PDA

View Full Version : The Official Rasho Goodbye Thread



timvp
06-21-2006, 06:09 PM
Thanks for all you did as a Spur. No matter if you were playing or not playing, you never caused trouble within the Spurs lockerroom. Your defense and team play will be remembered.

You had one of the toughest jobs in the history of basketball in stepping in and trying to replace David Robinson. Rarely does a legend retire and their team need a replacement as they try to stay in championship contention.

Props, big guy.

Now go to Toronto and form a duo next to Bosh.

See you in the Finals one day.

Late.

--timvp

Phenomanul
06-21-2006, 06:13 PM
Your defensive prowess and positioning will be sorely missed... your screens will be missed (especially by TP)....

I won't say what won't be missed to keep this a positive thread.

Bye Rasho. :depressed :smokin :king

angel_luv
06-21-2006, 06:13 PM
Bye Sho. I love you. Come visit.

Kori Ellis
06-21-2006, 06:13 PM
Too bad Rasho made too much money. I think for the right price, the Spurs would have loved to keep him here as a defensive center off the bench.

Good luck Rasho in Toronto.

NZHayden
06-21-2006, 06:14 PM
cheers rasho, you the man

Das Texan
06-21-2006, 06:14 PM
Take care Rasho. Loved having you here as a human being. Didnt always like your on court game, but thats just how it goes sometimes. You helped lead us to a title and your defensive contributions definitely didnt show on the stat sheet.

Kick some ass up North and have great success 80 times a year. Hope to see you kicking some more ass in the playoffs and show them how to win basketball games up in Toronto.

Take care and just keep on being a great human.

Das Texan
06-21-2006, 06:15 PM
Too bad Rasho made too much money. I think for the right price, the Spurs would have loved to keep him here as a defensive center off the bench.

Good luck Rasho in Toronto.


same thing with Malik....and its a bit unfortunate.

strangeweather
06-21-2006, 06:18 PM
Rasho was a great guy and a hard worker who came into an impossible situation here, and never stopped trying to do his best anyway. He has always brought nothing but class.

Good luck in Toronto -- with Bosh there and Colangelo running the show, you should be going into a good situation.

Cant_Be_Faded
06-21-2006, 06:19 PM
So long, so long and thanks for all the fish.

Manu20
06-21-2006, 06:19 PM
Good luck Rasho with the Raptors!

T Park
06-21-2006, 06:19 PM
Adios Rasho.

You were never apreciated for the contributions you made, you were better than everyone thought, and better than you think too.


Props also in 04 05, for not causing trouble when in all rights you could have.

Props also this year for not causing anything during the second round as well.


Good luck in Toronto, and play well next to Bosh.

You two match up well.

SA210
06-21-2006, 06:21 PM
:depressed

I'm glad he got a ring.

zwbgr
06-21-2006, 06:22 PM
So long, so long and thanks for all the fish.

:blah

And all the bananas

Bruno
06-21-2006, 06:26 PM
Good luck, Rasho.

PakiDan
06-21-2006, 06:27 PM
Rasho - Dude I'll miss partying with you. Remember the fried clams.... always remember ther clams.

spurschick
06-21-2006, 06:29 PM
As an athlete, I can't see how he enjoyed spending so much time on the bench, so I'm glad he's getting to go somewhere he can get more playing time and prove his worth.

Good Luck, Rasho! We'll be keeping our eyes on you.

dknights411
06-21-2006, 06:30 PM
Good luck in Toronto, Rasho. I'll be rooting for you!!!

kris
06-21-2006, 06:33 PM
So long sucker. I think you suck and the Raptors didn't watch enough Spurs games. Why did Pop travel in the snow to get you?

Mark in Austin
06-21-2006, 06:45 PM
Thanks for everything Rasho. It takes a man to be willing to step into the hole left by the most beloved man in San Antonio. Thanks for your defense, your hard work, and putting the team first.

Best of luck in Toronto.

LuvBones
06-21-2006, 06:55 PM
Rasho-

Glad you got a ring with Tim Duncan and not Garnett. :) Good luck in Toronto!

