Friday June 26 2009 – 10:18pm Eastern (Toronto, ON)

I’ve had a number of emails come in about this …

Some fans have sent me a link to a thread on REAL GM regarding some supposed “rumors” involving the Raptors and last night’s draft.

Here’s the thread:

http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=918981

* I NEVER SAID *ANY* OF THAT.  I NEVER REPORTED *ANY* OF THAT INFORMATION *

I was blogging/chatting through the NBA Draft last night – with Paul Jones – on the Fan 590 and Sportsnet.  Check that chat … none of that information was written/reported.

Earlier today … I was at the ACC for the DeMar DeRozan press conference at 12:30pm … and then I headed directly to the Fan 590 to host “The Game Plan” with Jack Armstrong from 2pm-4pm.

I did not post a blog on www.fan590.com today.

I did not post a blog on www.raptors.com today.

I didn’t “report” *ANY* of the information in that Real GM thread – ever – at any point.  Not even on Twitter.  Not even in a personal conversation.

The info in that thread was never reported by me!

I would ask that the moderators of Real GM immediately delete that thread and flag the person that posted those bogus comments.

And to the person that posted this erroneous info – using my name and my reputation:

I’d ask you to not only grow up and show some maturity, but also refrain from ever posing as me or misrepresenting (MAKING UP) any of my comments in the future.  Legal action will be taken if necessary.

Again, the information in this thread (  http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=918981 ) was never reported by me – ever – on the radio, TV, internet, or personal conversations.

It’s 100% B.S.

E. Smith

Thursday June 25 2009 – 11:30am Eastern (Toronto, ON)

Our first live chat was a HUGE success on Tuesday, so we’re doing it again.

Check back in 30 minutes for our live, interactive chat.

Go to http://www.fan590.com/blogs/ to take part!

Thanks

E. Smith

Wednesday June 24 2009 – 2:40pm Eastern (Toronto, ON)

In case you missed it yesterday, I hosted my first-ever “live chat” on this website.

Thanks to all of you that stuck around from 4:00pm – 5:20pm on Tuesday … to take part in the session.

We’re going to do another chat tomorrow (Thursday) from 12:00pm – 1:00pm, and then BOTH Jonesy and I will be online on Thursday evening – during the NBA Draft – to answer some questions and comments as well.  We’ll probably get online around 6:30pm or so.

In the meantime, while you’re trying to digest how the Spurs stole Richard Jefferson from the Bucks, and why Minnesota gave up on a young talent like Randy Foye … check out the play by play of yesterday’s NBA Draft Preview chat.  If you’ve got questions or comments about the Raptors floating around in your head, chances are I answered them yesterday.

Here ya go:

NBA Draft Preview

E. Smith

Tuesday June 23 2009 – 8:56am Eastern (Toronto, ON)

As I mentioned yesterday … I’m going to attempt to do a Live Chat today. 

Check back at 4:00pm.  We’ll do it for an hour

Thanks

E. Smith

Monday June 22 2009 – 12:35pm Eastern (Toronto, ON)

IN AND OUT

No, I’m not talking about the burger joint in the U.S. (but if you do get a chance to visit this fine establishment – do so!) …

Here’s who the Raptors SHOULD realistically have a shot at on Thursday … and who is most-certainly out of the picture for Bryan Colangelo and company …

IN:
DeMar DeRozan
Jonny Flynn
Gerald Henderson
James Johnson
Earl Clark
Jordan Hill?

OUT:
Blake Griffin
Hasheem Thabeet
Ricky Rubio
James Harden
Tyreke Evans
Stephen Curry

PLUG 1

Raptors NBA TV will air their 2008-2009 Season in Review show tonight at 8:00pm.  Be sure to check it out (not just ’cause I’m a part of it).  You can see a preview of what’s coming, here:   http://www.nba.com/raptors/video/2009/06/22/SIR1090622.raptors/index.html

PLUG 2

I’ll be hosting “The Game Plan” later today with Jack Armstrong.  We’ll be on the FAN 590 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm

LOOKING BACK

I’m hoping that Bryan Colangelo can uncover another gem at #9 this year – like he has done in previous seasons (with Phoenix) when he landed Shawn Marion and Amare Stoudemire (in separate years, obviously) with that same #9 slot.

