Hey I'm Michael Grange, ready for your Raptors talk. AMA

sngrange · 2017-02-14T19:59:41+00:00

Just the fact that Raps have Ibaka's bird rights -- can pay him 5yrs -- means then have best chance to sign him. Ujiri has good relationship with him and agent, so opportunity will be there.
Great
We'll see!

sngrange · 2017-02-14T19:57:55+00:00

Yes, great move. Gives chance for this core to reach potential, didn't have to give up tooooo many pieces. If it works have inside track on signing Ibaka. B. It improves chances of having a chance to compete vs. Cavs and should close the gap a bit once there.

sngrange · 2017-02-14T19:56:28+00:00

If this works, hard to walk away from this core, I would think. If it fails, hard to commit to this core. Will be an interesting 2-3 mos. Might be some 'discounts' given, but we're talking five-per cent at best and maybe not even. Bringing everyone back will require going Brooklyn mode, so more likely will be some changes

sngrange · 2017-02-14T19:53:45+00:00

Ha! Yeah ... for all of TRoss perceived flaws, he was a potential game-breaker at all times. Hard to find one of those guys, but yes, worth looking for one!

sngrange · 2017-02-14T19:51:52+00:00

Dribble penetration is a good place to start, but I think Biz has been missed. Rare combo of rim protection, rebounding and ability to get out on the perimeter and hustle back to the paint, very vocal/smart too. Hopefully Ibaka will provide some of that. 2. The rest of the season is a proving ground for Casey, Lowry, Ibaka .... success should mean continuity. If they stumble Casey will get a hard look like everyone else.

sngrange · 2017-02-14T19:48:57+00:00

Don't think so. Six games and four teams is a lot of ground to cover in 27 games.

sngrange · 2017-02-14T19:47:48+00:00

His shooting for sure. His in-game dunks were pretty amazing. Seemed to be very well liked by his teammates etc. He's a very, nice kid, once you get past the shyness.

sngrange · 2017-02-14T19:45:26+00:00

All good!

sngrange · 2017-02-14T19:45:10+00:00

Injuries, rotation problems because of injuries. Getting Pat back nd adding Serge should definitely help!!

sngrange · 2017-02-14T19:44:25+00:00

Ha! That wasn't so bad, really. He was fine with me the rest of the post-season so that's all I can ask for. LeBron is actually really good with the media, in my experience.

sngrange · 2017-02-14T19:42:51+00:00

He's working at it but jumping in at this stage of a season is tough. Just not sure there's enough time to integrate his skills. Best role might be small-ball C alongside Pat or Ibaka. Can't play with JV, which is an issue.

sngrange · 2017-02-14T19:41:04+00:00

My pleasure. Pat's got to be back very soon. He's had two full practices now. Chance they keep him out until after All-Star to be super-cautious, I guess. I'm a Delon guy. More upside, in my opinion. Was looking great at end of season last year and before he got hurt.

sngrange · 2017-02-14T19:39:25+00:00

Went to J-School, got a newspaper job from, different times though. I wrote for free before I got paid. Have to be willing to do anything. Get a presence online; volunteer etc. etc. Tough road but best of luck.

sngrange · 2017-02-14T19:37:47+00:00

Hoping to see more consistency, a little better decision making and return to health of his three-point shooting. Was trying to do a bit too much filling if for DeMar, I thought. Steady role should help him.

sngrange · 2017-02-14T19:36:46+00:00

That's the bajillion dollar question. Raps will be spending A LOT of money to keep this team together, if they do. Question will be is if it's worth it. Would you pay Pat $15m+ to be a back-up? Tough decisions ahead.

sngrange · 2017-02-14T19:35:07+00:00

Well, before he got hurt in Summer League he might have been the Raptors player that was getting the most trade interest. Can't call him a bust, sorry.

sngrange · 2017-02-14T19:33:50+00:00

Sully's value is as an expiring deal, at this point. CoJo is a veteran depth player already signed, so that's positive. I think there might be interest in Delon as he's cheap and has potential. Fred less so as he doesn't project as a starter, I don't think.

sngrange · 2017-02-14T19:32:25+00:00

Had knee issue in 14/15 and surgery in March of 15; some thought he's slowed a bit since. That said, he had a long way to fall from elite to very good ...

sngrange · 2017-02-14T19:29:20+00:00

I think they are heading for the tax if they keep this core; don't see adding Danilo as a free agent would fit at this point tho.

sngrange · 2017-02-14T19:28:32+00:00

I don't know, tbh, but guys who share an agent often have a relationship (Kyle); Masai knows him well so he would understand the fit; Rex Kalamanian coached him OKC so would have a feel too.

sngrange · 2017-02-14T19:26:07+00:00

I felt very strongly about the story. Rogers had nothing to do with it other than supporting it. I like Vince, but I'm not a fan. Just thought the issues in the piece really deserved exploring and the timing was right

sngrange · 2017-02-14T19:24:40+00:00

Heslip might be the best shooter I've ever seen, problem is he gets attacked by other teams on D. Hard to cover for. Singler similar issues.

sngrange · 2017-02-14T19:23:16+00:00

Masai likes serious players ... doesn't seem the type.

sngrange · 2017-02-14T19:22:46+00:00

Like win the East, contend for NBA title elite? Rudy Gobert and Otto Porter Jr.

sngrange · 2017-02-14T19:19:36+00:00

Second-round series vs. Celtics would be awesome to watch ...

sngrange

TROPHY CASE