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TORONTO RAPTORS ( 2006 - 2007 ) Edition
07/11/2006
James agrees to deal with Timberwolves
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Mike James won't be back with the Toronto Raptors next season.
Desperate for an experienced, reliable point guard, the Minnesota Timberwolves went and got the best one left on the free-agent market on Tuesday.
They reached an agreement with Mike James on a four-year deal, James' agent told The Associated Press.
James, who is coming off a career year for the Raptors, will get the Timberwolves' full mid-level exception, which is worth about $5 million US in 2006-07.
The veteran averaged a career-high 20.3 points and 5.8 assists for the Raptors last season and instantly solidifies the Timberwolves' shaky point guard situation.
Before signing James, the Wolves had injury-prone veteran Troy Hudson, inconsistent Marko Jaric and rookie lottery pick Randy Foye as their primary ballhandlers.
Former MVP Kevin Garnett pleaded with Timberwolves' management to surround him with more veterans after the team missed the playoffs for the second straight season in 2005-06. And Garnett made a personal call to James on Tuesday morning to convince the 31-year-old spark plug to come to Minnesota.
''They had a great conversation and that meant a lot to Mike,'' James' agent, Bill Duffy, said. ''Garnett told him he needed him there. That says a lot about Garnett to do that and it says a lot about Mike that Garnett wanted him.''
Timberwolves spokesman Mike Cristaldi said the team could not comment during the NBA's moratorium on free agency, which ends Wednesday.
It's been quite a rise for James, who was undrafted out of Duquesne and started his NBA career as a free agent with Miami in 2001. He bounced around to Boston, Detroit, Milwaukee and Houston over the next four years before bursting onto the scene with the woeful Raptors last season.
In his first full season as a starter, James ranked fourth in the league in three-point shooting (44 per cent) and 11th in three-pointers made (169), becoming one of the most coveted point guards on the free agent market this off-season.
The Rockets and Mavericks also were in contention for his services.
James' shooting prowess was one of his biggest selling points for the Wolves, who are in desperate need of quality perimeter shooters to stretch the floor and take pressure off of Garnett in the post. They traded sharpshooter Wally Szczerbiak to Boston at mid-season, lost three-point specialist Fred Hoiberg to retirement after a heart ailment and will be without top rookie Rashad McCants until at least mid-December while he recovers from microfracture surgery on his right knee.
The Timberwolves swapped lottery picks with Portland on draft night to acquire Foye, but the Villanova guard is more of a slasher than a three-point shooter. The team is also unaware when Hudson, the only other reliable three-point threat on the roster, will be ready to return from a bothersome right ankle injury that limited him to 36 games last season.
James should help fill that void while providing the up-tempo style that coach Dwane Casey wants to install in a team that too often got bogged down in the halfcourt last season.
The deal also jeopardizes Marcus Banks' future in Minnesota. Banks came over from Boston in the Szczerbiak trade and was up and down as the Timberwolves' starting point guard. Vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale had said re-signing Banks was a priority, but now the team has a glut at point guard with James, Jaric, Hudson and Foye.
Banks' agent, Michael Higgins, did not immediately a return phone call from The Associated Press.
Duffy said James can't wait to start feeding Garnett in the post.
''He has a lot of respect for Garnett,'' Duffy said. ''It looks like it should be a good fit.''
07/07/2006
Ford happy to be a Raptor, wants to win
TORONTO (CP) - Like a refreshing gust of cool air off Lake Ontario, T.J. Ford blew into Toronto on Friday and delivered the sort of message Raptors fans have been longing to hear.
The time for winning is now.
"I think the winning attitude is definitely going to be here as soon as training camp's started," said Ford, who was acquired in a trade from Milwaukee last week. "I think we're definitely going to be a lot better than we were last season.
"We're young and I think we're going to be energetic and we're going to be entertaining and we're going to have a lot of fun."
Ford couldn't be any happier to be in Toronto, where he'll get a chance to direct what promises to be an up-tempo offence.
It's also clear he has no problem playing in the NBA's lone Canadian city after fielding the typical series of questions on the topic.
"I just know it's cold," he said with a laugh.
"But I'm really excited to be here. I don't think people really understand how excited I am."
There's good reason for the enthusiasm.
