RaptorsHQ Post-Draft Thoughts

I'm happy for you guys sounded like you had a great time schmoozing and all !!!
I feel the same about the big Turk.
If we are not going to be able to compete for a title (not settling for a final playoff spot)what are we doing?
I would love to bring in more youth a la Portland,and eventually compete,at least in the East!!!
The thought of resigning,Parker (great guy,ok but been there done that)The Argentinian porn star,again done that ...Rasho again...done that.
How do we become better if we continue to do the same things?
Turk by no way is in his prime,he wants his 10 mil.per year for five years,and planning his retirement.
Mind you as I'm writting this,one thought comes to mind,do you think he would be pumped to play the Magic?
All and all our goal in my mind should be to win a championship one day...we would be hard pressed to get out of the first round...If the names for Amare that are being thrown around are true,what kind of food for thought for Bosh.
I'm tired of hearing Bosh has been playing with no names...having said that stepping up and paying the man,what are we left with to pay support players....my gut is that he is done,and we must start to rebuild now,July 1st.
I like D.D. because he would fall into a long term plan...what is our long term plan ?

Great job on the draft coverage!

On Marion (not necessarily positionally) ... What are the chances in your mind that we resign him? What are the consequences of landing Hedu in regards to Marion? Can we afford both?

Personally, I like Hedu, but much prefer Marion on this roster. Am I the only person that thinks he is the best available free agent? Shot aside, I think he has one of the highest bball IQs we've ever seen on this team. He is always in the right spot.

In your opinion, who has more value in the market right now?
Amare or Bosh? I tend to think Amare...

The more combinations and permutations of free agents and trades and everything that I look at keep bringing me back to the same conclusion.... the options are mediocrity or blow it up.

There just isn't much other choice it seems with this roster as it stands...so many holes to fill...so little money to do it. But this is why Colangelo gets paid the big bucks....to see the through the mist and find a way to get this roster to a championship level.

Let's hope BC has some magic up his sleeve.

I'm still gonna cheer for a roster housing Calderon, Bosh and Bargs... but my expectations are gonna have to be serioulsy in check going into this season unless BC can show me a reason to change.

I would be surprised to see Hedo land in Toronto. He wouldn't have opted out of his contract if he didn't think he could get top dollar as a free agent, and the Raps have other priorities, such as bringing back Marion. Hedo's a versatile player at the offensive end of the floor who can create matchup problems, but I'm not sure if he's the guy I would want to blow a huge chunk of change on.

As far as the Raps not picking up a second rounder, I can see why that wouldn't be a priority with players like McNeal and Christmas available as undrafted free agents.

Correction on my post ... Hedo not Hedu.

bosh has definitely more value than amare. with the way he played at the olympics, his youth, and his ability to create mis matches and attack the basket getting to the line as well as shooting the ball better with an outside game to compliment his ability to rebound and alter shots, he has much more value as with his personality and maturity gms like. why do you think the 3 top players everyone talks about who will be free agents come 2010 are lebron james, dwayne wade and chris bosh? amare just doesnt get the same kind of love

So yes, Marion is the next big question for the Raps.

It sounds like Toronto wants to keep him but as Whodini said, "it all comes down to the money."

Sam goes for Hedo.

NC you were wondering on the chances of re-signing Marion and I'd put it at 50-50 right now. And while I think Bosh has more value than Amare, I'm not sure how long that's going to last. If the team struggles early next season, all teams will assume he wants out and the low-ball offers will begin...

I'll admit I was one of the DeRozan naysayers. But, what I've heard from him and read so far impresses me in terms of his attitude. We'll see how it translates on the court. However, he seems to have the right mix of supreme confidence combined with a willingness to work hard and improve. Combine that with his "ridiculous athleticism" and we may have something. I'm cautiously optimistic.

In terms of second round picks - I am a little baffled to see that some like Blair dropped so far. I really like him but it also makes me question myself - do I really know more than 29 GM's who passed on him? I think he'll do well in San Antonio, but maybe he was drafted where he should have been.

I think fans get a little too excited about these late round and undrafted gems. They are few and far between honestly and their impact tends to be minimal - good bench players. Nice to have, but let's not get carried away about some undrafted kid being the answer. I'd rather sign Delfino. Didn't everyone get stiffies last year about Bill Walker and CDR? Haven't even proven to be good bench players yet.

