<font size=""1"">"If the Raptors did add a player who filled their cap room -- one possibility is Joel Pryzbilla, a centre with the Portland Trail Blazers, who will be a free agent after this season -- then they could use the roughly $5-million (U.S.) mid-level exception to re-sign James. "We must have the ability to keep players that we have developed, while seeking opportunities to sign players others have developed," Embry said. "This trade is a big step toward being able to accomplish that." Toronto Globe & Mail</font> Let's not get too excited, but I always felt that Pryzbilla would be a #2 choice, if the Raps couldn't get a guy like Magloire. He's a young talent and a decent center...but there still a long way to go until the offseason...I just wanted to post this up so peeps can share some ideas for possible player candidates.
I'm not so sure about Pryzbilla, wiith the coming out of Pape Sow, I think we have the same shot blocker type just with some added height and less athletiscism. I don't think we need to waste our money on a guy like Joel.
Well, we could always use a back-up...but Sow is really coming through. The D-league really helped his game.
We don't have to if Sow develops into a much athletic player and maybe we could draft another center, but that's unlikely because we need a good SF right now to replace Rose. Also, I'm guessing the Raps will still have the services of Hoffa...but Pryzbilla wouldn't be a bad candidate. Anyone have the list of free agents for next season?
The short list of FA's is in the Rose trade thread. This year's FA pool isn't the greatest but there are some difference makers.
The Raptors should pursue Melvin Ely. Athletic big man, solid defender, and a good rebounder. Exactly what the Raptors need.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Mr.Wade:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm not so sure about Pryzbilla, wiith the coming out of Pape Sow, I think we have the same shot blocker type just with some added height and less athletiscism. I don't think we need to waste our money on a guy like Joel.</div> The problem is, Pape isn't a legit centre whereas Joel is. Not taking anything away from Pape, but he's just not suited to guard guys like Eddy Curry up front. And also from what I've seen, Pryzbilla is a much better shot blocker than Pape (mainly due to his height and reach). Lots of players get extra causious when going into the paint with him around, and that's something Pape has yet to achieve. Not only is Joel is tremendous shot blocker, but he's also a good defender and rebounder, something the Raps are in desperate need of up front. Even if the Raps offer him a bit more money than his worth in the offseason, I still wouldn't be against it.... true centres like him are very hard to find in this league.
If we were to overspend for a center, I would prefer to get Nene, who is a more balanced player than Pryzbilla at this point. Pryzbilla seems to need a lot of work on his offense.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting MAKEOUTCITY:</div><div class="quote_post">We don't have to if Sow develops into a much athletic player and maybe we could draft another center, but that's unlikely because we need a good SF right now to replace Rose. Also, I'm guessing the Raps will still have the services of Hoffa...but Pryzbilla wouldn't be a bad candidate. Anyone have the list of free agents for next season?</div> http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_13008.shtml
Alvin Williams, Loren Woods and Eric Williams comes off the books. There aren't many young centers available. I think Pryzbilla, Nene (who I'm not too fond of) and Nazr Mohammed are good candidates.
Alvin Williams is a player option... so if he opts to stay then his contract will last another 2 after this one... I wouldn't mind Pryzbilla, he's a quality center who can rebound, hustle and block shots. Nazr Mohammed would be good but he's very inconsistant.
