Raptors acquire Marco Belinelli

On Wednesday, Bryan Colangelo made yet another off-season splash. The Raptors acquired SG Marco Belinelli from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for SF Devean George and cash.

Bryan Colangelo has made it no secret he likes Belinelli's game. Colangelo tried to get Belinelli in the 2007 NBA Draft, but Golden State picked him too early, drafting him #18th overall.

Belinelli averaged 8.9 points, 2.1 assists, and 1.9 rebounds in 21 minutes last season.

Overall, this is a HUGE steal. If Devean George played in Toronto next year, his minutes would have been extremely limited. To trade him for a guy who may be potentially be the 6th man, the Raptors certainly got the better end of this deal.

If I'm a Warriors fan, I'm outraged by this deal. Devean George doesn't bring much to the table, and is a much worse player than Belinelli.

Bryan Colangelo's magic keeps working. Belinelli will be another excellent piece off the bench. Considering Belinelli is a 2 man, I'm guessing Carlos Delfino won't be back in Toronto, but I'm fine with that. Belinelli, in my opinion, is a duplicate of Delfino, but at a much cheaper price--Belinelli only makes $1.5M next year. I'm guessing the Raptors will now bring back Pops Mensah-Bonsu. Pops brought a ton of energy off the bench last year, and I always liked his game. Pops would complete the roster, seeing as the Raptors have 1 spot left to fill.

Someone just give Bryan Colangelo EOY right now. 

Bobcats and Hornets swap players

On Monday, the Hornets traded Tyson Chandler to the Bobcats for Emeka Okafor. According to sources, this trade has been rumored for a few weeks, but just became official yesterday.

Okafor was drafted #2 overall in the 2004 NBA Draft. While Okafor has had a decent career, I wouldn't say he's lived up to his pick.

If I'm a Bobcats fan, however, I'm scratching my head. Talent wise, Okafor is much better than Chandler. Both players are somewhat limited offensively, but Okafor can score on post-ups occasionally and make short bank shots, while Chandler's range ends at the restricted area.

Charlotte is already a terrible offensive team, and adding Chandler certainly doesn't help. The Bobcats ranked 27th last year in offensive efficiency. Chandler is a much worse offensive player than Okafor, and his one offensive skill--the famous alley oop with CP3--won't work in Charlotte.

In my opinion, the only positive Charlotte gains out of this is financial flexibility. Last year, the Bobcats agreed to a 6 year, $72M deal with Okafor. Chandler makes roughly $11.5M next season, and has an early termination option next year.

If I'm a Hornets fan, I'm extremely excited about this deal. Replacing Chandler with Okafor is a huge upgrade, and may possibly put the Hornets back into the West's elites.

Early Seeding Predictions

Before the season starts, I thought I'd make my early seeding predictions, and guess where teams are come playoff time. Let's check 'em out.

Eastern Conference

1. Orlando Magic: This may come as somewhat of a surprise, but I truly do believe the Magic will be atop the East next season. Orlando did part ways with Hedo Turkoglu (where'd he go again?), Courtney Lee, and Rafer Alston, but look who was added. By bringing in Vince Carter, the Magic still have a very solid starting 5, and the bench becomes better with Ryan Anderson and Brandon Bass, along with the pre-existing players, Marcin Gortat and Mickael Pietrus. Considering the team made the Finals last year, I think it will give the team extra confidence. On paper, the Magic have one of the best starting 5's in the league.

2. Cleveland Cavs: What? The Cavs didn't win the East? Kevin, you must be insane. I'm sure readers are thinking this. But does Shaq REALLY make the Cavs THAT much better? I have worries about this signing. How is Lebron going to penetrate when a 325 pound beast is clogging the lane? And isn't Shaq 37? Yes, he had an impressive year last year in Phoenix, but will that really happen again? And didn't the Cavs lose Sasha Pavolic? The Shaq move fixes an issue, but I really don't see how it makes the Cavs winning the East next year.

