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General manager Bryan Colangelo said that the Raptors have discussed the idea of bringing in a coach to specifically help Bargnani get used to, and learn the nuances of, playing the centre position. The 7-foot Italian was moved to centre this season after a fine rookie campaign last year at forward.

But while Colangelo acknowledged that reports out of Houston are good, there is still no timetable for Ford's return -- meaning that the Toronto GM will continue to search for another point guard to back up Jose Calderon, who has been averaging big minutes with Ford out.

The Raptors have 10 games left before the Feb. 14-17 all-star break this season and have a favourable schedule. Six of the 10 are at home, there are only two sets of back-to-backs and they have league minors Minnesota, Milwaukee and Miami in that mix.

"I remember as I got older, my mom and dad talked about when he got assassinated and how things were and how you just felt like someone close in your family had just passed away," Mitchell recalled on Friday. "People were just devastated. My mom was like, 'For weeks, you just didn't know what to do with yourself.'

"The European teams have the same problems that the NBA does, making changes and coping with injuries throughout the season," said Maurizio Gherardini, vice president of the Toronto Raptors. "I know there are a lot of teams right now looking for players. I would not be surprised if a few of these players get offers."

One of these players is unlike the other four. Chris Bosh was acquired by the Raptors in the 2003 NBA draft lottery, and has proven to be a productive player who could score. The other four players, though, are below average scorers who were not highly sought after talents. Calderon and Moon were never drafted by an NBA team. Parker was drafted in 1997, but played several years in Israel and Italy before Colangelo signed him in the summer of 2006. And Delfino was a back-up for the Pistons, acquired for just two second round draft choices in 2007.

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