Another Taste of Italy

Well, apparently there were no smokescreens after all; No tricks or trades up GM Bryan Colangelo’s sleeve. Instead, he went with one of the draft’s worst-kept secrets, and snagged the man they call “The Magician” with the first overall pick.

Andrea Bargnani.

The 7-Footer who everyone in Toronto started being force-fed information about – even more so when the Raptors went and officially hired his former Benetton Treviso General Manager, Maurizio Gherardini.

At that point, if there was any doubt – there shouldn’t have been.

Colangelo warned us all… He massaged the idea of drafting the Italian into our minds for so long, that he wanted it to feel great come June 28th.

Once Bargnani’s name was called, I’m not going to say I felt great… but I didn’t feel bad, or surprised, either.

You know Andrea’s deal: He’s a 7-footer (apparently even 7’1”) who has range past the NBA 3-point line. He’s got a lethal first-step, and an array of offensive moves (hence the brutal nickname). But what he’s got on the one end is apparently non-existent on the other. Can’t hold his space, can’t play defense for a lick, and can’t rebound.

That’s fine, it’s not like the Raptors ever addressed those needs before…

Or did they??

With the 35th overall pick, The Raptors went out and made a stellar selection, nabbing Texas guard, PJ Tucker - a 6’5” guard/forward who’s got a wingspan of 7’1”. Named the Big-12 player of the year, Tucker absolutely shut down his opponent with lockdown defense, while rebounding at a clip of 9.5 a game. He’s a crafty scorer – in the lane – seeing as he’s got minimal range on his jumper, bringing in Longhorns-best 16.5 points per game.

I really like Tucker’s game, and felt he deserved more of a spotlight than what he got from the NCAA tournament. I have no doubt that he’ll make the team.

The Raptors had the chance to draft hometown kid, Denham Brown, but let him slide to Seattle at 40. Bryan Colangelo would later tell the Fan morning show:

“Sometimes there’s a right environment for a player to play… and we didn’t feel that this would be the right situation for him. But I do like Denham as a player. He had a great college career. I wish him the best, and think he’s going to do well wherever he goes.”

The Raptors had one more selection, nabbing 6’11” forward (I don’t know how TSN got 7’5”), Edin Bravcic. A big Bosnian jump-shooter who was then traded to the Sixers for cash considerations.



So who won the draft, you ask??

It’s really tough to say at this point… and per usual, we won’t really know for sure until another year or so… but it’s clear who made the most noise.

Even before the draft started, the Portland Trailblazers set the tone, sending my boy Sebastien Telfair to the Celtics, along with Theo Ratliff… for Boston’s Dan Dickau, Raef LaFrentz and the #7 pick (which turned out to be Randy Foye, then moved to Minnesota)

Portland then swapped the draft rights of Tyrus Thomas (taken 4th) with the Bulls for LaMarcus Aldridge (taken 2nd), Victor Khryapa, and a 2nd round pick in 2007. Could Chicago get anymore fleeced? In my opinion, I’d rather have Aldridge in the first place… let alone a decent Euro (Khryapa, more than just a throw-in… remember when he rocked the Raps for 17 on a near-flawless shooting night?), than Thomas (Chandler redux?) Add to that, the Blazers picked up Brandon Roy in a swap for Randy Foye?? AND they drafted Sergio “Spanish Chocolate” Williams, along with Englishman, Joel Freeland?? 4 first round picks??

Screw Stephen A. Smith… The Blazers, busier than Union Station during rush hour, pulled off quite the draft night.

I also love how the Nets managed to snake Marcus Williams 22nd! 22nd?? Wow. Then they grabbed his UConn buddy, Josh Boone, immediately after. Williams should fit in like a glove in the swamp (and eventually Brooklyn), passing to guys like RJ, VC, and Nenad. Let alone learning from one of the best, in J-Kidd.

I also like the Lakers’ selection of UCLA’s Jordan Farmar at 26. He won’t need to move, and he can rock the Triangle with Phil and Kobe.

This is just the tip of the ice-berg, though… Thankfully, I’ve been invited to share my thoughts in depth in a post-draft-chat on www.buzzer-beater.blogspot.com .

Bonner Needs a New Nickname... The Raps have their Italian Job?... Out of Town Brown is Out of a Job...

