Final Draft Day Thoughts

by RaptorsHQ - Archives on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT in NBA Draft

Welcome to Toronto, Jermaine O'Neal...

With the 17th pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors select…

…

Thanks to the ever-more serious sounding "rumours" concerning the Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers, those words, surely uttered this evening by David Stern, now take on a whole new meaning.

What started out as a breaking news flash on Yahoo Sports (look at Yahoo breaking the big deals before "the World-wide Leader!") has now become a full-on "agreed to in principal" deal that would see the Toronto Raptors acquire six time All-Star Jermaine O’Neal in exchange for TJ Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, Maceo Baston and the 17th pick in this year’s draft.

So now, in all likelihood the Raptors will be picking for Indiana tonight at 17, although the deal of course could always fall through before July 9th, the earliest it can be consummated for various contractual reasons.

Anti-climactic? Perhaps a bit as this makes two years in a row that Toronto is without a first-round pick.

However reports have come in that indicate that Toronto will receive Indiana’s second-round pick, 41st overall along with O’Neal. This means that Bryan Colangelo will be looking to grab a player early in round two with some upside as a cheap means of filling out their bench.

And frankly, doesn’t he almost HAVE to?

Before getting into the "pros and cons" of this deal, let’s just look at it from a numbers perspective.

The Raptors are giving up three current players from their roster for O’Neal (Rasho, Ford, Baston) which would leave Toronto with only eight players under contract, assuming of course that Calderon is re-signed; Bosh, Bargnani, Kapono, Moon, Parker, Humphries, Graham and Jose. And considering the salary attached to O’Neal, the Raptors aren’t going to have a lot of room to work with financially to fill out their bench.

So grabbing some cheap talent, especially in a deep draft like tonight’s that may see first-round talent suddenly drop into the second round, may now be tops on Colangelo’s list. JaVale McGee, Nicolas Batum, JJ Hickson, Serge Ibaka and even Chris Douglas-Roberts could all drop into the early first round and other potential second-round picks could present some great value at 41. (Hey, after all the scouting and draft watching we did this year, we’re just happy that Toronto now has a pick!)

And suddenly, what was somewhat of a yawn of a free agent camp takes on a whole new meaning. Players like Rod Benson, Hassan Adams, Pooh Jeter and Dahntay Jones could very well find themselves completing this roster for next season.

As for the trade itself are we fans of the trade here at the HQ?

Without a doubt.

From Howland last night:

"So long mediocrity.

As reported it looks like the Raps will complete a blockbuster trade
bringing six-time All-Star Jermaine O’Neal to Toronto. Well, no-one can say that Bryan Colangelo isn’t a gutsy GM as he certainly hasn’t followed in the footsteps of what the Sport Guy would refer to as the "No Balls Association."

Ever since the rumour first hit I couldn’t stop thinking about the deal and all the various pros and cons. This is a franchise changing trade and after a ton of thought it’s one that I support 100%. When you look back at the past few seasons one of the main questions we here at the HQ have asked time and time again is "Who is the second best player on the Raps?" Well ladies and gentlemen we now not only have an answer to that question, but we also now know who is third in the pecking order. By adding O’Neal not only do the Raps now have two multi-time All-Stars manning the front court (both under the age of 30) but they have now made the decision to let a young PG, who off the bench was considered as an All-Star, take over as a full time starter.

By bringing O’Neal into the fold suddenly the scouting report on this team has to be re-written. Teams can no longer focus on stopping one player. It is no longer Chris Bosh and everyone else. The Raps now pose serious issues for opposing defenses. Who do you double and CAN you double considering guys like Kapono, Parker and Calderon are waiting to nail the 3? Now with Toronto it really is a case of opposing teams having to pick their poison. We will obviously be discussing this in more detail as the off-season works itself out, but even today the offensive possibilities are endless.

The other topic we’ve discussed ad nausea is the Raps lack of defense and rebounding. The O’Neal acquisition is a strong step in the right direction when addressing these concerns too. Save for the last few seasons, since his arrival in Indiana, O’Neal has either been, or been close to, a 20 and 10 player. Over his career he has averaged close to 8 boards with over 2 of those rebounds coming on the offensive end. His rebounding alone is a much needed addition. Further, the Raps now have an athletic shot blocker to anchor the defense. You can’t tell me players won’t be more hesitant to drive to the hoop knowing O’Neal and Bosh are both waiting to swat their shot away.

