Playing GM Version 1.0

by RaptorsHQ - Archives on May 13, 2006 9:26 AM EDT

The Toronto Raptors go into this off-season for the first time in years with great anticipation. There is a great deal of cap space, a high pick and a young and talented nucleous. So if the HQ were to be GM here's the plan. In the words of Bill Walton, weâ€™ll attempt to show â€œmental clarityâ€ as we outline the moves we would make in the 2006 off-season.

In the off-season you have to address team needs. Weâ€™ve got a proven low-post scorer at the power-forward position in Chris Bosh. His public declaration of his intent to sign an extension as soon as the free-agent signing period begins is a load off our shoulders once the ink dries. We have an underrated SG in Morris Peterson who is our best defender. We currently have First Rookie team member Charlie Villanueva at the small forward. We will continue to evaluate if he can excel at this position as he has shown promise. This leaves us with needs at both center and point guard and, with the leagues second worst defense, we need some defensive-minded players. One thing is for sure, we want a team that can run. Here's how we'll address our needs.

Draft

We still wonâ€™t know where weâ€™ll be picking in the draft until the lottery the week after next but as it stands weâ€™re in a dilemma. We simply donâ€™t feel that thereâ€™s a player available in the top five picks who really addresses our needs. Weâ€™ll be looking to trade our pick (see below) even if we do land a top three spot. If we canâ€™t work out a deal, the two players who interest us the most are Brandon Roy and Rudy Gay as they are likely to be the "best available players." Roy could be a solid back-up for Morris Peterson and is maybe the draftâ€™s best individual defender. Gay is more of an â€œupside pickâ€ as an athletic swingman who can create his own shot. There have however been questions concerning his drive. Regardless, we try to move the pick.

Shot-blocking center Solomon Jones, fiery point guard Terrell Everett, scorer Daniel Gibson, stopper Bobby Jones and athletic scorers Leon Powe and Hassan Adams will be the players weâ€™ll be targeting in the second round of the draft with our 35th and 56th picks. All would possibly fill various needs. Local sensation and UConn grad Denham Brown will also get a look in the second round.

The Picks:

At #35: Terrell Everett
At #58: Solomon Jones

Free Agents

Our draft should give us some additional depthâ€¦but we still need to fill those starting center and point guard positions. Bosh will still be playing under his rookie contract next season, so weâ€™ll have ($14-16 million) to use on the free agent market. There arenâ€™t a ton of players who pique our interest but we want to address the PG and C issues through the free agent market.

Mike James had a great year for us but we expect his contract demands to be too high for our liking. We would offer him 3-years at 15 million. If he turns it down (likely considering he wants between $6-$8M per) then welcome to Toronto Marcus Banks. Banks has decent size, has improved his shot, and would be a ying to backup Jose Calderon's yang. Banks says he is looking for a 5 year $29 million, but would settle for a 4 year $17 million. We start negotiations with the latter. He would be a nice fit in our run and gun style, could play some 2, and is a better defensive option than most other players available.

At center, our top target would be Nene. If our medical team deems his recovering knee ok to go, then we would make an attempt to sign Nene as our center of the future. Even with Melo campaigning for his return, now that Kiki is out there is a smaller chance of him re-signing. Provided our doctors give the green light, we would anti-up. Nene would command a salary in the $8M-$10M range. Everyone knows you pay big or bigs. Just ask the Knicks, 76ers and Bulls.

If we miss out our second target is Michael Olowokandi. Though much dogged for his lack of fire he won't demand much loot and would have a chance at rebuilding his career with a player friendly coach in Sam Mitchell.

Because the free-agent market is slim these are the only two guys who we would focus on. We will not spend money on guys just to spend money and next season's free-agent class is much more intriguing.