3. Boston Celtics: Ray Allen is 34. Kevin Garnett is 33. Paul Pierce is 31. And the so called "best off-season signing", Rasheed Wallace is 34. Age has eventually going to show for this team. Rasheed Wallace won't even start. It also looks looks like Leon Powe won't return to Boston. Sorry Celtic fans, but I don't see how another run for a ring is possible.

4. Toronto Raptors: Yes yes, y'all, the Toronto Raptors are back. I may be biased, but I think the Raptors have had one of the best off-seasons in the league. The team lost Shawn Marion, but gained Hedo Turkgolu. The bench is MUCH better with the Jarrett Jack and Rasho Nesterovic signings, and it appears another player may be added as well. Breath a sigh of relief Raptor fans--the future looks bright.

5. Atlanta Hawks: The ATL won 47 games last year, and continue to fly under the radar. Jamal Crawford was added to the roster and will only improve the team.

6. Chicago Bulls: Next year, I believe Derrick Rose will be behind a select few for best PG in the league. Rose had an unbelievable rookie year. With the possibility of the Carlos Boozer trade, the Bulls may sneak up on people once again.

7. Miami Heat: Okay, maybe I wrote this blog a little too early, considering not all off-season moves have been complete. But last I checked, the Heat are yet to do anything this off-season, and only won 43 games last year. The off-season isn't done yet, so the Heat may make a move or two before the season starts, but AS OF RIGHT NOW, the 7 spot is perfect for the Heat. Losing Jamario Moon certainly doesn't make them better either. Pat Riley--you gotta get on the phone...make your superstar happy.

8. Philadephia 76ers: The Sixers had one of the biggest steals in the draft, picking Jrue Holiday at the 18th spot. A week before, Holiday was projected to go #4, so falling all the way to #18 certainly made the Sixers happy. Holiday has a bright future ahead of him, but I think he'll take a while to develop. Andre Miller also signed with Portland, so I'm not sure about the Sixers next year.

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN: Detroit Pistons. Sorry Joe Dumars, but you're team isn't much better than last year. I think the off-season moves the team has made doesn't make them much better, and rather evens out for losses that previously happened. For example--Rasheed Wallace signed with Boston, but Charlie Villanueva was brought in--talent wise, these two players are pretty even. One of the biggest problems for the Pistons last year was the controversy at the shooting guard position. Who would start--Iverson or Hamilton? Well, now Iverson is gone, and was replaced by Ben Gordon. Once again, this evens out, and is just another setup for another problem.

And yes, I know I left the Washington Wizards out--but until Antawn Jamison, Caron Butler, and Gilbert Arenas play more than 20 games together, the Wizards won't make the playoffs.

Western Conference

1. LA Lakers: Assuming Lamar Odom returns, this is pretty obvious. However, if Odom doesn't return, we may have a different story on our hands.

2. Dallas Mavericks: Congrats Dallas, you're back. Mark Cuban has conducted a fantastic off-season, one that I believe will put Dallas back up there with the West's elites. Shawn Marion, despite not having Steve Nash anymore, still has much to offer. The Drew Gooden signing also helps, which will add more talent to the bench.

3. Denver Nuggets: The Chauncey Billups trade was one of the smartest moves the team has done in its franchise. The Nuggets had a fantastic season last year, and I believe the Nuggets will be in the thick of the playoffs for years to come. I do have worries though--Dahntay Jones signed with Indiana, and it appears Linas Kleiza won't be back either.

4. San Antonio Spurs: The Spurs have also had a great off-season. Not only did the team have a great draft, but traded for Richard Jefferson. Just because I believe the Spurs won't win the West next year, doesn't mean they won't go deep into the playoffs, which I believe they will. The Mavericks and Spurs may also flip flop.

5. Portland Trail Blazers: Kevin Pritchard may be the smartest man in the biz. The youth on the Blazers will continue to get more mature, and the future will continues to look bright for this team. The 5 seed may be a little low, but not bad a competitive West and an extremely young team.

6. Utah Jazz: No more controveries now that Carlos Boozer is gone. I look for this team to rebound after a disappointing season last year.