The other major positive in this acquisition is that the Raps are getting a player looking to re-establish himself as an elite player in the League. O’Neal needed a change of scenery and Bryan Colangelo looks to be more than willing to provide it. O’Neal will be motivated this season. Further, as a reader mentioned yesterday, this team is starting to look like a Sam Mitchell team and that can only be a positive.

Yes there are injury concerns. O’Neal has never actually played 82 games in a season and he has had knee issues. The talk however is that he is finally healthy and you have to believe that Toronto wouldn’t have made this deal if they had major concerns when they conducted the physical. After all, this is no juco medical staff. The Raptors’ crew are the ones who first reported the Nicolas Batum heart issues after all so I fully trust their judgement.

Here’s the thing though, even with the injury concerns I love the move and here’s why…

Provided Ford and Rasho were on this team the Raps were destined for mediocrity. To think that a Robin Lopez and a player earning the mid-level exemption were going to make the Raps even more than marginally better than last season is simply wrong. If you watched the second half of the season you saw an average team. The Raps were not going to be in a position to make a serious run this season without some big changes.

If O’Neal stays healthy, the Raps snag a decent back-up PG, and another complimentary piece or two in free agency, they are way further ahead then they were yesterday. On the flip-side even if suddenly O’Neal goes down circa Vince Carter and doesn’t get up I’m also ok with that.

In fact I don’t think it is a stretch to say that O’Neal’s health and performance means the difference between advancing in the playoffs or the team finding itself back in the lottery. As a fan I would prefer to be at one of those extremes than somewhere in the middle. I want to support a team that has a real chance, or one that is starting from scratch which in turn breeds a different sense of optimism. Mediocrity to me is the sign of a floundering franchise and it makes it hard for me to cheer when I feel like I already know the end result.

As a Dinos fan it’s hard to complain with the move. Ford had to be moved anyways (and it was revealed yesterday that after the season he was told by BC that he would be moved in favour of keeping Jose), Rasho was only going to play another three quarters of a season with the team in all likelihood, and the 17th spot was likely going to result in a project big man. Oh…and let’s not even get into the Maceo Baston experiment mercilessly coming to an end.

When the alternatives being tossed around were Diaw and Malik Rose, as a fan you have to think that O’Neal is a much superior alternative, regardless of what else might have been out there that we’ll never know about.

And on top of everything, this trade is a move that even in failure gives Toronto potentially $30 million in cap space for 2010, which given the free-agent crop expected to be around that year, is not a bad consolation prize.

The one final note I had though is that BC now must ensure that Toronto doesn’t get itself into a Carlos Boozer type situation with Jose. The Raptors have shown their hand so if Jose’s new agent wants to, he can hold Toronto for ransom to certain degree. Toronto has no other options at the 1 now so Calderon’s agent could float out an outrageous salary demand and if another team is willing to pay that, then Toronto now has no choice but to match regardless."

Howland and I don’t agree often on the site but this is one case that I’m with him step for step. Also, I think what now intrigues me most about this deal is that it finally allows the Raptors to build a tiered club. That is, instead of having 8 guys who should all be coming off the bench yet posing as starters, now we can see players fitting better into roles.

For instance I think the starting line-up should now be:

Calderon
Parker
Kapono
Bosh
O’Neal

With Moon, and Bargnani off the bench, that’s not a bad first seven, and maybe now there’s more room for Humphries and Graham to show their stuff.

Also, now instead of trying to add more depth for the sake of adding depth, Toronto can use its mid-level exception to target certain key players to fill niche roles. How would a shot-blocker like Diop look coming off the bench behind O’Neal? Or now how about looking at a Mickael Pietrus? Going one step further, what about using the entire mid-level for James Posey? Last week after workouts, a very candid Sam Mitchell discussed Posey as a very interesting player to look at this off-season so perhaps Toronto will take a run at him?

