Looking at the Free-Agent Big Men
With Jarrett Jack all locked up there is still work to be done by the Legomaster. With a shallow font court and little defensive resistance in the paint, Colangelo needs to round off this active summer by adding another big.
It should be official today that Jarrett Jack is a Raptor. I am a big supporter of this signing. This addition will help this team more than any other move made this off-season. Jack is the perfect "ying" to Calderon's "yang" and Toronto now has one of the best PG combo's in the league. Should Calderon go down the Raps can simply insert another starter-quality PG into the line-up. Some may view this signing as a bit of a luxury but I see it as a perfect insurance policy.
Right now Jack will lead a second unit that will likely feature Antoine Wright, Reggie Evans and possibly Devean George. Although not the most offensive minded group of players, they will bring a defensive intensity and a toughness not seen in Raptors land for many a season. This team finally has some grit.
Of course BC can't be done making moves.
Despite having added Evans, the front court cupboard is fairly bare. Currently Coach Triano has little to work with in terms of a big man rotation and I don't want to think about what should happen if one of Bosh or Bargnani ends up on the shelf for more than a couple of games.
Although Evans adds a toughness and rebounding prowess the make-up of the front court is still worrisome. This teams ability to rebound the ball still causes me grave concern (Hedo doesn't rebound nearly as well as one would hope), the Raps don't have a true shot blocker and frankly neither Bosh, Bargnani nor Evans are a defensive force.
With a limited amount of cash left to spend (bi-annual and veterans min) it's a tall order...in particular when guys like Chris Wilcox and Joel Anthony are quickly being taken off the market. I do feel like the reward of signing a player of Jack's caliber was worth the wait, even if it meant less choice when it comes to serviceable bigs, but there is not much left to choose from.
So who's left?
The list of available bigs features a number of first round busts, some grizzly vets and a few unknown commodities. Out of the guys who are left here are 5 guys I would like to see the Raps take a flyer on.
Shelden Williams – To date there is no debating that Williams has been a first round bust. For as much heat as Andrea takes for being selected ahead of the likes of Brandon Roy and Rudy Gay, Williams was also selected before these players. Currently Sheldon's only claim to fame is that he is married to the best female player on earth in Candace Parker. The man formerly known as "the Landlord" has truly struggled since he left Duke. Injuries and lack of opportunity have resulted in a lack of production. In his rookie season Williams showed he could continue to rebound and man the paint at the NBA level but he has not developed as hoped. If Williams could stay healthy his propensity to work the glass and play some hard nosed D could be a welcome addition. If the adage that rebounding is the one skill that translates from the NCAA to the NBA there is still a chance he could develop into solid PF.
Fabricio Oberto– Despite having changed teams countless times this summer Oberto is a solid player. Oberto has always played for winning teams (Agentina and the Spurs) and is a veteran player who would fit in seamlessly with team United Nations. At this point in his career Oberto is more of a cerebral player and provided he is healthy, would be able to provide some quality back-up minutes. Although he doesn't address the team's lack of shot blocking and he is a mediocre free throw shooter, Oberto plays smart fundamental basketball and would bring more positives to the team than negatives. Although there is a sentiment among many Raps fans that Rasho should be the guy I would favour this move.
Rasho Nesterovic– There is nothing about Rasho I can tell you that you don't already know. Solid, steady player. Nothing flashy. Solid fundamentals. Good locker room presence. I am just not sure what he brings to a team that plans on running at every opportunity. He has never been a fantastic rebounder but he is a reliable player. Triano will know what to expect out of this guy, good or bad.
Solomon Jones – We have been talking about Jones since his draft year. The former high second round
pick of the Atlanta Hawks is far from a finished product but during his first few years in the league he has demonstrated an ability to block shots and rebound reasonably well. Jones is uber athletic for a man his size and given the Raps desire to run the ball he could be an excellent addition. Although slight of frame he does have a shot-blocking presence and still has upside. He doesn't bring much offensively but he is a decent free-throw shooter and the Raps could do worse. Jones is a restricted free-agent so unless BC is sure Atlanta won't watch I don't see an offer coming unless there is no-where else to turn. Considering the lack of big men available having money locked in for seven days would be a bad call.
David Harrison – Harrison was recently profiled in the Denver Post where Harrison's personal troubles over the past few years were put on full display. Harrison, despite the NBA body and skill set is currently out of the league having played last season in China. It appears he is trying to put his life and basketball career back on the right track. Franchise and I saw him in Vegas (originally mistaking him for Michael Olowakandi) and he is absolutely HUGE. His performance in Vegas wasn't particularly noteworthy but during his time with the Pacers he did show the ability to rebound and block shots. His willingness to acknowledge his personal problems and his seeming desire to straighten things out reminds me of Chris Anderson. Although completely different players perhaps one more shot is all Harrison needs to make his way in the NBA. A guaranteed contract might be a little rich at this point but a training camp invite wouldn't hurt anyone. He is a true center, something this team needs.
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Comments
Jarrett Jack
Howland,
I don’t think you are aware of the fact that Jack played most of his minutes last year at shooting guard and was much better at shooting guard than point guard. In fact, his team lost points when he was playing point guard, according to 82games.com. So yes, he’ll be a huge upgrade over Roko, but we can’t toot his point guard styles too much.
Read this link:
http://caldeford.blogspot.com/
It’s a good breakdown of Jack. The highlights include:
He gets to the free-throw line a lot,
He is a good 2-pt shooter
He doesn’t need people to assist for him to get shots
Lowlights include:
He had a very high turnover rate which speaks to the fact that you don’t want him playing very high point guard minutes.
