RaptorsHQ Lunchbox Links for February 7, 2012

by Adam Francis on Feb 7, 2012 1:00 PM EST in Lunchbox Links

Good afternoon all and welcome to this week's first dose of lunchbox links. Let's kick things off with some takes on last night's Raptors' loss, first from SB Nation's Bullets Forever, then from the Toronto side via RaptorsRepublic's Blake Murphy, who gives a similar take on "tanking" as I did this AM.

More important than the outcome of last night's match though?

This gif, which I've probably watched 1000 times showing Javale McGee's latest hilarious blooper.

The loss last night to Washington probably isn't going to help the Raptors in the "Power Rankings" department. Toronto came in at 26 on SB Nation's rankings, and slightly higher, 23, on ESPN.com's.

Continuing on with Raptors' news and notes, we have Bryan Colangelo talking about his recent visit to check in on last year's draft pick, Jonas Valanciunas. It sounds like he's developing nicely, essentially the opposite of former Raptor Oliver Miller's career.

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Comments

Nash

They should trade him if they can get something back for him. But when we looked at moving Jose it was hard to find a team with something to give back.

The only team I can see a fit for Steve and who can give something valuable back is Atlanta or Orlando.

Atlanta
Teague, Marvin Williams and Hinrich to Phoenix for Nash and Hill. You may be able to keep Teague out of the deal but will have to throw something else like a draft pick to the Suns to make it work.
Atlanta does this to try and break their playoff steak of ineptitude and see if the experienced Nash and Hill can’t take their core to the next level.
Phoenix does this to get Williams and a draft pick or Teague. Hinrich is a good piece but he’s no bargain at 8 million per. and he’s hurt but he is needed to make the salaries work and he’s a great team guy and not that old.

Orlando
Jameer, big baby, Q Rich and JJ for Nash and Hill and Lopez

Dwight, Anderson, Hill, JRich and Nash is a strong starting five.
Then you scrap together a bench led by Duhon, Wafer, Hedo, at 4? and Lopez.
Orlando does this trade because they are desperate to win now and keep Dwight.

Phoenix needs to rebuild. Jameer is younger than Nash, QRich younger than Hill. and JJ Big Baby are much younger and could be great pieces moving forward. Nash and Hill are older but could bring playoff experience to take Orlando to the next level. Plus Dwight and Nash could be monsters together.

Otherwise Nash wastes another year in Phoenix. I think he deserves to play on a playoff team and anyone who gets him immediately improves their teams chances; he’s that good. And if his team plays in the playoffs this year, then that’s the team I will be rooting for…..unless the Raps catch fire….

by defensive rap on Feb 7, 2012 8:13 PM EST reply actions

I’ve heard trades with the Magic to be rumored but I just cannot see it happen.

I don’t know why the Suns would want Davis, Jameer and QRICH…all of them are under contract next year and Davis has 2 more years after that at 6.3mill/year. Plus the Suns don’t get any young pieces back other than Reddick. Magic would also start Hedo over Hill, while Toronto fans hate Hedo he plays very well in Orlando. 12/4.6/3.6 and shoots the three very well. No it is not the player he use to be but its still pretty good for a third option and he is a good play maker with Dwight in the PnR. I always thought Triano did a horrible job with how he used him on offence, (not to say that he didn’t deserve to be roasted) he always used him off the ball when its clear that he needs the ball in his hands to make plays for himself and others, but thats a whole different issue.

Nash to Atl trade makes a lot of sense and I think the Salaries do match up, not sure if Phx wil do it though, they are mixing emotions and business. While it would be great to see Nash stay in Phx, he clearly needs to be somewhere else.

A starting line up of Nash, Johnson, Hill, Smith and Horford is pretty solid. Plus Hinrich is expiring so it gives Suns some flexibility.

by Shalax23 on Feb 7, 2012 10:15 PM EST up reply actions