Amuseddaysleeper
06-21-2006, 07:00 PM
Dear Rasho


we're gonna be in the same city now so all my bitching about your stiffness on the court will be 10 times louder now since I'll be within an earshot!!


but best of luck to you and I hope you get solid playing time!

FilSpursFan
06-21-2006, 07:21 PM
The Raptors are lucky to get your services, 'Sho... Good luck! Hope to see you in the Finals someday...!

abelle23
06-21-2006, 07:27 PM
youve been good defensively and been a good teamate to the spurs...best of luck!!

BruceBowenFan
06-21-2006, 07:34 PM
Good Luck in toronto rasho

ATX Spur
06-21-2006, 07:45 PM
Good luck Rasho. You were a silent, but class act all the way. I'll miss your post presence on NBA Live next year. Glad you'll get some decent playing time. Give those Canadians hell!

DieMrBond
06-21-2006, 07:52 PM
Wow, unexpected.

*waves goodbye*

*waves hello to the new additions*

jmrodjr
06-21-2006, 08:06 PM
Great Move!!
This has been a great two days first the Mavs choke away the title and now this. Rasho was probably the softest player ever to wear a spurs uniform. A seven footer who could barely dunk and more times than not missed point blank lay ups. Good move letting go of this much overpaid softie. The two scrubs the spurs picked up won't help but at least their contracts won't take up the salary cap space that rasho's contract did.

baseline bum
06-21-2006, 08:10 PM
I wish Rasho nothing the best, and I hope this change of scenery will be good for him. He's a talented guy, but it just didn't work here. Maybe things will line up better for him in Toronto. Great city too... Toronto has to be one of my 3 or 4 favorite cities I've ever been to.

miss paxton
06-21-2006, 08:11 PM
Bye, Rasho. Your biggest problem was costing too much for what you did, but after all, you did what you were told, and you even took less money to be here. At least you got a ring in San Antonio.

SilverPlayer
06-21-2006, 08:18 PM
Good bye old blue lips. You had a good run filling someone's much larger shoes. I enjoyed what you brought to the team, and wish you nothing but the best.

zeleni
06-21-2006, 08:21 PM
Rasho, legenda, vsega najboljšega v novi sezoni! Now you can show-off your NBA skillz with Uroš Slokar who will also come along to Toronto soon!

Rasho can go, leaving an underpaid Oberto with all the lessons of what is Spur center all about. Being a team player who teaches every rookie and thrives on rings.

Beno, Oberto would all appriciate his willingness to make their transition soft.

SA Gunslinger
06-21-2006, 08:29 PM
Does anyone know if Rasho pays more or less taxes in Canada?

shelshor
06-21-2006, 08:30 PM
Good bye Rasho
Thanks for all you did here
Good luck with the Raptors

boutons_
06-21-2006, 08:30 PM
Bye, Rasho.

"With every shot you take, with every block you make, I'll be watching you" and cheering you on. :lol

shelshor
06-21-2006, 08:31 PM
Does anyone know if Rasho pays more or less taxes in Canada?
Being a socialism-lite country, there will be far more taxes

Rescueone
06-21-2006, 08:32 PM
See Ya!!!! We will not miss your non dunking stiff ass! Good luck in the snow, but Toronto is a great party city!

ALVAREZ6
06-21-2006, 08:35 PM
Have fun in cold ass Toronto.

SA Gunslinger
06-21-2006, 08:38 PM
Being a socialism-lite country, there will be far more taxes

Thanks. I kinda thought that was the case.

v2freak
06-21-2006, 08:39 PM
Thank you for everything you did Rasho! Good luck!

zeleni
06-21-2006, 08:54 PM
Being a socialism-lite country, there will be far more taxes

Hey, you are the ones who will get health insurance... ;) And who cares? In Rasho's case we are talking "pesos humungos". And if we are talking little people, every penny goes for paying the bills. Socialism, what a freaky word.

gospursgojas
06-21-2006, 09:01 PM
Good Riddance

SA Gunslinger
06-21-2006, 09:02 PM
Good Riddance

:lol

Tell us how you really feel.

