Post by kmatrixg on Dec 3, 2010 17:55:55 GMT -5
The 2004 draft came to a close for the Raptors Friday afternoon, and many in the organization do not believe it could have gone any better for the team. Toronto had 4 first round picks, and 2 seconds (one of which was traded to Orlando for nothing in a cash and roster spot saving deal) and GM Stephens was very active throughout the day, obtaining advanced scouting reports to ensure the right players were selected.
After a very lucky bounce of the ping pong ball, the team was set to pick 2nd overall after the Phoenix Suns, who also moved up the lottery. This "lucky" bounce turned out to be quite a headache for management, as the clear cut number one Dwight Howard was off the board. It wasn't a secret that Toronto coveted Howard, however, the team decided to fund their scouting efforts as if they were picking 4th or 5th. The crop of players Toronto was left to choose from was very difficult, however it came down to defense, and position need.
Forward Josh Smith fit both of those necessities, and he was chosen with the teams first pick in the draft. Smith combines an incredible athletic ability with a great set of skills overall. While his passing and shooting ratings aren't solid right now, the coaches believe he has a great foundation on which to grow. Smith can jump out of the gym and most know, that is something you can't teach.
"While he needs work on some parts of his game, those are all things that can be taught and learned over time. His natural ability is why we picked him up. You can't teach a guy to jump with a 40" vertical. Sure, you can work and practice to jump faster, or maybe a little higher, but not to that extent."
While Smith is most likely the most athletic in the draft next to Andre Iguodala, he also provides intense defensive hustle. Mr. Stephens was noted earlier in the offseason by telling reporters the team needs to start focusing on defense and that the draft would be looked at based on that focus. Word out of camp is that Smith can block nearly any shot - a jumper, a layup, even make a play on the fast break. That ability to alter shots is the number one reason why Smith was selected.
While Toronto oozes depth from nearly all positions, they lack any real number one option outside of Dwyane Wade. The teams other weakness, the PG position, led them to pick 20 year old guard Raymond Felton out of North Carolina. Felton is an amazing passing guard, and has a very reliable shot as well. While his range is in question, Felton plans on focusing on practice and repetition to extend out to SSBL 3 point range. Training camp will determine whether 2nd year Paccelis Morlende, or Raymond Felton will be the teams starting point guard this upcoming year, however word is out of the practice facility that Morlende will maintain his starting role.
Morlende did well, however couldn't seem to be able to find his teammates last season. GM Stephens recently set up an appointment with former SSBL star Magic Johnson to work on Morlende's passing mechanics. While the team has a lot of hope for Felton, the word is out on Morlende being the future for this team.
"Ray is going to play a huge role for us this year, and we think it's great for both of these young guys to have some competition in the locker room. with Pac-man's ability to score the ball, we might even experiment with him at the 2 spot while Ray runs the team. Training Camp and preseason should be a lot of fun for this team in a few months."
While Smith provided a sure shot starter for the Raptors, they were still undecided on whether he would start at the Small forward or Power Forward position. In any case the team currently had 3 players total at the PF and C positions. With the 17th pick, the team took Brandon Bass, a lean and athletic 19 year old from LSU. Bass brings a more traditional low post game to the Raptors, something they completely lacked last year. He's an above average rebounder, a great scorer close to the basket, and has the quickness to guard forwards, while having the strength to bang down low with bigger centers. The team seems very excited about bringing Bass in, as some are saying he could start for the team if he has a nice training camp.
Finally, rounding out the first round, Mr. Stephens made a controversial reach for giant Russian center Pavel Podkolzin. Standing 7'5", one Western conference GM simply said - "Size matters in SSBL". Pavel already has a polished inside game, and while his mechanics aren't excellent, his defense and rebounding are slowly working into form. Naturally, being 7'5", Pavel can block shots with the best of them, earning comparisons to Shawn Bradley - with more weight and strength.
"Pavel could be a beast for us. While he doesn't ooze talent, he's over 7 friggin feet tall! Half-way to 8 feet to be exact! He's a monster, and should play excellent in a half court style offense, which is exactly how we want the 2nd team to play."
Podkolzin is just 19 years old and some say his potential is much better than many had thought at first, which is the same accolade Russian forward Viktor Sanikidze received from Raptor management. The 18 year old was selected with the teams (final) 2nd round selection, and is set to join the team in 2 seasons. Sanikidze is very raw, however his potential combined with a few more years overseas is what drew the Raptors to the teenager.
