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Rap of the Day
Sometimes I think that BC constructed this team to keep the three point shot made streak going.
Just a random thought
86 Raps
I think Raptors will go for Tyreke evans as well if he’s on the boards. . . We know that Minnesota holds the keys towards the draft. . . If they very well pick rubio with the additional fifth overall pick from the wizards. . . Then Evans could possibly drop to the raps thats if curry slips to the knicks. . . But most likely Curry or holidy or even Evans will go to Sacramento . . . It’s gonna be a tricky draft but I hope raps get derozan or Evans
Im on the bandwagon that has potential to rival top cereals everywhere. Seriously though i would be extremly happy to land Derozan at 9. He has even said in interviews that when he was at USC he was asked to do different things every night; score, rebound, pass, play defence. His job wasnt to score 30 like it was in highschool. We have to remember that if there was no “one and done rule” he could have potentially been a very high pick in a supposedly “deep draft” last year.
very nice recap, that gottlieb scout describes derozan in the same manner you do. hopefully he is still there. wouldn’t be more excited as a rap fan knowing that we might have something special.
On the advice of Gherardini, BC will pick ……….
Brandon Jennings 6-1 PG Lottomatica Roma (Italy) / Freshman
Flamboyant and exceptionally talented lefty point guard with a flair for the spectacular and the demeanor of a star. Terrific athlete and flashy ball-handler who can change gears on the fly and create shots with a wide-array of impressive moves. A natural passer with exceptional court vision, makes incredibly difficult assists look simple. Shows nice potential as a scorer as well, although not in an efficient manner. Shot-selection and decision making look questionable at times. Poor defender with a slight frame and below average size. Gaining terrific experience playing for a Euroleague team straight out of high school.
… all because of his Italian team experience and is left handed like Bosh.
If Jennings somehow drops into the mid-teens, I sure hope BC manages to buy another pick to grab him….but I doubt it.
He has even said in interviews that when he was at USC he was asked to do different things every night; score, rebound, pass, play defence.
Isn’t that also known as… playing basketball?
If all this kid can do is score (and that’s unproven) and he needs the ball in his hands to do it (not going to happen) why is everyone so high on him?
Yea, Derozan adds some much needed athleticism, but I just can’t see him coming in and having the immediate impact Vince Carter is. I find those analogies kind of strange, considering VC was a pretty darn good college player.
Flynn reminds me a lot of TJ Ford, but in a good way. And that might actually be exactly what this team needs… a TJ like pace changer — without the drama. And neck brace.
Bang on about Flynn.
vc was shat in college his first 2 years, kind of broke out his third year but was much better as a pro
This draft sucks. I’d have taken Mike Miller for the #9 in a flash.
(short enough for you shats?)
Meh, you could get much more for the #9 pick, and who would we trade to make the salary’s match?
And yes, I think that was short enough
I’d certainly would have taken Foye for the #9 pick.
Taking any of these 5 players, at No. 9, will be a mistake for the Raptors, measured against “what could have been done instead”, in the years ahead. Do not say that you [and they, and others] were not told, in advance, what the better option[s] would have been.
Wait for the draft first, then we’ll see
As well, others should not try and get away with saying something like this:
I. “No one knew just how good ______________ was going to be prior to the 2009 NBA Draft. Therefore, the Raptors cannot be faulted for taking someone else that year.”
or
II. “Hey, a lot of other teams/GM’s also missed the boat on ______________, considering how many other teams passed him by, as well. The Raptors cannot be faulted for thinking the same way.”
or
III. “Trading out of the No. 9 position was not an available option for the Raptors, as other teams were not prepared to make deals prior to [and/or during] the 2009 Draft.”
after-the-fact, 2/3/4 years down-the-road … because it will not fly by me.
Name a team that’s actually likely to want to deal up the #9 spot in this god-awful draft year. Just one.
If all the Raptors were looking for in return was an additional 2nd Round pick then there might be all sorts of trade possibilities for the No. 9 position. It’s when a team looking to trade down asks for too much in return that viable deals fall through the cracks. There are going to be good NBA players available in the 2nd Round tomorrow night. A team like Portland has four picks coming its way, with almost zero chance of using them all for players who will be on their roster this coming season. A team like San Antonio has three picks coming its way and, given the trade they made yesterday for RJ, is looking to add either another player who they can use right now [who could be coupled with the No. 9 Pick] or an additional 1st Round Pick they might be able to flip in return for a player who fits with their current roster, in the hopes of challenging the Lakers again during the Tim Duncan era. The possibilities are nearly endless, in a draft like this. IMO, sitting on No. 9 … while also refusing to buy an additional 1st Round Pick, because the price is considered too steep … is a waste of available resources.
