We hope you've noticed some changes that have taken place thus far at PH. Firstly, we have changed our banner to, what we think, is a more striking and professional banner.
Secondly, we have added a Dose of Harmony segment on the right side of our blog. The Dose of Harmony is a reminder to everyone that, at some point in time, there are forces beyond our control. Said forces can be feared, however one is better off admiring them whether they are for the better or for the worse. Though more often than not, they are hilarious.
Enjoy our updates and keep on reading!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Its Time To Wage War!
Loyal readers,
We here at PH have called on you very rarely in our one year of blogging, however there is an issue that can no longer be ignored. In June 2009, a blogger clearly too unintelligent and incompetent to create his own witty, dino-related name and instead resorted to a form of thuggish thievery. "Jurassic Hoops" is an obvious attempt to eliminate Prehistoric Hoops' monopoly on the ancient basketball blogging market.
Readers, I urge you to email Scott Lewis of "Jurassic Hoops" at scottlewis9@gmail.com to alert him of his misdoings, and to let him know that there is only room enough for one ancient hoops blog in this city, and that is Prehistoric Hoops.
You may have a fancy banner and advertisements, Jurassic Hoops, but where's the heart? Where is the alliteration in your name that just makes it roll off of your tongue? And the Velociraptor is from the Late Cretaceous Period, not the Jurassic. Get your facts straight.
We here at PH have called on you very rarely in our one year of blogging, however there is an issue that can no longer be ignored. In June 2009, a blogger clearly too unintelligent and incompetent to create his own witty, dino-related name and instead resorted to a form of thuggish thievery. "Jurassic Hoops" is an obvious attempt to eliminate Prehistoric Hoops' monopoly on the ancient basketball blogging market.
Readers, I urge you to email Scott Lewis of "Jurassic Hoops" at scottlewis9@gmail.com to alert him of his misdoings, and to let him know that there is only room enough for one ancient hoops blog in this city, and that is Prehistoric Hoops.
You may have a fancy banner and advertisements, Jurassic Hoops, but where's the heart? Where is the alliteration in your name that just makes it roll off of your tongue? And the Velociraptor is from the Late Cretaceous Period, not the Jurassic. Get your facts straight.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Raps Officially Add Rasho and Marco
Today the Raptors announced via raptors.com that they have added 23-year-old 6-5 guard Marco Belinelli and 11-year veteran 7-footer Rasho Nesterovic.
Belinelli was acquired from Golden State in exchange for cash considerations as well as forward Devean George who arrived in the Hedo Turkoglu trade that also brought in Antoine Wright. Marco will likely battle Wright and apparent starter DeMar DeRozan for minutes at the swingmen positions. He's also the second Italian to play in the NBA, and now joins fellow countryman Andrea Bargnani.
It is rumoured that Rasho was signed to a one-year deal for the bi-annual exception (about $1.9 million which doesn't count against the salary cap), and he will likely serve as Bargnani's backup at the centre position, while becoming the fifth member of the Raps big-man rotation, along with Chris Bosh, Turkoglu, and Reggie Evans.
Both of these deals give the Raptors additional depth and different offensive and defensive schemes to toss at opponents. As well, they give very important backups who can step in if the Raps' starters are hit with injuries.
Belinelli was acquired from Golden State in exchange for cash considerations as well as forward Devean George who arrived in the Hedo Turkoglu trade that also brought in Antoine Wright. Marco will likely battle Wright and apparent starter DeMar DeRozan for minutes at the swingmen positions. He's also the second Italian to play in the NBA, and now joins fellow countryman Andrea Bargnani.
It is rumoured that Rasho was signed to a one-year deal for the bi-annual exception (about $1.9 million which doesn't count against the salary cap), and he will likely serve as Bargnani's backup at the centre position, while becoming the fifth member of the Raps big-man rotation, along with Chris Bosh, Turkoglu, and Reggie Evans.
