http://nbadraft.net/2007stateofthecaptoronto001.asp<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>2007/08 Toronto Raptors Payroll: $51 million2007/08 Estimated NBA Salary Cap: $55 million Roughly: $4 million under capThe Good: The Raptors were the feel-good hit of the NBA season and most of their good feelings came from Chris Bosh, the franchise's centerpiece. Bosh has rightfully etched his name alongside LeBron, Wade, and Carmelo among the top of the stellar 2003 draft class. He averaged 22.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and shot nearly 50% from the field while earning his first career all-star berth. This summer, Bosh's four year, $57 million dollar extension kicks in. As long as he remains healthy, there is little doubt that he will earn every penny. Coincidentally, the 8th pick from that 2003 draft came to Toronto this season and helped Bosh turn around the team's fortunes. Many people scoffed when T.J. Ford was traded to the Raptors for Charlie Villanueva, claiming that the Bucks obviously got the better of the trade. At the time, I thought it was a good trade for both teams since they both got something they needed. Now that T.J. raised his shooting percentage and scoring average while dishing nearly 8 assists per game for a 47-win team, I think the trade worked out pretty well, don't you? Ford is also entering into his new contract extension, but at four years and $33 million, it is moderately priced and shouldn't be that hard for him to earn. His injury history is definitely a risk and should be watched closely, but all signs point to success thus far.The most bang for Toronto's buck comes from shooting guard Anthony Parker. The NBA's fourth best three point shooter (44%) was third on the team in scoring at 12.4 points per game and shot 47% overall. Parker's smooth shooting is a bargain at roughly $4.5 million each of the next two years.Jose Calderon has developed into one of the most efficient point guards in the NBA. In 21 minutes a game, Calderon dishes 5 assists and shoots an excellent 52% from the field. The Raptors get him for a cheap $2.4 million next season but need to extend his contract after that. Calderon is an important cog in the machine and must stick around.The Bad: Unfortunately for Toronto, Rasho Nesterovic is still roaming the paint along with the $16.2 million and two years remaining on his contract. Rasho provides the team with very little production and simply serves as a speed bump in an otherwise up-tempo offensive attack. With any luck, the Raptors should be able to trade him and his expiring contract next summer. Almost anything in return would provide a lift at this point.There is very little to be upset about in Toronto these days, so it's time to nitpick. Whatever happened to that Fred Jones guy? Oh, that's right, after signing him to a contract and watching him shoot 38% from the field, the Raptors shipped him to Portland for Juan Dixon. Even in a great season, not every move can pan out.The Future: The #1 pick in last year's draft, Andrea Bargnani, had a good year but not a spectacular one. The seven-footer shot just 42% from the field and spent most of his time near the three-point arc, which contributed to his terrible 3.9 rebounding average. I know he is a perimeter guy, but a player of that size should be getting around 7 to 8 boards a game. However, Bargnani is just a rookie after all and he did average 11.6 points and showed a lot of potential. He'll have lots of time to grow as a player right next to the rest of his teammates.Toronto really couldn't be in a better position right now. They have a lot of excellent, young talent signed to worthy contracts and plenty of maneuverability for the future. If the Raptors can find one more star to pair up with Bosh, they could be perennial title contenders. With GM Bryan Colangelo making the decisions, the sky is the limit for this franchise.Free Throw: Were the Raptors as good as their record this season? The answer is yes? for the most part. Playing in the worst division in basketball certainly helped as their 11-5 divisional record shows. They avoided the rampant injury bug that plagued key players on nearly every team. Also, the ball seemed to always bounce their way at the buzzer (example: Michael Ruffin's gaffe that led to Mo Pete's miracle heave). Now, before Raptor fans flood my inbox, hear me out. Despite it all, Toronto was a very good team this year that deserved all of their accolades, especially Sam Mitchell's coach of the year award. The question for next year is: how will this team handle the inevitably high expectations?Grade: A-</div>
Raptors should be a bit better next year. Bargnani is finally getting used to the game, and well be looking forard to him coming back. Bosh is going to step it up once again, and will just keep on getting better. Problem now is if Sam Mitchell wants to stay, its up to him now.
I knew we had to dump Rasho Nesterovic. Ive said it from mid season basically. Does anyone know what we could get for 16.2 million? Espicially with no draft picks and looking at the FA market, I think his contract could do us some good.
We need a rebounder...someone like Anderson Varejao, who will just come in and hustle his ass off for boards and loose balls. I think we were last in the league in rebounding...That's the only hole I see in our squad...A second option is another hole...but Andrea will develop into that soon enough...
