Grading the Raptors 2010 Draft - Two Lines of Thought
by Adam Francis on Jun 25, 2010 9:32 AM EDT
in NBA Draft
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Breaking down last night's draft, Franchise likes Toronto's selections but worries about what they represent...
So Ed Davis it is.
In a surprise move, one of the top 10 talents in last night's draft fell into the Raptors' laps at 13, a spot many envisioned the likes of Cole Aldrich, Patrick Patterson and Paul George inhabiting.
However when Davis, projected to go as high as 7 to Detroit by many, was still around, Toronto didn't feel they could pass up the opportunity to draft such an enticing prospect.
And really I don't blame them. My top three favourites, George, Henry and Aldrich, all went prior to Toronto's pick and to me, the decision came down to grabbing Davis, taking Patterson, or moving this pick entirely.
From comments made by Bryan Colangelo and Jay Triano post-draft, that's exactly what transpired so it sounds like Avery Bradley and Eric Bledsoe were never really under consideration this high up. Both were probably scouted as intensively as they were in hopes of landing them later on.
In addition to drafting Davis, near the end of the draft, the Raptors went for size and athleticism again grabbing Florida State's Solomon Alabi, drafted by Dallas with the 50th pick. Toronto gave up some financial considerations as well as a future second-rounder but the price seems pretty fair considering Alabi was slotted to go late in the first round by most.
Am I happy with the draft.
Well...
On one hand I'm thrilled. Both players possess the types of skills this team needs so badly; size, length, shot-blocking ability and defensive potential. As well, Alabi has played to rave reviews for all in terms of the work ethic, grit and intensity he brings every time he steps on the floor.
Yes please.
And while you always take the player with the most upside and/or talent regardless of position, the Raptors were able to address both talent and positional need in one fell swoop with Ed Davis, a lefty too ironically, in case of Bosh's departure.
While I think Patrick Patterson will have a more immediate impact, and that Larry Sanders is a more intriguing prospect, I'm quite happy with Toronto's draft and I agree with Chad Ford's B+ rating. The issue I'm having is the meaning behind these picks.
Unless Chris Bosh decides to return, folks, we're talking rebuild here.
Or we should be.
I don't expect either player drafted last night to contribute much next season (unless Davis is forced to start of course) so make no mistake about it, these picks are going to take time to develop, if they do at all. That being said, both are perfect complements to Andrea Bargnani, so if Bryan Colangelo is thinking of trying to make the cake again from scratch, these are much better ingredients.
My fear though is that he's not going to take this route.
We've seen over the past few years that BC has steadfastly refused to acknowledge that his overall building plan isn't working, and has tried either band-aid solutions (Reggie Evans) or major reactive overhauls that end up digging an even deeper hole for the team.
We saw an example of the latter first-hand last night as the Miami Heat grabbed four second-round picks, a genius move facilitated by Colangelo's Shawn Marion disaster, that now enables the Heat to put minimal cap holds in place and still keep the money they need to go after two marquee free agents like Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
Not only that, but the Heat were able to grab players with specific transferable skill sets to surround a prospective All-NBA duo like Wade and Bosh; Varnado for his shot-blocking (he lead the NCAA), Butler for his shooting and leadership, etc, etc.
Therefore if Colangelo is going to draft the way he did last night, and it's clear Bosh isn't returning, I'm hoping he dynamites the whole structure.
As frustrating as this would be considering he's been telling fans and media for the past two years that "we're not that far off," it's simply what must be done.
I'd much rather cheer for a promising young team that doesn't win many games but that has a talented young core and a chance to grab a high lottery pick than one that middles through the season, wins 35 games, and misses both the playoffs and a chance at a top 3 pick.
So this is where things are going to get very interesting.
Can BC swallow his pride and start the rebuild that's foreshadowed for two seasons now?
Or again will he attempt to go to swing for the fences, moving one bad contract for one that's even worse, hoping to turn lead into gold?
I'm hoping for the former, but sounds like over the next two weeks we'll really get a sense of what direction this team is headed.
