A quick one before the weekend starts

I presume this is out there somewhere, probably lots of places, but what the heck.

Just got word that Anthony Parker is definitely going to Cleveland and all they have to do is clear up some language issues the deal will be signed.

Not really newsy -- Brian Windhorst of the Plain Dealer had it all but done a couple of days ago -- but just wanted to get it on the record that he'll be missed.

I know not a whole lot of you would care because what matters most is on-court stuff but AP was one fo the all-time good Raptors and he'll be missed. When he did interviews he gave carefully-considered answers that were on the verge of being boring but I'll tell you, private he was funny and insightful and if you hung around his locker before a game, it was pretty entertaining.

He sat next to Hump and Jamario and the three of 'em couldn't have been more different, which made the conversation more lively.

And, although we never got to see it 'cause it wasn't his style, we're told he did a Sam Mitchell imitation that was dead on. Not sure how many times M. Grange (TM) tried to get him to do it, but he wouldn't.

Regular readers here will know what I think of the guy when I say he was like Dell Curry in the way he handled himself as a pro and a guy.

Okay, I see a handful of comments to post and then I'm pretty sure there's a patio in my immediate future if I can find one.

Comments

[Yony]

Hey Doug, can't say enough about your coverage in the last week. I bet you are looking forward to some more relaxing days, like those you had in the regular season! (I keed, I keed)

Quick question, in his interview with Eric, BC made a point of saying that before the S&T with Orlando, he lined up a trade to leave $3M of cap space so he could sign AP and Hedo.

If you care to listen, it is about 3/4 into this clip:
http://www.nba.com/media/raptors/July_9_-_clip_4_-_Colangelo_on_priorities.MP3

Do you have any idea what this deal was, and if it is still under consideration?

Thanks, and I hope you have a great, enjoyable weekend

Blogger's note: No idea

[James Morris]

AP is a class guy and his thoughful answers to interview questions were indicative of a high basketball IQ.

With AP and Jason Kapono gone we have lost two reliable three point shooters. Hopefully, when BC considers the three positions on the roster to be filled, finding a solid three point shooter will be a priority.

[Jimmy Zachariah]

Hey Doug - thanks for the updates this week. I'm sure it was a tonne of work on your end - but it was EXTREMELY entertaining and I still cannot believe what transpired.

[TheRounder]

Will miss ya AP! Great role model undoubtedly!

[Dougsmithhater]

Doug, you're a bum.

I'm tired of you and the attitude you spew. A classic example was your blog post a couple of days ago discrediting any chance that the Raps would have an MLE to use.

Stick to your patio and tone down the snobbery.

Blogger's note: Damn, another non-renewal for the fan club. Whatever in the world will I do?
Oh, right, I'll chuckle and get on with life.

[brian]

yeah Doug, take a break! Thanks for keeping us in the loop.

[Alex]

Stackhouse now available. Your impressions Doug?

Blogger's note: Not sure how much, if anything, is left in the tank

[army]

nothing to do with article, but thoughts on ramon sessions over jarrett jack?

Blogger's note: Sessions would be cheaper; I'd say Jack's a better fit 'cause he can play some 2

[Matt Kovacs - Age 12]

Hey Doug, Me matt. 1. I will miss ap so much. He has a wonderful shot and I always would try to make my shot just like his. Do you think that the Raptors will sign a 2 to make up for him. Or just get delfino and no other 2's. 2. Dont you think that Bosh will come back now that the team is stacked. I mean, he would be pretty wack to not stay. 3. And thirdly, what is going on with pops. Keep up the great work!!!! Matt-Age:12

Blogger's note: I think it'll be Delfino, a big and a 2-3

[Manale]

Nice that AP gets a legitimate shot at a ring next year.
He'll make a nice addition to the Cavs.

[Juicy]

AP was always one of my favorites. The type of versatile player every team would want. I was kinda hoping there was a chance he wasn't going after the 4-team trade opened things up for the mid-level exceptions. Will definetly miss him next year.

Oh well, maybe he'll end up with a ring in Cleveland.

[Mike]

Anthony Parker is a great guy and i wish him all the best in Cleveland next year, just not when they play us.

You mentioned Jarrett Jack, you imagine the pacers wouldn't match an offer sheet?

Blogger's note: Indications are they might not

[Paul Stevens]

Thanks for the coverage this week Doug. It's been great. I really liked AP and would wish to see more of that style of professionalism in the league.

[Joe]

Good luck to AP in Cleveland. He'll enjoy playing with LeBron and Shaq. I will miss him very much. His skill might be declining due to age but his leadership and class will be missed. Any idea on the terms of his deal, especially the length? Maybe he can come back next year or at least when his playing days are over.

[D.Hills]

AP was a class act all the way! Sad to see him go. Whish him all the best in
Cleveland, he earned it.

[Bill]

off topic,
What's up with tv next season -- will those of us on ROgers still miss half the games?

Blogger's note: Um, no. They resolved that in May

[mark]

Ya, congrats on an excellent week of coverage Doug, you deserve it. You remain the #1 source for Raptors coverage/opinion. Period.

[Sean H]

I'll really miss AP...Had great work ethic and always had to defend the best. I'm personally tired of hearing all this stuff about age. If he plays well, who cares how old he is? If he could play the way he played the last couple of years at 40, I'd still sign him. All the best AP.

[Paul]

Great guy. Deserves a ring in Cleveland. Too nice to help the raptors at this point.

[Ellie]

I'm sad to see AP go and wish him and his family well. Such a classy dude. I'm sure he'll be a hit in the mighty Cleve.

[doug]

just a quick thought.came in from golfing and read about the Grizz waiving Stackhouse...would he not be a good fit for these raps at a reasonable price...no one has mentioned that, it just occurred to me...

[Wayne]

Doug,

Why was it necessary for there to be a complicated four team deal in order for Orlando to get the salary exemption in a sign and trade of Turkoglu? Why couldn't they have gotten that with a simple sign and trade with the Raps from the start?

Blogger's note: If Orlando wanted Shawn, they could have; but that wasn't going to happen

[Rafters]

AP was a solid defensive player and he knew the game quite well. Wish there was a way to keep him.

[aditya]

forgot to mention this earlier, but POPS needs to come back...were you actually watching him play from your courtside seats last season....he is everything what the raptors need...even reggie evans aint that athletic, and reggie evans is almost like ben wallace with the inability to put the ball in the hole even from close range...POPS goes for the dunk....minimum or about 1 mil for him.... do you see how hard the guy plays? (yeah ok he was playing for a contract)

[Zacharias]

Hey Doug, have you heard anything about Joey Graham coming back next season? He's a UFA who has not been given any attention this year...I thought he flourished and found his game last season when Triano came into the picture as coach and feel he could do the same this year with a full training camp Triano can use to deploy his system with his coaching staff...maybe the extra cash Colangelo has now will bring him back on maybe a 2 yr deal or so?

Blogger's note: I imagine they'll make a call but I imagine they'll make him a very low offer