The Palaeontologist's Hammer
@palaeohammer.bsky.social
Scientific Insight on your Toronto Raptors
by Mac Priebe
by Mac Priebe
I agree with this. Comparable salaries for the next two years, then Gafford has two more affordable guaranteed years.
...but BW loves Jakob and they literally just put pen to paper on that toxic extension. He's only leaving for a star, and even then, BW clearly values him more than most.
...but BW loves Jakob and they literally just put pen to paper on that toxic extension. He's only leaving for a star, and even then, BW clearly values him more than most.
November 12, 2025 at 6:37 PM
I agree with this. Comparable salaries for the next two years, then Gafford has two more affordable guaranteed years.
...but BW loves Jakob and they literally just put pen to paper on that toxic extension. He's only leaving for a star, and even then, BW clearly values him more than most.
...but BW loves Jakob and they literally just put pen to paper on that toxic extension. He's only leaving for a star, and even then, BW clearly values him more than most.
It makes sense; with a roster that goes 11 deep, combine some pieces in trade for a meaningful talent upgrade at the top. There is a chance AD is the biggest talent that comes available this season: The fit is better than their current construction and they would be an incredibly fun team to watch
November 12, 2025 at 3:50 PM
It makes sense; with a roster that goes 11 deep, combine some pieces in trade for a meaningful talent upgrade at the top. There is a chance AD is the biggest talent that comes available this season: The fit is better than their current construction and they would be an incredibly fun team to watch
Some of the offseason banter about this year's Raptors was that it would be interesting to see what kind of consolidation trade they make. I believe Michael Pina (author of this article) spoke about it with Zach Lowe over the summer (while also praising the Raptors chances this year)
November 12, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Some of the offseason banter about this year's Raptors was that it would be interesting to see what kind of consolidation trade they make. I believe Michael Pina (author of this article) spoke about it with Zach Lowe over the summer (while also praising the Raptors chances this year)
It rids the team of the toxic Jakob contract and prevents them from overpaying RJ. I don't love AD's contract ($54M, 58M then a PO for 62M for ages 32 - 34), esp considering his age and fragility, but I would rather overpay for an elite talent in AD than for two above average talents in Jakob and RJ
November 12, 2025 at 3:48 PM
It rids the team of the toxic Jakob contract and prevents them from overpaying RJ. I don't love AD's contract ($54M, 58M then a PO for 62M for ages 32 - 34), esp considering his age and fragility, but I would rather overpay for an elite talent in AD than for two above average talents in Jakob and RJ
I also like this trade off the court. AD is a champion; His leadership come playoff time will be important for a young team. I think that would be particularly true for CMB and Scottie, who could benefit from AD'S calm demeanor.
November 12, 2025 at 3:47 PM
I also like this trade off the court. AD is a champion; His leadership come playoff time will be important for a young team. I think that would be particularly true for CMB and Scottie, who could benefit from AD'S calm demeanor.
On offense, AD is a dynamic upgrade over Jakob, replacing him with an All-NBA level talent.
The trade would put pressure on the new starter taking RJ's place, possibly Gradey. The upgrade in shooting would be nice, but RJ has been solid as a rock in every way, and that would be sorely missed.
The trade would put pressure on the new starter taking RJ's place, possibly Gradey. The upgrade in shooting would be nice, but RJ has been solid as a rock in every way, and that would be sorely missed.
November 12, 2025 at 3:45 PM
On offense, AD is a dynamic upgrade over Jakob, replacing him with an All-NBA level talent.
The trade would put pressure on the new starter taking RJ's place, possibly Gradey. The upgrade in shooting would be nice, but RJ has been solid as a rock in every way, and that would be sorely missed.
The trade would put pressure on the new starter taking RJ's place, possibly Gradey. The upgrade in shooting would be nice, but RJ has been solid as a rock in every way, and that would be sorely missed.
Ha, they gave the chain to Jakob tonight! Find someone who adores you the way the Raptors adore him, ain't no way they are moving on from him any time soon sigh
November 12, 2025 at 4:41 AM
Ha, they gave the chain to Jakob tonight! Find someone who adores you the way the Raptors adore him, ain't no way they are moving on from him any time soon sigh
Battle is tougher, also a free agent in 27. Right now he doesn't get enough floor time...but he seems to deserve far more. Duncan Robinson is also a decent comp in a lot of ways, but none of these guys have popped the way Robinson did
Lots of basketball to be played before these bills come due...
Lots of basketball to be played before these bills come due...
November 12, 2025 at 4:36 AM
Battle is tougher, also a free agent in 27. Right now he doesn't get enough floor time...but he seems to deserve far more. Duncan Robinson is also a decent comp in a lot of ways, but none of these guys have popped the way Robinson did
Lots of basketball to be played before these bills come due...
Lots of basketball to be played before these bills come due...
If they their contracts are that cheap, they shouldn't have to choose, keep both.
Complicating matters is that Jakob makes $29M and RJ is also a free agent then. It just is NOT set up well.
Complicating matters is that Jakob makes $29M and RJ is also a free agent then. It just is NOT set up well.
November 12, 2025 at 4:35 AM
If they their contracts are that cheap, they shouldn't have to choose, keep both.
Complicating matters is that Jakob makes $29M and RJ is also a free agent then. It just is NOT set up well.
