Tip-In: Toronto Raptors Post Game – Resolutions

well said...i couldnt agree more.

I've been very impressed with Triano so far, from his play calling to his substitutions he seems to have a firm grasp on the game. But is he motivating this team as well as Sam was?

For me its clear they need to shake things up with a trade. Its been said before a hundred times but we desperately need a wing defender who can get to the rim and create his own shot.

Until then guys like Brandon Roy and Melo are simply going to eat us alive at crunch time.

Absolutely spot on. I'll go a step further, it's lack of basketball IQ. It's got to be hard for Triano to say the samethings after each game

Howland (or anyone else)--where is Roko? Solomon made some god-awful decisions again last night, and yet Ukic was bolted to the bench for a fifth straight game.Why?

If we're going to be one of the worst 5 teams in the league, why wouldn't we play our ONLY young player with some chance of development?

this team has a bigger avg shoe size than basketball iq. the reason they don't close out quarters/games is they consistently go away from whatever was working for them. most often: if they're scoring inside and building up a nice lead, they start shooting threes. game over, raps lose. maybe we need to acquire a savvy veteran or two.

Well, I guess the good news is that the Raps held their own on the boards.

The bad news is when the other team is making over 50% of its shots (an all too common occurrence) there aren't that many rebounds to grab anyway.

The worst part about this loss for me was that I was really proud of the team up until about halfway through the fourth quarter. They were aggressive, pushed the ball, and were looking to take advantage of mismatches at every opportunity.

And then as Howland said, they just started settling; not getting to the line, shooting ridiculous 3's (why is Bosh turning into Vince Carter?), shooting jumpers in general, and forcing things in terms of passes and shot attempts. (Jose - 5 TO's???).

Finally, I did have to call a few of Triano's personnel decisions into question late in the game. Why did he have Jamario in at the end instead of Graham? Joey missed a few gimmies but was at least taking it to the rim, exactly what the team needed while they were in bonus.

And yeah...um...where is Roko?

Who on this team can really be considered a "smart" player? The last smart player we had on this team was Garbo and in retrospect he was the big difference maker from this being a squad that showed promise to one that is maybe .500 at best. Physical talent wise the difference isn't that great between one team and another in this league. The key is a sense for the game. San Antonio is a prime example of a team where all of its best players have a sense of what the right decision is in most game situations, making them very successful despite their lack of "athleticism". I'm not a big Sam supporter at all and think that in the long run the change was appropriate, but I think we should maybe give him credit for recognizing the team's mental-game deficiencies and compensating for them by running only a few simple plays over and over. Imagine, he was hiding the team's weaknesses. Maybe that's why Joey Graham was his favourite whipping boy -- physical attributes that would make him a VERY good player in the league if only he had a better grasp of the game's intricacies. But that said, what do we do? It has to come down to identifying who on this team has the basketball smarts to make them solid contributors to a championship team and jettisoning the rest for smarter players or draft picks. The drafting focus should be on identifying smart basketball players who are ready to contribute to NBA squads right out of college because conflicting development windows isn't optimal to team success (see Bosh and Bargnani). This is not a situation that can be fixed in one season with one trade, this is about a fundamental overhaul of organizational player development strategy. The win-loss situation the rest of the way is irrelevant to me at this point. I want to see development.

Great point Howland, you are really good at writing your thoughts, talened. Because that's how I feel too.
Not fun is watching Bosh shoot 3's and Moon still shooting 3's and Calderon keeping his man in front of him. But the worst, is the really bad plays when it counts the most(braincramps) - Other teams laugh at how dumb we play. But i agree Howland, it's the players fault.

Great Post Howland, you and all the rest of the Raptors fan base are frustrated with their lack of effort. I gotta pose this question to you and Franchise. Realistically speaking... with the low numbers that our wings are putting up, what are the chances of the Raptors management actually acquiring a solid SG/SF via trade? I mean our wings are amoung the worst in the league.

