Raptors wait for NBA bargains Free-agent signings start tomorrow Hornets' Moiso being linked to T.O. DOUG SMITH SPORTS REPORTER Glen Grunwald will be watching NBA player movement intently tomorrow, more concerned about who doesn't sign free-agent contracts than who does. In much the same manner as he got Voshon Lenard and Jelani McCoy a year ago, the Raptor general manager will wait out the initial signing frenzy hoping to find some bargains as training camp approaches. However, the one name being linked to the Raptors by NBA sources is New Orleans forward Jerome Moiso, a 6-foot-10, 230-pounder who played sparingly with the Hornets last season. Entering his fourth year in the league, Moiso, the 11th pick by Boston in the 2000 draft, did not have the fourth year of his contract picked up by the Hornets this year. The Raptors also had Los Angeles Clippers free agent Sean Rooks in for a talk last week and he could be someone they'd be interested in inviting to training camp. "They've run a lot of names by me, we've talked about many, many players, obviously," coach Kevin O'Neill said yesterday. But don't look for the Raptors to announce a spate of signings once they are allowed to tomorrow. "Basically, we'll wait and see who signs, who doesn't and who wants to talk to us," said O'Neill, who will leave the negotiating to Grunwald while he is consulted about various possibilities. Toronto has a couple of pressing needs on its roster, neither of which has been addressed through the summer league season. The third point guard spot so desperately needed ? only Alvin Williams and Lindsey Hunter are under contract ? has not been seized by either Mateen Cleaves or Tierre Brown in Long Beach, Calif. While each has put up solid statistics in some games, neither has shown the consistency, quickness or decision-making needed to play extended minutes in the NBA. And the need for help up front is acute, too. Remon Van de Hare, the team's second-round draft pick, did nothing in Long Beach to suggest he's the second coming of Rik Smits as The Dunking Dutchman II. And while Matt Bonner, a second-round pick obtained from Chicago, showed flashes, he's not big enough or quick enough to be considered a regular contributor right now. When the signing period opens tomorrow, there will be a flurry of activity that could determine who plays for the NBA championship next June. The Los Angeles Lakers, trying to wrest the championship back from San Antonio, will add Karl Malone and Gary Payton while the Spurs will watch as their prized recruit, Jason Kidd, re-signs in New Jersey, where he'll be joined by Alonzo Mourning. Jermaine O'Neal is expected to remain in Indiana, Andre Miller moves from the Clippers to Denver while Juwan Howard is seen as the No. 2 option to Tracy McGrady in Orlando. A few notable free agents still haven't decided where to go, or are considering more than one offer. Minnesota centre Rasho Nesterovic, Clippers centre Michael Olowokandi and his restricted teammates Elton Brand, Lamar Odom, Corey Magette (whose contract offers could be matched by the notoriously cheap Clippers) are the top of the leftovers who are sure to attract significant interest. Magette has reportedly committed to sign with the Utah Jazz. The Raptors certainly have their sights set much lower than any of those players, concerned about paying the luxury tax that hits teams with a payroll over a certain level, expected to be somewhere in the neighbourhood of $50 million (all figures U.S.). Toronto already has about $58 million committed in salaries for the coming season. "We just don't have a lot of money," said Grunwald. Last year, the Raptors were able to get Lenard in the final week of the pre-season for the minimum salary of just under $1 million and will be in the market for a similar bargain this year. And with more than 100 free agents on the market, there is sure to be someone who fills their needs still looking for work as October's training camp opening gets closer.
