Of mid-level exceptions and the worst trades ever

Deck’s looking better, if not great; grass a manageable length so we don’t find wayward sheep coming to graze and a nice piece of grilled Cajun catfish finished off a not bad day.

Oh, and the comments section over there sort of kept me in tune with what some of you were thinking, asking, commenting on. Nice way to stay in touch.

Okay, let’s get to this whole mid-level exception obsession that’s running rampant and throw cold water on any of the Corey Maggette, Mickeal Pietrus, Ron Artest, James Posey, I don’t know who else stuff that’s out there.

Every team that’s over the salary cap, as the Raptors are, can make use of the mid-level exception every season. If they want. So, yes, Toronto had it.

But here’s the deal: It’s an exception to the CAP, not to the TAX, which is a rather huge difference. And it turns the whole “use the mid-level to sign someone” argument moot.

Now, these are estimates, not absolutely correct but not far off, and it will show you why they are NOT going to use that money.

Right now, with 12 players under contract or about to be, the Raptors have right around $70 million committed. The CAP will be about $59 million and the TAX level is going to be about $71 million, maybe slightly more.
And Torontois NOT GOING TO SPEND OVER THAT. Not going to happen. Put it out of your mind.

So, with those numbers in mind, about the most they can offer to the 13^th guy would be a veteran minimum contract, which runs from about $700,000 to about $1.2 million depending on how long the guy’s been in the league. And that’s exactly what they’re think they’re going to do at the moment.

So, please, no more Maggette, no more Pietrus, no more Artest, no more anyone of that ilk.

Thanks

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So, who?

Well, that’s a tough one to answer because there are a lot of issues at play.

But, there were a handful of names floating around in conversations I had yesterday, mostly of guys who might fall through the free agent cracks this month and be looking for work in August at a minimum value deal.

Here’s four to kick around who fit the bill of combo guards who can make a shot or do something that might help steal a game or two in the season: Eddie House, Tony Allen, Roger Mason and, believe it or not, Juan Dixon. I’m sure there’s more out there but that’s a jumping off point.

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I’m sitting there watching Canada play the Tall Blacks the other night in Hamilton, that’s the New Zealand basketball team and, let me tell you, the Tall Blacks aren’t the Tall Blacks without Sean Marks, if for no other reason that he once bought a round for a table of grunts at the finals one year after giving us the restaurant recommendation

Anyway, I digress.

So, I’m watching Canada-Tall Blacks and I’m thinking (a thought echoed by The First Lady Of The Beat earlier in the exhibition tournament) that we really need a nickname.

After all, you’ve got the likes of the Black Stars, the Indomitable Lions, the Canaries, the Boomers and a host of others. Team Canada? Borrrrrrring!

The Canadian Shield ? Nah, maybe not. The Maple Leafs? No, too trite. Prairie Oysters? Not so much. I dunno.

What do you think?

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How much, I ask you, does the now-completed trade of Seattle for Oklahoma City suck?

That much. And more.

And it brings us to list time:

Four worst trades in NBA history

Vancouver for Memphis.

Let’s see, Stanley Park or Beale Street? The Pacific Ocean or the Mississippi? Duh!

Pau Gasol for, um, garbage

Maybe if Marc Gasol wins a ring before his brother does, this one moves down the list.

Oklahoma City for Seattle.

The Kells, Metropolitan Grill and Pike St.Market for, oh, I dunno, dust!

He Who Shall Not Be Name for a bunch of guys

This one hits close to home still, doesn’t it?

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Of all the cockamamie, dopey, idiotic things I’ve heard this week, the whole notion of the Raptors playing a regular season game in Buffalo would top the list.

Exhibition games? Maybe. And, having seen 60 or so exhibition games over the years, they can play ‘em all in Buffalo for all I care.

Regular season? Not a chance.

Go back to saving the Bills.

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Here’s three things to think about concerning the newly-constructed roster and “depth.”

