Say It Ain’t So…

After reading the espn article and hoping it was some horrible joke, I noticed it mentioned that Humphries contract is only partially guaranteed for next year, could that mean he could be traded to a team in need of a little saving or waived for cap room? Either way, i just found it interesting

Love this site, nothing beats a 3 AM rant and I have to agree.

Hedo maybe for $40M.....but over $50 and five years? I hope I'm seriously wrong but this team looks worse to me than last year's final group unless somehow Derozen or one of the rookies (and Bargs) steps up BIG!

I like Hedo. I've been hoping they sign him or Lee. I prefer Lee, but sticking with the status quo, which would've basically been the case if they re-signed Marion, isn't the answer. There's rumblings that Marion was offerened/wanted a 4 year $34 mill deal and that's just too much for him. Sure they won some games down the stretch last season, but guess what? It was too late. The Leafs have been doing that for years, it's probably a Toronto thing. Where BC is going to HAVE TO earn his money is finding some way to getting some GOOD depth players on board. I like Kleiza and Delfino, hopefully he can sign those two and maybe work out a S&T with Marion.

Franchise calm down. Get some rest and mull over this some more. really we have to let them play the games to see how they intend to maximize the abilities of their players.

Calderon
Bosh
Bargnani
Turkoglu
DeRozan

Kleiza
Jawai
OBryant
Humphries
Evans
Ukic
Douby (for now)
Banks

A solid rotation runs 8 or 9 deep. If we get Kleiza that's 7 when you count Evans. if one of Ukic, OBryant or Jawai improves that's 8.

Once again, let's not look at these moves in isolation. They must have gone into this with a "if we sign Turkoglu" version of the master plan to address the other deficiencies.

Just wait and see. Trades are still possible to balance the roster, not everything has to be accomplished via free agency.

Kind of strange. People wanted changes and now that changes are being made to a 33 win team people are concerned about the money they're spending to make those changes?

Again, 10M is not the 21 we gave JO last year so there's still some flexibility before we touch the tax level

Toughness is a mindset. Just because a guy doesn't go crashing into bodies doesn't mean he's not tough. The fact that he doesn't shrink away from having to take the last shot speaks to a different kind of toughness. Orlando was a very tough team last year and he played a very big role in that.

And he also strikes me as a heady player, which we simply haven't had enough around here.

Yes, I have my reservations, yes I was in favour of keeping Marion, but there was a reason they decided to go in this direction. We won't know that reason until later.

Wow, lots of people up at 3am (well now 4).

If Jonathan Coachman (ex of WWE) tells me Hedo has signed in TO I guess this isn't a swerve. (I had no idea that Coachman is now legit and an announcer for ESPN/Sports Center). With a little too much to drink, I find this all to sureal. Is this fake since a wrestling announcer is saying it?!?!

I guess I had spoken too soon when I bravely said Hedo had signed with the Blaze.

Let me sleep on this one.

Not that I'm comparing the two scenarios, but I've always felt depth was over rated. Remember the Celts two years, it was "the Big 3" and who? It got them a ring.

While I'm not planning a parade anytime soon for any of our professional teams, this may not be as bad as first thought.

I started off definitely against the Hedo idea, but maybe it's time to cross our fingers and embrace it.

In Brian we trust...

I think this is Bryan Colangelo swinging for the fences because a failure this off-season would inevitably have led to Bosh's departure and a BIG F on Colangelo's report card with the Raptors; who would surely fire him soon thereafter.

I think Marion overplayed his hand and forced the Raps into this move by not accepting the handsome 4yr/32mil offer that was tendered to him. I'm sure the rationale went something like: We might as well pay Hedo 10mil per than have Marion hold us up for damn near 9.

If they can use the MLE to sign Kleiza and another solid player (Jarret Jack having been mentioned) then this team should be alright in terms of depth.

Also, I would play Bargnani off the Bench and start Evans as an undersized C because the starting unit has too much offense and not enough D + rebounding.

Rob

I think we are missing the best part of this signing.

The Raptors will never end the streak of at least one 3 ball a game. Really as a long time fan of futility I was worried about this important record going to the wayside with all BC's posturing about defense and playing the game hard nosed.

Turk will never give up an oppurtunity to Jack it up, either will Bargani and I am sure that Bosh will return with the range as last year he was really only worried about extending it so he could keep the defense off Lebron in 2011.

Other the our rookie 2 guard all the starters will be jacking away to a 40 win season and this is why I have been a Raptor fan since Micheal Curry was given the greenlight to Brick many years ago.

you guys are totally wrong

Hedo will bring a toughness and ability to make important shots this club has soarly lacked. It is a roaster that it is difficult to double off of anyone, and we now have 3 players (Hedo, Bargs, and DeRozan) with the potential to create off the dribble.

Depth-wise it is a bit shallow, but really no worse than we were this past year (but in having Hedo instead of Moon we made a MAJOR upgrade). Throw in a couple of savvy vet min signings (e.g. Rasho), and a trade of Humphries, and we'll be doing all right.

Besides, given what Marion wanted (5x10mil), this is the only move we could have made where we retain any chance to keep CB.

In whose hands do we put the ball when we need a bucket? I was hoping that we'd move towards Bargnani for that. Historically, it's been Bosh, which I haven't been comfortable with. I like Turkaglo's game a lot, but this move doesn't suggest a cohesive team. You can't just add talent to make the team better - the pieces need to fit together, and these ones don't appear to. I agree that we were supposed to improve rebounding, defense, and overall athleticism but this move doesn't do that. It's like Colangelo prefers the fancy, big-name signings - like how he fancies those custom-made coloured shirts. We don't need fancy.

