With the Number 1 Pick the Toronto Raptors Select...

by RaptorsHQ - Archives on May 24, 2006 8:49 AM EDT

"Bosh in the post...kicks it out to Morrison for THREEEEE!!! That goes out to Jack Graham in Parsborro Nova Scotia..."

"Villanueva with the high-low feed and Aldridge with the CRAM!!!..."

"What a steal by Gay as he uses his reach to get into the passing lane resulting in a wide open dunk baby!..."

"Well folks, with that rebound and put back by Bargnani, I think you can take out the salami and cheese..."

"Calderon going upstairs...and SOMEHOW Tyrus Thomas with dunk!! That was sick, wicked and nasty!"

So which will it be folks? Which of these can you hear the Swirsk saying next year for the Raptors? Or will we hear ANY of them?

In fact, after last night, where do we begin?

I guess first of all we need to share some of the excitement that was "the pingpong balls." The NBA Lottery is always fun, in particular because the Raps are always involved (yes we realize this is not a good thing), and of course this year we hit the jackpot. Franchise thought we were going to get the third pick and I thought we'd be picking at five...but once we got past that fifth envelope...then to the third...

Oh, and as an aside, love the new and improved "Deal or No Deal" version of the NBA Lottery where Russ Granik makes like Howie and to further dramatize the events stops for commercial break after the fourth position is revealed. "And the third pick in the 2006 NBA Draft goes to...we'll find out right after these messages...."

So now we've got the first pick, what should the Raptors do?

Well, let's clear some things out of the way. I'm sure our buddy Dave Feschuk is penning something as we type this as to why this was the wrong year to win the draft with Greg Oden probably coming out next year. And I'm also sure the haters will be out in full force to claim likewise that this is the wrong draft to win as there is no franchise-changing player such as Lebron, Duncan or even another Bosh and will probably continue to argue that picks one through five are essentially the same in value.

But are they the same? And is winning the lottery a bad thing regardless of the year you win it? Not the last time we checked. It's not like we gave anything up to get the top spot. It was free to move up four spots in the draft, and in a year where there is no number one, talent is in the eye of the beholder...now watch Colangelo work that in his favour as he now essentially controls the draft. If he discovers the player he wants could be had at a lower position, maybe he'll trade down. Maybe he'll pretend to go after a certain player if he knows another team desperately covets that same player (see Portland and perhaps Adam Morrison being available to them) thus forcing a deal. And not only does the number one pick mean he controls the draft, as this year the draft really does start at 1, not like 2003 when the draft started at 4, but he now has arguably the best GM position in the NBA. He comes to Toronto and has about $16M in cap space, a franchise player who wants to re-sign, some serious young talent and now the number one pick in the draft. Damn it's good to be BC.

So now the obvious question becomes: Who do we take?

There is no doubt we are going to be discussing this ad nauseum, from the upcoming Playing GM: Version 2.0, to our discussion-style Mock Drafts but right now let's take a quick look at everyone's top five guys.

LaMarcus Aldridge

It was not too long ago that Bosh came out and said if he could pick anyone for this team it would be Aldridge. At 6'11", 245lbs, he is one of the, if not the, best big man prospect in the draft. LaMarcus has a solid inside and outside game, can play with his back to the hoop and is a great athlete for his size.

Want to run? Aldridge will keep up.

Want a shot blocker? Aldridge can provide that.

Back to the basket? Try a sick hook-shot.

Good character? You got it.

The UPSIDE (yes I am using the term) of LaMarcus is as high as anyone else's in this years draft and with his addition one could not help but think about the fits the Raps front-court could give other teams for years to come. Playing CV Smooth (6'10") at the three, Bosh (6'11") at the 4 and Aldridge (6'11"-7'0") at the 5 , all of whom have multiple aspects to their games, makes for some tough match-ups....add in a 6'5" PG in Roko and this squad is a nightmare for other teams a year or two down the road.

So suddenly why consider anyone else? Well many of you will remember when he was absolutely dominated by Glen Davis of LSU in the tourney. For all the size and athleticism Aldridge has, he desperately needs to put on some muscle. He can be pushed around and in many ways people question whether he has that KG like killer instinct. Ironically however, many people questioned whether the face of the Raps franchise, CB4, had this same instinct and toughness when he was drafted. And as we know, these concerns are no longer relevant.

Rudy Gay

Speaking of questions of killer instinct, how about Rudy Gay, another possible top pick? Gay is set to start workouts for teams at the end of the month and most will look to see how he fares going up against other top picks with similar skill sets. This will be a good test to see if Gay really was limited by UConn's disciplined sets and depth or if he really does look like an underachiever. Based alone though on skill set, athletic ability and size for his position, Rudy would be the top pick and if the Raptors are looking for a replacement for the departed number 15 then this is their guy. You can almost hear the fans in the ACC calling his name now, "Rudy! Rudy! Rudy!"

