Bosh not big on Bargnani... Raps need Banger.

[Diesel]

By MIKE KOREEN, TORONTO SUN

The Raptors are exploring the possibility of taking Andrea Bargnani with the first pick in the NBA draft, but Chris Bosh has serious issues with that potential scenario.

On the day Raptors president/general manager Bryan Colangelo sent advisor Wayne Embry and coach Sam Mitchell to Italy to scout Bargnani, Toronto's all-star forward did not give a glowing endorsement to the versatile 6-foot-11 pro from Benetton Treviso.

"He can really shoot the ball, but like I said before, I think we have plenty of talented big guys who play the finesse four spot," Bosh told the Fan 590 AM yesterday. "I think we need to get more of a banger."

Bosh gave better reviews to two other potential top picks -- 6-foot-9 LSU forward Tyrus Thomas and Dallas workout-mate LaMarcus Aldridge, a 6-foot-11 forward/centre out of Texas. Colangelo has said Bosh deserves to have a say in the team's decision-making process.

"If we can get a big guy who is not going to look for many shots, who just wants to set screens ... and control the paint, that would give us a lot of flexibility," Bosh said.

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Colangelo doesn't disagree with the need for a tough, rebounding big man, but he doesn't see the basketball world in an old-school way. If the Raptors do not have a traditional centre on the roster, so be it.

"There's a big hole in terms of the five position in this league right now," Colangelo said. "Shaq, I think, called himself the last five standing ... We will continue to try to get playmaking, versatile players. It doesn't matter how big they are."

Bargnani is a big man with a good outside shot and perimeter game. There had been speculation before the draft lottery that Bargnani might not report to the NBA unless he was selected by Toronto, which is poised to add Benetton general manager Maurizio Gherardini as its assistant GM. However, Bargnani's agent shot down that rumour.

Meanwhile, Bosh took what appeared to be a veiled shot at free-agent-to-be Mike James when he was asked about what the team needs in a point guard in the radio interview.

"I think it's very important to have a pass-first point guard, somebody who can make plays down the stretch of a game," he said. "When (he says) make plays, I don't mean making shots for themselves because I don't think that makes anybody better."

In other news, Colangelo said the Raptors are close to finalizing a pre-season rematch against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Last year, the touring Israeli team beat the Raptors 105-103.

Next story: The Raptors have won the draft lottery when there isn't much in the pot, so we'll see just what Bryan Colangelo can do with the first pick

[DJlaysitup]

I've seen reports of Bargnani as 7'0" (most), 6'11", and even 6'10".

If he measures out to really be 6'10" and skinny, I would have to think Bosh is right.

[AHF]

Is it just me or does Bosh sound a little selfish in this interview saying he wants a center that will do all the grunt work and not take shots and a pass-first point guard.

It kind of sounds like his personal scoring is his top priority.

[DJlaysitup]

Yeah AHF...I was thinking that too. Colangelo might have an attitude to deal with.

[Johnnybravo4]

Sounds like he just wants to play with his boy Aldridge.

[Packfill]

Somewhat understandable that Bosh would say that because that is exactly what they need - much like the Hawks. Bosh knows he will have to play center if they draft Bargnani, and it may impact his career. There is a reason why San Antonio put Duncan at power forward rather then center. sam with Indy and O'Neal.

Bosh is their franchise and I don't blame him for wanting a well rounded team built around him.

[AHF]

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Bosh is their franchise and I don't blame him for wanting a well rounded team built around him.

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I'm not sure a PG averaging more than 3 times as many points as assist qualifies as a pass first PG.

(That is Parker in SA).

[Packfill]

Quote:

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Quote:

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Bosh is their franchise and I don't blame him for wanting a well rounded team built around him.

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I'm not sure a PG averaging more than 3 times as many points as assist qualifies as a pass first PG.

(That is Parker in SA).

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Listen, we all know the number of "true" point guards in the NBA these days is less then half a dozen (Nash, Kidd, . . .?) So what Bosh wants and what he gets - if for no other reason then what is available - are going to be two different things.

That said, can't blame him for wanting to play with a Nash/Kidd type of player. I am sure any player in the NBA would like to play with one of those two.

[AHF]

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I am sure any player in the NBA would like to play with one of those two.

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I am sure about as many NBA players would like to play with big scorers like Lebron or Shaq too, though!

[kooshdoctor]

I still think that Thomas will be picked by the raptors. Mo Pete at 2, Bosh at 5, Villanueva at 4, and Thomas at the 3. Then they could resign James to play the point, or Calderon? Just a thought...

[Diesel]

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Bosh is their franchise and I don't blame him for wanting a well rounded team built around him.

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It would seem that Bosh is their franchise, but Coangelo has start beating the drum for breaking up redundancy.

If they find a good deal for Bosh, I can see them really considering it.

Especially if they can get a 2 guard or a PG that's worth the weight...

[Traceman]

If they take Bargnani and Bosh decides not to sign an extension because he gets upset, it will be bad. Then, if Bargnani is more Skita than Nowitzki, it will be REALLY bad. If I'm Toronto, I draft Aldridge and probably try to sign and trade Mike James. Guys with Bosh's skills don't come around often.