Toronto Raptors 2010 Draft Discussion

[Doc]

I would love either Cole or Bradley. Both bring some toughness and some D. I am leaning more towards Cole if Bosh does decide to leave.

 

And will the raps actually get that late draft pick? They have been trying for years now, or they say, and still nothing. Lets hope that changes this draft night.

[Built Ford Tough]

Colangelo talked to the media today.

 

ekoreen

 

BC done with media. Nothing too revealing. Reading between lines, seems as if #Raptors haven't settled on an order for 13th pick.

 

No list from Bosh, draft list narrowed, still looking for another pick but Blazers overpaid to move up in second latest from Bryan Colangelo

 

And the excuses for when the Raptors don't buy an extra pick are starting to come.

 

Also, didn't Colangelo already confirm that there was a list from Bosh? I remember posting that in the thread about Bosh releasing a wish list.

 

Doug Smith:

 

They brought Texas guard Avery Bradley back not to work him out because he’s got a bad ankle and they just wanted to interview him and have the medical staff check him out.

 

According to a couple of people I talk to around the Raptors, the big Kansas centre with the wacky jump shot is on the list of possible draft picks, he’s not at the top but he’s on it.

 

 

Basically, a whole lotta nothing.

[Dash]

There is just so much going on for every team in the top 20 or so, its just so confusing.

 

According to source, the Toronto Raptors and Minnesota Timberwolves have discussed swapping Hedo Turkoglu and #13 for Corey Brewer and #23.

 

-Swish

 

I doubt the discussions went very far but posted it for those interested in trade talk.

[Built Ford Tough]

I added a poll so feel free to vote.

 

Judging from Chad Ford's latest blog/article, it sounds like Paul George will be off the board by the time the Raptors pick, whether it is at 10 to Indiana or 12 to Memphis.

 

Speaking of George, the Grizzlies did have him in for a workout today, but I had a few of the facts wrong from Tuesday's mock. This was actually George’s first workout for Memphis (he canceled an earlier one) and owner Michael Heisley ended up not attending the workout. The Grizzlies would still take George if he’s on the board, but if the Pacers take George, it will be Luke Babbitt.

 

It sounds like Udoh will go 6th to Golden State if Cousins is off of the board.

 

If the Kings take Cousins at 5, we’re left with an interesting scenario at No. 6 in Golden State. We’ve had Greg Monroe pegged there for a week, but after a poor workout, the Warriors are now leaning away from Monroe. A plugged in source tells us that Ekpe Udoh is now the favorite to land in Golden State if the DeMarcus Cousins and Derek Favors are off the board.

 

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/16937/late-night-draft-buzz

 

He also says that Aminu is a lock to the Clippers at 8, the Jazz are leaning towards Davis at 9 and the Pistons will take Monroe at 7.

 

This creates an interesting scenario for the Raptors because if everything goes according to how Ford thinks, it sounds like Cole Aldrich (if New Orleans doesn't pick him) and Patrick Patterson will drop to Toronto. It makes for an interesting dilemma as the Raptors seem to be the highest on Alrich, Patterson and Avery Bradley (and George, but it sounds like he will be gone).

 

I always figured that the Raptors would have a list of 4 or so guys that they would want and would wind up picking whoever is left from that list, but if things play out like Ford expects them to, it is sounding like the Raptors won't have their decision made for them, which, to be honest, kind of scares me considering their shoddy draft history.

[Dash]

Picked Avery Bradley despite the Patterson reports, I think the decision between the two will be undecided until draft night. Patterson will be a solid NBA player but he doesn't help Bargnani slide down to the 4 and I feel Bradley is the better prospect and fills a bigger need. Probably my fandom getting in the way but that is my pick.

[BasX]

Damnit Doug, the guy has a name.

[Built Ford Tough]

Dimemag.com thinks that Avery Bradley will be 2010’s Breakout Star

 

Avery Bradley is an anomaly. He’s got to be, because for a guard with such an offensive prowess to his game — and don’t get it twisted, Bradley was arguably the best scoring guard to come out of a high school class that included John Wall and Xavier Henry — to also have such a hallowed reputation as a lock-down defender is really unheard of. For what he lacks in height, listed at 6-2, Bradley makes up in athleticism and bounce. Think Dwyane Wade’s offense and heart mixed with Shannon Brown’s hops. I swear I’m not making this up: the kid can flat-out rise.

