MU says "wait and see" approach, how does the schedule play out?

[mcHAPPY]

Comments like this really don't contribute Xixak...

While I can appreciate what you're saying, you need to elaborate, otherwise making a snark comment like that will do nothing but start fights.

I also don't get. Not only do my math skills appear weak but so are my reading comprehension.

[Raptorsss]

The Nene for McGee trade, was that Masai's doing or the owner, mostly? Considering Nene's contract and injury problems that turned out to be a decent trade for Denver.

[slaw]

Then it's apparent that you can't do math.

I keep seeing various people make these comments but I don't understand them.

Just quickly looking at HoopsHype numbers, they have the Raps at ~$48 million next year (there are a few team options on JV, Amir, Ross but presubaly they will pick those up). If they keep Gay, that number goes to ~$67. As I understand it, even if he opts out to sign some sort of extension, it has to be at a first year salary equal to the $19M. That ~$67M number doesn't include Kyle Lowry at all. Plus, you'll need to add a couple of bench guys.

Yeah, they have a tonne of cap room in 2015 but that's only because they have no one under contract outside of JV, Derozan, Acy, and Ross. So, they can add an impact piece in 2015 in FA but that player won't be added to current mix.

[Joey]

As I understand it, even if he opts out to sign some sort of extension, it has to be at a first year salary equal to the $19M.

I don't think that's accurate.
According to Coon anyway:

The salary in the first year of a veteran extension may be any amount up to 107.5% of the player's previous salary, but no more than the player's maximum salary in that season (i.e., the maximum salary the player can receive if he were to sign a new contract that year as a free agent -- see question numbers 16 and 17).

There doesn't seem to be any sort of minimum limit set on the contracts.

[mcHAPPY]

I don't think that's accurate.
According to Coon anyway:


There doesn't seem to be any sort of minimum limit set on the contracts.

A contract with an option can also be extended if the player opts-out, as long as the extension adds at least two new seasons onto the contract (excluding any new option year) and the salary in the first year of the extension is not less than the salary in the non-exercised option year.



Above from Larry coon question 59

[Xixak]

I wonder why Masai hasn't blown up this team yet? Does he think we're better than an 8th seed or does he have something else up his sleeve?

[mcHAPPY]

A contract with an option can also be extended if the player opts-out, as long as the extension adds at least two new seasons onto the contract (excluding any new option year) and the salary in the first year of the extension is not less than the salary in the non-exercised option year.



Above from Larry coon question 59

I was on cell phone earlier.

To elaborate on this, Raptors options with Gay are:

1) play out this upcoming year and he picks up $19.3M option next season,
2) plays out this upcoming year and he opts out, signs an option starting at $19.3M,
3) plays out this upcoming year and he opts out, signing elsewhere,
4) is traded sometime before deadline.

[mcHAPPY]

I wonder why Masai hasn't blown up this team yet? Does he think we're better than an 8th seed or does he have something else up his sleeve?

My personal theory is Boston and Rondo are the first domino to fall.

I've been wrong before though.

[GoingBig]

I wonder why Masai hasn't blown up this team yet? Does he think we're better than an 8th seed or does he have something else up his sleeve?

I think the organization is somewhat haunted by their 5-years-without-playoffs that got BC fired. If a chance is available(with a good start), they are going to take it. It certainly gets them back onto the map of NBA consciousness(saw the Raps mentioned today on ESPN's PTI Pardon The Interruption.)

With a good start, all their assets increase in value. And I also think that opportunities will open up as other teams go through the season and have more urgent needs that Ujiri can take advantage of. Right now, in the pre-season, it's all sunny days for all teams. But the long season with have disappointments and gaps that can be filled by an opportunistic Ujiri.

[Puffer]

Maybe. But I think most of the league has a good idea of what everyone else is doing...

Bargnani to New York. Signing Hansbrough. Picking up Julian Stone.

Three shots out of the blue. Not expected. Unpredictable.

[Puffer]

Then it's apparent that you can't do math.

