The time has come for something to happen

Happy Draft Day everyone.

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One of my big mantras is that I don’t think teams should ever make moves simply to make moves and shuffle the deck chairs. Doesn’t seem to make a whole lot of sense, does it? Well, maybe today’s different around this neck of the woods.

Maybe today Bryan Colangelo has to do something – anything – to show that he’s being proactive in trying to make improvements to his roster and set the stage for what I feel is the inevitable departure of both Chris Bosh and Hedo Turkoglu.

Maybe he has to deal one of his point guards, maybe he has to get another first-round pick somehow, maybe he needs to package his pick with some contracts and make some kind of big splash.

There is no question that the next month or so will be the defining period of Colangelo’s tenure as the Raptors general manager. He’s got a star to make something of in a sign-and-trade transaction, he’s got Turkoglu who still has value around the league whether you believe it or not. He’s got bits and pieces and a team that was not successful at all and the fans, and even some people in the organization, think he has to start making moves right away.

We’ve heard for weeks about the willingness to buy a pick or make a move or acquire some piece for the future.

The talk is cheap, it’s time for action. I’m not proposing some significant giveaway of talent but if this day ends with Toronto simply making the 13th pick in a so-so draft, people will feel it’s been a failure.

Me included.

I know, from talking to all kinds of people here and there, that the Raptors are working hard to get something done so there is no question that the effort is there.

But it needs to be turned in concrete action or we wake up tomorrow thinking, here we go again.

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Here’s one of the things about rumours and leaks and stuff that gets out in the day or two leading up to the draft.

Most of it’s true – but only at some level. There was one making the rounds last night about the No. 13 pick to Portland for No. 22 and Rudy Fernandez. Got wind of the report too late to check with the people I check with to find out its truthfulness.

But here’s the thing. In about five minutes this morning, I was able to deduce from sources that No. 22 and Rudy are being shopped all over the league – Portland wants to move up – and, yes, Toronto is one of a handful of teams the Blazers have checked with.

It’s not Raptors-specific, it’s not just Houston and them, which is also out there on the internets. It’s a handful of teams being asked about the possibility and it doesn’t mean anything’s close to being done.

Now if last night’s story had said: The Blazers are pushing their pick and Rudy Fernandez to anyone with a higher pick who’ll listen, it wouldn’t have caused nearly as much a stir but it would have been far more accurate.

And that’s the trouble with this time of year, and it’s going to be the trouble with the free agency period: Just because one snippet of information gets out doesn’t mean that’s all there is to a story.

Frustrating at this end? No doubt.

Fun for you? I hope so.

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An earthquake? How about that?

And then a tornado touches down up in Midland north of here?

I blame G20 for what has to be the wildest weather day in some time.

Casa Doug was unaffected by either but, as I was prone on the couch getting ready to watch the beloved Black Stars, something did stir me.

It wasn’t until Super Son called from the bowling alley (yeah, Grade 8 kids sure have it tough at the end of the school year) to report the quake did I know what was going on.

Yeah, I’m the alert type.

Only other really minor quake I’ve ever felt was at the Nagano Olympics and I recall that one being way more cool.

There you have it, today’s meteorological update.

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Remember last week when it was mentioned that perhaps Dwyane Wade was driving the whole free agent thing because he could actually recruit a guy to join him rather than, say, convince someone to go somewhere in tandem, like LeBron would have to do?

Well, Wade got a spiffy new car yesterday it seems and now he’s really driving.

The Heat swapping Daequan Cook at the No. 18 pick to Oklahoma City for No. 32 clears up something in the neighbourhood of $3 million more in cap space for Miami.

It should give them enough to sign a player to a maximum-value contract and still have something like $10 million left and the presence of Wade.

The Heat are now officially the biggest players. Forget the Knicks, who are a crappy team, and the Bulls, who aren’t bad but not as wealthy as the Heat. Miami’s in charge.

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I have a feeling the in-box will be full of “why did they draft that guy?” and “how could they have not made a trade?” queries in the morning but if you’ve got something you want to get off your chest now, just click here and send it along.

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I don’t want to say it’s the greatest lede to a sports story ever written but it might be the most memorable.

And as soon as I heard it would be Germany-England in the round of 16 at the World Cup it came racing back to mind.

So apropos of nothing, this is how British journalist Frank McGhee set up the 1966 World Cup final between the sides.

