Snapbacks and Handshakes: The 2017 Draft (Raps pick #23)

[CoachJReturns]

this **** is so rigged

Honestly the Celtics deserved the number 1 pick. Ainge pulled off a masterful trade to bring in this pick. He made exactly the right decision trading guys who are hall of famers for future draft picks and it worked out. Also, the Celtics missed out on Tim Duncan by one friggin pick. They deserve a little good luck after that. And nobody should say the championship was there luck. That was just fantastic management taking advantage of an opportunity.
With all the times the Cavs won the first pick, I'm totally fine with Ainge getting one.

As for our beloved Raptors...The treadmill will continue until Masai is gone. So like a decade more basically.

Who are you hiring to replace Masai?

Honestly I don't even want him gone. I want him to get over his love affair with Casey, Kyle and DeMar. Especially Casey, but for anything to really change all 3 would have to go.
As capable as Masai is I can't even think of a replacement who would be an upgrade. The upgrade is Masai with a little more objectivity regarding this core and perhaps a little ambition to strive for more than just making the playoffs only to look like trash when the bright lights turn on.

[HeadtopChunes]

OKC really needs a backup PG. What are the chances we can get their 1st for Cojo?

[Totem]

OKC really needs a backup PG. What are the chances we can get their 1st for Cojo?

They would do that if cojo had more years on his contract.

They never cashed in picks for rentals when Durant was there, I can't see them doing it now.

Of course they did just trade for taj gibson who is a rental but they didn't give up anything worth while and actually got picks back

[720]

this **** is so rigged

Honestly the Celtics deserved the number 1 pick. Ainge pulled off a masterful trade to bring in this pick. He made exactly the right decision trading guys who are hall of famers for future draft picks and it worked out. Also, the Celtics missed out on Tim Duncan by one friggin pick. They deserve a little good luck after that. And nobody should say the championship was there luck. That was just fantastic management taking advantage of an opportunity.
With all the times the Cavs won the first pick, I'm totally fine with Ainge getting one.

As for our beloved Raptors...The treadmill will continue until Masai is gone. So like a decade more basically.

Every single major sports team in Boston has won a championship since 2008. I don't think that city deserves more luck.

[iqbalpanchod]

It's not written picks can still bust. We need to compete now before the sixers and Celtics boom however. Trade for top end talent and go into the tax. We need to lessen the future and be more top heavy. Trading for Anthony and Howard is the easiest option. Add more dynamic game changing talent and draft for role players in the second round and develop them into great role players. Get playoff experience and use that against inexperienced teams. Continuity is the best chance at a championship. Ownership can afford the tax.

Howard/Poeltl
Anthony/Siakim
Ojeleye/Bruno
DeRozan/Powell
Lowry/Wright

Four borderline stars in lesser roles sharing the ball. Add in our talent we've been developing. Bebe, poeltl, Bruno, Siakim, Wright, and Powell off the bench. You get depth, top heavy talent, and the only downside is tax. It's not our money so screw it. One last stand before tanking. This is absolutely the time to compete. The east is stacking up a lot of talent for the future. Get stars on the cheap now!

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

You want to see the 10th circle of hell? There it is.

I would like championships. Depth isn't that important in the playoffs. The line up has a lot versatility, switching, and high volume (and high percentage) shooters. Please tell me what holes it has?

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[OAKLEY_2]

this **** is so rigged

Honestly the Celtics deserved the number 1 pick. Ainge pulled off a masterful trade to bring in this pick. He made exactly the right decision trading guys who are hall of famers for future draft picks and it worked out. Also, the Celtics missed out on Tim Duncan by one friggin pick. They deserve a little good luck after that. And nobody should say the championship was there luck. That was just fantastic management taking advantage of an opportunity.
With all the times the Cavs won the first pick, I'm totally fine with Ainge getting one.

As for our beloved Raptors...The treadmill will continue until Masai is gone. So like a decade more basically.

Every single major sports team in Boston has won a championship since 2008. I don't think that city deserves more luck.

Congrats to Beantown for their usual embarassment of sports riches.

I have to say I find it comical that Bastan will be picking yet another point guard.