Same with buying another pick. I’m sure BC tried, but why buy when the pickings were slim? Couldn’t he buy a pick next year in a likely stronger draft? When we likely won’t have CB4? Makes more sense to me.

Definately with you on Jeff Adrien Franchise. He's a tweener 3/4, not flashy, but tough as nails, good overall game, solid rebounder and is one of those players who just plays good solid five on five basketball. I think he has a chance to be a player (utility player, albeit) in the NBA.

I think some are being a little tough on Derozen's game... He's 19 yrs old, got better as his freshman season progressed (almost game to game improvement). Solid rebounder, efficient offensively, and already has a nice little mid-range game developed. This is key, as the mid-range game is a lost art in today's NBA. Yes, he is young, and fair enough, it is going to take him time to develop, but at 19 he has a great physical build (with a great frame to put more muscle on despite already being a chissled 210lbs), he's an athletic cyborg and already has the foundations of a solid offensive game... Considering the options at the 9 spot, I think BC just may have got this one right. If others disagree, interested who else they would have taken at 9?

Just say no... To Hedo

I agree MAS, it's not like there were a bunch of future stars waiting in the wings. Lawson and Maynor will be good pros, and Gerald Henderson projects as a Raja Bell type. But the only sure things in this draft are Griffin, Curry and Rubio (can't believe he slipped to fifth!). You might as well take the gamble.

Apparently Dionte Christmas will be playing with Philly's summer league team. I'm with you Franchise: I hope the Raps extend an invitation to Jerel McNeal.

Rubio bested Kidd and Paul in the Olympics. Tell me that an American college kid who did that would not be a lock at first pick? Yes, first, over Griffin. Fifth was silliness.

I'd like to see Jerel McNeal on the summer league team as well. He's a b it undersized tho, if only he could play a little PG.

bring on hedo...here's a bold statement not only for the fans but also bosh...i am not a big fan of signing players in order to keep your star players happy...ala hakeem olajuwan...but the reality is that hedo is the type of player that bryan wants...does a little bit of everything - score, pass, and a decent rebounder and would definitely take some of the pressure of bosh in clutch time. A starting five of calderon, derozan, hedo, bargniani and bosh...not bad...only issue would be defense but let's be realistic...this team was never build to grind out games...the bench would be thin but sign a mid-level exception player and try to sign parker for 3 millionish and the team is trying to fight for home court next year.

I am with Silverback on 2 out of 3 spots.

Originally, I wasn't too keen on DeRozan but am coming around. There wasn't really anyone left on the board that I wanted much more. Henderson probably would have been better next year, but DeRozan definitely has more potential.

I also think that we make too much of late draft picks. Sure, once in a blue moon a Manu comes along. Drafting top talent late can really alter the face of a franchise, but it doesn't happen often for teams not named Spurs.

That said I am not forgiving of not buying a late draft pick. We had 3 mil earmarked for a pick. Other teams bought picks for cash. We need to fill out the roster with cheap contracts. If "the cost was too high" this year, the cost won't be going down in a stronger draft year.

I do like the clear decisions BC has been making. We need rebounding and toughness, BC gets Evans. We need athleticism on the wing, BC gets DeRozan. BC has been clearly addressing our needs and that is encouraging. I also really liked the quotes about JT and BC both totally agreeing in DD when seeing him a while back. Smitch and BC were never on the same page and it showed, coach and GM on the same page can only be a good thing. Even Coach T talking about giving DD plenty of burn next season is encouraging.

I love this part of year!

PS Congrats on the NY state of mind. You guys run a great site for free, it is good to see you get some rewards. One question, was Howland able to make it? If not how fun is it to rub it in!?

First off, let me say that the draft coverage was amazing, and that this is my favorite basketball site; Franchise, Howland, et al always put together great stories and the comentary from everyone on here is thoughtful (it's the only site on which I take time to read comments).

Now that I done kissing everyone's ass.......

I think the Raps should blow it all up, as someone has already suggested, and the Amar'e deal (potential deal) only reinforces this idea. The value the Suns would be getting back for him is incredible considering his injury history, attitude and complete lack of defense.

If you try and move Bosh right now, you are sure to get that type of offer or better just because of Bosh's lack of baggage and leadership skills.

G-State, would in all likelihood prefer Bosh AND dealing with TO because we would not be looking for Curry in a deal for CB4. That means that we could probably get Biedrins, Wright and Randolph in a deal that would include a future first rounder (or we could foist Banks upon them). The Warriors get to keep Curry, add Bosh and play Nellieball.