It defines more clearly the role for Bargnani, who is now a backup four and five. No more questions about whether he should start or Rasho should, no more jerking him around and maybe that helps his confidence.

The swingman position has been narrowed. There were legitimate questions last year about whether Delfino should play more or Kapono should play more or Moon should play less or, yes, even whether Joey should get on the court. And we haven’t even touched on Juan Dixon. This way, there are three – Moon, Parker, Kapono -- with legitimate claims on playing time – and two – Graham and Adams – who can fight for a fourth position. But if they don’t do anything, there won’t be people saying they should get on the court.

The point guard position is settled.

You may not like the way things are shaking out because there is no question they didn’t address the lack of athleticism on the wing and that’s going to bite them in the ass more often than not, but that’s some of the logic behind the moves.

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Matt Devlin probably gets announced as the new Raptor TV play-by-play guy today.

Don’t know much about him, actually. But he’s worked in Charlotte and around the league for quite some time.

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A mailbag question:

Q: Maybe I missed it but I was wondering if the Raptors are planning on having a summer league team this year?

Derik F, Moncton

A: Oh, yeah, they sure are. In Vegas and here’s the schedule: July 12 vs. Sacramento, July 14 vs. Denver, July 17 vs. Philadelphia, July 18 vs. L.A. Lakers, July 19 vs. Golden State.

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Over in Spain, the national team’s getting ready for the Olympics already, minus one of its top players. For now.

Jose’s sitting out camp until after he signs a new deal with the Raptors next week. He’s training on his own because it doesn’t make sense to go to camp without the security of a newly-signed deal.

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You’ve probably noticed a dearth of mail in here. Lots of questions were of the “why don’t they sign this un-signable player” so I sort of glossed over them. But we need some legit queries for the mail bag tomorrow, don’t forget.

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Speaking of tomorrow, it’s the first time in like half a decade that the national team’s playing in Toronto. Ricoh Coliseum, 7 p.m. Oh, and the junior team’s playing a collection of area college kids at 4 if you want to get there extra early and that wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Comments

[Steve G]

I'm sick of everyone lobbying for Artest. First of all, he didn't opt out.. therefore we would have to trade for him.. and who would Sac-town want? no one on this roster worthy of Artest.

Also, he said before he chose not to opt out, that if he did.. he wouldn't accept the mid-level exception. (even if the Raptors could spend imaginary money).

[Chris S]

Hey Doug, I could not agree more about the Buffalo situation. The Americans have 29 of the 30 teams in the league and they are trying to steal games from our 1 team. Pre-season I don't mind at all but if they play regular season games there I will be very dissapointed in the organization and that's coming from someone who lives much closer to Buffalo than Toronto.

[Brendan]

Nickname: the redbacks

[Mario]

Doug

I love the moves that BC has made. My only concern is that we still don't have a player on the roster then can guard or even slow down the other teams wing player. Granted no one is going to stop LBJ,Wade,Pierce etc, but too many times last season we made superstars out of guys like Deshawn Stevenson.

Mario

Oshawa

[Marc in Burlington]

Nick name for Team Canada, especially if they play a"spoiler" role or have tenacious defense: Dam Beavers

[Jeremy]

As much as 'He Who Shall Not Be Named' mailed it in, sulked and winced, shouldn't 'He' really be Rob Babcock who traded Toronto's best player for spare parts and the right to buy out Alonzo?

[Derek]

I think the people commenting on the depth of the raptors, and the lack of scoring coming from 6-10, don't realize that the 4-5 positions have a three man rotation in tight games. This means that at least two out three of the Bosh, O'neal, Bargnani (BOB), will be on the court at the same time.-not a bad line.

With Kapono, and Moon at the three AND Parker and Adams at the two, Will guarantee that Adams is the weakest link offensively.

In a tight game, I don't think you'll ever see Ukic, Adams, Moon, Hump, and Jawai on the court at the same time. Just look at how the Celts utilized their stars (2 of the three stars were always on the court), we can expect the same from Calderon/Bosh/O'Neal.

