RAPTORS LAND T.J. FORD
The Toronto Raptors acquired guard T.J. Ford from the Milwaukee Bucks for forward Charlie Villanueva and cash.
What does it give the Toronto Raptors
A young and exciting point guard who's a perfect fit for their new style. The eighth-overall pick of the 2003 draft, Ford has as much pure talent as any young point guard in the NBA. He also plays the running style the Raptors will embrace going forward. Toronto GM Bryan Colangelo has always insisted on having a speedy, pass-first playmaker running his teams (as evidenced by the likes of Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, and Stephon Marbury in Phoenix). Ford has as much assist potential as anyone and can be almost impossible to catch in the open court. One minor concern is the spinal injury that kept him out of the entire 2004-05 season, but Ford proved it's behind him. He's not a top scorer but he'll definitely make the other Raptors better. The cash will just be more money for the Raptors to spend on free agency, where they're expected to also make a splash.
What does it give the Milwaukee Bucks
A power forward who can start for them right away alongside Andrew Bogut. The Bucks want Bogut to play center for them next season and that move created an opening at the 4-spot. Villanueva was much, much better than most people expected and can step in and give Milwaukee size, scoring, versatility, and some defense. Villanueva had a great rookie season this year, but part of that must be attributed to a chip on his shoulder after ridicule for being drafted higher than expected (7th overall in 2005). That suggests he might fall back down to earth a little in Milwaukee, but he does certainly have excellent size and skills. Milwaukee could afford to let Ford go after Mo Williams and Charlie Bell emerged as legitimate starters at the point. The move also gives the Bucks the depth to trade center Jamaal Magloire, which they've been rumored to want to do.
Fantasy impact
