We the North

[blackice]

It has been a turbulent season for a team that decided on a direction last year. Will this be a true rebuilding season? Will there be a lot of roster turnover? Let us delete the missed playoff years for now and instead of lamenting, rather look objectively on where this team is headed.

The major trade for us was as follows:

SACRAMENTO KINGS

SENDS

Skylar Mays [sign and trade] - $9,000,000

Total $$$ Sent: $9,000,000

TORONTO RAPTORS

SENDS

Jock Landale - $8,820,000
2036 HOU 1st - $0
2036 ATL 2nd - $0
2036 POR 2nd - $0
2037 TOR 2nd - $0

Total $$$ Sent: $8,820,000

On the surface, we were maligned by the CSL community but only champion BT knew why this trade made so much sense for both teams. SAC simply did not have the caproom to offer Skylar Mays a deal and was going to let him go in free agency. The negotiations were long, and many back and forth PM's were made. An expiring Jock Landale was the crux of the deal as he served the purpose of a solid role playing big (and expiring contract) but the real meat and potatoes was a treasure chest of picks including a future 1st from an always competitive HOU team.

The other factor no one accounted for was the untapped potential that Skylar Mays had. While buried behind better players at the guard position like Dyson Daniels, Yuki Togashi and at the time Darious Garland, the former #3 pick (in a loaded draft class) needed minutes and USG% to really shine in our system.

The real treasure for this team was limiting our transactions and letting the young players on the roster shine through a season filled with losses and lessons.

Shaedon Sharpe was obviously a top 5 pick for a reason and his efficient play and positional versatility make this team go. His defensive upside is interesting but we need to see a leap in key areas like playmaking and an increase in minutes to accurately assess if this team can make any noise at all this season. Regardless the backcourt for the next season is set.

The big question is now what to do with Hamidou Diallo, as he is both in his prime and young enough to give another team with contending aspirations. At just $10M per season, and an absolutely lethal slashing game with handles that can break down any defender, he could perhaps lead this young team into a season were no one expects much from a team that simply isn't ready.

The Draft

After scouting, pundits are looking at big man Donovan Clingan as the obvious #2 pick but Raptors sources say he isn't the best player in the top 5 and the team is not able to afford drafting for position. It must instead go for BPA and hope there is not too much positional overlap.

The roster as it stands is solid but needs a lot of work if it wants to really make any noise, and if last season was any indication, there will not be a trade of this pick for another asset that could push us over the top.

Free Agency

The team has cap flexibility but has to be prudent as GM Blackice has a few targets with most of the league strapped for caproom.

X Factor

Alen Smailagic has to be it. Young enough to build around certainly, but simply too dominant to waste a year of, he will be the key cog in either a trade (unlikely) or a run to a potential playoff spot. His ability be a 1st option gives us a lot of flexibility either way.

Depth

With a number of quality role players, the real question now is who is going to backup fan favourite Herbert Jones? His fantastic ability to play 3&D means he will likely get the nod at starting SF to see how he handles it.

[emplep7]

Finally had a chance to look at my scouts and there’s a player who could be BPA and an excellent fit for this team. Either way, exciting times in Toronto

[Flaming Homer]

This #2 pick is a great chance indeed.
But anyway, be patient, it will take time to round this roster out so that it makes sense around Sharpe/Mays.

Defense seems to be the bigges need, looking at your roster.
Good luck buddy and take your time, it will be hard to improve much this season imo. The East is still very strong and Sharpe needs 2 more seasons to really turn into the player he can be.

[mgtr81]

This is a very good draft and that pick will land you a core piece. In my opinion, Smailagic is currently your best player and he will fit best at small forward fully using his outside shooting. Sharpe's evolution will tell what his role is, but I think he projects to be a great scorer off the bench. Mays is also a very good player to keep around. Those two (Sharpe and Mays) lack the consistency to be #1 options, but they are (can be) elite role players. Good luck in the offseason.

[blackice]

Thanks to you all for the great feedback, I am currently at the stage where I am not really focused on positional upside, but I do agree that Alen Smailagic is the most interesting player on my roster. I hope to retain him, but at the moment I am so weak upfront and am not targeting a big this draft so that he may be forced to play PF full-time this season. I also like the ability to play with different lineups. This free agency should shape the direction of the squad moving forward.

There is a free agent who plays center I have been eyeing, but we'll see. Also looking to bring back Alessando Pajola, an underrated rotational guard. My hope is that we can play small ball and focus on player development.

[bt]

The Sharpe hit last year was just perfect for this rebuild. You have Mayes then some luck again with jumping to pick 2 sets you up nicely.

I'd definitely move the Snail on though. Cash in and add some more youth or picks.

[Tulogit2Quit]

I think the most interesting player on your team is now Bates. So interested in seeing his development with you