<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Carlos Delfino isn't sure where he's going to fit with the Raptors, but it's certain to be better than where he didn't fit with the Detroit Pistons. The 24-year-old guard/forward, obtained by Toronto last week for the bargain-basement price of two future second-round draft picks, figures a new start is just what his stalled NBA career needs. "I need to change," the 6-foot-6 Delfino said yesterday. "I'm excited about this situation. I just can't wait to start." He languished on the bench for almost three seasons with the Pistons, never averaging more than 16.7 minutes per game. While he showed flashes, being stuck behind Tayshaun Prince and his own inconsistency doomed him to deep backup status. And when the Pistons needed to clear some financial room facing a summer in which they have to pay free agent Chauncey Billups and perhaps take a run at Grant Hill, Delfino became expendable. "I was stuck," he said. "I don't blame anybody, I'm okay. I just want to move and move forward. I never got the chance, the opportunity to play." Whether he gets the chance with Toronto is going to be entirely up to him. He's got Anthony Parker and Jorge Garbajosa ahead of him on the depth chart at shooting guard and small forward, but with the departure of Morris Peterson imminent, only the inconsistent Joey Graham and smallish Juan Dixon stand between Delfino and substantial playing time. Even if general manager Bryan Colangelo lands a small forward on the free-agent market ? the Raptors have Hill squarely in their sights as well ? there is a chance for Delfino to contribute. "What I know is I'm excited," he said. "I'm motivated to work hard and try to be a starter. I think every (backup) player in this league is in the situation I am in."</div> <div align="center">Source: Toronto Star</div>
I definately think that's true, but I can't help but point this out as another missed opportunity for Doug Smith to provide some analysis rather than just echo the front office says. Does anyone think we're still going to grab a draft pick at this point? I'm assuming that plan might be off, unless the asking price is mega low.
<div class="quote_poster">a13x Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I definately think that's true, but I can't help but point this out as another missed opportunity for Doug Smith to provide some analysis rather than just echo the front office says. Does anyone think we're still going to grab a draft pick at this point? I'm assuming that plan might be off, unless the asking price is mega low.</div> I think so, because now Juan Dixon is trade bait along with Joey Graham. The Raptors want Hill and trading away Joey and Juan is good becuase it gets them a pick and some cap room. I really hope Delfino can play well for us. He is a bit inconsistent, but I think given the chance can average about 10 PPG 3 RPG and be good energy off the bench.
I don't know about starting, but he will get decent minutes. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I really hope Delfino can play well for us. He is a bit inconsistent, but I think given the chance can average about 10 PPG 3 RPG and be good energy off the bench.</div> If he's playing enough to give us 10 PPG, he'll be grabbing about 5 RPG, the guy is actually a pretty good rebounder, about the same as Joey Graham, numbers wise, a little better, but in the decimals.
<div class="quote_poster">a13x Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I definately think that's true, but I can't help but point this out as another missed opportunity for Doug Smith to provide some analysis rather than just echo the front office says. Does anyone think we're still going to grab a draft pick at this point? I'm assuming that plan might be off, unless the asking price is mega low.</div> If it wasn't such a quiet offseason for the Raps, I would be ignoring his articles. He's just regurgitating the same old stuff, but there's not much else to read right now.
<div class="quote_poster">Chutney Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">If it wasn't such a quiet offseason for the Raps, I would be ignoring his articles. He's just regurgitating the same old stuff, but there's not much else to read right now.</div> Yea, that is true. I can't find anything on the Raptors to read. I'm just hoping that Colangelo makes a move soon or on draft day. I would love to see a guy like Fernandez or any top 20 pick on our roster.
<div class="quote_poster">Chutney Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">If it wasn't such a quiet offseason for the Raps, I would be ignoring his articles. He's just regurgitating the same old stuff, but there's not much else to read right now.</div> Agreed. I'd be lying if i said i didn't read it
