Bleacher Report - Articles by Brad LeClair

The Top Five Free Agents The Toronto Raptors Should Target

Brad LeClair — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:40:09 -0400

With another disappointing and underachieving season behind them, the Toronto Raptors and General Manager Bryan Colangelo are now looking to overhaul the Raptors roster once again.

In a year that was ravished by injuries, new faces and inconsistent play, the Raptors team is looking to improve on yet another 33-win season.

The Raptors have already begun with the roster overhaul in trading three point specialist Jason Kapono to the Philadephia 76ers for journeyman big man Reggie Evans. Evans provides much needed toughness and rebounding to a very soft Raptors team.

The draft is in roughly one week (June 25th @ 8 p.m.), and the Raptors will continue to re-tool and find another potential all-star via the NBA Draft.

But with that said, most teams try to add or improve their roster by Free Agent pickups.

Here is a concise list of five players who the Raptors should look into signing. All of them can serve a purpose with the team.

1) SF/PF Shawn Marion

The Matrix came to the Raptors after the Jermaine O'Neal trade was completed. Marion provided the Raptors with a small forward that they have lacked since the days of Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter and Jalen Rose.

Marion's price tag is around $8-10 million a season, but with the 9-4 record the Raptors finished the season with, Marion does make this team better, and I think he fits the team perfectly.

2) PF Antonio McDyess

Another one of Bryan Colangelo's boys, McDyess is a veteran big who can provide winning experience and a lethal mid range jumper. McDyess was rumored to be coming to Toronto back when Morris Peterson was a Raptor, but I digress. McDyess could also help mentor Chris Bosh a little bit, since their games are fairly similar.

A solid pickup off the bench, looking for around $3-6 million.

3) SF Trevor Ariza

One of the more underrated players on the Lakers roster, Ariza had a breakout campaign. Ariza brings athleticism and great defense to any team he'll sign with. He would be an excellent add for the Raptors without question.

Probably looking for around $6-9 million a year after the superb postseason.

4) PF/C Drew Gooden

Again, with Reggie Evans on the roster, the Raptors may not have room for Gooden, but he's a surefire 12 points per game, eight rebounds per game player who can shoot at a fairly high percentage. He can spell Bosh or Bargnani and not lose a lot on either end of the court.

He will be looking for around $3-6 million a year.

5) SF Matt Barnes

The last of my five, Barnes is another familiar face to Bryan Colangelo having played in Phoenix, where Colangelo used to general manage the club. Barnes is a low maintenance player who comes to play every night. He rebounds well for his size and takes over the spot vacated by Joey Graham, who is about as inconsistent as they come. Would immediately become one of Toronto's best perimeter defenders

Barnes will be looking for $3-6 million a year.

Top 10 NHL Mock Draft

Brad LeClair — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 23:18:12 -0400

Welcome to my mock draft. In the next 10 slides you'll find out who I believe will be the top overall selection and also who may go where in this 2009 NHL Draft. I'll try and take team needs into consideration, but for the most part, it's more of a ranking of the top 10 prospects. So let's get started...

Begin Slideshow

NBA Draft 2009: The Night That Changes Everything, Pt. 3

Brad LeClair — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:08:28 -0400

The Finale of my 3 part mock draft, let's begin..

No. 21 Overall: New Orleans Hornets

With a great cast of players and a pretty decent bench, the Hornets are poised for a better season if health and good luck finds their side.

With the 21st pick the Hornets select SF Earl Clark from Louisville. Clark will provide the Hornets with a James Posey type of player. His jumper isn't the greatest though.

No. 22 Overall: Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks could be in trouble with the aging Jason Kidd maybe leaving this offseason.

With that said, the Mavericks select PG Eric Maynor out of VCU. Maynor, one of the better scoring PG's in the draft, will provide a new look for the Mavs for the coming year.

No. 23 Overall: Sacremento Kings (Via Houston)

With their second choice in the 2009 NBA Draft the Sacremento Kings select SF/PF DaJuan Summers out of Nevada. He's not the most effecient player out there, but he's got all the physical tools to be a serviceable player in the NBA.

No. 24 Overall: Portland Trailblazers

With a boatload of young talent, the Trailblazers may be looking to just shed themselves of this pick, but again, I'm not their GM, so I'll just pick a player who may go in this spot.