On a positive note though, let's leave the final word for the newest Toronto Raptor:
Ed Davis: Thanks for all the support Toronto fans. I'm hella excited to be part of a great city and organization
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B+ from Chad Ford
That’s not a bad grade. Sounds about right, actually. You have a guy pegged to go 7th slide all the way to No. 13. And then you grab a first-round talent in the second round. It wasn’t the most exciting draft for the Dinos, but it will do.
It would be nice to see the Raptors net someone like Bynum, Hickson or even Deng in a Bosh sign-and-trade. Just continue to fill out the frontcourt and hope DeRozan makes some kind of leap in his second and third seasons.
Oh, and the sooner BC can jettison Turk, the better…
by RaptorsHQ - Defensive Stance on Jun 25, 2010 9:56 AM EDT reply actions
Agreed.
We’ll start doing some posts soon now on how to properly blow this thing up but let’s hope BC can pull off some magic in a sign-and-trade. One solid player and a prospect would be tremendous.
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
by Adam Francis on Jun 25, 2010 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Before singing how green the grass is in Miami....
wouldn’t it be better waiting them netting anything with suc strategy? Not just in terms of big name signing but also in terms of victories. At the moment they are sitting on money alone and no players, but, (possibly) wade.
Wouldn’t it be funny if after the first few weeks of FA no one had signed in Miami and Wade said “Screw it” and bolted. They could literally have not a single player under contract (if the Beasley trade rumours are true)
Trade exceptons
Can trade exception be traded?
Can trade excwption be used to partially exchange a player, I mean, could you get for Turk a 5M player plus a 5M trade exception? (maybe to be used for Beasly?)
It’s quite possible that this occurs…if not for the Heat or Bulls, the Knicks or Nets…
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
by Adam Francis on Jun 25, 2010 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
How far are you willing to go (as I think most of us in the rebuild camp would go further than BC would be willing to go)?
All the way
As far as I’m concerned, the only players I want to see back for certain are Jack, Amir, Derozan, Weems and our two new picks. I could take or leave the rest. I know I was down on our choice of Davis last night, but that was mostly because I was so keen on Patrick Patterson. However, with these two new additions I’d like to see a proper rebuild. Even if it includes Bargs. At least with Davis and Alabi we are starting to surround Bargs with complimentary players. I just don’t want Andrea to be the new focus of the team. He’s an accent piece, not a center piece.
Also, saw Jack Armstrong on TV this morning. Good for him for calling out that moron reporter last night who kept asking Davis about Passports and taxes. Damn near pissed myself when he repeatedly referred to him as an idiot on national tv. Love Armstrong.
by Posterized on Jun 25, 2010 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I am ecstatic about the picks! I got my man Alabi, and he might prove to be the first 2nd rounder to stick for the Raptors in franchise history.
For Toronto fans who are hate this pick, you’re out of your minds if you complained about weak side defence and rebounding, as that’s exactly what these two picks are.
Don’t get me wrong, they are role players, but necessary role players. Davis could end up as a PF Bynum like version in the future. Pretty decent back to the basket type player who gets to the line which we haven’t had since another Davis (Antonio). No front game what so ever, and that’s where the billion dollar question rises. Can he develop a 10-15 jumper?
If his dad (Terry) is any indication Ed is going to fill out his body.
I was vouching for Value picks, and boy did I get it! The problem is, with these bigs that haven’t filled out yet completely, you just won’t know exactly what you have for 2 or 3 more years, but the framework is there.
Well I was half right with Alabi.. and I’m sure we would have Patterson if Davis hadn’t dropped.
Now it’s time to hit the reset button!!! Harrison Barnes for 2011.
Davis
not much of a back to the basket player… yet anyways
Davis is such an unknown because of how little he’s played.. but I clearly remember watching the Michigan State game in the regular season where he showed a lot of touch with the left hand.
Very nice drop step either way.. and also spin to the middle of the lane with a baby hook.
