Whispering In Colangelo’s Ear (Trades)

Posted on | June 23, 2010 | No Comments

The last of my trilogy of articles before draft day. If you haven’t read the first, involving the offseason strategy I think Colangelo should use, or the second, discussing the draft, I’d recommend it.

Now, obviously there going to be some trades going down this summer involving the Raptors. I think that’s pretty much guaranteed. I’m not a journalist, so I don’t pretend to have a beat on what the Raptors are going to do. I try and read up and keep informed, but it’s nearly impossible to separate the rumours from truth. I’m not trying to do that here. What I’m doing is suggesting what I feel should be the direction the trades should take and why.

The first thing I’m going to do is discuss each player, whether I would try and trade them or keep them and why. For the most part, I’m going to refrain from posting actual trade proposals, since I simply don’t know what a team would be willing to give away for certain players, but I will offer up teams and players I think might make good targets.

BOSH (Only he knows)

While I’d want to re-sign him, if Bosh wants to go, I’ve already detailed the teams I would want him to go and the players I would be looking to get back.

TURKOGLU (Trade)

I think Turkoglu had a bigger impact that some give him credit for. Despite the fact that he simply didn’t perform up to expectations, he more often than not had a positive impact on the team on the court. He wasn’t used like he was in Orlando, but the Raptors are certainly not built like the Magic so there was bound to be some changes. You can blame the coaches (and many do) but in the end it’s up to Turkoglu to adjust, and he failed to.

At the end of the season, I was of the mind to keep Turkoglu. The main reason was because I didn’t like the idea of buying high (his signing) and selling low. I figured there would be a very good chance that Turkoglu would have a better year and his stock would go up, making him easier to trade. After his little tirade in the Turkish media, and the more I read about the behind the scenes stuff, I think it might very well be best to part ways as soon as possible.

At this point, I’m almost willing to just find the best deal for him and be done with it. Possible trade partners include the Jazz (for a package including Kirilenko), New Jersey (for Jianlian), New York (for Eddy Curry), Golden State (for Biedrins), the Clippers (for a trade exception), Memphis (maybe as part of a package in a sign and trade for Rudy Gay), Minnesota (for Corey Brewer among others), Orlando (for Gortat and Bass) or Sacramento (for Dalembert). How serious any of those trading partners is anyone’s guess, but if Colangelo can trade Turkoglu away without bringing back a similar sized problem, I’d be all for it at this point.

Obviously Gay would be the most appealing option, but many stars would have to align for that to happen, including Gay wanting to sign with Toronto. Biedrins and Kirilenko would be nice options, as would Gortat/Bass and Dalembert, but a trade exception would potentially be almost as valuable.

BARGNANI (Trade)

No surprise here. Unless you’ve got specific types of players that can cover Bargnani’s weaknesses, he’s going to hurt your team. The Raptors have none and I’m not high on his skill set enough to want to build around him.

I believe this is the best time to trade him. He still got that “upside” label and skills that some GMs covet. I think if he’s forced to be the first option on the Raptors this year, his fatal flaws will be highlighted and he’ll be less attractive as an asset. Basically, if he doesn’t fulfill his potential this season, it’s fair to say he never will, and I really don’t think he’s going to fulfill his potential. By trading him this summer, you’re trading him at a high.

I don’t think a lot of teams will be clamouring for his services because his skills are so unique. He’s not a big man who is going to play great defense or rebound, which is what most teams want out of their big men.

Minnesota

The first trading partner I would look at is Minnesota. The T-Wolves started Darko, instead of the more talented Love with Jefferson because they want Jefferson to play at his more natural position of PF and because Darko can play on the perimeter, leaving the inside to Jefferson. On offense, Bargnani would be a perfect pairing for Jefferson. Defense is another story, but we’ll let Minnesota worry about that.

The player I would covet the most would be Ricky Rubio. He would be that elite PG the Raptors have not had since Stoudamire. He would most likely want to go to Toronto and is a player the city should fall in love with. And he’s a winner. The Raptors might have to wait a year before he would suit up, but that would give them a year to rebuild.

If they don’t want to part with Rubio, Kevin Love would be another target. He’s apparently available despite the fact that I think he’s going to be a better player than Jefferson. He rebounds, shoots, defends and is a high IQ player. If Bosh leaves, he’d certainly make the locals (and team) miss him less).

Barring getting either Rubio or Love, I’d be happy getting their 4th pick, especially if Derrick Favors falls there, which there is now a possibility happening, apparently.

Golden State

Bargnani seems to me to be the exact type of player the Warriors like. If they would part with Biedrins and their 6th pick in the draft, I’d be happy. Biedrins would be that rebounding and shot blocking center the Raptors have lacked, and with the 6th pick, the Raptors could grab Al-Farouq Amin or Ed Davis who would fill big needs for the Raptors.