It’s early to talk free agency but the player I think Toronto should throw its full force at is actually Kelenna Azubuike. He’s a slashing scorer that would be a great fit in Toronto off the bench and considering he made under $700,000 last year, would hardly break the bank. He is a restricted free agent, but considering that Golden State has to think about re-signing him, Biedrins, Ellis, Barnes, O’Bryant, and the aforementioned Pietrus (not to mention the Baron Davis situation), they aren’t going to be able to overpay someone like Kelenna.

So for daydream’s sake, let’s suppose you split the mid-level on Azubuike and a back-up point guard like Chris Duhon, bring over Roko and grab a second-round pick and a few players from the free agent camp. Here’s a potential look at next year’s roster:

Starters:

Calderon
Parker
Kapono
Bosh
O’Neal

Rest of Active Bench:

Bargnani,
Duhon,
Moon,
Azubuike,
Humphries,
Graham,
Ukic

Injury Reserves:

Rod Benson,
Joey Dorsey

Wouldn’t you say that’s a BIT of an upgrade over last year? Suddenly Sam Mitchell isn’t trying to play 12 guys either as the bulk of minutes would go to the first nine, with Humphries and Graham having lots of opportunities to prove themselves.

Could the Raptors steal a player with some potential in the second round like Bill Walker?

Of note, I grabbed Joey Dorsey as the Raptors’ pick in the second round but there are four other guys I’d love to see there at 41 when Toronto picks…

1) Bill Walker. Knee injury or no knee injury the guy still has some of the best upside of ANYONE in the draft. If he’s there at 41 I’d love to see Toronto snatch him up.

2) Richard Hendrix. Having seen Hendrix quite a bit at Alabama, this is another "huge upside" guy. He’s a beast down low and simply gets it done. Jonathan Givony in our interview posted on the site yesterday likened him to the "potential Paul Milsap" of the draft and I completely agree. If he’s there at 41, he’s worth a shot.

3) Devon Hardin. The Raptors are definitely going to need a back-up option for O’Neal besides Bosh and Bargs, and Hardin would make a lot of sense if the team doesn't acquire a "big" through free-agency. He’s a physical specimen at the 5 and while he hasn’t quite put things together on the court, his upside is tremendous in terms of being an Erick Dampier like shot-blocker and rebounder. If you can get that in the mid-second round, you take it.

4) Jamont Gordon. Gordon is a real sleeper pick. He’s a very athletic and strong combo-guard and for a team now needing a back-up and some help defensively at the 1-2, he could be a great value pick.

Toronto incidentally worked out all of the above except Dorsey and Hendrix so I wouldn’t be surprised to see any of them selected at 41. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see the Raptors look to package someone like Humphries or Graham with the 41st pick to move into the late first round or earlier into the second. As we discussed recently, teams like Seattle, Minnesota, and Portland all have multiple second round picks and may wish to move one or more of these. These three teams are of particular interest because they offer picks at the top of the second round. Therefore if one of the projected first round picks tumbles into the second round, it’s a great chance for a team to snatch them up without having to offer a guaranteed contract.

And on the Indiana side, I think this is a rare case where a trade helps both clubs. John Hollinger of ESPN.com this morning posted as much and it seems like there are few who aren’t fans of BC’s maneuvers, even if it does represent a change in ideology perhaps.

The unfortunate part of the O’Neal trade of course is that it blew several articles we had planned out of the water. Mock draft discussions concerning Toronto’s 17th pick with other Raptor bloggers like HoopsAddict, Cuzoogle, and the Arsenalist are now essentially immaterial (although of note, every one of us had Toronto choosing Robin Lopez if he were available), and various other blog draft discussions have lost their value as well.

However our annual draft bash is still on so feel free to drop by Harbour Sports Grille tonight at 7 PM. Harbour Sports is located at 10 Yonge Street here in Toronto. (Click here for a link to their website.)

Enjoy draft day everyone, it’s our favourite day of the year here at the HQ and hopefully we’ll see a draft like 2006 with lots of wheelin’ and dealin’.

FRANCHISE

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Comments

What happened to Carlos Delfino?

by Fred Hirshfeld on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Franchise

where do U see Dalfino fitting into the rotation or is He gone?

by Davl on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Like I mentioned in one of my previous posts, there are three situations. Oneal is healthy, and the raps win omre games. Oneal is unhealthy, and the raps get higher lottery picks, and 3 (the worst one) Oneal is healthy for 75% of the time, leaving the raps no where good.