Biggest issue was going to the right hand. (From my memory)
Again.. this is going to be a long term project. If he doesn’t develop a right hand, or a 10 -15 footer, he’ll be.. Patrick O’Bryant.
and also.. with no shooting game to speak of, he avg’d 13.4 points a game with a pretty bad PG (Larry Drew the II — I’m not a fan of NC, and was glad Drew ran their show). The other reason I’m a tad more excited is I want to see what he can do with an NBA PG.
your right...
they only have 2.
people are simply ridiculous when it comes to our PGs
by Not so Friendly Stranger on Jun 25, 2010 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions
He's got no right hand...
…but Bosh didn’t have much of one when he came into the league either.
Not to say that he’s going to be Bosh, but that part of his game can be developed.
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
by Adam Francis on Jun 25, 2010 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Disagree
He is a solid rebounder if you watch his game, not read the sheet. He played with a board crashing team, something Toronto is not.
His rebounding numbers were undervalued in college at Florida State – think he’ll be solid in this capacity in the NBA.
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
by Adam Francis on Jun 25, 2010 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Barnes for 2011
Yep – let’s do this BC. You had your three strikes with JO, Marion and Hedo, time to bring up the next batter so to speak.
We’ve got a full scouting report and metrics analysis of Davis tomorrow but not sure how you can hate these picks as a Raptor fan. Say what you want about their “rawness” but they’re the exact types of players this team needs. I worry a bit that Davis and Amir Johnson are mirror images of each other but that just means BC can let Amir walk and use that money to bolster another position of need.
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
by Adam Francis on Jun 25, 2010 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
I got killed yestarday
for saying this signing would have opened the door to an Amir S&T (better than lettimg him walk)
I wouldn’t let Amir walk. I posted this already – but you’re talking about letting a young, productive player go for an unproven rookie, the worst rebounding centre in the entire League, and whatever comes back for Bosh.
by RaptorsHQ - Defensive Stance on Jun 25, 2010 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
agree agree agree
with DS. no way you let Amir go just because you got a 21 yr unproven rookie. Amir is so young, i think only 23 and has more experience in the nba than anyone his age (im pretty sure). he already knows what to expect in the nba and we dont have to wait years for him to develop. he’s good now and getting better. NO effing way, id rather trade the rook if we had to let go of either.
You only sign Amir if the contract makes sense. I like him and I saw growth in his game that leads me to be optimistic about him improving in the foreseeable future. However, even with his experience and his potential, you have to walk away if you don’t see getting value for money over the life of the contract. That applies to any and all contract negotiations.
I do see Amir possibly giving the Raptors a discount on the contract because of his positive coaching experience he had with the team. Let’s hope this is the case and the Raptors can reach a good agreement with him.
"Colangelo's Shawn Marion disaster"
Drama Queens!
on rebuilding
if you listened closely to the presser he mentions DeMar, Weems and Johnson as exciting athletes as the future of the team and he accidentally lets slip that turk, calderon and jack all have some serious trade interest.
so it looks like he is perfectly understanding of the rebuild if bosh leaves.
DeMar, Weems, Johnson and Bargs might be all that’s left over when it’s said and done.
Saw that on TV and it made me sick to my stomach
For two reasons:
1) DeMar, Weems, Johnson, Dorsey, Davis…yeah, great athletes. Have ANY shown that they can be dominant BASKETBALL PLAYERS in the this league? Nope. That was pure “spinsmanship” by BC.
They could turn into Gerald Green, Shawne Williams, Marcus Fizer and Stromile Swift for all we know, all superb athletes who didn’t have a clue.
2) Um, Bryan, what happened to your belief that you had a team that could win 50 games? Now you’re acting excited about five young guys with virtually no NBA experience?
My point isn’t that I don’t believe in these young guys (well, still not sold on Demar), but I’m just sick of BC lying about this club, or unable to face reality himself.
This isn’t a great team and never was – let’s not call a squirrel a porcupine.
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
by Adam Francis on Jun 25, 2010 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s GM speak though Franchise.. As JP Ricciardi put it, It’s not lying if you know you’re doing it.
What’s he going to say? Our team sucks?
More to the point, it would have been nice to see some moves like this two years ago, and not this whole “we’re close” thing.
Also making me want to vomit, BC saying that the league is moving towards “longer, more athletic big men…”
If he had said that in 2005 as the GM of the Raps, fine. But now?