Both of these deals give the Raptors additional depth and different offensive and defensive schemes to toss at opponents. As well, they give very important backups who can step in if the Raps' starters are hit with injuries.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Raps Acquire Belinelli
According to Yahoo! Sports, the Raptors have traded Devean George for 6-5 Italian guard Marco Belinelli of the Golden State Warriors. He averaged 9 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2 assists in his second NBA season. If this is true, it seems likely that Bryan Colangelo would go after a big man - maybe Possum's Phone Ban as opposed to bringing back Carlos Delfino, since his talents are even more redundant with a scoring combo guard in Belinelli.
This deal is a very good one for the Raptors. Belinelli is a young, dynamic scorer who will really add some scoring punch to the second unit and should thrive with a tough PG like Jarrett Jack leading the way. As well, since he's still on his rookie contract, he's very affordable and really gives the Raps more depth, as George didn't figure to get any significant minutes.
Grade for Raptors: B+
This deal is a very good one for the Raptors. Belinelli is a young, dynamic scorer who will really add some scoring punch to the second unit and should thrive with a tough PG like Jarrett Jack leading the way. As well, since he's still on his rookie contract, he's very affordable and really gives the Raps more depth, as George didn't figure to get any significant minutes.
Grade for Raptors: B+
Friday, July 24, 2009
Welcome Back Rasho?
Around 8:40 Eastern tonight, Chris Bosh Tweeted, "Welcome back Rasho". It was known that the Raps had interest in signing Rasho Nesterovic, and no official deal has been made public. But I trust Chris...
Monday, July 20, 2009
Jack An Official Dino
Today the Raptors nabbed Jarrett Jack, as the Pacers, in a desperate attempt to become the whitest team in NBA history, failed to match Toronto's offer sheet. Jarrett will be announced in a press conference tomorrow, and he is currently enjoying a meal with Chris Bosh and DeMar DeRozan in Toronto.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Raptors Officially Sign Jack to Offer Sheet
The Raps announced today that they have signed guard Jarrett Jack to an offer sheet, meaning the Indiana Pacers have seven days to match the offer (estimated at 4 years, $20 million) or else Jack will become a member of the Raptors. See our previous post for reasons why this could be a very useful signing.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Raptors Extend Offer to Jack; More Rumours
According to the front page of Raptors.com, as well as a report from RealGM, the Raptors will (or already have) extended an offer sheet to restricted free agent guard Jarrett Jack of the Indiana Pacers. This means that while the Pacers can match any offer (in this case, it appears to be around 4 years, $20 million), RealGM reports that they are unlikely to do so as it will put them close to the salary cap.
Jack (see his player file) is a 6-3 combo guard out of Georgia Tech who was teammates with Chris Bosh on the Yellow Jackets. He enjoyed a solid season in 08-09, posting 13.1 PPG, 4.1 APG and 3.4 RPG with a decent assist to turnover ratio of nearly 2:1 (2.24 TOPG). As well as being an efficient scorer (45 FG%, 35 3P%, 85 FT%), he's a good defender and gathered 1.1 steals per game last year. He figures to assume the backup point guard role, relegating Roko Ukic to third-string duties, but he may also play off-guard at the same time as either Roko or Jose Calderon if the Raps choose to go small (in that case, DeMar DeRozan or Antoine Wright could play the 3). The contract is not an overly bloated one, as he's shown solid consistency since his rookie season and has played an average of 80.5 games over his four NBA seasons. Jack should be able to earn his contract, especially since he will get spot starts if another Raptor gets injured. Additionally, it ensures that the Raptors will have a backup 1 locked up long-term (no more merry-go-round of Will Solomon, Darrick Martin, or Milt Palacio).
Of course, Bryan Colangelo is not done yet. He has shown interest, as noted before on this blog, in Carlos Delfino as well as Denver Nugget RFA Linas Kleiza. However, rumours are swirling that BC has interest in acquiring another former Raptor, Rasho Nesterovic.
Rasho would provide a veteran presence in the middle as well as in the locker room. However, with the acquisitions of Devean George and Reggie Evans, the Raps have a logjam at the bigman positions, and it's possible Rasho would be the odd man out.
