Swirsky

by Chuck Swirsky
--raptors.commentator
June 6, 2002

As we approach the NBA Draft every general manager, head coach, chief scout and their respective staffs are in Chicago for the annual pre-draft camp. This is an opportunity for teams to get up close and personal with prospective draftees in addition to holding individual workouts.

It's an incredible sight to see the "who's who" of the NBA all under one roof. It's pure hoops and no it's not open to the public. The pressure is on these young people, who excelled in college but will have their flaws exposed under the NBA microscope. It's a completely different game all together. Coming from someone who has called 17 years of Division I ball at DePaul and Michigan, tremendous talent at the collegiate level can and will struggle in the NBA should they make it that far.

NBA players are stronger, faster and more physical. They can create and slash and defend. OK, not everyone can defend but in all honesty it's tough to stop anyone one-on-one.

Let's go to some questions:

Chuck believes Yogi can contribute. Ron Turenne/NBAE/Getty Images

Dave from Newmarket: What's the status of Yogi Stewart and Michael Bradley? Will they help or are they busts?

In my heart I am convinced they can contribute. To what degree remains to be seen but I believe they have the ability to perform in game situations. It's up to the coaching staff to get the most out of their talent. It's up to the players to come to camp in shape and mentally prepared to get after it. But to answer your question, yes, I think they can play.

Sonia from Buffalo: Can the Raptors make a major trade?

Not unless they want to start over and there's no need to do that. The Raps are capped, which essentially means the core group of players signed last year will be the nucleus for the next five years or so. There is not a lot of room to maneuver for significant change.

Taj from Toronto: What's up with Keon Clark?

As you know all NBA general managers very seldom speak publicly on the matter of contracts. The Raps want to get a deal done but at what cost?

SlamFan from Hamilton: Will the Raptors play the same style of ball this year that we saw at the end of the season?

Winning 12 out of their last 14 games was terrific but as you know things change year to year. Chemistry is different; personnel moves are made. I loved the Raps grit, defence and unselfishness and I believe these traits will carry over. The key is Vince Carter. He is an impact star. It's up to Lenny Wilkens and his staff to maximize his skills in a team concept without losing Vince's dynamic ability to take over a game.

TJ from Montreal: Will the Raptors consider going to a third jersey?

I would love to see the Raps go to a dominant black uniform with red, white trim ... a little purple. But that's just my opinion. You've got marketing people making those decisions. They know much better than a sportscaster!

News and notes from the Swirsk:

It's not a question of IF but how many games it takes the Lakers to beat the Nets.

Michael Bibby just doubled his salary after a tremendous playoff run.

Don't believe everything you hear. Andre Miller to Utah? For whom? A better fit: Miller to Orlando for Mike Miller and picks.

I think Milwaukee and Indiana will be very active in the offseason.

I'm still trying to figure out how the Clippers plan to resign all their young talent?

E-mail me at cswirsky@torontoraptors.com

Always a pleasure!

Chuck Swirsky