In A Perfect World...

by RaptorsHQ - Archives on Jun 26, 2006 10:43 AM EDT

HOWLAND'S PICKS

PICK NUMBER 1

Howland: Adam Morrison. I am sure I am not alone when I say I have been all over the map with this. The size and skill of Aldridge is hard not to like along with his ability to alter shots. However his strength and desire are a concern and now with Rasho I am not sure there are many minutes to go around. Bargnani could be like Dirk, which is an exciting prospect, but he is also a player that in my mind replicates CV Smooth. Tyrus Thomas is a specimen and brings some acrobatics but really lacks a jump shot at this point and is raw. Then there is Morrison. There are concerns about his defense and of course his diabetes but there are just too many positives to ignore. In an era of comparisons (Bargnani vs. Dirk, Foye vs. Wade, Aldridge vs. Bosh) Morrison has been compared to Larry Bird, and not simply because of the colour of his skin. Morrison has developped a sick multi-faceted offensive game, he shoots a high percentage even from long-distance, and is simply just a baller.

The other thing about Morrison is that he is uber competitive. Remember those days when our star player would attend graduations prior to game 7, would laugh off missing game winning shots and just simply didn't have the testicular fortitude to step up? Morrison is the complete opposite. In fact I am already comfortable right now, before even playing 1 minute of NBA ball, with letting Morrison take this seasons last second shots.

Now there is no question that Morrison is going to take his lumps, in particular on the defensive end, but he is such a competitor and such a smart player that he will find a way to cover-up his weaknesses, and quickly. The concerns about his offense being stymied at the next level? I don't buy it. Not that I expect him to fill it up and be the primary offensive weapon on this team, we have our one-two punch in CV Smooth and Bosh, but he would be a SUPERB third option. The icing on the cake here is that he will play whatever roll you tell him to and is a team player. He would also quickly replace the hole in the hearts of many Raptors fans created when Bonner was sent south. (Although I must say I am happy Bonner and his TERRIBLE defense have been sent packing. The guy rotated slower than a square wheel.)

I am not opposed to a few of the other top guys but he's my pick.

PICK NUMBER 35

Howland: Jose Juan Barrea. Lately Franchise and I have been discussing the possibility that Roko Ukic maybe more ready to come over and contribute sooner than most people think, and that if Colangelo does not address the PG needs by way of trade, likely at the draft, then this may very well be the case. The free-agent list is WEAK so once the draft is over the writing may be on the wall and Ukic Raptor jersey's may be for sale shortly.

Regardless of how this need is addressed, it would appear that Calderon is the #2, and not a bad one at that. I am however, a proponent of having three PG's on the roster. Sure Andre Barrett has an invite to camp but I am not a fan and feel like the second round this year provides a great opportunity to bring in another good PG. Guys that may be available include Mardy Collins, Dee Brown and possibly even Daniel Gibson. I would take Barea however. Although small in stature he has all the skills. Not as athletic as a Nate Robinson but better with the basketball and a knack for getting others involved. You couldn't even get a roll of "dimes" out of the combined number of passes Nate attempted last year. Barea is a senior and has grown as a player every year, does not shy away from contact and in reality will not be asked to play more than 8-10 minutes of quality ball a night. His shot is a little suspect but that is generally the case for most guards taken late. He is streaky but can make the smart pass, the major concern is that most reports on him say he can overdribble. That would drive me nuts if he were to continue that trend in the pros considering the talent he will have around him. At the end of the day though he is a risk worth taking and also fits into the "international" thing that Colangelo is into these days as he plays for the Puerto Rican national team.

PICK NUMBER 56

Howland: Solomon Jones. There may be a few interesting bigs available at 56 this year, Taj Gray, Ryan Hollins and Leon Powe but if Jones is on the board you have to go with him. We are still missing a true blue shot blocker, a guy that is surprisingly quick off his feet. Like many young shot blockers he can leave his feet too early at times and get into foul trouble but again there are simply not enough minutes for that to really be a concern. Not a banger by any stretch of the imagination he does however do the dirty work. Due to his lack of offensive skill he get's most of his points in the garbage like fashion.

Jones would bring some skill sets to the Raps that they are currently missing, in particular the shot blocking ability and his defense. A really solid defensive big man is an asset this team could use, someone that works well within the team concept and is happy to do his thing on the defensive end and then not pout when he doesn't see the rock on the other end of the court. It would be great to have this guys right and send him to the D League right off the bat to simply continue to develop his offensive game and increase the level of his competition on an incremental basis...he did go to South Florida...how many of those games have you seen?!