Kleiza, on the other hand, seems to be a very sensible signing - he backed-up Carmelo Anthony effectively, as he would be doing for Hedo Turkoglu, putting up around 10 PPG and 4 RPG each of the last two seasons. He's a big (6-8, 245) bruiser at the 3-spot, and would provide a great change of scenery from Hedo's finesse and offensive leadership.
Delfino's return seemed to be a sure thing a couple weeks ago. However, after the blockbuster trade that brought in Turk, George and Wright, as well as the imminent arrival of Jack, the Raptors have sorted out their lack of depth at the guard positions, and Delfino's services may not be needed. That said, he was quite effective in the Raptors' swingman-by-committee of two seasons ago, posting 9 PPG, 4.4 RPG and 1.8 APG. If BC elects to bring back his versatility, he will likely see minutes at both the shooting guard and small forward positions.
What are your thoughts on the (supposed) signing of Jack, and who would you like to see the Raptors acquire to help bolster their bench? Let us know in the comments.
Jack (see his player file) is a 6-3 combo guard out of Georgia Tech who was teammates with Chris Bosh on the Yellow Jackets. He enjoyed a solid season in 08-09, posting 13.1 PPG, 4.1 APG and 3.4 RPG with a decent assist to turnover ratio of nearly 2:1 (2.24 TOPG). As well as being an efficient scorer (45 FG%, 35 3P%, 85 FT%), he's a good defender and gathered 1.1 steals per game last year. He figures to assume the backup point guard role, relegating Roko Ukic to third-string duties, but he may also play off-guard at the same time as either Roko or Jose Calderon if the Raps choose to go small (in that case, DeMar DeRozan or Antoine Wright could play the 3). The contract is not an overly bloated one, as he's shown solid consistency since his rookie season and has played an average of 80.5 games over his four NBA seasons. Jack should be able to earn his contract, especially since he will get spot starts if another Raptor gets injured. Additionally, it ensures that the Raptors will have a backup 1 locked up long-term (no more merry-go-round of Will Solomon, Darrick Martin, or Milt Palacio).
Of course, Bryan Colangelo is not done yet. He has shown interest, as noted before on this blog, in Carlos Delfino as well as Denver Nugget RFA Linas Kleiza. However, rumours are swirling that BC has interest in acquiring another former Raptor, Rasho Nesterovic.
Rasho would provide a veteran presence in the middle as well as in the locker room. However, with the acquisitions of Devean George and Reggie Evans, the Raps have a logjam at the bigman positions, and it's possible Rasho would be the odd man out.
Kleiza, on the other hand, seems to be a very sensible signing - he backed-up Carmelo Anthony effectively, as he would be doing for Hedo Turkoglu, putting up around 10 PPG and 4 RPG each of the last two seasons. He's a big (6-8, 245) bruiser at the 3-spot, and would provide a great change of scenery from Hedo's finesse and offensive leadership.
Delfino's return seemed to be a sure thing a couple weeks ago. However, after the blockbuster trade that brought in Turk, George and Wright, as well as the imminent arrival of Jack, the Raptors have sorted out their lack of depth at the guard positions, and Delfino's services may not be needed. That said, he was quite effective in the Raptors' swingman-by-committee of two seasons ago, posting 9 PPG, 4.4 RPG and 1.8 APG. If BC elects to bring back his versatility, he will likely see minutes at both the shooting guard and small forward positions.
What are your thoughts on the (supposed) signing of Jack, and who would you like to see the Raptors acquire to help bolster their bench? Let us know in the comments.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Raps Sign DeRozan
If the last two days of Raptors news haven't been good enough for you, Bryan Colangelo made sure we'll be seeing plenty of highlight-reel dunks by inking rookie DeMar DeRozan to a two-year contract with two additional team option years. DeRozan figures to challenge newcomers Antoine Wright and Hedo Turkoglu for minutes at the 2 and 3 positions, respectively. He also may have Carlos Delfino or another veteran swingman to contend with. DeRozan brings elite-level athleticism and quickly improving scoring ability to the table, and will be an asset against smaller teams when he can hit the glass. Should DeRozan improve rapidly enough, we could see him in a starting role by the new year.