 

What makes Bradley so valuable in the League — beyond his wealth of potential — is his versatility on the court. His on-ball defense is quick enough to stick with opposing point guards and strong enough to battle bigger ball-handlers in the post. On the other side of the clipboard, Bradley is a smart offensive player; if you lay off of him, he can stroke the trey ball and if you crowd the perimeter, he will leave you on the back end of a SportsCenter highlight. Avery also won’t need too long to acclimate himself to the burn of the NBA; he’s ready to contribute almost immediately, especially on the defensive end. Who knows where any of these draft picks will be 10 years from now — if history serves as a guideline, many of the Lottery picks alone won’t be on an NBA bench — but keep a fantasy spot open for Bradley, who will definitely make his presence felt.

 

http://dimemag.com/2010/06/nba-draft-avery-bradley-will-be-2010s-breakout-star/

 

 

While I think that Bradley has a lot talent and upside and could wind up becoming the biggest steal in the draft (he could also become one of the biggest busts), I don't think that he will be as good as whoever wrote this believes he will be. Those are some pretty lofty comparisions he is making.

 

I really don't see the comparision between Wade and Bradley. Just throwing that out there, haha.

 

Then again, Dime Magazine isn't exactly known as a great talent evaluator.

 

I got a bit of a laugh out of this article considering I thought I was high on Bradley, but man, this was just something else.

 

Also came across this about Aldrich:

 

Rhett (Toronto)

 

Ryen, what's your take on Cole Aldrich? The Raptors have worked him out twice. Would he be a reasonably good pick at 13?

 

Ryen Russillo (4:28 PM)

 

I like him. I don't love him offensively. If your expectations are limited, I think you'd be happy with him on your team. He gets after it, challenges shots at the rim, love his outlet passes. He's going to be around for a long time but you'll always feel like you could upgrade offensively.

 

And the Bradley vs. Bledsoe debate:

 

Aaron (Toronto)

 

Who's the better prospect to impact both sides of the ball immediately? Bledsoe or Bradley?

 

Ryen Russillo (4:45 PM)

 

Bradley's a better defender. Nine out of 10 NBA people will tell you Bledsoe is easily the better point guard prospect and tougher, but I like Bradley better. He's not a point guard, but he's not afraid to pass without dribbling. So many young players aren't aware that you're allowed to pass without dribbling.

 

 

It may just be me, but I really think that it will come down to Aldrich or Bradley for the Raptors. All of the talk has been about drafting a center or a guard and these two just seem like the two players that they like the most at their respective positions who will most likely be available at 13. I think that George could sneak in there, but I honestly think that Patterson is a smokescreen to throw people off of the Aldrich/Bradley trail. Colangelo used James Johnson in a similar manner last year to throw people off of the DeRozan trail. I think Patterson is this years Johnson.

 

 

I also think that if the Raptors pick up a late 1st/early 2nd that they will look to pick up Devin Ebanks. Him coming in for a 2nd workout yesterday combined with some of the comments that have been made about him seem like he is the leading candidate for the Raptors should they pick up another pick (I think they want Alabi, but he won't be around).

 

With that said, I don't think that they pick up another pick in this draft. The excuses have already been brought up by Colangelo and company.

[Real Deal]

The only real, legit comparison between Bradley and Wade, RIGHT NOW, would be that both are combo guards.

 

Toronto needs to go with Aldrich. They could use the defense, and they can't afford to toy with the center position any longer, especially with Bosh's status up in the air.

[Built Ford Tough]

The only real, legit comparison between Bradley and Wade, RIGHT NOW, would be that both are combo guards.

 

Toronto needs to go with Aldrich. They could use the defense, and they can't afford to toy with the center position any longer, especially with Bosh's status up in the air.

 

I'm leaning more towards Bradley just because he has a higher ceiling. I'm at the point where I want the Raptors to go for broke this draft and just pick somebody who has a high ceiling. Bradley probably has the highest ceiling out of any of the players that they seem interesetd in other than maybe Paul George, who I don't see falling to 13 anyways.

 

Not that I would be upset with Aldrich though. He is never going to be anything more than a Kendrick Perkins type of defensive big man (not comparing the two, just the roles that they will have throughout their career), which there is absolutely nothing wrong with. he just lacks the potential that Bradley has, and with the Raptors roster in shambles and them probably going to be blowing it up this summer, I just want them to roll the dice on somebody.

