04/19/24
July 24, 2006
John Salmons rejects Raptors 5 yr $23 Mill offer.: Raptors promptly sign Fred Jones. And then add Spanish Cup MVP Jorge Garbajosa.
posted by lilnemo to basketball at 01:38 PM - 16 comments
Well, Sam Mitchell's been given a team about eight players deeper than last year's squad with big-time improvements at three positions. He has a legit starting center in Nesterovic, Bosh at the 4, TJ Ford at the 1, Anthony Parker/Mo Pete/Fred Jones at the 2, and the three looks like any of the combinations of Joey Graham, Bargnani (3/4/5 depending on production), Garbajosa (also a 4) and PJ Tucker. I have no idea what to expect out this team, only to expect an improvement. Frankly, if all that comes is a first round playoff exit, it will still be a vast victory for the franchise. That said, I would have preferred Salmons over Jones. The backcourt could use a touch more size. But the overall skill level of this team is head and shoulders above last year's version. I think with a completed re-tooled line up the Raps have managed to make themselves into something of a wild-card in the East.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 01:51 PM on July 24, 2006
That said, I would have preferred Salmons over Jones. The backcourt could use a touch more size. Size or no, in my limited viewing of 76ers games, Salmons doesn't strike me as a player who "uses his size" well. Hell, Jones' rebounding numbers are comparable to Salmons'. Salmons has promise, but I don't think he'll ever deliver on his potential. He was drafted (much like Jones) to fill the PG slot. He broke out at the Reebok Pro Summer League (MVP of 03). But after a few years the 76ers have slid him over to the 2. He's a combo guard who doesn't pass well enough to be a 1, doesn't shoot well enough to be a 2, and doesn't rebound well enough to play the 3. He's an okay scorer off of the bench, but he isn't someone who is going to change the complexion of a game. Jones, can get out and run, finish on the break, and can spot up reasonably well from 3. He reminds me a bit of Raja Bell in that regard. Whether or not the Raps opt to run a "Suns-style" offense or not remains to be seen, but Jones seems to be a better fit.
posted by lilnemo at 02:16 PM on July 24, 2006
Weedy, I can't say I was a big fan of Salmons' game while in Philly, but I hear what you are saying regarding Jones' size. I am hoping, however, that his athleticism allows him to overcome that negative. However, the fact that Indiana (with Walsh/Bird at the helm...a savvy pair if there ever was one) rescinded their offer to him is perhaps more worrisome to me. Also, don't forget my boy Calderon. He'll be the best backup PG in the league this season.
posted by smithers at 02:17 PM on July 24, 2006
Size or no, in my limited viewing of 76ers games, Salmons doesn't strike me as a player who "uses his size" well. Hell, Jones' rebounding numbers are comparable to Salmons'. I agree - he's no starting 2, but neither is Jones who seems maddeningly inconsistent in his productivity. Neither player is starting on a good backcourt - but it looks like the Raps are going to go after other teams with multiple looks and set-ups. They could put three seven footers out there (or close enough) with Nesterovic, Bosh and Bargnani - they could go very small with Bosh at the 5 Gabajosa at 4 and Graham/Mo Pete at the three, Jones and TJ. Basically, they have options. They can play match ups. I'm stoked.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 02:21 PM on July 24, 2006
However, the fact that Indiana (with Walsh/Bird at the helm...a savvy pair if there ever was one) rescinded their offer to him is perhaps more worrisome to me. I think this development, has more to do with re-acquiring Al Harrington than anything else.
And I quote:
The Pacers have been busy on other fronts as well, according to sources, in hopes of reducing future salary obligations wherever possible as they prepare to absorb Harrington's big contract.Christ, Larry Joe gave up on the only guy who could make a bucket in the playoffs last year. Kudos to the Mavs on that one, Marshall and Powell may develop into decent players, but AJ helps them win now. Meanwhile the Pacers are getting younger and more atheletic at their forward spots.