I am reserving judgement on this until the deal is official. The options on the deal could be key to how much I dislike it. If the Raptors have a team option on the 5th year, or even better the 4th and 5th year, suddenly it does not seem nearly as bad. Five year deals are much too risky given the chances of a players ability declining/disappearind due to health, age, attitude, etc.

Hedo is such a smart player though. That, plus he is primarily a shooter means that he should age pretty well.

Wasn't Steve Nash 30 when Colangelo signed him in Phoenix? That turned out to be worth it, despite everyone saying he was overpaying at the time

Agree with Sales:

We all have actually WATCHED Marion this past season right?

The guy misses more shots from within five feet than... anyone? At least half his rebounds are from his own misses, he's a HORRIBLE shooter from the field and when his athleticism is gone what exactly will he have left?

At approximatley the same amount of money you can't mention Hedo and Shawn in the same sentence, and realistically those were our two options.

How much easier is it to "round out the bench" with Shawn at 8 Mil versus Hedo at 10? What does 2 Mil buy you? It sure as hell won't buy you someone to drain a contested step back game winning 3 pointer in the playoffs!

Let's not get hung up on the number 10 mil is a middle of the road number for a decent NBAer and taking that number and splitting it up between usless filler like; good lord Anthony Parker and Carlos Delfino and Rasho Nestorovic?!?

I've seen that movie before!

It wouldn't get us any further then than it would now.

And P.S. if it doesn't work out he would be a valuable trading chip!
And P.S. P.S. if Bosh is planning on leaving Hedo could easily play the 4, trade Bosh for a more typical swing at the three and a I like the deal even better!

Franchise,how well did you sleep ?
I have to say that at first glance I am not a fan...
At this point as fans of the game,we must embrace it and see where this brings us,I dont know what options we have to strenghten the bench?
Again who is going to rebound...but I will say we will be big and we will be able to stretch the floor for Bosh,we know Turk,and Bargs are not afraid to go the hoop,this will make for some interesting match ups.
Like I said earlier I was not thrilled with the announcement,but landing Marion was going to cost us nearly as much...
Anyway,we cant change things,Franchise and Howland can you come up with ideas,suggestions as to how do we complement the existing core with no money?
I'm going back to bed !!!!
Franchise,Howland..what do you guys see as our options

At least we landed "the biggest" free agent of the year. That has to worth something right?

dont like the deal.

But if we make the playoffs, it suddenlly becomes a good signing, as this is where hedo could earn his money and is a cool customer under pressure. He has ice in his veins. Without someone who can step up in fourth quarters, no raptors squad gets out of a first round.

It also becomes a good signing over a Marion or Ariza at the 3 spot if Jose gets hurt as Hedo can run an offense effectively and it negates some of the concern over the lack of a proven backup point.

I also like the option of him and jose switching up ball handling to mix things up. We saw how many open 3's Rafer Alston got during the finals with Hedo controlling the ball, and if Jose could hit these, its a sweet bonus.

Lets see.

Trying to keep it in perspective. Hedo is a pretty good player who will take a big shot at the end of the game. Problem is, he may not make it. Problem is, he won't have Dwight kicking out open looks for him. Instead he'll have everyone else standing around on the perimeter asking for the ball.
Defensively, we are gonna be torched by athletic wings like crazy.
I think the problem was Marion. He doesn't want money that is about 2 million more than he'll get from anyone else, and does not seem to realize that he is not much wanted elsewhere. BC had to get some value for his dollars, I guess. We'll see if a sign and trade goes with this, but Orlando has Pietrus and does not really want him.
I was hoping that we were gonna trade Bosh, Hump, and a pick to NY for Lee, Chandler, a Hill. Athletic. Now we've added one more soft, perimeter, guy. I think this is gonna bomb! Please tell me that it is the start of changes to come!

Morning all.

I'll refrain from using the "good" part for now however ha ha.

That being said, while I was incredulous about things about 5 hours ago, our readers as usual have dragged me back from the ledge.

First, I think the caplologist hit it bang on; not sure I should freak out too much until we see just exactly what the final deal looks like.

John Hollinger essentially says the same thing as various other moves like sign-and-trades could still go down to make this work:

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=Turkoglu-090704

And as 2nd Raps fan mentioned, you are almost glad BC did this in some ways just to spite Marion and his stupidity at turning down a very reasonable offer.

Obviously I'd much rather have the Matrix for four years instead of five and about $20 Million less but it's obvious that Colangelo was prepared to go all out and land "the biggest free-agent of the year" as NC noted.

He's sending a signal to Bosh to stick around and apparently believes that Hedo will be a big upgrade.

I still have my doubts (this to me feels like the Kapono signing all over again) but I'll reserve final judgement until I see how a) the deal actually goes down and b) BC addresses rounding out the rest of the roster.

i dont mind thee $$ and 4 years would be fine. the major problem is we cannot sign parker delfino or marion and we cannoyt use the midlevel becuase we were below the cap. derosen is not ready to start and we dont have a backup swingman.

I wake up to this??? This is NOT a good start to the weekend.

It's one thing to decide, as BC apparently has, that Marion is asking for too much money. There were other options out there (Millsap, Lee). But why on earth would you blow all your spare change on Hedo? He's a very good player, but he doesn't bring much in the way of rebounding or defense, traits the Raptors sorely need. And how exactly are we supposed to fill out the roster now? The Raptors' decision to fill out their summer league roster with retreads doesn't make any sense now.

