NBA stuff - talk Raptors and other teams

[zmtomako]

yea we could've easily lost the last 2 games if anything... both were a little too close for comfort...

we're really missing the bench depth and scoring that we use to get, definitely need bargs and even kapono to step it up more consistently

but dang guy, there were some sick blocks from JO

[Alan]

Wow, the Iverson to Detroit for Billups and McDyess seems to be official today.

Guess AI wasn't the 'answer' in Denver lol

Love the move for both teams to be honest. Chauncey gives Denver the perimeter D that they always needed, and good 3pt shooting.

AI gives detroit the superstar they need, and with his 22 million dollar expiring deal, Stuckey can take over if AI doesnt work out so they can sign another FA.

[S.F.W.]

Interesting trade for both teams. I love watching AI play, but he's not a true PG. He is a shoot first player. In Denver with Carmelo, and Nene, as well as JR smith on the outside they need a pass first guy.

[p-o-g-i]

Here's more info on the deal:

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/nov/03/nuggets-pistons-discuss-iverson--billups-deal/


"The Nuggets are discussing a trade that would send point guard Allen Iverson to the Detroit Pistons for former Nuggets Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess, ESPN reported this morning.

Iverson, acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2006-07 season, is a perfect fit for the Pistons, who will be an excellent scoring complement to Tayshaun Prince and Rasheed Wallace, both of whom will be satisfied with fewer shots.

Iverson, 33, will be a free agent after this season. The Pistons might let Iverson play out the year or trade his contract later in the season and go with Rodney Stuckey at point guard.

Acquiring Billups (14.8 points last season) and McDyess will stabilize the Nuggets, who'll be improving their defense and adding two proven winners to their roster."

[LockOut]

we're really missing the bench depth and scoring that we use to get, definitely need bargs and even kapono to step it up more consistently

I don't know if I agree with this statement... JK, who is not on the floor for his defensive presence, is .647 from the floor, and .833 from 3-point range! I don't know about you, but I find those numbers are pretty impressive. Sure, he's only averaging 9.7 PPG, but in 24 minutes, that's not bad at all, if you ask me... I also think that Andrea has improved and will be very well suited in his new role...

[FLIPDADY]

Speaking of AI.

Let's talk about "practice"!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGDBR2L5kzI

[zmtomako]

I don't know if I agree with this statement... JK, who is not on the floor for his defensive presence, is .647 from the floor, and .833 from 3-point range! I don't know about you, but I find those numbers are pretty impressive. Sure, he's only averaging 9.7 PPG, but in 24 minutes, that's not bad at all, if you ask me... I also think that Andrea has improved and will be very well suited in his new role...

10ppg is impressive, but it wont be good if he scores 5 in 1 game, and then 15 in the other... thats the hit-and-miss bench players im scared of seeing in bargs and kapono

seriously, the bench against the bucks scared me... only 9pts, all from kapono

lets just hope this thin rotation wont wear out the starters too much for the time being

[p-o-g-i]

Workman returns to NBA as an official.....

http://my.nba.com/thread.jspa?threadID=5700025273

I know he wasn't with the Raptors for long, but I thought it was just interesting as most former athletes either go to the broadcast booth, coaching staff, or head office. Well, either one of those of just retire completely :chuckle

[p-o-g-i]

Here's more info on the deal:

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/nov/03/nuggets-pistons-discuss-iverson--billups-deal/


"The Nuggets are discussing a trade that would send point guard Allen Iverson to the Detroit Pistons for former Nuggets Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess, ESPN reported this morning.

Iverson, acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2006-07 season, is a perfect fit for the Pistons, who will be an excellent scoring complement to Tayshaun Prince and Rasheed Wallace, both of whom will be satisfied with fewer shots.

Iverson, 33, will be a free agent after this season. The Pistons might let Iverson play out the year or trade his contract later in the season and go with Rodney Stuckey at point guard.

Acquiring Billups (14.8 points last season) and McDyess will stabilize the Nuggets, who'll be improving their defense and adding two proven winners to their roster."

Posted Nov 3 2008 3:52PM on NBA.com

"The Denver Nuggets have agreed to a deal that would send Allen Iverson to the Pistons in exchange for Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess and Cheikh Samb, the two teams announced Monday."



What most people don't know is the follwoing (posted on NBA.com):

There is one sticking point to the deal, though. TNT analyst David Aldridge reports that McDyess does not want to go to Denver, and a source close to him says "he will not put on a Nuggets uniform" and may opt to retire.

Because of McDyess's objection, the Nuggets may waive the mandatory physical each player in a trade must take in order for the league to approve any deal. McDyess may be seeking a buyout of the remainder of his contract (two years, $13.6 million).

A source with knowledge of the trade discussions says that the Nuggets would be willing to discuss a buyout with McDyess, but only if he agrees to a "significant" amount less than the $13.6 million he's due through the end of the 2009-10 season.

According to the source, McDyess would have to give up about 50 percent of his salary, meaning he'd have to agree to take about $6.8 million of the $13.6 million he's due in any potential buyout if he wants to play elsewhere. Otherwise, the Nuggets will keep him on their roster regardless of whether he decides to report or not.

[Alan]

Yeah, I picked up the swingman and it was close to $125.

However, if you plan on getting a Calderon, you'll have to get a blank jersey and then they'll put on the numbers and letters for Calderon. For some reason, Adidas didn't make any Calderon jerseys (I never found out why). So, I'd hold back and buy later if you wanted a Calderon. The stitching of the "8" is a little different from say, Parker's "8" in his "18".

I was at Foot Locker today, and they have the black Calderon's in stock! its $100, but with buddie's hookup, going to be around 80$ :)

[p-o-g-i]

http://davissportsdeli.com/wordpress/2008/11/05/kj-wins-sacramento-mayoral-race/

Former Phoenix Suns PG, Kevin Johnson, is the new mayor of Sacremento, California!!!!

I think this will be a positive fit as he has always been involved with the community, even going back to his playing days.

[Alan]

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/columnists/sfl-flsphyde05sbnov05,0,7908486.column

C'mon BC, make it happen, Wade to Toronto 2010.

Calderon - Ukic
Wade - Parker
Moon - Kapono
Bosh -Bargnani - Hump
JO - Jawai

A guy can dream right? lol

[aylkoo]

man, how frustrating was it to watch the game last night ...

I think the Raptors are allergic to the paint, just shoot, shoot and shoot ... MOON, GET YOUR BUTT INTO THE PAINT ...

Most frustrating play last night, Moon on a breakaway, one on one, and then passes to Jose who was trailing waaaay back on the play, ended up losing the possession

[sauga_kid]

^That's what I'm saying, they live by the shot and die by it. Isn't a little coincidental that the minute JO and Bosh work the inside they mount a comeback? WTF, feed it inside! Also, what was Solomon doing? Mitchell, put in Roko if you want to give Calderon a rest! And dammit Bargs, grab a damn rebound would you!

**checks blood pressure**

[Alan]

^That's what I'm saying, they live by the shot and die by it. Isn't a little coincidental that the minute JO and Bosh work the inside they mount a comeback? WTF, feed it inside! Also, what was Solomon doing? Mitchell, put in Roko if you want to give Calderon a rest! And dammit Bargs, grab a damn rebound would you!

**checks blood pressure**

I think Barg's played pretty well when he was man up on the bigs; he just got burned on the rotations when he was forced to guard Tayshaun.

JO was the biggest non-factor today; he tried to take over the game at the end with those 2 ISO's. Don't know why Sam would call 2 iso's for JO especially when Bosh and Jose were playing extremely well.

Bargs makes one mistake and gets pulled. Typical Sam fashion lol. (but Bargs had more boards than JO today)

[sauga_kid]

Point taken, however a lot of the boards that Bargs got IIRC were givens, whenever theres a body on him he backs down and gives up the board despite his size advantage. I just wish he'd play big like Bosh in the paint and contest those boards.

[diuqil]

I'm also a rabid Raptors fan! Do you think members here would be interested in meets on game days, to catch the game together at a bar or restaurant?

Last year I bought a TJ Ford jersey (before he went down), what a bad decision on my part. -_-;;

[aylkoo]

I think Barg's played pretty well when he was man up on the bigs; he just got burned on the rotations when he was forced to guard Tayshaun.


That happened so many times, stupid Moon was supposed to stay on Tayshaun after Barg pushes tayshaun out to the 3, he was only suppose to help ... but Moon switched instead and Bargs got burned every time ... friggin Moon

[Alan]

4 - 2 after today's win in Charlotte; a pure dominating 4th quarter, pulling away with a convincing 17-0 run in one stretch.

CB4 was a man on a mission in the 4th. 30 and 15, absolute monster night. Potential MVP candidate coming up.

Moon finally stepped up on the defensive end; his 9 boards today were equal to the amount he had in the previous 5 games lol.

Bargnani looked good on the offensive end (i love that jumper , as well as his man on man post defense (did get burned on a few perimeter switches).

I loved Solomon's demeanour as he quickly changed the tempo of the game in the Raptors favour. He set up Bargs and Bosh for a couple nice buckets in the paint.



All in all, if we played this sloppy in the first 3 Q's, we are going to get annihalated by Boston tomorrow night; but if the 4th Q team shows up, it'll be a good entertaining game!.


cheers

[Alan]

I'm also a rabid Raptors fan! Do you think members here would be interested in meets on game days, to catch the game together at a bar or restaurant?

Last year I bought a TJ Ford jersey (before he went down), what a bad decision on my part. -_-;;

Whereabouts are you located?

[p-o-g-i]

From the GlobeandMail today.....

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20081110.RAPANALYSIS10/TPStory/Sports

"......... And it follows that the Raptors have talked with both the Golden State Warriors and the Bobcats about trades, according to two league sources, with an eye toward correcting that kind of imbalance.

The Warriors are looking to move Al Harrington, and the Bobcats are looking to trade Wallace.

Each is a veteran small forward who would be an upgrade on the inconsistent Moon. Harrington has the more attractive contract - his deal will expire in 2010. The slashing, ball-hawking Wallace might have the more attractive game, though the five years and nearly $50-million (U.S.) he has left on his contract comes with more risk, particularly given Wallace's concussion history.

The real sticking point is that the player who clubs ask about is inevitably Bargnani, whom Colangelo remains bullish on and who is showing signs of putting last season's sophomore pratfall behind him........"

[zmtomako]

i still think BC should trade kapono (from my post before u can tell im not a kapono fan)

hes a non-factor on the offense (yes 7.8ppg at this point, but where are the 3s and the consistency?)... and dont even mention rebounding and defense...

if any1 deserves to be traded (with value to other teams anyways), its gonna be kapono

[Alan]

i still think BC should trade kapono (from my post before u can tell im not a kapono fan)

hes a non-factor on the offense (yes 7.8ppg at this point, but where are the 3s and the consistency?)... and dont even mention rebounding and defense...

if any1 deserves to be traded (with value to other teams anyways), its gonna be kapono

I agree 100%.

we are getting the pre-2008 playoff Kapono back. The guy who drives and tries to create even though he shouldn't lol. It's amazing how Kapono refuses to shoot even though he is the best in the league at it. As well, Jamario is a better slasher, but he refuses to slash, rather only shooting lol. WTF eh haha

[b.rabbit]

I agree 100%.

we are getting the pre-2008 playoff Kapono back. The guy who drives and tries to create even though he shouldn't lol. It's amazing how Kapono refuses to shoot even though he is the best in the league at it. As well, Jamario is a better slasher, but he refuses to slash, rather only shooting lol. WTF eh haha

Trade 'em both to get Al Harrington! :P

[TheProfessor]

Oh man, that game was really, really hard to watch. Even when the Raps were up by 15 I had this terrible feeling like Boston was just waiting to 'go'. I think the Raps could have easily won the game though, they just made some pretty poor decisions down the stretch.

Anyone know who that new player was, wearing number 14 for the Raps? Joey G was nuts last night!

