Flush

I have a new theory on why why weren't able to aquire more picks/assets.

Colangelo made it clear fairly early that Bargnani was his pick. He did a very good job of preparing the toronto community for this pick, educating them on their newest player and providing support for the pick.

This was likely a conscious decision. He has stated that one of the biggest transitions for european players comming to the NBA has nothing to do with basketball, it is a cultural transition. BC has tried to create a supportive environment for AB, because his support system is on the otherside of the world. He wants AB to feel welcome and supported throughout his maturation process in toronto.

BC must be aware that the toronto basketball community can be a little jaded. He does not want them to give AB a hard time. He wouldn't have wanted Bargs to come to toronto on thursday reading all kinds of bad press, meeting suprised and angry fans.

The north american basketball fan generally knows very little about euro basketball players. Who here would have supported the pick had we not learned early that BC was high on him?

I think once BC made this pick a distinct posibility he began to release smoke screens, thus trying to move down etc. But at that point it was pretty clear the NBA community that BC knew who he wanted making a trade down scenerio much more difficult.

I'm sure BC knew this would likely happen, but felt that it was more important that the city of Toronto understood the pick and supported it.

The risk here is that there may be higher expectations for AB at the #1 pick then at the 3,4,5 picks etc. And now BC is trying to prepare Raptor fans that there will be growing pains and it is important to support AB through that process. But regardless of that he was their guy.

Do you feel it would have been better to suprise the Fans and aquire an additional pick/player or prepare them creating a more supportive environment for AB?

speedythief

I think he's going to do what he's going to do and while he's going to try and help everyone understand what his motives are, he isn't going to slow down for the benefit of bandwagoners and caustic beat writers.

Most people judge a draft long after the fact. Right now I'm not seeing a lot of strong opinions on his choices one way or the other. It will be at least four to six months before people start calling it "the worst" or "the best" (since there's nothing in between).


One thing I will say about Colangelo is that his confidence is infectious. If anyone watched the introduction of Bargnani yesterday, Colangelo was beaming.

Darman

This morning I saw the repetition of the match "Treviso - Roma": Andrea scored 25 in 28m (6/7 2p - 4/4 3p - 1/1 ft, 3 reb, 3 ste, 1 block, 2 to).

He's really good, never seen another 7' player in EuroLeague with his features.

I wish only Toronto's fans will be patience and support him familiarizing with this new reality.

Don't worry about his look: he's a humble guy but in the court he gives the 120%.

PS: He's a good rebounder too (don't listen the espn's guy) but yes, I really must improve in low post.