The Raptors are zeroing in on Phoenix Suns GM Bryan Colangelo for their vacant GM job.

The Raptors have signed Bryan Colangelo away from the Phoenix Suns as President and GM.

Ooh, I want these: Charlie V., Joey G., and Jose C.

The Raptors snap a 10 game losing streak tonight in a big 108-103 victory at home over the Detroit Pistons, led by a career-high 39 points from Mike James (including 18 for 18 from the free throw line).

New Raps GM Bryan Colangelo has a big decision to make in the off-season concerning re-signing James. James is averaging 20 points per game (vs. career avg 11.8ppg; second on the team to Chris Bosh's 22.5ppg). But do you want to throw big money for a 30 year old point guard having a career year in scoring, but only 5.9 assists per game?

Raptors win! Raptors win! The draft lottery, that is.

For the first time in franchise history, the Raptors have the #1 draft pick. Alas, there's no Shaq or LeBron or Tim Duncan out there, but it does give new GM Bryan Colangelo the pick of the litter and/or the option of trading down.

Previously, the Raptors top pick was #2 (Marcus Camby, '96). Other top picks were #4 (Antawn Jamison, traded for #5 Vince Carter, '98), #4 (Chris Bosh, '04), #5 (Jonathan Bender, traded for Antonio Davis, '99), #7 (Damon Stoudamire, '95), #7 (Charlie Villenueva, '05), #8 (Raphael Araujo, '04), #9 (Tracy McGrady, '97).

Well, with the immense exception of Araujo, the Raptors have done pretty well at picking (just not at keeping). With Colangelo on board, I'm sure they'll pick well this time too.

If the Raptors are smart, they will go after LSU's Tyrus Thomas. A lot of people think he is the best player in the draft.

Congrats to the Raptors. It's about time they had some luck. Rough year.

[ May 23, 2006, 11:31 PM: Message edited by: Thomas ]

Colangelo supposedly has a "done deal" to hire Benneton Treviso GM Maurizio Gherardini as his right hand man, which has also fueled rumours in his interest in Italian 7-foot centre Andrea Bargnini (who has been 'compared to Dirk Nowitzki,' and who, Gheradini is obviously familiar with). Some local sports reporters think this may be a con job to distract others from their true interest. With cap room available and the #1 pick, Colangelo has the opportunity to put his stamp on the team from the get-go.

Well, if the Raptors do draft Italian Andrea Bargnani at #1, he will definitely make them better offensively, but it won’t fix their defensive problems. Poor defense is the reason the Raptors are floundering near the bottom of the league. The Raptors were next to last in the NBA in points allowed per game (104), ahead of only one team, the Seattle Supersonics; next to last in rebounds (beating only the Trail Blazers) and third from the bottom in blocked shots (beating only the Knicks and the Bucks). But, led by Chris Bosch (22.8 ppg) and Mike James (20.3 ppg), the Raptors are fourth in scoring, behind only The Suns, The Supersonics, and the Wizards. They take care of the ball, have a very healthy assist to turnover ratio; e.g. excellent point guard play, and they can score in bunches.

The Raptors don’t need more offense; just like the Supersonics, they are in desperate need of good defenders. Even Mike James admitted in a recent interview that the team needed to draft a “banger”, a rebounding and/or shot blocking specialist (the draftee doesn’t need to score). I think a lot of people assume that teams like the Suns and Mavs that score a lot of points are poor rebounding teams, but both are in the top ten in the league in this category, even though they do give up a lot of points. The Raptors also score a lot of points but can't rebound and can't block shots, so they don't get the second chance opportunities that the good rebounding teams get, and, they can't get defensive rebounds either. Therefore, they can't stop their opponents from scoring.

The perfect draft pick for any team is a player who is a good defender, a good rebounder, and a good scorer, but there are no Shaquille O’Neals in this draft. The closest thing is Lamarcus Aldridge, who is averaging 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. He has a reputation for being soft but, if that’s true, how did he average 10 rebounds per game? Tyrus Thomas, the best athlete in the draft, is averaging 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 3-4 blocks per game; Andrea Bargnani, which, according to analysts, is Toronto’s odds-on-favorite #1 pick, is averaging 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block per game in Euroleague play (e.g. where he is averaging 25 minutes per game). Why is Colangelo so high on Bargnani when both Aldridge and Thomas are better “scorers” and better “bangers”? Although Bargnani is bigger than Thomas, one-on-one, he wouldn’t even get a shot off because Thomas is quicker and faster from any position on the court.

People say that Bargnani is another Dirk Nowitzki, but Dirk is a proven NBA star, is polished, and is averaging 27 ppg and 9 rebounds per game; numbers Bargnani can only hope to reach five years from now if he’s lucky. I know Colangelo likes foreigners, but why choose Bargnani when it’s obvious that Aldridge and Thomas have the potential to make immediate defensive and offensive contributions?

Bargnani at #1 will certainly help the Raptors (he's a flashy and exciting player); but his presence won’t improve the team’s rebound total or defensive capability, and, as I said at the start, these are the reasons the Raptors are struggling; these are the reasons they are floundering near the bottom of the league. If Colangelo dislikes Thomas and Aldridge so much, then he can trade down and utilize that well-publicized salary cap flexibility that he keeps talking about to go out and buy a proven NBA commodity.

