Time to take a deep breath? Yeah, right

Know what I would love to tell you?

I would love to report that you can take a break and sit back and enjoy the nice fall weather in Toronto or enjoy whatever it’s like wherever you are because the frenzy’s over and things will calm down until training camp.

Sorry.

With three roster spots and up to $12 million to spend to fill them, I’ve got a feeling the Raptors are going to be in the news for the next little while, too. All of a sudden, they’re the team with practically the most cash available – if they want to spend it and there’s more on that later – and that makes agents drool.

So you’ll hear a lot of names over the next few days and a lot of speculation. You know, just like the last week or so. Be careful, though. Just because there’s a name linked to them doesn’t mean there’s mutual interest.

-

Okay, that said, let’s get on with speculation.

WINSLOW TOWNSEND/AP

It doesn't hurt to do a little window shopping.

Who’s out there? Well, they like Carlos Delfino, for sure. They like Rasho at the right number and when I was talking to him yesterday, I got a feeling if the number makes something remotely close to sense he’ll take it and they like a handful of other guys.

There are, as we’ve said all along, going to be some bargains out there.

And now that they’ve got the big ones taken care of, they can start specifically looking at holes.

They need help at the four and five.

They could use help at the two and three.

And if they remain unconvinced that Roko’s the guy and they are more comfortable with Douby not handling the ball an awful lot, there’s a point guard spot, too. Although with Turkoglu sure to initiate offence and if they get Delfino, that’s not a big worry.

Here are a few names I know have been discussed among members of the braintrust, some quite seriously.

They still like Linas Kleiza a little bit and there are those who have at least mentioned guys like Von Wafer and Matt Barnes and, yes, Josh Childress, but I think they’ve got less support than the others.

I have no idea if they’d make a call about Marvin Williams, although I’m not sure where he fits at the moment.

Here’s one that’s pretty intriguing given the way things have unfolded. There wasn’t a lot of interest before in him but I think they should absolutely give Jarrett Jack a call and see what it’ll take.

Of course, it may not be a matter of them making calls because they’re going to get hundreds.

Especially after this Bryan quote gets in circulation.

“I’m going to be looking to possibly do some short-term deals, I would love to sign a couple of guys to one-year deals even if it means paying a premium. That’s something that’s being discus.”

Seriously. You’ve got a GM talking about “paying a premium?” How popular is that going to make him?

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Tough day for Canada down in Auckland and an old friend’s family got them.

Check out this story on the Under-19s losing to the Americans in the quarter-finals of the world championships see that Seth Curry hit a gaggle of three-pointers in the barrage that killed Canada.

Yes, Seth Curry. Stephen’s brother. Dell’s other kid. He used to have a pretty sweet stroke when they’d be goofing in the practice gym before and after Raptors workouts way back in the day.

Anyway, tough loss but I don’t think entirely unexpected. And if you give up 11 three-pointers in a half, that’s a big hole to get out of.

Canada can still finish fifth, which is nothing to sneeze at but this group – if the kids don’t get sidetracked too much by promises of untold riches and the influence of people who may not have their entire interests at heart – is a pretty solid foundation for Canada Basketball to build on.

The odds of even one of them getting so much as drafted by an NBA team are astronomical – and that’s being charitable – and playing for the national team in global events will enrich them far more than some North American camp will and it will open them to more exposure basketball wise than they’d ever get simply staying home.

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So, how did all of yesterday’s shenanigans play out around the league?

Here’s Eddie’s take down in Dallas.

Here’s how Brian explained it to all his readers in Orlando.

And in Memphis, Ron set it up this way..

Seems everyone, everywhere, is happy.

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Here’s one word of caution that we got from Bryan after the formal part of the news conference yesterday. Yes, they have a $12 million buffer between the cap level they’re at and the tax level they will avoid and that’s a lot of money to fill three backup roster spots. But they are also going to be worried about drops in the tax level in the coming years and how that hits them in the pocketbook.

