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Raptors deal Dixon to Detroit

LARRY MILLSON

From Friday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 2:08 PM EST 23/02/08

Toronto has acquired centre Primoz Brezec ...Read the full article

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  1. Roger S from Canada writes: This is a good move by BC.

    There are fewer players in this league can do more damages to their own team than Juan Dixon. Although I never heard Brezec before, at least, this guy is taller than Dixon.
  2. andy c from Canada writes: one warm body for another. at least rasho will have one of his countrymen to keep him company on the bench. it should be noted that dixon also asked to be moved from portland and that's how we got him in the first place. i think it's a ok deal. the raps rid themselves of someone who did not want to be here and in return get a big who can contribute 6 fouls against opposing bigs. this also means that the raps trust delfino and tj to run the backup PG spot in the playoffs.
  3. Andrew Cheng from Canada writes: If he turns out as well as Delfino, BC stole another one.
  4. M Spiker from Ottawa, Canada writes: Finally we have found a replacement for Slocar...I am booking my tickets to the finals as soon as I finish typing.
  5. M Spiker from Ottawa, Canada writes: Andy C: you can never have enough depth in designated foulers. By my calculations between AB, RN, KH, and the new stiff (guy) we can now foul once every 2 minutes.
  6. Joseph Daniel from Oakville, Canada writes: LOL good point spiker about another guy who can provide some inside presence. I won't be booking any tickets to the finals though. I kind of like what the Cavs did. They may be booking their tickets to the finals. Like we saw last year with LBJ he can decide to take over a game, and with some big inside guys like Big Z and now Big Ben they will be better defensively. They still have some outside shooters in Gibson, Damon Jones and Now Wally Z.
  7. Bryce Will from Toronto, Canada writes: I'm surprised by the reaction on here thus far. I think Primo is a great player at a bargain price. It's not his fault he played on the Bobcats (who suck) and the Pistons (no minutes for him).

    He is a big body and can do a lot of little things well. I really feel that he will fit into the system nicely. Can't wait to see him starting ahead of Bargnani!
  8. Cyrus Of Persia from Canada writes: Colangelo really is a thinking man's GM. I think we can all trust his judgement, and I'll be surprised if the new guy doesn't turn out to be a sleeper who wakes up big time in the Raptor's creative culture.

    Looking forward to how this looks as we move ahead.
  9. ray ittac from Canada writes: Are you guys kidding me. This is a great move for this year. No way we could have moved Dixon for better than this and next year there will be more cap flexibility to perhaps make a bigger deal. the restrictions were there this year and Dixon is a bit of a cancer cuz he thinks he has the potential to get lots more minutes elsewhere. Curious why he'd be happy in Detroit tho? Billups n Hamilton chew up alot of minutes there and the stuckey kid has promise. Playoff depth perhaps.
  10. A. McDonough from Canada writes: Isn't Brezec a big man who plays a perimeter game? Other than Bosh, the Raptors are well stocked in big guys who don't like to get their uniforms dirty. Bring back Charles Oakley.
  11. Luke P from Vancouver, Canada writes: Brezec is a homeless man's Pau Gasol. When he got his minutes in Charlotte two years ago, he was 13-6 in about 25-30 minutes, shooting 50% from the floor and 75% from the line. The guy can provide some bench scoring from 18 feet and in. He's not a great defender, but like Spiker said, he's good for 6 big-man fouls a game.

    Besides, the guy plays hard. Just the kind of player BC and Sam like to have.
  12. M Spiker from Ottawa, Canada writes: I don't know much about Brezec but after reading this trade assessment I feel much better (not). And this reviewer, Hollinger, likes the Barneys.

    For Detroit: It's a mild upgrade from the totally useless Brezec to the mildly useful Dixon -- if rookies Afflalo or Stuckey lose their heads during the playoffs, he can come in and settle things down. Well, as much as things can "settle down" when he's jacking up every 20-footer he gets a halfway clean look at. But he's a better shooter than Flip Murray, at least. Grade: A-

    For Toronto: The Euraptors were crestfallen when they acquired Dixon at the deadline last year and found out he was American. Exchanging him for Brezec fixes that nagging problem. Also, Brezec is huge, and Toronto is desperate for size at the moment. But he's been horrid in his limited appearances the past two seasons. Personally, I'd rather have the guy who can play a little. Grade: C
  13. A C from Canada writes: I dont care how awkward he is, he can't play the point worse than Dixon.