With no TTC... or Mr.Sub for that matter... Matt Bonner's going to need a new, hopefully better, nickname.

The Red Rocket just won't do in LoneStar state. Unless it's in reference to the space he, in theory, will provide for Duncan.

But that's bad. So bad, it needed italics just to make sure you got it.
(But then again... the nickname itself was always considered brutal through these eyes anyway.)

As you know by now... Matt Bonner has been shipped away with malcontent, Eric Williams, to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Rasho Nesterovic.

In another swift move by Bryan Colangelo, the Raptors now have their first true center since before Hakeem's Dream Knees gave out on him... Dare we go as far back as Camby to find the last quality center on the Raptors? (I'm maintaining that Antonio Davis was still a PF, despite his all-star year coming at the 5)

Now, Rasho is a quality center. He's not great. But he's good... at what the Raptors need from him. Size, defense, and reliability. Rasho is as solid as a rock. Standing 7', 250 lbs, the man can just plant himself in the paint and block (if not alter) shots. He comes with a salary calling for 7+, 7+ and 8+million in the three remaining years on his contract.

Considering the dollars doled out for big men... I figure that to be managable, seeing as how this guy's won a championship ring, played with fellow star-studded big men (Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett... and Sam Mitchell, for that matter), and can more than handle letting his power forward (Bosh) shine.

Heading the other way... the Raptors find a new home for the cranky E-Will... but lose the fan-favorite in Bonner (not to mention a 2nd round pick for 2009 (which I originally read to be that of New Orleans/OK (c/o Aaron Williams trade)).

But as we all know, you've got to give something up to get something in return.

Just ask Pizza Pizza, who will now have the ever-cheery Sam Mitchell doing a promotional stint instead of the recently departed Red Head.

Don't worry kids... Sam Mitchell really loves you.

==
So the Toronto Sun reported that Benetton Treviso General Manager, Maurizio Gherardini, could be named the Raptors' assistant GM as early as today.

Very quick work, considering it was just 2 nights ago that Treviso won the Italian Serie A title.

Vacation is for the weak...

The Raptors' 2nd round draft pick of last year, Uros Slokar, plays for Gherardini's squad... as does Andrea Bargnani (as if you haven't been beaten over the head with that knowledge yet).

I am convinced Bryan Colangelo is a master of this NBA draft game. His smokescreens are thicker than a slice of texas toast. I have absolutely no idea where he's leaning with the top pick - which, obviously, is exactly what he wants.

What *I* want, is now more unclear than ever. I like the idea of LaMarcus Aldrige (assuming the Raps keep the top-pick). He's a very skilled big-man, with hometown connections to Bosh... but the more I read about Bargnani... the more I fall in love with the idea of the Italian donning "Toronto" on the front of his jersey.

Diverse 7-footers don't come around often... and having 3 near-seven footers (Bosh, Charlie, AB) with different skill-sets is all too tantilizing. But you could say the same with Aldrige. Different talents... same size (near seven feet, if you're with me).

I know Rasho's a tower... but I'm talking about the forward positions here.

The prospect of playing any combination of the 3 of them simultaneously also leads to some salivating.

So, while I'm still not sure what I want... I do know that something good will happen either way.

==
Finally, the drama surrounding the Knicks coaching staff has come to an end. Larry Brown has been fired after one miserable season... replaced by Isiah Thomas. The man everyone loves to hate. The man who made the Knicks roster even more convoluted than seemingly possible.

The only thing I can say about this is... not only should it have been done months earlier... but it should have been done with more class.

Thankfully, at least, we won't be bombarded with 5 different versions of the same "Larry Brown won't talk to us... Zeke won't talk to us" stories coming out of New York.

Now it'll just be which coach gets fired so that "Next Town Brown" can take over, and start the destruction again.

Can't Beat the Heat...

Well, it's all over. The Larry O'Brien trophy is in the hands of the better player and the troops that he led through the trenches.

Dwyane Wade is a man possessed. Or a man possessing all the characteristics of a legendary superstar. The way he single-handedly dismantled the Mavs over the last 4 games was incredible to watch, but painful to endure.

