Right after arguably his best season ever, Hedo Turkolgu decided that he wanted other teams to show him the money as he opted out of his Orlando Magic contract to sign somewhere else. At first, we thought it was going to be the Portland Trailblazers then he made a quick decision and decided on the Toronto Raptors.
It was a very interesting move by Turkolgu because he spurned an up-coming team who made the playoffs last year for a team who underachieved to the highest degree. Everyone believed that they would be a top four team in the Eastern Conference when they landed Jermaine O'Neal creating a twin tower effect with Chris Bosh but that didnt happen at all as O'Neal is now on the Miami Heat. The Raptors went down the drain quicker than most during the year and now they are trying rebulid with this Turkolgu deal. My personal opinion it will not help much.
I think that Turkolgu is a good player but he isnt going to be a difference maker that immediately bolts them up to the top three in the East. One big reason is I think Bosh hasnt found out how to really dominate inside and that continues to be a problem. This happens alot with young inside guys but usually they have something they are great at right away such as Dwight Howard's defense/rebounding same with Patrick Ewing. Bosh hasnt found that yet and no signing will help that out. Toronto should make the playoffs next year but then again who knows they were supposed to last year. They need improvements in Bosh, Andrea Barginini, and Jose Calderon who are all young plus the addition of DeMar DeRozen should help out off the bench.
Also why go after a small forward when you could resign Shawn Marion? There are rumors that they are still trying to which would make no sense because I think he could still start for most teams and I am guessing the Raptors would want him as a sixth man. I think Turkolgu is an upgrade but like I said before he is not a player who will be a complete difference maker.
-Charlie
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