Goodbye, Roko?
Beat grunt extraordinaire Doug Smith is reporting that Our Roko is about to be dealt. So far the known components of the deal are:
from the Raptors, a sign-and-trade Carlos Delfino + Roko Ukic
from the Milwaukee Bucks, Amir Johnson + unnamed player Sonny Weems
Smith expects the deal to be finalized within the next 48 hours.
Sigh.
While I trust that Bryan Colangelo is completing a good deal here, I will miss Roko and the rock star potential he showed.
And, of course, Roko leaving will have a significant impact on this site. It will certainly still be a Toronto Raptors blog, but which Raptor will be my new focal point?
Let’s wait and see the deal in its final form first.
Related reading: Hollinger’s scouting report on Amir Johnson
Also: the Bucks’ current roster
UPDATE: ESPN reports that Sonny Weems is the other player coming from Milwaukee.
August 18th, 2009 at 12:03 am
[...] Pete Marasmitch – Goodbye, Roko? – While I trust that Bryan Colangelo is completing a good deal here, I will miss Roko and the rock star potential he showed. [...]
August 18th, 2009 at 8:42 am
My condolences, Jeff. I ran hear as soon as I heard the news… but you were already devastated. I wish I could have broken to you more softly.
Amir Johnson is a guy with plenty of potential. It seems to be a good basketball decision by BC, but he really should have considered the impact on the blogosphere a bit more before entering negotiations.
M
August 18th, 2009 at 8:47 am
Hahaha. I appreciate your kindness, Mookie. I’d like BC to consult me first before making moves, too, but I’m glad he puts logic ahead of fan opinion and emotion.
To be honest, I’m still holding out a little bit of hope that Roko will stay, since the deal is not yet official. I do like Amir Johnson, though.
August 19th, 2009 at 11:56 am
My deepest condolences Jeff for the Roko loss. Sad to see him go ’cause he was fun to watch and has exciting potential. But he wasn’t gonna get the playing time he deserves next year with the raps, so off he goes… maybe he’ll blossoms somewhere else. But BC is a machine and I like how he’s cleaning house!
August 20th, 2009 at 7:39 am
Hey George! Thanks for stopping by.
I agree with you on all counts. As much as I’ll miss Roko, this move makes a lot of sense. I think Amir Johnson can become the first big off the bench (more on that in a future post).