[S.F.W.]

yeah Joey G was nuts, played good D. They have better interior D than last year because they added Jermaine, but still need a lot of help defending 2's and 3's. Pierce torched them so bad last night, he had to ice down his hand after the game.

[AskClaudio.com]

How long have the Raptors had defensive problems?

I recall we had a coach by the name of Kevin O'Neal, under his guidance we played truly inspired defence. I recall a game where we had 20 points going into half time along with the another team, from somewhere out west, perhaps the Spurs, but I could be wrong. Anyway you know the story, Vince Carter started bi*ching and complaining that the team wasn't scoring and all that came with it which would eventually lead to his dismissal after so many coaches coaching the team each year.

Point is, back then with Kevin O'Neal we had a terrible team, but played really inspired defence. But now with Sam Mitchell holding down the controls of this team, year in and year out it’s the same story. Guys on this team can't seem to understand how to defend in the NBA and he comes on night after night doing his usual post game press conference on Raptors NBA TV and preaches the same thing. Tonight we didn't defend, we couldn't control the glass, couldn't box out, blow bys were a problem, guys weren't rotating to the ball, etc.

Perhaps it's not a team issue; perhaps it's a coaching problem? After getting smoked last night by Philly, a team that was really on the ropes coming into last night and after what we showed in Boston a few nights before, something needs to be addressed on this team. Sure Jose Calderon went down with an injury but that is not an excuse, bench players need to be hungry to be eating minutes in an NBA game and showing what they have to Sam Mitchell that they are worthy of extra minutes or even starting. None of that was there last night; its like players have grown old to Sam Mitchell in a way.

Bottom line, with cap space being an issue and having MLSE over looking Colangelo’s moves, this season may just be a write off. And I don’t think MLSE would be very happy with Colangelo should Mitchell get the axe sometime this season and having to pay out his salary for this year and beyond. And with Chris Bosh such a big supporter of the one time coach of the year winner and I wouldn’t think he’ll take too kind in seeing his mentor given the pink slip when his contract comes due in 2010.

With an ever thinning bench with injuries to Hump and Calderon so early in the season and with the team clearly under achieving thus far, I thought I had a stressful job, I just can’t imagine at all what Colangelo must be going through. Get out the motrin.mama, and let’s hope these guys can mustard up some heart and play with a real sense of urgency like they did Monday night in Boston.

But that's just my opinion I could be wrong.

[aylkoo]

Mitchell gets outcoached every night ... period.

I remember one post-game interview and someone asked him what went wrong that game, and he said he doesn't know, and that he has to look at the tapes ... HOW CAN YOU NOT KNOW?!?! YOU JUST COACHED THAT GAME. No wonder the Raptors have a hard time coming back, the coach 'doesn't know' what was wrong.

[Alan]

it's always the "we just didnt make out shats tonight and they (opponent) did."
Seriously Sam lol.

[TheProfessor]

While I agree with you guys that Mitchell frequently get's outcoached, I place the blame for last nights loss squarely on the shoulders of Soloman. Some of the 'passes' he attempted yesterday were so brutal I literally could've done a better job, and he's been playing semi-pro ball for like eight years. IMO he has absolutely no excuse for some of the 'plays' he tried to make, and I found it hilarious that even Matt Devlin was like "what is he doing?" during the game.

Come on Jose, get better already.

[RallyPlaya]

I Agree with Jose back the Raps will Play lot better.... Soloman was flat out sloppy last game and the Raps cant have that many turnovers...... other that that im looking forward to see how the Raps fare this Season..... im expecting top 5 in the East

[diuqil]

I absolutely adore the Raptors, but they are not making the top 5 teams in the east if they don't find a solution at the shooting guard/small forward position(s).

And they better start picking up the slack, or Chris Bosh won't have incentive to stay in Toronto once his contract ends. After all, he is a superstar now.

Rumors are that MLSE will let Bryan go over the salary cap a bit, if he can land a blockbuster deal. But other than Bosh, Calderon and O'neil (our unmoveables) we don't have many assets to trade away.

[zmtomako]

mitchell is 1 problem
but the lack of a slasher is another...

we cant expect to have more than 40-45 wins without a more versatile offensive game and someone who can actually guard the other teams wing guys...

parker, kapono and moon are basically shooter
(exception that moon cant shoot but apparently cant handle the ball well enough to drive... so he ends up shooting a lot more than he should)

im still waiting to see kapono go lol

[MRT_MS3]

i am so pissed how the raptors played against the nets. they gave up an 18 pts lead, the nets tied the game with the raptors up 7pts with 39 secs left in the 4th qtr sending the game to ot and when parker shot an unbelievable 3pointer to tie it in ot, with less than 2 secs left, they let vince alley oop the winning shot. it made me threw up, just plain ****ing rediculous.

though after this disappointing loss, i hope oneil is ok after he got injured in the 4th qtr.

[Aitch]

I hate losses like that, even worse because Vince actually got up off his lazy ass to play. Why is it that the Raptors used to hire guys who only play well when you boo them?

[Kevin@nextmod]

If parker didn't miss that free throw..... all would go well....OR they didn't lose possession of the ball from imbounding.

[b.rabbit]

That was exciting basketball at the end of the OT period. That was the only part I could catch last night.

Bosh made a clutch 3, Parker made an even more clutch 3. It's great to see that the Raptors can come back and tie the game during clutch times.

However, VC killed us. Game-tying 3 in regulation from way outside, and then alley-ooping to put the dagger into the Raptors. You have to admit that was a great play.

Honestly, boo Vince all you want (I'm not a big fan of him for the way he left the Raptors and the fact that he admitted to half-assing out there for us in those final games), but he's a great player. Booing him is only going to make him want to beat us more, it's fuel to his competitive fire. No matter what, he'll always want to have a good game against the Raptors because we are, after all these years, still unforgiving.

[zmtomako]

we actually made a few mistakes in clutch time during regulation...

as mentioned, the inbound thing where we went over 5s
then the defense got confused on the switch that led to carter hitting the 1st 3
then parker missed that FT

it reminds me of that boston game... sigh...

i would still like to believe we wouldve won if JO didnt go down... hope hes ok

[Aitch]

Vincie is a great player but I don't think I'll ever let go of the way he left us. I certainly don't hate McGrady in the same way - even though he loved the Toronto boo-ing when he came back with the Magic as well.

[aylkoo]

Oh how I love to hate Vince ... and I will until he retires ... his smug face made the defeat even worse ...

[b.rabbit]

Vincie is a great player but I don't think I'll ever let go of the way he left us. I certainly don't hate McGrady in the same way - even though he loved the Toronto boo-ing when he came back with the Magic as well.

Yeah, McGrady didn't leave the same way, but I do believe that he misinformed our GM at the time on his intentions. I think we were going to do a sign and trade, but instead he just left as a UFA.

But then again, I could be wrong.

But with VC...ugh. I'm surprised he hasn't started to not try over there in NJ since his team sucks so much..

[MRT_MS3]

i would still like to believe we wouldve won if JO didnt go down... hope hes ok

We don't need JO to beat the Nets. Plain and Simple. Brian Coangelo brought him here so we could contend with teams like boston, detroit etc.

I am still furious about that game and until today it stings......
It will all heal if they beat the Celtics at home today.

Lets go Raptors !!

[Aitch]

finally some action from the Raps after a brutal start. let's see if they can keep it up. I don't think O'neill should be playing though, based on the pain he seems to be in.

[b.rabbit]

finally some action from the Raps after a brutal start. let's see if they can keep it up. I don't think O'neill should be playing though, based on the pain he seems to be in.

Yeah, I agree. JO shouldn't even be playing this game. He's gotta rest that knee and get healthy. It's not worth this early in the season. I hope Mitchell's shutting him down for this game.

I also hope that Mitchell plays Humphries more man! That guys is all hard work and heart! He can play! He reminds me of JYD!

[Aitch]

Oh man I'd almost forgotten about the Dawg!! Ukic showed some signs of life when he got on the court today.

[zmtomako]

i only watched a bit of the 3rd quarter today but i had to turn it off cuz it was so brutal... our guys were just standing around on defense and not doing anything

but seriously, why did JO even play? realistically, with or without JO we wouldnt be able to beat the celtics
i would've much rather seen him rest a bit more and play against the bobcats where he would make a bigger impact... now i can only hope he didnt end up effing up his knee some more

[zmtomako]

i only watched a bit of the 3rd quarter today but i had to turn it off cuz it was so brutal... our guys were just standing around on defense and not doing anything

but seriously, why did JO even play? realistically, with or without JO we wouldnt be able to beat the celtics
i would've much rather seen him rest a bit more and play against the bobcats where he would make a bigger impact... now i can only hope he didnt end up effing up his knee some more

[AskClaudio.com]

This team can not bang with the big boys. Poor decision making in signing Will Solomon. He flat out can not play. There was a reason why he was playing in Europe and not in the NBA. What a gamble that turned out to be thus far.

Jose Calderon continues to get schooled out there and getting blown by at will, where is the help defence on rotations? Doesn't seem like a hole lot of communication is going on.

Kapono was 0-0 in 12 minutes of play against the Celtics, coaching problem not finding him open shots in the offence to get him going?

But man that Nets game Friday night really pissed me off. Wince "Cart me off the court" Carter really gave it us up the ass. He even said so him during the post game interview, 'Raptor fans can boo me all they want, it just motivates me.' Unbelievable game though, it was the best raptors games in recent memory. But it could have been the best if Chuck Swirsky was behind the mic for that bad boy. We lost because of coaching down the stretch. Lawrence Frank just out coached poor old Sam Mitchell. Sam why not tell your players to foul and not give up a 3 point shot? Send the Nets to the free throw line please! And only 13 games into the season, no way MLSE allows Colangelo to do anything about the coaching situation when Mitchell is owned another $7 million for his contact. And to bring in a Flip Saunders or a Avery Johnson they will command at least $11 million in a multi-year deal. No way MLSE allows cap room to go for a coaching change.

[AskClaudio.com]

I also forgot to mention during Friday nights game against the Nets with around 35-37 seconds left, Calderon drills a 3 pointer and singals to the crowd, its over. Nets call a time out, Vince see's what Calderon is doing, trying to pull a KG.

And what does he get for taunting, oh just 12 points in 37 seconds by Vince Carter. What an a-la Reggie Miller like perfomance. Just makes my stomach turn! Get me some Motrin please.

[MRT_MS3]

well we made new franchise history by letting the celtics shoot 61%. just lack of defense. we need to make an early trade. i say package kapono, graham and solomon for a slasher and a backup point guard. or package moon, kapono and solomon for gerard wallace and maybe dj augustin which btw is playing unbeliveable on his first year in the nba.

[aylkoo]

Was at the Nets game, that smug face on Carter made me sick ...

Celtics game, watched 2 quarters and couldn't bear it anymore, where is the pride, the heart?

The old Celtics used to beat themselves up after every loss, they believed in themselves and worked hard, the Raps really need to do some soul-searching and get their butts in gear.

Maybe they should all watch 'Rudy' ... hehe

[sauga_kid]

^+1, I watched Rudy this weekend and I feel like I can play for the Raps now!

[Aitch]

Bye-bye Sam! (http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081203.wraps_mitchell1203/GSStory/GlobeSportsBasketball/home)

Looks like Colangelo got tired of Sam and the lack of motivation for the team. I still don't believe that Sam is the only problem, as I'm not sold on our collective talent, but I do believe the team has greater potential than they've been showing.

And, welcome Jay Triano to the head coach's club! First Canadian, woot!

[aylkoo]

I think it's definitely a good move, when the players start tuning out their coach, need to make a change. Not sure about Triano though ... will have to see

[cyberscorpi0]

Jay T. have to prove himself this Friday against Utah.

[zmtomako]

it doesnt seem like bosh took it too kindly though...