But the Draft always brings it’s fair share of duds too, and Toronto is no exception to that rule.  Check out some of the forgettable names from the Raptors’ draft history:

1999 – Aleksandar Radojevic – 12th overall
2000 – DeeAndre Hulett – 46th overall
2001 – Michael Bradley – 17th overall (good guy – but you’d want more from a mid-1st-round pick)
2002 – Kareem Rush – 20th overall (who was turned into Chris Jefferies.  Who?  Exactly.)
2003 – Remon Van de Hare – 52nd overall
2004 – Rafael Araujo – 8th overall
2004 – Albert Miralles – 39th overall
2005 – Uros Slokar – 58th overall
2006 – PJ Tucker – 35th overall

Obviously, Radojevic and Araujo stand out as the BIGGEST gaffes.  But I included the 2nd round selections as well … because of the fact that the Raptors have never really had a 2nd round pick make a serious impact on this team.  Tucker was barely used.  And we’ll see what becomes of Nathan Jawai.  Otherwise, you’d have to go back to year 1 and uncover Jimmy King to find a second round pick that played any significant minutes — and that was on an expansion team, so does that really count?!

One of these years, the Raps have to get a steal in the 2nd round (but unless they make a trade or buy a pick, Toronto won’t have a chance to do so this year – ’cause they don’t currently own a 2nd round pick in 2009).

LIVE CHAT COMING?

If we can get things ironed-out in time (and if my wife doesn’t go into labour), we’ll try to do a LIVE CHAT on Fan590.com tomorrow around 3:00pm.  Stay tuned for confirmation.

E. Smith 

Friday June 19 2009 – 8:50am Eastern (Toronto, ON)

I know … it’s been a few days since I last checked in.  Sorry.  Life has been getting in the way.  As we approach next Thursday’s NBA Draft though, I promise to try to be more diligent in posting more blogs – and we’re going to do something new as well:  host at least 1 (if not 2 or more) LIVE Chats. 

In the meantime, I thought I’d bring myself back from my mini hiatus with the Mock Draft that Jonesy and I did on the “HOOPS” show last night.

Warning:  This mock was based on (in no particular order) things like … gut, opinion, info from scouts and sources, our impressions of teams’ needs, rumblings around the league, other mocks and info that are out there, and so on.  There was nothing scientific or “guarantee-able” about this – or any other – mock.  Plus, we made our selections based on there being no trades … and we all know there’s got to be at least a couple of deals, right?!

Jonesy played the role of GM for teams 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13.  I was the GM for teams 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14.

Here we go …

1. Blake Griffin (CLIPPERS) – No brainer.

2. Hasheem Thabeet (GRIZZLIES) – You can never have enough size and shot-blocking … especially in the West. 

3. James Harden (THUNDER) – Another young stud for this team-of-the-future.

4. Ricky Rubio (KINGS) – From Spain to SACRAMENTO?  Culture shock for Ricky … legit PG for the Kings.

5. Jordan Hill (WIZARDS) – Big body with a big upside.

6. Tyreke Evans (TIMBERWOLVES) – Nice compliment on the wing to an existing core of Jefferson, Love, and Foye.

7. Stephen Curry (WARRIORS) – Would fit in nicely to Golden State’s run-and-gun, fill-it-up offense.

8. Jrue Holiday (KNICKS) – New York’s PG of the future?  Or a depth SG?  Either way, he’s a scorer NY can use.

9. DeMar DeRozan (RAPTORS) – Athleticism, length, and a lot of untapped potential still.  The wing T.O. is dyin’ for?

10. Jonny Flynn (BUCKS) – Sessions could be going and is Ridnour the answer?  Flynn seems like the perfect pick.

11. Brandon Jennings (NETS) – From Europe to the NBA, Jennings will have a good mentor in Rod Thorn (and D. Harris).

12. Gerald Henderson (BOBCATS) – Reminds me of Shane Battier – on and off the floor.  Larry Brown should love him.

13. Earl Clark (PACERS) – More length and versatility for an Indy team that could/should make some noise next year.

14. Ty Lawson (SUNS) – A true leader.  He can learn the ropes – at least for a year – under 1 of the best … Steve Nash.

Enjoy your weekend folks.  Happy Father’s Day to all of the Dads that are celebrating out there!  And remember to check back next week for our LIVE CHAT … probably on Tuesday or Wednesday. 

