Off-Season Game Plan: Raptors
While the Raptors continue to disappoint on the floor, the organization did make a move in the right direction with the hiring of GM Bryan Colangelo, who had some measure of success with Phoenix, finishing second in Executive of the Year voting this year for his team-building efforts with the Suns.
Now it will be up to Colangelo to make the right moves this off-season in order to help the Raptors improve, and give star power forward Chris Bosh reason to stick around.
Working in Colangelo's favour in that regard is that Bosh has publicly expressed his desire to sign a long-term contract extension in Toronto, provided the team is moving in the right direction.
Secondly, the Raptors had the good fortune of winning the NBA draft lottery, giving them the first overall selection. Even in a year without a surefire superstar at the top, having the first pick does give the Raptors more options.
Colangelo also has some cap room, so signing a free agent, or trading for a higher-priced veteran is most definitely a viable option.
Probably the most notable problem area for the Raptors, for several seasons, has been the gaping hole in the middle. The lack of a legitimate centre has forced the Raptors to press Chris Bosh into that position more than they would prefer, so bringing in some muscle in the paint is a priority.
In that regard, both Colangelo and Bosh recognize the need for change, with Colangelo telling the Toronto Star that the Raptors need to, "add some toughness, some grittiness, a little bit of an inside presence."
Bosh told the Fan 590 radio station in Toronto what he thinks the Raptors need: "If we can get a big guy who is not going to look for many shots, who just wants to set screens ... and control the paint, that would give us a lot of flexibility."
However, with the Raptors winning the draft lottery, the popular impression is that Italian forward Andrea Bargnani could be the Raptors' choice. That selection, while certainly increasing the skill on the roster, does nothing to specifically address those expressed needs, unless the Raptors are willing to deal either that number one pick or Charlie Villanueva for the kind of banger Bosh desires.
As Colangelo pointed out to the Toronto Star, "It's tough to look at the draft and say you're going to address one of those needs. That's more likely to be acquired by trade or free agency as far as someone being plugged into starting lineup."
Around Toronto, the popular move to make in that regard would be to make a trade for Milwaukee's Jamaal Magloire, a Toronto native who could fulfill the Raptors' need for size in the paint. Whether Magloire fits into the Raptors' budget (he'll earn $8.3-million next season and is an unrestricted free agent after that), and whether he can play the up-tempo style that Colangelo favours, will be the primary questions that need to be answered before the Raptors can make that move.
Aside from center, point guard is the position that most needs to be addressed, as incumbent starter Mike James has expressed a desire to play in Houston. Feasible or not, James' eagerness to test the free agent waters could mean he's on the way out.
If the Raptors could find a team willing to do a sign-and-trade for James, it would at least bring an asset in return rather than letting James walk for nothing. Behind James, Jose Calderon has some skills, notably as a drive-and-dish style point guard, but he seems best-suited to a reserve role.
Among free agents, Jason Terry would be a marquee addition (and the second Mavericks point guard plucked away by Colangelo in free agency) and Speedy Claxton could be a more economical fit, but the Raptors might be better served dealing for a veteran floor general. Charlotte's Brevin Knight or Indiana's Jamaal Tinsley, for example, might be available and both would at least fill the distributor role that the Raptors are seeking.
That brings us to the forward spots, where the Raptors have two crucial building blocks in Bosh and Villanueva. While there has been some discussion of trading Villanueva -- since the league's second-best rookie would have plenty of value -- his ability to score inside and out may be too much to give up unless the Raptors are getting a premier player in return.
Veteran Morris Peterson stepped up his game, scoring better than 20 points per game as the starting shooting guard after Jalen Rose was traded, so he's a solid starter. Entering the last year of his contract, though, Mo-Pete also has some value should the Raptors think that Joey Graham might be ready to handle starter's minutes in his second season.
Given his pedigree and the franchise's situation in terms of draft position and cap room, Colangelo is going to face heady expectactions this summer. There's nothing wrong with that, though. The only way to achieve success is to raise those expectations and it's about time the Raptors got on with that plan.
It might be too much to ask for the Raptors to be a playoff team next year, but they could at least contend for a spot if they make some smart moves this summer.
GM/COACH
Bryan Colangelo/Sam Mitchell
CENTERS
Returning: Pape Sow, Rafael Araujo. Free Agents: Loren Woods (UFA)
FORWARDS
Returning: Chris Bosh, Charlie Villanueva, Matt Bonner, Joey Graham, Eric Williams (PO). Free Agents: None
GUARDS
Returning: Jose Calderon, Morris Peterson, Alvin Williams. Free Agents: Mike James (PO), Darrick Martin (UFA), Andre Barrett (UFA)
DRAFT
1st - LaMarcus Aldridge, Andrea Bargnani, Adam Morrison, Tyrus Thomas. 35th. 56th
FREE AGENCY
Payroll: $36M
TRADE MARKET
E. Williams (1 year, $4.3M), Villanueva (1 year, $2.5M), Peterson (1 year, $4.55M)
