Post by kmatrixg on Jan 1, 2011 23:05:40 GMT -5
Free Agency wrapped up this evening, and Toronto had another great round, solidifying their lineup and rotation. All in all, Toronto signed 2 new players and brought back another youngster guard. On top of the Free Agent acquisitions, the Raptors pulled another trade after bringing Yao and Chris Andersen into Toronto, sending Andersen and 2nd round pick Erazem Lorbek to Seattle for talented forward Matt Harpring.
While Harpring has been a bench player his entire career, his production has been over the top, averaging 7 points and 4 rebounds in 20 minutes of action. Harpring is renowned for his driving ability, and quick hands on the defensive end, which have earned him a reputation as a defensive specialist. Regardless of his lack of a 3 point shot, Harpring is an effective scorer, averaging 8 points in 20 minutes last season for the Sonics.
The Raptors have officially lost confidence in veteran JaRon ,after last season he failed to prove his worth as an overall well rounded bench player. Harpring will step in and fill that role, as well as bring the defense that 2nd team desperately needed.
Melvin Ely, who has proven over his career he can be an enforcing shot blocker, signed a 2 year deal worth 1.5 million dollars on the last day, and is set to get significant minutes on a rejuvenated Raptor squad. The former 2nd round pick averaged career highs in points, rebounds and blocks, and was also one of the best shot blockers in the league while playing only 25 minutes per game.
After the team traded away Chris Andersen, who was acquired in a deal with the Kings, Mr. Stephens knew it was very important to get that defensive anchor back off the bench, with Danny Fortson proving he has little to no effect against his bigger matchups.
Ely wasn't the only player introduced on Saturday, as Keyon Dooling signed a 1 year guaranteed contract worth 4.5 million dollars, or the MLE. Dooling was a supposed Free Agent target last season by Mr. Stephens, however Dooling felt he had a better opportunity in Milwaukee.
Dooling comes to Toronto, set to be the primary combo guard backup to both Dwyane Wade and Paccelis Morlende. In just 13 minutes of action last season, Dooling managed to score 5 points a game on elite shooting percentages of 43% from the field, 90% from the line, and 41% from beyond the arc. The one thing the team lacked last season was a significant 3 point shooter, and Keyon fills that role very well. While he's never played for a system that focuses on shooting the outside shot, he should without a doubt get the open looks with guys like Yao Ming and Danny Fortson patrolling the paint on offense.
Even with the emergence of Tito Maddox, the teams backup last season, Raptor management feels Keyon's ball handling and scoring ability make him the best choice as the leader of the 2nd team.
Last but not least, the Raptors brought back interesting young prospect Ricky Minard who undoubtedly will be sent to the DLeague. The team felt it had an opportunity to find that gem in the rubble with Minard, however his future looks limited with the team.
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OVERSEAS REPORT
There are two players to report this year, recently drafted Axel Hervelle who currently resides in Belgium, and last years 2nd round selection Viktor Sanikidze who is still playing in Russia.
Hervelle, the 53rd overall draft pick in 2005 recently finished off the season with his current Euro team, and managed to shock the critics. His defense has become near excellent as he dominates the competition night in and night out. Along with his defensive abilities, Axel has become a better shooter and ball handler to boot. All-in-all, Raptor management is very high on this kid, who isn't set to become available for another 4 years however Mr. Stephens is doing everything in his power to acquire Hervelle a lot sooner.
Viktor Sanikidze on the other hand, is playing with no aspiration, and will most likely have his draft rights dropped or traded before long. Sanikidze has not improved much at all since he was drafted, after many had high hopes for the 18 year old starter from Russia. Other than his status with the future of the team, there is nothing to speak of with the 20 year old.
While Harpring has been a bench player his entire career, his production has been over the top, averaging 7 points and 4 rebounds in 20 minutes of action. Harpring is renowned for his driving ability, and quick hands on the defensive end, which have earned him a reputation as a defensive specialist. Regardless of his lack of a 3 point shot, Harpring is an effective scorer, averaging 8 points in 20 minutes last season for the Sonics.
The Raptors have officially lost confidence in veteran JaRon ,after last season he failed to prove his worth as an overall well rounded bench player. Harpring will step in and fill that role, as well as bring the defense that 2nd team desperately needed.
Melvin Ely, who has proven over his career he can be an enforcing shot blocker, signed a 2 year deal worth 1.5 million dollars on the last day, and is set to get significant minutes on a rejuvenated Raptor squad. The former 2nd round pick averaged career highs in points, rebounds and blocks, and was also one of the best shot blockers in the league while playing only 25 minutes per game.
After the team traded away Chris Andersen, who was acquired in a deal with the Kings, Mr. Stephens knew it was very important to get that defensive anchor back off the bench, with Danny Fortson proving he has little to no effect against his bigger matchups.
Ely wasn't the only player introduced on Saturday, as Keyon Dooling signed a 1 year guaranteed contract worth 4.5 million dollars, or the MLE. Dooling was a supposed Free Agent target last season by Mr. Stephens, however Dooling felt he had a better opportunity in Milwaukee.
Dooling comes to Toronto, set to be the primary combo guard backup to both Dwyane Wade and Paccelis Morlende. In just 13 minutes of action last season, Dooling managed to score 5 points a game on elite shooting percentages of 43% from the field, 90% from the line, and 41% from beyond the arc. The one thing the team lacked last season was a significant 3 point shooter, and Keyon fills that role very well. While he's never played for a system that focuses on shooting the outside shot, he should without a doubt get the open looks with guys like Yao Ming and Danny Fortson patrolling the paint on offense.
Even with the emergence of Tito Maddox, the teams backup last season, Raptor management feels Keyon's ball handling and scoring ability make him the best choice as the leader of the 2nd team.
Last but not least, the Raptors brought back interesting young prospect Ricky Minard who undoubtedly will be sent to the DLeague. The team felt it had an opportunity to find that gem in the rubble with Minard, however his future looks limited with the team.
---------------------------------------------------------
OVERSEAS REPORT
There are two players to report this year, recently drafted Axel Hervelle who currently resides in Belgium, and last years 2nd round selection Viktor Sanikidze who is still playing in Russia.
Hervelle, the 53rd overall draft pick in 2005 recently finished off the season with his current Euro team, and managed to shock the critics. His defense has become near excellent as he dominates the competition night in and night out. Along with his defensive abilities, Axel has become a better shooter and ball handler to boot. All-in-all, Raptor management is very high on this kid, who isn't set to become available for another 4 years however Mr. Stephens is doing everything in his power to acquire Hervelle a lot sooner.
Viktor Sanikidze on the other hand, is playing with no aspiration, and will most likely have his draft rights dropped or traded before long. Sanikidze has not improved much at all since he was drafted, after many had high hopes for the 18 year old starter from Russia. Other than his status with the future of the team, there is nothing to speak of with the 20 year old.