Kapono normally waits for the playoffs to show up in games. Key: 3-point threat

Parker's game (or lack thereof) has been exposed this year. Key: Expiring contract

Moon chance of being signed by another NBA frachise is slowly fading with his poor showing. Key: Cheap and expiring contract

Joey G has finally elevated his game, but it might be all for not. Key: Expiring contract

Almost forgot... Franchise, I think that Moon was there late in the game because he was doing a reasonable job defending Melo. I don't think it was for his offense though.

As for Bosh, I threw my cushion at the TV when he heaved that brick. What in the World?

Nice Slick, I like your style, where your coming from and the way you think.

Most of us have ranted about their lack of execution of the game fundamentals thru the past year and it is puzzling that these athletes could get to the professional level with these deficencies. I think Triano has a great demeaner, carries himself very professionally and is very knowledgable but his challenge with this group is huge. Finally, from a "system" point of view, I think it is obvious that their "go to" offence in crunch time is flawed. The idea that Bosh is the one and only option in crunch times is something they need to rethink. Other teams recognize their hot shooters in that particular game and make sure they get the ball Last night, the hot hand was Bargnani.

I was asking about Roko the other day too. Why is will solomon playing at all?

Also - why don't the raptors watch some game tape of the early 90's Utah Jazz? the team is built very much the same. Good 4 who can shoot when needed. Smart point guard who can drop a dime or take an open shot who plays best in a half court set. The pick and roll set is perfect for Bosh and Calderon yet I have rarely seen it. 2 trips to the NBA finals (don't tell me Hornacek, Ostertag or Russell were the reason!) can't be wrong? I know Bosh and Calderon aren't top 50 all time players like Stockton Malone - but at the same age, they were similar type players. Just a thought.

Hey BC, FIX IT!

disappointed in your attitude howland... we've seen better players more inexplicably play worse, look at denver last year, look at orlando before they clicked... if triano has brought improvement, it's too bad he wasn't promoted earlier... I'm seeing that mitchell was worse than I had thought... look at signs of hope from joey and bargs since mitchell left...

you can't now say 'why wasn't joey playing in the fourth' then say it's all on the players to bring this team the next level - you can't knock their bball iq too much either and it's all on the players, mitchell may have a little something to do with that... disapointing sure, like a bajillion other teams over the years, regardless of sport... it's the easy way out to criticize a team in a slump...

Howland - I think you have stated what many, including myself, now feel about this club. The team has shown that it consistantly loses to teams above them in the standings and struggles to survive in games against weaker teams. The sixth, seventh or eighth seed are now our highest goals and if reached a first round loss seems guaranteed.

Am done defending this team as well. While Colangelo's shit no longer smells of roses I still think we got a good GM who's plan did not work as expected this season. It is now clear that with what we have we will not compete with the better teams in the league.
I would keep JO because he has been playing well. His expiring contacts gives us options next season A deal including Bargnani would have to blow me away. Jose isn't on the market. Many might disagree, but I would explore a trade involving Bosh. Put Andrea at his natural position, PF, get two solid players and some draft picks back, including our slashing guard we lack. A package of Bosh and Kapono could bring a lot in return.

The loss hurt and I was definitely sour after the game, but there were too many good signs from that game to keep me down.

It's been baby steps since Triano took over and I'm seeing good things happening. Hell, I even saw Jamario drive into the defender and get whacked! Mind you, it didn't happen again after that....BUT AT LEAST IT FINALLY HAPPENED!

There's no denying they need some depth and better all around players at the wing, but this team IS NOT as far off as their record suggests.

The Mitchell dust is starting to settle and this team is starting to show signs of coming back to life.

Now if we could just get Bosh to stop shooting those Damn threes. Bad Bosh! Bad!

Tinman, are you crazy.
Please just don't say stupid things like that. You can't get ANOUGH in return for Bosh. Not 3 First overall picks would be a good trade. Bosh is a Raptor and a damn good one. So don't post on here like a fan, and talk about trading our best player.
Who are you anyways? Christ.

