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3 In the Key – Toronto Raptors Game Day Preview vs. Bulls

April 15th, 2009

A collector's item after tonight?

Most fans gave up on this season quite a while ago. I would actually be very interested to see just how bad the TV ratings for Raps games have been as of late, in particular on TSN2.

That being said, even if your desire to watch the Raps has waivered as of late there are a few good reasons to watch tonight’s match-up.

Actually there are 6:

Chris Bosh
Joey Graham
Anthony Parker
Shawn Marion
Pops Mensah-Bonsu
Jake Voskuhl

The list above is the guys that could easily be playing their last game in a Raptors uniform (some more likely than others). If for no other reason other than a sentimental one I would advise watching tonight’s game.

When your commitment as a fan to both a team and its players runs as deep as it does at the HQ these moments are bitter sweet.

On the one hand it has been a long season and we are ready to see it end for a variety of reasons. There is no question we are pumped to get our coverage of the draft workouts underway and we are genuinely excited to see how this roster changes over the next few months. Also, when the curtain drops on this season we can finally stop talking about bad defense, poor effort and the growing number of losses. We at the HQ are more than ready to move on and see the focus change.

On the flip side it is hard not to get a little sentimental when it comes to the prospect of guys like Bosh, Graham and Parker possibly playing their last game for the Raps.

Bosh has been the face of the franchise, has done exceptional things in the community and has represented the city of Toronto extremely well. We have seen him develop from a lanky teenager into an NBA Star. If Colangelo deals Bosh this summer, no matter the return, it will be a disappointing day for many Raps fans.

Parker has had a good run with the Raptors since he arrived on the scene and has established himself as a solid rotational player in the NBA. Only a few short years ago Parker was a complete non-factor in NBA circles. He has also been a great representative for the team.

Joey Graham has grown as a player since Rob Babcock drafted him and even with all his flaws, he has been a favourite here at the HQ. It’s unfortunate he has still not put it all together but he has provided his fair share of highlight reel plays.

As a fan it is hard not to get attached to the players wearing “Toronto” or “Raptors” on the front of their jersey. It is even harder not to over-value these guys. Whether you think they should be on the roster or not next season, there is no reason not to tune-in and cheer these guys on in the season finale.

That brings us to the final 3 keys for the 2008-2009 Season:

1. Play Everyone: There is no reason for Triano not to enjoy tonight’s game. It could be his last as the Raptors Head Coach. He should also allow all of his players to enjoy the final 48 minutes of the season. Hopefully Triano will spread the minutes around and let everyone get a few shots up before heading back to Toronto, packing up the lockers and starting a long off-season in the face.

2. Play Hard: The Raps will hopefully play with some good energy tonight and there is no reason not to with the summer ahead. As much as I would like to see the team just fall short, thus possibly helping their chances in the lottery, I want to see them play with energy first and foremost.

3. Soak It In: If this is the swan song for all these guys listed above sit back with your favourite beverage, in the seat where you have watched the majority of the Raps games this season and enjoy watching them play one last time. We all know it has been a gruelling season so why not just kick back and take comfort in the fact that this season is finally over and there are better times ahead. That’s what we will be doing.

HOWLAND

Comments:

Mcgateway says:

April 15th, 2009

Another reason to watch the game tonight is to see some of the potential future Raptors. If Bosh is going to be traded, there are not a lot of teams that have both the need at PF and depth of decent players to package to get Bosh in a trade. Chicago is one of them.
Players I think Toronto should ask for in any deal with Chicago (player's that are reasonable to expect Chicago to give up in return as opposed to just asking for like their 6 best players).
1. Tyrus thomas - Thomas is not as good as Bosh but he looks like he would fit into Toronto's planned uptempo attack.
&
2. Luol Deng - I believe he is overpaid for what he gives but, he at least, would provide some scoring from the wing.
or
3. Ben Gordon - I am a little iffy on Gorodon. I think he will cost more money then he is truly worth but he is a decent scorer and he provides the Raptors with a player who can create his own shot.
or
4. John Salmons - I doubt Chicago would give Salmons up but if Toronto could snag him (and he didn't refuse to report) along with Thomas, it would be a major Coup for BC.
I am sure people can think of other possible trading partners but when you look around the league, there isn't really that much that Raps could get for Bosh without looking like suckers (like the Carter trade which I do not think was as bad some people thought as if Mourning had played here, it would have helped the club).

SwirskysSoldier says:

April 15th, 2009

McGateway - completely agree with your list. I would add 2 other players though (who atleast 'could be' included in a deal):

5. Hinrich

6. Noah

Jas says:

April 15th, 2009

Ugh... seeing as none of those players helped Chicago win anything significant; then why on Gods green earth would they do anything here.

I think any trade has to bring back impact players that fill in the spots on this team that need it most (2,3 and with Bosh gone a 4).

Golden State seems to be a great fit (Biedrins, Ellis and a draft pick?). Portland wouldn't be bad (Aldridge, Rodriguez, Outlaw).

I think the list of suitors will be pretty deep, so shoot for the sky!