Did BC panic when he decided Marion wasn't going to come back, or does he have another card up his sleeve?

This is what I wake up to this morning, a Hedo sighting. AWFUL,; huge mistake by the Raptors and we'll see exactly how bad a move this was around mid season 2010.

Biggest key to this season for me (and really this is a no brainer) ... healthy roster! Let's hope Jose becomes the guy we know he can be.

You guys are kidding right?

did you even watch the playoffs?

Hedo was the BEST and MOST CONSISTENT player on a team that went to the finals. Forget about the money - adding a player like that can never be a bad move.

Not to mention, I'd rather support a team that swings for the homerun than just being content to get back in the playoffs. Sure it might not work, but teams that have done that in recent years - Miami, Boston, etc, have shown that it can pay off. Teams that play it safe - say, Indiana - have gone nowhere.

I'm sick. And my weekend has been ruined.

Cue the season that will fail to meet expectations, the trade of Bosh either at the deadline or next summer, and the subsequent run of futility that will make the Clippers and Grizzlies envious.

Another great part of this whole experience so far is all the talk of how Turk's wife would like to live in TO more than Portland. This is getting massive national play in the US media and on NBA.com, etc, etc. We as Raps fans always feel like the retar*** (hate that word) younger brother of NBA cities, I can't help but think this raises our profile with future players. Hedo is one of the more respected international players in the league. A lot of the American guys look up to him.

The thing I want to see right now is how this transaction gets finished. For example...

If the Raptors acquire Turko through a sign and trade, it helps their situation immensely, but not to maximize his salary like some people think (*koff*Doug Smith*koff*). If the Raptors can do a sign and trade, then they can keep the rights to Parker and Delfino while still being able to sign Kleiza and a backup PG with the MLE... At least, I hope that's what will happen. Because if they don't, it'll make it really difficult for this squad to achieve any depth.

NC...a Euro player's wife prefers T. schocked? come on,now tell me that an American born player's wife feels the same.I know that sounds bad,our constant inferior complex and all !!!
If Turks wife wanted T. so much more why didn't we just match Portlands offer of 50 as opposed to 53 or whatever # was!!

Hey,raps fan in jakarta, for someone who doesn't like the deal you really make some good points for... liking the deal!
I know our team got softer and that is an issue but with Bargnani and Bosh as our touchstones a finesse team is what we are. That doesn't mean we can't be mentally tough and Hedo, who has hit the toughest kind of shots in the toughest possible environment and situation is by default the mentally toughest person on this team.
EaseMyPain, Hedo won't have Dwight kicking it out for him but he will have Jose and Bosh I don't think this team has ever had a problem creating open threes the problem is when you have Shawn Marion jacking them up!
Defensively Hedo as gaurded Kobe Bryant reletively effectively. You would prefer maybe, Parker? Delfino? Joey Graham? Who that is AVAILABLE is the mythical answer to guard those athletic swings out there that NOBODY in the league can guard? Marion didn't do it. Artest for all his histronics didn't do it. With a competent shot blocker in Bargnani to help down low and a very very lenthy team we will do as good as anyone int the league at guarding those wings. Which is to say we won't do that great!
Hedo was the best guy available and Holy Crap we got him! His contract is not horrible, is very tradable and is far from an achor that will restrict our future movements. He'll make less than Samuel Dalembert, Nene and a one legged Elton Brand. This is far from a steal but when talking free agency we can't create a video game character with all the skills that fit perfectly with what our team needs, make him available, make him want to play here, and then make him want to take whatever money we choose to get him.
Rants aside, daydreams aside in the real world this is a pretty good deal and the only one to be had this year. If something better is available next year, try and trade him for it.
The knashing of teeth and ringing of hands over getting the number one free agent on the market at a fair price is... not logical?

Well I guess the signed Delfino picture will have to stay in the closet, too bad. On the part of BC, this just reeks of desperation to me. I think that if we all calmy and objectively listen to Mr. Logical on our right shoulder, rather than Mr. Dreamer on our left, we know this is not going to turn out good. Turk will not make us anymore than a 1st round knockout again, assuming equal or marginally better performances from the rest of the remaining roster from 2008/09. The only, and I really mean only way, this turns into a long-term success is if DeRozan develops into an outstanding wing at warp speed. Otherwise, our defensive liabilities and lack of athleticism are consistently exposed. C'mon guys, make a firm judgement call on the trade as an independant entity now. I think if your hand were forced, almost all could look into their crystal balls and see the Bosh welcoming press conference next year in New York/NJ/Miami or the like.

d279 ... oh not shocked at all. And I totally agree about the money. Just saying that this raises our profile in the American media and that that can't be a bad thing right now. I say if a player has an American wife than just forget about it (hahahahaha!), that means they are past their prime. I keed.

I like the signing, wait and see how the roster plays out this summer.

You guys see this:

"ESPN's Ric Bucher reported that Turkoglu's wife was a major factor in the decision, as she would prefer to live in Toronto over Portland."

Booh Yah Portland!

http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2009/07/hedo_turkoglu_rejects_blazers.html

d279 ... I'm also reaching for positives. My first reaction was ***oh fu$# no!***. But I am warming up to the idea.

Sales - Id argue lewis was more consistent in the playoffs.

I mean he hit a few big shots but he bassically had to push off ariza to get by him in the final games and his stats WENT DOWN in the playoffs from the regular season!!!

Just not sure thats the type of player you want to be paying mega buckeroos to.

Think as raps fans we all want this to work out, but i have the same concerns as many posters this AM.