Tyrus Thomas

Or how about LSU jumping jack Tyrus Thomas? The 6-9 forward would give the Raps an immediate upgrade in the "I can jump higher and block more shots than any of you" department and would be an interesting option off the bench who could probably play either forward positions. In terms of potential, Thomas perhaps has the most of anyone after he came out of nowhere this past season to become a legitimate number one pick. He's still fairly raw, but so was a certain Shawn Marion when Colangelo grabbed him via the draft back in Phoenix.

Adam Morrison

And while this pick probably doesn't make sense for the Raptors, Adam Morrison would have to be considered here as well. There are questions about Morrison in terms of his defense, athletic ability and of course his diabetes but make no mistake, Morrison is as competitive as they come and should be able to fill it up as soon as he steps in the league. His player of the year race with JJ Redick kept him in the spotlight all season and the team who choses him really knows what they're getting because of his exposure. The other factor going for Morrison is simply his character and zany moustached-trash talking ways, which should make him a fan favourite. A blue collar hustle type scorer without the finessed of players such as Gay, Morrison would probably be a big hit in the right environment.

Andrea Bargnani

And finally, going from one of the most discussed players in the draft to one of the least, we turn to Bargnani. The Raps brain-trust is rumored to be favouring the 7-0 foot Euro sensation and is one team (thanks to their overseas experience) which seems to be adequately prepared to select him. Bargnani of course has drawn comparisons to Dirk Nowitzki and if you've been watching Dallas in this year's playoffs, that's definitely not a bad thing. However will another big who plays on the perimeter ala Villanueva work for the Raps?

So the conclusion here is simply that while another piece is in place with the lottery coming to a conclusion last night, there are still a lot of questions. We're betting that most mock drafts will have Toronto taking someone different and really, it might not be until David Stern walks to the podium on draft night that we know who the pick will be.

But for now, we're going to enjoy this here at the HQ. It's not every day that your team gets the first pick making them the team everyone will be watching leading up to and on the night of the draft. This is an extremely positive situation on all accounts and it's going to be interesting to see how things unfold over the next four weeks.

Oh...and one last point. How about Rob Babcock after tonight? Even as we watched Colangelo stride up to be congratulated on winning the top pick, we had to think that somewhere, in a damp, dark basement, someone was throwing darts at a sun-kissed and smiling Colangelo photo...

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Comments

Hey all.

This is great news, although, now the pressure is on Colangelo. If we had a third or fourth pick, perhaps we could have got Bargnani with less pressure. Its never a good thing when the #1 selection turns out to be mediocre. With this draft, there just isn't any clear top player.

On another note, it is interesting that people are giving Colangelo so much credit already..(not in this column, just in general). He is simply a benefactor of past good moves by Rob Babcock. Yes, you have heard that right... Charlie V, Joey G, Mike James, and Calderon..(and perhaps even Roko, depending on how he turns out). I would argue that even the Jalen Rose trade had some Babcock written on it in terms of negotiating the specifics and, no one can say for sure, but maybe Babcock would have pulled the trigger on a similar move if he had the time.

Colangelo is in an excellent situation to turn this team around. Infact, it is the ideal situation. He has a scapegoat coach, budding star in Charlie V, all star in Crish Bosh, cap room and a #1 pick. He also has a excellent role player in Mo Pete and upside in Joey G, and Calderone and potentially Roko. Contrast that to the situation that the much maligned Babcock got.

Colangelo better be able to turn things around.

by theabstract on May 24, 2006 11:06 AM EDT reply actions

No question - if Babcock had traded down before picking Araujo (thus taking all the pressure off the pick) and gotten more for Vince (either by getting more in trade or by playing hardball with Mourning/the Heat) he would still be the GM.

Instead it is Colangelo who walks in the sun. No question though - BC is definitely benefiting from some of Babcock's later moves.

It will be very interesting to find out if there is any truth to the 'Bargnani-will-only-play-for-TO' rumors. Cuz', if true, it means that winning the #1 is actually a bad thing for the Raps given that the #1 spot guarantees 1.3 million more off the top than the #5 spot.

by YKOil on May 24, 2006 11:46 AM EDT reply actions

Raptors fans are buzzing about winning the top pick in next monthâ€™s draft, but I say we trade the pick away for a veteran point guard and a pick lower in the first round.

Before Raptors fans chew my head off check out this logic - can any of the top players in the Draft help us out? None of the players this year are worthy of a top pick since Greg Oden has to play a year of college and Joakim Noah passed on the NBA.

