dribble penetration from Hedo/Rashard, heck even Bogans/Evans got into the act and they’re not exactly threatening offensive players, was because of bad perimeter defense.
The Raptors perimeter defense will stop them from contending and quite likely will stop them from even winning a playoff series.
Forget about injuries to Jermaine O Neal. This is the ball game right here. The lack of perimeter defense has to be addressed.
Daves last blog post..Draft Reports: Miami Heat
July 1st, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Dave your 100 percent right. However the season is a few months away and we are a once good defence premiter player away from being right there with the elite teams in the NBA. I still think if an Artest or Pietrus can be added were the team to beat. KG is probaly going to party until 2015 celebrating his last title so I think the C’s might get worn down mentally and not bring that same D night in and night out in the playoffs. Jose signed today and we still have the mid level. Also a possibliti Parker,Joey and posibily a draft pick for Artest when the Kings realize they have 0% chance of making the playoffs next year, or another quality Defensive samll forward who can score a little (Artest is better then scoring a little but you get my drift). Keep the Faith Dave. Stinky Pete hit the nail right on the hand about injuries they are going to happen and not just to Vince Carter especailly Bigs. So stop feeding us BS about injury prone. ALL 7 FOOTERS OR CLOSE TO IT ARE INJURY PRONE.
July 1st, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Huh … didn’t see that one coming. The Celtics have reportedly offered Maggette a 5 year MLE contract.
I don’t expect him to sign. Maggette will not want to play behind Ray and Paul. He’ll want to start and be one of the leading scoring options on whatever team he plays on and he’s right about wanting that. He’s 29, in the prime of his career and coming off of a career season.
Maybe the Raptors do have a legit shot at signing him with the MLE. Orlando might too. Perhaps Portland. Okay now I’m confused. Colangelo needs to get his nose stuck in and get some information flow going on.
Daves last blog post..Draft Reports: Miami Heat
July 1st, 2008 at 7:51 pm
THE NEXT PLAY BY PLAY GUY OF THE RAPTORS SHOULD BE?
1. Someone with energy
2. Someone who know Raptor Ball and the NBA
3. Someone with excitement
4. Someone entertaining
5. Someone who can work with that idiot Leo
Any ideas? Paul Jones….NO
Dan Shulman wont give up his ESPN gig (nor would I)
any ideas……..
Hello
How about the coach?
Yes Jack Armstrong
Wait a sec he does not do play by play!
But he is Jack he could do anything give him 3 summer league games and he would be good to go.
OK maybe its the Canada day sauce talking the truth… The truth is they should fire Leo and let Jack do 82 games of color but they won’t.
So what’s the next best thing?
Jack is the best voice of the Raptors ever.
I am sure he could adapt to the new roll.
Even if he was crap for 10 games he would figure it out. I doubt it would take him that long.
Fans tell me I am crazy, tell me has never done play by play before yes I know! Leo had never done color before and he is fucken painful to listen too 10 years later, but he’s Jack. Pre game, post game, hoops shows, he is the King so let’s give him the job and let him work his way into it.
Tell me your thoughts fans and please through a few other names out there because he is the only one I could think of.
Is this the right move no. They should fire LEO and let Jack do color
but is this better then letting him go do College games full time and bringing in Hazel May or Paul Jones or some other idiot.
Yes
Long live the coach in Raptor red for as long possible
Hello…………..
July 1st, 2008 at 10:09 pm
sorry Gino, but its time to start up the Magette to Toronto rumours again, and heres why.
All the major sites are now reporting that Baron Davis is going to the clips for big $$$. If this is true, then LAC to make this move would have to renounce its cap hold for Magette. What this means in real english is that LAC would then NOT be able to re-sign Magette or sign-and-trade him to another team. Therefore, Magette is a totally unrestricted FA. AND since only Philly and Memphis have any real cap space, it means the most money Magette can get on the open market from any team other than the sixers is the mid-level. therefore, every team is now in contention.
although, FYI- Orlanda was home, is home, and has no tax- so dont get too excited…but the chance to a real starter and part of a new big 3 here with Bosh and Jo may entice?
we’ll have to wait and see…but probably not very long…stay tuned.
July 1st, 2008 at 10:24 pm
Some rumours don’t die, but where there is smoke…
I am all about trying to grab Maggette and I hope that the possibility of playing with JO and CB4 will help him choose. But as you have said, he is from Orlando, has a house there and might like the idea of playing with Howard, Hedo, and Lewis more. So now that money is not the issue, can the lure of Toronto win…only time will tell,
Reports are that the Raps have signed Ukic and Hassan Adams (formerly of New Jersey) to minimum contracts, which means that it is almost certain that Delfino leaves for Europe. It also means that the rest of their money is being siphoned into the new #3 spot. Lets hope for Raps sake that Maggette comes to his senses…
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:25 am
HASSAN ADAMS!!! HOT SAUCE IS A RAPTOR. HE MAY SURPRISE PEOPLE. HE CAN D UP. HE HAS MAD HOPS. I THINK HE WILL BE A FAN FAVORITE.
