Mensah-Bonsu averaged 5.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 13.8 minutes in 19 games with the Raptors. He won over Raptor fans with hustle, intensity, and a new tongue twister for when they're bored.
Pops gave Raptors basketball a bite (I'm sorry).
Monday, June 29, 2009
Raptors Extend Qualifying Offer To Pops
Today the Raptors extended a qualifying offer to Toronto's favourite hyphenated name, Pops Mensah-Bonsu Possum's Phone Ban. Financial details were not disclosed, however the offer keeps Pops Mensah-Bonsu Possum's Phone Ban from becoming an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
Mensah-Bonsu averaged 5.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 13.8 minutes in 19 games with the Raptors. He won over Raptor fans with hustle, intensity, and a new tongue twister for when they're bored.
Pops gave Raptors basketball a bite (I'm sorry).
Mensah-Bonsu averaged 5.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 13.8 minutes in 19 games with the Raptors. He won over Raptor fans with hustle, intensity, and a new tongue twister for when they're bored.
Pops gave Raptors basketball a bite (I'm sorry).
Friday, June 26, 2009
DeMar's Blog
The newest Raptor's blog is up and running. You can find it here.
Wow its been a busy day following DeMar.
Wow its been a busy day following DeMar.
DeRozan Fever!
Want to be one step away from stalking the newest Raptor? Well luckily for you, Twitter has made your dream a reality! You can follow number 9 pick DeMar DeRozan at https://twitter.com/DeMar_DeRozan. In the words of DeMar "Toronto here I come. Air Canadas back."
But wait, even if his Twitter page hasn't given you your DeMar fix of the day, have no fear! Before DeMar has even put on a Raptors jersey, there are DeRozan wallpapers on Raptors.com. Check em out below or download them for yourself here.
And finally if you want to read about DeMar growing up in Compton and answering some questions, SLAM recently interviewed him. You can read it here. And yes, the article is called "The Gifted One."
But wait, even if his Twitter page hasn't given you your DeMar fix of the day, have no fear! Before DeMar has even put on a Raptors jersey, there are DeRozan wallpapers on Raptors.com. Check em out below or download them for yourself here.
And finally if you want to read about DeMar growing up in Compton and answering some questions, SLAM recently interviewed him. You can read it here. And yes, the article is called "The Gifted One."
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Raptors Take DeRozan
The Raptors were on the clock at approximately 8:25 tonight. The three players that were rumored to be the prospects for the Raptors were all available. With the ninth pick in the NBA draft, the Toronto Raptors took DeMar DeRozan, the 19 year old freshman out of USC.
The Good
DeMar is an athletic specimen. He has great size for a swingman and its been rumored that he once punched Superman through a brick wall. He is a slasher and is quick in the open court. His ball handling ability is good, but it will need some improvement. He likes to draw contact and play physically, and has shown significant improvement in his only year at USC. DeMar's combination of size, skill, and athleticism draw comparisons to Vince Carter and Rudy Gay.
The Bad
Demar is inconsistent. At time he struggles off the dribble and his jump shot needs improvement. He also shot just 64.7% from the free throw line.
Draft Grade: B+
In picking DeMar, the Raptors addressed their most pressing need: a slashing swingman. However DeMar most likely will not be able to become an impact player as a rookie, his game is simply too unpolished. DeMar does have the tools to become a great player. He dunked his first basketball in grade 6 (beating Vince by a whole 2 years), and his shoulders (pictured below) are wider than the Earth at the equator. Overall, the Raps ended up with a player with great potential, but he must work on his jump shot and dribbling abilities.
Best case scenario: With the help of NBA training staff, he builds strength and improves on his offensive skills, and does a solid job in a 10-15 minute per game role. He then blossoms into a Carter-type all-around scorer, hopefully without the whiny princess attitude. Let's keep his mom away from the ACC.
Worst case scenario: DeRozan's athleticism is not enough to carry him through the NBA, and his skills do not improve enough to match his hops. His love of dunking overtakes his love of basketball, and he becomes the next Gerald Green.
The Good
DeMar is an athletic specimen. He has great size for a swingman and its been rumored that he once punched Superman through a brick wall. He is a slasher and is quick in the open court. His ball handling ability is good, but it will need some improvement. He likes to draw contact and play physically, and has shown significant improvement in his only year at USC. DeMar's combination of size, skill, and athleticism draw comparisons to Vince Carter and Rudy Gay.
The Bad
Demar is inconsistent. At time he struggles off the dribble and his jump shot needs improvement. He also shot just 64.7% from the free throw line.
