Now That the Draft is Over Lets Talk Free Agents.

Now that the first phase of the Raptors offseason, the draft, is over its time to start thinking about the next phase, free agency. Bryan Colangelo has already addressed two of the major offseason needs for the Raptors. First, by trading the 3-pt specialist Jason Kapono for Reggie Evans, a grinder at the 4 position and maybe one of the dirtiest players in the league, Colangelo added some strength and rebounding under the hoop. Then, in the draft, Colangelo selected the high flying DeMar DeRozan, who will be the future star at the off guard position.

News came in today that a qualifying offer was made to midseason aquisition Pops Mensah Bonsu, who was a pleasant surprise in the Raptors front court last season, especially with Bosh injured for stretches of the season. If Pops returns the front court should be shored up with Bosh, Bargnani, Jawai, and Evans also up front. So, with one more day until the beginning of free agency lets take a look at the Raptors main priorities for this free agent period:

1) Sign Shawn Marion or another FA forward: Marion has shown in the last few seasons that a few years in D’antonio’s system really makes your stock rise above what it should be. With the Heat and the Raptors Marion has failed to live up to the level of play he displayed in Phoenix but he is still a solid option at the 3. With both Joey Graham and Marion coming off the books this year the small forward position is completely bare in Toronto.

FA Options: Trevor Ariza (LA) Ron Artest (HOU), Rodney Carney (MIN), Al Harrington (NY), Shawn Marion (TOR), Lamar Odom (LA), Charlie Villanueva (MIL), Hakim Warrick (MEM), Marvin Williams (ATL)

My Pick: If I was Bryan Colangelo I would make a run at Trevor Ariza instead of Shawn Marion, who he is reportedly prepared to offer a few million over the MLE to get back. Ariza is younger and is a beast on the defensive end, which the Raptors are desperate for. However it is likely that Marion returns for a few reasons 1) his relationship with Colangelo 2) he played well last year when the Raps aquired him 3) he can rebound and play defense which is an asset with Bargnani down low.

2) Find a backup for Jose Calderon: The Raptors were at their worst last season when Jose Calderon was out of the starting lineup because of his injured leg. As a result the Raptors need to add a solid backup who is comfortable running the offense when Jose is on the bench or injured. Preferrably, this guard would be someone with some NBA starting experience, something Banks or Ukic didn’t have. The Raptors don’t have tons of cap space (or would like to save it for the SF position) so the player they sign would need to come at a discount.

FA Options: Shannon Brown (LA), Will Bynum (DET), Juan Dixon (WAS), Anthony Johnson (ORL), Brevin Knight (UTA), Ronnie Price (UTA), Sean Singletary (CHA)

My Pick: Brevin Knight or Ronnie Price. Brevin Knight has been a solid NBA player for years now and is the perfect backup for any team who needs a steady hand at the point. Don’t forget that Knight was #2 in the league behind Nash a few years ago in average assists per game. Price is not the savvy vet that Knight is but he is young (25) and has potential to be very good. Price was solid behind Williams the last few years and subbed in for the injured Williams 17 times last season. In the end I think that Knight is the better choice for our needs at the position and Price will require more money to sign.

3) A veteran shooting guard: Yes, I know that the Raptors just drafted their future at the position just a few nights ago, but at 19 it is unlikely that he starts from day one. As a result the Raptors need a solid veteran shooting guard that they can plug into the starting line up for the beginning of the season and who can provide leadership and scoring off the bench once DeRozan is ready to start. Anthony Parker is an option but he is a FA and at 33 his best years are behind him. So Colangelo may bring in a vet from the free agent pool to fill the need, and while Ben Gordon would be amazing, the Raptors would likely look for a player who will sign for something at or below the MLE level.

FA Options: Luther Head (HOU), Eddie House (BOS), Dahntay Jones (DEN), Rashad McCants (SAC), Anthony Parker (TOR), Von Wafer (HOU)

My Pick: I can say with confidence that I don’t think Anthony Parker will be playing with the Raptors next year. I enjoyed the Parker years but he is past his prime now and there are better options available in free agency. My personal preference would be to get Von Wafer who was extremely impressive during his first NBA season with the Rockets. However, I think that someone will offer Wafer more than he is worth with the hope that he continues to tap into his boundless potential. So instead my suggestion would be to sign the less often used Houston Rocket, Luther Head. Head is a sharpshooter from the national runner up Illinois team that brought us Deron Williams. Head is undersized but showed in his first two years at Houston that he can score (10.9 in ‘06/’07) and it is unlikely that Head demands a large contract after 2 seasons coming off the bench. McCants would be great but he probably doesn’t want to sign on a team that just drafted the player that will eventually relegate him to the bench and will sign with a team that he can possibly start for.

Starting July 1st Bryan Colangelo will be wheeling and dealing trying to bring this team back to the way it was 2 seasons ago, the 3rd seed in the East. If Colangelo add a solid player to the roster at all three of these needs in time for training camp the Raptors could make a run for one of the last playoffs spots. This offseason is arguably bigger for the Raptors than next season, when Bosh is an unrestricted free agent, because how well the Raptors do this season may ultimately determine whether or not Bosh returns in the offseason. So fingers crossed Raps fans, lets hope Colangelo can work his magic and put together a playoff caliber squad over the next few weeks!

-KC Roberts