<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Toronto Raptors David Randell Draft Picks: 1st Round: 7th pick (before lotto), 16th pick. 2nd Round: 8th (38th overall, but may be swapped for #41 or completely relinquished), 29th (58th overall) Background: It has been another turbulent season for the Toronto Raptors organization, which to the city of Toronto means essentially the norm. It seems like ever since VC missed the game winner in Philly to head to the Eastern Conference Finals the team finds itself in turmoil over and over again. Highlights of the season include (I) the emergence of Chris Bosh as an up and coming star in the NBA, (II) the re-birth of Morris Peterson and (III) good return on recent 2nd round picks including Matt "The Red Rocket" Bonner, and Pape "Spiderman" Sow. Ironically the first two events can be directly tied into the biggest news of the season, the exodus of Vince Carter to the swamp. There is great debate within and outside of the franchise as to whether the Vince Carter trade was in the best interests of the organization, but, even if one does not consider this a low-light, there have been plenty this year including; (I) the development (or lack thereof) of Rafael Araujo, (II) Alonzo Mourning?s buy-out, (III) Eric and Aaron Williams desires to be traded, (IV) Sam Mitchell vs. Rafer Alston and Loren Woods in Boston, (V) Rafer?s tirade as to his fit with the Raptors and possible desire to retire, and finally (VI) the teams lackluster performance in Vince Carter?s return. With the rare exception, the team (1-12) is essentially made up of spare parts that do not work together as a cohesive unit and that does not make for a smooth running operation. The results have been mixed with a decent home record, bad road record, above average offence and lackluster defense. On most nights the Raptors are out-rebounded due to lack of front court depth and at the same time perimeter defense has been an Achilles heel. Ill advised shots have proved detrimental on more than one occasion and the results of the season are reflected in the ever growing baldness of new inexperienced, yet hungry coach Sam Mitchell. Team Needs: Over the past 24 months teams in the East have either made significant acquisitions, sometimes with mixed results, (Shaq with the Heat, C-Webb with Philly, Antoine Walker to Boston and Vince Carter to NJ) or have stockpiled youth (Atlanta, Chicago, Celtics). The Raptors unfortunately under the "new" regime of Rob Babcock, and now Wayne Embry (new Assistant to the President Richard Pettie) have not had a true opportunity to do either. This years draft will be a huge measuring stick for this group of individuals and they absolutely must address some of the teams many needs. Outside of the PF position, firmly held down by Chris Bosh, this team could use an upgrade at all positions either from lack of skill, depth, or in some cases youth. Unfortunately, both major acquisitions made by Babcock in his first year as Raptors GM have backfired in some way. Rafer Alston has proven to be a solid NBA player, however no matter how much he eats, sleeps and breathes basketball he lacks some of the true characteristics necessary to be a truly successful NBA point guard. Rafael Araujo was drafted because he was NBA ready. This "readiness" has not materialized or been noticed on any occasion. Essentially the team needs guys that are both young and can contribute right away. Unfortunately these types of players are harder and harder to find unless you are in the top 5 of the draft. PG and C, the two most important positions for almost all franchises, continues to be the needs of the Raptors. The franchise has never really had a "true" center and PG?s have gone through the Air Canada?s Centre?s turnstiles quicker than the fans. A tough inside presence to take the load off of Chris Bosh night in and night out and a true floor general are the most glaring weaknesses on a team that is full of holes. Draft Strategy: The Raptors draft history has truly been a story of feast or famine. (Vince Carter, Bosh, vs. Bradley and Radojovic) Unfortunately the history of Babcock as GM has been brief and to date can only be given a D grade. The theory in last years draft was to get the most ready and able bodied player available at the 8th spot. Unfortunately the need to help Chris Bosh outweighed the need to simply get a "player" as shown by the teams decision not to draft Andre Iguodala even though Vince and others made it clear that he would have been the best choice. Babcock showed that he did not however want to have assets across the pond as he traded the Raptors second round pick Miralles for Pape Sow. The strategy now essentially has to be one of getting the best value. Surprisingly, the second first round pick may be more important for Babcock then the first as it was former that was obtained from the Vince deal. Unfortunately the franchise does not have the time or collection of assets to draft players that need a great deal of time to develop, essentially removing most foreign players and high-schoolers from any Raptors draft plan. Personal Analysis: Where to begin? This team needs an influx of talent, not just through the draft but through free-agency dollars (limited in this case) and further trades. The team lacks an identity. To too many players playing in Canada remains an un-appealing option, be it due to factual reality (poor management) or fictional stereotypes (lack of soul-food) as many players are unaware that Toronto is the third biggest media centre in North America and is the most multi-cultural city in the world. The franchise has to reach out to the