Although, I was innitially excited about this years draft, I started thinking more and more how we werent goign to find anyone at 17. No one at 17 was going to help us immediatly, and the you're drafting potential.

I much prefer the drafting potential in the second round, as there are few expectations, and the player can develop (on our roster or overseas) for a few yeras before.

Im still worried about Oneal and his health (would rather have a winner now and for the next few years, than have high lotto picks right now).

And to the HQ, just think of all the articles you can write regarding the potential of an O'neal Bosh front court (and Im now glad Mitchell has a whole summer to try and devise "new" plays.

Too bad about

by Scott on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Too bad about those articles you had written...although I for one would not mind still reading them, as you guys do a spot on job.

by Scott on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I thought you guys said Benson was on his way to Phoenix's summer camp. Can we still pry him away? He'd have a heck of a better chance making our team than theirs, IMO with his rebounding skills, especially now with so many open roster spots...

by Phonechecka on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Bold move by BC. I hope we do get the 41st pick and find a Milsap type of diamond in the rough player.

by tfan on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Franchise/Howland: Thanks for your positive assessment of this Raptors trade. Based on the lukewarm response in the local papers, I was starting to wonder I was out-to-lunch in my enthusiasm for this team upgrade.

Points you can’t ignore:
1) multi-year relatively young all-star eager to re-establish himself at the top bball echelon. We now have 2 legitimate stars on team.
2) Clean health report. Knees are fine.
3) Major rebound improvement. Finally Bosh has help.
4) Greater defensive presence. This is now Sam’s team.
5) Opens up space for 3-pt shooters. Improves them by default.
6) Salary come of the book in 2 years freeing up millions for free agents

Excuse me, I’m like…excited!!

by OldSchool on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I like the trade, for the simple fact there is now a pronounced peking order, bosh oneal calderon...........smitch may run into problems if oneal feels he needs more touches, or if bargnani gets going and is pulled out of a game. but im getting ahead of myself.

This is a good trade for both teams, lets just get calderon signed!

Rumour: Rasho may come back after this trade, similar to brent barry! LETS NBA!

by Sho on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

does anyone articulate negativity and cynicism better than feschuck?

by benjibopper on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

The perfect cherry on the sundae to this deal will be if we can snag a pick to add CDR (he won't last to 41).

Any thoughts on which teams picking in the 20s might be willing to sell their pick, or deal it for a future pick, like the Hornets and Nuggets have already done? Houston at 25? Detroit, if CDR slips to 29?

Re: #41, I agree with your list, except I'd put Dorsey on it rather than Hardin. I've been hoping we could pick up a second rounder to get Gordon, Hendrix, Dorsey, or, if he slips, Walker, since before the TJ-JO rumours started.

by MattK on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

the more I read about this trade the more excited I'm getting, but then the more xcited the more nervous I am about his knees. This is an opportune time for Bargs to regain his rookie form, this way they could cut JO's minutes down in the regular season. I'm sure JO wants to play as much as he can, and no one knows really how good his knee is except for him and the medical staff, but realistically they need to consider how much PT he'll get. The mid level on Azubuike is solid, I liked what I saw from him last year, are there other slashing scorers to consider?

by yeason on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I can see Memphis selling their second first round pick. They're more concerned about bottom line than anything else... the only question is will MLSE agree to buy it?

by lessthanzero on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

FYI – according the Star Colangelo is still at it, trying to secure another pick in draft for players to groom. Apparently picks are up for sale (i.e. New Orleans, Denver) although I don’t know what we have to offer in exchange.

Stay tuned.

by OldSchool on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

watch for the #41 and either Joey or Hump get packed for a late 1st round and Hickson being drafted as a banger Maxiell type off the bench

by graham on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

looks like it's mos def going to be a good and busy draft night!

