<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">RAPTORS GENERAL manager Rob Babcock vows a full-court press to keep rookie forward Matt Bonner from leaving the team after this season. And for his part, Bonner wants to remain in Toronto, a city he has grown to love. "Growing up, I always thought that Boston would be the team I'd want to play for," the Concord, N.H., native said yesterday. "But after this year it definitely has changed. The unbelievable fan support of the people in this city is awesome." Bonner has been a very pleasant surprise for the Raptors and has become a fan favorite at the Air Canada Centre because of his work ethic, his ability to shoot and his red hair, earning him the nickname The Red Rocket. The forward, who played pro ball in Italy last season, leads all NBA freshmen in field-goal percentage (55%) and is averaging close to eight points per game off the bench. But there could be dark clouds on the horizon for the Raptors. Because Bonner has had such a good season, other NBA teams may go after him this summer, with the Celtics being the most obvious.</div> Source
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Because Bonner has had such a good season, other NBA teams may go after him this summer, with the Celtics being the most obvious. </div> Why would the Celtics want a 6'10" Forward who can shoot but doesn't rebound? Perkins, LaFrentz, and Jefferson are all virtually guaranteed to be back in Boston next season. The 2 youngins for obvious reasons and Raef because of contract. Then there's Blount and Walker. Walker's a FA and may not return, most likely due to contract issues. Blount's trade kicker will be gone at seasons end, making him easier to trade, but who's going to be knocking down the door for him? If we had the option, I'd demote him to the Celtics farm team right now. Unfortunately, such things do not yet exist. Bonner may be a local kid. He may be a hustler. However, the likelyhood he'll end up in Boston next year is very unlikely, IMO. Particularly with all the hesitancy theres initially going to be about signing players prior to the new CBA being done.