Mcclarky, I think your so right, Bosh is great don't get me wrong, but he wasn't taking 3's in the Olympics. Build your team around that kind of Bosh. The defensive freak, with great put back skills Bosh.
And your right about the Sam's dust cloud. What a stink of a mess.
Let's hope that everyone starts really making plays for 48mins. I'm sure if JO was playing these might have been two wins right?
But they do need to eat there brain food, because I'd hate to think Triano has to repeat himself. When your losing you've gotta scratch and claw and play smart, and if there in foul trouble, drive the fucking ball. Drive the ball anyways and kick it out. Not Bosh shooting 3's, why is Bosh so far away on offense anyways. He does have to play smarter, and he's a smart guy. He really just has to play like he did in the Olympics or watch what KG is doing if you need tips on how to play.
Tinman, your not bright eh? You call yourself a true fan.

Trading Bosh, Hah you crack me up. What a bonehead.

Why do people dismiss trading Bosh so easily? The goal is a better team. It's obvious that the present construction isn't working so other pieces have to be brought in. A team with this kind of record should have no sacred cows. In the end, if the team is winning 55 games a year and is always in the conversation as a championship contender after trading Bosh, then so be it. How as a fan base can people continue to watch mediocre product and not be open to the idea of drastic changes for the better, even if they involve the best player on the current team. Bosh is a good player but for goodness sakes, the team is SEVERAL pieces away from CHAMPIONSHIP contention and if Bosh brings some or all of those pieces then that works for me. There are other ways to look at it...how much of an all round production drop off would there be with Bargnani in place of Bosh if Bargnani had a stellar upgrade at the wing positions to complement him? The upgrade at the wings would be far more substantial with Bosh being traded for those pieces instead of Bargnani, both with respect to contract space a swap could accommodate and the receptiveness of other GMs to move higher quality prospects/players for someone with Bosh's reputation. An opposing GM could do that move without taking a beating in the court of public opinion and these are probably very proud, competitive individuals who appreciate good press for trades received positively. We've got to stop deifying players. BC is a very competent GM who doesn't appear to be one to sell his current team short for the benefit of former friends (like McHale) so if he felt it appropriate to move either of Bosh or Bargnani, we have to trust that what he would be getting back would be better for the big picture.

Interloper, are you on crack? There's a sacred cow, what ever the hell that is, trust me.

Interloper, you've got to be kidding me. Bosh is one year older then Bargnani, and has been here the whole time growing into a strong player.

You don't trade your best player, especially one who has a great attitude and who's blossoming into a HOF type career. He's your ticket to bringing free agents here. You don't trade your All World USA Power forward and hand your franchise to a shy awkward white Italian kid who shoots 3's and grabs 4 rebounds a game. Smoke another one. Maybe you should think that one over again.

In the court of public opinion, I think Interloper and Tinman are on Crack.

No disrespect meant to Bosh at all and am not starting a trade Bosh campaign but fact is it appears that this current Raptor squad is quite a bit aways from the elite teams in our conference, the Celtics, Cavs and what looks to be an dominant Magic quad. Throw in the rebuilding Pistons, what appears to be a good, young rebuilding Bulls club, improving Knicks, Wade in Miami and lets not forget the improving Bucks.
The Raptors competition will get tougher these next few years. I do not see as much upside with the Raps as the above mentioned teams have. We will not be able to compete for years with our current roster.

Our current roster also lacks desirable commodities. Bosh and Calderon, and possibly Bargnani. I don't include O'Neal because his contract expiring next season will be more valuable next season. And I like his play this year, I'm hoping he continues and we resign him at a lower cost in 2010. We have several options with JO that will play out next season. I like Calderon and consider him, because of our lack of depth at PG, untouchable. And I haven't given up on Bargnani. I believe his future success is at the PF position, currently held by CB4.

What could we get for a package of Bosh and Kapono? A slasher we need? Depth at PG? A few draft picks? Obviously a star in return. Curious to hear offers.

What else do the Raptors have to offer as trade material? What will that get us in return? We already lack depth.

