Toronto's decision to acquire Lindsey Hunter and the 27th pick in the 2002 NBA Draft from the Lakers in exchange for Tracy Murray and the 20th pick was made 90 minutes before the draft started.

However, the final go-ahead for both teams didn't come down until just before the Raptors picked because both clubs wanted to see how the draft would unfold in front of them. Glen Grunwald and his scouting staff wanted to make sure that a player they would be interested in didn't slip down to their spot. Or, more likely, that a player they would have equally liked would be available at the 27th spot.

Toronto GM Glen Grunwald took the call that confirmed the trade with the Lakers.

And that was the case in the selection of Chris Jefferies from Fresno State. The 6-8 small forward is a great defensive player and known for his all-around skills although a knee injury ended his junior season in 2001-02 prematurely.

"I believe in the kid and I believe he will be a good player in the league," Grunwald said after the deal was announced. "He would have been a higher pick if he was injury-free last year and would have been able to show all of his skills, his versatility and defence."

When the GM and head coach Lenny Wilkens talked about Jefferies the word versatility came up more than any other.

"I like him too. He handles the ball extremely well for a guy his size and is capable of playing three positions, a very versatile player," added Wilkens.

More importantly though, the Raptors acquired a very solid backup point guard in Hunter who can defend and hit from long range. He also has championship experience after collecting a ring in his first season with the Lakers last year.

"Lindsey is a veteran player and a very good defensive player," described Wilkens who knows a thing or two about point guards from his Hall of Fame playing career at the position. "He can really challenge you and play against twos and ones. He can score and can handle the ball."

Grunwald pointed out that "if you look at his stats at the beginning of the year they were very good when (Derek) Fisher was out and I think the Lakers only lost one game when he was a starter."

Perhaps still more importantly, the deal allows the Raptors to clear up about $1 million in salary cap room to use when targeting free agents starting July 1.

This was one of those deals that Grunwald has become known for, a transaction that looks at the big picture of talent, roster space and salary cap flexibility.

Part of the reason the Raptors were able to pull off this deal was the surprise picks of Fred Jones by the Pacers (14th), Juan Dixon by the Wizards (17th) and Ryan Humphrey by the Jazz (19th). That meant a couple of more highly regarded players were still up for grabs later than expected including a few who were still around when NBA Commissioner stepped to the microphone to announce Jefferies' name.

All in all, this was a solid move by the Raptors, not spectacular, but it addresses three areas of need by adding a backup point guard, a versatile swingman and more cap room.

"Our goal is to get to the Eastern Conference Final and make it to the Finals," stated Grunwald. "With the addition of Lindsey Hunter I look for him to contribute on the floor and in the locker room in that regard."