Since being brought into the fold as president and general manager earlier this year, Bryan Colangelo has drastically remade the Raptors. They bear little resemblance to the team that went 27-55 last season and missed the playoffs for the fourth straight year.
Enter Ford, a lightning-quick point guard who missed a season and a half after suffering a contusion of the spinal cord. He's healthy now and happy to be in a position to lead a team.
It's the kind of match that should benefit Ford's teammates.
"I'm definitely trying to get my assists up and definitely trying to put players in the right situations for them to better themselves," he said. "It's my job to come in here and just try to make everybody happy and get everybody involved."
It's what a good pass-first point guard does. Think Victoria's Steve Nash, the two-time reigning league MVP.
Colangelo spent 11 years as the GM of Nash's Phoenix Suns before coming to Toronto. He seems intent on building the same sort of high-octane offence with the Raptors.
Ford, for one, thinks Toronto could very well become Phoenix North.
"I don't see why we couldn't be," he said.
It all starts with Ford and Chris Bosh.
The pair became good friends while attending various events together ahead of the 2003 draft and hope that chemistry carries onto the court.
They could be the sort of dynamic duo not seen in these parts since Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady consistently brought fans at Air Canada Centre to their feet.
"(I want to) come in and play hard and try to have the city enjoy basketball like it was a couple years ago," said Ford.
In addition to Bosh, the 23-year-old Ford is also familiar with coach Sam Mitchell.
Mitchell was an assistant with the Bucks during Ford's rookie season and was one of the main people within the Milwaukee organization that initially pushed him.
"I know his personality and what he's expecting," said Ford. "And I know how crazy he can be at times."
Ford said his spinal injury, which he suffered in February 2004 after falling hard on his tailbone during a game, brought several things into perspective for him.
It's provided a new lease on life.
"I learned to cherish every moment of life," he said. "You never know, the things that you love most can be taken away at any moment and any time."
Ford has the kind of attitude and enthusiasm that will most certainly endear him to fans and teammates.
He's thrilled to be here and he's ready to help turn around a sagging franchise.
"Our ultimate goal is to get to the playoffs," said Ford. "We definitely want to surprise a lot of teams and surprise a lot of people."
07/07/2006
In Vegas - Bargnani Is Real Deal
When the Toronto Raptors did the expected and chose Italian Andrea Bargnani number one, no one was surprised - but many wondered if it was a good idea. Was he going to be another Darko Milicic and waste away on the bench? Would he become another Dirk Nowitzki? The thing is, no one had seen this guy play unless they had been to Italy to watch some games. So what's the answer?
First things first, please pronounce his name correctly. It is not "Barg-nah-nee." Please, my college Italian professor as well as any Italian cringe when they here that. The correct pronunciation is "Barn-nya-nee." Please, don't make anyone go into the etymological roots as to why that is what it is, just please accept it and pronounce it correctly. Italians everywhere will thank you.
Back to hoops. Bargnani can flat out play. He's big, he's smart, he can shoot from anywhere on the floor, and he can even dribble a bit.
Keep in mind this guy is over seven feet tall. Players that tall aren't supposed to have handle. They aren't supposed to shoot three-pointers. They aren't supposed to wow the crowd with the depth of their talent; guys that tall are paid to be big and rebound - take up space in the middle.
Forget all of that. Forget what you know about seven-footers. And forget about Nowitzki too. Bargnani is going to be a star in the NBA and he's going to do it his own way. In his first game in Las Vegas against the Washington Wizards, playing for the first time as an NBA player in front of fans - and media - who were all curious as to what they would see, Bargnani was nothing short of outstanding.
One of his first trips down the floor he spotted up on the wing at the three-point line and drained a three-pointer. He had no hand in his face because the defender didn't think he would shoot. That smooth shot brought gasps from the crowd who weren't expecting it; he didn't see any more open jumpers the rest of the game. Not that it stopped him from shooting, he just made it over the outstretched hands.
Bargnani isn't all outside shooting either. His base is extremely solid and he sets very good screens, getting nice open looks for other Raptor shooters. He also uses those strong legs well in blocking out under the glass, but he doesn't have great lift and needs to get a little more aggressive on the glass. His upper body isn't quite as strong, but he has the right body type to be able to get bigger with a good weight training program - which he will definitely get with the Raptors.