"fundamental overhaul of organizational player development strategy." - Interloper

Who writes stupid stuff like this? - Interloper. You consistently post the stupidest things.

I've never wrote anything here before.
Great write up Howland

Tinman, You never learn. There aren't any offers or potential things we can get for Bosh. Bosh is undefinable in the trade market. There's nothing you could come up with, even if you tried. Money's and players available and shitty 2010 draft class.
And with Bargnani, he's here long time. Big men take time, he's our future, that's it, except it. He's the guy they still want, and when it clicks watch out.
And Tinman the teams you named as on the up and up, your forgetting how young Bosh and Bargnani are!
Aaron is bang on.

Gene - you state -
"And with Bargnani, he's here long time. Big men take time, he's our future, that's it, except it. He's the guy they still want, and when it clicks watch out."

I agree 100 %. But - he's a power forward. Let him play his position. With Bosh thats impossible. No coincedence that they haven't clicked yet - they play same position.

Do not understand when you say "There aren't any offers or potential things we can get for Bosh. Bosh is undefinable in the trade market. There's nothing you could come up with, even if you tried.".

I am sure there are some interesting options out there.

I am not anti Bosh, am not one of the people who say he'll bolt after 2010. Believe Toronto has a great chance of resigning him. Just saying that teams around us have improved quickly and we have fallen behind. Because we invested a number 1 pick who is a PF and because Bosh would definately get us quality in return.

if you're looking for a good laugh, check out the MASSIVE billboards up at yonge & dundas. it's TSN promoting...wait for it...basketball!!! and on TSN2, no less!!!

I still have the hand print on my face, from the serious bitch slap it was to see that.

I think Gene is right about Bosh and his trade value. No team could ever come up with the goods.
Bargnani is young so you know he has lots to learn. But he's a 7 footer and he's your future center. I mean obviously Tinman, he's your future Big guy. He's legimate, Bosh is the wet dream of a PF. We need a wing player, but we need those 3 big guys. Bargnani is slowing the process down a little, but it is time for him to step and take advantage of his minutes where ever he plays. As long as you play without aggression and hard Defense our team can't win. Bargnani might be a PF if that's what you wanna call him, but he's really a big no way around it and so is Bosh. but in this new system he's gonna turn it around you'll see. BC isn't even thinking of trading these two guys, so maybe you shouldn't waste our time Tinman.

Love the discussion today save for one thing: guys enough calling others out without providing some decent rebuttal.

McGruff the Crime Dog says no to crack and so do we here (and reference thereto).

All opinions are welcome.

Tinman,
Trade Bosh so there is room for BARGANI?!?! Do you realize how ridiculous that sounds?

Has it come to this? On this board people post opposing opinions and one thing I've appreciated is that even in disagreement, for the most part we've been respectful toward each other. I hope that continues. I suppose calling other people's opinions stupid because you don't share them makes a person feel better. To each his own.

Also, given the quality of the discourse I doubt any of us are on crack.

I always qualify any trade Bosh suggestions with the condition that it be done IF IT MAKES THE WHOLE TEAM BETTER. There's no need to always spell that out, it's implied. I just want to watch a good team play, play consistently, and be seriously competitive in the playoffs because there is a lot of fun in that. Winning can make for a more positive outlook on a crummy day and I wouldn't mind more of that feeling. Good entertainment is valuable and right now this team isn't delivering that.

Who honestly knows what the final composition will be of that Raptor team we all dream of following some day? This current squad is not that.

And player development and drafting has been a problem for this team. Considering how many years it has actually been bad, it's not like those lean years have translated into a glut of stud prospects. Some of that has to do with how the franchise's hands were tied in the early years because of expansion rules but teams like Detroit and LA have turned occasional lean years into a good pool of players and have continued to add quality prospects to competitive teams. The good teams stay good by getting a little better every year to stay with the improvements made by teams around them. The Raptors haven't done that and it shows in the results.