SwirskysSoldier says:

April 15th, 2009

Jas - "none of those players helped Chicago win anything significant"

Same argument can be made (and even more so) for the GSW though. I do agree there are good options with goldenstate aswell (Biendrins especially). THose are likely the two teams the Raps would have a deal with.

renato says:

April 15th, 2009

SwirskysSoldier :
none of those players is a potential game changer the same way Bosh is, so I guess that is still quite a way below value?

SwirskysSoldier says:

April 15th, 2009

True none alone are game changers... but in combination they may be.

Regardless, you won't get a game changers in exchange for Bosh. You are not going to get a Roy, D-Howard, Pierce (won't even get into the LBJs of the league) etc for Bosh... and I wouldn't expect the Raps to.

Its not a question of value, its a question of Risk vs Value. What does 1 guaranteed year of Bosh offer vs players (who ever they may be) for a certain # of years? Its a question of moving Bosh vs signing Bosh vs Bosh walking.

If we knew for sure Bosh was staying this wouldn't be a question. If Bosh signed an extension nobody would be talking trading him. But he hasn't... and an "I don't know what I will do come 2010" this offseason should be risk enough to atleast start shopping him.

Its not a matter of what Bosh's actual current value is. Its what is Bosh's future value to THIS team. If Bosh does walk and we didn't even get anything in return.... the Raps got the worst deal plausible.

Robert Archibald says:

April 15th, 2009

Did I mention that I love Biedrins? He's young and signed long term. We would have near all-stars at the crucial C and PG positions locked up for years at under 20 mil. Lotsa money left over to re-sign Andrea and look for that wing.

Although I don't really like Crawford's game, it is admittedly exactly what this team needs. Explosive scoring combo guard that likes the rock at the end of the game? He's only got a couple of years left on his contract and I bet his numbers go up in his contract year. If we could draft Harden or someone that could be groomed to be the starter.

I agree with BC, this team isn't far off. The only move that needs to be made is to trade Bosh for a few quality parts. Play as a team, run and play D. All these players could contribute.

Renato, I just don't think that Bosh is a game changer. HE has lovely skills, but none that can't be replaced. Bargnani and Crawford add to the scoring left by Bosh, and Biedrins more than replaces his rebounds.

I love Bosh. He has always been a total pro. HE seemed to be able to keep his head, as a teenager, during the whole VC fiasco. He has an excellent work ethic and reputation in the community; he was an excellent Olympic representative and he will get you 22/9 for the next ten years. I would be sad to see Bosh traded, but would be willing to pay that price to get the exact parts we needed in return. Not just equal value, but hand picked players that fill important roles for the team.

Last thing is to bring in Ettore as head coach. Bring in Iavroni as assistant and Triano too (or maybe into scouting/development). Mussina would be a real X-Factor coach, with a proven record in many different leagues. Having Iavroni and especially Triano there to help his transition and help the players' transition. It seems like such an obvious choice, waiting for the draft and things to start playing out is killing me!

renato says:

April 15th, 2009

I would not hold my breath on Messina any rumor coming out of Italy in Dec dried down, hopefully we'll ear a new story soon. It is kind of surreal having to wait 6 months now for the next real game happening

benjibopper says:

April 15th, 2009

how about this?

trade bosh + kapono

for

t. chandler + d. west

and draft a 2

chandler backs up bargs and suddenly we have depth, and we still have a potential all-star 4.

Oyster Boy says:

April 15th, 2009

Benjihopper

That is possibly the most solid fair trade i have heard for Bosh to date. The question is whether New Orleans is willing to go ahead and break up CP3 and West. If it is for Bosh, I don't see why not, they clearly wanted to get rid of Chandler for a bag of peanuts. I also think kapono would thrive in a system with CP3 drawing and kicking to 3 point shooters. Good Job, finally a trade to think about.

Franchise says:

April 15th, 2009

Howland and I were kicking the David West idea around this morning. It wasn't quite the same construction but the idea being that NO obviously wants to dump salary (ie Chandler.) The problem is, if Bosh re-signs there for max money, NO is paying big bucks to TWO players going forward (Bosh and Paul) who in my opinion, aren't much of an improvement over the two they have now (West and Paul) if any at all.

The Golden State one I think still makes the most sense in terms of team needs for both clubs, problem is, would Bosh re-sign in the Bay area long-term?

yardly says:

April 15th, 2009

Mcgateway,
I saw a link on hoopshype awhile back where a Chicago reporter explored a potential Bulls offer for Bosh. There parameters he threw out there were Tyrus Thomas and our choice of any other player on the roster not named Rose or Noah.

On paper, Thomas fits the mold of power forward who I'd want alongside Bargs. Quick, athletic, defends the rim, and can clean the glass. Had we not already had Bosh, he was my choice as the Raptors pick. However, the rumblings about him being a headcase were present back then, and the incidents continued as a Bull. The problem with this guy is between the ears, a Josh Smith kind of immaturity despite all-world talent.

