Linkage - May 28
Here’s one thing to remember about the pre-draft camp that rolls on today in Orlando: Bryan Colangelo is not coming back with a changed roster.
There will be lots of trade talk but I cannot envision a scenario that something gets done; the groundwork may be laid but that’s about it.
The concentration is going to be on the draft picks because, as he said earlier this week, it’s the first time they’ll really get a chance to see these kids up close and personal.
There will be talk, and lots of is, but if you’re looking for a time a trade’s made, I’m guessing June 25-30 would be the right time period.
The Raptors have a logjam at the point and Jose Calderon is heading into restricted free agency. GM Bryan Colangelo was firm Tuesday telling Insider, “I’m going to sign Calderon. Whatever it costs, I’m going to sign him.”
However, there was some tension on the Raptors between Calderon and Ford. If the Raptors are dead-set on bringing back Calderon … could Ford be the guy on the move?
Colangelo declined to elaborate, saying he likes having both point guards … but a source close to the situation said the Raptors are open to moving Ford and he’s generated interest from several teams.
Ford, when healthy, has been excellent for the Raptors, but there are concerns about his spinal condition. A source told Insider on Tuesday evening that Ford’s health hasn’t been a major issue. He’s essentially as healthy today as he was when he was drafted. While his condition does pose a real risk to his long-term health, his contract is fully insured — protecting a team that drafts him from taking a huge financial hit if he were to go down.
Ford has a more reasonable contract than Hinrich. He has three years and $25.8 million left on his deal. He’s also younger (25) and statistically, he had his best player efficiency rating of his career last year: an impressive 20.37. A number of teams will be looking for point guards this summer, including the Heat, Pacers, Kings, Blazers, Cavs, Nuggets, Magic and Rockets.
For those in the ‘Jose Calderon to Portland’ camp, it’s not going to happen. Apparently, Brian Colangelo and the Raptors have put the “untouchable” tag on Calderon. The dilemma for the Raps would be trying to unload TJ Ford and his rather large contract. Apparently, Ford is drawing some interest from other teams.
On a side note, Wheels diverted a lot of the point guard talk to Kirk Hinrich.
His team is at a similar crossroads; in 2006-07 they were able to win the division by default because three of the five teams were bad all season (New York, Philly, and Boston) and their only rival, the Nets got off to a bad start. This season Philly and Boston were both much improved while the Nets took a dip and the Knicks were awful. Any continued improvement by the other four teams could spell doom for a Raptor team that has trouble attracting major free agents and doesn’t have a high draft pick for the second year in a row. I bet GM Bryan Colangelo really wishes he could go back and use that first pick on either Brandon Roy or LaMarcus Aldridge right now.
The camp’s major hole is that it is rarely attended by European prospects. Italian forward Danilo Gallinari and French guard Nicolas Batum–a player expected to go right around pick No. 17, where the Toronto Raptors will select –are not in attendance. A look at the top 15 prospects:
17. Toronto - Darrell Arthur (Kansas) - 6′9″, 215 lbs.
There has been lots of talk about who the Raptors should take at 17, but who would they take if they drafted from one of the top spots, or even a slightly higher position?
I guess to answer that question we should discuss why Toronto would have any interest in moving up to begin with. I think for Colangelo to look to move up, he would have to be extremely keen on a certain prospect. We’ve seen in the past that BC has targeted certain players in the draft (Marcus Williams in 2006) so it’s not out of the question that he once again has his eyes on someone. But who would that be?
The draft itself Colangelo was playing things close to the vest. That is a wise move seeing as Raptors are in the middle of the draft. After the pre-draft workouts in Orlando teams are allowed to start workouts for their own individual teams. Colangelo suggested that up to 40 players could be making their way to Toronto to audition for the Raptors. So if that is the case it will not be easy to figure out where the Raptors plan on going. Still it will be interesting to hear the comments on a few of the front runners in eyes of the experts.
2. Nathan Jawai, C, Austrialia—At 6′10″ and 275 lbs, he is called the Aussie Shaq. Raw talent, but the Raptors really pointed him out and, since then, he has been getting some looks. Can be a solid big man.
Meanwhile, down in The Bahamas Duran Duran partied like rockstars during their after-concert bash at Aura nightclub. Band members Simon Le Bon and Dominic Brown enjoyed the club’s lavish VIP services in the Round Room. Also enjoying the night at the Bahamian hotspot was Toronto Raptors sharpshooter Jason Kapono
Greene has great upside as a combo forward who can do a little of everything. He’s just a little raw. However, his ability to shoot and run the floor make this a home run of a pick this low in the draft. Robin Lopez is another real possibility here.
Lottomatica Roma should be the other team in the finals as they improved to 2-0 with an 85-78 win in Avellino. David Hawkins (Temple) had a great game with 19 points while Erazem Lorbek (Michigan State) collected 14 points and nine rebounds. Roko-Leni Ukic (drafted by the Toronto Raptors) and Ibrahim Jaaber (Penn) and were also a big factors with 18 and 13 points, respectively. Marques Green (St. Bonaventure) scored 17 and Devin Smith (Virginia) 15 in the loss.
May 28th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Neat new setup, Scott. The homepage just takes a bit of adjusting to, though.
I like that Jose is considered untouchable. A pass-first PG like him keeps his teammates happy and involved, maximizes their productivity.
May 28th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Hey I’ve been reading your blog all season long and just recently strarted to comment on it, i’m very glad you reply my comments. As for the look, I was surprise when I looked at it this morning but it’s excelent, i like it a lot.
As for de the raps, i agree that calderon should be untouchable and that tj is the one who has to go.
As for the draft if we gonna move up, we should be in the position to get Danilo Galinari, I watch (and like) a lot of european basketball and he’s an incredible player, a lot better that the last great prospect from italy. If we’re not moving up nicolas batum could be our pick, both play at the 3 and we could use them. On the 2 guard, we should keep ap, he’s a true profesional and i admire him as much as you do. he won’t mess the chemistry and should be a role model for the young players, he still can contribue a lot in the starting 5
May 28th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
I think we would have to move up a lot to get Galinari. Batum, who i like a lot, might fall to 9-12 and if we could move there relatively cheaply, I’d love it.
That said, would be funny to see Galinari and Bargnani on the same team.
Scotts last blog post..Those Ugly Icons
May 28th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Congrats on the redesign I guess truly everything is changing, No More Swirsky, and even Alt Raps.com. I qoute Wayne’s World:
“We Fear Change”
Maybe not but I do get a little taken back from it. Still looks nice and neat.
May 28th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Thanks James.
I’m kind of siding with Jeff, though. Just have to keep telling myself it isn’t done. We are about 50% of the way through, hoping to ramp it up in time for the draft.
The way I see it, all Raptor supporters might need something to look forward to around that time.
Scotts last blog post..Those Ugly Icons
May 29th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Thumbs up.
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