No Picks, No Cap Space....No problem

by RaptorsHQ - Archives on Jun 16, 2007 12:00 AM EDT in Feature Stories

Seriously....at what point is it comedic? Another international player? Is this now a pre-requisite for playing north of the 49th parallel? Whether it is or not, the most important part of the Raps acquiring former Piston Carlos Delfino is that it helps provide some clarity to what we at the HQ have been discussing for some time....the SF position.

For a couple of second round picks the Raps have acquired another versatile player who can play both the shooting guard and small forward position. As mentioned by one of our readers Delfino is another member of that highly touted 2003 draft class, of which the Raps now have three members. Having played his first few years in the league in Detroit where the back-court minutes have been dominated by All-Stars (Billups, Hamilton) and the SF position by a Tayshaun Prince, Delfino has had a tough time getting much burn averaging a mere 14 minutes a game.

His three seasons in Detroit were far from noteworthy, and Delfino was known more for his disruptions off the court then his play on it. It has been well documented that Delfino has on numerous occasions been in heated arguments with Flip Saunders and the two never saw eye to eye. In fact, late last season when Detroit was in town it was readily apparent that player and coach were not on the same page. Flip was all over Delfino when he was on the court and gave him the quick hook after missing a rotation. Now that it has been confirmed that Flip is the coach of the Pistons for at least another season, perhaps it is not surprising that Delfino has been shipped out.

Its likely that Delfino doesn’t mind the move either as he has never been shy about his desire to be dealt. Last summer in an interview with an Argentinian newspaper Delfino was on the record saying he wanted more playing time and as a result did not want to be in Detroit. As of yesterday Delfino has his wish.

So what exactly does Delfino bring to the table? Well according to BC, "Carlos is a talented basketball player that should thrive in our system." It’s hard to argue with the Lego-master these days, and Delfino could finally break out. His offensive game somewhat reminds me of Joey Graham. Both are athletic players, have shown a propensity to get to the rim, sometimes settle for the jumper and they are both decent on the ball defenders. The other glaring similarity is that neither of them has a quick release. The one major difference however, is that Delfino seems to have a slightly higher basketball IQ. This likely relates to his experience as a player. Delfino has been a winner at all levels, was a member of the gold medal winning team at the 2004 Olympics and of course has been part of a very successful team in Detroit. Add in some extensive experience is Europe and just because he was only getting limited minutes for the Pistons doesn’t mean he is green by any stretch of the imagination.

Perhaps the more important question is what does this mean for Mo Peter and the aforementioned Joey Graham? I think it is probably safe to say that Mo Pete’s time in Toronto has come to an end. Of course replacing Mo with Carlos was something that Franchise had suggested around the trade deadline. It wouldn’t be surprising if at the end of the day that is how it works. BC has dealt a couple of low picks for Delfino and dealing Mo in a sign-and-trade could easily help recoup that loss, and possibly more. If you are Mo Pete though the signal is clear. Re-signing here is really not an option. Minutes will still be tough to come by and this team is preparing to move on without you.

The message to Graham is also a clear one. If Graham is not ready come training camp to elevate his game then don’t expect much. Delfino will undoubtedly be looking to secure more minutes than in Detroit and the two of them will be battling it out for valuable PT. That is of course assuming that Joey is still around come training camp. We’ve suggested, and many of you have agreed that at the price and with the talent it would be hard not to give Graham a chance, but who knows whether BC agrees. Would anyone be surprised if the SF position for the 07-08 team was manned by totally different personnel? Having watched BC at work since his arrival it wouldn’t surprise anyone if neither Mo or Joey returned next season. As much as Graham’s inconsistency has infuriated the fans, it must leave Colangelo in fits. Besides, if BC were to move Graham that would only leave Calderon, Bosh, Martin and Sow from the last regime (with the latter two unlikely to return). It would almost complete the make-over.

I guess the biggest question that I have is Delfino’s character. Is he a good fit for this squad? If he doesn’t get the minutes he wants will he become a distraction? The teams chemistry was solid last year and even when players like Mo Pete were not getting the minutes you never heard a peep. Is this team ready for a player that seems to have a "me first" attitude?

Although in the grand scheme of things dealing for Delfino was a small move, it’s clear that despite not having any draft picks and with little cap space you still can’t sleep on this team, which will make waiting for next season that much easier.

HOWLAND

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Comments

I like that Gherardini would have had a good look at him when he played four years in Italy.

