A $24-million bench-warmer

TorontoSun.com – Basketball – A $24-million bench-warmer
Raptors coach Sam Mitchell went on the defensive yesterday when asked if he would be disappointed if Kapono, the club’s most expensive, most heralded, off-season signing, did not turn out to be a regular starter at the small forward position — the lone starting spot still up for grabs.

Mitchell has said the last couple of days that Kapono may not be his starter at the three spot, that the job may go to another newcomer, Carlos Delfino, or the wildly inconsistent Joey Graham, or even to Jorge Garbajosa, whom Mitchell would prefer to play at power forward.

2007-08 NBA Season Team Preview – Toronto Raptors

2007-08 NBA Season Team Preview – Toronto Raptors
The big problem was the wings not being able to slash to the cup. I’m certain this team realizes that defenses will collapse on Chris Bosh, forcing the boys on the perimeter to make something happen. There aren’t too many players on the roster that are capable of this. Anthony Parker must get better, Delfino must be aggressive, and the point guard duo of T.J. Ford and Jose Calderon must penetrate.

Raptors, Celtics put on more than just an exhibition game

globesports.com: Raptors, Celtics put on more than just an exhibition game
But where the Raptors’ visions of defending their Atlantic Division title looked most promising was when the second units were on the floor.

The Raptors put out Jose Calderon, Carlos Delfino, Joey Graham, Jorge Garbajosa and Rasho Nesterovic and benefitted against a Boston group that was still learning each other’s names.

“You pretty much know what Rasho and Garbo and Jose and those guys are going to give you,” said head coach Sam Mitchell. “I think we went up 10 or 12 with that group.”

Toronto pushed it’s advantage to 37-27 on the strength of a Delfino triple, but as the Celtics went back to their stars — all three played at least 19:30 in the first half, reflecting perhaps Boston’s desire to get them acclimated as quickly as possible — they managed to take a 43-40 lead into the half.

SportingNews.com – NBA – Raptors preview: International house of hoops

SportingNews.com – NBA – Raptors preview: International house of hoops
After the season, Colangelo didn’t sit by idly. He made some critical moves that he hopes will keep this franchise’s momentum going.

Toronto surrendered two second-round draft choices to Detroit for Argentinean swingman Carlos Delfino, who got lost in the talent shuffle with the Pistons. A member of Argentina’s 2004 Olympic gold-medal team, Delfino is not a pure shooter, but he’s fearless going to the basket like his Olympic teammate, San Antonio’s Manu Ginobili. He will likely take advantage of the extended minutes offered north of the border.

And while Morris Peterson has left for New Orleans, Toronto upgraded its perimeter game by signing Miami free agent Jason Kapono, who is coming off a year in which he led the NBA in three-point percentage (.514).

“Kapono is considered one of the best shooters — or arguably is the best shooter — and will complement our driveand- kick game,” Colangelo says.

Last season, Toronto was fifth in field-goal percentage (.463) and ninth in three-point accuracy (.363), and now the Raptors appear to be improved in both areas.

SI.com – Raps Offseason Moves

SI.com – Writers – Rising tide (cont.) – Monday August 27, 2007 3:19PM
GRADE: A-

The defending Atlantic champs Toronto Raptors didn’t need to make major changes. Just keeping the core together, while adding Kapono and Delfino, looks pretty good.

New Raptor helps hammer Canada

TheStar.com – Sports – New Raptor helps hammer Canada
The 6-foot-7 Delfino, who has helped Argentina stay unbeaten after a 85-70 thrashing of Canada in Las Vegas night, has given Raptor president and general manager Bryan Colangelo much to be happy about a month or so from the beginning of training camp.

“He’s displayed a great ability to run a team,” Colangelo said yesterday. “Even if he isn’t the point guard on the floor, they’re running a lot of the offence through him and he’s handling it well.”