Well shats wins the prize. Khandor couldn’t name a team.
THE TIMBERWOLVES!!!!!!!!
Minny now have 4 first-round picks.
Imagine if Minny got our #9 (for #18, #28 and 2 future 2nd round pick). They would have 3 top-ten picks. That’s unheard of.
I don’t know if the Raps would trade 1 pick for 4.
Having the 18th and 28th may be a good idea for the raptors, and I don’t think Minny wants al of those picks. Maybe if they chucked in bobby brown and Ryan Gomes (we can give them Humphries), I would take the deal.
As I said earlier this morning … IMO, Portland was a team that fit into this category.
Considering what Portland was willing to give up here, in return for No. 22 …
Can you predict the weather on this date next year when you’re finished with your draft science?
No, I cannot do that with regard to weather, since I am not a meteorologist. Basketball, on the other hand … plus other sports … is a different ball game, altogether, as it falls under the category of Sportology, which just so happens to be a speciality of mine. *smile*
Poor Khandor,
Man the haters never let up!!
How do you know there is any truth to your third point above? Unless you have Colangelo’s phone tapped, your statement and request holds no merit. What other teams do has no bearing on what is on the table for the #9 pick.
We still have time to move it, but in either case, your request holds little value.
OMG, why feed it?
isn’t it pretty obvious that the main goal for certain individuals is to merely be critical of whatever moves are made by BryCo et al tomorrow (and going forward)? when you’re never specific about what should be done (or if the suggestions of what *should* be done are so outlandish it’s stupefying), it allows one to ALWAYS be critical of what actually is done.
so yes, the raps could very well trade down, if they don’t care what they get back. but what’s the point in dealing the 9th pick this year (which equates to a mid-teens pick in a ‘normal’ draft year) for an even later 1st rounder & a 2nd rounder who has a 95% chance of never being anything.
Unfortunately, thinking of this sort ??? is typical of you and certain other Raptors fans.
e.g. While YOU might not care what the Raptors get back in return for the No. 9 pick should they choose to deal it …
“so yes, the raps could very well trade down, if they don’t care what they get back.”
The fact is … that is not what I said in my comment.
If what you want to do is assert an opinion of that sort, then … for the sake of clarity … perhaps it might be best for all concerned if you do not do it in reply to a comment of mine.
—————————————————————
re: “feeding it”
Is this a comment about basketball, in general? Or, the Raptors?
perhaps you should just take your own advice, and walk the f^*k on by, if what you read in response to a comment of yours displeases you to such a degree.
‘feed it’ is in reference to you.
i really should take my own advice…
Don’t worry Khandor your theories on how to make the Raps better don’t fly by us either.
Having 2 rookies/2nd round picks starting instead of picking a nice prospect at 9 is what most GM’s will do.
Especially considering BC’s track record at 9 (Amare, Marion)
There will allways be busts and allways be sleepers that even the great Khandor will not see.
Instead of typing this crap you repeat over and over again why don’t you deal with the reality that the Raps will pick at 9. Bosh will not play center and Andrea will. Instead of being scared to rank potential players we should be targeting at 9 whether you believe we should trade down or not.
Because Khandor wants a trade does not mean it should be made there are many ways to skin a cat.
You really are a moron Khandor and it saddens me they have not blocked you and your shit….
Have I said that what you have to say about something is “crap”?
Have I referred to you as being a “moron”?
Have I said that you are someone who should have their comments “blocked” on RR?
—————————————
From my perspective … it is always interesting to see and read whose comments contain words and ideas and suggestions like those on RR, as opposed to the comments which are about basketball, in general, and the goings-on with the Toronto Raptors.
“…but is much more likely to be a Vince Carter type player…”
Seriously – this brings up more bad images than good ones: Oft injured, unrealized potential, sulker, afraid of contact, jump shooter, spoiled, aloof, etc.
I hope this guy is much more than a Vince Carter type player.
The Wolves now have the 5,6 picks…since they gave up 2 wings.. do you think they will target evans and derozan?