Only because I despise everything that exemplifies this Miami Heat team. Other than Wade and Udonis Haslem, virtually everyone on the Heat was picked up for the sole purpose of chasing a ring. To me, a team should never be given to anyone.

When you're playing pick-up ball... do you like it when all the good players swing to one side? I know I don't (and not just because I'm left on the other team).

The Dallas Mavericks are the picture perfect example of proper team construction. Smart draft picks, and great team play.

They built from the ground up.

Whereas, with the Heat, all their talent fell from the sky. Jason Williams, James Posey, Antoine Walker, Gary Payton, Alonzo Mourning. All virtual gifts. All following Shaq, Wade, and another shot at a ring (for Payton, that was strike two).

Josh Howard, Marquis Daniels, Devin Harris, and Dirk Nowitzki... all born and bred in the NBA by the Mavericks. Jason Terry was never considered more than a bandage for a departed Captain Canada... Jerry Stackhouse was a more-content sixth man that Antawn Jamison.

Erick Dampier was the exception; He was supposed to be their $10-million dollar big man... but turned into an overpaid Kwame Brown on that last possession in Game 6.

To me, the Mavs represented everything that was right in the NBA. BUILD a team... don't inherit it. When they couldn't win as the run-and-gun Mavs, they tweaked some areas... but mostly they brought aboard Avery Johnson, and soaked up every word he preached.

These Mavs were ready to win the championship... one fourth-quarter collapse away from clutching a 3-0 series lead.

Instead it is the Heat that lost their championship virginity.

Good on them... Great on Wade.

I will never get tired of watching that young man play... but I really hoped that the recipe of manufacturing teams for success went out the window with the Lakers' debacle of 3 years ago. Wishful thinking.

I'm glad to see Payton get his ring... Everyone hates the man. I still remember the good times. But the worst of times were shown in the third (fourth?) quarter last night... Talking to Steve Javie while a pass delivered to him rolled off his foot, and into the hands of JT. Thankfully, for him, the Heat escaped unscathed.

The Mavs walked off their home court with their heads sagging, and to a chorus of courtesy clapping... Good job, guys. Way to buckle.

Damp... try catching the pass before you drive into the key. Or even better... just hang on to the ball, and get it back to Dirk ASAP.

Despite getting shut down in the 4th... you gotta get the rock back to the disco ball.

In the end... It was Wade grabbing the final rebound, and launching the ball into the Dallas sky.

Fitting.









Pic courtesy of Associated Press.

Just a quickie...

Wow... so it's been nearly 2 weeks since my last post.
I wish I had more to talk about, but to tell you the truth... I really don't.

I have yet to get a taste of this year's pre-draft workouts (likely because with the #1 pick, it's a whole lot more high-profile stuff - and the Fan's lead guy doesn't want to take a break. Understandable.)

So here I sit... A week back from my trip overseas... as tanned as an Albino.
OK, Maybe that's a touch extreme.

==
Anyone see Game 4 last night? Yeah, me neither. I was talking with some of the guys at the gym, trying to disect why the interest in this series has gone down (at least for us). I still maintain that I love Wade, but hate the Heat... and I want the Mavs to keep sticking it to South Beach, but obviously over the last 2 games that hasn't happened.

Maybe it's all the David Hasselhoff chants.

What if Dirk hit that Free Throw in game 3??

I knew he wouldn't. I felt it. It felt like gas.
Now the Mavs need to play one more in Miami (after another 2 days in between), before fleeing back to their home court, where Mark Cuban actually blends in.
==
So Michael Jordan's officially a part-owner in the NBA... good for him. Great for the Bobcats. That team needs more excitement than just trying to determine when Emeka Okafor will get over his next ankle injury. If I were a Bobcats fan (and I am... but I mean, if I lived in Charlotte), I'd be biting my nails, hoping they do not draft Adam Morrison. I really don't understand how this guy's getting attention as a top pick.

Rumour sites are saying everyone wants the Raps pick to take Morrison. WHY?!?
In a time when the league is more athletic than ever (so much so, that true "centers" are getting fast-breaked out of the league), why go for a guy who admittedly can't play defense, and can't take guys off the dribble.

Yeah, he's got a plethora of offensive moves... and could create his own shot in college... but this ain't no Gonzaga. This is the bigs, with bench players that are easily capable of shutting him down.