[Alan]

Don't know if you guys heard, former NBA player Rodney Rogers was paralyzed after an ATV accident. Wish him the best.

http://www.nationalpost.com/sports/story.html?id=1031933

[Thrizzl3]

Don't know if you guys heard, former NBA player Rodney Rogers was paralyzed after an ATV accident. Wish him the best.

http://www.nationalpost.com/sports/story.html?id=1031933

thats really sad news. prayers to him and his family

[Kevin@nextmod]

Man..... raptors suck balls...... Whats happening......

[zmtomako]

raptors are playing other playoff teams and our weaknesses are being exposed

[b.rabbit]

Raptors let another get away today. This game should've been theirs with that 16pt lead.

[m_a_t_r_i_x]

^+1, yeah it sucks bigtime, 1 pt loss to portland today...wow there are going dwn. indeed after that heartbreaking loss with carter, nothing seems to be going right with the craptors. ooops raptors.

[b.rabbit]

After listening to post-game remarks from Devlin and Armstrong, I heard the Raptors are playing one of the toughest schedules to date, so hopefully as the season goes on and they start playing "weaker" teams, they can pull off a string of wins.

[Aitch]

Its true that they're playing one of the tougher schedules in the NBA (5th hardest or something) but really that just implies the team's current capabilities. If you can't win at least some games against the better teams in the league, then obviously you're not of the same caliber.

The announcers also detailed how difficult it can be for a new coach to break the team's bad defensive habits. The Raps played excellent defense in the first, got exposed by the 3-pointer in the second, and then seemed to wake up on D again in the second half. But they really didn't lock down like they did early on in the game.

What was with that last play? The announcers mentioned how Sam and the team had been criticized for poor play execution late in the game, and it looked like nothing changed. Sure they got the ball in Bosh's hands, but starting from the 3-point line? Either he or J.O. needed to be much deeper and work it inside quickly; if there's nothing there THEN get it out for a jumper.

[zmtomako]

the last play wasnt well executed, but how about all the OREBs we let portland have on the play before which led to the 3?

i just question how much putting triano in charge would change...

i mean like seriously, are u telling me that triano contributed nothing when mitchell was head coach? and its not like the rest of the coaching staff changed at all either...

we're gonna need a real permanent coach if these lapses on defense and rebounding are going to be fixed...

[MRT_MS3]

I'm really missing TJ everytime Calderon gets blown by. He can't guard for shit. :flaming This is one of the reason why were at a loosing streak.

[aylkoo]

True about Calderon's defense, but he does bring stability on offense. After watching last night's game, still would rather have Calderon than TJ. We finally got a win, thank goodness.

[zmtomako]

lol i feel like taking everything i said about JK and Triano back...

holy crap the team looks completely different the last 2 games, the energy is back, kapono has his shot back, moon can rebound again, graham can finally drive...

wer playing great team defense and team rebounding...

most importantly, VC 0 for 13... im lovin' it, bandwagon time...

[MRT_MS3]

Well NJ has the worst fan base ever (3-7 at home) thats why theyre moving to Brooklyn I think next year. The real challenge is when NJ comes here on Monday. VC seems to play so much better when he steps in our court :chuckle

I'm still not convince that the Raptors are really playing that great since the team that theyre playing are the teams we should be beating. Im still gonna wait til they play with the big boys and how they play. Its a great start specially tonight. Funny how Jamario started playing good the way he played a couple a games ago when at the start of the season all he does is shoot jumpshots and not even get close to the paint. Jay Triano is showing what this team could really do and letting the players understand their role. I think if JK keeps getting the minutes hes getting, he could be consistent.

I gotta figure out where I could watch the game on monday against NETS since its airing in ****ing TSN2. :flaming

[p-o-g-i]

I would love it if the Raptors could pull off acquiring Joe Smith (as reported in the Toronto Sun).....

http://www.torontosun.com/sports/basketball/2008/12/29/7869901-sun.html

Not only is he a class act with veteran leadership, but he is a proven banger inside, who is not (as) injury prone.

Ahhh.... one could only dream.

I wonder who the Raps would trade to obtain Joe. Since the Thunder are stacked with big men, my money would be on either Parker, Moon, or Kapono..... or some sort of combination.

[Alan]

what about the latest rumour of Josh Howard to Toronto?

Toronto sends Andrea, AP, and more than likely Kapono

for

Josh Howard, Diop and Antonie Wright

what do people think?

[Alan]

what about the latest rumour of Josh Howard to Toronto?

Toronto sends Andrea, AP, and more than likely Kapono

for

Josh Howard, Diop and Antonie Wright

what do people think?

[p-o-g-i]

If you take Kapono out of the equation, I would do it.

Diop would give us a legitimate 5...maybe not an athletic 5, but nonetheless a 5.
They say that Josh Howard needs a change of scenery to get back to all= star form...... but didn't they say the same thing about O'Neal?!?!?

I would hate to see Parker go as he is a professional's professional, but right now he is a great bargaining chip.

As for Andrea....... for his own good, maybe he needs a change of scenery as well.

[S.F.W.]

I disagree. Diop is way over paid, and still has 4 years on his deal. Antoine Wright, is maybe an end of the rotation player. Howard, I like, but not enough to give up on Bargs.

[Alan]

but Howard would love the Cdn ganjaaaaa lol

haha, rumours been confirmed as dead

but yeah, Hassan Adams and cash traded to the Clippers for a conditional 2nd rounder, and then he was subsquently waived lol.

[aylkoo]

I think it would be a bad trade ... I would also hate to see Parker go, a teams first kinda guy, Howard does not strike me as that ...

Bargs is picking up his game a bit, just hope he can get a bit more consistent ...

Where are you Jermaine?! Jose?!

[b.rabbit]

http://tsn.ca/nba/story/?id=263662&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_main

REPORT: RAPTORS TALKING ABOUT AN O'NEAL FOR MARION SWAP

Looking for a way to shake up his Toronto Raptors following a 16-25 start to the season, President Bryan Colangelo is reportedly talking about a deal with the Miami Heat.

According to the Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Heat would send forward Shawn Marion and point guard Marcus Banks to the Raptors for Jermaine O'Neal.

O'Neal who returned to action on Friday after missing nine games with a knee injury, was acquired by the from Indiana for T.J. Ford and Rasho Nesterovic before the season.

The Sun-Sentinel reports that Heat president Pat Riley would like to wait until closer to the NBA's February 19 trade deadline, to make sure that O'Neal is fully healthy, while Colangelo would like to make the deal sooner rather than later.

With O'Neal out of the lineup, Andrea Bargnani has really taken off as a starter, averaging over 22 points and eight rebounds a contest in his last five games.

Marion, who was an all-star with the Phoenix Suns before heading to the Heat in the Shaquille O'Neal trade, has seen his numbers drop off with the Heat this season. He's only scoring 12.1 points a game while pulling down 9.2 rebounds.

O'Neal, who makes $21.3 million this season, has a player option for $23 million next season. Marion's contract which is just over $17 million will come off the books at the end of the season.

Marion heading to Toronto would bring a familiar face back for Colangelo, who was Marion's general manager until he left Phoenix to join the Raptors in 2006.

[FLIPDADY]

I think this would be just the thing the Raps need to shake things up.

[MRT_MS3]

I would take that deal in a heartbeat. They can have Jamario Moon if they want him too.....(pisses me off with his freakin jump shots)

[p-o-g-i]

http://tsn.ca/nba/story/?id=263662&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_main

REPORT: RAPTORS TALKING ABOUT AN O'NEAL FOR MARION SWAP



:pop

C'mon trade deadline.... get here already!
I would like to see this trade go through. Don't get me wrong, Jermaine is a class act (minus the brawl incident :) )..... but Shawn Marion fills many stats (secondary scoring option, rebounding, athleticism). Worst case scenario, if he doesn't work out here, his contract is done at the end of the season.

[Aitch]

I've liked O'Neal during his time here, but he's definitely not having the impact that we thought possible. I definitely say shake things up. At the same time, Bargs is earning his place in the starting rotation, so I hope he doesn't lose it. His play the last 6 weeks or so seems to be what Colangelo has been waiting for and expecting.

[zmtomako]

this trade would definitely help fill what the raptors desperately need... a good perimeter defender that can rebound as well...
not only does it boost the starting 5, but our bench would be a lot better as well with moon as the SF and kapono or parker playing the 2 on the 2nd unit

but of course, we'll have to see if JO can be healthy enough for the trade, and if the Heat is in the playoff hunt around the trade deadline...
this move might let the Heat play Beasley as their SF in the starting 5

who knows, i got so excited when i read this on tsn last night though

[FLIPDADY]

Looks like Calderone's return has boosted the Raps to a win!

Finished with 23 pts and 10 assists...what injury?:chuckle

[sauga_kid]

About damn time, its been so long since we picked up a W I forgot how the raps look like when they celebrate. I got worried there for a second when the Bulls mounted their comeback and pulled within 2. Despite Bargs putting up the numbers, I would still opt for the Marion trade if it was placed on the table.

[FLIPDADY]

Heat's Riley addresses trade rumors

MIAMI (AP) -- With Alonzo Mourning retiring, Miami Heat president Pat Riley will have to look for help at center elsewhere.

In Toronto, perhaps.
Discussing the state of the Heat on Thursday, Riley did nothing to quash speculation he wants to trade power forward Shawn Marion to the Raptors for center Jermaine O'Neal.
Riley said he has talked with Marion about the situation.

"I value Shawn Marion immensely," Riley said. "He is a tremendous player. I'm sorry this is going on right now, but that's the NBA business."

As for reports the Heat requested medical information on O'Neal and the Raptors requested medical information on Marion, Riley said: "I could have made the same request to five other teams also. That's just the normal process."

Riley's comments came after Mourning's news conference to announce he's calling it quits rather than returning from a serious leg injury in December 2007. Mourning backed up Shaquille O'Neal when the Heat won the NBA title in 2006, but now Miami is thin at center with a backlog at power forward.

"This team is like 70 percent of the teams in the NBA that play small," Riley said. "There's a whole new philosophy in the NBA, and that is getting into a game that is fast and versatile. It has almost morphed itself into a 6-foot-5-and-under league.

"I don't believe in that game in the long run. I don't think that game is going to win you a title."

O'Neal's contract expires in 2010, while Marion is in the final year of his deal. Injuries could complicate any trade: Marion missed practice Thursday with a sore groin, and he's questionable for Saturday's game against Orlando, while O'Neal has been slowed by a troublesome knee.

Riley said any trade would keep the current team competitive, but he also said, "The big picture always trumps the present moment. ... We need to upgrade this team, but you're not going to do it overnight."

With Riley giving up coaching duties, Miami has rebounded from a 15-win season a year ago and is in playoff contention at 22-19 under new coach Erik Spoelstra.

"The team's competitive, they're entertaining, they're well-coached," Riley said. "They have a shot, and I think that is what has endeared them to the fans here again. It has re-energized our program."

Riley said the Heat "have the best player in the world in Dwyane Wade." With the Feb. 19 trade deadline nearly a month away, Wade shrugged off talk of a deal.

"No one is coming in today to save the day," Wade said. "This is my team. I have to continue to lead this team. I'm not worried about who's not here. I'm worried about who's here."

[p-o-g-i]

http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/john_schuhmann/01/29/raptors_colangelo.eastern.insider.20090129/index.html

Eastern Conference Insider: Raptors GM not afraid to trade
By John Schuhmann, NBA.com
Posted Jan 29 2009 11:50AM

With the trading deadline exactly three weeks away, there have been reports that Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo has been the most aggressive of league GMs in trying to make a deal.

Colangelo expected the Raptors to be a top four team in the Eastern Conference this season. At 19-38 after Wednesday's win in New Jersey, they are in the East's bottom three.

"We are looking to do something," Colangelo said Wednesday, "because we haven't been that good this year. And if it means making a move, tweaking the current roster or putting ourselves in a better position to win now, then we'll do that."

Still, the Raptors stand just two games out of a playoff spot. They have won three in a row and have a chance to make up ground Friday when they host they host the eighth-place Bucks.

