One Small Step in the Off-Season, One Giant Step for the Raptors

Triano is clearly the brains, Iavoroni the '7-seconds or less' master-apprentice, and Williams the 'character/professionalism' guy, but who will be the teacher for our bigs? Do we not need a specialist?

No matter how much I love Boogie.... I just don't see the point of continually bringing in rookie/inexperienced (assistant or otherwise)coaches. Yes every coach has to start somewhere but why always in Toronto?

Not saying this is a bad move, or would have any impact (positive or negative) on the raptors organization, but seriously... there are experienced coaches out there.

Nice article, good move by the raps. Many NBA teams have past players involved in some aspect of the operation and it seems to work for them. This is an opportunity for the Raps to finally do the same. Couldn't pick a better guy for the job.

The RAPS not only need talent and coaching, but toughness. They should bring back Charles "OAKSPEAK" Oakley into the fray once again. They got A-Dubb for heart, and should get OAK for toughness. Our team is softer than a Twinkie filling at present.

Nice article. All good points. In addition to an experienced strategist, it would be nice to see someone with the team who is a real specialist at teaching defence. Last year I think it's clear that O'Neal helped Bargnani in this regard and maybe Williams will help our guards. Raptors should adopt the idea from football of a defensive coordinator and maybe use some ex players to work with particular positions to teach defensive skills.

Bedhead,
from what I understand, Iavoroni has been known to do some good work with bigs.

Don't mean to be a downer, but......Another rookie hiring! Quel Surprise!

Why don't we at least make a useful apointment, like ask Keon Clark to be event co-ordinator.

I don't know, how bout hiring an actual coach as an assistant coach?

I like A-Dub, and I see the other side of coin of course.

Williams being on board is ok but there two areas where the Raps are lacking - many of you have been saying so - a teaching coach who has a gift for developing young talent and a coach from a prooven winning program such as the Spurs or Bulls of old etc. Someone familar with the process required to win. Perhaps there is a cap on coaching salaries too???

Rt,
There is when you are still paying your previous coach (who was fired) several million dollars to not come to work.

Maybe I should get fired.

Triano is a teacher, good at working with young players and teaching them to think the game.

Iavroni has a reputation of being a good big man coach and is fairly experienced.

Alvin is recently enough removed from the game, that he can still have that connection with the players. He is probably one of my all time favorite raps, adding heart and actual pride in the Raps uni will only be good.

Could we add another coach? Sure. Experienced? Preferably, but I bet BC figures Iavroni is that guy. Who knows though, maybe there is still room for Ettore.

Imagine if we can draft Tyreke and then buy a pick to land Williams. If that is all we did in the off season, I still think it would change the team dramatically. Though I doubt we will be able to land either of those two, and I doubt that is all that will come of the off season.

I know this season was a total downer, but there is really too much negativity in the comments this year. We Raps fans are bi-polar.

day oner you must have just started watching the raptors to make such inexperience comments. Alvin was the toughest player that ever sign with the raptors, if JT can get the raps to take on a AW personality that alone would change the mindset of this soft team that we have. What I see with the hiring of AW is the team is taking on a get tough philosophy and where better to start than at the coaching level. AW was even tougher that Oaks, playing with broken bones night after night this guy is a warrior and I for one love this signing. Its better to have a rookie assistant than a rookie head coach, good place to start.

Couldn't agree more about Alvin; he was a very tough player that was a leader on the most talented and successful Raptors club in it's short existence. He was a clutch player who will surely be able to help a young guy like Ukic because they are both BIG point guards.

As far as the negativity, I think Raps fans' emotions are like an out of control pendulum; they swing way too far into optimism, like after the JO trade. And too far into negativity which we're seeing this off-season.

Personally, I don't think it's that bad even with Bosh's situation being up in the air. We either retain Bosh and keep building the team by hopefully adding a good SF/SG via free agency and the draft; OR Bosh gets traded and we'll have some young players to put around Bargnani and Calderon along with financial flexibility going forward. This is because I don't think BC will get fleeced the way Babcock did if he ends up having to move Bosh.

On another note, what do you guys think of Ariza in general? and would he be the right guy for the Raps to go after this summer for that SF spot because he seems to have developed an outside game and he is definitely a "slasher"???

Rob

2nd Raps, I agree we shuld go after Ariza but there is no way the Lakers let him go, no wayyyyyy. He's a lock for them at that position for yrs. What can we offer more than the Lakers?

Remember a few years ago, when Brand was a RFA and Miami made him a huge offer. The Clippers matched, so the Heat made another offer to Odom. The Clips were maxed out and had to let Lamar walk. Maybe we could play the same to land one of Lamar or Ariza? Both could have a good impact on the team assuming we keep Bosh. Maybe Matrix could be worked into the deal? There are definitely possibilities worth exploring there.

