[Bmore_DCParticipant]

Having an all Euro-team in the NBA doesnt work! Your soft and play NO defense…

See you in the lottery next year Toronto…shouldve drafted Brandon Knight

[Anton123Participant]

 Valanciunas’s is actually tough and a good defender. I don’t understand why it was OK for Cleveland to take him 4th, but Toronto shouldn’t’ve done it with the 5th pick

[Anton123Participant]

 Valanciunas’s is actually tough and a good defender. I don’t understand why it was OK for Cleveland to take him 4th, but Toronto shouldn’t’ve done it with the 5th pick

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

I think Bayless deserves a chance to be their starting PG for a full season before they decide to spend a top 5 pick on his replacement. The two non-PG best players available at the Raps pick were both Europeans (Jonas and Vesely) and believe it or not all Europeans aren’t the same. Jonas has more in common with a center like Marcin Gortat than Andre Bargnani. Yes he needs to add weight to his frame, but he is tough, plays hard on the defensive end of the court, knows how to defend the pick and roll, and takes high percentage shots close to the basket instead of camping out on the perimeter. He is not a European stereotype.

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

I think Bayless deserves a chance to be their starting PG for a full season before they decide to spend a top 5 pick on his replacement. The two non-PG best players available at the Raps pick were both Europeans (Jonas and Vesely) and believe it or not all Europeans aren’t the same. Jonas has more in common with a center like Marcin Gortat than Andre Bargnani. Yes he needs to add weight to his frame, but he is tough, plays hard on the defensive end of the court, knows how to defend the pick and roll, and takes high percentage shots close to the basket instead of camping out on the perimeter. He is not a European stereotype.

[WizardofOzParticipant]

Enough of the racism!

And Val isn’t your typical soft Euro. He’s just skinny, but he’s gottent stronger over the past 2 years, and should be able to fill out much more in time. And he competes, and as he gets stronger, he should become a good defender, and I think he’ll be a great rebounder.

Come on, Toronto does not favour Euros over NA just because of where they are from, not all white euros are soft just because they are not from NA, they will not bust just because they are European etc bla bla bla.

[WizardofOzParticipant]

Enough of the racism!

And Val isn’t your typical soft Euro. He’s just skinny, but he’s gottent stronger over the past 2 years, and should be able to fill out much more in time. And he competes, and as he gets stronger, he should become a good defender, and I think he’ll be a great rebounder.

Come on, Toronto does not favour Euros over NA just because of where they are from, not all white euros are soft just because they are not from NA, they will not bust just because they are European etc bla bla bla.

[B-ball fanParticipant]

 He is a legit 7 footer who projects to easily be the best rebounder in this draft class.  Plus, he is a strong finisher at the rim.  He will help them, although he is nothing like Pau Gasol as a prospect like Fran Fraschilla kept saying.

[B-ball fanParticipant]

 He is a legit 7 footer who projects to easily be the best rebounder in this draft class.  Plus, he is a strong finisher at the rim.  He will help them, although he is nothing like Pau Gasol as a prospect like Fran Fraschilla kept saying.

[shermParticipant]

Whats with everyone and their xenophobia?  I dont care if you’re from Mars, if you are a good young prospect with size, and you have talent, I want you on the Raptors.  This guy doesnt just stay on the outside and shoot 3’s, he uses the pick and roll, and get TONS of putbacks, not to mention hes a rebounding centre.  Jonas Valaciunas will average a double double in the NBA.  What more can you ask for? 

Also, Knight and Walker are both shoot first point guards, so what makes them better than Bayless?  I believe we should have Bayless starting next season, with Jose coming off the bench for his quick playmaking abilities

[shermParticipant]

Whats with everyone and their xenophobia?  I dont care if you’re from Mars, if you are a good young prospect with size, and you have talent, I want you on the Raptors.  This guy doesnt just stay on the outside and shoot 3’s, he uses the pick and roll, and get TONS of putbacks, not to mention hes a rebounding centre.  Jonas Valaciunas will average a double double in the NBA.  What more can you ask for? 