He also needs to get used to the rules of the American game and how the officials call it state-side. He got called for a couple moving screen fouls and a three-second violation. None of these are bad things, they just take getting used to. Coaches will pull him aside, point out he absolutely needs to stay still on the screens, and he will learn.
That's another thing about Bargnani - he's a smart player. He seems to be able to recognize when he can attack, when he should make the extra pass, and when to attack on defense. He loves to run the floor because he knows big men get rewarded for running the court in transition - although he does need a little more conditioning, which will come in time, just like the weight training.
All of that was good in Game 1, but that wasn't the most outstanding play of the night for him; that wasn't the play that left the remaining crowd (the Raptors were the late game and it wasn't over until well after 10 pm Vegas time) gasping in shock. Yeah, like the rest of that wasn't enough.
The play of the night had Bargnani on the left wing, about 25 feet from the hoop. He got the pass from the point and pivoted towards the hoop. Aware of his shooting ability, the defender came out hard and bodied him up. Bargnani stepped back, put the ball on the floor, faked left and crossed over right. His defender could not keep up and Bargnani schooled him for a lay-up.
Shock doesn't quite describe the reaction from the crowd...perhaps full-fledged disbelief? Big men don't make moves like that, not even Nowitzki. His moves are so smooth he can't be compared to Nowitzki. He could become just as effective some day, but he will be different. He can play the three, four, and five and even though his best position may be the four (not with Chris Bosh around) his abilities dictate he will see time at all three positions. Imagine a starting lineup with the front line all 6-10 or greater. Think that doesn't have Sam Mitchell salivating, with Morris Peterson ready to nail outside jumpers off of passes?
But hey, the Toronto Raptors knew that - that's why Bryan Colangelo and his team made Andrea Bargnani the number one pick in the draft. It won't be a mistake.
07/01/2006
Raptors ship Villanueva to Bucks
TORONTO (CP) - The Toronto Raptors finally filled their gap at point guard, but it came at a high price.
The Raptors sent forward Charlie Villanueva to the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday for point guard T.J. Ford and an undisclosed amount of cash.
Villanueva was coming off an excellent rookie season for the Raptors. He averaged 13.0 points and 6.4 rebounds in 81 games, including 36 starts, and was named to the NBA all-rookie first team.
He set club rookie records for points with 48 and rebounds with 18.
The Raptors were widely mocked for taking Villanueva seventh overall in the 2005 draft, but his solid rookie campaign made him an attractive player to other teams. With the Raptors deep up front after drafting Andrea Bargnani with the first overall pick Thursday, trading Villanueva to fill the gaping hole at point guard seemed like a sensible move for Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo.
''Charlie proved to be one of our more marketable players,'' said Colangelo. ''Obviously there was some disappointment in his voice (when told of the trade), but he understood where things are with this team and where we're trying to go.''
In Ford, the Raptors get a quick playmaking guard who had a solid season with the Bucks. Ford averaged 12.2 points, a team-best 6.6 assists and 35.5 minutes last season. He rebounded from a spinal-cord injury that sidelined him for a season and a half.
Ford was the eighth overall pick in the 2003 draft.
''We really like what we've seen from T.J. in the past year,'' said Colangelo. ''He's a lightning quick guard, he's got great playmaking ability and we feel he is the perfect fit for the type of team that we would like to become.''
Colangelo said he has not had a chance to talk to Ford, but Bucks GM Larry Harris said the guard was favourable about coming to Toronto.
Colangelo also said that the Raptors looked into Ford's past medical problems before making the deal.
''Obviously you do your due diligence, and suffice it to say we were comfortable moving forward on the basis of the information that we had,'' said Colangelo.
Harris hopes Villanueva will fill the team's need for a power forward to complement seven-foot centre Andrew Bogut, the top pick in the 2005 draft.
''Acquiring Charlie takes care of a primary need we had going into the summer,'' Harris said. ''He's a gifted power forward who knows how to score both inside and outside. ... The outstanding rookie season he had last year is only the beginning of what he's capable of achieving.''
The Bucks, with a revamped roster and Ford as floor leader, reached the playoffs with a 40-42 record last season. It was a 10-game improvement from the previous season when they didn't make the playoffs.
In the playoffs, they lost 4-1 to Detroit in the first round.