Said Bryan:

“It is not only what implications will be there next year, there are concerns about what might happen in the future with potentially negative BRI growth, it’s going to get tighter and it’s something to contend with.”

Hmm, “potentially negative BRI growth.” I never figured I’d type words like that.

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Hedo: No. 26.

Why? His first daughter, Ela, was born Feb. 26, 2009.

Awwww.

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I’m sure I’ve told this Hedo story before but what the heck, I’m too tired to check and it’s not a bad one anyway.

It’s the 2002 world championships in Indiana and Hedo and his Turkish teammates all show up with their hair dyed white or platinum blonde as a sign of solidarity or something like that.

It is not, trust me, a particularly good look.

A friend and I are talking to Peja Stojakovic in hallway of the arena one day (Peja’s a teammate of Hedo’s in Sacramento at the time) and we ask him if he’s seen his buddy and his teammate:

“Oh, you mean N’ Sync?”

Relayed that story to Rasho yesterday on the phone and he says:

“That was not Hedo’s finest hour.”

Then, chatting with Turkoglu after the news conference, I reminded him of the look and Peja’s shot:

“Yeah, that was bad. I got killed for that for a long time.”

-

Okay, that’s got to be enough for now, right? Probably going to be a bit slow today so don’t expect many, if any, updates because I’m going to decompress for a few hours, revel in glorious Yankee victory (16-13 or something like that and we’re squishing bugs like nobody’s business at the plate) and get the wonky body worked on by the magical doctor.

But, if there’s news, we’ll do something. I just don’t expect any today.

Comments

[Mich G.]

Hey Doug,

Great job keeping everyone well-informed. Have you heard Grant Hill's name mentioned at all? Would he fit with this team? He seems to have great basketball IQ, can defend ,shot 52% last year and is quite willing to come off the bench. I have read that most teams are trying to get him for just under 2 million.

Thanks,

Blogger's note: He'd be a good fit but I think everyone's conceding he goes to New York or back to Phoenix.

[Mauro]

First, nice to see that you survive the flooding of messages...
Second,nice to see that some of the messages from your reader where bang on on what was doable Cap-wise and what to expect. Some nice amateur capologist among your reader.
last

“I’m going to be looking to possibly do some short-term deals, I would love to sign a couple of guys to one-year deals even if it means paying a premium. That’s something that’s being discus.”

That mean that BC realize that there isn't any GREAT SG available this offseason and he is thinking to make some middle of the year big move using those 1year contract as expiring or he is preparing to go over the tax by resigning his own FA ?
What's your take ?

Blogger's note: He wants to protect himself against a predicted drop in the tax level the following season.

[Matt Kovacs - Age 12]

Doug, Hey man, I think that the raptors should go for Rasho all the way. He brings experience and he is an agressive guy. And i obviously support the idea of them getting Delfino. He can play the (1) or the (2).

[Matt Kovacs - Age 12]

And one other thing, I dont think that Rako is ready for back up. I think that they should give Jose more support!!!!!!!

[Rob]

I have not heard anything about A. Parker officially becoming a Cav as of yet, and we heard BC mention AP's name a few times yesterday. Would you up the percentage of us getting AP back in a Raps uniform from 10-90 to something like 25-75 after yesterday?

I just think it would be just a little crazy that the Raps were the ones who took 2!! players after they made verbal commitments to other teams(if its true that AP did such a thing), which is certainly not a favorable move to make in the NBA.

Yes, I know... Don't hold my breath in anticipation of AP doing this. But it would be nice.

[Gerard]

Doug,
would love to get Rasho back but i'm thinking that maybe Oberto would be a good fit as well and playing with Delfino couldn't hurt either. Thoughts?
Great job on the blog!!!

Blogger's note: Oberto's okay but they like Rasho better and I think I do, too. Not all that much difference in talent (Oberto might be a bit stronger) but issues of chemistry and money figure in, too

[JS]

What happened to the interest in David Lee?

Blogger's note: Evaporated like the dew.

