Monday July 13 2009 - 6:50pm Eastern (Toronto, ON)
It’s been a while folks … sorry. Life gets in the way sometimes - as does a lack of basketball news and topics. After a flurry of activity last week, things slowed down a bit over the course of the weekend. This is the “off-season” anyway … so do I have to be posting every day?
I’ll try to be more diligent going forward. I mean, during the season I post EVERY day and if I looked back at the past 365 days, I would probably guess that I blogged on at least 350 of them!
Anyway, after a 3-day “rest” I’m back with 5 RANDOM RAPTOR THOUGHTS …
1 - For those that don’t think the Raptors are a better team right now, give your head a shake. They added grit, attitude and decent D with Reggie Evans. They trimmed payroll / cap space for next year. They added a couple of players with “championship experience”. They landed one of the biggest free agents on the market. They drafted a young, athletic kid that can jump out of the gym. They’ve got a core locked-in for at least 3-4 years in Calderon, DeRozan, Bargnani, and Turkoglu. And they may be getting “better” with the possible additions of Carlos Delfino and/or Rasho Nesterovic and/or Jarrett Jack. If that’s not better, than I don’t know what is.
2 - For those dumping on Delfino … While he may not be Michael Jordan (not even the Turkish Michael Jordan (joke)), he’s a solid player that should help Toronto quite a bit this year. If he signs, he’ll help improve the D, he’s decent on the glass, he can handle the point in a pinch if need-be, he has good range from distance, and he doesn’t mind putting his head down and getting to the hoop as well. What’s wrong with that?
3 - Yes, I agree, it’s all “talk” right now. It’s all on paper. We have to wait and see what this team actually does ON THE FLOOR and if they live up to the hype or not.
4 - If J. Jack signs (let alone Rasho and or Delfino), I don’t know what more you can do to convince Bosh to stay in Toronto. Bryan Colangelo has tried to fill almost every void he had on this team in some way/shape/form (rebounding, toughness, attitude, athleticism). Plus, Jack is a close friend and former college teammate. Add that all up (combined with a healthy amount of wins) and CB4 should be a very happy camper. Getting Turkoglu alone was good enough in some folks’ eyes but adding all of the other pieces and trying to shore-up the depth is even better. Hopefully Bosh sees that.
5 - Even if Bosh doesn’t see that (and I’m sure he does) it may simply be more beneficial - financially - for him to stay in Toronto anyway. With the cap going down in the NBA, Bosh and others like Dwyane Wade and LeBron James may be better served re-signing with the Raps to maximize his earning potential NOW … before the new CBA and contract numbers come in at the end of next year … let alone the economic impact of a potential labour war in 2010/2011 as well. Sign now for more reasons than one!
I’ll take a look at more RANDOM THOUGHTS tomorrow or Wednesday … or I’ll weigh-in on some of the other moves around the NBA.
Maybe I can dust off another VLOG at some point too.
And remember you can always follow me on Twitter too at www.twitter.com/Eric__Smith
Take care folks
E. Smith
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The Raps are well positioned now, with a few more tweaks to come, to either sign CB4 to a max contract (which I do not feel he is worthy of, but the market dictates otherwise), or do a sign and trade to net us some nice assets. It is a win/win for the Raps either way.
- Brian GersteinGreat blog
- Raps Fan5 GREAT RANDOM RAPTOR THOUGHTS E.
- TomGfromBramptonI would be shocked if Bosh did NOT sign long term with Toronto.
However, I completely agree with Mr. Gerstein regarding whether or not CB actually deserves to be a max player (no way in my mind).
CB would be crazy to sign a lower $ contract with another team, be deemed a team saviour, and then have to deal with the pressure of performing like a max player.
Toronto teams have a MASSIVE history of signing non-superstar players to superstar-paying contracts — with fans then suffering through years of poor performances.
The most classic example:
VERNON WELLS.
Unless the Raps can find a true, ball-handling star to create shots (Is Hedo that guy?), I doubt Bosh can lead this team to playoff success.
- brentoAssuming Jack signs Brento, having two playmakers like Jack and Calderon isn’t enough? Let alone a point-forward that handles the ball SO well, like Turkoglu?
And who knows what could or couldn’t become of DeRozan.
This is a TEAM now. This isn’t a team being carried by one guy (Bosh).
So I think you’re off on this one.
Plus, not sure that Vernon is a fair example.
You can’t predict if or when a player is gonna fall flat on his face.
There were no real signs of this happening to Vernon - but it has. And there are no signs of this happening to Bosh; heck, he’s coming off a near-career year. But COULD he fall flat? Sure. But COULD he take it to another level? Sure. You don’t know otherwise, nor do I. Thus, it’s not fair to just throw that out there in my eyes.
- E. SmithBosh will NOT sign an extension this summer for one reason. He is putting pressure on Raptors, other teams in the league, and HIMSELF to do whatever they can. This will be a contract year for him and with the pieces in place, barring any injuries, he will have a MASSIVE year.