''He was an inspiration to all of us when he found the will and strength to fight back from the neck injury he suffered during his rookie season,'' Harris said. ''We wish him much success in Toronto.''
According to Harris, the discussions with the Raptors started about Milwaukee's veteran centre and Toronto native Jamaal Magloire, and they evolved into the deal that was announced Friday night.
06/29/2006
Raptors take Bargnani first overall
TORONTO (CP) - Bryan Colangelo dipped into the old country to kick-start the Raptors' renaissance.
Toronto selected Andrea Bargnani first overall in the NBA draft Wednesday, making the Italian big man the first European taken at the top spot in draft history.
In a draft with no consensus No. 1 pick, Bargnani's selection ends weeks of speculation around what Colangelo would do with the pick. In the end, there was no drama, as the GM stuck with his plan to draft the young Italian he's been eyeing for weeks and build for the future.
''He's a terrific young man, he's got a great background and he's really emerging as a player right now,'' said Colangelo.
The lanky seven-foot, 250-pound forward strode across the stage at Madison Square Garden in his new black Armani suit when NBA commissioner David Stern announced the pick. Colangelo remained with his staff in Toronto.
''I was very, very surprised,'' Bargnani said in a conference call from New York. ''I was very anxious when I was sitting at the table and when they called my name it was an incredible feeling.
''I'm very happy to go to Toronto, it's a perfect situation. It's a very nice city, very international, there's a big Italian community.''
The Raptors later selected Texas forward P.J. Tucker with their 35th pick. The six-foot-five, 225-pound forward was a second team All-American and Big 12 player of the year.
Tucker is said to be an intense, physical player, though undersized at the forward position.
The Raptors used their final pick of the draft, 56th overall, to select Bosnian forward Edin Bavcic, but promptly traded him to Philadelphia for cash considerations.
With the acquisition of Bargnani, who's known to Italian hoops fans as Il Mago - the magician - the league's lone non-U.S. team became even more international.
Last week, Colangelo hired former Benetton Treviso general manager Maurizio Gherardini as his assistant GM. That came on the heels of acquiring Slovenian centre Rasho Nesterovic in a trade with San Antonio for Matt Bonner and Eric Williams.
Bargnani, who will make $3.6 million US in his first year with the Raptors, played for Benetton Treviso in Italy the past three seasons. He recently led the team to the Italian Lega A title, earning Europe's Rising Star award for 2005-06.
''I'm aware that people have not seen me play so I have a lot to prove,'' said Bargnani, who left home at 16 to play pro ball.
Colangelo had done his homework on Bargnani in recent weeks, which included sending head coach Sam Mitchell and senior advisor Wayne Embry to Italy to check him out.
''When we looked at this pick, we wanted the best short-term and long-term solution,'' said Colangelo. ''And we felt that Andrea, producing and progressing the way he is as a young player, is clearly a player that can come in and fit into a young team with a young solid core, but he's going to develop longterm ... as (perhaps) the best player of this draft.''
Bargnani, who's drawn comparisons to Dirk Nowitzki and Pau Gasol, is quick and athletic for his size and has range beyond the three-point arc. He has fluid shooting mechanics with a good release.
But despite his pro experience - he's played almost 150 pro games in front of some hostile European crowds - he's expected to take a year or two to develop. His drawbacks are his lack of rebounding and defence, and his slender physique.
''I have to improve a lot in the low post because I mostly play in front of the basket,'' said Bargnani. ''That is something I have to work on with the coach.''
The Chicago Bulls selected LaMarcus Aldridge at No. 2, while the Charlotte Bobcats picked Gonzaga forward Adam Morrison at three. The Portland Trailblazers selected LSU forward Tyrus Thomas fourth, and the Atlanta Hawks took Duke forward Shelden Williams fifth.
Minnesota took Washington guard Brandon Roy at six, Boston selected Villanova guard Randy Foye with No. 7, Houston picked Connecticut forward Rudy Gay at eight, Bradley centre Patrick O'Brien went ninth to Golden State, and Mouhamed Saer Sene of Senegal went tenth to Seattle.
The night was punctuated by numerous trades. Portland acquired forward Raef LaFrentz, Dan Dickau and the rights to Foye from Boston for point guard Sebastian Telfair, centre Theo Ratliff and a 2008 second-round pick. The Trail Blazers then flipped Foye to Minnesota for Roy.
