We've got names and we've got numbers

So what now?

I know, we’ve asked ourselves that question a few times this summer, like what would happen when free agency opened, what would happen after that four-team trade and now what’s going to happen with Jarrett Jack officially in the fold.

Wish I new. But Bryan’s still got money to spend and roster spots to fill so we’re not done yet by any means.

-

Hold on to your hats, folks.

I heard the name yesterday when I was talking to Bryan after the Jack news conference.

Pops Mensa-Bonsu.

Really, I did. Was the first time I’d heard it in conversation with anyone remotely in charge of the team.

Now, before you all run out and grab up those Legend jerseys, consider this: At best – at the very, very best -- he’s the 16th man on a team that can only have 15. That means unless Bryan finds someway to make a one for none trade (maybe Ukic) there is no room for the obvious fan favourite.

(Of course, Bryan could trade Marcus Banks for no one but that would signal the apocalypse had arrived and it wouldn’t matter because there’d be no future).

So, yes, they know Pops is out there (and apparently his agent calls about a dozen times a week just to remind people in Toronto that (a) his client likes it here and (b) the other offers are flooding in). But it’s a long, long way from knowing he wants back and bringing him back.

-

Here’s a Carlos Delfino fact under-reported this summer:

It’s not like it’s the NBA or bust for him; he’s still got two years and about $9 million left on his Khimki deal and the Russian franchise is apparently solvent, willing to pay all that is owed and quite ready to welcome him back.

So anyone who thinks he’s going to take some significant paycut just to return to the NBA is, I’m led to believe, dead wrong.

-

Remember at the end of the season there were cries to “blow it up” emanating from the ether.

Well, let’s say the two spots remaining go to two guys who weren’t on the team last year, like, oh, Delfino and Rasho.

That would mean when opening day comes around – barring any other moves – there would be eight new faces on a 15-man roster. That includes two new starters (whoever wins the two-guard spot and Hedo); perhaps five other rotation guys (the loser of the two-guard battle, Jack, Wright, Reggie Evans and Mr. Small Forward X and Mr. Backup Centre.

Is that “blowing it up” well enough?

-

So I’m looking out the window this morning and it’s cloudy and there’s no way it doesn’t rain and that makes me think there is a downside to being a golf writer, which is what I am the rest of the week (lucky golf readers, I say!)

If it rains, they play; if it rains, I’m not walking the course.

A lot of things I’ll do for Mother Star, trudge the hills and valleys of a golf course in the rain is not one of them.

Makes for long days in the press tent but at least there’ll be stories to be told.

And that’ll give me all kinds of fodder for here the next few days because I don’t imagine there’ll be much Raptors news.

-

Oh, right, the number.

The reason – and I know there were many of you watching and wondering – that the Raptors didn’t hold up any jersey when they introduced Jack yesterday was pretty simple, I’m led to believe:

He’d like to wear No. 3, it’s currently taken and I presume there are some, um, negotiations taking place.

-

If I was Roko Ukic, I’m not sure I’d sign any long-term leases here in the big city.

I think if some team under the cap were to come and offer Bryan a draft pick for him, he’d take the deal; if some team over the cap came and offered a guy with an expiring contract for him, they’d take that deal.

So far, no one has; so far, Bryan’s more in the “take calls” than “make calls” mode on the 24-year-old point guard, which is the right move in my opinion because I still think the kid has a chance to be good.

Whether Roko’s happy as a third-string point guard is unknown; I can’t imagine he would be after being a primary backup last year and that may lead him and his agent to seek out another home.

-

Here’s a name to get some people chattering.

Johan Petro.

Seven footer. Played in Denver last season, spent time in Seattle before that. Been in the league five years and is only 23.

Why, you ask, should you be chattering about Johan Petro?

Well, his is a name that was being kicked around in conversational circles when the “what if they can’t do a deal with Rasho” talk began.