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CB4AllStar @ May 8 2007, 04:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>We need a rebounder...someone like Anderson Varejao, who will just come in and hustle his ass off for boards and loose balls. I think we were last in the league in rebounding...That's the only hole I see in our squad...A second option is another hole...but Andrea will develop into that soon enough...</div>Well its a bit misunderstood. Chicago averages the msot rebounds in the NBA at 43. Toronto is at 27th with 39. So its not too bad. We just need a considerable force down low like Varejao you said who will chase after everything. Turiaf isnt too bad eithier, I would like to see him in T.O
What our real need is a SF that can grab around 4-6 boards a game, play some good defence and hustle.. I just wish Joey Graham could be more consistent because he can be exactly what we need.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (TJFord11 @ May 8 2007, 07:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>What our real need is a SF that can grab around 4-6 boards a game, play some good defence and hustle.. I just wish Joey Graham could be more consistent because he can be exactly what we need.</div>definitely Graham is capable can do that, we saw it when he was feeling it. But then I dont really see him with us next year. Have a feeling he's going to be traded and also Mo Pete most likely wont be resigned. We can trade Joey Graham, Mo Pete(sign and trade), + something else for a decent big man?
LOL, we're still under the cap after our signings during the off-season, what a job because has done to the state of this franchise. We're still in the position to sign someone, or sign and trade Mo Pete.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (RaptorFan#1 @ May 8 2007, 04:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Well its a bit misunderstood. Chicago averages the msot rebounds in the NBA at 43. Toronto is at 27th with 39. So its not too bad. We just need a considerable force down low like Varejao you said who will chase after everything. Turiaf isnt too bad eithier, I would like to see him in T.O</div>Varejao is a sweet player who would help the raptors on the offensive glass ALOT. Not to mention give us 100 times more consistency than that of Humphries. However; with Bargnani and Bosh mostly likely starting at the 4 and 5, Garbo hopefully healthy and backing up the 4 and 5 where would you find minutes for him? Sounds like a lot of wasted cap space on a position the team doesn't necessarily needs. In terms of the 4 and 5 with Garbs, Bargs and Bosh taking up the bulk of the minutes and RAsho in just for matchup situations I believe more rebounds will be provided at those spots. Just think of Bosh getting 10, Bargs hopefully playing close to the net and getting 5 to 7 and Garbs to easily bank off 5 +++. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (TJFord11 @ May 8 2007, 07:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>What our real need is a SF that can grab around 4-6 boards a game, play some good defence and hustle.. I just wish Joey Graham could be more consistent because he can be exactly what we need.</div>Your right but the problem is Joey has the brain of a peanut which obviously doesn't contain an ounce of basketball IQ. With a god given body you would think he would know the basics of guarding an opposing player, the movement of an NBA offence or even the ability to know his game. Graham is virtually useless and I hope because discards of him. However; I wouldn't bet on it .... I hate to say this cause hindsight is 20/20 but I wish the raps drafted Granger instead of him. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (HoNgKoNgKoBe @ May 8 2007, 08:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>definitely Graham is capable can do that, we saw it when he was feeling it. But then I dont really see him with us next year. Have a feeling he's going to be traded and also Mo Pete most likely wont be resigned. We can trade Joey Graham, Mo Pete(sign and trade), + something else for a decent big man?</div>mo pete and graham + what for a big man? You first have to clear out a forward before trading for one. With Bargs/Bosh/Garbs/Hump where would this "big man" play. The raps don't need a big man they are an athletic type team who just need to find a balance in rebounding and scoring. Their Defense isn't great but its coming along and they can score. The only problem is they aren't getting any rebounding production from the guard positions. What I think needs to be done is you have to make AP your starting SG giving you stability and more of a rebounding presence. Then you with the Mid Level Exception and cap space find yourself a SF that can create his own shot and REBOUND the dam ball. Of course a little defense wouldn't hurt. However; my fear is you will problably have to discard of Jose Calderon in order to get a decent SF in return. You have to give up something to get something right?
This is a very good article. If we could move Rasho for something productive or cap relief that would be a bonus. He is just a speed bump in our system.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MiﮒFi?? @ May 11 2007, 12:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>This is a very good article. If we could move Rasho for something productive or cap relief that would be a bonus. He is just a speed bump in our system.</div>I really doubt Rasho is going anywhere. Who really would want him? Yes I know because somehow got rid of Hoffa but Rasho's ticket comes with an 8million dollar pricetag. I'm sure in 2009 when his contract is expiring he will be gone.