FRANCHISE'S PICKS

PICK NUMBER 1

Franchise: Tyrus Thomas. Like Howland, I've changed my mind on the top pick a gazillion times. I like Morrison for the exact reasons Howland mentioned above. Aldridge and Bargnani also intrigue me for obvious reasons. And even Rudy Gay and Brandon Roy have serious aspects of their game that bare consideration at top of the pops. However if I had Colangelo's keys to the ride at this point, I would draft Thomas. Sure he's quite raw, but after watching him this past NCAA season and then in the playoffs single-handedly beat my Blue Devils, I just feel that he is the best prospect of the bunch. Toronto needs more game-changing players and I really think that Thomas could be one of these down the road. His combination of defence, shot-blocking and intensity are unparalleled in this year's draft and are all things Toronto badly needs. Having said this, my gut feeling right now is that Morrison is Colangelo's choice but if it were me, I'd be calling the LSU forward's name on Wednesday evening.

PICK NUMBER 35

Franchise: Toronto could go a number of ways with this pick too. Assuming players like Daniel Gibson, Mardy Collins, Jordan Farmar, James White and Josh Boone are all gone by the time Toronto picks, I too would take Barea. Of all the remaining prospects Barea just fills a need for Toronto and is an experienced player unlike many of the remaining second-round "projects." He's also a real Sam Mitchell type competitor and more of a pass-first player than many of the other point guards, including the first round prospects. My gut feeling though for this pick is Josh Boone. I'm not sold on a "Knicks promise" in the first round and think he could easily fall to Toronto at this spot. So could Mardy Collins who just isn't a "workout type" player. Either one would be a steal considering their skill-sets and that both were projected mid first-round picks at points last season.

PICK NUMBER 56

Franchise: This final pick really depends on what occurs earlier in the draft in my opinion. If the top pick yields a 2/3 like Morrison or Gay and Toronto takes a point guard at 35, than they have to go big on this pick. Numerous interesting "big" projects like Solomon Jones, Ryan Hollins and Justin William will probably be around at this spot so one of these may be the choice. However in my ideal situation, with a SF/PF in Tyrus Thomas, and a PG in Barea already selected, Bobby Jones would be pick 56. Jones has what it takes to be a great defender in this league and could back-up either the 2 or 3 and perhaps even 4 in some situations. He doesn't have much of an offensive game, but neither does Bruce Bowen and both players have similar physical abilities. Gut feeling though on this choice - Denham Brown. If Brown is still on the board at 56, (which might not be likely due to his recent buzz) I think Colangelo gives him the automatic camp invite with this pick.

The third member of our HQ team, Jeff Chapman, is currently in Cuba doing some "luxury resort scouting" but emailed us his ideal choices for all three picks.

At 1 he's leaning in another direction than us and going with La Marcus Aldridge. Chapman believes he WOULD be able to play with Bosh in the frontcourt and is the best talent available.

At 35 Chapman's first choice would be my 56 in Bobby Jones. He'd also consider Daniel Gibson and Hassan Adams at this spot.

At 56 - Leon Powe. Powe could be a steal at this spot as skill-wise he's a late-first round prospect. The worry with Powe is that he's a bit undersized and that he's lost some of his athletic ability due to injuries two seasons ago. If he can show that he's regained his explosiveness, he'd be a great fit for Toronto.

Rumour Update - Recent trade rumors still have Toronto linked to teams such as Seattle for draft-day deals but perhaps the most intriguing rumour we've seen lately has involved free-agent Mike James. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported on Saturday that Toronto may be trying to deal soon-to-be free-agent guard to Dallas in a package deal which would net them Marquis Daniels. I don't know about you, but any deal where Toronto would get a player of Daniels' ability back for Mike James is something I'd take a keen interest in.

Workout update - Finally, it seems that the workouts are not yet done. On Wednesday Pops-Mensa Bonsu, Walker D. Russell, Marcus Slaughter and CJ Watson will be apearing for a last-second workout prior to that evening's draft. There are also rumours that Tyrus Thomas and Brandon Roy may still show up today or tomorrow...

