DRAFT PICK:
Nathan Jawai, C, 6-10, 280, Australia -- As part of the Jermaine O'Neal trade that couldn't be announced until July 9, Toronto obtained the rights to Jawai (the 41st pick). He's known as The Aussie Shaq for his considerable bulk, but a nickname is about all he's got that's NBA ready. The expectation is that he will join the club next season in an end-of-the-bench role, and the Raptors hope his bulk and desire will be enough to let him develop into someone able to contribute in a couple of seasons. BIGGEST NEEDS: The Raptors desperately needed help up front, both in rebounding and athleticism, and should get that from Jermaine O'Neal as long as he stays healthy for a change.
FREE AGENT FOCUS: The Raptors have only one unrestricted free agent, backup big man Primoz Brezec, whom they won't have back. F Carlos Delfino, a restricted free agent, probably won't return, either.
PLAYER NOTES:
--G Roko Ukic, a second-round pick by Toronto in 2005, signed a three-year deal with the Raptors. The Croatian scored 11.5 points per game last season in the Italian league.
--F Carlos Delfino has a qualifying offer from the Raptors, but there is little or no chance he'll return to the roster. The Raptors could very well renounce the restricted free agent swingman to free up some salary room.
--G Jose Calderon restructured the first year of his new five-year contract to allow the Raptors a small measure of financial flexibility. Team officials said he took about $60,000 less on his first year, which keeps Toronto about $1,100 below the tax level.
--G Hassan Adams has signed a two-year contract with Toronto, the first year guaranteed and the second at the team's option. A former second-round pick of New Jersey, he spent one season with the Nets before becoming a tax casualty and moving to Italy to play last year.
