What should the Raptors/Colangelo do in the off-season?
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Try to trade a couple bench guys for a high level CONSISTENT guard. Guys like TJ, Kopono, Delfino (or even Parker if needed) have high enough value to get something in return.
And dump Sam though I'm not sure Brown is the right guy.
And dump Sam though I'm not sure Brown is the right guy.
Please don't bring in Brown. Too expensive and he does not like playing younger players. He will be looking for another job as soon as he gets this one if he ever did get the job.basketcase said:Try to trade a couple bench guys for a high level CONSISTENT guard. Guys like TJ, Kopono, Delfino (or even Parker if needed) have high enough value to get something in return.
And dump Sam though I'm not sure Brown is the right guy.
Granted he is considered one of the best teachers in the game but when does a coach that does not like to develop young talent???
We don't need a coach screaming at players all the time even though some deserve it sometimes. Can you imagine Brown yelling at Bosh telling him he was worthless and then Bosh wants to be traded? The Raptors would be really screwed then.
It is difficult to bring a solid basketball coach but there are some that are available.
Jeff Van Gundy would make an excellent choice. Mike Fratello, Rick Carlisle and even Mike Dunleavy would be very good choices as well.
Toronto Star today reports that Mike D'Antoni of the Phoenix Suns will be available in the off-season.
http://www.thestar.com/Sports/NBA/article/418885
http://www.thestar.com/Sports/NBA/article/418885
You're right, Brown has happy feet - you'd need another coach in a year's time. Plus, as mentioned, he would alienate many players and he would want personnel control. JVG, Carlisle and Fratello would drive fans (and many players) away with their boring and autocratic style of play. Plus you'd have to re-vamp the entire roster to play their style, as these coaches all demand that the players run their set pieces and nothing else. Not to mention the fact that they would all want a "better" (high paying, high profile, chance at immediate winner) job than the Raps. Dunleavy is not an elite coach - you may as well just beef up Sam's coaching staff.lawyerman said:Please don't bring in Brown. Too expensive and he does not like playing younger players. He will be looking for another job as soon as he gets this one if he ever did get the job...
Jeff Van Gundy would make an excellent choice. Mike Fratello, Rick Carlisle and even Mike Dunleavy would be very good choices as well.
Would he bring Steve Nash with him? I don't think D'Antoni has proven he can coach without him.AndrewV1 said:Toronto Star today reports that Mike D'Antoni of the Phoenix Suns will be available in the off-season.
Problem with most of these is the salary cap - total salaries have to be within 10 or 15 % of each other. Brand had a serious Achillies injury and can opt out this year. Rasho is either in his last year or can opt out. Artest is a team-wrecker while Jose is the ultimate team player. No one knows what Roko can do vs. NBA competition. Delfino is too inconsistent. Plus that would mean TJ Ford is your point guard... (shudder)Powershot said:Bargs + Rasho + 1st pick for Brand
S&T Calderon for Artest
Sign Roko Ukic and extend Delfino
Far fetched, a little silly I know.
Plus, Colangelo would be admitting that the team he built is no good - not likely.
If this team is going to make Jose its starter and trade TJ, we better get some better help defenders because opposing PG's feed off him. Of all the PG's in the league, opposing PG's have their highest FG% against him (a full 5% above their season average). RE: Roko, he played against the Raptors in the pre-season and did quite well against Jose and TJ. Is it smart to have two of your four core players not being able to play on the court at the same time except for special circumstances? (TJ and Jose). The fact that Jameer has done a better job this series than either of them makes me think neither is really a must have keeper (media has killed TJ but loves Calderon obviously).Herodotus said:Problem with most of these is the salary cap - total salaries have to be within 10 or 15 % of each other. Brand had a serious Achillies injury and can opt out this year. Rasho is either in his last year or can opt out. Artest is a team-wrecker while Jose is the ultimate team player. No one knows what Roko can do. Delfino is too inconsistent. Plus that would mean TJ Ford is your point guard... (shudder)
Plus, Colangelo would be admitting that the team he built is no good - not likely.
The trades I proposed were not too far off salary wise. They were meant to toughen the team, get some ability in the paint, and change the idea that opponents can play the Raptors physically and they will back down every time. They're nice guys though, and you can have dinner with after the game.
I'll admit the Artest idea is a bit desperate, but I'm curious who other people think is available and can fix our SG/SF woes. IMO Parker is best suited as a bench player for a contender at this point in his career (so is Rasho).
Bosh can opt out in 2 years and will be an unrestricted FA, so Colangelo better have a team that atleast makes it to the second round and competes for the ECF by then. Philly and Atlanta have improved quite a bit this year, and are younger than the Raptors. Colangelo got us to .500 quickly by bringing in high IQ veterans that are nearing the end of their contracts (Rasho,Garbo,Parker), but in doing so we are no longer able to build with lottery picks.
I agree that neither Raps point guard is a world beater. Both have serious flaws. That being said, TJ Ford's current contract pays him like an elite PG, and we all know he isn't one and JC is a bargain at his present salary. TJ's best value may be in his free agent year - as in "the expiring contract of TJ Ford."
