The Raptors haven't just been sitting around

So, the Raptors have been busy under the cover of darkness.

This just in after a 45-minute pre-draft session with Bryan Colangelo but they’ve been quite active without too many of us knowing: While they have narrowed their possibilities with the No. 9 draft pick to the usual Gang of Five, they’ve had one back in for a second visit and hope to get another one in to chat in advance of Thursday’s draft.

James Johnson, a small forward from Wake Forest, has been in for a second visit, and Jrue Holiday, a combo guard from UCLA is expected to pay a second visit today or tomorrow.

That was about the extent of the draft news – USC forward Demar DeRozan, Syracuse guard Jonny Flynn and Duke guard Gerald Henderson would round out the five that Toronto expects to choose from in Thursday’s draft.

“I think we have a very good read on this draft right now,” Bryan said in his last full-blown media session before the draft. “All the people we’re talking about can add something to help us improve.”

In other news (and how cliché is that)

-- The chance of Toronto adding a second first-round pick is diminishing.

It sounds like a specific guy they want may not have emerged at any spot they can get him and Bryan isn’t sure taking on the three-year guaranteed salary commitment is worth it.

-- Moving up in the draft? Nope..

“We had a little bit of conversation about it … but didn’t feel like there was anything there that made sense.”

Touched on the coming free agency season, too, and the first priority right now is to bring Shawn Marion back – at the right price. And if that right price can’t be agreed upon, Bryan thinks he can turn him into an asset or two in some sign-and-trade transaction.

Okay, now it’s time to go write for the paper, there’ll be more on this tomorrow

Comments

[Vincent Lam]

ESPN is reporting that the Bucks traded Richard Jefferson for what amounts to expiring contracts and money savings (Oberto, Bowen, K. Thomas). What are your thoughts Doug? It makes the Spurs stronger and leaves Bucks fan with nothing to look forward to this season.

Blogger's note: Good money move for Milwaukee, leaves the Spurs with absolutely no front court depth. More in the morning.

[Kelsie]

Interesting.

We discussed it briefly this morning but Johnson would be a welcomed addition to this team. He does a lot of things well and our rebounding will definitely be an improved with his addition and Reggie Evans.

It kind of clashes a little bit with what he said about Marion being a priority because they would still have big holes at the 2 guard but I would prefer Johnson than Holliday or DeRozan. Depth at the 3 would be good with Marion and Johnson but If you can find a taker for Marion and get a legitimate starting two guard in return I really like the changes being made on this team.

Doug, do you think if they select Johnson on Thursday that BC places the emphasis on keeping Marion as he's said or on finding a suitable sign and trade for him?

Blogger's note: I've always thought Marion would be a sign-and-trade situation and if they pick Johnson -- and there are people in the organization who are sure he's the right pick there -- I think it becomes easier to sign-and-trade Shawn for a two

[Adam]

Not Raptor news, but sounds like Richard Jefferson is going to the Spurs for a bunch of expiring contracts. That Spurs team just went from great to dangerous.

[Matt]

doug how are you so sure, Eric Smith said we have been contacted by a agent to move up and select his player. IMO its Harden a deal with the kings makes too much sense they are likely going to take Flynn/Holiday if Rubio doesnt drop, both of whom will be available at #9 and the raptors could get harden. Who do you think the player is and how are you so sure?

Blogger's note: I'm sure because I just heard Bryan, on the record say, yes, he had been approached by an agent -- not a team -- about maybe moving up and they decided against it. I don't think there's any question about what that means

[Marc in Burlington]

Doug,

If this is Bryan's last media session before the draft, how much of what he is saying publicly can be taken at face value? Is this Bryan's last chance to put up the smoke screen to disguise his intentions or is he being forthright? As you have mentioned everything you hear before the draft must be listened to with a skeptical ear, right?

If on Thursday, they take a guy who is not one of the Gang of Five, or the Raptors do pick up a late round pick, or even more unlikely they move up in the draft, how do you as a reporter feel? To you is this "all part of the game"? If Bryan were to "leak" something to misdirect his fellow GM's would that info go to a less credible source than yourself?

Finally, if the level of talent drops off so precipitously after the first two or three picks, of the people mentioned in your article, who do you think would have the most immediate impact for the Raptors? Is that who you'd go with if in the GM chair, or do you then take the player you figure might have the biggest upside (most over used term of the draft) and let that player develop?

Cheers!