I do expect him to sign a contract with the Raptors after this season, if the Raps at least make a successful and hard-fought run to the second round. But I don’t expect him to sign this summer. I’ll be happy if he does but I think he’s loving the fact that he’s finally getting the recognition he deserves south of the border.
That being said, I do expect that he will stay with the Raptors when all is said and done.
- Jack.Thank goodness you’re back, Eric. Just in time for Doug Smith’s vacation. Hope all is well with your new addition.
First we’re complaining the bench is too thin; pretty soon we’ll complain the bench is too deep. Will Roko get DNP-CDs this year with a deep backcourt of Jose/Jack/Delfino/Douby/DeRozan/Wright/George/Banks?
Do you expect BC to move Banks somehow?
- Jeff Wya know, with all these moves, the raps are trying to get into a new mode: winning! i look at the fact that the raps needed help with boards, which people still DON’T WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE!!! i’m a fan of reggie evans… like the way he plays… getting jack would be phenominal… he’s a combo guard, can create his own shot, and can play a lil D…
- chefdizWell said Eric, Well said!
- Raps FanI agree 100%. I think Bosh would be nuts to go elsewhere! This team is shaping up to be the best its ever been. A solid player in every position not to mention the added depth. If bosh decides TO is not the place for him…..BYE! lol .. i think BC has put solid pieces in place so it won’t crumble with out him. Don’t get me wrong i’d love to see him stay,however i don’t feel the sense of urgency i did in the past! : )
- IanHey Eric. tv the possible signing of jack,how would delfino fit in the mix if we sign him as well? Where would we get enough minutes for derozan,Turk,jack,wright,George,delfino? I would like to see carlos back cause he plays great d. I’m thinking if BC brings in delfino, maybe he is the long term solution since wright and George come off the books next year.
Also, any word on the British bull dog coming back with the raps this year? And if we get jack,what future does banks have with the raps?
- vinceEric…I do agree with your points. I wasn’t suggesting the Raps’ PG tandem (let’s hope Jack signs) wasn’t capable of handling the ball.
I like bringing in Hedo, but I’m not really sure if it addresses the team’s true needs — acquiring a guy who can create his own shot in a game’s final minutes (of which there are only a handful in the NBA) and a defensive star, someone who can shut down another player’s star playmaker.
I know I’m asking for a lot — but the Raps haven’t had a true “dagger” guy since Vince’s mid-career days, and I’m not sure they’ve ever had that defensive, “in your face” guy they so badly still need.
I realize a lot of fans would be happy for this team to make the playoffs, but that is not enough for me. I am tired of mediocrity in this city, and it’s time fans starting demanding more from their pro sports teams.
I DO like this team — I’m not at all tearing up BC’s moves. But, he does seem to be in panic mode…making up for wasted time. And, I’m not sure this knee-jerk gathering of new players (Turkoglu, Evans, Jack, Wright, George, etc) will do much other than get the team back into playoff contention…and keep Chris Bosh in town.
It would be like the Jays without anything beyond 1985 or 1987 — steady improvement followed by nothing. It’s been too many years of the Raps getting knocked out in the first round (or not even making the playoffs).
Perhaps I’m alone — but, I for one, will not be happy..AT ALL…if this team doesn’t at least make an excellent showing in the SECOND round of the playoffs this coming season.
- brentoGood Thoughts Eric..It seems Brian has pulled a team together that looked bleak at best. We will wait for the Pacers counter offer for Jack. I am concerned about offensive rebounding. Brian seems to be putting together a team to his liking-fast transitions/good mid range shots and overall althetic team. CB should stay and give us a opportunity to add one more mid level exemption for increase depth, something that did not exist..Good work.
- robert freelandBrento…you’re not alone, trust me. All the additions that everyone’s so excited about mean nothing if the team will barely sneak into the playoffs and lose in he first round or even worse..not making the playoffs. Bosh doesn’t care about WHOM BC brings in - he cares about winning, and rightfully so.
- SJEric,
Everyone’s happy about Turk. I have the utmost respect for him as a player….but how will he fit THIS team? He’s pretty inefficient (%), so he needs the ball A LOT (as he did in Orlando) to get his points; with trading Marion for him (indirectly) we gave up a LOT of rebounds from the SF position. Perhaps Delfino - IF he comes and IF he starts - can improve a bit our situation on the boards, otherwise, we’re really in trouble (Evans is good at that, but comes of the bench…).
Oh, and if Hedo needs the ball so much (and he does in order to be productive)…and runs the PnR/PnP with Bosh/Bargs…what exactly will be Calderon’s role??? To hover at the 3pt line waiting for an open shot? So we actually pay him 10mil/year to do part of what Turk can do?…How can you call that “plan”…apart if BC maybe has some trade in mind?
Wright and George….please give me break.
Jack should be a nice addition - if he comes - but obviously overpaid. Still he won’t help in rebounding and he can turn it over quite a bit. But of course - right now he’ll be the best option as a back-up PG no question.
