Evans is the perfect piece on an imperfect Raptors team that slowly is changing its image and culture.
General manager Bryan Colangelo has taken a lot of heat, but his acquisition of Evans, which cost the Raptors the services of Jason Kapono, is such a good move that only the most idiotic of basketball observers would dare offer a dissenting opinion.
Evans will push the team’s bigs like no other in recent history.
The guy doesn’t have to score a single point, but his presence alone gives the Raptors an edge that sorely has been lacking.
Evans will practise like he plays — hard.
He’ll set hard picks and put a body on an opponent.
"The only way you’re going to succeed in this game is certain people have to bring certain things to the table," Evans said yesterday after taking his physical at the Air Canada Centre, the final step to completing the deal for Jason Kapono.
"Like Chris Bosh: We look to him to get buckets, rebounds, that’s what he (does). Everybody has their different roles on a team, mine are to rebound and play some of the tougher guys at my position.
"I have fun doing that, I don’t mind doing that, I love doing that. It’s a perfect fit … it’s going to be fun."
The personable big man doesn’t mind rubbing people the wrong way in practice either, making him a necessary piece of sandpaper in a dressing room that has been short on grit recently.
“I don’t bite my tongue,” said Evans, 29. “If I feel something isn’t right, I’m not going to look to the coach: ‘Coach, can you tell him.’ I’ll tell him myself. The only way to get better is to work hard. If you want to relax, go sit down or go home.”
Oakley, the highly quotable, equally grimy forward, was a key part of the Raptors from 1999 to 2001. Evans spots one key difference.
"Comparison-wise, I don’t know, because he had a jumper," said Evans, who met with the media yesterday after being acquired a week ago from Philadelphia in exchange for Jason Kapono. "He could shoot a 17-foot jumper, 15, 17 feet. So you couldn’t really leave Oakley. So we don’t really compare. I defer a lot of jumpers. Pass it, set a pick … I’m not going to say I’m not going to shoot. I’ll shoot one now and then, every blue moon … I’ll give you a shot a month."
9 – Toronto Raptors - Tyreke Evans
Evans will have a nice career, but I question his shot selection and ability to run the point. He’s going to be a lot like Larry Hughes; He thinks he has a jump shot, but he doesn’t. There lies the shot selection issues. But even if Evans can’t play the one, the Wolves have a vacancy at the shooting guard spot too. I like Demar Derozan more for them here, but his stock has dropped.
Evans’s reputation preceded him on the Raptors because forward Chris Bosh told reporters he hated playing against him.
"That is a good thing," Evans said with a hearty laugh. "That lets me know I’m doing something good."
"When Chris says he doesn’t like me, I don’t like Chris. I like him now because we’re teammates, but I didn’t like him either.
"There is nothing bad about it. It is a good thing."
9. Toronto Raptors – Demar DeRozan SF, USC – The Raptors need help at the wing because they could potentially be losing Anthony Parker and Shawn Marion to free agency. DeRozan, because is so athletically gifted and could play the 2, could be drafted even higher by either the Wizards or Timberwolves. If DeRozan is gone, the Raptors can look at point guard or someone else to fill their void at the three or two.
7th – Toronto Raptors
Original Pick: Charlie Villanueva, F, UConn
New Pick: Andrew Bynum, C, High SchoolIt creates a lot of size in the frontcourt. I’d love to go point guard here, but they had Calderon just waiting to take over. Not to mention that Mike James played 37 minutes a night. This draft doesn’t have much else. And maybe playing alongside Bosh would have helped Bynum’s progression.
Late Monday afternoon Greg Gamble got an important phone call. It was from the Toronto Raptors. They wanted him to come to Toronto and workout for the team Tuesday morning. Gamble drove to Toronto late Monday afternoon.
It was the first workout for an NBA team in his career. Gamble played his high school ball at Niagara Falls. He was a key player on that 2005 Niagara Falls Championship team. Gamble played his college ball at the University of Buffalo.
A position switch before his senior really helped Gamble open some eyes. He was a swingman his first three years but switched to point guard for his senior year.
9. TORONTO: DeMar DeRozan 6-6 211 SG/SF Fr. USC
The Raptors need a wing player who can penetrate and get to the rim. With DeRozan still on the board, he would be a wise choice. The pick would come down to DeRozan and Gerald Henderson. Either one could be a reincarnation of Vince Carter, something Toronto fans would like to see.
The Toronto Raptors announced they have extended a qualifying offer to restricted free agent guard-forward Carlos Delfino. Per team policy, financial details were not disclosed.