Lonzo Ball, Isiah Thomas, Marcus Smart, Terry Rozier, Demetrius Jackson and A. Bradley. Can you say trades emphatically enough?

Never mind Lebron, this should really press Ujiri into action. Spending a fortune for 53 regular season wins and a playoff sputter is going to get exposed by more than just Cleveland. We not only have to compete in the playoffs but in the head office as well.

[Kevin Willis]

Honestly the Celtics deserved the number 1 pick. Ainge pulled off a masterful trade to bring in this pick. He made exactly the right decision trading guys who are hall of famers for future draft picks and it worked out. Also, the Celtics missed out on Tim Duncan by one friggin pick. They deserve a little good luck after that. And nobody should say the championship was there luck. That was just fantastic management taking advantage of an opportunity.
With all the times the Cavs won the first pick, I'm totally fine with Ainge getting one.

As for our beloved Raptors...The treadmill will continue until Masai is gone. So like a decade more basically.

Every single major sports team in Boston has won a championship since 2008. I don't think that city deserves more luck.

Congrats to Beantown for their usual embarassment of sports riches.

I have to say I find it comical that Bastan will be picking yet another point guard.

Lonzo Ball, Isiah Thomas, Marcus Smart, Terry Rozier, Demetrius Jackson and A. Bradley. Can you say trades emphatically enough?

Never mind Lebron, this should really press Ujiri into action. Spending a fortune for 53 regular season wins and a playoff sputter is going to get exposed by more than just Cleveland. We not only have to compete in the playoffs but in the head office as well.

Boston is not going to take Ball, too much of a headache even though he's a big pass-first guard that could work with IT. Obvious pick is Fultz. But if they want to piss off LA they can take Ball but Fultz will do really well in LA too. That's a different discussion actually, which guard is the better fit for LA and Boston's personnel.

Before Masai came to the Raptors we were a mess. Considering there is only 1 Championship team and we're in the middle of a dynasty with Lebron/GSW/SA, I think head office is doing extremely well becoming a perennial playoff team that Championship teams take seriously. I would take us being Stockton's Utah or JO's Portland or Miller's Indiana - always make the playoffs but falling short of winning a Championship while making a final's experience.

[ATLTimekeeper]

Barring trade, I think the top 10 will go like this:

1) Boston - Fultz. No brainer can't fail talent. Might not end up as the best player in his class, but he has the best shot at being the best.
2) LAL - Ball. Another no brainer. Has some baggage with his dad and there's some unorthodox style to his game, but he fits the direction the game is headed and, imo, can play 3 positions.
3) Philly - Fox. This is just based off rumours. I think it's a mistake. Don't like skinny guys that can't shoot drafted high. Should be DSJ.
4) Phoenix - Josh Jackson. Another mistake, but he fits that team like a glove and won't need the ball to be effective. They're set at PG/SG and PF. This gives them another talent that can play fast and compete. I just think he has the highest "Tyrus Thomas" factor in the lottery.
5) Sacramento - Lauri Markannen. Ranadive is obsessed with the 3 ball and this is the best shooting big man prospect in a long time. They should go with a PG here, but I think they'll want to be competitive and Markannen gives them a rotation player that won't require the ball to be effective.
6) Magic - Isaac. My favourite prospect that isn't Fultz or Ball. I just think that the new GM will want to go with upside as he figures out what to do with this crap roster.
7) TWolves - This pick will probably be traded, but if they keep it I think they'll just take Tatum as a slider and guy that can compete and make plays for them without really requiring the team to build around him.
8) New York - Dennis Smith Jr. Strike gold with this kid. Seems tailor made for the big stage.
9) Mavericks - Traditionally terrible drafting team, I think they'll take a swing as Donovan Mitchell and hope he blows up.
10) Sactown - Probably trading this one, but Monk would work as a Ben Gordon-esque bench gunner.

[Childs]

It's not written picks can still bust. We need to compete now before the sixers and Celtics boom however. Trade for top end talent and go into the tax. We need to lessen the future and be more top heavy. Trading for Anthony and Howard is the easiest option. Add more dynamic game changing talent and draft for role players in the second round and develop them into great role players. Get playoff experience and use that against inexperienced teams. Continuity is the best chance at a championship. Ownership can afford the tax.

