By Walter Dubowec

Toronto Raptors free agent Morris Peterson is in full salesman mode as he peddles his services to interested NBA organizations. Not a bad idea to push hard, because Mo Pete doesn’t want to be the last guy left standing after all the free agent money is spent.

Today, Mo Pete is in Salt Lake City to hear what Utah has to offer. The Toronto Raptors unrestricted free agent had high praise for the Jazz.  "I think they have a great team, and may be one piece away from a championship or making it to the (NBA) Finals," said Peterson

"From watching them in the playoffs, especially with the loss of Derek Fisher," Peterson added, "they need a guy who can come in and play some defense and make three pointers and knock down shots." Peterson feels he can be that guy. 

                    

Peterson doesn’t have a formal offer from the Jazz, but he confirmed Utah and New Orleans are his strongest suitors. Both teams contacted him immediately after the league's summer shopping market opened about a week ago.

"Some of the big free agents like Vince Carter, Rashard Lewis, Chauncey Billups have done their deals already, so I think it's going to start picking up for a lot of other free agents still out there," Peterson said.

Peterson told the FAN 590 that the Raptors also expressed interest. However, I can’t see Colangelo’s interest level being very strong unless Mo is available at a bargain basement price.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mo and he was a well-spoken and polite young man. Mo loves Toronto and the city feels the same about him. Mo Pete is a great guy and I hope he lands himself a nice contract later this week. If not, he could find himself settling for scraps in a few weeks and that wouldn't be right.

It will be strange seeing Mo Pete in a different unform next year. Unlike other ex-Raptors, Mo will return to a chorus of cheers when he's back at the ACC.


Are the Grizzlies Following the Raptors Plan?

The Grizzlies general manager, Chris Wallace now has a few interesting pieces including Pau Gasol, Rudy Gay, Mike Miller and new point guard, Mike Conley to work with.
 
It’s been suggested in a Chicago-based report that Wallace’s next move may be to give an offer sheet to Cleveland forward Anderson Varejao, which is a very good idea in my opinion. 

It is also reported that possibly the Grizzlies might wants to follow Toronto’s model of a fast point guard, all-star power forward and European role players. The Chicagoland writer went on to day, “so now the Grizzlies just need to find their own Anthony Parker and Jorge Garbajosa.” Of course, its easier said than done.

Whether it happens or not is not the issue. The point is that you can be sure the NBA has taken note of the Raptors’ sudden rise and that others will try to imitate Colangelo’s recipe for success.

Interesting Observation of the Week.

It was reported today that one league source calls Minnesota the NBA’s “most dysfunctional front office”. They claim it has only gotten worse now that the decision-making has been split between Kevin McHale, Jim Stack, ex-Raptor GM Rob Babcock and Fred Hoiberg, along with occasional meddling from owner Glen Taylor.

Kevin Garnett should do everything in his power to get away from that mess - fast!