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Comments

Tyrus Thomas at #1 euck. I am just not feeling it for this guy. Especially with CV Smooth, and CB4 on board. I do not think that Sam and Co. are going ot move bosh to the C position, and TYrus can only play the 3 or 4 (not sure which one as he seems to have PF skills in a SF body).

I would be happy with Morrison due to his need/want to win. He might not be the best player in this draft, and he will definatly not help our defense, but the guy just wants to win. In the clutch situations at the end of the game a lineup of PG/Mo P/Ammo/CV Smooth/Bosh would be great. Who do you double team. Any one of these players can put it in th ebucket, and the shooting of MO-P, Morrison, and CV Smooth, would open up the interior for bosh to operate.

I think I would be OK with aldridges selection because he has the potential to be a great partner with Bosh. Personally I do not really like his game, but he came from a winning program, had great size. I question his effort, and need to win though. If we draft him will he be upset at playing center most of the time and behind rasho? Or would most of his minutes come replacing bosh and CV Smooth when they are resting? Is there an plan in Colangalo's head to trade CV Smooth (like the rumour say) and move bosh to the SF and have aldridge play PF like he wants? can bosh even play the SF effectivly??

I am not really up on the 2nd round picks, but JJBarra would be great form what I have learned about him. Especially as a backup guard. the 56th pick is even worse and more of a crapshoot. But I would like to see the raptors draft someone with character. Forget about the potential, and forget about the possibilities. MAke sure you get someone who has great charater, and want to win, someone who can be a role player.

Wow I am getting excited about the draft though. So much is up in the air

by scott on Jun 26, 2006 1:20 PM EDT reply actions

Getting Morrison would be a good thing. I figure he'll be like a wally sczerbiak in that he won't ever score in the NBA like he did in college, but he'll be a solid contributor and good option for almost any team.

That would give the raps:

PG: TBD/Calderon
SG: Mo Pete/Ammo
SF: Villaneuva/Ammo/graham
PF: Bosh bosh and more bosh/Villaneuva/Humpries
C: Rasho/Sow/Humpries/Woods(is he still alive??)

by raptorman on Jun 26, 2006 1:34 PM EDT reply actions

I think the exact opposite of Scott. I think Thomas provides what the Raps need with his defense, rebounding and shot blocking. I think Bargnani would be a mistake because of what you already have on the team. How many PF that don't really rebound the ball with passion and can't play defense does one team need?

by Dan on Jun 26, 2006 1:56 PM EDT reply actions

Pick Morrison because you wont be disapointed.

Raps wont see another #1 pick anytime soon (I hope). So don't go guessing. Adam (or Ammo, which is lame) will not let you down.

The team will play better defence as we keep getting older. Bosh isn't done growing remember.

Surprise of the season... Pop Sow. He'll become a rebounding machine... watch. Almost as good as Big Ben. I know. You say "Ya right". But he'll surprise you.

Remember, BC's not done once the pick is made. He still has cap room.

Now when do we get a real coach?

by Denham on Jun 26, 2006 3:43 PM EDT reply actions

Excellent write-up and the Givony interview was top drawer.
Honestly I'd be happy with any of those picks you guys mentioned.
It's great having full trust in your GM for once ;)

by Baller on Jun 26, 2006 3:44 PM EDT reply actions

Morrison has heart.

In today's NBA, heart & skill are not a given combo. Most player's have one or the other. Throw in a hard work ethic and Adam is the right choice at #1 in this draft.

He will earn his keep in the NBA and his desire to be the best will set him apart from others in this draft.

by Rookie GM on Jun 26, 2006 4:11 PM EDT reply actions

At the end of the NCAA tourney I was completely against drafting Morrison but I've flipped since then. I think BC will draft Morrison with the #1. This gives him a few options. Morrison can score we all know that, and that never hurts. But I also think it gives BC more flexibility to deal. If someone (not just Portland who has nothing to offer, or Charlotte with little to offer) wants him they can pony up. Hell, be could still get Bargnani +. I hope we get Bobby Jones in the 2nd round as well. Just draft the best player BC...that's all you gotta do. Man, I'm excited about this draft.

by Caribou on Jun 26, 2006 5:24 PM EDT reply actions

it's marcus a. for no. 1 .no one else . won't bother with 2nd rd. and 3 rd. rd. picks . colangelo can choose anyone he likes. he may pick nacho libre for all i care ! they are all losers at that late a pick .

by nike on Jun 26, 2006 6:06 PM EDT reply actions

If the Raps draft Morrison I can't say that I'll be disappointed. You know exactly what you're going to get with him, and in a draft with no consensus #1, there's nothing wrong with that. If I had to make the selection my top three would be:

1) Brandon Roy: Another proven commodity with no real holes in his game. He's more athletic than Morrison, a better defender and he's just an intense a competitor.
2) Marcus Williams: The Raps need a point guard and he is the best one out there.
3) Adam Morrison.