MAS -
I understand your point of view - but remember we would get some quality and quantity back. I'm not saying give the guy away ala VC. I am not necessarily advocating a trade - just stating a scenario. With LB and Cavs improving, DH and Magic as well, Celts are good for a few more seasons, Pistn's getting recharged, Wade back in Miami, Rose leading a talented Bulls club, Bucks and Nets with arguably better, younger overall roster are current roster will struggle to keep up. Remember, we've been relatively healthy. I've stated that I think Bosh is our most valuable commodity and maybe we can get equal value, that plugs glaring holes and add depths.
What if we get a quality SG and solid PG with a draft pick or two? Or a SG and a solid big?

Our offence does not have to run through PF position. If we get a ball handler or two back our offence could well have different look. Bargnani, to me is a natural PF. Does not have to be focal point of offence.

Crack!
The mention of it shows us how we are in that Toronto vice, where we do not know which direction to go.

The main subject of Crack is the idea of trading Bosh. Is not going to happen until 2010. It is virtually impossible to get anyone better to build around. Would a first pick be a better player. Not likely.

He will be more interesting to teams in a sign and trade in 2010. Anyone that trades for him now runs the risk of losing him in 2010. That is the time that we will see whether we can keep him and max out on what we get in return.

Jermaine could make for a good core if he gets healthy with any consistency. Look, Dalembert is on the market. Who is more worth their money. JO at the 5.1 billion he makes, or Sam at 10 million a year.

After this loss, it’s refreshing to see a more intelligent conversation about where we`re going, or need to go – as opposed to what happened in the past (i.e. "we should’ve drafted Roy ... whatever! )

Lately, some of the focus seems to be about CB, and the debate: Trade him / Are you stupid?

Bosh is a player I feel would be difficult to replace in terms of a return value. And I don`t want any more unknowns. Nor do I want to give up when it comes to resigning him in 2010. He`s not a superstar like LeBron, but he is a damn good player. My beef – besides all this MVP ranting we heard earlier – is that he needs to be led. And coaching is where I see that happen. No pussy footing. If he deserves to be benched – for whatever – then I`d like to see that happen. And not simply because he jacked up a bonehead 3 pointer against the Nuggets – so he could be a hero and tie the game. More because he`d never be chastised for that. Except from Rap fans.

As for Jose, I don`t see him at his trading peak – he was last year. So moving him sounds premature. I see Jose as someone to be moulded, someone who can respond to the next level a coach will bring. Mitchell might have been great when it comes to motivating JC beyond where he was – do we have short memories? – however it takes a different style of encouragement to go beyond where he is now. Steve Nash found his niche along the way – why can`t Jose. Defense may not be strength, but neither is Nash. And before one argues that Steve hasn`t won a title, one has to ask ... would you enjoy the Raps going to the Division / Conference finals multiple times? Actually, a Rap fan would probably get excited if you could promise it once more.

As for JO, he`s a rental (and a means to something more). Personally, I don`t want him after next year. Fact is, I don`t want him next year. Great hustle, and great at rebounds, but he`ll be 32 in that big sweepstakes year. And as long as he`s here, AB will not progress.

Which speaking of AB, I`ve seen too much of him to give up. The National Post described him as our biggest problem (`Bargnani's failures top list of Raptors' problems`). Do they actually watch our games? Yeah, he`s inconsistent – jerk yourself around, without a pop, and see how you feel. Our real problem is we have NOTHING at the 2 & 3 worthy of a Starter. And the back-up PG is for Bench 3, if there was such a type. Part of why I say – give Ukic some rope Jay. Stop treating him like Mitch did Joey.

I guess that`s why I love these Blogs – more intelligent discussions – then the so-called sports media (Dougie S. aside). And yes, there are some not so intelligent comments here. We can`t have it all. As a Rap fan, I just want one direction – play the f**king rookies & young guys. Training starts now -- this season is done!

God, how I hate to see the words intelligence and Bargnani in the same sentence. As for him being our future center, interesting thought but considering he fouls faster than a speeding bullet perhaps we should keep O'Neal for a bit. He hasn't and never will have any kind of inside game and if he doesn't learn to pass the ball (preferably inside to Bosh), his hot games won't make up for the stone cold ones.

melon,
Funny you should say that, as I tend to think AB is a lot more intelligent then you give him credit for.