Howard/Poeltl
Anthony/Siakim
Ojeleye/Bruno
DeRozan/Powell
Lowry/Wright

Four borderline stars in lesser roles sharing the ball. Add in our talent we've been developing. Bebe, poeltl, Bruno, Siakim, Wright, and Powell off the bench. You get depth, top heavy talent, and the only downside is tax. It's not our money so screw it. One last stand before tanking. This is absolutely the time to compete. The east is stacking up a lot of talent for the future. Get stars on the cheap now!

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

You want to see the 10th circle of hell? There it is.

I would like championships. Depth isn't that important in the playoffs. The line up has a lot versatility, switching, and high volume (and high percentage) shooters. Please tell me what holes it has?

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

You really think 3 iso heavy players this late in their careers can coexist and change their playing style? You also have an aging centre who has lost a lot of athleticism and has been a whiny nuisance since his days in Orlando. He had no offensive game and is a liability (did you see the Washington and Atlanta series?) Depth is important in playoffs. We just saw it Game 7 in Boston and Washington. No sane person would put a roster like this together and expect a championship. This is a 2nd round exit team at best with a hideous luxury tax. With aging starters. Plus acquiring all these players probably require picks. Did you not see what Billy King did to the Nets where the damage is going to extend to years?

[provecy15]

I see the Raptors are holding workouts today. Tyler Lydon is working out and he is a potential late first rounder in the draft.

-Can shoot the 3 with a quick release.
- similar hyrbid to a Kevin Love/ Henry Ellenson
-6'9 with a great shot release.

I know we already have young bigs, but I wouldn;t be dissapointed in this pick. Thoughts?

[Luv 4 da game]

SBNATION Mock Draft 2017

23. Toronto Raptors — Rodions Kurucs, SF, Latvia
Kurucs has been a pro in Spain since he turned 16. He has great size for a wing at 6’8 with good athleticism and a developing skill set. He could be a nice draft-and-stash option for Toronto.

[UnbelievablyRAW]

Please no more draft and stash 2-years away players.

[UnbelievablyRAW]

I see the Raptors are holding workouts today. Tyler Lydon is working out and he is a potential late first rounder in the draft.

-Can shoot the 3 with a quick release.
- similar hyrbid to a Kevin Love/ Henry Ellenson
-6'9 with a great shot release.

I know we already have young bigs, but I wouldn;t be dissapointed in this pick. Thoughts?

If he can score more 3's than the none Patterson hit in the playoffs I'm cool with it

[CoachJReturns]

Honestly the Celtics deserved the number 1 pick. Ainge pulled off a masterful trade to bring in this pick. He made exactly the right decision trading guys who are hall of famers for future draft picks and it worked out. Also, the Celtics missed out on Tim Duncan by one friggin pick. They deserve a little good luck after that. And nobody should say the championship was there luck. That was just fantastic management taking advantage of an opportunity.
With all the times the Cavs won the first pick, I'm totally fine with Ainge getting one.

As for our beloved Raptors...The treadmill will continue until Masai is gone. So like a decade more basically.

Every single major sports team in Boston has won a championship since 2008. I don't think that city deserves more luck.

Congrats to Beantown for their usual embarassment of sports riches.

I have to say I find it comical that Bastan will be picking yet another point guard.

Lonzo Ball, Isiah Thomas, Marcus Smart, Terry Rozier, Demetrius Jackson and A. Bradley. Can you say trades emphatically enough?

Never mind Lebron, this should really press Ujiri into action. Spending a fortune for 53 regular season wins and a playoff sputter is going to get exposed by more than just Cleveland. We not only have to compete in the playoffs but in the head office as well.

I expect them to keep the pick and play a two point guard starting lineup of Fultz and Thomas. But yeah, they need to make all those other guys you listed available.

[raptor jesus]

I see the Raptors are holding workouts today. Tyler Lydon is working out and he is a potential late first rounder in the draft.

-Can shoot the 3 with a quick release.
- similar hyrbid to a Kevin Love/ Henry Ellenson
-6'9 with a great shot release.

