Re-signing Darrick Martin and Jamario Moon's Future
By Walter DubowecYou know it’s a slow off-season when you seemingly have a ton of blog entries about fringe performers like Darrick Martin, Rafael Araujuo and CBA-er Jamario Moon. Well, here’s another D-Mart entry with a little Moon on the side.
The Star reported the Raptors will be re-signing Martin, who is presently on loan to CSKA Moscow. It appears many Raptor fans are upset with this turn of events and are pining for a young, emerging point guard to take D-Mart’s roster spot.
Will Both D-Mart and J-Mar Be With The Raptors Opening Day?
Sorry to break the bad news, but there are not many options better than Darrick Martin. D-Mart is a serviceable point guard who provides leadership and maturity in the locker room. Some may discount his importance, but his role as a defacto coach makes a difference to guys like TJ and Jose.
The Raptors have two excellent point guards who will play 95% of available minutes. No young player with any decent talent or potential wants to languish on the bench as the 15th man and see his development stagnate. Plus, the nature of end-of-bench signings is such that if a guy surprises, you often end up losing him as a free agent in a year or two. Its not worth the trouble.
The list of potential free agent point guards is underwhelming and includes Jay Williams, Alvin Williams, Gerry McNamara, Yuta Tabuse, Moochie Norris and Mateen Cleaves. Milt Palacio was available until he signed in Turkey. Anyone want to give Muggsy Bogues a call?
Remember, D-Mart's roster spot is really inconsequential when you consider that an NBA rotation includes 8 or 9 players. Many NBA teams carry only 13 or 14 players. Most nights Martin will be DNP.
Let’s be honest. No other teams are chasing after Martin. Colangelo is offering a non-guaranteed deal and that's not seen as a stumbling block. Martin’s agent said, "We're at a point where we both want to get something done. We're optimistic. Bryan respects what Darrick does, not only on the floor but also in the locker room”.
I’m of the opinion that Bryan has one more big deal up his sleeve between now and the trade deadline. If he needs an extra roster spot to facilitate a move, then D-Mart is an easy cut to make. No hard feelings and nothing lost.
Will Jamario Moon Make The Raptors Opening Day Roster?
The Star's Doug Smith seems to think so. His feeling is that if Jamario Moon shows any promise, then he is likely to stick with the Raptors.
Smith wrote, “Toronto will re-sign Darrick Martin to a partially guaranteed deal and they will find some way, either by waiving Luke Jackson or trading away Juan Dixon for future considerations of some sort to keep Moon on the 15-man roster.”
Obviously, Bryan Colangelo sees some untapped potential in the althletic Moon.
Jamario's scouting report from a few years back said this, "Athleticism. Drive. Slashing to the basket. Good offensive player. Plays above the rim. Can get to the basket any time he wants to. Excellent in transition. Quick leaper who knows how to score. Has quickness to guard smaller players and with long arms and height and athleticism, can easily guard in the post. Loves to block shots. Very long and mobile."
Hopefully he can make contribution to the Raptors. Besides, his would be the coolest name in the NBA.
I can hear Herbie now, "J-J-J-J-Jamario J-J-J-J-Jammin" over the ACC's public address system! Here's a video of Jamario jumping over a referee and jamming in a Harlem Globetrotters game. Moon has hops!
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