You see, the problem with this years free agent crop is just that….everyone is…restricted.
A couple of days a go it looked like only Arenas would be the only real FA of any value, but then the crazy Elton Brand and Baron Davis opt outs happened and the result has been even more craziness.
What we know today… we already knew before FA even started:
- That Arenas and Jamison would re-sign in Washington and no-one outside of Washington a) cares or b) takes them seriously as a contender in the East.
- That no matter how much $ Philly and Memphis have, no one wants to play there
- That all the real talent and player moves are going to be dealing with the restricted FAs. So the reason why there has been so little movement so far is because everyone is waiting for someone else to make the first move…..ENTER THE GS WARRIORS…
You see, now that Baron and Elton are going to LAC, this leaves GS as the undisputed King of Cap space this summer. And since there are no more real players in the marketplace (other than Maggette, who really doesn’t fit well in GS) you can expect to see the Warriors go out and try to purge away a couple of good young players from other teams. And even though Chicago, Charlotte, and Atlanta say they will match any offer made to one of their RFAs (restricted free agents), I fully expect to see one or more of of: Deng, Gordon, Smith, Childress, Igudala, or Okafor in GS when the season starts.
So, there is lots of good talent out there but its all restricted and with so few teams having cap space, the most $ that 98% of them can offer a RFA is the mid-level, and any GM will match a mid level offer.
This is also the reason why it looks more and more like Magette is going to end up in Boston or SA, since nobody has any real money to offer him, he might as well try to win a ring if he is going to have to settle for the mid-level.
Finally, players like Pietrus, Posey, Dooling and others in the second or even third teir of FAs have to wait until the big names (like Brand and Baron) and the next rung on the ladder (the RFAs like Iggy, Gordon, Deng, etc) sign or are sign-and-traded, before teams are going to start to dish out their mid-levels.
Lastly, teams are very weary about signing unproven talent to long term contracts since nobody wants to have too much $$$ on the books with the FA crop of 2010 which includes not only LeBron, Bosh, and Wade, but also Amare, Nash, McGrady, Nowitzki, and others, being perhaps the greatest FA crop ever.
Check it out for yourself, ESPN’s Free Agent List.
So, Colangelo is playing the same game as everyone else in the league right now…the waiting game. And while I’d like to see him be MORE proactive and aggressive, it makes sense to let things play themselves out.
For example, if Chicago resigns both Gordon and Deng, then their might be some truth to the rumours reported in the NJ papers today that Chicago is shopping Nocioni (who we know the Raps tried to acquire at the deadline).
Or, once the market softens and guys aren’t getting the big money they think is coming but hasn’t really been dished out to smaller FAs over the last two seasons (not including Kapono)- a guy like Nachbar, who is an unrestricted FA and good friend of assistant GM Gheradini might come to Toronto for less than the mid-level.
Or even, a guy like Posey or Pietrus might find themselves without a lot of options (just like they both did last year when the market appeared hot but cooled off significantly and both were still seeking work in august).
Or, Sacto might just decide that its not worth bring Ron-Ron and all his baggage to training camp since he already said that he regrets not opting out - and then put him on the market.
Those are just 4 possible answers to the “3″ that everyone in Toronto is longing for so badly that might make themselves available as time passes and “not much happens” this summer. And there is no doubt that many more of these type of options will also appear with everyday that passes.
What everyone is waiting for is the first shoe to drop and right now that first shoe belongs to GS, Philly, and Memphis who are the only teams with cap space to offer players anything more than the mid-level. Once they show their cards and either spend their dollars or force other teams to match offer sheets and restrict their flexibility (ie. offering Josh Smith a $12 mil contract and then offering Josh Childress a $10 mil contract the day after Atlanta matches the Smith contract), then everyone will be in the same boat…totally capped out and only the mid level left to spend.
