ducks
07-28-2003, 12:49 PM
Jul. 28, 2003. 01:00*AM Raptors set to take plunge into NBA free agent pool
Eye ex-Minnesota two-guard Peeler
Hunter likely the odd-man out
DOUG SMITH
SPORTS REPORTER
The Raptors are seriously considering signing free-agent guard Anthony Peeler in a move that would hasten the departure of Lindsey Hunter from Toronto.
Team and NBA sources told the Star yesterday that Peeler, 32, could be signed as early as today or tomorrow. Hunter would be bought out of the final year of his contract so the Raptors could make the move.
Peeler, 6-foot-4, 210 pounds and an 11-year NBA veteran, played in all 82 games for the Minnesota Timberwolves last year, starting 39 and averaging 7.7 points, 3.0 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game. He also played in all six of Minnesota's playoff contests, averaging 4.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists.
The acquisitions of Sam Cassell and, to a lesser extent, Latrell Sprewell, means much less opportunity for Peeler to play in Minnesota.
League sources say he is also coveted by the New Jersey Nets, who could use a shooter, albeit streaky in Peeler's case, to come off the bench.
The former Laker and Vancouver Grizzlie is considered primarily a shooting guard but could play point guard in a pinch. His role in Toronto would be much the same, then, as Hunter, who was injured and a disappointment in his only season with the Raptors.
It has long been suggested the Raptors have been trying to move Hunter, who played in only 29 games last season, averaged 9.4 points but shot 35 per cent from the field and 32 per cent from three-point range.
The team does have an option to buy him out of the $3 million (U.S.) salary he's due for this coming season, although the buyout cost isn't far from the total value of the deal.scoop (http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1059343810166&call_pageid=969907729483&col=970081562040)
Eye ex-Minnesota two-guard Peeler
Hunter likely the odd-man out
DOUG SMITH
SPORTS REPORTER
The Raptors are seriously considering signing free-agent guard Anthony Peeler in a move that would hasten the departure of Lindsey Hunter from Toronto.
Team and NBA sources told the Star yesterday that Peeler, 32, could be signed as early as today or tomorrow. Hunter would be bought out of the final year of his contract so the Raptors could make the move.
Peeler, 6-foot-4, 210 pounds and an 11-year NBA veteran, played in all 82 games for the Minnesota Timberwolves last year, starting 39 and averaging 7.7 points, 3.0 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game. He also played in all six of Minnesota's playoff contests, averaging 4.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists.
The acquisitions of Sam Cassell and, to a lesser extent, Latrell Sprewell, means much less opportunity for Peeler to play in Minnesota.
League sources say he is also coveted by the New Jersey Nets, who could use a shooter, albeit streaky in Peeler's case, to come off the bench.
The former Laker and Vancouver Grizzlie is considered primarily a shooting guard but could play point guard in a pinch. His role in Toronto would be much the same, then, as Hunter, who was injured and a disappointment in his only season with the Raptors.
It has long been suggested the Raptors have been trying to move Hunter, who played in only 29 games last season, averaged 9.4 points but shot 35 per cent from the field and 32 per cent from three-point range.
The team does have an option to buy him out of the $3 million (U.S.) salary he's due for this coming season, although the buyout cost isn't far from the total value of the deal.scoop (http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1059343810166&call_pageid=969907729483&col=970081562040)