Trades

As mentioned above we want to move our pick. The target? Corey Maggette. As reported the Clips are looking to move him for a high pick and some cap relief. We have both to offer in the high pick and Eric Williams who has one year left (an option he will exercise). It's a simple deal, works cap wise and is almost too easy:

To Raptors:

G/SF: Corey Maggette

To Clippers:

A #1 pick 2006 draft
SF: Eric Williams

The Clips would like to move the contract in order to help re-sign Cassell and Rad-man. Injury problems are a concern but Maggette would be a nice fit at the 3 enabling us to use Villanueva off the bench in a sixth man role. When we go big he could play the 3 or if we want a smaller lineup he could be used at the 4 or even 5 in a Boris Diaw-style pivot role. Villanueva at 6-11 is one of our best passers which gives us a great deal of options. Maggette's scoring, athleticsm, intensity and defense would be a welcome addition at the small forward position.

Other Moves

Bringing Roko Leni-Ukic and Uros Slokar (the Raps second-rounders last year) over for summer league play is a must. Ukic has been solid in Euroleague play but won't be brought over for good until next season when he can opt out of his contract with Tau Ceramica. We would however find a spot for Uros in the D league where he can get more consistent minutes and develop his game in the North American setting. If he played well we would bring him up.

The Rafael Araujo experiment has been a disaster. We would shop him heavily and would consider anything in return but if necessary we would buy him out to create roster space.

The 06-07 Raptors starting lineup would therefore look like this:

Starters:
PG: Banks
SG: Peterson
SF: Maggette
PF: Bosh
C: Nene

The Bench:

PG: Jose Calderon, Everett
SG: Joey Graham
SF: Charlie Villanueva
PF: Matt Bonner
C : Pape Sow, Salomon Jones

D-League: Uros Slokar

If you look at this team it is filled with athletes who can play multiple positions. We will have improved our defence, and brought in some good young players with experience be it from reputable college programs or overseas exposure. This team could play any type of ball, from grind it out to run-and-gun and could easily compete for a play-off spot in the East.

It would also allow us to play players such as Matt Bonner in the roles they should be playing (seventh or eigth man off the bench) while continuing to develop our younger talent. Obviously from our roster moves we'd be bidding adieu to Loren Woods and Andre Barrett and going with the 12 active players above. And with Terrell Everett being groomed, Darrick Martin would no longer be playing the third point guard role. We would however offer him a position with the coaching staff due to the success of his rapport with the other players last season. The last three inactive roster spots would be used for D League players that we were bringing up and down and Alvin Williams, who will once again be a "wait and see" situation. The hope would be that he could play a Darrick Martin type "spot minutes" role for the club but we drafted Everett given the possibility that Alvin may never play again. In fact we may decide to waive Alvin as a player and keep him in a visible community-type role given his history with the franchise. This will be dependant on training camp and early season evaluations, both medical and on-court and Alvin's own decision as to whether he wishes to keep persuing his playing career with another club if waived.

And finally, Sam Mitchell. With the additions we've made, we would expect this club to compete for not just a playoff spot, but barring any unforseen injuries, this team should be able to push for a fourth or fifth place finish in the "dreaded" Eastern Conference. Therefore if the team stumbles out of the gate, we will be very quick to re-evaluate our head coaching position. One of the key factors in a decision to replace Mitchell will be on the defensive end. We're not asking for the Detroit Pistons, but if the team is still regularly allowing opponents to shoot almost 50 per cent from the field, changes will be forthcoming. Among those coaches we will be keeping an eye on; Rick Adelman and Eric Musselman.

The HQ Team

Tweet Comment 10 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I think the attraction to Nene, even with the caveat that he be physically fit, is unwarranted. I like his physicality and size in the post, but his numbers just don't justify us using our cap-space to get him. Even in his first two seasons, where he was averaging 30 min. a game, he only hauled in under 7 boards per. If there is anything our center needs to do, besides be tough, and block shots, it's rebounding. We need a great rebounder and Nene doesn't offer us that.

So who do we target? Magloire...our prodigal son. Look at his last 4 years, where he's averaged roughly 30 minutes per, and his rebound totals were never shy of 8.8 per game. Milwaukee is definitely shopping him and they want an athletic young power forward (and move Bogut to his natural 5). I think it's high-time we explore trading our pick to Milwaukee.