-

Two or three e-mails on this issue and since we’re in the Dog Days Of News Conferences, it’s best to clear the air:

The Raptors didn’t do any big dog and pony show for Antoine Wright and Devean George for one simple reason: No one from the organization was here. Everyone bolted for Vegas and the summer league the day after the trade went down and there simply was no time.

The two of ‘em met up with the coaching staff and Bryan out in Vegas, they didn’t have to be in Toronto to physically sign contracts like Bargnani or Jack did; there was nothing nefarious in the fact they didn’t speak to the assembled masses.

-

Comments

[Dave in BG]

Doug:

Expat fan that sees much less then 82 games per year here.

Could you please summarize the qualities and attributes Delfino would bring to the 09/10 Raps? More specifically, what does Delfino bring that Toronto needs that would warrant offering him a salary that would make him interested in walking away from his Russian money?

Thanks

Blogger's note: The ability to play multiple positions and defend them; aggression on offence and an ability to finish on the break

[gdr]

Doug,

Thanks for the update regarding Jack's number. I only asked the question yesterday since I knew Jack wore #3 @ GT and #1 with Indy & Portland (and both were currently taken on the Raps roster). Trading Roko and/or Banks would solve this problem, I was just trying to see if you had any "inside information". But BC commented on this during the news conference, which you have obviously made reference too in today's blog. Thanks again and keep up the good work!

[Mark]

That's good to hear about Pops. He was a spark plug last year, even if it was only for a limited amount of time.

I got to ask this - it's early for me, and I'm confused. I was on RAPTORS.COM just a few moments ago, and I was looking at the articles on left side. So I click on the one entitled: "Jack Reunited With Bosh" - Globe & Mail, written by your friend and colleague, I'm sure, Michael Grange.

Now, my house only gets the Star, so I read your stuff whenever it's in there, but sometimes I like to take a look and see what the others got to say. Grange's was good, but he says that Jack's offer is 5 years, 20 million(?) Everywhere I go it says 4 years, 20 million. So how does he get the idea it's 5 years?

Blogger's note: Presume it's a minor typo

[Wilber]

Doug,
Welcome back. To paraphrase Mr. Twain, I hope your good walk doesn't get ruined by some golf.

Beat sportswriter process question: Heard BC on Primetime Sports yesterday and it made me wonder how much other media you follow to stay on top of things? If you hear BC is going to be on, do you make a point to listen to see if he shares some previously unshared info? I realize if he said something new, you'd do your homework and follow up on your own, but curious how much you follow other media. Does your morning include checking what M Grange TM, Zic, and B. Arthur have? Incidentally, I read them all, but you're my first stop.

Further to BC on Primetime: interesting that you can tell the level of respect McCown has for sports executives. Contrast the way he deals with BC (and Brian Burke) versus how he referred to Rob Babcock, John Ferguson Jr, JP Ricciardi and Gary Bettman. I guess it shows respect is earned (and lost) over time.

Enjoy the summer.

Blogger's note: I read all the locals and a lot of national stuff in the States every day; I don't listen to every broadcast interview, mostly because I can't, but I hear wrapups later and if there's a nugget of news, I'll try to follow it up.

[Nigel]

Hey Doug, just to keep us in the same page, who on the starting roster will DeRozan be tussling with for the starting SG gig? Also, I think people are really sleeping on Antoine Wright. He's a good guy, and can really contribute off the bench!

Blogger's note: Wright, maybe a guy they've yet to sign

[David Edgar]

Doug,

Have you seen the article in the Fort-Worth Telegram on Hoops Hype today? I always wonder how supposed comments like these seem to have been said but we never hear of them until a writer writes them down. Is this type of thing an issue of players (Bosh) saying things in different cities, or of writers stirring up controversy? Apparently he has already said his intention is not to resign. Is this a take it for what it is, or should we listen to some of these things? Where there is smoke there's fire right, or not?

http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/localnews/news8/stories/090721_ja_boshindallas.61762ffc.html

Heard anything on Macinelli (did I spell that right)?

Blogger's note: Heard nothing on him. And believe what you want; Lord knows there's enough speculation out there

[Dana]

Hey Doug good info for those who need the Rap info fix.

