posted June 23, 2008 at 18:28 in NBA Free Picks

Nothing runs like a T.J. Ford, especially when he’s being run out of town. Toronto’s starting point-guard has been the center of trade talks since the season ended for the Raptors. In 51 games this season, Ford posted 12.2 points and 6.3 assists per game, while blowing up for season-high performances of 32 points.

The score-first point man has been criticized in Toronto because of the natural “good and evil” talk that emerged when the city and its fans fell in love with Jose Calderon. The Spaniard plays like he’s a homeless man being paid with food, and led the Raptors to the post season with 11.2 points and 8.3 assists. At 6-foot-3 and 210 lbs., Calderon runs the offense cleanly and efficiently and Toronto had no choice but to be swept up in El Calderon-mania.

That left Ford on the outside looking in, being the inevitable fall guy for Toronto’s woes. Those accusations are absolutely ridiculous. The truth is that Ford and Calderon are close friends, both supporting each other to the point that Calderon insisted that Ford start for the betterment of the team. Ford is the scorer and the better defender because he’s naturally quicker than Calderon. As good as Jose is running the offense, he became a defensive liability because the elite guards in the L are lightning fast, and Calderon’s athleticism is not world-class.

Regardless, Calderon is the man that Colangelo and the Raptors seem to want in the backcourt, leaving Ford again on the outside. Despite the former seventh-overall pick’s outstanding attitude, and proven skill level, Ford finds himself looking for another team. Well, actually Colangelo’s doing the looking for him.

And it looks like several teams are genuinely interested in acquiring the speedy scorer. Seriously, who wouldn’t? What’s even more prevalent is Toronto’s dire need for a consistent scorer and more front-court depth. They have shooters all over the floor. What they need is a true post presence to take the pressure of team captain, Chris Bosh.

Boris Diaw’s name emerged when the Suns wanted the seventeenth pick and Ford in return, but Diaw isn’t the game breaker that the Raptors desire. Ford and Bargnani were being packaged for Richard Jefferson of the New Jersey Nets which had everyone in Toronto buzzing. The truth, however, is that Jefferson will (and should) demand much more.

The deal in the works right now, however, is the one that tickles the most interest. T.J. Ford and Rasho Nesterovic’s ridiculous contract would go to Indiana, along with the 17th pick, in return for Jermaine O’Neal. Yes, the same Jermaine O’Neal that hasn’t really played in two seasons.

O’Neal logged 42 games last season because of a bum knee and scored 13.6 points and 6.7 boards. His presence would undoubtedly make Bosh’s life infinitely easier, because it would be difficult to double-team either O’Neal or Bosh. The problem, as always with O’Neal, will be the growing concerns about his health. Should Toronto deem him healthy enough to be an asset to the Raptors, this is a trade that Toronto pulls the trigger on.

Obviously, getting a player like Jefferson has to be the priority, but scouts are fading on Bagnarni’s ability to answer his supposed potential. Rasho Nestorovic is a dinosaur, sucking up $14 million a season. Would you rather pay O’Neal $21 million, or Rasho $14? Exactly.

Colangelo is desperate to prove that he can win with this team and surround Bosh with All-Star talent, and needs a big move this summer. This one looks like the best offer on the table. A starting line-up of O’Neal, Bosh, the athletic Moon, Parker and El Calderon would be very difficult to cover in the East, especially with the scoring touch coming off the bench.

The big question would be who backs up Calderon at the point? Delfino is nice, but he’s too big to play the point. And the free-agent market isn’t exactly screaming with talent at the guard.

Aside from that glaring omission, look for O’Neal in a Raptors uniform next year, and for Toronto’s chance of making a bigger splash in the NBA betting playoffs next year. They may be north of the border, but they shouldn’t be escaping your sports betting territory after they so handedly rewarded their sportsbook betting faithful last year.

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