If we sign and trade Delfino to Orlando for Hedo we'd still have the ability to S&T Marion for an asset while having the option of keeping Pops & Parker.

Right now we are desperate for SGs & SFs:

Bargs/POB/Jawia
Bosh/Evans/Hump
Hedo/
DD/Douby
JC/Roko/Banks

Add some low risk/potential high reward guys like Matt Barnes, Gerald Green or Von Wafer (according to Doug Smith's blog this morning) and we might be okay.

I still don't like the move but it's better than doing nothing.

I agree with a couple of the postings. We really need to wait out he week and see how this all shakes out.

Although i am a fan of the Hedo signing, I echo some of the concerns around our bench being even thinner now then after the JO trade.

I suspect there's a couple of more deals up BCs sleeve. In the GM meet and greets I went to they had acknowledge that depth was an issue as well as the obvious deficiencies at the 2/3. This move has only made the depth issue more glaring, so it must be addressed in order for this to be a "home run" as it were.

your absolutely wrong....!

Dsmith at big blue posted this on his blog.

Here are some names that a guy in the organization gave me yesterday as possible guys who’ll fall through the cracks and be available on minimum salary deals when the economic pinch is truly felt later this summer:

Matt Barnes, Von Wafer, Gerald Green, Ronnie Price, Joey Graham, Jamario Moon (remember those last two?) and maybe even Shannon Brown, although that’s a stretch.

I wish that there was some sort of applause-o-meter for Raps fans emotions visible on the city skyline. Maybe turn the CN tower light show into it at night.

There's a difference between hope and a plan.

The raptors could've hoped Marion would accept a 3 year deal, but instead they took the best available free agent.

Sure we still lack athleticism, but with a couple of pick ups like jarret jack, ronnie price,kleiza, josh childress, matt barnes, or a big we'll be ok. You only need to be 8 or 9 deep in this league.

Love it!!! Great discussion on this forum. A real litmus test of the state of the Raps fan base today, rather heavily acidified, it seems, by the likelihood of this signing. Here are my 2 cents, if you will.

I think we need to take a big picture view of the situation to appreciate and/or criticize BC's decisions. What will the NBA look like in 5 years? We know: Bron, Howard, Wade, Paul, Durant et al (not Bosh) will dominate; the international influence will continue to increase. Which means that to get through any of those guys, you need a real team à la Spain in Beijing. We don't know: what the new economy will look like, and therefore the new CBA; how the 2010 FA class will shake out. What else?

Take the best case scenario: Bosh stays, Bargs & Jose continue to improve, Triano teaches defence well, bench fodder comes into its own. Is Turk the missing piece to take down the Brons/Howards etc? Remember we're talking about a team that plays with spacing, vision and trust in each other, not a one man show à la Cavs/Lakers/Heat. Is anyone of Marion, Ariza, Lee etc a better fit than Hedo in this scenario?

Worst case scenario? Bosh goes, everyone else regresses, we're picking high in the draft for the next few years. Would you feel better with the veteran presence of Hedo or Marion? Or would you rather have the cap room to spare?

I think BC has been consistent in trying to implement his vision: team over individual, flexibility for the future, and entertainment value for the fans (ok, last year excepted). You can't deny that he's keeping the fan base well engaged, at least. So for all you with vertigo on the ledge, please reconsider. Especially the writers of this fine blog. We need your objective journalism as much as your passionate opinions.

What did we have to lose. With or without Bosh this team just sucked. We needed a change and Turk is it. The reputation of this city and franchise is very low around the league. This signing will open eyes. That in itself is worth the money.
Of course, you have to play the games.

wow! hedo. ok i was really scratching my head on this one, but its done for a reason right? i believe marion was asking for the near price tag and so they just decided to pick up the "biggest free agent this summer." i think this was more of a lets try to win now or if it fails, bosh will leave and were here stuck with hedo than marion. marion would want to leave if bosh leaves right? so now at least they have a player who wants to be here and actually would be better than having a marion. in other words if bosh leaves they end up with either calds, bargs, and marion, or calds, bargs, and hedo. i think the prefer the latter. and i do too, so maybe this deal isnt such a bad deal

plus, bosh should be happy right. remember him saying that hedo should have made the all-star team and we were all complaining that he didnt mention calderon. lol

Who the heck is Hedo?

First point: for those who felt that this season's FA signings were going to keep Bosh around....you're on crack. Nothing BC could have done this FA season was going to keep CB4 in TO. Guaranteed.

In fact, I'd go so far as to say this is THE closest thing to something that would keep Bosh around, but it still wont.

Now, having thought more about this deal, I think I'm on board. There are a lot of scenarios that can still play out and I'm going to be patient.

Although the contract is tough to swallow, i LIKE this starting lineup now. It's full of smart smart bballers. Yes, it's a little slower right now but that might suit Calderon a little better anyways.

The big question now is what is the plan to fill out the roster. Let's sit back and watch BC go to work.

If nothing else, I'm MORE interested in seeing how this team does than one with Marion...I saw that last year. lol.

if signing does come true, which i kinda hope it doesnt but at the same time i do. ugggh still undecided if i like this or not, but wouldnt it be great to watch the raps face orlando. vc coming back to the acc, and hedo wanting to beat his old t6eam for signing vince and not reupping his contract. lol this would be stellar

yeahhhhh.
We have that three million, which could be used to facilitate another team taking on salary. We also have the potential for sign and trades of Marion, Delfino, and Parker, where we take less salary back, and perhaps gain an trade exemption. This exemption could be used to sign the players we'd originally targeted with our MLE. I think Kleiza is out of the mix, not enough of a contrast to Hedo. As Vicious stated a sign and T involving Orlando is the best option by far. Aside from Marion, do we have the pieces?

