The biggest week in a long time has arrived

So, is this the biggest week of Bryan’s tenure with the Raptors?

You could maybe make that case.

A new coach – first time he’s gone outside the organization to hire one – should be in place any day, there’s a rather significant draft pick to make Thursday night and while it might not be as busy as his first summer, when the signings seem to come almost daily, it should be some kind of metamorphosis of the franchise.

The draft? Well, I think it’s going to come down to who’s there and then a choice between guys who can help more now or guys who have more promise in the future.

The two guys who might be able to step in and contribute immediately would be Brandon Knight and Kawhi Leonard and I know they’re both on the list, with Knight closer to the top that Leonard.

After that, I presume there are a couple of longer term prospects – Jonas Valanciunas and Bismack Biyombo – who are intriguing but probably not ready to step in a play a lot.

Personally? I still think Knight should be their guy but it’s hard to see a scenario where he’s there.

We’ll get into this more as the week unfolds but if it’s Irving and Williams one and two (and I’m not sure what order it’ll be) and then Kanter and Knight in some order at three and four, that’s going to make it a bit of a tough call.

I know one thing: Can’t imagine that Bryan’s worried about the nationality of the guy he picks and I sure wish none of you were.

We’ve always said they should take the guy they think has the greatest amount of talent and it shouldn’t – and doesn’t – matter what his passport says.

The Raptors have a private session set for today with Biyombo (they saw Vesely yesterday but I bet he’s a very big longshot at five) and that may go a ways in determining what they do Thursday.

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Oh yeah, the coach.

Have to think it’s going to be Dwane Casey, unless something wildly unexpected pops up, and hopefully it’s sooner rather than later.

Bryan did say right off the bat that he’d hoped to have someone in place by the draft and time is running out.

Sure going to make it a busy week around these parts; all they need to do is leave my Monday and Wednesday nights free for Mighty Rockies action, thank you very much.

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How come no one told me the MMVAs were on last night?

I would have looked for my little buddy Bieber.

Or not.

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Here’s a first sign that some movement may be afoot with the Raptors staff.

A report out of Ohio overnight says Scott Roth, who spent one season on the bench here, is being considered for a spot on Mike Brown’s staff with the Lakers.

No idea if he’ll get it because I don’t know how tight the relationship is with Brown and Roth but it is the first open sign that assistants here are actually seeking alternate employment for when their contracts expire at the end of this month.

As I mentioned somewhere in the mail bag on the weekend, history suggests that a new Raptors coach will surround himself with familiar faces and I’m not exactly sure how that’ll impact Alex English, PJ Carlesimo, Micah Nori, and Roth.

I wouldn’t expect many of them to be back, to be honest.

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Spoiler alert.

Before nodding off, spent some time with Treme and if they keep knocking off characters like John Goodman last year (although you could see that coming) and Steve Earle out of the blue, I’m going to be miffed.

And I can so see the dude from St. Elsewhere hooking up with Melissa Leo but causing much angst for her child.

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Oh, yeah, got to catch up to this.

Remember last week when we mentioned the Canadian Cadettes, the group of under-16 who rolled through their first three games at the FIBA Americas qualifying tournament for next year’s Under-17 worlds?

Well, they hit a wee bump in the semis when they were beaten by Brazil but rebounded to blast Puerto Rico and they have advanced to the world championships.

Age-group worlds provide excellent experience for these kids, they get to judge their skills against other countries and can only help in their development.

It’s a long, long way from Cadette to senior team but the more times Canada can get out there in the world, the better it’ll be long-term.

It will be interesting to see how the junior men and women do at their worlds later this summer. And that’ll give me something to write about every now and then.

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I swear I looked up at the TV yesterday afternoon to watch some of TOD and I saw Bronson Arroyo on hill for the Redlegs.

Guess that’s why they call the NL the Senior Circuit, he’s got to be about 192 years old, no?

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Speaking of the draft, I’ve got to correct a bit of misinformation I put out here a couple of months ago.

The second-round pick the HOTH got in the Dallas deal is not for this year, they currently don’t have a pick after No. 5 but I’m pretty sure as the draft unfolds, Bryan will be working the phones trying to make some magic happen.

Oh, and I bet you’re all waiting to see who goes to the Bulls at No. 28 to find out if he’s better than James Johnson is right now.

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Man, how time flies.

I was reminded yesterday that it’s been 25 years – a quarter of a century – since Len Bias died in what was one of the most tragic sports stories of my lifetime.