Draft Grade: B+
In picking DeMar, the Raptors addressed their most pressing need: a slashing swingman. However DeMar most likely will not be able to become an impact player as a rookie, his game is simply too unpolished. DeMar does have the tools to become a great player. He dunked his first basketball in grade 6 (beating Vince by a whole 2 years), and his shoulders (pictured below) are wider than the Earth at the equator. Overall, the Raps ended up with a player with great potential, but he must work on his jump shot and dribbling abilities.
Best case scenario: With the help of NBA training staff, he builds strength and improves on his offensive skills, and does a solid job in a 10-15 minute per game role. He then blossoms into a Carter-type all-around scorer, hopefully without the whiny princess attitude. Let's keep his mom away from the ACC.
Worst case scenario: DeRozan's athleticism is not enough to carry him through the NBA, and his skills do not improve enough to match his hops. His love of dunking overtakes his love of basketball, and he becomes the next Gerald Green.
The List Narrows To Three?
The Toronto Star reported today that the Raptors list of draft prospects may have narrowed further down to three possibilities. 18 year old Jrue Holiday, 19 year old DeMar DeRozan, and 22 year old James Johnson are reportedly the three that Bryan Colangelo is concentrating on, leaving out Gerald Henderson and Jonny Flynn.
Draft coverage begins with the draft preview at 6 pm on NBA TV, with the actual draft coverage beginning at 7, and the first pick at 7:30. You can catch it either on NBA TV or The Score.
Happy draft day everyone!
Draft coverage begins with the draft preview at 6 pm on NBA TV, with the actual draft coverage beginning at 7, and the first pick at 7:30. You can catch it either on NBA TV or The Score.
Happy draft day everyone!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
BC's Final Talk Before the Draft
The NBA draft is this Thursday and Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo gave his final press conference before the draft today on Raptors NBA TV. The conference outlined Bryan's summer plans regarding the draft, free agency, and addressing the team's needs.
Bryan began the conference with talk of the draft. He explained that the trade for Reggie Evans has changed BC's draft wishes. He discussed that he "has a list" of 5 players from which he will choose one to draft (providing they will be available): Jrue Holiday, Jonny Flynn, DeMar DeRozan, Gerald Henderson, and James Johnson. Of those five, Johnson and Holiday have come back for additional private discussions. Bryan then discussed the shift in prospect scouting from an active, workout-based evaluation to a more conversation-based incorporative system, contrary to what Elvis Presley might have wanted (I will be surprised if anyone gets that reference). Bryan said that he feels he has a very strong impression of his prospects, stronger than the old style of scouting. BC also revealed that, save for a drastic change, the Raptors will not trade for any additional picks or move up, as "the asking price was too high to move up."
After the draft talk, Bryan then discussed free agency and the Mid-Level Exception. He explained that re-signing Shawn Marion is preferable because "he fits the team". However if he is unable to re-sign Mr. Matrix, he believes a sign and trade scenario would be best. BC also felt that the Raptors are solid with bigs. He discussed the development of Patrick O'Bryant, as he has shown flashes of what BC thought he could do. In the words of the GM, "the kid's got a chance." With the Mid-Level Exception, BC is looking to address the "wing uncertainty." If he were to draft a point guard, he would look to sign a wing, and vice versa. However with the futures of Marion, Anthony Parker, and Carlos Delfino all up in the air, no one can know how it will play out. A Raptor fan can only believe in the Architect, Bryan Colangelo.
Bryan began the conference with talk of the draft. He explained that the trade for Reggie Evans has changed BC's draft wishes. He discussed that he "has a list" of 5 players from which he will choose one to draft (providing they will be available): Jrue Holiday, Jonny Flynn, DeMar DeRozan, Gerald Henderson, and James Johnson. Of those five, Johnson and Holiday have come back for additional private discussions. Bryan then discussed the shift in prospect scouting from an active, workout-based evaluation to a more conversation-based incorporative system, contrary to what Elvis Presley might have wanted (I will be surprised if anyone gets that reference). Bryan said that he feels he has a very strong impression of his prospects, stronger than the old style of scouting. BC also revealed that, save for a drastic change, the Raptors will not trade for any additional picks or move up, as "the asking price was too high to move up."