Overall, Toronto drafted 1 point guard, 3 forwards and 1 center. The team fully expects to use all rookies in major roles, whether it be off the bench, or in a starting position. The projected lineup for the Raptors in 2004 is as follows:
C - Andy Ellis/Pavel Podkolzin
PF - Brandon Bass/JaRon Rush
SF - Josh Smith/ JaRon Rush
SG - Dwyane Wade/Raymond Felton
PG - Paccelis Morlende/Raymond Felton
After a very lucky bounce of the ping pong ball, the team was set to pick 2nd overall after the Phoenix Suns, who also moved up the lottery. This "lucky" bounce turned out to be quite a headache for management, as the clear cut number one Dwight Howard was off the board. It wasn't a secret that Toronto coveted Howard, however, the team decided to fund their scouting efforts as if they were picking 4th or 5th. The crop of players Toronto was left to choose from was very difficult, however it came down to defense, and position need.
Forward Josh Smith fit both of those necessities, and he was chosen with the teams first pick in the draft. Smith combines an incredible athletic ability with a great set of skills overall. While his passing and shooting ratings aren't solid right now, the coaches believe he has a great foundation on which to grow. Smith can jump out of the gym and most know, that is something you can't teach.
"While he needs work on some parts of his game, those are all things that can be taught and learned over time. His natural ability is why we picked him up. You can't teach a guy to jump with a 40" vertical. Sure, you can work and practice to jump faster, or maybe a little higher, but not to that extent."
While Smith is most likely the most athletic in the draft next to Andre Iguodala, he also provides intense defensive hustle. Mr. Stephens was noted earlier in the offseason by telling reporters the team needs to start focusing on defense and that the draft would be looked at based on that focus. Word out of camp is that Smith can block nearly any shot - a jumper, a layup, even make a play on the fast break. That ability to alter shots is the number one reason why Smith was selected.
While Toronto oozes depth from nearly all positions, they lack any real number one option outside of Dwyane Wade. The teams other weakness, the PG position, led them to pick 20 year old guard Raymond Felton out of North Carolina. Felton is an amazing passing guard, and has a very reliable shot as well. While his range is in question, Felton plans on focusing on practice and repetition to extend out to SSBL 3 point range. Training camp will determine whether 2nd year Paccelis Morlende, or Raymond Felton will be the teams starting point guard this upcoming year, however word is out of the practice facility that Morlende will maintain his starting role.
Morlende did well, however couldn't seem to be able to find his teammates last season. GM Stephens recently set up an appointment with former SSBL star Magic Johnson to work on Morlende's passing mechanics. While the team has a lot of hope for Felton, the word is out on Morlende being the future for this team.
"Ray is going to play a huge role for us this year, and we think it's great for both of these young guys to have some competition in the locker room. with Pac-man's ability to score the ball, we might even experiment with him at the 2 spot while Ray runs the team. Training Camp and preseason should be a lot of fun for this team in a few months."
While Smith provided a sure shot starter for the Raptors, they were still undecided on whether he would start at the Small forward or Power Forward position. In any case the team currently had 3 players total at the PF and C positions. With the 17th pick, the team took Brandon Bass, a lean and athletic 19 year old from LSU. Bass brings a more traditional low post game to the Raptors, something they completely lacked last year. He's an above average rebounder, a great scorer close to the basket, and has the quickness to guard forwards, while having the strength to bang down low with bigger centers. The team seems very excited about bringing Bass in, as some are saying he could start for the team if he has a nice training camp.
Finally, rounding out the first round, Mr. Stephens made a controversial reach for giant Russian center Pavel Podkolzin. Standing 7'5", one Western conference GM simply said - "Size matters in SSBL". Pavel already has a polished inside game, and while his mechanics aren't excellent, his defense and rebounding are slowly working into form. Naturally, being 7'5", Pavel can block shots with the best of them, earning comparisons to Shawn Bradley - with more weight and strength.
"Pavel could be a beast for us. While he doesn't ooze talent, he's over 7 friggin feet tall! Half-way to 8 feet to be exact! He's a monster, and should play excellent in a half court style offense, which is exactly how we want the 2nd team to play."
Podkolzin is just 19 years old and some say his potential is much better than many had thought at first, which is the same accolade Russian forward Viktor Sanikidze received from Raptor management. The 18 year old was selected with the teams (final) 2nd round selection, and is set to join the team in 2 seasons. Sanikidze is very raw, however his potential combined with a few more years overseas is what drew the Raptors to the teenager.
Overall, Toronto drafted 1 point guard, 3 forwards and 1 center. The team fully expects to use all rookies in major roles, whether it be off the bench, or in a starting position. The projected lineup for the Raptors in 2004 is as follows:
C - Andy Ellis/Pavel Podkolzin
PF - Brandon Bass/JaRon Rush
SF - Josh Smith/ JaRon Rush
SG - Dwyane Wade/Raymond Felton
PG - Paccelis Morlende/Raymond Felton