Hedo and Calderon would function best surrounded by run-jump athletes who can finish the plays they start. This increases the pool of suitable wings, since there is no longer the pressure to create their own offense. Adding Hedo means a greater contribution from DD in his first season, they complement each other better then Marion would have. Gonna miss Marion's help defense, rebounding, and ability to defend a variety of positions. Those traits compiled in one player are irreplaceable. However, I agree with the posters above that his lack of skill meant he wasn't going to age gracefully. Signing him to a fifth year would've been a bigger risk then Turk. And what if he'd waited us out all summer, until the offseason game of musical chairs was almost over. And then, he decides that he's okay with the MLE for five from a contending team after all. We'd be caught with our pants down, nothing but scrubs left on the market, and a pack of hungry GMs trying to leverage BC into a quick fix panic move.

It sounds like the Raps outbid Houston for Ariza ($39mill), but lost out. Knicks were gonna match any offer to Lee unless it was a sign and T involving Bosh, no solution there either. There was a process of elimination that led to Turkoglu.

There were a few big, tough, athletic SF types that went in the second round (Sam Young, Jonas Jerebko, Derrick Brown). Perhaps BC makes a play for one of them in a Sign and Trade. Agree with the poster who speculated that additional moves bringing multiple bodies in could be on the way. There's more to this off-season story that has yet to be revealed.

I know that the common belief is that this move was done in part to appease Bosh, and that may well be, but I would like to trade him even more now.

In my opinion, both Hedo and Bargs are almost as good as Bosh. Trade Bosh for some guys that will help balance out the roster and skill sets. I like the Bosh for Biedins, Azubuike and Randolph even more now. Both Biedrins and Azubuike are athletic and can defend. Randolph is a supreme athlete, and now that he is filling out could become a force.

Wow. I can't believe we just set ourselves back like this. In 3 years Hedo will be making ESPN's list of worst contracts. I don't mind him as a player, but he's much closer to a mid-level contract guy than double that.

And all the noise about "clutch" shooting is absurd. Those people who are saying that are suffering from a recency bias: he hit a few shots you can remember, so automatically he's now Mr. Clutch. Frankly, clutch shooting is not something I even believe exists.

While he improves our starting 5 a minimal amount, the long-term effects of this are going to be horrible. As others have said, mid 2010, when Bosh is gone and we're looking at a half decade of futility, the positive people on here will be singing a different tune. And, since those Pro-Hedo readers seem to have such short memories and are happy that "we're going for it", I'll draw your attention to the JO debacle. Although it was immediately clear that JO was a horrible idea, as a few days passed people started trying to convince themselves how great it would be. I ain't buying it this time, just like I didn't last time.

Reports now say the contract in in excess of $60 million.

I wonder who will replace Colangelo as GM in 2011?

Couldn't disagree more.. Hedo was realistically the #1 option for most games in the Magic's deep playoff run. He was by far the best player available in free-agency this year. The whole thing about Marion was that he reportedly wanted 5 years at 50 million (something that he would not have received ANYWHERE else in the league). Yes, I'd prefer Marion if he signed for much less, but if he was going to gut our roster (like BC had to do to get HEDO), then I'd rather overpay HEDO in a heartbeat. This is the first time since the Carter era that the Raptors have someone who can legitimately control the rock and shoot important shots in the last few posessions of games. He can also take the ball up like a point-guard which is quite unique for his size. As someone else has pointed out, he is a poor man's Larry Bird. I love this signing, as with other teams loading up with talent, you HAVE to take some home-run swings. Additionally, "IF" Chris leaves next season (not saying he does), would you rather build around Hedo, Bargs and Jose OR Marion, Bargs, and Jose??? I think that answer is easy to come to, it's HEDO!

Hedo haters should read this farewell article from Orlando.

www.orlandosentinel.com/.../orl-sportsbianchi-01070109jul01,0,5176276.column -

This is coming from someone following Hedo his entire time in Orlando.

The raps needed several things this offseason. Rebounding, Altheticism, Perimeter defense, Toughness, and SOMEBODY THAT COULD CREATE THEIR OWN SHOT. Now it remains to be seen how Evans addresses the Rebounding and toughness issues, and how Derozan addresses the athleticism and perimeter defense. But Hedo's ability to create his own shot will come up huge for the raptors this year.

I'm just amazed by the spectrum of ideas when it comes to the Hedo signing. Impressive to see so much talk... so quick. You guys at the HQ should take this as a serious compliment to what you do!

Anyways, just my thoughts.... I like te Hedo signing. Would have been nice if it was less... but I don't think its that unrealistic considering what he's done, not only over the past few years, but also over his career.

As for Hedo being at or past his prime... I don't think thats the case. He relys alot more on B-Ball IQ and playmaking than athleticism. That alone lengthings a players career. Players who rely on speed and their hops tend to disappear very quickly after 30... those who rely on positioning, passing, playmaking etc. have much longer careers. I for one have no concern over the length of the contract or age.

Lets not forget this guy WANTS to be here... far cry from the others who didn't, or were more concerned with $ than anything else.

you guys need to relax! the last few days many of the posts have centered around the fact that "BC is doing nothing". Well, now he just went out and made the biggest signing of anyone...and its mostly hate still!

we can't have it both ways fellas. either BC needed to make a big move, or the status quo was coming back next season. at least this gives us something interesting to watch how it all plays out on the court.

im super interested to hear the details of this signing and the impacts on other roster spots...