I know exactly what you are thinking, but you are so far off course, I don't think you have the knowledge of the game for me to adequately explain where your mistakes are, in a way that you can understand.





:-)

[psrs1]

Bargnani to New York. Signing Hansbrough. Picking up Julian Stone.

Three shots out of the blue. Not expected. Unpredictable.

Good points.

[mcHAPPY]

We will know the direction of Toronto after the first 20 games

I've glanced at the schedule a few times but nothing ever serious.

Just taking a serious look and I think 22 games is the magic point in the schedule for the Raptors.

While I'm firmly in the "trade for prospects and picks" camp, I don't think Masai can go that route without making it look like he tried to build with what he has first. Looking at the intense debate that has gone on with that topic here on the forums is a pretty good indication of how this topic strikes a nerve with some fans. By sticking with the first 20 games it can appear to the "Builders" that he tried and by leaving the last 62 games of the season he can still "Tank".

Why the first 22 games? Here is their schedule:

Wed 30 vs Boston
Fri 1 @ Atlanta
Sat 2 @ Milwaukee
Tue 5 vs Miami
Wed 6 @ Charlotte
Fri 8 @ Indiana
Sat 9 vs Utah
Mon 11 @ Houston
Wed 13 @ Memphis
Fri 15 vs Chicago
Sun 17 vs Portland
Wed 20 @ Philadelphia
Fri 22 vs Washington
Tue 26 vs Brooklyn
Fri 29 vs Miami
Sun 1 vs Denver
Tue 3 @ Golden State
Fri 6 @ Phoenix
Sun 8 @ L.A. Lakers
Tue 10 vs San Antonio
Fri 13 vs Philadelphia
Sat 14 @ Chicago


6 games versus the top 4 teams in the East:
2 games versus Miami
1 game versus Indiana
2 games versus Chicago
1 game Brooklyn

2 mini-west coast swings

5 games versus teams fighting for final playoff spots in the east:
1 vs Boston
1 vs Atlanta
1 vs Milwaukee
1 vs Charlotte
1 vs Washington

2 games versus bottom feeder Philly

4 games versus the better teams in the west:
1 game vs San Antonio
1 game vs Golden State
1 game vs Houston
1 game vs Memphis

Given the schedule of the first 22 games, I think Ujiri will have a good indication of what this team can do. In my opinion, if they are not killing in through 22 (I mean 14-8 or better) you've got your indication of what to do with this team. Again, there is no cap space or financial flexibility to work with; keeping the core of this team means it is capped out and you are 100% relying on Ross and JV as the only means of growth with a window of 3-4 years before looking for a new PG and SF.

As an aside, it takes them up to December 15th when free agents can be traded.

[Craiger]

Bargnani to New York. Signing Hansbrough. Picking up Julian Stone.

Three shots out of the blue. Not expected. Unpredictable.

I'll respond with my earlier post

I don't think every GM has a checklist of 450 players and each teams wishlist for their players. But other GMs will have a pretty good idea of what are teams are need/want (3pt specialist, cap space, draft picks whatever) in part because they have a pretty good idea of where teams are headed or where they are at (rebuild, win now.. whatever)

[Xixak]

I agree that MU is a realist (which is why I think making moves sooner rather than later is the most likely scenario), but I disagree that MU is willing to get into treadmill status, which is basically what .500 ball gives you.

I'd rather a lottery pick than a sweep. Playoff appearances are nice, but they are just a stat used to sell tickets. If you know the team isn't going to contending status, and championships are the goal, why would you waste the opportunity? Once KL and Gay and re-signed, they become less appealing trade assets, and we miss out on a stacked draft. I'm not talking about all out Wiggins level bad, but somewhere in the 8-12 range in this draft still gets you a very good player (PG Andrew Harrison or SF Glenn Robinson to replace KL or Gay).

Might I ask how you know that Masai isn't willing to play .500 ball and try to build this team Daryl Morey style?

Just curious, because that actually is one of many options he could pick.