The Trail Blazers select PG Darren Collison out of UCLA. With Jerryd Bayliss and Steve Blake already there, they can groom Collison without having to rush his development.

No. 25 Overall: Oklahoma City Thunder (via San Antonio)

With their second choice in the first round, the Thunder select SG Wayne Ellington out of UNC. Ellington brings some championship experience to a team that is in need of it.

No. 26 Overall: Chicago Bulls (via Denver)

With their second choice in the first round, the Bulls select SF Omri Casspi out of Maccabi Tel Aviv. This player can either be signed, or left to stay in Europe to develop his skills more. He may be a project, but from what I hear, he could be a steal.

No. 27 Overall: Memphis Grizzlies (via Orlando)

With their second choice in the draft, the Grizzles select SG/SF Chase Budinger out of Arizona. A former volleyball player, Chase has athleticism to spare, but question marks still plague his effort and heart on the court, as well as defense.

No. 28 Overall: Minnesota Timberwolves (via Boston)

With their second choice in the draft, the T-Wolves select senior SG Sam Young out of Pittsburgh. He'll bring some much needed leadership to the team. He's also a senior, so he can step right in without many expectations being picked so low in the first round.

No. 29 Overall: Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers take a flyer and select PF/C Gani Lawal out of Georgia Tech. A bit undersized at the four, Lawal will provide the Lakers with another big body that can rebound.

No. 30 Overall: Clevelad Cavaliers

With the last pick in the first round, the Cavs select SF Tyler Smith out of Tennessee. With an overall game that will remind many of another 30th pick, Josh Howard, Smith provides the Cavs with a capable backup to LBJ for a very cheap price.

Hope you enjoyed reading my mock draft

Toronto Raptors Fans— Get Ready for One Eventful Offseason

Brad LeClair — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:47:40 -0400

With quite possibly the most disappointing season the Raptors have ever had, General Manager Bryan Colangelo is set to embark upon another busy offseason with the Toronto Raptors.

This offseason should be reminiscent of the first offseason the Raptors had under the leadership of Colangelo, where nine new players were brought in. Those included such names as Anthony Parker, Rasho Nesterovic, Carlos Delfino, Kris Humphries, Jorge Garbajosa, and TJ Ford.

With the future of Chris Bosh also in limbo, there could be more than just minor additions made to the team. The team's franchise player could be on his way out because of a failure to sign an extension before the start of the season.

Colangelo today, has already begun his busy offseason, shipping one-dimensional shooter Jason Kapono to the Philadelphia 76ers for Reggie Evans. Evans will give the Raptors a certain edge or swagger to their team that they have not had since the days of Charles Oakley.

With Anthony Parker, Shawn Marion, and Joey Graham all free agents this summer, the Raptors wing positions could have an entirely new look to them come the beginning of next season.

There has been talk about the Raptors attempting to bring back guard Carlos Delfino to the fold. Delfino provides the Raptors with a slashing element to their game, as well as one of the better re-bounders and defenders at his position. His addition to the team would be much welcomed.

But that is not the end of the retooling of the Raptors. Bryan Colangelo still has many moves yet to make. The team still needs three wing players, possibly a backup center and a backup point guard yet to come.

With roughly $11 million in cap space and the MLE to play with, there is no end of possibilities for Colangelo to improve this team.

One scenario I have come up with is to re-sign two of the wing players (Marion and Graham) and deal Chris Bosh, Roko Ukic, and Kris Humphries to the Washington Wizards for the No. 5 pick, Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood, and a future pick.

With the fifth pick the Raptors would choose either Brandon Jennings or Tyreke Evans, whoever is available at that pick.

With the ninth pick, they'll select DeMar DeRozan or Gerald Henderson, whoever is available once again at their pick.

Lastly, the team would add former Raptor and all around solid NBA Center Rasho Nesterovic to the fold.

The roster now has this look (if I was the GM):

Calderon/Evans(or Jennings)/Banks
Butler/Delfino/DeRozan(or Henderson)
Marion/Graham
Bargnani/Evans
Haywood/Rasho/O'Bryant

Now this is just a rough idea of an offseason, but again, the Raptors brought in six new players under this plan and look like they have shored up their weak bench situation.

