Many basketball, and more importantly Toronto Raptor fans know that most basketball people rarely bring up the team and what is going on. Recently, when Melo was asked about the Atlantic Division he talked about the improvements of every team within the division and failed to even mention the Raps. Unfortunately, we also have to endure the analysis of TSN and Sportsnet not only about the Raps but about the NBA in general (I excluded TheScore because their not bad). So, I have taken it upon myself to grade the offseason of the Raps, which some of you will agree with, some of you will disagree with, and some of you need a reality check for. Let us begin.
2012 NBA Entry Draft: I'm going to include Jonas Valanciunas in this category because he hasn't played a game in the league yet, so let's start with him. We have been told quite often that he is doing very well in his own league and is getting more and more NBA ready each week. Many analysts said he would have went #2 in this year's draft. We learned in international play and at the Olympic game this summer that this kid needs some work. He got into foul trouble on a number of occasions and struggled against physical big men. This being said the upside to him is through the roof, but he will be a working progress and a full NBA training camp will be a huge wake up call to him and to the fans. Do I expect him to be a top 3 centre soon? No, but he's going to be better then Aaron Gray and Jamaal Magloire combined, that much I can gurantee.
Terrence Ross: This is the big mystery of the offseason for the Raptors. Not that the team shouldn't have drafted him, but what kind of player he will be in the NBA. Personally, I think he's going to become a very nice role player for years to come. He's got the hops, he can shoot, he can play D if he wants to. The downside is he came from the Pac-12, arguably the weakest big conference in college basketball. Will he transform to an elite player? that's the mystery.
Quincy Acy: You need the muscle and the hustle, call my boy with the beard.
Free Agents: Let's start with Landry Fields. I'm not going to fault him for getting paid like he did and signing a contract that will keep him and his swimsuit model girlfriend happy. We all know what he did in New York. But this is my beef with him, a lot of his points came off spot up 3's and cuts because so much attention was focused on Carmelo. He won't have those same opportunities that will get him easy points. The Raptors don't have that one guy that commands the attention like a Carmelo. He will have to create for himself much more and do different things in order to be effective. Also, I just want to point out that he was the best defender on the New York Knicks, the Knicks, just remember that when you put him on your all NBA defensive team.
John Lucas: This guy falls into my top 3 for the Raps offseason. He is a high energy guy that can come off the bench at any point in the game and contribute to the team in a variety of different ways. But, what do we do with 3 PG's demanding minutes? Yes, the trade Jose Calderon at the trade deadline is good in theory, but what about up until that point. How do you keep all 3 (Calderon, Lowry, Lucas) happy while giving them enough minutes to help the team. This might be Coach Casey's most difficult task on a game to game basis, that and having about 25 big men on the team. As for Dominic McGuire who was recently acquired from Golden State. Good luck getting significant minutes son, I wish you all the best.
Kyle Lowry: My favorite move by BC this offseason. I didn't want Nash in Toronto whatsoever, he is too old and can't guard. Lowry brings a tough nose attitude from Villanova, where we all know they didn't make it to the tourney on their big men play over the years. He fits into Casey's style perfectly and will provide for others. We know what were going to get with Lowry and I really think he is a great addition to the team.
Final Thoughts: Did the Raps get better? Yes, there is no question they will be an improved team. Even if their rookies don't live up to the hype I think the addition of Lowry alone will provide stability for the future. BUT, do we all remember when BC told us to wait until this offseason (2012) where he would make some significant moves for the club. We got better that's for sure, but I must question if he had a plan A at all. It was clear he wanted Nash, but that wouldn't have made us a contender. It seems he had to fall to plan B, C, and D on almost all fronts in the offseason. Must I remind the fans out there the Raptors now have 14 players under contract for the 2012-2013 season (NBA players not d-league). I didn't even mention Aaron Gray or Jamaal Magloire who they invited to camp if I'm not mistaken. To me plan "whatever" foiled and when it did BC hit the panic button and were left with 14-16 odd pieces that are going to be very tough to get production from, put together, and keep happy. You know at the end of all of these offseason analysis they always give a grade like A or B, etc. Well, I hate that because you don't really know do you. So, I'm going to take it way back to elementary school days and give a comment.
Toronto Raptors 2012 offseason: Needs improvement, please seek extra help.
Written By:
Garrett Daly
Follow me @DalyGarrett on Twitter!
They are better than last year, thats for sure. If Bargnani didn't go down last year they would have won 8-10 more games. With the addition of Lowry and if the rookies contribute at all, we are a much better team and fit more with Caseys style. I'll go out on a limb and predict 7th in the east, but maybe this is wishful thinking.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest I don't want to set any expectations. I blame this on the Turkolu (how do you spell this?) era.