Complicating matters is that Jakob makes $29M and RJ is also a free agent then. It just is NOT set up well.
Shead and Gradey hit free agency in 27. As of right now, a decent resolution for each would be maybe 3 years at just over the MLE. Maybe a hair under Duncan Robinson money.
I actually prefer Shead there, simply because PG takes so long to develop, and Shead is a Raptor directly out central casting
I actually prefer Shead there, simply because PG takes so long to develop, and Shead is a Raptor directly out central casting
November 12, 2025 at 4:34 AM
Shead and Gradey hit free agency in 27. As of right now, a decent resolution for each would be maybe 3 years at just over the MLE. Maybe a hair under Duncan Robinson money.
I actually prefer Shead there, simply because PG takes so long to develop, and Shead is a Raptor directly out central casting
I actually prefer Shead there, simply because PG takes so long to develop, and Shead is a Raptor directly out central casting
It seems like THEY believe there is one, but I'm less convinced. Almost all Raptors players have spoken glowingly about being here.
With limited salary space available to everyone, they are going to need to play a LOT more hardball if they are to survive...
With limited salary space available to everyone, they are going to need to play a LOT more hardball if they are to survive...
November 12, 2025 at 3:33 AM
It seems like THEY believe there is one, but I'm less convinced. Almost all Raptors players have spoken glowingly about being here.
With limited salary space available to everyone, they are going to need to play a LOT more hardball if they are to survive...
With limited salary space available to everyone, they are going to need to play a LOT more hardball if they are to survive...
More likely they give him IQ money or more, which will tie their hands even moreso. Their long term outlook is pretty mid and depends heavily on internal improvement of young guys.
November 12, 2025 at 3:31 AM
More likely they give him IQ money or more, which will tie their hands even moreso. Their long term outlook is pretty mid and depends heavily on internal improvement of young guys.
RJ is the next test. They should play hardball and offer like $20M annually, and dare him to do better on the market. That might allow them to keep a couple young guys after their rookie deals run out
November 12, 2025 at 3:31 AM
RJ is the next test. They should play hardball and offer like $20M annually, and dare him to do better on the market. That might allow them to keep a couple young guys after their rookie deals run out
They have this thing where they trade for guys and then overpay them (esp IQ, BI and Jakob). The trade value was fine in each case, but their cap management is at least 15 years behind the times. As Bobby was responsible for Jakob (worst of them all), I'm not anticipating any improvement forthcoming
November 12, 2025 at 3:27 AM
They have this thing where they trade for guys and then overpay them (esp IQ, BI and Jakob). The trade value was fine in each case, but their cap management is at least 15 years behind the times. As Bobby was responsible for Jakob (worst of them all), I'm not anticipating any improvement forthcoming
On to CLE for a rematch with the shorthanded Cavs. If they can pull an upset in northeast Ohio, they could well be 9-5 by the time they head back to Philly a week from now.
November 12, 2025 at 3:17 AM
On to CLE for a rematch with the shorthanded Cavs. If they can pull an upset in northeast Ohio, they could well be 9-5 by the time they head back to Philly a week from now.
Props to Scottie for an all around game marred by whining, with BI and IQ playing well. IQ really sealed it down the stretch in what turned out to be a rare good shooting game for the team tonight.
November 12, 2025 at 3:17 AM
Props to Scottie for an all around game marred by whining, with BI and IQ playing well. IQ really sealed it down the stretch in what turned out to be a rare good shooting game for the team tonight.
Take away the three point shooting and it's a good looking game. They shoot 64% from 2, 80% on FT, only 8 turnovers, and win big on the boards (50-36). That is how a ten-point win happens despite shooting 9-35 from three.
November 12, 2025 at 3:16 AM
Take away the three point shooting and it's a good looking game. They shoot 64% from 2, 80% on FT, only 8 turnovers, and win big on the boards (50-36). That is how a ten-point win happens despite shooting 9-35 from three.
Pretty solid 4Q here, shooting 9-14, with IQ leading the way at 4-4 with two 3PM. They have had a couple sloppy turnovers, but they certainly put their foot down.
November 12, 2025 at 3:02 AM
Pretty solid 4Q here, shooting 9-14, with IQ leading the way at 4-4 with two 3PM. They have had a couple sloppy turnovers, but they certainly put their foot down.
Nope, Battle and CMB are in place of Scottie and RJ. Then Darko puts them in 40 seconds later. Odd.
November 12, 2025 at 2:56 AM
Nope, Battle and CMB are in place of Scottie and RJ. Then Darko puts them in 40 seconds later. Odd.
Should be the starting group until the game is decided (Scottie's foul trouble be damned), with CMB in if Jakob needs a blow.
November 12, 2025 at 2:54 AM
Should be the starting group until the game is decided (Scottie's foul trouble be damned), with CMB in if Jakob needs a blow.
Full marks awarded to Raptors on a very strong finish to the 3Q. After the Nets gave them fits throughout the quarter, a 6-0 run in the final 40 seconds to stretch the lead back to 8 (the margin at the half) felt like a real gut punch.
November 12, 2025 at 2:33 AM
Full marks awarded to Raptors on a very strong finish to the 3Q. After the Nets gave them fits throughout the quarter, a 6-0 run in the final 40 seconds to stretch the lead back to 8 (the margin at the half) felt like a real gut punch.