Donâ€™t get me wrong fellow Raps fans, Iâ€™m not trying to rain on your parade. Iâ€™m simply trying to state that winning the lottery will be a great thing if Bryan Colangelo can get the starting point guard or center out of trading the pick. One deal that immediately pops into mind would have the top pick heading to Seattle for Luke Ridnour and their 10th pick. This deal would allow the Raps to add another young player while gaining the floor general that they desperately need.

by Hoops Addict on May 24, 2006 12:41 PM EDT reply actions

>Ironically however, many people questioned whether the face >of the Raps franchise, CB4, had this same instinct and >toughness when he was drafted. And as we know, these >concerns are no longer relevant.

Really? You think so? Bosh is great. He's long, has great athleticism, and for now IS the raptors. But I think toughness is not really his strentgh. Does he want to rip your heart out like KG? Does he pride himself on tenacious defense (B. Wallace). Will he take over a game and exert his will onto it (Kobe, arenas, Duncan, hell even brand)? Bosh is a lot of things, but let's not overstate his defense or toughness, cause that will really hurt our ability to add the elements we need, (namely toughness and defense). Cause that's what we really need, character, toughness (mental and physical), and an identity. Sure we need a new PG and C, but our team needs most is an identity and guys who won't let some punk run around scoring 81 points.

As far as Babcock, I think he was a lot better than he got credit for, but I'm sure glad Colangelo is in charge. And I can sleep easy, knowing that whatever he does with this pick, will be a good and thoroughly researched decision, that's based on giving our team an identity.

by LAs Only Raptor Fan on May 24, 2006 1:56 PM EDT reply actions

I was thinking about this column and I'm now starting to lean towards taking Aldridge with the pick... he played great in the tourney besides that one game and he can always add some beef like Bosh has done. A frontlie of Bosh, CV32 and Aldrdige would be sick! If we keep the pick I hope teh Raps snag LeMarcus but I would still like to see if we can get a legit PG for the top pick...

by Hoops Addict on May 24, 2006 2:10 PM EDT reply actions

Ridnour is unavailable! Why would the Sonics give up the next Steve Nash???

Who knows what's going to happen? Too bad that when the Raps finally get their own little conspiracy (Stern and Colangelo are practically in love) it's in the wrong year.

Why can't the draft be tomorrow? Who the hell cares who wins the championship--I find the draft better TV any day.

by Aaron on May 24, 2006 4:29 PM EDT reply actions

i agree with hoops adict 110% in trading the first round pick. Luk would be a good fi but there are other options out there too. Hopefully this is a start of many good things to happen to the raptors

good site again

by kenno on May 24, 2006 4:55 PM EDT reply actions

ridnour is avilable wat r u talken about?

wit earl watson around the sonics for the next 4-5 ridnour is the odd man out

by kenno on May 24, 2006 5:04 PM EDT reply actions

Ridnour is a solid player, but is is really better than everybody is the draft? Ridnour will likely never be an all-star and there at least one future all star in the draft, Colangelo just has to find him.

by Chris on May 24, 2006 6:12 PM EDT reply actions

Hey folks. Great rundown of the Raps' prospects.

In my mind, Babcock made 4 bad moves:
1) Not selecting Iggy (or trading down to get Araujo). I remember at the draft everyone was saying he was the best 'ready now' center prospect available. [aside: just goes to show you that being old age-wise doesn't mean you have a mature game]

2) Trading VC when his stock was at its absolute lowest. He should have sat him out until he decided to play with some effort, and he should have never said that they were trying to trade him. You lose all leverage when the opposing GMs know that you have to trade the guy.

3) Buying out Mourning. Again, don't pay the dude if he doesn't show up, and consider suing for further damages to the reputation of the team, etc.

4) Drafting Villanueva at #7. Again, like the Araujo pick, it's not whether the pick turned out or not, it's that he didn't trade down to get him in the 10-12 range. Same mistake 2 years in a row shows

by Tommy on May 24, 2006 7:42 PM EDT reply actions

whats available fo the 1 pick?

how bout neworleans two first rd picks
or do we for a player and a pick

any ideas about iverson

no matter what we are in good position i like aldridge no big on somebody outside of us that high too bad it was greg odens year be a no brainer

by FANTASY_GM on May 24, 2006 7:51 PM EDT reply actions

luke ridnour is not a viable option u dont trade a high lottery pick let alone the #1 for a defensive liability who isn't and doesn't have the potential to be a top tier point i think u people under value this draft - everyyear people say its a weak draft don't buy it . The points i would target r ones with top tier potential shaun livingston devin harris heinrich. Maybe package mopete and the 1 for maggete and livingston but i doubt the clips bite at that . This top will have impact players just give em a couple years - id play it safe and take Aldridge and hope Ukic pans out ive liked what ive seen so far.