RC's Boss
06-21-2006, 09:05 PM
Bye mofo, can I get my ring back beyotch!

RC's Boss
06-21-2006, 09:17 PM
really, I want it back dammit

fraga
06-21-2006, 09:18 PM
Adios....Frankenstein...

veruca
06-21-2006, 09:18 PM
We'll miss you Rasho; you never complained and were a good team player. I just feel bad that the same thing that happened to Malik happened to you. We overpaid to try to keep Malik and did the same to get you. Wish you all the best in Toronto alongside C Bosh!

spurster
06-21-2006, 09:19 PM
Bye Rasho. David Robinson forgives you.

adonis827
06-21-2006, 09:22 PM
you will definitely be missed rasho.. specially by angel_luv :D

i wish you the best in your career. i believe you are now in a better position to grow as an athlete. use all the oppurtunities well

sanman53
06-21-2006, 09:30 PM
Thanks Rash, represent up there! PEACE!

Spurologist
06-21-2006, 09:54 PM
:tu

Rasho will always be known in my book because he took breathing to a-whole-nother level

http://www.marca.com/marca_usa/nba/estrevistas_nba/rasho_nesterovic/fotos/rasho_nesterovic_001107.jpg

http://i.cnn.net/si/2003/magazine/10/20/spurs/p1_spurs.jpg

http://rionegro.com.ar/arch200401/19/images/10_F1_P11_COLOR.jpg

^^ That is your barometer. A dunk = good game. Flip shots = not so much

Best of luck in Toronto

KEDA
06-21-2006, 09:59 PM
damn

whos voice am I going to do now

:pctoss

good luck in old Canada

gameFACE
06-21-2006, 09:59 PM
Adios Senor Rasho. You brought back childhood memories in the summer of '03 when you came here. The one where your parents tell you the family is getting a new car. Then Mom closes your eyes as Dad pulls up. She uncovers your eyes and you realize they just got a station wagon and how uncool it really is. But then you warm up to it which prepares you for the fact that they eventually exchange the old station wagon for a newer model.

JUUOT
06-21-2006, 10:16 PM
welcome in Canada big sho! i will get to see rasho a lot more next year with raptors tv.

RashoFan
06-21-2006, 10:38 PM
I hope this is correct...Slomo, please correct if I have done wrong...
srečno zaletav Raso. bom zamudil vi. ljubezen zmeraj , Beckie
Good Luck Rasho. I will miss you. Love always, Beckie

Rydia
06-21-2006, 10:39 PM
Rasho-
So sad to see you go. At least I told you you would grab that ring! So happy you had time with the Spurs and I'll keep your Spurs Jersey forever! You fit in the system of who the Spurs are and we appreciate all your hard work! Angel and I are dying inside but we will always be fans! Much Love!

4001 STEREO SPUR
06-21-2006, 10:43 PM
Aloha

baseline bum
06-21-2006, 10:48 PM
I'll never forget his performance in game 1 of the 2004 series with LA. He made it impossible for the Lakers to ever get the ball into Shaq, and I think it was his finest game as a Spur. Rasho was asked to do what he was weakest at here, without having a chance to play to his strongest talents a a scorer. He always played well when Tim was out and he got a chance to play down low. He's a lot better player than this system allowed him to be. You could see it from a mile away that he'd never fit in here though, which is why I thought signing Rasho was a really bad move in 2003.

carina_gino20
06-21-2006, 10:53 PM
good luck in Toronto Rasho. :spin

RuffnReadyOzStyle
06-21-2006, 10:56 PM
Well said baseline.

I have a memory of Rasho taking it to the Lakers in a T-Wolves jersey in the 1st round in 2003. He was awesome in that series. Never quite panned out here but he did play great D which he never got enough credit for, and hopefully he'll fit in well in Toronto.

Best of luck big fella!

RuffnReadyOzStyle
06-21-2006, 10:58 PM
Well said baseline.

