Its_asdf's Raptors Dynasty - Discontinued

[MikeMan™]

- Wow! this thread is amazing, it really looks real.

- It doesn't look good for your team, Bosh's injury is really hurting your team. Oh well, there's Memphis.
Wish that your team plays Memphis all the time.

- Your team needs a trade.

[Its_asdf]

Marion Rumours Begin to Surface
Raptors Forward Supposedly Unhappy in Toronto?


December 26, 2009
Doug Smith
SPORTS REPORTER



Word around town is that Shawn Marion isn't exactly a happy camper at the moment and has quietly gone to Raptors General Manager Bryan Colangelo seeking to be moved out of Toronto. This is a strange turn of events considering that the 6'7 forward happily chose to re-sign with Toronto in the off-season after inking a contract that landed him a 3 year 24 million dollar deal.

"He's pretty unhappy about the amount of touches that he has been getting," an inside source that is close to Marion had said. "He's seen his minutes slowly being cut and he's not too happy about that because he believed that he was brought back to be the second/third option right behind Bosh."

Part of Marion's detoriorating minutes stems from the unexpectly rapid development of rookie forward Chuck Terrell, who usually plays crucial minutes in the fourth quarter because of his offensive capabilities. That in combination with Marion's lacklustre effort on the defensive end and his poor scoring ability from the perimeter have caused many to label Marion as an underachiever thus far. "People use Terrell as a comparison to Marion when they bring two completely different things to the table," the inside source later added. "That's just ludacris. People expect Marion to score 15+ a game when he has been struggling because Jay (Triano) is forcing him into a role that he is not accustomed to playing. It's not fair to Marion and that's why he wants out."

Marion was also recently relegated to playing off the bench when he was replaced with Terrell in the starting lineup, although he was quickly re-inserted as a starter at the power forward position thanks to an achilles tendon injury to Bosh that sidelined him to miss at least a month.

Because of Toronto's lacklustre perimeter shooting and lack of depth in the front court after Bosh's injury, rumours are beginning to circulate that Marion is being shopped by Colangelo to various teams to acquire more depth and a more perimeter-oriented shooting guard to make room for Terrell at the small forward spot. The brunt of these rumours are reportedly deals involving teams such as Denver, Utah and Phoenix. Let's break down each scenario for each team:

1. Denver - J.R. Smith seems to be the man on Denver's roster that Colangelo is targetting. After a stellar post-season run with the Nuggets, Smith essentially is a younger and more effective version of the Raptors Rodney Carney. However, Denver has re-signed Dahntay Jones as their starting two guard and has been putting up MIP esque numbers (almost 17 points per game) who has stolen the bulk of Smith's minutes. Smith has reportedly been pouting at his lack of minutes and has regressed immensely on the offensive end (just 7.2 points per game) as a result. There's no doubt that the talent's there, but would Colangelo welcome a potential headcase like Smith? Is this a downward spiral or just a small blip in Smith's career? Colangelo also seems adamant about acquiring multiple players for Marion, and BC is supposedly reluctant to pull the trigger because he wants more in return than just Smith, but nothing has really caught his eye aside from the highflyer.

2. Phoenix - The acrobatic Jason Richardson seems to fit like a glove and would bring nostalgic fans back to their seats who want another athletic guard that resembles a certain former Raptor which we shall not name. Richardson's game in theory fits the bill of what the Raptors want - a guard that can get it done offensively and who can carry them through the frequent dry spells they go through. J-Rich has also been suffering from a down year though (14 points per game), but more so from the field (28% from threes, 42% from the field). Richardson's contract is also a lot larger than Marion's so Toronto would have to give up more players and potentially lose more depth than they would want to in order to acquire Richardson.

3. Utah - C.J. Miles has been a solid role player for the Utah Jazz off the bench, but like Smith, hasn't come close to the minutes that he had received last season. Miles is a nice player that could be a solid addition to the team, but he isn't exactly a standout guard that the Raptors covet (5.5 points per game), and there would have to be a lot more offered to the table offered by the Jazz to make the deal more enticing. The only problem is that the Jazz are not willing to part with any of the players that the Raptors would potentially be interested in, leaving this scenario a very unlikely one.


Shawn Marion's inconsistency is partially to blame for the Raptors' current subpar record.