Philadelphia

Now, I have no clue as to whether Philadelphia would want Bargnani, but if they do, they have a few assets I’d focus on. If the rumour is true that they would give away the 2nd pick in exchange for taking Brand, they might agree to take Bargnani and someone like Evans for Brand and the 2nd. Personally, I doubt it, though. Still, I’d take Iguodala for him if they do it. Iguodala would give the Raptors a veteran swingman who is still fairly young and could be paired with DeRozan and/or Weems.

Other teams might include Chicago, Phoenix, New Jersey and New York.

CALDERON (Keep)

Believe it or not, I would keep Calderon. I think he’s far more valuable to the team than as a trade asset at this point. His stock is pretty low at the moment, and if he can have a good year, his stock will go up. If he has another similar year, I really don’t think his stock will go down much. Might as well take a gamble. He does help the team and if you can improve the overall defense of the team, he’s going to look that much better.

JACK (Trade)

I like Jack, but he’s a good young player with an affordable contract, so he’s a valuable asset that might be better off being traded for something more in need. On a team with so many holes, having two good PGs is a luxury. He could be included in a Turkoglu or Bargnani deal, or perhaps with another player on on his own. Because he can start or come off the bench, just about any team could use his services.

WEEMS (Keep or Trade)

I’d much rather keep him, but because of DeRozan, he’s almost a redundancy and if including him in a deal would improve the team, you have to do it.

JOHNSON (Re-sign)

With the likelihood Bosh will leave, re-signing Amir is important. He rebounds, hustles and is only 23. I think if you offer him $5 million, he’ll be back and you won’t be overpaying him.

BELINELLI (Keep)

He didn’t perform as many hoped, but he’s still extremely talented and still young. He’s another guy who you don’t want to sell low, so it’s best to keep him and see if he can fulfill some of that potential.

EVANS (Trade or Keep)

He’s more valuable as expiring fodder in a trade than anything he brings to the team. Still, if he returns he’s at least enthusiastic, so I wouldn’t be disappointed.

BANKS (Trade or Keep)

See Evans, plus it’s nice to have a half decent backup PG at the end of the bench who can actually play.

So there are quite a few trades I think can improve the team. I think Colangelo needs burn up the phone lines on draft day, since many of these trades would include draft picks.

Tomorrow is Draft Day, so I’m going to look more closely at the actual draft.

Category: 76ers, Clippers, Grizzlies, Jazz, Kings, Knicks, Magic, NBA, Nets, Pistons, Raptors, Suns, Thunder, Trade Proposals, Trades, Warriors

So About This Colangelo Fellow…

Posted on | February 8, 2010 | 8 Comments

There’s been some discussion about this topic on Raptorblog.com and Raptor Republic, as well as in the comments on this blog. Raptor Blog’s Scott Carefoot discussed on his blog about how MLSE has indicated that they will pick up the option on Bryan Colangelo’s contract for next season.

“So when I learned that Colangelo is apparently going to continue running this team for the forseeable future, I felt neither elation nor disgust. I felt relief. I mean, honestly, look at the assclowns that have run the other Toronto sports franchises over the past few years. We could do A LOT worse.”

Not exactly a glowing endorsement, but an endorsement nonetheless.

Ironically, on Raptors Republic Altraps posed this question:

“If Bosh walks this summer without a S&T or we get limited value back in return, how much of the blame should Colangelo shoulder?“

Meanwhile, a rather rude reader of this blog argued (badly) that Colangelo has screwed up from day one and has driven the Raptors team into the ground. He, no doubt, is a proponent of firing Colangelo.

Obviously there are some differing opinions on how Colangelo has done so far during his tenure of the Raptors. Anyone who hasn’t read my Colangelo retrospective, might want to look through it if you’ve got (a lot of) time.

Firstly, let’s get this out of the way. I’m very happy that Colangelo is going to get his contract extended, although not really surprised. The four year period that Colangelo has been in charge of the franchise is the most successful four year period in it’s history. Okay. Faint praise for a team that has seen little on-court success, but it’s not nothing.

Keep in mind, I liked the hiring of Colangelo, but was well aware of the fact that, despite his success, he’s never built a team that has reached the Finals. The Phoenix Suns were a great team, but defense was not their strong suit, and teams that don’t play great defense don’t tend to win Championships.

One question that is often ask is, does Colangelo understand the importance of defense?

Well, it might you to discover that Colangelo likes defensive players a lot more than people seem to think. One just has to look at the first team that Colangelo built when he came to town. Colangelo first traded for Nesterovic, a center who played above average positional defense and had played on the NBA Champion Spurs, a team known for their defense. He then signed two veterans from Europe who stabilized the starting unit’s defense by playing above average defense. The team that ended up winning 47 games and winning the Atlantic Division, did so by playing above average defense.

Two of Colangelo’s biggest trades over the next couple of years were acquiring Jermaine O’Neal, a fierce low post defender and good shot blocker, and then trading him for Shawn Marion, an athletic rebounder with a reputation as a very tough defender.

