RaptorsHQ Goes Live at the 2009 NBA Draft

Golden State getting Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix getting Biedrins, Belinelli, Wright, and the 7th pick in tonight's draft. Not official, but just posted on ESPN. If it goes down, do we lose out on them picking DeRozan?

The rumored deal for Amar'e has the Warriors sending the #7 pick, Brandan Wright, Belinelli and Biedrins to the Suns; my question is wouldn't this be a good deal for the Raps re: Bosh???

Would you make this deal?

Rob

Mark Stein re: Amare

A comprehensive medical evaluation of Stoudemire's eye and microfracture-repaired knee is just one of the hurdles, I'm told. The Warriors would also need some assurances or at least strong hints that they can re-sign Amare next summer or hammer out an extension with him before he ever gets to free agency.

That's the million dollar question Brian - who exactly is G State picking for,
themselves or another team possibly?

If DeRozan is gone, then I think Holiday is the choice.

Another thought - with VC on Orlando, that probably means Hedo is gone. It sounds,
unfortunately, like the Raps will make a push and if so, does that mean Holiday
becomes top dog at 9 anyways?

How come the Raptors seem so inactive - not even buying picks.

canuck i agree raptors are not active at all cost is like they suck

There's gotta be a better player than Holiday at 9. He's shown nothing in college to warrant being picked that high. I'd take Henderson, Williams, Johnson and Flynn before him. I'd be dissappointed with that pick.

Late to the conversation today, but been following along at work and loving it. I would trade Bosh for Rubio straight-up, and I'm not even joking. We need to role the dice, and I like him to be a superstar more than anyone else in this draft, by a mile. I cannot believe he's not the unanimous #1. In that vein, let's take a chance on DeMar; he scares the f*&% out of me, but we need upside in a big way. Today's trades demonstrate just how far we are from contending, let's blow it up. Better a year early than a day late.

Wow, didn't see the Amare trade, but holy crap, that is pretty much exactly what I wanted the Raps to do. I cannot believe we missed out on that type of rebuilding opportunity. Welcome to another decade of mediocrity.

The Raps are inactive because they have no trade chips. You think anybody is going to give up a first rounder for Quincy Douby or O'Bryant?

Unless the Raps decide (correctly) to move Bosh, then I'm not sure they're going to be able to be involved in anything.

Man, that JO trade for Marion looks really bad right now; taking on Banks' bad contract and giving up the pick. JO's expiring deal could've netted us some talent it seems like with the types of trades that are going down (teams trying to shed salary).

Rob

Wow, loving the boos for the Liberty. I can see Bill Simmons screaming at his TV. Bosh for #2 and whatever else needs to be included to get it done. Franchise, I'm jealous as shit.

Uh, they can buy picks!

Uh, it took 3 mil for the Knicks to get the Lakers pick @ 29; so I wouldn't be too excited if that's what the Raps were to do.

Rob

Howland, now you know what it's like to be a Clippers' season ticket holder.

As for another pick, we need to do something. I know someone mentioned this today, maybe Franchise, but how much would you rather have three wildcard second round picks this year than Jawai? No offense Nate, but I like the odds of landing a good player (ala HQ fave Jerel McNeal) this year more than the odds of you turning into a good player.

And I think Thabeet is going to be a straight up bum.

Wow, Rubio makes it past 3. If he gets to 5 I'm going to lose my mind that we didn't do some kind of Bosh for Young, McGee, McGuire and 5. And the potential for a second go round of Mike James would have made it the most epic trade ever.

If Rubio goes to five, I'd love to trade Bosh to Minny for him and spare parts. Oh my God, I think I have a bit of a mancrush on Rubio.

Wow if Rubio and Curry got to Minni...and McHale isn't there to screw up, look out for them in two, three years. Jeferson, Love, Curry and Rubio is a very very nice young core.

In 5 years, people are going to say,"Washington traded Ricky Rubio for Randy Foye and Mike Miller? Are you kidding me?"

I hope we trade down. No Jrue Holliday, please.

Now that we have DeRozan, him and Calderon have to get together and start practicing the alley-oop pass, something used way too infrequently in recent years. Great pick!

This pick isn't a disappointment at all!!! Thank god we dodged picking up no-upsiders in Johnson or Henderson.