You can read the official press release here.
For a side note, the Raptors.com intro page (check it out here) is really, really cool (though it appears Hedo will be wearing number 26).
You can read the official press release here.
For a side note, the Raptors.com intro page (check it out here) is really, really cool (though it appears Hedo will be wearing number 26).
Marion Out, Turk In, Crazy Four-Way Deal
UPDATE: This deal is now official and will be announced today on Raptors NBA TV at 4 P.M. You can read Eric Smith's reaction here.
In an incredibly convoluted move, RealGM is reporting, along with the Toronto Star, that Shawn Marion, Nathan Jawai and Kris Humphries are heading to Dallas, Hedo Turkoglu, Antoine Wright and Devean George are heading to Toronto, and the Grizzlies will receive Jerry Stackhouse (who will likely be waived to save money), Toronto's 2016 second-round pick and "substantial cash." The Magic were enticed to join in because as opposed to letting Turk walk, they received a valuable $7 million trade exception which can be used to balance trade salaries, as well as cash considerations from Toronto. An additional advantage for Toronto, which could end up playing a huge part in the Raps' success this year, is the recovery of their mid-level exception which entitles them to about $5.7 million of extra salary. It's speculated that BC will use it to bring back Carlos Delfino or perhaps split it between him andPops Mensah-BonsuPossum's Phone Ban.
Overall Movement:
To Toronto:
F Devean George from Dallas (3.6 PPG, 1.8 RPG in 16 minutes/game in 08-09). Will likely be a middle-of-the-second and third quarter reserve. He does give the Raps a little more depth up front, and is a three-time NBA champion with the Lakers, so could provide a needed veteran presence. His contract also comes off the books at the end of this season.
G/F Antoine Wright from Dallas (7.4 PPG, 2.1 RPG in 24 minutes/game in 08-09). Will probably be one of the first wings off the bench, or a starter while splitting minutes with DeMar DeRozan. He's a solid, physical forward who is at his best when he's moving without the ball and spreading the floor. Fantastic pickup by BC to add some wing depth. His contract, like George's, comes off the books at the end of 2010.
F Hedo Turkoglu from Orlando (15.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.9 APG in 36.6 minutes/game in 08-09). The big fish this offseason for BC and the Raps. He'll start at small forward and log over 30 a game. He'll be somewhat a point forward, and with his matchup problems combined with Jose Calderon's efficiency the Raptors will be deadly in the half-court set. He can also lead the break to help make use of DeMar DeRozan and Chris Bosh's athleticism and speed in the open court.
Addition of Mid-Level Exception - The Raptors receive an additional $5.7 million dollars to spend as they choose. Ideally, Colangelo would use it to sign Delfino and Mensah-Bonsu to add some needed wing and bigman depth.
To Dallas:
F Shawn Marion (from Toronto)
F Kris Humphries (from Toronto)
G Greg Buckner (from Dallas)
Cash (from Toronto)
To Memphis:
F Jerry Stackhouse (from Dallas)
F/C Nathan Jawai (from Toronto)
Cash (from Dallas)
2016 second-round draft pick (from Toronto)
To Orlando:
$7 million trade exception
Cash (from Toronto)
Overall Grade for Toronto - A
This deal really couldn't be better. They acquire some solid veterans to bolster their bench, they add star power and fill a hole, and they pick up some additional salary to acquire some more depth or even a starter to replace DeRozan, while saving money for the coming offseason (Humphries had a player option for 2010-11). This is Colangelo magic at its finest, and it's beautiful.
To quote John Schuhmann of NBA.com, "Even if all the moves don't work out perfectly for Toronto, at least Bosh knows team management wants to win, and is willing to do whatever it takes to surround him with talent. And next year, when he makes a decision about his future, Bosh may realize that not many teams can say the same."