I know we already have young bigs, but I wouldn;t be dissapointed in this pick. Thoughts?

Yeah, one of the nicest shooting strokes in the draft. Decent athlete, active on the boards, can pass a bit. I'd imagine they'll really test his defence, since he was stuck playing zone in college.

[raptor jesus]

re: Lydon

[Sherlock]

It's not written picks can still bust. We need to compete now before the sixers and Celtics boom however. Trade for top end talent and go into the tax. We need to lessen the future and be more top heavy. Trading for Anthony and Howard is the easiest option. Add more dynamic game changing talent and draft for role players in the second round and develop them into great role players. Get playoff experience and use that against inexperienced teams. Continuity is the best chance at a championship. Ownership can afford the tax.

Howard/Poeltl
Anthony/Siakim
Ojeleye/Bruno
DeRozan/Powell
Lowry/Wright

Four borderline stars in lesser roles sharing the ball. Add in our talent we've been developing. Bebe, poeltl, Bruno, Siakim, Wright, and Powell off the bench. You get depth, top heavy talent, and the only downside is tax. It's not our money so screw it. One last stand before tanking. This is absolutely the time to compete. The east is stacking up a lot of talent for the future. Get stars on the cheap now!

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

You want to see the 10th circle of hell? There it is.

I would like championships. Depth isn't that important in the playoffs. The line up has a lot versatility, switching, and high volume (and high percentage) shooters. Please tell me what holes it has?

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

What holes it has?

Well to start, Howard, Anthony and DeRozan are all black holes on offense.

I would highly recommend you begin consulting to Phil Jackson and the Knicks. This exactly the kind of **** lineup they'd try to trot out and sell to their fans as another "super team".

Which actually raises a legitimate question in my mind....Is there anyway it'd be possible to trade both Lowry (S&T) and DeRozan to the Knicks for future picks? Like any chance there's $60MM of crap salaries on the Knicks we can take back without accepting Anthony?

[OAKLEY_2]

Every single major sports team in Boston has won a championship since 2008. I don't think that city deserves more luck.

Congrats to Beantown for their usual embarassment of sports riches.

I have to say I find it comical that Bastan will be picking yet another point guard.

Lonzo Ball, Isiah Thomas, Marcus Smart, Terry Rozier, Demetrius Jackson and A. Bradley. Can you say trades emphatically enough?

Never mind Lebron, this should really press Ujiri into action. Spending a fortune for 53 regular season wins and a playoff sputter is going to get exposed by more than just Cleveland. We not only have to compete in the playoffs but in the head office as well.

I expect them to keep the pick and play a two point guard starting lineup of Fultz and Thomas. But yeah, they need to make all those other guys you listed available.

I would be on the phone with Ainge draft night and be looking to convert 23 and cash into say Rozier and the 37. Then pounce on Kuzma. I would also dangle Demar looking for a draft night package. Ingram/Deng is what I would want. Hate to do that but if we were to walk from KL and Ibaka, and we should, and really change and adjust the culture, then got to be considered. Especially with Boston acquiring way way more upside.

[OAKLEY_2]

You want to see the 10th circle of hell? There it is.

I would like championships. Depth isn't that important in the playoffs. The line up has a lot versatility, switching, and high volume (and high percentage) shooters. Please tell me what holes it has?

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

What holes it has?

Well to start, Howard, Anthony and DeRozan are all black holes on offense.

I would highly recommend you begin consulting to Phil Jackson and the Knicks. This exactly the kind of **** lineup they'd try to trot out and sell to their fans as another "super team".

Which actually raises a legitimate question in my mind....Is there anyway it'd be possible to trade both Lowry (S&T) and DeRozan to the Knicks for future picks? Like any chance there's $60MM of crap salaries on the Knicks we can take back without accepting Anthony?

You cannot really S+T KL to the Knicks unless we want to accommodate them and they need to shed salary. Incredibly unlikely to ever happen. We will not be part of S+T's for a long time.

[CoachJReturns]

Just give me Diallo. This team needs guys with talent and given our draft position that means gambling a little bit.