| Top-5 Free Agents For Toronto Authored by Joe Pacampara - May 23, 2007 - 6:00 pm
| Current Featured Columns | | Merry Christmas, Raptors Fans The Raptors might not be playing good basketball right now, but there are plenty of things for Toronto fans to be thankful for this holiday season.
A Melo Behind The SuperstarsCarmelo Anthony has never been one of the league's most efficient offensive players.
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Tying Your Hands
The timing of Golden State's decision to finally waive Speed Claxton and his expiring contract, which could have been used to procure talent via trade, was unquestionably frustrating.
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It Was Time For Change
With or without Blake Griffin, the Clippers have too much talent to be so far under .500 and some Clippers weren't even aware they just went 2-6 on their eight-game road trip until RealGM informed them.
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Wizards Unloaded
Interesting enough, the unfortunate Arenas-Crittenton gun incident was a necessary domino fall for the fate of the Wizards franchise.
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Even with a 20-win improvement, a franchise tying 47-win season, and a division title under his belt, Bryan Colangelo’s job as general manager of the Toronto Raptors is far from over.
“The key is that nobody relaxes. I said before that one way we’ll get better is from within. We have to all take this taste of success and not get comfortable with it. Let’s savour it and let’s find a way to make it even sweeter.”
One way to make this team sweeter is improving through free agency. There are a few names on the market this off-season that could possibly be show up in a Raptor uniform next season.
1. Anderson Varejao- Cleveland Cavaliers
How can he improve this team?
Rebounding. The Raptors finished abysmal 27th in the league in rebounding. The Raptors are desperate for another inside presence that could help Chris Bosh bang the boards. Andrea Bargnani’s rebounding should improve next season but Varejao’s rebounding abilities would help the Raptors tremendously. Add the fact he would fit in perfectly in this internationally flavoured team.
Likelihood of Signing
It all depends how much Cleveland wants him back. The Raptors have some money to spend and if Bryan throws enough money at this guy, The Cavs may not match.
2. Matt Carroll- Charlotte Bobcats
How can he improve this team?
The guy can flat out shoot. He could be the consistent shooting forward the Raptors have been searching for. He averages 12.1 ppg and shoots 42% from three-point range. He would offer the same things Luke Walton does, but with more consistency.
Likelihood of Signing
It would not surprise anyone. Colangelo’s philosophy is to sign “good natured” players and Matt Carroll is just that. Carroll would not be too expensive either, giving Colangelo more flexibility to make another move.
3. Gerald Wallace- Charlotte Bobcats
How can he improve the team?
Gerald Wallace can improve this team in many ways. He had a breakout year this season averaging 18.1 ppg and 7.2 rpg. He can bring some toughness in the paint that will help keep some pressure off Bosh and Bargnani. The question is, how much is Colangelo willing to spend on him? He has a player option for next season and chances are he will decide to stay.
Likelihood of Signing
Very Unlikely. Even if Michael Jordan decides he wants to spend his money elsewhere, the Knicks or Memphis could offer more money than the Raptors.
4. Luke Walton- Los Angeles Lakers
How can he improve the team?
Luke Walton would be an excellent compliment to Bosh and Bargnani. He has superb basketball I.Q, can shoot and can get to the basket. He also averaged 5 rpg and would be a great replacement for Mo Pete if the Raptors decide not to resign him.
Likelihood of Signing
Bryan Colangelo has said that he wants to give players that normally do not get opportunities, a chance to show what they can do. It would be interesting to see how Luke Walton operates in a system that is not the triangle offense. This signing will not surprise anyone (except maybe Laker fans).
5. Mo Williams- Milwaukee Bucks
How can he improve the team?
Mo Williams played PG all of the 06/07 season but he is more of a natural SG. He averaged a decent 17.3 ppg in 36 min this season. The one number that stands out the most is his 4.8 rebounds to go along with his 6 assists per game. Again, the Raptors obvious flaw was their lack of rebounding. The Raptors could use a scorer with the ability to rebound. They can play him at the 2 spot and he would be a nice back-up to Anthony Parker. Or he could even start with Parker playing the 3 and Mo playing the 2.
Likelihood of Signing
He does not have the greatest reputation around the league as far as attitude goes. Bryan Colangelo would not let anything disrupt this nucleolus and may take into consideration. He is a more complete version of Juan Dixon and is probably looking for a big raise after an excellent year. This signing is possible, but unlikely. |