Aldridge's rights were dealt to Portland for the rights to Thomas and forward Viktor Khryapa.
Gay was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies for Shane Battier and Stromile Swift.
Colangelo tried to deal for another top-10 pick Wednesday, but the asking price was too steep - teams wanted sophomore forward Charlie Villanueva.
Bargnani's announcement drew loud cheers - plus the odd boo - from the floor of the Air Canada Centre where Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd., was hosting a draft party for Raptors season ticket holders.
''I thought our organization tonight, we took a step forward,'' said Raptors swingman Morris Peterson, who took in the festivities at the ACC. ''We hopefully took the best player possible. And the moves (Colangelo's) made the last couple of weeks, bringing in Rasho, and then bringing in Andrea, two different kind of guys at the centre position. You look around the league and we need some size, we need some quickness.
''I thought it was a good pick.''
When Benetton Treviso played the Raptors two seasons ago in a pre-season matchup, Bargnani had an impressive 13 points, five rebounds and two blocks in 22 minutes as an 18-year-old. The Raptors won 86-83. Bargnani still has the autograph of Vince Carter he got after the game.
Colangelo was pleasantly surprised by the tape of that exhibition matchup, and said the growth in Bargnani's game since then ''is remarkable.''
The first Italian in the NBA, Vincenzo Esposito, also played - albeit sparingly - for the Raptors, in the 1995-96 season.
The Raptors are also expected to sign Spanish forward Jorge Garbajosa in the coming weeks. Garbajosa, a six-foot-nine forward, played four seasons with Benetton Treviso before heading to Unicaja Malaga.
China's Yao Ming was the first non-American player chosen first overall in an NBA draft. The Houston Rockets selected him in 2002.
06/27/2006
European star Garbajosa to join Raptors
MALAGA, Spain (Ticker) - Spain international Jorge Garbajosa has confirmed he is heading to the NBA next season.
The Unicaja Malaga forward is set to join the Toronto Raptors where he will play alongside Spain teammate Jose Manuel Calderon.
"I haven't signed the contract yet because it cannot be done until July 1st," Garbajosa said in a press conference. "This is a new challenge for me, I am going to compete in the best league in the world and I cannot turn down this opportunity.
"This train only comes once and I have to take it. I hope the Unicaja fans understand my position and that they accept my decision."
Garbajosa, who averaged 19.3 points and 6.9 rebounds in 18 Euroleague games this past season, is under contract with the Liga ACB for a further two seasons but announced that he will pay his buyout clause of an estimated at $2.25 million.
The 28-year-old is now planning to fly to Canada to negotiate his contract.
"In the next few days, I will travel to Toronto to meet the club, get to know the city, speak to them and try to begin my adventure there."
Garbajosa's arrival is another sign of the influence of Maurizio Gherardini, the new assistant general manager of Toronto who spent the previous 14 years with Benetton Treviso in Italy.
The 6-8 Garbajosa spent four years with Benetton, collecting the MVP award in the Coppa Italia before moving to Unicaja in the summer of the 2004.
Toronto is expected to select Benetton's forward Andrea Bargnani with the first pick in Wednesday's NBA draft.
Unicaja had hoped that Garbajosa would reconsider his decision after having played a pivotal role for the club to clinch the Spanish league title this season.
The Spanish international, who earlier this week was selected for Pepu Hernandez's FIBA World Championship squad, was voted the MVP in the ACB final playoffs.
"I thank the club for their effort they have made to try to keep me," he said. "I don't rule out in the future returning to this club."
Garbajosa will add to the growing Spanish influence in the NBA. In addition to the Raptors' Calderon, Pau Gasol has established himself as the Memphis Grizzlies' most recognizable face. Last year, the Orlando Magic drafted forward Fran Vazquez in the first round.
Barcelona's Juan Carlos Navarro is also eager to head to North America, but has been told he must pay his own release clause if he wants to leave.
06/27/2006
Report: Stojakovic opts out of contract
Indianapolis, IN (Sports Network) - Indiana forward Peja Stojakovic reportedly opted out of his contract on Tuesday, making the three-time All- Star a free agent.
According to the Indianapolis Star, Stojakovic said during the regular season that he would become a free agent once the season ended.