NBA News - Trades
Okafor Swapped for Chandler




Mike Ulmer - raptors.com
December 18, 2009




The Charlotte Bobcats and the New Orleans have opted to swap big men that post eerily similar numbers in comparison to one another. Okafor has thus far had slightly better overall statistics in comparison with Chandler, averaging 10.5 points per game, 11.3 rebounds per game and 1.92 blocks per game for the Bobcats, while Tyson Chandler has been averaging 10.3 points per game, 9.7 rebounds per game and 1.75 blocks per game. Okafor however has been struggling with his shot as he has only shot 39% from the field and 49% from the free throw line in comparison to Chandler's 50% field goal percentage and 60% free throw shooting. Both Okafor and Chandler are second overall picks and are both 26 years of age that have injury ridden careers, but main deciding factor in pulling this trade was most likely the difference in contracts between the two players.

With Okafor having a longer 3 year deal in comparison to Tyson Chandler's 2 year deal, New Orleans is banking on Okafor to finally become the franchise player that Charlotte had longed hoped that he would become. Hornets' point guard Chris Paul was known for elevating Chandler's game with his sensational playmaking ability, allowing Chandler mutliple easy baskets a night; it should be no less different with Okafor around. Okafor lacks offensive polish and has underachieved in this area, but as of right now seems like he could potentially see a major spike in production much like Chandler did seeing as he has never played with a point guard of Paul's calibre before.

Chandler on the other hand gives Charlotte more cap flexibility as a solid center that can crash the boards and alter some shots for the time being. While he most likely won't be as effective as Okafor, Chandler is still one of the better rebounding and shotblocking big men in the game but it will be difficult seeing Chandler becoming a better player now that he does not have a player like Paul lobbing the ball to him frequently.

Stackhouse Sent to Memphis for Buckner



In a cap space clearing move, Dallas has decided to part ways with former all-star Jerry Stackhouse. In return they re-acquire Greg Buckner, a former Maverick known for his defensive ability. It is highly unlikely that he will see the light of day from the Dallas bench, especially considering the ton of depth at the shooting guard and small forward positions. With Dallas opting for more of a youth movement at the wing positions by focusing their development on the likes of Antoine Wright, Gerald Green and rookie Blaise Galand, Stack had become expendable for the Mavs.

Stackhouse, now 34 years of age, is far from just a throw-in as a useless expiring contract. He has been averaging 7.3 points per game prior to this trade and has shot a blistering 57% from beyond the arc so far.

[Its_asdf]

thierryhenry50 - Yeah they're absolutely horrid in my dynasty. Indiana is kind of dangerous though, because Dunleavy and Granger are a lot taller than most of my defenders at the SG/SF position and can heat up really quickly.

Sit - Yeah my big man rotation has changed around a lot more than I originally anticipated, but Patrick O'Bryant has been pretty solid filling the void for Evans during his injury. He's kind of like my hidden gem on the team, but I'm not sure I like the fact that he can't defend a pylon to save his life.

homicide1550 - My overall team depth isn't that great right now but I don't think that losing Bosh automatically means I'm out for the playoffs. Outside of New York and some other random team (I forget), not that many teams are really challenging Detroit for that final 8th spot right now.

hova- - I was contemplating signing a big for the minimum, but I'm not too interested in any of the centres that are currently in the free agent pool (I'm pretty pick when it comes to signing/trading players )

Martti. - Yeah Marion is my new power forward... For now. Who knows how long it'll be before he's shipped out though.

newc - Currently occupying the 7th seed, so technically I don't need to get it, heh. I know what you mean though, it's definitely going to be an uphill battle for at least this month.

The X - Really? I could have sworn that he was dropping like 18 a game or something lol.

dascoot - The draft is projected to be weak which is pretty disheartening considering how this draft was considered "strong" but a lot of the time many of the rookies don't even crack the rotation of the team that they were drafted by because of their low overall ratings. This usually leads me to dbf editing the rookies into the starting lineup/6th man spot every week or so to keep things interesting.

Andrew - I love it when key players go down in my dynasties. Not only does it make the game more challenging, but it also makes for interesting developments... Such as, let's say, a soon-to-come trade that could shake up the team itself. Then there's also those moments where you dig a little deeper into your roster and find a player that really grows on you and becomes a solid contributor to your team later on. Patrick O'Bryant comes to mind for my team right now, but I'm still not sold on keeping him long term.

MikeMan™ - I'm glad you're enjoying my dynasty... That means I'm doing my job right.

[dascoot]

I personally like either getting J.R. Smith or Jason Richardson. I doubt that charlotte would do this but you never know what about Gerald Wallace? If I'm right can't he also play the 2?

