Post by kmatrixg on Nov 18, 2010 17:09:52 GMT -5
TORONTO (AP) -- A report has been leaked out of Raptor management pointing out nearly 10 draftee targets the team will be working out once the scouting period opens in just under a month.
Across the country, college hoops are set to tip off and Raptor scouts will certainly be earning their money over the course of the next few months. With the team holding 5 draft selections in this upcoming draft, the Raptors have a number of targets already in line.
Four draft selections were acquired via trades this past offseason, with one being traded in the Tyson Chandler deal just over a month ago. With the Raptors in full rebuilding mode, and Charlotte struggling so far this season, Toronto is set to receive two highly valued draft selections in 2004. Along with a Pistons team who is highly unpredictable at this point - a best case scenario for the Raptors would be 3 lottery selections.
Among the players included in the leaked report, Dwight Howard tops the list, with Andre Iguodala as the secondary target. GM Mister Stephens has already declared his desire for Howard to travel up north, however Iguodala is a big of a surprising name with Wade and highly touted Tayshaun Prince already manning the wings.
Iguodala brings a very unique set of talents from Arizona, being one of the best passers on the team after the departure of Gilbert Arenas. Lute Olsen has already praised Iguodala as being one of the best players he's coached, with the versatility and athleticism to be a bright SSBL star.
Dwight Howard's resume is obviously a limited one with his highest level of competition being last seasons McDonald's High School Game. However, at just under 7 feet tall, he can jump through the roof which is nearly unheard of for a player of his size and ability. Howard is an excellent shot blocker, rivaling names such as Hakeem Olajuwon and Dikembe Mutumbo. Many have tried to compare his game to one of the past, but nobody is able to.
The biggest question is whether of not Howard's abilities will be able to translate into the professional game. Seeing as how the Raptors have 3 first round selections, it's hard to see Mister Stephens not taking a chance if he is available at their selection. The risks are not as high as the reward, and Howard could become one of the most dynamic players the league has seen in quite some time.
Another player on the list is Connecticut standout Emeka Okafor - teammate of rookie Ben Gordon. Okafor led his team to the National Championship last April, and many expected him to declare for the draft last season. However, Okafor has stated time and time again that his value for education is the real reason his family came to this country, and that his skills in basketball were something he was born with, and not learned.
A player of that stature and intelligence might be what the team needs to become a title contender in the future. With Wade playing out 3 years of college, and Okafor set to complete 3 years, the team will have a fountain of youth, without giving up maturity. It has been said Okafor is one of the best learners ever coached and one of the easiest to coach through a play, the same attributes attested to Wade before last seasons draft.
Whatever the season brings the Raptors, one thing is sure: they are well prepared and are ready to make bold decisions, as well as moves that will completely change the face of the franchise for years to come.
Across the country, college hoops are set to tip off and Raptor scouts will certainly be earning their money over the course of the next few months. With the team holding 5 draft selections in this upcoming draft, the Raptors have a number of targets already in line.
Four draft selections were acquired via trades this past offseason, with one being traded in the Tyson Chandler deal just over a month ago. With the Raptors in full rebuilding mode, and Charlotte struggling so far this season, Toronto is set to receive two highly valued draft selections in 2004. Along with a Pistons team who is highly unpredictable at this point - a best case scenario for the Raptors would be 3 lottery selections.
Among the players included in the leaked report, Dwight Howard tops the list, with Andre Iguodala as the secondary target. GM Mister Stephens has already declared his desire for Howard to travel up north, however Iguodala is a big of a surprising name with Wade and highly touted Tayshaun Prince already manning the wings.
Iguodala brings a very unique set of talents from Arizona, being one of the best passers on the team after the departure of Gilbert Arenas. Lute Olsen has already praised Iguodala as being one of the best players he's coached, with the versatility and athleticism to be a bright SSBL star.
Dwight Howard's resume is obviously a limited one with his highest level of competition being last seasons McDonald's High School Game. However, at just under 7 feet tall, he can jump through the roof which is nearly unheard of for a player of his size and ability. Howard is an excellent shot blocker, rivaling names such as Hakeem Olajuwon and Dikembe Mutumbo. Many have tried to compare his game to one of the past, but nobody is able to.
The biggest question is whether of not Howard's abilities will be able to translate into the professional game. Seeing as how the Raptors have 3 first round selections, it's hard to see Mister Stephens not taking a chance if he is available at their selection. The risks are not as high as the reward, and Howard could become one of the most dynamic players the league has seen in quite some time.
Another player on the list is Connecticut standout Emeka Okafor - teammate of rookie Ben Gordon. Okafor led his team to the National Championship last April, and many expected him to declare for the draft last season. However, Okafor has stated time and time again that his value for education is the real reason his family came to this country, and that his skills in basketball were something he was born with, and not learned.
A player of that stature and intelligence might be what the team needs to become a title contender in the future. With Wade playing out 3 years of college, and Okafor set to complete 3 years, the team will have a fountain of youth, without giving up maturity. It has been said Okafor is one of the best learners ever coached and one of the easiest to coach through a play, the same attributes attested to Wade before last seasons draft.
Whatever the season brings the Raptors, one thing is sure: they are well prepared and are ready to make bold decisions, as well as moves that will completely change the face of the franchise for years to come.