    Seriously though, the guy has basically the same expiring contract, which is all we were really keeping Dixon for anyways. He has been effective at times in this league, has fouls to give, has size, is probably better than Maceo, helps team chemistry.... there's definitely nothing we could have gotten for Dixon that would be better for the Raps. And it's a hell of a lot better than keeping Dixon here.

    Maybe he can even play a little. If not, he's only got half a year to go.
  14. M Spiker from Ottawa, Canada writes: Here's a thought (call it heresy) but maybe BC shouldn't have acquired Dixon in the first place.
  15. john macdonald from Fredericton NB., Canada writes: This is all nonsense. You trade a guy in Dixon who did little to nothing for the raps this year for a guy who will do little to nothing for the raps. End result, it doesn't freaking matter. You get a guy who might actually want to be in TO instead of Dixon who wanted out so he could play more minutes. So to me, this trade is neither bad or good. It won't make any difference for the raps what so ever so why are there so many people complaining about it. I do like the fact that the raps get another big, and an expiring contract, not to mention that management is happy they get some cash considerations. In the end the raps didn't need to make a big move because they are already a great team and once they become completely healthy they will be even better. No need to trade away the future just to get a better seat in the playoffs. I mean really, who other than the Pistons/Celtics have a chance out of the east against a Western conference team, the answer, NO ONE. In a couple of years the raps should be contending while the west is rebuilding. That would be the best sinereo.
  16. TKO WKD1 from London, Canada writes: Jak Sie Masz (Yak-Sie-Mash)?

    My name Borat. I is journalist from Kazakhstan.

    This deal, I like.

    Bye bye Juan Dixon (Use-less Can-cer)

    Hello Primoz Brezec (Pree-mo Bray-zetch)

    He better than Rasho and cost much less money. In BC we trust.
    If he play good like 2004-2006 seasons with Charlotte Bobcats, I die happy man. I hope he score and rebound good, so Raptors go to 2nd Round Play Offs.

    Raptors must change name to Euraptors better yet Eruptors and not sheet bed vs Knicks, Pacers, Timberwolves and Heat.

    Go Raptors!!!
  17. Big Cayman from South Toronto, Canada writes: I guess we needed to place more cinder blocks in the key. You have to laugh at people who think that Primo is a 'sleeper' who will come alive on the Raps LOL. If anything opponents will be beating him so badly that people will think Primo is asleep.This guy does nothing for the Raps, what a useless trade. But hey he speaks Italian so I'm sure Colangelo figured that the postives outweighs the negative.
  18. Edwin Green from NS, Canada writes: does anyone know yet what the raps have in draft picks this year
  19. Joseph Daniel from Oakville, Canada writes: Big C even if Breez is another cinder block he should at least get out and commit a couple of hard fouls in a few minutes of playing time. Not turn over the ball in the fourth qtr like dixon did trying to play point. It basically is nothing for nothing deal. C what do you think of the Cavs move? I guess with LBJ they can compete with any team on any given night. The question is can they sustain it over a playoff season right to a championship. I don't know if they are better than anyone out west but certanly good enough against the Pistons and Celts with only LBJ on their team and a bunch of stiffs.
  20. Big Cayman from South Toronto, Canada writes: I think the deal is a good one for the Cavs, I have always liked what Wallace brings, and in this case I think LeBron will benefit at both ends of the floor because Wallcace sucks the energy out of opposing teams with his physical play, I can see his offensive greatly improving. The Cavs are that much more bigger too which gives them a better chance against Detroit or Boston. Wally S can put up big numbers too, I think defenses will have to respect the Cavs other players on O more. The race in the East is much more interesting now.
  21. One For All All For One from Canada writes: Spiker - learn the history. We got Dixon to replace Fred Jones, and in doing so saved a bunch of money in salary. Whats Fred Jones up to now?

    We moved someone who wasn't doing much, and who didn't want to be here. We got an equivilent contract back, and cash. So, the team got a bit richer - reminds me of how we got VC (we used the money from the trade to build a practice facility).

    I don't think him just being able to foul is that big a deal. We have Nesterovic, Humphries, and Baston - its not like all those guys are going to foul out.
  22. M Spiker from Ottawa, Canada writes: One...I do know the history. BC traded for Dixon a player with no obvious role on the team. But of course we were told by the Barney's mouthpieces that this was pure genius and this was the best way to improve the ream. Now we have traded him for another player with no obvious role (how many unathletic 7 footers does a team need? couldn't we have gotten Shawn B out of retirement?). We are again being told "trust in BC" this was the right move, blah, blah, blah (or in your case baaa, baaa, baaa).

    What you sheep are failing to acknowledge is that BC's genius in overpaying/overextending the non-performers at the end of SM's bench is limiting the ability of the team to fix their one glaring weakness. (Yes: I know that someone in the Barney's management has done an exceptional job at finding bargains like AP, JM, and CD -- I am just not convinced it is BC.)
  23. M Spiker from Ottawa, Canada writes: ...and this move primarily helps the bottom line (like the previous move)...does nothing for me and the fans.
  24. One For All All For One from Canada writes: First off, who would you rather have on your team, Fred Jones or Juan Dixon? Fred Jones did nothing when he was on the Raptors, couldn't crack the rotation of last years trailblazers (bad team), and couldn't crack the rotation of this years knicks (another bad team). Fred Jones made more money per year, and I believe had an extra year on his contract. However small, Dixon did make a contribution to the organization on the court, Fred Jones did not. So - who would you rather have? Point blank. If you say Dixon, than that trade was clearly a good one. Secondly, do you think player deeper than 8 should all be paid the league minimum? These salaries are very standard. The league minimum goes up as the players get older, and the team get reimbursed. So, for a guy like Baston, the Raptors only actually pay only a portion of that. On to this specific trade, the Raptors - got rid of someone who didn't want to be there - got more money, from both less salary and the cash considerations. This can go to lockerroom improvements, scouts, trainers, anything really. - got a European who could grab rebounds and speaks Italian. Maybe he will rub off a bit on Bargs Plus the contracts aren't equal. Its not "Genius", its just a good move, and the team is better off for it.
  25. HC Bargs from Canada writes: Spiker: You got to take it easy. I'm so sick of reading ridiculous posts on here about the Raps. The Raps are a vastly improved team from 2 years ago and even, to a lesser extent, last year. When the team shows that they can potentially be championship team and make a long run in the playoffs then we'll start to see blockbuster deals. Besides, it's not until next year that the Raps will have more appealing contracts to trade.

    As far as this trade goes, I don't see it as a bad thing. Brezec may make a small impact if and when he gets some minutes. And if not, who cares? What exactly were they getting from Dixon besides turn overs and the occasional made shot?
  26. Roger S from Canada writes: I never heard Brezec before. But based on BC's reputation, he should be another "can shoot, but can't defense" big man. I'd say, don't count him for the fouls. He may be either fouled out in 2 minutes, or never foul anybody in 48 min. Regarding to Dixon vs. Freddy Jones. I'd take Jones at any day, either now or one year before. Let me tell you, even Jones plays on wheelchair, he is stilll more valuable than Dixon, since he does play D, especially parameter defense. The trade was a bad one, since I knew Dixon.
  27. Roger S from Canada writes: I never heard Brezec before. But based on BC's reputation, he should be another "can shoot, but can't defense" big man. I'd say, don't count him for the fouls. He may be either fouled out in 2 minutes, or never foul anybody in 48 min.

    Regarding to Dixon vs. Freddy Jones. I'd take Jones at any day, either now or one year before. Let me tell you, even Jones plays on wheelchair, he is stilll more valuable than Dixon, since he does play D, especially parameter defense. The trade was a bad one, since I knew Dixon.
  28. M Spiker from Ottawa, Canada writes: One and HC...the ridiculous posts are made by you...you two never ever try to back them up with a fact.

