Raptors To Play Bargnani At Small Forward?

[Kamnik]

Preaseason...

His defence is so horrible he will do more bad than good when on floor.

[JamStone]

If the Raps insist on having in the starting line-up or playing big minutes with both Bosh and JO, they'd be better served playing small forward only on offense and then putting him on the worst front court player on the opposing team. Bosh has the athleticism to play most small forwards, but it would take him away from the defensive glass. Still, that might be a better option than having Bargnani try to guard small forwards out on the perimeter.

Forget Dirk. At this point, I think the Raps would be happy if Bargnani compared favorably with Vladimir Radmanovic.

[DPG21920]

If the Raps insist on having in the starting line-up or playing big minutes with both Bosh and JO, they'd be better served playing small forward only on offense and then putting him on the worst front court player on the opposing team. Bosh has the athleticism to play most small forwards, but it would take him away from the defensive glass. Still, that might be a better option than having Bargnani try to guard small forwards out on the perimeter.

Forget Dirk. At this point, I think the Raps would be happy if Bargnani compared favorably with Vladimir Radmanovic.

I agree with the small forward assessment and I agree that is probably what they are thinking. I still think they have high hopes for him though, not Radmon, lol. I was thinking maybe more of Peja, not Dirk.

[DPG21920]

After that embarrassing Bonner thread by Timvp, how dare he call me out.

At least my predictions come pretty damn close to what I said.

[DPG21920]

Would you bump it in the third person?

You put down what you think he will average, why is it that you only require people to prove things? Put yours down.

I say within the next two years you will see him averaging 15pts on 46% shooting with 39% 3pt %, 85% FT and around 5.5 boards, 2 assist and a block a game.

I think his ceiling is around 19 pts, 48% shooting, 40% 3pts, 87% FT, 6.5 boards. To say he is obviously going to improve (on averaging double digit points none the less) because he was horrible is just a cop out. Many players (even #1 draft picks) have bad years and do not get better (Kwame Brown), in fact some get worse or just stay the same. To show improvement (especially when you already average double digits) is a good sign.

I believe that (by doing some research) the mean scoring average in the NBA was 8.3 points per game. Even though Bargnani was above that, that number is really statistically irrelevant because the vast majority of NBA players score under that. So a more relevant and telling number is the median scoring average in the NBA. This came out to 6.6 points a game. This means that exactly half of the players in the NBA scored less and half scored more. Bargnani was way ahead of the curve and did not even average 25 minutes a game. So at least statically he is ahead of most of the NBA in scoring, in only his second year (which was a poor one...)

Bargnani Now: 21PPG, 45% FG, 35% 3PT FG, 82% FT, 5.2 REBS, 1.8 AST

[Kyle Orton]

Tbh I was wrong about Bargnani and he wouldn't be scoffed if not for where he was picked. The Raptors future wouldn't be terrible if they weren't in Canada and if they didn't have a GM who enjoys filling rosters with defensive liabilities.

[DPG21920]

Most everyone was wrong about him except for me. It's just funny watching Timvp slob Bonner and him argue with me about Bargs

Considering how things turned out, my predictions from 2 years ago look pretty damn solid.

That was always my point, Kyle. He was a number one pick, but look at the situation. He is a top 5 player from his draft. In the NBA draft that is about as good as you can realistically hope for.

He will never be a superstar, but he is not a bust considering the draft class. He's not the game changer you would hope for, but they got a decent player.

[Giuseppe]

Tbh I was wrong

Jesus! Yesterday Deep broke his wrong cherry. Today DUNCAN breaks his.

Glory B!!!!!

[Kyle Orton]

I admitted I was wrong about Bargnani close to a year ago, and DEEP admitted he was wrong about Amare not being a max contract player awhile ago.

Your the one who's wrong hymen remains intact.

[DPG21920]

He's delusional Plenty of times people eat crow. Except him.

[HarlemHeat37]

Bargs has never been as bad as people have made him out to be, but he's never going to be a player that can win a le, unless he's a 6th man IMO..his style of play is too difficult to build around as a #1 or #2 option..he would be nice in a similar role that Jamal Crawford plays for Atlanta..

Raptors could be a playoff team next year with some smart moves, but they have never been known for that..DeRozan is emerging and improving, Amir has made strides, they have some nice bench pieces..

The problem is that their interior is still weak on both ends, and they're still relying on 1-D perimeter players..

[DPG21920]

Agreed. I think he can still improve, but he is clearly not "the man". If you pair him with someone fierce and defensive minded, he could help.

Good bump tho.

[InTheCrust]

$50 million for a 7 footer afraid to grab a rebound.

Colangelo has struck out time and time again with these Europeans. And he's got the worst coach for them too.

[Kyle Orton]

Why is it that whenever a PF or C who doesn't average 10+ rebounds a game gets an 8 figure extension people view it as a terrible contract?


There are SOOOOOO many players with a contract worse than Bargnani's. Do people not see the contracts handed out in the NBA these days? $10,000,000 a year for someone averaging 20+ PPG at roughly 45% shooting is not a bad contract at all by NBA standards.

[DPG21920]

Exactly I made that exact argument in the "Bargnani gets an extension" thread. I even outlined the types of contracts for his production.

RJ's contract is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy worse.

[DPG21920]

Not a good day for Timvp though. Just bloaded on multiple accounts.

[Kyle Orton]

Rofl I remember arguing with you in this thread, then in Varejao got a similar contract a day later, and I immediately realized how insignificant Bargnani's contract was.

Then again I'm bias, anytime Colangelo hands out a contract, I assume it's overpaid till proven otherwise. Even when he initially signed Nash, me (and plenty of other people) viewed it as a stupid contract.

[Muser]

Bargnani isn't bad, but 5 rebounds a game for a 7 footer is shocking