If DeRozan can't shoot, then we'll be right back in the top 8 next year with another chance (and hopefully no more Bosh by then.)

Go Raps!!!!

Now if we can get Danny Geeen in the second round we're good to go.

I dig the DD pick just fine. After Griffin, Rubio and Harden are off the board there wasn't a lot to get excited about.

Given the choice between athletic freaks who can't score, and scorers who lack any kind of athleticism, we definitely needed the former.

When Rubio slipped to 5 my first thought was Bosh and Ukik to Minny for Rubio and Love. d04dc

I'm Excited with this pick and loved the Highlights, even showed some nice Dfence. You could tell the New York crowd at the theater where jealous of the Raptors pick. Liked the little interview too. Overall we came out with an A.

Now we gotta buy a pick and get Holiday/Lawson. Now is the Time BC, do your thing.

Pistons don't need a combo guard with Stuckey around... the Bulls may have use for one if they ship Hinrich out of town... the Sixers have Williams... we need to buy Minny's pick!

Wow... Cant believe Minnessota went with 2 PG's!!!! Wow. Trade bait anyone?

DD eh? Well...we did see this coming. I'm not sold on a SG that can't hit the 3. But if he's dunkin everytime then I'll give him some slack.

Wow... Jrue... still on the board after 15 picks! Flashbacks to Jameer Nelson.

Lol... I hate to agree with Dicky V... but I think Curry is gonna be the steal of this draft... this kid is gonna score score score.... and his vision is awesome. Pedigree baby.

The problem with DD's shooting is that if the Raps re-sign Marion they will have a sg and a af neither of which are threats from 3; not very conventional, but neither is a 7 foot center who does hit from 3 so maybe it can work.
Rob

Hey, if the Raps still want James Johnson they should buy a pick in the 20's because he looks like he'll be available.

Rob

never mind!

2nd Raps Fan in LA,

I agree with the whole Marion/Derozan thing. As far as I'm concernd, BC should have taken Williams or Henderson. Ugh!

Hey,
considering his history with the Raps, I'm surprised no one is talking about VC going to Orlando. Does this mean Hedo is definately out of the picture for Orlando?

If this derozan kid can holds up under NBA strain, I think he'll be a nice surprise. Hopefully he plays as ballsy as he talks.

Great job from the draft guys! I really look forward to the analysis on how the draft shaped up for the rest of the teams, and the impact DeRozan could have on the raps!

Just got back from boss' retirement party - wow. All this, AND Michael Jackson drops dead of a heart attack?

So I haven't really had a chance to judge the first round yet, but here are a couple of initial impressions:

1) I'm happy with the DeRozan pick, especially since Flynn was gone. He's got work to do, but he'll definitely be a better player than Gerald Green. Catching him at the end of last season, the way he came off screens and instantly elevated for a sweet mid range jumper - well, I could finally understand what all the fuss was about. I don't worry about the three point shooting so much - the Raps have other guys for that, and they need his athleticism, especially at the defensive end.

2) What in the hell is Minnesota doing??? I like all three of those guys, but there can be too much of a good thing. Apparently Lawson's going to Denver so that tempers my complaint somewhat. But I just don't see how you can put Rubio and Flynn on the court at the same time.

3) Poor Dejuan Blair. Great college career, works his butt off, apparently a great guy, and he can't get picked. Cleveland picks some guy who's playing in the Spanish developmental league, for christ sakes! I don't understand NBA general managers. You're telling me that Blair, or Jerel McNeal, or god knows how many other players couldn't help that team more?

Yeah, great job guyz, amazing coverage as usual and great discussion. Not sure about this pick but ill wait till teh regular season to make to harsh a judgement.

Again though, why no blair or other second rounders????

I want us to acquire Danny Green. He is going to be a steal bec of his defense. we should get the last Minny pick if he's still on the board.

Ok, not to nit pick but your post was a little like listening in on a inner joke between friends. Next time, could you at least list the picks as the go so it makes it easier to follow what you are talking about after the fact?

I half expected Griffin to trip on the stairs on the way up to the podium and break both of his knees (i am not sure if I would laugh at the irony or cry). Nothing would suprise me with the clippers anymore.

