Proof that I’m keeping up on Bryan Colangelo’s mastermind-like moves to improve Toronto’s NBA franchise. (Much help from RealGM and Doug Smith)

Last month I posted about why it would be a great move for the Raptors to pull the trigger on a Jermaine O’Neal for Shawn Marion trade. Today, ESPN is reporting that trade has materialized with Jamario Moon and Marcus Banks as spare parts.

For Miami, this gets them into the second round of the playoffs, in my opinion. JO works way better in their system than the Raptors. The addition of the Moon is considered a steal to some, but he’s a free agent at the end of the year and could come back to Toronto if there’s a need, but he’d have to be a smarter player than he is now.

For the Raptors though, there is a lot of back and forth about whether this trade works out for Toronto. The reality is this season is out of reach and the Raptors are better off getting a lottery pick in this draft class then next year, which by the way was traded to Miami in this deal (lottery=protected however).

One argument I won’t accept is that the Raptors screwed themselves out of next year’s free agency bonanza by giving up JO’s big contract and potentially re-signing Marion or a bunch of filler in this offseason. Bryan Colangelo will have to draft right and sign right, while also saving that caproom for next summer, but Toronto is still in good shape. The reason why is the same guys they would be looking at in the 2010 group to surround Bosh, Calderon and Bargnani remains the same with only a few exceptions. Here’s the breakdown:

Guy’s Colangelo was never going to get in 2010, even if JO came off the books in 2010:

Paul Pierce
LeBron James
Dirk Nowitzki
Yao Ming
Manu Ginobli
Dwyane Wade
Brandon Roy
Amare Stoudemire

Guys Colangelo will be looking this summer, if Marion doesn’t resign:

Marvin Williams
Josh Childress
Ben Gordon
Brandon Bass
Linas Kleiza
Johan Petro
Jamal Crawford (ETO)
Marcus Williams
C.J. Watson
Ron Artest
Trevor Ariza
Lamar Odom
Ramon Sessions
Desmond Mason
Hedo Turkoglu
Ike Diogu
Matt Barnes
Carlos Delfino
Ronnie Price
Carlos Boozer
Paul Milsap
Mehmet Okur

Guys Colangelo could have got in 2010, but are broken or wouldn’t fit long-term anyhow:

Ray Allen
Tracy McGrady
Marcus Camby
Steve Nash
Brad Miller
Peja Stojakavic

Here’s the important one…

Guys Colangelo would be in play for and won’t get now because of this trade:

Joe Johnson
LeMarcus Aldridge
Richard Jefferson
Michael Redd
Kenyon Martin
Josh Howard
T.J. Ford

And the good news…

Guys Colangelo will probably look at in 2010:

Travis Outlaw
Tyson Chandler
Rajon Rondo
Raja Bell
John Salmons
Maurice Evans
Gabe Pruitt
Tony Allen
Thabo Sefolosha
Terence Kinsey
J.J. Barea
Renaldo Balkman
Amir Johnson
Kelenna Azubuike
Carl Landry
Luis Scola
Jordan Farmar
Josh Powell
Rudy Gay
Mike Miller
Rasual Butler
Steve Blake
Roger Mason
Ronnie Brewer
DeShawn Stevenson

So to Raptor fans, there are no guarantees, but this trade certainly isn’t a step backward.

- Jamario Moon either becomes the sixth man of the year or his days are numbered. Marion has the same game as Moon but at a much higher level and a higher propensity for getting to the line. Plus he’s more experienced (no biting on shot fakes or taking a three early in the clock, both traits displayed today in a loss to Atlanta)

- O’Neal was never in the long term picture. Yes he’s been the banger and defensive force the Raps needed on most nights. But his biggest asset was clearly his massive contract that expires in 2010, giving his employer at the time some huge payroll cap room in the upcoming mega-superstar free agency class. Moving him now for another expiring contract and a legitimate back-up guard proves Bryan Colangelo is a smart guy who’s risky decisions usually come with smart exit strategies

- The Raps are pulling the plug on this season. And why shouldn’t they? Even if their inspired, but shortcoming, play of late gets them into the playoffs they’d be hard pressed to not get swept by a very difficult Cleveland/Orlando/Boston team. Better to solidify your backcourt, get a good, young player in the draft and continue to build around a solid core of Bosh and Bargnani, who are right now the best center/power forward combo in the league, even considering Pau Gasol an Andrew Bynum in LA and Shaq and Amare in Phoenix

- No one should freak out. The Raptors’ biggest stretches of losses have come during periods of injuries. They’ve had at least 8 different starting line-ups this season and had to adapt to a (much better) offensive system after the firing of Sam Mitchell. If you can try to be optimistic, look at the emerging play of Joey Graham or the aforementioned Bargs as signs that this team has a great future and it’s near if not next week. (Bosh and Calderon are both under 28 as well). In my opinion this team is one major offseason move away from going deep in the playoffs

So overall, the +/- is neutral. With or without JO, the Raps aren’t destined for greatness this season and making a move to start the renovation (not rebuilding) process is better done now then later. Jermaine O’Neal, thanks for your services and professionalism. Enjoy the Miami sun, Dwyane Wade’s humour and possibly a trip to the second round of the 2009 playoffs.

I just returned from a quick getaway to Ottawa with the lady (via Porter Air, which despite some delays returning, I highly recommend).

Great news upon my return too including the Raptors handedly defeating the (healthy) Houston Rockets, ImageSpark getting warmed-up for it’s launch and my Theory shades arriving; a sweet Christmas gift courtesy of Liz. And it’s sunny enough to give them a test run today.

Combine that all with some great times with the family and rest and it’s been a great holiday.

I also noticed a refresh on Anotherfaceinthecrowd which will keep you entertained while I get my stuff together.

Cheers and Happy 2009 all!

It’s hard to watch the Heat play, especially after I cheered for them 2 years ago against my Mavs in the 2006 finals. (Always cheer for the underdog, it’s just more fun.) They looked totally inept on offense and uncommitted on defense, especially when they were playing the zone.

Hopefully they turn it around, it’s tough to watch some young talent wasted in the badlands of a horrible season.

2:34
Derek Vaz:
they are going to kill us

In other words Raptor fans, savour that sweet double-OT Raptors victory yesterday.

In his 20 games as a starter, he’s averaging 13.5 points, 9.9 assists, and shooting 50.0 percent from the field. The other overlooked part is that he’s making only 1.5 turnovers per game.

Let me repeat that for emphasis: 9.9 assists. 1.5 turnovers.

Now I’m feeling even more proud of my write-in vote for Calderon.