Colangelo admits that his team has been "a disappointment," but also says that injuries have knocked it off track. Jermaine O'Neal has missed 14 games, including 11 over the last four weeks with a bone bruise in his knee. And point guard Jose Calderon missed 10 games recently with a strained right hamstring.

Not coincidentally, the Raptors' win streak (their longest since starting the year 3-0) began when Calderon returned. He's shooting 22-for-32 in his three games back, while dishing out 29 assists and committing two turnovers. He's also has kept his consecutive free throw streak (86 in a row) alive as well.

"You also now have some things that are evolving with your team," Colangelo said, "and you might want to make some adjustments based on that evolution."

The Raptors have made some mid-season adjustments that they're still adapting to. Coach Jay Triano changed their defensive principles when he took over for Sam Mitchell and has recently had Anthony Parker handling point guard duties when Calderon sits...................

[FLIPDADY]

Chris the Raps aren't that bad!

We're 19-28 not 19-38.:chuckle

[p-o-g-i]

Chris the Raps aren't that bad!

We're 19-28 not 19-38.:chuckle

I hear ya Joe. I believe this season is completely salvagable(?), but a minor tweak here and there willdefinitely be needed to turn it around and make it to the playoffs. One of the main things is to stay injury free, which the Raps have always had issues with with one player or another.

[zmtomako]

the raptors seriously need to play with more heart

todays loss was beyond disappointing, the guys (besides like calderon and oneal) had no energy and intensity in their offensive or defensive game

[aylkoo]

They've gotta stop taking jumpshots and drive to the basket. We can't afford to shoot like that when we are not a good rebounding team.

Was at the game on Sunday, it was brutal. One and done. One shot, no rebound. I think they might be allergic to the paint.

Only Graham and Calderon were showing any signs of effort on Sunday. Just brutal.

Hope they don't trade O'Neal, he's the only guy that shows any type of toughness out there. Raptors get pushed around all the time, too nice.

[cyberscorpi0]

CB4 in Trade Rumor?


"Toronto General Manager Bryan Colangelo and Raptors forward Chris Bosh denied Monday a report that said Bosh had requested a trade and that the Heat was involved in such talks."

[zmtomako]

graham has the effort, but he really doesnt have the basketball IQ at times
and yea, bosh definitely got allergic, just cuz the defendings were giving him space, he decided to shoot (and miss) the whole game

wer not playing the inside game wer capable... honestly, we really dont have a post player... neither JO, bosh, or bargs play with their back to the basket to force anything inside

[zmtomako]

graham has the effort, but he really doesnt have the basketball IQ at times
and yea, bosh definitely got allergic, just cuz the defendings were giving him space, he decided to shoot (and miss) the whole game

wer not playing the inside game wer capable... honestly, we really dont have a post player... neither JO, bosh, or bargs play with their back to the basket to force anything inside

[chinsterr]

another loss tonight ?

Cavs are 20-0 @ home

[MRT_MS3]

if they snap that streak, i will shave my head and not pass 4000rpm on the speed 3 for a whole month (which is very hard to do, lol)

[b.rabbit]

if they snap that streak, i will shave my head and not pass 4000rpm on the speed 3 for a whole month (which is very hard to do, lol)

At the moment, it looks like you're going to still have a head of hair, and you'll be able to drive your car like normal.

37-15 after the first quarter?! Why is Moon shooting from the 3pt arc so much? No, better question, why is Moon even shooting at all?! GAHHH!!

[cyberscorpi0]

I'm starting to lose my faith :(

[chinsterr]

That was just horrible, the look on their faces at the end of the game said it all.

[MRT_MS3]

I only saw O'neil playing hard......and maybe Joey but thats it....

[b.rabbit]

Wow, Raptors leading the Lakers at the half...I wonder if they'll keep it up. Looks like the starting 5 minus Calderon is doing a good job...

[b.rabbit]

Close but no cigar against the Lakers, but at least there was a bright spot in Joey Graham. He's really starting to come into his own and he did a great job in guarding the premier players on back-to-back nights (LeBron and Kobe).

Sucks that we lost Bosh though.

And any merit in ESPN's Stephen A. Smith bold comment that Bosh wants out of Toronto?

[zmtomako]

well at least the guys played with more heart yesterday...

who knows what CB4 is actually thinking... both him and BC came out yesterday to deny the rumors, but seriously, who knows...

all i can say is, theres no point in keeping someone who doesnt wanna play for us

but i also found this today
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=11449

Raptors Are Shopping: The Toronto Raptors are looking to make a deal, according to league source involved in talks with the team. The club is not looking to move the mega names on the roster despite constant media reports. The Raptors have been fairly aggressive in trying to move Anthony Parker and Joey Graham. If you're wondering where the Jermaine O'Neal talks are, sources close to the team say there has not been substantial talk of moving JO in some time, and that Bryan Colangelo's pledges that Jermaine was not being moved seem fairly consistent to what other teams are saying after talks with the club. Anthony Parker is in the final year of his $4.5 million deal and could be attractive to a team looking to shed cap dollars, although his numbers so far this year are off significantly from last year in both scoring, field goal percentage and three-point percentage. Joey Graham is eligible to be a restricted free agent this summer, in essence making him a $2.4 million ending contract as well. Neither player looks to be overly attractive on the trade market, making it somewhat unlikely the Raptors trigger a deal in the next 14 days.

[sauga_kid]

Raps are ready to pull the trigger, thanks for coming out J.O., welcome to the T-dot Matrix!

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3905146&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines



The Toronto Raptors (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=tor) have agreed to send Jermaine O'Neal (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=615) and Jamario Moon (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3249) to the Miami Heat (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=mia) in exchange for Shawn Marion (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=510) and Marcus Banks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2165), league sources told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher.

The deal is pending league approval, according to sources, and if approved, would be announced later Friday afternoon.

[RallyPlaya]

Yeah I am really glad to hear the news, i was never a fan of Oneal in Toronto,Im gonna miss Moon though, I Think the Matrix will have a better fit in Toronto, Now its time to make a late Playoff push.

[b.rabbit]

Sweeeet. I'm glad they're gettin' rid of Moon too!! Up next on the chopping board. Solomon!

[sauga_kid]

Moon, we could've kept, I agree about Solomon

[cyberscorpi0]

Raps are ready to pull the trigger, thanks for coming out J.O., welcome to the T-dot Matrix!

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3905146&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines

let see if the "W" continues with the power of "The Matrix"!

[p-o-g-i]

I love this trade.

Don't get me wrong.... O'Neal is a great player, but the organization and the fans put on alot of pressure on him to produce alot and early. Too bad he's just not the player he once was.

I think Toronto spanked Miami in this trade, but everyone got what they wanted. The pick up of Marcus Banks to play the point when Calderon is out is a huge pickup.

[zmtomako]

moon we probably and wont cant resign next yr anyways since hes gonna demand money...

what i dont get is the conditional FIRST ROUND pick (even though its lottery-protected) that was thrown in there... why? was it part of the plan so we can get some cash to hire a new coach or what...

[zmtomako]

internet lag: double post

sorry

[zmtomako]

The pick up of Marcus Banks to play the point when Calderon is out is a huge pickup.
no, it was salary dump move by miami, they were packaging banks with marion for every other offer i heard

[b.rabbit]

no, it was salary dump move by miami, they were packaging banks with marion for every other offer i heard

Even though it might be a salary dump by Miami to move Banks, it's still a great pick-up for the Raptors as they need someone that's somewhat established to back up Calderon, so I'd agree with POGI.

That being said though, Parker is playing great at PG thus far, but the Raptors should really start Ukic to give him some experience there if he's to be the future PG for us. And we saw what he could do against the Spurs.

I'm excited to see how the trades turn out for both teams after the All-Star break! I hope Marion regains that form he had with Phoenix and that he and Calderon can build a good rapport quickly.

[p-o-g-i]

Even though it might be a salary dump by Miami to move Banks, it's still a great pick-up for the Raptors as they need someone that's somewhat established to back up Calderon, so I'd agree with POGI.

That being said though, Parker is playing great at PG thus far, but the Raptors should really start Ukic to give him some experience there if he's to be the future PG for us. And we saw what he could do against the Spurs.

I'm excited to see how the trades turn out for both teams after the All-Star break! I hope Marion regains that form he had with Phoenix and that he and Calderon can build a good rapport quickly.

Yeah, Ukic definitely needs more playing time to develop. He was an all- star in Europe, and I believe he could be a starter (in time) in the NBA. Maybe not on a top tier team, but a starter nonetheless.

I say if it gets to the point where the Raptors are giving up on the season and Ukic is still not getting the playing time, then send him down the the D- League. That's what it's there for, right?!?!?!

[zmtomako]

if wer totally out of it, i wouldnt be surprised to see calderon just sit to rest his hamstring for next yr, and ukic better be playing by then

but yea, packaged or not by miami, banks definitely fits well for our situation... im waiting to see soloman get chopped now

marion better be what we expected and more... i'd hate to see the raptors not make the playoffs with all the hype built up for this season with JO... and now all the hype with marion...

[aylkoo]

I liked JO, partly because he brought some attitude and toughness to the team. I loved it when he would stare down people after he blocks them. Something the Raptors will sorely miss.

As far as the matrix, he is great with the running game. Unfortunately that's not the Raptors. How many times have we seen the Raptors on the breakaway, whether it's 3 on 2 or 3 on 3 and they pull out and don't drive to the basket, just so that they can set up their offense.

Will miss Moon, but he sucked this year. Will see what happens, all I know is that Miami just got a heck of a lot better with a decent centre on their team.

Oh yeah, and Banks sucks.

[p-o-g-i]

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/bulls/1434361,CST-SPT-bull17.article

Basically:

Toronto gets Amare Stoudamire...

Chicago gets Chris Bosh...

Phoenix gets Drew Gooden, Tyrus Thomas, and a 1st rd pick...

[Kevin@nextmod]

I don' tknow if i like that trade. Amare taking bosh place. Will he perfom as good as he does in phoenix? Or will he be just another vince carter?

[Aitch]

Oh man, I just LOVE it when Toronto sends our best player to a division rival (who is better than us already) so that they can come back and torch us the following season.

I LOVE watching the Raps and cheering for them, but although we have a glimmer of hope each year it is becoming obvious that we need to clear the house out. The current program has flashes of inspiration but we are not on the cusp of becoming a contender with the current group of guys. Bosh and Calderon yes, the rest just can't perform together consistently anymore.

[b.rabbit]

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/bulls/1434361,CST-SPT-bull17.article

Basically:

Toronto gets Amare Stoudamire...

Chicago gets Chris Bosh...

Phoenix gets Drew Gooden, Tyrus Thomas, and a 1st rd pick...

I'd say no to this trade because I don't want the Toronto Suns. Besides, didn't Marion want out of Phoenix because he and Stoudemire weren't on good terms?

[Kevin@nextmod]

but IMO we should trade bosh away since he's not doing that well and before the contract ends we can get someone equally as good or better instead of him leaving us when his contract ends. Or lets not end up like the vince carter trade which end up being stupid and useless.

[sauga_kid]

I say lets hold out on the trade and see how CB and Marion work together. CB has always voiced his contentness with playing here in T.O. the only thing that would drive him away would be if BC didn't put the things in place around him to give the raps a chance and clearly BC is working on it. If you were to trade CB, we would definitely need to pick up a marquee player to build the raps around and definitely not trade him away for some scrubs and another jug of gatorade like we did with Carter. WRT Amare coming to the T.O., it would be nice and I can see why he would come here since BC would be inticing him but he did have bad blood with Marion in Phoenix so I don't know how that would materialize here, we've definitely had our share of bad apples (T.J., Skip). Maybe it would work, the problem in Phoenix was that Marion wa the third option after Amare and Nash, maybe he wouldn't mind being part of the 1-2 punch here in T.O.? We'll see, it'd be nice to unload Bargs somewhere along the line cuz I think he's a bunked investment, the sooner we get rid of him, the better.

