It looks unlikely now as many have reported that the Raps have turned down the offer. Which sucks. With 2 one dimensional players it is impossible contend. It might be impossible to contend with a single one dimensional players on your team.
I look at the Spurs and Heat, and I see players who can at the very least defend and shoot. The Raptors IMO don't have that or players even close to that caliber.
I'm with Moon on this one. If you're going to rebuild, you gotta do it right. Fan's understand that if you tell them a reasonable timeframe. I thought Gay played well and with poise the 40 games or whatever he was here for, but if they can tank, get a great pick and get some salary cap space with getting rid of their biggest contracts, I'd support the team. The risk that that type of strategy is that Valanciunas may not develop as planned in such a season. In lieu of that, I'd hope they'd be able to sign some legit veteran centres who can help him along the way. All of a sudden if this deal goes though, and if Fields gets bought out (though there are rumors of it going to Kleiza) nobody is truly safe which is an interesting scenario of possibilities.
Raptors apparently in talks with UFA Tyler Hansbrough. Interested to see what the price is. He's serviceable, but I'd rather get a backup big who can play both positions. Never liked him when he was on other teams, but probably a guy I don't mind having on our team.
I'm with Octothorp on this one. I really dislike the guy, especially after the Valanciunas incident, but he's probably one of the guys you like on the team. Unless Toronto fans hold a grudge against him, I'm guessing he'll be a fan favorite because of his carelessness and general all round douchness on court. I guess with him on court it'll help the surrounding players play harder, but I really don't think it'll go over well with refereeing. I'm guessing overall the team will get a reputation of hard fouling with less player name recognition.
Yeah, I can't watch this without getting pissed off at him. I know there are going to be times this year where I'm going to just shake my head at the crap he pulls.
Holly MacKenzie says $3 million a year, two years, second year a team option. So good flexibility, even if a million higher than I would like.
Last edited by octothorp; 07-09-2013 at 11:29 PM.
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Jeez, I had no idea he turned into such a D-Sac in the NBA. Absolutely loved his play on the Tarheels when they won the title. Definitely cool to see the Raptors go out and get some grit.
Jeez, I had no idea he turned into such a D-Sac in the NBA. Absolutely loved his play on the Tarheels when they won the title. Definitely cool to see the Raptors go out and get some grit.
Ya I didn't really realize that either. As a player he is quite useful at that salary. Hopefully he isn't going to pull any of that cheap shot stuff while he is in TO.
The Hansbrough signing is the typical Raptors signing. Decent player, just not good enough to make much of a difference. I'm getting worried they haven't fully blown this thing up yet. Gay has to be dealt and maybe DeRozan too if the value is there.
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The Hansbrough signing is the typical Raptors signing. Decent player, just not good enough to make much of a difference. I'm getting worried they haven't fully blown this thing up yet. Gay has to be dealt and maybe DeRozan too if the value is there.
It's way too early to worry. It's completely necessary to get the best value for all the assets on this roster. Ujiri should take his time and try to find a way to get a second pick in the lottery for the upcoming draft.
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This is a good pickup. Soft as your calling card is not good in any sport. Whether a playoff team or a young team there is always a need for the vet with some toughness. More than than the guy is a very irritating player and that is a good thing. Raptors and for that matter the Flames have needed this element in the team makeup for a long time. Like it.
Yeah, I can't watch this without getting pissed off at him. I know there are going to be times this year where I'm going to just shake my head at the crap he pulls.
Holly MacKenzie says $3 million a year, two years, second year a team option. So good flexibility, even if a million higher than I would like.
I can hear Jack Armstrong backpedaling from here. I'm sure he'll be a yuge fan of Hansbrough now, for completely unknown reasons.
So, Julyan Stone failed his physical, and the Raptors have signed Dwight Buycks, a 24-year-old PG, formerly of Marquette, then Tulsa of the d-league, then France last year (where he was league MVP), and then the Oklahoma SL squad this year. Not sure if they really intend to have him as Lowry's backup, or of there's a plan to bring in a more experienced PG and bump Buycks to 3rd string.
Either way, they still need one more PG on the roster. Please, anyone but Nate Robinson; I'm not sure I could stomach the collective attitude of him and Hansbrough on the court at the same time.
First Summer League for the Raptors goes today.
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I've gotten after him about his style of play in the past quite often. Had to laugh when I heard this news. When the guy is on the opposing team you dislike his style. He was the enemy. When he's playing for the team you see all the time, you like having a guy around that has teammates' backs and has no back down in his makeup. Hopefully, he plays within his limits and gives them the grit, toughness, rebounding and occasional scoring he's very capable of providing. Definitely an upgrade in the toughness category.
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Jonas Valanciunas is dominating the weak centers in the summer league, which is nice, but more importantly he looks like he's put on some muscle and looks much bigger. He should be the only untouchable player on the Raptors, he could be one of the best bigs in the league in a few years.
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