BUSY CANADA DAY.
JOSE, UKIC AND HOT SAUCE BRINGING THE ROSTER UPTO 12.
THIS PROBALY MEANS DELFINO IS OUT WHICH MEANS WE NEED A 3RD POINT GUARD OR SECOND FOR THAT MATTER. THE OTHER WHOLE BEING SMALL FORWARD.
BC PLEASE TELL ME YOUR NOT DONE.
ARTEST, MAGETTE OR PIETRUS JUST ONE MORE BC
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:56 pm
I don’t know about Hassan Adams. I thought Cleveland got a complete steal last season by adding him to their roster and he couldn’t even make it through training camp with the Cavs. It’s not like Cleveland was loaded with quality in the wings either. He just wasn’t good enough to play.
If Adams is here permanently he’s here to replace Joey Graham, not Delfino.
Hopefully it works out for him here in Toronto.
Daves last blog post..Draft Reports: Phoenix Suns
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:18 pm
I have two questions and I’m hoping to hear from Phd Steve, Dave and Hollywood Gino.
WHY ARE WE GIVING UP ON DELFINO? what is the downside of having him on the team?
I am a huge Delfino fan but is one of the first to admit his inconsistency. But I also think he could still be a great asset to this team. Are we forgetting he can also play the point, and could be a back up if Ukic doesn’t work out as plan. Are we forgetting he is a solid defender. What about the fact that other than Bosh he was the only raptor that made consistent attempts at getting to the basket. I still think BC make a huge steal by taking him off Detroit’s bench last year, but will be making a bigger mistake if he allows him to leave. Last year was his first year playing any significant ball in the NBA and I would love to see what he could bring if give the opportunity. COULDN’T DELFINO BE THE DO-IT-ALL WING THE TEAM SO DESIRE?
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:27 pm
i don’t think anyone is giving up on him HypnotiQ One, it is just that he is more of a 2/3 then a 1, and is getting some serious looks from that greek team. the raptors wont want to pay him that much money.
the big question with delfino is how much is he worth?
$3-4mill/year? yea, i pay him that. no questions. anything higher, and you run the risk of blowing your mid-level on a guy who only has one full year of nba experience, and was massively inconsistent. you think paying Kapono the mid-level was annoying, wait till you give that to delfino.
as far as keeping him, i think it’s a no brainer for the right price.
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:38 pm
You are totally right Raps Fan, I would love to see him back on the team but not if we are going to blow the entire mid-level on him. He deserves to get paid paid though. I wonder if money is the hold up since he was presented with an offer sheet the same time as Calderon.
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:54 pm
actually, because the Raps have already made a qualifying offer on Delfino (he is a restricted FA) if no one else signs him to an offer sheet they can sign him for whatever they like and it doesnt count against the midlevel. The reason why it looks like he is going to Europe is because he is going to get a whole lot more coin overthere than he is to going to get to stay in Toronto.
I think Delfino’s importance and value to this team skyrocketed with the acquisition of JO. With ONeil and bosh in the front court, I think he can be a really helpful addition off the bench. you make lots of good points about Delfino but my issues are
a) he doesnt play every possession and really takes too many off and even more importantly
b) he values his own shot over his team’s best offensive options. No disrespect, but Delfino and TJ were both guilty far too often of taking over games with their own shot selection instead of feeding the ball to Bosh- ESPECIALLY in the 4th quarter.
he’s way too greedy to play the 1.
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Looks like Maggette will fall to the Spurs. Some reports naming them the frontrunner. Hoopsworld thinks the deal is already done - not sure about that. Great acquisition for the Spurs. Maggette will sign and start alongside Bowen and play as their fourth scoring option down the stretch of games. They’re going to be very tough.
Huh … Maggette is their third best perimeter scorer. He’d be by far the Raptors best perimeter scorer if he walked into the Raps team.
Daves last blog post..Draft Reports: Portland TrailBlazers
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:01 pm
hate to see him got to Boston or SA. In Toronto he could be awesome BUT like so many people have already noted, it is highly unlikely.
Dave, whats your thoughts on Delfino
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:14 pm
On Delfino
I don’t know where the stories came from but there have been a few saying that the Raptors are giving up on him. I don’t understand where they’re getting that. They made the qualifying offer to keep him as a restricted free agent. They wouldn’t have done that if they had no interest in him.
So basically I don’t think there’s any truth to those stories
……………………….
