6-21 : The Tank Rolls On

[blackice]

After close to 30 games, it is clear that the Toronto Raptors are not just rebuilding - this team is tanking. It's a shame because this squad has talent. Longtime Raptor, Hamidou Diallo, has been a 20/5/5 threat every year of his career but without any support he is battling double and triple teams and his percentages have suffered. The Justin Patton/Michael Young combination has run its course and it's time the plethora of veteran talent will be moving on this offseason. So where does that lead us? Well, with Justin Patton/Michael Young/Jock Landale, the franchise has close to $40M in expiring contracts opening up close to two max slots this offseason.

Jaylen Hoard, Herbert Jones and Elijah Hughes are solid but this team is missing upper tier talent and is lacking in a balanced scoring attack. The depth is quality but with no 1st (or even 2nd) option, and the vaunted defense from last season taking a dip, this isn't a team that is going to win a title anytime soon.

So where does that leave us? Tyrell Terry and Parker Jackson-Cartwright are young and talented, particularly Parker Jackson-Cartwright who is having an efficient rookie season - 51 FG% / 30 3P% / 94 FT%, and might just be the point guard of the future.

So with a likely top 5 pick coming in this offseason who is the team looking at?

1. Stephon Castle -> He looks like a big combo guard in the mold of a Brandon Roy or a big PG like Deron Williams and could fit nicely at either guard spot but would fit nicely on a team lacking an offensive engine.

2. Jalen Green -> At first glance, he looks like a 3 level scorer who can attack the basket and rain 3's depending on what you need. He'd be interesting if the team decides to go this route. He projects to be similar to a guy like Mitch Richmond.

This team has avoided the dreaded middle ground after being decent the past few seasons but not good enough to really do much in the playoffs. The franchise has all their 1st rounders + 2 additional 1st rounders in '36. From Cory Joseph to Nassir Little, it is certain this team will target a franchise guard and leverage caproom to build a defensive core and rebuild for at least a few more seasons and see what the future holds.

The trade market has not been kind to a GM who made his bones flipping players and was at one point the most proficient trader the league has ever seen (with a respectful nod to Marcos). It wasn't uncommon to see multiple roster turnovers within the same season. GM Blackice has slowed down the past few seasons, but we do know the team has been working the phones trying to acquire picks and young talent and we might very well see a trade or two in the near future.

[andrei]

Its great that the direction is there. Now its time to accumulate young talent and ship out the veterans. Few seasons of rebuild are ahead but its very exciting to see the youngsters develop

[hardenwithnod]

The tough part about acquiring picks is that there are like 3 teams that own half of the 1st round picks lol. But as long as you own your own pick, then getting a rebuild plan shouldn't be too difficult.

[Jestor]

I would actually bench Hoard for AA. Players like Diallo need a 3 point gunner next to them to maximize the offense. I don't understand why you're not playing AA at all - he's your best 3 point gunner by far

[rh0xxy]

I would actually bench Hoard for AA. Players like Diallo need a 3 point gunner next to them to maximize the offense. I don't understand why you're not playing AA at all - he's your best 3 point gunner by far

It's because he's tanking lol

[Flaming Homer]

Keep working on the small deals and maybe around the trade deadline you can add more draft capital.

The real fun starts with the scouting and next draft!

[blackice]

Appreciate the feedback guys.

[thecoolestjedi]

Think you got a challenger in that tank thing over here in Phoenix