by a fan on May 24, 2006 9:17 PM EDT reply actions

Some where was talking about the raps trading the first pick to the bulls for their 2nd pick and chris duhon. I think that would be pretty decent. The bulls would od it so they could choose Aldridge (whom they apparently like) and get rid of duhon who they dont really have much room for with hinrich and gordon. Then the raps could pick Bargani or whatever his name is

by scott on May 24, 2006 9:22 PM EDT reply actions

Alright, my idea for the first pick is a two-part plan.

First, see what you can get out of the Blazers by trading down to #4. Jack? A future pick? Even just moving up from 56 to 31 in the second round this year. Not terribly important because what we want with this pick is Rudy Gay. Why?...see below.

Part two, we trade Gay to the Magic for #11 and the rights to Fran Vazquez. Actually it doesn't matter who the Magic take with #4, I just assume Gay would be their guy. With HOward and Darko up-front and Nelson at PG already, they are looking for the best wing available. Maybe Gay, maybe Roy, maybe Morrison if he doesn't go to Charlotte...doesn't matter to us. Whomever they want, he will be slightly more attractive to them making #4 salary than #1.

Why do we do this? Well the guy I really want in this draft might be sitting at number 11...Tiago Splitter. What we need is a legit 5 who can defend and rebound...no one better in this draft than Splitter. Plus, we would save heaps of money drafting 11 as opposed to 1, get some value out of the Blazers (or conceivably the Hawks, this plan would work just as well dropping to 5 as long as the Magic would still do it...if they like both Gay and Roy, can't see a problem) and get Vazquez. BC wants to extend Bosh and bring in Euros...here are two good ones that can both play the 5.

The only danger in this is that Splitter may not be around at 11. However, given that he may need to stay in Europe for another year because of contract issues, likely a lot of teams would pass on him. We could have the luxury of waiting a year on him, especially if we could get Vazquez over this year.

by spanky on May 24, 2006 9:28 PM EDT reply actions

Yi Jian Lian from the Guangdong Tigers in China!

Could be a smart move, so they could win the lotto again next year and take Greg Oden.

by Eddie Baseball on May 25, 2006 2:32 AM EDT reply actions

The three guys I'd want would be Thomas, Aldridge, and Gay. I'm basically indifferent between them, so I'd trade down to 5 or 6 and pick up Gay (or Morrison or Roy if Gay's gone).

The Raps are destined for the lottery 1 more year, and next year's draft is stocked with 5-6 impact guys (Oden, Noah, B. Wright, Durant, Young, possibly McRoberts/Wright/Splitter)

by Tommy on May 25, 2006 8:36 AM EDT reply actions

You really think the Sonics want Watson over Ridnour. I think not.

The Blazers trade is intriguing, I would be interested in Jack and the #4 pick for the #1 and the #35 (or something like that--maybe a 2nd-rounder next year). Then at #4 I take Gay or trade down a second time and pick someone like Shelden Williams, who I really think has a soild shot of being a 10-10 guy in a few years.

Wow--I like the anger about my pro-Ridnour stance (and therefore the Raps won't get him); it's nice to hear Raptors fans caring about their team rather than feeling sorry for themselves. Colangelo better do it this year or else the whiners will all be out again.

by Aaron on May 25, 2006 9:54 AM EDT reply actions

Tommy,

Not to turn this into the Babcok post.. but I really dont think he got a fair shake and the media was too critical of him. Fact is he was a rookie GM and made some rookie mistakes. I agree that Colangelo is better, but comparing the two isn't fair since Colangelo is experienced.

1) Hoffa: When Babcock selected him, he was new to the job. The rumour is that it was Jack McKLoskey's idea, who was a consultant to the raptors at the time. Although the responsibility was still Babcock's.. we have to recongize that he was completely new to the org.

2) VC trade - this turned out horrible, but Vince was a cancer in the dressing room. There wasnt any certainty if his stock was going to go up.

3) Buying out Mourning. - Peddie's decision

4) Drafting Villanueva at #7 - At this point, I think they got a steal for Charlie. No guarantee that a trade down was even viable.

I just think Babcock got screwed by the media. For some reason, the media loves Sam Mitchell, who has a terrible record, and the most embarassing game in the Raptors history (Kobe's 81) let alone the entire league for the last decade. I think Babcock did some good moves that need to be recongized.. thats all i am saying

by theabstract on May 25, 2006 10:20 PM EDT reply actions