By RaptorTalk


If you’ve read online comments relating to the Raptors’ signing of Hedo Turkuglo, you might sense there is significant opposition among Raptor fans towards Hedo. The angst out there seems overwhelming in some corners.

Which is why I was surprised by the results of an online poll by our good friends (and great Raptor fans) at RaptorRepublic.com which bluntly asked,

“No fence sitting or looking forward. As reported, do you support the Hedo deal?”

With over 700 votes tallied, the response is a definitive 70% yes vote.

     

Hedo's signing is a net positive

While there are good points and bad points to the Hedo deal, on balance the signing is a net positive for Toronto.

Yet many of those folks who are most vocal on sports radio and in Raptors cyber-world, are hell bent against signing the Big Turk because they are focused on the down side which they see as too much money for too many years.

I get that part, but the positive aspects are more compelling. Hedo can score, he takes pressure off Bosh and Bargnani, he can initiate the offence and he’s a defensive match-up nightmare for other threes. Plus, he's actually getting a reasonable salary when compared to many other elite small forwards. Oh and don't forget that he wants to be here (unlike Shawn Marion).

But the critics are still up in arms over this signing. In fact, it seems that way with everything Bryan Colangelo does lately.
 

Is Bryan's honeymoon over?

I suppose the honeymoon is officially over, because unless Bryan absolutely robs another GM in a trade or signs a superstar free agent to miniscule contract, the naysayers will be out in full force.

Let’s be realistic. Bryan will never trade Kris Humphries for LeBron James and he won’t sign Kobe Bryant to a veteran’s minimum contract. It ain’t happening.

Am I happy with every move made by our GM? Hell no!

But I suppose it’s a matter of how you approach your role as a Raptors fan. I personally don’t feel the need to dissect and over analyze every roster move. It’s silly to get so emotionally strung out over something which you have no control over.

At some point you get on board and support your team. That's not being a homer, its just a recipe for making your season as a Raptors fan more enjoyable.

In my book, Terrell Owens is (was) the most despicable player in the NFL ... that was until he signed with my beloved Buffalo (Toronto) Bills. Now TO in TO is the best!

Honestly, basketball (and sports in general) is just a game designed to provide us with enjoyment - win or lose. Whether the Raptors win 27 games or 47 games, I am guaranteed to be watching every game – either at home or live at the ACC.

I will change my personal schedule to accommodate the Raptors. They provide me with tremendous entertainment. But once the game ends, I move on and look forward to the next one.

Raptor fans generally support Hedo's signing

70% of the Raptor fan base is willing to be supportive of the decision made by Colangelo and will wait patiently to see how the Hedo deal plays out before passing judgement. That's what most fans do.

However, others routinely come down on the negative side of any given trade or signing (which is their right). Problem is that if you analyze the proposed alternate solutions from those on the 'thumbs down' side, you discover that often their suggested fix is worse than the avenue the GM chose to follow.

Sure, the Raptors could have tendered an offer to Marvin Williams instead of Hedo- which would then be matched by Atlanta. Then the Raps are really screwed and Bosh walks in 2010. I suppose Bryan could do nothing, but that's not a good option either.

The fact is that the vast majority of NBA deals don't pan out as planned. So if you want to become known as a master hoops prognosticator, then vote 'thumbs down'. You will be proven right 80% of the time.

On the other hand, most of the Raptor fan base are looking forward to Hedo Turkoglu donning a Raptors uniform and are hoping for the best from their team in 2009-10. They are willing to give Bryan the benefit of the doubt.

It is neither right or wrong. It’s just how most fans react because they view Raptors Basketball as a great source of entertainment. The Raptors are ‘our team’!

I wish some fans would hold back on being so hyper critical of the goings on in Raptorland. Enough with the knee jerk negativity. Raptorball is fun to watch and much more enjoyable when you don’t take it too seriously.

Oh and by the way, the Hedo signing will work out just fine. Book it.