Benzo

I will preface this by saying...Benzo has had a few beers.

Here is the truth.

More Euros.

Now before I get a bunch of dudes telling me,Euro's are pussies..etc. whatever.

Lets look at the facts.

A. Toronto will always have a problem signing American free agents...doesnt matter why, its just true.

B. The game is changing, and I can make an argument that at least half of the top 10 players in the game are non-American. At least 1 of the top 3 in each position.

C.It carries with it a cool image..."the worlds NBA team", hey at least its better than "that country with the wierd tax system".

I think BC has a plan to make Toronto the place where Euro's come to sign...be it free agency or through the draft, and I think its the right move.

So I say this now.....move Bosh...move TJ....move em all and Euro Up. Long term it is a fantastic thing.

I know, I know..."lets just get the best players we can". I agree, I also happen to think positioning yourself to be in a position to have the upper hand when Manu, Dirk, etc...become free agents...or the next big thing arrives from Europe and says "I will ONLY play in Toronto" is a better thing.

Like it or not they bring with themselves a team first attitude, a fundemental background and the ability to be unselfish.

That is something I can get behind...So fuck it...lets not beat around the bush, and become officially what we already are.

The TorontEuro Raptors.

Ball Don't Lie

No.

scumfreezebag

Personally, I don't care what colour you are or nationality. As long as a player has great passion and skills for the game then they can fit in any team. Bosh is gonna be around white dudes @@! graham will be traded or parker.

JayJayW

ummmm Benzo

lay of the Beers

cause thats crazy talk!

Benzo

So you all disagree....but without a reason it is not a good strategy going forward.

Dr. J. Naismith

It's the puckheads that refer to Euros being soft, but truth be told there isn't a difference in toughness between North Americans vs. Euros/South Americans. Its just an excuse that fairweather fans look to use way too often. If we want to get picky, there are more Americans that are bigger pussies than Euros in this league, (albeit there are more Yanks that play in the NBA, but still) so to claim that all European players are pussies is ridiculous.

As for suggestion Benzo, it sounds fine and dandy but I don't see it necessarily happening anytime soon. It's almost like saying that we must draft pick by position instead of taking the best available player. Same goes for building a team. Trade, sign or continue drafting the best player available. If they don't want to play in Canada, then go on the next option. But I don't think I'd want to see the Raptors be entirely international, but that's just me.

JayJayW

i rather see a mixed team in Toronto...that can use european style of play when it comes to working as a team but at the same time crash the board and get those garbage buckets when needed....

Adequate Swag

I don't totally disagree with you on the overall point, because I'm all for bringing in Euros if they fit the bill and as long as it doesn't result in more talented players being left off the roster.

But I would LOVE to hear that argument...

I would argue Dirk is the only non-American in the top 10.

Major

Geez gimme a friggin Asian player for God's sake (no racism)

As long as that player is, well, GOOD, then I'm fine with that

Kirby

Yao Ming and Manu Ginobili.

Belsius

Raptors should take whoever is good, doesnt matter natioanlity. International players have a factor in their favor wich is that they are usually undervalued though. BC has already and should keep taking advantaged of it


And please people stop refeeing to argentinians as Euros.



PD: Steve nash.

PPD: Also someone tell journalist and players that even if you win the NBA ring it doesnt mean you are "World Champions".

JayJayW

Lets get an internationalplayer

Dalembert

Ball Don't Lie

Well if its Ginobili and Dirk then yeah go for it, but what youre describing and what kind of cap we have and the situation we're in, when you mention this all I can think of is having 4 euros around Bosh in the starting lineup and off the bench who are basically fringe players who are soft besides Jose really. I dont want a bunch of Andrea's/Delfinos filling out the roster. We need to get more athletic and we need to get quicker. Most of the euros(role players) are slow and they lack mental toughness. Posey>>>>>>>Delfino.

Its very simplistic and doesnt look good, but we need more black players on this team. And dont tell me you havent had that thought creep in your mind one time or another because its true. Just look at the Lakers and how soft they are. For all the flack he takes I'd still love to get Gasol because hes obviously very good, but the rest of their euro players are fucking softies and they cant make up for their softness in skill like Gasol can.

Benzo

I am dumber for having read that.

I am not even talking about talent of players per say. I am talking about putting the club in a "position" to be the destination of choice for non-american born players. Look at the trends folks, the number of non americans becoming impact players is growing...

Kuzzy

Are you INSANEE!!!!
So you want to get softer
I think im done with the whole euro idea, get some proven players!!!
bit to many beers benz

Ball Don't Lie

They are slow and lack mental toughness. Just look at Vujacic and Radman if you wanna look at recent history. Look at Delfino on offence, and his help defence. Look at Calderons one on one defence, Gasol on the boards/inside.

The only role player euros I can think of that are somewhat tough at the top of my head are Oberto and Rasho, and back to my other point, theyre both slow.

BTW I can see your point, but if the euro talent isnt above average, whats the point? I dont want us getting tied into decent sized contracts with a bunch of run of the mill players just because theyre the ones we can get. I trust BC enough to get players by trades to improve our team if we dont have enough money or players in FA dont want to come here. If we win, theyll come, I think its that simple.

Kuzzy

finally someone understands +1

Benzo

Trends boys,...trends...its what separates a good business man from a great one. Find your strength...play to it, and put yourself in the best position to take anvantage of it.

Ball Don't Lie

Its not a trend, its settling and giving up. BC, like a good businessman, knows if you build it and it works and people like what they see, others will come. If you build it, they will come. If BC makes a couple of solid trades this offseason and we win 50 games and make it to the 2nd round, more players will be much more willing to come here in the next offseason. If youve watched a couple of the rookie videos in asking them what their favorite city was many of them said toronto, including Iguodala.

I just want to see us win more road games with our defence next year when our offence isnt clicking instead of basically relying solely on our offence and 3 pt shooting to win us games, especially vs the better teams. And I dont think you can do that with Bosh+a bunch of euros.

Kuzzy

thank you thriller!!!
Bosh+Euros = TRASH