texasqb2
06-21-2006, 09:42 PM
The Toronto Raptors have traded Eric Williams and Matt Bonner to the San Antonio Spurs for Rasho Nesterovic, Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo told me Wednesday afternoon. (According to the AP, a 2009 second-round pick and cash were involved as well.)
Will the trade affect their plans for the No. 1 pick in next week's NBA Draft?
Colangelo said not to read anything into the deal. "To be honest," he said, "we're still as wide open as ever. We have a lot of options right now and are just trying to find the best player."
But a month ago Colangelo said the team would try to address its needs at center and point guard via trades and free agency in addition to the draft. And adding a center making more than $7 million per season would seem to quench some of the thirst the Raptors might have had to draft a center.
In other words, it seems to make LaMarcus Aldridge a less likely choice and boost the chances of perimeter players Andrea Bargnani, Adam Morrison and Rudy Gay.
The Raptors worked out Morrison, Gay, Randy Foye and Denham Brown Wednesday, and Colangelo had glowing praise for all.
"It was a very good workout for everyone involved," Colangelo said. "It was by far the most impressive group we've had in. Everyone competed at a really high level. They were all really aggressive. I think we saw a couple of guys who definitely are in the mix for No. 1."
It sounds like the Raptors are still considering five players: Bargnani, Morrison, Gay, Aldridge and Tyrus Thomas, probably in that order.
What about a trade? The Toronto Sun reported this morning that the hot rumor had the Raptors swapping the No. 1 pick and Alvin Williams for Brevin Knight and Charlotte's No. 3 pick.
Not being considered, according to Colangelo.
"We have had some interest in some Bobcats players," Colangelo said, "but we're looking to do something much bigger with the No. 1 pick."
Does that mean a trade is in the works? For weeks it seemed the Raptors were likely to trade the pick. Now, maybe not.
"I'm feeling less and less that it's an option right now," Colangelo said. "The more we zone in on the prospects of the draft, the more I think we're comfortable keeping the pick. There are several players in this draft that could really help us."
Will the trade affect their plans for the No. 1 pick in next week's NBA Draft?
Colangelo said not to read anything into the deal. "To be honest," he said, "we're still as wide open as ever. We have a lot of options right now and are just trying to find the best player."
But a month ago Colangelo said the team would try to address its needs at center and point guard via trades and free agency in addition to the draft. And adding a center making more than $7 million per season would seem to quench some of the thirst the Raptors might have had to draft a center.
In other words, it seems to make LaMarcus Aldridge a less likely choice and boost the chances of perimeter players Andrea Bargnani, Adam Morrison and Rudy Gay.
The Raptors worked out Morrison, Gay, Randy Foye and Denham Brown Wednesday, and Colangelo had glowing praise for all.
"It was a very good workout for everyone involved," Colangelo said. "It was by far the most impressive group we've had in. Everyone competed at a really high level. They were all really aggressive. I think we saw a couple of guys who definitely are in the mix for No. 1."
It sounds like the Raptors are still considering five players: Bargnani, Morrison, Gay, Aldridge and Tyrus Thomas, probably in that order.
What about a trade? The Toronto Sun reported this morning that the hot rumor had the Raptors swapping the No. 1 pick and Alvin Williams for Brevin Knight and Charlotte's No. 3 pick.
Not being considered, according to Colangelo.
"We have had some interest in some Bobcats players," Colangelo said, "but we're looking to do something much bigger with the No. 1 pick."
Does that mean a trade is in the works? For weeks it seemed the Raptors were likely to trade the pick. Now, maybe not.
"I'm feeling less and less that it's an option right now," Colangelo said. "The more we zone in on the prospects of the draft, the more I think we're comfortable keeping the pick. There are several players in this draft that could really help us."