I have a memory of Rasho taking it to the Lakers in a T-Wolves jersey in the 1st round in 2003. He was awesome in that series. Never quite panned out here but he did play great D which he never got enough credit for, and hopefully he'll fit in well in Toronto.

Best of luck big fella!

PS In terms of offloading undesirable contracts, is there a better front office than ours? In fact, in general, is there a better FO? I think not.

T-Pain
06-21-2006, 11:11 PM
see ya rash

angel_luv
06-21-2006, 11:36 PM
No more Tip off luncheons, or open practices, or Houston hotel lobbies with Sho. :cry

I always wanted to see him at Tux and Tennies... have my dress and everything. :(

zeleni
06-21-2006, 11:50 PM
I hope this is correct...Slomo, please correct if I have done wrong...
srečno zaletav Raso. bom zamudil vi. ljubezen zmeraj , Beckie
Good Luck Rasho. I will miss you. Love always, Beckie

I'm no Slomo, but still.

Srečno, Rasho. Pogrešala te bom. Ljubeche, Beckie!


Word for word this was a near miss. ;)

atxrocker
06-22-2006, 12:31 AM
if i im a spurs fan im happy to move rasho. just like im a kings fan and i really hope we move brad. moves gotta be made sometimes.

rasho8
06-22-2006, 12:44 AM
Lates Rasho... should have kept you... good luck in Canada. *sniffles*

Well.. better go change the color on the Rasho site from black and silver to... hey wait.. wtf are the Raptors colors anyway?

dknights411
06-22-2006, 12:48 AM
Lates Rasho... should have kept you... good luck in Canada. *sniffles*

Well.. better go change the color on the Rasho site from black and silver to... hey wait.. wtf are the Raptors colors anyway?

Red (lots of it) and Purple should do the trick.

Texas_Ranger
06-22-2006, 01:22 AM
Nasvidenje Rasho

Good luck there in Toronto, I hope that you will play great.

10-tka
06-22-2006, 01:49 AM
Shit.

It's another badass club.

Upam, da si vsaj ti srečen. (I hope that at least you are happy)

polandprzem
06-22-2006, 02:48 AM
Rasho you not gona be forgotten

Best wishes on a new NBA life.

Obstructed_View
06-22-2006, 03:19 AM
See ya Rasho. Hope ya like Tim Hortons and gravy on your fries and sweet tea, eh. And not winning basketball games.

SA Gunslinger
06-22-2006, 03:32 AM
See ya Rasho. Hope ya like Tim Hortons and gravy on your fries and sweet tea, eh. And not winning basketball games.

And hockey and people that don't pronounce the letter 'o.'

T Park
06-22-2006, 03:33 AM
and the knights who say "eh"

SA Gunslinger
06-22-2006, 03:38 AM
and the knights who say "eh"

Knights? Does that have something to do with Canadien Royalty?

J.T.
06-22-2006, 03:52 AM
Later Rasho. Thanks for the title run last year. Please don't beat us too bad in Canada.

milkyway21
06-22-2006, 03:58 AM
Hey Rasho!
your trip to San Antonio to fill-up the vacancy left by the Admiral and join forces with Tim Duncan, Tony & Manu to win a championship is worthwhile. YOU WON 1 . One Ring you can show the world you helped a team won a championship.

The San Antonio Spurs fans loves you not because you play like ShaQ or David but because you never asked for minutes, attention, and gave up your starting job when Nazr arrived in San Antonio. You are unselfish.

You have shown us how classy you are.

Don't worry;
we will always remember how happy you were when you didn't get traded to NY.

we will always remember the day you acted like a cheerleader on the bench when you got injured in 2005 last season games until the playoffs.

how happy you looked after game 7 of the 2005 playoffs. Holding the Larry O' Brien trophy like a baby :baby .


I'm sure you won't hear a boo!! but a standing ovation on your first game next season at AT&T.