I read that we might sign and trade Delfino to Orlando for Hedo which would allow us to retain the rights to Marion, Parker etc. If it goes down like that then what sign and trade options would we have for Marion? Here’s what I’d like to see BC explore, in order of priority:

1)Marion for Monta Ellis (highly unlikely but u never know)
2)Marion for Azubuike & Claxton (Marion would never agree but you never know)
4)Marion to Portland, Outlaw to GSW & Azubuike to Toronto
3)Marion for Martel Webster
4)Marion for Travis Outlaw
5)Marion for Daniel Gibson
6)Marion for Danny Green (if all else fails)

Sign and Trade for Rudy Fernandez.

I think its realistic.

Just a quick note to say how great it is to read all of the differing opinions on this move by the Raps. Be it in agreement or disagreement with Bryan Colangelo's decision, there are some very well thought out posts and great points being made.

For me, I've gotta let this sit for a while and see what happens next. There's a reason BC is a GM and I'm not, and perhaps he overpaid for Hedo knowing that once he was off the market, this would force things down for other free agents, and therefore there would be solid players to be had for cheap.

We'll see.

However Bosh seems excited.

Via Twitter, Bosh exclaimed a little while ago:

"We got Hedo! Next season's gonna be a lot of fun"

I'm reserving judgment until BC finishes what he's got planned. There's no way that Hedo is the only move he's going to make...

Right now, I'm not a fan of the move... but say he does manage to get a Hedo sign and trade executed... for say Humph and Parker and the rights to Giorgios Printezis... or some thing like that... then the Raps get their midlevel and bi-annual exemptions back... and without those... BC is screwed.

So say he manages to get a sign and trade in whatever form it takes and he uses the exemptions to sign Kleiza and Delfino... and the bi-annual on Von Wafer... and somehow doesn't have to give up the rights to Pops and he keeps him too... then we're not looking so thin on the bench. I'm no GM, but I would think that something like what I just outlined has to be phase 2 of the Hedo signing... otherwise BC is just rearranging the deck chairs on the titantic...

The people who are saying "wait & see" are 100% right. We don't have all of the information, and so we don't know what else is to come. We're a Kleiza and a Jack away from having a way deeper team than the Celtics when they won it all.

Moreover, the Hedo signing liberates us from the Bosh dilemma because he helps us become much more competitive in 2009-10 and provides insurance for Bosh leaving (along with Bargs); now if you trade Bosh, you can move him for a SF/PF/C because you can move Bargnani/Hedo around.

If, and this is a big if, the Raps make it to the 2nd round of the playoffs this season and show promise you can sell Bosh on signing a new deal and maybe for less, if he believes we're one more piece away from contending for a championship. The worst case scenario: the team moves to Las Vegas.

Rob

"otherwise BC is just rearranging the deck chairs on the titantic..."

haha oh man, that line actually made me laugh out loud...i just hope it is not what is actually happening in raptorland right now.

I am also in the "wait and see" mode because it is to early to pass judgement on this deal. I will admit though, its actually starting to grow on me, but only if something else is done in the meantime, because right now we have a pretty stellar starting lineup but we have a bench that would be comparable to middle of road highschool basketball teams in ontario..and even that may be a stretch....so lets just wait and see what transpires over the next little while. At least BC is doing something right?

Not a fan of this move.

The signing of Turkoglu is an excellent move by Colangelo,even at$50mil/5yrs which is par for a FA with 9 yrs experience, and his rep.

Colangelo had no choice but to accept the option given to him by the Turks agent.

He had made several contract offers to Marion, culminating in $34/36mil over 4 years, which Marion had turned down wanting 5yrs @ $50mil,completely unreasonable. Marion is a complete Idiot, living in the past, and I hope he is forced to except the MLE or less from some other team.

When he was approached by Turks agent asking if he would like to make an offer, I would expect it did not take BC long to decide, to drop Marion and go for Turkoglu, as there were no other options available, even though it would be a very difficult, complicated way to go. Turkoglu is a very talented big man, and presents many more options than Marion, on offense.

BC now has to find a way to upgrade the wing players to support Turkoglu and Derozan.

The coaching staff will ensure the rebounding and defense will look after itself with Bosh, Evans, Bargnani, Derozan,Humphries, and Turkoglu all contributing.

Usually things here are well thought out. This time it just sounds confused and angry. Hedo was arguably the best player on an NBA finals team. The contract doesn't even equal 2 guys getting the MLE. How much better a deal could anyone expect to get?

STEVE:

I think alot of people were really hoping to see additions to wing slots that had athleticism, speed, defence and fearlessness.

I never saw Hedo coming, and once I get over my expectations I'm sure we'll all get along.

Is that fair enough? If he can come out of nowhere and cause an earthquake in the fan base - let's hope he does it on the court too...

kapono had a great big in the form of shaq to get him open/easy shots and make him look like a great player

turk had dwight to make him look good

has BC not learned from his mistake?

Quick update - word circulating now is that Orlando is saying they won't do a sign-and-trade with Hedo.

We'll discuss the ramifications of such a scenario a bit tomorrow but in any event, it doesn't change the fact that BC is going to have to get creative (and lucky) to fill out the rest of this roster.

I can see Orlando doing this no S&T to make things more dificult for us to get better. This is huge, bec we simply don't have the money to do much else. We need the ability to sign and trade Marion & Parker to get some assets back. This isn't looking good for our depth.

I am not surprised to hear that Orlando does not want to do a sign and trade for Hedo. They are already very close to paying luxury tax money without even having filled out their roster. They would need to take on 7-8 million dollars minimum in a sign and trade depending on Hedo's first year salary.

