Masai Presser Live @ 11am

[PushDaRock]

It's unlikely but I hope there's a way to get out of IQ's contract this summer. Some rumors floating around moving RJ with Ingram's arrival, but I think moving IQ should be a priority. He's overpaid and quite frankly, not very good. His fit with Barnes is overrated, and he's much better suited for a 6th man role.

Yeah. I have been feeling this way for most of the season. Barrett is Barrett. He's just an extra scorer.

IQ seems like a bench scorer that we are trying to utilize as a starting PG (Lou Will type.......but I am not sure he is even as good as Lou Will). I think we will need a better starting PG to become a true contender in the east. PG is such an important role.

His PER36 numbers this year were 22.1 ppg, 7.5 apg and 4.6 rpg on 57 TS% (above average for PG's). If you want an upgrade from that, you're basically expecting a perennial All-Star or an All-NBA level player.

[Duffman100]

You really missed my point here. It's not about drafting a player who has to start because he's a lottery talent, but if you're drafting a big just because you need to shore up back-up minutes for Poeltl, you're doing it wrong by wasting our best pick on that.

It's not a waste if the player is in the mix for BPA at that pick anyway, that's what you're missing. BPA is always a bit of a misleading term anyway as it implies there's a way to say play A is strictly better than player B, the truth is no one knows how players will translate to the NBA and when you're talking about players a young as 18 it's all about how they develop over the span of years.

In this case either Maluach or Queen could wind up being BPA at 7-9 where we are most likely to draft. It's not like we would be taking a player projected to go 5 picks later or something just to fill a hole.

I'm not missing anything. I agree with Masai that we need another big man and Masai has also not insinuated that he's going to use the lottery pick expressly to fill this hole. I obviously do not disagree with drafting BPA either, even if that is a big man (goes without saying but apparently not so).

It's just the usual suspects with distended anuses because they perceived that I criticized Ujiri in some way when it was simply a commentary on the situation.

And you can make the post without baiting users.

[ishoy123]

It's unlikely but I hope there's a way to get out of IQ's contract this summer. Some rumors floating around moving RJ with Ingram's arrival, but I think moving IQ should be a priority. He's overpaid and quite frankly, not very good. His fit with Barnes is overrated, and he's much better suited for a 6th man role.

Yeah. I have been feeling this way for most of the season. Barrett is Barrett. He's just an extra scorer.

IQ seems like a bench scorer that we are trying to utilize as a starting PG (Lou Will type.......but I am not sure he is even as good as Lou Will). I think we will need a better starting PG to become a true contender in the east. PG is such an important role.

His PER36 numbers this year were 22.1 ppg, 7.5 apg and 4.6 rpg on 57 TS% (above average for PG's). If you want an upgrade from that, you're basically expecting a perennial All-Star or an All-NBA level player.

And his contract is flat in a rising cap. If he's healthy, there is little chance that this turns out poorly for the Raptors.

[Tripod]

Grad Masai sees the glaring hole at backup C.

We have options at least to fill it thru the draft or possible trade(have assets to trade).

Personally, I hope that C isn't a rookie C. I want a more reliable backup so our play doesn't dip as far when Yak sits.

[PushDaRock]

Yeah. I have been feeling this way for most of the season. Barrett is Barrett. He's just an extra scorer.

IQ seems like a bench scorer that we are trying to utilize as a starting PG (Lou Will type.......but I am not sure he is even as good as Lou Will). I think we will need a better starting PG to become a true contender in the east. PG is such an important role.

His PER36 numbers this year were 22.1 ppg, 7.5 apg and 4.6 rpg on 57 TS% (above average for PG's). If you want an upgrade from that, you're basically expecting a perennial All-Star or an All-NBA level player.

And his contract is flat in a rising cap. If he's healthy, there is little chance that this turns out poorly for the Raptors.

If we had 2 legit Max/Super Max players on the roster, I could better understand the concern about his contract as you could be in a situation where you need to really be penny pinching but this team is in talent accumulation mode still and will continue to prioritize that ahead of anything else.

[Dalek]

Grad Masai sees the glaring hole at backup C.

We have options at least to fill it thru the draft or possible trade(have assets to trade).

Personally, I hope that C isn't a rookie C. I want a more reliable backup so our play doesn't dip as far when Yak sits.

Unless they see a high upside swing I doubt we will be using our lotto pick on a C. Maluach makes some sense, but he is going to need a lot of development time.

The better option might be to look at an older big with the second round pick. You can either get a European player or an a junior/senior from college who can step in and play minutes.

