Does another long day await? And Hedo (hearts) Toronto

AP PHOTO

Toronto still hearts Hedo even after he broke hearts and playoff hopes.

All right, let’s take stock here.

Nothing of real substance happened yet we had more than 160 comments, five different versions of the story, a day spent almost entirely on the computer and the telephone (although I did get the Back 40 mowed before the cows came in to graze) and the Raptors still haven’t come to an agreement with anyone.

Yeah, happy Canada Day indeed.

But I guess at some level it was fun, if by fun you mean a lot of work a bit of angst and a whole raft of speculation.

And it’s just begun!

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I have no basis in fact for this except a gut feeling and some sense of history but I’d imagine things are going to go down today or tomorrow. A couple of dominoes have fallen (Villanueva and Gordon), another one may go down soon (Turkoglu) and after that, I think the gloves come off. Hope so, at least; might make for a more relaxing weekend.

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Say this for Bryan: We heard six names yesterday: Marion, Turkoglu, Lee, Kleiza, Ariza (although I’m only reading that, I have never heard it from a personal source) and Villanueva.

That’s a pretty disparate group and when I was told before the negotiating period opened that Bryan would be “active” it sure seems to be turning out to be true.

I have no idea which of that group he’ll end up getting (and if there are six names out there, I guarantee you there are a handful of others that haven’t leaked out yet) but it does tell me that he knows how big this summer is in the need to improve the roster and he’s taking all kinds of shots to do it.

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I heard from almost every corner of the continent yesterday that Turkoglu’s first choice for a new place to play is Toronto. Whether that can happen or not is doubtful because the Raptors really don’t want to gut the roster to get the money to make it so but if there’s a different, more creative way to make it happen, I guarantee they’re working on it.

It’s going to be the storyline almost the entire league is watching and it’ll have more than a few twists and turns.

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Yes, I see all the Trevor Ariza chatter out there in internet-land. The Lakers are going to let him walk, it’s probably Portland or Toronto that makes him a generous offer, the Cavaliers have already had members of the coaching staff chat with him, there are other teams interested, too.

I’ll reiterate a point made here a handful of times yesterday: Ariza would probably be a good fit – although people in the Toronto organization were wondering during the Finals how good he is without that Bryant fellow next to him – and if he wants to take a mid-level exception contract from a 33-win team rather than join one of the legitimate contenders who have expressed interest, I’m sure the Raps would be fine with that.

But, as we’ve seen, it’s a long, long way from internet chatter about expressions of interest to getting a name on a contract next week.

If Bryan can pull it off, it’s got to speak hugely to his powers of persuasion and the perception of this team out there.

And, perhaps, it says something about Ariza. Either that he’s after money and not the greatest competitive situation or that he’s willing to work hard and build up a franchise. Which one that is, I don’t know.

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While we’re digressing, how about this:

Welcome to Canada, LaBumbard clan!

While the rest of the basketball world was waiting for something interesting to happen, Media Relations Maven Jim LaBumbard, his wife and two kids were officially being sworn in as card-carrying Canucks yesterday.

No cracks about our obviously lax citizenship requirements, okay? The country’s better off with those four people part of it. And I’m particularly sure Fiesty Young Brandon has the attributes one Mr. Burke admires and could, one day, be a Leave.

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Okay, digression gone.

I have no idea what they’re doing in Detroit, either.

But as my man Chris McCoskey, who has been ahead of this story the whole way, points out here, having Gordon come off the bench seems to be the answer everyone’s happy with.

Of course, when you link to the rest of his section to find out that Doug Collins has withdrawn his name from consideration for that coaching job, it makes me wonder if maybe Doug didn’t feel quite as comfortable with Gordon, Hamilton and Stuckey as maybe Joe Dumars did.

Now, the job seems to be Avery Johnson’s and I’m wondering how that rather strong-willed coach is going to mesh with the rather laid-back Charlie and the shooting-obsessed Gordon.

