Colangelo Loses His Mind (in a good way) and Takes The Pressure Off DeMar DeRozan
By RaptorTalkAs training camp in Ottawa approaches, there is a level of excitement in Raptorland that we have not seen in years. We’ve been disappointed before, so the expectations of Raptors fans are somewhat tempered.
Having said that, I certainly feel good going into the 2009-2010 season.
One guy who we’re sure is feeling good is DeMar DeRozan – even though he’s likely a little apprehensive based on the pressures of being the #1 draft pick in Toronto - where NBA fans can be ruthless. Just ask Andrea Bargnani about the pressure that was placed on his shoulders when he didn't perform up to expectations.
As the dog days of the off-season come to an end, here are three things about the 9th selection in the 2009 Draft you need to know.
First, he is only person I know who has four capital letters in his name - DMDR. How cool is that, particularly to an old white guy like me whose name is full of vowels and two W's!?
Second, DeMar promises to be the best Raptor to ever wear the number 10. Not to disparage former first rounder Alex Radojevic, Vince Carter’s BFF Milt Palacio, second rounder Uros Slokar, or the undrafted Carlos Arroyo – all who wore #10.
But I have a feeling that DeMar’s Raptor career will soon surpass that of all the others who sported numero diez in Toronto.
It all changed on July 3rd
Third, DeRozan needs to mark Friday, July 3rd as the day his Raptor career changed – for the better.
Why you ask? Simple.
That was the day Bryan Colangelo officially told Shawn Marion and Dan Fegan to “screw off” and he signed free agent Hedo Turkoglu to a Raptors contract in an improbable turn of events.
That shocking signing of the Big Turk started a chain of unpredictable signings and trades by Colangelo that became known in these parts as Extreme Makeover – Dino Edition. Stealing Hedo from under the noses of the Trail Blazers was the first domino to fall in a series of moves that definitely left many heads spinning when it was all said and done.
The Hedo signing changed everything
Look, if Bryan doesn’t pursue Turkoglu and sign him to a five year deal – then going into camp, one of the biggest stories (if not the biggest story) is DeMar DeRozan.
- Is he ready to be an NBA starter?
- Is he really Heir Canada?
- Can he dunk like Vince?
- Can he be a star immediately?
- Does he fill the gaping hole at the 2/3 spot?
- Can he contribute now?
At this point, DeMar seems like an afterthought of sorts. And that’s a good thing for #10. The pressure to perform is nowhere near where it would have been if the Hedo deal doesn’t happen.
Otherwise, DD would be the #1 new face on the roster, with a limited focus on Evans, Delfino and maybe Rasho.
Remember, without Hedo and the subsequent Steve Fruitman concocted sign and trade with Dallas – we’re not looking at the likes of Marco, JJ, Amir or Antoine. Instead, the Raptors would have entered this season largely status quo.
The reality is that DD is now just one of many compelling Raptor storylines including:
- Does Bosh re-sign?
- How will Hedo perform?
- Is Andrea ready to take the next ste
- Can Jarrett and Jose complement each other and become Jackeron or Calderack?
- Is Antoine the lockdown wing defender we need?
- Is Amir ready to blossom as a legit NBA big?
- Can Marco be a sixth man candidate?
- Does Reggie Evans deliver the rebounding the Raps desperately need?
- Can all these new players gel into a cohesive unit?
- Is the Jay/Marc coaching tandem a difference maker?
And overall, that’s a good thing for the growth and development of Raptor's #10 - DMDR.
In fact, in an odd way, DeMar can also thank Shawn Marion and his agent. Because if they don't make their unreasonable contract demands - then Bryan doesn't go crazy and start his pursuit of Plan B, which resulted in Hedo Turkoglu's signing and .... well, you know the rest.
Posted by RaptorTalk at 9/23/2009 10:30 AM 
Categories: General Raptor Talk
Tags: DeRozan Turkoglu Raptors Colangelo
Categories: General Raptor Talk
Tags: DeRozan Turkoglu Raptors Colangelo
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