Also, Knight and Walker are both shoot first point guards, so what makes them better than Bayless?  I believe we should have Bayless starting next season, with Jose coming off the bench for his quick playmaking abilities

[Prince of BballParticipant]

In BC I trust. He did what I think no gm should ever get ripped for, he took the best player avaliable to him at the time of his pick. Its a added bonus that according to some of the best basketball minds out there Valaciunas also happens to be the center prospect out there right now if not one of. The more I think about it, the more I like the pick long term for the Raps. Plus we know BC will go out and get a center whether free agency or trade to help us in the short term. Its all good, give it some time but the Raptors will be ok

[Prince of BballParticipant]

In BC I trust. He did what I think no gm should ever get ripped for, he took the best player avaliable to him at the time of his pick. Its a added bonus that according to some of the best basketball minds out there Valaciunas also happens to be the center prospect out there right now if not one of. The more I think about it, the more I like the pick long term for the Raps. Plus we know BC will go out and get a center whether free agency or trade to help us in the short term. Its all good, give it some time but the Raptors will be ok

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

" Having an all Euro-team in the NBA doesnt work! Your soft and play NO defense…"

Dallas having Dirk, Peja, Beaubois, and Mahinmi didn’t work?

Toronto’s problem isn’t where the players are from, it is poor selection in terms of quality. To be fair, their choice of Americans isn’t any better.

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

" Having an all Euro-team in the NBA doesnt work! Your soft and play NO defense…"

Dallas having Dirk, Peja, Beaubois, and Mahinmi didn’t work?

Toronto’s problem isn’t where the players are from, it is poor selection in terms of quality. To be fair, their choice of Americans isn’t any better.

[ChrischiParticipant]

Valanciunas might average 10 rebounds but only because he plays next to Andrea "I don’t rebound because my hands could get dirty" Bargnani.

The main problem about him is that when he played against higher competition in Europe he became even more foul+turnover prone.

A double double with 2 blocks looks always nice on the paper, but when that player commits a ton of silly fouls and turnovers it will do much worse than good for your team.

Hey he is young in my opinion we should give him the opportunity to play atleast 3 years before we judge, same for Biymombo. He just needs good playing time.

[ChrischiParticipant]

Valanciunas might average 10 rebounds but only because he plays next to Andrea "I don’t rebound because my hands could get dirty" Bargnani.

The main problem about him is that when he played against higher competition in Europe he became even more foul+turnover prone.

A double double with 2 blocks looks always nice on the paper, but when that player commits a ton of silly fouls and turnovers it will do much worse than good for your team.

Hey he is young in my opinion we should give him the opportunity to play atleast 3 years before we judge, same for Biymombo. He just needs good playing time.

[mcbaileyParticipant]

I think the typical NBA fan has reason to be suspicious of European players, considering how many have come over and not met the expectations that were, fairly or unfairly, cast upon them.

 

Then again, there are plenty of American players who fail miserably as well. It’s fairly unreasonable, but at the same time understandable. As for Val, I think he has everything you’d want in a prospect.

[mcbaileyParticipant]

I think the typical NBA fan has reason to be suspicious of European players, considering how many have come over and not met the expectations that were, fairly or unfairly, cast upon them.

 

Then again, there are plenty of American players who fail miserably as well. It’s fairly unreasonable, but at the same time understandable. As for Val, I think he has everything you’d want in a prospect.

[Anton123Participant]

 And I think you should keep in mind that he is the second youngest prospect in the entire draft (correct me if I am wrong), only Tobias Harris is younger than him.

He is actually younger than Howard when he was drafted, so I think his body will mature a get stronger quite a lot in the next two years

[Anton123Participant]

 And I think you should keep in mind that he is the second youngest prospect in the entire draft (correct me if I am wrong), only Tobias Harris is younger than him.

He is actually younger than Howard when he was drafted, so I think his body will mature a get stronger quite a lot in the next two years

[GottaBeTheShoesParticipant]

Valanciunas is A LOT tougher than most euros.  He will be a solid player in the league no matter what and has some good potential.  At worst he is better than bargnani.  Knight obviously fell for a reason.  Toronto has good PG’s with a lot of potential.  You can’t keep replacing young promising players with new even more promising players. It doesn’t work like that and you ruin talent drafting that way.

[GottaBeTheShoesParticipant]

Valanciunas is A LOT tougher than most euros.  He will be a solid player in the league no matter what and has some good potential.  At worst he is better than bargnani.  Knight obviously fell for a reason.  Toronto has good PG’s with a lot of potential.  You can’t keep replacing young promising players with new even more promising players. It doesn’t work like that and you ruin talent drafting that way.