I'm going to try and stop by the grill for sure to catch some of the action.

by papa on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Papa - Sounds good. Franchise and I will be rocking the RapsHQ t's. See you there.

by HOWLAND on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Feschuk, you bloody drama queen. 'The sky is falling, the sky is falling'. We are, at most, committed to this guy for another 2 years. Even if he gets hurt in game 1 next year, I applaud the move. I talked about mediocrity driving me nuts all of last year. Hey Feschuk, how about acting like a fan? Get excited Mr. Buzzkillington. This is far from the second coming of Hakeem. Who can't wait to see Pacers highlights where TJ is chucking up 20 shots a game? I really, really hope we pull out another draft pick here today. Oh, and if you want to get super pumped, like I did last night, go to You-tube and watch the Adidas (maybe another company, but whatever) where Pierce and O'Neal go 1-on-1. So awesome. Thanks HQ. I would probably be some sort of Emo-raptors fan if all I had to read was Feschuk's crap.

by Branden on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Looking forward to tonight, Franchise! We met last year at the festivities. I'll probably come down to say hello and enjoy a tasty beverage or two. Cheers!

by Chris Clarke on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

One more thought for Feschake-your-head. How eager is Bosh to re-sign in /10 if he plays two more seasons with only the Boshettes? Needed a big move. Go find a hole you wannabe poet.

by Branden on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Delfino has somehow disappeared. I personally think that he's too good and too young to give up on. He's the closest thing mirroring a Ginoboli this league has. He needs some years and some minutes, but I expect him to be a valuable piece for someone.

by mycall on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I think its an amazing trade for various reasons… which were actually pointed out also in an article I just read (link below).

1) We now have amazing rebounding

2) Our defense is amazing

3) We now have two all stars (three if calderon can make it)

4) With having three legit stars, the role players can take their place on the team… unlike last year where it was bosh, our PG's, and a bunch of random players that we tried to make starters

5) now we really have teams confused on what to do.. Double team bosh? Oneal is open… vise versa… OR they use a guard to double either player.. That leaves parker, kapono, or calderon open… all amazing three point shooters

6) Finally, if it doesn’t work…. We now have 30 million dollars of cap space coming off in the 2010 season… this season is one of the best free agent markets to come.. So we will have a CRAP load of money to spend on an amazing player…. OR… we can easily trade Oneal's contract because its so valuable for that reason (just like how Lakers did for Pau Gasol).

7) If we do stay healthy.. We are a legit top tier team in the east now…

8) I don’t think we were going to get an impact player at 17 anyways, now we have a secound round pick from indiana (41st) where we can get a diamond in the rough… and in turn we have two all stars.. I would say we are much better off after this trade.

I like this trade a lot.. And those are my reasons why….

I pretty much mirror the article.. but oh well

by Blanco on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I have hear about the Rasho comeback, but on what terms? I do not think he would be coming back just so that we could use him for trading for another player. Moreover, coming back for doing what? unless BC wants to trade Andrea (unlikely as he is the only Raptors young talent now) he would be back as a bench warmer. The other scenario would be for him to be back so we can use Hump for a trade but we are just speculating now

by renato on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Totally agree with you guys, this is the most excited I've been about the team in a long time.

I don't see where Feschuk is coming from at all, like what's the alternative there buddy? Would Feschuk prefer Diaw? I don't see how that guy keeps his job, I think he has family connections, doesn't he?

To all the fans that aren't feelin this trade, I respect your opinion, but this is one time where you are gonna be totally wrong. HQ said everything for me.

And may I say, "Holy SH**!!!", O'Neal and Bosh together!

by DayOner on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Lots to discuss here...

1) Left Delfino out of the equation mostly because I was going to be late for work if I wrote anymore ha ha. But in reality, if you're BC you have to ask yourself if re-upping him solves any of your current line-up issues. Is he a point guard? Nope. Is he a back-up center in case of O'Neal injuries? Nope. Those are the top two things that I think the mid-level gets spent on and after that, probably another aggresssive rebounder or slasher. I like Del, but his skill set is too similar to many of the guys currently on this roster.

2) Love Dorsey. Didn't leave him out, my list was a top 5...just that I put him in the line-up as option 1 as a second-round pick.

3) Speaking of which - MattK...I have visions of CDR dancing in my head now too. Lots of trade options, even in the bottom of the draft. Could Toronto deal with Seattle to get pick 24? I think that could be a great fail-safe spot to get CDR or even Hickson, who as was mentioned, WAS brought in twice for looks...