"He spent 2000-02 with Reggio Calabria and 2002-04 as a member of Skipper Bologna averaging 10.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 25.6 minutes in 115 career games."

http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_22344.shtml

by Canada on Jun 16, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Mo,is gone,Derick Martin will retire to become a Rap asst coach,and Delfino will thrive.

by Oliver Miller on Jun 16, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Mo is gone agreed! But do you think there is a bigger deal on the horizon?? like mo, jose, rasho maybe even joey for something.. Thoughts??

by CoachE on Jun 16, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Here is a question that just came to mind.How far would the Raps go next year with a healthy Shaq at center?
I know it won't happen,but if there was ever a final piece scenario in a one-off one year plan that might do it.

by Oliver Miller on Jun 16, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

This still leaves the Raps doing the same thing as last year, small forward by committee. I'd like B.Co to bring in a player who's gonna hold down that spot in the starting rotation. Joey, Delfino, Dixon, Peterson, Jackson... I'd like to see a significant trade for an important piece that can this young team to the next level.

by blake on Jun 16, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I don't see it as SF by committee as much as SF by competition. Give two hungry young players the same goal and let them go at it.

by Commentatador on Jun 16, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

great article..
but i have a question. Is delfino the answer? I mean really..is this who BC went after? Is delfino all we can get? I have a suggestion..
I think that JoeyG, Dixon(way too short for an SF),
Delfino and Garbo..two or more should be packaged and
shipped for gunner..like..say
..kapono..JJredick..Stephen jackson..sasha povilic..Rich
jefferson(opps, wait,he i might just get so i can sic
my meth-addicted granma on him), but you get the idea..
we are just not impressed
by this whol SF by commitee!!
thats
my
two
cents

by Keon Clark on Jun 16, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Looks like a solid move to me, especially if we can get something for Mo-Pete in trade (like, say, a 2nd rnd pick this year so we can select Sun Yue!).

Just another one of those sneaky under-the-radar chess moves our resident Grandmaster is known for.

by Bedhead on Jun 16, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Oliver Miller,
" A Healthy Shaq" doesn't exist anymore. In fact, it doesn't even try to exist for more than the duration of the playoffs.
We don't know if Delfino will come in and nail down a spot as the clear number 1, but I doubt it. Something he gives us is a pretty big body for a swingman, sort of like Joey. At 230, he can help with some rebounding. He's a 33% shooter for 3's, so he can do that a bit, too. BC isn't done. There is Ukic to sign, and a few pieces to cut and trade, yet. I think BC is looking for a better player and am afraid that Jose will be the one to go. He's shown a willingness to give up a guy at a position of surplus (Villanueva) to get one at a position of need (Ford). I don't think he'll be shy about doing a deal. I just don't see the point in getting a stud to play SF. A Rashard Lewis type will want the ball and try to take it from Bosh, Bargs, and our points. We could use a good scorer for our second unit, though.

by EaseMyPain on Jun 16, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Delfino is a SG who can play some @ SF. He is only 24 with just over 2 yrs NBA experience, so room to grow.
An excellent, inexpensive p/u by BC with only 2nd round draft picks. BC would not bring in a player who he did not feel would fit in.

His role will be to back up Parker as a better option & defender than Dixon because of his size to guard SG's.

Colangelo & Mitchell(quoted) have stated their intention to sign a restricted Free Agent @ SF with the MLE or MoPete sign & trade as their option.
Sounds like they must have someone in mind.
Their is no way they would trade Calderon who with Ford gives them a clear advantage at PG over the Eastern teams.
Ford & Calderon will continue to improve as both are very young.
If possible they would like to aquire a 2nd round pick in the draft for a SG for the future.

by Johnn19 on Jun 16, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Scorer off the bench: Grant Hill

Enough said.

by Malay on Jun 16, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Just found out about the deal (in Muskoka with no info updates save for CBC radio and the occasional blackberry text) and I love it. Howland, Franchise and I chatted about the possibility of getting delfino after the pistons game in april. While I was, admittedly, more intrigued with the possibility of getting Amir Johnson, this trade has made my weekend! Way to go BC!
How much longer until mini-camp starts???

by The HQ Associate on Jun 17, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Jose isn't going anywhere, unless Garbo goes. Joey, Mo, Sow, Martin and Dixon are the ones who may go.

Grant Hill coming would be different. If he is healthy that is good, but the history of injury makes you sit on the edge of your seat every time he drives...

Peace

by Grounded on Jun 17, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I too have doubts about Hill's durability. While no doubt he is a class act, I have bad memories from the other superstar past his prime that we signed: Akeem the Dream.

I love the Delfino acquisition. Always felt that Delfino had a mean streak in him and this was something missing from the Raptors.

by Rubik Kube on Jun 17, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I like this trade too, Delfino's as much back up for parker as he is a solution for the small forward problem.

As much as it seem like a requirement to be a international player to get on the raps, it's more that US players don't want to play here. BC is showing he's aware of this.

Once raps get a couple winning seasons under their belts that should change a bit I think.

by axl on Jun 17, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I was luke warm on this trade until I went to the Detroit Bad Boys site. These comments might change some of your opinions...

http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-06-15/carlos-delfino-traded-to-the-raptors/#comment-58534

by MazelTov on Jun 17, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I like this move by BC. We don't need a "stud" at SF. In my mine we have studs at C (Bargs), PF, SG, and PG. We need good role players that can play good defence and give you some good scoring. Delfino can provide that given the chanse. And he has an edge to him, and has something to prove.