In accordance with the league’s collective bargaining agreement, in order for a team to retain its rights of first refusal with respect to a restricted free agent it must tender the player a qualifying offer prior to June 30. A restricted free agent may sign an offer sheet with any team, but is subject to a right of first refusal in favour of the NBA team for which the player last played.
9
Toronto
Jrue Holiday, point, 6?4.5? 200, Fr. UCLA
Toronto is, pure and simple, in need of a good wing from this draft. And DeRozan and Evans (more of a point-wing) are gone. What’s left is a bunch of point guards. Despite having Calderon in the fold, I think the Raptors have to go BPA here and figure it all out later. And BPA, despite his underwhelming freshman year at UCLA, is Jrue Holiday. They aren’t going to want to play him next to Calderon in light of how badly he played the off-guard next to Darren Collison, but they’ll figure something out.
9. Toronto Raptors: DeMar DeRozan, SF, USC – This is a high risk, high reward pick for the Raptors. DeRozan was one of the most hyped freshmans in the nation last year, but had a forgettable season until the end-of-year tournaments started. DeRozan stepped his game up and took USC to the NCAA tournament almost single-handedly. He looked very good in the tournament and in terms of potential, is an elite prospect. DeRozan has the skills to be an excellent, all-star level talent, but he has trouble creating his own shot and had only a handful of elite NCAA performances.
The Raptors could go for a safer pick in Gerald Henderson or Jrue Holiday, but it says here Bryan Colangelo will go for the home run and take DeRozan.
Regardless, if Delfino chooses to sign with Toronto he’ll bring more toughness and perimeter defense to a team in desperate need of both. His stunning good looks and chiseled jaw-line aren’t bad either, it’s ok to man-crush on the Argentinian heartthrob… he is that good looking.
Tyreke Evans, G, Memphis
Tyreke is mature enough physically to handle the rigors of the NBA, and can play both guard positions. Not only can he play the 2-guard next to Calderon, but he’s a significant upgrade at the point guard position for spot minutes, as he’ll come in and instantly be our second best PG. Hopefully he can add some excitement and scoring to help convince Chris Bosh to stick around past this season.
Toronto Raptors – Jonny Flynn (G/Syracuse)
It seems as though the Raptors are in this position year after year. Each new year seems to be the year that the Toronto Raptors should be a team that makes a run, should be a team that makes the playoff, or even a team that’s competitive, but alas, it never is. This team has a nice nucleus of talent around the basket, and even out towards the perimeter. What it lacks though is passion or a spark. That type of grit that can be brought from a floor general, someone who wants to win. That’s why I think the Raptors will select Jonny Flynn.
56 Raps
I love how the knicks blog forgets what team they are discussing half way through the Raps blurb.
Can’t wait till draft day.
I wonder if the Raps make a trade before then?
I wonder if we could get a rotation wing player for Hump?
Glad Delfino looks like he is back, although I think he is better off coming of the bench. But who would start at the 2/3?
I cant see Marion offererd big cash from anyone I really hope BC does not give him more then 7mil and no more then 2 years.
I know I will get mocked but I am also hoping J Graham is brought back as well. Can we offer him less then his 3.4 qualifying offer?
Can anyone explain to me what the Raps options/deadlines are with him?
Thanks
I think in this market, Marion should consider himself lucky if BC offers more then the midlevel… I can see him signing on for 3 years, 7.5 per.
In order to sign Joey for less than his qual, we’d have to renounce his rights first (ie not sign him by June 30), making him an UFA, then try to sign him for, say, a minimum contract come July.
to quote doug smith “…the sense I’m getting from talking to people is that there is going to be more action than you’d think in the next month or so.” wtf is up? Anybody here any rumours? Doug won’t report it until the deals are done… I’ma keep searchin for some dirt!
Yeah, thats the one thing I don’t like about Doug, he NEVER engages in rumours or hypothetical situations. You should start a blog and create some.
The only trade i can foresee being made this summer has to involve Bosh.
However, if BC is able to trade Marcus Banks for anything more than a basketball rack it’ll be as impressive as getting Utah to take Araujo for Hump.
I’ll take the basketball rack
“…his acquisition of Evans, which cost the Raptors the services of Jason Kapono, is such a good move that only the most idiotic of basketball observers would dare offer a dissenting opinion.” – Great shot at Damien Cox by Frank.
Carlos Delfino = Derek Zoolander….blue steel baby!
IMO, the more others take the time to read the quotes from Reggie Evans [PF] and Chris Bosh [C] in today’s “Morning Coffee” the clearer it SHOULD become to see who exactly should be playing for the Raptors at these two positions in the team’s front-court.
+ 1
Really? You want Evans to start over Bargnani?
