hadnt seen this yet. good deal for both teams.

source

The Toronto Raptors paid a big price to get a starting point guard, but without any better alternatives readily available, the deal at least addresses a glaring need.

The Raptors get: T.J. Ford

Ford made a remarkable recovery from a spinal injury to have a fine season in 2005-2006; the kind of season that the Raptors would be glad to get from their starting point guard. 12.2 points, 6.6 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game is a solid year, but there are even more encouraging signs that Ford could get better.

Though he missed more than an entire season, Ford returned as a better shooter. He's not a bomber, by any means, but his field goal percentage jumped from 38.4% as a rookie to 41.6% this past season and his improvement from three-point land was more dramatic (23.7% to 33.8%). Again, those percentages aren't great, but they are a sign of progress and if Ford could continue to improve his shot, the rest of the numbers he generates by playing at such a high tempo.

Mike James' departure will be more palatable now that Ford is on hand and, since Ford will earn slightly more than $2.9-million this year, the Raptors still have plenty of cap room. Considering the recent additions of Ford and Rasho Nesterovic, the Raptors may turn their attention to free agent wing players in order to improve the team's depth.

The loss of Villanueva could force rookie Andrea Bargnani into a bigger role than I had anticipated when projecting rookie totals (when I wrote that Bargnani could average 10 and 5) so, unless there is a significant free agent signing, don't be surprised if Bargnani surpasses those initial projections.

The Bucks get: Charlie Villanueva

While the Bucks were deep at point guard, there is no denying that they desperately need a power forward since they've made no secret that the plan for next season is to move Andrew Bogut back to his natual position of center (and trade Jamaal Magloire).

Charlie V can be maddeningly inconsistent, but he's got loads of potential and should form a skilled front line with Bogut. The question will be whether they are willing to be physical enough in the paint to compete with some of the bruisers in the Eastern Conference.

Nevertheless, Villanueva is a better option in the starting lineup than Joe Smith, and it's not unreasonable for the Bucks to expect 15 points and 8 rebounds out of Villanueva, though that will depend on how many more touches are going to go to Bogut this year. Villanueva will earn a little more than $5.2-million over the next two seasons, and the Bucks will have a $3.448-million option for the season after.

Obviously, Michael Redd remains the focus of the Bucks offense, and his game only figures to get better with better low-post scoring options available.

Losing Ford is going to present challenges for the Bucks. Mo Williams was surprisingly effective (10.2 points, 6.0 assists per game) as a starter when Ford missed the 2004-2005 season, and he put up solid numbers off the bench last year (12.1 points, 4.0 assists per game) in more of a scoring role.

If Williams can re-focus his energies in a distributing role, though, he could put up 12 points and six assists per game, which is quite similar to Ford's production last year. Combo guard Charlie Bell, who played very well late in the season, will likely see more minutes at the point as Williams' primary backup.

is it possible the raptors replaced rob babcock with an even worse gm in colangelo?

I hate this trade.

What? You don't like Terry Cummings?

I used to.

I agree. Only it doesn't really matter because we're going to see this again next year.

some team get incredibly beneficial calls for them?

Awww c'mon. You really think that was the reason they won the title? Sure some calls were iffy but the greatest players in all major sports get those calls.

Bill Simmons' best line was when Maurice Ager got drafted by the Mavs, "he went to the podium, shook David Sterns hand and immediately was whistled for a foul on Dwyane Wade"

That's a good un alright.

The Heat only have 3 players from last years squad not signed yet (Payton, Zo & Shandon Anderson). I know Payton wants to return but Zo & Anderson might retire. And Riley might step down as well. It'll be fun to see what happens next year. I'm thinking Heat-Cavs for next years East Title.

I love this draft report card comment by Steve Kerr on the Heat:

The Heat's first-round pick went to the Lakers as part of the Shaquille O'Neal trade, and they didn't have a second-rounder, either. So Pat Riley and his staff probably sat back, watched the draft and opened up another bottle of Dom Perignon.