I'd accept him as part of a package only to ship him off somewhere else. Same goes for Heinrich, who Minnesota was supposed to have an interest in at the deadline. Don't forget they have the 16th and 24th picks in the 2009 draft as well.

In regards to Golden State, they are one of the few teams I could see them making a deal even if Bosh didn't want to stay. There's value in the resultant cap space especially since they want to ship out vets like Maggette and Crawford. Plus they could sign and trade him using his Bird rights the following summer.

A package built around Jamal Crawford, their lottery pick, Turiaf and Bellineli/Azubuike? An alternative to the admittedly superior Ellis, Biedrins package.

In the absence of a clear-cut difference maker, I think BC would try to address as many roster holes as he can in one fell swoop with this transaction. A young PF ala Turiaf or T.Thomas, and a slashing wing ala Salmons or Crawford. I think that'll be the base price to get in the Bosh Sweepstakes this summer.

If Bosh isn't traded this summer, IMHO it will be because the offers weren't worth as much as ~15 million of cap space in 2010.

renato says:

April 15th, 2009

Question for the odience: Tyson chandler is indeed available, let's pretended he can be have (he does not even cost that much) how does it change the trading candidates for Bosh?

RAPS4LIFE says:

April 15th, 2009

My heart is aching to see everyone shipping Bosh off to some other team. I personally think BC will sign Bosh to an extension this summer. Bosh would be a fool to leave HIS TEAM and go to another team where he is just another piece of a puzzle. So all our scenerio's should be with Bosh sign how much cap space do we have left to sign Marion or another wing player. O'bryant looks like he could be a very good back up centre with the Raps if Triano gets him in a training camp. So the team is pretty much set, we really don't need a complete overhaul and tranding Bosh would be just that. The players on the Raps were never all healthy at the same time this year, except for the past month or so. Now the team is healthy and you can see their potential. Team defence is 14th I think in the league, so they have improve under Triano. Giving a solid training camp it is my believe with the draft pick and one good free agent the Raps will be right back in the hunt next season. So I will not be one speculating on a Bosh trade, not until Bosh come out and say I will not be back in a Raps uniform and knowing Bosh that will never happen.....By the way this is a very good post Howland I kind of sadden that this is the last game for the Raps this season. I wish them all well and looking forward to see them back next november fit and trim and ready to run....Raps4Life.

JBen says:

April 15th, 2009

I think making a deal with the Wizards would make sense.

Bosh and Kapono for Caron Butler, Ethan Thomas, Mike James and the Wizards lottery pick.

The Wizards would not do this if they land a top 2 pick, but if they are 3rd or lower, I think it could work.

Washington already have about 75 million committed toward next season which means they will be in the tax. Since they will be paying a dollar for dollar penalty, they would end up saving around 10 million. The 3 players that they would be sending would make about 2 million more than Bosh and Kapono next year, plus the 3rd pick would be about 4 million.

The Raptors get a tough, athletic and defensively skilled wing man in Butler. If they get the Wiz pick, that would mean that they would have 2 picks in the top 10 next year. The other 2 players are poor, but they have expiring contracts. Ethan Thomas may even add something to our team with his grit and size.

HOWLAND says:

April 15th, 2009

J Ben -

I too have looked at the Washington scenario, mostly because Caron has such a reasonable salary. I see two problems:

1. Bosh signing a long term contract there. I put this team in with the likes of Charlotte and Atlanta.

2. Jamison plays the four and struggles at time playing the 3.

lessthanzero says:

April 15th, 2009

Classic Simmons from his MVP column:

37. Chris Bosh
From my 2005 Trade Value column: "The runaway winner of the 2005 Shareef Abdur-Rahim Award, given annually to a tantalizing young star on a losing team who everyone assumes will keep getting better and better, when the reality is that he's close to hitting his ceiling already, and his numbers look so good mainly because he was playing 35-40 minutes a game on a bad team. Remember I told you this when Bosh is making $15 million a year on a 22-win Toronto team five years from now, and he's the subject of 370 trade rumors before the 2009 draft." Just call me Nostrasimbo.

Jdbar says:

April 15th, 2009

I'm reminded of the whole "blind squirrel/acorn" saying at this point.

Okay, that's a bit harsh. Simmons is one of my "must reads" so I guess I can let him crow when he gets one right.

Vicious D says:

April 15th, 2009

Bosh in Washington is interesting for me, because there's a good reason for him to resign there if they were to make a deal... And that would be to stay close to his ex and his daughter. I think this scenario is doable, and is one of the few deals that nets the Raptors back a high scoring impact player.

DayOner says:

April 15th, 2009

Although Joey G is a nice guy and has really big muscles....
I would substitute "sentimental" for "freakin' ecstatic" when articulating my thougts on his last game in the black, red and white. Buh-bye.(should have traded him by now)

If Bosh stays next year, the warm up song should be that Eazy E song, "F*#! My Baby's Mama"....

benjibopper says:

April 15th, 2009

in post game interview today bosh sounded very optimistic about raps, saying they have a lot to build on...could be just end of season talk but it gives me some hope for keeping him.

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