4) Branden - Your rant had me laughing out loud here. Feschuk IS the ultimate drama queen ha ha. Howland and I were talking about this this morning and really, his argument from some angles makes no sense. No one could have predicted that Jose would develop the way he did. If he was still a backish scrub, then TJ WOULD still be option 1 as BC intended. Not sure how you can argue that BC is doing an about face in that sense...he's simply making the most of the assets he has.

5) Chris - Great to hear you're coming down. Will see you and anyone else dropping by later this evening. We have the couches area booked off so just head right there if you're early. Reservation is under RaptorsHQ...

by Franchise on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

PS - Phonechecka...Benson will be on Phoenix's Summer League squad...but no guarantee he'll get a training camp invite so it will be up to the Raps to make a better offer if they want him.

by Franchise on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Well, as I wrote in a previous post, I'd have liked this trade a whole lot better if they hadn't traded their first round pick. Ford had to go, and while Nesterovic played excellent ball last season, O'Neal is definitely an upgrade. He is by all accounts one of the NBA's good guys too. And who can forget that haymaker he landed on that idiot fan who decided to jump on the court a couple years back - love it! (That's the boxing fan in me coming out)

That said, he's got a lot of miles on him (remember, he came into the league right out of high school) and his last several seasons have been injury plagued. If he's really healthy, then it's a great deal - I just have my doubts. I guess even if it doesn't work out, that monster salary will come off the cap in two years. And maybe BC will swing a deal for a first round pick...

One more thought - does this mean the organization is reconciled to the fact that Bargnani will never be the player they hoped for? I mean, you don't draft a guy first overall to have him coming off the bench two years later, do you?

by Skywalker on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Does anyone think it would be wise to deal Bargs for a couple picks this year? I mean, Bargs to the Sonics for Watson and the 24th pick? We could take Hickson with that pick and throw the midlevel at one of Golden State's plethora of wing players. Or what about Bargs to NJ for Marcus Williams, Diop and the 21st pick.

So many options, but with tall-athletic-people-who-can-score now fully covered, its a lot easier to focus on what we're missing.

Have fun tonight at the Harbour grill, I expect to see a 3:30 am, drunken draft re-cap post tomorrow morning when I get up.

by Casey on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Regarding Bargani, since he is a forward/center who want to be a small forward, there will be minutes to be had. One more reason why I love this trade is the team played bosh too hard, he has to play close to 40 min a night and score 30 points for a raptors' win last year. Now bosh can play 35 min and JO 30 min. That leaves 31 mins at 4/5 position if my math is correct, which gives a lot of time for Barg, hump, and Grahm to show what they got.

by JYD on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

In regards to Bargnani I think this actually helps him. Most of our disappointment with him was that Raptors fell into a place in BC year two, where they developed a huge need for defense and rebounding. And because he's 7', the expectation became that he would fill that role. I think it's safe to say that led to a disappointing season.

But now we don't need him to do that. He can be brought off the bench, as an offensive spark, where he can be more himself. And since he seems like a bit of a stubborn guy, giving him some freedom will I hope lead him to succeed.

Also, I actually feel really good about the moon, kapono tandem at the three. It makes things very straight forward, and easy coaching wise. Moon when we need defense and rebounding (hope he is in a gym somewhere lifting giant tires over his head as we speak), and kapono when we need offense. It allows for a great change of pace twosome, and the ability to respond to matchups. In htat sense, I don;t mind seeing Del leave.

I'm a little more cold on our 2 situation. I like parker, but he's been on the decline defensively, and isn't really a full-time answer. Who backs him up, what do we do i he's being abused on defense? I wonder if instead of just getting a straight backup point, we could find a combo gaurd, a barbosa or mayo type.

So excited for the draft. Wish I was in toronto (I don't say that a lot) so I could watch with you guys.

Enjoy1

by LAs Only on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Interesting deal (details to be confirmed) just announced with the key pieces being Yi and Jefferson. Tonight is going to be a TON of fun.

by HOWLAND on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

is it possible that pacers choose the player with our pick and then decides after the draft that they dont want to complete the trade anymore. is it possible, or if the pacers pick the player at 17, they MUST do the trade?

*also can we sign lebron james in 2010. lol. that would be awesome

by Tea time on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Rebounding! Shot Blocking! Holy frack, if I hadn't watched J.O. rot away all last season on my fantasy squad I'd be like Sam Lowry on the Brazil movie poster!

