A whole lot of stuff, and a pick for a favourite dancer

As I sit here wondering when the phone will ring or the e-mail will arrive to signal another transaction, this stuff comes to mind:

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What do we all make of this trade, which certainly gave a boost to a rather boring day, didn’t it?

Let’s just say this: It clears up a glut at point guard, address a minor need for a fourth or maybe fifth big and saves a bit of money starting next summer.

I’d have preferred it not include Ukic, who I still think is going to be a pretty good NBA point guard, but he was a distant third here, Douby’s cheaper and his contract expires next summer (Roko has a player option at $1.45 million in 2010). So, as much as it’s sad to see the kid leave, it makes entire sense.

Johnson? Well, he’s relatively raw, never quite panned out after the Pistons gave him that three year deal but he’ll push Patrick O’Bryant to be fifth behind Bosh, Bargnani, Rasho and Reggie Evans and that can’t be a bad thing.

Weems? Well, if they get anything from him, it’ll be a bonus but the fact they don’t need to get anything from him, really, makes his addition at a minimum salary a no-brainer. Can’t hurt, even if he can’t help.

Milwaukee does all right, except in the money part.

Carlos likely starts at the three and Roko will be insurance behind Brandon Jennings and Luke Ridnour, plugging a couple of holes in that roster, too.

This isn’t a deal that’s going to change the balance of power in the East but it does give each team something it needs, which is always the best kind of transaction.

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Here’s one thing when dissecting this deal that everyone should keep in mind:

The thing Carlos wanted more than anything was playing time. And, with the additions of all the swingmen, he simply wasn’t going to get it here.

It’s not as simple as saying, “why didn’t the Raptors just sign him?” when they couldn’t guarantee him the one thing he wanted.

Why would he come? To back up Hedo and maybe Wright and perhaps DeRozan and have to split two-guard time with Belinelli? It wasn’t going to happen and the fact they were able to sign-and-trade him for any piece that will fit a wee bit better is significant.

They have now invested less money on a shorter deal on Johnson, whose trade kicker takes his one-year salary just over $4 million; and have a minimum contract guy in Weems who, even if he can’t play, becomes pretty good cap ballast in some February transaction.

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I notice with great envy that my man T. Enlund is suspiciously absent from the pages of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, but here’s how Charlie played the deal today.

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Oh, and for all the concern about this trade not being able to be done as a 2-for-2 deal until Aug. 23 because Johnson was traded on June 23, here’s how it actually went down:

There are two separate transactions: Delfino and Ukic for Johnson and Weems for no one since minimum-contract players can be dealt with no repercussions.

Just another wrinkle to that zany CBA.

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Yankees! Yankees!

Yes, the lads came up with a big one last night, squishing bugs and hammering hits and rolling to some unfathomably comfortable win.

It sets us up to go for the whole shebang tonight in a one-game, winner-take-all championship final.

That’s if these dopey thunderstorms get in and out of the area this morning.

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Here’s an interesting angle I read from more than a few people yesterday: “Yeah, Amir Johnson’s only 22 and you know that young big men blossom late.”

I hope these are not the same people who have spent most of the summer telling me how horrible Patrick O’Bryant is and how he’s a bust.

O’Bryant’s less than a year older, taller, longer and probably as – if not more – athletic.

Yet people want to run him out of town and yet are willing to see how Johnson develops?

Odd.

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Here’s one for you:

I know for a fact Bryan’s trying to trade Marcus Banks and is working all his GM buddies to see if he can get something done.

What he’s going to have to do, I would surmise knowing how money-conscious GMs think – is find some team that is willing to take on two years of Banks to get rid of three or four years of someone else.

And if you’re Bryan, unless the guy coming back makes less annually than Banks in the next two years, I think you have to resist the urge to pull of a deal.

But – and this is a big ‘but’ – the fact that a handful of the current contracts expire after this season or next may allow Bryan to do just that.

If he can find a team willing to take two years and about $9.4 million of Banks, and take back, say, three years and $12 million of someone else, that’s the kind of trade he has to swing.

Can he do it? I wonder. But in these economic times, being able – because of other transactions – to add payroll two or three years out from now makes it a lot easier than not having that flexibility.

One thing about Banks, though, that you should now: It’s not that he’s a bad guy who disrupts the locker room or the chemistry on the team. In fact, he was a relative non-entity during his short tenure here and there’s been no suggestion from other places he’s been that he’ll cause issues.

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Who do we like among the latest DWTS roster?

Tough to handicap until we actually see them twist and twirl (although it will be absolutely killer if Donny Osmond were to, oh, let’s say, faint during a performance) so I guess it’ll be sentimental selections at the moment.

Can’t, in all good conscience, pick one of the athletes and I have no idea who a couple of those contestants are.

So …

Let’s all back Debbie Mazar just because she’s on Entourage, which is one of the top handful of shows on the tube these days.

Besides, she was in GoodFellas, one of the all-time great flicks, too.

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Comments

[O.J.]

Hey Doug,

I would have to agree with the remarks from "Jimmy" pertaining to your comment about POB being just as athletic as Amir Johnson. How did you come to this conclusion? Johnson is faster, a greater leaper, more intense shot blocker but he is foul prone (which won't matter is his limited minutes). I'm sure POB is better offensively but we need more of what Amir provides in intimidation and intensity (I think he could even challenge Evans for his backup spot).

[anthony.mackay]

Sounds like the rook Darozen can throw down and now with the addition of Amir we could have some very entertaining warm ups at the ACC! Mr. Cater may no longer be welcome here for many different reasons but even the most loyal fan has to admit they've missed seeing some high flying antics on the home team, Moon was OK at best.

Anyway I'm more concerned about W's this year and seeing this new group gel early in the season, if some of those wins come in style then that's just gravy!

[Andre]

I saw Sonny weems Stats in the summer league... averaged 16 a game, I know summer league doesnt mean much, but hes a 6'6 G/F that can score. So he can be valuable. I think we should also keep banks... let him earn his way to play. and his contract next season will be a good one.

[jp]

Hi Doug, I'm thinking you might have Amir mixed up with Jason Maxiel. Amir is super athletic, and has the potential to be a star (he's only 22). Maxiel is more the type of player that you are describing. But whatever, everyone makes mistakes.

I think that the team we end the year with will not be the same as the one we start the year with. We are just too deep. 12 or 13 deep is just too many. maybe 10 deep at the most. There's just not enough minutes. I think BC will evaluate the team for the first half and make alterations at the deadline. What do you think?

Thanks Doug for keeping us up to date and giving us a forum to speak our mind. I agree with your decision to delete the malicious crap that some of your posters waste our time with.

[DirtNasty]

Hey Doug, I'm sure there's a side of you that hates covering this
never-ending offseason of trades.... at least be grateful you're not covering the truly never-ending Favre retirment!

[Jamie]

I dont watch DWTS (I dont have cable), but I can tell you that Mya will tear it up

[Calvin]

"There are two separate transactions: Delfino and Ukic for Johnson and Weems for no one since minimum-contract players can be dealt with no repercussions."

Whats the reason to trade for Weems then? Is it because the Bucks would have more than 15 players if they didnt give Weems away or did BC actually want him?

Blogger's note: Get rid of his puny salary mainly; and he's pretty redundant on that roster now

[Entertainment Guy]

Debi Mazar actually spells her name with one B and no E.

Seriously though, great blog. What are the odds Johnson becomes a poor man's Keon Clark to this team? When we picked him up from Denver, there wasn't any great hype around him -- he was largely underachieving, but blossomed here.

[jas]

Have to agree with jimmy. Amir Johnson has serious hops!! 3 times more athletic then POB at the minimum.

[GM]

It's true that big men blossom late. Just look at Sromile Swift. One of these years, look out!

[Michel G]

People sure put a lot of stock into appearances. Patrick O'Bryant is scrap because he doesn't give a crap and does not have an ounce of competitive DNA in him, but POPS is elevated to godhood because he hustles. Zydrunas Ilgauskas looks apathetic (according to local criteria), but has been a good center in the NBA for a number of year. I can't think of another example at the top of my head (maybe you can Doug)? But a player doesn't have to be a ra-ra type of player to be competitive.

[Andrew Gregg]

Hi Doug:

My only memory of Amir Johnson is his ability to jump out of the gym. That will be fun to watch if nothing else is.

Looking at this roster overhaul, I wonder how long it's going to take to get these guys used to playing with each other. It's a good opportunity for Triano to install a system--there's hardly anyone around from last year who has to adjust to something new.

The pressure is certainly on Triano, but it's also on Bosh and Calderon to step in and show leadership from day one in camp, to show they are behind Triano and the wholesale changes the GM has brought to the court.

But what do you think? How long do you think it will take them to gel? More importantly, how much time will their schedule allow them to gel before they fall too far behind--January? February?

Thanks Doug,

AG, Toronto

Blogger's note: The sked's tough with eight of the first 12 on the road so I can see a rocky start.

[Jon K]

1. All those fans suggesting that Banks + O'Bryant could attain James Posey...are you unconscious? Why would anyone in their right mind give away Posey for those two?? For all the reasons that Raps fans want him (vet presence, lockdown defender, 3 point shooter), NO wants to keep him. In order to get rid of Banks' contract and O'Bryant I'd be happy to receive the proverbial bag of basketballs in return. However, with the unlikelihood of the circumstances....somebody has to fill out the 14th and 15th spots on the roster!

2. I really disagree with all those who envision Derozan starting at the 2 (at least to begin the season). Unless you are a player who is destined for great things (lets face it-- he's destined for pretty good things at best), he shouldn't be starting right away. First of all, his physique and skill set remain quite raw. Secondly, who knows if his psyche and confidence can handle the rigours and struggles of his rookie season? The eventual removal of him as a starter? Start Wright at the 2, have Jack, Belinelli, Derozan come off the bench to go along with Rasho, Evans and Johnson. There's the rotation, dependant on matchups and barring injury.