THEN , whoever is still a UFA will have to take less money to sign and whoever is an RFA, will also have to take less money for a long term deal with their current club, get a team to sign and trade for them, or accept a one year qualifying deal at peanuts for the chance to be a UFA next summer. Either way, in another week, once we know what GS and PHI are doing, everyone else can then start to move forward.
I’m still hoping that BC thinks outside the box and throws some cash to a guy like Horry. His 7 rings, ability to hit the big shot, high Bball IQ, and ability to give 15-20 quality minutes a night backing up Bosh would be a HUGE addition to this team. And since there isn’t a huge marketplace for 38 year old players, you have to think a multi-year deal a 3 mil/year would be more than the veterans minimum and more than he would get anywhere else. I know it would be overpaying for what he brings on the court, but think about what he brings to the dressing room.
As for solving the wing problem - I’m happy with Kapono and Moon splitting time at the 3, and would rather see the team go after a slashing 2 guard who could create off the dribble and start so that AP could come off the bench.
So although things are moving slowly, you cant say there is nothing to talk about….gotta love the NBA!
As always, standing in the key, Im the Dr. , Ive got my feet planted and Im planning on taking a charge.
Phdsteve
Technorati Tags: Amare Stoudemire, Andre Iguadala, Andres Nocioni, Antawn Jamison, Baron Davis, Ben Gordon, Bostjan Nachbar, Bryan Colangelo, Chris Bosh, Corey Maggette, Dirk Nowitzki, Dwayne Wade, Elton Brand, Emeka Okafor, Gilbert Arenas, James Posey, Jason Kapono, Josh Childress, Josh Smith, Keyon Dooling, Lebron James, Luol Deng, Maurizio Gheradini, Mickael Pietrus, Robert Horry, Ron Artest, Steve Nash, Tracy McGrady
July 7th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
If Horry finds himself without a job in a month or so and the Raps havent found their 3, then signing Horry would make sense. you cant argue with his rings and ability to knock down the big shot.
if i were the hawks i would let Childress go and focus on SMith. Smith is a stat sheet filler and CHildress has a goofy looking shot and can be replaced. same goes for Chicago. focus on Deng and do something else with Gordon. Deng is a scorer at the 3 spot and Gordon is a undersized combo guard who gives up too much size to the big 2’s out there.
i just cant wait for the 9th so we BC can make a move at a decent 3 to cement this team
July 7th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
atlanta needs both of them to make any sort of push in the east. childress looks like a cracked out black q-tip, but the man is a solid player. they can’t let the guy walk, they need to get something for him at the least, if not resign him. same goes for gordon, the guy is too valuable to let walk without getting anything in return.
2 more days, and you may have your wish juddi. shoring up either the 2 or 3 has to be task #2 (after finalizing the o’neal move).
July 7th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
I love Robert Horry, I actually met him in person at the 2006 World Series of Poker, he is agreat man with a great NBA resume but he is so so so done. Seriously 3 million on Horry is a joke. He was so bad last year playoffs included. Don’t do it BC
I am fine with Nocioni, Pietrus. I still think the the move to be made is a trade for Artest for Parker and Joey.
Sac won’t do it you say?
We through in a our first rounder and ask for there 2nd rounder (difference will most likely be a mid 20 pick from us for a mid 30 pick from them which is not much when you really think about it)
Line up would be:
Starters
Oneal
Bosh
Artest
Kapono
Jose
bench
Moon
Andrea
Hump
Roko
Hot sauce
and we would stil have mid level and only about 400k would be added from this trade.
Artest would make Kapono so much better with his D.
Go get him BC.
July 7th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
shayne, i’m a big fan of artest, and if he can hold it together that trade is a no brainer for me. he would make you work on both ends of the floor, and whatever possibly would get by him, o’neal and bosh can clean up.
they could blow the mid-level on a pietrus, and move kapono to the bench (bring him off at 6 or 7) and the team is eastern contender next season, book it.
