Bit of a blah night but what else was expected?

Look at it this way:

All those operators they had standing by for season ticket orders had an easy night.

Seriously, though, it was a pretty lame draft from start to finish all throughout the league – where were all those trades we heard about? – and there was a pretty big “blah” factor when the HOTH came to make their pick.

For now, at least.

Here’s the truth of the matter: You don’t know and I don’t know and they don’t know for certainty whether Terrence Ross is going to be a prospect or a suspect and none of the hand-wringing or name calling is going to change that fact.

It’s probably going to be late 2013 or early 2014 before we know what he really is and that’s entirely understandable.

Could there have been a better pick?

I don’t know.

Sure, Austin Rivers was the flavour of the moment, in part because of name recognition, in part because people had seen him play on TV, in part because he’d be touted a few places.

But, as Dwane explained in the story, they didn’t think he could shoot the ball well enough right now to be the pick and he needs the ball in his hands to be effective and that wasn’t going to happen in a million years if they hit a free agency home run with You Know Who From Phoenix.

Sure, Andre Drummond was on everyone’s mind because he was kind of driving the draft as far as these fellows were concerned. But he’s also a centre, the last thing anyone wanted was two rookie centres to break in during the same season.

And, no, there was no “take Drummond and trade him” possibilities; no one wanted him that badly and it made no sense to take him without a surefire guarantee because if you got stuck with him, you were screwed. Yes, they tried; no, it didn’t work. Get over it.

Look, they tell me Terrence Ross can shoot and he can defend and he’s athletic and a good kid. All probably true.

He was also the consensus pick among the coaches and executives in the room, I’m told, for what that’s worth.

Look, there wasn’t a home run to be hit in this draft as it turned out; they had a list of three, those three were gone so it was time to move to the next name. That was Terrence Ross, for good or bad or indifferent and we’ll let you know sometime late next season whether it was a good pick, a bad pick, an indifferent pick.

It was a blah draft all around; it was a blah night around these parts. But they did what they thought was best for real and well thought out reasons; who knows if they will eventually be proved right.

But the truth of the matter is, they weren’t going to get a franchise changer at No. 8 even if they got one of those three other guys; the real work of keeping this team going forward begins with free agency on Sunday.

-

So we’re doing the IGBT: Draft Version and there’s two notable missing pieces:

Do you think Paolo and Sportschick were out getting their hair cut in a zany Mohawk as a tribute to Mario Balotelli?

That was as good a soccer game as maybe there’s been in the knockout round of Euro2012; some goals, some attacking, some play that took the bad taste of the plodding Spain-Portugal game away.

And, no, I’m not telling you who I like in Sunday’s final, I don’t need people mad at me.

-

Mail?

Gonna be busy today – Ross and Quincy Acy are in at 1 p.m., have other stuff to write, the women’s hoops to follow and a rare radio show to do from 5-7 (yeah, they’re way down the list at the McCown show but you should listen if you can) – but we’ll find time somehow to do it.

Click. Write. Send.

-

So what did Bryan say?

What you’d expect.

It was a pick they’re comfortable with, had some trade talks but nothing came of them and they are more athletic with Ross than they were.

I’m sure he, like everyone associated with the team, was a little disappointed that the three guys at the top of the list were gone but what can you do? It didn’t work out; you deal with it and move on and see what happens.

But he did dangle on tiny carrot that might get you a bit, well, I don’t know what the right word is:

“(We) still have 48 hours or thereabouts until we go into the next salary cap year … so within the next 24 to 48 hours we’re going to exploring some conversations that we’ve been having. As the dust settles on the draft, team needs become very apparent but we are still armed with that cap flexibility that we have in this salary cap year.”

Do I expect something in the next day?

No, not at all. I think they will – and should – save as much money as they can for after Sunday (hello, Mr. Nash) and see if they can’t plug holes the other way.

