Some Thoughts on Bryan Colangelo's Post-Season Media Address

by RaptorsHQ - Archives on Apr 21, 2009 12:00 AM EDT in Feature Stories

Colangelo faces the media as he tries to explain just went wrong this year...

It’s hard compress over an hour of Q and A with the GM of the Toronto Raptors into an article. On one hand, there’s so much information, and yet even with all of this, Franchise and I still came away looking for more as the media session was terminated before we could ask a few additional points of BC, namely, what the situation is with Marc Iavaroni.

In any event, most of the session can be found at Raptors.com for your viewing pleasure, but for sake of discussion, we thought it might be a good idea to break things down, piece by piece:

The Season

BC made no bones about how disappointing this season was. He didn't try and sugarcoat the fact that 33 wins didn't meet expectations (either internally or externally) and that this season can only be seen as something to build on. It is, after all, only the third time a Bryan Colangelo-led team has not made the post-season in his 14 years as a General Manager in the NBA.

As we all know it has been a busy year in Raptorland with blockbuster trades, a new interim head coach and slew of other on and off-court issues. Colangelo did his best to address all of these topics and more.

Where things went wrong:

If you recall, entering the season the biggest question mark at the HQ concerning the roster, as then constructed, was the lack of depth at the PG position. At yesterday’s press conference Colangelo said that this flaw in the roster was arguably the biggest obstacle the team had to face during the season. Colangelo was upfront with the fact that the team did not have enough experience behind Jose and that the jury is still out as to whether Roko can become a starter in this league or, for that matter, even a consistent backup. That being said BC was clear that Roko needed and still needs, a chance. He paralleled Roko's rookie year to Jose's.

At this point I thought Franchise was going to explode beside me, namely because while most viewed JO’s health and the lack of depth at the wing position as the main issues for this club in the pre-season, it was Franchise who repeatedly stressed that he could not understand the lack of depth behind Jose; a player who had never played a full season as a starter at the 1, and who was coming off of consecutive tours of duty with the Spanish National team over the summer.

The sense you got from BC was that Jose's hamstring was the main issue regarding "what went wrong" with this team. Without Jose, the club struggled to find its rhythm offensively and on the defensive end, Colangelo even went so far as to call Calderon’s defence thanks to his injury "atrocious." BC admitted that while Jose will never be considered a defensive star, he was much more capable at getting stops than was shown this season.

Trades:

Colangelo discussed both deals involving Jermaine O'Neal this season. In terms of the JO/Ford swap he stated that he would still have made the deal for JO if he could go back in time provided it was still the best deal available. That being said he also recognized the move was a "swing for the fences" move that did not turn out as hoped. Again, to Franchise’s point regarding the depth behind Jose, why you make such a high-risk "we’re going for it" move with two point-guards with essentially no NBA experience running a team, is puzzling to say the least, and something that Colangelo finally acknowledged was his mistake. In addition, he acknowledged that while the O’Neal swap made the Raptors squad their best team on paper, this did not translate into wins on the court. What was particularly interesting was that he made note of how this roster as currently constructed needs a player with a more "maniacal" attitude and some help on the glass, exactly what JO brought to the table.

In terms of moving Jermaine for Marion he felt it was the right thing to do given the circumstances. The acquisition of Marion alleviated some of the financial pressures on the team. He was also sure to note that once Marion got acclimated the results were positive.

The Off-Season Ahead

Coaching:

Obviously there are number of questions about the coaching situation. Based on today we would be very surprised if Triano was not the man at the helm next season. As expected Colangelo commended Triano on doing a solid job under the circumstances but he also pointed out that during exit interviews all of the players mentioned how much respect they have for Triano and how much they enjoyed playing for him.

When asked whether the agents for unemployed coaches had contacted him, BC acknowledged that this has occurred but until he speaks with Triano, then these sorts of interviews would not be taking place. It seems clear that BC wants to determine if Triano is the guy before taking the process to another level.

According to BC, the focus of the conversations with Triano will be his experience, his growth as a coach and his relationship with the players and of course the rest of the coaching staff (none of whom appear to be signed going into next season). Colangelo mentioned that he will be looking for Triano's input on moves going forward should he become the new Head Coach. In that same vein Colangelo also stated that he is a consensus guy and wants to build the team that way.

The importance of the consensus comment can't be overstated. For the second half of the season we have been critical of the fact that this team doesn't have an identity, or a system. Without a consensus approach this is near impossible to do.