[Clutch0z24]

Even if we land Cooper Flagg...there is zero chance we see massive roster changes going into next season.

At earliest we see trades to address roster issues at the trade deadline or summer of 2026.

This front office will take their time to evaluate.

If we land Flagg he will be the clear first option and the teams franchise player.....Depending on how Barnes and him mesh on the court that could potentially make Barnes a trade option....Yeah i agree it won't happen fast but over time it would change the trajectory of where the team is headed...

I also think more so Barrett could be on the trade block this offseason because he will also want a big pay day and idk if we want to pay Barnes/Ingram 40 mill a year, Quickley 32 mill while Barrett potentially asks for 35ish mill....If you want the best value out of Barrett you trade him now rather than let his contract dwindle and move him on a contract year....

We could look for a big man using Barrett as the trade chip and draft BPA this draft.

[mademan]

Grad Masai sees the glaring hole at backup C.

We have options at least to fill it thru the draft or possible trade(have assets to trade).

Personally, I hope that C isn't a rookie C. I want a more reliable backup so our play doesn't dip as far when Yak sits.

Unless they see a high upside swing I doubt we will be using our lotto pick on a C. Maluach makes some sense, but he is going to need a lot of development time.

The better option might be to look at an older big with the second round pick. You can either get a European player or an a junior/senior from college who can step in and play minutes.

2 very productive bigs in the draft that are on the older side that i think could be backups for us next year. Broome and Kalkbrenner..i think at leat Klakbrenner will be available but i'd try and trade up for Broome who might be a late 1st (i have him higher than that but the age will scare off a lot of teams)

[mademan]

Even if we land Cooper Flagg...there is zero chance we see massive roster changes going into next season.

At earliest we see trades to address roster issues at the trade deadline or summer of 2026.

This front office will take their time to evaluate.

If we land Flagg he will be the clear first option and the teams franchise player.....Depending on how Barnes and him mesh on the court that could potentially make Barnes a trade option....Yeah i agree it won't happen fast but over time it would change the trajectory of where the team is headed...

I also think more so Barrett could be on the trade block this offseason because he will also want a big pay day and idk if we want to pay Barnes/Ingram 40 mill a year, Quickley 32 mill while Barrett potentially asks for 35ish mill....If you want the best value out of Barrett you trade him now rather than let his contract dwindle and move him on a contract year....

If RJ's head is in the clouds like this, i'd trade him today. He's overpaid for his current production, asking for a raise would get him on the block fast. I'd be looking to pay him less and be a 6th man and if he's not ok with that, he should be moved.

[mtcan]

Even if we land Cooper Flagg...there is zero chance we see massive roster changes going into next season.

At earliest we see trades to address roster issues at the trade deadline or summer of 2026.

This front office will take their time to evaluate.

If we land Flagg he will be the clear first option and the teams franchise player.....Depending on how Barnes and him mesh on the court that could potentially make Barnes a trade option....Yeah i agree it won't happen fast but over time it would change the trajectory of where the team is headed...

I also think more so Barrett could be on the trade block this offseason because he will also want a big pay day and idk if we want to pay Barnes/Ingram 40 mill a year, Quickley 32 mill while Barrett potentially asks for 35ish mill....If you want the best value out of Barrett you trade him now rather than let his contract dwindle and move him on a contract year....

We could look for a big man using Barrett as the trade chip and draft BPA this draft.

We all know Masai and that he is patient to a fault.

He will want to see what works and what doesn't before he makes moves.

That is why I say...there will be no roster clearing trades even with Flagg.

I can't even count how many times Masai referred to Scottie as the leader of the team during today's press conference. 19 year old Cooper isn't coming in and changing that.

[Tripod]

Grad Masai sees the glaring hole at backup C.

We have options at least to fill it thru the draft or possible trade(have assets to trade).

Personally, I hope that C isn't a rookie C. I want a more reliable backup so our play doesn't dip as far when Yak sits.

Unless they see a high upside swing I doubt we will be using our lotto pick on a C. Maluach makes some sense, but he is going to need a lot of development time.

The better option might be to look at an older big with the second round pick. You can either get a European player or an a junior/senior from college who can step in and play minutes.

My thinking is:

They want to re-sign Yak...so only "need" a backup C.

They have started the identity of being tough defensively....Queen doesn't fit that.

Maluach is so raw, a year in the 905 to play lots of minutes might be best for him long term. Also gives him time to learn team systems, etc...

But then you have 2 "projects" at C. So that logically doesn't make sense...unless they really feel Maluach can be better than Yak in the next few years. And if that's the case, then you go try and find a 1 year backup stopgap.