One thing I don’t think they can do is use the amnesty clause too early. Yes, it’s all well and good to add to the money they have and they could get to a nice big number over $20 million but what if you amnesty someone and then get nothing in free agency? Then you’re screwed. You’ve got money, can’t spend it and glaring holes in your roster. Makes no sense to me.

-

At least there’s this.

Yeah, that’s Linas Kleiza making about 17 three-pointers in a row and it doesn’t mean much but I figured you want to see it.

 

-

Was nice catching up a bit with Damon Stoudamire before the draft, though.

Hadn’t seen him in a while – he’s an assistant coach at the University of Memphis now – and we, of course, got to chatting about his draft night so many years ago.

And we again relived one of those “what if” moments when were talking about it.

“There kind of wasn’t a whole lot of anticipation I knew what was going to happen, that was discussed way back in November. It wasn’t like something that I didn’t know.

“If Kevin Garnett didn’t go to Minnesota, Minnesota was going to draft me and if Kevin Garnett was gone I was coming here."

"I already knew that was going to happen.”

Hmmm, KG in Toronto. That would have altered the course of history, wouldn’t it have?

-

 

 

 

Comments

[Canadian Paul]

Told you those 2 wins against Atlanta and Boston back in April were going to come back and haunt them. Big picture, Doug. Big picture.

[DermWill]

where's the love for 3 Canadians taken in a draft? That must be a record, right?

Blogger's note: Probably is; all good for them

[coachd]

Hi Doug,
This team wasn't going to built through last night's draft. Probably got good assets in Ross and Acy,but the real fun begins in 36 hours.I imagine the pressure is on Colangelo to do something special or else it could signal the end of his tenure in Toronto. Plus, it was nice to see 3 canadians selected last night, with more to come in the next couple of years. Has to bode well for the National program having this many canadians in the NBA.

[511]

Maybe it’s just me being a ‘team-fan’ (as opposed to only being a ‘game-fan’) but ... after about five minutes of searching online, I was right onboard with the pick. Just one (other) guy’s observations, but among what I was glad to read was “very good court vision ... lacks a conscience ... excellent pass denial ... great footwork in face-up game ... good 3pt and mid range shooter ... shot has good lift and form ... exciting dunker in traffic or off lobs with exceptional contortion abilities and body control in air ... length and ball instincts make him a great rebounder for a guard ...” and there was more. A few ‘weaknesses‘ as well, but nothing that Casey-and-company won’t be able to coach out of him. And I liked what Casey had to say about T Ross’ character, what he thinks of him as a person. Bottom line, I like this pick. Nothing ‘blah’ about it, as far as I’m concerned.

[Grant]

Terrance Ross instead of Andre Drummond reminds me of Rafael Araujo instead of Andre Iguodala in 2004 - a reach to fill a need rather than taking the better talent that falls to you. The executives of this team have clearly shifted into a win now mode and abandoned their do the right thing for the future of the franchise philosophy. Seems to me that a lot of teams would give up something worthwhile for, say, Andre Drummond and Ed Davis - but not so much for Terrance Ross and Ed Davis. 40 wins and the eighth seed here we come!

[Ren]

TRoss was the best player left on the board. On paper. Simple as that. And that is the best that could be done. I have to say, however, that I called Acy!!! Love the pick!

[Tim]

Hey Doug, not loving the new site set-up, makes it a little diffucult to find your blog. Is there a new button available on the basketball page?

Thanks

Blogger's note: Will pass on concerns

[John_S]

100% agree with Canadian Paul.

Doug, I respect your opinion but vehemently disagree with your previous blogs where you state that slipping in the draft is no big deal. Clearly last night it was a HUGE deal as the Raps were one coin flip away from Barnes. Granted, I've never seen Ross play (which is exactly what you'd point out) but Barnes would have filled a real need for the Raps. I don't think that Derozan is strong enough to guard 3s on a regular basis so sliding him over as Casey & Colangelo were suggesting seems like a stretch.

