Post by kmatrixg on Nov 17, 2010 21:09:38 GMT -5
A Look at the Toronto Raptors: Offseason Moves; Abdur Rahim Shipped Right Across the Border
There have been a slew of roster changes since trigger happy GM Mr. Stephens has taken the reign. Some in own office have been quoted, anonymously, as referring to Stephens as "a western shootout flick hero" and if dinosaurs were still alive today, "He would be the one that stopped the meteor."
While he brushes off any compliments, as they are "part of the job", his body of work so far has proven to be a positive one since he declared the organization in complete rebuilding mode. Relieving the books of a $55 million dollar Shareef Abdur Rahim, and an aging Damon Stoudamire was his top priority. His first deal was trading Abdur Rahim to Detroit and sending the in-division opponent their best player was a risky move, even in his own eyes.
But, as he was quoted, "if your neighbor offers you a million dollars to sleep with your wife for the night, why not take it if the next best offer is from Japan for 300,000 yen?"
Outspoken yes, with a purpose yes. Confident his team will make the playoffs next year - no. "I'm not going to stand up here and tell everyone this team is destined for the O'brien trophy next season. What I will say is that it's our goal, and we will get there. I just can't say when."
Let's examine that deal:
Quote:
Pistons Trade:
Tayshaun Prince
Tyronne Lue
2004 Pistons First
2004 Pistons Second
Raptors Trade
Shareef Abdur-Rahim
What Toronto Got:
Tayshaun Prince is set to be a very gifted defensive player, and his offense is almost certain to follow. He has a very solid all around game, combining steals, blocks and rebounds with assists and the occasional double digit scoring night. Next to Wade, he's a great complimentary player who can help shut down opposing perimeter threats.
We all know a team built on defense is a defense built from a team, therefore, Stephens stresses the importance of shutdown defense at every position on the floor. Prince is the mold from which Stephens wants all succeeding trades to fit.
Along with Prince, the Raptors got back a great cheap Point Guard option in Tyronne Lue, who is slated to start for the team. While he played second fiddle to Stoudamire last season, he showed great strides while filling in the few games Damon was injured. The coaching staff has given the utmost confidence in Lue's ability to stretch the floor with his dribble drive, and his keen eye in his passing game.
What Toronto Lost:
Toronto lost it's true leader and veteran in Shareef Abdur Rahim, who arguably was the reason the team won even 24 games last season. A legit 20 point per game scorer, he was a shut down defender at his position and a great rebounder to boot. While all of these things point to a bad trade for the Raptors, his 55 million dollar deal was the kicker for Stephens.
"If I'm going to write a guys checks, I want to be sure I'm the one who hired him, especially at that level of salary."
Overall, with the addition of Prince, Lue and 2 draft selections this year from Detroit - the Raptors look to be in a great position for a young core, and decent contracts. During the rebuilding phase, that's exactly what you need - money, and picks. Entering the 2003 season, that's exactly what the Raptors have.
There have been a slew of roster changes since trigger happy GM Mr. Stephens has taken the reign. Some in own office have been quoted, anonymously, as referring to Stephens as "a western shootout flick hero" and if dinosaurs were still alive today, "He would be the one that stopped the meteor."
While he brushes off any compliments, as they are "part of the job", his body of work so far has proven to be a positive one since he declared the organization in complete rebuilding mode. Relieving the books of a $55 million dollar Shareef Abdur Rahim, and an aging Damon Stoudamire was his top priority. His first deal was trading Abdur Rahim to Detroit and sending the in-division opponent their best player was a risky move, even in his own eyes.
But, as he was quoted, "if your neighbor offers you a million dollars to sleep with your wife for the night, why not take it if the next best offer is from Japan for 300,000 yen?"
Outspoken yes, with a purpose yes. Confident his team will make the playoffs next year - no. "I'm not going to stand up here and tell everyone this team is destined for the O'brien trophy next season. What I will say is that it's our goal, and we will get there. I just can't say when."
Let's examine that deal:
Quote:
Pistons Trade:
Tayshaun Prince
Tyronne Lue
2004 Pistons First
2004 Pistons Second
Raptors Trade
Shareef Abdur-Rahim
What Toronto Got:
Tayshaun Prince is set to be a very gifted defensive player, and his offense is almost certain to follow. He has a very solid all around game, combining steals, blocks and rebounds with assists and the occasional double digit scoring night. Next to Wade, he's a great complimentary player who can help shut down opposing perimeter threats.
We all know a team built on defense is a defense built from a team, therefore, Stephens stresses the importance of shutdown defense at every position on the floor. Prince is the mold from which Stephens wants all succeeding trades to fit.
Along with Prince, the Raptors got back a great cheap Point Guard option in Tyronne Lue, who is slated to start for the team. While he played second fiddle to Stoudamire last season, he showed great strides while filling in the few games Damon was injured. The coaching staff has given the utmost confidence in Lue's ability to stretch the floor with his dribble drive, and his keen eye in his passing game.
What Toronto Lost:
Toronto lost it's true leader and veteran in Shareef Abdur Rahim, who arguably was the reason the team won even 24 games last season. A legit 20 point per game scorer, he was a shut down defender at his position and a great rebounder to boot. While all of these things point to a bad trade for the Raptors, his 55 million dollar deal was the kicker for Stephens.
"If I'm going to write a guys checks, I want to be sure I'm the one who hired him, especially at that level of salary."
Overall, with the addition of Prince, Lue and 2 draft selections this year from Detroit - the Raptors look to be in a great position for a young core, and decent contracts. During the rebuilding phase, that's exactly what you need - money, and picks. Entering the 2003 season, that's exactly what the Raptors have.