With the NBA Finals set to conclude in the coming weeks, the draft will be only days away, and the offseason will have begun. Here's hoping Colangelo can make the Raptors a playoff team once again.

NBA Draft 2009: The Night That Changes Everything, Pt. 2

Brad LeClair — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:47:10 -0400

This is a continuation of the article I wrote yesterday.

The Next 10 Draft Picks

No. 11 Overall: New Jersey Nets

With a glaring need for a SF, the Nets choose to pick PF/C DeJuan Blair.

Blair is widely considered one of the top rebounders in the draft, and the added toughness on a fairly soft power forward position will help the Nets with their playoff push.

Still looking to fill the starting SF spot ever since they lost Richard Jefferson in that Yi Jianlian deal.

No. 12 Overall: Charlotte Bobcats

The Bobcats select local boy SG Gerald Henderson. Henderson, a Duke product, adds to the depth at the SG position since they lost Jason Richardson to the Suns via trade.

Henderson, a bit undersized for SG, he can create his own shot like the best of them. He will have some trouble defending his position if he relies too much on his athleticism, and not positioning.

No. 13 Overall: Indiana Pacers

Here, with the growing controversy in Indiana regarding the PG position, the Pacers select PG/SG Jeff Teague. A local product, Teague is a very athletic, explosive rear guard who can create in a snap.

No. 14 Overall: Phoenix Suns

The Suns select an open court wing player in SG/SF Terrance Williams. Williams, who excels in the open court, has found his version of heaven in the Suns system. Coming off the bench behind the likes of Grant Hill and Jason Richardson will help his learning of the NBA game. Could prove to be the steal of the '09 Draft if all goes well.

No. 15 Overall: Detroit Pistons

With Iverson and Rasheed Wallace coming off the books this summer, the Pistons have plenty of cap space to work with. With that said, there is talk about them either selling the pick or packaging it in a trade to move up in the draft.

Picking a player for this team will be hard, but with the departure of Rasheed Wallace, their big man rotation is a little thin and they might be picking SF/PF Austin Daye out of Gonzaga.

Daye brings some outside shooting and an inside presence to the Pistons team.

No. 16 Overall: Chicago Bulls

This may be a very busy offseason for the Chicago Bulls. The likes of Ben Gordon, Kirk Hinrich and Luol Deng may not call Chicago home next year. But with that said, the Bulls, looking to add some toughness and versatility to their roster, they select SF/PF James Johnson.

Johnson, who will remind Bulls Fans a little bit of a skinnier version of Othella Harrington, brings smooth jumper and some added toughness to the Bulls Roster. A very good mid range shooter.

No. 17 Overall: Philadelphia 76ers

With questions marks surrounding PG Andre Miller, the Sixers choose to pick the best available point guard in PG/SG Jrue Holiday. Holiday, who draws comparisons to Rodney Stuckey, adds some of the lost height and play making abilities that are lost with the possible departure of Andre Miller.

No. 18 Overall: Minnesota Timberwolves (via Miami Heat)

The Timberwolves, having already chosen Hill at No. 6, maybe looking to deal this pick. But this is not a trade prediction. This is a mock draft. So here that T-Wolves select PG Ty Lawson. A similar PG to Sebastian Telfair, Lawson brings some winning experience to a team that really hasn't won a lot in the past.

No. 19 Overall: Atlanta Hawks

With the possible departure of Marvin Williams this offseason, this allows Josh Smith to move back to his natural position of small forward. With that said, here the Hawks continue with picking a TarHeel and select PF Tyler Hansbrough.

Tyler brings some extra rebounding and another rebounding force inside. Has a similar game to Al Horford, but the two may work well together.

No. 20 Overall: Utah Jazz

The Jazz select C BJ Mullins out of Ohio State.

Mullins, who in years past, was ranked as the first overall pick in this years draft, has slipped considerably in the Rankings, but that doesn't phase the Jazz, who choose to pick another Ohio State product, like they did with Kosta Koufus from last years draft.

Check back tomorrow for the finale of my three-part mock.

2009 NBA Draft: The Night That Changes Everything, Pt. 1

Brad LeClair — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:46:34 -0400

The NBA Draft has been a starting point for nearly every NBA Basketball player.