If Triano and Colangelo are smart, they will keep him at shooting guard and limit him to like 10-20 minutes of point guard play.
by Into_stats on Jul 21, 2009 8:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
PG/SG
Jack was the starting PG for Indiana for the latter part of the year. When Ford went down Jack took the job and didn’t give it up. If you look at the starting line-up for the Pacers over the last month or so Jack was the 1 and Rush was the 2. I don’t think it is accurate to say he played most of his minutes at the two and was better there. He is not a pass first PG but that is his primary position. I expect to see him at the two at times but I would expect him to play on the ball for more than 10-12 minutes. I guess we will have to wait and see!
Thanks for the link, it has some interesting info.
Dave "Howland" Randell
Co-Creator of RaptorsHQ.com
by RaptorsHQ - Howland on Jul 21, 2009 9:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is something you are incorrect about
Howland,
I don’t think that it’s debateable about whether Jack played more at the 1 or the 2, I believe caldeford’s article indicated it (and it’s on 82games.com, who actually track it) .
I have to ask, did you carefully read the link? cause it’s one of the first points made.
On what are you basing your opinion that he wasn’t better at the shooting guard position? 82games.com clearly indicates that he was.
Research man……research.
I don’t know if you have time to look stuff up, but it definitely helps.
by Into_stats on Jul 22, 2009 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That last line of my post which said “10-20 minutes” should be 10-12 minutes
by Into_stats on Jul 21, 2009 8:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Udoka...
I don’t think there is any money left but Udoka still doesn’t have a contract… He made just over 1 mil last year I believe and could be a nice fit. He may welcome the opportunity to start, and with Udoka and Derozan thats a “not bad” 2 guard rotation. I think Udoka could be as productive as Delfino for half the Delfino money. The problem is the Delfino money can’t be used elsewhere because it fund only available to Delfino on his Bird rights we still have.
by WinnipegRaptorFan on Jul 21, 2009 8:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Love Udoka – he’s one of the players we looked at right before free-agency began. He’s not going to score much, but can occasionally hit the pocket 3 and is a tough-as-nails defender. I’d rather see him on this roster than either George or even Wright…
by RaptorsHQ - Franchise on Jul 21, 2009 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree Franchise. The reason I like him for the Raptors are the exact qualities you mention. Hard nose – tough defender, who can hit the occasional 3 ball and fill the lane. We don’t need any more scoring in our starting five. I think he’d be the perfect compliment in our starting line up. A ying for the Bosh, Bargs, Hedo, Calderon yang.
by WinnipegRaptorFan on Jul 22, 2009 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Oberto and Nesterovic are the only players out of that group capable of making a difference for the Raptors next season. The others seem like end of roster players, rather than rotation guys.
by NBR on Jul 21, 2009 9:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Why are you so confident the Raptors want to run? All of their top four players are best suited to a half court offense, with lots of screens and passes. Only Derozan, Douby and Ukic really seem suited to a running game.
I've been looking at the sky
by Back In Black on Jul 21, 2009 10:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Running
Given the tempo the Raps used in summer league, the players they have added and the discussions had about the team Triano is looking to put a more up-tempo offense into place. Hedo and Orlando were a run-and-gun team and DeRozan would also excel in that style. If you watch how the Raps played when Triano took over there was a concerted effort to get the ball down the court quickly.
Obviously there will be some half-court play but look for the team to run often and get the ball to the first big down in order to create from the post.
Dave "Howland" Randell
Co-Creator of RaptorsHQ.com
by RaptorsHQ - Howland on Jul 21, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The style used by a summer league team that had zero starters doesn’t convince me at all.
I didn’t watch that many Orlando games, but I don’t think Turkoglu was the runner. He’s great with the ball but even better if he has some time. I’m sure the Raptors will run as much as they can (every team should) and probably do better than they did most of last year (they were horrible at breaking out until they got Marion) but I don’t think the backup centre is going to need speed to fit in.
That’s three “buts” in a row, I’d better stop…
I've been looking at the sky
by Back In Black on Jul 21, 2009 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
hedo seems capable of leading the break
and bosh/bargs, solid as they are in half-court sets, are both quite quick/fast (both, really) in the full-court. i like Jack starting since he can lead the break, and when DeRozan gets on he can certainly run with him
Prehistoric Hoops - a neat little Raps blog
by boo15749 on Jul 22, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Running
Up tempo is still Triano’s style, and Calderon can run, or play halfcourt at the Coach’s option, when healthy, but it starts from the defense. Rebounds, steals, deflections in the passing lanes are KEY to the up-tempo attack. With 8 or 9 new players to fit in its going to take time.
by Johnn19 on Jul 21, 2009 12:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
A mixed bag
I think we’re going to see a bit of each next year. Colangelo spoke so far this off-season of wanting a mobile group like the one that ended the season last year, but I agree that he doesn’t have the same horses to do it with. However guys like Hedo and DeRozan will faciliate some of the transition game that was so desperately lacking from the Raptors in the JO era…so I think we’ll see a hybrid much like what Orlando used last year.
by RaptorsHQ - Franchise on Jul 21, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What about Manute Bol?
Glad I could contribute to this debate.
Happiness is a long walk with a putter in your hand.
by craig in calgary on Jul 21, 2009 4:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
J.J. officially in the house
Jack was the point guard on a Georgia Tech team that went all the way to the Finals before losing to a stacked UConn squad – that’s good enough for me.
Can’t say any of those big men are exciting options. On that list, I’d go with Rasho as a backup for all the reasons mentioned. Shelden Williams – man, what happened? I didn’t think he’d be a star or anything, but not even a serviceable big man? I guess there’s still time for him to rebound and have a career, but it’s not looking good.
by Skywalker18 on Jul 21, 2009 7:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
There have been many successful college PGs who failed miserably in the NBA. El-Amin, Mateen Cleaves and William Avery stick out in my mind.
by bigweeze on Jul 21, 2009 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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