Post by kmatrixg on Dec 1, 2010 13:53:10 GMT -5
Toronto management has been in contact with numerous draft prospects and their agents the past week, and has released to the press a list of 5 players selected for intense private workouts to be held later today.
The Raptors have not kept it secret that they have high hopes for this draft, and hold 6 picks throughout both rounds. The team has invited Center Pavel Podkolzin from Russia; Emeka Okafor, the star junior forward out of Connecticut; Josh Smith and Shaun Livingston, both high flying High School stars; and the potential superstar point guard TJ Ford from Texas University.
Rumors have the Raptors interested in Podkolzin, for his vast potential and incredible size. He was set to work out with recently drafted Yao Ming - the only other active player larget than his 7'5" frame. Size and strength is something the Raptors definitely lack, with Andy Ellis the only player who averaged over 7 rebounds on the team last season.
"If Pavel proves to be a great prospect, there is no doubt we'll give him consideration in the first round. We have 4 picks in the first round, and chances are we'll have a great chance to get who we want with those picks" said Stephens.
Another big body that could help the team tremendously is forward Emeka Okafor who led UConn to a National Championship this past season. He is an incredible shot blocker and his athleticism is above average for his position. He has the ability to jump, score, defend and rebound with ease, although some question how his height will affect him in the transition to the SSBL.
The Raptors had no shot-blocking threat in the post last season, with guard Dwyane Wade leading the team with 1.1 blocks per. The hole that the team has in the post is a glaring problem, and the team won't be able to succeed without a defensive stopper down low.
The team also invited a couple high-school kids going pro in Josh Smith and Shaun Livingston. Reports say the upside on these two kids are through the roof, and their skill is right behind it.
Josh Smith, a 6'9" forward, is a defensive minded combo-forward, who will most likely play PF for the Raptors in their weak front court. His ability to jump above the rim makes him an extremely effective shot blocker, an great scorer in traffic, and a very good rebounder.
Smith doesn't have a jump-shot, however if he is used correctly, can be an effective option on offense. His range is limited to inside 12 feet from the basket, and he struggles to find consistency at the free throw line. Smith should have a great chance to improve those attributes as his career grows, which he will have no problem doing.
Shaun Livingston has similar upside, while doing a plethora of things on the court. Many say Livingston is the best all around player in the draft with the ability to pass, shoot, drive, rebound and defend - the perfect combination, along with being about 4 inches taller then the next Point Guard prospect.
While he stands at a Magic Johnson like 6'7", his quickness is just average. His lanky frame more than makes up for his lateral quickness with a huge wingspan which helps him with pass interceptions and reach ins. Livingston, in a best case scenario, could become Eddie Jones on defense with his long arms, Jason Kidd with his passing ability, or Andre Miller with a great ability to score the ball inside.
Finally, to round off the 5 players invited to workout is Texas University star TJ Ford. Ford is the quickest player in the draft, and staying at school has proven to be an excellent decision, as he improved his defense and shooting ability. Ford is set to be the first PG taken in the draft without a doubt, and many have predicted him to be selected in the top 5, exactly where the Raptors are projected at this point.
What he brings to the team is the ability to lead a great team. Experience is one thing that can only come with time, however Ford brings the perfect amount of skill to build a great future off of. His above average scoring ability in the post is just one reason why GM Mr. Stephens is looking hard at Ford. He is the best passer and ball handler in the draft, and his defense is getting better. The sky seems to be the limit for this kid, but that is why the team has decided to get a closer look at him - just to be sure.
The Raptors have not kept it secret that they have high hopes for this draft, and hold 6 picks throughout both rounds. The team has invited Center Pavel Podkolzin from Russia; Emeka Okafor, the star junior forward out of Connecticut; Josh Smith and Shaun Livingston, both high flying High School stars; and the potential superstar point guard TJ Ford from Texas University.
Rumors have the Raptors interested in Podkolzin, for his vast potential and incredible size. He was set to work out with recently drafted Yao Ming - the only other active player larget than his 7'5" frame. Size and strength is something the Raptors definitely lack, with Andy Ellis the only player who averaged over 7 rebounds on the team last season.
"If Pavel proves to be a great prospect, there is no doubt we'll give him consideration in the first round. We have 4 picks in the first round, and chances are we'll have a great chance to get who we want with those picks" said Stephens.
Another big body that could help the team tremendously is forward Emeka Okafor who led UConn to a National Championship this past season. He is an incredible shot blocker and his athleticism is above average for his position. He has the ability to jump, score, defend and rebound with ease, although some question how his height will affect him in the transition to the SSBL.
The Raptors had no shot-blocking threat in the post last season, with guard Dwyane Wade leading the team with 1.1 blocks per. The hole that the team has in the post is a glaring problem, and the team won't be able to succeed without a defensive stopper down low.
The team also invited a couple high-school kids going pro in Josh Smith and Shaun Livingston. Reports say the upside on these two kids are through the roof, and their skill is right behind it.
Josh Smith, a 6'9" forward, is a defensive minded combo-forward, who will most likely play PF for the Raptors in their weak front court. His ability to jump above the rim makes him an extremely effective shot blocker, an great scorer in traffic, and a very good rebounder.
Smith doesn't have a jump-shot, however if he is used correctly, can be an effective option on offense. His range is limited to inside 12 feet from the basket, and he struggles to find consistency at the free throw line. Smith should have a great chance to improve those attributes as his career grows, which he will have no problem doing.
Shaun Livingston has similar upside, while doing a plethora of things on the court. Many say Livingston is the best all around player in the draft with the ability to pass, shoot, drive, rebound and defend - the perfect combination, along with being about 4 inches taller then the next Point Guard prospect.
While he stands at a Magic Johnson like 6'7", his quickness is just average. His lanky frame more than makes up for his lateral quickness with a huge wingspan which helps him with pass interceptions and reach ins. Livingston, in a best case scenario, could become Eddie Jones on defense with his long arms, Jason Kidd with his passing ability, or Andre Miller with a great ability to score the ball inside.
Finally, to round off the 5 players invited to workout is Texas University star TJ Ford. Ford is the quickest player in the draft, and staying at school has proven to be an excellent decision, as he improved his defense and shooting ability. Ford is set to be the first PG taken in the draft without a doubt, and many have predicted him to be selected in the top 5, exactly where the Raptors are projected at this point.
What he brings to the team is the ability to lead a great team. Experience is one thing that can only come with time, however Ford brings the perfect amount of skill to build a great future off of. His above average scoring ability in the post is just one reason why GM Mr. Stephens is looking hard at Ford. He is the best passer and ball handler in the draft, and his defense is getting better. The sky seems to be the limit for this kid, but that is why the team has decided to get a closer look at him - just to be sure.