See Yah! :wakeup and Good Luck on your next journey!

dav4463
06-22-2006, 04:02 AM
I'll always remember Rasho, Malik, and Antonio........three good guys.... I will never root against you until you play the Spurs!

spursjustice
06-22-2006, 04:54 AM
Rasho = Class, Unselfishness, Humble, Perfect Teammate

Thanks for the memories, ie. your weird shooting style and your defence on Shaq four seasons ago. Now go kick his chunky butt in the East!!!

manustarting2gd
06-22-2006, 08:07 AM
"WHOOOSH! " -Rasho's comment at the Championship Celebration in the Dome in 05'. Best of Luck Frankenstein minus the two bolts on the neck! Loved your D at times and that Freethrow j is definitely all you. Go teach Bosh how to play some D. Get em Rash!

batman2883
06-22-2006, 08:11 AM
thank the damn lord....rasho is gone!!! Finally!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ding dong the rasho's dead, the rasho's dead, ding dong the Rasho's finally dead!!!!

batman2883
06-22-2006, 08:11 AM
luvie dont attack me

angel_luv
06-22-2006, 08:13 AM
And we can't forget Sho's three pointer in the play offs! :elephant

angel_luv
06-22-2006, 08:13 AM
Go Toronto! :D

Kobayagi
06-22-2006, 08:35 AM
Srečno Rašo. Upam, da boš v Torontu bolj cenjen.

batman2883
06-22-2006, 08:37 AM
Srečno Rašo. Upam, da boš v Torontu bolj cenjen.
translated means....Rasho you sucked for us!!

pache100
06-22-2006, 08:41 AM
Goodbye fair Rasho...we barely knew ye.

Thanks for being such a solid guy. You almost always did what was required and expected of you, but so many fans were not satisfied with your work. My discontent disappeared when I heard Pop say, "Rasho is doing exactly what we need him to do."

I, for one, will miss you.

juncan
06-22-2006, 08:45 AM
Good luck, Rasho

MI21
06-22-2006, 08:54 AM
I used to think Rasho was good for nothing.

Then Game 3, 2004-2005 NBA Playoffs Game 3 vs Denver came along. Rasho completely changed that game in the first half after the Spurs were down double digits. Spurs continue struggling and lose that game and who knows what happens against Denver.

Props Rasho, I have no doubt your reputation will rise with Toronto. San Antonio was a bad spot for you.

Peace out :lol

smdanss
06-22-2006, 08:56 AM
Too bad Rasho made too much money. I think for the right price, the Spurs would have loved to keep him here as a defensive center off the bench.

Good luck Rasho in Toronto.
I feel the same.

spurs_fan_in_exile
06-22-2006, 09:14 AM
Sorry to see you go Rasho. Defense is what set this team apart from the rest of the NBA and you were the best defensive big man on the squad (minus Tim.) Go show the Raps what it means to be a champ. Oh, and you better practice your Canadian if you get introduced at a press conference.

"There's no doot in my mind that I can get oot there and help the team. That's what playing in the NBA is all aboot."

angel_luv
06-22-2006, 09:45 AM
Oh, and you better practice your Canadian if you get introduced at a press conference.

"There's no doot in my mind that I can get oot there and help the team. That's what playing in the NBA is all aboot."


ay? :lol

http://community.webshots.com/album/284419486IsOXZf

angel_luv
06-22-2006, 10:26 AM
You know, now that I have calmed down enough to set me grief aside for a bit, I realized something.

Much as I am upset because I want Sho here always, I am happy for him because the Raptors want him there... they traded so they could get Sho.

That will be wonderful for him. :)


Sidenote: I was going to change the first me to my ( I realized after posting that I had mistyped) but it made me laugh so it is staying.

scott
06-22-2006, 12:01 PM
Good riddance Nesterrible.

mcornelio
06-22-2006, 12:35 PM
:depressed Bye Big Guy... I Know You Will Become A Star In Toronto...

DarrinS
06-22-2006, 12:56 PM
Later, Rasho.

http://home-1.worldonline.nl/~hamberg/Frankenstein/Boris.jpg

themvp
06-22-2006, 02:19 PM
Thank you and good luck.

See you in Japan.