Comments like that make me think that Rob Babcock got a tan, a new wardrobe with high collared shirts, some of that Mission Impossible face putty, and is still running the show.
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
by Adam Francis on Jun 25, 2010 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Ha!
That comment kills me: BC saying that the league is moving towards "longer, more athletic big men…"
NO BC the league DONE BEEN MOVING IN THAT DIRECTION! FOR THE LAST HALF DECADE!! Only YOUhave had your head up your own Euro jump shooting arse and are coming late to the party…
Next year, Colangelo will state that he believes the point guard position is becoming more important throughout the League. And you need a quick, penetrating PG in order to compete at a high level… of course, this will be two years AFTER he could’ve snagged Brandon Jennings or Ty Lawson.
by RaptorsHQ - Defensive Stance on Jun 25, 2010 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Don't get it
Franchise:
Why does everyone keep bringing up Dorsey. I heard the Colangelo presser and I don’t think Dorsey wasn’t mentioned with others. Last year’s team should have won 50 games and I will argue until I’m blue in the face that it was very possible, IF EVERYONE HAD PERFORMED AS EXPECTED.
I’m sure when Colangelo puts these teams together, he envisions a performance level and style of play that really takes advantages of player strengths, translates into wins, and pleases the fanbase. I’m also starting to believe that he believes that defense can be taught and is heavily reliant on the system, which may be the fatal flaw in his approach.
Good defenders are usually the smarter basketball players. Davis is said to have a high basketball IQ, WHICH COULD NEVER BE SAID ABOUT BOSH. The fact that he possibly sees himself as limited offensively, makes me hopeful that he is more prone to share the ball than C. Wesson Bosh.
Other things that make me like the pick.
1. Davis was a player on a championship winning team and apparently a significant contributor to that run.
2. Draft express (which you yourself acknowledge is pretty good at gauging these things) pegs his best case scenario as Al Horford, and his worst as a more athletic Udonis Haslem (a solid, always contributing player considered one of the smartest in the league at his position)
3. Lineage — I call this the Alomar effect, whereby the son of a player has an inherent sense for the game that should make him more effective than equally skilled players (again, see Horford, Al)
Just saying, the water has been running a little sour in these wells and I don’t know why, really. Let them play the games before we exert too much energy on these debates.
Okay, McGateway..your turn :)
by HQ Interloper on Jun 25, 2010 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
I cannot argue with you about Davis but I wasn’t a believer last offseason that this was a playoff team let alone a 50 win team. The main reason was the wasted signing of Jarret Jack. As I said last year, I like the signing of Turkoglu and I like the signing of Jack I just didn’t like the signing of both players because of their overlapping skill sets. It was my belief that they were bringing in Turkoglu to act as a point forward but instead it seems they wanted a $10M US Jason Kapono which is not his game really. As big a joke as it was when he said “Ball” was what he needs to be successful it was actually not far from the truth. It would have made more sense to sign one or the or move Calderon for a pure scoring PG instead we got a steady diet of all three on the floor at the same time.
BTW WTF is with the Blazers firing Pritchard just before the draft? Then taking a young team and making them even younger! Craziness.
Was just going to discuss this...
What the hell?
I threw this out on Twitter last night and started an avalanche of comments, but would you switch BC for Pritchard if you’re MLSE?
Under his tenure BC has managed to make the playoffs twice, yes…but the team has arguably underachieved in 3 of his 4 seasons, Colangelo has probably lost the team’s franchise talent, has put the team in salary cap hell, traded away key future picks, and managed to field one of the worst defensive teams in NBA history.
Just sayin…
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
by Adam Francis on Jun 25, 2010 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Trade Colangelo for Pritchard!!?!?!?
In a crackhead’s heartbeat!!
HA
“key future picks”
yes – hibbert is good, so is JJ hickson, Courtney Lee and George hill
but 17th overall in 2008 and mid 2nd round pick this year and a 2nd rounder in 2013
and we’re calling these “key future picks”???
If we were talking lottery picks – i could buy that argument, but this team needs more than a role player 7th-8th-9th man.
and to say “Colangelo” lost Bosh is a little much
I do agree with the salary cap issues and bad defense.
