TorontoRapsFan wrote:JB7 wrote:Madhouse wrote:
But if alignment in age is your argument why not try and trade Barnes as well for someone who is similar to Fred and Pascal?
I think Poeltl is a better fit overall than Precious. Adds more size at C (rim protection), plus he is better at rolling to the rim on offence to draw in the defense of the opponent, and his age is not a deterrent, because the core (FVV, PS, OG) are all close to that age. I think Poeltl's age is more of a deterrent for SAS, because they appear to be going into full rebuild. By the time they are competitive again, he will be well into his 30's. And he is not a player you build around. More of a great complement to a strong core.
I would never trade Barnes, unless it was a deal that could not be refused (another better young star player). The hope is Barnes can develop quickly to being the clutch scorer for the team at the end of games. But even if that takes 2-3 years, the rest of the core is still young enough to still be in their primes for another run at the championship.
The reason the NBA has no clear dominant team is age and injuries are catching up with all of the current superstars. The Raptors could be looking at another competitive window in a couple of years as Lebron, Durant, Curry/Draymond, CP3 age out.
Raptors want to make Achiuwa their future long term starting C. They are ok with sacrificing size in the middle. Precious has shown he has the offensive tools and defensive ability. He can shoot out to the 3point line, and dribble drive half the court. His D is already good. He needs to get better at everything and he could be one of the best, or at least well rounded, C in the league. Raptors figure they can get him there. It's too soon to change their minds on him. And Birch is supposed to be the stand in untill precious gets there. I really don't think they're going to go get another starting C.
Besides all that though, they'll probably take almost any decent player for Dragic so if if happens to be Poeltl, then great.
If the Raps interest in a starting C is true, maybe after seeing Precious up close, they don't feel he is the long term option at C, if there are better options available.
To get a Poeltl or Turner will cost the team assets, so after moving those assets, I don't see the team walking away from either Poeltl or Turner when their contracts expire after next season. So where would the minutes be for Precious?
I think the Raptors will develop Precious into their starting C, if nothing else materializes.




