[ May 28, 2006, 02:55 AM: Message edited by: Thomas ]

An excellent analysis Thomas, but are there really any proven NBA commodities in this draft? The most polished player is Brandon Roye, and he's a guard -- obviously not what the Raptors need. Aldridge weighs something like 220, so he's hardly going to come into the league as a banger.

The draft is all about "Potential," so if Colangelo thinks Bargnani is a potential Nowitzki, maybe it makes sense. Obviously, none of us have seen the guy play, so it's pure speculation for us. Anyway, I'd like to see the Bulls end up with Aldridge, as further punishment for Isiah (trading that draft pick)!

Larry, what I meant was the Raptors could trade down if they don't pick Bragnani, Tyrus Thomas or LaMarcus Aldridge; pick up some role players; e.g. some bangers to improve rebounding, and then go out and buy a proven NBA star with the money they saved. But everybody is saying that they will draft Bragnani, and if they do, they won't have the financial wiggle room to acquire an active quality NBA forward/center, even if one becomes available.

Not sure they don't need a guard either. I remember reading that the Raptors' shooting guard wanted out of Toronto. I'm not surprised. Houston is one of the hottest cities in the South and Toronto is a very cold city. Plus, the guy's wife and family lives in houston. If he does leave, the Raptors will need someone to replace him. Colangelo is weird and capable of anything, so nothing he does would surprise me.

Maybe Bragnani will be a Nowitzki in time, but Colangelo doesn't strike me as the type willing to wait five years to see improvement. At least, that wasn't his MO with the Suns.

[ May 28, 2006, 11:00 PM: Message edited by: Thomas ]

Thomas, I realized that after I posted my reply. But I thought the Raptors had tons of cap room.

You mean Mike James -- point guard -- right? I've read rumors too that they might not resign him, and instead trade down in the draft and take a point guard. James is a strange case. He had a monster offensive season, but the more he runs his mouth the more of a borderline nutcase he seems.

Yeah, I meant Mike James. Sorry. Both Mike James (point guard) and Eric Williams (small forward) can void their current contracts with the Raptors in the off-season if they opt to do so, meaning that both would become unrestricted free agents and can sign with whomever they can strike the best deal with.

You are right, it is Mike James, the point guard, who wishes to return to Houston, his hometown. Seems like Raptors fans and coaches think he shoots too much and is all about self rather than team. Bosch stated publicly that the Raptors need a true point guard to distribute the ball. Colangelo also said the team needs a true point guard. Either way, James is out. And if that's the case, they will definitely need to acquire a point guard, as well as a big man. Colangelo said that the teams primary needs were point guard and center. If they draft Bargnani, they get neither. If they want both a point guard and a center this year, they will definitely need to draft one and exercise a draft/trade or use free agency with all that cap room to get the other.

Also, I made a mistake in my last post. It was Chris Bosch who said that the Raptors need to draft a "banger"; not Mike James.

Lastly, the Raptors can do a lot of things with their #1 pick: 1) they can use it in the June draft and get the best player in the draft; 2) they can trade it altogether to another team for an existing quality player; e.g. a star, and possibly a first round pick in next year's draft (e.g., if the star they acquire is a true franchise player ; 3) they can trade down and get several second tier players; 4) they can acquire a top current player and trade down. They are definitely in the driver' seat; everything else that happens in this year's draft will be determined by what the Raptors decide to do with their #1 pick.

[ May 30, 2006, 12:04 AM: Message edited by: Thomas ]

Let the deals begin: the Raptors have moved Raphael Araujo (career avg. 2.9ppg, 12.1min), their disappointing top draft pick (#8 overall) from 2004, for Kris Humphries and Robert Whaley. Humphries is a good-lookin' fella, who has some scoring ability, although he doesn't get much playing time (career avg. 3.6ppg, 11.6min).

Raptors trade the Red Rocket (Matt Bonner), Eric Williams and a future 2nd round draft pick for Rasho Nesterovic and cash.

I'm sad to see Matt Bonner go. He had such a positive attitude, was a hard worker, never complained, was a fan favorite, and was a solid 3 point shooter. Nesterovic gives the Raptors a legitimate 7-footer.

How will this affect the draft? With a veteran centre, will the Raps by-pass Bargnani, who's team, Benetton Treviso, won the Italian league championship? Will LaMarcus Aldridge be playing for the dinos?

The Raptors get their point guard, acquiring T.J. Ford from Milwaukee for Charlie Villanueva.

I'm not sure how I feel about this. Ford is a quality, lightning-quick point guard, but Charlie V. was the runner-up rookie-of-the-year, a versatile big man who I think could put up Antoine Walker-like numbers (20 ppg) in years to come. He's also very popular with the fans and a nice guy.

I think it's one of those mythical trades that could actually help both teams. Assuming Bargnani develops (OK, that may be a big assumption, but I trust Colangelo), Villaneuva was somewhat expendable, and they could sure use someone with Ford's skills.

And for the Bucks, if Mo Williams and Charley Bell live up to the promise they showed last season, TJ Ford was (somewhat) expendable. Villaneuva may someday be a fine player, but I think he's going to be erratic for a while yet.