[smd]

For the life of me I can't understand facination some folks have with Pops. If only his talents matched the hype around him. The legend grows. . . . . .
What a great off season this has been. . .look forward to the season.

[Barry]

Hey Doug, just a question. Why is it that we can not finalize the deal when Johnson was already traded on June 23rd, but Quinton Richardson has been allowed to bounce around to 4 different teams this summer ?

Blogger's note: The Toronto deal has been finalized; you can read why in the blog this morning; Richardson has only been dealt on his own so there are no restrictions on when he can be dealt

[Johnpaul Del Rosario]

Hey Doug,

I dont know what that JP guy is talking about (1:33pm). He says you made a mistake and mixed up Amir Johnson with Jason Maxiell; Johnson being the "super athletic" one with potential... PLEASE. Maxiell has more athleticism and potential in his size 16 shoes then Amir in his entire 220lb frame.

JP, Doug does do a great job deleting some of the crap that his posters waste our time with but the only mistake he made was letting your comment through.

[Sean]

This offseason has turned this Raps squad into one of great raw athleticism and potential, but one that can still do damage into the playoffs now. With the hopes of keeping Bosh here, BC has done a wonderful job of building around him with youth as OKC has done with Durant and NOT how CLE has done with LeBron.

Now lets stop nitpicking at what to do with POB and Banks beacuase as Douggy said, NBA rotations usually never exceed 10 guys. If we move Banks it most likely be for someone who will crack the rotation either anyway.

Weems has a ton of athleticism and alot of potential so dont be surprised when you start liking him. I see us at 4th in the East, and if we can keep this team together for a few years to allow Bargs, DeRozan, Johnson, Weems, and Belinelli to develop, we can be . . dare i say . .

[Raúl -Argentina-]

Hey Doug, great blog. About a possible Marcus Banks trade. How about dealing him to the Kings along with A. Wright and POB for Andres Nocioni, he would be a huge upgrade on the back up SF position and would play some PF as well. He just doesn't fit in the kings rebuilding plan and actually he wants to be with a playoff contender. He has three years left in his contract for about 19 mill, so the Kings would save almost 10 mill with the trade and would add to young pieces. What do you think? would you do this trade?

Blogger's note: Sorry, don't do fantasy trades

[TMF]

As far as the "deepest team in franchise history" goes, this one could be close... but I think it has some pretty hefty competition from the '00-'01 team that could trot out a 10-man rotation of Alvin-Carter-Peterson-Oakley-Davis-Curry-Childs-JYD-Keon-Montross. With Raptor LEGEND Tracy Murray rounding out the bench.

[BenjaminKR]

Oh how I wish there was an indefinite need for overpaid, underused guards in this league...

On another note, I don't quite see why there are those who view the Delfino-Roko trade with such animosity. I think it's because people watch the YouTube highlights of these players and believe that's how they played all the time. True, both players had spurts of brilliance (see Roko hitting the game winner against Orlando last season), but overall their resumes are altogether unimpressive as of yet. Instead we gain financial flexibility over the next year and get two athletes to shore up our defense, should they be pulled off the end of the bench.

[Imran Pirani]

No mention of how Amir Johnson was the last player drafted out of high school? You know the year before the rules changes and we drafted Andrea instead of Oden or Durant.

Also did you know that he fouls at an alarming 6.8 fouls per 38 minutes. Seems like Dumars got a a little impatient with the kid and gave up on him at 22 before he was part of that Oberto salary dump.

Good day sir.

[Amalraj]

amir Johnson is completely different and better player than you think. Your`re comparing him to o`bryant when basicially this lost all his potenial. Remember that famous quote to him by Warriors head coach Don Nelson: "I told him if he goes down to the D-League and isn't a dominant player, there should be red flags all over the place, and he should be the first to notice. He's not only not dominating, he's not playing very well. He's a long-term project. I really liked him the first week of training camp, but I assumed there would be great progress. [...] He hasn't gotten better one bit." However on the other hand, Amir Johnson was actually starting games for Detroit before `The Iverson Trade`... He just got too many fouls because over-aggression on D (something the Raptors lack) and most of the time had to sit the bench very early. all i`m saying this guy is a should be treated with more repect and has tons more potenial than O`bryant

[Tim W.]

Borna: "We couldv'e gotten way more value for Delfino who is like 7-12 PPG and 3-4 RPG"

Or nothing at all, since he was an unrestricted free agent. The Raptors getting anything for Delfino was a plus. And Johnson has just as much potential as Ukic, and probably more.

[cjd in ptbo]

DOug,

Great blog, read it every day. It has been a very busy off-season for the Raps. Can you clarify something for me. I thought Delfino was playing with some team in Russia and had a huge contract with them (9 mill??). How did he end up back in the NBA? There's no way he's making that kind of money in Milwaukee.

Blogger's note: He had an opt-out of his contract in Russia, and took it to return to a better league

[matt]

Doug

Morris Petersons twitter "#24 is back"

Is there a deal with banks on the table?

Blogger's note: Ah, no