That being said is determining whether Triano is the guy before doing an extensive search the best approach?

The Economy:

A good chunk of the press conference was spent discussing the economy and how the current recession will impact the NBA. To no-one's surprise the cap looks to be coming down along with the luxury tax. Colangelo thought next year’s cap would be around $57 million and the tax threshold around $70. What was particularly interesting was that the cap is based on growth projections (usually 4%) with a provision allowing for the numbers to be adjusted based on the prior years performance. The result? An anticipated drop this year with a greater drop next.

It's clear this will have a big impact this off-season, in particular for free agents. Teams will be tightening the purse strings and free agents, with only 4 or 5 teams with cap room, will have to adjust their expectations accordingly. What does this mean for the Raps? Don't be surprised if we see a sign and trade with Marion with the Raptors getting rewarded in the process.

What was good to hear was that despite the poor economy the Raptors will still look to be active, in particular in the draft.

The Draft:

Colangelo, like most people who watched college ball this year, seems to believe there is only one sure thing in this draft (Blake Griffin). That being said BC seems committed to obtaining another pick in the upcoming draft to complement what is currently the 9th selection (pre-lottery, scheduled for May 19th). The roster needs an influx of young cheap talent and given our love for the draft we were very happy to hear this.

The Major Needs:

Outside of the back-up PG situation (discussed above) BC pointed out that the teams biggest needs were two-fold – a player who can both create offensively and be a solid defender to help protect Jose at the 2, and a rebounder. Raptors fans are craving the former but the focus during the press conference was on the latter. In regards to rebounding BC pointed out that the team, as currently constructed, will never be a great rebounding team. Although Bosh averaged ten rebounds, BC does not feel that Andrea "will ever be a monster on the glass" based on his style of play, and the team needs help in this department.

It's not just rebounding that the team needs help in however. The team is soft and Colangelo acknowledged as much saying that the team needs is too nice as a group. There clearly is a toughness deficit on this team and it's nice to hear that BC will be looking to address it even with the big guys he added over the course of the year.

The Players:

During the press conference BC discussed a number of players including Jake Voskuhl,
Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Patrick O'Bryant, Carlos Delfino and of course Chris Bosh. Here is the quick run-down:

Jake Voskuhl: He had a solid impact on the team, more so in the locker room than on the court as his game is what it is. A hard worker. We read this as saying don't expect him back but thanks for everything.

Pops Mensah-Bonsu: The Pops situation looks to be one that gets drawn out over the summer as BC seemed to imply that it will be on Pops’ agent to see what his worth is on the market, and then the Raps will determine whether to match or not. Colangelo called Pops’ game incomplete, yet one that showed flashes of brilliance at times. It will be interesting to see what the market will bear for Pops. Based on the economy, discussed above, the former GW star could be forced to sign a contract that may be slightly below market.

Patrick O'Bryant: BC had some strong words for Patrick O'Bryant. Having been traded a number of times in his young career it is now up to O'Bryant to show that he can be an NBA talent and the Raps are willing to help him become a legitimate big man. Whether he does or not "is up to him" and "how much he really wants it" according to Colangelo. Given the small contract the Raps can't lose by taking a chance on the big man. O'Bryant on the other hand has everything to lose if he doesn't step up and take advantage.

Carlos Delfino: BC spoke about Delfino yesterday as if his return was already a done deal and discussed the Argentinean’s desire to win and his closeness with Jose Calderon. BC also suggested that Delfino could play a little back-up PG.

If you haven't noticed by now the back-up PG position was discussed at length. The one player that was not mentioned in this capacity was Marcus Banks. At no point during the press conference did BC mention or suggest that Marcus Banks could fill that role. I think this speaks volumes and it will be very interesting to see what Bryan manages to do with the young PG and his heavy contract.

Chris Bosh: CB4 was also a topic but there is very little to report. Although BC said the team has no untouchables he still views Bosh, Bargnani and Calderon as the key pieces going forward. That being said BC acknowledged that he's not expecting Bosh to come out and say he wants to sign here long term. Nevertheless Colangelo does not feel like he has to make a move, unless of course the move helps the franchise gain certainty and improve the roster.

