| Year Two: Operation Raptors | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jul 11 2009, 11:49 PM (98 Views) | |
| Manhattan Project | Jul 11 2009, 11:49 PM Post #1 |
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After the year was over for the Raptors, they have been hard at work trying to improve the overall composition of the team. Since this league was a creation draft there weren't many free agents available. After the lottery netted the Raptors with the sixth overall pick, they knew they were out of the running for the three main prospects they were interested in. So there were the Raptors, one day into their offseason and already a bunch of dead ends staring at them. So the Raptors did what they always do, try to make the best decisions for the future of the team. Retirements: There was only seven retirements around the league, but the Raptors did have one of them. Cadwell Jones retired, while seldom used as a backup for Roy Hinson last year he provided the team with some wisdom. It was no secret Jones that was up their in age, it was evident by the grey hairs in his mustache. There was also a reason why the players around the league called him Pops. Vlade Divac credited his development from last year to Jones because of the lessons that he taught him throughout the year. He made him a professional, he showed him the ropes that it takes to be a big man in this league. While the impact on the floor from Jones was minimal, his lessons will shine through Divac for years to come. Resignings: On this front it was pretty quiet for both the Raptors and around the league. After the terrible year that the Raptors posted there was no player that wanted to resign with Toronto. Just to get a feel for how horrible the free agents were that bolted the Raptors, all five of them are still struggling to find a job in the league. Brett Liszkiewicz, Michael Smith, Jawann Oldham, Corey Gaines and Calvin Natt are all sitting on the scrapheap and probably will be sitting there for a long time. Draft: Heading into the draft the Raptors had three first round picks, Sixth, Twenty-First and Twenty-Fourth. The names that the Raptors were enamored with were Gary Payton, Derrick Coleman and Steve Smith. However they all went in the top four, no surprise there. Sitting at the sixth pick the Raptors considered three players. Antonio Davis, Lionel Simmons and Toni Kukoc. They looked at Davis as the bruising type forward that every time should want, however they felt that with the core of Divac and Mookie that his fit wasn't that great. Simmons seemed like a good fit, but the Raptors were a bit scared off by the fact that he dominated at a small school. So they drafted Toni Kukoc out of Croatia. Also it never hurts to draft a Bulls player because well we all know why. Kukoc brings a unique skill set to the floor. Being 6'10 and able to put the ball on the floor is nice to have, not to mention that he can stroke the three pointer. The latter of the picks the Raptors assessed their draft board and really wasn't enamored at all with the talent. So they traded the two picks to the Blazers for future considerations and cash. So we will have to wait and see how that pick plays out. Free Agency: With only one player really sought after in the league in Sam Bowie, there wasn't much action around the league. The Raptors wanted to acquire at least one trade chip and they did just that in Kenny Walker. Also looking to get some depth at the four spot, they resigned Terry Cummings who was decent but serviceable. Aside from that, it was pretty quiet in Toronto. With such a weak free agency class, no body was really expecting much movement. Training Camp: A few encouraging signs for the Raptors was the overall improvement of Mookie Blaylock. He improved his outside shot, handles and defense. The Raptors are pretty high on him going into his second year of the league. Vlade Divac improved his low post game and defense which makes us quite happy as well. While it is depressing that he didn't improve his rebounding, he like Mookie is going into his second year. He is still only twenty two years old so there is still room for improvement. The last player on the Raptors that we were looking for improvement was from rookie Toni Kukoc. He improved his outside shot which was encouraging and should be helpful. Aside from these three players, the Raptors have nothing else to really write home about. This Season: The Raptors are not going to lie, this season will be another rough one for the fans. With only three players on the current roster that hold a roster spot for the future this again will be a development year for the team. Currently the Raptors have their own pick and also hold the Hornets and Celtics pick. So the Raptors have the assets to make moves if the opportunity presents itself. Though we expect another quiet year in the league because of the creation draft, not many teams are willing to make moves yet really. |
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| Maverick41 | Jul 12 2009, 12:47 AM Post #2 |
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1:03 AM Jul 11