Raptors' Weems Takes Talents to Lithuania - The HQ Talks to His Agent About the Decision
by Adam Francis on Jul 27, 2011 9:00 AM EDT
in Feature Stories
Email
PrintThe HQ talks to Roger Montgomery, the agent for Sonny Weems, on his client's decision to play overseas instead of rolling the dice on an NBA season...
As the NBA's lock-out became more and more of a reality this off-season, we began to hear rumours about various players playing abroad.
Kobe Bryant, Amar's Stoudemire, Dwight Howard...
But would any really take the plunge?
It's one thing for a superstar to mull the options of collecting a pay-cheque outside the NBA, but the reality is that for many players, especially young ones who are still trying to break through in the L, a trek to Europe has to be seen as a viable option if they want to continue their growth and development.
No, it's not the NBA, but playing in Europe offers the next highest level of competition and a great chance for role players in the league to perhaps get the jump on some of their peers this season.
Players like Sasha Vujacic, Timofey Mozgov, and Nenad Krstic, all players already familiar with overseas play, all made commitments to return to that side of the pond for next season for as long as the lock-out continued.
But it was the Toronto Raptors' own Sonny Weems who became the first NBA player to sign a contract with an overseas' club, without an option to return to the league once the work stoppage concludes. A few weeks ago Hoopsworld broke the new that Weems was close to signing a deal and sure enough, recently it was announced that he had signed a one-year deal with Zalgiris Kaunas of Lithuania.
The experience could be a major boost for the former Razorback, who struggled last year with back issues. It will also allow him to follow in the footsteps of another West Memphis High grad, all time Euro-league leading scorer, Marcus Brown.
As we continue our look this week at Toronto's own free agents, we thought we'd reach out to Sonny's agent, Roger Montgomery, to get further insight on Weems' decision:
1. RaptorsHQ: First off, can you talk to us a bit about the process you went through with Sonny in terms of deciding whether or not to play overseas next year? What are thoughts on the team's coaching change and did that factor into the decision?
Roger Montgomery: The process started in Earnest towards the end of the regular season.. I started to look at a few teams in Europe to gauge interest , and once I identified a few possible fits I did more due diligence and stayed in close contact with the NBPA about the lockout status.
The coaching change though didn't have much influence on our decision.. I liked Jay, and I love Casey. I'm not dissing Jay, I just personally know Casey! So either way was cool.
2. RHQ: Were there teams other than Zalgiris Kaunas that were interested in Sonny and if so, what were the key points that attracted you most to Zalgiris?
RM: Yes, there were other teams, but Zalgiris stood out. It's kinda hard to describe so I will just say that Zalgiris just fit. It was like I just knew that this was the best total package for Sonny!
3. RHQ: What sort of role does Zalgiris envision Sonny playing for them? Will he be starting?
RM: Sonny, will play a significant role for Zalgiris. They will expect him to play hard, play team ball, and help them win. Just like any other team. He won't be a savior! They are a good team, already in the middle of the pack, and Sonny should be able to help them get to the top of the pack!
4. Speaking with assistant coach Eric Hughes after the season, he noted that the back injury that Sonny battled with, really derailed what started out as a very good season. Did you think that was the case and how did you think Sonny's season went overall?
RM: E. Hughes was correct in that assessment. He was having a breakout year and the back injury certainly set him back...no pun Intended. Overall his season was average because the team didn't fare well, and he missed a good portion due to the aforementioned injury..
5. RHQ: How hard was it for Sonny to head overseas, knowing his relationship with DeMar and Amir, and did he talk to them prior to making the decision? And finally looking past this coming season, does Sonny want to stay in Toronto?
RM: I don't think it was hard because he isn't actually in Europe yet. But I'm sure it will be a challenge when he is there and he sees DeMar and Amir playing on TV etc. But he knows our goal, so it's worth the sacrifice. They will always be boys. DeMar had some knowledge of the potential of Sonny going to Europe, although I'm not sure if Amir knew.
I know it's hard for us not to do (focus on the future) but WE, Sonny and myself, have made a pledge to only focus on Zalgiris and this season. Europe will be an adjustment, and I want him totally focused on winning, getting better in the half court, being a lockdown defender, and his three-point shot. If, I mean WHEN, he does that, he will have his CHOICE of where to play in the future!
A big thanks to Roger for his take on the situation and hopefully we'll get a chance to check in with Sonny as his European adventure unfolds this coming season.