Not sure how many of you young ‘uns would remember the story: Great, great college basketball player out of Maryland, drafted second by the Celtics and the heir apparent to Larry Bird in what would another seamless transition from one Boston era to the next.

Two days later? Dead. Cardiac arrhythmia brought on by cocaine use.

I think it was a watershed moment in the intersection of drugs in society and professional sports, not a wake-up call per se but the first time a lot of people had come face-to-face with the dangers of that drug. It was a story that resonated, put a personal face on a societal plague.

I can’t write about it too well or with authority because I didn’t really know that much about it but you should read this piece by Bill Simmons.

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Comments

[Vince]

Knight can help right away? What do you base that on?
He's 19, rail-thin, a poor passer and missed some games in his freshman year.
And how do you leave Walker off the list of immediate-impact players?
He's 21, versatile and a leader, not to mention a CHAMPION.
For a GM looking for immediate dividends, Walker is the guy. Advanced metrics support this view, as do the two head-to-head games they played this year.

Blogger's note: Not if you're the GMs I talk to. Maybe the ones you have conversations with are different.

[JHK]

Can you elaborate on what the GMs you talk to are saying about Kemba Walker? I thought he was very intriguing from the footage I saw but then again, I'm no expert on scouting...

Blogger's note: Very slight, probably 3rd best PG available, other options for wings/bigs are better

[Mario]

Is Walker out of the Picture at #5? I haven't herd much on him since his workout.

Blogger's note: Not entirely out of the picture but down the list

[dave]

I look forward to your insight on the albeit short (20 min) time you have to see b-smack play. although a definite unpolished gamble, his work ethic it seems are quite intriguing - from what i've read and briefly viewed.

thanks Doug

Blogger's note: Workout's in New York, we won't see it

[Jeff H]

I still remember that draft. I was a 14 yr old kid whose life revoloved around basketball. I thought Bias was the coolest player in College.

I was a Sixers fan at the time, and just remember thinking "crap, Boston starts another dynasty right here".

And then the guy goes and dies 2 days later. Nowadays, it wouldn't be such a big deal. But back then, his death was huge.

[Vince]

CHAMPION is not subjective.

[Jon Chism]

I'm not up on the TV lingo ,what is Treme?
I would like the Rators to get a big with their #5 ,if available Valanciunas or Vesely but as you say it will depend alot on the picks from 1 to 4 and whos available

Blogger's note: Excellent HBO show, you should see it

[Shawn F]

Hey Doug, question that may be better in mailbag but here goes anyway. Wouldn't it have been preferable to have a coach in place before the draft? I would assume the man who will be in charge of the on court action of the team would have some opinion on who is coming in. Some feedback from your coach can't hurt. Thoughts?

Blogger's note: Yeah, it'd be better, which is why I expect it to happen

[Chooch Peters]

Im with the person above - Im not talking to GM's but everything from sports internet driven site, to basketball internet sites, to what other reporters are saying who are talking to the same GM's as Doug, other teams are reporting in thier work-outs, old coaches, current college coaches...from that I've heard Walker is more ready then Knight. Who the Raptors take? depends on who the Jazz take at three - cause the Jazz are taking a PG. I never thought Kawhi being an option, now it seems like he just might be. Just because Jim Kelly lives on the west coast - does that mean all our draft picks are going to come from thier now too!???

[DerekS]

Morning Doug,
Speaking of "future projects", any word on how Solomon Alabi is progressing in his development? I know when we drafted him last year that it was understood he was likely still a couple of years away, but I also got the impression that it was a bit of a "coup" for the Raps to be able to get him as late as they did.
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He saw very little playing time last year (which I don't quite understand, given how bad the Raps were, and how early they were out of any playoff contention). Have you heard what he's been doing in the off-season, and how well he's progressing? I assume he'll be playing in the summer league again, but any chance he makes the team next year?

Blogger's note: He has a contract for next year; no idea how or what he's doing but I cannot imagine he's going to come back better than any of the three bigs already ahead of him on the depth chart and likely not as good as anyone they add. And there is no summer league

[Mich G.]

I'm not sure if you mentioned it but will you be doing an IDBT? (in draft blog thingy). It would be much appreciated.

Blogger's note: Still to be determined, actually.

[ren]

You mentioned on the Fan that the coach would probably be in place by Saturday night. What's going on ? Do you think there is a snag? They are not giving the new coach that much time, are they? Is it possible someone else is in the running, and Colangelo is having a hard time to make a decision? It seems Casey was a shoe in. Who else could be making him think this much? Van Gundy? Now that would be awesome...