Fun times in Detroit, indeed.

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Canada had a bit of a struggle to open the world Under-19 basketball championships down in New Zealand over night, as a newly-minted sports reporter chronicles here.

It’s not a horribly bad thing, there are still two games in the first round of the event, and I’ve got to think one win’s good enough to advance. And I’m also betting that Syria’s not quite in Canada’s league at the moment.

I think this team’s going to bear watching as this tournament progresses, I just wish they weren’t playing most games in the middle of the dang night.

Anyway, check the links, check the boxscores and keep checking back here.

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Yeah, I really need to throw this out there:

I don’t get the apparent fascination with Allen Iverson among some of the gaggle of people who read and write here regularly.

At this moment, the absolute last thing this team needs is a relatively selfish, relatively old, ball-dominating combo guard who refuses to admit he might be better off coming off the bench and whose tenure everywhere he’s gone has ended rather poorly.

Seriously, where does he play here? Does he start ahead of Jose? No chance. Does he take minutes away from DeRozan? Not a hope in hell.

We need to put all this nonsense to rest.

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Okay, I’m out of pocket a bit this morning to have this creaky old broken down body worked on and then there’s a very special interview scheduled for around noon (you’ll want to be reading the results of it, trust me) so if the comments are a bit delayed, fear not..

And if news breaks while I’m being pretzeled by the gentle chiropractor in charge of restoring some mobility to parts of me, I’ll get to it as soon as I can.

Now, go enjoy the morning.

Comments

[Jenuwine]

Mornin' Doug, question, in your opinion, out of all the guys the Raptors are talking to, who do you think would fit our team and why?

Secondly, I am confused about this Marion thing. So now we are hearing that no one out in the market want him for the salary he is looking for? If a sign and trade transaction goes down, wouldnt it be smart for us to look at Detroit to see if they have any interest in him?

Thanks Doug.

Blogger's note: Haven't really dissected who'd be the best fit; I presume it'd be either Turkoglu or Ariza but Marion's probably the best one at the right price And it all depends on salary and term

[Christian Mijatovic]

would you think that even discussing Lee is just a way to raise the offers for him so that the cap hit ends up being a bigger number for other teams? Or, would he end up being great insurance if bosh leaves? Or, does Lee just make the BIGs rotation one of the best in the NBA?

[LeeZ]

David Lee??? What the...??? If they sign him, and it would take close to 10 mil a year, it won't be to come off the bench to sub for Bosh, that's for freaking sure. So does this mean...(Doug, you know where I'm leading with this: hostalavista CB4?) Unless they move Bosh to centre and Bargs to the 3 -- in both cases a less-than-ideal fit. Plus, in Lee you're getting another slow-footed, less than stellar defender. I mean, I know Bryan is trying to be creative, but there's creative and then there's weird. This reeks of weird, no?

Blogger's note: That may be something or it may not; perhaps they think Lee can guard threes and if he simply replaces Marion there's your younger, equally athletic, suspect-jump shooting compliment to Bosh and Bargnani

[Steve]

I think I would prefer to go after Ariza for 7-8M rather than Marion. But if that happens that'll just give the Raptors brass another excuse of 'new players still getting used to one another' when we start losing.

[Marc (Brampton)]

The fact that Brian has contacted Charlie V and Chris Lee, two power forwards tells me that BC thinks he's going to be dealing with life after CB4 sooner rather than later. Whether that means this offseason or sometime between now and the trade deadline I don't know. Thoughts?

[sz]

Hey Doug - I'd love to have Lee join the Raps, but where do you think he fits in on the roster? Bosh/Bargnani playing the 4/5, do you think Lee would be coming off the bench?

Blogger's note: What if Lee simply replaced Marion and guarded threes most of the time?

[Dan]

I don't get the Gordon signing. He's a very similar player to Allen Iverson, who they couldn't get rid of quickly enough.
Is the Lee talk serious? It seems strange to me to pay your top four big men a combined $35 million, especially when you don't have much on the wing. Unless they're thinking of trading Bosh, this just doesn't make much sense to me.

