Goodbye ’Rip City’, hello ’T-Dot’: Turkoglu’s Carlos Boozer style signing boosts Raptors

July 04 09

Breaking NBA news mixed with analysis …

Their News: "Free agent forward Hedo Turkoglu changed his mind Friday and decided not to join the Portland Trail Blazers, opting instead to accept a five-year $53 million offer from the Toronto Raptors, sources told ESPN.com.

A source close to the discussions said Turkoglu had given a verbal commitment to the Blazers on Thursday, then alerted the team on Friday morning that he was having second thoughts. By mid-afternoon Pacific time, the Blazers were told the deal was dead and Turkoglu would be signing with the Raptors." ESPN.com Ric Bucher

Our Very Quick Analysis: Thanks, but no thanks.

After verbally agreeing to a contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, free agent Hedo Turkoglu has turned his back on ‘Rip City’ and will reportedly sign a five-year, $53 million pact with the Toronto Raptors.

Currently, there’s little information on why Turkoglu went ‘Carlos Boozer’ on Portland and changed his mind. However, the Turkish swing boosts a struggling Toronto franchise.

Since joining the NBA, the Raptors have had issues signing free agents. Outside talent mostly overlooks the ‘Dinos’, while stars drafted and groomed by the organization typically head south at the first chance possible. In picking Toronto, Turkoglu, a prize free agent, has validated the city, at least to doubting outsiders, as a basketball market.

For the first time since Vince Carter, the Raptors have a perimeter wing who creates mismatches on the offensive end. For instance, Turkoglu has the size to shot over smaller guards, while also possessing the speed and handles to drive past slower forwards. Best of all, he wants the ball with the game on the line.

Of course, there’s the looming Chris Bosh sweepstakes. Suddenly, the soon-to-be free agent has a supporting cast: Andrea Bargnani, Jose Calderon, young DeMar DeRozan and now Turkoglu. This move should influence Bosh’s decision to sign an extension and provides some insurance if he leaves next summer.

Simply put, Portland’s loss is Toronto’s gain.

What do you think of Turkoglu reneging on his verbal agreement with Portland? And what impact will he have in Toronto? Let us know in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe the Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of Keith Allison.

9 Comments: Goodbye ’Rip City’, hello ’T-Dot’: Turkoglu’s Carlos Boozer (...)

Posted by
Snika
on 07.5.2009

I hate to say it, but I don’t know if the Raptors got THAT much better. Losing Marion and Parker is kind of a big deal. Turkoglu was clutch... but clutch doesn’t matter if you don’t make the playoffs. Toronto needed change to keep Bosh a possibility, but I’m just not sure that it is enough to keep him in Canada, which is the ultimate goal. HOWEVER, getting Turk will bring more wins and if the coaching is there, then the Raps will be in the playoff hunt. .

Posted by
gm 4 hire
on 07.5.2009

Now that the Raptors have a legit starting five they need to sure up there bench now that they have lossed Parker and Marion! With the additions of Reggie evans witch is a great adittion for a struggling team! They should try to pick up Magloire who is from Toronto and will be a cheap pick up, Gooden to back up bosh and the rest of the centers, and a shooter like Luther Head and a certified vet in anthony Carter! Im just saying! lol .

Posted by
F22
on 07.4.2009

marion’s gone, raps need to renounce or trade players to sign turkoglu. the raps will make the playoffs this year replacing maybe the bulls. they will prolly be 6th this year which would line up a magic/raptors series. get ready guys. .

Posted by

on 07.4.2009

Marion is LONG GONE! That is what is up!! .

Posted by
BM10
on 07.4.2009

wat do you thinks goin to happen with shawn marion? But i still think they should do something with andrea cause him and bosh are to soft to be playing together at the 4 and 5 .

Posted by
BM10
on 07.4.2009

does anyone know how much remaining cap space the raptors has?] .

Posted by
O.Sandor
on 07.4.2009

Hi BM 10: I don’t know if Colangelo trades Bargnani. Remeber, BC picked him first overall and has his rep hedged to the Italian developing into a good player. Plus, Reggie Evans will likely fill the toughness role, however, they could use another solid, mean big -like you said. Perhaps, Bass, as Gortat will sign with Dallas for the full MLE. Thanks for commenting. .

Posted by
BM10
on 07.4.2009

i think they should trade andrea and get a tough rebounder to help bosh. They should try to sign gorat or bass. .

Posted by
korv_r
on 07.4.2009

As a Raptors fan, I’d love Turkoglu to play in the team, I think he fits well in the roster. Great decision Hedo, GO Raptors $\1$ ! .

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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

Goodbye ’Rip City’, hello ’T-Dot’: Turkoglu’s Carlos Boozer style signing boosts Raptors

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