posted by lilnemo at 02:29 PM on July 24, 2006
Weedy, I can't say I was a big fan of Salmons' game while in Philly, but I hear what you are saying regarding Jones' size. I am hoping, however, that his athleticism allows him to overcome that negative. Yes, agreed - and if there was one word I could use to describe this new-look Raptors team, it would certainly be athletic. Outside of Nesterovic (who isn't too bad athletically) this team has speed to burn. Colangelo has lived up to his reputation - he basically has kitchen sink-ed it, but on paper looks like a run and gun with a shitload of options. My question marks are: - Who's rebounding on the defensive glass? (never a big strong suit with Colangelo teams, and maybe overrated - but this team doesn't look like one that can just go get the ball) - The Mitchell factor: Not exactly a strong xs and Os guy to begin with - this team looks like one that would feature a lot of looks, a lot of running and a lot of options. Is Mitchell a good enough coach to take advantage? He's pretty old school NBA. D'Antoni at least was used to this kind of European ball. - Where is Bargnani playing? He could start by taking some of Bosh's garbage minutes, but I think that ideally he'll be a 22 minute player by the end of the year. But he's not going to see a lot of time at the 4 and it seems a waste to put him at the 3. Not a huge question right now.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 02:31 PM on July 24, 2006
- The Mitchell factor: Not exactly a strong xs and Os guy to begin with. This has got to be the proverbial "elephant in the room" as far as the front office is concerned. Mitchell is an old-school coach. He emphasizes defense and effort most. Regardless of whether or not he would take a mandate from the GM to get out and run, one wonders if he could successfully employ such a strategy. In the absence of a "no-brainer" coaching candidate, I believe the Raps will hold onto Sam for a season and see if he can make it happen. If it doesn't appear that he's properly utilizing the resources he's been given, I have faith that Colangelo will let him go. Remember, he fired Paul Westphal and Frank Johnson to make way for better candidates, and both of those guys were fan favorites during their playing days.
posted by lilnemo at 02:50 PM on July 24, 2006
In the absence of a "no-brainer" coaching candidate, I believe the Raps will hold onto Sam for a season and see if he can make it happen. If it doesn't appear that he's properly utilizing the resources he's been given, I have faith that Colangelo will let him go. It is my understanding that this is exactly the plan. Mitchell is well-liked by his players and most of the organization (and certainly the media). That will buy him about four months, I figure. No improvement? Colangelo will tank him with extreme prejudice.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 02:54 PM on July 24, 2006
Hey, Larry Brown & Stan Van Gundy are available. KIDDING.
posted by chicobangs at 03:04 PM on July 24, 2006
And to be fair, with all of the young guys on the team and/or guys new to the NBA, the Raps as an organization prolly need another year of "defence and effort" more than they need up-tempo. In other words, since we know deep down that this is a development year, Sam is ideal for the job. And to your questions, Weedy, I will add: 4. Who is going to make a jumper between Ford and Calderon? Tony Parker has proven that you can dominate the point guard spot (and shoot a high FG%) with a suspect jumper, but neither of these guys is Parker, and Bosh isn't Duncan for that matter either.
posted by smithers at 04:11 PM on July 24, 2006
Who is going to make a jumper between Ford and Calderon? Tony Parker has proven that you can dominate the point guard spot (and shoot a high FG%) with a suspect jumper, but neither of these guys is Parker, and Bosh isn't Duncan for that matter either. This is an excellent question. I'm going to hazard a guess that since the Raps do not have offensive options like TP/Duncan their are going to be some forced shots in half-court sets, especially with such a young core of players. But I think that the Raps will look to push the tempo to get quick uncontested shots rather than try to grind out a half-court 82-76 type win. You are going to see Ford and Calderon force a faster pace, penetrate and kick, BUT they are going to have to start practicing spot-ups and actually knocking them down before Colangelo sends them on their merry way.
posted by lilnemo at 04:35 PM on July 24, 2006
Well maybe it wasn't good enough for him. I do agree with lilnemo because they are going to be forced shots in half court sets...
posted by sportscrazy at 02:09 AM on July 25, 2006
Salmons must be "fishing for a larger payday"!
posted by DA ASSX3N at 01:53 PM on July 25, 2006
nemo, I understand the business rationale, but I will be sorry to see Alvin go. He always busted his chops, never bitched, and really worked his butt off to come back from the injury. I know he got a decent parting handshake, but I hope he lands well in life, nonetheless.
posted by smithers at 10:22 PM on July 26, 2006
Colangelo is certainly taking an active role in making this team over, eh? You can quibble about one move or another, but there is the sense that he's got a plan in mind, at least. Whether the Raptors become a contender next year or not, they will certainly be more fun to watch.