Cap_ii

I agree it is too early to call Hoffa a bust. but what is the expectation from him. What about Alvin William?
I think If hoffa give us nothing but rebounding (7+) that would a plus, but for A.william i don't know what to expect of him. keep in mind he had another surgery right at the end of the season. I don't think he can run with NBA caliber gurds any more; therefore, the Raptors should cut him lose.
What do you guys think?

Turkish Delight

Hoffa needs to step in there and actually get some playing time. It's not Sam Mitchell's fault for not giving him more time, he just seems to get in foul trouble much too early, and much too often. If he can stop committing those stupid fouls, he should be able to play about 20 minutes a game night in and night out. I'd be happy with Hoffa averaging something like 6 points and 6 rebounds this year, but I'm not so optimistic that it'll happen.

As for Alvin Williams, I'm not sure he can play the PG position anymore. After all those knee problems, I doubt he can defend those opposing smaller, quicker PG's. I wouldn't mind seeing Alvin on the floor with another PG though, such as Ukic or Rafer. That could work in some situations I guess, much like how Rafer and Milt worked well together at times this season. Hopefully Alvin can get back in shape, and step in there and provide us some quality minutes when we need them. It really depends on what happens with Ukic though. If the Raptors are available to buy him out and bring him in here, Alvin's role on this team will be limited. However if we are unable to bring Ukic in for this season, Alvin will definately be needed to step up and provide a lot of quality minutes off the bench.

speedythief

It is Sam's fault for not getting Hoffa more time. What's the sense in pulling somebody because of "foul trouble" in the first quarter then only putting them in for five minutes of the third quarter, with no hope of returning save for dying fourth-quarter minutes a blow-out game? How can you get into foul trouble if you never get to play long enough to pick-up six fouls, anyways?

I am convinced that Babcock pressured Sam to help develop Araujo by giving him minutes and making him a starter, and Mitchell obeyed. However Mitchell didn't like to have his hand forced and therefore only played Hoffa a few minutes in the first and third and pulled him regardless of the way he was playing so that he could put Marshall or Bonner on in his place ASAP. He wants to put himself in a position to win, and for that I can't blame him, but he doesn't seem to have the patience that is required for a player like Araujo to transform into a rugged NBA player. Or at least I don't think he's demonstrated that patience yet.

I think this contributed to Hoffa's seemingly disoriented style of play. He knew some of the things that were expected of him--screening, rebounding, fouling to prevent easy buckets--but for the most part he had no clue as to what else was allowed or frowned upon. He spent more time watching Sam's facial expressions and listening for instruction than he did watching the ball. I feel like a major factor in Hoffa's lacklustre rookie campaign was unpredictable coaching.

As for the fouling, I'm certain that Hoffa's been told to hack when somebody has an open lane or easy lay-in. His fouls are deliberate. I don't think he comes by that naturally. Most of his fouls are avoidable so I think he must be getting instruction on when and who to foul. I don't think he is so foul prone that it will hinder his career.

I agree that I don't think we're going to be seeing "the stopper" version of Alvin, anymore. J-Kidd is the only player to return from the surgery that Alvin had and still retain much of his quickness, and even that is questionable. Most other players have lost a step or two, and when you are a hustle player like Alvin, that could eliminate your ability to make an impact.

I think it's likely that if Alvin is playing we will use him as a shooter, and somebody who can take the ball out of Rafer's hands when he gets erratic. I don't think we'll see much of Alvin as our only point guard on the floor. But I do wish him the best.

TRON

Hoffa
- No expectations on my part, that way there will be no disappointments. Confidence is Hoffa's #1 issue, he can be a servicable player but will have to believe in himself
- I hope the friendly competition (Charlie V) will motivate him to get better, but I actually predict that will just push him even further down the depth chart, and further obliterate any confidence the kid had left
- If he can have a successful stint with the Brazilian nationals this summer that should go a long way towards helping in his sophmore year.

Alvin
- I was really geared up having Alvin back for this year until I heard that he is not even close to game shape, from not being able to work out while healing from surgery
- Last I seen him, he looked kinda heavy, even his face looked rounder. If he can even play a solid 10 min a game to start, I think we will be very lucky to have his leadership on the court and on the bench

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"and they aware of us though,
but we don't give a flying 747 **** though,
stayin on my hustle" -Nas

"To be honest, sometimes in this game, telling the truth is the best smokescreen of all." - Raptors GM Bryan Collangelo

Thievery Corporation

I say we play Hoffa as much as we can next year. We have a very low chance of making the playoffs next year and if we do make it, the only thing that happens is a quick first-round exit. This coming year should be strictly developmental. I don't care if the fans don't like it. It would be the best thing for a player llike Hoffa. Mitchell should stop giving inconsistent minutes to him and let him play through foul trouble so he learns not to commit them. Atleast if he knows he will get PT he won't be playing so tight worrying about getting subbed 2 mins into the game. We really need to develop Hoffa and teach him his role. I think he could become a better version ofDanny Fortson and that's fine by me.

As for Alvin, he is way too old and injured. Good guy and all but we have to move him somehow.

charlz

Hoffa more of the same but with less minutes - will have to be a boarding hustling beast

Alvin - sadly though he is one of my all time fav Raps will struggle for minutes and to contribute.

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“I may be wrong... but I doubt it”
--Charles Barkley

SkywalkerAC

I still think the expectation for Hoffa is to be the starting, bruising center alonside Bosh, whatever that might entail.

Expectations for Alvin are very low at this point but it's impossible to say how he will fare against the youngsters. Kidd came back a step quicker after his surgery and AW has had plenty of time to prepare himself. He's got great NBA experience...but is he anywhere close to the uptempo PG that Mitchell wants to run with? I doubt it. Cook probably has a better chance at major backup minutes than AW does. But I'd be more than happy if I'm proven wrong. Also, as amoral as it may seem, AW should (hopefully) accept a buyout on his final (player option) year if he isn't fit enough to play (minutes under Mitchell).

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AC