Assuming we get the 5th pick, Aldridge and Thomas will probably be gone, but Bargnani might still be there. So will Simmons (NC St), Williams (Duke), and Armstrong (UConn), as well as a host of other young power forwards.

Remember that Magloire will be 28. That's at least 4-5 years of solid production from him. In contrast, Nene will be 24 and in the last two years has played a total of 56 games. This is the guy we want and we should think of adding cap-relief for the Bucks like Eric Williams, or even some of our youth like Joey Graham. He may not fit the run-and-gun idea you guys seem to have, but please remember that Phoenix still brought in Kurt Thomas and Brian Grant this year, even with all their success at scoring...and no one's gonna mistake those two for gazelles. Every fastbreak opportunity starts with a rebound/turnover/blocked shot and a quick outlet. I think you greater your chances of being able to push the tempo with a guy like Magloire.

As for Maggette, I think again you guys have done a great job at eyeing potential but his health issues are a real scare (Donnie Walsh and Larry passed on him). Plus, if he moves into the 3 like you guys want, he's gonna take away some valuable minutes from CV Smooth. I think CV is a match-up nightmare at the 3 and the faster he learns to guard the perimeter, the more dangerous he will become. Let's pass on tainted potential and really try and develop our own.

I really like Banks and if we can get him at that price, we definitely should. As much as Space Mountain gave us offense, his defense was horrid (I thought that was one of his selling points when we traded for him?). I'm not sure if Minnesota will let him get away, but maybe we could do a sign-and-trade with Mike James?

As for the second-round picks, Salomon looks good and Denham would be nice to have (I really think this guy's gonna be a better pro than college player). If we have any cap space left-over after taking Magloire's contract and signing Banks, I think we should look to take a shot at Devean George. He's been on playoff teams, can play the wing, and is a tough defender. My line-up, would then be:

PG: Banks
SG: MoPete
SF: CV Smooth
PF: Bosh
C: Magloire

On the bench:

PG: Calderon, Everett
SG: Graham
SF: George
PF: Bonner
C: Sow, Salomon Jones

Keep up the great work, fellas!

by Hen on May 13, 2006 11:22 AM EDT reply actions

with wat mike james has jus said(Houston is my first choice for free agency) we will have to find some one eles. I dont think that marcus banks is a good fit because he still has a lot to prove. Plus... Corey Maggittey. I would believe tha CV31 would want to start next season because of the success he had.

nice page

by kenno on May 14, 2006 1:51 PM EDT reply actions

I would love it if the raps could get maggette. An athletic slasher and scorer to compliment Bosh would be sweet. Plus, he can play the 2 position so that mitchel can give mo pete a rest so he can be ready for the playoffs ;)

Im not sold on Nene either. I mean, if you are cockey enough to change your name to only one name...and you have never been a stud in teh league...plus im a bit worried with our last brazilian who did not perform.

by scott on May 14, 2006 6:22 PM EDT reply actions

I'm not a big fan of trading our 1st rounder altogether, although I would certainly consider trading down. If someone in the 10-18 range wants to move up to pick Gay, I jump at the chance. If still there, I take my boy Rodney Carney, but if not (and it's likely) I go for someone like Shelden Williams who, while undersized, fits in with an up-tempo style and can run the floor better than most 6-9 guys ( a la Carlos Boozer). In the second round I take super-scorer Pittsnogle with the 35, and maybe Denham as a pity pick with the 56--although, does it really matter? 2nd-round picks are like shooting blindfolded.

So, what do I do with all the cap room: Ben Gordon. My thought is that maybe the Bulls will go for the #5 pick (hopefully higher with next week's lottery), Eric Williams and a 2008 1st rounder for Gordon and the #15. This may be a stretch, but that team has a future star in Hinrich, and Gordon would fit in with the run-and-gun style of the 2006-07 Raps. Duhon is there too, so the Bulls are loaded with guards and need an impact front-liner like Mr. Gay.