[anthony.mackay]

I believe all these moves might have changed the Raptors image around the league slightly, players will start to realize we have a great GM with full support from management. We are locking up what appears to be a great core which is going to attract some high quality players that might have previously avoided Toronto... if we can sign Bosh we might see Big name players gravitate towards our winning environment just like we have been seeing in Boston, Cleavland and LA.

No I'm not putting us on the same level as these markets but players are starting to realize the unique opportunity Toronto presents... its as close as you can get to playing overseas while not leaving the NBA.

[Bo]

Doug, thanks for the blog updates. You are bang on the money about the $12MM to spend this year may not be spent. If it is spent it will be on the 'one year premium deals. Raps will have almost $58MM in committed salaries for 2010-2011 (assuming Turk at $10MM, Bosh re-ups at $17MM, Roko at $1.4MM (player option)). With an expected luxury tax level of between $61MM-$65MM in 2010-2011, the 2010-2011 buffer to luxury tax looks slim.

[Bill W.]

Doug - once again, thanks for being an all star with your blog, not just the past couple weeks, but in general. It's great to have such a strong piece of journalism feeding our Raps fix constantly. Kudos to you.

[Mitch]

Tristan Thompson is ESPN's #2 rated overall prospect in the class of 2010 and #1 power forward.... astronomical chance of being drafted????

Lamar Odom?

Blogger's note: To start ahead of Bosh, Bargnani or Turkoglu? That'd be (a) the franchise, (b) the guy you just re-signed for $50 million and (c) the prized free agent. Not going to be considered

[Jenuwine]

Hey Doug,

Do you envision the Raps having a deep bench this season? It sure looks like it if they can utilize the mid-level and bi-annual appropriately (wing players, depth at the 4/5), which I am sure BC will.

In BC I trust. Your thoughts?

Also, its great to know that now Toronto is the most sought out city to play for because of the money we now have available. Feels good to be a Raps fan. I am glad that Colangelo is not waiting to make moves. The man and his braintrust are earning their checks.

Thanks Doug!

Blogger's note: There needs to be some separation; they need 10 guys who'll be able to play regularly and not hurt them and a few sitting on the end of bench content to learn at practice and play on the odd occasions they're needed

[Justin Collins]

Hey Doug, Thanks for all the updates and analysis!

Do you see this year being a lot like the 07-08 season in that with the exception of Hedo, we have a bunch of half decent 2s and 3's. Back then with Delfino, Kapono, Moon, et. al. there didn't seem to be enough minutes or defined roles. Will that be an issue?

Blogger's note:That's a concern, sure; it'll be interesting to see how they work that out.

[George]

Sorry if this is a repeated question, but can we still do a sign and trade for AP? If AP is committed to Cleveland, would BC have an advantage in going after someone like Joe Smith? Or now that we have the cap room, we don't need to worry about sign and trades?

Blogger's note: Until he's signed, they can do just about anything

[JohnnyBravo]

Jarret Jack would be a very interesting pick up. I'm thinking it would have to be a sign and trade at just over the mid-level though. Douby & Banks for Jack? Salaries may match there any Indy gets Douby's expiring contract and gets rid of Banks after next year...

[Ken]

Doug,

In previous seasons the Raptors have had a reputation as being a "nice" team and needed to add toughness. With the players coming in, in your opinion, has that been addressed ? If not, will they address it with the remaining roster spots/money available ?

Bringing back Delfino and Rasho are good moves, but I don't think it addresses the toughness issue.

Thanks for the good work on the blog.

[Nicolas]

Waddup Doug, something stupid but

why doesn't bc make an offer on Wade if he hasn't signed back just yet with the heat. And if bc is looking for one years, why not persue iverson?

Blogger's note: Because Iverson is a team-killing, shot-happy cancer. Wade? Um, he's got a contract

[Logan]

What is the possibility BC is not satisfied at SG and signs a bigger name to fill the starters role? Or do they not want to significantly hamper DeRozan's development?

