| "Oh those crazy pack hunting dinosaurs..." (March 10, 1998)
I was asked what would I do with the Toronto Raptors. That's a good question. Because, in a couple of months, Glen Grunwell, the beleaguered GM of the Raptors will have to answer that question.
First and foremost, the Raptors have three first round picks, their own, the Blazers and the Knicks (if the Knicks make the playoffs). My guess is the Knicks will so the Raptors will have three picks. They also have $9 million under the cap and only Gary Trent and Alvin Williams to sign. So with all this money and three picks, what should they do?
I think they should trade Marcus Camby. I'm a Camby fan, but I they should trade him away, package him with the two lower picks and get a top pick. Camby has all sorts of skills, but he's injury prone, doesn't have a definite position and lacks heart. He's like Kevin Garnett, skill wise, but gets hurt too much and doesn't seem to play with heart. The Raptors don't have too much in the way of marketable commodities. Doug Christie is possibly tradeable. Maybe he could go to San Antonio. The Spurs need a shooting guard and may not get Latrell Spreewell. Christie would fit their need for a two guard who can play. He's not top 5 but he's good, plays strong defense, can score a bit and has a low paying long term deal. The Raptors could trade for Will Purdue. Now I'm not saying Purdue is the best player in the league, but he gives his teams 6 hard fouls, a good rebounding presence and a strong player down low. He can score 10 points a game and give you 8 rebounds and a block. Better than what the Raptors already have. I don't know if Sharone Wright will ever be back so let's just say, he's not in the Raptors plan. The Raptors don't have a center and Purdue should fit the bill.
By trading Camby it also reduces the tweeners on the team. Wallace plays like a power forward but can't defend a small forward. Camby plays like a small forward but can't defend a power forward. Gary Trent is all power, but with Camby in the post, Trent doesn't get the ball. It gets a bit crazy. I think the Raptors should package Camby and some picks for a high pick or a player. The Raptors need to show the NBA that they are committed to winning. I also think they need to make a significant effort to sign some free agents. Here's an example. Ike Austin is a free agent. He's going to get about $50-60 million on the open market, similar to Brian Williams. The Raptors should offer about $65 million over 7 years. Everyone knows Ike wants to go Utah and will accept less money to go there, but if the Raptors make the best bid, it will at least show the NBA and its players that the Raptors are trying to become better. They should do the same thing when Antonio McDyess and Joe Smith come onto the open market. Make a big bid, knowing they won't go, but it will still look good. It's like when you want to go out with your friends, and you know your girl friend already has plans. You ask her to come along, showing her that you her to be part of your life, but in fact, you just want it to look like she's part of your life. In actuality, you're all talk and no substance, but she doesn't know that. The Raptors should be that way as well. If someone calls them on their contract offer, than who cares? They still get a good player.
With three picks, one of them a high lottery pick, then the Raptors should be able to build their team for next year. Now in all honesty, I don't think the Raptors are going to trade Camby or Christie. I think the Raptors will draft three players and let it ride with that. I don't know if that will make them much better. Let's face it, they need so much. If we accept certain players in the team as set, like Billups at point, Christie at two guard and Camby at power forward, there still is a hole at small forward and center. I don't know if Alvin Williams will ever play a game for the Raptors because of his injury but he impressed enough of the NBA brass that he should get a decent raise for next year. He'll leave the Raptors. Gary Trent is just showing his wares. He's gone as well. I don't see him getting Brian Grant dough, but he should get a decent raise, to about $5 million a season at least. There are always some teams who want a rugged power forward who can score. I think Trent will talk for two reasons: a) The Toronto reputation in the NBA as being a team not committed to winning and the tax situation. b) Some strange psychological disorder that most young NBA players have, the problem which allows them to realize that you can be a star in a major pro sports league in Canada, namely Toronto. Damon Stoudamire was a star in the NBA and he played in Toronto. Mats Sundin is huge and he's in Toronto. Joe Carter, Roberto Alomar, and others built their reputations in Toronto. There is a pattern. Be good and the world will be good to you. Personally, I don't think Trent has star qualities or endorsement potential but I'm sure his agent is telling him the contrary. Just look at Christie's agent, or should I say, ex-agent, from what I've recently read.
So what do you think will happen to the Raptors? It looks like a weak draft. Antawn Jamison may not turn pro because of the labour strife with the NBA. If he and others (Bibby, Carter, Baron, etc) don't jump, it'll be a weak draft. The Raptors should be guaranteed at least a top 5 pick and that's ok. I know they won't get the best senior in Raef Lafrenz, but I do like Michael Doleac from Utah. He's a big center (6'11" and 270 lbs) and those Utah guys do have some good foot work. The Raptors should get one good player, not franchise, but complementary player. There is no franchise player in this draft. I think the Raptors should package players and picks to move up. I don't want to the Raptors to be like the Knicks from a few years ago, with three young players (Wallace, Jones and McCarty) and have them sit or at least not contribute. I want the Raptors to package a possible 15th and 20th pick and if necessary something else, for a late lottery pick.
Aw well, what do I know. I'm just a guy who writes some articles to post on the Internet. Hell, I don't even know if anyone reads them. But you've got to admit, it's still fun to prognosticate.
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