They would need a point guard as well, but its the timberwolves so I wouldn’t put it past them doing something stupid (I don’t think Evans will turn out to be a point guard, much better as an off-guard).
Tyreke Evans is definately a Brandon Roy type of tweener guard – big enough and skilled enough to play 2 positions – so it comes down to who he’ll be able to defend at the next level…
I think Minny will pick both Evans and DeRozan.
harden could slide…i’m guessing that if he’s on the board, minny will pick him (if they actually keep both the 5th & 6th picks), and then look to pick up a PG either at 6 (curry or flynn?), or later on (lawson, maynor could both be on the board at 18).
A bleacher report draft has minny getting harden, curry and jennings (at 18). That’s sick, but to my thinking they should trade all of that down to get a package of derrick brown, taj gibson and nando de colo plus three other guys. It’s your classic 3 for 6 trade down.
Dude, you don’t kow what you are talking about with Flynn. Camparing him to Mike James? Just ignorant.
btw…intangibles is exactly what the Raptors are severely lacking, espcially if paired with skill.
Get to know: JAMES JOHNSON, SF/PF
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/James-Johnson-5053/
He’s taller and bigger than DeRozane. He’s got everything DeRozan has and everything DeRozan doesn’t.
JJ has been underrated because he wasn’t a standout freshman last season.
People, don’t be shocked or upset if the Raps pick Johnson at #9 because he’s exactly who we need – right now and in the years to come.
He’s definitely physically gifted enough.
Compare his stats to Marion’s from UNLV and they’re pretty comparable.
I’ve read that there are character concerns, but I don’t know.
Amazing athlete, that’s for sure.
James Johnson is not someone who is being compared to Shawn Marion. The Wing player who is now being described by certain others is similar terms to “The Matrix” happens to be this player, right here.
i.e. He’s active — “bouncy,” one personnel man says.
Actually, it’s a comparison that has been floated out there.
But, REGARDLESS, it’s also a comparison that I just made, so I’m very sorry, but James Johnson was just compared to The Matrix in terms of their college stats.
And then you linked to your own blog…
Amazing.
1. If you can please show me where someone else has compared James Johnson to Shawn Marion, that would be terrific news!
2. The quote I gave you was from an article authored by David Aldridge, not me, which is the subject of a piece I’ve already written about, and happen to have linked to on my blog, in addition to the video clip which is available there.
Here go …
David Aldridge on Small Forwards in the 2009 NBA Draft
Derrick Brown in action
if that’s your preference, rather than simple one-stop shopping.
Khan, Elliot simply said that JJ’s stats are comparable to Marion’s UNLV stats. It’s a fact. C’mon…
James and Elliot,
I am not disputing that statistical comparison.
What I said referred to a comparison between James Johnson and Shawn Marion that is not being made by others in an around the NBA at the moment, including someone like David Aldridge and his list of contacts … at least, as far as I can tell.
By all means, if Elliot has chosen to suggest/make that type of statistical comparison between Johnson and Marion, that’s up to him.
First of all, I brought the comparison up as an interesting anecdote, not “a comparison between James Johnson and Shawn Marion that is not being made by others in an around the NBA at the moment”. Further still, I wasn’t making a stylistic comparison. So I don’t care if Derrick Brown’s game is “bouncy”. But, come to think of it, the combination of Johnson’s size, agility, 7′ wingspan, and 30″ verticle, will allow him to score, rebound, distribute and defend against the SF and PF positions much like Marion(or Granger, Diaw, Chandler,etc.).
Here’s a Marion comparison: http://lesterslegends.com/?p=12401
And from http://www.collegehoopsnet.com/james-johnson-nba-draft-profile-165716:
“Very athletic, strong & tough – practiced martial arts his whole life. Versatile – can play multiple positions. Able to take his man off the dribble. Can hit the face-up jumper. Able to absorb contact and still score. Good wingspan. Very good size for the NBA. Explosive leaper. Good shot blocker. Gets plenty of steals.”
Now, doesn’t that sound pretty similar to the qualities Marion brings to the floor?
I’ll do you one better. In light of his martial arts skills, I think he deserves the “Matrix” moniker more than Marion. See the link below him do a back flip at center court before dunking. Also, read some of the praise this blogger (while not an expert , or self-proclaimed “expert”/blogger)has for Johnson.
