It's never too early to discuss Raptors 2019-2020

[Dawgger]

Lowry Ibaka and McCaw. McCaw is actually is fairly high on the depth chart and it drops off steeply and quickly behind him. Davis and Boucher may start to see some serious playing time and so far they have been inconsistent at best. Matt Thomas will also get a chance to display his shooting skills and if he hits from 3 with anything resembling consistency, it could solve some of the problems that the injuries appear to be causing.
I am not sure what Masai could have done to rev this team up, as there wasn't a lot out there to sign. He locked Siakim up which I believe was smart. Wasn't a lot of players that could be had cheaply that might be solid citizens and help. Basketcase, you asked the question any ideas? Think a lot of us believed last year would be the all or nothing year and we got ALL!:first:

 

[New World]

Lowry Ibaka and McCaw. McCaw is actually is fairly high on the depth chart and it drops off steeply and quickly behind him. Davis and Boucher may start to see some serious playing time and so far they have been inconsistent at best. Matt Thomas will also get a chance to display his shooting skills and if he hits from 3 with anything resembling consistency, it could solve some of the problems that the injuries appear to be causing.
I am not sure what Masai could have done to rev this team up, as there wasn't a lot out there to sign. He locked Siakim up which I believe was smart. Wasn't a lot of players that could be had cheaply that might be solid citizens and help. Basketcase, you asked the question any ideas? Think a lot of us believed last year would be the all or nothing year and we got ALL!:first:

The should have resigned Jeremy Lin

 

[basketcase]

The bench should have been a source of strength, as in years past. It isn't. Now, as some of us predicted, the threadbare bench will be exposed even further with the injuries to Lowry and Ibaka

Again, what moves would you have made? Who was available that you would have picked up? Only hope I saw as that Kawhi could have been a sign and trade but the Clips had no motivation as #2 already made up his mind and was willing to leave some money on the table.

I trust Masai's knowledge of the league. He was left with either overpaying for mediocre talent and paying the tax or hoping that he could find some more hidden gems. I expect that unless the raps are top 2 or 3 in the East, Masai will go to work at the trade deadline.

 

[Insidious Von]

The should have resigned Jeremy Lin

For what? To make green tea.

I still love Kawhi, I'll be watching on Remembrance Day. Especially when Official Minks spoofs him.

 

[New World]

For what? To make green tea.

I still love Kawhi, I'll be watching on Remembrance Day. Especially when Official Minks spoofs him.

Simple reason Masai brought in Lin last year to help as the 3rd Point Guard behind Klo and Fvv as insurance. Now we need that insurance because undrafted Terrance Davis is useless as a nba player. At least Lin has lots of experience and has performed at the highest level.

 

[curr3n_c1000]

I dont have a scouting department but I know Dwight Howard was available for $2.5 Million. The Lakers picked him up only after Demarcus Cousins got hurt. And he is doing great. He would have come in handy right now. Masai being great doesnt mean he is infallible.

D12 wasn't available. He was bought out by the Grizzlies to sign with the Lakers.

Give Masai time to work. Have faith.

 

[black booty lover]

I dont have a scouting department but I know Dwight Howard was available for $2.5 Million. The Lakers picked him up only after Demarcus Cousins got hurt. And he is doing great. He would have come in handy right now. Masai being great doesnt mean he is infallible.

How many centres do you want on this team? We already have two that have to split time and you want to add a third?

 

[curr3n_c1000]

Your post corrected.

Original was correct. D12 was not coming to Toronto for 2.5 million. This was a ring chasing deal.

 

[Insidious Von]

I dont have a scouting department but I know Dwight Howard was available for $2.5 Million. The Lakers picked him up only after Demarcus Cousins got hurt. And he is doing great. He would have come in handy right now. Masai being great doesnt mean he is infallible.

I'd rather have Salvatore Bonpensiero on the team than Big Pussy. MLSE has pumped more money into Raptors905 than any other NBA franchise, I'm sure reinforcements are there. I believe in Masai, I'll never question him.

Btw what happened to the guy who kept Marc Gasol from falling off the parade bus? His name escapes me.

Dina Pugliese says, "look at Marc Gasol, he's adorable".

 

[black booty lover]

Injuries are part of any sport and astute planning should be cognizant of this fact. Someone like Dwight Howard could have relieved Siakam and Gasol now that Ibaka is out indefinitely.
The bench is decimated even more than before and players are going to be loaded with more extra minutes, increasing the risk of further injuries.

Coming off the championship last season, Masai Ujiri rested on his laurels this season.