In an incredibly convoluted move, RealGM is reporting, along with the Toronto Star, that Shawn Marion, Nathan Jawai and Kris Humphries are heading to Dallas, Hedo Turkoglu, Antoine Wright and Devean George are heading to Toronto, and the Grizzlies will receive Jerry Stackhouse (who will likely be waived to save money), Toronto's 2016 second-round pick and "substantial cash." The Magic were enticed to join in because as opposed to letting Turk walk, they received a valuable $7 million trade exception which can be used to balance trade salaries, as well as cash considerations from Toronto. An additional advantage for Toronto, which could end up playing a huge part in the Raps' success this year, is the recovery of their mid-level exception which entitles them to about $5.7 million of extra salary. It's speculated that BC will use it to bring back Carlos Delfino or perhaps split it between him and
Overall Movement:
To Toronto:
F Devean George from Dallas (3.6 PPG, 1.8 RPG in 16 minutes/game in 08-09). Will likely be a middle-of-the-second and third quarter reserve. He does give the Raps a little more depth up front, and is a three-time NBA champion with the Lakers, so could provide a needed veteran presence. His contract also comes off the books at the end of this season.
G/F Antoine Wright from Dallas (7.4 PPG, 2.1 RPG in 24 minutes/game in 08-09). Will probably be one of the first wings off the bench, or a starter while splitting minutes with DeMar DeRozan. He's a solid, physical forward who is at his best when he's moving without the ball and spreading the floor. Fantastic pickup by BC to add some wing depth. His contract, like George's, comes off the books at the end of 2010.
F Hedo Turkoglu from Orlando (15.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.9 APG in 36.6 minutes/game in 08-09). The big fish this offseason for BC and the Raps. He'll start at small forward and log over 30 a game. He'll be somewhat a point forward, and with his matchup problems combined with Jose Calderon's efficiency the Raptors will be deadly in the half-court set. He can also lead the break to help make use of DeMar DeRozan and Chris Bosh's athleticism and speed in the open court.
Addition of Mid-Level Exception - The Raptors receive an additional $5.7 million dollars to spend as they choose. Ideally, Colangelo would use it to sign Delfino and Mensah-Bonsu to add some needed wing and bigman depth.
To Dallas:
F Shawn Marion (from Toronto)
F Kris Humphries (from Toronto)
G Greg Buckner (from Dallas)
Cash (from Toronto)
To Memphis:
F Jerry Stackhouse (from Dallas)
F/C Nathan Jawai (from Toronto)
Cash (from Dallas)
2016 second-round draft pick (from Toronto)
To Orlando:
$7 million trade exception
Cash (from Toronto)
Overall Grade for Toronto - A
This deal really couldn't be better. They acquire some solid veterans to bolster their bench, they add star power and fill a hole, and they pick up some additional salary to acquire some more depth or even a starter to replace DeRozan, while saving money for the coming offseason (Humphries had a player option for 2010-11). This is Colangelo magic at its finest, and it's beautiful.
To quote John Schuhmann of NBA.com, "Even if all the moves don't work out perfectly for Toronto, at least Bosh knows team management wants to win, and is willing to do whatever it takes to surround him with talent. And next year, when he makes a decision about his future, Bosh may realize that not many teams can say the same."
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
(Everyone's Favourite Time) Summer League!
The Raptors start their summer league play in Vegas on Friday. Here is the Raps schedule:
July 10: 8 pm Eastern, vs. LA Lakers
July 11: 4 pm Eastern, vs. Detroit Pistons
July 13: 8 pm Eastern, vs. Portland Trailblazers
July 15: 8 pm Eastern, vs. Phoenix Suns
July 16: 4 pm Eastern, vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Raptors roster includes players under contract: DeMar DeRozan, Quincy Douby, Nathan Jawai, Patrick O'Bryant, and Roko Ukic, and invited players such as Paul Davis and Smush Parker.
July 10: 8 pm Eastern, vs. LA Lakers
July 11: 4 pm Eastern, vs. Detroit Pistons
July 13: 8 pm Eastern, vs. Portland Trailblazers
July 15: 8 pm Eastern, vs. Phoenix Suns
July 16: 4 pm Eastern, vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Raptors roster includes players under contract: DeMar DeRozan, Quincy Douby, Nathan Jawai, Patrick O'Bryant, and Roko Ukic, and invited players such as Paul Davis and Smush Parker.