Forget Nene, he's AJ Burnett all over again, he's got the talent but the injury concerns are too much--do we even know if this guy can jump again? Did you see Stoudemire when he came back with the Suns this year? He was like non-alcoholic beer: no hops. (have you guys used this one before, I know I've heard it somewhere) This still leaves plenty of money for Olowakandi, which I think is an excellent idea.

I think this team can win 32-36 games easy and, if all goes well, could push to 41-41. As I see it, with this VERY weak draft and a terrible free agent class, Colangelo does not need to go for the gusto this year. Solid improvement is enough: don't blow all your money in one place, hope Bosh and Villy become a great 1-2 punch and make a big splash in the 2007-08 market by signing . . . Carmelo Anthony. If there is still a little money left over, I might go for Matt Harpring at 1-year at around $4-million if he'll take it.

So:

PG: Ben Gordon
SG: Morris Peterson
SF: Charlie Villaneuva
PF: Chris Bosh
C: Michael Olowakandi

Bench:

PG: Jose Calderon, Alvin Williams
SG: Joey Graham
SF: Matt Harpring, Matt Bonner
PF: Shelden Williams
C: Kevin Pittsnogle, Pape Sow, Rafael Araujo (untradeable)

D-League: Denham Brown

by Aaron on May 15, 2006 11:32 AM EDT reply actions

I think it would make sense to trade the pick if we could pick up someone to help immediately at PG or C. But I don't see why we would trade the pick for a SF. I don't think Magette is that much of an upgrade over Gay or Roy, especially when you consider Magette's health concerns, and the fact that we would have a rookie on a rookie-scale contract for 4 years.

I would only trade the pick for a legit PG such as Ridnour, or a legit C such as Magloire. Even then I wouldn't do either of those trades straight up for the pick. (In fact, in the case of Magloire the salaries don't match... would need to unload E. Williams or something.)

I think keeping the pick is a good option. Especially if one of the following 4 guys are available:
1. Aldridge
2. Gay
3. Bargnani
4. Roy

Aldridge would be my first choice. Yes, he is very similar to Bosh... but he is a slightly bigger and tougher version of Bosh. I think he can play some minutes at 5.

Gay would also contribute. He could play 30 minutes or so at SF, and CV would split time between the 3 and the 4. Bosh, CV and Gay would take up all of the minutes at the 2 forward positions.

I haven't seen much of Bargnani, but I'm starting to believe the hype. I see him as a backup 3 or 4... so that Bosh, CV and Bargnani would take up all of the minutes at the 2 forward positions.

If none of the above are available, I think Roy makes sense for the reasons you outline above. I also think MoPete can be moved back to SF a bit to make more room for Roy if he shows he deserves it.

by cormac on May 15, 2006 1:01 PM EDT reply actions

Interesting ideas from everyone so far.
Although Gay and Roy are interesting, I would trade back to aquire Ridnour and Seattle's 1st round pick. Toronto could then use the selection on a frontcourt player like Sheldon Williams out of Duke. For the 2nd round picks, I would definetely like to see both Bobby Jones taken with our 1st 2nd rounder and the local boy Brown with the our final pick. I like the idea of signing Nene for around 8-9 mill starting. He's had a few injuries but is the significant bulk with serious upside that needs to be paired alongside Bosh. And i agree with the bloggers that Uros needs to be brought over and put in the d-league to give him some confidence and much needed minutes.

Ridnour/Calderon
Peterson/Jones/Brown
Villa/Graham
Bosh/S.Williams/Bonner
Nene/Sow

Having Ridnour means that our future PG position isn't solely riding on the development of Roko. Peterson and Bobby Jones are versatile enough to play great defense at both swing positions. Bobby Jones has Bruce Bowen written all over him and every team in the league would like someone like that on their team. Brown is drafted to provide insurance should Peterson get a nice offer from a different team next offseason. Villa and Graham at the SF... nuff said. My favourite part of this team is the frontcourt. Nene and Bosh will form a solid tandem up front with bosh providing the scoring and Nene providing the interior muscle and rebounding. Sheldon Williams played the 5 throughout college and is strong enough and smart enough to be able to do the same when he reaches the NBA. Sheldon comes from a great program and brings a defensive attitude to the paint. This also ensures that Bonner and Sow are not relied upon for heavy minutes, as they should be the 8-10th guys coming off the bench. All of a sudden, this team is a very young, potential packed group of hardworking players with tremendous depth. Not bad if i do say so myself.

