Jim Todd has departed Toronto, leaving behind his half-time interview gig and he's joined the Bucks’ staff. Alex English’s stock is rising. Michael Evans signed on with the Raptors’ staff and no one knows what the future holds for sometime coach Darrick Martin.  

Alex English has emerged as a top NBA assistant coach and he looks like the guy who will benefit most from increased responsibilities. Alex is a former superstar who definitely knows how to coach and who relates well to today's NBA stars.


                          
                             NBA Hall-of-Famer & Raptors Assistant Coach, Alex English

Jim Todd's departure has allowed the Raptors to move to a unique system whereby the three assistants will hold equal levels of responsibility and no single coach will hold the official title of ‘Lead Assistant’ in 2007-08.

Today’s Toronto Sun contained this cryptic comment, “More on the Jim Todd departure from the Raptors: Apparently, working as an assistant for Sam Mitchell has a shelf life of its own and the best-before date for Todd had passed .”

Without pointing fingers, it is obvious that the relationship between Todd and Sam was not as good as it should be. Not saying it was horrible, but both sides knew it was best to part as friends now before it became a problem.

Alex English, the former NBA All-star, Denver Nugget icon and Hall-of-Famer who still ranks 11th in all-time NBA scoring, also factors into this whole equation. I think that English’s development as a coach was held back somewhat by the over-powering personality of Jim Todd. Quietly, English has evolved into a top tier NBA assistant coach and it is not unreasonable to think that both Mitchell and Colangelo wanted Alex to have an expanded role next season.

Last weekend, the NY Post reported, “Donnie Walsh and (Larry) Bird are still gushing about the remarkable thesis Alex English turned in regarding what his head-coaching approach would be if given the opportunity. Had Jim O'Brien, for some reason, rejected the Pacers' job, the Raptors assistant would've become a serious candidate.”

The Raptors’ know they have a keeper in Alex English and the time was right to increase his role, even if it meant Jim Todd needed to move on.

One ingredient the Raptors staff was missing seemed to be a little more fire and overt passion. While Sam Mitchell is an intense competitor, sometimes you need a second voice to light a fire under the team. Hopefully, new Raptor assistant Michael Evans fills that role.

Evans is being promoted to the bench after working as a Raptor scout since 2004. He has an extensive coaching background, serving as an interim head coach of the Denver Nuggets for the final 56 games of the 2001-02 season, eventually being replaced by Jeff Bzdelik. Over nine seasons, Evans played for the Spurs, Bucks, Cavs and Nuggets and made his mark as an excellent three-point shooter. Maybe best of all, he played with a lot of intensity which may be one the areas in which the Raptors must improve.

Leading into the draft, the Raptors have solidified their staff with Alex English, Jay Triano and Michael Evans joined by shooting consultant, Dave Hopla. That now leaves the status of part-time player and part-time coach, Darrick Martin up in the air.

D-Mart's Raptor Days Are Probably Over

I believe that Bryan Colangelo wants to begin to groom a legit third point guard, which means that D-Mart’s days with the Raptors are over. The Raptors are vulnerable without a third point guard as we saw when both TJ Ford and Jose Calderon went down with injuries in the play-offs against the Nets. Bryan knows its time to find a true backup to the Forderon tandem.

Darrick Martin did a great job grooming Jose and TJ. He filled in admirably when called upon. While not spectacular, he was a servicable point guard in limited minutes who could hit clutch three balls when needed.

Remember when he hit a surprising 3 pointer at the buzzer against Dallas to keep the Raptors' three point shooting streak alive? True Raptor fans have never been so happy after a loss as they were after that shot! That said, don't expect D-Mart back as a player or a coach in Toronto.

                                   
                        
               VIDEO: Darrick Martin Buzzer Beater To Keep 3 Point Streak Alive

Now that the coaching staff is in place, the coaches need to sit tight and see what kind of upgrades Bryan has planned for the roster they will coach in the upcoming season.