I think Pritchard is a good GM, his shining moment was that 2006 draft, moved up 2 spots, grabbed the best and arguably 2nd/3rd best player from the draft. He really did great there. But then missed on drafting a top-3 nba player, once in a lifetime talent. After that, some small wins and some small loses, nothing spectacular.
I would probably take him over BC, but he isn’t miles ahead – Presti on the other hand, killed it last night, that’s going to be a great team next year.
I think you are being way to easy on BC. Here is the thing about Hibbert. You can argue about the other players because the Raptors didn’t draft them but the Raptors did draft Hibbert and considering he brings everything the Raptors needed in a starting center to the table it made little sense to trade him for a $20 million dollar broken down PF/C. I know that Indiana directed Toronto to draft him so who knows who BC would have drafted if we had kept the pick but it drives me nuts that we basically had to draft other players to do something we could have had 2 years ago.
Let the rebuild Begin
I’d agree with Chad Ford. Yesterday I commented that I felt BC needed to go one of two ways, blow it up and rebuild or go for a monster home run deal bring in a perennial all start type player. At the time I felt the danger was BC would hang around somewhere in between again.
I am perfectly fine with these two picks, actually excited about the picks, if it truly means we are in rebuild. We have to break it down before building it back up, Ed Davis is talented needs time to develop, and everything about Alabi i’ve read is raw talent.
In the Bosh trade I hope we pick up a prospect/picks. Something like Gibson, Johnson and draft pick from Chicago, or Dasean Butler, Beasly and our First rounder back from Miami.
In the Hedo trade try for same picks and prospects or young upside like a Bass and Gortat deal.
Maybe sign Shanon Brown for the crowd.
Try to pry Collison out of New Orleans even if it means eating Okafor’s contract. Collison, Derozan and Bargs will put up huge numbers, the team would actually be fun to watch with Collison throwing lobs to Derozan, Weems, Shanon Brown… they will royally suck, and we have a legit shot at Harrison Barnes.
by WinnipegRaptorFan on Jun 25, 2010 10:25 AM EDT reply actions
I don’t think Miami is going to move Butler and Beasley for Bosh. Remember, Miami can sign Bosh outright and laugh at any demands Toronto puts to them for him in a sign and trade. And as much as Bosh would like to get the max he can in a deal he will not accept going somewhere he doesn’t want to just because this franchise is attempting to hold everyone hostage.
Miami can't sign Bosh for more than the Raptors can though
Even though they’ve cleared the space, doesn’t mean he won’t lose out on that extra money if he just walks. All of these players should want to sign for every possible dollar given the changes coming to the CBA. I doubt we’ll see any of them forgo the extra cash for a better chance of winning despite the lip service.
A sign and trade with Miami for Beasley and a Trade exception and some picks is fine with me because it means we’re getting talent back, no matter how mercurial. Beasley was the No. 2 pick in the draft, and was pegged for No. 1 for the longest time. That talent is still there, so if Toronto can nurture it into something consistent, it would be a nice have, even off the bench.
by HQ Interloper on Jun 25, 2010 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Not an accountant........
but Florida has no state income tax. Bosh can sign for less and probably bring home as much as signing max-dollar elsewhere.
Assuming a few things
A very rough crunching of the numbers, assuming the year 1 salary is the same wherever he goes (wasn’t clear on this), Bosh would be saving $875, 721 in taxes payable by playing in Miami next year.
This is a very rough run through of the numbers based on Canadian and U.S. tax rates, doesn’t factor in any additional taxes payable due to residency considerations, assumes that Bosh is single, and doesn’t take into account any deductions or credits. So, basically it could be a wash tax wise.
Given the 6th extra guaranteed year available through the Raptors and the greater percentage increases, year over year, I’m not sure how advantageous it would be for less than absolute max.