“If, on the morrow, the Germans beat us at our national game, we’d do well to remember that, twice this century, we have beaten that at theirs.”

Cold.

But memorable and certainly not something you could write with seriousness today.

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There were a couple of questions Wednesday about what Thursday would be like for a guy who covers a team and who tries to at least keep tabs on what else is going on around the league.

Well, it’s pretty much the same, only longer.

You put out the calls and e-mails and texts to the people you talk to on a regular basis, trying to figure what’s up. Some will return them, some will ignore them, some will dutifully report that there are “things” happening but nothing too serious or nothing firm enough that would warrant reporting.

And you wait. Maybe you put in another e-mail or phone call just to check but, believe me, there isn’t a lot of information – true information – being offered. Seldom is.

At least on a day like today, you can find a comfortable spot for coffee, a bagel and the Azzurri. And it’s got wireless, too. Just in case.

But here’s the real pain for us: Because there is so much stuff going on, we’re not likely to get a media session with Bryan until the entire draft is over, which is change because in the past he’s come out after the first round to give us some time.

So it’s going to be a long, long night.

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Comments

[Boko]

My prediction is that we draft SF Paul George, but the odds are pretty good that Bryan Colangelo will make it more interesting with a surprise trade or two ... which are too difficult to predict.

[DougG]

Doug, if Bosh leaves isn't he basically saying that Toronto has no chance of putting a winning team together for the rest of the time he is in the league.
.
Is that an indictment of MLSE, his teammates, his coach or Colangelo?

Blogger's note: Or he's saying that after seven years of doing the same job he wants a change of scenery.

[Juan]

Doug
Thanks for the insight this morning! It helps make sense of all the drama floating around. Enjoy the bagel while you can as I think (and hope) it's going to be a very interesting day.

[DougG]

"Blogger's note: Or he's saying that after seven years of doing the same job he wants a change of scenery."
.
Sorry about posting twice but he has been very specific about his reason for leaving, if he does, it is to win. Unless of course the whole thing has been an elaborate bluff to try and get MLSE to spend some money, like the winning franchises do.

[G Keeping]

Hi Doug,

I'm a fan who wants change and lots of it. Should I be concerned with the lack of rumours with any real substance or truth to them? Based on the comments from a lot of the writers and BC hinself I would have thought the Raps would be all over websites, news reports, rumours, etc. Am I being paranoid or is it possible the Raps are working on something big and being diligent in keeping their cards close to their chest? Thanks.

[KX]

Did you miss the greatest tennis match of all time yesterday? Mahut vs Isner and the score of last set is 59:59, game postponed after 10 hours due to darkness and set to continue today.

[Jeff]

I dont think the Raptors need to prove this today, but they certainly need to have proven it by July 15th.

Frankly, i would even be ok with trading Bargnani, Turk and Calderon at this stage -- if Bosh leaves -- and picking up young assets and future picks. This team could go in either direction, but BC hasnt proven that he can do this.

However, he has brought a measure of respect and professionalism to this franchise, which it so desperately needed. I applaud him for that. Now if we finally stop trying to make every role player mega rich...

[Derek]

Hi Doug,
I'm pretty sure that you'd said previously that "if" Bosh were to leave Toronto (and NOT as part of a sign and trade), that in that case Toronto wouldn't have enough money under the cap to attract a "marquee" free agent. Did I get that right? And if so, how does that work? If they lose Bosh, wouldn't they have the amount that they're currently paying him (which is substantial) to pay another free agent?

Blogger's note: Yes, it's right, they would still be over the cap

[Jeff]

With this being a weak draft after the first 5-6 picks, and despite the severe injury to Kendrick Perkins, i would love to see the Raptors trade their pick for him. He might not play next season, but would be a Raptor for at least two years and the fans in Toronto will fall in love with him. I could see him staying for that reason. He would be Toronto's new Oakley, and he'd become as popular as any player has here. Amazing that the C's are actually considering trading him (assuming the internets are correct)...

[John S]

One way or another, it's going to be a pretty exciting next couple of weeks.

There's an article on Sports Illustrated about Hassan Whiteside being tutored by Hakeem Olajuwon. Hakeem was interviewed by phone from Toronto which I found interesting. Any idea why Hakeem is in Toronto? And with Whiteside's connection to Masai Ujiri and possible tutoring by the Dream in Toronto, any idea if this adds up to anything?

I noticed that Whiteside is not on your short list so I was wondering if you had any insight into this.

[John S]

And Fernandez would be a great pickup... watching him shred the US team in 2008 was really an eye opener. Having someone who could create his own shot would really help in isos.
Two concerns though:
1) Fernandez in my opinion is similar to Marco (although Rudy is a much better player) and Derozan is similar to Weems. There would be too much duplication on the roster. I'm sure that Colangelo would make moves to address this though.
2) Fernandez is unhappy in the NBA and there's a chance that he could leave to go play in the ACB league for more money in his home country. Hopefully being in a cosmopolitan city like Toronto helps but I see him as a flight risk.
Looking forward to seeing what you can dig up today!

[Calvin]

Would the Nets trade Lopez the #3 pick in the draft for a S&T for Bosh? That would leave them still some room to pick another UFA?

Blogger's note: Doubt it but I don't know and nothing can happen with Bosh until July 1

[Steven]

One thing I have learned from this draft is that second round picks do have value. The Raptors have a tradition of trading them away (Delfino (2), O'Neal trades) as the picks are believed to be crapshoots. However, you can see from this draft that teams wanting to get out of a first round pick for cap space aren't just taking the money but want players and second round picks (see OKC/Miami). Instead of dumping second round picks, at this point in rebuilding they should be accumulating them for future drafts. The method of trading first and second round draft picks isn't working so lets hope today's the first day of a new era of accumulating more draft picks. If they trade out of this draft or trade down without acquiring another first round pick get ready for email mayhem. No quick fixes anymore. Let's build a young core and watch them grow. Thanks for the great work and good luck surviving the day.

[brent]

Morning Doug

Do you think Bryan has started to put some feelers out about a possible sign and trade for Bosh? As well, do you think the Raptors would give any team permission to talk to Bosh before July 1st?

Blogger's note: No, with such severe anti-tampering and cap circumvention rules out there he cannot -- and has not -- had any discussions with other teams

[Pain777PAS]

Let's just say Bosh goes to the heat or cavaliers and why is obvious, what do we have left? Calderon must go. Isn't Jack younger and more of leader in the locker room. Jose is way too passive. Andrea is a piece I'd keep if he can up the defense and have lights out shooting. Amir I re-sign hard worker and hustle guy that wants to be in Toronto. Hedo should stay to have something to talk about and make sure he plays well so at all-star break you can get some value back. Sonny and Demar are projects that I'm willing to give a chance saw some things from both of them but they have to run the offence and not go 5 on 1 or should I just say this to Sonny? Banks, Obryant and Evans can be traded really don't see them getting minutes anyway. Nesterovic is a good veteran that can stabilize the team when they played eratically. He played under Popovich so we know he understands the game. What do you think Doug? Antoine Wright is ok but I think he thinks he is better than he is so no need to keep him.

Blogger's note: You're greatly under-estimated Jose's leadership abilities

[Del]

Hi Doug,

Scenrio: Raps are on the clock- Xavier Henry, Paul George, Avery Bradley and Patrick Patterson are available. Who do they select? Who would you select?

Blogger's note: Them? No idea. Me? George

[MCA]

I feel the need to clarify that an earthquake is not a weather or meteorological event. Earthquakes are caused by shifting of the earth's tectonic plates. Please refrain from confusing the poor readers here... they are too impressionable and believe things that you write

[kelsie]

If, and it seems closer to reality than ever, Bosh leaves doesn't Colangelo have to be held responsible for this huge mess? This team is in a state of upheaval and it's been going like this for the past 2 years.

CB engotiated the right to excercise his freedom as a free agent with the last contract so the possbility of him leaving was there, however Colangelo took a risk keeping him to this point (right or wrong) and it looks like he will end up getting the shorter end of the stick now.

He was not able to convince him to resign by building a stable squad over that time or put complimentary talent around him. He took a chance with JO and then with the Miami trade has now given them the financial muscle to improve their team by leaps and bounds while Toronto is saddled with long contracts for players who are not providing value on them. Not to mention none of these long term contracts are any player that can "take the mantle" now.

His love affair with Bargnani, regardless of our witnessing it or the tangible stats indicating he is a defensive albatross has done nothing to incite him to make the apprpriate changes and end this "experiement".

I know you said people are watching Colangelo now but hasn't it been enough already??? The team is in worse shape now then when the took over, losing their best and most efficient player and are financially constrained for years to come with NO top tier talent left on the roster to build around.

[Young James]

I just dont understand how such a successful guy like Bryan could build winners and never make a bad move in Phoenix but every move is a bust here in T.O!??? Why cant he blow it up and make trades that get us another one or two superstars plus signing Bosh? It already has been reported awhile ago that MLSE would approve going over the cap if it meant something worth while. Boston did it a few years with obtaining Garnett and Allen - one player was not happy and the other player was a salary dumped for draft picks.
Calderon - 9 million next year plus his contract goes up another 1.5 million over the next two years.
Marcus Banks - 4.8 million next year
Turkolu - 9.8 million next year and his pay raises 2.2 million over the next three years
Reggie Evans - 5 million next year.
That is 29 million dollars on next years salray cap that do not produce anywhere near what they are getting paid.
I am praying Bryan takes Paul George if he is avialable tonight that kid is gonna be good and a defensive nightmare for opposing teams...also if they could get a late pick a take Bledsoe, this guy is gonna be a player. pat Patterson will a double double machine in the NBA too. You heard it here first!

[marc in Panama]

Hola Doug

I feel the need to clarify England and Germany have not been at warvwith each other in THIS century.

[BrianV]

I like Rudy's game. he just doesn't fit with this defense-starved team. If the Raps trade their #13 for anything but a higher pick, I think they will have lost me as a fan for good.
I use to be a huge Blue Jays fan, until they didnt resign Alomar some 15 years ago. Havent watch a BJ game since. I use to live and bleed the Maple Leaves, until JFJ started giving away draft choices. I have not watched a leave game in 7 years.
Basketball is the only sport I have eny interest in. I really don't want to lose them to bitterness.
No more trading away draft picks to make up for past mistakes! Let's start developing some young talent.
Lastly, Doug. You are the only person I have heard refer to this as a "so-so draft". Quite literally, the only person. I rarely disagree with you, but I think you are incorrect in your assessment. Still love the blog and your opinions though.

[Pain777PAS]

Jose is a good cheerleader and confidence booster for some players. He is a great team mate Doug. Keep the lockeroom coach and management happy. I would never see him talk against the coaching staff publicly to shake things up. Too diplomatic. Leaders are born. Garnett is a leader. Kobe is a leader. Pierce is a leader. They're the real thing. Messier is a leader. You see where I'm going with this there is always controversy with real leaders and they take the good with the bad. Fisher is a leader. You see the way that they address a situation Doug. Jose is nowhere to be found but be a good team mate and don't offend the coaching staff that to me is someone that tries to avoid trade talk that's it.

[BrianV]

If you, as a Raptor fan, would like, as I do, for them to draft Paul George with the #13 pick, you must pray that Hayward and/or Babbitt go Top 10. I really think we need a team ahead of us to reach on their pick. It just takes one team to reach. From there each subsequent team will have a player available to them, that they did not think was going to be there. Utah, Indiana and Clippers are the most likely teams to reach for these 2 players.
I am not a religious person, and you may not be either. But if you want George as much as I do, for goodness sakes, pray!

[Wade T.]

Sorry Doug but you're dead wrong on the need to make a move, especially with the Hedo situations.

At the end of the day the one thing the Toronto Raptors lack is patience, their is too much of a need in Bryan Colangelo to make a splash and over the last few years all of his splashy moves haven't worked. Here's why: he's teams have no identity, just a group of moving parts that come and go and are one bad stretch of games away from being torn down because fans and media in this town overreact to a lot.

Hedo T. should remain a Raptors, and I for one might following the team if they give in to his demands and trade him. Because people shouldn't kid themselves, there will be another Hedo situation before you know it because the players in the locker room will know they have the control if a guy can sign long-term here, then go whine in the off-season one year later and get traded. Their called panic moves and they have never worked out for the Raptors.

It's up to Colangelo and MLSE to stand-up to Hedo and say no, this isn't the way we do business. We're not going to be blackmailed into a trade we wouldn't have made prior to your whining to a Turkish radio station. Also, media and fans in this town have been given too much power, these quick knee-jerk moves all are based on a fear of bad publicity, well if the only good publicity for this team will be if the Raptors win.

[KatWu]

Dearest Douglas! Sorry you missed the earthquake. It was awesomely mediocre. Speaking of which: It's Draft Day! What should I wear? Yours, from District 9 Downtown.

Blogger's note: Something orange. And have the gas mask handy