As for his value to the team. I’m not sure how much it is simply because the Raptors have three role players on the wings already and need someone who can either (1) score at a high rate (2) Defend at a high level. Delfino doesn’t bring either. He’s not really needed with Anthony Parker and Jason Kapono on the team, plus Jamario Moon. If they keep him good, if they lose him, fine. He’s not really needed. If you want to keep him around to replace Parker I can understand that.
Let’s remember one thing though, there’s only position in the NBA where supply is greater than demand and that’s on the wing. It’s the easiest position in the NBA to find someone with quality. That’s why the Raps landed Delfino in the first place and why when you scroll down the free agent listings there’s so much more talent on the wings. They can replace Parker with a better player in the future if they so wish easily enough.
His best value to the Raptors is like phdsteve pointed out, they don’t have to use their MLE to sign him. Which means they can sign Delfino and it won’t affect their ability to add talent in another way.
I don’t expect Delfino to get any substantial offers from the NBA. His qualifying offer is 2.7mil. I don’t see many teams lining up to offer him more than that, if any. The question will be whether he wants to return to Europe for a big offer (a bigger offer than the Raps should make) or does he want to stay in the NBA. If he stays the Raps will likely keep him at the qualifying offer.
Reasons why Delfino isn’t that important:
(1) Frightfully inconsistent in his performances. He can disappear for games at a time. Makes him difficult to have in your rotation come playoff time.
(2) Isn’t reliable in his decisions on the court. You never know what type of shot he’s going to take. You never know when he’s going to pass the ball. You never know why he’s dribbling the ball or for how long he’ll dribble the ball. You never know if he’s going to shoot when he drives or is he just looking to throw it back out. He does different things whenever he touches the ball and there’s no rhyme or reason to those moves. That makes him very difficult to play alongside. He needs to learn more discipline and to understand when to use each move to their best effect. His lack of reliability will cause the Raptors far more problems in bigger games against bigger opponents and it would be shown up more if the Raptors had more and better scoring options who wouldn’t be serviced well enough.
(3) He isn’t a good defender. He isn’t even a mediocre defender. He could be and should be better defensively. This isn’t a guy without experience, he played in Europe and in huge international games for Argentina. Then he played on the Pistons on now on the Raps. His defense still isn’t where it should be, so how likely is he to improve defensively? It’s certainly possible but the odds aren’t good.
There are things to like - He can shoot the ball very well. He’s a good athlete. He rebounds very well. He’s a good passer. He has a good handle.
There’s just a lot of work that needs to be done in learning how to use those skills to better effect.
If he stays, good.
If he goes, fine.
Don’t overpay. You’ll likely regret it.
Key point - Delfino is very easy to replace.
Daves last blog post..Draft Reports: Portland TrailBlazers
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Delfino hmm…
Ukic could struggle at the point.
Delfino could still be the 3rd PG, and then after that he has to earn his minutes (like the rest of the wings). Lets face it we know who 3 starters are at PG, PF, C…. Calderon, Bosh, and Oneal (I love saying those 3 by the way!!) As for the wing who ever plays best of Kapon, Parker, Moon, Graham, Adams, and possibly Delfino, Mitchell will play, he has proven that, so if Delfino is here? He has to battle those guys for minutes and let the best man win!!! However Delfino’s main intrest to me as have here is as the possible back up pg if ukic strugles early,maybe is just me but I am not sold on Ukic I think he can be decent but he could really struggle early. I think he will be decent but I think it will take time, so having Delfino around would be a good idea.
B U T . . .
How much money we got to spend?
Is it 3 mil?
Is it 4-6 mil?
Is it 6-8 mil?
we know Jose probaly got around 8 mil, but maybe its less early and a lot late which would have made sense seeing as Oneal’s 23 mil are of the books in 2 yrs (at the number anyway). Who else is out there?
maybe we do a sign and trade?
So our options are Delfino or a possible sign and trade throw in a parker and or Graham and land an Artest, Miller, or any others who might fall in to the 5-8 mil category. Or just go after Magette or Pietrus or _________ maybe there is some one else Mitchell thanks can fit.
My faorite scenario (which i concead probaly won’t happen but I wish would)would be Delfino and Graham and 2nd round pick for Artest maybe 20 games in to the season when the Kings are 5-15 and realize there are decent but in the west if your decent your a 11 seed to 13 seed, and Artest is crying and Salmons to continue everything that BC saw when he signed him (Salmons has been better then solid)
BUT do we have the money?
How much money do we have?
are we going with 13? 14? 15? with some min salaries at the end?
I say try to land an upgrade on Delfino if you can afford itand it’s possible.
SO DELFINO?
that is not the question!! Its how much’? and who is the best player you can get for that money?
It might be only 3-4 and it might be Delfino and as much as he frustrated me at times so did the other 5 wings and there were MANY nights he was the best of the bench. He is tough, he takes charges, he Rebounds, he gets steals, he can score, he can shoot the 3 (which at higher PCT) his defence is better then half the other wings on this team so I would welcome him back
Unless we can get a better player period.