[p-o-g-i]

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/bulls/1434361,CST-SPT-bull17.article

Basically:

Toronto gets Amare Stoudamire...

Chicago gets Chris Bosh...

Phoenix gets Drew Gooden, Tyrus Thomas, and a 1st rd pick...


http://www.torontosun.com/sports/basketball/2009/02/18/8428121-sun.html

Toronto Sun
by Mike Ganter


Another day, another Chris Bosh trade rumour to deny.

Only this time, GM Brian Colangelo beat the local media to the punch interrupting a question period about the Jermaine O'Neal/Shawn Marion trade to quash the latest fabrication.

"If I can be very clear here, there is no truth to that," Colangelo said after raising the issue of a reported three-way trade that had Bosh going to Chicago, a package of young players and expiring contracts headed to Phoenix from Chicago and Amare Stoudemire coming to Toronto.

[b.rabbit]

This from ESPN Insider..

Clearly all speculation, but one of these trades somewhat happened yesterday..but IMO, a lot of these are very lopsided...


Five trades that should happen
Comment Email Print Share

By Chad Ford
ESPN.com
Archive

Trade winds are blowing as strongly as ever. According to GMs around the NBA, there was a significant amount of trade deadline talk during All-Star Weekend.

Despite all of that talk, there's no telling how many moves GMs will actually make over the next few days. Some years, the days prior to the trade deadline are red hot with activity. Other years, not so much.

Insider: Shaq-Kobe Reunion?
Would the Lakers consider teaming Shaq and Kobe again? Here's a trade scenario that makes sense for both the Suns and the Lakers. Chad Ford

We had one significant deal on Friday when the Raptors acquired Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks from the Heat for Jermaine O'Neal and Jamario Moon.

A handful of teams don't just want to make a deal by the deadline, they need to. Some are playoff teams that need to shore up their rosters to make a title push. Others are cellar dwellers that need to begin the rebuilding process while they still can get value for their players. And a few are teams in dire straits financially that must start saving money.

You'll be reading a lot before the deadline about what might happen and what will happen. But here are five trades that should happen. While all of the players involved in these scenarios have been mentioned in trade talks, these deals are hypothetical. I am not saying that they will happen, or that they even have been discussed by teams -- I'm just saying they should happen.

Most of the teams listed here won't pull the trigger, but they'll regret that decision down the road:

1. Raptors send Chris Bosh to the Warriors for Andris Biedrins, Anthony Randolph, Ronny Turiaf, Marco Belinelli and a future No. 1 pick



Biedrins



Bosh

• View this deal in the ESPN Trade Machine

Why should the Raptors do it?
Because the writing is on the wall in Toronto. I'm not sure how the Raptors are going to keep Bosh in 2010, and, no, I don't think adding Shawn Marion really helps in the long term. This deal would give them a ton of young talent to rebuild. And the fact that much of it has an international flavor only makes it sweeter for Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo.

Why should the Warriors do it?
You don't get the chance to add an All-Star big man every day. And with Monta Ellis and Corey Maggette, the Warriors would have the building blocks to be special again. Will it happen?
The biggest question is whether the Warriors, the most dysfunctional franchise in the NBA, could keep Bosh. They would have enough talent to convince Bosh to stay, but their situation is so messed up that it's a big risk.

The second biggest question is whether the Raptors would do it. Colangelo has been pretty adamant that they won't deal Bosh at the deadline. But if they were able to get this much talent in return, he'd have to take a long look.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Trail Blazers send Raef LaFrentz, Sergio Rodriguez and Nicolas Batum to the Bobcats for Gerald Wallace and Sean May



Wallace



LaFrentz

• View this deal in the ESPN Trade Machine

Why should the Blazers do it?
This is the perfect market for a team like Portland to pick up an excellent player without giving up much in return. Rodriguez and Batum have promise, but Wallace is the real deal. He would add the kind of toughness and versatility that could put the Blazers over the top.

Why should the Bobcats do it?
They are rebuilding this team in Larry Brown's image. This deal gives them some young talent, but more importantly some cap space. Given their recent moves, they could use it.

Will it happen?
The Blazers are in an enviable position. They have what might be the best asset in the NBA right now in LaFrentz's contract.

Sources say that they have their choice of Wallace, Richard Jefferson or Caron Butler if they're willing to send a few young players and LaFrentz's contract. Wallace, Jefferson and Butler all have their strengths, but for the Blazers' needs, I think Wallace is the best fit.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Knicks send David Lee, Malik Rose and Jared Jeffries to the Bulls for Tyrus Thomas and Larry Hughes.



Thomas



Lee

• View this deal in the ESPN Trade Machine

Why should the Knicks do it?
It would help the Knicks tremendously in the summer of 2010. Not only would it clear the last $6 million of Jeffries' deal off the books, but it would ease the Knicks' worries about losing Lee for nothing this summer in free agency.

If Thomas were to keep developing, they could pay him in the summer of 2010 along with LeBron. If he were to struggle, they could let him go and bring in two big free agents with all of their cap room. In the meantime, Hughes would help shore up a big hole at the 2 and he too would come off the books in 2010.

Why should the Bulls do it?
Lee would bring a change in culture to the franchise. He's a double-double machine and a good locker room guy. They'd have to pay him this summer, but given the horrific financial market, it probably wouldn't cost them a fortune. It also would save them some money heading into the summer; getting Hughes off the books would clear an extra $7 million or so under the cap.

Will it happen?
Maybe. The Knicks don't want to lose Lee for nothing and they would love to move Jeffries' contract. The Bulls need a shake-up and adding Lee would help get the team back to its winning ways.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. New Orleans Hornets send Tyson Chandler to Oklahoma City for Joe Smith, Chris Wilcox and Mouhamed Sene and the first-round pick the San Antonio Spurs owe the Thunder.



Smith



Chandler

• View this deal in the ESPN Trade Machine

Why should the Thunder should do it?
Chandler in the middle would help complete their rebuilding process. He's the shot-blocking, rebounding machine the team has lacked since its days in Seattle.

Why should the Hornets do it?
This would be a cap-saving maneuver by the Hornets. It wouldn't make great basketball sense, but they would get a first-round pick and some veteran help for the playoffs in Joe Smith.

Will it happen?
The Thunder are looking to be active. This deal would cut into their cap space this summer but, honestly, would they really lure anyone better than Chandler in free agency?

As for the Hornets, they need to get under the luxury-tax threshold. This would accomplish that in a hurry while still providing some assets for next year.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. Cavs trade Wally Szczerbiak to the Wizards for Antawn Jamison and Etan Thomas.



Jamison



Szczerbiak

• View this deal in the ESPN Trade Machine

Why should the Cavs do it?
The team wants to win a title now and could use an upgrade at the 4. Adding Jamison would give the Cavs another dynamic scorer and veteran.

Why should the Wizards do it?
Because they are paying a huge amount of money for one of the worst teams in basketball. When Gilbert Arenas returns, they'll be better, but by how much? This deal would put them slightly below the cap next year.

Will it happen?
The Cavs are looking at potential Szczerbiak deals and Jamison isn't the only guy they covet. Mike Miller and Vince Carter have also been mentioned.

Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider.

[Alan]

Looks like our already slim playoff chances are finished. The Bulls with the biggest steal in acquiring Brad Miller AND John Salmons for Gooden's expiring, Nocioni and Ced Simmons. Absolute steal for the Bulls.

[cyberscorpi0]

For some Members that can't watch the game due to no TSN2 coverage; go to www.channelsurfing.net and scroll down to NBA games.

[Kevin@nextmod]

^^^ i vote you to be the best member in tm3......!

[Kevin@nextmod]

Actually i think i have to take it back..... the thing is done and can't seem to stream

[cyberscorpi0]

Actually i think i have to take it back..... the thing is done and can't seem to stream
There are 2 streaming video on that site . . . Unfortunately the other one is in different language.

For some reason the English streaming video was pulled out due to Broadcasting restriction (in the 4th Q).

You can avoid Border Restrictions if you download Free files on some site that will "Hide your IP while you're on-line".

[sp3GT]

A little off topic but does anyone know where else to get Raptors tickets other then ticketmaster?

Everytime I go on there like at least a month or two before the game, I check the $40 - $80 range and there's rarely anything available.

[Kevin@nextmod]

ebay

[b.rabbit]

This just in at TSN.ca:

The Toronto Raptors landed a centre in the closing moments of the NBA Trade Deadline, reports the Boston Globe.

According to the newspaper, the Raptors sent point guard Will Solomon to the defending champs for seven foot centre Patrick O'Bryant on Thursday afternoon.

In 39 games for the Raptors this season, Solomon was averaging 4.9 points and 3.2 assists.

The little used O'Bryant was averaging only 4.2 minutes, 1.5 points and 1.3 rebounds over his 26 games played.

[zmtomako]

For some Members that can't watch the game due to no TSN2 coverage; go to www.channelsurfing.net and scroll down to NBA games.
for ppl like me thats on residence and dont have cable, another way is to check links posted on the raptors forums :pop
http://www.raptorsforum.com/f/f29/

[iconicrocket]

Awesome was looking for a good link. Justin.tv doesn't cut it, real laggy.

[cyberscorpi0]

I'm watching Raps vs. Suns on this link:

http://www.justin.tv/itsdaraptors

[b.rabbit]

I'm watching Raps vs. Suns on this link:

http://www.justin.tv/itsdaraptors

Thanks for the link!! I wanted to watch this game, but I don't have TSN2.. :complain

[cyberscorpi0]

Thanks for the link!! I wanted to watch this game, but I don't have TSN2.. :complain

No Problem.

[p-o-g-i]

hahahah..... I find Shaq's comments almost as humerous as Barkley's....

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2009/03/01/20090301sunsoneal-CR.html

"After Shaquille O'Neal scored 45 against Toronto on Friday, Raptors star Chris Bosh said O'Neal had benefited from officials ignoring his three-second lane violations.

"I heard what Chris Bosh said, and that's strong words coming from the RuPaul of big men," O'Neal said. "I'm going to do the same thing (in their next meeting) I did before - make him quit. Make 'em quit and complain. It's what I do."

DAAAAAAMMMMMMNNNNNN!!!!!!!

hahahaha..... I find it funny cause I know alot of us were thinking it.. hahaha. Bosh looked a whole lot better when he had his head shaved.

[cyberscorpi0]

Bosh looked a whole lot better when he had his head shaved.

I agree . . .

http://blacksportsonline.com/index/aamir,%20cb4.jpg

[p-o-g-i]

hahahaha..... I find it funny cause I know alot of us were thinking it.. hahaha. Bosh looked a whole lot better when he had his head shaved.

Point in case.......

http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/autographed/memorabilia/sports/collectibles/authentic/Basketball/8x10%20Photos/Chris_Bosh.jpg

OR

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7f/MMVA2007_Chris_Bosh.jpg

OR

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/34/Chris_Bosh.JPG/301px-Chris_Bosh.JPG

[p-o-g-i]

http://www.nba.com/dleague/austin/mensah_bonsu_090306.html

NEW YORK, March 6, 2009 – The Toronto Raptors today announced that they have signed forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu of the Austin Toros for the remainder of the season.

Signed by San Antonio on Feb. 25, Mensah-Bonsu appeared in three games for the Spurs and averaged 5.0 points and 3.3 rebounds in 6.7 minutes.

Prior to his call-ups, Mensah-Bonsu appeared in eight games with the Toros, where he averaged 26.6 points, 13.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.50 blocks in 39.8 minutes.
Originally signed by Dallas after going undrafted in the 2006 NBA Draft, Mensah-Bonsu appeared in 12 games for the Mavericks during the 2006-07 season, and averaged 2.4 points and 1.0 rebounds in 5.9 minutes. That season he also appeared in 26 games for the Fort Worth Flyers of the D-League, averaging 15.8 points and 10.4 rebounds in 30.7 minutes. Mensah-Bonsu was selected to the 2007 D-League All-Star Game, where he captured MVP honors after scoring 30 points and grabbing seven boards.
The 6-10, 240-pound forward was born in London and played collegiately at George Washington University. He spent four years with the Colonials, finishing his career second on the school’s all-time blocks list (141) while earning Atlantic-10 All Conference First Teams honors during his senior year.