Bargs Gets Contract Extension
Andrea Bargnani has secured his long term future with the Raps (unlike other unnamed Raptor bigmen who may leave in 2010) by signing a 5 year, 50 million dollar contract extension.
Andrea had his breakout season in 2008-2009, averaging 15.4 points per game and 5.3 points per game. His play was a rare positive in the 08-09 season.
Chris Bosh seemed supportive on his Twitter, saying "Congrats to Andrea Bargnani 5 yrs 50 mill with The #Raptors". This definitely means the Raptors will have some talented big men no matter what Bosh chooses to do.
Andrea had his breakout season in 2008-2009, averaging 15.4 points per game and 5.3 points per game. His play was a rare positive in the 08-09 season.
Chris Bosh seemed supportive on his Twitter, saying "Congrats to Andrea Bargnani 5 yrs 50 mill with The #Raptors". This definitely means the Raptors will have some talented big men no matter what Bosh chooses to do.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Turkoglu A Raptor: CB4 Confirms
About 30 minutes ago, Chris Bosh posted on twitter the following:
"We got Hedo! Next season's gonna be a lot of fun"
This is a welcome change of tone from CB4, its nice to hear something optimistic about Toronto from our franchise player. Will Hedo Turkoglu help keep CB4 north of the border?
Also from Bosh's Twitter:
"I hope Hedo signs with us"
"IF IT'S TRUE..Let's get it cracking H Turk!!!"
Even DeMar DeRozan is excited (so excited he can't even spell!):
"Is Hudo really coming to T Dot? Really hope so!"
"We got Hedo! Next season's gonna be a lot of fun"
This is a welcome change of tone from CB4, its nice to hear something optimistic about Toronto from our franchise player. Will Hedo Turkoglu help keep CB4 north of the border?
Also from Bosh's Twitter:
"I hope Hedo signs with us"
"IF IT'S TRUE..Let's get it cracking H Turk!!!"
Even DeMar DeRozan is excited (so excited he can't even spell!):
"Is Hudo really coming to T Dot? Really hope so!"
Hedo Lands In Toronto
According to various sources, Hedo Turkoglu has signed a 5 year deal worth 53 million dollars. He was apparently going to sign with Portland, but something soured that deal. The addition of Hedo adds both wing depth and talent to our most uncertain position, and adds another country to the growing United Nations that is the Toronto Raptors.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Raptors Set Sight On Kleiza
According to the Toronto Star, the Raptors are now focusing their attention on forward Linas Kleiza, as apparently the Raptors have fallen out of the running for Hedo Turkoglu and Charlie Villanueva has been swooped up by the Pistons.
Kleiza, 24, averaged 9.9 points per game and 4 rebounds per game last season while backing up Carmelo Anthony.
Kleiza, 24, averaged 9.9 points per game and 4 rebounds per game last season while backing up Carmelo Anthony.
Raps Tender Offer To Turkoglu
The Raptors are apparently preparing to offer former Orlando Magician, Hedo Turkoglu. How much, you ask? BC is offering 60 million over 5 years for the Mike Jordan of Turkey, overpowering the Portland Trailblazers offer of 50 mill over the same time span.
Turkoglu, 30, found his niche while playing with Orlando (and against the Raps). In his best season with the Magic (2007-2008), Hedo put up 19.5 points, 5 assists, and 5.7 boards. If he were to sign the deal, the Raps would have Hedo until he is 35. The lady Turkoglu is also said to have an affinity for Toronto.
No other Raptor offers to free agents have been made public yet.
Turkoglu, 30, found his niche while playing with Orlando (and against the Raps). In his best season with the Magic (2007-2008), Hedo put up 19.5 points, 5 assists, and 5.7 boards. If he were to sign the deal, the Raps would have Hedo until he is 35. The lady Turkoglu is also said to have an affinity for Toronto.
No other Raptor offers to free agents have been made public yet.
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