65 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Interesting But I Think Weems Agent Is Dreaming
Zalgaris was the best team in Lithuania last season and one of the better teams in Europe.
Weems is s shoot only guy. I don’t see his style fitting in with the European style of play at all.
I would be amazed if he played more than 10 – 15 mpg and averaged over 5 – 7 ppg.
JMO
By the way this is interesting.
Canadian offensive lineman Matt O’Donnell, a second-round choice (15th overall) in the 2011 CFL draft by the Riders, signed Tuesday with the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals. O’Donnell, 6-foot-10 and 340 pounds, didn’t report to the Riders’ training camp and reportedly had workouts with the NBA’s Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors.
If the starting small forward of last season’s Toronto Raptors can’t get more than 10 -15 minutes a game on a team in the freaking Lithuanian league … that tells you all you need to know about the Toronto Raptors.
Solid point MAS.
Plus it’s hard to imagine Team Weems deciding on Zalgaris if they didn’t think he’d have a solid role with the club. If Weems plays his way out of the rotation that’s one thing, but you have to think he’s starting off in a pretty good spot.
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
by Adam Francis on Jul 27, 2011 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Not a solid point at all
Weems was not a star on the NBA in general or in the Raptors in particular and there are several “middle of the pack” (hence so far better players than Weems) NBA players who would not be successful in Europe, especially at Weems position.
Right, but there are also countless examples of fringe NBAers who’ve excelled in Europe so not being a factor in one league doesn’t automatically make you useless in another. And vice versa.
I think it will really come down to Weems’ style of play since the successful fringe NBAers like Trajan Langdon and Anthony Parker were great shooters and passers. Weems is neither so I do think it will be interesting to see how he does.
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
by Adam Francis on Jul 27, 2011 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Brandon Jennings Never Got Off The Bench In Europe
Its not like Zalgaris is some crummy team.
Weems doesn’t pass enough to get big minutes in European basketball.
JMO
Brandon Jennings was also 18 years old at the time……
by MAS11 on Jul 27, 2011 1:06 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
BJ Was Better At 18 Then Weems is Now or Ever Will Be
If BJ had entered the NBA draft a large number of scouts had him going #1 in the draft and for sure in the top two or three.
Weems can’t carry BJ’s water bottle. JMO
As you all can see I don’t think much of Weems game as well as personal financial habits.
Just not a Weems fan and never will be unless he can show me a reason to be which I doubt.
Felix Wright Had To Take Weems To Court To Get His Money Back From Weems
As Maclean’s reported last year, Weems quietly took advantage of a lucrative but little-known enterprise: companies that loan wads of cash to elite college athletes, on the condition that the money be repaid (with interest) as soon as the client inks a pro contract. In his case, the lender was Felix Wright, a one-time Hamilton Tiger-Cat who went on to play nine seasons in the NFL before dabbling in the financial services industry. Back in 2008, after a standout senior season at the University of Arkansas, Weems and Wright signed a contract of their own: a cash loan worth US$23,500 (at eight per cent interest) plus the use of a Ford Taurus—"all of which," according to court documents, "was to be repaid and returned respectively when the said defendant was selected as a draft pick on a National Basketball Association team."
That didn’t happen. After draft day, Weems reneged, forcing Felix Wright to file lawsuits on both sides of the border to recoup his dough. Only now, three full seasons into his NBA career, has Weems settled the account. "He made $900,000 last year," says Morton Adelson, Wright’s Toronto lawyer. "Why he didn’t deal with this sooner, I don’t know."
http://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=1116134
Never cared much for people who are not financially responsible and require a lawsuit to get them to pay money back that they owe.
ITs also possible that Weems may have been sold on the loan by being told he would only have to pay it back if he signed as a 1st round pick. Let’s face it that deal that circumvents NCAA rules isn’t meant for guys who the lender doesn’t believe will be drafted in the first round (the best chance he gets to make his money back). Weems was drafted in the 2nd round and didn’t pull in nearly the money he did if he was a first rounder. Remember he has to pay his agent part of the money he signed for and then he has family et al to take care of too. It wouldn’t surprise me if he needed a few years to come up with that money. Not that any of that is excuse but there are an number of reason outside of selfishness or greed that a lawsuit was required to recover the money including deception when he was loaned the money.
ITs also possible that Weems may have been sold on the loan by being told he would only have to pay it back if he signed as a 1st round pick.