Am I the only one who thinks Minny made a mistake firing McHale as the GM. Even he wouldn't be stupid enough to draft two PGs back to back. How the hell are they going to play together? The only two things I could think is:
1. They plan on playing Flynn immediately until Rubio is ready or
2. They are putting together a packing including one of them to get some help somewhere else.
I mean why wouldn't they have drafted Curry? He may project as a PG but he at least could play in the back court with Rubio and provide a shooting presence.
Holiday is just as much of a project as Derozan is. I still think we should have drafted Henderson and traded down. Worse case is we end up with one of the million PGs drafted.
Speaking of PGs, why did Utah and New Orleans draft PGs when they both could use some young bigs? Is it me or was this the most retarded draft ever? I kept expecting someone to draft a big and it kept not happening. I am completely confused as to what the hell just happened. In the past there would have been all kinds of trades at the top of the drafts and some of the selections made me think that teams were doing that but the trades never got announced. WEIRD.

look up pick #60...last pick of the 2009 nba draft...he will surprise people and be a very servicable NBA player.

i coached against DD a few years ago...kid is a huge wildcard, at least he seems fairly excited about playing north of the border

some crazy all over the map picks by soem teams...i think the next few weeks are going to be busy with shuffles and trades...hopefulyl BC is in the mix with some things, cause he sure was quiet tonite (even on the rumour front).

Wow,
alot of moves made during drafts final hours, what ahppend to Blair gettting picked int he first round, Lucky for the spurs this guy falls into there lap...Franchise and Howland question for you both..of the players that were not picked and were seniors in this years draft can you see any players that might fit some of the raps needs, wing players, Back up point guards, Big men ???

I have acouple that i wouold like see brough in for looks,

PF/C-Jeff Adrien Uconn-straight up athlete at 6'6 a little underunder sized, but might be a dimond int he ruff

PF/C-Josh Heyvelt-Big man with strong inside game like contact and can shoot the jumper+will rebound.

SG/SF-Dionte christmas-this was amystery to me as I thought that he would have gone anywhere from 15-26 ??
shows what i know, But this kid can play shoots well, handles the ball well, and defends as only Temple guards defend.

SG/SF-Jerel Mcneal-we brough this guy in for a look Your thoughts on him were not all bad.

Sg-Alonzo Gee-good, smart player with size at the 2 spot and a solid game to match.

Sg-Wesely Mathews-You said it all in your last article a frakish athlete..

PG's-Dominic james/Jemery pargo.. personally i really would liek to see pargo in a raps uniform..

anybody have thoughts or players that I might have missed ???

later.....C

Looks like the Raps didn't need a second round pick if they liked Jerel McNeal... he went undrafted... Franchise may get his wish...

What now> How do we fill out this roster?

While I understand the Gerald Green 2.0 fear... there are a few things about DeRozan that give him a better shot. Green was a boy amongst men, but Derozan is much stronger and has a body that can handle the size of NBA players. Don't underestimate that, as physicality can rattle a young player, and I think Derozan will take him bumps and not disappear as a result. He also has really nice form on his jumper... and if this staff could teach Calderon to shoot... whose form was capital U ugly... they can help DD as a lot of the mechanics look good right now. And DD is getting some praise for his defensive ability (and potential) which indicates a desire to work. Gerald Green never got a sniff of a defensive compliment...

All in all... I don't think this will be Gerald Green 2.0... but there is bust potential... though I like the Raps' odds.

Wow, the fact that you guys prefer Gerald Henderson and Jrue Holiday to Demar Derozan shocks me. I've always thought that you provided decent bball analysis, but since you can't see that Derozan is going to be an all star shocks me.

Goto Ballislife, watch the Derozan mixtapes. Then honestly ask yourself if you don't think he is going to be a star. #1 prospect for Rivals.com, #2 on ESPN 100, #2 on Scouts Inc. Top 3 prep players are almost ALWAYS legit NBA players.

I think physicality is a bit overated, if so, Joey Graham would be a superstay. Joey would be a Bosh, and Bosh would be Joey.

Well.. Atleast the Raps got who they think they needed. So.. we'll see.