It is here, where the player is introduced to the basketball world.

It is also here, where the scouting and skills of the scouts and general managers of NBA teams are put to the test.

Will your GM find a hidden gem such as Carlos Boozer, Gilbert Arenas, or Rashard Lewis? Or will they pick duds like Michael Olowokandi, Rafael Araujo, and Nikoloz Tskitishvili.

The future success of many teams in the coming NBA seasons is usually predicated by a good showing at the draft, and with that, we will get started.

No. 1 Overall—Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers here select the consensus No. 1 pick in SF/PF/C Blake Griffin. Granted the Clips have a glut of PF/C on the team, there is talk that Griffin may play some SF if they choose to select him.

With Kaman, Randolph, Camby, and Thornton already there for the PF/C rotation, one could expect some fireworks with the Clippers come draft night. They may trade one of these guys and acquire another mid first round pick to help round out a fairly weak back court.

Well that's a route I would take.

No. 2 Overall—Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies select SG James Harden second overall. There is talk about PG Rubio not wanting to play in Memphis. With that, rather than have to deal with the headaches of a Rubio situation, they take quite possibly the second best NCAA player in the country.

Harden is a hard nosed player in the mold of Manu Ginobili. He can pass, shoot, and create, and makes all of his teammates better. What better player for a struggling Grizzlies franchise.

No. 3 Overall—Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder, already having Westbrook and Watson at PG, have decided to pass on Rubio and select the most intimidating defender in the NCAA. The Thunder Select C Hasheem Thabeet third overall.

Already with a glut of backcourt talent, the Thunder add a defensive force in Thabeet, who will not only improve the team's defense, but will also allow the team to play more fast-break basketball, which will allow Kevin Durant to do his thing in the open court.

No. 4 Overall—Sacremento Kings

This is the most anticipated pick right now, and the Kings make no mistake and select their possible franchise PG in Ricky Rubio.

The Kings have lacked a quality PG ever since they lost Mike Bibby to the Hawks. Rubio will bring back some of the Rick Adelman Kings qualities to the team—open court basketball, creative passing, and in your face defense.

No. 5 Overall—Washington Wizards

This pick has been rumored to being dangled by the Wizards. From what I heard, they will deal the pick if a player they like either is picked early, or doesn't fall to them.

Since I cannot predict that, I will select the player that best fits their team. The Wizards go slightly off the board and select PG/SG Tyreke Evans. The Wizards, who had Dom McGuire playing SG for them this past year, have added a quality piece who is best used in the open court.

No. 6 Overall—Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota's roster may possibly be the weakest in all of basketball, so adding the best talent available is best for them.

Here, despite already having bigs such as Kevin Love and Al Jefferson, the T-Wolves select PF/C Jordan Hill. Hill is considered a very good rebounder, but a project big, who will need some time and grooming before he's a force. What better way than to come off the bench in a low pressure environment such as Minnesota.

No. 7 Overall—Golden State Warriors

Do the Warriors pick for need or the best player available?

That's the question I'm thinking about, but from what I can see, I think they will be picking PG Brandon Jennings. He's an uber-athletic point guard, who loves to play in the open court and has great vision.

The defense is suspect, but looking at what the Warriors offer for defense, he'll fit in like a glove.

No. 8 Overall—New York Knicks

This might be the most obvious choice in the draft. The Knicks, who already have a glut of guard players, decide to select another in PG/SG Stephen Curry.

Is he another JJ Redick, Trajon Langdon, or will he evolve into a Ray Allen type of player. Only time will tell, but this is a risky pick for the Knicks.

No. 9 Overall—Toronto Raptors

With most of the holes on the roster being on the bench, the Raptors decide to pick the BPS and ignore any positional need. Here they select SG/SF DeMar DeRozan.

Not since the days of T-Mac and VC, have Toronto basketball fans seen such athleticism from a player. He's a bit of a project, but his game translates very well to the NBA.

With a lack of athleticism on the wings in Toronto, DeMar's arrival is a much anticipated one.

No. 10 Overall—Milwaukee Bucks

With the possibility of losing both Charlie Villanueva and Ramon Sessions, the Bucks have a number of holes to fill.