I also agree with Doug Smith's note that it appears Morrison might have already reached his ceiling (as in, how much more can he improve?).
==
My hopes for the Raptors still involve trading down... getting a point guard in return, and drafting either Marcus Williams (I don't care if his stock is falling) or Sheldon Williams.

I don't like the prospect of trading Charlie V... or Mo Pete for that matter.
But in an off-season in which even Hoffa can find a new home... anything can happen.

Greetings from Seville...

I'm writing you from Spain... for a couple of reasons.
First off, I wasn't too pleased with the way I put out my last entry... and secondly, because a string of bizarre and coincidental instances have come forth during my stay away from Toronto.

OK... so i'm sitting in my room, in which I am shacked up with my brother (whom we'd be lost without (people don't speak much English here; he's the only one who speaks Spanish)) here in Seville. I hadn't heard from Jose (Calderon), and based on information I had recieved from my boy Pedro (the doorman at our hotel in Barcelona) it wouldn't have made much difference. According to the apparently not to reliable Pedro, the Spanish League is done. Finito.

Not the case.

I turn on the TV, and I finally find what is actually basketball... as opposed to an interesting concoction of hoops, dodgeball and soccer - a sport of which no one seems to know the name. So in either case, I'm watching this game between Unicaya and DKV Joventut. They're playing the series opener in the Spanish League's (ACB) semi-final. I'm watching... trying to pick apart differences between their version, and our North-American counterpart (less dribbling, more passing, less inside-play... yadda yadda). Then I see this one guy take it inside. He gets hacked. Pretty hard.
On the back of his sponsorship-filled jersey is inscribed "R.ARCHIBALD".

What the hell?

I quickly run into my parents' room down the hall.

"Dad... check this out."

I turn on the TV.
R.Archibald, on cue, hacks some other dude.

The spanish commentators fire off something about something-or-other, and say "Archibald." They do a close-up. PERFECT.

"Recognize that guy?"
"Yeah, that's what's his name..."
"Not Lonny Baxter... the other half of the 'banger brothers.'" (Never liked that name)

I thought it was too much of a coincidence. My best friend, Google, however, confirmed my thinking. A couple of clicks later, I see our former Raptor, Robert Archibald, had 7 points and 4 boards, as Unicaya took game 1, 80-66.

He was apparently the high-scorer in the series-clinching game that got their team to the semi's.

Very interesting. Very small world.

Just about 20 minutes before I flipped on the TV I finished reading the book "The Jump." (by Ian O'Connor)

(It's a great book about how Sebastien Telfair became the first point guard to make the leap from high school to the NBA)

The very last sentence says: "If the Coney Island kid (Telfair) doesn't cut it at the point, (John) Nash (the GM of the Blazers) won't last long enough to trade him."

Now this is not to say that Bassy hasn't cut it (far from it, in fact - although he screwed me statistically in every single Fantasy League I took part in), but just 2 days prior, said GM was fired by Portland.

So very interesting.

While I'm reading this book... I'm thinking about how I'd love to see Telfair in a Raps jersey. Sure, his jump-shot isn't the most reliable, but he's a great play-maker who eats competition for breakfast. I'd been in love with his game since I got to watch a McDonald's All-America game just before his draft year of 2004. He's tiny... but faster than a trip to the john after a supervalue meal.

I love his pass-first mentality, and obviously, after reading a book that gushes out all the good stuff, I fell in love with the idea of him being a Raptor even more.

While I'm catching up with all the rumours (aren't they juicy???), I see that there's talk of Jarrett Jack coming to Toronto, as the Raps are looking to trade down to Portland's 4th pick. Jack, you'll remember, was taken the year after Telfair... and obviously has the Georgia Tech connection to Bosh. While I've read they were "friends," who knows how close they were. I like JJ's game, but would love Telfair... Either way... I thought the idea was pretty crazy - after I'd been brewing up all these trades myself.

(Now there's talk about signing Jay Williams... thoughts??)

I love the prospect of trading down and grabbing Marcus Williams, in either case. I love me them play-makers. From what I've been reading here (draftexpress did a GREAT inverview with him), he's impressing everywhere he goes.

