HoopsWorld.com: Toronto Raptors Trade Fix

[Tim W.]

hoopsworld is a brutal site.

i remeber brotherston at that valanciunas intro

he asked something that was such a miniscule and unimportant detail in becoming a good player that was related to lithuanian team, I honestly wanted to hit him in the face.

Valanciunas literally was close to saying "who the fuck cares?"

in more professional terms he said that.


this shit about a scapegoat is ludicrous.

we've heard all too may times how this new coach is going to come in and at the snap of a finger make a bad defense look good.

WTH ever happened to the Charles Oakley's of the nba that put guys in their place and we're gritty?

Ya, the comment about him being a scapegoat is a rather ignorant comment. If so, he's been a scapegoat for me since before he was drafted.

[LBF]

hoopsworld is a brutal site.

i remeber brotherston at that valanciunas intro

he asked something that was such a miniscule and unimportant detail in becoming a good player that was related to lithuanian team, I honestly wanted to hit him in the face.

Valanciunas literally was close to saying "who the fuck cares?"

in more professional terms he said that.


this shit about a scapegoat is ludicrous.

we've heard all too may times how this new coach is going to come in and at the snap of a finger make a bad defense look good.

WTH ever happened to the Charles Oakley's of the nba that put guys in their place and we're gritty?

[Tim W.]

This guy compares him to Dirk and says he's improved dramatically over the last three years. Has he actually watched him play?

[Joey]

I do agree that Bargs won't be traded though. Not 'this' year anyway.
And I also agree that Barbosa will be the first to go of the current group.

[mcHAPPY]

Clearly written by someone who knows nothing about the Raptors other than player statistics (which are misinterpreted), season standings, and word of mouth from other misinformed sources.

Lately it seems that if you bring up the Toronto Raptors people immediately want to talk about trading Andrea Bargnani.

But why is that, exactly?

We’re talking about a seven-footer who shoots 37% from three, and has dramatically improved over the last three seasons. Last year he averaged 21.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 45% from the field . . .hardly the numbers you’d expect from a guy who is widely considered to be trade bait.

The truth is that Bargnani is the new scapegoat for the Raptors’ losing program, a load once carried by Chris Bosh. Fans of the Raptors are understandably upset about the direction of the team, which has made the playoffs just twice in the last nine seasons, and lost in the first round both times. Coaches are usually blamed, but the Raptors have already fired two coaches in recent years, so fans have to look elsewhere for a scapegoat.

Let’s be clear, though. The Raptors are not going to trade Bargnani. Trading one of the best-shooting big men in the league isn’t the answer, rather the solution is to put the right pieces around him to allow him to flourish. Just ask the Dallas Mavericks, who had great seasons from Dirk Nowitzki long before they made it to the NBA Finals, but never made it to the promised land until the right players were around Dirk to make up for his shortcomings.

The good news for the Raptors is their new head coach knows a little something about that. Dwane Casey was a huge part of the Mavericks’ championship run last season, working as an assistant coach under Rick Carlisle, and being largely responsible for helping Nowitzki learn to be a good defender. Casey will help the Raptors build around Bargnani and also help Bargnani maximize his game.

If there is a player to be traded in Toronto, we would be better served to look to the backcourt, as HOOPSWORLD’s Stephen Brotherston writes:

Leandro Barbosa is a great vet to have on the bench – the guy puts out – even when hurt and he was hurt all of last season. Never complained to anyone – even though it was obvious he was by far the best SG on the team at both ends of the floor (even playing hurt) and he only got backup minutes. Barbosa was always happy and pleasant to be around. But his contract runs out at the end of this season – so without an extension in place – Barbosa is the most valuable trade asset the team has.

Calderon looked good at FIBA – but Colangelo has tried more than once to move him – maybe next year when he’s on an expiring deal? They only have 10 guys under contract – Barbosa, Jerryd Bayless, Solomon Alabi only this year guaranteed. Not a lot of players to trade or likely to be traded except for Barbosa, if we have a season.

All in all, the Raptors really aren’t in a bad position at all. They may need a savvy veteran to come in and teach the young kids how to win, but it will be interesting to see what Dwane Casey and his staff can make of the project that is the Toronto Raptors. Trade or no trade, there are better times ahead with Casey at the helm.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/nba-pm-tor...ors-trade-fix/