Free agency p4 – Why the negativity?

Before I recap what has happened over the weekend, I would like to discuss the Hedo Turkoglu deal that will be finalized July 8th. I’ve seen many posts over the weekend about this deal and how it will impact the team.

A lot of people do not like it. So I ask why? Most people begin with how expensive he is,

Well, not only will they not be contending for a very long time unless one of DeRozan or Bargnani accelerate their learning curve dramatically and become All-Stars, but they’ll be paying $53 million  over the next five years to one of the most over-rated players in recent memory. (T.O. Sports)

then they bring up the depth issue,

The option of adding Delfino and Marion gave the Raptors both depth and defence. Adding Turkoglu robs them of flexibility, depth, defence and rebounding, and does so for a player who doesn’t necessarily fit in with the team’s top-three players. (T.O. Sports)

then move on to him being 30 before they bring out his non-defensive skills.

Forget that Turkoglu will be a year older, because his game isn’t overly dependent on his physical abilities, but you’d have to assume this will be one of the worst defensive teams in the league next season if it remains as is. (T.O. Sports)

To this I say: “So what?” Unfortunately in this league you can hardly get good players for cheap, and a lot of GMs are willing to spend money to make their team better. At least his contract isn’t as big as Rashard Lewis’.

So we lost our MLE and we wont be able to get a deep bench, yes it is a problem, but what are you going to do about it? nothing, of course. So let’s move along. Let’s see there’s Shawn Marion or Hedo Turkoglu, and if you want we could throw in Delfino. Who would you want on your team at the starting 3 game in and out? Think about how Marion wants 10mil/yr and he’s old. Think about how Delfino was inconsistent, but cheaper. And then think about Turkoglu who is a good shooter, hard to guard at his position and old and defenceless. The point I’m trying to make is every player has their flaw and if Colangelo brought back Marion and/or Delfino, people still wouldn’t be happy.

To this I say: “Be %$#@$%&!*$ happy!!” A player, a great European player to be exact, wants to play here. He turned down another team because Toronto was the better city for him and his family. The whole point of this off season is bring in players that will make Chris Bosh stay. Chris likes Hedo (via Twitter) and so does Rookie DeMar DeRozan.And Guess what? I do too. I’ve been a Hedo fan for a long time, and to finally have him on our team, makes me so excited.

Please keep in mind, BC isn’t done yet. There is still a little hope. So people get rid of all your negativity. It isn’t healthy!

In other news (Remember these bits of info have not been inked yet):

• Rasheed Wallace will be joining the Celtics next year
• Jason Kidd has hit the Jackpot with Dallas
• Shannon Brown is staying with the Lakers. Good for him
• The Mavs stole the Polish Hammer
• And something about the Mavs and a Sign-and-Trade with Marion.With us getting Jerry Stackhouse

This is Way Overdue

All I've been doing in the past week is counting down the days to the draft. I just want Raptors news to give me hope for next season. Depending on what Colangelo does on Thursday, my summer will be affected. That's a lot of pressure BC I hope you can handle it.


In a Presser early today, Colangelo singles out DeRozan, Henderson, Flynn, Holiday, and Johnson as possible Draftees. Nothing wrong there. All of them have potential and can help our team in a way. I, however, have a bad feeling about DeRozan. What if he doesn't live up to the hype? What if he is not used properly or not guided into being the player he can be? Of course these questions apply to all players in the draft. These things we wont know for now, and that is what sucks.


To me, the draft is all about LUCK and being SMART. If some guy is projected to go first, and he doesn't fit your team, don't be afraid to trade him or pick another guy. It's about getting young prospects you believe will fit into your system or helps your team. For some GMs, it’s just picking the best player available at the spot. If your lucky a player might just fall lower than his stock and be the guy you need. In the end the draft is a headache if things go wrong.


I just hope BC doesn't disappoint.


Next, my trade ears are tingling. Apparently, Richard Jefferson of the Milwaukee Bucks has had his contract dumped off to San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs were kind enough to give the Bucks Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas and Fabricio Oberto. This is only interesting to me because a player like RJ is being traded for 3 players...

Here are some things. James Johnson has been in for a second visit and they hope to have another with Jrue Holiday before Thursday evening. The chances of getting another pick are low. They are not trading up and first thing BC wants to do is bring back Shawn Marion. At a reasonable price of course.