Interesting observation though I have no idea why Weems agent must less Weems himself would have thought he would be a first round pick. Yea he played pretty good for Arkansas and won the dunk contest but clearly being drafted 39th he was at best considered a late 1st round pick.
Weems made $442.114 in his rookie season plus any endorsement money he may have earned.
It seems awful odd that he couldn’t take $23,500 of that about 5% of his income maybe half of what a lot people give in charitable donations and pay back the loan.
Kind of hard to defend that with a straight face.
+1 To Franchise
Didn’t Franchise just mention some random guy (Marcus Brown) from Weems’ highschool, who I don’t believe (don’t know for sure, correct me if I’m wrong) ever played in the NBA, was the all-time scoring leader of the Euroleague?? Look, its not even worth debating. The Euroleagues are no where near the NBA in terms of talent level and sophistication of basketball play. Is some decent basketball played there? Sure. Is it anywhere near the NBA? Absolutely not.
“The Euroleagues are no where near the NBA in terms of talent level and sophistication of basketball play.”
This statement doesn’t add up. The NBA has the superior athleticism, no doubt and more size at all positions. However, I think you would find a lot of European teams running quite sophisticated systems. The lower talent level (there are few athletic freaks like LeBron or Howard), is the exact reason why the play has to be more sophisticated.
How have non-North American teams like Argentina, Greece and Spain beaten Team USA in international ball? It was not with their crazy cross-over dribbles and it was not with their dominating athleticism. It was with their discipline, planning, execution, team-play and sophistication.
I'm going to
ignore the fact that International ball (Worlds/Olympics) is not Euroleague for now. But I would like to mention that those non-NA teams are filled with NBA players.
since 1992 (when NBA players were allowed in international play) the US has only not won gold in either the Olympics or the World Championships three times, 2002, 2004, 2006. (they also won a bronze in 1998 but they also had no NBA players on that team, due to the lock out, but they did coincidentally have Trajan Langdon……)
1992 – 8 and 0
1994 – 8 and 0
1996 – 8 and 0
1998 – 7 – 2 (bronze) – no NBA players
2000 – 8 and 0
2002 – 6 and 3 (6th)
2004 – 5 – 3 (bronze)
2006 – 8-1 (bronze)
2008 – 8-0
2010 – 9 – 0
so in what will be 20 years, the US has had a combined record of 75 – 9 (89% win record) 69-7 with NBA players (91% win record) They had a poor 2 year span (which account for all their losses except one while fielding NBA players), and then literally rebuilt their system, approach and commitment, and proceeded to go 25-1 since.
The basketball systems in the Euroleague may be just as ‘sophisticated’ (depending on the broad definition of the word, and I think the way you are using is significantly different than how Mas is) as the NBA… but I the Euroleague sucks compared to the NBA. Thats why the best players in the world end up playing in the NBA. The rest (and a handful that can occasionally get better contracts) play in Euroleague.
by Not so Friendly Stranger on Jul 27, 2011 11:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Remember Oct 16, 2005? See My Post Below
and Maccabi T-A is even better today.
The Raptors were 27 – 55 that season.
indeed
so a couple of wins (team beat LA to correct) over the course of 30 years makes things more comparable? In preseason games where the Euroleague team has nothing to lose but everything to gain?
by Not so Friendly Stranger on Jul 28, 2011 7:08 AM EDT up reply actions
In All Seriousness ISTM
That the top teams in the EuroLeague could beat the lottery teams in the NBA in a seven games series more often then they would lose to them.
“The basketball systems in the Euroleague may be just as ‘sophisticated’ (depending on the broad definition of the word, and I think the way you are using is significantly different than how Mas is) as the NBA… but I the Euroleague sucks compared to the NBA.”
I essentially agree with this point. I wouldn’t say “sucks” in comparison, but I’d compare it to the English Premiership vs. the English Championship (the next league down). There is absolutely no doubt that top team in the Premier league (Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool) would completely dominate the championship. The only games they would lose would probably be due to boredom. However, when you look at the top Championship teams and compare them to the bottom Premiership teams the level is not so far off.
If I had to bet on a match between the LA Galaxy or New York Red Bulls vs. Wigan or Norwich City, I would probably go for the EPL squad, but it would be a close call.
To carry the comparison one step further, if Wigan/Norwich won the game it would most likely have done so by physically overpowering their MLS opposition (using mostly white europeans if that matters to people).
