Of Tim Duncan and David Robinson

As the idiot who made the Zach Randolph comparison after JO's press conference I've got to say even I'm more encouraged than I was. I heard JO's radio interview where, among other things, he says Bargs can keep #7. It's a little thing but frankly, if he'd wanted his old number he could take his MIP award and near miss on an MVP and take #7. Between his talk of defence, the fact the team has to back up the talk with work and his willingness to work with Bargs I'm impressed. When do tickets for next season go on sale?

Just in case people are not aware - JO has an extensive social network already established in Toronto. He has often been in town for parties, fundraisers etc in the past and always spoke highly of the city.

I think he's going to love playing here and could be here long term. If he and Bosh get some chemistry going they will be a sick duo.

I really like the thought of he, bosh and bargs on the floor at the same time. I know it's not ideal, but imagine Calderon driving and having the option to send it out to Bargnani or Kapono / Parker, or to drop it off to Bosh or O'Neil?

I can't wait for pre-season. This site gives me my fix. Thanks boys.

PS - you need a "donate" button. I feel shame for getting all this great stuff for free. :)

You know what's awesome about this site? Look at the current poll they have regarding the East standings for the upcoming year -

It's great to see people honestly voting and not skewing it by saying "First" (as much as we would all want that to happen)

This is great because not only do we get these great articles written by Franchise/Howland, we get quality readers who write legitamate comments which is backed up by legitamate voting

I think that the luxury tax numbers that BC was talking about had the signing of Jawai and a veteran minimum player figured in. Since, it makes no sense for Calderon to restructure his deal if the Raps were going to have to pay the tax anyway. The Raptors have to pick up at least one more player to meet the league minimum requirements.

The rest of the press conferences were great. I haven't been this excited about the Raps in quite a while. Waiting for the season to start is going to be painful.

I had the same thoughts as Sorael that BC must have already figured out who the remainder of the squad will be and cost or else the whole commentary regarding Calderone is moot.

So assuming we are adding;
o'Neal, Adams, Jawai, and Ukic, and that we are losing Delfino, what does our final roster look project out to be? Who is the player going to be that we need to fill out the minimum roster? (my guess is guard Daniel Ewimg - but that is a blind guess).

And what about last years 2nd rnd pick PF Giorgos Prinezis? Is he in the mix on a minimum deal?

Thanks for the props folks, we're feverishly working on a site re-design for next fall (actually have a big meeting concerning it in a few hours) so maybe we'll need to add on a "donate here" button...

I'll get into my salary thoughts a bit more tomorrow during the Vegas roster breakdown but it will be interesting to see who gets that final spot. It may very well reveal just how confident BC and co are about certain positions on the court at present...

I seem to remember Mitchell saying that they were looking to acquire a combo guard as the last piece for the roster. Of course, they could change their minds over the next couple of weeks.

I was also extemely excited by both JO's and Jose's comments yesterday.

It really sounds as if JO isn't just trying to up his scoring stats but rather contribute where it is needed. Mostly on the defensive end.

JO's comments on Bargs also left me with a warm fuzzy feeling as I didn't feel that he was discounting Andrea's potential impact.

In contrast to when TJ signed and he immediately said that it would be his and Chris's team (which was a bit premature at that time), JO seemed to want to fit in without dis-respecting the current roster.

As for Sam. Didn't it seem like he was slightly back-peddling in his praise of TJ? I for one didn't totally buy into his "trust" of Jose over the last two years. He DID ride Jose alot while TJ was free to play foot-loose and fancy free with little or no repercussions.

Anyone else get that feeling?

On to my last point. I would certainly be willing to send a donation to you guys for all of your efforts on this site.

My worry would be like some other sites (SI) that give you part of a teaser article, and then ask (demand) for a donation to read the rest of the article.

Cheers

I was also extemely excited by both JO's and Jose's comments yesterday.

It really sounds as if JO isn't just trying to up his scoring stats but rather contribute where it is needed. Mostly on the defensive end.

JO's comments on Bargs also left me with a warm fuzzy feeling as I didn't feel that he was discounting Andrea's potential impact.

In contrast to when TJ signed and he immediately said that it would be his and Chris's team (which was a bit premature at that time), JO seemed to want to fit in without dis-respecting the current roster.

As for Sam. Didn't it seem like he was slightly back-peddling in his praise of TJ? I for one didn't totally buy into his "trust" of Jose over the last two years. He DID ride Jose alot while TJ was free to play foot-loose and fancy free with little or no repercussions.

Anyone else get that feeling?

On to my last point. I would certainly be willing to send a donation to you guys for all of your efforts on this site.

My worry would be like some other sites (SI) that give you part of a teaser article, and then ask (demand) for a donation to read the rest of the article.

Cheers

I agree sharpy with your comments on Jose and Smitch. Sam kept reiterating that TJ can do special things that others can't do (even when he played one on five) the glass was always half full in regards to Ford. With Jose, you rarely heard praise from Smitch and he kept reaffirming that TJ was his starter because he could do blah blah blah. Now all of a sudden, he is singing a different tune.

I do like Sam as a person though and I really hope he does succeed with this roster.

Let the games begin!

I must say that you guys have been doing an amazing job over the past couple of years with your site. I’m not only a die hard Raptor fan, I’m also a fan of this site. As an Internet Consultant, It would be an honor to help you guys with your new site. I’m willing to donate both my time and my team to assist you guys in any way that I can. I truly believe that with our new team and with your intelligent and insightful commentary of what’s going on with our beloved Raptors, we are all in for an unbelievable season. This is our opportunity to show the rest of the world what T.O. is really about.

This is going to make the next 3 months seem really long...I have always love JO since he was with Portland, I can remember Rasheed saying that he as a kid coming in the league he took JO under his wing. 29 years old and 12 years experience. JO has a lot of basketball left and the Raptors are bless to get him at this point, major Props to BC for pulling this one off...we really did not loose much to get JO we lost Ford but JC is an allstar caliber pg if his play continues, and Rasho was coming off the books in a year. I love the Adams signing, I thought Jersey was nuts to waive him to get Magloire, he is a hard nose perimeter defender. We now have a team that can play with the Bostons, San Antonio, Lakers and the top teams in the NBA. All of a sudden the Atlantic is the one of the toughest divisions in the NBA with the addition of Brand to the 76ers, next year will be a lot of fun basketball...I can't wait. With that I would like to Welcome JO and Adams to the Raps and wish TJ and Rasho all the best in Indiana...I am a TJ fan and will root for Inday when they are not playing the Raps.....Raps4life