The State of the Union (Raptors): What you like, and don't

curryking1 · 07-04-2009, 05:29 PM

Hi... just registered a few days ago... this forum is very active. Almost too active... it seems very messy haha, but I digress...

Just wanted to have a quasi-survey on thoughts about the Raptors. There's really a lot of issues going on in tons of threads, so I thought it would be cool to have an area where we can post our thoughts on whatever we feel, according to whatever the time dictates, of our Raptors.

So I can start...

Inc Turkoglu Signing -Mixed

I am torn on this issue. Like every enthusiastic Raptors fan I am excited about the prospect of Turk playing with Bosh and Bargnani.

I really like Turkoglu a lot, always did, and he's definitely a great contributor on any team. He shoots, he runs, he scores, he drives, he passes... he's the perfect compliment to an offense which has Bargs and Bosh at the 5/4.

He should really facilitate their games, and really help develop their games too, particularly Bargnani since their size and skills are so similar.

Unfortunately, from what I've gathered on the net and on this forum is that signing Turkoglu loses us many potential pieces. I'm guessing this is at least two among Marion, Delfino, and Kleiza.

The price we may pay could be high, and I am just worried about the value. Depth is something we are clearly lacking (in natural guards and natural SFs at least).

The Draft Pick - Loved it

Not much else to say. I'm really excited for DeRozan. At ninth pick I couldn't have dreamed any better. The only other played I asked for was Tyreke Evans and he was picked fourth lol.

Toronto's Bigs -Satisfied

I really like the bigs lineup right now. Assuming Turk is on the way for sure, there's Turkoglu, Bosh, and Bargs starting. In the backup roles we have Pops, Evans, and Jawai.

Evans is a sure thing: rugged, yet limited offensively. He'll put his efforts forward.

Pops we know well. He's one bouncy kid, and appears to have the right mindset in expanding his skill sets according to his limited basketball skill but awesome physical talent. Pops should be able to mimic skills from all of Turk, Evans, Bosh, and Bargs that would fit into his talents.

Jawai is obviously just a big question mark. From all of our bench bigs I think he definitely has the highest potential. And like all Raptors fans, we love to see our youngest players rise to the occasion. Like Pops, I think Jawai can learn a lot behind our starting front line.

That, to me, seems like a very respectable front line. It's probably a little small, and the starters are a bit flaccid, but on the whole it provides a number of players who can fill the role should anyone not be able to pick up their weight for a game or two.

Toronto's Guards - Dissatisfied

With the Turkoglu signing we are really left with only Calderon, Ukic, DeRozan, and Douby, right?

That's extremely thin. Like... woah. That is thin. Aside from DeRozan there is no strength on that lineup. If this is how our guards look that is placing way too much pressure on DeRozan to perform well.

While that may be a blessing in disguise for the obviously zealous DeRozan, he also needs guidance in guard form and I think we are severely lacking there.

Aside from this, according to Doug Smith, who I think is full of ***t and himself more often than not, we could potentially have Moon and Graham back.

Graham is fine if there is little else. But heck no to Moon. Just no. No. NO! He'd have to pay us to play for our team.

Douby is obviously a talented basketball player. But no one can be sure what sort of contribution he can make to an NBA team. We should just keep him at minimum value and roll the dice on him, I think that is best for both parties.

Toronto's Coaching Staff - Satisfied

I am very happy with Coach Triano's signing. Although some may view his traits of modesty, honesty, and low on-camera neuroticism as weak and distinctly Canadian (read: ESPN would like to say as walk-on-me-I'm-European), he is the right man for the job. Not only does his demeanor and professionalism eschew a cool aura of confidence on it's own, his confidence in his own abilities and their effectiveness seems to really produce results. If his players are anything to go by, he is a coach who is dynamic, team-oriented, and provides a sense of control and responsibility for the players; they loved him.

As well it reflects a mutual understanding between BC and himself of how to be a coach, leader, and role model for the Raptors team and organization.