So is your point here that Euroleague players are better basketball players, but the NBA players are just better athletes and bigger? If so that’s utter nonsense.
+1
A couple of points… In the most recent worlds, the USA team, affectionately reffered to as the “C” team as they arguably did not have their 1st string or even 2nd string players, that started Lamar Odum at centre for Christ’s sake walked through the worlds like a hot knife through butter.
Regarding DW19’s sophistication points, I’m going to ignore the entire African Americans use athleticism and size (as the league is at least 90% black) and European players use their superior intelligence and sophistication as this is ridiculous and I have no doubt this is now what you intended (but how one could read it)…
However, lets face facts, unlike their European counter parts (that often struggle even making payroll, just ask Carols Delfino) the NBA employs a multitude of statisticians, scouts, advanced scouts, player development teams, each team has like 10 associate/assistant coaches. The coaches are more experienced with top leavel talent and competition. The Euroleague teams just don’t have these resources. Also, the games that I have watched in the Euroleague are not as sophisticated and dynamic in terms of play calling and shemes. So yes, the NBA has by FAR the better athletes, they are also by FAR better skill wise and in terms of sophistication of play.
Maybe, it’s just my experience watching Sam Mithchell and Jay Triano’s play calling recently, but I feel like Ettore Messina or Dave Blatt could come up with equally sophisticated and effective game plans.
The level of strategy required and fostered by the sophistication of metrics and scouting employed in the NBA and the precision and standard to which it is executed by the best Basketball players in the world is miles ahead of the Euroleague.
You are making the pretty surprising assumption that Europeans do not use sophisticated metrics or scouting. They use them in other sports like football (their version), why wouldn’t they use them in basketball?
Of course they use them in football! Football is the unquestioned number one sport in Europe. The revenue and therefore resources in European footbal dwarf that of Euroleague basketball. I would fall off my chair if the Euroleague employed advanced metrics, scouts, player development etc. to the same level that the NBA does. It’s simply an issue of resources. As I said above, teams struggle to pay their players for Pete’s sake. I’m not talking about the 15th man not getting paid or paid on time, I’m talking about Marchus Brown, the all time Euroleague scorer!!
“You don’t win sometimes in some countries — I’m not naming a country — you don’t get paid or your money is late. That’s just the way it is.” – Marcus Brown http://hoopdrive.com/2011/07/23/617/
I find it hard to believe that a league that has teams that are delinquent in paying their marquee players has the resources that the NBA does to employe advanced metrics, scouting and development.
The EuroLeague Most Popular & Prevelant Adv Stats Are
Player Ranking and Efficiency.
However, like all adv stats they have their shortcomings.
At this time I do not if the EuroLeague teams themselves use any other advanced stats in addition to Player Ranking and Efficiency.
More research is needed in this area to determine that.
Basketball is the national sport of Lithuania so your broad strokes are completely opinion based. How many Euroleague games have you watched to make such a ridiculous statement that the coaching and scouting are so superior over here? MLS is inferior in talent to Premiership Soccer but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any good scouts, coaches or General Managers.
Are you seriously trying to argue that the revenue and resources in Euroleague basketball are anywhere near football in Europe?? Because that’s what we were discussiong here. Go ahead, explain to me how the resources of teams in Europe related to scouting are on par with their NBA counterparts. I defy you to explain to me how the number of advanced scouts etc. statistitians and resrouces in general are equal to the NBA in Euroleague. You can’t because they aren’t. As for coaching, if it isn’t superior why did Messina, widely though of as the best coach outside of the NBA took an assistant job just to crack into the league? I would suspect because he wanted a challange and wanted to coach in the best league in the world.
As for your MLS parallel, no doubt there are probably some good scouts, coaches etc. working in the MLS. However, if they wre the BEST scouts, coaches etc., they would be working in the Premier league!
“As for coaching, if it isn’t superior why did Messina, widely though of as the best coach outside of the NBA took an assistant job just to crack into the league?”
Two reasons I can think of would be:
Number one and most importantly, Parochialism would preclude him from consideration as a head coach and secondly, he may want/need to polish his English (I have no idea how good it is) and adapt to North American culture.
@ Not So Friendly Stranger
but I the Euroleague sucks compared to the NBA. Thats why the best players in the world end up playing in the NBA. The rest (and a handful that can occasionally get better contracts) play in Euroleague.