(PS I hope no one mentions AI to the Raptors every again, although it seems inevitable)

Blogger's note: SG is one of the top priorities, not to take anything away from the kid, but because they have no one else there except Wright and who knows what he's got

[Isaac Hall]

Hi Doug,

I don’t understand why u said "The odds of even one of them getting so much as drafted by an NBA team are astronomical – and that’s being charitable". Tristan Thompson is on the team, and he is currently projected to go in the top 10 in the 2011 NBA draft. I know this is 23 months away, but as long as he keeps developing, then I think it is very possible that he gets drafted.

Keep up the great work.

-Isaac, Oakville

[Tony]

I'm a big fan of the Roland Ratings to give an approximation of how good a player is (82games.com). It's far from perfect, but it's decent enough.

Example of following players last year:

LeBron: 23.5; Wade: 17.9; Paul: 17.7; Bryant: 12.6; Roy: 12.5; Howard: 12.3; Bosh: 6.0

Obviously ranking is very arguable, but it does give you a ballpark.

I've been able to use the regular season RRs to predict the NBA finals using the top 4 players (percentage played) on each team and their RR.
Here's a sample:
Lakers: 12.6,7.3,9.2,0.7
Magic: 12.3, 7.3, 4.7, 0.5
Cavs: 23.5, 3.0, 5.2, -0.4
Blazers: 12.5,7.2,-1.6,2.5
Nuggets: 4.2, 7.6, 6.0, 6.0
Celts (-KG): 8.4, 5.2, 5.6, -1.2
Kings:-6, -0.6, -1.9, -2.5

The year before
Celts: 14.5, 10.4, 4.9, 3.4
Lakers: 12, 8.9, 2.4, -2

Interesting patterns huh? For my gambling purposes my formulae is a little more complicated, but just using the very basics, it would have given you the finals and the winners. Its been very profitable! This has lead me to conclude depth is fairly meaningless.

So how were the Raps last year?

Raps: 6, 0.7,3.2,-3.6

What scares me is AB is the -3.6

Parker was a 0.7 and played 69% of the time.

Hedo was a 4.7.

Just that alone is made the raps a significantly better team.

What worries me?

Evans -7.8, Wright -5.6, George -8.8

So if any of those players need to make a significant contribution, we're in trouble!

But luckily as I said, depth, schmepth.

The success of this team depends on someone becoming a 10+ player, and AB to get to atleast a + side.

[doug]

really in terms of free-agents there aren't a lot left that impress me really...maybe another trade is in the works, who knows what BC has up his sleeve....at the time I never gave it much thought when this fellow renounced his free-agency as i knew then we never had the money to get him anyways...now that we do I wish he was available...Kyle Korver would be exactly what we need, outside shot, able to go inside and lot of other intangibles..be a good fit, we need a clone like him...

[Sean D.]

I just wanted to throw out the name Jamaal Magloire and Joel Anthony, and see how you felt one of these two Canadians would fit on the team or if we can do better then that? or if I'm just being nationalistically foolish?

Also is George and Wright locked on our roster because we just got them in a trade, or are we allowed to re-trade them to another team if it suits us to do so?

Blogger's note: No interest whatsoever. Yes, they can be traded but not for, I believe, 60 days

[Lorne]

"Colangelo said the team has about $12 million left before bumping up against the luxury tax level but cautioned the Raptors may not spend it all after taking into considering (sic) longer-term financial predictions."

I believe you mean "consideration" or you meant to delete "taking into".

As your penance, you must explain why AP can sign with Cleveland - I thought the raps had rights to him...

Blogger's note: He's a free agent, no one has "rights" to him.

[James Davis]

What are the thoughts on signing Pops, with the recent influx of cash available?

(this team needs some grit - beyond Evans, our frontcourt is marshmallowy)

Blogger's note: I think Pops is quite marginally in the mix and, frankly, they can do bettter. Like someone with more than half a season's NBA experience