E. Smith 

           The Toronto Raptors announced Tuesday they have extended a qualifying offer to restricted free agent guard-forward Carlos Delfino. Per team policy, financial details were not disclosed.

            In accordance with the league’s collective bargaining agreement, in order for a team to retain its rights of first refusal with respect to a restricted free agent it must tender the player a qualifying offer prior to June 30. A restricted free agent may sign an offer sheet with any team, but is subject to a right of first refusal in favour of the NBA team for which the player last played.

            Delfino played last season in Russia with BC Khimky Moscow in the Russia-A Superleague. He averaged 10.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 23.2 minutes in 26 games. He had a season-high 25 points against Krasnoyarsk. He also appeared in 10 Eurocup outings, averaging 13.0 points and 3.6 rebounds in 27 minutes. He scored in double figures in eight games with a high of 19 points against Benetton.  

            The Raptors acquired Delfino from the Detroit Pistons on June 15, 2007 in exchange for a second-round pick in 2009 and 2010. He appeared in all 82 games in his lone season with the Raptors (2007-08), averaging 9.0 points and 4.4 rebounds. He set career highs in points (738), rebounds (359), three-point field goals made (40) and attempted (123), free throws made (116) and attempted (156) and minutes (1928). He paced the reserves in scoring a team-best 31 times and scored in double figures a career-high 32 times, with five games of 20 or more points.

            A first-round pick by Detroit (25th overall) in 2003, Delfino has averaged 5.8 points and 3.0 rebounds in 282 regular season NBA games. He also played four seasons in Italy, two with Reggio Calabria (2000-02) and two with Skipper Bologna (2002-04). He has won an Olympic gold medal (2004) and a bronze medal (2008) as a member of the Argentina National Team.

Tuesday June 16 2009 – 4:15pm Eastern (Toronto, ON)

I had a chance to speak to Reggie Evans about 90 minutes ago on the FAN 590 (while co-hosting “The Game Plan” with Jack Armstrong) and he’s got me jacked-up about seeing him in a Raptor uniform next season.

Listen to the interview and tell me – as a fan – that you’re not feelin’ some good vibes for Reggie right now:

[audio:http://qml.quiettouch.com/files/radio/fan590/hotaudio/ReggieEvans-GP-20090616.mp3]

E. Smith

Tuesday June 16 2009 – 9:55am Eastern (Toronto, ON)

The pre-draft workouts will continue today at the ACC with the following prospects in town to strut their stuff for the Raptors:

Toney Douglas – Guard – 6’1 – Florida State
Greg Gamble – Guard – 6’3 – Buffalo
Gerald Henderson – Forward – 6’4 – Duke
Jerel McNeal – Forward – 6’3 – Marquette
B.J. Mullen – Centre – 7’0 – Ohio State
Aron Baynes – Centre – 6’10 – Washington State

Interesting to see Henderson in for a second workout with Toronto.  He’s been getting rave reviews for his high basketball IQ, maturity, experience (from a major program), and defensive skills.  Keep an eye on this one.

Also, interesting that the Raps are bringing in two more guards.  Flynn, Lawson, Holiday … have all been through T.O. in a year where the team has hosted very few workouts.  Does that “mean” anything?  I really don’t know.  It’s not like the Raps haven’t been bringing in wings and big men too, it just seems like the number of point guards has been fairly noticeable.

EVANS IN TOWN

Reggie Evans – acquired from Philadelphia last week (for Jason Kapono) – will be in Toronto today for his physical.

He will meet with the media at 3:00pm, and Jack Armstrong and I are hoping to have him on “The Game Plan” before or after his press conference.

Jack and I are on the air together from 2:00pm – 4:00pm today.