You can't have 3 centres like this on a team. If nobody gets hurt, one of them isn't seeing the floor and it becomes a drama fest. That's too deep in one position. If one of them was an up and comer, that woulds be different, but 3 established vets just wouldn't work.

 

[Dawgger]

You can't have 3 centres like this on a team. If nobody gets hurt, one of them isn't seeing the floor and it becomes a drama fest. That's too deep in one position. If one of them was an up and comer, that woulds be different, but 3 established vets just wouldn't work.

Dwight Howard has played for how many teams? A lot and how many have been successful? Happy he is with the Lakers. There was no one out there that would IMO be classed as a "difference maker" for Masai to sign. He would have to trade for them and that would mean moving Siakim and/or OG. I thought he would find some decent bench players but so far the bench has been limited. Guess we get to see what these are made of starting today.
If you do carry three centres one would be young and playing in mop up situations much like Boucher. Boucher shows as PF but watch where he plays when he comes in, he really is a 4-5. Boucher should get more minutes now and the draftee(Hernandez?) may get some call up time.

 

[basketcase]

I dont have a scouting department but I know Dwight Howard was available for $2.5 Million. ....

No way would he have come to Toronto for 2.5. IMO, signing and aged Howard would be like when they signed Hakim.

...
The bench is decimated ....

The bench was decimated as part of the win now strategy. It worked and now we pay the price.

 

[Dawgger]

No way would he have come to Toronto for 2.5. IMO, signing and aged Howard would be like when they signed Hakim.




The bench was decimated as part of the win now strategy. It worked and now we pay the price.

You are right on, and It wasn't a secret that if Kawhi didn't re-sign with the Raps there were going to be big holes to fill and obviously there are! There are few, if any, players as good as a healthy Kawhi. He was here for a year, we were lucky to have him, he got us the championship. Unfortunately the Raps have holes to fill, lets see how they do it.
This team is unlikely to repeat, but it isn't an awful team. They still play a decent brand of basketball and are fun to watch. At the deadline pretty much every player except Siakim and maybe OG will be available for the right price.

 

[black booty lover]

You are right on, and It wasn't a secret that if Kawhi didn't re-sign with the Raps there were going to be big holes to fill and obviously there are! There are few, if any, players as good as a healthy Kawhi. He was here for a year, we were lucky to have him, he got us the championship. Unfortunately the Raps have holes to fill, lets see how they do it.
This team is unlikely to repeat, but it isn't an awful team. They still play a decent brand of basketball and are fun to watch. At the deadline pretty much every player except Siakim and maybe OG will be available for the right price.

It's all about 2021 now. They hope Spicy developes even more, and same with OG, and they go after the Greek Freak. Those are you big 3.

 

[black booty lover]

Great character win for the raps tonight. We might have some hidden gems in this organization.

 

[The Oracle]

Great character win for the raps tonight. We might have some hidden gems in this organization.

Now the pundits will say it's to early to be making any judgements but screw em.

Great win and overall effort tonight.

 

[glamphotographer]

Raptors play Clippers next. Did Kahwi get his ring yet? Will the Raps give him one at the game?

 

[wigglee]

Kahwi is great but his knee is a problem. I'm glad it's not our problem. We schooled the Lakers tonight and Boucher and the other bench unknowns were smokin'! And all this without Lowry and Ibaka. Their injuries are going to give the young guns a chance to prove themselves and tonight ( when I expected them to be blown out) they showed plenty. I don't expect to beat the Clippers on a back to back, but it could be another great year for the Raps.

 

[wonkyknee]

that was a fun game. Great first game in LA. Terrence Davis, Hollis Jefferson and Boucher were huge. Van Vleet is such a steady force at point guard. Even when we down by 11, you could see it didn't phase him one bit. The thing about Siakam, even if he starts off cold on offense, no starter in the league has his energy still come 4th quarter. The Eveready Battery commercial should sign him up for sponsorship.

 

[Dawgger]

that was a fun game. Great first game in LA. Terrence Davis, Hollis Jefferson and Boucher were huge. Van Vleet is such a steady force at point guard. Even when we down by 11, you could see it didn't phase him one bit. The thing about Siakam, even if he starts off cold on offense, no starter in the league has his energy still come 4th quarter. The Eveready Battery commercial should sign him up for sponsorship.

Went to bed at the half! While I did see some signs of hope when the bench ( that has been criticized by me and others) came in and played with energy and effort, but wasn't a believer. Pleasant surprise when I saw the final score this morning. Clippers tonight will be watching for sure! Pre game show has an interview with Masai which should be worth watching.