Quote:
Originally Posted by fleury
Alright, I may be overreacting, but I did read an article (maybe on TSN), before the FA period began, which Nash specifically made it clear Toronto was an intriguing possibility. He knew what situation the Raps were in, and I'd have been much more happy if he said, "the Raptors are in a rebuilding mode, and I'm looking to go to a team where my chances are higher". Granted he acknowledged they struggled, but with him at the helm, they could have signed/traded for better players to surround him. He knew what the situation was before, and he led it on. I don't know if they were a bargaining chip or not, but to me, it hurts that he wasn't upfront with them. The Raps needed him bigtime and there's nothing more they could have done to entice him in the near future.
As for why the Raptors are pursuing Nash or another PG? Simple. Bayless absolutely has no court vision - he's a backup for life; and Calderon can't play defence if his life depended on it. I'm not a Calderon hater. I actually think he's a top 20 PG, but Calderon is not a game changer (as good as his offence is). Forget the business aspect of bringing in Nash. Nash would've been able to attract others to come to TO. I don't think the other names out there are that much of an upgrade now, so I don't mind sticking with Calderon for this season.
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Turns out Nash was fine with coming to Toronto and was going to choose between them and New York and then the Lakers swooped in and it sounds like being close to his kids played a huge part. Nash didn't lead them on at all.
Calderon is easily a top 20 PG, his advanced statistics make him look really realllly good. There was a great article on the upgrade Nash gives the Raptors, not being that great. Now mind you, the revenue, the players Nash could bring in, the excitement and everything else would've been worth it. Nash cannot defend well at all either. Bayless is still just fine with me as a backup PG, not a natural passer but he can be a positive player for the Raptors when playing.
The one good part of this all, is we have Dwayne Casey. And Casey has a lot more to work with then last season and if this team can stay healthy, they may be able to still get into those playoffs.