No Major Trade By Bryan Colangelo Was An Off-Season Surprise
By Walter Dubowec With training camp just around the corner, I must admit I’m somewhat surprised by Bryan Colangelo’s inactivity on the trade front this summer.
Earlier, I predicted Bryan would make another trade prior to training camp. Looks like that’s not going to happen.
Instead, the free agent signings of Jason Kapono and Maceo Baston and the acquisition of Carlos Delfino will stand as his only three meaningful off-season moves. Not a bad summer at all, but I expected somewhat more.
I believed the Garnett deal would have forced Colangelo’s hand. And if that wasn’t enough, improvements in other Eastern Conference teams like the Nets, Bucks, Bobcats, Orlando and even the Knicks may have caused the Raptors to counter.
With a glut of players at the two and the three spot and one too many player on the training camp roster (including D-Mart and Jamario), it looked like a trade was likely. No doubt Bryan tried, but we know he’s not going to make a bad deal either.
Improved Performances Planned from Within
Obviously, the Raptors are looking to much improvement occurring via internal development this season. Chris Bosh should get even better as will Andrea Bargnani, T.J. Ford and Jose Calderon.
Obviously, the Raptors are looking to much improvement occurring via internal development this season. Chris Bosh should get even better as will Andrea Bargnani, T.J. Ford and Jose Calderon.
Sharp-shooting Jason Kapono adds a new court stretching dimension to the Raptors, while Maceo Baston brings altheticism and a solid rebounding presence. Carlos Delfino is an upgrade over Mo Pete on the boards and defensively. And its not out of the question to see Anthony Parker play a more prominent role than he did last season.
Kris Humpries has worked hard this summer and may also surprise. Of course, Rasho Nesterovic had a strong Eurobasket tournament and a solid season from him would be a added bonus.
On the downside, I expect Jorge Garbajosa to be less effective this year due to the lingering effects of his serious leg injury and Juan Dixon, Luke Jackson, Jamario Moon and Juan Dixon to be on the bubble and largely non-factors.
Overall, the Raptors should be a more formidable squad than they were last year and I expect them to repeat as Atlantic Division Champions. Having said that, I don’t think they have enough talent to go past the second round of the playoffs.
Could they go deeper into the playoffs? Yes, but only if Bryan makes another significant upgrade to the roster before the trade deadline in February 2008. You can be certain Colangelo is aware of his team's shortcomings and will continue to work the phones to improve his club.
Bottomline is that Colangelo and Gheridini know they have a solid nucleus in place. Before making any tweaks or upgrades to the roster they want to first see how this team performs together and make their next move accordingly.
It may be a cautious plan, but a sound one when you consider this edition of the Toronto Raptors has the talent to win 50 games for the first time in franchise history.
It may be a cautious plan, but a sound one when you consider this edition of the Toronto Raptors has the talent to win 50 games for the first time in franchise history.
Mikael pietrus? Jammall Magloire?? SAMY D!!! CAMBY!!! trade brezec rasho d-mart joey baston for sumone good like peitrus
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Pg-Colderon-Ukic
SF-Mikael Peitrus-Jamario
PF-Bosh-Bargnani
SG-Parker-kapono
C-Samy d-Bargnani - k hump
My dream line up n it's possible.
trade t.j. brezec joey n baston for samy d or peitrus n sign JAMAAL MAGLOIRE PLEASE he's frum toronto he's defensive n raptors fans luv him
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