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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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"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.

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!