 

Then again, they are going to suck next season and have a high pick next year. From my understanding, the draft next year looks to be pretty strong with guards/wing players with players like Harrison Barnes, Josh Selby, Kyrie Irving and maybe Brandon Knight being one and dones and fairly thin at the 5 (Jared Sullinger and is that it?), so it may make sense to get your future center in this draft and then look for your future guard next year.

Edited June 23, 2010 by Built Ford Tough

[Check my Stats]

I hope we just take an athletic player who plays defense, that sounds like Bradley but if there is someone else then pick him.

Edited June 23, 2010 by travesy3

[Built Ford Tough]

It sounds like the Raptors have narrowed their board down to 4 players (at least according to Doug Smith and his "sources"), and, assuming this is correct, the Patterson rumors were a smokescreen.

 

The list seems to have been narrowed to Fresno State swingman Paul George, Baylor power forward Ekpe Udoh, Texas guard Avery Bradley and Kansas centre Cole Aldrich.

 

http://www.thestar.com/article/827637--muddled-draft-makes-work-tough-for-raptors

 

Basically the three players that I knew the Raptors were interested in, and then Udoh, who I expected that the Raptors were interested in, but didn't know for sure.

 

Out of this group of 4, I would rank them:

 

1. Paul George

2a. Avery Bradley

2b. Cole Aldrich

4. Ekpe Udoh

 

I would be happy with any of the first three though. I'm not sure how I would feel about Udoh because I don't see him as a center in the NBA and I don't know how effective a Bargnani/Udoh frontcourt would be.

Edited June 23, 2010 by Built Ford Tough

[Dash]

Raptors trading pick to Blazers?

 

The Raptors have had serious talks today with the Portland TrailBlazers about a deal that would send the 22nd pick and Rudy Fernandez to Toronto for the 13th pick. The Blazers have been very aggressive about getting up into the lottery, but have been reluctant to part with both Fernandez and the 22nd pick to do it.

 

Link

 

Not a big fan of it for the Raptors, just take Bradley/Patterson and don't look back.

Edited June 24, 2010 by Dash

[BasX]

Dear god no

[Check my Stats]

Horrible.

[Built Ford Tough]

Why would Colangelo do this?

 

The Raptors already have their Rudy Fernandez in Marco Belinelli. They are basically the exact same player. Just look at how similar they were statistically last season.

 

Season Averages

 

Belinelli: 7.1 ppg/1.4 rpg/1.3 apg/40.6 FG%/38.0 3PT% in 17.0 mpg

Fernandez: 8.1 ppg/2.6 rpg/2.0 apg/37.8 FG%/36.8 3PT% in 23.2 mpg

 

Per 36 Minutes

 

Belinelli: 15.1 ppg/3.1 rpg/2.9 apg

Fernandez: 12.6 ppg/4.1 rpg/3.2 apg

 

Advanced Statistics

 

Belinelli: 12.6 PER/54.3 TS%/20.1 USG%/106 ORtg/114 DRtg

Fernandez: 13.1 PER/54.0 TS%/17.7 USG%/108 ORtg/107 DRtg

 

 

These two play very similar games and put up basically the exact same numbers. Belinelli (24) is one year younger than (25) Fernandez. They are basically the exact same size as Fernandez is 6-6, 185 while Belinelli is 6-5, 192.

 

It makes absolutely no sense to trade down 9 spots in the draft to acquire a player who you already have basically an exact replica of.

 

The only way that this makes any sense at all is if the Raptors have a guarantee that the player they want at 13 would still be there at 22, and even then, what is the point in making such a risky move anyways?

 

Terrible trade idea and I hope to god that nothing comes of it.

[Built Ford Tough]

Much to my relief, it sounds like the Fernandez + 22nd for the 13th trade is dead.

 

As of late Wednesday, a potential deal of Rudy Fernandez and No. 22 for the 13th pick wasn't making much progress.

 

Also, according to Chad Ford, the Raptors and Oklahoma City have been discussing a trade that involves the Raptors 13th pick. Don't know anything else.

 

The team is also talking to Oklahoma City, which now has three first-round picks and is looking to move up.