We need one to win a title I think.
Dont we?
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:08 pm
HypnotiQ One,
To answer your questions,
I am not giving up on Delfino, but as dave and phdsteve said, it comes down to, primarily, money that the Raps might not be willing to pay. Anything over 3 mil and I have to agree with Raps Fan, its too much for him. He will make more money in Europe and definately more PT while he is there.
To add on what has been said earlier, the qualifying offer was made primarily because the raps feel that they cannot match what is being offered in Europe, but if they didnt sign the qualifying offer they lose all rights to him if he decided to come back to the nba. If delfino leaves for Europe and comes back to the nba in 2 or 3years, the raps still own the rights to him. That, plus he can be valuable, was why they signed him to a qualifying offer.
As far as his bball character and skill, I was beaten to the punch for my input but his skills and flaws are said above.
I hope he comes back but only at the right price and 2.7 mil sounds like enough for me.
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Why is everything so quiet?
Where’s Colangelo?
He regularly comes out on the first day of free agency and gets the guy he wanted. He did that in Phoenix and with Kapono here.
Wonder why there’s no news. Must not have been able to get the guy he really wanted. Wonder who he’s waiting on? Must be Maggette right?
Daves last blog post..Draft Reports: Los Angeles Clippers
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:57 pm
too quiet. i agree. I got a piece coming out very soon about this very topic.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:36 pm
July 4th- dont expect anything to happen during the holiday.
July 4th, 2008 at 3:28 am
mmmm lets see….
JOs contract runs out in 2010
lebron james is a free agent in 2010
we need a slashing small forward
chris bosh and lebron play on the same team usa
reportedly lebrons been trying to get cb4 to sign w him somewhere esle in 2010
wat if cb4 convinced him to come here?
wat if we used all tht cap space in 2010 on lebron?
we got the supporting cast he needs
RAPTORS 2010
July 4th, 2008 at 8:26 am
good luck w/the raptors offseason
Melvins last blog post..What is it like for the Warriors losing Baron?
July 4th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
when lebron leaves the cavs, he will be going to new york, chicago or la. he needs a big market. toronto isn’t there. sweet dream though.
July 4th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
The Free agent pool lost another fish today, Reports are Duhan has signed with the Knicks…
Sorry phd Steve, I know how much you wanted him here.
July 4th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
And there is no way in HELL Lebron comes to T.O.
But he is not the only free agent available in 2010.
July 4th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
ya, too bad about Duhon, but he wasnt coming here. Word on the street is that he turned down more money and a longer contract from Orlando for the chance to START in NY. This is why getting Dantoni was key for them. Duhon wont be the last guy to take less to play in his system.
July 5th, 2008 at 3:45 am
Orlando offered more initially than New York. Knicks reportedly offered 6mil over 2 seasons while Orlando was reportedly offering 10mil over 3 years. Turns out Duhon was the first free agent Orlando invited down (is Maggette not even on their radar?) and they made a big meal out of that. Duhon was very impressed and made some nice comments in the Orlando papers. New York turns around and ups their offer to make sure they get their man.
It’s a great signing for New York. Good contract too despite many the negative reaction in the press. 12mil over 2 years is better than 12mil over 3 years because the Knicks need the cap space in 2010. Duhon’s extra year would be a drag on the ticket and severely hurt the possibility of adding a top free agent. They gain more by paying him extra for less years. The length is more important than the per annum amount in this case, that’s what makes it a good contract.
______________________________________________________________
The backup point guard ranks are looking fairly thin at the moment. With the Raps hopefully spending their MLE on a wing, that leaves only the LLE or vet’s minimum for the backup point guard. Scary thought now … Juan Dixon has a good case for the best backup point guard likely available at those prices. Like I said, bad market for point guards.
Especially with the Raps offensive system which relies more on a point guard’s ability to create - which is more problematic when you notice no wings who can create for themselves or others (in other words probably impossible to change with this personnel). This seriously reduces the market and hurts the cases (as potential Raps acquisitions) of guys like Roger Mason who are passable ball handlers and barely functional passers with limited playmaking ability but can play some defense and hit open jump shots at the point thus making them solid backup guards for several teams.
Sebastian Telfair is the most interesting name on the point guard list but he should make more than the LLE ruling him out.
________________________________________________________
One other thing. When I said it was quiet in an earlier comment I completely ignored Calderon. Forgot about it. Colangelo secured Calderon’s services early in free agency. So he has been doing something and that something was the most important move he needed to make in free agency. Well done Colangelo.
But this is sports, this business is all about what have you done for me lately …. and that was a couple of days ago …. why no more acquisitions? Too quiet.
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