I don't think many would disagree, when I say that Bargs lacks confidence. But I also think that his lack of self-assurance, over-rides rational thinking on his part. In other words, solve the confidence problem, and you’ll really see what you have. If one is afraid to make an error, one tends to think only about making that error. It's why I think IQ is not his problem.

melon,
I guess I could illustrate it one other way.

Take Moon for example. One might think that when he starts making 3`s, his confidence (in that shot) rises, and he starts taking more perimeter shots.

But as we all know, Moon should NOT take those shots. In other words, his confidence is there -- but his IQ is not.

Raise Barg`s confidence, and you`ll remove the shackles on his IQ.

Raise Moon`s, and you`ll only illustrate his lack of IQ -- basketball that is.

Sorry, I only meant to insult his basketball IQ. For a No.1 pick, he displays hardly any feel for the game. Just watch him off the ball, he stone cold has no instincts. He's shown some improvement in his overall game but at this point his game is simply catch and shoot. This team as whole stands around too much and Barg's, for all we may root for him, is leader of that pack.

Lots of great debate about what the next step is for our Raptors. Howland that last sentence sums up my view of Bargnani perfectly. I don't care about his occasional good games, flickers of what-could-be are not gonna impress anyone in a player's third year. I'm looking for a upward trend in his overall game, signs that with added game time, progress is being made. He's also lost his status as a foundation piece to a future contending team. I expect consistency and mental toughness from a number one option, since so many others would rely on the space he creates. One look at VC is all one needs to shake the notion that talent alone can get you there. I think the easiest way to get a slashing 2s and 3s is at the entry draft. If it means having to trade up, so be it. Take a bad contract, include a rotation player, don't really care. A potential upside would be the ability to target the exact type of slashing wing we want. Is it one that can also crash the boards, one that can play some point forward, or someone with the quicks to stick with their matchup on D. By restricting ourselves to trading for an established wing, we limit ourselves in two ways.

1) Options. Teams just don't trade players like that. And if they do they have plenty of suitors.

2) Cost. The price of proven performence always trumps potential. We're not the Portland Trailblazers, we don't have the kinds of pieces other teams would want for a great wing. We'd be better off using trades to address the other defects in our roster, perhaps addressing more then one in the same transaction.

Yardly,
Good thought that we do not have the pieces to entice a team to give up a star 2-3 in a trade. How about a limited but effective player. I am thinking a Raja Bell.

Bell brings up another thought and total area of confusion for me. The Suns had a lousy defence when Marion and Bell were on the team. They are two elite defenders. What were the Suns doing wrong and what exactly are the Raps doing incorrectly. Really, it does not seem to me that anyone can defend one on one on the perimeter. Maybe, there is more to this than just being taken off the dribble because unless you are Bowen, and allowed to hand check the whole time, I do not see anyone stopping most guys one on one.

One last note before bed. I've been as frustrated as anyone with Bargs this season, but I think I've finally turned the corner on believing he can be a top notch C for the Raps. The last game sealed the deal for me and now I'm looking for ways to validate his performance (as you'll see in the stats comparison below).

I think this kid is closer than we all think he is....

This is a comparison of Bargs numbers to Oneals numbers for all games where each has played over 30 minutes (starter time).

Bargs 16.5 ppg 6.5 rpg 1.5 apg 2.3 bpg .450 fg%
Oneal 17.2 ppg 8.4 rpg 2.2 apg 2.2 bpg .480 fg%

This a 3rd year player vs. a former all star. Not too shabby in my books.

I'm back on the Bargs bandwagon. For good. I want to see this kid as the starting C for the Raps.

The way I see the future of this team (illustrated by position):

PG: Jose is signed to a good and long contract and stays; Roko is being tutored into a decent back-up; Steve Nash joins team in 2010; hence no need to draft any PG's - if this indeed transpires.

