Raptors 2009 offseason thread - Page 11 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

killer_carlson · 07-24-2009, 09:07 AM

With respect to the Jack / Bosh situation, you have to remember that TJ Ford was a buddy of Bosh's before they brought him in. He was brought in at the expense of a very popular player with the fans (Villenueva). This was supposed to be the next great buddy guard forward tandem. TJ was moved so I don't think that Colangelo will balk at the idea of moving Jack if it is better for the team. He's done it before.

I don't mind the Jack move, but would really like to see us get Rasho. I think that a big european veteran with a championship ring (or two?) is a really good thing for the raptors given the long term committment to Hedo and Bargniani

Gozer · 07-24-2009, 10:50 AM

Any news on Rasho?

Cheese · 07-24-2009, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gozer

Any news on Rasho?

He'ssssssssss bacccccccccckkkkk

I wanna be like Miikka · 07-25-2009, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheese

He'ssssssssss bacccccccccckkkkk

Perfect, I am really liking the way this team is looking. They have much more depth and more all round talent then previous years. They are not a powerhouse in the east but should be a good bet to make the playoffs. Once in the big show hopefully they can find some chemistry and make something happen.

bluejays · 07-27-2009, 05:00 PM

Not a Raps deal, but I'd call pretty close to a blockbuster - Chandler for Okafor. I don't know how Charlotte did this one, but whoever did it should be fired. Chandler is injury prone moreso than Okafor. While Okafor may not be a franchise player, he's a solid guy to have down low and to get back only Chandler is very questionable in my mind.

Ziggy Lidstrom · 07-27-2009, 11:50 PM

^^ I think both teams need a change of scenery. Okafor was a number 2 overall pick and has been nothing short of underwhelming considering that draft slot. The funny thing is that Chandler was #2 as well.

I don't like the trade from Charlotte's standpoint since Okafor was their first ever draft pick. Some loyalty hey?

bluejays · 07-28-2009, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ziggy Lidstrom

^^ I think both teams need a change of scenery. Okafor was a number 2 overall pick and has been nothing short of underwhelming considering that draft slot. The funny thing is that Chandler was #2 as well.

I don't like the trade from Charlotte's standpoint since Okafor was their first ever draft pick. Some loyalty hey?

I agree 100 percent that a change of scenery was necessary, but as you said, some loyalty would have been nice, along with a better return. Don't get me wrong, Chandler's good and all, but straight up for Okafor? I'm not so sure.

Gozer · 07-28-2009, 10:27 AM

Ziggy Lidstrom · 07-28-2009, 12:48 PM

Isn't that what adnan virk said post-signing announcement to jack with sherm and bosh there?

That is awesome Goze!!!

I want that for my avatar!!!

ps, you'd think a they would get a better return, but I think both teams are happy enough to just simply move on from either player. Charlotte gets worse IMO. Okafor was a solid rebounder and defensive presence. Chandler is springy with injury woes and won't survive offensively without CP3 running shop.

Gozer · 07-28-2009, 02:10 PM

I don't know how much playing time we can expect from Rasho, but the Raptors' team defence should be improved by his presence. In the last pre-Rasho season (2005-06), Toronto's Defensive Rating (points allowed per 100 possessions) was 29th in the league. In the two subsequent Rasho seasons, Toronto finished 12th and 13th in the league in that category. Last season? Their defence dropped down to 22nd place.
-Raptorblog

JohnnyFlame · 07-28-2009, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gozer

I don't know how much playing time we can expect from Rasho, but the Raptors' team defence should be improved by his presence. In the last pre-Rasho season (2005-06), Toronto's Defensive Rating (points allowed per 100 possessions) was 29th in the league. In the two subsequent Rasho seasons, Toronto finished 12th and 13th in the league in that category. Last season? Their defence dropped down to 22nd place.
-Raptorblog

Well I wouldn't stack it all up to Rasho but he is a good solid veteran center. He can come in and do his job unlike a dufus like POB. Wright plays good defense. Jack is a good defender. Evans a solid defender, very good rebounder and adds a huge wallop of toughness.

Iavaroni could well be the most important offseason acquisition. Because improved defense is the only way they make any noise.

JohnnyFlame · 07-29-2009, 10:42 PM

BC does it again--this is a heck of an offseason for Raptors fans. Raps have been chasing Belinelli for a long time and they land him just for stinkin George? Wow.

pria(kin)16 · 07-29-2009, 10:56 PM

Very slowly the depth has been building. In BC i trust, even if it does look like a Euroleague all star team. If Bosh doesn't reup with them for max money (which at this point he's not even worth, but they should still pay it, which sucks to say) he's an idiot. BC has remade the Raps and hopefully they can gel and be a threat in the bottom half of East playoff teams.