We have been more and more in favour of moving Bosh as time has worn on, and regardless of what Colangelo’s take was yesterday, we still feel that if BC is going to make that move now is the time. Colangelo will have more leverage this summer than at any other point going forward. As he acknowledged, he doesn't have to deal CB4 and the CBA is structured in such a way that the Raps can offer Bosh more in terms of years and dollars than any other franchise. Of course the trick is that the closer and closer it gets to Bosh's impending free-agency, the worse the offers for Bosh will likely be. Opposing GM's will know that Toronto won't want to lose Bosh for nothing and as the options decline, more vultures will circle.

One thing that was bothersome was BC seemed to imply that the team would be offering CB4 the max. We've written countless times that this may not be the most prudent thing to do given the output, the results and the economy. To further that point, Colengelo mentioned that the feeling around the league is that this Raptors team has more talent then the record would indicate. One has to ask – whose fault is that? It's hard not to point to the leader and the face of the franchise.

Last, Colangelo constantly repeated that in his eyes the team was "not that far away". This is the same message he gave to me at the airport a few short weeks ago. The question that wasn't asked and probably should have been is, "Away from what?" Is BC talking about the playoffs? Championship? .500? Respectability? Until it's clear what he means here it's hard to really understand how Colangelo really feels about this team. Hopefully this is something that can be answered in the near future.

It's perhaps not surprising that there are still a number of questions that still have no answer after this press conference. There was only so much time available and as mentioned, there were a few things on the tip of our tongues that we didn’t get to touch on.

One thing is for certain though. BC has an unbelievable presence when he takes the stage and his competitiveness shines through. You can tell the results of this past season are driving him crazy and he is committed to fixing the situation. Regardless of some of the obvious flaws in his recent moves, you really have to ask yourself, "is there any other GM currently unemployed that you would feel more comfortable with running the team?"

Yes, he’s certainly got his work cut out for him, but he seems to be well aware of this and ready to get things back on track.

HOWLAND

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Comments

The proof is in the pudding: who constructed this nice roster? Who signed two unproved PG's to back-up Jose? Who re-signed Mitchell? Who lost Delfino last summer instead of trading Kapono and keeping Delfino?
I lost my confidence in BC however he deserves another summer to right the things through.
Mr. Colangelo, actions speak louder than words.

by Daniel on Apr 21, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

"One thing is for certain though. BC has an unbelievable presence when he takes the stage and his competitiveness shines through. You can tell the results of this past season are driving him crazy and he is committed to fixing the situation. Regardless of some of the obvious flaws in his recent moves, you really have to ask yourself, "is there any other GM currently unemployed that you would feel more comfortable with running the team?" "

Whether you care to admit it or not, statements like that reveal there are still some among us just happy to have BC gracing Toronto with his most holy presence. The guys moves failed miserably, and I am very worried where he will lead the team this off-season. Hopefully you are right Howland, and he does have the insight to turn this thing around, or at least take steps in that direction. However, it is not totally out of the question for him to give too much money to Marion this summer, draft poorly, not address our slasher or rebounding needs, and then we'll have Delfino to show for a totally unproductive summer and Bosh walking next year with every NBA GM totally aware of our utter lack of leverage in negotiations with CB4. So let's not go assuming this guy will be the savior for the disaster he orchestrated.

by Branden on Apr 21, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I don't think the last paragraph of this article is where the focus should lie...and I put to all who think BC should be fired the challenge of finding someone (or at least naming) a credible replacement. Look at the start of this article...his teams are almost always in the playoffs.

That being said...huge summer for him in terms of getting this thing fixed in a hurry.

by HOWLAND on Apr 21, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

It's too harsh to say Colangelo has failed miserably. I'm not of that opinion. I think there are several factors that we gloss over, and we also tend to forget the moves he made at the beginning of his tenure.

Regarding the PGs - I agree with everyone, but Colangelo basically acknowledged it as well. I didn't think it was going to be as big of a deal as it was. Unfortunately, Jose got injured. Any backup would have been pressed to compensate for an entire year, and I can't just hang the season on this one thing. I don't agree with Colangelo or others that this was the biggest problem.

Toughness - Going euro was something that seemed to work for a while, but the Raptors need to find more domestic products because the States produces more aggressive and athletic talent. That swagger is a product of US College and something the Raptors need.

Delfino - I don't think people remember just how on and off his defense was, and how questionable his shot selection is. I don't think he's as key of a cog as others have made him out to be. I also don't believe he was worth the money he was asking for (which I estimated to be about 4 or 5 million a year). Sitting him in Europe to think about things was probably a good move in the long run, and hopefully, he's learned a few tricks.

