Thursday June 11 2009 - 11:08am Eastern (Toronto, ON)
ACTION: As I broke to you yesterday, Alvin Williams has been hired by the Toronto Raptors. The ink on the contract just hasn’t dried yet.
REACTION: His “title” doesn’t mean anything. So don’t get worked up about it. He’ll be doing the same things as a “consultant” on the staff as he would as a “coach”. It’s the same as Eric Hughes’ gig the last couple of years.
ACTION: Reggie Evans is the newest member of the Toronto Raptors.
REACTION (A): This move does not necessarily mean the end of Kris Humphries’ days in T.O.
REACTION (B): Reggie and Tyreke Evans (Memphis) are NOT brothers.
ACTION: The Raptors have already got a “short list” of players for their 9th pick in the June 25th Draft.
REACTION (A): Nobody (other than those in the Raptors brain trust) knows who is on that list.
REACTION (B): Don’t believe any stories out there about the Raptors making Draft-day “promises” to anyone yet.
ACTION: The Raps worked-out Ty Lawson yesterday.
REACTION: Sources say T.O. was impressed with Lawson’s overall game. While Jonny Flynn (in last week to workout) was quicker and more explosive/athletic, the Raptors love the experience and savvy Lawson possesses.
ACTION: Team Canada back on the floor this summer for a couple of exhibition tournaments and then the FIBA Americas
REACTION: Samuel Dalembert will not be on the team but there still may be NBA content to the Canadian crew (keep reading)
ACTION: Matt Bonner (as reported many, many times in the past) wants to play for Canada.
REACTION: Canada Basketball is trying to get the paperwork and legalities done in time to allow Bonner to suit-up this summer, however, Bonner and his wife are also set to welcome their first child to the world as well. Thus, there’s a chance the Red Rocket won’t play for the Canadians this year - but he could be a fixture for years to come.
ACTION: Joel Anthony wants to play for Canada again.
REACTION (A): Anthony is a free agent with the Miami Heat, so his contract status (the lack of one) may keep him from playing for Leo Rautins. If he got hurt - that would/could seriously affect his next NBA deal. But he’s still a good bet to play.
REACTION (B): Unlike previous years - when this kind of insurance didn’t really exist - Team Canada can now insure the value of the last yearly salary a player made … if he gets hurt. Example, Player A made $1 million last year playing for the Timbuktu Timber. But he’s a free agent now. In the past, if that player got hurt while playing for the Canadians … and then couldn’t get another pro deal, he was S.O.L. But now, with this new insurance, Canada Basketball can insure that player the same $1 million he made the previous season. So there’s really no reason to NOT play for Canada any longer - at least as far as finances go. Which leads me to …
ACTION: Jamaal Magloire may want to finally play for Canada.
REACTION (A): This is long overdue. I hope it happens. Apparently Canada Basketball has been in touch with Magloire and he has expressed interest in wearing the maple leaf and playing for Leo Rautins. Rumor has it that it’s closer to happening than it’s ever been. But one of the “issues” is Magloire’s contract status (free agent). However, this new insurance could alleviate that problem and Magloire could actually use his time with Team Canada to maybe showcase himself a little bit, work on his game, and possibly raise his stock in the free agent market.
REACTION (B): Word is Magloire is focusing on his game more than he ever has - working with renowned trainger Tim Grover (and folks like Dwyane Wade) this summer.
ACTION: Paul Johnson’s contract was not renewed by Raptors TV and Adnan Virk will apparently take over PJ’s role (and other duties too (possibly with Leafs TV as well)).
REACTION: It’s always tough to see a guy - a good guy - lose a gig. Johnson is a stand-up dude and he’ll be missed. I wish Virk all the best.
ACTION: DeMar DeRozan is apparently coming to Toronto next week for a “meeting” with the Raptors but he will not be working out on the floor.
REACTION: The agents are controlling too much of the Draft process these days!
ACTION: The NBA Draft is exactly 2 weeks away - on June 25.
REACTION: As I said to Jim Kelly of the Raptors yesterday, the Draft - in all leagues - needs to be pushed back until some time AFTER free agency opens. That way teams could see who they got (or didn’t get) via trade or free agency and then addresses their needs or weaknesses via the Draft. Right now, teams are “hoping” to get Player X in free agency, but not knowing if they will, they sometimes have to select similar players in the Draft — or pass on a player in the Draft that they like because they’re banking on getting a similar player in free agency. Teams can either come out of the process having too many of the same player/position … or … they can go 0 for 2 if they’re not careful. Holding the Draft a month or so after free agency opens would ease a lot of these issues.
ACTION: I’m co-hosting “The Game Plan” with Jack Armstrong today.
REACTION: At least I’m not stuck with Doug MacLean again. I’m joking! I’m joking!
Enjoy Game 4 of the Finals tonight.
E. Smith
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Hi Eric,
Good day,
It’s so sad to hear that PJ’s contract was not renewed by Raptors’ TV. I am one of his avid fan and it’s so sad to see him go. There is a sense of calmness in him and also his positive aura.
Hope he’ll find a new gig.
Cheers!
jacqui
- JACQUIEric, will you be trademarking “I’m joking! I’m joking!”, like Doug Smith’s “I keed, I keed”? ;)
Great point about flipping the draft date and free agency date. Has it always been this way, draft before free agency? Would flipping negatively impact the draft in any way?
- Pete MarasmitchHey Eric, where did you break to us that Alvin Williams was hired yesterday? There is no press release or anything on Raptors.com except for a interview clip so I’m assuming it’s not “official official” yet?
thanks
- DanielReggie Evans arrival doesn’t mean the end of Kris Humphries’ days in TO?
With the weakness of the Raptor bench last year and lack of grit everywhere, it never even crossed my mind.
I have no dount whatsoever that Evans is going to see increased playing tiem over what he had last year in Philly and may well see some starters minutes. Having Hump amd maybe O’Bryant off the bench is a good thing and gives Triana some more options.
Gotta love this brief time of year when the NBA finals, MLB and Stanley Cup finals are all on together :-) and cottage season has arrived.
- GaryEric, do you think Pat Rely coach the Cav’s next year?
- Raps FanDaniel - Eric broke the news on Twitter (@Eric__Smith).
Raps Fan - I read somewhere (Doug Smith?) that Riley would either stay as Heat president or retire — he’s not going back to the bench.
- Pete MarasmitchThanks Pete
- Raps FanI never liked Paul Johnson that much anyway..I always thought his B ball acumen was mediocre at best….and if Tyreke Evans isnt the top guy on there list if available then i dont care what Jim Kelly or Thurman Thomas or Cornelius Bennett or the rest of em thinks….if Tyreke is available at No 9 thats our guy…perfect fit for what we need,in my estimation outside of Griffin most NBA ready right now….
- Mike