July 7th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
A few thoughts
(1) Atlanta should let Childress walk. He can’t shoot and he can’t play any defense (Kapono plays better man-to-man defense). That’s not worth the MLE and that’s not my type of backup wing either. Josh Smith is one of the most dangerous free agents on the market because he’s overrated and overvalued, he solely depends on the money involved. Could be worth it, could end up killing the team for several years. Atlanta reportedly gave him a low offer to start out free agency so that’ll be an interesting one to watch.
(2) Horry was awful last season. Not just the playoffs, all season long he was awful. It looks like father time has finally caught up with him. I wouldn’t target him.
(3) Adding Ron Artest would cause a lot of difficulties offensively. Ron’s best offensive asset is his muscle and post game. The Raps are already cutting a fine line with Bosh/JO and limited perimeter play, adding Artest to mix could possibly destroy the balance.
Ron is also a questionable end of game player. His lack of creativity of the dribble and his insistence in being the go-to guy makes him a poor option late in games.
Defensively his game has been slipping too especially in terms of his versatility, used to be that Ron-Ron could defend any position 1-4 but these days he’s struggling with quick guards at either guard spot limiting him to chiefly small forwards. Not a huge issue but it’s worth point out that decline has been settling in and that the Raps will need someone else to defend those players.
Most importantly Ron is an 8/13 player. He has 8 games of being a team first player and then 13 games of breaking plays, self absorbed basketball and just generally being a pain to everyone of his teammates. He’s also overly temperamental and can spontaneously combust at any moment making him unreliable.
There’s too many potential hiccups for me to a supporter of a Ron Artest acquisition. There will be better options like his teammate John Salmons, I’d rather John Salmons, that guy is devilish on the drive off the dribble. He’s also a solid shooter, good passer and good defender and making about $5.1mil per annum. He was putting up 17.5ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.5apg when starting last season (plays much worse off the bench, needs to start, started 41 games so half the season).
(4) John Salmons and Francisco Garcia for Bargnani and Kapono?
Daves last blog post..Game Time: Miami vs Chicago (Summer League - Rose/Beasley Debut)
July 7th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Dave
I understands you fears with Artest I share them as well with every other fan he plays for, however.
Our biggest need is a bruce bowen type at the 3. When we look at the East it’s the 3’s that the Raptors need to fear.
Here are the 3’s we need to defend to win the East: Pierce, Prince, Lewis, Lebron, Butler, AI JR and J Smith, those are the 7 small forwars then went to the playoffs last year.
The SG’s are Allen, Hamilton, who ever the Cavs run out there, Stevenson, sixers don’t have a big name, J Johnson.
As we can see the small forwards are a lot better then the 2’s. As for Artests offence I am guessing he can shoot equal to Moon (I think I can too) and with a starting 5 of Jose, Kapono, Bosh, Oneal how much does he need to score? As much of a nuckle head as he is, he is actually a very unselfish player, he can a pass, rebound and his toughness is exactly what were lacking at the wing.
Could he become a mental case?
He sure could!
However he is a free agent in waiting, his agent will remind him to be a good boy everyday!!!
It’s only 1 year if he goes crazy we can trade his expiring contract, however you would think he would be super motivated to be a huge defensive stopper in the playoffs to maxime his chances of nice big fat contract.
If were in the East finals next year against Boston who would you want guarding Pierce? Kapono no, Parker no, maybe Moon no he would pump fake him Moon would try for the block and Pierce would dunk it. Artest would put the fear in all slashers and with Oneal and Bosh back there most teams would go Vince Carter on us and settle for long unwanted jump shots.
I know it’s a gamble but hey! Were in the casino now with Oneal for 2 years! So I say go big or go home!!!
and fuck the stiff John Salmons by the way, I will take Kapono and Andrea over those 2 any day of the week that is a terrible trade give your head a shake.
Garcia is average, Salmons is good but Andrea is way too young to give up on and Kapono is the best shooter in the NBA and when Mitchell actually realizes part of his job is to get his best shooter open shots instead of yelling at Moon all game Kapono’s game will improve that much more.
