If Davis goes Carter could follow By CRAIG DANIELS -- Toronto Sun The common perception is that Vince Carter holds the key to the Raptors' future. That's not wrong. Carter is, as everyone who follows the team knows, the team's most important player. But the guy who will have an enormous influence in determining what Carter does with that key is forward/centre Antonio Davis. And Davis' situation is one that will play out in a matter of weeks. Davis, although signed through 2002-2003, can, and certainly will, opt out of his contract after this season. If the Raptors were to lose Davis -- a candidate to start for the Eastern Conference at centre in the NBA all-star game -- to free agency, it stands to reason it would affect the team's long-term fortunes and influence Carter's decision about whether to sign long-term. Or not. "Even if the Raptors were in a position to offer Antonio an extension (before this season ends), it wouldn't make sense for him to go that route," Davis' agent, Bill Duffy, said. "That would be putting the cart before the horse. "(Davis) has way too much to gain (by declaring free agency)." Davis made it clear the other day he "owes it to my teammates and this organization" to consider the Raptors first. And those stories about him going to the Orlando Magic notwithstanding -- wishful early thinking on Tracy McGrady's part -- Raptors general manager Glen Grunwald made it clear that re-signing Davis, who is on a seven-year, $38.5 million US contract, "is a priority." The question, however, and one the team must know the answer to soon, is whether Davis wants to re-sign. Because if he doesn't, then the Raptors would have no choice but to consider trading him before the Feb. 15 deadline. This is where Carter comes back in the picture: In order for Davis to know if he wants to be Raptor long-term, he has to know what Carter's intentions are. It stands to reason that Davis would not want to lock himself up without knowing he will have a decent team around him. Providing Carter sticks around, he will. In other words it stands to reason that sometime soon Carter and Davis will have to sit down, talk, be open with one another, and both pledge to come back -- or not. "Some decisions are going to have to be made," Davis said. "But this is not the time to discuss the future. We're in the middle of a season." Asked about the stories of him going to Orlando, Davis said: "People drew way too many conclusions about me building a house (in Orlando). It's true I am friends with Tracy and Dee (Brown, who like McGrady now plays for the Magic). "But I was building a house there no matter what happened with my contract." Davis and Duffy both made it clear Davis is happy in Toronto and has been treated well by the franchise. So why isn't Grunwald considering renegotiating right now, in order to avoid to the coming anxiety? Simply put, he can't. Contracts can be extended only if a team is under the salary cap, and the Raptors are slightly over. Now, they could do a contract extension, but that would limit Davis to an increase of 112.5%; Grunwald and Davis both know he will get far more on the open market. "Fans get the perception you want to leave," Davis said. "It's not that you want to leave, it's not about being greedy -- it's simply about finding out what you're worth. "It's a business and you play only so many years. You simply owe it to yourself and your family to do what's right for them." ------- The only trade I could get to work at RealGM is: Raptors Get: Maurice Taylor Walt Williams Rockets Get: Antonio Davis Aleksandar Radojevic Other trades would work, but it would require the Rockets being interested in a player Toronto would be willing to trade like Corliss Williamson who they have been shopping recently. What do you think? ------------------
I would be very satisfies with Davis. He is averaging a double double right now, and is a good shot blocker too. ------------------ There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Cmon now Bob Rainey, what do your insider sources say about AD? ------------------ "Oh No..." -Bill Walton in 97 just before Stockton's buzzer beater
AD could opt out of his contract and the Rox could sign him outright instead of trading. Shandon does not opt out of his contract so he gets his bird rights. The Rox renounce Mo. C - Cato, Collier PF - Davis, Thomas SF - Draft Pick, Wizard, Bull SG - Anderson, Mobley PG - Francis, Moochie ------------------ Don't come in Bullard's house!
Sounds good to me. AD would be a great addition and exactly what we need from a PF. ------------------ Sometimes you gotta do the next best thing!
I would be willing to make that trade even though I would hate to get rid of Walt. Problem is this...what is Mo's trade value right now? The rest of the NBA see's the same thing we see. A horrible Power Forward that plays like a sissy! ------------------
Davis isn't a bad player, but I think Mo is a much better fit for our team, and I'd rather have him. However, if we could somehow acquire him without giving Mo and using him as a 6th man type player, I'm all for it. ------------------ President of the Jason Collier and Mo Taylor fan club! Looking for next year's Jason Collier or Dan Langhi? Draftsource.net ClutchTown.com [This message has been edited by The Cat (edited December 12, 2000).]
crash5179, What was the reason for quoting that entire post by countingcrow? ------------------- Back to the topic at hand. I'd definitely want Davis's production, especially over Taylor's, but there's one problem... AD is 32 years old. At most he has another 3 to 4 quality years in him. Is that what we want? I'm not sure, but I wouldn't be upset if we got him. I just think that he's not the answer we're looking for. He has a problem with foul trouble (2.9 career). He hasn't shot over .440 in two years. This year may be an abberation in blocks (1.00 career blk). ------------------ "I have a DREAM.........his name's Hakeem." DREAMer's Rocket Page
Antonio Davis would be a huge addition to this team and would fill our biggest void- a hard-working, defensive minded big man. He rebounds, blocks shots, and can score when called upon. Assuming Webber is not an option, we should make a serious pitch at Davis. I would include Cato in a deal for this guy. AD has been around awhile. He knows how to win, and he doesn't require the ball. ------------------ "Oh No..." -Bill Walton in 97 just before Stockton's buzzer beater
This would be awesome, the chance of getting Webber is going to be really hard. This guy really hustles. And who know later we could even go and get Vince? Just dreaming some. ------------------ "Instinctly u recognize things,now take advantage of what u just recognized!".. Hakeem..