I posted this yesterday just before this article went up so please forgive me for posting it again but I wanted some of the mature and bright minds around here to yea or ney this idea:

Assuming BC stands pat and doesn’t trade Bosh, re-signs Marion and brings back Delfino. Assuming T. Evans is not on the board at #9 as well as all the other popular choices to go in the top 8 and we’re left with the following options when its our turn to pick:

J. Holiday
Blair
De Rozan
T. Williams
Henderson
E. Clark.

If BC had an option to trade the #9 pick to Golden State for Kelena Azubuike, should he do it or pick one of these fellas at 9.

Keep in mind even with Bosh and Marion back, we’d still need a solid, starting calibre SG to really improve. Would you guys take the grossly underrated 26yrs old K. Azubuike over one of the rookies above all things considered? Or does one of these rookies provide more value to the raps than a guy like Azubuike?

Member29 2 things:

1. What can the Raps offer Ariza that the Lakers cannot?

Answer: A chance to be the star of the team and not play second fiddle to Kobe. On the Raps he could be a go to option and become an all-star, and I don't think that will be in the offing in LA.

2. Trading the #9 pick for Azubuike depends on whether you think his numbers are legit @ 14 ppg and 5 rpg or whether you think they're inflated because of playing NellieBall. I just don't think he averages those numbers in TO and a guy like Terrence williams will be younger and cheaper for the Raps.

Rob

i may not be mature enough, as im only 17, but i do watch plenty of basketball to know that i would not trade our 9th pick directly for azubukie. apparantly the raps narrowed down their choices they know will be available at the 9, and guys like derozan have been linked to the raps. azubuke has an all around game that i like, he could play some d and can score, but he'd be older than the player from the draft and will be demaninding higher salary earlier(his contract would be a problem as we are already debating if bosh worth max money).

i just really think the raps should keep their pick, you never know how great of a player that pick will turn out to be, however they could also turn out to be a bust, but i highly doubt it or wont pass hoffa as the biggest bust in raps history. if azubuike can be had without ghetting an opportunity to select from the draft, i dont think we should make a deal. but this would definitely be tough to decide

"Its better to have a rookie assistant than a rookie head coach, good place to start.

Well now we have both.

Raps4life, great philosophy, but players don't generally "take on personality"....you trade and sign for it....then let the coaches do the coaching....sorry to burst your little bubble but Calderon is already a better point guard than Alvin ever was....so what exactly is he gonna teach the one time (?) world champ?,...if you want to bring up the players morale or something like that, then just take Alvin's salry and spend it at the strip club on King Street for each home game....lawsuits not included.

...tasteless...

Regarding our #9 pick:

I have been watching tapes of T.Williams and DeRozan. I think GSW at #8 will determine who we get out of these two.

I honestly think that T.Will HAS to be picked if available. His D, rebounding, passing, and vision is exceptional. I think giving him a shot at our starting SG with Marion at SF could be potenially lethal.

Take a look at this tape. There are some passes, rebounds and stops that are just great! Is he a triple double waiting to happen? Quite possibly... and we need that..

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIoZGGdw7o4

Yeah, yeah Alvin. This ain't no Cito.

I can honesty say, I don't know what Alvin can bring to the club as far as helping out. I think most people remember Alvin a lot more fondly now than during his playing days. Started very shakey, couple good years, got the fat contract and unfortunately went down. Can't believe he's only 34! Seems like he hasn't played forever. Can we still trade him for Fortson? Funny enough, Sean Marks is the only player from that "trade" still playing.

2nd Raps, Ariza would be playing second fiddle to Bosh Bargs, Marion & possibly Calderon in terms of being a star. Which do you think he'd rather be a second fiddle to, Kobe and Gasol in the NBA finals for the next 4 yrs, or for Bosh and Bargs in the basement of the east? Again, I don't know a player in their right mind that would leave the LAKERS who've been in th efinals the last 2 yrs to come to the lowly Raprtors, he'd have to be out of his mind to do that.

Thanks for the comments on Azubuike, I think it's safe to say fans want to keep that draft pick. As a guy that watches a lot of GSW games I'd have to say AZU would easily average 18ppg if given minutes and the ball; he's incredibly efficient on both ends of the floor. I'd rather have a young veteran like him at 3mil than a gamble at #9 for $1800. I don't see anyone avail at #9 that can help this team right away if ever, whereas Azu definately can. Just my opinion anyways.

So what was Bosh's big announcement? I've been offline.

Harden sounds like he could turn out to be great if he can get is b ball IQ up... check this info out...

"James Harden tested out far better than anyone could have expected, which will likely cause teams to pay keener attention to his athleticism in competitive workouts. Harden’s 37" max vert tied him with a player than many consider one of the best athletes at the wing position in this draft in Terrence Williams, and had his 31.5" no step vert bettered him by a full inch. This is a clear case of a player testing well above the level teams project him at. The best example of that is in Harden’s 11.10 lane agility time, with is only .01 seconds behind the time posted by arguably the quickest point guard in the NBA, Chris Paul. Harden also showed good strength on the bench, throwing up 17 reps, but also recording the highest body fat percentage amongst wings with 10.1%.

Those tossing around Brandon Roy comparisons were likely surprised by Harden’s speed and strength, Harden topped the Trailblazers franchise player by 11 reps on the bench and beat him by .14 seconds in the ¾ court sprint. However, Roy out-jumped Harden considerably, posting a 40+" max vert three years ago."