Seriously, I was an Indy Cornrows regular watching his situation, and it seemed to me that either

A) his knee was shot and he needed further surgery but wouldn't do it cuz he was such a competitor and wanted to get back on the court;

B) he was dogging it for a non-playoff team that had already given up on him, and was waiting to bring it for a new team;

either way there are pros and cons. But yeah, with T.J.'s issues (size, defense, spine, cancerous-ness) I gotta say I like how we not only got something for him, but something with

1. the potential to take us deep into the post-season and prevent a team collapse in the years before Bosh's player option

and

2. actually little risk since even if he never plays a game his contract is a super valuable asset in one year's time.

Now that's amore!

by Rappy on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

If the Raptors are indeed short on players (and cap space) after the trade, don't overlook the possibility of BC again looking to Europe to bring some low-cost veteran free agent help (it worked pretty well with Garbo and AP)

by Sergi P on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Yes, yes and yes! Agree on almost all points made in this post Franchise and Howland… Especially interested in the comments made about Sam regarding James Posey, can you elaborate? Any quotes?

I was absolutely impressed by Posey all year long and ESPECIALLY in the playoffs and even more so in the finals. I remember thinking to myself all through out the playoffs he is the exact type of player we need! Could you imagine him giving Bosh a 90 second uncomfortable man-hug (a la KG) before the game! That would be HYPE!

Bahaha! Benjibopper, I couldn’t agree more! I believe Feschuck writes negative articles just to be interesting or draw attention. The sign of a bad writer, who can’t find his own voice. He’s a freeking black cloud! A die-hard curmudgeon. I bet he pees in his own cornflakes.

Skywalker, sorry just can’t by the "too many miles" on O’Neil theory. He’s 29 years old, mid-prime. KG came out of highschool as well, logged way more minutes and is 33… and just won a chip!

by MAS on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

http://ripcityproject.blogspot.com/2008/06/jefferson-and-yi-trading-places.html

Thats the Jefferson trade in,....

by Blanco on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

http://www.nba.com/bucks/news/jefferson_for_yi_and_simmons_080626.html

This is official

by Blanco on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I'm intrigued by the trade, but don't exactly see the amazing thing about having 20,000,000 come off the books in 2010.

I've got an even better idea! Let's lock in Carlos Delfino at 50,000,000 a season until 2010. Then we can have 50 million come off the books. And think of the free agent class!

by observer on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Franchise you said;

"...in reality, if you're BC you have to ask yourself if re-upping him solves any of your current line-up issues. Is he a point guard? Nope. Is he a back-up center in case of O'Neal injuries? Nope. Those are the top two things that I think the mid-level gets spent on and after that, probably another aggresssive rebounder or slasher. I like Del, but his skill set is too similar to many of the guys currently on this roster."

- I think part of Delfino's appeal is that he can be a point forward on occasion in games, making him versatile enough to cover the 2, 3 and 1 spots given the rest of the players on the floor. He's not in Hedo's class yet, but I saw lots I liked about Flipper's game, and some of that was as a push and pass guy.

- As for the trade. Holy. Crap. We turned our backup 5'11" point guard into a 6 time all-star under 30.

- A front court of Bargnani, O'Neal and Bosh is at the very least interesting to consider, eh?

- Diaw would not have been a disaster, but I've always thought he was over-rated defensively and overpaid as a result. It's his passive mindset that is the deal breaker though. I've never seen a guy with that high level of athletic skill care so little about imposing his will on a game.

- How Chessmaster is BC? First we hear that it's his medical exams that catch Batum's heart situation, dropping his draft value to the early second - and now we hear that Chessmaster is looking for an early 2nd rnd pick. I'd like CDR here too, but Batum is a special athlete and would be a sweet grab late.

Cause you can't have too much heart.

by Bedhead on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

be sure to check out www.raptorsdrafthq.com for our live blogging all night....right up to pick 41.

by HOWLAND on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Hickson at #19? Seems like a bit of a reach. Could they have picked him for us?

Where is the live blogging on www.raptorsdrafthq.com? Am I missing something?

by Zona on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I couldn't find it either Zona!!!

by Assistant GM on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Zona, I couldn't find it either

Far as the draft, when bayless went to Indy, for a while I thought maybe the deal had fallen through.