Yeap. Larry nailed that one. The recent trades/draft moves sealed Charlie V.'s fate. The Raptors had to unload forwards; they have too many as is. And they had a shortage of guards, so they went after T.J. Ford. I watched T.J. play at the Univ. of Texas, but never watched him play with the Bucs. But James's numbers are actually better than T.J.'s., so the Raptors' are essentially exchanging offensive output at the point guard position. But, that last statement should be taken with a grain of salt since T.J. is a true point guard and will seek to involve his teammates whereas James was a selfish ass. If the Raptors hope to improve, they will need to do it on the backs of Bosh and Bargnani. Nesterovic is slow, and limited offensively and defensively (like most players from that neck of the woods). But Toronto doesn't ask much from their centers, so I guess he can take up space and set picks.

So Bargnani will definitely start next season. Why would they have him sit the bench? Toronto is excited about Bargnani and his flashy moves, and he will surely increase ticket sales.

P.S. I also like the Raptors 2nd round pick, P.J. Tucker. I suppose he will play shooting guard and/or small forward? He and T.J. will run the floor like like a couple of spine-tailed swifts, the fastest animals on earth.

[ July 02, 2006, 12:12 AM: Message edited by: Thomas ]

Looks like Toronto will definitely start T.J. Ford at point next season, now that Mike James has agreed to a four year, $25M deal with the Timberwolves. I'll bet Bosh is very happy about it; with TJ on the floor, he finally gets to play with a true point guard.

On the other hand, Kevin Garnett and the Twolves could have a problem on their hands. 1) James' natural position, the position he was born to play, is shooting guard, and, 2) James needs the ball to be effective. Since the Twolves have no point guard at all (Banks is now another dead man walking), either Mike James or draft pick Brandon Foy will get the job. Foy is a great set-up guy for this teammates, but has no outside shot, so his presence on the floor is not likely to cause Twolves opponents to stop double teaming Garnett. But they can't double team Garnett with James on the floor because he owns an excellent outside shot. So one might think that Garnett should be able to get better looks at the basket with James at point. This would be true if, and this is a big IF, James gets him the ball. James is not a true penetrate and dish kind of guy, so while his acquisition will provide perimeter offense, I'm not so sure his presence will make players around him better. In fact, there is a real possibility that Garnett's scoring average could actually drop, since he could actually get fewer touches, because James' natural mindset is to shoot first. This might not go over well in Minnesota. We'll have to see how well James and Garnett can work together.

But Bosh and Ford in Toronto is a match made in heaven.

[ July 12, 2006, 12:07 AM: Message edited by: Thomas ]

The Raptors are poised to sign Spanish forward Jorge Garbajosa and American guard Anthony Parker, who has been playing in Europe.

Well, I see the logic, the Raptors need a quality back-up point guard (I assume that Ford with start and Parker will back him?) and they need a forward to replace Villuanea, but I don't know if Parker and Garajosa fit the bill. Parker has already shown that he can't play at the NBA level (unless he's somehow gotten way better), And Garajosa? I know nothing about him, but how good could he be? I don't recall any other NBA teams seeking his services? All the European players can shoot lights out, we know that; it's the NBA's size, girth, speed, and defensive physicality that give them trouble. Anyway, I thought they drafted Tucker, also a forward. Why do the Raptors need so many forwards? Could it be that they don't have confidence in the ones they already have? I don't see either Parker or Garajosa making much of an impact, but, then again, I'm not a coach or owner. Plus, how much influence does Gherardini have in Toronto? Wouldn't it make more sense to see how Bargnani worked out before allowing him to sign more european players? At least then, you'd have some idea of his basketball acumen and his ability to gauge NBA level talent in Europe.

[ July 12, 2006, 04:35 PM: Message edited by: Thomas ]

I don't know much about Parker or Garbajosa, but Parker was the Euroleague MVP, playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv. He averaged 14.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.7 steals a game and shot 53.7 per cent from the field. Garbajosa was on the league 2nd team, playing for Unicaja Malaga (but formerly playing for Benetton Treviso, Gherardini's team).

he Raps have signed Parker in a 3-year $12 million deal... and now are working on a sign-and-trade with Philly for John Salmons (possibly a 5-year $23 million deal).

At this rate, only a handful of players will remain from last years team (Bosh, MoPete, Joey Graham and Jose Calderon... and really, only Bosh is a sure thing to reappear in a Raps uniform, as they're set to sign him to an extension).

[ July 14, 2006, 04:20 AM: Message edited by: canmark ]

I've looked at John Salmon's stats. There are decent. He's very athletic, just like Bargnani, Ford, and Tucker, so would help establish the wide open offense the Raptors want to employ next season. But, he doesn't have enough offensive weapons for a shooting guard, so I assume that he will play the small forward position in Toronto? Where does that leave Bargnani? Back-up? Not likely. So how will Salmon fit in with the Raptors? What's his role?

I should probably back track a little. Salmon could be a very good player. It's hard to measure the true talent of anyone who plays with Allen Iverson, because most just stand around a lot and watch while AI hogs the ball; e.g., they get very few touches. Averaging almost 8 pts per game on a a team with the league's most selfish player could actually be a good omen. I'll bet most players couldn't average 8 pts with AI in the line-up.

[ July 14, 2006, 06:27 PM: Message edited by: Thomas ]

The basketball beat writer for the Toronto Star has this comment about how he sees Toronto coach Mitchell handling the Raptors line-up this year.