And if I recall, there was an SI article prior to the 95 draft that said that Thomas coveted KG and that KG wanted to come here but once Minny saw his workout they were locked in. In that case it was the difference in two spots (or one spot as TO could have gotten the 6th pick instead of getting the 1st pick in the expansion draft) that "would have altered the course of history." Slipping in the draft does matter which is why those meaningless wins count. For you to continually belitte the draft is confounding when the draft is the most realistic way for Toronto to get better. Free agents don't come here and when they do it's usually because we overpay them. And trades only work when we accumulate assets.

Sorry to sound crusty Doug... just when I see you write about how Toronto had to settle for the next best thing when we were one pick away from our top 3 choices and knowing that you've written blogs where you completely belittled slipping one spot in the draft makes my eyes go cross-eyed.

[Rob F]

Doug, quick overview of what they are dealing with this free agency in terms of dollars. They have roughly 10 million currently plus MLE to play with at this time?

Blogger's note: No MLE if they're under cap; more on the weekend

[sam]

As expected, the pick of Terrance Ross and BC's sanity is being called into question in some parts of the world wide web this morning - There has been a lot of BC should have done this, why didn't he trade - to borrow a phrase...."blah blah blah."
I for one don't understand the anxiety - I didn't know any of the prospective draft players, so I'm okay with Ross and the rationale behind him joining the HOTH. In reality there are very few draft picks that can come into the NBA and make an immediate impact.
I heard BC on the radio this morning and his take is the next 48 hours we might see some action - that Jose is in play, maybe traded or amnestied. There are three or four scenarios out there and the team plans on being aggresive. It may be a busy few days for Mr Smith - while I soak up the Muskoka sunshine with friends, good food, a few Stella's -
Cheers, Doug and Irregulars - enjoy the Canada Day long weekend!

[Mr. Cook]

For tall foreheads or even just tech guys that happen to be reading: I'm running the latest Firefox browser and Doug's page is all kinds of messed up--at first I thought the IGBT threw it off but even when I click through to individual blog post it is...umm...not right (none of the banners appear correctly, all hyperlinks to other sections of the paper are crammed together on the top right without spaces between them, the horizontal centering is off...etc). Happy to send a screenshot.

[skiff]

I'm on the fence about the draft, mostly because I've never heard of the kid, so I'll give him a chance....BC's pulled some gems out of similar spots in the past. However, I still think those meaningless extra 5 or 6 wins this season hurt them a lot. Top end draft picks make teams successful, and slipping into the usual oblivion of 7-16 is the death knell for a team (as evidenced by the last 10 years of Raptor's history.)

Free agency only works when you are an attractive destination, and the Raptor's are not...even for Nash. I love Nash, but he's out of his mind if he thinks about signing here. He wants to repeat his last two useless seasons in Phoenix by coming here when there's at least 3 contenders he can join and take a shot at a ring. I'd like him less if he came here, and the rumour mongering (hello Star) should stop. He's not signing here.

Not to mention, I feel like Nash to Raptor's supporters are hypocrites because they are among the many who laugh at the Leafs when they sign an aging hometown boy for one last deal because he's "what this team needs to win/grow/whatever". Yet that's what people want the Raptors to do?? Hilarious.

Let's be rational about this (and I say this as someone who LOVES!!!! Steve Nash)...a rebuilding team is going to blow most of their cap to sign a 39 year olf PG because he's a great leader and is Canadian? That's the right basketball move? Smells like the right "marketing" move when your team is probably going no where for another season or two.

I don't mean to sound snarky, but I can't help but think about Gilmour's or Clark's returns to the Leafs here...and those were useless. Nash is AMAZING, he's earned the right to do anything he wants, and I'd support any decision he makes at this point in his life. But the Raptor's throwing the boat at him isn't the right basketball decision for them, and it's not the right decision for Nash. I know he's not about chasing championships, but let's face it...he's a competitive guy and the championship is the goal of every worthwhile player in the NBA, every year. That won't happen here, so why sign here?