Notorious H.O.P.
06-22-2006, 02:42 PM
Rasho,

I wanted to you to be successful and I cheered everytime you made a jumper but you frustrated me with your non-agressiveness. Hopefully Toronto will be better to you.

But now, somebody needs to Photoshop a Rasho Libre picture with Rasho's face on Jack Black's body. A jersey number would be good too but Rasho Libre should be enough.

angel_luv
06-22-2006, 03:30 PM
http://i5.tinypic.com/15cga4i.jpg

My feelings exactly, Baby!

Poljub :)

;)

1Parker1
06-22-2006, 03:33 PM
I must give Angel_luv and Rashofan points for possibly being Rasho's #1 and most enthusiastic fans through thick or thin. :lol

It was good knowing you guys...:angel

angel_luv
06-22-2006, 03:47 PM
I must give Angel_luv and Rashofan points for possibly being Rasho's #1 and most enthusiastic fans through thick or thin. :lol

It was good knowing you guys...:angel


Was good? Where are you going? :lol

rasho8
06-22-2006, 04:30 PM
I think he thinks you might be leaving Angel... hehe.

To RaptorTalk or something.

Bruno
06-22-2006, 04:40 PM
For people who want some news about Rasho :
http://www.fan590.com/mediaplayer/audioplayer.jsp?mediaFile=/mp3s/rashonesterovic-cs-20060622.mp3
It's a phone interview made for a Toronto's radio

angel_luv
06-22-2006, 05:09 PM
I think he thinks you might be leaving Angel... hehe.

To RaptorTalk or something.

RaptorBlog :)

But no worries guys!
This Slovenian :angel is staying right here.

angel_luv
06-22-2006, 05:09 PM
For people who want some news about Rasho :
http://www.fan590.com/mediaplayer/audioplayer.jsp?mediaFile=/mp3s/rashonesterovic-cs-20060622.mp3
It's a phone interview made for a Toronto's radio


Oh my gosh, thank you!

Sho said he told Duffy he was interested in being traded... and seems pleased about Toronto.


Likes Toronto as a city because it is much closer than what he is used to in Europe than what we have here.

Since he is happy... :)

mikejones99
06-22-2006, 05:14 PM
Good Luck in Canada Rasho. Things will never be the same here. Listen to Luda's In this life one thing counts , record and everything will be ok. How bout them heats. Fuck Dallas and Michigan, peace

angel_luv
06-22-2006, 05:15 PM
Aww... so good to hear Sho's voice! :elephant

mikejones99
06-22-2006, 05:17 PM
Rasho fans are gonna be pissed but now at least he will get minutes and average 20 n 10. $$$$$$$$$$$$$ he is rich, bitches.

Aud21946
06-22-2006, 05:20 PM
Geez .. In the words of Stephen A. Smith ..

Ra---sho ..

LOL

Good move for the SPurs .. Bonner is a Shooter with a body and Williams in a good body to bang with 3's and 4's

angel_luv
06-22-2006, 05:21 PM
The first time the d.j. or whoever said Rasho it sounded like Russia.

GrandeDavid
06-22-2006, 05:24 PM
Good luck, Rasho, and I echo LJ's comments about you being a great guy and team player.

angel_luv
06-22-2006, 06:00 PM
Haha...

Toronto is going to Sho the league who is Bosh!

hehehe :)

jman3000
06-22-2006, 06:04 PM
Haha...

Toronto is going to Sho the league who is Bosh!

hehehe :)

:drunk

angel_luv
06-22-2006, 06:12 PM
Whoosh! I am so relieved Sho is okay. That makes me feel better. :)
Still miss him though.

ata
06-23-2006, 01:16 AM
Interview (http://sportal.siol.net/default.asp?article_id=10041010606221919470) in Slovenian.

Summary:
- trade didn't came unexpected, sitting on the bench, a lot of rumour right after the season
- he quietly wanted to be traded, he also ordered his agent to pay attention to the offers
- hard to tell anything ahout Toronto, just want to play
- no changes regarding his playing for Slovenian NT

Stahlkugeln
06-23-2006, 01:16 AM
Auf Wiedersehen, Radoslav.