You’re trying to compare apples with oranges. True, the best players in the world play in the NBA, and Team USA will almost always have their way in a world championships, but is it any surprise USA had to make changes by the early 00’s? Colangelo made the right choice when he went with Mike Krzyzewski because he understood it was the US that had to adapt, not the other way around.
i noted that changes were made:
“and then literally rebuilt their system, approach and commitment, and proceeded to go 25-1 since”
how am i comparing apples to oranges?
by Not so Friendly Stranger on Aug 2, 2011 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions
I admit I only glanced at that part of your post and just figured you meant the US could no longer put in the same kind of effort as playing pickup games with the rest of the world.
Btw, I recorded a couple of Team USA’s games during the 1998 world ch. That team was fun to watch if you were aware of their story before the games started. They were nothing more than role players without a single star player (believe me Trajan never got off the bench) who were criticized for being scabs and ridiculed for not being the Dream Team. To Tomjanovich’s credit, the team medaled because he emphasized team play. They couldn’t have won any other way.
Well...
Let’s face it. Sonny had a terrible season last year and lost his starting position because of it. If Sonny learned/learns nothing, then he won’t get more than 10-15 minutes because the Lithuanian team won’t put up with his act.
If Sonny truly works on his defense and involving his teammates, then this sojourn to Europe will bring him a nice NBA paycheck next year (assuming the lockout doesn’t wipe out two years). However say something is one thing but actually doing it is another.
(assuming the lockout doesn’t wipe out two years)
Shudder.
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
by Adam Francis on Jul 27, 2011 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I know you have been waiting for this interview for some time. So that should be good practice should the lockout be extended...
'....as a child, I dreamt of being a baseball.'
No kidding.
In fact just got off the phone with Dorsey’s agent.
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
by Adam Francis on Jul 27, 2011 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Ever thought about starting your own version of punk'd,.. purely as a way of surviving the lockout...?
Hi Mr. Dorsey? I’m from Molotov Goose Vodka in Albania, we would like you to play in our Mountain league….
'....as a child, I dreamt of being a baseball.'
if any brightside
that would be not 1, not 2 years that Lebron does not win championship.
Piculiar to many posters here
That players are branded in a certain mould and there is no belief or quarter given that they could improve. Kleiza, Bargnani, Weems, Barbosa, Ajincia, Calderon, Johnson are apparently incapable improving. Wouldn’t want to be your son or daughter if they didn’t meet your expectations. Just throw in the towel.
Improvement
Every player can improve on your list. But seriously, Barbosa and Calderon are both good players offensively and average to poor defensively. They always will be. They probably will not improve a lot.
Kleiza is a bit of a question mark because he was injured and we have to see if he can comeback strong.
Bargs is a whole topic unto himself, but let’s just say he can improve and we hope Casey can get more out of him.
Weems is gone to Europe. He has potential but he needs to add maturity and defence to his game.
JJ is loaded with potential.
Amir is doing great and is still young.
Ed Davis and DD are perhaps the most upside players we have.
Bayless has lots of potential if he can add a bit of polish.
And no, I don’t see Ajinca improving.
I think most of these assessments are shared by many on this site. We are optimisitc, but don’t get mad at fans who doubt Bargs commitment to defence and team offence, or that Ajinca will ever be a serviceable centre in the NBA. These are just fans who watch, read, study and have an intelligent opinion.
by defensive rap on Jul 27, 2011 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions
I Agree That Most Can Improve
especially in their one on one defense and team defense.
IMO Some players still have some upside on offense. Some more than others. I think Davis has the most upside on offense of all the Raptors. I can definitely see him some day putting up Bosh like numbers in ppg and rpg, no doubt.
I am just not all that confident that he will do it while wearing a Raptors uniform.
Amir can develop more of any offensive game. I can see him peaking at around 15 -17 ppg and 8 – 9 rpg but based upon a per minute basis it won’t be much better than last season before he got hurt.
I don’t know much upside there is for DeRozan on offense unless he can develop an effective and efficient three point shot. Without that I don’t ever see him averaging 20 ppg. With it I think he could get as high as 20 – 22 ppg or maybe a bit higher. I can’t see him being up in the 25+ ppg game range even if develops a three point shot.
I don’t see much more in scoring per 36 minutes from Bayless then what he did last season as a starter. I do think he can improve his running of the team significantly making a lot better decisions with the ball more often then he showed last season.
I have no opinion at this time on JJ upside except to say that unless he can improve his mid-range and long-range shooting IMO he will destined to be a bench rotation player.