BIGS: Bosh picks up option for 2010; Jermaine O'Neal re-signs for low-ball $$$ in 2010; Charlie V comes back to toronto in 2010; Zaza Pachulia is signed in summer 2009; Future of Bargs, Hump, Jawai, Voskuhl are impossible to predict.

Wings: Graham, Moon, Parker get low ball offers - some take it - others play like it.

Meantime I see anybody except Bosh and Jose as tradeable.

I also see in my crystal ball - Colangelo making some good draft choices and trades - given what chips he has.

It's good that I can be patient at times - I will see if I am tested.

Personally I'm still enjoying watching this team play - all criticisms levelled here at the HQ are merited.

I'll sign on with Tinman's thoughts. Bosh is a very good player but more and more I think he's a 2nd banana, as Bill Simmons would say. So either the Raptors trade for a genuine #1 option, build a team of equally-great players like the Pistons when they won it all or the team trades Bosh for good players and some draft picks and head back to the drawing board. I don't think Toronto has the pieces to trade for that "genuine #1" and don't like our chances of signing Lebron or Wade in the summer of 2010. Also, I don't think Bosh is happy right now and if that continues he will be quite right in signing elsewhere himself in 2010. So either BC robs someone of the wing and depth this team needs or management looks at the cold reality of starting over. Starting over seems like the best option to me, despite Bosh's excellence individually. If you want to compete for a championship, Bosh should not be your centrepiece. If Detroit were to offer Prince, Amir Johnson and a couple of 1st round picks, I'd ship him. Of course, there may be a reason why no one but the Timberwolves has asked me to be their GM.

Wow - have I opened up a can of worms here. Don't do crack and condider myself a huge Raptor supporter. Always have been and always will be an optimist regarding this team as I think my histoty of comments suggest.
I saw ourselves fighting for homecourt playoff seeding at the beginning of the year and am as disappointed as any fan out there. The 3 and 0 start had me bouncing but since then its been one weak performance after another. I still see a lot of positives on this team but there are far too many weaknesses that need to be addressed. Another PG, a slashing SG, rebounding, an overall talent level and a deeper bench.
We have got 4 big men on this team who in my opinion should get minutes.
Chris Bosh - one of the best PF in the game.
Jermaine O'Neal, when you forget his contract which was signed years ago has played good ball for us.
Andreas Bargnani - once again offering glimpses of offence but still frustrates. His defence has improved. IMO he has been mishandled the past two season's. Raptors are partly at fault for his inconsistancies.
Kris Humphries - servicable big man who needs more minutes.

I am from the group who thinks Bargnani will develope into a good player. Problem is we have dicked him around last two years. The man is not a centre, he is a PF. A deal involving AB would have to blow me away.

While injuries will always be a concern for JO, his play this year has been good and getting better. With his salary near 20 mil we won't move him until next year. Nor should we - he is our best defensive presence in years and is capable of dropping 20. Moving him would be tough.

Humphries salary could not get us what we lack.

Bosh has been one of the two best Raptor's of all time. He is entering his prime and has played some of the best ball of his NBA career. We have him signed through next year and I believe resigning him will not be an issue. So I ain't saying trade him cause he'll bolt. I would be interested in hearing the offers a package like Bosh and Kapono could swing.

All I'm saying is we have depth at the big man position. I think eliminating any option is a mistake. I think Bargnani can play the PF. I think Humphries can handle more minutes. I think JO has been our anchor on defense.

I think Bosh is most coveted player. I would be curious to see the offers for a Bosh/ Kapono or a Bosh Parker combo. Two or 3 quality players and some draft picks.

Interloper, in your defense, I think the only thing wrong with your statement that the Raps need a "fundamental overhaul of organizational player development strategy" is that there is too many words with more than 2 syllables for at least one of this blog's readers. Although a tad more eloquent than I may have stated it, you are certainly correct. Tinman, nice to see your name again. I should compliment your excellent handling of the rabid response to the trading Bosh scenario you initially brought up in this post.