Let's just win the draft and end the what it's...lol

[Clutch0z24]

Even if we land Cooper Flagg...there is zero chance we see massive roster changes going into next season.

At earliest we see trades to address roster issues at the trade deadline or summer of 2026.

This front office will take their time to evaluate.

If we land Flagg he will be the clear first option and the teams franchise player.....Depending on how Barnes and him mesh on the court that could potentially make Barnes a trade option....Yeah i agree it won't happen fast but over time it would change the trajectory of where the team is headed...

I also think more so Barrett could be on the trade block this offseason because he will also want a big pay day and idk if we want to pay Barnes/Ingram 40 mill a year, Quickley 32 mill while Barrett potentially asks for 35ish mill....If you want the best value out of Barrett you trade him now rather than let his contract dwindle and move him on a contract year....

We could look for a big man using Barrett as the trade chip and draft BPA this draft.

We all know Masai and that he is patient to a fault.

He will want to see what works and what doesn't before he makes moves.

That is why I say...there will be no roster clearing trades even with Flagg.

I can't even count how many times Masai referred to Scottie as the leader of the team during today's press conference. 19 year old Cooper isn't coming in and changing that.

Words are words....Production on the court will talk the talk....And i think Flagg will be better than Scottie....In a perfect world they can both coexist but if not you have to choose one....For me personally im picking Flagg in that scenario and trading Barnes. But yeah no reason to rush that if that happens to be the scenario because Barnes is under contract for 5 years and Flagg for 4....Lots of time to see if they can play together.

[Tripod]

Even if we land Cooper Flagg...there is zero chance we see massive roster changes going into next season.

At earliest we see trades to address roster issues at the trade deadline or summer of 2026.

This front office will take their time to evaluate.

If we land Flagg he will be the clear first option and the teams franchise player.....Depending on how Barnes and him mesh on the court that could potentially make Barnes a trade option....Yeah i agree it won't happen fast but over time it would change the trajectory of where the team is headed...

I also think more so Barrett could be on the trade block this offseason because he will also want a big pay day and idk if we want to pay Barnes/Ingram 40 mill a year, Quickley 32 mill while Barrett potentially asks for 35ish mill....If you want the best value out of Barrett you trade him now rather than let his contract dwindle and move him on a contract year....

We could look for a big man using Barrett as the trade chip and draft BPA this draft.

We all know Masai and that he is patient to a fault.

He will want to see what works and what doesn't before he makes moves.

That is why I say...there will be no roster clearing trades even with Flagg.

I can't even count how many times Masai referred to Scottie as the leader of the team during today's press conference. 19 year old Cooper isn't coming in and changing that.

Nor should it.

Regardless who we get, take the pressure off of them by starting on the bench and beat up on 2nd units. We won lots of games with the bench mob winning their minutes. This can be the same.

Plus we are always going to have injuries....every team does. So guy will get minutes. We finally will have playable depth to withstand a few injuries.

We just HAVE to shore up that backup C spot. But we have the assets to do so.

[Clutch0z24]

Even if we land Cooper Flagg...there is zero chance we see massive roster changes going into next season.

At earliest we see trades to address roster issues at the trade deadline or summer of 2026.

This front office will take their time to evaluate.

If we land Flagg he will be the clear first option and the teams franchise player.....Depending on how Barnes and him mesh on the court that could potentially make Barnes a trade option....Yeah i agree it won't happen fast but over time it would change the trajectory of where the team is headed...

I also think more so Barrett could be on the trade block this offseason because he will also want a big pay day and idk if we want to pay Barnes/Ingram 40 mill a year, Quickley 32 mill while Barrett potentially asks for 35ish mill....If you want the best value out of Barrett you trade him now rather than let his contract dwindle and move him on a contract year....

If RJ's head is in the clouds like this, i'd trade him today. He's overpaid for his current production, asking for a raise would get him on the block fast. I'd be looking to pay him less and be a 6th man and if he's not ok with that, he should be moved.

Usually a player coming off their last contract they look for some sort of a raise....If Quickley is making 32m a year how can Barrett look at that and say "Im worth less"?....He will want a raise.

[mademan]

If we land Flagg he will be the clear first option and the teams franchise player.....Depending on how Barnes and him mesh on the court that could potentially make Barnes a trade option....Yeah i agree it won't happen fast but over time it would change the trajectory of where the team is headed...

I also think more so Barrett could be on the trade block this offseason because he will also want a big pay day and idk if we want to pay Barnes/Ingram 40 mill a year, Quickley 32 mill while Barrett potentially asks for 35ish mill....If you want the best value out of Barrett you trade him now rather than let his contract dwindle and move him on a contract year....