Of course Miami is…Miami. Having never been, I suppose it could have its advantages as a place to live.
by HQ Interloper on Jun 25, 2010 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
It doesn’t matter whether he would take a pay cut or not, the fact is that if Toronto gets silly with their demands, Miami can just convince Bosh to sign there outright. What it will really come down to is how badly he wants out of Toronto and how badly he will want to sign with any given team. He is dead set on signing with Miami and a sign-n-trade cannot get done he may say “Sorry, I gave Yall a chance”.
Faing Reality
I think, anyway you look at it, we are in a rebuilding mode and yes, it is because of mistakes made by management.
But that is where we are. Last night, I think BC might of admitted it.
Am I pleased with last nights selections? Absolutely! We have added two bodies, who if still around, have the potential to fill glaring holes.
If Bosh resigns, these two draft picks have an excellent mentor. If Bosh goes, well the team has to go with a rebuild.
Whether Bosh stays or goes, I don’t think we will be in contention for the title, and I’m OK with that.
Props to BC, I’m sure there were offers on the table, and BC left with more chips than he started with.
(looks like Winnepeg just added similiar sentiments)
On Rebuilding
Doesn’t this all depend on what Bosh decides?
I can’t see how getting 2 decent bigs can be labelled as either a “rebuild move” or “push to the playoffs”… I have a feeling that these 2 picks would have been made the same way, even if Bosh was already re-signed.
Keep in mind: Rasho is gone, Amir is a free agent, and Reggie’s expiring contract is a trading chip. Unless Colangelo already has a guarantee that he’s re-signing Amir, you needed bigs on the bench regardless of whether you’re rebuilding or expecting 50 wins.
Where to start
First, looks like good picks. Now to develop them and why is it that some teams are able to bring rookies along so well. Do we have the coaching to do that?
Second, the corner stone of the defence (center) must be obtained. We can’t expect Evans and the new kid to be that? Imir is good but a little under sized.
Third, we need a mobile “go to”. Tony Parker (Spurs) or Jamal Crawford or Thadd Young would fit the bill for now.
Finally, who’s our stopper going to be. Is Wright gone?
I think BC did relatively well considering the circumstances. This however, may not mean a thing in the long-term as these two have yet to accomplish anything. But, at least we ended up with more players than we had draft picks, and they have the potential and size to stick in the league if they can learn to play.
Davis may not be one of the impact players in this year’s draft, but more importantly it may may signal a change in the way basketball is played in Toronto which will change the way we go about making future acquisitions.
The one thing that worries me is Colangelo succeeding at lower impact moves, and then failing miserably on the high impact ones. I guess it’s self-fulfilling, but at least we know he is not totally disregarding defense and rebounding now when lusting after his newest crush.
I think the issue has been his moves have too often been reactive instead of proactive. Oneal was brought here because the Raptors needed to dump Ford. Marion was brought here because Oneal was a disaster. HST was brought in because Marion didn’t want to sign here. All of these moves are a reaction to a situation, much like when he signed Fred Jones because John Salmons had a conversation with God. His moves that were proactive have actually been slightly more successful with maybe the exception of the Kapono signing.
Ultimately, I just do not think BC believes in doing deep homework on players. If he had he might have seen the red flags on many of the guys he brought in here that didn’t work out. It’s not like its a secret that HST has issues or that you had crack the whip on JK to keep him outside the 3 point line etc.
Harmless Hep-B. Totally overblown – only about 1% of cases require treatment – and that treatment is readily available.
by dhackett1565 on Jun 25, 2010 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions
ya im happy with ed davis he seems like a good prospect
by raptors_run_the_show on Jun 25, 2010 4:37 PM EDT reply actions
I say BC calls Bosh’s bluff and “lets” him walk. Is he really going to leave that money (and then some depending on who he wants to play for as some teams won’t even be able to give him a 5 year max) on the table? Does he really want to play second or 3rd fiddle? Is he going to be happy getting off 10 maybe 15 shots every game?
If he is gone than the raps are rebuilding. They have lots of young talent, will have cap room, still have other trades to make as well. I say put the max deal on the table for him, and thats it. Unless there is something too good to pass up.
Voted two steals ;-)
“Many NBA analysts had Alabi pegged to go as a mid- to late-first round pick, but sources within the NBA confirmed late Thursday night that a communication was sent to each of the league’s 30 teams detailing the condition.