No offense Money, but mix tapes don't mean anything, otherwise all the AND1 guys would be all-stars in the League. However, DD looks like the type of player the Raps need and it will be the coaching staff's job to help him develop the skills he needs to be an all-star because as it stands right now, he's not there.

Sitting back and looking at this draft, I feel pretty good about the Raps getting DeRozan. They ended up with an uber-athletic, 6-7 wing with ridiculous upside. If nothing else, the kid gives us hope that he can be something special.

Rob

Gerald Green off the bench anyone? 4 unsuccessful yrs in the league - yes, was young and unprepared for life in the NBA-yes, has a reputation for not working hard enough-yes, cheap, athletic and full of unrealized potential at age 23-yes, worth a cheap roster spot - ABSOLUTELY.

Could you imagine if he "gets it" after a yr or 2 in a raps uniform? Him at SG and DD at SF 3yrs from now? Could be fun to watch.

So far this offseason, we've added two players who should see court time next season in Evans and Derozon. In them we see BC attempting to address three glaring holes from last season, toughness, rebounding and a shot creator.

Not a big follower of college hoops but here's what I gather. Please correct me if I've heard wrong.
Highly touted as a youngster in highschool, progressed slower than expected in his first two years of college. Yet Derozon was one of the better college players in last part of his sophomore season and in his conference tournament. Let's hope he gets the opportunity to contribute next year and continues to show improvement as he jumps to the pro's. I'll accept a two-three year project as long as he somewhat carries his weight as a rookie.

Whats coming next? Four things cross my mind?(will stay away from Bosh debate for now).

Marion? do we attempt to resign and if so at what price? I wouldn't go over 7 million or 3 years and think he might get offered more elsewhere.

Hedo? think I go against the majority but I see him as a great fit here. Ball-handler, check. Ability to slash and create his own shot, check. Finds his teamates, check. Hell, he's European! Might have to overpay to get him but would rather invest in him than Marion.

PG? the reason we did not make the playoffs last season was the PG position. We were unprepared when Jose went down. Parker did OK near season's end. I think we will be in a much better position this season. While cannot guarantee Jose health, will disagree with a recent poster calling him prone to injury. Roko is the wild card, as currently he is the only backup signed. I see no reason for him to regress and am hoping he takes the same leap Jose took coming into his second season. Parker and Delfino, if signed can handle spot minutes and if we sign Hedo, well that's another ball handler.

BC still has much work to do this season and it will be interesting to watch it play out.

Tinman,you forgot to mention Bank's (guard) fat ass contract we swallowed.

An albatross around BC's neck. The only way he goes is packaged off with Bosh. My 4th point that I might as well get into since familys watching latest Disney classic, something about princesses(?).

We are not winning anything next season, sorry. But I'm cool with that as long as I see progression and although were in a pickle now, BC can fix this.

Up until last season I had no doubts we could resign him. Now I feel that he's gone unless we see significant progress next season with the team.
What would Bosh be satisfied with? Top 4 would be best case scenario and that's a longshot. 4-8 and probable first round loss? Quite possible. Miss the playoffs and hit the lottery again(or worse, miss the lottery)? Well as last season showed it can happen when things go wrong.

Now I don't know how things will go next season but I do feel we are a better team than our record showed last season. Jose's injuries and lack of quality backup was huge. We all called that before season started, lottery if Jose goes down.

Even if we are better than our record indicated we are still behind the pack in the East, at least the top teams in the east. Our current money situation isn't great and thats before resigning Bosh to what now appears will have to be a max deal.

I can think of many reasons to choose Miami over Toronto. Great tax situation, will make more there, making less tham max than if accepting max deal with Raps. I hear the weather's nice. Some guy named DWade. You have to admit it does seem like a sweet deal. Unless we turn the tide he is gone. If he does not see championship potential he is gone. This is not some sad Canadian inferiority complex, Miami is a more desireable place to play.

Risking losing him for nothing, would set us back, perhaps opening up a lot of money, but attracting quality would be hard if we let quality go.

My opinion. We are a playoff team, but far enough away from the better teams to call for change. What if Beasley and another servicable player, with a first or second round pick for Bosh and Banks contract? We would probably take a step back, but our depth at good young players would increase. The R word - Rebuild. Thats my call.