Raptor Talk 09-10 - Exciting If Nothing Else!

Board - what is the status of the Greek forward, Giorgis Printezis, whom the rap have on their negotiations list? Is he a potential 'rabbit of the colangelo hat'? Just curious if there is any potential there. He's still reasonably young I think. Any intel on his status?

Bernie

Raptors should trade for Shannon Brown. Sign Graham and trade him to the Lakers. Or sign Marion and Graham and trade them both to the Lakers for Trevor Ariza and Shannon Brown.

Look at these videos of Shannon Brown

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2zyWVieESg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPPf94TrDsQ&feature=fvsr

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dq9u-4UHhMY&feature=related

Heard earlier while the Euro's were going on that George is far from NBA ready although he did improve this year... but it's highly doubtful he will be a Raptor anytime soon, if ever.

My guess is if he did come this year, it would be to fill a roster spot. His agent is trying to negotiate a big time contract and the Greek teams ain't buying yet... hence his agent started making claims that he is coming to Toronto.

Shannon Brown played some great defense in the NBA finals for the Lakers. He looked like a totally different player than the guy Cleveland drafted in 2006 where he seemed to play out of control much of the time.

He would be an upgrade in the backcourt on Douby -- taller, longer, more physical and his jump shot was better (although Douby would have the edge in that regard). He has always been a good ball handler.

Brown is a restricted free agent but the Lakers have cap issues so perhaps he could be available if the right offer were made.

Matt Barnes is also out there as an unrestricted free agent. He didn't get the kind of contract he wanted last year and took a one year minimum deal with the Suns. Not a flashy guy but he understands how to play the game and can play at a fast tempo.

Not sure about Printezis. He's an undersized four, I think. The team seems to have a log jam at the four spot.

An unrestricted free agent and sleeper free agent I like is Morris Almond. He hardly played at all in the last three years but he was stuck behind a bunch of veterans in Utah. I think he could be similar to Von Wafer who I had suggested that the Raptors get before last year -- another guy who had been stuck on the end of deep benches (Lakers, Nuggets) waiting for an opportunity to play. He proved to be a major contributor for Houston after T-Mac went down for the season.

He's not as good a shooter as Wafer but he is a sensational athlete and he has been pre-trained in the NBDL. Kind of a poor man's Rudy Gay -- 6 foot 8 and athletic but he didn't play against the best competition in college, at Rice University.

Since the've traded away their second round picks they should be looking at promising projects like these guys. They can pay major dividends. If not, you haven't invested much.

I remember one time watching Almond play on ESPN when I was on vacation in Jamaica.

He impressed me big time... they were playing UNLV and he was tearing it up... and that was the first time I heard of and saw Joel Anthony play.

Almond had league written all over him that night. Just not assertive enough against the big boys day in day out.

But, I don't believe he's as tall as you suggest observer. Think he's like 6'5" or so... but still nice athlete.

Maurice Egar from Mich. State also would be someone I would take a look at. He collected dust in Dallas for two years but he reminds me a bit of a slightly smaller Mo Pete. A potential backup shooting guard perhaps. He came from a good program and coaching. He's working out with the same strength coach in Dallas as Chris Bosh this summer.

[quote="Killahhh"]Raptors should trade for Shannon Brown. Sign Graham and trade him to the Lakers. Or sign Marion and Graham and trade them both to the Lakers for Trevor Ariza and Shannon Brown.
[/quote]

That will never happen Trevor Ariza has a big role with the Lakers and they won't trade for Marion, he doesnt have that much left in him anymore and Ariza is a young kid who is only going to get better...and why would you want Shannon Brown? He's nothing special, Joey is better than him.

How would you guys like if the Raps picked up Dahntay Jones.

I believe he's an unrestricted free agent and is looking for a MUCH bigger salary... and Denver might not have the ability to offer him enough coin.

But the Raps could have the coin if they don't resign Marion.

Dahntay brings toughness, would be the gritty defender you need in the east against LeBron and Pierce and Carter, he's a crazy athlete and would love to play in a run and gun system like the Raps want to.

Jones would be a good addition as a defensive stopper at the 2 spot. He's also become a very good driver to the hoop -- he has upgraded his offensive game quite a bit. I like fact that he has a bit of an edge to his game.

I see Joey G. and Shannon Brown as playing different roles. Brown would be a backup one who could also fill in at the two. Joey is more of a three man. His ballhandling is a bit marginal for the two spot.

We aren't hearing much about Joey from the team. Their past practice has been to let another team sign and then match. The acquisition of DeRosan may not be good news for Joey.

I read in Doug Smith's column that the Raps are done with Joey.

And I paraphrase... Joey's had ample opportunity to prove himself and it's time for a new direction for both parties.

Doug Smith wouldn't say that unless he Raptor management gave him that information.

I think Joey is the last remaining remnant on the Raptors associated with the Vince Carter trade. He was drafted with one of the two first rounders they received from the Nets. I believe the other one was sent to the Knicks with Jalen Rose for Antonio Davis to get Rose's big contact off the books a year sooner. It did allow them the space to sign AP and Garbo three years ago.

the other one was Charlie V. he was traded to Milwaukee.

There are some interesting comments in this article. According to the writer, both Parker and Marion will leave via sign and trades.

http://www.nj.com/nets/index.ssf/2009/06/starledgers_look_at_2009_nba_f.html

interesting, i take back my comment when i said turkoglu has no chance on coming to the t-dot

http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/60261/20090701/raptors_preparing_$60m_offer_for_turkoglu/

It appears Raptors feel the price for Turkoglu would be too high and are looking elsewhere.

Linas Kleiza is one possibility and apparently he's interested. They could then look at re-signing Parker and/or Joey Graham. Delfino is pretty much a lock according to reports.

Detroit is making a splash with the signing of Charlie V and Ben Gordon.