So let's see..... they finally get Nathan Jawai back... sign Jake Voshkul... trade for Patrick O'Bryant.... send Jawai to the minors..... and now sign Pops Mensah-Bonsu.... Is anyone waiting to see what Colangelo's master plan is for the big men situation?!?!?!

[b.rabbit]

Is anyone waiting to see what Colangelo's master plan is for the big men situation?!?!?!

I don't think BC has a plan. It's like he's trying to dig himself out of the big hole he has created.

Anyway, Pops looks like he's playing pretty well thus far..grabbed a couple rebounds and is playing with some energy..but we'll see how this plays out...

[p-o-g-i]

....Anyway, Pops looks like he's playing pretty well thus far..grabbed a couple rebounds and is playing with some energy..but we'll see how this plays out...

....... and he's got some hops

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/71475/pops2.jpg

[VCM]

He played 'ok' tonight.

Any chance Raptor's making the playoffs?

[m_a_t_r_i_x]

no longer watching raptors games, they are lost and no teamwork/play whatsoever....as far as im concern they are done this season.

[aylkoo]

Nash and the Raptors ... very intriguing ... check out this article

http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba/nba-articles/nash-and-how-it-relates-to-the-raptors-ar50218.html

[b.rabbit]

Nash and the Raptors ... very intriguing ... check out this article

http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba/nba-articles/nash-and-how-it-relates-to-the-raptors-ar50218.html

That is a pretty interesting read. The only question is, how are we going to get Nash? Trade? Who would we have to give up for him?

It's not a bad idea, but who knows if it will come to fruition.

[vlad5434]

booo raps yay pistons lol am a detroit fan

[p-o-g-i]

Personally, I'm all for tanking the season and gonig for the high draft pick.

My train of thought is to either be in the top 5 (to have a legitimate chance of winning in the playoffs) or be int he bottom 5 (to have a legitimate chance at getting a high draft pick).

[p-o-g-i]

sorry, double post

[b.rabbit]

Personally, I'm all for tanking the season and gonig for the high draft pick.

My train of thought is to either be in the top 5 (to have a legitimate chance of winning in the playoffs) or be int he bottom 5 (to have a legitimate chance at getting a high draft pick).

I agree.

Next season will be the new hope. haha.. this season was a MAJOR disappointment. I think everyone, even analysts are baffled!

[zmtomako]

i can only wonder what our season would be like if mitchell wasnt fired... im not a fan of the guy, but triano just doesnt seem to be able to get the guys to commit

[iconicrocket]

Hey they won today against the Pacers. Pops looks good, I hope they keep him after the season.

[Kevin@nextmod]

I actually went ot the game today... section 119 .... such a fun game.. and bonsu was crazzyyyyyyy...........

free tickets FTW......!!!!

[Chuckie]

I actually went ot the game today... section 119 .... such a fun game.. and bonsu was crazzyyyyyyy...........

free tickets FTW......!!!!

pops is all hustle.. i like him.

[b.rabbit]

pops is all hustle.. i like him.

Let's see if Pops will continue to hustle once he gets that big contract. Let's hope he doesn't turn up to be another Keon Clark.

[FLIPDADY]

i can only wonder what our season would be like if mitchell wasnt fired... im not a fan of the guy, but triano just doesnt seem to be able to get the guys to commit
They didn't give Sam a chance. What was his record again? Like 4-8 to start the season? Bad move IMO.

[06Touring3]

I like Sam as a guy...was a pretty decent player. But he made some very questionable decisions late in games and continuously allowed the Raptors to take bad shots (i.e. Bosh taking 3's late in close games...?)

Triano had a better pro coaching record than Mitchell when he took over. That clearly is not the case now. But it's just as much the players faults for not executing as it was Mitchell AND Triano

[AskClaudio.com]

Toronto Raptors have traded J-Killah aka Jason Kapono for Reggie Evans of the 76ers.

[Alan]

Thank God Krap-ono is gone. phew

[p-o-g-i]

I liked Kapono. I think he could have been something special if he just got more playing time. But for the price tag he was carrying, he either needed to play more... or go to another team that would appreciate him more.

As for Reggie Evans........ I'm hoping this is one of those studs Bryan Colangelo picks out of nowhere to exceed expectations (ie. Boris Diaw, Quentin Richardson, Joe Johnson, Raja Bell, etc.)

[Alan]

But the more Krapono played, the worse our already-piss-poor perimeter defense became lol.

As well, when he got the open looks from the 3 pt land, the guy would refuse to shoot, rather, he would shuffle his feet for the travel, or drive in and shoot that stupid floater that never went in lol.

I'm so glad he's gone, but I do agree, if implemented in the right system like Philly, with good perimeter defenders like Andre Miller (if he resigns) on the defensive end, and on offense, just park on the 3 pt land with the ball going into Brand and Iggy's hands.

[chinsterr]

I liked Kapono. I think he could have been something special if he just got more playing time. But for the price tag he was carrying, he either needed to play more... or go to another team that would appreciate him more.

As for Reggie Evans........ I'm hoping this is one of those studs Bryan Colangelo picks out of nowhere to exceed expectations (ie. Boris Diaw, Quentin Richardson, Joe Johnson, Raja Bell, etc.)

one can only hope ....

[Reegs]

one can only hope ....

I like Reggie Evans. I'm sure he will provide some good grit for our team. I just hope he's motivated to play for T.O.

Can't wait for the season! This one is over, its downhill towards the start of next year!!!!

[mustangboy]

I thought we would have been stuck with Kapono and his big contract. Now if we can only get rid of Banks.

[Alan]

If you guys have RaptorsTV, they have the entire 2009 Draft Combine from 6 to 9pm for Day1 of the combine, and then Day 2 of the combine follows from 9pm to 11pm!

For those wondering, their mock has us netting TYREKE EVANS! omggg lol

[p-o-g-i]

NBA DRAFT LOTTERY TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :bana2

Lookn' forward to all the last minute draft and trade info......

To get the ball rolling:

San Antonio gets: Richard Jefferson
Milwaukee gets: Fabricio Oberto, Kurt Thomas, and Bruce Bowen
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4281291

Detroit gets: Fabricio Oberto
Milwaukee gets: Amir Johnson
http://www.freep.com/article/20090623/SPORTS03/90623053/1051/Report++Pistons+deal+Amir+Johnson+to+Bucks+for+exp iring+contract

Washington gets: Randy Foye and Mike Miller
Minnnesota gets: #5 pick, Etan Thomas, Oleksiy Pecherov, and Darius Songaila
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sports/Wizards-make-a-deal.html

Golden State gets: Acie Law and Speedy Claxton
Atlanta gets: Jamal Crawford
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4284512

Cleveland gets: Shaquille O'Neal
Phoenix gets: Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, and #46 pick
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2009/06/cavs_reportedly_reach_deal_for.html

New York gets: Darko Milicic
Memphis gets: Quentin Richardson
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2009/06/25/2009-06-25_donnie__darko.html

[Alan]

Welcome to T.O. DeMAR DeROZAN!!!! can't wait

[Reegs]

I hope BC has found a diamond in the rough kinda thing. On the surface it seems like he's exactly what we need. A little bit of ego, ATHLETICISM, few dunks to spark the crowd, A WING PLAYER, youth maybe etc.

[aylkoo]

Shaq with Lebron ... crazy
As much as I don't like VC
Carter with Superman ... crazy

BC better step up and get a good free agent. Looks like Graham is gone ... maybe we can get Turkoglu, but for the money that he wants ... 5 years 50 mill, yeah, good luck with that

[RallyPlaya]

Detroit Pistons just got Stacked, They just Picked up Villaneuva and Ben Gordan talk about the new Look Pistons

On the Raptors Side, I am really Excited for De Rozan, Cant wait to see him on the Sportscentre Top 10 Plays

[S.F.W.]

Detroit Pistons just got Stacked, They just Picked up Villaneuva and Ben Gordan talk about the new Look Pistons

On the Raptors Side, I am really Excited for De Rozan, Cant wait to see him on the Sportscentre Top 10 Plays

I don't get the Pistons moves. Is Gordon going to start of ahead of Hamilton or Prince ? Not likely. Gordon is a shoot first guard, going to be interesting to see what that team does for a coach.

[aylkoo]

i know what you mean, seems like Rip may take a backseat ... not sure why though, maybe we can grab him to be our shooting guard

[Reegs]

Shaq with Lebron ... crazy
As much as I don't like VC
Carter with Superman ... crazy

BC better step up and get a good free agent. Looks like Graham is gone ... maybe we can get Turkoglu, but for the money that he wants ... 5 years 50 mill, yeah, good luck with that

Looks like we're going to get Turk! He closed the deals with Portland, sources are saying that he will probably come here. At first I liked this signing, but I've heard he doesn't play much defence, and also, a 5 year deal for a guy thats already 30!!

Those last couple of years of his contract will probably suck. I dunno man, not too crazy about these moves BC is doing. Thoughts?

[aylkoo]

Looks like we're going to get Turk! He closed the deals with Portland, sources are saying that he will probably come here. At first I liked this signing, but I've heard he doesn't play much defence, and also, a 5 year deal for a guy thats already 30!!

Those last couple of years of his contract will probably suck. I dunno man, not too crazy about these moves BC is doing. Thoughts?

I agree ... that's alot of money and a long contract for a guy that may have peaked. Not sure about this deal ... guess we are not re-signing Marion then. I would have liked Lee better, more of a hustle guy.

[S.F.W.]

I agree ... that's alot of money and a long contract for a guy that may have peaked. Not sure about this deal ... guess we are not re-signing Marion then. I would have liked Lee better, more of a hustle guy.

I agree Lee is a hussle guy, but he has no shot. What we need is someone that can drive the basket and create their own shot. I think Turk can do this..to an extent. My concern is a)he can't defend worth a lick b)losing our other free agents. Marion I couldn't care about, but I think bringing Delfino and Parker back would have really helped the bench.
Does this mean a starting five of Calderon, Turk, Derozan, Bosh, Bargs ? Only guards/wings on the bench are Ukic(who I think has potential), Banks(waste of space), and Douby?

Hopefully they can make this a sign and trade somehow so we can keep Parker/Delfino, and maybe somehow get Kleiza.

[AskClaudio.com]

There isn't much out there this season ...

1) Hidayet "Hedo" Türkoğlu (born March 19, 1979 in Gaziosmanpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey) is a Turkish professional basketball player in the NBA. He is currently an unrestricted free agent. During the 2008–09 NBA season, he played for the Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic. He primarily plays the small forward position, although he has played four positions in his career. He possess above-average ballhandling and playmaking skills for a forward, and is sometimes used in a point forward role.

- 5 year deal worth $50 Million, are you serious BC - review his DOB?

2) Raptors Offer Marion Four-Year Deal?
The Raptors have offered free-agent forward Shawn Marion a four-year deal worth more than $32 million, according to the Globe and Mail.
The deal could be worth as much as $34 million, according to the report, and is longer and more lucrative than the three-year, $21 million offer Toronto was reported to have made to Marion.

-Shawn Dwayne Marion (born May 7, 1978) is an American professional basketball player for the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association. He is widely regarded as one of the most versatile players in the league thanks to his athleticism and ability to play many positions.

- at 31 years old, I say he has about 1 good year left in him. Again why is BC offering long term deals to these 30 year olds when he should know 2010 there are going to be a lot of tier 1 and tier 2 FA?!