I am extremely happy Alvin Williams is back with the Raptors. He is just like Triano, a level-headed and responsible individual. I think he can offer a lot of input to the new Raptors team in the light of and in spite of the highs and lows of his playing career, and especially because he will provide advice to our young and inexperienced guards who definitely need it. Even more fortunate is that Alvin gets to learn a thing or two along the way and I wish him the best in his coaching career.

I'm also happy English is back as well. And I read the others who are also on board, they all seemed like people with high credentials, especially the guy who apparently does big man workout stuff, so that's all great news on that side.

Febreezy · 07-04-2009, 06:19 PM

Great post, welcome to RF.
And the guard situation is terrible.
But the offseason isn't over yet, maybe BC has a trick up his sleeve, who knows?

Christopha · 07-04-2009, 06:39 PM

I trust BC, he wouldn't have went with Turk if he didn't have a plan.

Febreezy · 07-04-2009, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christopha

I trust BC, he wouldn't have went with Turk if he didn't have a plan.

Formless · 07-04-2009, 06:58 PM

Welcome to RF.

Quote:

Aside from this, according to Doug Smith, who I think is full of ***t and himself more often than not, we could potentially have Moon and Graham back.

Graham is fine if there is little else. But heck no to Moon. Just no. No. NO! He'd have to pay us to play for our team.

Douby is obviously a talented basketball player. But no one can be sure what sort of contribution he can make to an NBA team. We should just keep him at minimum value and roll the dice on him, I think that is best for both parties.

Regarding the guard issue, I think Graham would be willing to sign on for the bi-annual but other factors may influence his decision to resign with us:
Was he comfortable here?
Did he get the minutes he so desperately craved?
Does he like the city?
Most likely though, Joey will be looking for employment elsewhere.

As for Douby, at this stage I still think he's an unfinished product. Whether or not he will be able to produce will be tested this season once Triano gives him a bigger role in the system.

curryking1 · 07-04-2009, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Great post, welcome to RF.
And the guard situation is terrible.
But the offseason isn't over yet, maybe BC has a trick up his sleeve, who knows?

Thanks for the welcome

Quote:

I trust BC, he wouldn't have went with Turk if he didn't have a plan.

@Both:

I plan to update according to how the team changes with the times. That means evaluating the current state of the Raptors roster, but it's not to suggest there will be no further changes.

Even though it's from the POV of the present, it's not to ignore potential changes in the future

As soon as new we see a new development or a new deal being reached, we'll just have to review what we have again

This is all why I don't think it's good to remark on BC just yet for this coming season. I would only even begin to discuss evaluating BC's actions for the year or even for the summer until the trade deadline in February 2010 is reached. :P

I have just as much trust in BC's GM skills as you guys

Christopha · 07-04-2009, 09:57 PM

Well atm the Hedo signing looks like a bad choice, if Aldridge was correct and we signed him for 60 mil/5 yrs. What are we going to do about our bench?

I don't know if this is out of the question, but perhaps there is a trade involving Turk to Portland in BC's mind? They wanted him bad, and I don't see how BC will address our bench with the current issue of not having enough mulah.

B-RAD · 07-05-2009, 01:27 AM

it jsut ahs to be us trading turk to portland oh, please please. i actually, feel some tears in my eyes. plkease bryan i beg that this is what you do. if you're asking why i'm, begging well that's all we can do right now as normal talk just ain't working i'm praying as we speak.

Torontosaurus · 07-05-2009, 02:01 AM

Are you guys out of your fucking minds? Like Portland would even want Turk after he spurned them for Toronto

B-RAD · 07-05-2009, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christopha

I trust BC, he wouldn't have went with Turk if he didn't have a plan.

i only trust him because i have no other choice but, i really want to just climb into his ear and g in his brain and see what he's thinking. i'm not sure i want to know what happens tuesday. all i know is it's going to be insane. nba wise

Christopha · 07-05-2009, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Torontosaurus

Are you guys out of your fucking minds? Like Portland would even want Turk after he spurned them for Toronto

I was just making a suggestion, sorry.