Obstructed_View
06-23-2006, 02:45 AM
Haha...

Toronto is going to Sho the league who is Bosh!

hehehe :)
Boooooo....:)

cmurek
06-23-2006, 07:14 AM
I hope youll trade a Beno too and get some more Maradonas in team!

Rasho good luck in Canada!

This is my last post here!

Fat owner Kory, erase my nick!

And Spurs sucks!

samikeyp
06-23-2006, 07:22 AM
Shall we warn Raptor fan that cmurek is coming on board? :lol


Good luck Rasho.....Slovenia is still my second favorite country.

Obstructed_View
06-23-2006, 07:23 AM
Shall we warn Raptor fan that cmurek is coming on board? :lol
Bitter, insulting, semi-literate and hateful? Sounds like a Mavs fan to me.

angel_luv
06-23-2006, 07:30 AM
Boooooo....:)

Oh, and go Spurs go! :)

Obstructed_View
06-23-2006, 07:34 AM
Oh, and go Spurs go! :)
I was booing the puns, not the Rap-rooting. I was laughing the whole time.

angel_luv
06-23-2006, 08:09 AM
I was booing the puns, not the Rap-rooting. I was laughing the whole time.

* curtsey* :lol

Pistons < Spurs
06-23-2006, 08:24 AM
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1151013012785&call_pageid=969907729483&col=970081562040



Nesterovic sees rosy Raptor future

New centre excited about club's direction

Trade gives Toronto more draft options


Rasho Nesterovic has lofty goals for his new team.

Coming from a perennial championship contender to a team that hasn't been in the playoffs for four seasons, the 30-year-old centre figures the Raptors can turn it around quickly.

"It's a really talented team and with some good work and good luck ... there's a good possibility that in three or four years Toronto could be in the top three or four teams in the league," the newest Raptor said yesterday in a conference call from his native Slovenia.

Nesterovic, a 7-footer who has been in the NBA since 1998, was obtained along with cash from the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday for Matt Bonner, Eric Williams and a 2009 second-round draft pick.

While moving from one of the most successful franchises in the NBA to one of the weakest might be disappointing to some, Nesterovic said all the right things yesterday. "It's definitely exciting. It's a young team, a very talented team with some very big goals. The last couple of years, Toronto didn't have much success; that means nothing."

The acquisition of Nesterovic helps the Raptors on a couple of levels. Not only do they now have a veteran centre under contract for three seasons, the Raptors can now further expand their draft options.

They could trade down and pick a smaller player or if they still want to draft either of the 7-footers at the top of most draft lists, they can ease that player into the rotation.

"If we do decide to go big, that takes some of the pressure off whoever we bring in at that position," said Jim Kelly, Toronto's director of player personnel.

"It also gives us the possibility if we want to go with a smaller wing player, maybe we can take advantage of a Tyrus Thomas situation, or an Adam Morrison, or a Marcus Williams type of situation after yesterday.

"It just makes us have a few more possibilities in our hands."

Two of those possibilities — Williams, a 6-3 point guard from Connecticut, and Rajon Rondo, a 6-1 point guard from Kentucky — were in for second workouts yesterday.

"That is the position of need for us," said Kelly. "We don't know what's going to happen with the Mike James situation (he can become a free agent July 1) and there's a definite concern."

Williams, a college teammate of current Raptor Charlie Villanueva, is more NBA ready and a better all-around player than Rondo, most scouts say. To get him, Toronto would probably have to trade back no further than sixth because he'd be a perfect fit for Boston at No. 7.

The big question is whether he's good enough to play a substantial role right away or whether Toronto would be better trying to find a veteran point guard in a trade or free agency.