Stojakovic, who was scheduled to make $8.2 million next season, can now sign with any team when the free agent negotiating period begins July 1. Teams can begin signing players on July 12.
The Pacers traded troubled forward Ron Artest in exchange for Stojakovic on January 25. He averaged 19.5 points and shot 46 percent from the field in 40 games with the Pacers.
However, Stojakovic missed four of the six games with a right knee injury in the first round of the playoffs against the New Jersey Nets. The Pacers lost each game he didn't play.
Stojakovic averages 18.4 points per game 5.1 rebounds and two assists per game during his nine-year career with the Pacers and the Kings.
Indiana can sign him for up to six years, while other teams can only sign him for five due to the NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Draft party tonight!!! I'd love to see them trade the pick for a proven point guard .... kinda weak draft 
WHOOOOOO!!! Arrujo's GONE!!!
cant believe this guy was a starter at one time!
| quote: |
| Originally posted by TO guy Draft party tonight!!! I'd love to see them trade the pick for a proven point guard .... kinda weak draft |
I agree that taking Knight would be a great move for Toronto, but I'm not sure Bargnani is as valuable now that they have Nesterovic. I think they will still take Bargnani however, given that they made Gherardini VP.
| quote: |
| Originally posted by TO guy I agree that taking Knight would be a great move for Toronto, but I'm not sure Bargnani is as valuable now that they have Nesterovic. I think they will still take Bargnani however, given that they made Gherardini VP. |
Now i'm hearing there is some pretty solid interest being shown in Rudy Gay from the Raptors?! Jeeez. I'm just going to stop speculating now.
The requisite Jamaal Magloire rumours, other Raptors possibilities and Iverson is being shopped and in this Draft Day edition of TSN.ca's Full Court Press.
AROUND THE ASSOCIATION
- The Chicago Tribune reports that the Raptors are willing to include Charlie Villanueva in a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks for C Jamaal Magloire, but only if the Bucks include PG T.J. Ford as part of the package.
- In addition to the standard Raptors rumours, Jamaal Magloire has been mentioned in deals for Utah's Carlos Boozer and Golden State's Troy Murphy, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
- The Washington Post reports that the Wizards are also interested in Magloire, which probably means they're ready to move Brendan Haywood too.
- According to the Boston Herald, the Celtics have inquired about veterans stars like Shawn Marion, Rashard Lewis, Richard Jefferson, Allen Iverson and Kevin Garnett, now that it appears the Allen Iverson talks aren't going to result in a deal.
- The Dallas Morning News reports, however, that the Celtics and Golden State Warriors are still in pursuit of Iverson.
- The Philadelphia Inquirer has the Hawks also expressing interest in AI.
- A popular three-team rumour, reported by several outlets, has the Celtics sending Wally Szczerbiak to the Jazz, the Jazz sending Carlos Boozer to the Philadelphia 76ers and the Sixers sending Iverson to Boston. The Celtics would have to add some bodies to the mix, with Al Jefferson and Gerald Green considered likely possibilities.
- The Chicago Tribune weighs in, suggesting that Charlotte and Memphis are after Iverson too.
- The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports that the Grizzlies have been discussing deals involving Shane Battier, Mike Miller, Eddie Jones and Hakim Warrick.
- Multiple reports have the Sonics and Suns disucssing a Rashard Lewis-for-Shawn Marion deal, but there is some difficulty in negotiating the surrounding parts of the deal, most notably that Danny Fortson would have to be included for cap purposes, and Fortson has a history with Suns executive Jerry Colangelo (who called Fortson a "thug" after he broke Zarko Cabarkapa's wrist with a hard foul).
- According to the Toronto Star, the Mavericks have been offering SG Marquis Daniels in trades.
- The St. Paul Pioneer Press denies that the Timberwolves have any interest in deals involving Nuggets PF Kenyon Martin or Bobcats PG Brevin Knight.
- According to the Chicago Tribune, the Warriors are offering PF Troy Murphy and the No. 9 pick for the Bulls two first-rounders (Nos. 2 and 16).
- The Washington Times reports that Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, San Antonio and New York are interested in Wizards restricted free agent F Jared Jeffries.
- Several reports have the Bobcats hoping the Raptors will swap the first pick and G Alvin Williams to Charlotte for the third pick and PG Brevin Knight.