"One thing that may make it easier for Mitchell is the team's new-found depth. If, for instance, the Raptors start Ford, Peterson, Parker, Bosh and Rasho Nesterovic, the backups of Andrea Bargnani, John Salmons, Jose Calderon, Graham, Jorge Garbajosa and P.J. Tucker are a huge improvement over a year ago."

If that's the lineup the Raptors are toying with, that means that Peterson would be moved to small forward, since neither Parker nor Ford has enough size to play that position. Or, they are setting up a three guard offense with Peterson as wingman. But either scenario relegates Bargnani to a back-up position. I don't believe that's going to happen. Why are the Raptors perfectly willing to start (sacrifice?) Parker but nursemaid Bargnani? He's a flashy and exciting player, much more so than Parker; and he's a big tough guy. Let him play. The fans will not tolerate their #1 draft pick sitting the bench. And they won't hesitate to make their feelings known.

Nesterovic is 7 ft tall but does not play like it. And he can't run very fast or jump very high. I hope he blocks enough shots to earn his keep because he's definitely the weakest link in that lineup. His presence under the basket is not going to scare anybody. But I do hope he proves me wrong.

[ July 17, 2006, 05:19 PM: Message edited by: Thomas ]

Especially since Colangelo presumably wants to turn the Raptors in the Suns - North and play a running game (why else trade a power forward for a point guard), it's hard to see how Nesterovic fits in, other than in a backup role. They're not going to make the playoffs next year anyway (not in the tough and ever-improving Western conference), so why not give Bargnani a chance to show what he can do.

Larry, a typo. The Raptors are in the Eastern conference. When you look at the Raptors chances of making the playoffs next seaosn, you have to say they are slim. The Heat will surely take the Southeast. D. Wade and Shaq will see to that. The Wizards improved leaps and bounds last season, have so far been able to protect their star players, so they should be able to duplicate last season's effort and make the playoffs again. That leaves six spots available.

Perhaps the biggest obstacle to the Raptors chances is the Central division teams. One would expect that the Pistons, Cavs, Pacers, Bulls, and Bucks will all return to the playoffs next season.

As for the Atlantic division, as long as Jefferson, Kidd, and Carter are there and healthy, the Nets will own that division, and be involved in the playoffs each year. This means that all eight play-off spots are now filled.

I think the Raptors best chance of making the playoffs will come from what the Pacers and Bucks do next season. I think both are vulnerable. The Pacers have no true center and no true point guard. What they do have is the sensational Jermaine O'Neal. They seem determined to acquire Al Harrington from the Hawks, but even though he's talented, athletic, and rebounds well, what will it profit them if they have nobody who can get him the ball? Plus they traded their best outside and three point shooter, Peja Stojkavic, to the Hornets. I do like the Austin Croshere for Marquis Daniels trade, but we saw how erratic Daniels can be in the playoffs, and, I just don't see him fitting in well with a team that runs the half-court offense; something very different from what he is used to.

The Bucks are even more vulnerbale. They traded away T. J. Ford for Toronto's ace, Charlie Villaneau. They are also reportedly determined to move Jamaal Magliore, their best rebounder and inside presence. The problem for the Bucks, and the reason they will have trouble making the playoffs again next season, is points in the paint. They averaged almost 98 ppg last season, but 75% of those points came from their guards. This kind of perimeter offense plays right into the hands of eastern teams with big, physical, perimeter defenders; e.g., the Heat, Bulls, Pistons, and Cavs.

So if Toronto is to make the play-offs next season, they will need to unseat one of those two teams. The Raptors finsihed 38 games out of first place in the East last year and 14 games out of 8th place. So, the central question is whether the recent draft and trade acquisitions add up to 14 or more wins next season. If the line-up that Canmark and TravelPat posted is accurate, I don't see how this can happen. I can understand wanting to adopt a wide open western-style offense, and I think that T.J. Ford, Bosh, Peterson, and Parker could make that happen, to some extent. But mixing in the slow and club-footed Nesterovic will slow the offense to a crawl. You'll need a microscope to find this guy on the fast break. Then, they relegated two of their most athletic and exciting players, Bargnani and Tucker, to a back-up role? The Raptors chances of making the play-offs next season were slim at best, but, with Nesterovic on the floor, they will have no chance at all. Just one man's opinion.

[ July 19, 2006, 03:46 PM: Message edited by: Thomas ]

Duh... OK, excuse the brain cramp. Yes, and I agree that they'll have little chance of making the playoffs even in the East. All the new parts will need some time to gel, Bargnani will need some time to blossom (if at all), and they'll need to figure out Colangelo's running game.

I'd put the Sixers ahead of them, as well as the teams you listed. Of course, unless Philly trades Iverson for a sack of obsolete leather NBA balls, and 6 rolls of athletic tape.

I do agree that the Raptors chance of making the play-offs next season is a small one. But I would not rank them below Philly. This might come as a surprise to many, given AI's offensive numbers last season, but the Raptors out-scored the Sixers by 140 points last year. The Raptors also led the Sixers in team assists (I know, no surprise there), and made more than 250 more three point shots than the Sixers made. They are about even in rebounding and points scored against. And the Raptors hold a 101 turnover advantage over the Sixers. So, just based on last year's stats, I would be surprised if the Sixers win more games next season than the Raptors. AI is responsible for nearly 30% of the Sixers points, and, on some nights, that number can go as high as 50%. That offense lives and dies on Allen Iverson's perimeter shot and Chris Webber's rebounding.