DOUG i would also like to disagree when you state that we will not see Bargs playing the three. I believe the only reason it failed last year (vs. Orlando) was because Bargs did not have much help from Rasho (whether it be Rashos speed, or the fact that he had to stick with howard) The BOB line could be much more effective against teams without a dominant BIG (aka howard), and it also could be much more effective because of the defensive upgrade we have in Oneal to help on defense.

[Matt]

hey doug! That pic you have of parker and adams in the blog...is that a foul? i mean adams is grabbing parker's arm

Blogger's note: Sure, it's a foul

[dav]

the can-chucks.

[Omari J.]

If Tony Allen, Roger Mason & Eddie House are potentially available, Allen would be my choice. I'm not sure if we'll have enough money to sign him, but I have always liked his defensive intensity, which was on display in games 5 and 6 of the Finals. Furthermore, he's the least likely of the three to settle for a jumpshot, he's a proven backup that would play more than Adams, maybe even more than Moon. Your thoughts?

[gm]

Hey Doug,

You keep having to guesstimate the tax level - when will BC and the suits get a figure? I assume they are likely to wait until then before adding the last piece so they know exactly what they are working with...

One other question about the cap/tax...

If the Raps are hard against the tax, how does that affect the potential for things 10-day signings later in the year?

Feel free to kick this to the mailbag if you want.

PS You could always go with the Maple Trees, seeing how they are tall and all...

Blogger's note: They'll find out the number either late on the night of July 8 or first thing on July 9
And 10-days will be available late, they're that cheap

[Bryan Humphries]

Hi Doug,

Earlier in the off season, I heard Kris Humphries name bandied about in trade talk. (I believe paired with Rasho in some sort of package deal, not sure what his market would be on his own.) Kris seemed to be one of the few guys who would get his nose dirty coming off the bench, and in my eyes was the only forward who was playing a little mean down the middle. He had 90 offensive rebounds last year, 4th on the team and was 10th in minutes. For a team that needed rebounds, it seems that he wasnt being used.

I have heard that Kris needs to stop worrying about scoring, and just focus on defence and rebounds. How many minutes do you think Kris will get this year? Do you see Kris as being a contributor on the Raptors in the coming years? Where does he need to improve his game to get there?

Best regards,

Blogger's note: He goes into the season as the fourth big man and if he does what they need him to do (run, rebound, defend) he'd get a few minutes a night. But they are tightening their rotation, not expanding it so he's going to have to earn his time.

[Kelsie]

Hey Doug.

I agree with you that the swing positions have been determined and it might be better having a situation where less is more. I'm a little bit concerned about getting to the rim from the 2, 3 and 1 spot (I know you like Calderon off the pick and roll but without a pick Jose doesn't get to the basket).

Without TJ or Delfino our dribble penetration is almost non-existant. My question is with the make up of the roster do you think there will be a change in the coaching philosophy? Are we no longer a quick shot, 3 point focused team anymore? Are we a high/low post team now that our two best players are bigs?

It's obviously too early to tell but how about an early vote for JO as comeback player of the year? If you erase last years numbers this guy had a string of about 7 seasons where he was 20-10-2 a night, which is something that has never been seen around these parts. I agree with you that you have to take chances in this league to get better and i have a feeling that JO is going to come in motivated, ready to start winning again and restore his name throughout the league.

Blogger's note: I think you will see a more "traditional" (for lack of a better word) offence predicated on a high-low post game. And there are huge concerns about dribble-penetration because that's not Jose's strong point at all; maybe the backup does a better job so there's a mix.

[Pete Z]

Doug, what are the Raptors going to do with Delfino??? I really like his game and think his departure would be a big loss. Is he going to Europe? Another team in the NBA? What are the Raptors options with re: to Delfino?

cheers

Blogger's note: They're going to let him walk, I'm sure, if he gets another NBA offer. If not, I'm pretty sure you'll see him in Europe. Big loss? I don't think so. Way too inconsistent.