For me, I'm still unsure about Colangelo these past few years, and I know that I'm at odds with others (even my HQ peers) about Colangelo's decision making process. I think that if you have a coach that wants to work a certain style, you are a bit handcuffed in the decisions that you make as far as trades and drafting is concerned. Having Sam Mitchell return was a difficult move (IMHO), but at the time, he was coach of the year. There wasn't much choice in the matter as a result. Now maybe Colangelo should have made better decisions based on his own preferred style of play, but as he's said, he's a man that builds consensus. I also think that the GM has to facilitate the Coach's style. So my hope is that whoever Colangelo decides on as his coach for the next year, that we'll see a cohesive vision for this team from the top to the bottom.

by Vicious D on Apr 21, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Good to hear BC is not in denial about this season, though for all we know the way things went went were "all part of the plan" - almost a throw-away year. Not that I actually believe that.

I do hope he doesn't think delfino is really the answer...

by axl on Apr 21, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I’m going to talk more about this tomorrow but wanted to add a few things that stood out in my mind from yesterday on top of what Howland has mentioned:

1) BC is pissed. I’ve now been in media sessions with him about five or six times and this was as defensive and yet aggressive as I’ve ever seen him. Case in point – his two minute diatribe pleading with the press to hold themselves accountable for the stories they write. Huh? How often do you hear/see that? His ego obviously took a good beating this past season and I think that’s probably a good thing going forward. Many pundits in the press were leery of the Jermaine O’Neal trade when it went down so having to sit and face them yesterday made for some interesting banter. I left the session yesterday though feeling more strongly about him as a GM though then I have in the past two seasons as I think he knows he screwed up.
2) The Domino Effect. I’m going to talk more about this as the week goes on but it was obvious from yesterday’s chat with the media that there’s a bit of a holding pattern right now. BC and crew need to decide on the coaching situation asap and once that is resolved, and they identify what this team’s philosophy is going to be on the court going forward, then they can start looking at which players fit that style of play. This means players via the draft, free-agency, and their own crew regarding trades.
3) Chris Bosh’s status = Elephant in the Room. Looming large of course over this whole domino effect is Bosh’s status. It sounds like Chris wants to see just what BC does this off-season and how the team plays next year before making any decisions. This is almost worse than if CB4 wanted out now because it means dragging this whole affair out over possibly another season. Michael Grange tried to call this situation out yesterday but Colangelo countered by saying that he was fine with letting it continue until even next summer if need be. I’m no GM, but I’m not sure this is a great idea because as Howland mentioned, the closer to Bosh becoming an unrestricted free-agent, the less bargaining power BC has. And really, and what I should have asked yesterday, is again, if you have half your salary cap tied up in guys who have produced 33 wins, and some of them want extensions or re-ups, how is this going to be economically possible?

So in a nutshell, this is going to be a very interesting off-season for fans. Really, everything from the status of the coach to the franchise player is up in the air so I expect things to be busy right up until August or even later depending. And that’s a good thing considering there’s no Toronto playoff action this year to dissect.

by Franchise on Apr 21, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

No mentions of graham really yesterday eh?? Think hes done then as a raptor? If so, another slam dunk decision by babcock sigh.

by fromlongrange on Apr 21, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Franchise,

Your second point is interesting in that you're taking Colangelo at his word. I really don't think he's being sincere in his assessment going forward, regarding Bosh; what I believe he is doing is setting the stage for a trade this summer by saying that he is in no hurry to move him and expressing the utmost confidence. I think he learned from the Amare situation the Suns went through this past year and realized exactly what you were saying about desperation and porr offers for your star player.

We can all agree that, even counting the mistakes that he's made, BC is no idiot; and I don't see him allowing the summer to pass without addressing the Bosh stiuation because he knows the offers will be Amare-like if it porceeds this way. I would venture to say that BC already has an indication that Bosh won't re-sign, and has asked him to keep quiet so he can posture and extract maximum value for him.

It is for these reasons that I expect the rumor mill to quickly heat up early this summer regarding Bosh; BC will try and trade Bosh before those pesky questions about why CB4 hasn't signed an extension start to crop up. Additionally, I think Bosh will garner FAR more interest than Amare did simply because he is a more well rounded player, who puts up similar numbers, has not had microfracture surgery on his knee and is more amenable to playing with other star players and not being selfish. As a result, I fully expect the offers to be more substantial than they were for STAT.