Also, if you consider what happened in the draft and trade meaneuvers, the Raptors beat the Sixers by a country mile. Because Philly's $85M payroll is more than $35M over the cap, and, because they were unable to package AI in a deal on draft day, they are financially restricted from doing the things they need to do to improve. They pay AI $15M/yr and Webber gets $19M/yr. Everyone else is a role player. They were so strapped for cash that they signed-and-traded John Salmons to the Raptors for a $2M trade exception and a future second round draft pick. The Sixers can't get better because, unless they find somebody to take AI's huge salary off their hands, they have don't have the cap room to go out and buy players. All they can do is re-sign last year's players or look for help in the sign-and-trade market. They're stuck in a financial rut. And even though I love Rodney Carney, I think his offensive talent will be wasted in Philly; he will probably be relegated to just another role player, like every young player who ends up in Philly.

But look what the Raptors have been able to do this off-season. They drafted well. I would have taken Aldridge or Thomas, but Bargnani is certainly a good player. Then they got T.J. Ford, John Salmons, Parker, Garbajosa, Tucker, and, (YIKES!!) Nesterovic, to go along with proven NBA stars like Bosh and Peterson. So, when you look at the off-season moves and draft choices, the Raptors come out smelling like a rose, and the Sixers are left with the same holes and challenges as last season. Nope, can't agree with you there. The Raptors will definitely win more games next year than the Sixers.

[ July 19, 2006, 10:31 PM: Message edited by: Thomas ]

Well, I agree that the Raptors are on the way up, and the Sixers are on the way down -- absolutely mired in mediocrity. It's hard to say who will win more games next year, because we don't know who/what Iverson will be traded for -- probably not equal value.

But IF he's not traded, and if he's not too pissed off about having been dangled all summer, I would still put my money on the Sixers to win more games than the Raptors.

From the reports I've read, AI will not be traded because the Sixers can't find anybody willing to take him. And the trade deadline is only a week away. I think he would agree to a sign-and-trade (he's a very proud man and wouldn't want to stay where he's not wanted) but that salary would still be a problem for any team right now; no one going to absorb 100% of it, not even for a trade exception and future draft picks, and the Sixers would almost certainly ask for multiple quality players in return for AI in a player trade. That's what killed the Sixers' AI trade deal on the day of the draft. Since they can't move Webber (he's untouchable, and, a salary cap albatross-I love that word; thanks Larry), that leaves only AI as trade bait. No one else on the Sixers current roster has real trade value.

AI has never been a true point guard; is selfish, has never grasped the concept of team, and never will. He's a lot like Koby in that regard; unwilling to sacrifice personal glory for sake of team success. I hope that one day he comes to realize what Shaq discovered two years ago: when you're chasing a chamionship, everybody has to know their roles and play unselfishly to acheive success. So far, this epiphany has eluded Allen Iverson.

As for being disgruntled, he probably has cause. After all, he is being shopped to the highhest bidder; Webber makes $3M/yr more than he does (justified in my opinon since they also ask Webber to clog the middle, rebound, set picks, and defend, something AI does at his pleasure) despite a huge scoring gap; and his best years are behind him now. I wouldn't be surprised if the current bad chemistry between Webber and Iverson spreads to the whole team. If that happens, they could soon end up next season's New York Knicks.

But since you seem to like the Sixers, and since we all deserve some happiness in our lives, I hope I'm wrong. But I, my friend, will be rooting or the Raptors next season. It will be fun to watch the emergence of a fun-and-gun wide-open Phoenix-Suns-style offense in the Eastern conference. It's long ovedue if you ask me.

[ July 19, 2006, 11:16 PM: Message edited by: Thomas ]

Looks like John Salmons has backed out of the sign-and-trade deal with the Raptors. Says he doesn't want to play for Toronto. I'm trying to make some sense of this. Did Salmon's turnabout have anything to do with the Raptors' recent signing of Parker? Was Salmons questioning his minutes, thinking he was going to be the starting SG, and then felt betrayed when the Raptors announced that Parker would start at that position? Did the harsh winter temperature have anything to do with his decision? Was he having second thoughts about the length of that contract and now wants to negotiate a shorter one? Would the Raptors even entertain a one/two year deal? And, more importantly, how is it that two owners, an agent, and a player can work a deal to mutual satisfaction, and then renege on it just hours before it is to be signed? What happened to integrity, honor, and my-word-is-bond? The Raptors got screwed, again, if you ask me, but at least Salmons, as morally bankrupt as he is (apparently), had enough honor left not to pull another Alonzo Mourning scam on the Raptors. So, I give him credit for not signing a contract he didn't really want, even if it was at the last minute.

What now for Salmons? First, he turned down the Suns 5 yr/$22M deal in favor of the Raptors 5 year/$23M deal. Then he rejected the Sixers qualifying offer. Where does that leave him? Philly says they do not want him back and will not try to resign him. I don't blame them. The Suns just signed Banks as Nash's back-up, so Salmons won't be joining the Suns either. The only thing I can think is that Salmons must have recently won a lottery somewhere, or, realized some unknown inheritance. Otherwise, I don't understand any of it. This dude might not have a job in the NBA next season? Where's his money going to come from? According to Spreewell, $4.5M/yr is insufficient support for an NBA player and his family, and since Sprewell is an honorable and financially frugal man, I have to believe him; meaning that Salmons must already be hurting financially. So why stiff the Raptors and their $4.5M/yr offer?

