DD and VC and all kinds of wonderful stuff

That was some day. A couple of huge trades and some draft drama and if anyone told you they saw all that coming, they are lying.

Made it a bit hectic around here but we got through it.

But now we have one more thing to get through: A little live chat.

With DeMar doing his media schtick around 12:30 and me having to go cover track and field tonight after writing the DeMar story, we better start early, like 11:30 and we’ll go until DeRozan starts talking.

That sound okay?

And here’s a little something to get you through the morning:

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You know how NBA types are always scolding us for talking about what a player isn’t rather than what it is? Like when we say, ‘well, Joe Blow couldn’t dribble with his left hand if you cut off his right told him his life depended on bouncing the ball three times without looking” instead of “well, Joe Blow sure looks good sitting on the bench wondering why his coach doesn’t play him.”

Well, I’m in for a scolding, perhaps.

Here’s what DeMar DeRozan (and we were told last night the ‘M’ in his first name is indeed capitalized after weeks of typing it down) isn’t:

HE IS NOT VINCE CARTER

Not, that is, until he makes eight all-star teams, wins a dunk contest, earns rookie of the year honours and jumps over some stiff for France in the Olympics.

HWSNBN (and regulars know that) still casts a rather large shadow over this franchise and to put a target on the back of a kid who hasn’t even practiced against legitimate NBA competition yet is a bit of a stretch.

There is a lot to like about this pick. DeRozan brings the athleticism they sorely lack, he plays a position of dire need and he could, as Bryan said last night, be very special.

Or he could be the No. 9 pick in a draft that may ultimately rival Kenyon Martin 2000 as one of the worst ever.

I don’t know, you don’t know, they don’t know for sure.

But as picks go, he was the best guy there they felt (and if I’d stuck with my original mock draft I would have looked spectacular with DeRozan here and Tyler Hansbrough in Indy, wouldn’t I?) and they seem entirely pleased with what they’ve done.

Jay said he’ll get a chance to start or at least compete for a starting job (which is good) and then Bryan dropped the VC comparison on him (which may not be so good).

This kid comes in with some huge expectations; they better hope he’s mentally tough enough to live up to them.

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Remember these:

Action: Suns draft Taylor Griffin No. 48.

Reaction: They now lead all pro sport in having the other twin. brother.

He and Robin Lopez can talk about their better brothers on the bench.

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I’m trying to figure out why they’re collecting point guards in Minnesota like so many trophy fish.

Kubla, er, I mean David, Kahn, the man in charge of hiring Sam Mitchell as the next Timberwolves head coach, swears his team can play Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn at the same time, citing Vinny Johnson and Isiah Thomas.

As we thought suggesting DeRozan is Vince was reaching a silly level of unrealistic expectations.

I will tell you this, though, when the Timberwolves were on the clock with that No. 6 pick, there were all kinds of nervous people in the Raptors war room. What better fit to a team with a young point guard, a young big man and nothing really on the wings other than DeRozan.

The sighs of relief when Kahn went all point guard crazy were almost audible.

(Or so I’m told).

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So, who wins all the trades?

I think it’s quite easy, actually.

The team that made out the best, by far in my opinion, was Orlando. Vince is going to star down there, I’m warning you, and if he’s insurance against a Turkoglu departure, I can’t think of much better.

And if Otis Smith doesn’t start getting some consideration in those Executive of the Year races, they ought to quit giving them up.

Not sure if there’s a biggest loser, probably Milwaukee, which got a bag of junk for Richard Jefferson.

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Aaron Williams. Eric Williams. Alonzo Mourning. Rafer Alston. Courtney Lee. Tony Battie.

Has there ever been a better player traded for a worse collection of questionable or non-existent talent than Carter? I wonder.

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All kinds of Hedo Turkoglu questions in light of that Magic trade for You Know Who.

Here’s what I was able to discern last night:

He remains far and away the most coveted free-agent-to-be in the eyes of a lot of people who make big decisions around the Air Canada Centre and the arrival of that Vince fellow means he’ll be out there and available for sure.

