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Bryan Colangelo and Toronto’s season tied to Andrea Bargnani and Jermaine O’Neal

September 29 08

He is the golden boy. An executive who came, saw, and conquered one of sport’s toughest media markets.

Right now, Toronto GM Bryan Colangelo can do no wrong. His Raptors are relevant, competitive, and turning a tidy profit for ownership, the controversial Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.

The upcoming season is key for the NBA’s former executive of the year, though. Expectations are huge and, fair or not, Colangelo is somewhat exposed after hedging his bets on two players.

Two years ago, the Raptors drafted Italian teenager Andrea Bargnani first overall. So far, results have been mixed. His rookie campaign was promising, but the forward struggled in 2007-08 with shooting and bigger opponents.

Bargnani still has some time. However, he must justify Colangelo’s faith as the first overall pick. Complicating matters is the fine play of Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge. Toronto selected Bargnani ahead of Portland’s star duo at the 2006-07 draft.

This summer, Colangelo dealt T.J. Ford and Rasho Nesterovic to Indiana for Jermaine O’Neal. Once upon a time, he could carry a contender, posting 20-10 numbers. Injuries have set-in and the post isn’t cheap, pulling in 40 million dollars over the next two years.

This risk could pay off for Toronto. Chris Bosh will carry the Raptors, not O’Neal. The veteran only has to support ‘CB4’ by blocking shots, rebounding, and protecting the paint. Reports indicate the former MVP candidate is looking great in workouts.

"Watching the guys work out, it’s just amazing how much more confidence they have, having Jermaine O’Neal back there,” said coach Sam Mitchell. "I’m telling you man, just watching them work out, he was blocking shots and talking.

"The thing I love about him, not one time has he talked about ’Give me the ball.’ All he’s talked about is playing defence and rebounding." (Toronto Star, Doug Smith)

He also fits the club’s long-term finances. O’Neal’s contract expires after 2010, giving Toronto cap room to re-sign Bosh (if he opts-out early) and add another superstar.

This is an important year for Colangelo. The Raptors, behind Bargnani and O’Neal’s resurgence, either fulfill expectations or some shine comes off the golden boy upstairs.

What do you think of Toronto’s off-season? How will they do next year? Get at us in the comment box below and return to HoopsVibe the Blog for more NBA tidbits.

5 Comments: Bryan Colangelo and Toronto’s season tied to Andrea Bargnani and (...)

Posted by
Franchise
on 10.1.2008

pfft... dont even start with them pacers. Their best player is a poor man’s brandon roy. dont joke. J.O. doesnt even have to score to tell you the truth. The raptors were the best shooting team in the league the past 2 yrs. All he needs to do is play defense. And ya andrea bargnani is shit, but if he breaks out this year which is kinda hard to picture, the raps will be a team to reckon with in the east at least. What team except for the lakers can potentially put 3 7 footers(bosh is 6-11 but w/e) on the court who all posess immense ability/promise? seriously JO. wont even be looked to get 20/10 maybe 13/10 would be great. but ya, the pacers are in a way worse situation than the raps pacers are gonna fight for like the 8th/7th spot. but at the same time, the pacers did get t.j. T.J. seriously has the potential to be a 18/10 player on the fast paced pacers. Raps played slow and he still managed 14/7 one year. Yall will enjoy him. but ya, marquise daniels? jeff foster? no offense but they are seriously crappy players. .

Posted by
ahmed
on 10.1.2008

adkjasbuiasjdsfghjgt .

Posted by
Indiana Jones
on 09.30.2008

Anything is possble. But as I said before action proves it all. If the pacers do well great! If not, I can’t say I would be surprised .

Posted by
O. Sandor
on 09.30.2008

Hi Indiana Pacer, thanks for reading and commenting. Reports out of Toronto have the Raptor bra-------claiming this 08-09 club their most talented. Could be, personally I’m not sure. Bargnani could be a real blotch on Colangelo’s resume, though. I think the Pacers could be a sleeper out East? What do you think? Thanks for commenting! .

Posted by
Indiana Jones
on 09.29.2008

This team is ok on paper. But overhyped until they prove something. As a pacers fan, don’t get your hopes up on J O’neal being healthy and put in 100% the entire season, it’s not his M.O. So until they actually prove it on the court. I could care less about what they’re players can do. Don’t even get me started on Bargnai, how the hell was he a #1 overall pick. They’re setting themselves up for failure relying on him to step up. He is a role player and never will be a leading star .

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	About Oly Sandor
Daily take on NBA Oly Sandor is an NBA analyst and sports journalist based out of Vancouver, Canada.After years of the free-lance game, Oly Sandor is bringing his unique brand of NBA analysis exclusively to (...) More

Bryan Colangelo and Toronto’s season tied to Andrea Bargnani and Jermaine O’Neal

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