Can any of you guys think of a team that needs a player at that position, and, has not already expended or extended its available cap space, and, is dumb enough to take the word of Salmons and/or his agent? I can't. And what team besides the Raptors is even willing to offer Salmons a $4.5M/yr deal?

And finally, what about the Raptors? Since Salmons reneged on the deal and screwed them, what happens to Basden? They had to waive him to complete the Salmons deal. Can that waiver be rescinded? Even if another team claimed him? And what will the Raptors do with nearly $5M/yr cap space? Look for another SG? If so, who? Because there isn't any one better than Salmons in the free agent market. So unless Colangelo can work some more of his European magic, looks like the Raptors got screwed......again. Maybe this is why they're so willing to sign European players more than American players? They simply don't trust our word anymore?

[ July 22, 2006, 05:57 PM: Message edited by: Thomas ]

Salmons' maneuver sure is a puzzle. Looks like he's a fish out of water for now. I suppose the Nets could use part of their mid-level exception on him, but they seem happy to have snared Marcus Williams, and they need big men more desperately.

Thomas, I agree with you about Iverson's game, but he seems to have matured a lot, and last year even notched his career high in assists. So, in a way, I'd like to see him go to a contender, but it doesn't look like it's happening. Back when the Webber trade went down, I remember a lot of so-called experts saying it put the Sixers in contention for winning the Eastern conference. What a joke.

Larry, I don't think the Nets would take a chance on any deal with Salmons. If they do, they're crazy. This has now turned into a matter of trust. Why would the Nets take the word of Salmons or his agent? Especially now, after what they did to Toronto? They have shown the NBA, and the rest of the world, that they can't be trusted. I wouldn't even talk to Salmons or his agent if I wore a Nets shirt. I'm a traditionalist and try to live my life honorably; when I give my word, I stand by it. In order to gain my respect, others must do the same. Unless I'm missing some of the facts surrounding this debacle, I think what Salmons did to the Raptors is despicable.

About Iverson, you could be right. But the Sixers run everything through Iverson and then berate his supporting cast for shooting poorly (even tho they hardly ever get enough shots to find a rhythm) and not hustling (even tho they know that no matter how hard they hustle they will probably not be rewarded with the ultimate prize; e.g., the chance to shoot). It must be frustrating to bang, bang, bang the NBA's best big men; to play defense well enough to get a turnover and/or steal, and then hand over the ball to someone who was an onlooker in the fight. Isn't that like turning over a treasure chest to a king who did nothing more than issue the order to search for gold? I've seen this happen a lot at LSU. Shaq used to bitch something fierce about hustling for rebounds, passing the ball to one of the guards, and then never touching it again until they missed a shot. It has to be frustrating to work your ass off under the basket every night, pull splinters from your fingernails every night, tape up bruises and cuts after every game, hottub sore ribs and bones every night, and constantly suffer the pain of broken teeth and bloody noses when you know that, no matter what, you're the last option on offense. In my opinion, you must involve role players in the offense, even if they can't shoot as well as Iverson. The role players are the NBA's real Warriors. What they do is just as important and essential to winning the game as scoring. From here, I don't yet see any obvious appreciation of role players in either AI or Koby. Why do you think teammates love LeBron, Jason Kidd, D. Wade, and Steve Nash so much? I think one of the reason is that each of these players understands and appreciates their teammates contributions, even the lowly role players. I'd be willing to bet a dollar right now that this problem exists between Webber and Iverson. And until they get that fixed, and AI learns to trust his teammates, Philly will never be in another NBA final.

P.S. Where have you been, dude? Backpacking again? Missed you, buddy.

[ July 22, 2006, 07:06 PM: Message edited by: Thomas ]

Thomas, I've been here -- just didn't notice your post on the 19th.

You got to wonder about Salmons, but I bet some team picks him up anyway. Any time there's the promise of some talent, it's amazing what character flaws teams can convince themselves don't really exist. Sort of like someone in serially bad relationships -- you always think you're the one that's going to make 'em change.

What I think Iverson needs even more than shooters is rebounders. The closest he got to a title was with Mutombo, who just had to rebound and wait for Iverson to penetrate and break down the defense, then scoop up the garbage for the score. And of course, play great defense. Iverson will probably end up on the short list (Barkley, Malone, Stockton, etc.) of "best players never to win a championship."

The Raptors are now involved in a possible deal with Fred Jones, as a replacement to the John Salmons deal.

Canmark: I wouldn't hold my breath on that deal going through. I can understand why Toronto would want Fred Jones, since he's very athletic, and the Raptors want to install an uptempo offense next season, but if the Raptors really want Fred Jones, they will need to play hard ball with the Pacers to make that happen. Here's why. 1. The Pacers have huge holes at the center and point guard positions. With hope of acquiring a quality center, or at the very least a C/PF swingman, they sent their best perimeter shooter, Stojakovic to the Hornets for a 7.5M trade exception, which they hope will be enough to entice PF/C Al Harrington away from the Hawks. They bet everything on this. They even traded away PF Austin Croshere to the Mavs in return for SG/SF Marquis Daniels. With Jermaine O'Neal as the only remaining big man, they now have to get the Al Harrington deal done, or they will get pushed around under the basket like nobody's business.

Most basketball analysts believe that the Al Harrington trade is essentially a done deal....but...I'll bet the devil's in the details. The Pacers will use their $7.5M trade exception to sign Harrington, but, I'm thinking the Hawks will probably ask the Pacers for one or two players to sweeten the deal; I am assuming a sign-and-trade? The Pacers have a surplus at only one position: point guard. So, if another Pacer player is involved in this trade, their roster will be short one point guard. What does all this have to do with the Raptors acquisition of Fred Jones? EVERYTHING.

On its face, the Hawk/Pacers Al Harrington trade appears unrelated to the Pacer/Raptors Fred Jones deal, but it isn't. The Pacers are in dire need of a quality, experienced point guard, preferably one with a good outside shot. Tinsley, the Pacers starting PG, runs the offense well but does not own a consistent long range jumper. Fred Jones is a better fit for that position because his perimeter shot demands respect. Last year, Jones was their second most accurate three point shooter, behind Peja. Just about every sports analyst in Indiana considers Pacer PG Sarunas Jekevicius a failure at this position. I suppose Marquis Daniels could play point, but that would be counterproductive because he is one of the league's best big defenders, especially on the perimeter; e.g.; he held D. Wade to fewer points than any defender in the play offs. Because of Tinsley's limited range and Sarunas's ineptness, and because Daniels skills are needed elsewhere, there is no way the Pacers will part with Fred Jones. I'll bet you a dollar they match the Raptors offer, even if they offer the full $4.5M/yr they offered Salmons. The Pacers cannot afford to lose this guy.

Finally, as you know, neither the $7.5M trade exception for Al Harrington's services nor the $4-5M/yr qualifying offer for Fred Jones is prohibited by salary cap restriction. So, I think the Raptors, as active and well-intentioned as they are, will probably be disappointed yet again in their search for that illusive shooting guard.

[ July 23, 2006, 07:41 PM: Message edited by: Thomas ]

Larry, I'm curious. Are you a die-hard Sixers fan? Not that there's anything wrong with that! I ask because you're using the same argument they use. Most Philly fans believe that the blame for last year's disappointing record belongs to Webber, Iguodala (check spelling?), Korver, and Salmons. I don't believe that. Looking at the stats, Webber averaged over 20.2 ppg and 10 rebounds per game; Iguodala averaged 12.3 ppg and 6 rebounds pergame; Korver averaged 11.5 ppg and 3.3 rebounds per game; and Salmons averaged 7.5 ppg and 2.7 rebounds per game. AI averaged 33 ppg and 3.2 rebounds per game. The grunts are doing their jobs. I say let AI share in the grunt work. Why can't he charge the basket for some offensive and defensive rebounds? Why can't he get down off his high horse and join the troops in the trenches? If the Sixers need more rebounds, and they ask this of the team, they they should also demand that AI become more physical under the basket, rather than camping out on the perimeter, calling for ball, dribbling the length of the court, asking for one, two, and three picks, and then shooting the rock. Larry, it's just not right. AI reaps all the glory, and, as has been the case for years, much of that glory does not rightly belong to him. Having said that, he is one hell of a player though, even I will admit that.

[ July 23, 2006, 08:15 PM: Message edited by: Thomas ]

Sorry, moderator, for the double post.

[ July 23, 2006, 08:10 PM: Message edited by: Thomas ]

Thomas -- with regard to the Fred Jones reported signing, the Pacers just traded Anthony Johnson, so their point guard situation would seem dire. Tinsley is an injury a minute, and Jasikevecius (spelling?) doesn't seem cut out for the NBA. Seems weird. Maybe some of the players they picked up from the Mavs are earmarked for Atlanta?

As for the Sixers: No, I'm not especially a fan. I think their problem is defense. Mutombo clogged the middle; Webber is a sieve (the guy's playing on one leg, so I don't blame him, but it's the facts). Like Kobe, AI is so focused on scoring that he often doesn't apply himself to defending, except in gambling for steals. So he's hardly blameless. But being more physical under the basket? Gosh, the guy's hardly any bigger than I am, and he's been pounded into silly putty for something like 10 years. I think he realizes he's got to pace himself if he wants to keep playing the game.

I do blame Iverson for not trying to make things work when he had offensive counterparts like Stackhouse and Larry Hughes around him.

[ July 23, 2006, 08:35 PM: Message edited by: LarryC ]

As expected, Raptors sign Jorge Garbajosa.

According to Toronto Star, Fred Jones a virtual done deal.

Larry, perhaps you can explain the apparent folishness going on in the Pacers organization. If what you and Canmark reported is true, that means the Pacers now have exactly one decent point guard, Tinsley, no quality back-up PG, no quality shooting guard at all (Stephen Jackson isn't going to scare anybody, and, we know Marquis Daniels, as good a defender as he is, can't shoot the long range jumper), and nobody else in the backcourt that can consistently shoot the long range jumper either. Anthony Johnson was a good point guard even if he couldn't shot the long range jumper, yet the Pacers traded him to the Mavs for 39 year old back-up PG and bench warmer, Darrell Armstrong? From what I've read, the Pacers felt that they had to get Armstrong on board because he mentors, and, provides a calming influence on Marquis Daniels, whom they also recently acquired from the Mavs. But if they go through with both the Anthony Johnson AND Fred Jones trades, that would mean that their backcourt is without a three point specialist. What the hell are they doing in Indiana? What are they thinking? Grind it out in a stagnant half-court offense? Don' think so; they're too under-manned to do that. Where are they going with all this? I don't get it. Am I missing something here?

Even if they are successful in acquiring Al Harrington, they will still need a quality point guard to get him the ball. Absent a three point threat, how successful will the Pacers be in a half-court offense? Right now, the Pacers don't have a single player that can shoot consistently from downtown. I'm shocked they rescinded their qualifying offer to Fred Jones, and I can't help but wonder if there's something more involved in this trade than meets the eye.

On the other hand, if what you and Canmark reported is true, and I believe the pair of you, that would make it that much easier for the Raptors to grab the last playoff spot in the East, because stripped of guard play, the Pacer sure as hell won't see the playoffs any time soon. Compared to the present day under-manned Pacers, the Raptors look like world beaters. Who would you bet on? A team with lightning quick penetrating guards like Ford and Jones or the much slower and offensively-challenged duo of Tinsley and Daniels? No contest. The Raptors would win nine of ten against the Pacers, even with Harrington and O'Neal under the basket. I predict the Raptors will run the Pacers into the ground next season. Almost every team in the East is moving toward a faster, explosive offense, while the Pacers appear to setting up a boring and anachronistic half-court game they don't even have the personnel to execute properly, and worse, a style that will bore the hell out of everyone who watches them play.

P.S. between, Parker, Jones, and MoPete, I would still start MoPete, with Jones as back-up, or install a three guard offense with Ford at point and MoPete, Jones, and Bargnani as swingmen. Parker would sit the bench.

And Larry, I don't like AI. So maybe I'm being too critical? I do like CWebb (I liked the spirit and love for the game he displayed in Sacramento, and think he's been vilified in Philly and used as a scapegoat for their failure to perform as a team, when in my opinion, much of the blame rightly belongs to AI) so maybe that's why I'm so defensive of CWebb? It's not that I don't respect AI as a player. I do. I just don't think he's a good person, nor do I don't think is selfish approach to basketball is good for the game. But I certainly respect your feeling on this issue, as well as your willingness to defend your point of view. Actually, most basketball analysts agree with you.

How do I get the American Express pop-up to stop interrupting my typing?

[ July 24, 2006, 05:04 PM: Message edited by: Thomas ]

Thomas, your rant about the Pacers seems dead on to me. I think we should forward it to Larry Bird. If Anthony Johnson could torch Jason Kidd for 40 points in the playoffs, imagine what he can do to Jasikevicius and ancient Darrell Armstrong.

Also, I agree with you about Webber. I think he's been unfairly villifed everywhere he's been. I don't really understand it -- he seems like a fine fellow (other than lying about getting gifts from a booster, but hey he was a kid back then), and he doesn't use his bad knee as an excuse either.

Since I used to hate Iverson (particularly during his homophobic rap period), I find it funny than I'm in the position of defending him now! Well, stranger things have happened.

P.S., burn your American Express card.

Sorry for the rant. I love basketball, but football is the best game ever created. I'm really passionate about that. I've been watching basketball since I was knee high to a grasshopper and perched on my dad's shoulders for good viewing.

I agree with everything you posted, except the change of heart regarding AI. Of course the Raptors have positioned themselves as a contender for that last play-off spot (Indiana just shot themselves in the foot, something that started with the Foye/Roy sqeeze play). But, Larry, I still don't like AI, and anyway, Shaq is a better Rapper. What was the name of the therapist that changed your mind about AI? Perhaps I should pay him/her a visit? And even with all his baggage, I read today that the Celtics are still trying to acquire AI.

And Larry, I forgot something. John Salmons career is not over, not as long as the benevolent basketabll financier, Isiah Thomas, has a finger in the trade market.

Billy King just announced that he’s not trading Iverson. Translation: we were shopping him like hell, but we couldn’t get a decent offer. No matter what one thinks of AI, Billy should be wondering how his franchise player is going to feel when he has to come back next season – doesn’t exactly inspire someone to play hard.

I’ve never had the “pleasure” of hearing 40 Bars, so I can’t comment on Iverson’s rapping ability. Every celebrity is a rap star in their own mind… god help us!

By the way, Salmons just got picked up by the Kings ($25m for 5 years). Told ya! Everyone’s a sucker when they think there’s talent there.

Raptors sign P.J. Tucker.

So now we find out the real reason Salmons stiffed the Raptors. I'll bet you a dollar that deal with the Kings was on the table when he pulled that stunt on the Raptors. I will never understand the lack of self-respect and honor in the game of basketball. And, for what it's worth, I think the Kings over-paid Salmons. He wasn't worth the $4.5M the Raptors were prepared to pay him.

And Larry, exactly what does this mean for Bonzi Wells? Is he out now? If so, who gets him?

[ July 26, 2006, 10:57 PM: Message edited by: Thomas ]

The Raptors makeover continues. The longest-standing Raptor Alvin Williams (and his wonky knee) is released... and they sign Uros Slokar, a second round draft pick from 2005.