[GottaBeTheShoesParticipant]

 Plus you should be very grateful if your in the lottery next year.  The whole lottery next year is full of superstar-potential players and it is better to be in the lottery next year than be an 8th seed taking on the Bulls, Heat, or Celtics.

[GottaBeTheShoesParticipant]

 Plus you should be very grateful if your in the lottery next year.  The whole lottery next year is full of superstar-potential players and it is better to be in the lottery next year than be an 8th seed taking on the Bulls, Heat, or Celtics.

[HotSnotParticipant]

My problem with Valanciunas is he’s just not a good player right now.  He’s ok, but he has so many flaws, both physically and skill level wise I don’t see him ever becoming the answer to Toronto’s center woes.  I know he’s only 18-19 right now but he went #5 overall.  Most US born players are somewhat close to what they’ll be at 18-19 years old.  They get more savy into their early 20’s but physically and game wise they don’t change all that much.  Lets recap, you have a kid with huge size, modest skill, can’t create his own shot, foul prone, slow footed, average athletic ability, gets stood up on D… and you draft him 5th?  How is Valanciunas ever going to be better then Joel Pryzbilla?  When you have the 5th pick you go for Stars… not Pryzbilla. 

Colangelo can talk circles around anyone.  He has this poise about him when he talks.  I listened to him answer a question on the buyout right after the draft.  Colangelo starts off by saying there are positives to both scenarios.  If Jonas came over next season or had to wait a year…  He blabbed on for 2 minutes about coming over next season and all the positives involved and then he realized he had nothing good to say about Jonas remaining another season… but he continued to talk for another 3 minutes and he really didn’t answer the question at all. 

Biyombo can start in the NBA right now.  His offense is just as good as Valanciunas (which ain’t saying much) but Biyombo’s defense is already playoff caliber.  I don’t believe Valanciunas defense ever gets to Biyombo’s level.  So we’re left with hoping the Valanciunas catches up to where Biyombo is right now… thats some prudent planning.  Biyombo would have been the perfect compliment to Bargnani’s outside shot selection.  Biyombo could have set picks, roled to the rim, provided help defense….

My bet is this pick ends up being one giant mistake.

[HotSnotParticipant]

My problem with Valanciunas is he’s just not a good player right now.  He’s ok, but he has so many flaws, both physically and skill level wise I don’t see him ever becoming the answer to Toronto’s center woes.  I know he’s only 18-19 right now but he went #5 overall.  Most US born players are somewhat close to what they’ll be at 18-19 years old.  They get more savy into their early 20’s but physically and game wise they don’t change all that much.  Lets recap, you have a kid with huge size, modest skill, can’t create his own shot, foul prone, slow footed, average athletic ability, gets stood up on D… and you draft him 5th?  How is Valanciunas ever going to be better then Joel Pryzbilla?  When you have the 5th pick you go for Stars… not Pryzbilla. 

Colangelo can talk circles around anyone.  He has this poise about him when he talks.  I listened to him answer a question on the buyout right after the draft.  Colangelo starts off by saying there are positives to both scenarios.  If Jonas came over next season or had to wait a year…  He blabbed on for 2 minutes about coming over next season and all the positives involved and then he realized he had nothing good to say about Jonas remaining another season… but he continued to talk for another 3 minutes and he really didn’t answer the question at all. 

Biyombo can start in the NBA right now.  His offense is just as good as Valanciunas (which ain’t saying much) but Biyombo’s defense is already playoff caliber.  I don’t believe Valanciunas defense ever gets to Biyombo’s level.  So we’re left with hoping the Valanciunas catches up to where Biyombo is right now… thats some prudent planning.  Biyombo would have been the perfect compliment to Bargnani’s outside shot selection.  Biyombo could have set picks, roled to the rim, provided help defense….

My bet is this pick ends up being one giant mistake.

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

"Biyombo can start in the NBA right now. His offense is just as good as Valanciunas (which ain’t saying much) but Biyombo’s defense is already playoff caliber."

He couldn’t start or finish games in Spain and played all of 16 minutes per game, why would you think he could start in the NBA?

Also, blocked shots aren’t a sign of great defense. Even if you want to believe he could be another Ibaka, he got worked over in the playoffs (and Oklahoma City was mediocre defensively as a team) because there is more to defense than blocking a few shots.

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

"Biyombo can start in the NBA right now. His offense is just as good as Valanciunas (which ain’t saying much) but Biyombo’s defense is already playoff caliber."