Other notable free agents are:
Allen Iverson - 34 years old (can provide scoring at will but I wouldn't want to sign him for more than 2 years, with a team option for a 3rd)

Rasheed Wallace - 34 years old (can provide interior toughness, inside and outside game, can defend the paint and the block with the best of them, again 2 year max with a team option for a 3rd year)

Lamar Odom - 29 years old (proven champion, also can score, rebound and defend. Can play either the PF or the SF. Ideal numbers and age, why not take him? Much better option than Turk or Marion.)

Rasho Nesterovic - 33 years old (proven champion, a real glue guy in the locker room, knows how to play his position. He said he'd love to come back to the City of Toronto. He should be starting over Andrea Bargnani. I say offer him a 2 year deal.)

Not much out there in terms of perimeter scoring from the guard position ... http://www.tsn.ca/nba/feature/?fid=11622

[Notorious MS3]

Raps should really go after Hedo or Ariza, while AP is a good defender they need more reliable offense. I also think Derozan will be a good addition to the back up shooting guard position.

[S.F.W.]

Raps should really go after Hedo or Ariza, while AP is a good defender they need more reliable offense. I also think Derozan will be a good addition to the back up shooting guard position.
Ariz already committed to the Rockets. Seems like Hedo is coming to TO.

[Notorious MS3]

Ariz already committed to the Rockets. Seems like Hedo is coming to TO.

Hedo is a good defender and has a streaky offense. He seems to come alive in the forth quarter and I would love to see him in Toronto.

[boogie]

ESPN is confirming Hedo to T.O., 5 years, 53 mil.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4305310

[aylkoo]

Ok, the deal is done. Verbal agreement from Turkoglu to come here to play. We're giving him five-year deal that will pay him in excess of $60 million, according to league sources. BC has lost his mind. That's a ridiculous amount for this guy, and I thought 5 year 50 mil was bad.

[sp3GT]

IMO, Raps are paying way too much for Turkoglu. He's going to be 31 next year by playoff time and I really think he's overrated.

Out of the mentioned free agents I would have to agree that Lamar is probably the best bet, although streaky at times he provides so many matchup problems for most teams.

[chinsterr]

I still remember the raptor fans chanting "F-U-Tukoglu!"

.... and now he's playing for us ...

[iconicrocket]

How is Ron Artest going to play with Kobe Bryant?

Don't these two hate each other?

[Reegs]

How is Ron Artest going to play with Kobe Bryant?

Don't these two hate each other?

LOL....good point, totally forgot about that. Kobe will turn to the dark side now because of Artest

[b.rabbit]

I just hope that the Raps don't play Turkoglu like they did with Kapono. But I think with this signing, we can say by to Parker, Graham and perhaps Marion.

[Alan]

I just hope that the Raps don't play Turkoglu like they did with Kapono. But I think with this signing, we can say by to Parker, Graham and perhaps Marion.

We would have to renounce the Bird Rights to Marion, AP, and Delfino to get under the salary cap to ensure we can sign Hedo outright. As well, since we're under the cap, we also renounce our ability to use the MLE too.

However, we might be able to squeeze Delfino back into play if the Hedo's deal is at the $53mill, and not $60 mill.

[Alan]

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/8186/turg.jpg

photoshop credits to und1sput3d from realgm

[Alan]

WOW, I don't know how many Raptor fans are on here? but damn, IN BC I TRUST. The man is a genius.

Haven't been this excited in the longest time. Convinced Orlando to S&T Turk to us (instead of signing him via Free Agency) for a large Trade Exception.

We then sent a S&T'ed Marion and Kris Hump to the Mavs for Antoine Wright and Devean George. Mavs also Stackhouse's contract and cash to cover his contract lol.

To sum it up,

At first, if Turk was signed via FA, Raptors would have renounced Marion, AP, Delfino etc, basically the team will be filled up with scrubs.

With the trade done, the Raps will still be above the salary cap, thus, we still keep our MLE and LLE's to sign more players to round out the roster.

WOW is all I can say. BC IS GOD! lol

[p-o-g-i]

Just saw the latest news regarding the Cavs courting Anthony Parker.......

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2009/07/anderson_varejao_agrees_to_6ye.html

"........ The Cavs have agreed on a new contract with forward Anderson Varejao, agent Dan Fegan said Wednesday. In addition, a league source said the Cavs have come to terms on a deal for free agent guard Anthony Parker. He could complete the that deal within the next few days......"

".......Parker, 34, played for the Toronto Raptors for the last three seasons after starring in Europe. The 6-6 wing averaged 10.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 43 percent from the floor and 39 percent from 3-point range.

He fills a major need the Cavs have for a tall wing player and was one of the team's top off-season targets at the position. They have been in talks with him since the first day of free agency. They talked to the Raptors about a sign-and-trade but when Toronto decided to sign Hedo Turkoglu, the Cavs moved on to deal with Parker directly.

Parker is an athletic player who is effective at creating his own shot, which he did often in Europe when he became the Euroleague Most Valuable Player, and as a spot-up shooter. He has also been an effective defensive player guarding tall wing players, which is what the Cavs most need.

Over the last three seasons he's started 226 of 235 games but may come off the bench for the Cavs behind West......."

[RallyPlaya]

I am really excited to see the Raps Next year, I Can defnly see them making the playoffs and becoming a very exciting team to watch, reggie evans brings much need rebounding, Bargnani is turning into an improved centre, Turkulo is a clutch shooter and will be an ideal pair for Bosh, and De-Rozen is an amazing athlete and man can he Dunk!!!, im hoping he turns into an iguadalla type of player....so on paper the Raps look like they can contend, plus BC will add more bench players with the salary room space he has.

The one mistake in my opinion was signing Turkulo to a 5 year contract, he is 30, i believe a 3 year contract would be ideal, but i believe it was necessary to get a 5 yr to have a chance to even sign him.

Now all we can do is wait :)

[AskClaudio.com]

The news on Doug Smith's blog is that Rasho will replace Humphries on the bench now! Delfino is coming on board now! Man I love this team, we are a serious team once again!

[AskClaudio.com]

http://thestar.blogs.com/raptors/

Doug Smith's blog:

"There is every chance they will now replace Kris Humphries with Rasho Nesterovic and that, for the role that has to be filled, is an upgrade. Rasho will be fine coming off the bench and doing his job, he is not the kind of guy who’ll want to expand his role and he’ll be an excellent fit in the locker room. "

"There is every chance they will now bring back Carlos Delfino, who may not be an MVP candidate but I think is going to be a very good versatile piece in what is now an improved backcourt. "

[Alan]

Bye bye Jawz aka Nathan Jawai. Swapped out in place of Douby.

Also, PRESS CONFERENCE at 4PM on RAPTORSTV!

[AskClaudio.com]

Sweet I'll head down to the ACC at 4 see what's the good word, my office is like a 2 minute walk.

[b.rabbit]

It's official! From TSN.ca


The Toronto Raptors have dealt Shawn Marion to the Dallas Mavericks in a complicated four-team deal that will see them get some much-needed financial flexibility.

The Raptors have sent Marion and power forward Kris Humphries to the Dallas Mavericks, receiving small forward Devean George and shooting guard Antoine Wright from the Mavericks as well as small forward Hedo Turkoglu in a sign-and-trade deal with the Orlando Magic.

The Raptors and Magic made the Turkoglu a sign-and-trade transaction because it gave the Magic an $8-million plus trade exception while allowing the Raptors to retain their full mid-level exception, leaving the Raptors their midlevel exception ($5.854-million) to spend, which means that Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo will now have money to improve the Raptors' depth by either signing another free agent or re-signing Anthony Parker and/or Carlos Delfino.

The Mavericks also ship shooting guard Jerry Stackhouse to the Memphis Grizzlies, who receive forward-centre Nathan Jawai, while the Grizzlies send shooting guard Greg Buckner to the Mavericks.

The Mavericks also send at least $2-million in cash to the Grizzlies, which will give them the money necessary to waive Stackhouse.

The 31-year-old George has played in the NBA for 10 seasons. He played in 43 games last season and averaged 3.4 points per game and 1.8 rebound per game.

Wright played in 65 games last season, and averaged almost 24 minutes per game. The 25-year old recorded 7.3 points per game and grabbed 2.1 boards per game.

According to Yahoo.com, Marion will receive a five-year, $40-million deal from the Mavericks, who earlier in the week agreed to a new three-year deal with point guard Jason Kidd.

[Alan]

Hey Claudio.

Don't know if you can get in. It's up in the 3rd floor practice court.

lots of kids there, with a HEDO #26 jersey-shirts on

[Alan]

Hedo Turkoglu Press Conference Recap

Intro
- Adnan Virk looking and sounding hella nervous during the introduction piece
- Hedo Turkoglu appears, giving high fives to the kids that were invited

Colangelo
- Confirmed the four team s&t (wild card of events)
- Toronto was chosen not only for the culture, diversity, but for the basketball talent
- S&T helped us retain our exemptions
- Has coveted Turkoglu for many years;
- Would not same mistake he did with letting Turkoglu slip away from him while he was in PHX
- Thanked MLSE for helping make this possible
- Warned fans to stay tuned for more changes to the roster
- Things are falling in line quite nicely for us

Turk's Agent
- Noted Colangelo's perseverance in singing Turk
- Management, diversity, and community some of the reasons for Turk's choice
- Wanted as strong as a team to surround Colangelo
- Trusted BC's creativity

Hedo Turkoglu
- Thanked city for the great welcome, and the opportunity to be a Raptor
- Choosing Toronto was an easy decision for him.
- Happy to be a part of the organization; noted that he will have great players around him
- Mentioned Bosh, and the great European players on the roster

Q&A
- Bryan kept Turk and his agent updated at all times, both parties were aware of the structuring that needed to be done
- Four way deal took a lot of selling; Colangelo felt all four teams pulled through
- Turk: Toronto is a great multicultural city, was looking for a team where he would feel comfortable. Looking forward to seeing the international culture of the city.
- Turk: Looking forward to meeting the team and can't wait for them to do many good things this season
- BC: Quite obvious that the players he look for are multi-skilled and that he values players with offense potency. Feels match-ups will be a nightmare for opposing teams.
- BC: Felt we addressed toughness and rebounding with Evans, athleticism with DeRozan, and now Turk adds 'mental toughness' to our team. Turk showed ice water in his veins.
- BC: Looking to keep Bosh as a part of this core moving forward
- BC: Chris Bosh helped recruit Turk last Friday
- Turk: Made decision that was best for his career. Feels the pieces in Toronto will help him out. He has moved on from Orlando and he feels he picked a great new team. Looking forward to growing again as a player
- Turk: Doesn't have friends in the city right now, but the Turkish community is pretty obvious.
- Turk: Was really happy to hear from Bosh. He feels like they will enjoy playing with each other. Hoping they have a great year. Hopes Bosh will stay here with a good group of guys past 2010.
- Turk: Felt he learned a lot from his experience in the playoffs and finals. Feels like if he ever experiences it again, he'll be more prepared.
- BC: We have 12 committed contracts; waiting for dust to settle before moving forward.
- BC: Feels like he is the most popular GM in the league right now. Agents have been calling him, trying to sell their clients as MLE-worthy

[aylkoo]

quite the deal BC pulled off ... very impressed. Is Pops still with us?

[Aitch]

Although he gives most of the credit to BC for working the phones to pull off the deal, there is a great Star article (http://www.thestar.com/sports/article/663863) about how Steve Fruitman actually came up with the idea for the 4-team trade today.


Thanks to the NBA's often-oppressive salary cap rules, the Raptors were facing the possibility of rounding out their lineup with a bunch of minimum-salary scrubs. And nobody in Raptorland was seeing a way around that not-so-ideal fate.

Nobody, that is, except for Steve Fruitman, the team's director of basketball administration. Fruitman, a 37-year-old chartered accountant from North York, has been working for the team for six years in an administrative role – he's best known to the players as the man in charge of making sure everybody gets their millions on time. But he is also the club's unofficial salary cap expert. While discussion of the rules and regulations of the NBA's cap can be a room clearer for even hardcore fans, Fruitman is passionate about its minutiae.

