I was just wondering what you guys thought about this whole thing I keep hearing; about how a lot of NBA players aren't interested in playing for the Raps simply because of its reputation of having bad management? Also, the Raps should be known as "The Academy." How many players have we had that have become stars for other teams? Stoudemire (not so much now), T-Mac, Camby, Vince...guys who just fell impatient with the direction the Raps were heading for, since every year seems like a rebuilding year. As for myself, I don't think playing in Toronto isn't as bad as playing at New Orleans or Milwaukee. We have great fan base, awesome attendance...I mean, this franchise is still pretty new and already has a great history. So, why do people say that we can't attract good players?
I remember former players mentioning taxes as being a downside. I'm sure the first priority for the players is the money, so that, along with the Raptor's inability to give FAs big money due to cap space in recent years, has to contribute why players either leave, or don't come in the first place. That really can't be determined until the cap space clears and players can give their opinion on whether or not it is an "attractive" city. I don't know if anyone saw the show NBA Rookies on Spike this summer, but Devin Harris, Emeka Okafor, Andre Iguodala, and J.R Smith were talking about the top cities to play in (other than their own), and each of them mentioned the best being: LA, New York, Miami, and all of them mentioned Toronto within their top cities. They must enjoy the nightlife . Just a note I figured I'd add.
Toronto is a great city and I didn't get to see that show, but that's interesting. The city is obviously more a hockey town, but the fan base for basketball has grown quite a lot, especially now that were the only basketball team representing Canada. You're right. I think that if the Raps had more cap space, I don't think we'd have any problems bringing excellent talent from around the NBA, so why do people keep saying Toronto isn't an attractive city?
Whats not to like about Toronto, players have to think, they aren't just getting Toronto's area fans they are getting Canada's fan as a whole when they are playing here. That in fact is amazing when a whole nation or most of it is watching you, and supporting you. That has got to be one amazing feeling.
It wasn't too long ago when Denver wasn't an attractive city. Charlotte WAS an attractive team, as was the city...but now in New Orleans (a more attractive city) they can't lure anyone there. It all comes down to wins & money. If you have both, you have players. What Babcock is doing is trying to build a young team, which doesn't cost very much, who look promising and can string together some wins as well as clear cap room to sign these top guys. I think maybe 5 years ago, not much was known about Toronto. Thanks to (gulp) Vince Carter, he help put a bit of a spotlight on Toronto so I think some of the misconceptions of the past have now been dissolved. Funny thing though I have heard quite a bit was some players don't like our television selection! Especially since we don't get ESPN. I can't think of any NBA player with the exception of Tracy McGrady who didn't like their time in T.O or at least enjoyed the city. Once we put a winning team of the floor, I think things will change.