Here’s a nice little factual testament to his versatility (aside from his collegiate statistical similarities to Marion:
“He also shows flashed flashes of a complete game often during the year. During a three-game stretch against Georgia Tech, Duke and NC State, James averaged 26 points and 13.3 assists. He may turn it over a bit too much, but for all the big plays he made, you will take the turnovers as a result.”
http://www.bloggersodear.com/2009/4/12/832257/nba-draft-profile-james-johnson-f
If someone like the Chicago Bulls were willing to trade the #16 pick and the #26 pick for the Raptors’ #9 pick, I’d be happy to trade down. But without getting a mid first rounder, and another first rounder, I don’t think it’s worth it.
The Raptors can get a second round pick at a lower cost, like buying the pick, or trading a future second rounder.
agree 100%…or now that the wolves have traded for the 5th (and still own the 6th), i wonder if they’d package 18 & 28 for the 9th? or would that be too much $$ to commit right away (5th, 6th & 9th)? i’m thinking they’ll probably look to package one of the picks (18 or 28) for a vet &/or cash, and use the other on a guy to stash overseas (calathes?), or a guy like young, who doesn’t have much upside but can provide some impact right away.
even if the raps couldn’t get second 1st rounder in a swap, if they got a low 2nd rounder & bought another 1st, that might be ok…or, would be in a decent draft year. to be honest, i’m not overly excited about the prospect of picking up a late 1st or 2nd rounder in this draft. of course, i’m not overly excited about the 9th pick either…
It sounds like Minny is going to try and move either of 5/6 with either 18/28 to grab the #2…..
Fun offseason for Minny fans!
All 50 of them
Dave,
From a P.R. standpoint, one of the benefits of trading down is avoiding the perception of “making a reach” for a player who your organization values a great deal but is not necessarily highly valued/rated by others in the draft slot you happen to be sitting at. Picking a specific player well above the level where other organizations think such a player SHOULD go carries a significant perceptual risk, in comparison with just trading down to where that player is generally thought to be of solid value. If that then then turns out to be of significantly higher quality than the No. he was actually picked at … it becomes a very positive spin for the health & well-being of the organization which selected him, as a diamond in the rough.
Sorry … should read as: “If that player then turns out to be …”
trading down is a has a big risk too.
what happens if we miss out on some all-star?…..nobody knows how weak a draft is until the season stars
starts
Similarly … What happens if the future all-star is a player who is slotted to go lower than the No. 9 position, at the moment? Each and every move has a certain risk value associated with it. The teams which navigate those risks the best, generally, come out on top … i.e. the Lakers, Spurs, and Celtics [etc.].
I hereby guarentee that regardless of who we pick at #9 that there will be a more successful NBA player drafted between #10 and #60. Thats right. Just call me a ballsy prophet.
No he d’int!
Why do we need to trade the #9 pick to get a second rounder, just buy one for $500,000 (but Colangelo said their’s not a great chance that they will buy an additional pick)
i do agree with you rye. what the hell are you saying about jonny flynn??? comparing him to mike james is just plain stupid.
and are you saying that the raptors dont need intangibles? are you crazy? the raptors do need intangibles. the team lacks both skill and intangibles last season.
I would be surprised if all 5 of the players mentioned were around at 9. That being said, my order would be Holiday, Hill, DeRozan, Flynn and then Henderson. I think that Holiday will definitely have the best career of the 5 given the ability to guard and play the 1 or 2. Pairing Jose with someone who can guard both positions effectively would be magnificent for the Raptors. Additionally, it seems as though I have only heard DeRozan’s name associated with the Raptors, are there any other teams interested?
Anyone know if the draft is televised in Canada and what channel?
Aaron,
It is on The Score in Canada.
Thanx
What time does their show go to air tomorrow night?
No problem Aaron. We will be having a live chat here if you feel like swinging by as well.
Khandor, I believe 7pm. RaptorsTV is also doing some stuff earlier from 5:30pm onward.
AltRaps,
Thanks. I’ll be sure to set my old school vcr.
You would own a VCR…
this is just a question
if the 9th pick comes around and the raps have lost demar,holiday evans flynn etc and johnson was left could they use that 5 min to trade down at that point?? or once its your turn to pick you have to pick??
I believe a team can trade its “pick” at any time … until it actually uses it and David Stern reads out a specific player’s name.