 

I wouldn't mind seeing the Raptors trade the 13th for the 18th and either the Thunder's (I still hate calling them that, by the way) 21st pick or teh 26th pick that originally belonged to the Suns. I think that if the Raptors don't draft Bradley and with Miami trading their 18th pick to the Thunder (again, hate calling them that) that there is a very good possibility that he will still be on the board at 18 as the Rockets, Bucks, Bulls and Wolves have no use for a player like Bradley with Brooks, Jennings, Rose and Flynn and Rubio on their teams already (well, the rights to Rubio at least). If they could trade down to 18 and still get one of the players that they want while obtaining another pick in the process, I would love it.

 

Even if Bradley isn't on the board, the Raptors seem to like Bledsoe as well and I guarantee that at least one of them would still be available.

 

You would have to think that Aldrich is the guy the Thunder are targeting and trying to move up for. I know that there have been rumours of Hayward, but I don't buy them. I think Hayward is a smokescreen and OKC is after Aldrich. He just makes too much sense for them, while Hayward makes absolutely no sense.

 

I can see a scenario happening where Colangelo tells Presti that he likes Aldrich as well and has no problems drafting him. If Bradley is still on the board at 18, Presti will draft him and then the Raptors will swap Aldrich for Bradley while gaining the either the 21st or 26th pick. If Bradley is gone, Colangelo will probably be content to just keep Aldrich.

 

And, lastly, Michael Grange thinks that the Raptors will be drafting a big:

 

Unless something surprising happens, the Raptors will be going big if/when they pick at N.13, according my sources.

 

From his Twitter account.

[Built Ford Tough]

What were your guys reactions when Davis was announced as the pick?

 

I wasn't completely shocked because of the fact that he was sliding and he makes perfect sense for Toronto, but when they officially announced that Davis was the pick, I actually just sat there and stared at the TV for about 5 seconds before thinking anything.

 

It just seemed to weird that we spent all of this time discussing Aldrich, Bradley, Patterson and George and the name Ed Davis didn't even come up once, yet we come away with Davis, who's name was never even mentioned with the Raptors.

 

I haven't seen Davis play so I can't comment too much on him, but I love the pick. Not only does he give up a young replacement for Bosh, it would also greatly cushion the blow if Amir were to leave in free agency.

 

He sounds pretty excited about coming to Toronto as well, which is nice to hear.

 

Thanks for all the support Toronto fans. I'm hella excited to be part of a great city and organization.

 

Obviously he isn't going to blast Toronto on Twitter or anything like that, but his body language was promising when he was picked and he sounded legitimately excited when I watched his interview.

 

I must admit that I am a bit disapointed that the Raptors weren't able to get Bradley somehow. I really wanted to see him with the Raptors next season. To make matters worse, he had to be picked by Boston of all teasm.

Edited June 25, 2010 by Built Ford Tough

[Real Deal]

Ed Davis makes all the sense in the world, though. If you were looking for a Bosh replacement (less offense, more defense), you get it here...but, of course, I can't comment on Davis' NBA-level defense (if it is proven to exist) until, well, it's proven to exist, haha.

 

I'm sure his defensive abilities will translate well. You know he's out to work.

 

Absolutely love the Alabi pick/trade. Maybe the Raptors are in for some good luck, and Alabi will turn into a Dikembe Mutombo, instead of Hasheem Thabeet (although the jury is still out on him).

 

I know you're disappointed because you didn't snag Bradley, but the truth is, I think he's going to be that undersized two-guard that never passes the ball, falls into "Allen Iverson mode" too many times in his career, and ends up finding his way out of the league somehow. I'm honestly surprised the Celtics selected him, but you almost get the feeling they were excited about Nate Robinson so much, they decided to go find someone else similar to him (meaning, always trying to get two points, never trying to play the point). He may be less of a point guard than Nate is, really.

 

That's being optimistic (favoring Toronto), and I'm sure you know that. Pessimistic fans will talk about how great of a defensive player he is, and how Allen Iverson tore it up in Philly for so many years... -_-

[Built Ford Tough]

Don't get me wrong, I'm absolutely thrilled with how the draft turned out. I think I might've still been in a bit of shock when I made that post because never in a million years did I expect to see the Raptors draft Davis or see Alabi picked at 50 and the Raptors getting him.

