<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Rob Babcock says he's not against drafting another centre or guard, Bill Harris writes IT'S A pre-draft accusation Rob Babcock insists is unfair. In certain NBA circles, not only among fans but among employees of other teams, you can hear the following whispers: "There is no way the Raptors will draft a point guard or a big man in the first round, because that will be like admitting Rafer Alston and Rafael Araujo are failures." Babcock, the Raptors' general manager, disagrees in the strongest possible terms that personal pride will impact his judgment. "I would not be against taking a point guard or centre at all," said Babcock, whose club has two picks in the first round, No. 7 and No. 16. "I don't think it makes a statement that Rafer and Rafael are failures. We will take the best players we can. If they beat out our returning players, so be it." Two of Babcock's major moves last summer were the drafting of Araujo at No. 8 and the signing of Alston to a multi-year contract. Araujo barely contributed in his rookie campaign, while Alston balanced a reasonable statistical output with volatile personal behaviour and public battles with coach Sam Mitchell. Babcock is not ready to give up on either Araujo or Alston, but the GM said those two guys have to earn whatever court time they receive, just like anyone else. "If a player that I sign, trade for or draft does not work out, then I will admit that and move on," Babcock said. </div> Source
Well at least he's taking responsibility for his actions. I think we have to draft either a PG or a C, but we can't use our picks on both a PG and C, one of those first rounders has to be used for a Swingman.
I could see Toronto taking a PG at 7 if Deron Williams or Ray Felton slips. I hope they do because if not they will probably take Granger.
we should just go with granger at 7 and hopefully jack is there at 16. cuz felton will not slip that far down nor will deron. we could do a possible trade upwards but i c that as a negative move. stick with 2 good players and not just one probable superstar, we already got one in the making we can beef up in the C spot in the second round, but i have to admit babcock still thinks Babcock is the man! he was wrong the first time and messed up the year... well, a fraction of our success/failure was due in part to him. but hopefully we can get granger at 7 cuz isnt that thinking longterm?? cuz jalen is most likely gonna leave TO, even though he is great i dont think he'll want to be here. we already have pape at the C. im perfectly fine with the guy right there. u can get good C's at the 2nd round believe me. they just need to have a name that's all, not like a no name(aruajo).
If Felton slips to 7 and they take May at 16 that would be a boost in team chemistry because those guys played together for three years.
Bosh = Starter May = Backup If he is the best player on the board when we pick at 16 we should pick him up...he will also be a change of pace when Bosh comes out as he is more of a banger inside.
I would rather take a center with one of those picks more than a point guard. Alston and Alvin Williams are better than Araujo and Loren Woods. If a guy like Channing Frye or Chris Taft are still around at 16th, I would take him in a heartbeat.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Bosh = Starter May = Backup If he is the best player on the board when we pick at 16 we should pick him up...he will also be a change of pace when Bosh comes out as he is more of a banger inside.</div> Why draft a backup when we can draft a starter? May on the Raptors will always be a backup as long as Bosh is there which will be a long time. If we're drafting him just to improve our assets, then yes, but at 16th, May won't be a clearcut BPA, so their's no use getting him when their's guys just as good who fill needs and can contribute more. Also add that if Bonner comes back he's a PF too, and Pape Sow is a PF/C, it's not a smart move by any means.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trip:</div><div class="quote_post">I would rather take a center with one of those picks more than a point guard. Alston and Alvin Williams are better than Araujo and Loren Woods. If a guy like Channing Frye or Chris Taft are still around at 16th, I would take him in a heartbeat.</div> Channing Frye maybe, but Chris Taft???? The way things are going for him right now, he's not helping himself and he'll be a second round pick if he keeps it up.
I dunno guys....i've been saying Granger at 7 for a long time now and as much as i think he's exactly what we need his injury problems is really scarring me off the closer we get to draft date. Right now i'm leaning more towards right at 7 or trading down to 10th or so to nab him or Jack.
Heh... I'd say Granger at 7 or Felton if he slips, @ 16 May possibly since Marshall is or will be leaving, and the 2nd round Nate Robinson thats a hope..
I don't know about you guys, but I'm liking Joey Graham, he's a defensive guy, is very athletic, strong, and he has a pretty nice shot. He's not offensive juggernaut, but he brings a lot of other things to the table, and his offense can improve.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting og15:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't know about you guys, but I'm liking Joey Graham, he's a defensive guy, is very athletic, strong, and he has a pretty nice shot. He's not offensive juggernaut, but he brings a lot of other things to the table, and his offense can improve.</div> Yeah I'm liking him too...but I think a guy like Granger has more upside. I would like to draft a guy who can make an offensive impact as well. Granger can do everything so he's the ideal guy for us. However, he might be gone at 7. If that's the case, I would prefer a guy like Martell Webster, who has a NBA Ready body, and game (with a jumpshot). I don't know about everyone else, but I see him as being one of the top 5 players in the draft when this is done. Well top 5 might not say much, but this is a deep draft. With his body, jumpshot, and ability to create his own shot, I see him too good to pass up if Granger is gone at 7, and he's gone. I'm probably at the same level as picking him and Granger at 7. I see Graham as being a solid player throughout his entire career. Not a every year all-star player, but someone who does his thing everynight while putting up his solid numbers...similar to Shawn Marion.
Graham sounds like he could become like a Ron Artest player ( in terms of player style not mentality)
Possibly, but he's quicker, faster, and more athletic, so if he can actually mold into that type of player it would be good. The stronger Marion comparison si a big one though because Graham also played PF before, and Marion was a 4 in college also, and Graham is a beast on the boards.
Joey Graham's stock is rising almost as rapidly as Granger's right now. I like the guy. He's long, defensive minded and Skip got it right on the money with the Artest comparison. Though if I were to have a choice between him and Granger, I would still pick Granger. Just a more complete player and probably more upside.
I wouldn't mind any of the following for the 7th pick: Martell Webster Danny Granger Joey Graham Each of them brings different upsides to the table - Granger being the most efficient on both ends of the court, Webster being a dangerous offensive threat and Graham being the tough defensive minded player with an average offensive skill sets. When you are looking at similarities, they are all athletic and skilled players that can play at least 2 different positions. For the 16th pick, I like either Jarrett Jack or Roko Ukic. They are both very capable of running an NBA team and has an NBA range on their jumpshots.