by Travis on May 15, 2006 2:00 PM EDT reply actions

Am I missing something, what has Michael Olowakandi ever done in this league to warrant consideration of bringing him to the Raptors, he's arguably the biggest bust for a #1 pick ever, I'd rather have Kwame Brown than Olowakandi. The only good thing you can say about the Kandi man is that he's 7 feet tall. He couldn't get any burn in Boston, and they don't exactly have shaq at center. Bringing Olowakandi in for anything more than 2mil a year would be a terrible mistake

by Chris on May 15, 2006 2:45 PM EDT reply actions

My thoughts:

1) Nene is too injury prone. Grant Hill demonstrated what happens if you sign a guy coming off a major injury. If he doesn't play (or play well) you've crippled you've blown $10mm of cap space for nothing, which cripples a team.

2) Maggette is also injury prone and fills a spot where the raptors actually have a good player (CV) who is going to expect to start next year.

3) Magloire only has 1 or 2 years left on his contract. Why trade for a guy you're going to have to resign so soon?

4) No way you can get Ben Gordon. The Bulls are like the raps - they have young talent but need experience. They'll trade him for a verteran.

With that in mind, my thoughts are that the Raps have three needs: interior defense, a pass-first PG who can hit from outside and perimeter defense. Veteran leadership is a also needed, which implies trading the 5th pick. On that note:

1) Trade the 5th pick to the rebuilding Pacers for Jeff Foster (great rebounder and defender) + David Harrison (young big w/ upside). This addresses the interior defense issue. Anthony Johnson as a PG instead of Harrison also makes sense but is probably asking for too much.

2) If that trade isn't there, Joel Pryzbilla as a free agent signing is the next best solution. Nazr Mohammad is next best after that.

3) Let James go. The raps don't neee his scoring - CV, Bosh and Mo Pete already don't get enough touches. A better (and much cheaper) solution is Breven Knight, who is a FA. He would keep everyone involved and is a good (although undersized) defender. JC continues to back him up while he learns how to hit a 3 pointer.

4) Adding a perimeter defender is hard b/c there aren't many available. Bonzi Wells is a FA and would be a great addition but likely won't come to Toronto. Jared Jeffries is more realistic. The best hope is that Joey Graham turns into one.

5) If there's any money left over, any of the following are nice, cheap FA: Lindsey Hunter, Cliff Robinson, Stacy Augmon, Toni Kukoc. All are aging vets who are known for defense and professionalism...

Lineups:
PG: Brevin Knight
SG: Mo Pete or Bonzi
SF: CV Smooth
PF: Bosh
C: Foster or Pryzbilla

Bench:
PG: Jose
SG: Mo Pete, Jared Jeffries or Joey Graham
SF: Joey Graham, Bonner
PF: Foster, Bonner
C: Harrison, Sow

by Scott C on May 15, 2006 6:01 PM EDT reply actions

Scott C...you say that we shouldnt sign an injury prone player...and I am not sure that there is more of an injury prone player than brevin knight....he always plays well for one year, and then is injured for 2 years. Dont get me wrong, he is a good player and would fit in...but give it 1 month into the season, and we would be starting our backup anyhow.

I agree that there is no way the bulls give up ben gordon for another draft pick. I mean they are probably already goign to have the 1st pick in the draft...why would they need the 5th pick as well. Plus, Gordon would take more shots than james did, and is most definately a shot first player.

by scott on May 16, 2006 6:18 PM EDT reply actions

If Toronto signs Michael Olowakandi it will only be to see what would have happened if they'd drafted Hoffa first. I will want to fight whoever is responsible for signing him.

Nene isn't worth it. But if he comes here I say we make him go only by the name "Hilario". It just sounds better.

by NeverNervousPervis on May 16, 2006 7:18 PM EDT reply actions