<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Raptors go out on a limb and sign 7-feet of history By BILL HARRIS, TORONTO SUN A 7-footer with a history of serious injuries and alleged drug use is about to become the newest Raptor. Welcome back to the NBA, Stanley Roberts. The Raptors will announce within the next day or two that they have signed the enigmatic Roberts, 33, to a make-good contract. Basically that means he'll be given an opportunity to make the team during camp and the pre-season. Roberts hasn't played in the NBA since 1999, when he was suspended by the league for his alleged use of what was termed at the time as "an amphetamine-based designer drug." He was reinstated by the NBA last January. No team signed him right away, however, so he had a stint with the Harlem Globetrotters. The Raptors, apparently, are leaving no stone unturned in their search for some size and strength that could give them an edge in an Eastern Conference that virtually is devoid of true centres. The club will be curious to see what shape Roberts is in, since he had to battle weight problems and numerous injuries long before his drug suspension. Roberts perhaps is best known these days for his strong relationship with Los Angeles Lakers centre Shaquille O'Neal. The two were teammates at Louisiana State University and on numerous occasions Shaq has spoken about how much his game improved as he locked horns with Roberts every day in practice. Roberts was drafted by the Orlando Magic 23rd overall in 1991. He played a grand total of 300 regular-season games in the NBA for five different clubs from 1991 to '99, averaging 8.5 points and 5.2 rebounds. Among the injuries that plagued his career were two ruptured Achilles tendons, bone spurs in his ankles, and problems with his back and one of his shoulders that required surgery. His official playing weight was 290 pounds but he clearly exceeded that most of the time. Roberts was a member of the Philadelphia 76ers when he was suspended in 1999. He tried to play in Europe, but FIBA -- the organization that governs international basketball -- honoured the NBA suspension, despite Roberts' indignant court challenges. Roberts would be the tallest Raptor if he made the club. Mengke Bateer and Ken Johnson are 6-foot-11, while Chris Bosh, Michael Bradley and Jerome Moiso are listed at 6-foot-10.</div>He has some skills. Started over Shaq in college. I think he will battle with Ken Johnson and George Williams for a spot on the team. He could be the Voshon of this year?
I don't like it .. that's the 17th guarenteed contract GG threw away .. !!!!!!! AD - Bosh - Moiso - JYD - and Bradley ... that's enough
Roberts deserves another shot, he has pure skill and good size, he has been working very hard to get back into the league. I don't respect the Raps big men to start with.
What's to respect? I'm a raptor fan but their big guys usually aren't that big and when they're big they're broken. If this guy can play then that'll be at least one for the home team.
