RAPTORS: Inside The War Room

Raptors Draft Index

Inside The War Room

by raptors.com
June 26, 2002

Ever wondered what it is like in the war room of NBA team on draft night? Well start with one very large table, cover it with phones which could be ringing off the hook at any time and fill the room with boards, papers, videos and charts.

This year, the Raptors set up their draft war room in the more spacious area of the team locker room at Air Canada Centre.

Here is a complete checklist for you to start your very own Draft War Room:

your complete scouting and coaching staff, all ready to provide opinions

training staff, in case medical questions arise

legal counsel, in case contract issues arise

several TVs and VCRs

a huge stack of scouting videos

complete scouting reports compiled by your staff

a dozen phones (at least)

league-compiled data on prospects

all possible medical records on prospects

contract information on every player in the league, in case you make a trade

one speakerphone to hear the league coordinator at the draft

one whiteboard to list the draft order

one whiteboard to list all possible draftees

one whiteboard to list your own team depth chart

one whiteboard to list possible trade scenarios

one whiteboard to list possible draft scenarios

phone lists of every other team war room

phone list of all player and agent contacts

pages upon pages of draft scenarios

the very thick and very legal contract guidelines as agreed to in the Collective Bargaining Agreement

one very large table

Add a few snacks and refreshments and you're ready for the draft. Then all it takes is the expertise, knowledge and instinct to make the right decision to help your team.