Post by djmyte on Dec 5, 2005 19:05:38 GMT -5
by BBS Scouting Services
A Brand new era in Sacramento leads to a different Tim-e in Toronto.
Earlier today, we learned that the Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings agreed to a trade that sent future hall of famer Tim Duncan North of the border for perennial All-star and reigning playoff MVP Elton Brand.
This isn't the first time these two teams have consumated a trade that has involved Brand. Originally drafted by the Kings way back when, Brand and a 1st round pick were immediately dealt to Toronto for slick shooting big man Dirk Nowitzki. Brand never played a game in Sacramento and went on to enjoy great success with the Raptors organization. There he become a multiple All-star, winning the love and support of the fans and eventually a championship title in 2009. Brand will bring a strong defensive presence to the Kings lineup, something they have been lacking all season even with the very capable defensive play of Duncan. Brand is coming off a season where he was named to the All-Defensive First team and shows no signs of diminished ability in this area. He will also provide much of the interior scoring the Kings lose in dealing Duncan. Most of all, Brand will bring a breathe of fresh air to an otherwise stale environment. He's a leader, well liked by fans for his hustle and respected by his teammates for his skills. He's also someone that can get along with dominant personalities such as O'Neal as he doesn't demand the ball or need it in order to be effective.
Duncan, 34, has been a dominant force for years but has, to the surprise of most, been traded numerous times in the past few seasons. Inspite of all the movement, Duncan has continued to play at an extremely high level. This season the Kings teamed Duncan with another future hall of famer in Shaquille O'Neal in hopes of making a run at a championship. But things didn't work out the way management and the players had hoped with the team finding itself well below .500 after the All-Star break. Duncan moves to a team in which his skills will be utilized, perhaps more than ever before. Toronto is renound for their focus on a strong inside game and Duncan should fit in perfectly. His presence will allow the teams current center, Chris Bosh, to slide over to his natural position where the team hopes he will have even greater success. Sources indicate this was a major factor in accepting the deal. With Brand in the lineup, Bosh would never have had the opportunity to play the powerforward position on a consistant basis.
When asked to comment on the trade, the Raptor's GM had this to say;
"We've spoken to Elton and he understands our position. Of course, this came as a shock to him and we made a tough decision but we feel we've done what is best for this organization at this point in time. We're extremely sad to see him go and we would like to thank him for his efforts and wish him the best of luck."
When asked about the trade the King's GM gave this response;
"We really hate to lose a player the is the calibur of Tim Duncan but we feel we gave it a run at a title with him and want to give him a chance elsewhere to try and get a title. We also feel at the same time that a change of location will help him and us along the way. Landing Brand, who we originally drafted and who never played for us, takes us back to our roots as a organization. We are tweaking the rest of the team some in order to try and make a major run at the playoffs. Brand is also a few years younger so that helps us a little over the next few seasons as well."
When all is said and done, this will be a trade to remember, if not just for the names and the calibur of the players involved. It is extrememly rare to see two franchise talents swapped for one another these days but this proves that it can and does happen. Both players look to have continued success on the court this season and in the forseeable future. While it's difficult to say who benefits the most from this trade the most at this time, it won't surprise us if it ends up being Tim Duncan.
A Brand new era in Sacramento leads to a different Tim-e in Toronto.
Earlier today, we learned that the Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings agreed to a trade that sent future hall of famer Tim Duncan North of the border for perennial All-star and reigning playoff MVP Elton Brand.
This isn't the first time these two teams have consumated a trade that has involved Brand. Originally drafted by the Kings way back when, Brand and a 1st round pick were immediately dealt to Toronto for slick shooting big man Dirk Nowitzki. Brand never played a game in Sacramento and went on to enjoy great success with the Raptors organization. There he become a multiple All-star, winning the love and support of the fans and eventually a championship title in 2009. Brand will bring a strong defensive presence to the Kings lineup, something they have been lacking all season even with the very capable defensive play of Duncan. Brand is coming off a season where he was named to the All-Defensive First team and shows no signs of diminished ability in this area. He will also provide much of the interior scoring the Kings lose in dealing Duncan. Most of all, Brand will bring a breathe of fresh air to an otherwise stale environment. He's a leader, well liked by fans for his hustle and respected by his teammates for his skills. He's also someone that can get along with dominant personalities such as O'Neal as he doesn't demand the ball or need it in order to be effective.
Duncan, 34, has been a dominant force for years but has, to the surprise of most, been traded numerous times in the past few seasons. Inspite of all the movement, Duncan has continued to play at an extremely high level. This season the Kings teamed Duncan with another future hall of famer in Shaquille O'Neal in hopes of making a run at a championship. But things didn't work out the way management and the players had hoped with the team finding itself well below .500 after the All-Star break. Duncan moves to a team in which his skills will be utilized, perhaps more than ever before. Toronto is renound for their focus on a strong inside game and Duncan should fit in perfectly. His presence will allow the teams current center, Chris Bosh, to slide over to his natural position where the team hopes he will have even greater success. Sources indicate this was a major factor in accepting the deal. With Brand in the lineup, Bosh would never have had the opportunity to play the powerforward position on a consistant basis.
When asked to comment on the trade, the Raptor's GM had this to say;
"We've spoken to Elton and he understands our position. Of course, this came as a shock to him and we made a tough decision but we feel we've done what is best for this organization at this point in time. We're extremely sad to see him go and we would like to thank him for his efforts and wish him the best of luck."
When asked about the trade the King's GM gave this response;
"We really hate to lose a player the is the calibur of Tim Duncan but we feel we gave it a run at a title with him and want to give him a chance elsewhere to try and get a title. We also feel at the same time that a change of location will help him and us along the way. Landing Brand, who we originally drafted and who never played for us, takes us back to our roots as a organization. We are tweaking the rest of the team some in order to try and make a major run at the playoffs. Brand is also a few years younger so that helps us a little over the next few seasons as well."
When all is said and done, this will be a trade to remember, if not just for the names and the calibur of the players involved. It is extrememly rare to see two franchise talents swapped for one another these days but this proves that it can and does happen. Both players look to have continued success on the court this season and in the forseeable future. While it's difficult to say who benefits the most from this trade the most at this time, it won't surprise us if it ends up being Tim Duncan.
Courtney
Minerva
Lesley
Sharona
Telisa