And for whoever mentions “deep-backcourt” and puts Douby and Banks’s names there, please wake up.
Why would BC offer a player who was making 2m per year,a sudden offer of 20m over 5 yrs. I don’t get it. what was wrong with 3 or 3.5 mil over 3yrs. We couldhave spent the saved money on someone else.Has he really proved himself yet? It always seems to me we pay too much and sign players to too long a contract. This player, I don’t believe is anything special. He may be good but not great.
Basketball just seems to throw around money like it’s a pile of leaves. The perspective that 1 player makes more than the 4.2m Toronto Argos payroll or 1 player like Vernon Wells makes more than the payroll of the whole CFL for 1 season is mind boggling. I love sport but the world of sport has gone mad.
- AngeloAs much as I love BC and all the moves he’s made to drastically improve (hopefully) this team, I don’t see them making it past the second round. The East has improved in a big way and it’s going to be difficult to beat the Cavs, Magic and Celtics (maybe Pistons, depending on how they gel) in a seven game playoff series.
What Delfino brings to this TEAM, is the versatility we sorely lacked last year…sure his shot is inconsistent but when he’s on his game, he’s a definite starter in this league. Ideally, this team still needs a shooting guard who can create for himself and teammates and take-over a game in the final minutes in order for the Raptors to be considered contenders in the East. G’day!
- Mr. TDeMar DeRozan has great athleticism if you seen his summer league games he can grab rebounds with his athleticism and he has hops!
As, for Delfino he is better off the bench.
Eric, is last year’s Orlando Magic similar to the Raptors in similar players have the same role like
Bosh-Dwight
- Raps FanReshard-Barganai
Turk-Turk(LOL)
Pieterus-Delfino
SJ, you raised a fair point about whether calderon’s play will be affected by Turkoglu, i think it shouldn’t be that much of a problem. if you look at the magic, they’ve got an all-star caliber point guard in jameer nelson who plays perfectly well alongside Turkoglu, Calderon just needs to find his role, plus he is a very efficient shooter like Nelson, so he should be able to do fine.
- StephenEric, I think Brento’s comparison to Vernon is merely the fact that vernon is overpaid, and a max contracted bosh would also be overpaid. I dont think he’s suggesting bosh is going to struggle like vernon has.
While I like the moves, and while out of the reasonably likely scenarios (barring crazy trades a-la boston 2 yrs ago) the raps did as good as they could have done in the off season.
Turk was the best player out there for what we needed, however, he still does not address our main weaknesses as a team, he’s simply the most skilled small forward out there this year.
It’s going to be interesting to see how this experiment works. In my mind I’m only convinced boston, cleveland and orlando are better than us, but we could definetly be better than atlanta, miami, or any of the teams in that pack.
At the very least, it should be a much more exciting year than last, and let’s have a little faith in BC.. he’s smart and he’s not affraid to make moves when things aren’t working. he wont settle for a mediocre team or a team thats on the bubble of being a contender.
- ChrisGuys lets wait till the season actually starts BC has done a good job overall. Mr T i agree with your point of EAST being a tough confrence but i think overall we have a team who can finish in top 5 in conf.
- BBALLA realistic goal for Raps imo is 4th or 5th spot, don’t you think ?
Cavs, Magic, and Celtics will likely be top 3.
A big decision by coaches is style of play by Raps. Are we quick and athletic enough to run-and-gun? .. Maybe we are .
Another decision will be playing time .. Hopefully coaches let play of players determine that .
Maybe Jack , if we get him , and Wright challenge Calderon for minutes .
Hopefully DeRozan isn’t coddled like MacGrady was as a rookie ..Let’s see if he can play.
Sam led Raps to 47 wins before BC scapegoated him .
Can Raps achieve 47 wins this season ?
- ChasTo Stephen,
- SJYou have only to remember/notice the way Jameer is playing vs Jose. Nelson is relying completely on dribble penetration and creating either for himself or for others + setting himself up if Turk had the ball in his hands. Unfortunately, Jose’s play is quite different - can’t penetrate of the bounce (turning the corner on a screen from Bosh is not really penetration) , can’t create for others (passing from the perimeter or after a screen from Bosh to an open shooter at the 3pt line is not “creating”). What he does excellent is the PnR/PnP - which now Hedo can and probably will do more often than not (Hedo also is not afraid to shoot much more than Jose). As a shooter, Jose has very good mid AND long range, BUT it’s as a spot-up shooter - not curling, coming off screens (not the PnR - but think Parker) or creating much of his own (Paul, Nelson, Tony Parker, D Will, etc) . Yes, WHEN he shoots, he’s pretty efficient, but that will be more dependent on the coach schemes and Hedo…So he’ll become more as a spot up SG…but wait, we want DeRozan to develop (and rightfully so)…so what’s left for Calderon?…Especially that we’re close to sign a pretty good PG that can do more than just back-up work?…Hmmm..