Go Raps.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:23 am
what is the point of debating who they’ll ‘blow the midlevel on’. THEY DON’T HAVE SPACE UNDER THE TAX to spend the midlevel, or even pay BSB 3mil per.
Every single player mentioned in this column and comments in out of the price bracket. And they aren’t even going to sign a 3!!!! They already got their 3 in Adams…
The need is for a veteran back-up point/2-guard, who can take some of the pressure off Roko, who remains untried and untested and is Jose’s only help at the 1.
Everyone needs to get real and get used to the idea of we are going to end up with someone like Roger Mason of Flip Murray at the veterans’s minimum or a little above unless BC pulls something totally unexpected out of his ass…
Sorry to break the bad news…
July 8th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Dave,
Kapono is a 3 not a 2. If they get rid of Parker in a trade, they are going to need to replace someone at the 2. Any trade including Parker would need to see a replacement at that position. Besides, I think we should keep Parker. The guy is a class act.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
For some reason I feel like Smitch and Artest would really get along. I think Mitchell is a sub par coach, but he is the kind of hard ass that could earn Artests respect. I would love to see Artest in a Raptor uniform. His defence, rebounding and toughness would solve a lot of problems.
We will have to wait and see, but I would not be surprised to see MLSE let BC go into the luxury tax. As the article convincingly points out, this might be a year when you can get good value on your mid-level exception. We know MLSE has the money, and with the Leafs rebuilding, they may be looking for the prestige that would come with a contending raptors team
July 8th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
I am so happy to see so many of you still full of Raptors ball.
I can’t find it in me to dig deep into what the club should do, instead sitting back and just watching it happen.
great read and it is so awesome to see such a vibrant Raps community even during the dog days of summer.
cuzzys last blog post..Judges announced for Miss Universe pageant
July 8th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
totally agreed, spending $40+ mill on o’neal in the next two years, when he isn’t even the franchise player means they should/would be willing to spend some more and go over the cap. i share your feeling that smitch and artest would get along really good. the best way to make money in pro sports is to put out the best team you can, which means spending money. mlse can recoup whatever penalties they pay if the team goes deep into the playoffs (tv money, inflated seat prices and confectionery, dumb ass fans buying foam thumbs and tshirts).
July 8th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
totally agree with GM that the backup PG and 2 guard are the positions that are of most need (as I had orginally hoped to spend my midlevel on Duhon and JC Navarro for those of you who read my GM for a day column back in early June.
But couldnt disagree more about the idea that all of the 3s being talked about are out of the Raps price range. Pietrus, Magette, Posey, Nachbar, and anyone else who is unrestricted is only getting the midlevel (or a portion of it). As for guys like Gordon, Smith, Childress, Artest, Deng (guys who are restricted or under contract- then yes- they are out of the Raps price range to sign at will BUT they are also out of the price rane of 26 other teams as the article above points out. If the Raps were willing to make a move, they do have some pieces - like AP who makes roughly 4.5 mil and is an expiring contract as several bloggers have already pointed out. they also have Superstar Joey Graham at 1.5 mil and who is also an expiring BUT the real kicker is simply this…Bargnani makes 4.5 mil and is a desirable asset by many teams in this league.
Like Rapsfan pointed out- I have no doubt that MLSE will pay the tax if need be (you have to believe that BC had this discussion with the Board of Directors before trading TJ, Rasho and a #1 for a 22 million dollar second option with two years left on his contract). The question still is does BC consider moving Bargnani? if the answer is NO- then all that remains an option for the Raps is the midlevel (sorry Raptorize Blogmaster Shayne, I too would love to see the “crazy one” in Toronto but SACTO only makes that deal if Bargnani is in there- AP and parts isnt enough- because dont forget that Ron Ron is also an expiring contract that is sure to get some serious interest come the trade deadline from teams in the West looking for an edge and who dont want to put up with a whole season of his antics). But Cloako is right - I think Smitch and Ron Ron would get along and in many ways are meant for each other.