[hova-]

Looks like you finally lost your trust in Marion. I dont think he is too bad but he is tough to play with. Too short to dominate the boards and to limited on offense to score without dunking. Richardson and Smith would be really good acquisitions since they can hit the three and and take it to the whole. They cant defend shit though. But your team is not built on defense anyway (just the Raptors in real life) so I guess it would be okay to see one of this guys coming in.

Nice to see the Chandler-Okafor trade. Makes things realistic. Keep it up

[The X]

The X - Really? I could have sworn that he was dropping like 18 a game or something lol.

I looked back at my Bobcats' Live '05 dynasty (brought back some fond memories actually) & I didn't sign Pietrus until just before my dynasty finished and he was Joe Johnson's backup & was averaging just under 5ppg

[newc]

I've never liked Marion, so I think it's good you're trying to get rid of him. Trade with Denver would be the best, i guess..

[MikeMan™]

I personally like either getting J.R. Smith or Jason Richardson. I doubt that charlotte would do this but you never know what about Gerald Wallace? If I'm right can't he also play the 2?

Naw, bad idea.
How about Gordon/Delonte'/Hamilton/Ellis ?

[XpLosibo]

wow, nice trades how'd u trade okafor-chandler?

[kibaxx7]

As MikeMan said, Rip Hamilton or Monta Ellis would be a nice fit too.

[Fresh8]

Bring back Vince Carter or Tracy Macgrady!

[Skills]

Being a biased Raptor fan, this is one of my fave dynasties to check out on the forums. I can't believe I don't comment as often as I do. Anyway, it must be fun playing with the Bosh-less Raps. It gives Terrell more of the spotlight. Though if you do end up trading Marion, try getting some decent bench players in the process. Besides Terrell, your bench really sucks!

Bring back Vince Carter or Tracy Macgrady!

I second that. Please unleash the apocalypse.

[dascoot]

I agree with skillmatic. IF you could get someone bench players say like James Posey that would be awesome. Granted if you feel your going to get to the playoffs James Posey would be a good player to have on your squad. that JR Smith trade you were talking about if only they would throw in maybe Linus Kleiza too then that would be a little bit more tempting. Not sure if the contracts match up or if denver would do this but what about J.R. Smith, Linus Kleiza and (if he's still there Reuben Patterson for Shawn marion. Granted may not be the best trades but you get some role players and not all trades are great anyway.

[newc]

Bring back Vince Carter or Tracy Macgrady!

this would be awesome utrn around for your dynasty!

[Martti.]

I think you should go for the best you can get. Especially for Marion who is 94 in your roster. You'd probably get D-Wade for that, although that would be the most unrealistic thing ever. I think J-Rich would fit you, and perhaps Ray Allen.

[Fresh8]

I third the suggestion of Vince Carter!

[MikeMan™]

Be more realistic in this one ( trade ).
It'd be a bit unrealistic if you'd trade Shawn Marion for someone like D-Wade right?

[Andrew]

Such is the nature of Dynasty Mode, at times.

Great work on the article, it certainly adds to the story that is beginning to unfold. I'm guessing you're already leaning towards some of the "rumoured deals" you made mention of but I'd certainly recommend getting the most you can for Marion. It's a rare opportunity to have a player rated so high be that expendable. With that in mind, my vote goes to blockbuster but I'm interested to see what you end up doing.

[Dee.]

Carter Or J.R Smith All the Way !!!

[cavs4872]

Why not go for Hedo Turkoglu? Does he have a good rating in your game?

[RDV23]

Why not go for Hedo Turkoglu? Does he have a good rating in your game?

I like that idea, make it as realistic as possible.

[MikeMan™]

Trading Marion for Turkoglu ?
Bad ! You're stacking up the Orlando Magic plus their salaries are way off .
Marion, I think has a $20 Mil/Year while Turk I think only has a below $ 10 Mil. Contract .
Trade Marion to a bad team .

[john26]

How about Michael Redd? The only badside is he's too one-dimensional for his contract.

[dascoot]

how about J.R. Smith, Linus Kleiza and a 1st round pick for marion. I don't know if that is the best trade but that was what i was thinking. am not sure if you could get J.R. Smith and Kenyon Martin for marion. Also don't think you want two headcases on your team. I like Kleiza because he could provide a spark off the bench and could possibly play while Bosh is injured.

[Clutch]

tough one; on paper Marion should be the ultimate compliment to Bosh; but now having such a bloated contract coming off the bench is disgusting; shopping around for high-value expiring contract(s) and/or future picks in exchange might be the way to go instead of a 'blockbuster' trade