[Jacques]

Doug,

What's this special interview?

Blogger's note: Top secret :); but it's not all that big, just a way to tease people

[Chris]

Hi Doug,

Think with me here. Two brains are better than one. So short of a sign and trade with orland for hedo, what "creative" thing can we do? I dont think orl wants marion.

All I can think of is maybe a three way deal, that would net orlando some big man. Now based on your Lee information (i'm not sure where you got it from) but then maybe we can sign Lee and ship him to Orlando. (doesnt make much sense).

I just don't see how we can get Hedo! I love the guy and I'm glad to hear he likes us. There is no way he fits in Portland.

Enlighten me sensei Doug!

[oliveira]

I asked you about David Lee before and you flat out said no, the raptors are not interested. So where did this news that BC made an offer for Lee come from?? If Lee were to play here, would he play the 3? WOuld they still want Marion too?

Blogger's note: I don't remember saying it that emphatically but I'll take your word for it and things change. If they get him, I don't know what they'd do with him, it would depend entirely on who else is here

[anthony.mackay]

Thanks for staying on top of this Doug, I've been trying to find some detail on the Turk situation and your blog seems to have more in it then the espn site!

Lets say they replace Shawn with Turk... improved 3's, about equal boards, steals and blocks I'm guessing and improved ball handling... a slight decrease in athleticism but the rookie should make up for that.

Has Bargs stayed with his off-season workout, have you seen him recently, any new low post moves... can you please tell him I said to develop a little sky hook and maybe a shake and bake to go with it?

Excited for next season already !!

Blogger's note: I haven't seen him, he's been in Italy and have no idea how, or what, he's doing

[Athena]

David Lee? Isn't he a C/PF? He is going to backup Bosh and Barg?

[Adeel]

Hi Doug,

You have mentiond that Turkoglu's first choice to play would be Toronto? Not that I have a problem with that, but any idea as to why? After getting to the final's last year you would think that Turkoglu would want to try and move to a more established contender...or is it just a money thing?

Blogger's note: I know he's got a good relationship with Maurizio; if you look at the teams, where he most likely to have the ball in his hands down the stretch: Toronto or Portland where Brandon Roy lives? And, frankly, Toronto's a far nicer city to live in

[Tony]

Looks like Anthony Parker signed with Real Madrid?

http://www.as.com/baloncesto/articulo/real-madrid-estudia-fichaje-

[matt]

Why can the Raptors not just do what Philly did last year and offer Turk his money first, get him signed and push us to the salary cap - and then sign Delfino as we can go over the cap re-signing our own free agent.

Blogger's note: Because, for about the kabillionth time, unless they renounce all their free agents THEY ARE NOT UNDER THE SALARY CAP.

[sams fan]

I dont understand what u have against Ben Gordon. I see he is not ur ideal shooting guard because of his size, but he is a potent scorer. I still dont get y u were willing to offer a guy like parker 4 to 5 million a year, meanwhile u were going through a crisis when hearing of Ben Gordon receiving anything over 7 or 8 million dollars. Like seriously, u cant expect teams to pay players based on their locker room roles and leadership (I still dont think hes a great "leader". I agree with u on the whole Iverson thing, but when other fans r suggesting the raps to go after Iverson, its probably because this team needs a shakeup and hence they suggest someone like Iverson. U dont need to go crazy on them. Once again, I AGREE with u on the Iverson thing but stop hating on Gordon. If ur willing to pay Parker 4 or 5 million a year, u should have been ok with Ben Gordon getting 11 million a year.

Blogger's note: Reading comprehension time: I never said I would pay Parker that money; I said I believe he will attract that kind of interest since it amounts to virtually the same money he was paid last year and rather than take a pay cut, he might decide to take a much more lucrative offer overseas..
And I, and thousands of others, are of the opinion that Gordon is a shoot-first, below average defender who doesn't get to the rim. The fact you obviously think otherwises is of no concern to me and does nothing to change my opinion.