If the answer is YES- and BC is willing to shop Andrea, then the options are plenty and a team who is looking to loose a restricted FA - or who needs to shed some parts might be willing to make a move and help the raps fill some holes.
And why is everyone so down on Big Shot Bob? Its not like he’d be coming here to play 40 mins a night? All he is going to get from SA is the vets minimum for a year- so why not double that and give him 3 mil for 2 years or even 3. Again, think about the intangibles. A team with tons of talent but no real grit and experience rarely wins in the NBA (think of Pheonix for the last 4 years).
Oh yeah, and just to second voice Raptorize Blogmaster Shayne - there is no way John Salmons is coming to Toronto (he did after all reneg on a contract with BC) and even if he would come- he’s not welcome.
Cuzzy said it best- “great read and it is so awesome to see such a vibrant Raps community even during the dog days of summer.”
gotta love raptorstalk.com!
July 8th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
phdsteve,
my point about the midlevel is that while is is technically available, they can’t use it without going over the tax, and many beat writers and commentators with far more knowledge of MLSE than you or I seem pretty certain that there is no way the raps become a tax-paying team. With that in mind, pietrus, posey, maggette, etc are out of range as all will expect at least $3m per.
The prospect of a getting somebody in a sign-and-trade is there, I grant, although Parker probably isn’t going anywhere as that only increases the depth problems we seem to agree exist at the 2 spot. And let’s be honest, who is going to do BC a favour by taking Joey at this point - I can’t see him being part of any deal that nets us a *good* player in return. The only player that could go that would have any value is Bargnani, and I don’t think BC is ready to admit he screwed up and bail on the kid just yet…
July 8th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
ON THE LUXURY TAX.
Last time I checked we were not owned by Mark Cuban.
MLSE is a super tight with there cash.
Last preseason they would not shell out a few bucks to Raptors TV to show any of our preseason games (they picked up a few in Europe from NBA TV)
Luxury tax? (In my Jim Mora voice) Luxury tax? are you kidding me? Luxury tax?
getting off topic I find it total a joke that those preseason games where not on TV last season, if we think back, Raps came off a 47 win season and the excitement fans had was out of control, and Raps TV (which is owned by MLSE) did not send anyone out to Europe not Jack Armstrong not Chuck Swirski.
They pick up the feed from NBA TV (which I am pretty sure they pay a set fee for all of NBA tv programming since thats what they show 95% of the time).
They come back home and have a few more preseason games at home and one on the road and 0 are telivised, what a fuken joke. I wonder if Yankees TV shows preseason baseball. MLSE has more money then it knows what to do with.
Yes were talking about preseason! (in my allen Iverson practice voice) not the real games we all die for but the preseason, yes I am talking about preseason.
I want to see Roko, Hot sauce, Baby Shaq, Moon, Joey G.
We all do!!!
were reading blogs in the middle of July so were are obviously hard core.
I know its almost a year ago but it still makes me sick (and yes I know I have to get over it.
Back to the tax.
I don’t see it, they are way too tight.
They only reason they spent big money on BC is because the other bargin basement GM we used to have(I refuse to say his name) almost made us loose our franchise. (so you think thats a bit harsh)
If we kept Babcock (shit I said his name) we would have lost Bosh and that would have been after Carter wanted out (I know this was a good thing but thats not the point) What message would then send to NBA players the Raptor franchise was a joke, good free agent would ever come here, and we would never be a contender and the franchise might be in jeporady (unlikely but possible) So the tight wads spent some cash (I was shocked) they realize you have to spend money to make money.