Blogger's note: In the years I've known him, Bryan Colangelo has never once lied publicly. If he can't say, or won't say, he'll tell you he can't say or won't say. I have no doubt that, as he spoke, everything was as he said it. Now, things can change in 24 hours, or 48 hours, but he is a man of honour who has never once lied publicly. And I can't imagine he started today. The Gang of Five has been the logical Gang of Five for a month, there is nothing new there.

[AAAA]

Doug, thoughts on the RJ for Oberto, Bowen, Thomas deal?

Who would be a better fit on the Raps: RJ (1yr @ 13 million) or Marion (5yrs @ $8+ million)?

Blogger's note: Apples or oranges. Tell you what, you pick first, I'll take the other guy

[Jacques]

Doug,

Any chance the Raps will trade for Ray Allen?

Blogger's note: I'd say 99.99999999 per cent no. And no, that doesn't mean there's a chance

[N]

Outside of bringing in guys for a 2nd look, how else have the Raps been active? Is there another trade brewing? I hope the Raptors can grab Ty Lawson if he drops. Here is a proven winner and will make a great back up.

Blogger's note: They've been active like 29 other teams have been active, talking, guessing, seeing what's out there

[Roko Ukic]

whos agent?

Blogger's note: If I knew, don't you think I'd tell you?
Nice fake name, by the way. Not too unoriginal

[Ryan M.]

Here is Shawn Marion's twitter post a few hours ago. "Shout out to toronto fans thank u for all the support" Do you think this is indicative of anything?

Blogger's note: No

[Chris]

Eric,

Why would we want Johnson? I see that on papaer he looks good. But I've read about him dropping as far as the 20's (he visited Utah too) and this drop was attributed mainly to his questionable work ethic etc.

Unless we are trading for a second pick down. Ah yes, you are good after all..

Keep it up!

[Scott]

If Jrue Holiday is available at 9 you have to take him. He would be the BPA and is a combo guard who played a full season with Collison as point guard and would easily play alongside Calderon. Without Ford last year the Raptors couldn't mount a solid second unit attack and it was magnified when Calderon was injured. There is no guarantee that Jose plays 82 and not even a guarantee that he plays 70. PG's who drive to the basket will inevitably get injured here and there. The Raptors need a backup PG of the TJ Ford quality to insure making the playoffs.

[Phil]

Try not to jump on me too much for this question.

Any chance Colangelo brings in a veteran Back up PG who can play SG for cheap named Stephon Marbury. Might be good insurance for Calderon as well. I was thinking something like a one year deal where we don't take too much risk and Marbury gets a chance to prove himself for one more contract in 2010.

Blogger's note: Every time I've ever mentioned Marbury to anyone at the Raptors, I've been met with stares of incredulity. I'd say you've got as much chance playing here than he does. Probably better.

[Roko Ukic]

thanks Doug! since you answered my question I feel a need to answer yours! Yes I do think you would tell us if you knew what agent. But I can't help but wonder who it might have been! It seems very rare that a player in the draft might lobby to get drafted by the Raps. I.E the way Steph Curry talks about wanting to be a Knick. or maybe it is just the agent thinks said player would be a good fit for the Raps lineup and has nothing to do with the actual player?

[Jebusismypointguatd: TheAcieEarlExperience]

Any chance the Raps move to get a second-rounder? I remember that had been discussed. I'm wondering specifically if Danny Green is a possibility. Everything about him screams "solid NBA'er" and he plays a position of need AND having been a "cog" on a NCAA monster I suspect he may be better suited to being a "cog" on an NBA team than some others (and personally I think he'll be a much better pro).

[ad]

Since the Raptors brought in Johnson and are bringing in Holiday for a 2nd time does that mean they are more interested in those two than rest?

Blogger's note: They also saw DeRozan a second time, as I just put in the blog, so, yes, I'd say those three are top of the list

[brass monk]

Taking a completely wild guess I would say that agent is Ricky Rubio's simply because I can't imagine any American players actually wanting Toronto to draft them...

But I have to say I'm pretty disappointed to hear they have no interest in moving up considering there's two guys in the top 5-6: Harden, but especially Evans who would fit the Raps biggest needs PERFECTLY.

I think the 2-spot is a way way bigger priority than the 3 - offensively and defensively - and those two guys are starters. DeRozan is a much bigger risk and Henderson is probably a decent bench player at best.

[Troy Phan]

"I'd say 99.99999999 per cent no. And no, that doesn't mean there's a chance"

That's funny dude. Thanks for ending my work day with a chuckle.

[Tim W.]