7. New Orleans Hornets: Remember the 2007-2008 when the Hornets were the 2 seed in the West? That was definitely a fluke. The Hornets are good, but that not good. I think it's safe to say that after last year, and probably next year, the Hornets are just an average team with an above average point guard.

8. Phoenix Suns: Yes, the Suns made the playoffs, but only because the Rockets didn't. Steve Kerr may be an idiot, but the team still has talent. I liked the Earl Clark drafting back in June, as well.

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN: Golden State Warriors. After a terrible season last year, I think the Warriors will be much improved next year. Stephen Curry has a very bright future, and I also like the Acie Law signing. This team won't make the playoffs next year, but a much better season is in sight for this team.

Like the Warriors, the Oklahoma City Thunder will also be much improved. Again, they won't make the playoffs, but long term, this team may be very good. Give it just a few more seasons, and the Thunder will be right in the thick of the playoffs. James Harden's potential is endless.

And yes, I know I didn't put the Houston Rockets in the playoffs. But c'mon, do they really have a shot?

Ughhhh..

The dog days of summer continue. The NBA off-season has officially reached a lull, causing writers like myself to ponder hardly on what to write.

With the Rasho signing, the Raptors now have $5M left to spend. I'm guessing the Raptors will bring back Carlos Delfino, and add him to an increasinly better bench. Delfino is seeking what appears to be overpaid money, but I still believe Bryan Colangelo should make a heavy push to bring him back. He was an excellent piece off the bench 2 seasons ago, and I'd love for his shooting presence to return to Toronto. It's not like a bench can be too good, right?

Drew Gooden has signed a deal with the Dallas Mavericks. It appears as though Gooden will sign a 1 year deal, worth up to $5M. I have always loved Gooden's game, and considering I'm a Kansas fan, it adds an extra bonus. I don't understand why Gooden has been bounced around the NBA so much in his early career--the guy's got talent. He brings an energy and toughness to any team he plays for. With this signing, along with the Marion sign and trade, I truly believe the Dallas Mavericks will be competing for the top spot in next years Western Conference. Mark Cuban has put together a fantastic summer, and the Mavericks may very well be back to their old form.

Many believe the Lakers will win the West once again next year--that may be true, but ONLY if Lamar Odom returns. It appears Odom will be back in LA, but nothing's set in stone. Odom was a vital piece to the Lakers, and I can only see the Lakers winning next year's West if he's back.

That's it for now. Thanks for reading.

Welcome back Rasho

Earlier this week, Jarrett Jack was signed to a 4 year deal, and it was only going to be a matter of time until Bryan Colangelo made his next move. It appears the "matter of time" was only a 3 day wait, as Rasho Nesterovic agreed to a 1 year, $1.9 million deal on Friday. Nesterovic signed what is a called the biannual exception under the NBA's salary cap.

This move has been much talked about, as Colangelo has publicly said Rasho is just what the team needs in the second unit. Rasho, 33, averaged 6.8 points and 3.4 rebounds last season with the Pacers, starting 19 of the 70 games he played in.

Nesterovic made it no secret he wanted to return to Toronto--in a recent interview, he said he never wanted to leave. Rasho was also getting looks from European teams, and may have even taken a paycut to be a Raptor again. Rasho will play backup center, and with him, Bargnani, Reggie Evans and Chris Bosh, the Raptors have an impressive front court.

I love this deal--the Raptors have signed a solid, veteran big man for cheap money. The bench looks to be getting much better, and the future looks increasingly brighter.

I believe the Raptors have around $5M left to spend, but it must be on a player the Raptors have the rights to. I'm guessing with this money, Bryan Colangelo will continue to pursue Carlos Delfino. If the front office decides not to use this $5M, the Raptors can sign whomever they wish--just at a veteran minimum. So, talent wise, bringing back Delfino makes the most sense.

Sit back, and relax Raptor fans...life is good.

Let the dog days of summer begin...