Also keep in mind that Steve Nash, even in his MVP years, was one of the worst defensive players in the NBA. If you've read any of my posts, you would know that I think this team needs to improve it's overall team and help defence, which covers for some of both PG's inadequacies.
I completely agree with toughening up the team and I think a Brand-Bosh frontcourt would be great - EB loves Toronto and the film festival (a possible selling point?) I wouldn't touch TruWarier unless you had a very strong support network, coach, team, superstar and locker room, which the Raps do not have.
Parker could be a starter if you have a legit scoring and all-around small forward - otherwise you are correct, he's a bench guy. Rasho is a centre to have around to put out there against the big-bodied traditional post centres.
Here's a 2008 free agent list: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=2008freeagents
I would have a long look at Mickael Pietrus as a free agent for the 2/3. Maybe even Mickael Gelabale.
Make an offer to Brandon Bass, Paul Milsap, Craig Smith or Carl Landry for some grit at the 4. Target Andris Biedrins if you can't make a deal for Brand. Francisco Elson if Rasho leaves.
There are too many permutations, depending on who opts out of current contracts.
Also keep in mind that Steve Nash, even in his MVP years, was one of the worst defensive players in the NBA. If you've read any of my posts, you would know that I think this team needs to improve it's overall team and help defence, which covers for some of both PG's inadequacies.
I completely agree with toughening up the team and I think a Brand-Bosh frontcourt would be great - EB loves Toronto and the film festival (a possible selling point?) I wouldn't touch TruWarier unless you had a very strong support network, coach, team, superstar and locker room, which the Raps do not have.
Parker could be a starter if you have a legit scoring and all-around small forward - otherwise you are correct, he's a bench guy. Rasho is a centre to have around to put out there against the big-bodied traditional post centres.
Here's a 2008 free agent list: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=2008freeagents
I would have a long look at Mickael Pietrus as a free agent for the 2/3. Maybe even Mickael Gelabale.
Make an offer to Brandon Bass, Paul Milsap, Craig Smith or Carl Landry for some grit at the 4. Target Andris Biedrins if you can't make a deal for Brand. Francisco Elson if Rasho leaves.
There are too many permutations, depending on who opts out of current contracts.
Yes I cannot remember the last team to win the championship that did not have a very strong defense. Nash has been the PG on the highest scoring team in the league more often than not the last 10 years, but has not lead a team to the finals let alone the championship. Their defense and rebounding has improved quite a bit with the arrival of Shaq, but the Grant Hill injury destroyed any chance of a run this year. They're getting real old and I doubt they can overcome the younger talented teams out west next year.
One thing in TJ's favour is I believe he is 2 years younger than Jose. I think his potential is higher, but it remains to be seen if he can put it all together and overcome his chronic injury condition. He certainly had a few brilliant quarters in the current series. If Sam didn't sub Calderon in the 4th quarter for him and thus allow Nelson to go off, we may have been going back to Orlando all tied up.
One thing in TJ's favour is I believe he is 2 years younger than Jose. I think his potential is higher, but it remains to be seen if he can put it all together and overcome his chronic injury condition. He certainly had a few brilliant quarters in the current series. If Sam didn't sub Calderon in the 4th quarter for him and thus allow Nelson to go off, we may have been going back to Orlando all tied up.
Brand is going for max money and trading Bargs, Rasho and 1st round pick is just silly as that won't even cover half of Brands salary.Powershot said:Bargs + Rasho + 1st pick for Brand
S&T Calderon for Artest
Sign Roko Ukic and extend Delfino
Far fetched, a little silly I know.
Sign and trade Calderone? Are you nuts? Trades ME J FORD for a good rebounder / shot blocker. Keep Calderone.
I'll agree with you on in bringing Ukic over from the Spanish league as a back up to Calderone. Delfino needs to go. I don't know where or for whom but he needs to go.
Tony Parker is not a strong defensive PG, but the Spurs have enough good-to-great one-on-one and team defenders that they can hide his shortcomings and let Mr. Eva Longoria play off the best PGs.
TJ Ford's neck/spinal problems, his poor defence (he gets killed in the post, takes too many ill-advised chances trying for steals and does not know how to play team defence), his lack of an outside shot and his inability to be a distributor of the ball - not to mention his poor decision-making makes him a less-than optimal starting PG on a team trying to .
The PG is like a QB - he needs to be a team leader and needs to be consistent. TJ Ford does not act like a leader and is wildly inconsistent.
The Bulls won 6 NBA titles without a true point guard. But Ron Harper, John Paxson and BJ Armstrong knew their roles and were consistent, solid role players. You can always make up for shortcomings in one area by having strength in another. The Raps are still trying to build their roster and forge their identity. See my posts in the Raptors season thread about my feelings toward the coaching, or lack thereof, for more on that.
