Is there more coming? There has to be.

I’d love to sit back and digest exactly what this team is going to be like next year but you know we can’t for one simple reason: Bryan can’t be done.

No way.

The way I see it, there are still two crying needs on this roster: some frontcourt depth and a starting small forward.

I don’t think a frontcourt of Amir Johnson, Andrea Bargnani, Ed Davis and Reggie Evans is good enough by any means and whether it’s finding a starter to let Johnson come back off the bench or finding a suitable backup who’s long and athletic, something has to be done.

As for the small forward?

I think you diminish the energy of a second unit if you try to play Weems and DeRozan together and there will be some size and defensive issues to deal with when they are on the court at the same time.

Kleiza? I’m not sure he’s a great fit in a ball-movement kind of offence that wants to run a little bit. He’s a good player, no question, who can do a lot of things but I don’t know that he’s ready to handle extended starters minutes right at that moment. Maybe he evolves and eventually does, right now I’m not convinced he’s ready.

So where does a GM turn?

He turns to his assets and tries to turn them into better assets, and right now the assets he has are point guard depth, that big trade exception and the expiring contracts of Reggie Evans, Marcus Banks and Marco Belinelli.

What they can fetch is entirely unknown and to sit here and guess is folly.

I don’t know – and don’t imagine I’ll ever find out – just who is available out there. I’m going to try to find out a couple of names that they may have asked about and see where that leads us but in this day and age, there seems to be a lot of clamming up being done by GMs, scouts, contacts throughout the league.

But rest assured, if you or I can see the deficiencies in this roster, you know full well that the guy in charge does and if there’s one thing we’ve come to learn about Bryan, it’s that he’s more than willing to make a deal  he thinks will improve his team.

When does it happen? Who knows. I’d bet sooner rather than later because he’s out in Vegas surrounded by dozens of other GMs and that’s like a perfect storm to a trade-minded guy.

-

Turk for Barbosa?

Pretty good deal, I guess.

Gets Bryan out from under a so-so contract he gave out, saves about $23 million or so over the life of the deal and Barbosa, if he’s healthy, seems like a pretty good fit for a team that wants to run a bit.

And there’s no reason to think he won’t be healthy; I’d have been concerned if a 27-year-old speedster had leg problems or knee woes, but a wrist injury? They’re easily overcome and there’s no reason he can’t be back to his usual self when next season rolls around.

Where’s he fit?

Well, he’s a backup combo guard no doubt about it; I think one of the plans was to let him and Diaw work in some kind of tandem running things on the court together but of course that plan was waylaid when the Charlotte deal was scuttled.

But Barbosa’s a valuable piece and I can see him fitting in pretty well. He can get around his man, he’s lightning-quick on the break and he brings a level of speed to the Raptors that they’ve only ever had when T.J. Ford was here.

-

It’s good, I guess, that the Heroes Of The Hardcourt, Summer Edition, have Thursday off.

They can go get sized for their rings.

-

Mail? Let’s take one more shot (well, we’ll probably take another one tomorrow) and see what we can get.

Click here if you’d like to send a card, a letter, a greeting but no rants, okay?

I’m thinking that with the summer upon us soon it might be time to scale back just a wee bit; the plan will be, I presume, to do the usual pap and drivel here Monday to Friday and then just have one omnibus weekend mail bag so I can maybe get some extra downtime on weekends.

Sound okay?

Am going to try to start it this week but that just means Bryan will come up with something silly for me to do Friday and react to on Saturday.

-

Hey, how about my Argos!

2-1? That’s juggernaut city, folks. And, having covered them all of one day, I’ll take ownership of their turnaround.

And I do like Chet, er, Cleo Lemon as a pivot.

-

Back to Summer League for a second.

You know what I think of it and I haven’t watched a single second of a single game but I have talked to people who are out there because I figure you want to know what’s going on.

The word:

DeRozan and Weems look really good, lots of good chemistry; DeMar seems to have worked quite hard in his ball-handling and they’ve had some highlight reel stuff. That’s to be expected, of course, since they’re facing mainly non-NBA talent, but the thing people are most impressed with is the improvement in things like ball-handling, defensive awareness and cohesion.

Early reports on Ed Davis? Athletic, hasn’t had moments of mind-wandering too often, can keep up athletically and has more offensive game than some thought, at least at the summer league level. Seeing how he hadn’t played five-on-five since February, everyone seems pleased with progress.

Solomon Alabi? First day, got this: “Hope he likes Erie.” Since then, he seems to have become more comfortable. Remains a long-term project.

And now the guy everyone wants to know about: The New Legend Joey (Not Tommy) Dorsey.

Kid’s a bull, built like a linebacker and doesn’t mind contact at all. Has looked good and aggressive and solid on the boards. Is he a keeper? Depending on how many guys they end up with on the final roster, there are those who think he might just get some kind of non-guaranteed deal.

-

Comments

[Matthieu]

Let's get Mr. Iguodala and this team will start looking like it can win more than 20 games next season

[pain777pas]

The biggest problem is officially gone. We can relax and watch the rebuild because from what I'm seeing players are being picked up left, right, and centre. Doug, there is no question that Colangelo can't be done but, all the good players for the time being have been snatched up so I am clueless to see what obvious moves can be made. I say keep Jose because we are probably going to need him to help the second unit. I know I've ragged on him in the past however, I remember the Calderon that was a floor general from a few years back and he can shoot and get to the rim to make some crucial plays. I'll admit Jose is better than I give him credit for however I think Jack is more athletic and with time will become a good leader on this team let alone floor general in his first season he was the one who was angry when they didn't win and that was the most telling sign early. Doug what have you heard as far as potential moves and I hope BC is not looking to get rid of Jose just for the sake of it. Evans should go because fans never saw him play and will not know what they are missing so I think it would make sense to send him packing even though I really like his attitude.

[Tiger]

Careful now, Braley might decide that you really are a good luck charm and make a mascot out of you, or use your likeness for a mascot, or have a D. Smith bobblehead day or a D. Smith typewriter day, or some such.
And besides, what the heck would we do with a winning team?

[ANM]

@ Toni:
I don't think there is a rapper by the name of Bobby Brown. If you are referring to Whitney Houston's Ex-Hubby,♪-my prerogative-♫, or New Edition's Bobby Brown, then he was an R&B singer who was actually a decent artist and performer until the mid 90's
(He's still a huge A-hole though)
Just a small correction.

[John S]

Hedo had a "so-so contract"?... that's like saying Feschuk is a so-so writer.

[Mat]

It should be illegal to air summer league games. I'd rather go to the park and watch guys play. Same thing.

I did hear a rumour that the pacers wanted Jose for Hibbert. odd.

[Migs]

As much as I love Dorsey's tenacity and aggressiveness, he's a bit redundant with Reggie Evans still on the team. It's too bad the Bobcats deal fell apart (thanks MJ!) because I'm sure many of us want to see him playing that rebounder/energy guy role in lieu of Evans, similar to former Raps like JYD, Reggie Slater, Kris Humphries, etc.

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Morning Doug,
A couple of quiet day questions for you. If by some chance there are no more moves this summer... does Rasho stay? will Marco have a defined role?
Now, over in South Beach, what kind of brand-building is that to drop the "4" from "CB4"? and did you keep your copies of "First Ink" as trade assets, or burn them?
Finally, if BP never does cap the fool leak (10/90?), just how long will that thing spew before it runs itself dry?
OK, two more: Miami or Chicago? Lisa or Dawna?
Cheers.

Blogger's note: I'll be succinct
Rasho: No
Marco: Doubt it
Brand-building: Don't particularly care
Chicago by a landslide
Lisa or Dawna: I'll take the fifth (and not know who you're talking about)

[dribbles]

Alabi has a nice looking mid-range shot but he doesn't look very fluid out there at all. Of course he's a project but he really needs help with his footwork. I hope they keep Dorsey. You can be an undersized C in this league (see Chuck Hayes) and he's a space clearer down low. Good/cheap Reggie replacement if Reggie's not back.

Guessing is fun, so I'm going to guess BC tries to swing a deal for Gortat (maybe a 3-way with the Hawks or Pacers if either of those teams wants Calderon). I don't know about the SF.

[Lorie]

Hey Doug,
A little Media Celeb Update for you: Lisa LaFlamme (CTV anchor-in-waiting-upon-Lloyd's-retirement) or Dawna Friesen (newly-appointed-Global-TV-anchor-replacing-reassigned-Kevin-Newman). (For me, there will only ever be Cronkite.)

Blogger's note: Ah, I get it now. Huntley and Brinkley were no slouches either

[Young James]

"This year, we still lack a real point guard (as Jarrett Jack is another combo, actually) and a true centre to couple with Bargnani."...Personaly I agree with this person. Doug thanks for your take on what YOU think the team needs, I like to hear other people's perspective. I have coached basketball teams (youth) for just over 10 years now and if this current Raptor were mine, I would want to move Barngs to PF and get a true center (a Chandler/Dampier type) that bangs, who hangs around the net and cleans up the garbage to offset Barns's offense and because he plays away from the basket most times. I would add a PG - whether Jose is good or not is a great debate, but for this team right now he's not (niether is Jack) they are both great back-ups...Jose just makes more so of coarse he is more expandable. We need a all-star on this team and it starts with the PG. I always have and still believe DeRozan is a better 3 spot player, but reports I am reading from SL is his shot is well improved and he is still working to improve it more - love to hear that about players. I like Weems's upside, it's time for him to get his chance - and as a coach I would give him his paid due's from his hard work, the fact that he can play and offer him a chance to start at SF (however, he has to continue to earn it). Klieza great spot guy to pull off the bench for his shot, his size, his hustle and his willingness to rebound. Just my opinion on what I would do. Adding a power, rebounding defensive center and a great scoring, game playing quarter-backing PG. The depth at PF, SF, SG and PG are there for me. I would try and add a atarting PG and two more center positions - Soloman would be my third. If you look at teams that have won the championship over the past few years, they have good depth at thier (bigs) - both positions.

[BC]

Apparently Richard Jefferson (who just opted out of his contract that would have paid him $15M this year) *doesn't* have a deal in place with the Spurs!

Could the Raptors offer him say $7-8M per year for 4-5 years? (how much money is left after Bosh didn't sign?)

[Young James]

"I did hear a rumour that the Pacers wanted Jose for Hibbert. odd."....WHERE? - besides the fool that wrote it on here yesterday. Hibbert is making just over 2.5 million and Jose is making just over 9.7 million. Your saying Indiana wants to take on 7 extra million, not to mention the leaugue rules that come into play here aswell. ALSO, if I can rant one second longer - STOP asking Doug what names he has heard for trades. ONE; theis is a blog not a "rumour" site...check Rotoworld, ESPN, Hoopsworld, and Hoopshype for that. TWO: he has mentioned a hundred times he will not post "weak rumoured names" on his blog. THREE; he just mentioned in his blog today he doesn't know yet and hasn't heard much if anything...geesh! Is it becuase it's too simple for some people, Doug?

[Matthew]

Jose to indiana for Dunleavey and either Hibbert or murphy.

Dill where you at? Im not letting that Bobcats blog go. too much fun

[Scott]

@Mat - Ha Jose for Hibbert. That would definitely end any thoughts of the Raptors running up and down the court. I highly doubt Colangelo would be interested in Hibbs.

[joeu]

I was watching the Argos home opener last night, and at one point, watching lemon passing on the run, I thought "Conredge Holloway". Not saying they are the same player, just that there's a similar style of play.

[Pipit]

Doug, your early so-so reports that you've got on the summer league is a false. Though, I won't contest the exceptional chemistry by both Weems and DeRozan, I entirely doesn't agree that Davis is athletic. Too soft to play inside. Been pushed around by non-NBA talents for two games now. Doesn't have a mid-range arsenal and shoots poorly in the free throw line. Even doesn't read the situation well when facing the basket during a low post play. Can't play back to the basket because of limited strength. This doesn't look like a good 13th pick at all. Even, Alabi is playing well compared to him. With regards to Dorsey, it will be huge mistake if he didn't make it to the line-up this coming season. This bull has been a monster in the rebounding department both defensive and offensive but needs to polish his low post moves.

Blogger's note: Didn't realize you were there; talk to the coaches, GMs and scouts I talk to, tell them the error of their ways

[Jeremiah]

Would the Raptors take a chance on a 'risky' contract like Iguodala, who while still young, has a fairly bloated contract for his recent production?

[Ben]

It's rare that a sports journalist would admit that speculation would only be folly. Sadly, it sometimes seems that sports writing it built on this practice (see: Lebronathon). I appreciate your candidness. That bring back readers.

[Scott]

Who has a better chance of being on the opening day roster, Joey or Dwayne?
Does it matter?

[Matthew]

Hey Doug,

is it really necessary to have you moderate comments? Other sports blogs allow posts to go up right away and it allows readers to interact with each other better instead of having to wait for posts to be released.

Thanks,

Blogger's note: Yes it is here. Other sports blogs can do what they want, I really don't care.

[Michel G]

The best moment of summer league was last night when the Timberwolves GM told Chris Webber that Milicic is one of the greatest passing big men in basketball on a par with Vlade Divac. The camera wasn't on them, but I would have like to see the look on Webber's face at that moment because he sure sounded incredulous.

[Pipit]

Doug, I don't need to be there physically to see it because I'm basing it on the two games that he did play in the summer league which I entirely watched. Correct me if I'm wrong but that's the context of where were basing it as per your article. No need to be sarcastic because we all know here that your knowledge in basketball is not on an expert level. Your a reporter who just reports what has been given to you. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Blogger's note: My context, as I said, was from talking to coaches, GMs and scouts who are in Las Vegas

[Joe]

Just tossing things out there as we Raptor fans like to do. We know the Raptors are in need of some help up front. One name that comes to mind is Marc Gasol of the Grizzlies. I believe the Grizzlies were not particularly happy with Mike Conley and they have some depth at centre having drafted the kid, Habeet, last year with the 3rd pick. Perhaps a swap of Jose or Jack for Gasol might work for both teams. Other pieces would have to be added to match salaries but I like Gasol. Any thoughts on Marc Gasol, Doug? Thank you.

[Matthew]

I just realized that Adam Morrison has more Titles than Lebron