ThreeGeniusMinds: June 2010

Believe it or not, Toronto sports fans are spoiled with the current management situations surrounding their beloved sports teams. After having to endure the inept managerial decision-making of the most recent former general managers Rob Babcock (Raptors), John Ferguson Jr. (Leafs), and J.P. Ricciardi (Blue Jays); Toronto fans are fortunate enough to now have savvy, cunning minds forming concise visions of success for their respective franchises. The Blue Jays cultivated Alex Anthopoulos, a bright 33-year old who had been the club's scouting director since 2003. On the other hand, the Maple Leafs hired Brian Burke, a proven commodity in the NHL who has a reputation for winning with tough, talented teams, most recently with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in `06-`07. On February 28, 2006, the Raptors hired a man possessing both the youth of Alex Anthopoulos (Colangelo was born in 1965) and the experience of Brian Burke (15 years in the Phoenix Suns organization - 11 years as general manager, including 7 as president), to go along with his media-savvy, bold decision-making, charismatic personality, and visionary outlook.

My fellow Raptors' fans, I understand the criticisms after enduring a very disappointing past season. The uncertainty surrounding the organization is at an all-time high, thus any skepticism is understood. With Chris Bosh's impending free agency, the Hedo Turkoglu trade request fiasco, inconsistent defensive efforts, and underachieving players operating under a talented, yet inexperienced coach; the Raptors are momentarily stuck in a situation that seems tougher than the team's mentality as they crumbled down the stretch post-all-star break, falling from 5th place to 9th. However, as grim as it all seems, all is not lost. Very quickly, the 24-11 stretch in the middle of the `09-`10 season was forgotten and Bryan Colangelo, the man who assembled this group of basketball players, was thrown under the bus.

How easy is it to forget that the Raptors have been in a similar situation before. In fact, the same managerial leader carryied us through the tumultuous terrain, and lead us to a 47-win season and the Atlantic Division crown. Admittedly, Bryan Colangelo's first season as the Raptors' GM went incredibly well and raised expectations sky-high. Indeed that magical season was the peak of Colangelo's tenure as GM, but halfway through this most recent season, that aura was evidently back. The fall from the comfortable 5th place position was hard, but the promise was there. There is no doubting the amount of talent on this current Toronto Raptors' squad.

I believe. It was the mantra inherited during Vancouver's 2010 Winter Olympic Games, and it is the mantra that Raptors' fans worldwide should share. Bryan Colangelo has a plan. He always has a plan. Regardless of what will happen in the next few months, Raptors' fans should be certain that Bryan Colangelo will do everything in his power to make this team competitive.

Yes, the Hedo Turkoglu trade was disasterous, but the vision was definitely there. With Toronto's limited cap space, Colangelo had to be creative in order to acquire an established asset without sacrificing depth. Somehow, he facilitated a 4-team trade that involved sign-and-trades with both Shawn Marion and Hedo Turkoglu, thus maintaining the team's depth, and ensured he would have a mid-level exception to offer and use to sign Jarret Jack.

Furthermore, a stroke of genius was the trade of Carlos Delfino and Roko Ukic to the Milwaukee Bucks for Amir Johnson and Sonny Weems. This trade helped both teams (Delfino went on to play a pivotal role in helping the Bucks make the playoffs). Amir Johnson and Sonny Weems are promising, young players that are nowhere near reaching their potential. Furthermore, the two young athletes formed a close triumvirate along with Demar Derozan. The trio is working out in Toronto, seeking to improve their respective skills.

Truthfully, I could continue reminding fans and critics alike about the many bold moves Bryan Colangelo has made. Not all his transactions worked out (Hedo Turkoglu, Jermaine O'Neal, Jason Kapono, Fred Jones), but his willingness to fearlessly take risks, searching for the right mix of talent and chemistry, lead to the acquisitions of Andrea Bargnani, Demar Derozan, Jamario Moon, TJ Ford, Anthony Parker, Jorge Garbojosa, Rasho Nesterovic, Amir Johnson, Sonny Weems, and Marco Belinelli.

Before proclaiming that the Toronto Raptors are headed for a tailspin to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, it would be wise to remember who is leading them. Bryan Colangelo is confident in his ability to build a winning team, and he should be. He has the decorated resume and proven track record. He will ensure that the Toronto Raptors get back into the playoffs.

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