Toronto Raptors and Rasho Nesterovic sequel makes sense

July 25 09

Breaking NBA news mixed with analysis...

Their News: "Bryan Colangelo remains the busiest man in basketball as it appears the Toronto Raptors’ general manager has re-acquired centre Rasho Nesterovic." (TSN.ca)

Our Quick Analysis: After much change and turnover, the Toronto Raptors are turning to a familiar face to add depth down-low.

Today, the club continued their off-season makeover, signing forward/centre Rasho Nesterovic to a one-year deal for $1.9 million dollars. The Slovenian was a Raptor from 2006 to 2008, but was traded to the Pacers only because his salary was needed to balance numbers in last summer’s T.J. Ford-Jermaine O’Neal blockbuster.

Simply put, the pivot should have never left. And returning to the Air Canada Centre makes sense.

In the summer of 2006, GM Bryan Colangelo acquired Nesterovic from San Antonio to help stabilize a shaky franchise. After all, the Raptors were reeling from the dysfunctional Rob Babcock era and needed a calming influence in a young locker-room.

Three years later, Toronto is again picking up the pieces after a difficult year. And Nesterovic is again expected to quietly lead. He’ll model professionalism coming off-the-bench for Andrea Bargnani and Chris Bosh or by working hard in practice.

Nesterovic also upgrades a defense that gave up 102 points per game in 2008-09. Former coach Sam Mitchell loved how he provided weakside help for teammates. Next season, current coach Jay Triano will expect the veteran to foster a get-stops mentality.

He’s cheap insurance. Bargnani has had health issues and struggles with consistency, while Bosh could get traded before hitting free agency next summer. If necessary, Nesterovic, a former starter, could step in for either and log heavy minutes.

The old is new again in Toronto. Like his previous run with the Raptors, Nesterovic will be a success.

Got thoughts on the T-dot adding Nesterovic? Get at us with thoughts and return to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of dgalloway.

11 Comments: Toronto Raptors and Rasho Nesterovic sequel makes sense

Posted by
kickseden
on 08.2.2009

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Posted by
WestCoastFan
on 07.26.2009

He is a bargain,comes to play every night and works hard in practice. A nice piece of the puzzle,now he needs another shooter, and a nasty boy off the bench. .

Posted by
Raptors-Fan
on 07.26.2009

Pops was great last year, provided the energy that the raptors lacked at times. But, our front court is loaded now. I think we’re still a little iffy at the 2 spot (Throw up between Derozen, Wright, maybe Geroge starting) and if we get Deflino we could solidify that. .

Posted by
hasn bin laiden
on 07.26.2009

i read elsewhere toronto was down to one roster spot and was trying to get delfino. we’ll find out soon enough if that was true or not.i’m not saying pops is the 2nd coming of karl malone or anything, but he did pull down 5 rpg in 13 mpg. seems like a useful skill to me. i’d like to see what he does with more time.throw in the fact that he’ll be 26 when the season starts and rasho will be 33, and it makes sense to me to give the younger guy more time if he earns it. .

Posted by
Chris
on 07.25.2009

Jack, Hedo, and now Rasho...we goin back to the playoffs for sure! .

Posted by
Dennis
on 07.25.2009

Its amazing to me how many people think Pops is a player...he played garbage minutes last yr and did alright but he is just ok...why do you think he’s not a priority for the Raptors?.... .

Posted by

on 07.25.2009

Rasho for MVP! .

Posted by
RapFan
on 07.25.2009

I think Bryan Colangelo picked up J.O. to appease Sam Mitchell. But as soon as he was free of Sam, he is going back to creating the team he knows is based on chemistry, hardwork and fun. Rasho should never have left, and will shore up the low post when needed. THIS IS GOOD!! .

Posted by
hasn bin laiden
on 07.25.2009

1-yr, $1.9M? why would you not do that? it’s the definitive low-risk move.i would like to see mensah-bonsu get more time in the frontcourt than rasho if pops comes back, but nesterovic should work out as a cheap insurance policy and a bench defensive 7-footer. .

Posted by
O.Sandor
on 07.25.2009

Hi there, thanks for commenting. Yes, you are right this is such a good move for the Raps and they sure have been busy. .

Posted by
nba fan
on 07.25.2009

its looking good for the raptors this year. hopefully they’ll jump back into the playoffs this yr. good luck! .

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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

Toronto Raptors and Rasho Nesterovic sequel makes sense

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