- According to the Chicago Tribune, the Cavs could be shopping SG Larry Hughes.
- The Bergen Record has the Nets likely seeking a backup for Jason Kidd in free agency, with Milt Palacio and Jannero Pargo mentioned as options.
- Argentinian power forward Luis Scola is potential trade bait for the Spurs, reports the San Antonio Express-News, with an eye towards adding a center or athletic wing. Scola's buyout has been negotiated down to $3.5-million with Tau Ceramica, says the paper.
- The Bulls could offer PF Michael Sweetney to the Sixers for PG Kevin Ollie to move up from 16 to 13, according to the Arlington Heights Daily Herald.
I think the GM has a surprise in store for everone.
prediction:
Toronto keeps the #1 pick, drafts Bargnani, and gets another 1st round pick (via trade) which they use on a PG.
If that doesn't happen...and if it means losing Charlie V, I hope it doesn't...then maybe they sign Speedy Claxton as a free agent to start in front of Calderone.
I really hope they don't trade Charlie V...why trade a "proven" player (as proven as one season can show) for an unknown quantity (given that there are no superstar PG in the draft)?
I think it's Bargnani...but I'd still rather see Aldridge here.
| quote: |
| Originally posted by MarkT I think the GM has a surprise in store for everone. prediction: Toronto keeps the #1 pick, drafts Bargnani, and gets another 1st round pick (via trade) which they use on a PG. If that doesn't happen...and if it means losing Charlie V, I hope it doesn't...then maybe they sign Speedy Claxton as a free agent to start in front of Calderone. I really hope they don't trade Charlie V...why trade a "proven" player (as proven as one season can show) for an unknown quantity (given that there are no superstar PG in the draft)? I think it's Bargnani...but I'd still rather see Aldridge here. |
I agree that Colangelo is sold on Bargnani, it's just a matter tonight if they can get someone else along with him.
And seeing what Colangelo has done so far with the team, I think it could easily happen (prolly with picking up Aldridge with #1 pick, and trading him to Charlotte with Alvin Williams for Bargnani and Brevin Knight)!
As for Charlie V, I don't see him going anywhere...
| quote: |
| Originally posted by TranceGeek I agree that Colangelo is sold on Bargnani, it's just a matter tonight if they can get someone else along with him. And seeing what Colangelo has done so far with the team, I think it could easily happen (prolly with picking up Aldridge with #1 pick, and trading him to Charlotte with Alvin Williams for Bargnani and Brevin Knight)! As for Charlie V, I don't see him going anywhere... |
^^^
The talk is that if that deal happens, it's a straight up trade of the #1 pick for their #3 and Brevin...since Chicago is (apparently) sold on Thomas with #2.
Toronto supposedly feels that such a deal is not even worth it, nevermind tossing in Alvin too...i.e. Toronto wants more than just Brevin in return for giving Charlotte the guarantee that they get their guy.
But...that's all just talk
1.5 hours to go! 
The only untouchable imo is Bosh. Every one else is fair game in Colangelo's eyes as long as the right deal comes his way, in my opinion.
^^^ I will boycott the Raptors next season if they trade MoPete...anyone else but him and Bosh...if the deal is right.
Bargnani it is.
can't really complain at all...though I don't think the Raps are even close to done...a veteran PG for sure (Claxton?)...and probably another C to backup Nesterovic.
who knows...maybe more draft drama if they make a trade?
Woot
FORZA ITALIA!!!!
| quote: |
| Originally posted by TheNeonAlien FORZA ITALIA!!!! |
I really like this pick. I can't wait to see the Raptors this season. Bosh, Villanueva, and Bargnani should be a wicked force in the next couple years.
awesome.
glad they stuck to their guns with this guy, i see big things from him in a couple of years - definately a possible 20ppg, 7rpg, 4aspg, 2blks.
they should have drafted denham in the 2nd round, fuck.
we should have a TA Yahoo NBA fantasy pool next season. i can organize!
pork!
| quote: |
| Originally posted by Porky we should have a TA Yahoo NBA fantasy pool next season. i can organize! pork! |
| quote: |
| Originally posted by slingshot they should have drafted denham in the 2nd round, fuck. |
| quote: |
| Originally posted by Porky we should have a TA Yahoo NBA fantasy pool next season. i can organize! pork! |
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