Rob

PS-I think getting a future first rounder from the Warriors is key because I think this team will still fall apart even with Bosh or Amar'e, and we'll be picking in the top 10 soon thereafter.

I'd rather keep Marion than try and get Hedo. (Assuming that Marion can be had cheaper) Marion address this teams weakness defense and rebounding, Hedo primarily is an offensive player.

Also the back up point position needs to be addressed. If Calderon (god forbid) ends up missing 10 or so games, there's got to be a steady hand who can step in and run the show.

So - since DD is apparently going to have a chance at starting at the 2, what are the options at the 3?

Let's assume that Marion walks, and the Raps have $10M+ in cap space plus the Mid-Level Exception...

Some Retricted/Unrestricted Free Agent Small Forwards:
- Marvin Williams
- Josh Childress
- Linas Kleiza
- Ron Artest
- Trevor Ariza
- Charlie V
- Hedo Turkoglu
- Delfino

And, Trade Possibilities:
- Azubuike / Maggette
- Travis Outlaw / Rudy Fernandez
- Caron Butler
- Josh Howard
- Luol Deng / Tyrus Thomas
- Gerald Wallace?

Of all those possibilities, I would say that the most obtainable (besides Delfino) and best fits would be:

1) Marvin Williams -- the Hawks would likely let him go now that they have Jamal Crawford. He rebounds pretty well, which makes up for Bargnani's low numbers.

2) Fernandez or Outlaw - both are somewhat redundant on the Blazers, and both fit the Raps.

3) Azubuike - doesn't seem to have a spot in GS, gets to the FT line, and shoots 3's pretty well. I think he's a good fit for the Raps.

4) Caron Butler - now that the Wizards have 8-9 players that could be considered SGs/SFs (Randy Foye, Arenas, Mike Miller, Nick Young, Deshawn Stevenson, Dominic McGuire, Butler, and even Jamison and Crittenton), you've got to think that at least 1 would be on the market. I'm not sure who the Raps trade though?

5) Artest / Hedo... both of these 2 I see as possibilities only if we Sign-and-Trade Marion.

Azubuike at 26 would be a solid SG who can also play SF. We won't have to worry abt the SG position for yrs if we could acquire him. He’s easily one of the most underrated players in the league.

Marvin Williams has let himself go physically lately and I’m worried abt that; he looked chubby near the end of last season. He’d be a decent pickup if the price is right and if he could get back into shape but he wouldn’t be my first choice.

Outlaw/Fernandez would be an ok combination but I’m not a big fan of either. Fernandez is definitely a useful player but soft defensively and Outlaw is an athletic freak who prefers to shoot, remind u of anyone (Moon). I wouldn’t be devastated with Outlaw tho bec at 24 he’s played a lot of basketball and is a starter in this league and based on the lack of options out there, he’d look good in a rap uniform.

Here are some realistic moves (IMO) that will position us well for next yr:

1)Sign and trade Marion (if he wants to leave) to Portland (a location he might enjoy)
for
Outlaw & Fernandez

2)Trade Humphries + 3mil to Golden State
for
Azubuike

3) Bring back Delfino & Rasho

4) Release Douby

5) Sign Ronnie Price (tough, aggressive, back up PG)

Bargs/Rasho/PO
Bosh/Evans/Jawia
Outlaw/Derozon
Azubuike/Delfino/Fernandez
Calderon/Price/Roko/Banks

This would be a huge improvement from last year.

I was rolling solo on this trip but didn't rub it in on Howland ha ha...he may be going to Vegas for Summer League without me so I'm keeping my mouth closed!

Interesting list of free agents. We'll probably start breaking things down in depth in that capacity on Monday as that's the next big step.

Personally, I'd prefer they keep Marion (at the right price) but we'll see. I'm not even sure how a sign-and-trade would work with him considering how cash-strapped most teams are right now.

Interesting that CDR was mentioned. I actually spent some time last night with the writer for Nets.com and they're expecting him to bust out this year. He had a few big games late in the season that were under the radar outside of the New Jersey press, and let's just say I'm not looking forward to seeing him and Terrence Williams tearing into the Dinos next year.

We're actually trying to hook up an interview with CDR right now. Could be bitter-sweet for me...