The ailment is not considered life-threatening, one NBA source said, but it might have compounded existing concerns about his lack of offensive production in college."
“I still believe his best basketball is still in front of him,” Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton said, noting that the Nigeria native got a late start in basketball. “As he gets bigger and stronger, he’ll be more productive.”
“I’ve told several teams that I’ve worked with him for three years, and when you get him in the NBA spacing where he’s gonna have room to come across the lane, they’ll be surprised by what he can do,” Jones said. “Solomon has a tremendous, sweeping sky-hook type shot, but he couldn’t really do it in college because the defense is already sitting in the lane.”
Alabi and Reid taken in the second round
"I am not now at all sure that the tendency to treat the whole thing as a kind of vast game is really good - certainly not for me who find that kind of thing only too fatally attractive." - J R R Tolkein
These two picks suggest to me that maybe BC is starting to understand what his audience wants to see… toughness, athleticism, rebounding…
the day that a GM....
ANY GM will start making decision based on his audience mood he should be fired. The funny thing of people belonging to “audiences” is they have little knowledge of the facts and possibly no skills for doing a GM job and they are, usually, irrelevant enough that their dumb ideas can be shruggedd off with no comsequences. They are anonymous enough that people will, next week, have forgotten wht they were saying before. Funny thing is most of these dumb asses will say what is needed is “black” one week and “white” the following one, and the only consistency will be, for them, calling stupid whomever does not agree with them on any given week.
Good points but they don't play in a bubble...
There are different styles of basketball and different audiences and if you see a game at the ACC, the crowd is pretty consistent on what it will cheer for and what it will boo.
That’s why a guy like Turkoglu gets criticized while Reggie Evans is a king…
To me a good gm will a) find style that the fans want to see, then b) plug the right kind of players/coach into that system c) try to upgrade roster…
So far, Colangelo has missed the boat on building the style of team that Toronto fans want to see…
i don’t get why people are saying Davis is skinny i was watching some youtube videos and he doesn’t look too skinny hes 6 10 . and weights 227 how is that skinny didn’t bosh weight less when he got drafted and bosh definitely looked skinnier
by raptors_run_the_show on Jun 27, 2010 8:08 AM EDT reply actions
Trade proposal based on 2 recenent rumours
Toronto Gets:
Lou Williams
M. Pietrus (expiring)
T. Young
Philadelphia gets:
Jarrett Jack
Brandon Bass
Orlando Gets:
Hedo Turkohlu
Jodie Meeks
Works on the trade machine and is based on two recent rumours. Does this sound like a fair trade for each team.> If we could get Gortat in a trade for Hedo that would be even better but I din’t think It was realistic bec Orlando needs a back up for Dwight.
And yes its sunday night and I’m so bored I’m looking for trade scenerios to make the Raps better.
Bosh is "for sure" going to both the Heat and the Bulls!
“It’s a formality that Chris Bosh will sign with the Heat….”
http://twitter.com/JonRothstein/status/17184770084
“James was strongly leaning toward joining the Bulls in tandem with another free agent, Chris Bosh”
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/27/sports/basketball/27draft.html?adxnnl=1&ref=basketball&adxnnlx=1277636556-Or9r1NXR6jSakwW6VQlAjA
Follow up trade based on another recent rumour
Golden State are apparently trying to dump Ellis & or Biedrins so after we make the above trade we then do this:
Toronto Gets:
Monta Ellis
Golden State gets:
Lou Williams
Reggie Evans
Then
Trade Calderon for Joel Przybilla straight up or Calderon & Belinelli for Joel & Bayless.
After these 2 trades the team now looks like this:
Joel Przybilla, Alabi
Andrea B, Davis, Johnson, Dorsey
T. Young, M. Pietrus
Weems, DeRozan
Ellis, Bayless Banks
rumor started by...
…you? what is your source?
read the first 2 trades on real gm and raptors republic
Otis Smith of Orlando is quoted as saying he’s had discussions with Toronto to bring Hedo back and the Jack to Phili was rumoured abt a month ago. Read it all online.
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