<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>The Raptors caught a break when the Italian national team declined to include No. 1 pick F/C Andrea Bargnani on its roster for the World Championships. But when it comes to post-tournament fatigue, no team has more to worry about than the newly remade Raptors, who are loaded with international players. C Rasho Nesterovic and PF Uros Slokar are playing for Slovenia, and PG Jose Calderon and F/C Jorge Garbajosa are playing for Spain. PF Chris Bosh, of course, is a Team USA member. . . . Yes, that's former NBA PG Sam Vincent coaching the Nigerian national team. He has been a prominent figure in developing basketball in Africa and has helped create the Africa 100 Camp that showcases the continent's top players to scouts and colleges. That's how Sonics first-rounder C Saer Sene was introduced to the league. Vincent's Nigerian team includes PF Ike Diogu, G Ime Udoka and C Olumide Oyedeji. . . . The Magic will have a trove of cap space -- around $18 million -- next summer. If the team lands high in the 2007 draft (Detroit will get the Magic's pick if it is not in the top five) it likely will grab a big man such as F/C Joakim Noah or C Greg Oden to pair with PF Dwight Howard. It's a poorly kept secret that the Magic's ultimate target is Nets SG Vince Carter, a native of the Orlando area, who can opt out of his contract next summer. If, somehow, everything goes according to plan, the Magic could be a rebuilt franchise in a hurry.</div>
I'm not worried at all. I doubt FIBA can really stress out players because most are only playing 25 mins a game at the most. It is good practice for our Euro players, and Im just not worried.
Actually, it is kind of smart. Instead of getting rookies from college who have no professional experience, these guys have loads of experience with FIBA and their respective league. So they already know the game, and if they are anything like Calderon, they will adjust the game really fast .
Really don't think those international player playing in the world championships will hurt the raptors if anything it should get them going sooner in their season. Just look at who they are going face in november. They have a west coast trip in the first month. So if they come to training camp in playing condition that is a plus for the raptors.