[Tim H.]

Hey Doug:

You must have had at least a tiny smile on your face when you typed this:

“I didn’t think I would go this high, but I’m happy I am,” said Ross. “I know I can make an impact at the next level and I’m just happy to be where I’m at.”

It almost sounds as if you wrote it for him!

[Tim H.]

@Mr. Cook - exact same problems here. I hope it gets fixed soon - it DOES make it difficult to navigate.

[Matt Daub]

July 1st we can sign free agents...Also Canada Day, Steve Nash, Canadian, coincidence or fate? Would make for one heck of a press conference, then they would have to get the season tickets people ready to man the phones!

Blogger's note: Can't sign 'em until July 11

[Mark]

Don't know if everybody saw many Washington games the past couple years, but I did and this kid can BALL! He could end up being better than Beal, Waiters and maybe Barnes too. We don't know yet. All the tools are there for Ross. Welcome to the best city in the world!

[doug]

in all the years of watching and playing b-ball I am aware of one fact...you can't teach athleticism or shooting...i am a fan of the pick as we need shooters, as shooters open up the floor and keep other teams honest....ok cheers, let's review this draft in 2-3 years....

[joeu]

@John_S

You use the phrase "meaningless wins" when referring to a professional competitive sports team. For you to continually belittle the foundation of the integrity of any competitive sport is confounding, whereas teaching a team to win games under all circumstances, without exception, and without excuse, is the most realistic way for Toronto to get better. Free agents don't come here and when they do it's only because they think they can win with the team and the organization.

Sorry to sound crusty John_S ... just when I see you write about how Toronto had to settle for the next best thing when we were one pick away from our top 3 choices and knowing that it's just not that linear ( The flapping of a butterfly's wings in Oakland, my friend ... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butterfly_effect ) makes my eyes go cross-eyed.

[Dennis]

I know next to nothing about college basketball and never watched any of these prospects play. What I do know is the Raptors draft history, and this without a doubt means they missed out on a much better player just 1 or 2 picks after they selected.

Raptors when selecting in the top 10:

2012 - Terrance Ross (unknown quantity)
2011 - Jonas V (unknown quantity)
2009 - Derozan (missed out on Jennings, Holiday, and Lawson)
2006 - Bargnani (missed out on Aldridge)
2005 - Charlie V (missed out on Bynum, also selected Joey Graham one spot before Granger)
2004 - Araujo (missed out on Igoudala)
2003 - Bosh (missed out on Wade)

Even in the years they made really good top 10 selections ('98, '03, '06), they missed out on great ones. The raps have never hit a home run in the draft and thus have been NBA bottom feeders for most of thier existance.

Here's hoping either Jonas or Terrance are indeed home run hits and good times are ahead! Unfortunately close to 20 years of Raptors history suggests otherwise...

[Alex]

Either you like the pick or you dont. It always sounds like your defending the organization. It would be so refreshing for once to see Doug take a solid position even if its controversial. Sounds like Doug is taking the middle ground as usual because you dont want to hurt anyone's feelings. Bryan Colangelo has been an utter failure the last 4 years in this organization and deserves to be criticised. Terrible signings and terrible picks including last nights. Toronto fans deserve a competent GM.. BC needs to go!

Blogger's note: It's a blah pick we know nothing about. Can't be much clearer than that; sorry to not rush to judgement like some but it's not my style. Plus, it's stupid to do it now, kid hasn't even practiced against NBA guys. Yawn

[Wallace]

I like the pick. Ross is a pure shooter, athletic and can defend, which is exactly what the Raptors needed. Why the blahs? Rivers will be a good pick for NO, but Ross has a skill set better suited to the Raptors current needs. The rest of the comparisons smack of the Ed O'Bannon chants of 1995.