Yesterday, as the Raptors celebrated one of the most unexpectedly joyous moments in the franchise's sordid history, Colangelo credited Fruitman with proposing the cap-friendly strategy that allowed the Raptors to acquire Turkoglu while retaining the financial flexibility to bring aboard a handful of credible players to round out the team.

[Reegs]

Hey Folks,

how about I start something here...... What were your thoughts of the Raps first Preseason game this year?


REGGIE!!!! REGGIE!!! REGGIE!!!! Fan favourite after one preseason game lol

[SL3VIN]

Hey, anyone who wants to join the tm3 fantasy basketball league sign up here
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=37921
so far we have 4 players

[bman13]

Raptors game in 10 mins :)

[sauga_kid]

Raps up by 18 going into the half, WHAT! Keep it up kids, its going to be a good season!

[b.rabbit]

Went to the game today, and was thoroughly surprised with how well the Raptors played, except for the 3rd quarter. I hope Bargnani can keep this up.

I just still can't believe the Raptors were able to blow a 20pt lead in the 3rd quarter, but they're lucky that they held on to a 10pt win. Not only that, they were getting bad calls from the refs all night.

But all and all, so far so good in Raptorland!!

[bman13]

Bargs will keep it up as he showed flashes of this in the 2nd half of last season.

Onto another win (Blake Griffin is injured).

[fatsock]

Didn't tehe Raptors start off really well last year? Anyways they do look asewome with thier starting 5!

[bman13]

Bargs will keep it up as he showed flashes of this in the 2nd half of last season.

Onto another win (Blake Griffin is injured).
I don't know why I typed Blake Griffin...it musta been when I was watching the highlights of him in the stands.


Didn't tehe Raptors start off really well last year? Anyways they do look asewome with thier starting 5!

Yes, they started 3-0. Difference between this team and last years team is, this team has many different players that can score and on any given night, drop 20+ points. Once Hedo is in game shape, watch out....

[chinsterr]

Just came back from the game ..... disappointing

[MRT_MS3]

We lost because of bad coaching and jose calderon. belinelli only played 4 mins! Coach focused on howard way too much thats why we got hammered by 3s. Our line up in the 4th was working without jose but the coach decided to put him in and take wright out. He cant find an open man and takes too damn long to make a play. If he continues to play like this, he deserves to come off the bench. I know its still too early to tell and theres a lot of work to be done. Im hoping they can learn from all of these and be really successful.





GO Raps!

[chinsterr]

Jared Jack .... o man ..... this guy is a waste of $$

[bman13]

Jared Jack .... o man ..... this guy is a waste of $$

I disagree. Have you seen Jose's defense ? Also, Jack can create more plays in the open court vs. Jose who is more of a half court pg.

[leojadazol]

+1

[Skip]

I think that first game really spoiled us..its fairly obvious this team is amazing but with all the new guys, they need to gel. And their D needs to improve...they played good against Memphis and Orlando but their perimeter D was garbage

[b.rabbit]

I think that first game really spoiled us..its fairly obvious this team is amazing but with all the new guys, they need to gel. And their D needs to improve...they played good against Memphis and Orlando but their perimeter D was garbage

I'd have to agree with this assessment. The only player that's playing well right now is Bosh.

[Alan]

Calderon is doing the same shit he did last year, involving only Bosh and controlling the damn ball for frickin 18 seconds before he dumps it in the post.
Seriously dude, we sign Hedo as a point-forward to aid with the high PnR with CB4 and popping with Bargs, and Jose does nothing but wave off Hedo as he asks for the ball.
I'm getting so sick and tired of his stupid 'safety basketball' and lack of an ability to guard a damn pylon.

[Skip]

Calderon is doing the same shit he did last year, involving only Bosh and controlling the damn ball for frickin 18 seconds before he dumps it in the post.
Seriously dude, we sign Hedo as a point-forward to aid with the high PnR with CB4 and popping with Bargs, and Jose does nothing but wave off Hedo as he asks for the ball.
I'm getting so sick and tired of his stupid 'safety basketball' and lack of an ability to guard a damn pylon.

Calderon needs to step up his game for sure, opposing pg's are just blowing right past him and he hasn't shown an ability to break down a defense..I definitely thing Jack is going to end up starting soon.

[fatsock]

Calderon is the man! Raptors are lucky to have him. He sure was good enough to lead the point for Spain the Gold medal team in 2006.

I still can't get over how bad Andrea Bargnani is. If he was a second round draft choice, I would let it slide...but a #1 Pick, you have got to be kidding me?

[Alan]

Calderon is the man! Raptors are lucky to have him. He sure was good enough to lead the point for Spain the Gold medal team in 2006.

I still can't get over how bad Andrea Bargnani is. If he was a second round draft choice, I would let it slide...but a #1 Pick, you have got to be kidding me?

LOL. It's the 2009-2010 NBA season now, not the World Championships. The fact is that Calderon cannot keep up with any semi-athletic PG in this league. I'm praying Stuckey doesn't torch him tonight.
We've seen it countless times: Rondo, Mo Will, Jameer, even Steve Blake torched him twice last year.

How bad is Bargnani? lol, 22 and 5 on almost 60% FG and 3PT% is pretty bad eh? LOL Granted, his post-man D is above average, but help D isn't there, but the main reason why he gets into foul trouble is that Calderon cannot keep up with his man, and he drives in and Barg's has to over-help and commit the damn foul.

[bman13]

Calderon is the man! Raptors are lucky to have him. He sure was good enough to lead the point for Spain the Gold medal team in 2006.

I still can't get over how bad Andrea Bargnani is. If he was a second round draft choice, I would let it slide...but a #1 Pick, you have got to be kidding me?

I'll take Andrea over Calderon's nba worst defense for a pg.

[fatsock]

I'll take Andrea over Calderon's nba worst defense for a pg.

You guys are missing my point! Calderon was undrafted. Bargnani was a number 1 pick! To put this in perspective. Shaquille O'neal was also a number 1 pick. I'm not saying that Bargnani isn't talented but he is not Lebron James (Lebron James was a #1 pick).

[Alan]

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs068.snc3/13550_705939200747_72601392_41803536_7786956_n.jpg

[b.rabbit]

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs068.snc3/13550_705939200747_72601392_41803536_7786956_n.jpg

Where was this?! LOL!!

[sauga_kid]

Did you guys catch this last night....siiiiick!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G92QsfSStUw

[Reegs]

Where was this?! LOL!!


+1...yeah is this photoshopped? LOL

[Alan]

+1...yeah is this photoshopped? LOL

Nope.
Some Leafs fans are putting these Leafs logos around sidewalks in downtown, and this other group of Raptor fans put the Raps logo up lol

[WLS ZMZM]

Raps are looking good.. now the question is will BC get rid of Dube... and sign AI... since the grizz just put him on waivers... for a league minimum.. AI be a nice addition... even if he just puts up 15 points a game...

[bman13]

Raps are looking good.. now the question is will BC get rid of Dube... and sign AI... since the grizz just put him on waivers... for a league minimum.. AI be a nice addition... even if he just puts up 15 points a game...

few things...Douby is already gone, A.I. will not be signed no matter how much people hope he is (most that will happen is he'll sign with a contender and/or bobcats later in the season if anything

and yes...Raptors are looking good, they just need to get on a string of wins.

[b.rabbit]

few things...Douby is already gone, A.I. will not be signed no matter how much people hope he is (most that will happen is he'll sign with a contender and/or bobcats later in the season if anything

and yes...Raptors are looking good, they just need to get on a string of wins.

I can see AI going to the Celtics...or Cavaliers..

[S.F.W.]

I can see AI going to the Celtics...or Cavaliers..

Maybe the Cav's, if they would start him ahead of Anthony Parker. AI's ego won't let him come off the bench.

[WLS ZMZM]

Maybe the Cav's, if they would start him ahead of Anthony Parker. AI's ego won't let him come off the bench.

exactly why he'd be a good fit on the raps.... he'd make a good starter... and plus that would be a nice starting 5

[S.F.W.]

exactly why he'd be a good fit on the raps.... he'd make a good starter... and plus that would be a nice starting 5

I disagree completely. Aside from demanding to be a starter, AI is a ball hog. Raptors offence should go through Bosh, Turkoglu, Bargniani, then Calderon. No room for AI, and he would hurt the team not help.

[bman13]

I disagree completely. Aside from demanding to be a starter, AI is a ball hog. Raptors offence should go through Bosh, Turkoglu, Bargniani, then Calderon. No room for AI, and he would hurt the team not help.

+1 We have NO ISSUES with scoring. Scoring is not a problem for the Raptors at all. We have one of the highest scoring teams in the league (4th best in the league in terms of offense overall).

We are 26th in terms of defense...thats where we gotta get better but that will improve as the season goes on.

We are 2nd best in the league (which we normally are near the top) in terms of taking care of the ball so its just a matter of stopping the other team which will come with effort.

I'd worry more about the leafs, just sayin :chuckle

[b.rabbit]

POPS is back as a RAP!

But I think he's going to ride the pine like Humphries did when he was here.

[MistaChin]

This trade deadline is intense! I'm guessing Bosh gets traded mid-season. To who? That's a different story.

Bosh for Bynum rumour is a crap deal.

[S.F.W.]

This trade deadline is intense! I'm guessing Bosh gets traded mid-season. To who? That's a different story.

Bosh for Bynum rumour is a crap deal.

I don't see Bosh getting traded during the season. Raps are in a playoff position, and unless they absolutely tanks will make the playoffs. If he does leave(which I'm not confident he will), more likely is an off season sign and trade.

[MistaChin]

I don't see Bosh getting traded during the season. Raps are in a playoff position, and unless they absolutely tanks will make the playoffs. If he does leave(which I'm not confident he will), more likely is an off season sign and trade.

The sign and trade I was thinking too. I hate seeing Bosh go.

[b.rabbit]

I don't see Bosh getting traded during the season. Raps are in a playoff position, and unless they absolutely tanks will make the playoffs. If he does leave(which I'm not confident he will), more likely is an off season sign and trade.

Agreed. Sign and trade in the off-season is probably the best bet if they're going to move Bosh AND if the Raptors are in a playoff position.

If the Raptors begin to tank and look to head out of a playoff position..they could trade him at the deadline.

But I agree with Mistachin as well..will be sad to see him go. A true competitor, unlike..Wince Carter.

[W_L89]

dont see bosh leaving this season either. i think bosh resigns with raps in offseason if we make it to second round of playoffs.

imo our best bet of making it past first round is to get into 4th or 5th position and play either atlanta or miami. orlanda, cleveland and boston are just too good

[W_L89]

5 game winning streak!!! and the games leading into all star break are all against below .500 teams :D

[MistaChin]

Going to the nets game tomorrow!

Turkey-Glue's best interview to date!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/29/hedo-turkoglu-interview-g_n_441445.html

[MistaChin]

5 game winning streak!!! and the games leading into all star break are all against below .500 teams :D

So much for that...

[S.F.W.]

So much for that...

yeah, they really didn't play well tonight. Without Turk and Derozan, Raps just had to go too deep into their bench.

[bman13]

Luckily Nets played last night...we down three starters but should be a win.

[W_L89]

raps cant play d on the road, if we dont get into at least 4th place, gonna be a early playoff exit again

[b.rabbit]

Raps should trade Calderon? Injury-proned (although last night's injury wasn't his fault).

[SilentJay]

Hahaha - I just read that Hedo interview... "Ball."

[deandai]

i hope bosh doesnt leave, hes the franchis leader in points + he doesnt seem like a guy who would bolt like that.

[Reegs]

raps cant play d on the road, if we dont get into at least 4th place, gonna be a early playoff exit again

Honestly, If we get the 4th seed, it will still be BOS, ORL, or ATL. I bet we'd struggle to win.

[sp3GT]

I really hope the Raps win tonight, I would hate to see them lose to the lowly Nets, 57-56 right now.