I generally agree w/ most of your points here (pick will be 10-12 this year) BUT in what world is Calderon the best back up PG?? Eric Bledsoe begs to differ.
if they are a playoff team this year, then you shouldn't expect to magically end up with a top 8 pick in the future. Your best case scenario is to get the pick this year, whatever # it may be.
Best case scenario is if they make the playoffs the next two seasons and then Lowry leaves as a free agent.
between now and the time Lowry expires, they'll have cap space to add two max players -- or multiple solid ones. While their rookies will grow. Their future doesn't rest on Kyle Lowry, he's just one of the pieces.
We've seen it before with Bledsoe. He's on and off offensively. It's on him to prove that he can be consistent this season. Right now, I'd say Calderon is by far the best backup point guard going into the season.
Hollinger loses some credibility with statements like this: What does he think Chris Bosh was/is, just a jump shooter?
I disagree. His style of play is going to get him injured. Also, consider the fact that he has more of a burden on his shoulders than ever before. Mix that with his style of play and I think he ends up missing 20 games next season leaving John Lucas as the starter (who played well in Chicago... but I do not see him replicating that success in Toronto). I also see Lowry taking on more of a defensive burden. I also still see them having a lot of growing pains in a conference that is stronger than it has been in since the Jordan days. Let's think about who they will have to face as it gets down to the wire: Heat, Boston, Knicks, Nets, Indiana, Atlanta, Philly. Not to mention Washington has improved and I don't see them better than Chicago or the Bucks. I see them still finishing less than all teams mentioned. The East is not as soft as it once was.
Raptors will probably seek into the playoffs...I mean they are in the East. The Rockets took another chance, I honestly believe its time to get rid of Morey. New Age, New GM
"They are in the East" So tell me, who are they better than (FOR SURE)? The East is not as bad as you're making it out to seem. Last year, the East was actually just as good as the West from 1-8, if not better.
Magic are the only playoff team last year that's sure to drop out this year. Do you think Raptors have a chance at taking out one of these 8 teams? Heat, Bulls, Celtics, Knicks, Nets, Hawks, Pacers, Sixers
I actually would prefer them to make the playoffs this season then the season after that regress Portland style. We don't need two mid lottery picks in an iffy draft.
According to this site - http://www.prosportstransactions.com/basketball/DraftTrades/Future/Rockets.htm - it's top 3 and 15-30 protected.
I've heard others say the same thing, but when I looked for some stats on shot selection, it seemed like he was scoring as much on the low post and inside as he was with jumpshots. Check 82games.com.
why do people think the nets will finally do something this season? lol defense win games. dwill - thumbs down joe johnson - thumbs down gerald wallace - meh kris humphris - meh brook lopez - thumbs down