I suppose, that as Raps fans, that's all we can really hope: A great deal for Bosh that lands us the pieces to start building towards a championship. We're not going to get there with Bosh as a max player and the current roster around him, even if you add a scoring wing.

Rob

by 2nd Raps fan in LA on Apr 21, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Looks to me like;

- Banks is a goner. Which is good, that contract is a massive headache.

- Calderon's injury is considered the key issue for the team's suckitude this year - and I have trouble disagreeing.

- Wages of Wins put out a list of the 10 least productive players in the NBA, and Bargs and Kap-one were #5 and #6. For Bargnani the issue is chiefly about his rebounding - which is way, way below average for a center. (For Kapono its pure undiluted suckiness). I mention this because Bargs absolutely must improve his board totals to be considered even an average #5. The good news is we saw improvements in his blocks and defensive play in general as the season wore on. A further improvement in his shooting % (more dunks Bargs!), assists, with reduced turnovers, and a lower foul-rate (which was previously amazingly bad, but has improved to merely awful), etc. would also help his score improve.

For all my excitement about what Bargs did this year and anticipation of what he could become, the warts in his game are pretty obvious and need to be addressed in the off-season.

- I expect at least one wing player (probably a 2 guard) in the draft, and another by off-season signing or trade (Childress!, Marion, etc.)

- I'm currently in the Bosh is going to stay mindset, which is a switch from a month ago when I became convinced he was leaving. Can't put my finger on why, but I think he wants to stay.

by bedhead on Apr 21, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Bedhead, I think the reason he wants to stay is because he doesn't want to be subject to the Raptor curse. Every star player that has left, has gone on to do absolutely nothing in their career...Stoudamire, McGrady, Carter...lol.

by Art on Apr 21, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I've got to agree with those who think Bosh is going to be traded in the off-season. BC has already "swung for the fences" last off-season. I can't see him taking another risk like that by hoping Bosh re-signs half way through next season. I expect nothing less than cold calculated decision making from BC from now on. Put me squarely in the camp of "BC will turn things around this summer". I'm still a fan.

by Posterized on Apr 21, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I struggle with what is the reality with this team. What is their goal as an organization and a team?. I'm sure Colangelo would say it is to win a championship but is that realistic? I think the truth is that "if you want to win, you got to spend. The Raptor organization is obviously not in a position to compete with the likes of LA, Boston Cleveland etc financially. So that leaves fans hoping that success for the Raps can be obtained through player development and team strategy. I'm sure that all the lower tier teams cling to that hope but the richer teams just ignore the tax keep piling on the talent. And so we fans are left hoping for a long shot. Just like playing the horses, once in a while a long shot comes in but not often. The spenders are going to win most of the time

by Rt on Apr 21, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

have you guys seen the article in the post about BC wanting to meet with Messina at the Euroleague finals? it also mention the kings and the NJN are interested in offering him the coaching position

by renato on Apr 21, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Put me in the "I support the Legomaster" camp too.

I thought his points yesterday identified the key needs for this club, something he never really seemed to address before, and I think going forward we're going to see this team back on top.

As you mentioned in your comment Franchise, I think his ego took a bit of a beating last year and he's too proud to go out like that.

by lurker on Apr 21, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

with "the post" I meant NY post

by renato on Apr 21, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Greetings guys,

I liked the fact BC stated that there are things he's gonna talk about and things he can't....

I felt BC was honest, and I'm in his camp, he was uncomfortable with owning up to things but he was a man's man and took it on the chin and even gave you that feeling that after the lumps you better be able to take it as well, regarding his critics.

Good learning lesson for a guy who seems to have things going his way most of the time, and I think he takes it that way...

Big up to the HQ site for keepin things real...

From watching that interview I learned many things about success and failure and how to handle it, and I got nuff respect for BC as a competitor, and I think he was humbled...

one luv to all massive and crew!!

by Grounded on Apr 21, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Colangelo will be judged, for better or worse, based on what kind of a deal he can get for Bosh; whether it's a trade or signing him to a long term deal.

If he does re-sign Bosh, the judgment will come in the form of whether there is any money left to make the team better. Simply signing Bosh to play with this current roster will not make us into contenders.

If BC trades Bosh, the analysis will be based on the return. If he can get back a scoring wing, a good young player and a 1st round pick, it will be viewed as a success. If it's VC to the Nets all over again, he will be run out of town with pitchforks and torches; by supporters and detractors alike.