E. Smith

Monday June 15 2009 – 12:17pm Eastern (Toronto, ON)

We give a lot (A LOT) of love to the Juniors in hockey, so why not highlight our young men in BASKETBALL too. 

Check out the following release for some big news for Canada’s Junior Men’s Basketball Team: 

———-

DOUAI, France – Canada’s Junior Men finished in first place at the 23rd Annual Mondial Juniors de Basket, one of Europe’s premier basketball tournaments. Canada had two big wins over France and Puerto Rico, following a loss to Australia on the first day. A strong win Sunday over Lithuania coupled with the U.S. win over host team France, guaranteed the title for the red and white.

“Our guys really played hard throughout the tournament,” said Greg Francis, Head Coach for the Junior Men’s National Team and the National Elite Development Academy (NEDA). “This is such a great win for our team and the experience of playing tough countries outside our zone will go a long way in helping our guys prepare for the FIBA World Championship next month.”

Along with the first-place hardware, Canadian forward Kelly Olynyk also earned two trophies — for All-Star forward and tournament MVP. The Kamloops, B.C., native also plays under Francis as a member of Canada Basketball’s NEDA program.

After a tough 92-83 loss on Saturday to the U.S., Canada came out and conquered as the team beat Lithuania 86-78 to close out the event. With a 3-2 record overall, Canada won the championship of this prestigious European event that has in the past seen the likes of Tony Parker, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Luol Deng and Andrei Kirilenko to name a few.

Canada 86 Lithuania 78

It was a rainy Sunday morning as Canada’s Junior National Team hopefuls suited up to play the Lithuanian Junior National Team. On this, the final day of the tournament, Canada was in second place with a 2-2 record (along with Australia, Puerto Rico and Lithuania), France was leading at 3-1, while the U.S. sat in last place with a 1-3 record.

St. Bruno, Que., guard Laurent Rivard led the Canadians against Lithuania with 20 points, followed by NEDA’s Olynyk (17 points, 7 rebounds, and four assists), Ty Nurse (15 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists) and Mike Allison (11 points, 6 rebounds). Lithuania’s shooting expert Gediminas Orelikas led all scorers with 22 points, adding five rebounds and one assist, while 2010 NBA draft lottery prospect Donatas Motiejunas was held to only nine points.

The Lithuanians began the match with an 8-0 run, but Canada pulled back to within four, 14-10, after a pair of threes by the Robs (Dewar & Gagliardi). Forward Mike Allison’s three-pointer over top of Motiejunas brought the game to 23-19 with less than two minutes remaining, but missed rebounds on both ends of the court by Canada allowed Lithuania to finish the quarter strong 28-19.

The second quarter belonged to Canada’s Rivard who gathered two steals, a deuce and a trey, tying the game with 7:30 remaining. Canada’s adjustments on the boards changed the flow of the game in their favour. Lithuania’s Motiejunas had to sit after collecting three early fouls.

Two rebounds by Dewar and buckets by Rivard and Nurse gave Canada the lead (36-35) for the first time in the game with three minutes remaining. A dunk by Olynyk followed by Dewar’s block and a Rivard bucket had the entire team off the bench cheering as the Canadians pulled away 42-35. After a timeout, Nurse scored a triple and Olynyk followed with a high-flying dunk to end the quarter 28-9, with Canada up ten (47-37).

Canada opened the third with two buckets and block by Dewar to take it to 51-39. Nurse followed with a steal and easy layup by Olynyk. Although Motiejunas answered with a deuce, he saw limited time in the third.

With five minutes remaining Lithuania pulled to within seven (55-48), due to strong efforts by centre Tautvydas Slezas. Canada’s Rivard continued to command the floor with a three-pointer and a bucket, and the Canadians led 62-53 at the end of the third quarter.

Olynyk hit a deuce to start the fourth, but Lithuania answered with two buckets of their own. Canada then responded with two three-pointers by guards Nurse and Simon Bibeau, followed by an and-1 by Allison to take it to 75-60 with seven minutes left. Litunania’s Orelikas continued his shooting show (2nd place in the three-point shootout) to bring the game to 82-69. Despite a full-court press by Lithuania, Canada held on to win 86-78.