Back to the signings... there's also that rumour spreading about that the Raps are interested in snagging Spanish forward Jorge Garbajosa. A man who happens to be playing with Unicaja. Apparently I didn't see him because he got into early foul trouble.

All in all, though, I had to share how this tangled web was all coming together all while I'm staying in this far off land.

With that being said... I must say goodnight. I've got an early morning trip to Madrid. I'll be home a week from today, and will hopefully get a taste of some pre-draft workouts.

Things seem to be shaping up nicely for these Raptors, don't they?

Please, share your thoughts... we'll speak soon.

Colangelo Has Magic Balls...

I was eating dinner at my parents’ house; Swordfish, Spanish rice, and salad. Delicious. I had a cookie and a half for dessert, but little did I know I would later get some icing to top it off.

It was 7:17. I started to make my voyage up the long staircase towards the television in the family room.

No RaptorsTV.

I knew I wasn’t going to see it at my parents’ place, so a few quick kisses later, I was on my bike. It was 7:27. I had to make it from the Annex to Queen and Bathurst in 3 minutes.

It wasn’t going to happen.

I got home at 7:35. I locked up my bike, and tried to shoulder through my front door… only to realize it was locked.
Some precious moments of key-jiggling pass… I break the Da Vinci code, and I’m home free.

But how late am I??

I rush up the stairs, turn on the television...and they’re just about to hand out the 14th pick - the bottom of the lottery. I made it… In time.

Everything goes as planned through 9 or so (my internet’s down as I type this, so pardon me for any inaccuracies)… They get to 5, and the Raptors logo has yet to come up.

I close my eyes.

The Atlanta Hawks get number 5… good news from here on in.
The Portland TrailBlazers drop from best possible chance to 4th.

I yell with excitement, and do what any modern-age young man would do…

I change my MSN Messenger name to reflect my emotions… “Top 3 Pick, baby!!!!”

After their commercial break, they returned with the number 3 pick…

The Charlotte Bobcats. Thank you, Gerald Wallace. Now please… just take out those damn Knickerbocker Bulls.

Fists clenched. Teeth grinding. Eyebrows crunched.

“The number two pick in the 2006 NBA Draft goes to… The Chicago Bulls!!!!”

I am yelling my ass off by this point. I flip my chair over, commence in jumping up and down… and of course…

Change my MSN name (“FIRST PICK!!!!”).

I call my Dad, my buddy Juan… start leaving messages on people’s phones… good times.
Never have the Toronto Raptors selected first overall.

Bryan Colangelo has magic balls.

==
Now, the question is… what do the Raptors do with this first overall pick? The fact that they have the option to do whatever they wish is a beautiful thing. Since there’s no consensus top-pick… they can not only fill a need without coming under scrutiny, but if they so wish… they can trade the pick to another team that’s got a particular player in mind.

As of right now, I don’t see why they wouldn’t draft the 7-footer out of Italy. Andrea Bargnani.
Yes, he’s not a center… no, he won’t play much inside the paint. Yes, Chris Bosh already plays his position, and Charlie’s got the 3… but remember, the Raptors have also all but hired Mauricio Gherardini – the boss of Beneton Treviso, the team that Bargnani plays for.

Oh, and this guy’s apparently great. He’s tall, and can shoot the lights out. What bothers me is that he’s another that's been branded “the next Nowitzki.” What tall Euro that can shoot isn’t?? Ivan Chiriev, please stand up.

I’m not saying this is who I’d draft… but all signs point to this being the choice as of right now (at least, in my twisted mind).

There’s also Tyrus Thomas (LSU), and LaMarcus Aldridge (Texas) as quality big men… Not to mention Brandon Roy (Washington), Rudy Gay (UConn) and Adam Morrison (Gonzaga) as top-notch swingmen.

In terms of point guards (the Raptors other glaring hole), nothing is set for the top end of the draft with Marcus Williams (UConn), Rajon Rando (Kentucky), Jordan Farmar (UCLA) and Randy Foye (Villanova) all expected to be late lottery/early mid-rounders.

