by Chuck Swirsky -- raptors.com July 9, 2003 Despite all the excitement heading into this season's NBA summer leagues, they really are just a showcase for young players looking to impress league GMs, older ones hoping to keep their careers going and rookies getting their first taste of pro competition . Having said that, I came away impressed with Chris Bosh in the Raptors 92-87 OT loss to Dallas Tuesday night here in Long Beach, California. Here are some inital thoughts about Bosh. He is an intelligent man. He is thoughtful and polite and a person of high character. His mid range game is strong. As a left handed shooter, Bosh uses that to his advantage. He runs the floor extremely well and can finish around the rim. In time he'll put on some weight and get stronger, but this kid is a player. He'll have his highs and lows, but when it's all said and done the Raptors made a solid pick in Bosh. Second rounder Matt Bonner is a keeper. He can shoot and plays hard. I do have concerns about the depth, or lack thereof, at the point for the Raptors. We know what Alvin Williams can do. But what about the health of Lindsey Hunter? Has he recovered from last year's hip injury? Mateen Cleeves was an outstanding college player but he has yet to reach that level of excellence in the NBA. It was great to see Lamond Murray back on the floor after missing all of last season with a sever foot injury. Murray tallied thirteen points and nine boards against the Mavs. In a Tuesday shootaround Murray showed some hops with a slam dunk. My impression of the week here in L.A. has been one of excitement seeing Bosh, Bonner and the leadership of Kevin O'Neill. O'Neill has assembled a hard working, fundamentally sound coaching staff. Tony Brown is an up and coming star in the coaching profession. "KO" ran an unbelievable practice Tuesday. His attention to detail and organization is second to none. He communicates well with his players and I can tell you this. When the Raps break camp in late October every player on the final twelve man roster will know his role. There will be no surprises. None. It all comes down to players and a healthy season. Glen Grunwald has come up with a solid draft and the right coach. There is no question about it. I am telling you the truth. Period. Gary Payton 's decision to join the Lakers comes as no surprise. He wants a ring. 4.9 million for one year will do. If the Lakers win the title, look for Payton to bolt to the highest bidder if he agrees to just a one year contract in LA. This is rent-a-player at its best. If Karl Malone follows, I'll be stunned. The most the Lakers can pay him is 1.5 million. Sure he wants the ring, but how many touches will Malone get a game? Can the major egos in LA coexist? Stay tuned! The Pacers will probably have Jermaine O'Neal 's name on a contract . The Pacers will bust the bank for the all star. The Raptors have shown interest in forward Jerome Moiso who would be a nice addition to the roster. Orlando is also in the hunt but the Magic have been courting P.J. Brown. The Raptors have better personnel than the Magic and Moiso would be a better fit . Juwan Howard has received plenty of attention with Detroit, Minnesota, LA and Denver reportedly in the mix. Some other thoughts from California. Save yourself some money and take a pass on Hulk. Two hours of nothing . It's a commercial to set the stage for a sequel. No thank you. My kids turned thumbs down. I saw long-time NBA assistant Tex Winter here in LA. He's over 80 and has the heart of an eighteen year old. One of the good guys in the NBA Alvin Gentry has resurfaced with the Hornets. The Dodgers can't buy a win. Come to think of it neither can the Jays. I hope those of you who live in Toronto appreciate what you have. I have now become landed! Oh Canada!!!!! Keep emailing me your thoughts at cswirsky@torontoraptors.com. Always a pleasure! Chuck Swirsky