Of course Colangelo’s been criticized for his signing of Turkoglu, a player who many feel, is somewhat lacking defensively. Those people don’t seem to realize that, of the eight players that Colangelo brought in this past summer, six are above average defenders and DeRozan certainly has the ability to be. The player that has gotten the most flak on the defensive end, Calderon, was on the roster before Colangelo even took over.

Okay, so maybe Colangelo understands the importance of defense a little more than it appears, but if Bosh ends up leaving this summer, will it be Colangelo’s fault?

Well, first of all, I think it’s rather a silly question. If Bosh leaves, there will no doubt be a multitude of reasons, none of which may have anything to do with Colangelo. Of course, if Bosh leaves for nothing, instead of through a sign and trade, can we blame Colangelo for either not surrounding Bosh with the right players, or not getting something for Bosh when he had a chance (like before the trading deadline)?

Whether you like the makeup of the Raptors, you have to admit that there’s a lot of young talent on this team. Without their franchise players, I like the future of the Raptors far more than I like the future of Cleveland or Miami. If nothing else, Colangelo has acquired a collection of players whose value will only go up. Now, keep this information in mind for later.

Some feel that Colangelo should trade Bosh right now, or risk losing him for nothing, even though they would really only get 60 cents on the dollar for him. Well, a GM who trades a player for less than he’s worth because they are afraid he MIGHT not re-sign will never, ever be a successful GM. Good GMs takes risks because they know that’s the only way to win.

Jerry West traded away a top 10 center in his prime (Vlade Divac), without any guarantee that he could sign Shaquille O’Neal away from Orlando. And he traded him for a 16th pick. Can you imagine if Colangelo had traded away Bargnani for the 16th pick? Even I would have said he was nuts. Of course that pick ended up being Kobe Bryant and Shaq DID end up signing with the Lakers.

So, maybe you don’t like the direction that Colangelo has talent the team and feel that if Bosh leaves, that’s why. If you want Colangelo fired, who exactly do you replace him with. Obviously, as Scott Carefoot so aptly pointed out, none of the leagues top GMs are going to be leaving their post to come to Toronto, so you have to look elsewhere.

It’s been pointed out by many that Toronto should try and hire an executive from a franchise like San Antonio. It worked for Oklahoma City, didn’t it? Okay, great, but there are two problems with this idea. The first is that I would think San Antonio has pretty much been picked clean by the rest of the league since there are already several GMs who have come to their posts via San Antonio. The second problem is that just because someone worked under a great GM, doesn’t actually make them a great GM. It’s just not logical, and if I really have to explain it, you’re probably in the wrong place.

Of course there’s someone like Houston’s Daryl Morey, who is the flavour of the month and a trailblazer for the statistical-based analysis of players that is becoming so popular. Morey has built a team that, without it’s two injured stars, has competed with a roster made up of modestly priced hustle players.

There are several problems with trying to hire the next Daryl Morey, the least of which is finding out who it is, and luring him to Toronto. First, Morey has done nothing yet. Since taking over, the Rockets have lost in the first round once and in the second round the next season. This year, they’re in real danger of missing the playoffs altogether. People like to point out that Colangelo has never won a Championship, well Morey has never even gotten his team to the Conference Finals. Also, while Morey was able to pluck Aaron Brooks and Carl Landry late in the draft, he traded away Nicolas Batum, and traded away the pick that would become Omri Casspi, who could end up making the All-Rookie first team.  Needless to say, he’s not perfect.

No, Morey is not perfect, but neither is any other GM. It wasn’t so long ago that Joe Dumars was the toast of the NBA town and touted as one of the top in the league. Today, he’s looking at a lottery team that won’t be under the cap until 2011, and his two big free agent signings were pretty much disasters, at least in helping the team get back to it’s winning ways. Plus, more people are remembering how he bypassed Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade to draft Darko Milicic.

Geoff Petrie was probably the GM most looked up to when Sacramento was battling the Lakers back around the turn of the century. Then, as they faltered, Petrie’s reputation became tarnished. A few bad moves and Sacramento was back to where they had been for so long before Petrie took over. Only recently has his star been back on the rise.

Then there’s the case of Danny Ainge. Yes, the same Danny Ainge who is revered for bringing the Championship ways back to Boston. But it’s also the same Danny Ainge who was reviled for so many years for bad drafts, bad trades and bad signings (Brian Scalabrine, anyone?). Only by somehow pulling a rabbit out of a hat and grabbing both Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett in trades, was he able to save his reputation. What Aigne is being lauded for now, is collecting a bunch of young, talented players he could use as pieces to get exactly what he wanted, which was Allen and Garnett. Sound familiar?

See, the funny thing about the life of a GM is that success is fleeting and your star can fall as quickly as it can rise. One trade can cement a reputation or kill it. The fact is, that Bryan Colangelo, despite his faults, is one of the better GMs in the league, and it’s also a fact that he’s given the Raptors the chance to be more successful than they ever have been.

In the end, that’s all that matters.

[Coming up this week, I'm going to look back at the predictions I made before the season, and see how I've done.]

Category: Celtics, Kings, NBA, Raptors, Rockets, Suns