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Evans For Kapono: The First Domino Falls In A Busy Raptors Off-Season

Written by uforya on

By RaptorTalk:

The first domino fell in Raptorland in what promises to be a very busy off-season for Bryan Colangelo. Here’s what we learned.

Very Busy Summer: Those were Bryan’s words. Clearly he is not standing pat. He mentioned the draft, trades and free agency as options to upgrade the Raptors. Look, what we have now isn’t working so I’m in favor of some bold moves and Bryan is prepared to take drastic action if required.

Reggie Evans: A nice acquisition who brings grit, toughness and rebounding. Colangelo says he’ll be the first big off the bench and he expects 15 to 20 minutes each night from Evans. The deal saves the Raptors over $1 million per season.

Jason Kapono: While we liked the Kapono signing, he never fit into the Raptors playbook. He clearly disappointed even though he was one of our favorite Raptors. I'll miss his quick shot release, but I won't miss his annoying 'dribble off the foot' turnovers. In Philly he could shine as the trailer in their fast break offence. Plus he’ll fill the void left by Kyle Korver’s departure.

Pops Mensah Bonsu: Pops is as good as gone. When Bryan discussed the frontcourt he mentioned everyone except Pops. Seems like the rumour that he’s signing a two year deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv could be true.

Chris Bosh: Bryan’s making it clear that he’s not giving Bosh away for nothing. He feels that Chris is likely to re-up simply because the Raps can pay him almost $30 million more than anyone else. Having said that, the Raptors’ GM is making it clear that he’s willing to listen to solid, serious offers for Chris.

Carlos Delfino: The former Raptor will become an active Raptor again. Apparently his signing is a done deal. I liked Carlos’ game and I think he provides a quiet toughness off the bench that the Raps missed last season.

Rasho Nesterovic: Rasho would love to return to Toronto, where he resides year round and the Raps want him. Seems like this is another done deal. In fact, the savings on the Kapono deal provide the cap space needed to sign Rasho to a vet’s minimum deal.

Qunicy Douby: Word is he’s putting in 8 hour days in the gym in Vegas. Should prove to be an effective and cheap role player.

Shawn Marion: Bryan wants him back and seems to think that with few teams with cap space that Shawn might very well end up back in Toronto. Should he receive a surprisingly high offer from another club, Colangelo said he’d work a Sign & Trade and try to get some assets in return.

Marcus Banks: He doesn’t appear to factor into the equation. Bryan said, “I’m not sure what I get with Banks”. If there is any way to jettison Banks, you can bet Bryan will do it.

Iowa Hawkeyes: You can never have enough Iowa Hawkeyes, so the Reggie Evans deal is a win for us! The son/brother of the RaptorTalk team was born in the hospital on the University of Iowa campus. He just had a breakthrough year in the Oakville Steve Nash Youth and Halton Catholic school hoops leagues. Plus, in game one of the Philly/Sixers playoff series, Tommy “Hawkeye” from Oakvile was Chuck Swirsky’s first three ball radio shout out. Go Hawkeyes!

Fasten your seat belts: The NBA Draft happens in two weeks and Free Agency is a mere three weeks away. This time next month, we will have a pretty good idea as to who’s in and who’s out in Raptorland.

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