Bryan Colangelo and trade deadline equals change. At least that’s what this combination used to mean.
But the trade deadline came and went with barely a whisper about activity from the Toronto Raptors. The biggest noise was from unnamed executives who were quoted as saying that Chris Bosh wasn’t available.
Perhaps this shouldn’t have been a surprise. The Raptors had limited expiring contracts. The GM had no interest in trading his best players. And any move was likely to be a “real” basketball trade where both teams would be acquiring players that they actually wanted.
The Raptors situation did not match the eventual realities of the 2010 trade deadline moves. For the most part, trades that were made had a purely monetary basis for happening. The Raptors just didn’t have the necessary pieces to participate.
So Bryan Colangelo advised the media that the Raptors were satisfied with how they were constituted. We’ll see how he really feels in July.
But for now, it appears the Raptors GM is willing to see how his young group of players continues to develop.
Perhaps this is the safest strategy? For certain it is the best financial strategy!
By standing pat, the Raptors are virtually assured first round playoff games (and revenues). Plus, the Raptors are assured of receiving their share of luxury tax monies from the NBA’s tax payers. Altogether, a package likely to put $10 million in MLSE’s pockets.
Add in the expected $6 million to be recovered from players salaries as the players are very likely to be paid in-excess of 57% of BRI this year, and our favorite local sports ownership group should be very happy.
But the fans should be happy with this course of events as well. More money in MLSE’s pockets makes it more likely Chris Bosh gets his $130 million contract from the Toronto Raptors.
In the end, keeping a team’s All-Star does require the franchise to have the resources to do it.
By passing on potential moves to improve the roster at the trade deadline, even if he may not have had a choice, Bryan Colangelo has ensured the Raptors will remain one of the NBA’s more profitable franchises and in an excellent position to keep their star player this July.
Great points on how he is saving MLSE $$$$$. I would have liked to have seen something done to bolster the roster a little bit. As we stand I don’t think we can get past the first round. I HOPE we can but with the roster I don’t think we can beat ATL, ORL, CLE or BOS in a series.
Colangelo is a good GM.
He did his job well and probably earned that extension past next season.
They have not shown they can big the top 4 in the East yet.
But maybe they can keep getting better?
They’ve been improving all season.
The exchange rate US-CAN probably made the bottom line even better. Some are predicting that the Canadian dollar will be above par by the end of the year.
Exchange rates do matter! Big deals are easier to do at par!
Gotta say, I am happy that nothing came up. Wasn’t willing to give up either Jose or Demar, probably the tow biggest chips we had to play. Jose’s contribution of the bench, that spark he brings, would be difficult to replace. As for Demar, one year of college, where by season’s end he was a star, just do not want to risk losing what he might become. He might have the right people around him to help him grow.
I have not given up on winning a first round series. There is still a lot of games to be played. Right now I believe we are closer to 8th place than we are to 4th. Guaranteeing a playoff berth is still premature.
We have seen the games and know this team has the talent. Triano has gotten better as season progresses. This team can get hot and challenge for 3rd or 4th.
We can also drop to 9th or worse. Its not out of the question. We have a tough stretch right around the corner. I think it will be a key stretch to determne where we are going to end up.
As for MLSE and money. I could not care less. Once this team gets into contention, and no, we are not quite there yet, everything I have heard points that they are prepared to go over the cap.
No guarantees at this point of anything.
But, odds are in the Raps favor to finish the season strong and get 5th.
Don’t see anyone else taking it from them at this point.
Triano has gotten “better” as the season has gone along. It’s likely he’s just getting the feel of being a head coach instead of an assistant and we are finally seeing him perform the way Colangelo thought he could.
Its not the fans problem if MLSE makes money or not .
But if they don’t, they won’t spend and its bye-bye all-star.
Tinman – what do you think of our rookie DeMar on the defensive end? I thought he’d be showing more improvement by now. Offensive is great, but Triano can’t keep him on the floor if he can’t step it up defensively.
The plus/minus sure stands out, does it not? Not that I’m huge on stats.
Hasn’t been stellar but look at who he has had to guard. One year college, half a season of pro ball, I think he deseves some slack.
Actually like the way Raptors have brought him along. Exactly has planned, correct me if I am wrong? I really think he is in a great situation for himself
The team has been winning, with a W/L about as good as we could of expected. Thats gotta be the bottom line.
My goals are modest this season, and most appear to be on the way to being met. This is not the season to make that “push”.
I am not a pessimest and have not conceded anything to anybody.
Have to say I agree with how DD is being brought along.
They’ve kept the pressure off him.
He’s very young and it looks like there is a long way to go with his game.
It would be nice to see him not get burned quite so often by other wings though.
Team’s record is great! No complaints here.
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This team is clearly weak at SG position. When you are talking abt playing Atlanta or Boston, you would need a better contribution than this from SG. You won’t go anywhere with performance of this level.
No doubt at all.
Raps due not have a starting SG who matches up with the best in the East or West.
But I don’t believe the team really thought they’d get out of the first round this season.