But, really, it’s hard to not think that the most hated player in Raptors history is also it’s most important.
For everything he’s done wrong to the Raptors over the years, Carter is still the most important player they’ve ever had. It doesn’t matter that he holds all kinds of records or that he’s played in four All-Star games. Carter’s importance goes beyond that.
He was the first Raptor to really make a splash not just in Canada, but in the States. He was dynamic, he was acrobatic and he dragged the Raptors with him as he flew to ESPN’s highlights of the night.
Brothersteve’s Green & Red Raptor Blog
Patrick Fitzgerald O’Bryant, the 9th overall first round draft pick by the Golden State Warriors played his college ball at Bradley and his high school ball in Minnesota. At least Patrick shouldn’t be afraid of the snow!
O’Bryant is big. True 7 footer and over 250 lbs, Patrick O’Bryant has freakishly long arms giving him a 9’ 4” standing reach and a 7’ 5” wingspan. This guy can put his hand in the mesh while standing on the floor.
But watching O’Bryant in college could leave one with an underwhelmed feeling. Something was definitely missing from his game. While Patrick could dominate his smaller college opponents, somehow he should have been doing more.
8 Raps
O’Bryant isn’t being kept around as a risk-reward player. He’s being kept around because big bodies with long arms are good insurance in case our frontline goes down somewhere during the season. Two injuries to our front court and all of a sudden we’re stuck with this “legitimate” 7 footer who’s work ethic is being put towards learning how to shoot instead of post moves.
It’s unfortunate that Patrick can’t see what is truely needed of him from any team. Sure, there’s been an emergence of finesse post players in the game today, but that increase in finesse post players has left several teams hungry for power post players like Amare Stoudamire. If you have the frame, then you should use it to bang. O’Bryant could be a 7 foot Antonio Davis. So much wasted potential…
he’d have to put on about 50 pounds, but sure…
O’Bryant is on the roster because we had to take his contract. Nobody sees this guy as an NBA player. If his money wasn’t garaunteed he would have been cut along time ago. No disrespect to the guy but he is one of the worst draft picks in the last 5 years. Thing Hoffa! I don’t think I would call him a bust because no other team would have taken him anywhere near that high. Golden State is nuts!!!!!!!!!
POB is on the Raps roster as a result of a 3 way trade with Boston and Sacramento…Will Solomon went to Sac. and a draft choice from Sac. to Boston.
Off-topic question: Does anyone know if the Raptors are holding an Intrasquad game during training camp in Ottawa (similar to what they did last year)?
I think Dougie Smith said they likely would be on the last Saturday of camp.
POB will not be in the NBA next season
Tight battle between Bargs and Mo Pete!
When all is said and done I think Bargs will have done more for the Raps than Mo, but he hasn’t gotten there yet.