I think we should drop Joey G to any team that is willing to take him, say goodbye to Mo Pete.

Bring in Grant Hill. Hill yes is a danger for injuries, but that is something you can build into the contract. Hill has passion for the game, and what he has lost in agility, he has gained in brains. He is a smart player.

Imagine a bench consisiting of Rasho, Garbo, Hill, Delfino, Jose, Humphries and Dixon.

I have all the confidence in BC though, he will do what is right for the team. Hell he probably is stockpiling pieces to bring Kobe to TO.

Would you do Bargs, Parker, Ford and next years first round pick for Kobe?

by Rahulan on Jun 17, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

they went and did it!
they got GRANT HILL
go check out..
ESPN Breaking news
he came here 4 a mid-level exception....
...i dont like this!
not
one
bit!

by Keon Clark on Jun 17, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

KeonClark,
Honestly why would you say something like that when its not true. My heart near stopped.

by OneAndDone on Jun 17, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Me too, I can't find it. And why don't you like it KC? I like it.

by Frank on Jun 17, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Keon Clark - That's the second time I've seen that exact rumour supposedly from ESPN. I can't find details anywhere, have you actually seen this or are you just full of crap?

by the styling assassin on Jun 17, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Hmm so it looks like most of the Assistant coaches are coming back and Alex English won't be getting a head coaching job. Interesting enough, not sure why Jim Todd left? Can't say I remember Mike Evans much when he coached the god aweful Nuggets.

As for Grant Hill, just cause his girlfriend is from the T.Dot, I'm not sure there's even a good fit. Maybe we should restart rumors of Kobe coming here because he has family here too.

by ustation on Jun 17, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

The Grant Hill thing is in part coming from the BadBoys blog where in the comments section there is a dead link to an ESPN 'breaking news' reportedly confirming his imminent arrival.

Is it real? I've looked but can't find it confirmed - or for that matter even reported - anywhere.

Still a wait and see...

by Bedhead on Jun 17, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I dont like it...
because of two reasons..
one..
grant played against us three
times last season..i honestly
don't remember him doing anything of significance
other take up minutes..
i mean did he drive to the basket?...umm..no..did he cover anyone, as in his defence is non exsistent!
i mean we swept 'em..orlando i mean..sheesh..
the other reason..
Grant Hill is a name..
use him as a decoy when the other teams are scouting us..
but other than that..iam not
comfortable paying him
cash-money for that lone
reasoning....
so i vote no!

by Keon Clark on Jun 17, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Adding Grant Hill makes raps an instant conference contender. He was the only glue that kept the magic from completely falling apart. If you want to talk veteran leadership a la d-mart, Hill is the ultimate coach on the floor, never gets frazzled plus still-has-plenty-of-game-left type guy.

So he can only play every second game - I'll take it because there's no possible way he'd be a detriment.

by axl on Jun 17, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

To me this trade is so minor that it seems to suggets one of two things. 1)Toronto gets a guy at a bargain price that no one expects to do much but has the talent and basketball I.Q. to possibly turn around his career with some consitant minutes (think Boris Diaw). 2)It sets the Raps for a sign and trade with Mo Pete to bring in a more polished SF to start and have Delfino as your #2 SG/SF off the bench.

by Alessio on Jun 18, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Grant Hill is not a Raptor, although he would be a great addition to this young team. I know Keon Clark doesn't agree but Hill provides everything the Raptors need. A quality second scorer (14.4 pts/gm last yr), solid on the ball and team defender, veteran leadership and rebounding from the guard position. He is also a high percentage shooter and an attacking/slashing SG/SF who can create his own shot. I understand he has had his injury problems but he would probably be a second stringer which at this point in his career would be a great oportunity. It would allow him to play against rookies and players with less talent players which could cause other teams fits. His work ethic is also very Bosh like. Plays hard for 48 minutes.

by Alessio on Jun 18, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Alessio - Grant Hill playing 48 minutes?!?!?! You've got to be joking. Even if Grant Hill is signed, I can't see him playing in more than 60 games, or averaging more than 20-25 minutes. Between him and Garbo, there's about 1 good ankle left.

With or without Hill, I don't mind the SF-by-committee approach for this year. Given that Joey G, Luke Jackson, and Delfino will all be off the books after 07-08 - hopefully one of those guys has the traditional "career season in a contract year".

by BC on Jun 18, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I know the raps are looking for someone athletic to fill the sf position. But when you look back at there starting lineup from the past season, Garbajosa was the starting small forward. So what does that do to him. Im going to assume if he is healthy come training camp that he will be starting there again. Therefore limiting even more the playin time of delfino and graham. Both graham and delfino are more athletic then garbo but they dont have the intangebles like him, i think there might be some interesting conflict surrounding that small forward spot next season.

by Darren on Jun 20, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions