Stocking Up

by RaptorsHQ - Archives on Jan 28, 2008 12:00 AM EST in Feature Stories

Welcome back Mighty Mouse.

Hmmm...sound kinda weird doesn’t it? Are fans that fickle? Remember, prior to the departures of Vincent Lamar Carter and Tracy McGrady, this was the player who brought the most venom forth from the ACC faithful.

But there’s no denying the fact that an experienced floor veteran with his scoring and passing abilities would be a good fit behind Jose Calderon. He could come in and play 20 minutes a game without missing a beat, and would be a serious upgrade over the likes of Darrick Martin and Juan Dixon. Toronto would have to free-up a roster spot of course, but that means Mr. Martin would likely join the coaching staff once and for all. Toronto kept him around to use his salary and contract in case of trades but he would be a relatively inexpensive buy-out.

To be honest though, I don’t see Stoudamire re-appearing in a Raptors uniform. He’ll get more playing time in both Boston and Phoenix (unless TJ Ford decides not to return this season) and in all honesty, a better title shot.

That’s not to say that Toronto isn’t giving it a valiant attempt. The mere fact that Stoudamire is considering a return to the city that drafted him speaks volumes about B.C.’s sway and maybe he can entice Damon into signing something till the end of the season, thus giving him next summer to run with another squad if he so desires.

So I’m expecting today to come and go without any new back-up options for Jose Calderon. We find out on Thursday if Jose gets the All-Star nod and it’s been great of late to see some of the US media jump in on the Calderon for All-Star bandwagon. Besides being a Raptors’ fan of the extreme variety, I really feel that Jose is a correct choice as an All-Star reserve. Unfortunately, I fear that more well-known names like Hamilton and Jefferson may show up on the final roster. If that’s the case it’s extremely unfortunate, but I can understand it as both are having great seasons for their respective clubs.

However I will be livid if one of the following three players gets the nod over Jose:

1) Vince Carter. Nuff said really. Jason Kidd doesn’t merit a spot on this team but I understand that he’s simply the fans’ choice. In fact if anyone on the floundering Nets (nice last second loss to the T-Wolves boys) deserves a spot, it’s the aforementioned Jefferson. He’s really been the only Net who’s played up to his abilities and shown some passion on the court. Nets’ boss Rod Thorn echoed that sentiment in the local papers this morning with this quote:

"Am I convinced that all of my players want to be here?...I think how they perform on the court indicates whether that is true or not true."

Well, no surprise to most of us Raptor fans considering one of their "main players" is Carter. Anyone else find it ironic that it looks like New Jersey is about to be in the exact same situation Toronto was only about three seasons ago, having to deal a superstar for 10 cents on the dollar?

2) Shaq. Yes he always provides ‘nuff entertainment at these events but let’s not make this a legacy vote. O’Neal has been border-line awful this season.

3) Hedo Turkoglu. This one would burn me the most. For anyone who’s watched Orlando this season they know that Hedo is not an All-Star. Yes, he’s having a great season and is providing a huge shot in the arm for the Orlando Magic. However he’s not much different from Vince Carter. His shot selection is some of the worst in the league, he shoots only about 43 per cent from the field, settles for jumpers and while his PER is at an all-time high at 17.01, it still lags behind Jefferson (18.19,) Hamilton (20.35) and especially Calderon (21.77.)

Unfortunately shots like his game-winner yesterday over Boston (which most will remember as opposed to his decisions earlier in the game which allowed the Celtics back into the game) might give him the push he needs.

But enough All-Star talk for now, let’s get back to the Raps.

Even in their last bunch of wins it’s obvious that beyond the point guard situation, the rebounding and points in the paint departments could use some shoring up. The question then is, is there any way of addressing those if the point guard situation can’t be rectified?

The Bird Man would look great flying beside Chris Bosh...

Well there are some interesting options out there and we’ll start with Chris Anderson. As most know, the "Bird Man" has been out of the league for the past two seasons due to violating the NBA’s substance abuse policy. However he’s currently applying for reinstatement and it sounds like the New Orleans Hornets, who have first dibs, don’t want to give him another shot.

However if healthy, both mentally and physically, Anderson would be a huge help for the Raptors as he’s essentially an Anderson Varejao type, and could provide this team with the energy, hustle, rebounding and shot-blocking it so desperately needs. Remember Keon Clarke? Well this would be the second coming…in more ways than one.

There are of course a lot of "ifs" at this point regarding the Bird Man but I fully expect B.C. to make some inquiries in regards to his status and where exactly he is in the rehab process.

I also wouldn’t be surprised if things get really desperate and the Raptors look for a D League solution, much like they did with Luke Jackson last year. In that light I bring you Rod Benson. Many know of Benson from his hilarious blog, Too Much Rod Benson.com, and he’s now writing for Yahoo as well.

However he’s not just the second coming of Oscar Wilde, Benson is also the NBDL’s leading rebounder at almost 12 per game. At 6-10 with great length and instincts for the ball, it’s only a matter of time before he gets some run with an NBA squad. Benson was one of the last cuts from the New Jersey Nets this past fall and is no slouch offensively either averaging 13 points per game as a member of the Dakota Wizards.

Would "Too Much Benson" be "Just Enough" for the Raps?

Click here to vote: http://www.nba.com/dleague/allstar2008/asb/ballot.html

And what about some overseas help? Maurizio Gherardini is doing some scouting in Europe in the next while but this may have more to do with the upcoming draft (yes, never too early to talk draft) than anything else.

And speaking of European basketball, check out some of the interesting "one word descriptions" a number of us NBA bloggers came up with recently.

So what about trade options? Watching Minnesota beat New Jersey last night and seeing them hang tight with Boston previously got me thinking about a few of their players. Would Bryan Colangelo instead of acquiring a point guard, look to grab some other "high upside" player? What about Gerald Green? The reigning slam-dunk champ has not had his option picked up by the Wolves and it looks like he’ll very likely be a free agent next year. However he’s an explosive player with a sweet jump-shot that he’s still figuring out how and when to use. What about making a move for the high-flyer for the remainder of the season? It would amount to a try-out for the Raptors and perhaps be the change of scenery the kid needs, not to mention he’d get great tutelage from Sam Mitchell. In addition, Toronto could pick up the rebounding help they needed via Michael Doleac, a back-up center whose contract expires at season’s end as well.

To make the deal work financially, Toronto would give up Joey Graham and Juan Dixon. This deal makes sense in many ways as it would be a case of both teams looking for upside as Graham and Green were drafted at almost the same spot and both have not lived up to draft-day expectations. On top of that, there are really no large ramifications salary-wise for either club thus making it relatively risk-free. If Minny doesn’t plan on keeping Green beyond the season, they might as well see what sort of interest he could drum up.

All of this of course depends a lot on Colangelo’s priorities and TJ Ford’s situation but this is the time of the year when teams decide whether or not to give up on the playoffs and rebuild, or look to add that little extra piece they may be missing (see G State and Chris Webber.)

The Raptors have looked pretty good lately winning seven of their last 10, and you definitely don’t want to mess with the current chemistry too much…but you’ve gotta wonder if an extra piece or two wouldn’t hurt.

FRANCHISE

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Comments

Joey was a better pick than Green and remains a better prospect today. Green can dunk. That's it. No sense of the game and his basketball IQ makes Joey look like a floor genius, which we know he is not.
The main trade for BC is to swap Baston (who was supposed to help on the boards) and Dixon who can help somebody off the bench with his scoring in a 2 for 1 deal -- hopefully for a Kurt Thomas type to give the Raps some interior muscle. Carlos can hold the fort until TJ returns.
Mighty Mouse goes to Boston: wouldn't you this year?

by graham on Jan 28, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

If TJ is indeed expected back this after all-star break expect no moves from the legomaster. What do you think we would receive for both Dixon and Graham? Not much in return. Are we ready to move Delfino? Kapono? Humphries? Moon? Parker(one of the better bargains in the league)? Bosh?, Bargs?, or Calderon?
Stay the course and see how good this team can become. I still think our greatest asset is our youth. Work out Jose salary in the off-season and then tinker.

by Tinman on Jan 28, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

IF BC can't swing Mighty Mouse I wonder if Udrih is available? He sure looked good when the Raps played the Kings. With Bibby back from injury, I wonder is Beno would be available?

by Clawed on Jan 28, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I went to Berkeley, and watched Rod Benson all through college, in addition to following him on his blog. Would love to see him in a Raps Uni, and I eagerly wait your interview with him.

Boom got them tho!

by LAs Only Raptor Fan on Jan 28, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

More Jose love - ala fantasy this time:

http://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/nba/news;_ylt=Aigsz2igdjEqYM8A6DJQhA5NC5kB?slug=mb-bigpic_012508

Clawed - names like Udrih and Diener will probably be tossed around a lot the next few weeks unless Damon returns. Udrih's contract situation might make a trade a bit tricky as Sacto has his "Bird rights." I think they'll probably hang onto Udrih until they decide what to do with Bibby/Artest.

LAs Only - We'll definitely be talking to Rod about the Boom Tho Movement and we'd love to see him in a Raps uniform at some point too.

by Franchise on Jan 28, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Nice Keon Clark - Birdman comparison, love to hang out with those two in the off season...(or in Keon's case mid-season).

I think I'm predicting Stoudemire to sign here, altough tough call. If it wasn't a real possibility, I don't think we'd hear about it....

Almost think BC wants him here mainly so he doesn't sign with the C's. Which isn't a bad strategy....not scared of TJ/JC vs. Damon, but it would strengthen Boston more than us, depending on TJ's status.

by DayOner on Jan 28, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Birdman sounds great. I've read a lot about him and he seems to be super-motivated. But I can't imagine why N.O. would pass on him. They could really use him off the bench.

At the end of the day, I'm with tinman, why bring someone in to take minutes from our bench bigs when they're developing?

Definitely need a PG though.

by axl on Jan 28, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

If TJ is coming back I think Damon would be a horrible idea. The guy is sulking right now cause he's not playing. I don't want to see him whining during the playoffs as he racks up DNP's.
Not a lot of room on this roster to bring someone in, unless they are gonna be a huge upgrade over humpty or Rasho.

by CG on Jan 28, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I don't want a sulking prima donna. Forget Mighty Mouse, and bring over Roko.

by observers on Jan 28, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

This is why I think BC will go after Stoudamire aggresively. If he comes here, that takes the pressue off of TJ to "rush" to get back. He can take the time and really rehab and maybe come back just before the playoffs or the 08-09 season.

Reading a few other blogs looks like the Celtics might be interested in taking a run at Sam Cassel. Also Damon wants to get with a new team soon. If Boston is wishy washy, and BC shows up with a contract in hand for Damon, I think we have a legitimate shot to sign him.

by Rahulan on Jan 28, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I agree with you Rahulan, if BC puts the pressure on and Boston and Phoenix paly the waiting game, they miss out and BC snags Might Mouse. I don't think he'll pout about playing 20some min a game. Add on the ego factor to. If Stoudamire feels that Boston and Phx would rather have Sam I Am, he might go with the Raps for spite.

by fromlongrange on Jan 28, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Also agree with Tinman. BC's gonna stay the course. Nothing major is gonna happen unless you consider parting Brixon, Graham or possibly Hump of any significance (although it's these types of minor, under-the-radar deals that impress me the most about BC).