I think the most likely scenario is they work a trade of picks out with another team, pick their player at 9, then have the other team select for them at their pick.
Also saves some $$.
Henderson is the best option in my opinion. Look at his scouting report and copare it to Brandon Roy’s and Courtney Lee’s scouting. I’m not saying he is such a good player as roy, but one of the reasons Brandon was not consider a top prospect was, apart from his knee problems, his ability to do everything good but nothin espectacular. He’s a complete player, can do a lot of things in the court and will fit perfectly with his high basketball IQ. DeRozan in the other hand (for me, it’s between those two) has much more potential, but everyone knows that potential doesn’t make good basketball players, his poor Basketball IQ and his terrible shot selection say that it’s just a tall guy with great athletic ability. But in terms of basketball, the best player is always the most complete to me.
Plus Derozan seems like a Gerald Green or a Von Wafer to me, and that’s is, a JACKASS who thinks he’s way better that he actualy is, and shots everything that fly near him
i think so too, that gerald henderson is the best option. and he is the guy that we really need, a shooting guard. we havent had that since mo pete and AP is old.
i think taking derozan is a high risk. we all hope he can turn out to be vince carter/t-mac player we desperately need, but on the other hand he could also be the next jamario moon. and if we do take him, he might have the pressure of really performing and end up underachieving like joey graham.
for me my rankings are henderson, flynn, derozan, holiday (he has to have a defined position)
Henderson is obviously the safest pick of the 5 mentioned. He will probably be one of the better rookies from this draft and if the Raptors draft him I will be quite happy. If B.C. decides he wants to try and replicate 06-07 by stocking the roster with intelligent team first players than he is the right choice. The only reason I had him as my 5th option above was the “potential” factor. I have now seen the error of my ways. I still think Jrue Holiday would be a better choice, but there isn’t much chance of him slipping to 9.
On a team with 3 legit scorers (4 if Marion can be included) shouldn’t we be going for a team-first, intelligent, defense-first, prototypical SG?
Henderson is absolutely the way to go. He can start at the 2 right away as far as I’m concerned. I hope BC doesn’t try any funny business and just makes the smart decision.
Sometimes a single is just as effective as a home run.
Evans or DeRozan are exactly what we need. I’d be happy with either. DeRozan arguably has the greater upside. I’d sway my vote towards him.
Not to knock Khandor specifically, but I do find that every year fans of nba teams get all pumped out about late 1st and 2nd rounders while only 1 or 2 in 10 of those players end up as rotational players in the league. The expectations for a Jawai/Ukic/Morrow/CDR should be completely non-existant as they are only considered by their teams to be slightly higher than unsigned training camp/summer league invites.
Edgar,
I think you’re right about the mis-guided expectations of a lot of fans re: 2nd Rounders. That said, in my case, there are only a handful of players who I like in this entire draft … some of whom will in all likelihood be selected in the 2nd Round. Time will tell which of those I’m right about and which ones I’ve misjudged.
Raps will trade the #9 and filler for Outlaw and the 22nd is my guess. There they will take, Terrance Williams or JJ or any wing available.
Im hoping Brandon Jennings!
I really hope isn’t off the board, or BC is going to choose Jrue Holiday
вообще супер
You mean, as opposed to correcting what YOU’ve suggested that I said originally … which was, in fact, quite a ways from accurate?
Thanks, but no thanks.
I think I’ll stick with seeking further clarity from those who seem to mix up what I actually have to say about something with their OWN ideas on that subject … rather than exercising THAT specifc option, which remains a possibility at all times.
Perhaps YOU should do just that … as, if you won’t/can’t take your own advice, how on earth can anybody else be expected to, either?
… and You think that qualifies as being about basketball [in general] or the goings-on with the Raptors?
Elliot,
Thanks for providing that sort of information on James Johnson. Although stylistically he is not a player who I’d compare to Shawn Marion [i.e. "bouncy" to the nth degree] that type of material can certainly help others to see the substantial value someone like J-Johnson could bring to the team that drafts him tomorrow night. Good job on your part.
In the mix with players like Earl Clark and Derrick Brown, etc., someone like Mr. Johnson serves to indicate quite well that players like Derozan and Evans [to some extent] may not turn out to be the best available players on the board when David Stern prepares himself to read out Selection No. 9 in this year’s draft.
thanks for saying so.
go Raps. whoever they are…