He couldn’t start or finish games in Spain and played all of 16 minutes per game, why would you think he could start in the NBA?

Also, blocked shots aren’t a sign of great defense. Even if you want to believe he could be another Ibaka, he got worked over in the playoffs (and Oklahoma City was mediocre defensively as a team) because there is more to defense than blocking a few shots.

[aamir543Participant]

Tony Parker, Luol Deng(yes he counts), Peja, Pau Gasol, Drik

Bench- Andrea Barnani, Danilo Galinari, Nicolas Batum, Boris Diaw, Jose Calderon, Joakim Noah(he also counts), Chris Kaman, Marc Gasol, Hedo Turkgolu, Mehmet Okur,

I would take this team any day of the week.

[aamir543Participant]

Tony Parker, Luol Deng(yes he counts), Peja, Pau Gasol, Drik

Bench- Andrea Barnani, Danilo Galinari, Nicolas Batum, Boris Diaw, Jose Calderon, Joakim Noah(he also counts), Chris Kaman, Marc Gasol, Hedo Turkgolu, Mehmet Okur,

I would take this team any day of the week.

[Johnny Chill]

How can you leave off Manu?

Also if you have Deng and Noah, you gotta put Horford and JJ Berea in. (Foreign born guys that played in U.S. college).

A team can having a all-foreign born team can work in the NBA. There are many All-Stars, Champions, skilled players that are foreign born.

 

 

 

[Johnny Chill]

How can you leave off Manu?

Also if you have Deng and Noah, you gotta put Horford and JJ Berea in. (Foreign born guys that played in U.S. college).

A team can having a all-foreign born team can work in the NBA. There are many All-Stars, Champions, skilled players that are foreign born.

 

 

 

[Scottoant93Participant]

Actually to make it short 6 out of the  7 first picks in this years draft were international players, Derrick williams being the exceptation.

[Scottoant93Participant]

Actually to make it short 6 out of the  7 first picks in this years draft were international players, Derrick williams being the exceptation.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

The Raptors needed either a center or a point guard.

And they got a point guard?

Why all the hate?

Daaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyuuuuuuuuuummmmmmmmmmmm!

I am not a huge Bayless fan but I can see giving him a year to see what happens.  Then next year they can get a point guard like Kendall Marshall or Myck Kabongo (or maybe even Austin Rivers who might be more of a combo guard but you never know) if Bayless isnt’ the point guard of the future.  There are lots of good wings in the draft next year so they might go in that direction.  But next year looks like a good year for wing players, as well as some good point guards in the second half of the lottery.  But, I don’t really see any promising, legit centers.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

The Raptors needed either a center or a point guard.

And they got a point guard?

Why all the hate?

Daaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyuuuuuuuuuummmmmmmmmmmm!

I am not a huge Bayless fan but I can see giving him a year to see what happens.  Then next year they can get a point guard like Kendall Marshall or Myck Kabongo (or maybe even Austin Rivers who might be more of a combo guard but you never know) if Bayless isnt’ the point guard of the future.  There are lots of good wings in the draft next year so they might go in that direction.  But next year looks like a good year for wing players, as well as some good point guards in the second half of the lottery.  But, I don’t really see any promising, legit centers.

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

"How can you leave off Manu?"

Probably because Argentina isn’t in Europe.

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

"How can you leave off Manu?"

Probably because Argentina isn’t in Europe.

[Johnny Chill]

He played professionally in Europe.

[Johnny Chill]

He played professionally in Europe.

[aamir543Participant]

Yeah, but we were talking about nationality, which is why I left off Manu and Luis Scola.

[aamir543Participant]

Yeah, but we were talking about nationality, which is why I left off Manu and Luis Scola.

[Anton123Participant]

 So if you played professionally in Europe you’re a European player? Will Iverson and Gerald Green be European if he comes back? 

[Anton123Participant]

 So if you played professionally in Europe you’re a European player? Will Iverson and Gerald Green be European if he comes back? 

[jcitysfinestParticipant]

my problem with the pick is that the raptors drafted for a need they didnt draft for the best player available… rebuilding teams should never draft for a need they shouldve have learned this when they picked arajuo over iguodala. the rapors simply missed out the on the player that has a chance in becoming a star in this league just to fill a need which they couldve done through free agency or a trade. the raps have cap space and theyre are plenty of FA’s they couldve targeted… the raps shouldve gone with Brandon Knight he couldve been something special.

