Raptors Targeting a Free Agent Centre? Chisholm's 2 cents post #71

[Apollo]

Yeah the addition of a second or a third tier vetran centre that may help win you an extra 4 -6 wins really going to make a difference in the big scheme of things. When the Heat are in town you are still going to get the beating of a lifetime.

Are the Raptors going to make the playoffs if they add that centre for a short term basis? no. But it will take them farther from their true draft position which won't allow them to get better in the long run.

If they didn't get nailed with all those injuries they might have been hanging around as a potential 8th seed for part of the season. All their young guys are going to be better this coming season and they should be improved on defense. They will finish better this season even without free agent additions.

I say forget about getting a centre via free agency when you got JV coming over in 2012. What Dwayne Casey needs to do is pull Bargnani aside and tell him " look you are the only legitimate 7 ft guy on the team, so enough with the bullsh1t, go grab those rebounds and play some defence out there or your minutes are going to slowly dissapear".

You think a pep talk is going to do much with this guy? I don't. He needs a tough, grinder on the floor with him calling his manhood into question each and every time he bails on doing anything that doesn't involve handling or shooting the ball. You know, an Oakley type. Oak did wonders in this role for Vince. As soon as Oak left town Carter was never the same. Maybe Bargnani will find this influence on his new team.

[Jordan-Drexler]

Hi. Long time no speak. Anyway

Fresh off the ESPN front page.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Trail Blazers have offered former No. 1 draft pick Greg Oden an $8.8 million qualifying offer to stay in Portland.

The offer means the often-injured 7-foot center becomes a restricted free agent. The Blazers can match any other offer made for him.

Oden, 23, didn't play this past season after microfracture surgery on his left knee. He missed his rookie season in 2007-08 after microfracture surgery on his right knee. Two seasons ago he broke his left kneecap.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=6717753

Question. With 10mill open from the cap and only 8.8 by portland to oden, does this change the free agency outlook and stratagy by the raptors. I always looked at Greg as a backup signing if Gasol signed elsewhere. With the draft of Jonas, does it even matter.

[MyMomLovesMe]

When Oden is healthy to play, he is no backup. I do understand your backup comment from the stand point that he is often injured, and you would need a replacement that can handle a full season if need be.

EDIT: Lol, sorry Y reread you post, I miss read, bed time for me... lol.

[YoungGuns]

Offer him 20 million for 2 years. If he plays sweet we have an awsome center (when healthy) ... if not we tank again and get another awsome pick plus + Jonas. Mark my words ... 2 years Raps will be a top 10 team in the league.

[EaseMyPain]

You take a shot at Oden for a couple of million at the most ! Portland is doing a Gilbert Arenas on this. If they pay him for one year at the qualifying offer or give him say 10 million over 3 years, that is not so bad. But Oden can be a franchise killer. And even when he was healthy he was too slow on rotations and coming back to defend the rim. He is a foul machine at his peak. Now, he is a seven foot pylon.

[OzRapFan]

exactly, I don't see the facination with this guy, he HAD potential, now he is a 23 year old going on 50 (he even looks 50)

[ceez]

Jesus Christ you do NOT give Greg Oden more than 2 or 3 million per year. Who's running the blazers these days?

[charlz]

is that fair to season tickets holders or the fans who wish to tune into the games to see the team legitimately try and compete?

No

Just tank this season and get a high draft pick!! its all about 2012 baby!!

PG - Calderon
SG- Derozan
SF - Barnes
PF - Davis
C - JV

Sorry Calderon? Numero Ocho?

[LBF]

id rather have d will 2.0 than h. barnes even thoug they'll both be ill

[Tim W.]

No

Is it fair to fans to consistently put a mediocre product on the floor, which is what they've been doing for the last 16 years?

Sorry Calderon? Numero Ocho?

Actually, I think Calderon would be excellent for that lineup. He's a veteran PG who gets everyone involved, runs the offense well and doesn't demand shots. And his defense wouldn't be nearly as much of an issue with Valanciunas, Davis and Barnes being behind him on defense. I just wish he was younger.

[ceez]

while he'd fit in nicely with the likes of DD, Barnes, Ed and big val, that contract is still too crazy.

[ceez]

especially since he's playing for spain and as such will spend the majority of the coming season (fingers crossed) on the DL

[Tim W.]

while he'd fit in nicely with the likes of DD, Barnes, Ed and big val, that contract is still too crazy.

He's only got two more years left, and since the majority of the team will still be on their rookie contracts, it's really not a problem. His contract expires at the same time DeRozan will most likely start his next contract.

[Tim W.]

especially since he's playing for spain and as such will spend the majority of the coming season (fingers crossed) on the DL

He'll be playing behind Rubio and also sharing time with Sergio Rodríguez, so I doubt playing for Spain is going to have a deleterious effect on him. In fact, in might have a positive effect by keeping him sharp.

[Apollo]

Nene will opt out of the final year of his contract worth nearly $12 million and, as a result, become an unrestricted free agent, a source familiar with the situation said Wednesday night.
It means Nene can sign with any team he wishes without the Nuggets getting a chance to match the offer when free agency begins after the expected NBA lockout, which likely will start Friday.

Source: Denverpost.com

He no doubt will be one of the top free agents available. He's come a long way. Last time he was up for contract some were questioning the amount Denver gave him as he was a liability due to injuries up to that point.

[slaw]

Question. With 10mill open from the cap and only 8.8 by portland to oden, does this change the free agency outlook and stratagy by the raptors. I always looked at Greg as a backup signing if Gasol signed elsewhere. With the draft of Jonas, does it even matter.

This is great news. If Colangelo was even tempted to do something stupid like offering Oden a deal, that option is now effectively off the table unless he does something really, really stupid.

As for Portland, it's one year. I don't really understand but I assume if he can't play this next year they will let him go.

[Maleko]

Source: Denverpost.com

He no doubt will be one of the top free agents available. He's come a long way. Last time he was up for contract some were questioning the amount Denver gave him as he was a liability due to injuries up to that point.

I would be willing to bet that New Jersey goes hard after Nene and DWest (a NJ native). They would be solid pickups to complement DWilliams and a shot at convincing him to stay.

[ceez]

what about lopez?

[CalgaryRapsFan]

Sacramento just made a trade with Cleveland, sending Casspi & protected 2012 first round pick for Hickson.

Link: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=6722764

The article mentions Jason Thompson as likely being available now, given Hickson/Cousins/Whiteside at the PF/C position.

Any thoughts about the Raps potentially targeting him? I know he was highly regarded a couple seasons ago and has pretty good rebounding numbers (7.3 rebounds in less than 28 mins, over his career). Could be relatively cheap for a decent young player making only $2.2M on an expiring contract.

[ceez]

i'd take thompson for sure. he could start till jonas is ready then be another quality rotational big/trade bait.