Rob

by 2nd Raps fan in LA on Apr 21, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I am dreaming of a ping pong lottery steal with the Raps snagging a top two pick. Griffin picked and Bosh's time numbered! Or, one year of Bosh, Griffin, Bargs before Bosh gets traded. Or, we are too damned good to let anyone go!

Dream Over.

An early pick would be a nice surprise, but we can count on getting a project, not a blue chip, in the draft. I'm of the idea that you pick the best player available and think that at the ninth pick that that is Ty Lawson. He won't be what he was in college, but he can at least be a good Barea type guy. I love what Roko might bring, but if he can learn to shoot, he'd be able to play some 2 as well. Tyreke Evans will be gone and Earl Clark strikes me as the kind of guy BC may love, and as a guy who is unwilling to take it to the rim, he'd fit in seamlessly with our array of paint avoiders.

Anyway, I don't think that we are going to solve part of the wing puzzle via the draft.
To keep Bosh, BC will opt for someone more likely to contribute quickly than someone with upside. He has a debilitating love for single skilled players as well. Lawson fills a role. Thabeet does, too. None of the wings available do.

by EaseMyPain on Apr 21, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

If Bosh joins Lebron in Cleveland, I'd love to see Varajo as part of the return.

by EaseMyPain on Apr 21, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I hope that Colangelo doesn't expect that he'll get a top-10 player back for Bosh (based on his "top 10" comment). I highly doubt that he'd be able to trade for:
1) Lebron
2) Kobe
3) Wade
4) Dwight
5) CP3
6) Deron Williams
7) Yao
8) Duncan
9) Garnett
10) Durant, Dirk, Brandon Roy, and a few others

So, that means that he'd be looking at a Vince scenario: trade the franchise player for at least 2 starters + a pick.

There are actually about 8 teams that could have intriguing packages (expecialy if you can include Kapono's and Bank's contracts):

Blazers: Aldridge + Outlaw + some combination of Fernandez/Webster/a pick

Bulls: Tyrus Thomas + Ben Gordon (sign & trade)

Kings: Kevin Martin + Nocioni + pick (maybe even Blake Griffin with the #1)

Wizards: Butler + Haywood + pick (likely top 3 in the draft)

Warriors: Bierdrins + Crawford or other pieces

Jazz: Kirilenko + Milsap (sign & trade)

Hornets: Chandler + Posey (or maybe even West, since they are desparate to dump salary)

Suns: Amare + pieces (maybe Barbosa)

and - the real blockbuster...

Dallas: Dirk + Josh Howard + Barea for Bosh + Banks + Kapono + pick

by BC on Apr 21, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Renato,

Would you prefer if we just hired Messina, kept Colangelo, Gharadhini and Bargnani and just filled out the rest of the roster with the Italian national team? How about we just move the team to Italy?

by G on Apr 21, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

BC - You really think that Dallas will trade Dirk and Howard for Bosh and scrubs? Wow you are an optimist. That would be the steal of all time as far as trades go considering you are tradin 29 points away and getting 40 back (bosh + Kap + Banks = 29 - 32 maybe, for Dirk + Howard + Barea). I think if that trade goes down I will dance naked anywhere you want me to.

I do not understand why everyone believes that Parker junior (aka Delfino) is the answer at the 2 spot. I have been saying for months that he is too inconsitent offensively and defensively to be more than a bench player. I mean did everyone forget that the raptors dropped 6 wins with Delfino playing major minutes last year.

I have also come to the conclusion that trading Bosh for over priced crap with long term contracts is probably not the best plan for the Raptors. I would rather they let him walk for nothing than take on a 3 or 4 year contract of a middle of the road (talent wise) player(s).

by McGateway on Apr 21, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

G: counter offer,
why don't you get back Babcock , Mitchell, and a few Canadian national team player and have a laugh?

If you do not like the news, feel free to write to the NY post and complain with them.

by renato on Apr 21, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

G and Renato,

If we were going to pilfer any one national team for talent, wouldn't it be the Spanish national team?

by Posterized on Apr 22, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

McGatewaay - I agree... the way I see it, Dirk and Bosh were essentially the equal parts, and Dallas was basically trading Howard for the #9 pick... that really would have only worked back when he was a pot-smoking "bad apple" that Dallas wanted to dump. His playoff performance and better recent behaviour definitely changed his trade value.

by BC on Apr 22, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions