BY WEB STAFF
sportsnet.ca
Coming off a disastrous 33-49 campaign, Toronto Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo went to work this past off-season and brought in nine new faces.
Gone are the likes of Anthony Parker, Jamario Moon, Roko Ukic, Shawn Marion, Kris Humphries, Joey Graham and Jason Kapono.
Among those replacing them are young players looking to make a name for themselves (Sonny Weems, Amir Johnson, Marco Belinelli), seasoned veterans looking to provide depth, and leadership (Reggie Evans, Rasho Nesterovic) and a high-flying rookie (DeRozan) whose pre-season exploits are doing little to end the comparisons to a young Vince Carter.
Unquestionably, Colangelo’s biggest move was the sign and trade he pulled off with the Orlando Magic and Dallas Mavericks in return for prized free-agent forward Hedo Turkoglu.
Video: Colangelo discusses his busy off-season.
Whether the extreme makeover will be enough to return the team to the post-season and convince Chris Bosh to sign an extension, only time will tell.
Reggie Evans
Age: 29
Position: Forward
Acquired: June 9 trade with the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Jason Kapono.
Known for: Aggressiveness, toughness, rebounding, defence.
Quote: “If you look at the history of the Raptors, Reggie’s got the opportunity to maybe be the guy that the fans embrace. They like the hard-working guys who do the gritty stuff.” – Triano.
Marco Belinelli
Age: 23
Position: Guard
Acquired: July 28 trade with the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Devean George.
Known for: Shooting, play-making abilities, court-awareness.
Quote: “I’m a guard who can shoot, but at the same time I can create for my teammates. It is my job and I can help this team, I think.” – Belinelli
DeMar DeRozan
Age: 20
Position: Guard
Acquired: Selected ninth overall, 2009 NBA Draft.
Known for: Athleticism, highlight-reel dunks, shot blocking.
Quote: “He’s got the right attitude and mentality. He’s got a chance to be special, but let’s do it on his own time.” – Bryan Colangelo.
Jarrett Jack
Age: 26
Position: Guard
Acquired: Signed four-year, US$20-million offer sheet as a restricted free agent.
Known for: Leadership, ability to break down defenders.
Quote: “If it’s me starting or coming off the bench, playing point guard, shooting guard, leading the cheerleading, anything they feel is necessary.” – Jack
Amir Johnson
Age: 22
Position: Forward
Acquired: August 18 trade with the Milwaukee Bucks along with Sonny Weems in exchange for Carlos Delfino and Roko Ukic.
Known for: Rebounding, energy, defence. He is the last player to go right from high school to the NBA
Quote: “This deal gives us another long, talented young big man whose best basketball is ahead of him.” – Colangelo
Rasho Nesterovic
Age: 33
Position: Centre
Acquired: Free agent signing, one-year deal for US$1.9-million..
Known for: Leadership, all-around game.
Quote: “The stability, leadership and presence that Rasho has both in the locker and on the floor, it’s really clear to us that it’s a nice piece to have.” – Colangelo
Hedo Turkoglu
Age: 30
Position: Forward
Acquired: Three-way sign (five-years, $50 million) and trade with Orlando Magic and Dallas Mavericks.
Quote: “Hedo Turkoglu is an ideal fit basketball wise, and his diverse skill set and size will make him a tremendous addition to our already offensively potent team.” – Colangelo
Sonny Weems
Age: 23
Position: Guard/Forward
Acquired: August 18 trade with the Milwaukee Bucks along with Amir Johnson in exchange for Carlos Delfino and Roko Ukic.
Known for: Defending the perimeter, athleticism, energy.
Quote: “I wasn’t given a chance to prove what I could do last year. The confidence coach Triano showed in me and the confidence my teammates showed means a lot.” – Weems
Antoine Wright
Age: 25
Poistion: Guard/Forward
Acquired: In July 9 three-way sign and trade along with Devean George from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Shawn Marion.
Known for: Guard
Quote: “In this league, you have to separate yourself from your peers by whatever means. For me that means playing defence and bringing an attitude each night.” – Wright
