Raptor Talk 09-10 - Raps about to get Extreme Road Test

We could look something like this:

Calderon
Delfino
Marion?
Bargnani
Bosh

Bench:
Ukic
Parker?
Graham?
Kleiza
DeRozan
Hump
Banks
Douby?
Evans
Mensah-Bonsu?
O'Bryant or Jawai?

Even though they have a deep team and cap issues I think it will be hard to pry Kleiza away from Denver. He could start at the 2 for the Raptors if they were to get him. I suspect Denver will match.

By not qualifying Joey I think he is now very likely gone. Although physically gifted he just doesn't have a great feel for the game on either side of the ball. It's too bad because he has potential but after four years you have to produce consistent results.

They probably have a good shot at Marion because few teams have the cap space to sign him. Ditto for Delfino if the price is right.

Turkoglu's asking price was too high for the Magic. If the Raps were to sign him for say $10 or $12 M per season it would probably throw their salary structure out of wack, just as it was when Jermaine came in last year.

I'd like to see AP come back in a reduced role. Not sure if that is possible or if he would want it.

The lineup you project looks deeper than last year when the bench was pretty awful most of the year.

The Hoops Hype thread was showing that the Raps are trying to bring in David Lee check it out

http://hooptowngtaforums.forumotion.com/nba-discussions-f5/raptor-talk-09-10-major-repairs-in-progress-t3069-60.htm?sid=acfd12bc4d50bd0c35e1355d5d0b6682

It would be amazing if the Raptors could sign Hedo Turkoglu. Would make them a pretty dynamic team. The asking price is really high.

I don't see the big deal in bringing back Delfino. He would be an improvement to the bench, but not as a starter. Same with Klezia.
I think they would be steps in the right directions. However, I the team wants to be a serious contender, they will have to do much better than that.

Need perimeter defenders, atheletes who can create their own shots (especially at the 1,2,3 spots) and rebounding.

I think they should try the hardest to land Turkoglu then i would trade:

Shawn Marion
Anthony Parker
Joey Graham

FOR

Michael Redd

I don't know if they would do it but Michael Redd is so underrated and he is definitely a guy that would bring something different to the raps.

Starting Lineup:

PG- Calderon
SG- Redd
SF- Turkoglu
PF- Bosh
C- Bargnani

No deal between Turkoglu, BlazersComment
Updated: July 3, 2009, 9:56 PM ET
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Free agent forward Hedo Turkoglu has broken off negotiations with the Portland Trail Blazers, a source told ESPN's Ric Bucher on Friday night.
The Portland Oregonian reported that Turkoglu broke off talks.
Yahoo! Sports reported that Turkoglu backed out of his earlier commitment and has his sights set on Toronto. Yahoo! Sports reported that Toronto can offer Turkoglu about $6 million more than Portland.

Earlier Friday, ESPN.com's Henry Abbott reported that Turkoglu had agreed in principle to a deal with the Trail Blazers, citing sources. The report, which said the deal couldn't be formally signed until the NBA salary cap is set next Wednesday, followed a Wednesday night dinner in Orlando between Turkoglu and Blazers head coach Nate McMillan, followed by two days of negotiations.

Friday afternoon, Bucher reported that the Turkish star remained in Portland, where he and the team were working on a deal.

After ESPN.com reported the agreement in principle, the Oregonian reported that Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard and Turkoglu's agent, Lon Babby, had not confirmed the deal, but that talks were continuing.
Turkoglu, a 6-10 forward from Turkey who played a prominent role in the Orlando Magic's recent trip to the NBA Finals, had been looking for a five-year deal in the neighborhood of $50 million.

Turkoglu at the 3 would really help open things up for Bosh. He can be a go to guy who can create and hit big shots. Lets hope he signs with Toronto!

If the deal for Turkoglu goes through, we could look something like this:

Calderon
DeRozan
Turkoglu
Bargnani
Bosh

Bench:
Ukic
Hump
Banks
Douby?
Evans
Mensah-Bonsu?
O'Bryant or Jawai?


No Marion, no Delfino, no Parker, no Graham.

Unless BC has something else up his sleeve we would definitely be hurting for a second unit.

WE GOT TURKOGLU!

Coach C - I totally agree with your comment. Turkoglu raises the quality of the starting five immensely, but the bench now is very weak. I would imagine colangelo knows this and is set on addressing this issue...he's a smart fellow and certainly has his moxy... I would also make one qualifying comment about turkoglu in that he isn't the answer to the rap need for a strong inside off/def presence, esp defensive presence... if the bench issue is addressed, which i am confident it will be, the rap are a legit playoff contender now... we may be seeing the beginnings now of the phoenix style run 'n gun north of the border...

Bernie

Bear in mind Reggie Evans only averaged 3. something ppg last year. I do not think the rest of those guys could average a total of 10 ppg.

Yes, hopefully BC will now address this situation. Its just that he will have to be very.... his own word was "creative".

There seems to be confusion about whether or not Delfino could be signed using the MLE or whether that option is done.

Lot's of players to pick up to fill roster spots.

Players that will make an impact.

One of note I would love to see is Dahntay Jones.

Yes he can play defence and contribute offensively as well.

One school of thought is that he is gambling that good players will be available because of the tough economy.

The second unit definitely needs help at guard.

I think Roko will get better.

I'm not sure about Banks and Douby at all!

Smush Parker is playing on our summer league team and Marcus Banks is not.

Could be over for Banks as a Raptor the higher-ups are not pleased!

Parker is an adequate NBA player. I haven't seen anything to get excited about in Banks!