I hate this part off-season. Every NBA fan knows what I mean--the time when nothing's going on. The time when no one seems to be talking about the NBA, and rather the MLB and the Roy Halladay drama. The time when fans attempt to discuss the NBA, but finally hit a wall. And on this quiet, summer day in July, I'm forced to write about something non-Raptors related. So, attempt to sit back, and enjoy.

Ricky Rubio says he will part ways with his Spanish team, DKV Joventut, even if the Timberwolves can't bring the 18 year old PG to the NBA. Timberwolves President David Kahn was in Spain this past week to negotiate a buyout of Rubio's contract with Joventut. Rubio and Joventut are at odds over a buyout clause that could cost Rubio $6.6M. Under the NBA's collective bargaining agreement, the Timberwolves can only contribute $500,000.

Even if Rubio decides not to play with Minnesota next year, he won't play under Joventut.

"I want to continue with the club but, after everything that's happened, I don't think they're too comfortable having me in their squad," said Rubio. "I want to play in a winning team, on a team that can achieve many things."

Rubio has two seasons left on his deal with Joventut. Considering Rubio made less than $100,000 last season, he doesn't have the financial assistance to leave his Spanish ball club.

Both Real Madrid and Barcelona are interested in signing Rubio to a deal. Unlike the Timberwolves, the respective Spanish teams aren't subject to the collective bargaining agreement, and have the option to pay the entire buyout fee.

Considering all this drama surrounding Rubio, I fail to understand why David Kahn drafted Rubio, especially since he drafted Jonny Flynn. Why go through all the problems with Rubio, when the team could have drafted Flynn and another rookie? It doesn't make sense to me, and it looks like Rubio will not be playing in the NBA next season. Regardless, I think Ricky Rubio will have a fantastic NBA career.

According to sources, contract talks have resumed between the Lakers and Lamar Odom. Last week, the Lakers withdrew their contract offers to Odom because Odom's agent began talking with other teams. Except Lamar Odom to return to LA--I can't imagine the team parting ways with both Odom AND Ariza.

Pretty boring day. Hopefully, some Raptors news will break in the next few days.

...Now what?

As I wrote yesterday, Jarrett Jack is officially a Toronto Raptor--but now what? The Raptors have approximately $5-7M left to spend on free agents. A back-up big man and some extra wings are still key issues for the Raptors. Who can we bring in to fix these needs?

Bryan Colangelo has hinted that Carlos Delfino will be a Raptor next year. Delfino would be excellent to have back, considering how well he played for the team in the 2007-2008 season. However, according to sources, Delfino is seeking $5M a year--is he really worth THAT much? And hasn't Colangelo somewhat addressed that issue? Currently, the Raptors wingmen are DeMar DeRozan, Antoine Wright, Devean George, and Jarrett Jack. I'd love Delfino back in a Raptors uniform, but just because we have his Bird Rights, doesn't mean we need to overspend on him. He's not worth too much money if we have others to fill his void.

Another issue for the Raptors is backups at the big man positions. As of right now, the Raptors have Bargnani and Bosh starting, with Reggie Evans, Jake Voskuhl, and Patrick O'Bryant backing them up (assuming Pops doesn't return, which I don't think he will). That is not going to get it done on a nightly basis. Bryan Colangelo needs to bring in a proven, reliable backup to add more depth to the bench. Solid free agents are still available, for example Rasho Nesterovic and Drew Gooden. Should the Raps pursue one of them? According to Toronto Star's Doug Smith, the Raptors may pursue Nuggets' Johan Petro if the deal for Rasho doesn't work. With that information, I assume Rasho is the front runner. In his last contract, Nesterovic made $8M per season. Considering he's now 33, Rasho will have to take a significant paycut.

I would love Rasho Nesterovic back in Toronto. I think he'd give the Raptors much needed help, and add more talent to an increasingly better bench. Considering the Raptors have so much extra money, it's hard to pinpoint which direction the team will take.

Hopefully, Colangelo will make the necessary moves to make the Raptors stronger contenders in the East.