 

In regards to Alabi, I just don't see how you could pass him up that late in a draft. From what I have read, Alabi fell because of concerns about a knee operation that he had and was considered to be a top 25 pick prior to the draft. If you can come away with a guy of his size and ability at 50, even if he is a bust, I think that is a chance you have to take.

 

Yeah, those are very legitimate concerns about Bradley and I'm not exactly "disapointed" (I just couldn't think of a better word to use at the time) that they weren't able to get him because they got a player who was a consensous top 8 or 9 pick in the class and was clearly the BPA, which is really all that I wanted from this draft. I was just shocked because I never expected Davis to fall and I expected Bradley to be the Raptors pick, so I exagerated everything good about his game and downplayed all of his weaknesses to convince myself that he would be the next Russell Westbrook when there is a good chance he is just that defensive combo guard who can knock down shots off of the bench.

 

After waking up this morning I'm really not all that worried about the Raps not coming away with Bradley considering not only was Davis the obvious BPA, he also fills the Raptors biggest need. When that happens, you can't complain about it. Correct me if I am wrong, but before the season started, wasn't Davis considered to be a top 5 pick and only saw his stock drop after UNC struggled and he broke his wrist?

 

Oh yeah, you can't complain about the Raptors drafting a Tar Heel either. It worked out for them pretty well last year.

 

EDIT: Last time, not last year, haha.

Edited June 25, 2010 by Built Ford Tough

[Real Deal]

Yeah, Davis was basically a top three pick before the injury and the ugly season UNC had. Wall, Turner, Davis, Favors...then everyone else. Johnson climbed, Cousins' stock rose, Davis dropped...and by the time the draft rolled around, decent teams had a shot at getting a very good power forward.

 

I like Davis as a pro, and I like him as a Raptor. Toronto needs him up front, especially if they plan on running Bargnani at center. It can definitely work; the Jazz have played Okur at center, Boozer at the four...and while Boozer plays little to no defense, he can rebound the ball extremely well, and Davis will give you that, shot-blocking and help defense.

 

Assuming Bosh is gone (I really don't see him coming back), you can focus on developing the players you have, namely Davis and DeRozan, and crossing your fingers for Bargnani to show even more improvement.

 

I'm still not fond of your point guard rotation, though...not sure what's going to happen there, but I don't think Calderon belongs anymore. You have a few spots on the floor that lack defense, and if you want to contend (or at least be a good playoff team), you need to close all but one of those up, at least. The point guard position is the one you'd want to do that with, especially when you consider who all Calderon has to defend these days (Rondo, Nelson, Rose to name a few out East).

 

Of course, re-signing Bosh would be fantastic.

[Built Ford Tough]

To be honest, I'm not worried about the PG spot right now. Clearly it needs to be addressed for the future, and I would be thrilled if the Raptors were able to deal Calderon this summer, but if they head into the season with a point guard rotation of Jack and Calderon again, I won't be too worried about it. The Raptors aren't going to be contending for anything other than a top 5 pick next season by the looks of things (I mean their starting lineup will probablt consist of 3 players who will play in the Summer League this year, ). If they can come out of next years draft with somebody like Brandon Knight or Kyrie Irving that basically gives them their point guard of the future (assuming they don't get the first pick as Harrison Barnes is the obvious first pick at this point).

 

The way I look at it, the Raptors are officially in the rebuilding mode. Last year they managed to draft their SG of the future, this year they managed to draft their PF of the future as well as a potential sleeper in Alabi and next year I think they will target their PG of the future.

 

It is strange, even though the Raptors are going to lose Bosh and Bargnani is going to be their best player, I'm genuinely excited about the direction of this team for the first time in a very long time. They seem to be moving away from the non-defensive, one dimensional shooters mind set to an athletic and defensive mind set.

 

Even though they are going to suck next year, and suck may even be an understatement, I think I'm going to love watching this team play.

 

 

 

For those of you who were wondering who the Raptors would've drafted had Ed Davis not unexpectedly fell to 13, it sounds like Paul George was their main target.

 

"A+. They wanted Paul George but got good value in Davis. Solomon at 50 is a steal. RT @DK_I_am: What would you rate the Raptors draft?"

 

From DX's Twitter. They gave the Raptors an A+ for their draft, which I think is a little high, but it is nice to finally see Toronto getting praised for their draft picks rather than ridiculed, like they normally do.