If RJ's head is in the clouds like this, i'd trade him today. He's overpaid for his current production, asking for a raise would get him on the block fast. I'd be looking to pay him less and be a 6th man and if he's not ok with that, he should be moved.

Usually a player coming off their last contract they look for some sort of a raise....If Quickley is making 32m a year how can Barrett look at that and say "Im worth less"?....He will want a raise.

He can want what he wants, but no team is gonna look at his production and think he's worth a raise. He's overpaid as it is

[YogurtProducer]

If we land Flagg he will be the clear first option and the teams franchise player.....Depending on how Barnes and him mesh on the court that could potentially make Barnes a trade option....Yeah i agree it won't happen fast but over time it would change the trajectory of where the team is headed...

I also think more so Barrett could be on the trade block this offseason because he will also want a big pay day and idk if we want to pay Barnes/Ingram 40 mill a year, Quickley 32 mill while Barrett potentially asks for 35ish mill....If you want the best value out of Barrett you trade him now rather than let his contract dwindle and move him on a contract year....

We could look for a big man using Barrett as the trade chip and draft BPA this draft.

We all know Masai and that he is patient to a fault.

He will want to see what works and what doesn't before he makes moves.

That is why I say...there will be no roster clearing trades even with Flagg.

I can't even count how many times Masai referred to Scottie as the leader of the team during today's press conference. 19 year old Cooper isn't coming in and changing that.

Words are words....Production on the court will talk the talk....And i think Flagg will be better than Scottie....In a perfect world they can both coexist but if not you have to choose one....For me personally im picking Flagg in that scenario and trading Barnes. But yeah no reason to rush that if that happens to be the scenario because Barnes is under contract for 5 years and Flagg for 4....Lots of time to see if they can play together.

If we get Flagg I am looking to move Barnes almost immediately, maybe in a Booker type deal?

IQ/Booker/Ingram/Flagg/Poeltl is intriguing

[WuTang_CMB]

Watch on YouTube

[Clutch0z24]

If RJ's head is in the clouds like this, i'd trade him today. He's overpaid for his current production, asking for a raise would get him on the block fast. I'd be looking to pay him less and be a 6th man and if he's not ok with that, he should be moved.

Usually a player coming off their last contract they look for some sort of a raise....If Quickley is making 32m a year how can Barrett look at that and say "Im worth less"?....He will want a raise.

He can want what he wants, but no team is gonna look at his production and think he's worth a raise. He's overpaid as it is

Yep thats why id trade him now and get some value out of him while i can....Let another team have that problem.

[MEDIC]

It's unlikely but I hope there's a way to get out of IQ's contract this summer. Some rumors floating around moving RJ with Ingram's arrival, but I think moving IQ should be a priority. He's overpaid and quite frankly, not very good. His fit with Barnes is overrated, and he's much better suited for a 6th man role.

Yeah. I have been feeling this way for most of the season. Barrett is Barrett. He's just an extra scorer.

IQ seems like a bench scorer that we are trying to utilize as a starting PG (Lou Will type.......but I am not sure he is even as good as Lou Will). I think we will need a better starting PG to become a true contender in the east. PG is such an important role.

We haven't seen IQ play on a team that's trying to win yet. I think he's a serviceable starter (certainly more valuable than RJ).

I agree with your first point. I want to see how he looks with a better SL & a coaching staff that is trying to win. My gut feeling though is we will eventually be looking for the next Lowry to lead this team.

"Certainly more valuable than RJ". I am not seeing that. They look pretty similar to me in regards to impact

[WuTang_CMB]

We all know Masai and that he is patient to a fault.

He will want to see what works and what doesn't before he makes moves.

That is why I say...there will be no roster clearing trades even with Flagg.

I can't even count how many times Masai referred to Scottie as the leader of the team during today's press conference. 19 year old Cooper isn't coming in and changing that.

Words are words....Production on the court will talk the talk....And i think Flagg will be better than Scottie....In a perfect world they can both coexist but if not you have to choose one....For me personally im picking Flagg in that scenario and trading Barnes. But yeah no reason to rush that if that happens to be the scenario because Barnes is under contract for 5 years and Flagg for 4....Lots of time to see if they can play together.

If we get Flagg I am looking to move Barnes almost immediately, maybe in a Booker type deal?

IQ/Booker/Ingram/Flagg/Poeltl is intriguing

I can guarantee if they get Flagg they will not be trading Barnes in the near future