The Raptors may be a good fit for Robin Lopez as many of the Raptors bigger guys have a more perimeter oriented focus. Lopez could be that guy who gets the tough rebounds and make penetrators think twice about coming down the lane. People like Chris Bosh, T.J. Ford and Jason Kapano have been great ambassadors for the game of basketball and they could certainly show Robin Lopez around in what might be a different situation then he is use to, now coming to Toronto.
Robin Lopez isn’t projected to go very high in the draft and that is probably a good thing because the guy could be a real boom or a real bust. The option of making a long term investment in Robin Lopez is probably not a wise one. Look for him to go in the middle towards the end of the first round to a team like the Raptors. I think Sam Mitchell would be a good motivator for this kid.
So, of course, this year is a big deal because its the first Laker Celtic final since 1987, back when the two teams were both powerful dynasties. But it’s also a big deal for me because it might be the thing that makes me start liking pro basketball again. I haven’t really liked Pro basketball since around the year 2000, and honestly, why should I have? Who wants to watch a league that has a team called “The Raptors” that run around in purple jerseys? No one.
More workouts will probably be scheduled in the coming weeks for the Raptors to continue to gauge the talent of the players projected around the 17th overall pick in the draft. It’s hard to say which player I’ve thrown my support behind because so much could change between now and the time the Raps make their pick on June 26. They could move up, down or even out of the draft so the possibilities are endless, especially when we’re talking about a team with so many trade options involving expiring contracts, etc. Right now, I still think the Raps should get their big man in the draft and swingman on the trade market but I’ll say my two early favourites are Brandon Rush out of Kansas and Robin Lopez out of Stanford, just because he plays with so much energy and fire.
Over the past week I have tried to avoid the rumours and really think about where the Raps are as a team and what we can realistically expect over the next month. I’ve looked at the stats from the season past, carefully listened to Jim Kelly (his post-work out interviews can be found at raptors.com) and reflected on what the Legomaster said at the end of the season. With all that in mind here is my best guess on what happens over the next 30 days or so.
Needs – Shooting guard, center. Toronto’s woefully lacking at shooting guard as they have Carlos Delfino and swingman Anthony Parker. Other than that, they’re lacking. Meanwhile at center, they have Rasho Nesterovic, Primoz Brezec and Andrea Bargnani (who is really more a power forward than a center). But since scoring wasn’t a priority at center for the Raptors, shooting guard seems to be the more pressing need here.
Toronto Raptors select: Nicolas Batum, SG/SF, France
Here then are some real suggestions for Colangelo, on how to make this team strong enough to not only make the playoffs and win a series, but actually challenge against Detroit. I call them real suggestions because I’m not going to suggest trading donuts for dollars here, but instead starting with the end of season line-up addressing position by position small but real options for upgrading that could reap some real rewards.
What’s really going to happen in the draft….
Just sit and watch. There are some dunks that I think are better then other dunks, but the #1 dunk just drove me crazy! There are no words needed, except (maybe) the names of the players. So, here they are:
17. Raptors: Joe Alexander, SF/PF
He has size, athleticism, and can shoot. He reminds me of Shaun Marion. He can really be a good scorer and a solid defender. He really was impressive last year and will make an impact in the NBA. He will be a solid SF next to Bosh. They need a Robin Lopez but can try to get a center via free agency or get Nathan Jawai in the second round.
17. Toronto Raptors- Robin Lopez, PF/C, Stanford. JaVale McGee would be strongly considered, but in the end the desire to get a guy who can play sooner would take over, and Lopez is a very good player in his own right.
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