Jakkal · 07-05-2009, 02:57 PM

don't appologize, your intitled to your opinion.

I'm sure Portland won't care about being spurned if he becomes available again. they know it's about money.

It's fairly likely Hedu will be available. BC isn't dumb and could very well just be using Hedu to get Marion to drop his salary.

Formless · 07-05-2009, 03:04 PM

But this scheme could get unexpected backlash--what if Marion's agent learns of this?

Most likely Hedo is the real deal and Marion's salary will continue to drop whether or not they do sign him.

jeffb · 07-05-2009, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christopha

Well atm the Hedo signing looks like a bad choice, if Aldridge was correct and we signed him for 60 mil/5 yrs. What are we going to do about our bench?

I don't know if this is out of the question, but perhaps there is a trade involving Turk to Portland in BC's mind? They wanted him bad, and I don't see how BC will address our bench with the current issue of not having enough mulah.

Aldridge is wrong as usual. Just as he was in saying Ariza would remain in LA and when he said Artest would remain in Houston...oh and when he said Hedo would stay in Orlando. He's a bit of a dick.

07-04-2009, 05:29 PM	#1 (permalink)
curryking1 is a Raptors fan Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 97 Representing:	The State of the Union (Raptors): What you like, and don't Hi... just registered a few days ago... this forum is very active. Almost too active... it seems very messy haha, but I digress... Just wanted to have a quasi-survey on thoughts about the Raptors. There's really a lot of issues going on in tons of threads, so I thought it would be cool to have an area where we can post our thoughts on whatever we feel, according to whatever the time dictates, of our Raptors. So I can start... Inc Turkoglu Signing -Mixed I am torn on this issue. Like every enthusiastic Raptors fan I am excited about the prospect of Turk playing with Bosh and Bargnani. I really like Turkoglu a lot, always did, and he's definitely a great contributor on any team. He shoots, he runs, he scores, he drives, he passes... he's the perfect compliment to an offense which has Bargs and Bosh at the 5/4. He should really facilitate their games, and really help develop their games too, particularly Bargnani since their size and skills are so similar. Unfortunately, from what I've gathered on the net and on this forum is that signing Turkoglu loses us many potential pieces. I'm guessing this is at least two among Marion, Delfino, and Kleiza. The price we may pay could be high, and I am just worried about the value. Depth is something we are clearly lacking (in natural guards and natural SFs at least). The Draft Pick - Loved it Not much else to say. I'm really excited for DeRozan. At ninth pick I couldn't have dreamed any better. The only other played I asked for was Tyreke Evans and he was picked fourth lol. Toronto's Bigs -Satisfied I really like the bigs lineup right now. Assuming Turk is on the way for sure, there's Turkoglu, Bosh, and Bargs starting. In the backup roles we have Pops, Evans, and Jawai. Evans is a sure thing: rugged, yet limited offensively. He'll put his efforts forward. Pops we know well. He's one bouncy kid, and appears to have the right mindset in expanding his skill sets according to his limited basketball skill but awesome physical talent. Pops should be able to mimic skills from all of Turk, Evans, Bosh, and Bargs that would fit into his talents. Jawai is obviously just a big question mark. From all of our bench bigs I think he definitely has the highest potential. And like all Raptors fans, we love to see our youngest players rise to the occasion. Like Pops, I think Jawai can learn a lot behind our starting front line. That, to me, seems like a very respectable front line. It's probably a little small, and the starters are a bit flaccid, but on the whole it provides a number of players who can fill the role should anyone not be able to pick up their weight for a game or two. Toronto's Guards - Dissatisfied With the Turkoglu signing we are really left with only Calderon, Ukic, DeRozan, and Douby, right? That's extremely thin. Like... woah. That is thin. Aside from DeRozan there is no strength on that lineup. If this is how our guards look that is placing way too much pressure on DeRozan to perform well. While that may be a blessing in disguise for the obviously zealous DeRozan, he also needs guidance in guard form and I think we are severely lacking there. Aside from this, according to Doug Smith, who I think is full of *t and himself more often than not, we could potentially have Moon and Graham back. Graham is fine if there is little else. But heck no to Moon. Just no. No. NO! He'd have to pay us to play for our team. Douby is obviously a talented basketball player. But no one can be sure what sort of contribution he can make to an NBA team. We should just keep him at minimum value and roll the dice on him, I think that is best for both parties. Toronto's Coaching Staff** - Satisfied I am very happy with Coach Triano's signing. Although some may view his traits of modesty, honesty, and low on-camera neuroticism as weak and distinctly Canadian (read: ESPN would like to say as walk-on-me-I'm-European), he is the right man for the job. Not only does his demeanor and professionalism eschew a cool aura of confidence on it's own, his confidence in his own abilities and their effectiveness seems to really produce results. If his players are anything to go by, he is a coach who is dynamic, team-oriented, and provides a sense of control and responsibility for the players; they loved him. As well it reflects a mutual understanding between BC and himself of how to be a coach, leader, and role model for the Raptors team and organization. I am extremely happy Alvin Williams is back with the Raptors. He is just like Triano, a level-headed and responsible individual. I think he can offer a lot of input to the new Raptors team in the light of and in spite of the highs and lows of his playing career, and especially because he will provide advice to our young and inexperienced guards who definitely need it. Even more fortunate is that Alvin gets to learn a thing or two along the way and I wish him the best in his coaching career. I'm also happy English is back as well. And I read the others who are also on board, they all seemed like people with high credentials, especially the guy who apparently does big man workout stuff, so that's all great news on that side. Last edited by curryking1; 07-04-2009 at 05:37 PM.