I am really surprised Walker has dropped (or so it seems) out of contention for the Raps. Are you?

Blogger's note: Dropped? He's always been the third best PG in the draft from Day 1. If they chose to take a big or a wing over him, it's because they think he's better player. It's really not complicated

[Jeff H]

Never got into Treme....but I've been watching Game of Thrones on HBO lately (season 1 finale was last night). If you haven't watched it, I highly recommend checking it out.

[Blake Kennedy]

"Little buddy Bieber"? I just totally imagined you as Alan Hale, Jr. smacking Justin Bieber with his own hat in a fit of rage. It works because of the greyness of your hair (a plague affecting us all more and more).
.
Man, the places this blog goes...

[Wallace]

Hi Doug,

I think your assessment is bang on.....Knight if he is available, and if not, then Leonard is the pick. Two quick questions: If they take Leonard, would the Raptors look to trade James Johnson? And, if Kanter should happen to be available at five, do they take him?
Thanks.

Blogger's note: Doubt it

[doug]

good to see Rory win yesterday, good kid and just a joy to watch...fans love class and it showed by how the crowd embraced him....to those wondering if Casey is the next coach it's just not a matter of handing him the job, contracts need to be written up, negotiated, issues to be settled such as pay, role on team besides being head coach such as his input etc, assistant coaches he prefers ..plus believe it or not he has to accept the position...and just a hint for those discussing a players place in the draft order/value etc...that question won't be answered on thursday night it will be answered in 3 years time if by then...and any "expert" that tries to pass opinion off as fact is a snake oil salesman, such as Mel Kuiper in the NFL..

[ChrisD1]

Doug - I dunno, Im still a little baffled by the almost 'Casey' Signing. Yes Lawrence Frank seemed a bit difficult, but his players enjoyed playing for him AND he's a great tactician. Casey has been a top lieutenant for some great coaches, but it's not like these great coaches skipped a beat when he left. BC wanted experience and it seems Casey is an experienced assistant..kinda like what we had in Triano. I dunno, I hope I'm wrong, but I have a feeling this is the absolute wrong way to go.

[Dave]

Do you know what "spoiler alert" means? Thanks for ruining Treme for me this week. Not everyone has watched last night's show by 10 am this morning.

Blogger's note: More than a few people have, actually

[anonymous]

My good god Doug! Give some spoiler alerts when you announce the deaths of prominent characters in TV shows, not everybody watches these shows live anymore!

Blogger's note: Your loss, was a great show

[Nick]

Hey Doug,
Are any of the euros nba ready right now? Last time I checked they gave bc two more years....I don't think he has time to develop or else his own behind will be gone. KEMBA WALKER!!!!!! I will get season seats right after.

[Dave]

I guess that most coaches in the league have evaluated most of the top talent in the draft already, but it does seem like Colangelo is taking the coach out of the draft decision by waiting so long on the hire, doesn't it?

I am surprised to see you list Biyombo as even a long shot for the Raps...I havn't seen him projected even close to that in any internet fodder that's out there. (Then watch as he turns out to be Ibaka 2.0) The more I read about Leonard,, the more it seems like they'll pick him (assuming Knight is gone), he's another kid from the Compton area - ready to connect with DeRozan, and Johnson...and apparently plays defence!

[Jacques]

Doug, which current Raptors won't be back next year? How do they let walk?

Blogger's note: No idea right now. Weems and Wright most likely

[jeff]

hey doug

stick to basketball please or at least dont spoil shows the day after they come out. really? telling us about a death on a show less than 12 hours after it airs? some of us dont stay home during the summer to watch shows live. shame.

Blogger's note: No, I'm not going to stick to basketball

[Shawn]

Hi Doug,

Any chatter about Alec Burks?... He has great size for PG/SG... have the raps worked him out?... I know he is projected to go late in the lottery... Just wondering if you've heard anything about him.

Thanks

Blogger's note: Nope. They liked him in the season, though

[Ewandro]

Jeff H said: It works because of the greyness of your hair (a plague affecting us all more and more).
... I would like to have more grey hair ... in fact ... more hair on the top of my head ...
Doug, I have nothing specifically against AB, but I would like to know if you see some possible trades involving him? Any news regarding Leandro?

Blogger's note: Haven't heard a peep either way