After the draft talk, Bryan then discussed free agency and the Mid-Level Exception. He explained that re-signing Shawn Marion is preferable because "he fits the team". However if he is unable to re-sign Mr. Matrix, he believes a sign and trade scenario would be best. BC also felt that the Raptors are solid with bigs. He discussed the development of Patrick O'Bryant, as he has shown flashes of what BC thought he could do. In the words of the GM, "the kid's got a chance." With the Mid-Level Exception, BC is looking to address the "wing uncertainty." If he were to draft a point guard, he would look to sign a wing, and vice versa. However with the futures of Marion, Anthony Parker, and Carlos Delfino all up in the air, no one can know how it will play out. A Raptor fan can only believe in the Architect, Bryan Colangelo.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Latest Raps Update
The Raptors have extended a qualifying offer to Carlos Delfino, a restricted free agent. Delfino played one season with the Raps in 2007-08, appearing in all 82 games and averaged 9.0 points and 4.4 rebounds. He was a key part of the Raptors' depth and strong bench attack. He could be a very worthwhile addition to our bench.
Bryan Colangelo has hinted at who the Raptors' sights are set on for the 2009 NBA Draft. The five players that he and his staff are narrowing in on are athletic swingmen DeMar DeRozan and Gerald Henderson (no surprises there), combo point guards Jonny Flynn of Syracuse and Jrue Holiday of UCLA, and big man James Johnson of Wake Forest. Johnson has enjoyed a large stock rise lately and it is a little surprising that Colangelo seems so interested in a big when we have two quality starters with Chris Bosh and the emergence of Andrea Bargnani as a legit NBA starter who still has tons of upside.
Speaking of Bosh, BC has stated that it may be in the Raps' best interest to sign-and-trade the All-Star post player . However, he does note that the Raptors are actually in the best shape of any team financially with regards to re-signing him, as they can give more money every year and offer a six-year deal (other teams can only offer five) as per the CBA. As a result, while it's becoming more and more of a possibility that the Chris Bosh era is coming to an end in Toronto, it's also likely that the Dinos will not walk away empty-handed.
Bryan Colangelo has hinted at who the Raptors' sights are set on for the 2009 NBA Draft. The five players that he and his staff are narrowing in on are athletic swingmen DeMar DeRozan and Gerald Henderson (no surprises there), combo point guards Jonny Flynn of Syracuse and Jrue Holiday of UCLA, and big man James Johnson of Wake Forest. Johnson has enjoyed a large stock rise lately and it is a little surprising that Colangelo seems so interested in a big when we have two quality starters with Chris Bosh and the emergence of Andrea Bargnani as a legit NBA starter who still has tons of upside.
Speaking of Bosh, BC has stated that it may be in the Raps' best interest to sign-and-trade the All-Star post player . However, he does note that the Raptors are actually in the best shape of any team financially with regards to re-signing him, as they can give more money every year and offer a six-year deal (other teams can only offer five) as per the CBA. As a result, while it's becoming more and more of a possibility that the Chris Bosh era is coming to an end in Toronto, it's also likely that the Dinos will not walk away empty-handed.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Kapono for Evans?
RealGM has reported today that the Raptors have traded Jason Kapono to the 76ers for tough-as-nails forward Reggie Evans. Both players are signed until the summer of 2011, but the deal saves the Raptors about $1.5 million per year.
It's an interesting deal that will likely benefit both parties. Philadelphia ranked last in the NBA with a rancid .318 3PT%, and the Raptors ranked 21st in the league at just over 40 rebounds per game, and had a rebounding differential of -1.4. Evans figures to be a defensive stopper who can clean the glass - he averages almost 7 rebounds a game in his career. This also might mean that the Raptors will start Evans and draft a shooting guard - perhaps Tyreke Evans or move up for James Harden.
It's an interesting deal that will likely benefit both parties. Philadelphia ranked last in the NBA with a rancid .318 3PT%, and the Raptors ranked 21st in the league at just over 40 rebounds per game, and had a rebounding differential of -1.4. Evans figures to be a defensive stopper who can clean the glass - he averages almost 7 rebounds a game in his career. This also might mean that the Raptors will start Evans and draft a shooting guard - perhaps Tyreke Evans or move up for James Harden.
Raptors Planning to Buy Out Printezis
The Raptors are repordtedly working out an agreement with Greek team Olympiacos to bring over combo forward Gorgios (also spelled Georgios) Printezis. Bryan Colangelo has stated that he'd like to add toughness to the Raptors, particularly at the small forward position - something that Printezis brings to the table. His agent has also said that he'd like to come to the NBA, but that the buyout might get in the way. Printezis' draft rights are owned by the Raptors, so even if he is not brought over until his contract with Olympiacos is up, he cannot be signed by any other team.