[Jeff]

If I am Brian I think I would feel more comfortable with Rasho than Petro???? (who ever that is...) pay what ever little extra you need to pay.. or give him an extra year in the contract or what ever Rasho is holding out for... I am sure the deal will be so minimal as far as the over all operating budget is concerned.. we should just get it done. Like you said, we don't want a situation at center like we had last year with P.G.

[Jack]

When you said "his is a name that was being kicked around in conversational circles" about Johan Petro, is the conversational circles you're talking about involve Raptors' brass? I would prefer Petro than Nestorovic as the back-up centre. He is more mobile than Rasho.
Is it also safe to assume that Delfino is "out of the picture" since he's got 2 more years in his contract? So who's the back-up 3 that has been "kicked around in conversational circles" if you have heard anything?

Blogger's note: No, it's not safe to assume that at all. And my conversations are with members of the brass; it's not me and Grange sitting around chatting

[rain]

Umbrella?

[Jenuwine]

Hey Doug!

BC mentioned that he's got back up plans if he can't sign Delfino? Any idea on what that plan maybe?

Also, I don't think it makes any sense for us to go after Petro or Mensah Bonsu. There are other veteran power forwards out there that may be of use to us (i.e. Joe Smith). Signing Pops or Petro would be a mistake. I hope we sign Rasho and Delfino. If we do, we got one damn deep team next year.

Thanks Doug

[anthony.mackay]

Doug,
One of the Raps weakness the last few years has been at the SF and SG, we now have a bunch of players to fill in with a legit starter in Turkoglu and possible starter in DeRozan, Wright and Jack.
So my question is, why would BC still go after Delfino which would take minutes away from our new 20 million dollar man Jack and hyped up rookie DeRozan (and even Wright)..?

To me it makes more sense to add the solid back center (Rasho) and pass on Delfino at this time.

[Calvin]

Hey Doug,

I've been very impressed with BC's moves and I hope this translates into more wins this coming season. I caught the press release yesterday and I was impressed by Jack's attitude and demeanor. He seems to be a well grounded individual, genuine and a team player.

It seems like all the teams in the East reloaded this offseason. Which Eastern conference do you think improved the most?

Blogger's note: Won't know until they're all done

[PigBag]

NBA.com says Petro is a 4 year pro:
http://www.nba.com/playerfile/johan_petro/career_stats.html

Blogger's note: Yeah, I misread the split of last season

[John MacDonald]

Correct me if I'm wrong. If Delfino and the Raps can't come to terms would the raptors be able to spend more than the vet. min. on Joey Graham, say a 2 year deal worth $4 million. In other words is Joey G do the raps have bird rights to Joey and would you rather spend $2 million a year on Joey or try and get a vet min contract for a end of bench wing? I'm in the opinion that Joey G might be better than a vet min guy. I would much rather Delfino but Joey could be better than a washed up wing vet.

Blogger's note: There's no way, with the expected shrinkage of the tax level, that they give Joey Graham more than one year at the minimum

[LeeZ]

In light of this thrilling new development in the Pops saga, what are your updated odds on the Legend sticking around? 90-10? Kidding aside, I don't share your sanguine attitude re: Roko developing into a good player some day. With José, the problem with his shot was fairly easy to correct: no arc, very flat. But Roko's shot needs a complete and drastic overhaul. He leans decidedly to one side (and/or leans to the hoop) when he hoists it, his release point is all over the map, and, for lack of a better way of describing it, he has no aim whatsoever. He'll miss short, he'll miss long, he'll miss to the side, and if there were another way to miss, he'd clank it that way too. The other aspects of his game definitely show promise, but a player with such a flawed shot has little if any chance of sticking. So, for people to hold up José and how he overcame his shooting woes as an example for Roko, well, I just don't think that's even a remotely fair comparison. And getting back to Pops, I think it would be a nice move to retain him (provided Roko can be dealt for a non-body). Almost zero salary, and a nice burst of energy off the bench to get the crowd (and the team) into the game. Yes, last guy off the bench, but nice to have, as opposed to some stiff just taking up space and never playing or contributing.

