<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Raptors acquire Printezis LORI EWING Canadian Press TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors didn't have a pick and sat tight through most of the NBA draft before making a late move to tweak their roster Thursday night. President and GM Bryan Colangelo traded his team's second-round 2008 pick to the San Antonio Spurs for Greek forward Giorgos Printezis. The 6-9 small forward averaged 11.5 points and 3.9 rebounds last season with Olympia Larissa. The 22-year-old Printezis, who is at Madison Square Garden for the draft, was considered one of the top young players in the Greek League. However, Colangelo is turning his sights on free agency, which begins Sunday, to further revise the roster.</div> link The 58th pick in the draft by the spurs, raptors must have been pretty high on him to give away their second round pick next year which I imagine will be much better than 58th overall. Invalid Video Link
I haven't seen much of Printezis, but I assume he will be on the Raptors in a couple of years. I think Colangelo will leave him in Greece to let him develop. I'm a little disappointed with how Colangelo played this years draft, but as long as he goes at the FA market, I'll be happy. I guess this years draft belonged to the worst teams in the NBA.
M Two One, from the Bulls forum, is pretty high on this kid. He says he has some developing to do, but has a lot of skill, athleticism, and a good feel for the game. His comparison was a stronger Nocioni, with worse defense but better offense. Colangelo must've seen something in him, because I don't think he puts much stock into 2nd rounders. Interesting, to say the least.
Yeah, well worse defense isn't really the best way to put it because Noce is a great defender. It is just that this kid isn't as good defensively right now as Noce and needs to learn how to pass, but he will throw himself all over the court to get his team the ball from what I've seen. With a year or two to polish his skills I'm guessing he could be equal or better to Nocioni's current offensive capabilities and he'll have to be more prepared to take charges from larger players like Shaq or Oden because we all know Nocioni will take any charge from anyone no matter the size or strength. Also yes, already this kid is stronger then Nocioni and could probably play SF or PF, but with even more help he could establish himself as a frantic go-to guy for an easy slam over anyone guarding him. He's pretty confident with his offensive capabilities and will likely not scare off to knock someone over in the lane to get two points. He's very willing to learn and I think this is a great pick up for Colangelo. You should know from last year he knows his European prospects, which is why I rank the man so high in my GM list. Have some confidence in this pick up.
I just hope all this European flavor in Toronto can work out. I like what Colangelo is doing by making this team so multicultural, it works so well with the city. I just want this guy to come in, when he does and make an impact sooner, rather then later. We can be not bad with him at the SF position if M Two One says he is good as he is. Hopefully he can improve his defense with another year in Greece, or come right into training camp and by playoffs or hopefully before, become a better defender.
I really like the thought of bringing in many european players, because thats where the game is headed, away from the basket more finesse less force. Guys like Giorgos have quite a bit of professional experience on a level higher than NCAA, so they're just like picking up NCAA players that played a bit overseas. I think this could be a solid pickup.
Printezis happy to join Raptors <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">TORONTO (CP) - Giorgos Printezis sat in the green room at Thursday's NBA draft, waiting patiently to hear his name called. Ranked 73rd on ESPN's big board, the Greek forward was one of the few players who chose to sit under the lights despite being almost certain to be chosen deep in the second round of the draft, if at all. Then, with 50 of the draft's 60 picks already made, Printezis started to get antsy. </div> Source: The Toronto Star Sounds like he wants to be here, and I'm glad. Hopefully he will make an impact.