[Moshigh]

@ Denis, I agree with you to a extent. Arujo is the one really bust on that list. If im correct, Raptors wanted TJ Ford in previous year draft but picked Bosh (Dick Vital slammed Raptors for picking Bosh, sayin it would take 5 yrs for him to devlop).

They got TJ in trade for Charlie V and TJ had couple good years until Al Horford ruined his career.

Raptors had Vince Carter in Bosh year draft (remember him one of the best players in the league), hence reason they wouldnt pick another 2 guard

Joey Graham was a bad pick, many teams had serious concerns about his knee.

Ok Im a man, so I will have to say could this be happening Nash to Toronto. I thought it could never even be a chance. But Colangelo sounds like he is up to something. If Nash could give Toronto 2 yrs why not ride the wave. I didnt agree before but I do now.

If they could get Nash and flip Calderon for a decent player or players. It may be a good move.

Difference with the leafs they were bringing in aged players who havent been good for like 3 or 4 years!!

Nash is still one of the best passing/shooting point guards in the league.

[Mr. Cook]

@Dennis "Have never hit a home run with the draft"

Vince Carter, Damon Stoudemire, Tracy McGrady...nothing wrong with those picks, all of them had fantastic starts to their careers. That the team couldn't translate that into a championship is not a reflection on how good those draft picks are. Nevermind that JV may very well turn into the second best player entering the NBA this year.

In any case, this is why Doug describes the Draft as a crapshoot--it really is. The consensus best player in college is often not the best player in the NBA among his class once they move there. Rookie seasons also have funny ways of spinning perception as well because minutes and team position influence statistics: Tyreke Evans tore it up his first year, now? Not so much. The Spurs end up with unremarkable stat rookies and yet they develop into fantastic NBA players because of coaching and veteran leadership. The draft is a collection of elite college players, nothing more. There are 332 (I'm pretty sure) D-I schools in the NCAA, with 15 man rosters. That's 4980 players. Take the best person you know that plays basketball (unless they already go to a D-I school) and think about this: They would likely be destroyed on a basketball court by player 4980th in DI. The draft class would therefore statistically be something like 1250 players between seniors and early elections to the draft, we picked the 8th best. He is evidently the 2nd or 3rd best SG. He can shoot, his athletic capability is excellent and his defensive footwork should please the Raptors coach. How that translates into an automatic assumption that he won't play well in the NBA is beyond me, this stuff takes time.

[Phil A]

When the commissioner announced that the Raptors were selecting Terrance Ross as the number 8 pick, the first thing that came to mind was 'Who?'. After doing some research and reading scouting reports on this individual, he seems to be the type of the player that would fill the Raptors need. He's long, athletic, he's an above average defender and best of all, he's a good shooter. He also has the ability to play the shooting guard and small forward position. Just because we never heard of this guy, doesn't mean he's a bust. There are a lot of talented players who come from unknown schools who can contribute to an NBA team.

[Rob.V]

Yeah, this business is tough isn't it?
-
If the Raptors had selected Drummond then everyone would have called BC insane for taking a young big with another young big in JV coming over. Sort of like when Dave Kahn selected back to back point guards a couple of seasons ago because he thought they were the 2 best picks at the time.
-
Kahn was crucified in the media for it so I can see why a team would shy away from that type of scenario.
-
No we didn't get the "sexy" name! however lets at least give the kid a summer league before we label him Arujo please.
-
Oh, and for the record. The Raptors sat Calderon, AB, and DeMar the last couple of games. They WERE trying to lose... NJ and Golden State were just better at it than we were.
-
Let's look at the positives here. They have a few long and athletic wing players in DeMar (swore he looked 6-9 last night), JJ 6-8, and now this kid at 6-6-7?.
-
If they sign Nash and say a G.Wallace or trade for another starter then they have to be in the mix for the playoffs (with AB, and Bayless able to play a full season).
-
Let's see what happens on Sunday.