(Yes, Turkoglu has an option and could play the last year of his contract in Orlando where he’d be second fiddle at the end of the game to Carter, second fiddle at the start of the game to Dwight, second fiddle in the middle of the game to Rashard and we don’t’ have any fiddles left to tell you where he’d fit with Jameer. Oh, and there’s a new CBA coming and Lord knows what the players will give back in this one so he better lock up a long-term deal this summer).

Anyway, digression aside, the cost is still too much. They could renounce everyone – Marion, Parker, Graham, O’Bryant, Douby and back the qualifying offer to Delfino – to maybe get Turkoglu and fill out the roster with a bunch of minimum salary dudes.

But haven’t we been down that road before? See, O’Neal, Jermaine; and Solomon, Will.

The best thing, and it’s been the best thing since the JO trade in February is to try and sign-and-trade Shawn for a younger version of himself, have the mid-level exception to try and capitalize on one of the many bargains that will be out there and build the bench that way.

No big home run necessary.

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Action: Knicks get Darko

Reaction: Under the radar good

I have no idea how many saw this in light of all that went on but the Knicks moving Quentin Richardson to Memphis (wonder how all the fried food’s gonna help Q stay so cut) for Darko Milicic was a nice, very nice move.

I happen to think Darko may not stink entirely and if there’s one guy who can get him to play, I have a feeling it’s Mike D’Antoni.

Of course, Darko’s, um, dedication to his craft might take a hit playing in New York but if he’s going to make it anywhere, he’s going to make it there.

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Speaking of the Air Canada Centre, they had one of those season ticket holder events last night down in the locker room for a select few fans (they couldn’t use the main bowl because it’s being torn up for some new seating) and it must have been fun and full of food and drink.

How do I know?

I know because when I was near the entrance talking on the phone and answering e-mails in search of some privacy after the Raptors made their selection, there was one fan, proudly sporting the nifty credential-like thing they had them wear, doubled over, surrounded by a couple of friends and a gaggle of security types suffering, as they say in competitive eating circles, “a reversal.”

Must have been a bad shrimp or something, right?

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And, finally

Action: Mighty Yankees Win!

Reaction: Hmm, maybe it’s not the coaching after all.

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Okay, see you around 11:30

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Comments

[Kevin]

Okay, I'm probably going to jinx it, (because they didn't go for Jrue Holliday last night and that was my first hope for this off season answered) but I hope they stay away from Turkoglu in a big, big way.

Turkoglu is barely worth the money he's getting now and then only for a weirdly designed Orlando team. If the Raps could get him for cheaper then I'd say go for it, but he's already pretty old, already on the decline and really....not that good to begin with.

The Raps would be blowing money for years on Turkoglu if they gave him a rich long term extension.

[pete]

Just a thought, wouldn't it make sense for BC to get Patty Mills from the Blazers. A change of pace point guard who's really fast and has a ridiculously cheap contract due to being taken so low. It isn't as though the Blazers had a great interest in him as they could have picked him higher. Would it be a good idea?

[Eric]

I like the pick. I don't know how tough he is but he can be a contributor- the Raps needed at least that. As for comparing his athleticism to Vince, I'm sure that comes from people with a hidden agenda (BC) or people who haven't seen him play (Dougs). This guy is much smooth...... but VC?!? One of the most gifted athletes to put on a professional uni in any sport?

I think this guy has athleticism of Rashard Lewis, if anyone. I don't think he has the explosion of Vince, the timing or the charisma. It's unfair to suggest that he does. Incredible how these rumors get started. I guess any gifted athlete today is like Vince. Sort of like any gifted writer is like William Shakespeare. Or any gifted poster is like myself (j/k).

[N]

If the Raps want to keep the Bosh man, I think they need to re-sign Shawn Marion. I think he still has 3 good years left, which is the length of contract we should give him. Outside of Marion, the closest player I can think of is Marvin Williams, which will not be too bad. I definitely do not think we should overpay the Turk though; yes he had a good season, but I do not see him replicating it again on a long term contract.

