Thursday July 10 2008 - 11:55pm Eastern
The crazy day is behind us.
That was wild … Matt Devlin announced; Jermaine O’Neal introduced; and Jose Calderon re-introduced.
Nothing like dominating the headlines for a day (even though the front page of the Sports section in the Sun, Star, and Post opted to feature the CFL and Maple Leaf prospects running around at a farm).
And the news should continue for the Raptors over the next couple of days … with the expected move of Roko Ukic to T.O. (after the Olympic Qualifier (and possibly … the Olympics)) and the official unveiling of Nathan Jawai and Hassan Adams at the Las Vegas Summer League. Neither one of those players is going to have a press conference hosted by the Raps, but I’m sure you’ll be seeing/hearing from them in the papers, on the net (like here!) and on radio and TV in the coming days and weeks.
The Vegas Summer League starts on Saturday with assistant Eric Hughes running the show for Toronto. But Sam Mitchell and his coaching staff will be in Sin City as well … keeping a close eye on the action.
The Raptors have a few roster spots open right now … so the Summer League could be a chance for guys like John Lucas, Rod Benson, or others to strut their stuff and maybe earn a contract on the big club.
Assuming Primoz Brezec and Carlos Delfino (free agents) are elsewhere next season, Toronto’s roster sits at 12 right now (including Ukic). There are rumblings that T.O. may only add one more body and not carry a full 15-man roster. But you’ve got to assume that they’ll add at least one more player and go with 13. If that’s the case, the Summer League could prove to be very important … unless the Raps dip into the free agent market with the little (VERY little) amount of money they have to spend.
Let’s see how it all shakes out.
E. Smith
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What does this being pressed up against the luxary tax mean as far as in season trades go. Will it have a bad effect on that as well? I am starting to be of the mind that MLSE needs to pay the tax if need be. Think of it this way. They will recover the tax in extra playoff revenue if it is a move that improves the team in a meaningful way.
- James BorbathThe Luxury Tax is a 2 edged sword. Rap’s will rec $4 mill
- Johnn19from the NBA from being under the level in 07/08. If they are over they lose that benefit, and pay the tax as well. Not going to happen !!!
I thought Delfino had a very good end to the year. He defends fairly well and can handle the point in an emergency. Why does it seem that there is no interest in bringing him back?
- Chris - KitchenerI understand it is not going to happen but my point was that it perhaps SHOULD and why it should.
- James Borbath1. Bosh
2. Jose
3. O’Neal
4. Parker
5. Bargnani
6. Kapono
7. Moon
8. Humphries
9. Graham
10. Ukic
11. Jawai
12. Adams
Is this correct?
- Beburg aka The relief pitcherChris I know his numbers are very deceiving and it seems as if he played well but if you look back at his numbers over all the games he is full if highs and lows. So one night he goes off for 20 and shoots the ball well and others he goes 1-9 and kills us. I think the impression I got this year is we are shortening up the rotation. With out signing him we already have Kapono who has a slightly over exaggerated deal and Moon at that very efficient deal so Adams will be asked to fill in that slasher roll that we need for some energy off the bench. I am sure Delfino wouldn’t want to resign for less then 3 or 4 mill and we are getting ever so close to the lux tax. That and we also still have AP so I think our team will benefit from the shorter rotation people will know there roll and adjust accordingly. I hate the college system were Sam just brings in players and no on knows there roll and whether or not they will start from one game to the next. This gives players some stability and hopefully some better results will come of it.
- StephenWill never understand why in the middle of summer, the papers will elect to cover a bunch of Leafs prospects (not exactly a team with a lot of young hot shots waiting to bust out) instead of a big impact move by the raps. seems like the hockey pucks are working on year round job security.
- LTHockey does drive the ratings though LT. But you know I hear ya loud and clear
- E. SmithBeburg … yes … that list is correct
- E. SmithChris - I think the thing with Delfino is that the Raps are trying to tighten up the rotation this year, and he’s the one left on the outside looking in. Moon is cheap and has upside; Parker has started every game for two straight years (well, he missed a handful in year one); and Kapono is the best 3-point shooter in the league and last year’s big free agent signing so they’re not giving up on him. I guess Delfino becomes somewhat expendable
- E. SmithDelfino wouldn’t be expendible if he was consistent.
- Andrewany chance of interest in shaun livingstone now that the clippers have released him,,hes been hurt so mayb wont cost a lot to pick him up as a backup guard?
- dagwoodThere’s no way Livingston can ever be 100% again in my opinion. That knee must be so messed up.
- Andrew