Originally Posted by RaptorsTalk

Dear Bryan,

I was a big fan of you taking over the reigns from Babcock. That guy made 1 good decision during his whole tenure (signing Calderon). You showed up with much fan fare. free sprint ringtones free nokia ringtones tracfone free gospel ringtones phone ringtones verizon free ringtones verizon tv theme ringtones mosquito ringtones cell cricket free phone ringtones free lg ringtones verizon wireless get free ringtones for my cell phone free get ringtones cingular cell phone ringtones free cingular wireless ringtones free ringtones for motorola phone get free ringtones free tracfone ringtones listen mosquito ringtones nextel ringtones cd cell free phone ringtones verizon wireless info nokia remember ringtones You used words like vision and excellence that frankly make me giddy like a little school girl.

Only two seasons ago, this was a 33 win team, that really had no hope of going anywhere. Sure we had Bosh, but very little else to field a team that would get into the playoffs. Joey Graham was being talked about far too often for my liking, and the bad taste of trading VC for a dozen donuts was still reeling in our mouths.

Then came the unexpected, the brain trust at MLSE dipped into their pockets, and pried you from the Suns. Giving you a massive contract and the power to make decisions as you see fit was something we weren’t used to as fans. Sure none of your teams never won a championship (most teams don’t) but at least they were good teams. You have made this a better team, there is no doubt about it.

I wont rehash what you did the first full year on the job. Fair is fair, the team improved by 14 games, won the Atlantic and lost in the first round to a veteran team. Cool, baby-steps, I get it….anyways…

After getting thumped in the first round by the Nets, some retooling was in the air. The Raptors had some wiggle room to grab a couple guys to replace an injured Garbajosa and the potentially departing MoPete. They were in desperate need for a second scoring option, and some help in the front court for Bosh.

Surprisingly, and somewhat disappointingly, you came out of left field with those moves. I say somewhat, because I expected the holes to be filled, whereas the moves you made were in line with what you did in Phoenix:

1. You let Morris Peterson walk run to the Hornets without any compensation
(sign and trade for someone/something/anything).

2. You signed Kapono to a 4yr/$24mill contract.

3. You traded a couple 2nd round picks to Detroit for Delfino.

4. You didn’t get that second option on offense.

5. You didn’t get anyone who would bang in the post/boards with Bosh.

6. You didn’t get anyone who was “tough” in the non-euro sense.

7. You signed a D-leaguer who eventually took over the starting 3 spot.

8. For some reason, you put together a shooting team, but you let David Hopla walk…

I say disappointingly, because MoPete was replaced by three guys; the lack of toughness exhibited in the jersey series was not addressed; and a plan B for Garbajosa was not implemented (you yourself said that was a big reason for the fall off this year).

I speculated that the lack of movement on your end was because you assumed Bargnani would pick up from where he left last season, and be that 20pt a night guy for this squad. A lot was resting on this kids shoulder. Didn’t help he was played out of position almost every time he was on the floor. I mean, starting him at center was…bad; starting him at small forward was worse and his natural position of PF belongs to Bosh. Not sure how he fits in, if he does at all.

This summer will be huge for you. IMHO, the Raptors need someone up front with Bosh, who can grab rebounds, block some shots, and score in the low block; they need a second scorer, preferably on the wing (starting 3) who can slash and create his own opportunities; the point guard situation needs to be sorted out asap, and defense needs to be addressed, be it a player who can shut down penetration, an assistant coach, or both.

Being a manager means you have to make a decision, get the pieces to make it a reality, execute, and re-assess. This is an ongoing process I assume you are actively engaged in. To me, this is your job. You did it last year when you signed Fred Jones, it didn’t work out, and you shipped him off for Juan Dixon. We understand the game man, every decision wont be the right on (one can’t help but to think how good the Suns would have been if you just gave Joe Johnson what he wanted, and kept him)

The Forderon situation needs to be resolved before training camp. Both of them have come out and said they want to start/run a team. They each bring something different to the court, and at this point, most people don’t care who stays as long as what you get in return for whoever is shipped out is a legitimate piece to line up with Bosh.

Moon can’t be the starting 3 next year (neither can Bargnani). You need to bring someone in who can slash, score, defend on the perimeter and potentially rebound from that spot. May I suggest Pietrus, Maggette, or potentially Artest?

What we (and by we I mean myself) do expect is that your pride wont get into the way of you pulling the trigger on a deal that would make this a better team. You don’t have to look further then the rumours of Jefferson for Bargnani and pieces. You said it yourself that you have to give talent to get it back. This would seem a prime example.

I admit, it would be tough shipping out Bargnani at this point, only to watch him turn into what was expected…but if we got something valuable in return for him, aka Jefferson, I wouldn’t care. It’s not like we haven’t seen others leave the Raps only to shine (McGrady and Billups).

Some of us have lost faith in your ability (Fan Boy has slashed the price for your t-shirt), but for some reason, I still think you can right this ship. To paraphrase Tarantino:

“When you have the chance to make a move, you may feel a slight sting. That’s pride fucking with you. Fuck pride. Pride only hurts, it never helps.” - Thanks Arse, I know I bit one of your posts from before, but it’s fitting.

Yours Truly,

Sam Holakoozadeh (aka Raps Fan)
Publisher, RaptorsTalk.com

Originally Posted by Claudius

To be fair, what was Morris Peterson actual trade value?

Originally Posted by LyRrAd_Nation

It's funny, because in the 2005 draft, the rumour was Peterson, #7(Villaneuva) and #16 (Graham) to New Orleans for Magloire and the #4(Paul).

Fuckin Babcock.

Originally Posted by LyRrAd_Nation

It's funny, because in the 2005 draft, the rumour was Peterson, #7(Villaneuva) and #16 (Graham) to New Orleans for Magloire and the #4(Paul).

Fuckin Babcock.

Originally Posted by ACIEEARL40

Easy buckaroo.

There were two rumoured deals. One was Morris Peterson, Aaron Williams and a first-round draft pick to the Hornets in exchange for Magloire and the other was #7 and #16 to NO for Magloire.

There's no way the Hornets were giving up the number 4 pick.

Originally Posted by Superjudge

8. For some reason, you put together a shooting team, but you let David Hopla walk…

agreed.

Originally Posted by Superjudge

from a guy on youtube;

calderon said he wants to be a starter or he will leave the team and knicks want tj ford so tj and rasho for eddy curry and jamal crawford remember u heard from me first


So happy.