TJ Ford's neck/spinal problems, his poor defence (he gets killed in the post, takes too many ill-advised chances trying for steals and does not know how to play team defence), his lack of an outside shot and his inability to be a distributor of the ball - not to mention his poor decision-making makes him a less-than optimal starting PG on a team trying to .
The PG is like a QB - he needs to be a team leader and needs to be consistent. TJ Ford does not act like a leader and is wildly inconsistent.
The Bulls won 6 NBA titles without a true point guard. But Ron Harper, John Paxson and BJ Armstrong knew their roles and were consistent, solid role players. You can always make up for shortcomings in one area by having strength in another. The Raps are still trying to build their roster and forge their identity. See my posts in the Raptors season thread about my feelings toward the coaching, or lack thereof, for more on that.
So 8.4 million (Rasho) + 5.2 million (Bargs)+ ~2 million pick will be less than half of Brand's salary?incognito said:Brand is going for max money and trading Bargs, Rasho and 1st round pick is just silly as that won't even cover half of Brands salary.
Sign and trade Calderone? Are you nuts? Trades ME J FORD for a good rebounder / shot blocker. Keep Calderone.
I'll agree with you on in bringing Ukic over from the Spanish league as a back up to Calderone. Delfino needs to go. I don't know where or for whom but he needs to go.
Delfino can go wherever he wants, he's a free agent.
Another Clipper that might look good in a Raptors uni is Magette, he drives with abandon and gets to the line a lot.
In all honesty, the Raps just need a solid player in the 3 position. There are no great centres out there so forget even looking for one. Get a guy who can score and play defense for the 3 slot and your in good shape.
In the off season you also need to pick one of the points to be your guy and trade the other.
Other than that, I'd keep the team the same. Don't forget you'd have Garbo back next year and you'll have a first round draft pick as another piece. This will be a better defensive team next year.
In the off season you also need to pick one of the points to be your guy and trade the other.
Other than that, I'd keep the team the same. Don't forget you'd have Garbo back next year and you'll have a first round draft pick as another piece. This will be a better defensive team next year.
We have that but Sam sat him all series for Bargnani. Humph is at least as good as other guys we can afford.hammertm said:... use the Ford money towards a good PF or C that can consistently rebound coming off the bench.
Larry Brown is going to Charlotte. Good luck to him.
It seems that the Raptors are established at the 2 and 5 positions namely, Bosh at 2 and Ford and Calderon at 5.
I would take Kevin Love of UCLA to establish the number 3 position. He is a solid player and might still be around if the Raptors are lucky or trade up for him. Here is a helpful website that is updated every few days.
www.nbadraft.net
I don't believe that a team will give up their lottery pick to the Raptors. You have Michael Beasley, Derrick Rose, O.J. Mayo and those three should go in that order in my opinion. I wish the Raptors could take Beasley. He is a great player to watch. Roy Hibbert from Georgetown would be an intimidatiing force for the number 1 position. I am not too worried about a 4 right now but if they could acquire one within the coming year, they would be in better shape than they were last year.
I am not sure if Giorgos Printezis is ready or if he will he be every ready to play in the NBA. He is a 3. If not, draft Love or Hibbert. They need a big man in the paint.
It seems that the Raptors are established at the 2 and 5 positions namely, Bosh at 2 and Ford and Calderon at 5.
I would take Kevin Love of UCLA to establish the number 3 position. He is a solid player and might still be around if the Raptors are lucky or trade up for him. Here is a helpful website that is updated every few days.
www.nbadraft.net
I don't believe that a team will give up their lottery pick to the Raptors. You have Michael Beasley, Derrick Rose, O.J. Mayo and those three should go in that order in my opinion. I wish the Raptors could take Beasley. He is a great player to watch. Roy Hibbert from Georgetown would be an intimidatiing force for the number 1 position. I am not too worried about a 4 right now but if they could acquire one within the coming year, they would be in better shape than they were last year.
I am not sure if Giorgos Printezis is ready or if he will he be every ready to play in the NBA. He is a 3. If not, draft Love or Hibbert. They need a big man in the paint.
We could have had Greg Oden instead of Bargnani if the NBA didn't change the eligibility rules. I believe Greg Oden will be a great centre in the NBA.
Good supporting cast with Aldridge and Roy in Portland.
I didn't mind Villaneuva. That wasn't a bad pick. Then again, Bynum was available and he looks very impressive. I hope he gets back to the way he was health-wise.
Araujo was just plain awful.
Good supporting cast with Aldridge and Roy in Portland.
I didn't mind Villaneuva. That wasn't a bad pick. Then again, Bynum was available and he looks very impressive. I hope he gets back to the way he was health-wise.
Araujo was just plain awful.
Oden is in Portland. I will leave it the way it is.Bob Loblaw said:Forgot about the Oden aspect!
And yes, I don't take great issue with the CV pick either, and the Bynum pick surprised a lot of pundits. I'm just saying that with the benefit of hindsight, the Raps could very easily have put together a very impressive lineup.
You are so right. They could have had a team that went deep into the playoffs.
