Not a bad move as long as the pick isn't too high. Now if we can just get rid of that Fields signing.
Here's the thing about the Landry signing:
The first two years of his deal aren't bad. $4-ish mill for him isn't going to hold the Raps back, especially with the young players on the team (and their associated contracts). It's the last year that sucks ($9-ish M), and that could be used as a large expiring for some player in the third year.
I would like to think the pick is top 5 protected, but must be in the lottery for Houston to take. As for Ross, he hasn't even played a damn game yet. Let's see what his results are on the floor. Who knows, he could end up being a top 5 talent from this class. He can shoot, defend and is athletic with a big body for a SG. He's already has more raw talent than DD. I like the pick, and although there were options to get him later in the draft, it's not as if it isn't a good young piece moving forward.
I'm glad the move for Nash failed, and I don't mind picking up Lowry considering his age and his contract size... BUT i'm still thrown about Landry Fields. Absolutely unneccesary pickup and a huge waste of money....
Also, the starting lineup looks somewhat promising, as well. If Fields could pull up surprising production on both ends of the floor, I think Raptors could be moving in the right direction.
Yeah, I wanted Nash for the atmosphere and nice Nash Raptors jerseys he would bring but I think aside from him Lowry is a better than average pickup and the best we could do. If Lowry brings the right attitude, he is a very nice upgrade from Calderon.
My only issue with Lowry is that he needs to bring his fg% up. If you look at all the playoff teams from last year, all of their starting PG's except Kidd had higher fg%. The PG is the leader on the floor and has to take smart shots regardless of his role on the team. With a team as young as ours, Lowry is going to have to make better decisions otherwise this could be the sort of thing that puts us as a 9-10 seed in the east missing the playoffs and getting a middling pick (although I guess that wouldn't be bad the first year so we give houston a low lottery pick).
I like the fact that he gets to the lane with authority and is not afraid of contact near the rim. I think he is a good but not great passer. He contributes on the defensive rebounding end which is something we need and he's a good defender.
I'm a little hesitant because he never seemed to be able to upend guys like Dragic, Brooks and Conley but he def comes at a great price. I just hope his on decision making improves because I'd be nervous about this if it doesn't.
I do like the defensive push the Raps are making though. Lowry, Ross and Val (and dare I say even Fields) are all really big upgrades in that department. If you can't base your team on stars and you don't want to wait to try to find them through the draft then becoming defensive and trying to model yourself after the 2004 pistons is not a bad way to go.
Logged in for the 1st time in ages just to say I happy with this trade and glad we haven't got Nash
future, actually looks good, srsly good
I would like us to resign bayless, then amnesty Calderon or trade him if we can get some value for another wing, hopefully starting caliber (OJ Mayo maybe?)
Lowry / Bayless
Majo / Ross
DeRozan / Kleiza
Bargs / Davis
Val / Amir
Logged in for the 1st time in ages just to say I happy with this trade and glad we haven't got Nash
future, actually looks good, srsly good
I would like us to resign bayless, then amnesty Calderon or trade him if we can get some value for another wing, hopefully starting caliber (OJ Mayo maybe?)
Lowry / Bayless
Majo / Ross
DeRozan / Kleiza
Bargs / Davis
Val / Amir
Re: Raptors Acquire Kyle Lowry