I don't think there's a Raptors fan out thee who wouldn't want to see this happen. Plus who better to teach the Raps about toughness than Boogie himself.

I think Paul Milou makes a good point - Alvin isn't going to be brought onboard to teach plays and strategy - but for a team that desperately needs to toughen up, why not have someone who has that mentality around the team, especially one that is close in age? Leave the other parts of coaching to Triano and whoever else fills out this roster.

Lurker - you just beat me to it, I was going to commment on Paul's note in the same way. Besides being a link to the past, hopefully Alvin can instill some of his traits on the rest of this current club.

As most know, draft workouts were cancelled for today but we'll be there tomorrow for what's hopefully a big show. Grange is reporting that the Raptors have their list narrowed to 4 options, none of whom have worked out yet, and one of whom they're sure will fall to 9.

So that takes out Terrence Williams and my guess would be three of the four are Harden, Evans and DeRozan, probably in that order.

The fourth?

Possibly Curry although maybe Jrue Holiday isn't all hype and has thrown his name into the ring too.

We'll have more info post-workouts tomorrow in any event and hopefully some solid footage.

Utes - Bosh's announcement was that he's parterned with Warner Music to distribute a DVD of footage and a CD of new artists he's looking to help get some shine. He's also introducing an Iphone application.

Member 29, you're off base about Ariza playing second fiddle to Bosh, Bargs, Marion and Calderon; firstly, the math dictates that if you sign Ariza you let Marion walk. So Ariza is your starting SF. Calderon is a pass first PG who will take the open shot and is not the focal point of the offense. Bosh and Bargs have similar games in that they are shooters who will occassionally post up. That means Ariza will be this teams go to guy in terms of getting to the basket.

I'm not even sure you watched the Raptors play this past season because they lacked exactly what Ariza brings and he would get significant touches because of that. He is an athletic young wing who can take it to the hole and make the open 3. He would also probably be an option at the end of games because of this.

As far as AZU goes, I think you're overestimating what he can do on a team that doesn't jack up a bunch of shots. His averages are a byproduct of playing on a bad team that was missing Ellis for a chunk of the season and which is offense-centered. Forget 18ppg in Toronto, I don't even think he'll average 10ppg for the Warriors this coming season.

You know who I'd take for that #9 pick from the Warriors....Anthony Randolph.

Rob

Ok, to all of the "after Bosh the deluge" he will opt out (interview with The Star) now what? If it walk like a duck and sings like a duck....

big news in raptor land BOSH TO OUTPUT HIS CONTRACT
http://www.thestar.com/sports/article/645658

2nd Raps, I'm not denying that Ariza would be PERFECT for the raps bec frankly, he's exactly what we need at the SF position. My point was I dont see how he could leave the lakers to come play for us, ur telling me he doesn't like to win rings and play deep in the playoffs every year? Also, I don't see the Lakers letting him go bec they have a hole at the SF position just like we do.
As for AZU, lets agree to disagree on his potential. Again, after watching the GSW all season, I feel confident he's an 18ppg guy in on our team. He produced what he did last year playing a thirdary (not even secondary)role on a selfish, pass last team. I respect your opinion tho but I think we'll look back at this one in a couple of yrs and say w eshoulda picked that guy up, just like we did with Pietrus.

No surprise on boshy, now just a question of how bc deals with this and gets all of his other ducks in a row starting with the draft. Still think moving him this summer is the best idea though instead of playing russian roolette with him come next spring.

Member29, there's no such word as thirdary; I think you mean tertiary.

Many players have given up a chance at a ring to make more money and become a star; this is the NBA we're talking about here.

Not to mention that Bosh will be GONE this summer if BC has any common sense, so Ariza will get a chance to be the star of the team; unless you think a 3 point shooting Italian 7 footer has a better chance at being the star attraction rather than a high flying swingman.

Rob

This probably doesn't mean anything, but a couple of mock drafts have DeRozan falling to #9, including draftexpress. Not exactly a polished product, but the Raps could use his athleticism and to give him his due, he does have an excellent mid range jumper, something I love to see.

Love the Alvin Williams news. Bar none, my favourite Raptor of all time. Solid defender, didn't turn the ball over, and tough as nails. If you could have transplanted his heart into Vince Carter, you would have had the next Jordan.

Alvin Ok,

But players are what we need ???

Bosh is the key, and that will all depend on what peices BC puts around him this year, If chris feels liek there is a ligit chance to win and compete then he will stay, If not then we are in for another 4 years of turmoil... I would liek to see, Hedu or Ariza and marion all in raps uni's next year and I think you may need to get 2 of them to keep bosh, this means good by to parker... So lets see what happens... here is a trade I would like to see happen...

Bosh and the #9 pick + cash
to wash

for Jamison and the number 4 and 17th pick

possibilities ????

2nd Raps, Thirdary was meant to be funny.

I see your point abt Ariza but I still disagree that he'd leave the lakers to come here, especially if Bosh is gone. It just doesn't make any sense.