Fast forward to now and it’s the same thing with the tax. Spend a few more bucks. (were only 1 player away from being 100% legit if were not all ready) If you spend the cash the chances of us going deep in the playoffs increases dramatically and you get it all back and then some with extra merchandising, tv ratings, extra home playoff games and those $10 beers we all love so much at the ACC (god I love spending 50 bucks on 4 beers and a bad hot dog)
I know BC gets it and I am sure he will pitch it to the board but I get the feeling when he came here they said do what ever the fuc you want but don’t go over the tax. Even know we will most likely make more if we do, those idiots he reports to don’t get it or like to gamble unless they have no chioce (IE Babcock/Collengelo, Damn thats twice I said his name)
I hope we go over but I don’t believe we will and if we do I seriously doubt it will be for the full mid level. (which could put us over the top)
IF THEY DONT SHOW US ALL RAPTOR PRESEASON GAMES I WILL SNAP THIS YEAR!!!!
SPEND THE MONEY YOU TIGHT ASSES.
July 8th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
those same beat writers and commentators also never ever even dreamed of landing jermaine o’neal in a trade. doesn’t make sense to stop here, when the team still isn’t a contender in the east. creating scoring opportunities and defending on the wing is still suspect, don’t want bosh and o’neal seeing too much dribble penetration.
July 8th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Reports of Pietrus signing on with the Orlando Magic. That takes a serious name of my Raptors wish list.
Who’s everyone’s first choice free agent signing now?
Daves last blog post..Game Time: Miami vs Chicago (Summer League - Rose/Beasley Debut)
July 8th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
AGREED BUT DONT STOP THERE…SHOW US ALL THE SUMMER LEAGUE GAMES TOO! AND NTO JUST THE RAPTORS BUT EVERYBODY’S SCRAPS AND BUDDING TALENT!!! I WANT TO SEE BEASLEY VERSUS ROSE
Im on side with Rapsfan regarding GM’s comments- heres my rebuttal:
hey gm,
those same beat writers who tend to know so much more than you or I about the team were the same ones who told me that my proposal of JO for TJ, Rasho and a pick was ridiculous and would never happen.
Infact, one “beat writer” even told me to stop emailing him such ridiculous scenarios. Just because they work for a paper doesnt mean they know anything about basketball.
No, seriously, I cant tell you how many sports radio or TV hosts in Toronto dont know a darn thing about basketball. I mean, we are living in a city with 3 ALL SPORTS channels (at a minimum) where I have to watch FLorida vs Nashville hockey highlights before even getting the score in the Raptors game from that night? No disrespect to the knowledgeable sports guys and gals out there (because there are some) BUT “expert” is a term Id use very loosely when referring to a basketball beat writer in Toronto. Dont forget, they have their own biases too.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
totally agree steve, i subscribe to raptors channel, and all i get during the summer is friggin wnba and classic games, what a waste (might get the occasional summer league game, but that was in years past. i think the last time i got a summer league game was in araujo’s rookie season…).
as for my wishlist of free agents, you can check an article i wrote a week or so ago, but in short:
Mickael Pietrus
Matt Barnes
Bonzi Wells
James Posey
Bostjan Nachbar
Maurice Evans
Keyon Dooling
roger mason jr
July 9th, 2008 at 4:47 am
Figured I’d explain the trade idea of Salmons/Garcia for Bargnani/Kapono
Firstly it’s worth point out I’m no fan of Kapono. I’m happy enough if he’s the fourth wing in the rotation and earning 1-3mil but he’s not. Bargnani’s value to me has fallen through the floorboards with Jermaine now on board and I believe he has to be moved anyway for the club to add the perimeter help they need. That’s why those two are expendable to me. Anthony Parker is not because he’s a far superior player to Kapono and he can play either position on the wing which is nice. Parker is a guy worth holding onto.
There’s basically two questions as I see it. Here’s the first. Does a Salmons/Garcia for Bargnani/Kapono trade make the Raptors better?