[jcitysfinestParticipant]

my problem with the pick is that the raptors drafted for a need they didnt draft for the best player available… rebuilding teams should never draft for a need they shouldve have learned this when they picked arajuo over iguodala. the rapors simply missed out the on the player that has a chance in becoming a star in this league just to fill a need which they couldve done through free agency or a trade. the raps have cap space and theyre are plenty of FA’s they couldve targeted… the raps shouldve gone with Brandon Knight he couldve been something special.

[OhCanada-Participant]

"Biyombo can start in the NBA right now. His offense is just as good as Valanciunas"

That one was funny. Nobody can honestly say Valanciunas isnt skilled. The flaws on Valanciunas are not athletic, skill, hustle, length, IQ, or age, they are just wieght and experience. He is young player who makes stupid young mistakes like turnovers, and fouls. He is small and needs to add wieght. Other then that he is an rare C prospect that does not come along often.

[OhCanada-Participant]

"Biyombo can start in the NBA right now. His offense is just as good as Valanciunas"

That one was funny. Nobody can honestly say Valanciunas isnt skilled. The flaws on Valanciunas are not athletic, skill, hustle, length, IQ, or age, they are just wieght and experience. He is young player who makes stupid young mistakes like turnovers, and fouls. He is small and needs to add wieght. Other then that he is an rare C prospect that does not come along often.

[jcitysfinestParticipant]

if i was the GM i wouldve jus traded Ed Davis for the 8th we couldve had BKnight and JV both Lol i think ed davis for the 8th wouldve suited well for both Detroit and Toronto

[jcitysfinestParticipant]

if i was the GM i wouldve jus traded Ed Davis for the 8th we couldve had BKnight and JV both Lol i think ed davis for the 8th wouldve suited well for both Detroit and Toronto

[PaulsJayhawksParticipant]

They were doing all they could to move up to get JV and they have scouted pretty good in the past. I would have rather Knight but JV was second on my wish list, Im okay with the pick in a pretty weak draft.

[PaulsJayhawksParticipant]

They were doing all they could to move up to get JV and they have scouted pretty good in the past. I would have rather Knight but JV was second on my wish list, Im okay with the pick in a pretty weak draft.

[Johnny Chill]

He’s from Brazil.

[Johnny Chill]

He’s from Brazil.

[aamir543Participant]

I didn’t put Barbosa on that team, and just a quick tangent, when I was looking at the list of foriegn NBA players, I was so dissapointed that there were no Indian players on that list, maybe all that Curry isn’t working.

[aamir543Participant]

I didn’t put Barbosa on that team, and just a quick tangent, when I was looking at the list of foriegn NBA players, I was so dissapointed that there were no Indian players on that list, maybe all that Curry isn’t working.

[r377Participant]

Toronto have DeRozen, Ed Davis. I think Bayless when given the opportunity could be a decent player.  Another top 5 (at least) pick next year in a stacked draft along with Valanciunas and things should start looking in up in another couple of seasons

[r377Participant]

Toronto have DeRozen, Ed Davis. I think Bayless when given the opportunity could be a decent player.  Another top 5 (at least) pick next year in a stacked draft along with Valanciunas and things should start looking in up in another couple of seasons

[Johnny Chill]

Things will start to look up for them, once the NBA decides to contract both teams.

Better yet, the NBA should just combine both teams together.

Starting 5: Love, Barnani, Williams, Rubio, Derozen.

Trade away some of their young talent for veterns, expiring contracts.

Hire a new GM, coach.

Move out of North and go to a Mid-West city like St. Louis, (see OKC Thunder).

[Johnny Chill]

Things will start to look up for them, once the NBA decides to contract both teams.

Better yet, the NBA should just combine both teams together.

Starting 5: Love, Barnani, Williams, Rubio, Derozen.

Trade away some of their young talent for veterns, expiring contracts.

Hire a new GM, coach.

Move out of North and go to a Mid-West city like St. Louis, (see OKC Thunder).

[Ball Is LifeParticipant]

 Valanciunas is a GREAT player to start in the NBA, Im sure he will be a great addition to the Raptors, I think people need to stop hating on him and the Raptors choice and give him a chance in the league!

[Ball Is LifeParticipant]

 Valanciunas is a GREAT player to start in the NBA, Im sure he will be a great addition to the Raptors, I think people need to stop hating on him and the Raptors choice and give him a chance in the league!

[Author]

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