I don't see Damon coming here (although I'd love it for pure nostalgia) with TJ on the mend. He didn't negotiate a buyout to play 3rd fiddle on a 2nd tier eastern conference squad.

The MAJOR changes are still a year or so away, since Garbo, AP, Rasho, and even Maceo will be nearing the end of their deals. Whatever $$$ isn't spent this summer on Jose will be spent the following season on bringing in some quality talent.

by SonicSuper on Jan 28, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

What about my boy Stephane Lasme, who is doing some nice things down in the D-League?

I know GState drafted him this year but I believe they cut him.

Is he available?

If so, he'd be a cheaper, younger, drug-free version of the Birdman: long, super active, rebounding fiend.

Probably wouldn't need 48 attempts to convert a self-lob dunk either...

BTW...my music two cents of the day (as if anyone cares): Animal Collective is garbage...

by The HQ Associate on Jan 28, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

What about Tarence Kinsey? MEM cut him because Conley was their future with Lowery backing him up. But the guy did a decent job last year when all others were injured. He was cut in late December and I think a free agent at this point.

Not as good as Damon, but if we can't get Damon, he's a hell of a lot better than the Mr. Chubby.

by Erezona on Jan 28, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Looks like it would be wed, thurs before Stoudemire can sign with a new team according to ESPN:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3215868

"After the Grizzlies formally release him,(Monday) Stoudamire would then have to clear a 48-hour waiver period before choosing his new team"

Book it!

by DayOner on Jan 28, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

'Bout time we got a "blazer" back on the team! (couldn't resist)

That's why he's coming back up north. He misses all the "trees".

by DayOner on Jan 28, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

no way under the sun that we could pick up Jason Kidd, right?

"The Nets want a package that includes a good young player, an expiring contract, draft picks and cash."

So, JC, plus Rasho, plus 2 second rounders (2008 and 2009), plus a couple million.

We get a tough, proven pass-first PG, and a rebounder, plus unload Rasho's too-generous contract.

by gerry on Jan 29, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I really like JC, so I wonder if he could be swapped with Bargs...No way Nets would budge by offering Kapono, right? 5 million for no defence and 8 points per game, sigh...too much underachievement with our makeup right now...

yeah, yeah, lots of injuries, etc etc. Better luck next year...

The problem is, we BC would be declaring Bargs a mistake that way, and buying up Kidd's contract mortgages the future: tough to resign JC (no longer first option), as well as Delf, and AP.

by gerry on Jan 29, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

HQ Associate: Animal Collective are the best band of our time, with the possible exception of Deerhoof.

We should probably stay away from this stuff, but you made the throwaway comment and I felt the need to respond.
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Raps still need a SF to replace Parker in the starting lineup. He'd be a great back-up after this contract if he's willing to stay, but 12ppg out of that position is simply not enough. What about Mike Miller? (Rasho, Graham and a 1st rd. pick?)

I agree with most here, though: Bryan will sit tight this year because the potential to win a championship is just not there. Wait until next year.

by Aaron on Jan 29, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

gerry, I'd have serious misgivings about jason kidds character. Besides being a woman abuser, I think ghe might cause leadership issues. A strong veteran locker room could handle him best (shaq, garnett) lebron could probably handle him, but I see the raptors chemistry as having a little more delicate balance.

Or he could lead us straight to the promised land on skill alone. Wouldn't give up JC though, no way.

by axl on Jan 29, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Kidd is not coming to Toronto

by Tinman on Jan 29, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Kidd in Toronto? That would be a Toronto Maple Leafs move- mortgaging the future to acquire a "star" sloping downward toward the end of his career. Let's stay the course. Things are starting to click.

by observer on Jan 29, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Guys, why are you wasting time talking about Jason Kidd coming to Toronto? Even after forgetting the fact that it wouldn't make any sense logically, Kidd's making 19 million. There is no conceivable way the Raptors could match the salaries close enough to consummate a deal.

by Costa on Jan 29, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions