They lose out on Barnes, so what's a team to do now?

So much for Matt Barnes, I guess.

He’s gone to the Lakers, two-years and $3.7 million, and it’s pretty obvious that, all things considered, two-time champs there beats two-time non-playoff team up here.

Barnes probably could have done the same deal in Toronto had he really wanted to be here by forcing the Magic, who could have taken that much of a cap hit to start, into a sign-and-trade transaction.

Didn’t happen and when Toronto’s $4.5 million first-year offer went away, so did he.

Too bad, I still contend he would have been a good basketball fit with the Heroes Of The Hardcourt, bringing them an edge they don’t have.

But, really, can you blame a guy? If he’s going to make the same money anyway, why not go play for the Lakers in the state where he lives and try to win a title rather than come to Toronto and try to squeak into the playoffs.

-

So, the question now is what’s next?

If you look over the list of remaining free agents (and here’s a pretty good one courtesy of yahoo.com), I think you can say there’s not a whole lot there that’s even remotely interesting to this team.

Yeah, there are some names you might like and some guys you might think fit but considering what the Raptors are and what they need, there is really squat available on the market now that Barnes is gone.

That means if Bryan’s got a move or two to make – and while maybe he can live with Linas Kleiza and Sonny Weems as his small forwards but he cannot live with that rotation of bigs – he’s going to have to make a deal and use some of the trade exception money he’s got.

Maybe he does try to hit a home run, or maybe he settles for a so-so pickup to round out the roster but I say it’s going to have to come from somewhere other than the list of free agents who might be amenable to a sign-and-trade transaction.

-

Wanna do mail?

Since the golf’s already two hours delayed (first tee time now not until 9 a.m. because of the incessant rain hammering us right now), I may have some idle time.

Click here, send away and I can’t wait to hear from you.

Well, most of you.

-

I’m not sure if it’s exactly the right analogy but as the pressure to write bore down, it felt like covering a buzzer-beater on Day 2 as Golf Boy.

A guy in the last group setting a course record is not something you plan for, that’s for sure.

One thing we’re allowed to do in this gig is cheer for your story – not a team or a guy or a gal, but your story – and there was a pretty nice one to write about Vance Veazey that was all set to go when Brent Delahoussaye began his assault on the record.

I’m not suggesting we wanted him to make a series of Smith-esque bogeys, doubles and others but, well, I liked the Veazey story a lot.

-

Okay, I need to say this to stop the onslaught of e-mails and comments.

No, the Raptors cannot and will not get Chris Paul if, in fact, he’s traded.

Remember way back in the day when we were talking some kind of silly trade and it was suggested by a wise old man that you need to consider any crazy transaction from either side?

Well, if have to gut your team to get a guy like Paul, why in the world do you suppose he’d want to come here? And I can almost guarantee you that a 40-win Eastern Conference team in another country that just lost the best, or second-best, player in franchise history is not alluring to Chris Paul.

Not going to happen.

Seriously.

And don’t talk about the trade exception, okay? If the Hornets lose him and get nothing at all back, they may as well shut the doors that day because the city will shun them and they’ll be on the move again.

-

Hey, you want breaking news? Canadian Open in a two-hour delay so if you were headed out to watch a particular player, adjust your schedule accordingly.

Thank you.

-

Thing That Make Covering Golf Worse Than Covering Basketball, No. 1

Rain delays.

Borrrrrrrrring.

-

Hey, they’re still going over at the under-17 girls worlds in France, you know. Canada gets Argentina later today in the consolation round and then gets either Mali or Turkey to wrap things up.

It’s certainly not what they wanted but I bet finishing with a couple of wins would take some sting out of not being in the top eight. Not much, mind you, but some.

-

Oh yeah, got a note that Leo’s team starts workouts here next week.

And this is why I love Canada Basketball now. They’re kicking off the camp with a little happy hour in a saloon I’ve been in before and that’s a pretty good idea, methinks.

Go here to find out more.

Oh, and one I did here a few days ago is that it’s looking less and less and less likely every day that the wheels of government bureaucracy will spin fast enough to get Matt Bonner on the team.

-

Comments

[Mattress]

Do the Raps still own the rights to Georgios Printezis? Any news on him recently? Is he close to coming over or was he just overhyped by fans?

Blogger's note: Yes. No. No. Yes

[Borna]

You have to think this is one of the worst off-seasons for the Raptors (Losing Bosh, and not being able to get Chandler, Diaw and Barnes). So I ask you Doug, can you make a list of the Top 5 worst raptors off-seasons. I am really curious to see this.

Blogger's note: Once this one's over, I will.

[J Cavendish]

Doug, is there any way that Dwayne Jones becomes the Jamario Moon of the 2010 season? He led the D League in rebounding and double doubles which granted is not a major accomplishment. However given the needs of this team do you think that he is given the chance to be the feel good story for the season when wins may be hard to come by.

[JC]

Hi Doug,

Is Diaw-to-Toronto (without Chandler however) still a realistic possibility? Or have the Raptors written off any future attempt to deal with Charlotte's management?

Thank you.

Blogger's note: They'd deal with the devil if they thought it'd improve the team. No legs left in Diaw right now

[m]

I noticed that in 1974, a George Rautins played for the national team. Any relation to Leo (who was on the '78 team, along with Jay T.) ?

Blogger's note: Older brother.

[Ian Murray]

I think I made as much as Cedric Jackson when I was a "Sandwich Artist" during high school!

[aditya]

Blogger's note: "Come on. Please"

lol that reminds me Marcus Thornton was a 2nd round pick and Collison was a late 1st rounder at 21 over all. That right there is good drafting. Take note MJ.
----------------------
Take note BC...hire the guy (jeff bower).....he's unemployed.....

[Bill]

Doug, wondering about Jay Triano's contribution to Team USA for the World Championships. I know he was a coach for the "select" squad, but I am unsure if the "select" squad even exists anymore. Does he have a coaching role or a role with the USA team at all?

Blogger's note: Consultant/assistant/hanger-on. Not sure how you'd describe but he's been there all week.

[GDS]

Doug, I do not agree with your even mild "regrets" over Barnes and Chandler who were not going to make them either a fun team or a playoff team and they are who they are so with them they would not be building for the future. Diaw is a pleasure to watch on a good team, not so much on a mediocre one. So I am actually relieved.
The young players need to play sooner than later. These fa market misteps are a blessing in disguise. we will see what DeRozan, Johnson and Davis are actually worth. A much needed transition year, de coubertin's style

[Richard]

Doug,

Barnes could not have forced a S&T by the Magic. The Magic could only give him so much $$, as they do not have his full Bird rights (or what they call early Bird rights, pun not intended).

This was a severe miscalculation by all parties, but really the big blame should go to his agent.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

@Parminder:
I agree with you 100%. Matt Barnes' agent is wearing a teflon suit. He really should have been the one to lay out ALL the pros and cons of Barnes opting out of contracts and not staying in one place long enough to establish "Bird" rights. That is the core problem in the Matt Barnes fiasco. The next in line for a healthy portion of blame is Orlando management, for not knowing their own parameters regarding the options they have with their own player. Then the Raps have to take some blame for not performing the requisite due diligence to foresee that the deal they were putting together couldn't fly.
I'm betting that Barnes stays a Laker for at least two years, and next time he's on the open market he has new representation... and a championship ring.

[JR Jake]

Whats a team to do, or just the Raptors? Move the team to Schenectadny, that way it's New Yorks problems. Either that or get 13 'hungry' ballplayers who are willing to come to play all out every night, and the team concept is their home. Their mantra 'Win ugly, win in close hand combat, but win at all costs".

[sean]

Two cases [Chandler and Barnes] where NBA players [and team] utilized Toronto as leverage to go else where [and to obtain a better deal]

And players should stop tweeting like a high school girl.

[Richard]

Two cases [Chandler and Barnes] where NBA players [and team] utilized Toronto as leverage to go else where [and to obtain a better deal]

And players should stop tweeting like a high school girl.

---------------------------------------------

@sean:

What was Barnes better deal?
He left at least $4 million on the table to go to the Lakers. Your point would have been accurate if he got the Cavs to up their offer. But obviously a Lebron-less Cleveland and somewhere in the neighbourhood of $8 mill over 2 yrs. holds less appeal than living in L.A. with less money and playing time, but a good shot at a title.

I suppose the inferiority complex ridden, popularity challenged Toronto fans can take some comfort in that they significantly rank higher than Cleveland in the minds of the average NBAer.

I absolutely agree with your tweeting comment.

[Rob.V]

You know, someone mentioned (above) Iggy and Brand... may not be a bad idea for the Raptors!

I know there are many that have written E.Brand off however he had a couple of tough years (due to injury). He bounced back last season to play about 75 games so this arguably could be an even better season for him if he could round into form (or it could fail horribly as well I suppose). Brand just might be a nice "low post" complement to Bargnani (but would he slow us down?). Calderon/Evans + TPE would work.

This type of trade just might mean the difference between the post season and the lottery. If Philly is really looking to shed those deals Colangleo should have a hard look.

Otherwise, Colangelo could play out the whole "we tried trades, sign and trades, and nothing worked out this off season" card... and head into the season as is. He's "shown" the fans he's trying to improve so he might get another pass if nothing else happens. This way, he could let the young un's play this season to see what we have, make another top 10 pick, and move forward from there.

Then use all of your money (Evans, Bellinelli, Banks, maybe Barbosa +TPE) next summer trying to attract FA's. A couple of names that come to mind: Tony Parker, K.Perkins, T. Chandler, T.Prince,... maybe even could make a big play for a restricted FA such as J. Noah.

It will be interesting to see what Colangelo's next moves are. Personally, I think he's just too competetive of a guy to forfeit a season. Just doesn't seem to be in his make up... so I wouldn't be surprised if there is another trade in the works for us.

[Blt]

SY - No one is saying Collison will fetch an all star in return. You misunderstood. Doug was stating that if NO is about to lose an all star (Chris Paul), they will not be trading Collison (who will need to replace said all-star) as incentive to take Okafor. Stop drinking the Chisolm cool aid.

[Shawn]

Doug,

What is your opinion on Shaun Livingston as a player? Not for the raptors or anything but just what you think of his game. Really like him coming out of high school, great length for a PG. Sad to see what injuries has done for his career. I still think the bobcats made a good move in signing him to a deal.

question 2: If you had the choice between josh smith and iggy for the same price for the raps... who do you take?

[fg]

Hi Doug,
I do enjoy your work, and understand the positive outlook and professionalism. However when are you going to be a bit more critical and realistic. How do you not see some of the tihngs going on as ....disapointing to say the least. Colangelo, is scrambling. period and throwing money out.
Marc Iavoroni leaving was a huge black eye, dispite any positive outlooks. Im glad he left becusae nothing worked under his management, but still, it was another swing and miss, and fix after one year, wash and start again, repeat.....

You seem to take positive sides, first oh Jose will always start all season last year, now you finally get the point that JJ will start.

I am not putting this on you, I understand the frustrations you must go through with all these signings and d league type development. (overpay, train, develop, let leave, repeat...)

I think we need some more critical approach from yourself, moderately though. I think you have it in you to have a proper balance. but some of the criticism to Colangelo, Iavoroni, Triano, ex raptors etc... need to be unleashed.
AND not after they leave, that is your trend, you wont be critical until they finally leave............CALL for there criticism and heads before hand.;....................

[jman571]

I serioisly hope BC has SOMETHING in the pipeline for this team, because as it stands, we're heading straight for the lottery.

Of course, knowing MLSE raptors tickets will be more expensive then ever...

