Raps bulk up with Evans Deal shooter Kapono to 76rs By FRANK ZICARELLI, SUN MEDIA http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Basketball/NBA/Toronto/2009/06/10/9748666-sun.html The Raptors are tougher, more defensive-minded and a little older today than they were yesterday by acquiring Reggie Evans from the Philadelphia 76ers. The veteran forward isn't going to win games with his offence and he isn't going to get fans out of their seats by playing above the rim, but he addresses so many of the Raptors' needs that general manager Bryan Colangelo had no choice but to pull the trigger. The price to secure Evans' services was Jason Kapono, a good guy and a very good shooter when he's playing in the proper system. By moving Kapono to Philadelphia for Evans, Colangelo gets added financial flexibility, which is very important in a shrinking economy. By no means is Colangelo's work done because there's still plenty to do, but the addition of assistant coach Marc Iavaroni and the acquisition of Evans are solid moves and steps in the right direction. Evans, 29, isn't exactly a household name and he averaged just 14 minutes last season in Philly, but he's mentally and physically tough, will defend the post, rebound and will help shed the Raptors' label of being soft. The Raptors will have between $8.9 and $10.1 million US to spend this season. "We're changing the dynamic of our ball club," Colangelo said. "Reggie brings a fear factor. He's a rugged player and a character player." Colangelo recalled his recent encounter with Chris Bosh when the GM told the franchise player of the need to acquire a player such as Evans. Colangelo, meanwhile, was not taken aback by Bosh's statement that he would not sign a contract extension this summer. "The intent is to build the team as if Chris is the cornerstone," Colangelo said. "We have no intention to shop Chris Bosh. "If a trade at any time makes itself available, whether it's before the season, leading up to the trade deadline or in a sign-and-trade situation next year that makes sense, we'll pursue it." That's good business, just as it was to acquire Evans. Briefly Raptors head coach Jay Triano was expected to return to Toronto last night following an overseas scouting trip. Triano has had ongoing conversations with Alvin Williams regarding the former Raptors point guard serving as a development coach. There's a chance something might get done by as early as this week ... Earl Clark (Louisville) and Ty Lawson (North Carolina) are two of the draft-eligible players expected to work out for the Raptors today. Toronto holds the ninth overall pick in the June 25 draft. -- ※ 编辑: BColangelo 来自: 24.3.16.9 (06/13 13:07)