"I think he can step in and play right away. Step in and start, that's another story right there; step in and start and be successful, that's a big challenge," said Kelly.

angel_luv
06-23-2006, 08:27 AM
Thanks Piston< Spurs. :)

Extra Stout
06-23-2006, 08:38 AM
Auf Wiedersehen, Radoslav.
Er hat hier drei Jahre gespielt. Sagen Sie "tschüs."

ploto
06-23-2006, 09:23 AM
Distance never separates two hearts that really care, for memories will span the miles. Whenever I start to feel sad because I miss you so much, I will remind myself how blessed I am to have someone so special to miss.

angel_luv
06-23-2006, 09:35 AM
Memories will spread the miles...

I like that a lot. :)

NBA Junkie
06-23-2006, 09:36 AM
He should have stayed in Minnesota. He thrived here in his final season and him and KG were playing well in the high-low scheme that then coach Saunders had set up offensively. However, Rasho and KG had some differences off the court and Saunders had a short leash with him at times.

At least he got his ring in SA and will now get more PT in Toronto

SpursChampsIII
06-23-2006, 09:52 AM
In the immortal words of Curly Bill (Tombstone)..."Bye".

Slo spurs fan
06-23-2006, 12:21 PM
Rasho is dead. Long live Rasho!

Slo spurs fan
06-23-2006, 12:23 PM
thank the damn lord....rasho is gone!!! Finally!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ding dong the rasho's dead, the rasho's dead, ding dong the Rasho's finally dead!!!!

I hope you will break your neck someday.

Slo spurs fan
06-23-2006, 12:23 PM
Rasho, you are my least favorite Spur of all time. I would have rather had Greg Ostertag or a retired Olden Polynice. Enjoy Toronto.
Go make some porn.

Boston George
06-23-2006, 12:24 PM
rasho is gone...good freaking riddance

Slo spurs fan
06-23-2006, 12:30 PM
rasho is gone...good freaking riddance
WOW What a great post!!!!!!

WalterBenitez
06-23-2006, 12:40 PM
Well, I will miss the no jump from Rasho, good luck Rasho.

but my sister said she'll start supporting Raptors since the most good lucking guy is going there :depressed

Obstructed_View
06-24-2006, 04:08 AM
WOW What a great post!!!!!!
Pot meet kettle. :lol

Obstructed_View
06-24-2006, 04:09 AM
In the immortal words of Curly Bill (Tombstone)..."Bye".
I thought for a minute you meant the Spurs draft pick Bill Curly. He didn't last long either.

mikejones99
06-25-2006, 04:34 AM
Toronto in the Playoffs next year

SequSpur
06-25-2006, 04:18 PM
Thanks for taking a roster space Rasho. We couldn't have filled it without ya.

angel_luv
06-25-2006, 04:21 PM
Toronto in the Playoffs next year


Fear the Sho! :elephant

rayray2k8
06-25-2006, 04:44 PM
"sho's" over. :lol
j/k angel luv.
(boy am I glad hes gone):D

angel_luv
06-25-2006, 10:08 PM
Or maybe Toronto will Sho you who is Bosh. :lol

I am pretty sure I used that line already this thread- but oh well. :)

RashoFan
06-25-2006, 10:23 PM
I'm no Slomo, but still.

Srečno, Rasho. Pogrešala te bom. Ljubeche, Beckie!


Word for word this was a near miss. ;)
It figures!!!! I have a web site saved on my favorites on the computer that is still being repaired. I am having withdrawls...I need my computer back real soon!!!!
By the way, what the hell did I say? Someone please call Rasho and tell him I need private lessons in learning your language...:)

RashoFan
06-25-2006, 10:24 PM
oh yeah...
Srečno, Rasho. Pogrešala te bom. Ljubeche, Beckie!

angel_luv
06-25-2006, 10:48 PM
It figures!!!! I have a web site saved on my favorites on the computer that is still being repaired. I am having withdrawls...I need my computer back real soon!!!!
By the way, what the hell did I say? Someone please call Rasho and tell him I need private lessons in learning your language...:)

I'll call him. :)

RashoFan
06-25-2006, 11:51 PM
I think he thinks you might be leaving Angel... hehe.

To RaptorTalk or something.
Angel and I were talking about that on Friday...I will be lurking at the Raptors version of SpursTalk...