Very excited about DeRozan coming in. If he can be 3/4 of what Vince was in Toronto, Colangelo hit a home run in this year's draft.

[chris]

doug -- 2 or 3 examples of younger, cheaper versions of marion?

Blogger's note: Gimme the weekend to even take a glance at who might remotely be available

[Carl J]

According to SI, "Turkoglu opts out of contract"

"Turkoglu's agent said Friday that he sent a notice to Orlando earlier this week that his client will opt out of his contract to become a free agent."

[JJ]

Doug, once you get through the DeRozan press conference, the track and the field, the youth baseball coaching schedule and a cold beverage or two to recuperate, could you provide a complete list of the Raptors salary obligations for 2009-10?

Ie. who has a guaranteed contract and its exact value, who has a partially guaranteed contract and its varying values (how much is fully guaranteed, how much is partially guaranteed), who has what cap hold value, the approximate level of the salary cap. Basically a free agency primer.

I know, a tough research assignment for what should be a well-deserved weekend of rest, but something that I think your readers would greatly enjoy and benefit from (and which would hopefully, hopefully, cut down on the number of silly ideas that people have).

[Alex Lozier]

Good morning Doug, do you think the Magic would have any interest in a double sign-and-trade featuring Marion and Turkoglu?
Do the Raps stand to save quite a bit of money this year as they will not be able to get as near the tax limit as they can only spend the cap + mid-level exception?

[Andre]

I really wonder what happened to the twolves? why take 2 pg? Makes no sense, but its all good cuz we got Derozen. I really wish evans dropped, but BC has his plans... Good draft.

[chili]

Dave Feschuk suggested WestJet as DeRozan's nickname, since Air Canada is VC. Why not Air Transat?

[andy c]

1. now if the Suns would only fill out there roster with S. Graham they would have the market cornered.

2. so if DeMar wont exactly be the next VC in TO then who would be a more realistic player for comparison purposes?

Blogger's note: Can we let him at least take part in one pre-season practice before we start comparisons? I have no idea

[doug]

Vince finally is in the perfect situation for him...never wanted to be a star, the man, the guy whose shoulders a teams fortunes rest on....in Orlando he can be behind Howard allow him the spotlight and just play ball along with Nelson, Lewis etc....perfect for him he will thrive, and be a all-star again..a legitimate all-star...

I have no idea what Minnie's intentions are, but Rubio pick was fine after that a shambles i feel....plus the Spurs had a decent draft they picked up a lot of useful pieces...

[Cheej]

Hey Doug,
Great work on the draft (lead up and last night), we appreciate your insight!
Quick question, how does Rafer fit in with Devin Harris? I can't see that one ending well, or without entertainment.

Cheers.

Blogger's note: It's got the potential to be a train wreck

[Kelsie]

Hey Doug,

Great night last night! You gotta love draft time no?

I hope DeRozan turns out to be a good player for us. I agree that we must temper our expectations with this kid and I think BC and Triano might have gone a little too far last night with the VC comparisons and saying he might start, (he's only 19 and didn't dominate the college game) but I like his demeanour, current abilities and hopefully he can be a defensive presence right away.

Questions:

a)Is he a two or a three on our team?

b) With Marion, I know it's hard to predict but do you envision him here on the team this season or do you anticipate he will be moved? I know what you prefer (and I agree), but which do you think is a better bet percentage wise?

Blogger's note: He's a two who can maybe, perhaps, play some three; and if I had to bet on Marion, I honestly don't know which way I'd wager. It'll be all about the money

[FK]

Hi Doug - I respect your position on Hedo, but still think he brings the exact type of grit to the three position that this the team needs.

Renouncing Graham and letting Delfino walk if he rejects the qualifying offer in order to free up cash would be a solid move for a guy who can play 38 quality minutes a night at the three.

