Post by kmatrixg on Dec 10, 2010 12:39:21 GMT -5
TORONTO (AP) -- Mr. Stephens was busy in twilight last night, after pulling off two rotation solidifying moves with the Warriors and Hornets. With the team coming into the season with a questionable front court, Stephens was able to acquire Chris Kaman and Carlos Boozer for a couple rookies, Raymond Felton and Pavel Podkolzin.
The two separate trades occurred just hours apart from each other, the first trade, sending Podkolzin and Felton for Kaman, a 2005 draft pick and cash consideration. Kaman has improved significantly since he was drafted last season, and will serve as the teams starting center, and defensive stopper in the post.
While Pavel showed signs of future greatness early in the season, the team needed someone with a little more offensive push, and found that in Kaman. He averaged over 13 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks a game in the preseason, and entered the second month of the season averaging just under those totals. The Raptor coaching staff feels if he gets more looks on offense, and plays in a more uptempo style, could be a great option for the team on both ends of the floor.
Felton was drafted as security this past draft in case 2nd year guard Paccelis Morlende didn't pan-out, exactly opposite of what he did in training camp. Morlende has become a solid starter and has dramatically improved his game in all aspects. His current year averages are 5 points above last years, 3 assists better and has been a force on the defensive end as well. While Felton was highly valued, his presence was seen as a redundancy.
Moments after the deal with the Warriors was completed, Stephens was contacted by the Hornets with interest in obtaining their draft pick back. Carlos Boozer, who was traded to the team earlier in the day, couldn't even unpack his bags in Charlotte before he was told he would be playing for the Raptors tonight.
Boozer joins possibly the most talented team he has played with so far by joining the likes of Kaman, Wade and Josh Smith, along with a solid bench - this meaning Boozer won't be completely relied upon like he was in his previous two seasons.
Boozer brings low post scoring to the lineup, something that the team has lacked since trading away Abdur Rahim last summer. The former Duke standout has been a steady force early in his career, and has received a lot of criticism for not living up to the hype he had coming out of Coach K's system. However, numbers don't lie, and Boozer averaged 18 points and 9 rebounds last season with the 76ers, and roughly the same numbers during the preseason. The Hornets chose not to center the offense around Boozer early this season, however that doesn't seem to be the case for Toronto's plan.
The Raptors are very excited to introduce Boozer, and have already made it known he will play a big role in the teams inside-out offense. With Wade emerging as a legitimate 3 point shooter, Toronto will work the ball inside with the trio of Kaman, Boozer, and rookie Josh Smith, while Morlende hovers around the perimeter waiting for an open shot. Wade figures to be the focal point on the offense, with his ability to create his own shot and drive the ball down the throat of the defense.
Regardless of what the team had, what they acquired is twofold of what they gave up. In essence, the Raptors got Kaman, Boozer and cash for Felton, Pavel and a future pick.
The two separate trades occurred just hours apart from each other, the first trade, sending Podkolzin and Felton for Kaman, a 2005 draft pick and cash consideration. Kaman has improved significantly since he was drafted last season, and will serve as the teams starting center, and defensive stopper in the post.
Chris Kaman
While Pavel showed signs of future greatness early in the season, the team needed someone with a little more offensive push, and found that in Kaman. He averaged over 13 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks a game in the preseason, and entered the second month of the season averaging just under those totals. The Raptor coaching staff feels if he gets more looks on offense, and plays in a more uptempo style, could be a great option for the team on both ends of the floor.
Felton was drafted as security this past draft in case 2nd year guard Paccelis Morlende didn't pan-out, exactly opposite of what he did in training camp. Morlende has become a solid starter and has dramatically improved his game in all aspects. His current year averages are 5 points above last years, 3 assists better and has been a force on the defensive end as well. While Felton was highly valued, his presence was seen as a redundancy.
Moments after the deal with the Warriors was completed, Stephens was contacted by the Hornets with interest in obtaining their draft pick back. Carlos Boozer, who was traded to the team earlier in the day, couldn't even unpack his bags in Charlotte before he was told he would be playing for the Raptors tonight.
Carlos Boozer
Boozer joins possibly the most talented team he has played with so far by joining the likes of Kaman, Wade and Josh Smith, along with a solid bench - this meaning Boozer won't be completely relied upon like he was in his previous two seasons.
Boozer brings low post scoring to the lineup, something that the team has lacked since trading away Abdur Rahim last summer. The former Duke standout has been a steady force early in his career, and has received a lot of criticism for not living up to the hype he had coming out of Coach K's system. However, numbers don't lie, and Boozer averaged 18 points and 9 rebounds last season with the 76ers, and roughly the same numbers during the preseason. The Hornets chose not to center the offense around Boozer early this season, however that doesn't seem to be the case for Toronto's plan.
The Raptors are very excited to introduce Boozer, and have already made it known he will play a big role in the teams inside-out offense. With Wade emerging as a legitimate 3 point shooter, Toronto will work the ball inside with the trio of Kaman, Boozer, and rookie Josh Smith, while Morlende hovers around the perimeter waiting for an open shot. Wade figures to be the focal point on the offense, with his ability to create his own shot and drive the ball down the throat of the defense.
Regardless of what the team had, what they acquired is twofold of what they gave up. In essence, the Raptors got Kaman, Boozer and cash for Felton, Pavel and a future pick.
