RaptorsHQ Lunchbox Links for February 1, 2012

Yes, it was effective against the lowly Nets. But it’s not a solution for every match-up as we saw last night vs. the Hawks. Would be nice to see him anticipate things a bit better.

At the same time, I’m not hating on any strategy that lets the Raps pile up the losses.

I’m fascinated by the lack of parity in the NBA. The Raptors’ winning percentage would have had them dead last in the NHL or in Major League Baseball – which is hardly a league noted for parity – but in the NBA they’re tied for sixth worst. There are four teams playing under .200. How do these teams still have any fans at all?

Courtesy of Hoopsworld and a January 31st article titled “Who is Available in a Trade?”

Jose Calderon/Leandro Barbosa: The Raptors are shopping. They’d like to pick up another draft pick or two, but the real need is at Small Forward.

Sources close to the process say the Raptors plan to make life hard on the Denver Nuggets with regards to restricted free agent Wilson Chandler. Wilson is waiting for his clearance from China after dominating in the CBA.

Sources say that Jose Calderon and Leandro Barbosa could be moved to land a traded player exception or smaller assets to swap with Denver in a sign and trade.

The Nuggets say they will re-sign Wilson, but with the dollars committed to Nene, Arron Afflalo and now Danilo Gallinari – Toronto may put a number on the table via a sign and trade offer that makes re-signing Chandler in Denver tough.

Denver holds the power as Wilson is a restricted free agent, but Toronto has eyes for Wilson and seems willing to pony up the dollars. They’d still need a deal, but once one team puts a crazy number on the table that’s how prices get set.

A starting small forward still sits at the top of the Raptor’s wish list, and it seems Calderon and LB are the chips they will cash to get one, so keep that in mind as other names start to shake loose.