Many of the sign-and-trade ideas posted do not work. The team salary totals need to be within 125% of eachother + 100,000.

Toronto can still add players via free agency though. They still have their mid-level exception worth approximately 5.5-6 million (five years max with raises of up to 8% of first year total per year), and their bi-annual exception worth 1.99 million (2 years max with raise of up to 8% for the 2nd year). Both of these exceptions can be used on one player or split between players. A team can also add as many league minimum contracts as they want.

The Raptors will remain under the luxury tax threshold even if they use the full MLE, BAE and sign a vet minimum player.

Hopefully BC can lure in some guys for cheap using the options that the Raptors have left. Given the economic climate right now, I am confident there will be some decent guys unsigned when the dust is starting to settle that will need to accept very reasonable deals or choose to play abroad.

Capologist,

I thought that the Hedo signing and the fact that they had to renounce Marion, Parker, and Delfino means that they can't use the MLE.

I don't understand your statement that they still have the MLE.

Could you please elaborate for me?

Thanks a lot.

I was just reading a Tim Chisholm (TSN) piece on the Raptors, and he suggests that there is a possibility that the Raptors may have renounced their rights to the MLE and or BAE. I do not think that they have, and certainly hope that they haven't/do not.

Capologist,

As far as I understand it, the MLE is only for teams over the cap. If we renounce all our players and sign hedo we will be below the cap and unable to use the MLE. Which frankly blows, but is the nature of the collective bargaining agreement.

I generally like chisholms commentary but I do believe he is incorrect on this matter. Colangelo will have to be very creative to make this team deep and I think if he has a solid 7-8 man rotation with some surprise help with expected nagging injuries throughout the season then he will be a happy camper.

Capologist, according to Doug Smith, when the cap is determined on July 7, wherever the team is on that date will determine what exceptions they have available to them. Since they will have to renounce their players before this date to be under the cap to absorb Turkoglu's contract, being under the cap also costs them these exceptions (MLE, BAE). And no, even though signing Turkoglu puts them back at the cap, they do not regain these exceptions. This is where the sign and trade is advantageous because it keeps them over the cap and allows them to retain the exceptions. Otherwise it's minimum value players only.

Holy Crap god help us again
I have lost my faith in BC

If I looked like Hedo and was married to Banu, I'd do whatever the *bleep* she wanted to as well...

http://bleacherreport.com/images_root/slideshows/542/slideshow_54280/display_image.jpg

Hey Franchise,

I'm as frustrated and confused as you are with BC's move. I cannot understand why the Raptors even had to offer Hedo a 56 million dollar contract, if he already left Portland's 50 million dollars on the table? That shows that BC has no business savvy. I totally agree with the comments of people who say that Hedo isn't a max type of player. I suggest that BC rework this deal and make it known to Hedo that he will severely limit their options to sign anyone else with this bloated A$$ contract. I would've rather BC put his energies into going after Ariza. In the end... $$$$Money Talks$$$$

My bad. I need to change the moniker. It has been a while since I've read through the cap rules and have been rather out of it with a new born keeping me up.

You guys are right, the MLE and BAE are added to a team's total salary commitment. With Derozan, the MLE and the BAE, the Raptors would be at about 55.5 million (56.5 million if the qualifying offer to Pops counts). That is nowhere near enough room to ink Turk to the deal being rumoured. 9.2 million would be the minimum starting salary on a 5 year deal with 8% raises equal to 53 million. The Raps probably had/will have to renounce the rights to their exceptions to get Turk inked.

I am praying that they can get something done that will save them some money before July 7th or that if the Turk deal has not been penned by then that they will manage to hold onto their exceptions.

PS Hopefully, things are not as black and white as they seem when reading through the cap rules. I hope that Chisholm is right that the Raptors may still have one or both of their exceptions. If so, I think they could get some good stuff done.

If we do have the MLE available I thank Dahntay Jones or Von Wafer would fit into our starting line up perfectly while being reasonably affordable, especially Jones. I don’t think it’s reasonable to pencil Derozan into the starting line up. I’d like to see any 3 of D. Jones, V. Wafer, M. Barnes, L. Klieza, Rasho or Gerald Green fill out the roster.

ustation:
That's Vanessa Bryant, Kobe's girl...but your point still stands :-)

RaptorsAddict:
I was a big supporter of using any cap space/MLE on players from the 2005 /2006 free agent class who didn't stay with their original teams (ie Kleiza). Signing Hedo clearly doesn't fall into line with an add to a young core strategy. It also goes against athleticism. However, part of being a fan of a team that you don't control via 2k9 is being able to role with the punches. What may seem like a ton of people drinking the kool-aid is just people trying to fit this signing into their pre-conceived notions of what this offseason was going to bring. The fact BC fueled many of these thoughts doesn't help matters. Everything about our roster that we once thought was certain, is now up for debate. In the span of 24 hours we went from Marion +Delfino +Kleiza --->Turkuglu. Is BC still content to carry two project NBA bigs (POB, Jawai)? Are we still willing to be patient with Roko, or does he get shipped out with Hump (+3mill) in exchange for players that better suit areas of need on the bench?

My thinking is in line with JBen, adding Turkuglu makes me eager to see how any future additions to the team fit. As it is, we weren't sure if we could resign Bosh and Bargnani. IMHO, adding Turkuglu makes it close to impossible for all three to coexist long term. Looks like Hedo was added to induce Bosh to stay, while softening the blow when he leaves. Having a wing who can distribute the ball like Turk can (~5 apg) + Calderon, would be a draw for FA looking to put up numbers on a short term deal.

