The Toronto Raptors 2014 Off-Season Thread

[octothorp]

Who does everyone like for the Raptors to draft, assuming they stay at 20?

There's a lot of flux in the mocks these days, so it's hard to gauge what's realistic. Some names I like are Ennis, Payton, (I don't think either of those guys realistically drop) Grant, McDaniels, Young, Capela.

Guys I don't like that have been rumoured for Toronto: Warren (doesn't play enough D, versatile but not elite at anything on offence), Payne (I dislike seniors that didn't perform well until their senior year, and then used a superior physical profile to dominate... doesn't translate to NBA performance), Anderson (too unconventional... I think he will evolve into a solid NBA player, but it's probably going to take several years and probably not with the team that originally drafts him. I could see teams looking at him to be a Diaw type of player, but Diaw had a long trajectory to get to 'championship-team glue-guy' level). Stokes: lack of speed, lateral movement, midrange game make him a poor fit for today's NBA, despite being an excellent rebounder.

For the second-rounder, I'd be really, really into Damien Inglis (18yo French SF with an INSANE physique: 6'9, 240 lbs, 7'4 wingspan, projects as versatile 3&D guy). Some other good draft-and-stash Euros around 37: PG Micic, C Klimenko, SG Bogdan Bogdanovic (aka Bogdan, son of Bogdan), SF Antetokuonmpo (older brother of Giannis). Given Masai's international connections I could see him going that way.

As well, the Raptors have brought just about every draft-eligible Canadian not named Andrew Wiggins for workouts, and I think there's a decent chance they grab one of these guys: I could see Bachynski, Ejim, Powell or Birch with that 59th overall pick.

So, that said my ideal realistic draft is Capela, Inglis, and Birch. Two french-league players would be highly unusual, but I think they're the highest-upside guys, and the Raptors still need to swing for high upside useful skillsets.

edited to include Stokes in the guys I don't like category.

[nik-]

Perhaps the Raptors try to move up for the local boy Stauskas?

[octothorp]

Could be, depends how high they need to move up. Apparently Charlotte's very high on him at #9. And moving into the top 10 from 20 takes a lot in a deep draft. If he starts to slide to mid teens though, then yes, it's a real possibility.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Who the Raptors draft could be very telling. Drafting a PG hints Lowry may not be back. No need for wing players since they have DeRozan and Ross. Most obvious need is another big man but is there anyone ready to step in right away and play meaningful minutes? Taking a European project for instance really does nothing. Trading up seems unlikely as the Raptors lack the assets to make a move.

[Hockey_Ninja]

I'd love it if we nabbed Tyler Ennis. I have a good feeling about him.

[octothorp]

It's starting to look like Ennis is possible; his workouts weren't as good as some of the other PGs, which makes it possible that he'll drop if teams value workouts over season-long body of work.

In other Canadian news, It looks like Calgary's Bachynski is really impressing in workouts, and is now expected to be drafted in most mocks. Right now, I think all of Powell, Birch and Bachynski get drafted, making six Canadians in total.

[Antithesis]

Been reading Kyle Lowry's name here and there as being a possibility for Miami. Hopefully that isn't what'll go down! Definitely want the Raptors to keep him around.

[bluejays]

I wouldn't be upset if he went to Miami. It's the popular thing to do and it would give me more reasons to hate the team.

[octothorp]

I question whether Miami's really in play for Lowry. It would probably take all of their big 3 opting out, resigning at significantly lower ($14 million neighbourhood), renouncing bird rights on guys like Ray Allen and replacing them with min-contract vets, and getting Haslem to opt out, or getting someone to take his salary without giving any back; and even if all of that happens, Miami still probably can't offer the $12 million or so that Toronto can. Just to have a PG who probably ends up being a floor-spacing shooter on offence... They'd get a big upgrade at PG and then get even shallower everywhere else. I'm not sure that's in their best interests, unless they're actually willing to bring in a PG and trust him to run the offence, which hasn't happened yet during the big-3 era.

