Time for a facelift?

Given that Jonas will be here next season and probably play about 15 – 20 MPG the Raptors are probably pretty well set for next season at the #4 and #5 All young and there is above average NBA talent in that group of four.

The Raptors need a NBA level starting SF big time. Kleiza may or may never regain the form due to his injury, that enabled him to become the leading scorer in the EuroLeague in 2009-10 even though is well under 30.

James Johnson most likely will never have a NBA game on offense.

So Kidd-Gilchrist or Harrison Barnes could probably step right into the starting slot at SF next season if the Raptors draft either one.

So far DeRozan is having a massive problem adjusting to being the #1 option on offense in the starting unit. Bargnani’s return should enable DeRozan to step up his game as the #2 scoring option in the starting unit and hopefully continue to improve

Jose and a healthy Bayless are not a bad PG pair. Bayless will be a restricted FA come next summer. I think what the Raptors due with Bayless might be connected to what they do with Babosa and how DeMar finishes out the season.

If Barbosa is not resigned after the season or traded before the deadline, which I doubt, the Raptors will lose one of their two scorers in the second unit. If Bayless also goes then the Raptors will have to find a replacement for both of them either in a combo guard that can score and defend or in a traditional PG and SG.

It will as always be interesting to watch the Raptors player transactions this season and over the summer.

I know he’s streaky. I know he can be selfish at times. I know he pretends to be Kobe sometimes. As I admit this, I can’t help to think about, “Who else can bring a bench game like Barbosa right now?” And that answer is no one. Raps need Barbosa to bring that extra scoring threat off the bench, especially with their current bench. People will laugh Butler out of the building, Bayless is a turnover machine, Magloire is not an offensive threat, and Kleiza is readjusting. Raps need that extra scorer, regardless who it is. He may not be efficient, but he gets the job done.

Also, he likes his position on the bench. I seen interviews (not recently though) where Barbosa is content on his position on the team right now. Not a lot of egotistical NBA players would be happy on the bench, but I am glad Barbosa at least understands his role. Raps need that scoring threat when the bench is on the floor.

I think Barbosa should be signed to a one-year contract. Therefore, Raps can evaluate him with the new roster next year, and see if they still want to keep him.

But I say, TRADE FOR DRAFT PICKS!

We don’t need Kleiza if Raps are getting a SF in the draft, so get something out of him. Gray/Magloire and Butler might yield us something. My point is, we have a lot of money and a lot of rental players. Let’s get something long term! This one of the deepest drafts, and we are in a a great position right now!

There have been a lot of rumors that Devin Harris may be on the block. Personally, I like Harris, but his game just doesn’t fit Utah’s flex offense very well.

He is a driver & transition guy, who is more of a scorer than a passer.

He is really trying very hard to change his game this season to fit in with the Jazz, but his on court performance has suffered for it, a change to a team that could better utilize his talents would do him well.

Off the court he is a great guy & does a lot for the community.

He is a little younger than Calderon, actually gets paid a little less, and they both have 2 year deals, so this could be a decent straight up trade for both teams.

Raptors would get a former all-star, that given the right system can make a lot of good things happen.

Jazz would get a pass first PG, who if nothing else could be a solid place holder until we ultimately find our PG of the future to go along with our young core (Favors, Kanter, Hayward & Burks).