As for the second round, it really depends on whose available. If Denham Brown is still available at #35 I'd snap him up, but I have a feeling he might even sneak into the first round. Bobby Jones would provide much needed defence, as would Hassan Adams, although there are issues with him.

Marquis Daniels in a Toronto uniform? In a heartbeat. But why does Dallas want James if they already have Jason Terry...

by Skywalker on Jun 26, 2006 7:11 PM EDT reply actions

what with the rumor of magloire tj ford to raps...any one know?

by gabriel on Jun 26, 2006 7:42 PM EDT reply actions

I think Morrison would be the best option. It seems that he is such a down to earth hard working blue collar type of player.

He reminds me a little of Nash in that way. He will work very hard, and with effort .. who knows what happens. Lets put this another way.. if someone knew of Morrison's less than spectacular athletisim before his amateur career, would they have predicted he would be such an offensive threat.

We have seen how talented players with little heart (carter) can be a cancer to the team. I dont want tons of upside, the most talent, or the next Dirk.. I want a guy who will contribute to the team and get us to win more games.

by theabstract on Jun 26, 2006 8:47 PM EDT reply actions

Can we have a site-wide vote for the 1st overall pick, assuming no trade?

I vote for Morrison myself.

by Aaron on Jun 26, 2006 10:20 PM EDT reply actions

I Vote Morrison for 1st pick.

by Fantasy Gm on Jun 26, 2006 11:11 PM EDT reply actions

Can Morrison survive a full NBA Schedule being a Diabetic? I know other athletes have, but the NBA is so gruelling. Go to youtube.com and scout the talent yourself.

After all the vids.. I can feel comfortable with Andrea, though I'd still love to go down and pick Ronnie Brewer. Ronnie's got NBA pedigree, and a wonderful outlook. He's my longshot for ROY (provided he goes early enough in the draft to play on a team that will give him the minutes). Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying all-star calibre, but Breven Knight like. Then again, most of this draft is MoPete like. Good solid NBA talent that will make NBA average $s.

by Ustat on Jun 26, 2006 11:44 PM EDT reply actions

I was against the idea of taking Morrison before as well, but am finding myself changing my mind. His enthusiasm and work ethic, ability to score, and basketball IQ, are outweighing the defensive liabilities in my mind right now. It's easier to teach defense to a willing and smart student than to make an athlete into a basketball player.

I have some concerns about Ty Thomas' ego (cancelling workouts because he didn't think he'd go low enough to be picked by those teams, etc.), and also wonder if drafting Ty would essentially be giving up too soon on Joey Graham. They seem to duplicate a lot of each others' skills - size and position, athleticism, defense, toughness. Sure, I'd rather have the younger and higher-upside Thomas given a choice, but we have too many other needs to take a guy that duplicates someone we already have and may yet develop into a player.

I'm also not sure about Aldridge because I wonder if he might end up being another overhyped big guy where the expectations are too high just because of his size. A roster with a ton of bigs (CB4, CV, Rasho, and Aldridge) also just doesn't "feel" like a Bryan Colangelo team, and Aldridge will be physically overmatched at the 5 as much as Bosh is until he too fills out a bit.

I won't be disappointed if we end up with Bargnani because I just don't know that much about him... If all the talk about BC loving his game isn't just a smokescreen and he really is the guy, I'm willing to give BC the benefit of the doubt and wait to see what happens. Although if Bargnani is the guy I hope we can trade down with Charlotte or Portland instead of taking him 1st.

So, as of now (and it can still change daily!) I hope it's Morrison if we keep the pick, and will be a bit disappointed - though still open-minded and in BC's corner - if the pick is Aldridge or Thomas at #1. Otherwise I hope we trade down a bit and draft a Roy or Gay (if we trade down to 3-4) or a Marcus Williams (if we trade down to 7-8-9-10).