Yes
Salmons is an excellent penetrator, good scorer and good passer. Salmons has a lot of value to me because he has that creativity off the dribble, he has that ability to get in behind the set defense and he has the ability to create some easier shots for teammates by getting a defense off balance. Salmons is a great finisher and has a nice midrange game but his perimeter shooting is lacking. It’s acceptable (they won’t stand 5 feet off him and make him shoot it) but not good (32.5% from three). Overall, He’s an efficient scorer shooting a TS% of 56%. Garcia is one of the best 6th men in the league and an excellent shooter (57.5% TS% almost half his attempts three pointers). Like I said in an earlier post, he was putting up 17.5ppg when he was starting this season. So he’s not the 8-12ppg scorers we’ve had on the wings since Vince left. He can score at good clip and provide Bosh/Jermaine/Calderon good complementary scoring. He also scores his baskets in a way that that group desperately needs (penetration). Salmons also a solid defensive player with some upside there for more.
Garcia has a lot of unresolved talent because he’s still figuring this league out but he took he huge steps last season. What he has shown is a solid handle, excellent vision for a wing, good passing, inconsistent decision making which as you can imagine affects all the rest. Garcia also plays with a tremendous amount of passion and hustle, never backing down for a challenge and always getting stuck in for a loose ball. Both Salmons and Garcia can play either spot on the wings although Salmons is best at the two and Garcia best at the three, they also play very together. Garcia, like Salmons, is a good defensive player.
So yes I do think these two guys have a lot to offer the Raptors. Defense and more balance offensively.
This brings us to the second question which is of equal importance …. is this the best deal the Raptors could get for Bargnani and/or Bargnani/Kapono combo?
I don’t know the answer. It’s very possible that it’s not so I’m not sure this is a wise trade.
A player that’s somewhat similar to Andrea (he’s fairly unique) was traded recently - Yi - for Richard Jefferson and his poor contract. I can tell you that I’d rather have Salmons/Garcia than RJ. RJ is clearly better than each individually but as a combo they outdo RJ and RJ doesn’t answer enough of the Raptors needs (creativity off the dribble). Mainly I like the fact they’re paid 33% less than RJ figuring in Garcia’s soon to arrive extension (likely close to the MLE) which leaves further room to improve the team.
So to conclude - I’m not completely sold on the trade but there’s a lot of virtue to the trade idea.
Daves last blog post..Summer League Day Two
July 9th, 2008 at 4:55 am
Ooops, cut and paste a Garcia line in there. Just to cease any possible confusion it was Salmons who scored 17.5ppg while starting. Garcia scored 12.3ppg off the bench in 26 minutes which is almost equal to Parker who was last season’s second leading scorer. Like I said Cisco is one of the finest 6th men in the league and fans love his hustle/energy. He gets compared to Bobby Jackson in Sacramento in the way that he’s an energizer off the pine. Great to have.
Daves last blog post..Summer League Day Two
July 9th, 2008 at 7:15 am
the other shoe has dropped!
Brand to Philly
Magette To GS
Pietrus to Orlando
and now the rumour mill is really turning about which RFAs the clips are going after.
let the games begin!
July 9th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Fair enough, I accept and agree that “writers and experts” have biases and frequently show them regarding players and what they think a GM should and shouldn’t do. And not being a local, I can only really read the print guys online, although broadcasters are usually worse in my experience!
But I think they would have a fairly good read on what a GM can and can’t do. Suits and bean counters are a little easier to read when it comes to money!
I honestly hope I’m wrong and that BC is given rein to go about 2-3m over the tax to get somebody (I actually like Mo Evans if we’re going there - not a great scorer but gives good perimeter defence and earned 1.7m last year).
But I still think Mason at around the minimum is a more likely candidate given the tax issue…
July 9th, 2008 at 10:40 am
i agree that the writers and experts should have a better grip on what a gm can/can’t do, but not in toronto. aside from grange, the rest of the lot are numb-nuts. and i totally agree, the broadcasters are all ridiculous (aside from armstrong, the man is on the ball).
i doubt the wizards let mason walk if its a matter of a couple million a year. the guy is deadly from the perimeter. he seems to be the most likely candidate the raptors will land….upsettingly.
August 3rd, 2008 at 11:02 am
Brilliant!