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07-04-2009, 06:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
Febreezy is Waka Flocka Flame Drizzy Drake Rogers Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Anywhere there's Internet Posts: 2,295 Representing:	Great post, welcome to RF. And the guard situation is terrible. But the offseason isn't over yet, maybe BC has a trick up his sleeve, who knows?

07-04-2009, 06:39 PM	#3 (permalink)
Christopha is infinite 4 8 15 16 23 42 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Labrador, Canada (fml) Posts: 544 Representing:	I trust BC, he wouldn't have went with Turk if he didn't have a plan.

07-04-2009, 09:57 PM	#7 (permalink)
Christopha is infinite 4 8 15 16 23 42 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Labrador, Canada (fml) Posts: 544 Representing:	Well atm the Hedo signing looks like a bad choice, if Aldridge was correct and we signed him for 60 mil/5 yrs. What are we going to do about our bench? I don't know if this is out of the question, but perhaps there is a trade involving Turk to Portland in BC's mind? They wanted him bad, and I don't see how BC will address our bench with the current issue of not having enough mulah.

07-05-2009, 01:27 AM	#8 (permalink)
B-RAD is a gearbox of epic proportions. Banned Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,089 Representing:	it jsut ahs to be us trading turk to portland oh, please please. i actually, feel some tears in my eyes. plkease bryan i beg that this is what you do. if you're asking why i'm, begging well that's all we can do right now as normal talk just ain't working i'm praying as we speak.

07-05-2009, 02:01 AM	#9 (permalink)
Torontosaurus is bringing Italy to your home on ihateus Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Victoria, home of the Nash-ites Posts: 2,136 Representing:	Are you guys out of your fucking minds? Like Portland would even want Turk after he spurned them for Toronto

07-05-2009, 02:57 PM	#12 (permalink)
Jakkal is in dire need of a drink ...hic Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 698 Representing:	don't appologize, your intitled to your opinion. I'm sure Portland won't care about being spurned if he becomes available again. they know it's about money. It's fairly likely Hedu will be available. BC isn't dumb and could very well just be using Hedu to get Marion to drop his salary.

07-05-2009, 03:04 PM	#13 (permalink)
Formless is a douchebag! Go douchebag power! Banned Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Richmond Hill Posts: 693 Representing:	But this scheme could get unexpected backlash--what if Marion's agent learns of this? Most likely Hedo is the real deal and Marion's salary will continue to drop whether or not they do sign him.