$15,779,912 Chris Bosh
$8,219,009 Jose Calderon
$6,527,490 Andrea Bargnani
$4,960,000 Reggie Evans
$4,464,000 Marcus Banks
$3,200,000 Kris Humphries
$1,620,000 Patrick O'Bryant
$1,350,000 Roko Ukic
$736,420 Nathan Jawai
$2,282,640 Demar Derozen

= 49,139,471

If - and it's a big IF, you can get Hedo at $9-million a year for 5 years, and AP at $2-million a year for 2 years, you're looking at a 12-man roster at $60,139,471; well under the salary cap.

1 - Jose/Ukic/Banks
2 - Derozen/Parker
3 - Hedo
4 - CB4/Hump/Evans
5 - Andrea/O'Bryant/Jawai

Parlay Hump into a backup three to play the 10 minutes when Hedo's breathing and you're in good shape.

Could be the first time Vince actually helps the franchise since about a year before his departure

[FK]

*** Sorry - meant well under the luxury tax, not the salary cap...

[tdotsportsfan]

Doug,

It's nice of you to make Taylor Griffin the other 'twin' along with Robin Lopez in Phoenix but it's hard to be a twin when you're a couple years older.... it made for a funny spot in your blog here but unfortunately, it's not close to being accurate.

[Legend_ary]

Wouldn't a double sign-and-trade work for Hedo and Marion without having to renounce the others?
I would think that Marion would be a better fit for the Magic than Hedo given their need for more athleticism in their bigs than Hedo provides.
Clearly Hedo would be a good fit here as a second ball handler and a go-to guy at the end of games that we sorely have lacked since HWSNBN.

[BrianV]

I'm really stoked about this pick for Demar. It has been a very long time that I have been excited about a 1st round draft pick made by the Raps. I temper this excitement with the knowledge that he is not a can't-miss prospect. But I will say he has a better chance than not of being at least, the second best player on this team (with or without Bosh) by his 3rd season. He will develop faster than Bargs did (second half of his 3rd season for Bargs). Just as importantly, I am glad we drafted an exciting player. We did not have such a player on our roster for a very long time. Remember when VC was the bee's knees? The Raps were the second highest road draw in the league as everyone wanted to see VC. Expect more of the same over the next couple years as he develops. The Negative Nellies will rip this kid for not reaching his peak during the first week of the season. I will choose to take a more realistic approach, watching this 19 year old develop his outside shot, his handle and his left-hand. I think he is in good hands with the Raps coaching staff. Welcome to T.O #10.

[Charles]

hey Doug. any idea if their are any players that didn't get drafted who the raps might invite to play in the summer league?

Blogger's note: Haven't heard any names, won't until next week

[JM]

There's an arms race going on in the East with the new big three all going into luxury tax territory. Is it time the Raptors consider going over the cap or do they continue to battle hard with the second tier group of teams in the east?

[Methodman]

Doug, as you accurately described DeRozan in your column - "He can, as the saying goes, jump out of the gym; he's big and quick and strong and automatically injects something the roster desperately needs."

Could be describing Joey Graham from 4 years ago, only Joey had a much better and proven NCAA track record. Joey got rich while potential became ...pffffffft. It is a remarkable NBA world where 6 weeks of strong freshman play and the great god, potential, equates to a 9 spot in the first round and guaranteed wealth. I feel good for this fellow's mom....not so sure about the Raps in this deal.

[AAAA]

Hey Doug,
How does DeJuan Blair slip to 37 in a "weak" draft but last years "good" draft has Nathan Jawai in around the same spot.

It doesn't add up as I would WAY rather Blair..

[Nick]

Can you hear "VC sucks! Superman sucks!" during games against Orlando? I sure can!

[Charles]

In a perfect world I think that BC can find a way to bring back Parker, Delfino, Rasho and maybe even sign a vet PG. And still get Turkoglu as a free agent. what do u think? keep dreaming?

Blogger's note: That's asking too much, I believe. Sorry, can't see how it happens