Hedo's contract also spells the end of any space under the soft cap in either 2010 or 2011. Its trades and the MLE/LLE (next year) for any major roster additions from here on out.

We all knew Hedo was going to get his asking price and I for one am glad we got him. He will be 36 years old at the end of this deal, by no means ancient. Marion is older.

I am not sure what BC has in his plans but I do not think he is done. Its hard not to be impressed with, at the very least, BC's effort to reshape this team.
This signing does boggle the salary cap, which is why he can't be finished. All of a sudden, we have some insurance come 2010. It does make it easier for BC to consider moving CB4.

Alright, something just occurred to me...

I am no capologist and please shoot this down if I am not correct:

We have renounced everyone to make room for Hedo, except Pops Mensah Bonsu. Do you see where I am going with this?

Therefore we give Hedo his deal and then pay Pops the remaining money to the dollar that puts us over the salary cap since we still own his bird rights and presto! We have the MLE the BAE and keep Pops too!

I hope this is possible... because if it is we could be looking pretty good next year!

Please feel free to comment. Franchise, your thoughts?

Assuming Hedo is making his 53 million:

His first year is projected to be about 9.3 million i believe with 8% raises per year from what I read from some others? Please feel free to let me know the exact figure.

So if you look at sham sports salaries:

http://www.shamsports.com/content/pages/data/salaries/raptors.jsp

Our salary is to be:

46,737,002 without Pops

If you add 9.3 for Hedo, you get:

56,037,002 which is what the Cap is estimated to be.

Knowing BC, he has figured this out and will extend pops at the 1 million putting us over the Cap and allowing us to get our MLE and BAE, which is why Kleiza's agent is willing to wait till all the dust settles.

I think we need to have some faith in the Legomaster, I think he will come through for us either way.

Everyone, I think that i am wrong. If you are under the cap and spend more than what the midlevel is because you have the cap room then you are not entitled to the MLE.

Sorry to raise the hopes of those that were clueless like myself in the delicate nature of the collective bargaining agreement.

If you look at the nba front page on ESPN.com it is the raps..great pick...

Couple thoughts..

1) Marcus Banks. His contract is keeping us from having another piece.. We could already have jack, in terms of a player of his level, talents;not banks. Just shows how bad the whole JO experiment was and continues to haunt us

2) There is no way he does the deal without having the exemptions.. If it turns out that we don't .. it should be a firing offence..

Most important thought..

Our depth is a huge issue.. But if we can get 3 pieces (2W, 1 Big) we could be ok. Health will matter, Injuries are the ultimate killer/equalizer but we dont need a backup PG anymore..Hedo averages the assists stat wise, great pick and roll player, doesnt shoot great %'s but is def better then marion..

Just a conversation..
We people talk about the celtics having the big three and some bench players.. Just think about this, first the bench.. Davis, Powe, Eddie House.. that;s 8 Solid 3 bench..better then Ukic, Evans, Hump? They also had posey..

We can see who he finds with his exceptions.. Still

Big Three

Pierce
GARNETT
Allen

4th) Rondo

Raps

Hedo
Bosh
Bargs

4) Jose

The celts core plus K.Perkins is so better.. Garnett kills bosh, sets the Tone on D, hits the Boards..Hard... If Bosh was Garnett, Duncan, etc. a true MAX player, a true cornerstone/franchis player this would be a great over the top signing..We would talk championships.. If hedo went to San Antonio instead of jefferson, imagine what would be said... OR if Garnett and pierce add heo instead of Allen, they are still winning.. Its the reality of bosh that prevents us from truly believeing in championships.. Of course assuming Bargs develops into the star he flashes brilliance of
(or better then B.Roy)

I agree...Off to GS with banks for azuibuke, Randolph and Biedrins belleleni

I'm thinking this FA signing must have something to do with the way they feel Bargs and Turk will play together. The Asst GM knows Hedo really well, so they must have some nice solid game plan in their heads?!

Hey guys. Seriously, i think this signing if it happens, is not at all a bad signing. WHY is that ? simply cuz in terms of the talent that was available, especially in regards to our needs of a wing, turk was an excellen fit. I mean what else cud we have signed, Marion ? plz, turk is a much much much much , i serioulsy cant emphasize it enuff .. much much better player. Marion was useless .. i hate that mofo! He has no offensive skills to his game! all he has is athleticism, which will go away soon as he is getting older by the day. Seriously, no offense to anybody, i dunt wanna be rude or anything, i just dunt get why alot of ppl wanted marion ? plz somebody explain cuz i am honestly confused. The only reason he was successful in phoenix was cuz he played under mike dantoni and he had steve nash as his point. In my opinion, moon cudve excelled cudve been equally gud and im being honest. My assumption is simppy based on the fact that moon is also athletic just like marion, then why cant he be successful? both cant shoot, infact moon shoots better. Point being, marion sucks, we needed a better forward, nd turk was the best option available. This guy can handle the ball, shoot, and attack the rim. as someone mentioned earlier, incase jose is not the healthiest, turk can actually play point. And in all seriousness, BC had to make some sort of big move in order to show Bosh that he is trying to improve. Give the guy some credit. only concern now, is if he can manage to sign nd trade someone perhaps and add a lil more depth to the bench. I read somewhere delfino might be sent to orlando, or a sign and trade with cleveland. Varejao is on the radar to a certain extent. A few possibilities are out there, lets just wait and watch. I think before seriosly judging this move, we just have to give BC some time.
IN BC we belive .....