This is where the trading down could come into play. If the Raptors don’t feel Bargnani (or whatever other big man) is where they want to go at this point, they could probably snag a few nice trade offers to move down and grab a guard…

My favorites as of now are Marcus Williams (this guy can really set up some plays, and has the connection with Charlie V) and Jordan Farmar (another great playmaker – but he needs to tighten his decision-making). I also like the possibility of trading down and perhaps grabbing Duke’s Sheldon Williams. He’d be an under-sized center in the NBA (at 6’9”), but has a 7-foot-2 wingspan, plays solid D, and can go to work in the post.

So there are obviously lots of options… and that’s the beauty of having first pick.

Who do you like? What do you want the Raptors to do?

==
I’m off to Spain in a couple quick days (and no, I haven’t heard from Jose Calderon in the last couple weeks)… so I’m going to miss even more pre-draft workouts. But if all goes well, I’ll get to see some of the big names after I return (which conveniently coincides with the consummation of the Chicago Pre-Draft Camp).

I’ll keep you posted.

Until then, I bid you farewell… (I also want to take this point to thank all of you readers who sent me vicious e-mails telling me to write more. Way to kick my ass into shape. Maybe I’m still drunk off the lottery-winning-vibe… but I love you. Seriously.)

It's been a long time...

I could make up an excuse for why I haven't written in a while...
In fact, I could probably make up a few...

but I won't.

I respect you too much for that.

The truth is, I don't really have much to write about... I've enjoyed these playoffs so much, that they keep me up into the wee hours, and then I wake up late and try to get on with my days...

wait... is that an excuse?

Maybe, either way...

I'm kind of disappointed the Nets couldn't steal another one from the Heat. After taking game 1 in such convincing fashion, Jersey started shooting blanks, making more tough passes, leading to easy turnovers and fast break buckets...

Wade is blossoming even more these playoffs... and I love to see it. Both sides of the floor, simply turning into a dominant force. That series-clinching swipe on Vince was fantastic. The pinnacle. But not at all... there's so much more to see.

Speaking of which... who honestly thought there would be a game 6 in the Cavs/Pistons series?? Let alone one that Detroit would NEED to win to advance to the Eastern Finals. Did someone slip something in my drink? Am I hallucinating? These two are putting up scores that resemble LAST YEAR's Pistons... and the Cavs are WINNING. This is not supposed to be a great half-court defensive team. This is not even supposed to me a TEAM, as much as a one-man wrecking ball. This was supposed to be one game shy of a sweep.

But the Cavs are getting it done. And if they can do it again tonight... Or even Sunday... they'll have made a lot of people look stupid. Myself oh so included. How about that Scoop Jackson article... the one that said the sweep would be the best thing for Lebron?? It looked like 2 games was all it took.

All we need now is for Bosh to be tearing up the playoffs like these two other stars.

Out west... We've still got the Suns and Clippers, which is fun... but it's no Spurs/Mavs. Dallas and San Antonio... the fight for Texas... the old and new Michael Finley (When Dirk Nowitzki isn't signing David Hasselhoff songs, he's telling people to playfully boo uncle Fin - this guy can't buy love)... The Big Fundamental has returned from a regular season in which he went M.I.A... Tony Parker's still slicing through the lane, but now he's got the young (and incredible) Devin Harris hanging off his ass through every screen.

As great as Harris is, though... I don't think Dallas is ready to let Jason Terry go this off-season. Unless they can pull out some theatrics without him tonight (suspended a game for a shadow-punch thrown at Fin) - in which case I'm probably already sounding like an idiot by the time you read this.

This matchup is last round's Suns/Lakers... so tight... I just hope it doesn't falter down the stretch like that one did.

The Clippers are still providing some quality entertainment with the Suns, though. It's just that, when Phoenix gets down early, it's tough for them to catch up because it's nearly impossible to get stops. LA is just too dominant inside. However... with game 7 being played in the desert, I don't see how the Suns can lose.

==
With all the playoff talk in the past... the Raptors have started their pre-draft workouts (as you've been reading, I'm sure). I have yet to partake in the coverage... and I have a feeling with my upcoming trip to Spain, that I'll miss out on most of them. Which is definitely unfortunate. However... i WILL be in Spain, so that's pretty good compensation.

-
The draft lottery is on Tuesday... that's when things, Raptor-wise, should get interesting... trades can start to be realistically envisioned... and the rumour mill will thus start churning.

I'm ready.

We'll probably speak after the lottery.
Keep those fingers crossed.