Franchise, I'm looking forward to your thoughts on our FA options this summer. When I look down the list of FA for this yr, after the big names there really isn't much talent available unless Rashard Mc Cants for example is considered a big upgrade. Who do you think can be a reasonable option (willing to sign here) that can come in and strengthen us on the wing?

I'd like to see us keep Marion as well but if I were him I'd want to be deep in the playoffs if not winning a championship for the rest of my career. At his age, looking at where the raptors are right now, I just don't see a match.

Call it a "bro crush" if you want but I am absolutely convinced that K Azubuike would make a great SG for the Raps. He’s 26, capable of averaging 16ppg or more if he excels here and most importantly plays excellent defense. He won’t ever be an all star but a solid, reliable starter who doesn’t need 20 shots to make his contribution. Until we’re able to land a superstar wing, I think he’d do us good service for the next few yrs.

Please AZUBUIKE !!!

Has anyone seen this yet?
It's hilarious.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exOxUAntx8I

I agree with Azubuike, but GS has to know that they have quality player and an extremely good contract.

Another name that doesn't get mentioned much is Matt Barnes.

I think that by re-signing Marion, we look like a much improved defensive club. By signing Hedo, we still look very soft - except with a thug on the bench.

Joey G.
3Mil
Future 2nd Pick
for
K Azubuike

?

Looking forward to the breakdown too. Was just looking at a list on ESPN and there are some interesting under the radar guys too.

i mean, would you take a flyer on the Sean Man or Shelden Williams??

ok my pitch for Azubuike on the Warriors forum was rebuked and they didn't spare any punches abt how little we had to offer. It made me realize just how much i've overvalued Joey and Hump so we can forget abt acquiring him.

Rashad McCants off the bench anyone? Delfino the starter with Mc Cants bacjing him up?

The more I analyze our options for wing players or lack there of, the more I'm thinking we're gonna have a long upcoming season.

great blog...read it everyday...

love to see an article on potential sign and trade scenarios with Marion.

I was thinking JJ Hickson & Anderson Varejao (signed as part of trade) might work....

although it doesn't address our wing position...

Like I said earlier, it looks like suffer mediocrity or blow it up.

The best possible lineup we can put out there is a starting lineup with a rookie at SG and virtually no scoring on the second team..... yikes.

And in reality, this IS what we will have next season apart from the possibility of a few small time FA's.

Calderon (8mil)
DD
Marion (10-12mil)
Bosh (16mil)
Bargs (8mil)

That's a decent to good starting lineup that will keep us in most games early... but as the bench is required to step up... the game will spiral out of control... we've all seen it in season's past....and this is what we have so far...

Ukic
? (M. Barnes?)
Delfino?
Evans
Hump? O'Bryant?

wow..... just wow.
Like I said before, I'm gonna sit back and see just what the Lego Master has in store, cuz right now, it aint lookin pretty.

But be that as it may... I LOVE DRAFT AND FA TIME OF THE YEAR!! So much possibility to surprise me...even if it rarely does. lol.

Mcclarky, if the Raps spend 10-12 million on Marion, then Colangelo should be fired; there's not much of a market for Marion, he's not even one of the top 3 UFA small forwards (Hedo, Artest and Ariza.

Marion will indeed re-sign with the Raps, but it will be for around 7mil per year on a 3 year deal. Nobody is going to offer a 31 yr old SF who puts up 12 and 8 more than the mid-level (which is under 6 million per year).

On another note, one thing that really struck me during the draft was that the Raps seem to lack a lot of 2nd round picks, dealt a first rounder to MIA in the O'Neal deal and don't have a lot of talent to show for it. How is this team ever going to find a 2nd round gem if it never has 2nd round picks???

Rob

Franchise, its official, you know nothing.

Demar is going to be an all-star, and his selection is about both the future (if Bosh leaves, Demar and Barney will form the new core).

Why are you worried about next year? The Magic are going to win the East or maybe Cleveland, but its not definitely not going to be Toronto.

What kind of value can you get back in a sign and trade? The only two I could find online were Rashard Lewis to the Magic and John Salmons to the Raptors(which eventually fell through). In both those cases, the cost for the player was a conditional 2nd round pick... So how much is Colangelo actually hoping to get for Bosh in a sign and trade?

As for the suggestion that you could get Outlaw and Fernandez in exchange for Marion in a sign and trade, I highly doubt it...