...Then when Hibbert got picked 17th I thought
a) I sure as hell hope the deal is still one

b) wink wink nudge nudge, Rasho ends up getting "waived" back to T-dot.

by yardly on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I am really excited about this move. I grew up in Seattle, and back when Shawn Kemp was in his prime, there were trade rumors that involved sending Gary Payton to Houston for an all-star Hakeem in his prime. I have often thought what would have transpired had the trade actually taken place. The inside presence. The blocked shots. I sort of compare this move to the potential Sonics deal back in 1992/1993. I, for one, can't wait and I just pray the deal goes through July 1st.

On another note, I heard that the Dinos had a chance at Rip Hamilton as well- any thoughts Franchise/ Howland?

by the j on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

damn - soooooo close to getting CDR at 41!

Why we didn't take a shot at Walker at 41 is beyond me - even Richard Dumas and Harold Miner had a couple of ok years.

by BC on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I can't even explain how mad I am right now.

CDR was the guy I wanted all year, he somehow falls into the second round, yet gets snatched up RIGHT BEFORE Toronto picks.

Unreal.

Of course there's now guarantee BC picks him, just like we decided against Bill Walker and went with Nathan Jawaii at 41.

I'm not even sure what to say at this point except that if this pick flops, I'm going to write letters to the Raptors asking BC to stop picking second rounders.

I guess our hope now is that Walker or Hendrix falls out of the draft completely and TO signs them in the off-season or gets him into camp.

by Franchise on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

That was real special. I for one really enjoyed the 8 minutes of commericals instead of having to watch the Pacers pick for us.

I don't think CDR was coming here anyway. I think that they were looking for someone they can keep overseas for a couple of years and CDR would not have been the guy.

In the second round you go with potential. Why would we pick a Charles Oakley type player instead of someone with more upside like Walker?

by Zona on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

trade is great for the raps..
delfino is more than capable of backing up Jose at the point for 8-12 minutes a game

by niagarahoops on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Not only does CDR go right before our pick, but to the Nets of all teams. Damn it's going to be hard to see a player I liked on that team.

by MattK on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Bill Walker to the Celtics for cash????

by Assistant GM on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Jawai will never play a second in the NBA. What a shit pick, and a waste of time waiting up for it. Colangelo has not impressed with me with his drafting so far: 0 for 4 with 4 busts.

AAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA!!!!!!

He better pray that O'Neal plays well this year, or he's going to be fired soon.

by Aaron on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Doug Smith did hint that they were looking for a young big to stash in Europe.

That being the case I'd rather Jawai then those other European bigs.

With his size and strength he'll eventually contrast real well to the other bigs on our team.

Long term I can see him putting up some serious resistance against someone like D-Howard or Greg Oden, physical types that would usually steam role our beanpole front line.

With Bill Walker, I think there was some behind the scenes stuff that dropped him so low.
Especially when you look at the swings that went ahead of him.

by yardly on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I actually don't dislike the Jawai pick. He has jumped on people's radar the last few weeks and was even projected by many to go in the late first round, and I read some pretty good articles on him. An Oakley type can never be a bad thing and he has great hands for a big. He is also very hard to move down low. I am more pissed that they could have just bought out Walker from the Wizards for cash...geez!!!

by Assistant GM on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Am I the only person who thought landing a 6'10 leaper with wingspan and upside was a good thing?

by Bedhead on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Losing CDR was a bit of a bitch, but the guy they chose may be a sleeper. Moreover, he will be cheap if the Australian League does not have their hooks into him with a contract.

I was wholly against the Ford trade, but the more I think of it, the more I start to like it. Mostly, I like that it is a shot at being a special team, rather than slowly improving or mediocre.This town has accepted mediocre as being a good thing for too long. Go for it.

I think that BC didn't want to make a first round selection and be committed to a larger salary for a rookie.

As the lineup looks right now, there is not a single slasher on the team.

by EaseMyPain on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I have not heard much on this Jawai character, how long of a long term project is he? Hardin, Hendrix, and Walker were all after our pick...BC better have some more stuff up his sleeve..we don't just need a slasher, but a create-off-the-dribble and score at will kinda guy..

by Ro on Jun 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions