2:25am Eastern
It’s certainly not a done deal (yet) but there’s growing speculation that Toronto could trade one of their two point guards at some point during the off-season. Bryan Colangelo has said that Jose Calderon will be back and TJ Ford has said he doesn’t see himself coming off the bench for somebody for 82 games.
Is that the writing on the wall right there? Maybe … maybe not. He does things that Calderon can’t. But can the two co-exist for another season when both are clearly capable of logging heavy minutes? Probably not. And Toronto probably can’t afford to lock-up $15+ million in one position either.
Thus, it SOUNDS like one will be on the move – either Ford in a deal or Calderon in a sign-and-trade. We’ll see.
Selfishly, I’d like to see both players back. As I’ve said before, they both bring pros and cons to the Raps and they play well off each other. If T.O. makes a move involving either player … their greatest strength (that 1-2 punch at the point) will be gone. And they’ll have to search for a legit back-up for whoever is staying in town (and, no, I don’t think Roko Ukic is the answer for that role … yet). Plus, they’re good guys. Period.
So let’s have a look around the league at teams that may be in the market for a PG.
Obviously, keep in mind, the situation in any of the cities on any of these teams could change in a heartbeat with a trade, free agent signing, or draft selection. Take this for what it’s worth … as of May 6th …
And keep in mind … this list is based on Ford or Calderon going to another team and being a STARTER. Neither player is looking to move on … and be somebody’s understudy!
New Jersey -Devin Harris is the future.
New York - Nate Robinson is not the long-term answer, nor is Jamal Crawford. And Stephon Marbury is a huge question mark.
Boston – Rajon Rondo has earned the right to keep his job. I was wrong about him!
Philadelphia -Unless Andre Miller’s going somewhere, Philly isn’t an option.
Cleveland - Delonte West is more of a SG than a PG.
Detroit – Chauncey Billups may be aging, but he’s still in charge.
Chicago - Kirk Hinrich. Chris Duhon. Why add another?
Milwaukee – Ford’s not going back there and I don’t see Jose in a Bucks uniform.
Indiana - Jamaal Tinsley may be on Larry Bird’s short list.
Washington – If Gilbert Arenas is back, he’ll likely be running the show.
Charlotte – Raymond Felton.
Atlanta – Mike Bibby and Acie Law. And Joe Johnson has a decent handle too.
Orlando - Jameer Nelson and Keyon Dooling (and Carlos Arroyo).
Miami - The Spanish community in Miami would love Calderon. Ford’s speed would be a good fit with Dwyane Wade and Shawn Marion (assuming he’s back with the Heat). Hmmm. Toronto could use a guy like Udonis Haslem.
Houston – Rafer Alston has earned his right to run that team.
Dallas - Jason Kidd has only one year left on his deal. But Jason Terry could play the point when Kidd is done and he has a TON left on his contract. Ford is a Texas boy though.
San Antonio – Two words: Tony Parker.
New Orleans – Two more words: Chris Paul.
Memphis – Juan Carlos Navarro. Mike Conley. Javaris Crittenton.
Utah - Deron Williams.
Denver – Would there be room for a top PG with both Iverson and ‘Melo?
Minnesota - Telfair is (should be) a back-up and Randy Foye is not a point guard.
Seattle - I’m not convinced that the Sonics are sold on either Earl Watson or Luke Ridnour.
Portland - Steve Blake and Jarrett Jack may not be THE guy for an up-and-coming Blazers team. Portland could be in the market for an upgrade.
Phoenix – Steve Nash isn’t getting any younger but there’s not a fit here; not yet.
LA Lakers – Long-term Farmar is likely not a lead guard, but look at where LA has gotten this year with him and veteran, Derek Fisher.
LA Clippers - They can’t rely on Shaun Livingston. LA needs help.
Golden State – With Baron Davis and Monta Ellis (despite their contract situations) there doesn’t seem to be a fit here.
Sacramento – I don’t see the Kings giving up on Beno Udrih.
E. Smith
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jose seems like a better fit for the raptors rather than jose. he can shoot the ball at a better consistancy, lower TO, smarter decision making, and his A/T ratio is much better compared to TJ. plus hes a european type of player so its a benefit.
- BehzadWhen Colangelo came here I bought side prime platinum seats and a Raptors shirt that says Colangelo 1.
How can anyone give Sam Mitchell the same award as Byron Scott? We are stuck with Sam. Maybe we are stuck with MeJay. We will never get the help we need up front. Colangelo is a bust. He gave us MeJay, Sam, Andrea the 2 guard. I can no longer just blame Sam. Colangelo is a bust.
- MilesI think if we we’re gonna get rid of one (which I don’t think we should do) I think TJ is the one to go.
I say this for a few reasons,
1. TJ’s style makes him prone to big hits and major injury, so he might not have many years left.
2. Calderon is an original Raptors pick, and he is beloved here.
And most importantly,
3. If you listened to their comments, Jose says “I want to win, I don’t care if I start or not”. TJ says “I see myself as a starter,I don’t see myself coming off the bench for 82 games.”
- KamalI would really push hard to get Maggette from the Clippers. If they wont take TJ, I would really consider trading Jose as much as I like him. Maggette would make the team much better and the Raps will still have TJ even though hes worse than Calderon. I would also look at trading Ford for Crawford if BC does not want to trade Jose.
- aviBefore we talk about point guards, Anthony Parker should be traded ASAP. He’s an average SG and he’s 33 years old! If we can get a good SG for Jose or TJ, I am all for it.
- BeburgIs it not conceivable that TJ could refine his game to more closely align it to what we see cb3 doing this season. They seem to have the similar skill set. Then togeher with Spa-Nash(Caderon) for 15-16 million we have point guard excellence. Not outragous given the near $70. Mil Luxury tax/Cap and prudent in case of injury as we have seen this year.
- JimboMiles,
From 27 wins two years ago to two straight playoff appearances,a division title (47 wins) and cap flexibility in the next few years. People need to calm down.A year ago all was great, people were praising him, last off season he added the best three point shooter in the league and a good player off the bench in Delfino.It’s funny,if we win 45 games this season it’s a success. The playoffs were a disapointment for sure but i like what Colangelo has done so far.And i think that next season needs to be a turning point,this off season,next trade deadline,next off season and what they do at this years draft will make or break this team for the next 5 years.
Most have such short memories.It was so bad in T.O for 4 seasons that the last two for me have been great.Not perfect but it’s only been two seasons since the turn around.A year from now(next off season) will determine if BC has set this team up for deeper playoff runs for several seasons to come.
- jeffCouldn’t agree more Jeff. People need to remember this team is still in the middle of a re-build. If and when they become an elite NBA team, it won’t be for at least a couple of years.
- Amanda FJeff-our execution sucked.
TJ Ford and Andrea were totally wasted. TJ is an amazing athelete. I would bet he is faster than Paul and maybe even a better passer but he plays his own game until it got ridicules. Sam always let TJ do whatever he wanted. He does not have the mentality to be a Paul but with his speed and passing skills he could have been great.
Calderon was brilliant when TJ was gone but the obvious poison on how TJ was allowed to behave ruined Calderon. If TJ is gone maybe Calderon can be special.
We needed a center and a rebounder yet a great young athlete like Andrea was wasted for two years on an experiment. He was a much better driver this year but it is hard for a 7 footer to drive from behind the 3. He should have been playing Rashos game until he could expand on it.
Delfino brought to Toronto as a defender becomes a three point shooter.
Humphries a beast under the net goes unused.
Kapono collected Cob webs all season.
Moon a potential dunk champion rarely dunks.
Orlando and Toronto are a joke and Orldando is a bigger joke. Their edge is two guys at 6’10″ that can play the paint and a monster in the middle but they choose to gamble on threes. I am tired of three ball. When the going got tough even Bosh started doing it. Threes open up opportunities but long jumpers and threes leave your team to random chance.
Look at the play-offs. Any guy that can shoot 40% from the three is a hero. On our team he is a bum yet we are a very mediocre team.
If the goal is getting three shooters because they are trade able for elite players then it is brilliant. If the goal is to shot bombs then we are bums.
- MilesFrankly I think our best bet is in a three way trade. I don’t know that there are very many teams who straight up would make good partners.
Also, I was listening to the Swirsky show earlier today, and am sad to hear he will be leaving as the Raptors play-by-play man. Gotta give the guy props though for knowing what’s important in life.
So Eric, do you have any interest in doing play by play? :)
- ShepI can’t see why you’d think Delonte West is more of a SG than PG. He can guard any PG in the league, he looks to dish (first), finishes well and shoots for a decent percentage when his minutes are up. I was hoping BC would make a play for his services at the deadline, (Collison or Wilcox as well).
- JoeAs for the Raps situation, I’d like to see Roko around next year – he can only develop so far in Europe. If the Raps want to see if he can play in the league, sooner is better. That being said – I think TJ would be a great fit with Miami, the Clippers of Minny. 2 starting PG’s has proven to be a more of a burden than a luxury.
hi, first time blogger – had to make a chuck comment. i am sure i am expressing similar sentiments for a large contingent of rap fans when i say how much we have appreciated hearing chuck enthuse over our team these past years over the radio and tv. he has led a stereotypical staid toronto type mentality out and forward – helping fans find their basketball personality – an identity that cannot be compared to the “suit sitters” who come to the same building to watch “hockey”. chuck you will be missed, but your impact on this fan base will forever be a part of the personality and characteristics of this city’s rap fans forever.
- Doughey miles,
I agree that certain players weren’t utilized enough or in the proper manner but that’s more on Sam not BC.
Colangelo IMO has set this team up to continue getting better in the future. We’re very deep with shooters,so now some of those shooter’s can be packaged in a trade or two.Therefor you deal from a position of strength. He can sacrifice some shooting for a secondary scoring winger or a bigger body down low to help CB4.
It’s a process.And this is far from the team we’ll see over the next seasons. Colangelo’s next 2-3 moves will position us in a more balanced fashion and i think that’s when we’ll start seeing the results.
No championship is won over night unless you trade half your team to get Garnette/Allen and that rarely happens.All i’m saying is, would you rather go back to 2005 or continue this process with a playoff team that’s only going to get better.
Some good pieces are in place but the puzzle is far from finished.Most people these days have no patience and want everything now.
- jeff