Do they look to improve their rebounding, or do they look for a distributor. Here they choose the latter, and select PG Jonny Flynn. Flynn's game is very similar to former Buck TJ Ford. His offense comes and goes, but his defense seems to be there despite his small size.

Playing with the likes of Bogut, Redd, and Jefferson will help him get adjusted to the NBA game.

Top 10: Griffin, Harden, Thabeet, Rubio, Evans, Hill, Jennings, Curry, DeRozan, Flynn

Next 10 tomorrow...check back then.

Raptors News: Toronto Falls to Lakers, Looks Ahead to Warriors

Brad LeClair — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:04:02 -0400

As the Toronto Raptors head into the Bay Area for tonight's game against the Golden State Warriors, they should still be looking back to last night and the game that got away.

The Raptors, playing without All Star power forward Chris Bosh, were able to stick with the juggernaut of the NBA, also known as the Los Angeles Lakers.

During the 117-108 game, the Lakers, possibly having one of the better 1-2-3 punches in the NBA, were given quite the test from the shorthanded Raptors squad.

The Raptors, led by Anthony Parker, got out to an early first-quarter lead. Kobe Bryant kept the Lakers within striking distance with 11 first-quarter points.

As the game went on, the superior talent and depth of the Lakers squad shone through. Outscoring the Raptors 36-27 in the second quarter, the Lakers took a 58-52 lead into halftime.

Led by Kobe Bryant's 19 points, the Lakers looked to take control of the game.

The second half was closely contested, with the Raptors and Lakers both scoring 25 points in the third quarter.

Anthony Parker nailed three three-point field goals and hit two free throws to tally 11 points in that quarter. The Lakers were led by Lamar Odom, who scored 13 points in the third and finished with 20 points total.

The fourth quarter was the TJ Ford and Kobe Bryant Show. Both players carried their respective clubs, Ford scoring 14 points and Bryant scoring 10 points.

The turning point of the game came when Bryant looked to drive from the elbow but instead passed out of the double team and found a wide open Derek Fisher for an uncontested three point shot.

Fisher made the shot and the Lakers took a three-possession lead over the Raptors with roughly 1:30 left on the clock.

The Lakers shot 15-32 (46.9 percent) from three-point range and finished the game beating the Raptors 117-108.

For you fantasy buffs, here are some stats...

Fantasy Top Guns

Raptors

PG TJ Ford 28 pts, 4 ast, 5 reb on 11-23 FGM/A, 1-1 3PM/A

C Rasho Nesterovic 18 pts, 8 reb on 9-15 FGM/A, 1 blk and 1 stl

SG Anthony Parker 21 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl on 7-11 FGM/A and 4-5 3PM/A

Lakers

SG Kobe Bryant 34 pts, 6 reb, 7 ast, 4 stl and 1 blk on 12-20 FGM/A, 4-8 3PM/A

SF/PF Lamar Odom 20 pts, 9 reb, 2 stl on 9-12 FGM/A, 2-2 3PM/A

PG Derek Fisher 18 pts, 5 ast, 2 stl, 7-14 FGM/A and 4-9 3PM/A

Fantasy Disasters

Raptors

PG Jose Calderon 2 pts, 6 ast, 3 reb 1-6 FGM/A

SG/SF Carlos Delfino 0 pts, 2 reb on 0-6 FGM/A in only 12 mins of action

Lakers

PF Vladimir Radmanovic 0 pts, 1 blk on 0-5 FGM/A, 0-3 3PM/A

The Raptors now move on to the Bay Area for a battle with the NBA's most elite offensive club, the Golden State Warriors.

Golden State, which averages nearly 107 ppg, can bank on another high-scoring game with the Raptors. The Raptors, playing without Chris Bosh, have seen their defensive numbers tumble into oblivion. Without Bosh, they give up nearly eight more ppg.

Projected Starters

Raptors

PG Jose Calderon, SG Anthony Parker, SF Jamario Moon, PF Andrea Bargnani, C Rasho Nesterovic

Warriors

PG Baron Davis, SG Monta Ellis, SF Mickeal Pietrus, PF Stephen Jackson, C Andris Biedrins

Local TV

Raptors: The Score

Warriors: FSBayHD

Tip: 10:30 pm EDT