[St. Pats]

Originally Posted by octothorp

I question whether Miami's really in play for Lowry. It would probably take all of their big 3 opting out, resigning at significantly lower ($14 million neighbourhood), renouncing bird rights on guys like Ray Allen and replacing them with min-contract vets, and getting Haslem to opt out, or getting someone to take his salary without giving any back; and even if all of that happens, Miami still probably can't offer the $12 million or so that Toronto can. Just to have a PG who probably ends up being a floor-spacing shooter on offence... They'd get a big upgrade at PG and then get even shallower everywhere else. I'm not sure that's in their best interests, unless they're actually willing to bring in a PG and trust him to run the offence, which hasn't happened yet during the big-3 era.

Lebron has already opted out so it's clear there will be some change in Miami. Either he moves on or they add more talent to help him. Question is whether Bosh or Wade opt out as well. All sign some long term more salary cap friendly contracts to allow them to pick up another player.

Whatever they do it's clear the Raptors have to start planning for life without Lowry. Not that he won't resign as I think he will but just in case they need to cover the bases. Vasquez starting is NOT an option if they want to even accomplish what little they did last year. They can draft whoever but that won't be a short term solution. They will need to make a move for a starting PG.

[octothorp]

Heavy rumours that the Raptors are going to trade Salmons and #37 for Prince and #22 from Memphis.

[Senator Clay Davis]

I really wish the Raptors would have made a play for Arron Afflalo considering what the cost was. Salmons and a pick for Prince and a pick seems like a wash to me, better defensively but worse offensively.

[octothorp]

Originally Posted by Senator Clay Davis

I really wish the Raptors would have made a play for Arron Afflalo considering what the cost was. Salmons and a pick for Prince and a pick seems like a wash to me, better defensively but worse offensively.

No question the trade was about the pick, with Prince being a negative asset, as far as the trade goes. I love it, depending on who we draft. If we get, say, Capela + Ennis, I'll be a very happy Raptors fan.

[Cheese]

Originally Posted by octothorp

Heavy rumours that the Raptors are going to trade Salmons and #37 for Prince and #22 from Memphis.

Youd think if that offer was there they would jump at it...as high as they could. Hope it happens

[Senator Clay Davis]

Salmons is reportedly being waived June 30th, so traded or not he will not be on the roster next year.

[St. Pats]

Also a rumor that the Raps will trade Lowry for Lin and a pick. Two picks and looking like they are gunning for Ellis. With rumors Lowry is being traded as well.

Lin would certainly be popular in TO but a downgrade. Ennis will be a nice backup.

MU certainly is mover and a shaker ain't he?

[Da_Chief]

Adding 7 mill to payroll for next year if this deal goes down, so Lebron not coming to Toronto? hehe

[OzSome]

I don't understand why would Kyle Lowry not sign with the Raptors. He finally solidified a starting PG position and I am sure Raptors are willing to ante up his salary. So, why would he go somewhere else and start proving himself again. It's not like he's been a starting PG for the Raptors for so many years. I really think Lowry will re-sign with the Raptors whether Raps drafted another PG or not. It would be great to see a homegrown talent to suit up for Toronto. I am hoping they go after Tyler Ennis and even the big man Bachynski(2nd round pick). We needed a center to back up JV.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Lowry is going for max money and nothing more. Unless the Raptors are offering the max, he'll go looking for it elsewhere. This is probably his only chance to cash in with a huge deal. Wouldn't shock me to see him end up somewhere like Charlotte if they make the offer.

[bluejays]

If the Raps do make that deal with Memphis for the 22nd pick, it's really good. Ignore that it's still a ####ty draft position, what they're giving up to move up this much in this type of draft makes it a steal. I'm sure Prince still has more in the tank to give - moreso than Salmons. Should be an interesting draft.