If I were Bargnani and that happened I would lose a ton of respect for the Raptors organization in general.
I think he proved last year that he is worth at least one more shot at the starting job.
If he stinks it up, sure, move him to the bench.
If Reggie Evans and Chris Bosh get the chance to play side-by-each at the PF and C spots for the Raptors this season, for any substantial length of time, which might well happen given what Bryan Colangelo had to say about this possibility during his initial press conference concerning Evans’ acquisition, it will be most interesting to compare the effectiveness of that pairing with the duo of Bosh [PF] & Bargnani [C] which was on display quite frequently last season.
“The proof of the pudding is in the eating.” – Anonymous
Interesting, but pointless.
With Calderon healthy, Marion possibly returning, and a huge question mark at the 2 spot, it will be a different team next season.
At least Bargs is multi skilled. Having to play 4 on 1 on offence for thirty minutes a night is not the way to win basketball games, and will give Bosh even more pressure to be the teams only scorer and creator (unless Jose finally decides to be assertive).
khandor,
I’m glad you’re not BC … you’d put Evans in place of Bargnani? Now I know you’re f*@ked — Sorry R.Rep, but I can’t help it when I hear this kind of crap. Next thing you know, we’ll be hearing that the trade should’ve been AB for Evans (instead of Kap).
What SHOULD happen, is that they never let you (kh) make Raptor decisions. And that’s a little candor for you.
As just one example …
When the San Antonio Spurs won the NBA Championship 2006-2007, their principal post players were Tim Duncan, Fabricio Oberto, Francisco Elson and Robert Horry. Between Oberto, Elson & Horry which one do you think was the worst basketball player? Which one was the best? Which one do you think started beside Tim Duncan for the most number of games that season?
Such things as which players start, which players come off the bench, which players finish, and which players get the most minutes in different key situations throughout the season, etc., are not always determined by the “talent level” alone of the players in a team’s principal rotation.
There shouldn’t really be a need to give more examples than that.
Horry was well past his prime so he was rightfully relegated to the bench. As for best vs. worst between the remaining two, I’d say it is a toss up. Oberto was the better offensive player and Elson was the better defensive player.
If I recall correctly, Elson was the starter with Oberto being the first big off the bench. This was, of course, because Tim Duncan can handle himself admirably on the offensive end. The difference being that Chris Bosh has not yet proven his ability to be an offensive linchpin like Tim Duncan. Whether that is the fault of the offensive system, or of Chris Bosh himself, remains to be seen.
And the Spurs also had Ginobili and Parker, three people who could score on the floor as well as solid role players. If you take Bargs out, only Bosh can score consistantly, and your not going to win if that happens
according to Khandor
who ever is liked more in the locker room should have the inside track on the starting center spot. IMO you lost any creditability right there as that statement is a silly.
Khandor we know you think Bosh should start at center you have stated that on here 100 of times but enough is enough it is not going to happen as long as Andrea is here and healthy.
Reggie Evans is not a starter in the NBA. He is a great role player and I very happy he is on our squad but he should not be a starter.
Suffice to say, that’s a far cry from what I actually said.
********************** BREAKING NEWS !!!!! *********************
The Raptors have made a home run of a deal!!! Exclusively from The Fan:
“Toronto Raptors President and General Manager joins the Morning Show to talk about the newest acquisition Reggie Jackson, the NBA Draft, and the status on Chris Bosh.”
Mr.October will don a Raptors uniform next season!! OH MY GOD!!!
LOL
I like Evans but I think we’re setting up ourselves for disappointment by expecting too much out of him. He’ll go some ways to fixing the defensive rebounding but we shouldn’t be looking at him to fix the “culture” of this team. The culture can only change if the leader of the team displays “tough” characteristics. It’ll come down to Chris Boshf uping his style of play and aggressiveness. Can’t expect Reggie Evans to be the source of toughness, he’ll only be effective if the people around him are willing to bang too.
+1
i wonder if reggie evans will reach around from behind and pull anybody’s sack while a raptor
It seems the papers forgot to ask that question. If he’s wise, he’ll stay away from trying that sh*t on the Jurassic Hoops dude though. Seems to me that Delfino’s already got that dude locked down.
+1
Reggie Evans will not only show Bargs how to grab sack, but he’ll also show him how to grow a proper beard. “Fear the Neard!”
I’m hearing that the raps have an interest in ronnie price from utah. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTBj81ZDv3Q
so what is going to be our prospective team for next season? the way BC is sounding it goes:
bargnani, bosh, marion, delfino, caldy
roko, evans, derozan/henderson/holiday, hump, obryant, douby, and some other guys and a mid-level of some sort.
