A quick update on the last roster spot

While there isn't much in the real news category, there are a few interesting blurbs I have seen this morning from different Internet sources.

A British newspaper has reported that Pops is indeed drawing interest from at least one other NBA team:

"He is at the centre of a bidding war between his club and the Houston Rockets"

- London Evening Standard

Now, there is no doubt in my mind that Houston may have interest in Pops, considering he is the kind of hard-nosed athletic rebounding forward they typically draft (i.e. Landry, Hayes, Dorsey).  However, I do believe "bidding war" is a slight overstatement.  Bryan Colangelo and the Raptors seem to be dormant rather than aggressive, especially for a player that would be the fifth big in a rotation of four.

The other surprise at the bottom of the cereal box pertains to our old chum Mr. Delfino.  Website www.basket-spot.com is reporting that the Carlos Delfino experiment in Russia with his club Khimki has ended and that Carlos will definitely not go back to Russia.

"As for the Argentinian, it was the outcome of a troubled season which included injuries, misunderstandings with the coaching staff, lack of payment and subpar performances. The recent "lack of communication", as mentioned by the player, sealed the fate of the guard. Delfino will now look for a club and returning to the Toronto Raptors is a possibility, while speculations put him in Real Madrid as well."

- www.basket-spot.com 

Many believe the Devean George trade for Marco Belinelli has taken Carlos Delfino out of the picture entirely for the Raptors.  I was one of those people, considering Marco's game is so similar to Carlos.  They can both shoot with range, handle the ball well, pass the ball and in a pinch can play the point guard.  However, Delfino does provide superior defense and rebounding which is our biggest weakness.  Plus, if we can sign Carlos to a one year deal at a moderate price (4-5 million) it may be the Raptors' best option.

Can you ever really have enough talent?

We will see... 

- J.Moore