I don’t see any improvement in the future in Bargnani or Calderon’s offensive skills though I do think that Barganani could average more ppg than he did last season but I don’t see him getting consistently more efficient on offense.
Kleiza – No comment
Barbosa – He used to be a lot better three point shooter before he was injured two seasons ago. I don’t know if he will ever be able to regain that better three point shooting ability or not.
That just about covers it except I do also think that JV will become more effective as a scorer against NBA level players as his body continues to get stronger.
+1
I think that is a pretty fair ‘Assessment in a Nutshell’ of the Raps roster’s potential for improvement. I’d agree that it is also pretty optimistic. It is a shame that so much focus is put on Bargs, but understandable when there is so little else positive to focus on.
Walker McKenna
by Robert Archibald on Jul 28, 2011 7:19 AM EDT up reply actions
I Did Not Want to Go Back To the McKechnie Thread For This
Eric Smith Interview
Be forewarned McKechnie talks about the impact of demographics (He uses the term) with regard to this job.
Interesting interview. McKechnie gets very technical in his discussion of what he does and will be doing with the Raptors
I think some people here are being a little hard on Weems. There’s criticism here that Weems won’t have a heavy impact because of his one-dimensional game, but was Parker so different? Sure, he’s better defensively, but he doesn’t quite have the speed or leaping ability that Weems does. I’m not saying Weems will be as dominant as Parker in Europe, but he should be a fairly important contributor, in my opinion.
Raptors first in NBA to lose to Maccabi in 27 years
A lot a people slam Euro Basketball as being so bad. I would love to see the current Raptors squad go up against Maccabi T-A.
I wonder if the current Raptors team could beat Maccabi? Last season Maccabi finished second in the the EuroLeague Championship losing to Panathinaikos for the EuroLeague championship
http://www.eurobasket.com/Euroleague/basketball.asp
I am sure long time Raptors fans remember this game.
Updated: October 16, 2005, 7:51 PM ET
Raptors first in NBA to lose to Maccabi in 27 years
Associated Press
TORONTO — Maccabi Tel Aviv beat an NBA team for the first time in 27 years, topping the Toronto Raptors 105-103 on Sunday on Anthony Parker’s jumper with 0.8 seconds left.
Maccabi, the winner of 45 of 51 Israeli titles and three of the last five Euroleague championships, had lost nine straight exhibition games against NBA teams since beating the then-champion Washington Bullets in 1978.
“This is history,” Maccabi center Yaniv Green said. “They are still talking about [Maccabi’s win over the Bullets] and I’m sure 20 years from now, they will still be talking about this one.”
Parker, who played in the NBA for Philadelphia and Orlando, had 24 points, and Nikola Vujcic added 21 points and 10 rebounds. Chris Bosh had 27 points and 12 rebounds in 45 minutes for Toronto, and Jalen Rose had 18 points in 41 minutes.
cont on link
Great Article
Was it just me or Roger a bit of a joker. He seemed more informal than what I expected from an NBA agent.
My take on the Weems situation is a little different. This season was not going to be great in the NBA for Weems. Weems needs PT if he wants to show that last year was a product of back injuries. If the NBA looses loads of games, or the entire season; Weems wouldn’t have much time to prove himself and earn a UFA contract. Even his place on the Raps works against him. At SF he now has JJ and Kleiza in front of him. Beyond that, I don’t think SF is really Weems’ best position-I’m sure the advanced stats guys can give evidence to show this.
At SG, Weems will have DeRozan and Barbosa ahead of him. Barbosa is the key piece for me here. Although Weems’ best position is SG by far, there is no chance he gets PT ahead of Barbosa. Leandro is a vet and a known quantity, and a perfect piece to move at the trade deadline. He will be getting PT no matter what to ensure his value. That leaves Weems as the third option at both positions he plays, unlikely to get much PT, in his last year with a team owning his rights. He becomes a wasted asset for both himself and the Raps.
Instead, he goes to Europe, plays (just because Budahfan says he will play 10-15 MPG, why did everyone suddenly believe this?) and gets paid in Europe, in a season where he might otherwise do neither in North America. Weems has a chance to improve in areas he most needs to improve in order to be useful in the NBA. He should be able to use his athleticism to improve his D in Europe. He will be able to learn about playing in a rigid, likely half court system. He will still get plenty of opportunity to shoot the ball because when he is on, this will be how he will help a Lithuanian team win.
