New Management In Toronto Shaking Roster
By: Tomas Vainoris, BLH Columnist

Baseline Hoops, AP - Raptors made two big deals, dealing most of their projected starting lineup away. Michael Redd was dealt away, along with 09 1st rounder, to Hawaii, for athletic 2-guard Jason Richardson and defensive swing James Posey.

This deal tipped Torontos new front office are not thinking about rebuilding – bringing veteran and dealing away 1st rounder next year doesn’t match with that. While Jason Richardson is kind of liability in defensive end, he should replace Redd’s productivity offensively.

Toronto also moved horrible Redd’s contract – he will be paid about 20 mln. a season for next 4 years. Watch out for J-Rich this season, since he will be paired with pass-first veteran PG Andre Miller. James Posey is one of top leagues defensive wings and he has fair contract. If Jason Richardson will produce 20+ ppg and will shoot over .450 this season – Toronto are winners here.

Then 2nd trade fallowed. Seawolves moved their whole frontcourt – Camby, Gooden and Wilkins, plus 2010 1st for Brad Miller, Eddie Griffin and Garbajosa. Camby is still productive center but his prime has passed Miller is upgrade if Toronto planning to play zone defense. If they choose to play man-to-man – they might regret dealing Camby because of his great blocking ability. Griffin can hit 3ss so can Garbajosa and this move clears what style we could see Toronto playing.

With good passing center and point guard they will look to play at faster tempo – where Richardson should thrive as well – with more fast break opportunities. Toronto will be above average defensive team. 3pt shooting might be problem, since Garbajosa, Posey and Griffin plays closer to basketball and Miller with J-Rich aren’t known for their long range. Toronto should be able to give Detroit Pistons some rivalry for 1st place in Division.

Tomas Vainoris is a writer for Baseline Hoops.