[PC]

If the Raps were to target Lee do you think that would be with the intention of bringing him off the bench or to facilitate a trade with Bosh as an outgoing piece? I don't really see why Lee would want to come and play behind the killer B's when there are other options open to him.

I still can't figure out for the life of me why he isn't already inked with Memphis, I thought they'd be a perfect match, he gets a starters spot on a young team with upside and Memphis has one of the good young frontcourts between him and that Gasol kid. Of course combined they'd average less than a block a game but I don't think Memphis is going to win with defense as currently constructed.

But I guess Chris Wallace knows better, which is why he's going to pay 33 mil over 2 years to a double double machine instead of around 45-50 million over 5 years to a double double machine who doesn't cause more cancer than the cigarette industry...

[Bill W.]

Doug - I can see the obvious benefit to the Raps getting Lee, both if he can effectively play the three and as insurance if Bosh leaves. However, is your impression that the Knicks would let him go if a so-called 'reasonable' offer was given to him?

Alternatively, would the Knicks be interested in a double sign and trade, where we would sign and trade Marion, giving them another tradeable asset and (if it was a short deal) allowing him to come off the books next year? If they asked nicely, I'm sure we'd be thrilled to part with Humphries as well. Can you think of any scenario in which this would work, and what may the Raps have to give up to do it?

Blogger's note: What if they just signed-and-trade Lee for Marion?

[Kelsie]

David Lee, Charlie V, Klezia? Are you serious? We talked about all this cap room and how the team will be much improved and it sounds like spending money just to spend it and for who? Wasn't the big problem with this team the wings, defending the perimeter and getting to the rim?

Where is the creativity and addressing of needs that BC intended and was the justification for trading JO to get cap space to improve the team? How much does any of these guys make us better when Bosh and Barg's will play major minutes in the front court. Lee would be a high paid 6th man off the bench? Klezia hasn't met a shot he didn't like and they actually took a run at Charlie V? Are you serious?

I agree with you that I don't understand what Detroit is doing but I am in the dark as to what we're trying to accomplish as well? I thought Marion was the guy he wanted, now we're looking hard at David Lee? How many 4's do we have on this team already?

Blogger's note: They have a Lee "scenario" in mind; it's not done, it may not ever be done. Let's let the whole thing play out and see where they are.

[TMF]

Doug, I've been trying to wrap my head around this whole David Lee thing since I heard it. I just have to imagine, especially at that price, that acquiring Lee (unlikely as it is) would certainly mean the Raps are moving Bosh this summer, right?

[Calvin]

I really like Marion's defence and rebounding skills with Bosh and Bargs. You don't need to run a play for Marion to be affective. We need to use our cap space wisely and signing Turck would use up all of our existing cap space. We need depth at the 1-2-3 positions.

I like Turk's game and is a good outside scoring threat, but if you insert him into our lineup who is going to rebound and play D? We need a SF that plays down low and can rebound the basketball and Marion complements what we have in our lineup as well as bench players.

[Matt G]

Hopefully I'm not the 37th guy to point out the obvious but what are the odds that Millsap is among the group of others that Colangelo is targeting? And on that note, who would you rather have, Millsap or Lee?

Blogger's note: Lee, probably. A bit quicker and probably more versatile; and I have never heard them thinking of clearing the requisite cap room to get Millsap, who seems destined for OKC or Utah if they move Boozer or want to pay a high tax penalty

[Nick]

I like your mix of two words 'attract' and 'attack' in your comments to sams fan. Attrack.

Blogger's note: Fixed the typo. Thanks for pointing it out

[Sami Haj-Assaad]

Is it possible to re-sign Marion, and then get Ariza? I would think that would make us really be able to compete in the East (If it was Possible)

[Clutch]

Great article today Doug, keep it up :) I think we all appreciate the inside news