The Raps also have a very close eye in Europe (thanks mainly to the much loathed Maurizio) and can keep an eye on Sonny’s development. I am sure the GM of Zalgris would call up Maurizio, the might even know each other, to get a full scouting report on Sonny before he signed him. Sure I am not backing this theory up with any links, but it seems just as likely to me as anything.
Best case scenario, after a shortened next season, after a year of living and working abroad, Sonny comes back a more mature man with a more developed game. Leandro will be gone and there is a wide open spot for Sonny to back up his buddy. We use our pick to draft a stud SF. Big Jonas continues his development (and has some familiar team mates in Kleiza and Weems) and is solid enough to push Bargs into a 6th man role. Bayless plays solidly enough, with his D and toughness reminding fans of A-Dub’s steady yet unspectacular play being well matched with new coach Casey persona of the team. None of this scenario takes into consideration any trades (Barbosa, JJ, Bargnani, Jose) that BC or his new GM might be able to pull off.
Bayless – Calderon
DeRozan – Weems
Barnes – Kleiza
Davis – Johnson
Valanciunas – Bargnani
Not a bad team; young, athletic, skilled and potentially very sound defensively. For all the negativity that has been getting spewed around here after a few miserable seasons, we are starting to see the fruits that a few good drafts can start to bear. I wouldn’t mind seeing Sonny come back after a year in Europe and contribute in a small way to this team’s turnaround.
Walker McKenna
by Robert Archibald on Jul 28, 2011 8:10 AM EDT reply actions
I Doubt Weems Will Improve Much In Europe
In fact I would be a surprised if his stay in Europe is even considered a success.
European basketball is all about team play not chucking up shots.
The good teams like Zalgaris all have a number of guys that contribute to their offense. I just don’t see Weems fitting in over there. He will go over their will the big American ego of we are better then you and will most likely wind up getting frozen out one way or another.
Does anyone here seriously think that Weems would be considered a “team player”. Do you think that he will actually take the time to learn to speak any Lithuanian even rudimentary?
Lithuania is a small country and the basketball world over in Lithuania is even smaller. I think that there is more to this than meets the eye and his signing was not just about him but maybe involved some favors being paid back or to come.
I hope I am wrong because I would never wish bad on any player, well almost none. LOL
We shall see
I doubt that Davis will start ahead of Amir as much as the majority of Raptors fans want it to happen.
Unless DeRozan can show significant improvement next season in his defense I expect he could be traded after next season.
JMO
Barnes? My educated guess is that Adonis Thomas will wind up being a better all around team player and winner than Barnes. Keep a close eye on both in 2011-12. Thomas plays for Memphis.
Thomas moves to the head of the Class of 2011
The basketball recruiting class of 2011 lacks the sort of big men and big scorers necessary to make it truly exceptional.
If it is to produce any players who can have the sort of transformative effect on a team that we saw in recent years from Chris Paul or Kevin Durant or John Wall, some players must – either suddenly or gradually — turn breathtaking potential into extraordinary production.
Adonis Thomas’ mix of size and skill has people comparing him to some all-time greats.
That’s why Sporting News’ list of the top 10 recruits the 2011 class might look different than some others. Because the best of this group almost certainly is yet to come:
1. Adonis Thomas, 6-5 SF, Melrose (Memphis). No player in the class has as much potential to impact the game in the long term as Thomas, who possesses the kind of size and athleticism at his position that evokes such stars as Vince Carter, Grant Hill and, dare we say, Michael Jordan
Thomas is not as highly rated by others because he has not been statistically overwhelming at the high school level.
His high school team, his AAU team and the U.S. junior national team all won major championships with Thomas willing to fill whatever role was necessary. Eventually, he will embrace that it means him becoming a superstar.
He made a step in that direction with the Memphis Magic squad this summer, frequently dominating at the Super 64.
"It was a whole new team with only one returning guy, so I had to lead," Thomas said. "I know I’ll still have to gain some more weight, work on my outside shot … I’ve got to get more accurate."