fans that still come out in droves to watch a flawed product. As discussed on numerous occasions in the press and elsewhere, perhaps the best thing to do is make a serious pitch for Toronto born Jamal Magloire. Not only would this add toughness and a presence in the middle, it would give the franchise new life. Eric Williams wants out, has earned his stripes, and this request should be met perhaps by including him in a deal with New Orleans. The draft does have players that can contribute, but the current draft position of the Raptors is going to make it difficult. The best case scenario for this franchise is to somehow manage to pick Deron Williams and later on Danny Granger. Williams will likely not be there at 8 so lottery balls must fall a certain way. Second round picks should be used wisely, aka Julius Hodge. Other Considerations: The most disturbing part of the situation in Toronto is who owns Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment ("MLSE"). The Ontario Teachers Pension Fund is the majority owner of MLSE and the effects are obvious. The first is that the Fund is essentially only concerned with the bottom line and not actually winning a championship. It is not a stretch to realize if the Raptors were owned by an individual(s) like the Maloofs or Mark Cuban this would be a different franchise. The fan base in Toronto is extremely supportive, unfortunately the fans are not feeling the same support from the franchise in the form of a strong product. </div> http://www.draftcity.com/viewarticle.php?a=182
I agree with you for the most part, but i don't whatsoever agree with the statement that the Raps are "mostly made up of spare parts". As a diehard Raptors fan I think its a bit offensive to say all we are are a bunch of players no one else wants. Chris Bosh is a future all-star and possibly mvp, so he's a guy you can definetely build a franchise around. It also appears that he wants to stay in Toronto. Jalen Rose, Morris Peterson and Rafer Alston are all very solid NBA players who can be solid 2nd, 3rd and fourth options. I do think we need to improve our bench with the likely departures of 6th man Donyell Marshall and Milt Palacio, but no doubt we can do that with the 7th and 16th picks. In the draft if available at 7th I would definetely take Chris Taft. Though his work ethic has been questioned, I think Sam Mitchell can change that and he has a huge ceiling as to how good he can be. He and Bosh could form an unstoppable combo. If Taft is not available, I'de look for either Ray Felton or Deron Williams to push Rafer and give us some more stability at pg. With the sixteent, the two guys that really intrigue me are Martell Webster and Antoine Wright. Both are a bit raw, but experience will help that and both are great athletes. If Danny Granger is available at 16th (i dont think he will) I'de also consider him. So contrary to you, I believe the Raptors are only one solid off season away from being a sold playoff team.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting CB4 RAPTOR MVP:</div><div class="quote_post">I agree with you for the most part, but i don't whatsoever agree with the statement that the Raps are "mostly made up of spare parts". As a diehard Raptors fan I think its a bit offensive to say all we are are a bunch of players no one else wants. Chris Bosh is a future all-star and possibly mvp, so he's a guy you can definetely build a franchise around. It also appears that he wants to stay in Toronto. Jalen Rose, Morris Peterson and Rafer Alston are all very solid NBA players who can be solid 2nd, 3rd and fourth options. I do think we need to improve our bench with the likely departures of 6th man Donyell Marshall and Milt Palacio, but no doubt we can do that with the 7th and 16th picks. In the draft if available at 7th I would definetely take Chris Taft. Though his work ethic has been questioned, I think Sam Mitchell can change that and he has a huge ceiling as to how good he can be. He and Bosh could form an unstoppable combo. If Taft is not available, I'de look for either Ray Felton or Deron Williams to push Rafer and give us some more stability at pg. With the sixteent, the two guys that really intrigue me are Martell Webster and Antoine Wright. Both are a bit raw, but experience will help that and both are great athletes. If Danny Granger is available at 16th (i dont think he will) I'de also consider him. So contrary to you, I believe the Raptors are only one solid off season away from being a sold playoff team.</div> Another big from this draft? I wouldn't make that decision if I were Babcock after what he's had with Hoffa. Deron Williams would be out of the Raps' reach unless we can grab a top 5 pick through the draft,, and the rest of the draft orders are as muddy as a NJ swamp. And this is just a suggestion, but you should avoid flaming the Knicks fans on their boards with unintelligent comments that might, however unintentionally, wrongly represent the Raptors fan base.
It's cool as long as you acknowledge your fault. I like Taft too, but I'm just not sure if Babcock will take a risk in picking a big again. After all,, it's up to him and the Raps brass to determine who they're gonna pick, not us fans.. and unfortunately so.
Draft on Talent, nto by need. Unless the differnece between talent/ned is aobut one pick, then always draf ton talent.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting CB4 RAPTOR MVP:</div><div class="quote_post">I agree with you for the most part".</div> I didn't write this article. It was written by Draftcity. I did include a link and attempted to quote it but I improperly used the "quote feature".
