Raptorland is currently under a state of uncertainty. While some blogger's and beat writers called for a record of around 7W-11L, the Raptors fandom is starting to waver in it's hope for a successful season. I think many of us see this season as a "Statement Season". With so many different scenarios that could play out by the end of the year, it is stressful to see this team have it's struggles. Nobody wants an unhappy Chris Bosh. At least I don't! I sure as heck would love to see him in a Raptors Jersey for a long time. I'd rather see the likes of Bargnani and Jose Calderon traded away than see a 4 time all star who puts up a double double almost every night walk away for nothing. If Bosh re-signs there is no reason to think we are stuck with the likes of Turk, Bargs and Calderon for 4 years as a core. Barnani being a 7 foot Centre with a shooting stroke could find a home on numerous teams in this league. If the Raptors don't see a rebounding improvement or a defensive role for Andrea he would be a great bargaining chip at the table. Calderon is a steady Point Guard in this league. Out of the 30 teams there is no way Colangelo wouldn't be able to find a GM in need of a solid point. There are 100's of variables for the big chip players. I thought I'd go over a few small deals we could make come trade deadline(since Raptorland is abuzz with trade scenarios).
4 Players we could Use:
Matt Barnes
Currently under a 1 year contract worth $1.6mill. He can play a variety of positions but is best used as a wing. He can shoot the three and is a shot blocking rebounding presence. He is buried on the bench in Orlando behind Pietrus and Lewis. He would be a great addition to this team and the rotation behind Turkoglu. The problem in acquiring him is the fact that Orlando has to pay him so little just to keep him and he may stay as insurance in case of injury. But, with Brandon Bass competing for the same minutes of playing time he ought to give a call to his agent seeing as it's another contract year for him. Starting for Orlando he put up some solid numbers while Lewis was suspended. I'm not sure why they don't use him more often. It's probably a testament to how deep Orlando are as a team.
Brandon Rush:
Currently on a Rookie scale contract with a Team Option for 2010-2011. The Pacers acquired Dahntay Jones in the off season to be a primary backup behind Rush. Unfortunately for Rush, Jones is having a career year and giving reason for Jim O'Brien to start him over the second year player. Jones has 4 years on his contract with a player option in his 4th year. When Mike Dunleavy steps back into his starting spot, things will get tight in Indiana. I see Rush being the one to go seeing as he is having his inconsistencies this year. What could he offer us? He is a great defender who isn't afraid to get tangled up with the opposition. He would also be great at relieving either Turkoglu or DeRozan off the bench.
Rasual Butler:
The lesser known Butler(the other one being Caron) has a contract of around $3.9mill ending this year. While Eric Gordon was out with an injury he had his share of good games for the Clippers starting at Small Forward. He can rebound and defend with vigour. The Clippers don't regard Butler as being part of their future. There is a great chance they would be willing to part with him for the right deal. What could we offer for him? I'm sure B.C. could put something together.
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute:
With a salary of a mere $736,420 with a Non-Guaranteed 2010 year he could be a cheap and reliable addition to this team. Our old friend Carlos Delfino has found his niche on the team and won himself a starting spot while Moute was injured. Moute can rebound and guess what? He can defend his man. A great young guy to have on this team.
As you can see the trend, these pickups would adhere to our problems of defending the wing and transition. All these players have rebounding skills which would help Turks lack there of. Unless Antoine Wright gives us anything and Sonny Weems turns into a reliable back up, there is just no way we can keep struggling along with the rotation at the wings. Guys like DeRozan and Belinelli have major upsides to their game but Antoine Wright has been in this league long enough to know what he's got to do and he's just isn't doing those things. I don't see Colangelo doing anything in the near future. We have 4 games in 5 nights coming up and we haven't been much of a team when the schedule gets tough losing all our back to backs so far. After this stretch we should have a clear definition of this squad and their capabilities. The games are all winnable. Do the players want it bad enough? In my opinion they are under achieving and could be at 9W-9L or 10W-8L easily. If things don't get better on the defensive end look for Colangelo to make a last ditch switch around the trade deadline.
Cool Hand Luke
Monday, November 30, 2009
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