2. Anthony Davis, 6-10 PF, Perspectives Charter (Chicago).
3. Austin Rivers, 6-4 SG, Winter Park (Fla.).
4. Quincy Miller, 6-9 SF, Westchester Academy (High Point, N.C.).
5. Michael Gilchrist, 6-6 SF, St. Patrick (Elizabeth, N.J).
6. James McAdoo, 6-8 PF, Norfolk Christian.
7. Marquis Teague, 6-3 PG, Pike High, Indianapolis.
8. Brad Beal, 6-3 SG, Chaminade College Prep, St. Louis.
9. Wayne Blackshear, 6-5 SG, Morgan Park, Chicago.
10. Quinn Cook, 6-0 PG, Oak Hill Academy, Mouth of Wilson, Va.
Always good to see draft lists that have a lot of PG’s and SF’s at the top for next year. Means good things for the Raps.
by dhackett1565 on Jul 28, 2011 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
You Can Find Some Video of Him On The Net
Here is some more about him this time from ESPN’s By Paul Biancardi ESPN Recruiting
Coach Josh Pastner and Memphis have done it again by keeping elite prospect Adonis Thomas (Memphis, Tenn./Melrose) at home to play his college ball. However, it took a little help from fellow local talent and Memphis alum Penny Hardaway, who put together a video directed at Thomas, during the Tigers’ Midnight Madness.
“It did impact my decision,” said Thomas, who chose Memphis over Tennessee, Florida, Arkansas and UCLA. (Boo)
“It was a privilege to listen to Penny Hardaway talk about what the city of Memphis and the University of Memphis meant to him.”
For the second year in a row, Josh Pastner has landed the top prospect from Tennessee.
Through sheer work ethic Thomas has taken his game from a well-regarded, undersized 4 man with an outstanding motor to the No. 9-ranked player in the country. He is one of the top students at his high school with a 4.0 GPA and embodies the attributes of a true student-athlete. Thomas is the kind of player college coaches love to work with. He is motivated to succeed in the classroom, comes from a winning program and understands the dedication it takes to be an elite-level player. He is a worker with an infectious positive attitude and will have an immediate impact as a freshman. “Adonis has an insatiable desire to improve both on and off the court,” Melrose coach Jermaine Johnson said. “He is never satisfied and is a great leader, as well as a selfless person.”
Add him to Amir and JV two current Raptors with a similar attitude toward the game and you have a nice threesome that could one day bring a NBA championship to T-Dot. LOL
more on link
some short video of him. Note it is from Nov 2009
wow compared to vince grant hill and even mj
sounds like this kid should be the number 1 pick in the draft he he turns out to be as good as theses guys are saying he ll be
I Don't Know About That At This Time
However, it will be interesting to see how 2011-12 plays out in the NCAA. Lot of talent there this year. Without a NBA season plenty of time to bone up on who’s who in the NCAA and how their season is unfolding.
Should be lots of fun watching.
re: Weems and Calderon
It sounds like Sonny and his agent are looking at this as a development opportunity. Hopefully he takes advantage of it. I have my doubts whether there will be a spot in Toronto waiting for him. On the roster, perhaps. In the rotation, that is up for debate.
The Raptors have had Sonny for two seasons, and that has likely been enough to form an opinion on him. They’ve also seen how he stacks up first hand amongst Demar and James Johnson. In the end, I can see them reserving any extra wing minutes for a draft pick OR a signing a player that is better at spacing the floor. The backup wing positions seems like a prime opportunity to slot in a more established player, to balance out the inexperience of having two rookies on the team the year after next. The resigning of Barbosa can’t be ruled out either.
The list of free agents isn’t extensive, as per the earlier RaptorsHQ articles. However, the possibility does exist that players could be cut as per an Salary Cap Amnesty provision, similar to the last CBA (ie each team can cut one player and have their salary not count towards the salary cap, although it is still paid out) In that scenario, the Raptors could sign a released veteran who at this time is still under contract.
On a different note, I hope like heck that Jose Calderon has a personal trainer and has a plan to keep himself fit outside of Spanish national team duties. If there is a delayed training camp he needs to arrive in optimal shape. Anything less will put him in danger of incurring the kind of injury that lingers throughout the year, and we’ve seen the kind of effect that has on his game in general, and defense in particular. I would say the same for Barbosa as well, since his speed is such an important part of his game.
practice makes perfect
Good for Sonny……he needs the practice.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Raptors HQ
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sport
- Days of NBA Lives: Wherein Patrick Patterson wants urine test prep
- Video: Please enjoy Jeremy Evans, dunk contestant
- Jeremy Lin finds himself a nice hotel to stay in, complete with a BLT bar
- Video: The Chinese Basketball Association’s All-Star game has the worst highlights ever
- Jeremy Lin scores his second straight Sports Illustrated cover, joining some lofty company
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