Blogger's note: Pops remains 10-90 at very best; more 5-95. It all depends on if they can, or want to, move someone for nothing

[O.J.]

Hey Doug,

This is a tough decision but wouldn't it make more sense financially and on the court to add the younger Johan Petro instead of Rasho to our core? He is a 23 year old, who would be hitting his prime here and would only be expected to rebound and play tough defense, rather than revisit Rasho, who I like, but has probably seen his best years?

I think passing on Delfino and letting him return to Russia would be the best move. Absence must make the heart grow fonder for Raptor fans and management because he is not worth 5 mil! Period.

Blogger's note: Or you could say Petro's been in the NBA for four years and never made his mark

[Wayne]

Hey Doug

What would Delfino's rights be worth on the trade market... just curious.

Blogger's note: Couldn't say and he's an unrestricted free agent so it really won't come into play

[Kol Nika]

Hey Doug,

Welcome back. I keep seeing posts of people, and even some Raptor bloggers, don't quite remember if you have or not, that Derozan will be the starting 2. It occurs to me that it would make more sense strategically, as well as for Derozans development to have Wright start. For one, he did start a lot for Dallas during the regular season, a few games in the playoffs. He doesn’t require a lot of touches, and is a decent defender who has experience defending NBA starting 2s. As for Derozan, this would give him more minutes against the other teams bench, which would allow him (as JJ said yesterday) the opportunity to be more aggressive, and give him more touches, as well as allow him to slowly develop his defensive ability as well his confidence as an NBA player, instead of throwing him in to the fire right away.
Also, I believe Wright is listed at 6-7 and appears strong enough to handle some minutes at SF, so he can also back up Turk(also Derozan at SF from bench), so I don’t see the SF position as a problem, as much as the PF/C position depth wise. I think a bench of DoubleD,JJ, Evans, and Rasho is a very solid nine man rotation, also you can add George as 10th man, or Ukic at the 1 and move jack at the 2 sometimes so you can play some real small ball. I don’t think its time to give up on Ukic and his development.

Keep up the great work. (last week was very depressing and slow at work)

[peter]

Doug, since we're talking about bringing back all these old faces, is there anything to report on Joey??

cheers

Blogger's note: No

[Jamie]

Going into the year with Rasho in the locker room makes us sooo much better than without him. I felt last year he was a big piece that we were missing. I really hope this deal gets done.

[chris]

If Petro were anything more than a massive longshot he'd have long been signed up by someone else. Guys with his physical tools don't fall through the cracks if they have even a semblance of production/talent.

Blogger's note: You mean guys like Andre Miller or Odom or the other 100 or so free agents still unsigned?

[Stan Arnold]

Hi Doug: Who do you like in the RBC Canadian Open?

Blogger's note: Gimme 'til the morning

[Paul]

A little tidbit about Jack's Jersey: According to Bosh, he signed Jack up for Twitter a few nights ago, while the two were out for dinner with DeRozan. The account name: Jarrettjack03 - which leads me to believe he's confident he'll get the jersey number.

(Sidebar: If Bosh played with Jack for a year at Georgia Tech, how did he manage to misspell "Jarrett" on the first two accounts he set up? "Ok we fixed Jarrett ! Its 2 r's and 2 t's!" Thanks, roomie!)

So, #3 is currently owned (rented?) by Marcus Banks - I believe there's a tradition of forking over some large cash to a player that holds your desired number? But I'm used to seeing this for rookies who hold a traded star's number... and don't both Jack and Banks make about the same? ($4.5 mil-ish?) Or does Banks just admit that Jack's the man here?

[Andrew]

"(Of course, Bryan could trade Marcus Banks for no one but that would signal the apocalypse had arrived and it wouldn’t matter because there’d be no future)."

bahahahhaa -falls out of chair-

Marcus won't actually fight over #3 would he? That would just be stubborn of him.