JohnnyFlame · 07-30-2009, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pria(kin)16

Very slowly the depth has been building. In BC i trust, even if it does look like a Euroleague all star team. If Bosh doesn't reup with them for max money (which at this point he's not even worth, but they should still pay it, which sucks to say) he's an idiot. BC has remade the Raps and hopefully they can gel and be a threat in the bottom half of East playoff teams.

I really think these moves have got them into the 4/5 battle with Atlanta conceding the first three spots to the Cavs, Magic and Celtics.

Belinelli is one very good offensive player with an excellent shot. Him out there at the 2 with Calderon, Turk, Bosh and Bargs is a matchup nightmare. They are going to score points no doubt. Or they can play DD as a starter and have Beli for offense on the 2nd unit. Jack, Beli, Wright, Rasho and Evans is a very solid backup group. ALL of them can defend. Evans will get the garbage points and rebounds. Rasho has a solid if limited offensive game. Wright can slash. Jack and Beli can score.

Plus various combinations. I can see them getting back to where they were upper tier offensively and back to being mediocre defensively. If Iavaroni can just get them to play a committed game defensively they have the bench to keep the pressure up. They can spread the fouls around and have fresh bodies out there a lot of the time.

That on paper(and that's all it is) should be enough to try and snag that fourth/fifth spot. Which is what it's going to come down to IMO to winning that elusive first round series. They sure as heck don't want to run into the top three right off the bat.

A lot of parellels between them and the Flames. They both add the top free agent. They both add guys who are solid two way players and dump the one dimensional types. They both add a coach(head and assistant) who demand that players pay attention to defensive duties.

I wasn't looking forward to the Raps next year and it all looked gloom and doom. Now I see the chances of them at least winning a round and Bosh resigning as at least 65/35.

bluejays · 07-30-2009, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyFlame

BC does it again--this is a heck of an offseason for Raptors fans. Raps have been chasing Belinelli for a long time and they land him just for stinkin George? Wow.

I agree that he's done everything in his power this off-season to improve the team greatly. Although the Belinelli deal is a solid one, I still don't get the Euro love. Again it comes down to getting Euro's for the sake of getting Euro's. Centre is still a little suspect along with toughness and most importantly clutch shooting, but this team is looking solid and deep. I guess Delfino's holding of Colangelo to a ransom has just backfired.

octothorp · 07-31-2009, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fleury

I agree that he's done everything in his power this off-season to improve the team greatly. Although the Belinelli deal is a solid one, I still don't get the Euro love. Again it comes down to getting Euro's for the sake of getting Euro's. Centre is still a little suspect along with toughness and most importantly clutch shooting, but this team is looking solid and deep. I guess Delfino's holding of Colangelo to a ransom has just backfired.

I think part of the euro-love is that these are guys that are more likely to love Toronto and Canada, and in turn will really appeal to the Raptors' international audience. If you take a competent group of international players who will form a stable core, this will breed winning, and in turn will attract the key American players you need to build an elite team. At least, My guess is that this is the theory. Though it's not like Turkoglu or anyone else took a discount to play in Toronto.

JohnnyFlame · 07-31-2009, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fleury

I agree that he's done everything in his power this off-season to improve the team greatly. Although the Belinelli deal is a solid one, I still don't get the Euro love. Again it comes down to getting Euro's for the sake of getting Euro's. Centre is still a little suspect along with toughness and most importantly clutch shooting, but this team is looking solid and deep. I guess Delfino's holding of Colangelo to a ransom has just backfired.

If you don't like Euro love then you can't be much of a fan of the Flames and Sutter. Flames have a pretty distinct flavor on the team in case you hadn't noticed. Lot of guys playing were they are comfortable. Ditto the Raptors situation. Plus they aren't picking up Euro scrubs. Beli is only 23 and with plenty of upside. Guy is the perfect pickup for the them. Eliminates the need for Delfino and they gave up zilch to get him. So solid deal--He could be their starting SG or their best scorer off the bench and they got him for absolutely nothing.

Lot of underating of these deals on admittedly a hockey board. That and with one of the reasons being exactly how the Flames operate I find it a little weird.

Gozer · 07-31-2009, 09:17 AM

I really like the Belinelli move.

malcolmk14 · 07-31-2009, 10:13 AM

I don't think it's underrating these deals, JF. I think you're greatly overrating them. They still can't rebound. I would be willing to make a friendly wager that they don't win 45 games.

I think they make the playoffs this year, but only because of the lack of talent in the East otherwise.

My guess is a 40-42 finish and an 8th seed, swept by Cleveland in the first round.

killer_carlson · 07-31-2009, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by malcolmk14

I don't think it's underrating these deals, JF. I think you're greatly overrating them. They still can't rebound. I would be willing to make a friendly wager that they don't win 45 games.

I think they make the playoffs this year, but only because of the lack of talent in the East otherwise.

My guess is a 40-42 finish and an 8th seed, swept by Cleveland in the first round.

I'll take that bet. A $10.00 donation to CP. I think they will win 45 games or more.