You’re probably right. Who can they get for the mid-level or less who can provide some scoring off the bench?
Matt Barnes
Pick up Barnes for his defense, not his scoring.
Apparently Demar Derozan is pleasently surprised by toronto and would welcome playing for the city.
Source?
Reporter: “So if you fall to the Raptors at nine you’ll be happy?”
DeRozan: “Yeah…I’d be happy, just getting drafted would be enough to be happy”
Time: 0:05-0:13
Reporter: “Did you know anything about Canada before you came here?”
DeRozan: “A little, but I didn’t know it was this beautiful when I got to the city. It remind me of mini-New York, its nice”
Time: 2:51-3:03
There is really only a handful of NBA cities that I would even listen to an argument about being a better city to play in than Toronto even though Toronto is the best of all cities in the NBA (even look at the world reports of best cities in the world to live and TO is always top 10 with rarely a US city in sight).
New Orleans and San Fran would be interesting. Miami obviously would be nice, and people can always make a case for NYC or Boston. But any other city can’t even come close to holding a candle to TO. All people have to do is COME here in the first place to see first hand. That’s why you see tonnes of stars out around the city all the time. Man, I’ve even seen Julius Peppers in the clubs and why would a dude from Carolina even be up here in the first place. I’m from Ottawa and think it’s the best city in the world, but Toronto can take any US city in my opinion.
agreed, in every way you wrote it. It’s time the truth be told. The weather is real nice in T.O. though right now! With the PATH DeMarr could never have to go outside in the winter except to get in a limo.
I don;t live in Canada, but I would much prefer to live there than America
Hahahaha!
Dude saw it in the summer. Wait till February hits.
Bahaha!
I think the major support behind Derozan is the fact we have no wings signed for next year and he bring in some qualities that the Raptors need. I am unsure what I would do if I was in BC’s shoes between drafting a wing like Dero or trading down. I see significant value in trading down as there are many similarly skilled players available mid to late first round. If we can pick up another late first rounder and buy one more, then thats three depth positions filled with quality at the rookie scale. Also, with a team like Toronto, it would be best to accumulate assets by trading down.
If you read what it says in this pre-draft evaluation report for prospective NBA players who project at the SF position in the NBA, you should be able to see what there is to like about Derrick Brown, as possible Toronto Raptor.
———-
Raps Fan,
The good peeps at Netscouts [i.e. Chris Denker & Co.] are growing on me day-by-day.
There are quite a few guys that would be a great addition with a late 1/2rd pick(s). Hopefully we can pick up at least 1 more pick in the draft.
RE: P.S. It’s a joy to play in these parts when the sandbox is kept clear of debris. Kudos to all concerned!
====
Indeed, and it’s a lot easier to play hall monitor when someone isn’t trying to taunt or antagonize.
Again, don’t make our jobs more difficult. Understood?
I like what they have to say a lot as well.
Johnny Flynn is the next Chris Paul. You heard it first on the Republic.
I think he’s good enough to not need to be the “next” anyone.
If people don’t know, check out his game, his measurables and testimontials – he’s real nice. AND he’s said outright that he’s practically from the Toronto region.
While I think 9 is high, it would be great to be able to get him.
if we resign marion, he needs to get the permission to wear those sticky gloves wide receivers use.
demarr for life…
1)One thing that scares me about DeMar DeRozan, is that as soon as he comes to Toronto, he’ll be discouraged to perform on this team and becoming nothing more than disappoint. From scouting reports I’ve read that he has great work ethic, which is upside. He’ll also a player who will give immediate impact on perimeter defence for Raptors. But one has to wonder if his offensive game will expand. Don’t get me wrong, I think this guy has limitless potential, but will this work in Toronto? I think he’ll need 2-3 years at least to become a All-Star. Will he be Iguodala that we had (excuse me, NEVER had) or will he be next Joey Graham?
This years draft should be a very interesting for the Raptors
2)Right now I’m torn between DeMar DeRozan and Gerald Henderson? Any thoughts?
Well I guess playing “nice,nice” went out the window !!!!
Khandor,I generally dont mind reading some of your comments,HOWEVER this constant bitching and complaining about Bargs playing center and not Bosh….Please get over it !!!!you are sounding like a broken record.
I guess after the draft,you will complain about whoever….and I do mean whoever BC selects,because in your honest opinion you would of chosen x y z …
he didn’t just get banned did he? he is one of the better contributors, especially in the RR chatroom during games. fluxland too, what happen to him?
Awesome thanks! Someone should also tell him he can drink up here at 19…haha
and get lapdances.
and gamble
and we have better weed