    My point about Dixon was that he was brought on board with a lot of spin that was just that spin put out by the employees of the Barneys: the management, the broadcasters, the FAN, and Raptors TV. He was not a fit for the team then and for his entire career with the Barneys. He wasn't a PG, he wasn't good enough to be their SG, and he was too small for anything else (proven every time SM was desperate enough to play him at SF). He was nothing more than a smoke screen to fool you and it worked.

    Brezec is this years version of Dixon. Where/when is he going to play? And if he does, BC has $15M of bigs not playing -- why?

    You posters who don't bother to look at the facts and never question BC's signings. The bottom line this team is paying way too much for replaceable parts who don't play the minutes and/or don't produce. You could make the case that $40M of their payroll falls into this category. They are basically a 6 man team (5 consistent players and the 1 other who decides to show up for that game) -- look at their box scores.

    All trading for Dixon and Brezec did was cut salary and remove a disgruntled player If he was the genius you all claim he is, he would have added a player that could contribute.

    BC's record isn't that good. He gets no credit for Bosch and Calderon (if he believed in Jose he would have never traded for TJ and then extended him with big $'s -- he was as surprised with JC's improvement as everybody else). They found real bargains in Moon and Delfino. AP and Jorge are paid appropriately. RN, JK, Hump (as much as I like his play), Joey, and DM are bad contracts -- all his doing. AB was a wasted number 1 pick so he hasn't proven he can draft. Basteon doesn't play so who knows if he is worth the $1.8M (a salary that most teams have 1/2 their roster making less).
  29. andy c from Canada writes: hind sight is great isn't it? if joe smith was not included in the bulls/cavs swap he would have been in a raptors uniform tonite; good job rog. keep up the good work, your putting the artest guy to shame :P
  30. Roger S from Canada writes: BC is pretty good to improve Raptors with trivial moves, which really matter.

    He made two big mistakes he is going to pay for, some day:

    1. TJ to Charlie V trade. The trade itself doesn't look that bad, however, BC gave TJ extention by knowing TJ's injury history. Potentially this was 32 million loss which any franchise can not appreciate.

    2. Draft Andrea as No 1, while Brandon Roy was regarded as the most NBA ready player by any expert at the moment.

    Give BC the credit for getting the guys like Parker and Moon from nowhere, however, like M Spike said, the bottom line is, two superstars in this team have nothing to do with BC.
  31. M Spiker from Ottawa, Canada writes: Roger, not just 2 superstars...but the 2 guys carrying this team this season. Everybody else has been passengers on the CB/JC bus.

    Parker wasn't exactly from nowhere as he had the rep/experience in Europe and why he was paid pretty good money to sign (like Garbo). A very good signing but I still think this was more Mauricio's doing than BC's.

    Moon was the surprise and all credit to whoever made that assessment.
  32. HC Bargs from Canada writes: Spiker: Seriously, chill man. Enough of the armchair GMing. You're almost starting to make Roger sound more competent than you. And quit blowing a load in your pants everytime you mention BC. For someone who doesn't think so highly of Colangelo, you sure see to talk about him often. Brezec for Dixon is inconsequential...that is all. BC got rid of a player who didn't want to be here. No one is claiming this was a good or bad a trade. It's a trade that will most likely have very little impact. It's the exact same trade that happened a year ago when he acquired Dixon. As far as I can recall no one made a huge deal about that either. And no one made Dixon out to be the next star of this team. So I'm not sure why you're going on and on about Dixon. Again - inconsequential! I never said BC was a genius only simply that this is not the year for the Raps so there is/was nothing major (trade-wise) worth doing. I, unlike all you impatient lot, feel that the core is good with the Raps...of course they have areas to improve on, but I'll reserve judgement on Colangelo for now. Any "expert" has said all along - including Colangelo - that they are building this team for the future. They over-achieve a year ago and now all of sudden everyone is expecting a parade. In regards to Bargnani, no one is going to say that he is having a terrific career, but to blow him off so quickly isn't fair either. He is still very young and has loads of potential so I'd still be patient with him for another year. How easy is must be for you to sit back now when he's struggling and say that he was not the right pick. Wow. I guess you're the true genius here.

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