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by RaptorsHQ - Defensive Stance on Apr 22, 2011 12:00 PM EDT in Daily Links

Hard to argue with John Hollinger's tweet about Matt Devlin.

The Toronto Raptors are one of the teams that have to be just sick that Harrison Barnes is not in this draft, according to ESPN's David Thorpe. He goes on to say that the absence of a perfect fit means they'll have to take Derrick Williams.

TSN's Tim Chisholm thinks keeping Bryan Colangelo seems like the wisest move.

The Houston Rockets are after Dallas assistant Dwane Casey. Perhaps the Raptors should be in the mix for his services as well?

According to Dave Berri, even if Andrea Bargnani were a small forward, he would still be below average (but not the least productive player in the game).

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JYD PROJECT ANNOUNCES 3RD ANNUAL RALLY FOR KIDS

FORMER NBA STAR AND PHILANTROPHIST JEROME WILLIAMS JYD’S PROJECT ANNOUNCES 3RD ANNUAL RALLY FOR KIDS – RALLY THE CARS
Celebrities join Rally 4 Kids: Rally for Education Fundraising Event

(EMAILWIRE.COM, April 23, 2011 ) LAS VEGAS, NV — NBA Star Jerome Williams hosts Celebrity Friends and their Unique Cars at the 3rd annual "Rally 4 Kids: Rally for Education" Event at Town Square on Las Vegas Blvd., April 28th to May 1st. This fun filled event, is in partnership with; Interstate Plumbing and Air Conditioning, America’s Finest Rewards, South Point Casino, State of Nevada/Department of Employment and Rehabilitation, Local Television Affiliate Fox 5 "Take 5 to Care", City of Las Vegas, and the City of Henderson.

Celebrity attendees include: former NBA players Michael Brown, Tracy Murray, Ed O’Bannon, former NFL player Anthony Simmons and Toronto Raptors player Demar Derozan and Amir Johnson.

http://www.emailwire.com/pr.php?prID=61869

by Buddahfan on Apr 23, 2011 12:43 PM EDT reply actions

Chad Ford Has The Raptors Taking Kanter

with Jonas going right behind him.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft/results/top100?&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnba%2fdraft%2fresults%2ftop100

Clearly those are the two big men projects that BC was referring to in the Presser.

The next three on his board are Walker, Knight and Vesely

Unless BC trades the pick or the Raptors move up in the draft to #1 or #2 their picks will be one of those five.

Walker and Vesely are both the closest to being NBA ready.

by Buddahfan on Apr 23, 2011 1:48 PM EDT reply actions

I didn’t listen to the presser only read the recaps. What were the important points about the Raptors and the draft?

by Yardly on Apr 23, 2011 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions

More on Jonas

One executive believes the 18-year-old Valanciunas, a 6-11, 240-pound center with the Lithuanian club Lietuvos Rytas, will emerge as the top pick.

“He’s the best thing I’ve seen out of that country since [Zydrunas] Ilgauskas,” the executive said. "He has a very good basketball IQ, he’s tough, he can score, and over the last two years he has made the kind of jump you’re looking for. He can shoot, but he can also be a traditional back-to-the-basket center, the way you like centers to be. He’s different from [the Raptors’ Andrea] Bargnani in that he’s a legitimate post player.’’

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/ian_thomsen/02/04/top.2011.draft.picks/index.html

by Buddahfan on Apr 23, 2011 1:53 PM EDT reply actions

Enes Kanter 2010 Nike Hoop Summit highlights

He is bigger and stronger than Jonas

Watch the highlights here. He outplayed Sullinger big time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YzbhAQGPqk&feature=related

by Buddahfan on Apr 23, 2011 10:23 PM EDT reply actions

After #1-#2 ?

If BC/ Embrey cant fandangle a 1 spot or two…
Which big in the draft or free agent should we target?
I would love a wack job like zaza…move Bargs to the three or to the door it doesnt really matter to me.
We can all say that JJ is soso but the guy brings some balls to the table.Outside of Regie, Davis/ Amir just dont bring that intimidation factor a la Perkins/Chandler.
Say wht we want about JO he did put the fear of God into the players thinking about the paint.How many times was DD parked on his ass?
A big that can do that ,I would welcome with open arms.Is Gasol that player? I dont know…open for suggestions.

by d279 on Apr 24, 2011 5:23 AM EDT reply actions

If we don't draft a center

There are a few FA centers I would make a play for. Tops would be Marc Gasol. After that, both Nene and Deandre Jordan seem like good choices. Both rebound well and play great defense.

If we miss out on Irving and Williams then the draft becomes a bit of a crap shoot. Do we go Euro big man, or do we address our PG problem with Kemba or Knight? I would lean towards Kemba at that point. He is proven, a champion, and probably the most NBA ready in the draft. Think Brandon Roy a few years ago. People slept on him because he was older, but it actually turned out to be an asset as he was ready to play at an all star level from day 1. I think you could get that same kind of production out of Walker. It’s at least the best bet after Irving and Williams are off the board.

by IWillPartyHard on Apr 24, 2011 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Isnt Marc Gasol a Restricted Free Agent? Nene may be intriguing but we would have to over pay to get him and that is something this team needs to stop doing. Jordan has had one good year and is a terrible free throw shooter so unless he was cheap, why bother.

by McGateway on Apr 25, 2011 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions

DeAndree Jordon

Averaged 7.2 boards and almost 2 blocks in only 25 minutes a game. Yes, he’s only had one good year, but it was only his third year in the league. He’s a physical monster and a great athelete. I would gladly give him a chance (at a reasonable cost of course).

by MAS11 on Apr 25, 2011 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions

Not a bad idea

Jordan would certainly be worth a look depending on what else develops with the team.

by DW19 on Apr 25, 2011 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions

Which was my point. Why bother giving him a huge deal like BC has done everyone else he has brought here? If you can get him for cheap then sure but I just do not want to invest in another marginal big with a little upside as this team has had too many over the past decade.

by McGateway on Apr 27, 2011 7:41 AM EDT up reply actions