Toronto Raptors: A team of underdogs

[Truth Teller]

Lin - Undrafted.

[Jclaw]

We're back to being lovable underdogs!

There were some CBA complications that prevented the signing of Ben McLemore to a 10-day contract over the weekend, as planned. It sounds like that deal has fallen through since. Raptors have to add 1 more player but I'd imagine they're looking at bigs.

— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) February 11, 2019

[bertarapsfan]

Hey remember how in the moths before the Ibaka trade a sizeable faction on this forum was getting pissed at Masai for being too gun shy? Too much status quo?

I don't even know who's on the team anymore.

that trade deadline the really when masai decided to make his mark on the franchise. we were playing well with what we had available but certainties not a title contender. the Ibaka move was the first domino of masia saying fuck it where going for it. yet he was patient in his approach incrementally improving before truly shining for the fences trading demar and canning Casey. what we see now is the culmination of 2 and half years of aggressive moves which what looks like the best chance at a finals appearance in franchise history. the beauty of it is we have a rebuild foundation set after our last big push. he has managed to give us a elite and a path to a solid rebuild. some gms may never be able to pull off one of those scenarios let's alot both simultaneously

[S.R.]

Hey remember how in the moths before the Ibaka trade a sizeable faction on this forum was getting pissed at Masai for being too gun shy? Too much status quo?

I don't even know who's on the team anymore.

[golden]

OK we've established that you're not getting it. I used differnet words for you to try and understand and you pick out one. Raps could be a great team that I still think could use a bit of grit and attitude. Now pick of of those and disagree

Didn’t we just trade for Grit n Grind?

[G__Deane]

You’re talking about fiery, emotional outbursts and dirty play? I would say that’s not what true grit is, and that truly great teams don’t really require such a thing. True grit is locking down their best player without saying a word, keeping your cool when the pressure is at a breaking point, and forging a comeraderie that can overcome all odds.

That said, Gasol’s going to be laying down serious wood. And Kawhi steals opponents’ souls.

OK we've established that you're not getting it. I used differnet words for you to try and understand and you pick out one. Raps could be a great team that I still think could use a bit of grit and attitude. Now pick of of those and disagree

[Puffer]

...That said, Gasol’s going to be laying down serious wood. And Kawhi steals opponents’ souls.

And building a box around their souls with the wood that Gasol laid down.

Soul Coffin...(sounds like a cool name for a band)

[SkywalkerAC]

Who are these players that fill the opposition with fear to take liberties then? I mentioned angry Serge. Lowry can play aggressively but I'm talking physically being aggressive with the body, being a little dirty

You’re talking about fiery, emotional outbursts and dirty play? I would say that’s not what true grit is, and that truly great teams don’t really require such a thing. True grit is locking down their best player without saying a word, keeping your cool when the pressure is at a breaking point, and forging a comeraderie that can overcome all odds.

That said, Gasol’s going to be laying down serious wood. And Kawhi steals opponents’ souls.

[G__Deane]

No bangers, grit or sandpaper? Not sure if we're looking at the same roster.

Who are these players that fill the opposition with fear to take liberties then? I mentioned angry Serge. Lowry can play aggressively but I'm talking physically being aggressive with the body, being a little dirty

[TrueTorontoFan]

The question "Why did we give up 2 2nd round picks along with Monroe and Malachi to open up 2 roster spots?" can really only be evaluated once Masai and Bobby finish filling out the roster. Right now, the painting is half finished. Once it's finished, we can then debate whether the cost of throwing in the draft picks was worth it.For now, let's just keep your powder dry...

honestly I think it has to do with a few things. First of all if you are looking at tax and the CBA... having those extra bits of dollars lying around opens up more room for our mid level tax payers exception to pay for ppl on the buy out market.


Also I think with Marc and Serge... Monroe is essentially useless... like he will not play unless a major injury happens and even then... he is a liability on defence still.

Realistically, malachi is also a waste of a roster spot especially since if you just waive him and sign someone else ... the dollars from his contract are still on the books.

[Zak24gege]

I hate that MLSE is so cheap. They make so much damn money yet Masai needed to save a few million dollars on the tax by trading Monroe and Malachi. It sucks.

Could have just waived them like you said, or kept them on the bench collecting their paycheck. In Monroe's case it's not like we can't use him. If Gasol or Serge need a rest day Monroe could easily fill in again.

To spend 2 picks on these guys is so crazy.. especially picks that could end up decent (high 30's) if everything falls apart in the next couple of years.

Masai could always buy back a 2nd rounder.. but on the other hand it's these 2nd rounders that also help trades go through. I mean if we didn't have a 2nd rounder.. would be be able to get Gasol?

The question "Why did we give up 2 2nd round picks along with Monroe and Malachi to open up 2 roster spots?" can really only be evaluated once Masai and Bobby finish filling out the roster. Right now, the painting is half finished. Once it's finished, we can then debate whether the cost of throwing in the draft picks was worth it.For now, let's just keep your powder dry...

[bertarapsfan]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but more rings in that lineup than any the Raps have sent to the postseason before. So there's that.

Also the team's best player has a Finals MVP.

Funny the Raps used to have a pile of lottery picks on the roster, Masai has turned them into these guys - which is a better team.

not just ring but guys who have won the big awards and been in the running.
Gasol and kawhi both DPOY with serge being in contention.
Danny been all nba defense
fvv 6moy candidate
pascal is gonna win MIP
kyle kawhi and Marc have been all nba

[SkywalkerAC]

No bangers, grit or sandpaper? Not sure if we're looking at the same roster.

[planetmars]

A ton of character guys, no azzholes but also not a lot of grit and sandpaper (to borrow from the hockey lexicon). None are really playoff bangers unless you're counting on angry Serge. Shippin out 2nd round picks for relative pennies return is still puzzling. Why not just waive Munroe for instance?

I hate that MLSE is so cheap. They make so much damn money yet Masai needed to save a few million dollars on the tax by trading Monroe and Malachi. It sucks.

Could have just waived them like you said, or kept them on the bench collecting their paycheck. In Monroe's case it's not like we can't use him. If Gasol or Serge need a rest day Monroe could easily fill in again.

To spend 2 picks on these guys is so crazy.. especially picks that could end up decent (high 30's) if everything falls apart in the next couple of years.

Masai could always buy back a 2nd rounder.. but on the other hand it's these 2nd rounders that also help trades go through. I mean if we didn't have a 2nd rounder.. would be be able to get Gasol?

[S.R.]

A ton of character guys, no azzholes but also not a lot of grit and sandpaper (to borrow from the hockey lexicon). None are really playoff bangers unless you're counting on angry Serge. Shippin out 2nd round picks for relative pennies return is still puzzling. Why not just waive Munroe for instance?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but more rings in that lineup than any the Raps have sent to the postseason before. So there's that.

Also the team's best player has a Finals MVP.

Funny the Raps used to have a pile of lottery picks on the roster, Masai has turned them into these guys - which is a better team.