My question to you Doug is do you think with more minutes players like DeRozan & Bargnani can have a break-out year?
Well this team looks downright awful on paper, there's no telling how a player performs when he's put in the spotlight and expected to be a big player on a team. Now that these players with avg. numbers are no longer in the shadow of Bosh, is there a possibility that we'll see some all-star performances?

In the history of the NBA has there been a situation where a players was grossly under-appreciated, his talents squandered, and wasn't able to show how good he can be, because the coach always kept him on the bench? If so maybe we will see something remarkable here, where some of these guys step-up with increased minutes and play beyond anyones expectations.

[james]

Fear not Raptors fans. Other than the Jose contract, this team is not in horrible shape. The core as it stands is Bargagni, Davis, Johnson, DeRozan. This group of guys is hard-working, young and can only get better. This will be a great season for DD trust me. Hopefully Bargs continues to develop his defensive game and be Mr. Clutch. No, we don't have a star PG but Jose and JJ are not exactly D-league. This next season has to be about watching Davis learn the NBA game and hopefully get bigger. Hopefully DD, Weems and Johnson will all have great breakout years with the additional playing time. I, for one, will be much more entertained watching what these guys bring to the court every night as opposed to watching CB4 take too many shots and throw up a brick from an iso dead play in the half court at crunch time. This is a different team now...let's keep some faith in Bco and the raps.

[Words]

Hi Doug,

Do you know if the Raps has any interest in Okafor? I read @ most places that NO is trying to ship his hefty contract and, if we do get him, we have a true center (and the defensive presence) to pair with Bargnani. Okafor is only 27 and he's been relative durable (played almost all 82 games the last 3 years). We have a couple of expiring contract to ship to NO <- we probably don't even have to touch our TPE.....and we can probably get Collison in return as well.....Bargnani, Collison, DeRozan, Weems, Davis, Johnson become our future......Why no interest?

-SY

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Haha so expiring contracts, none of the TPE, and no picks for Okafor and Collison...I bet the GM of NO just can't wait to pick up the phone and call BC to beg him to do this deal.

BC will not want to take his bloated contract after he just got rid of Turk's bloated one. Furthermore, NO won't move him unless this entire CP3 fiasco is worked out.

Nothing that the Raps offer to NO will make the situation any better for NO to retain CP3. From NO's standpoint, this will NOT make ANY sense and NO could definitely get abetter offer from other teams.

[Jack]

@JR Jake:
"Either that or get 13 'hungry' ballplayers who are willing to come to play all out every night, and the team concept is their home. Their mantra 'Win ugly, win in close hand combat, but win at all costs". "
There are players like that. Hungry and willing to come to play all out. They're in the D-League. And they're there because they're not good enough to play in the NBA. When a player make it to the show, laziness will settle in. Especially if the player is given a hefty contract.
Unless the name is Kobe.

[GM]

More doom and gloom from the nattering nabobs of negativism. It's July 23! Does anyone truly expect there to be no more changes between now and training camp? If so, you're dreaming.

[Matthew]

Since its such a slow day for everyone i thought i should share this. Its a list of the NBA GMs from worst to first. *Spoiler* Colangelo is worse than david Kahn

http://www.sbnation.com/2010/7/22/1582380/nba-general-manager-rankings-pat-riley-heat

[DH]

SY, unless NO is in the Memphis mindset or Rob Babcock joined NO front office is no way they are going to get fleeced on a deal like the Raps did for VC.

Howard or Igoudala would be an upgrade for the Raps. Not to mention this team is in dire need of a number scorer. Bargnani is not the answer there especially when you consider how much complaints people have had about Bosh jump shooting at crunch time. What do they think Bargnani is going to do when he doesn't have the offensive variety of Bosh.

Shawn, Josh Smith over Iggy. I prefer a guy who can play at a minimum 4 positions . 6'8" athletic freak, developing offensive game with a desire on defense. Course his basketball IQ stinks.

[stoneman]

@Matthew: you mean this is one non-expert's opinion of a list, don't you?