[Lazaros O.]

Uh, in your list, shouldn't it read, Seattle for Oklahoma City and not the other way around?
And, BTW, no way Roger Mason signs for veteran minimum. He can get a better deal than that.

Blogger's note: If Roger doesn't have a job in August, he will.

[Andrew R.]

We tried the Juan Dixon experiment. I say pass on that rehash. I prefer to see Joey play over Juan, at least Joey has some size. What's going on with Delfino? Is he gone? Couldn't BC have dumped Parker and Delfino to make room for Maggette?

[Patrick]

You mention the Raptors have 12 guys under contract, including those who won't become official until July 9th. Who are the 12? I've got Bosh, O'Neal, Bargnani, Adams, Ukic, Parker, Calderon, Graham, Kapono and Moon. Are you counting Delfino (I thought you said he would not be back)? Is Humprhies still under contract? Thanks for clarifying.

Blogger's note: Here are the 12
Calderon, Parker, Kapono, Bosh, O'Neal, Ukic Bargnani, Moon, Humphries, Graham, Adams, Jawai

[chris]

We have the worst SG/SF combo in the league, and as far as I can tell only one SG on our roster.

[Aaron]

Is there any chance of us grabbing Matt Barnes??

Blogger's note: Will it never end? NO.

[nowfocus]

Hi Doug,

I want to predicate this by saying I understand how the tax works, that if we go over the tax we not only pay double, but we also lose out on those juicy tax payments from the teams that are over.

That being said, I trip to Forbes shows in 2007 that if you take the Raptors 'Arena' revenue was 124 million. Thats about about 3 million per home game. If you consider that adding another quality player would put us over the tax, getting to the second round would pay for that and then some. Consider these numbers were 2007, before our skyrocketing dollar.

This just seems like the perfect time, the dollar is ridiculusly strong, the leafs are going to suck, we have a team thats almost but not quite there. And, spending a bit over the tax (at a cost of about 6-10 million) would do a lot to dispel the 'cheap' label from MLSE.

Even removing the Forbes numbers, is there really no way a quality SG/SF wouldn't make up the tax penalty in terms of more playoff games, merchandise, better attendance, and all those things that come with being a winner?

http://www.forbes.com/lists/2007/32/biz_07nba_NBA-Team-Valuations_Income.html

[Roel Olay]

Re: Canada Senior Men's Basketball Team

How about the 'Mounties' perhaps the most iconic symbol of Canada abroad?

[Uncle Zeke]

What did Roko Ukic sign for? I'm assuming that he got more than the minimum. Did this amount come out of the MLE?

Blogger's note: I don't know the number yet. But it doesn't matter where it came from, they have what they have left below the tax. That's all that matters.

[Antonio]

I still don't know why the raps aren't making a play for Maggette. Ok, so they go over the cap, but a team featuring O'Neal, Bosh, Maggette, Parker, and Calderon gets you at least third place, and makes you a serious contender for first. Having Bosh and O'Neal in the back will hide Maggette's defensive liability. And, let's not forget that this is the same organization that bought out Mourning's, Garbajosa (at least half of it), and Tucker's contracts. So, they are not averse to throwing away money. At least this time, it'll be for a good reason.

[Mike]

Team Canada nickname........ The Beer Guzzlers!

[mark Lee]

Hi Doug,

Love the blog! As I look through the line-up the Raptors have now assembled, it seems to me they are one "slasher" away, whether it be a two or a three, from being a serious contender in the East. Assuming I might be right on this (which is a HUGE assumption), why would the Raptors not at least look at going over the tax limit if is means having a shot at running the table in the post-season? Is hitting the tax threshold that terrible for the team if it would enable them to go a long way in the playoffs?

Regards,
Mark
Abbotsford, BC

Blogger's note: That's a philosophical question that they seem to have answered with a definitive "yes."