I have to say, I agree 100% with what you said in your earlier post about getting a backup PG in the draft. I read a lot of fans talking about how a good backup PG is what the Raptors need, but that is about third on the needs list, below a starting SG and SF. If you don't have a legit starting SF or SG, who cares who your backup PG is? You're not going to win very many games.

And all this talk about Jrue Holiday is puzzling. With Calderon playing minimum 35 mpg, that leaves 13 mpg left at PG, and if Holiday can play 10 minutes at SG I'd be surprised, especially considering he had such an off year by playing out of position this past season by playing...SG. That means that Holiday would probably play less than 25 mpg. Not sure how that helps the team much. A guy like Ben Gordon gets by at SG because he is such a great scorer (and he really shouldn't be starting anyway). Holiday scored single digits and 30% from the three point line last season. A scorer he is not.

I also disagree with those who've said that the Raptors shouldn't take DeRozan because he won't start. I think there's a lot of assumptions being done about these players. While it's likely DeRozan won't start initially, who's to say he won't be starting by the middle or end of the season. He's certainly got the talent and potential.

Talent-wise, I really don't think there is much difference between the five players Colangelo mentioned, so considering that the Raptors already have a very good PG, no starting SG and potentially no SF at all, why on earth would you draft a PG with the 9th pick?

Last season was the only season that Calderon struggled with an injury, so there is absolutely no reason to believe the Raptors need to find a starting calibre PG to back him up. It would be a huge waste.

[Tim W.]

As for the Jefferson trade, although it does decimate the Spurs front court, as Doug mentioned, I think they just got a whole better. And Jefferson isn't like the Phoenix acquisition of Jason Richardson because a) unlike Richardson, Jefferson knows how to win, having played in the playoffs all but the last two years, and he's gone to the Finals twice. He knows how to play off better players, and he's got the type of game that would fit in with the Spurs, and is exactly what they need.

What they do to fill out their front court will be interesting.

And the Spurs were able to do it not by simply spending money, but spending it smartly.

As for Milwaukee, they had to do it because they didn't spend smartly and needed to cut costs in order to re-sign players who probably won't ever be as good as Jefferson is right now.

[Mike]

Doug,

Should the Raptors go for Randy Foyle?

Blogger's note: Huh? No, they can't

[Tim W.]

I also wanted to comment on people talking about how the Raptors need to win next season in order to keep Bosh, so they can' pick a guy like DeRozan. I don't agree. I think what the Raptors need to show Bosh is that they have the potential to be a very good team, not necessarily becoming a very good team next season. If they pick DeRozan, for example, and he shows All-Star potential, I would think that would be more enticing than winning 5 more games and drafting a guy like Holiday (who I don't think is going to win 5 more games for the Raptors because he will only be able to play limited minutes as a backup PG).

And if winning is so paramount, I would think people would want a more veteran player like Gerald Henderson, who would be filling a bigger need than Flynn or Holiday.

I think what Bosh needs to see is the team moving in the right direction, not necessarily making it to the second round of the playoffs, or something like that.

[Tim W.]

Apparently Milwuakee traded Oberto to Detroit for Amir Johnson.

And in bigger news, Washington ended up trading their fifth pick away (with Etan Thomas, Oleksiy Pecherov and Darius Songaila) for Mike Miller and Randy Foye. It looks like their trying to get a package for Memphis' 2nd pick and probably Rubio. Could be a good deal for both teams. Personally, I wanted to see Memphis screw up yet another 2nd pick.

[Rob]

Since we haven't done a 10/90 or 90/10 lately, what do you think the chances are of the Raptors doing something beyond just taking their 9th pick on Thursday?

I would have to think there is only a 10% change a deal happens.

Blogger's note: 15-85.

[dean]

Ok

Now that Minny has both the 5 and the 6 pick, you know the new GM is going to pull off a blockbuster, so why not get in on the party??

Trade Bosh and a second round pick (future) to Minny for Al Jefferson ,the # 5 ( from Wizards)and future unprotected 1st rounder.........

Now, package the 5 with a spare part or two for a legitimate wing.......and draft whomever at # 9 they are so enoamoured with.

This would help Toronto get back at least one 1st round pick lost in other trades, gets rid of Bosh and gets him in the States, we get a guy back with similar numbers, and if the #5 couldn't be re-traded, we would have two top ten picks, one of whom will probably be a starter.

Jefferson just had his 1st year of 5 year contract for 65 million. So we would owe him far less for 4 years than Bosh for 6 years.....

I would take my chances on building around the #5, # 9, Al, Jose, Marion and Andrea........wouldn't you? Doug?

Peace

Deaner