I don't know that much about the potential second-round guys, but I too like what I've read about Barea (or if he slips to 35, Guillermo Diaz, but only if we don't get Morrison at 1 - two all-offence guys might not be so good!), and wouldn't be unhappy with Denham Brown either.

Re: Daniels, sure, why the heck not if it's true! We've all been assuming James would be gone for nothing anyway, so if it's possible to sign-and-trade him for Daniels without giving up anything else significant, go for it! I presume Dallas might be interested if they think they can't resign Terry, or if for some reason they prefer James over Terry factoring in that James' salary will be something like $2-4 million or so less per year?

As for Magloire, I think those rumours died as soon as we got Rasho. Much as it would have been nice to bring Magloire home, he would have cost more in trade than Rasho, and he only has 1 year left on his contract vs. Rasho's 3 so he's more uncertain in the long run. We could always give him a look as a free agent next summer.

Go Go Raps! Like Baller said it's nice to have a GM we as fans can have some faith in!

by MattK on Jun 26, 2006 11:51 PM EDT reply actions

Just read that Da Bulls are offering Chris Duhon (Guard), #7 & 16 pick for Boston's pick.

The Raps tried to sign Chris last year, and he's a steal at $2.8M. He has a Roland rating of -0.8 but production numbers of +0.8 (the team score .08 more than they give up when he's on the court).

That would give the raps a chance for Ronnie Brewer and JJ Reddick. Solve all of our Guard issues, provide us a 3-point specialist, and fulfill all of my predictions from the entire year. Cha-Ching!

by Ustat on Jun 26, 2006 11:56 PM EDT reply actions

Sorry.. I messed that up badly.. (should have read carefully).. the deal would be:

From Chicago - Duhon and #16 Pick to Boston for the #7 Pick..

Hmm.. Duhon and Reddick or Rajon Rondo??? Ok.. I'll still buy that. We need "G"s.

by Ustat on Jun 27, 2006 12:02 AM EDT reply actions

It's fun to guess, guys... But damn I want to KNOW!!! I'm guessing Morrison based on the Nesterovic trade. But Aldridge would be fun too. We'd have a devastating front line in a short time, and while I agree we will need some guards before the season starts, the first round of the draft does not look like the place where BC is going to get one. Yeah, trading down would be cool but the top pick is going to net us something very worthwhile. Failure to trade down may mean a deficiency at PG this season, but at that point I think you give the ball to Ukic and Calderon and then work the phones for a trade later in the season or go after an FA next offseason.

If there is one rumour that is true this offseason, let it be the Marquis Daniels for James trade... Daniels is a another versatile athelete who can defend, get in the lane and create, a potential starter at the 2 who can double as a 3rd PG. I love this guy...

Whatever happens, don't take Redick in the top 10!!!!

by Josh on Jun 27, 2006 9:51 AM EDT reply actions

Garbajosa -> Toronto CONFIRMED (by player)

by nokerti on Jun 27, 2006 10:05 AM EDT reply actions

If this is true, I think it's so brilliant. Now Portland has to be thinking that BC is going to take Morrison and may feel compelled to finally trade up. I believe the only reason they're balking is because they feel Morrsion will still be avail when they choose at 4. If we can pull JJack and Bargnani, suddenly we'll have a barnfull of intriguing young players.

by Josh on Jun 27, 2006 10:16 AM EDT reply actions

For what it's worth, from the Star...

"TWO, PLEASE: At least two people who've been in various conversations over the last few days think the perfect scenario for the Raptors is they somehow end up with two picks in the top 10.

The cost: Charlie Villanueva.

And while it'd be tough to see the promising rookie go, you've got to give up something to get something and the prospect of coming away from this draft with Bargnani or Aldridge and one of the guards is too juicy to pass up.

There are those in the organization who remain skeptical of Villanueva's ability to maintain intensity and focus for a full season. I can see people thinking he's got a chance to be Antoine Walker, and that's not good.

Maybe not, but if Bryan Colangelo thinks that way, Villanueva's the guy who'll be in the draft night trade.

THIS WEEK IN MIKE JAMES: Weekly Mike James update.

If he goes to Dallas it's for the mid-level exception because, at the highest levels of RaptorLand, they can't see a good fit with the Mavs for any sign-and-trade.

Marquis Daniels is available but there's no interest in Toronto in taking him on."

Man, tomorrow night should be interesting!!!

by MattK on Jun 27, 2006 1:04 PM EDT reply actions