Printezis figures to fill a Kris Humphries-like position, bringing energy and toughness off the bench.
Printezis figures to fill a Kris Humphries-like position, bringing energy and toughness off the bench.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Bosh Won't Resign
Chris Bosh has now stated that he will not resign with the Raptors this summer. Not a surprising outcome, considering how exciting the offseason of 2010 will be. But Mike Ulmer of raptors.com makes some interesting points about why it very well might not be the end of the CB4 era in Toronto. Check out his blog.
Friday, June 5, 2009
More Offseason Happenings
Hey look! More stuff is going on! Today the Raps signed two assistant coaches - Marc Iavaroni and Alex English.
Iavaroni - who many expected would be signed as head coach a couple years ago - coached the past two seasons in Memphis (coaching terrible teams with a terrible GM, Kevin McHale) and, expectedly, put up two losing seasons. Prior to that, he was an assistant in Phoenix to Mike D'Antoni and helped coach the Suns to the playoffs several times. Bryan Colangelo has reason to be fond of him, as he's worked with him in the past and helped do great things with the Suns offense.
English is most famous as a player, elected to the Hall of Fame in 1997, but he has been with the Raps for five years and brings experience with the players and and has a great view of the game. English has scored the 12th most points in league history.
This seems like a great way for BC to cut his losses - if problems arise with head coach Jay Triano, he can simply insert Iavaroni into the head coaching position. And if not, he'll still be around in three years and will hopefully do great things with our Dinos.
Read the press release
Iavaroni - who many expected would be signed as head coach a couple years ago - coached the past two seasons in Memphis (coaching terrible teams with a terrible GM, Kevin McHale) and, expectedly, put up two losing seasons. Prior to that, he was an assistant in Phoenix to Mike D'Antoni and helped coach the Suns to the playoffs several times. Bryan Colangelo has reason to be fond of him, as he's worked with him in the past and helped do great things with the Suns offense.
English is most famous as a player, elected to the Hall of Fame in 1997, but he has been with the Raps for five years and brings experience with the players and and has a great view of the game. English has scored the 12th most points in league history.
This seems like a great way for BC to cut his losses - if problems arise with head coach Jay Triano, he can simply insert Iavaroni into the head coaching position. And if not, he'll still be around in three years and will hopefully do great things with our Dinos.
Read the press release
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Uh oh
If you're a fan of Chris Bosh... then it's time for a sad face. RealGM reported today via the Toronto Star that Bosh does not plan on resigning with the Raptors and will explore other options in 2010. Sigh.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Colangelo Repeats Goal of Keeping Bosh
Bryan Colangelo again stuck with his guns and insisted that the Raptors will keep Chris Bosh as the centrepiece of the team and attempt to build a strong team around him. He did add, however, that should the chances of Bosh re-signing become slim, they will attempt to trade him (of course). See the RealGM article, via the Miami Herald.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Prehistoric Hoops is on Facebook!
Prehistoric Hoops now has a Facebook page! You can become a fan via the page and keep up with new posts, discussions and more. Tell your friends!
"Boogie" Williams to Discuss Coaching Position
Former Raptor Alvin "Boogie" Williams has reportedly begun to discuss a possible coaching position with the Raptors, as reported on RealGM.com. Williams, 34, will meet with head coach Jay Triano in coming days to work out an agreement. Alvin was an important factor for the Raps, playing point guard for parts of 8 seasons from 1997-2006. While in Toronto, he always seemed very much like a player-coach, helping out younger players and showing great leadership. He would definitely be a nice addition to the Raptors' coaching staff, and would be a good influence on young Raps like Roko Ukic.
Williams averaged 9.0 points and 4.1 assists in his NBA career.
Williams averaged 9.0 points and 4.1 assists in his NBA career.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Bosh's Media Release Anticlimactic
Well, for all the Raptors fans out there looking forward to Chris Bosh's "big announcement" today, you might be a little disappointed. The announcement, which can be seen here, details his agreement with Warner Music Canada to produce a "unique DVD and CD to be released in the fall of 2009." Well, it's fair to say this is not the interest in re-signing with the Raps we at PH were looking for.
For any fans with an iPhone or iPod Touch, Bosh has also released his own app. We have no idea what it does, as of yet. If anyone has any information, please post in the comments!
For any fans with an iPhone or iPod Touch, Bosh has also released his own app. We have no idea what it does, as of yet. If anyone has any information, please post in the comments!
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