Feb
12, 2001
NBA
BASKETBALL News Article - - - - -
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RAPTORS
GET BETTER END OF TRADE By
GREG
It
turns out that the Toronto Raptors got the better of the Nuggets in their
recent trade. For all who are unaware of the specifics the Raptors
picked up Keon Clark, Tracy Murray and Mamadou N'diaye from Denver in exchange
for seven footer Kevin Willis, Alex Radojevic and Garth Joseph. The
two teams squared off for the first time since the trade Thursday night.
Toronto posted a 99 - 92 win. Vince Carter poured in 31 points for the
Raptors, and Neon Keon was spectacular off the bench. The versatile leaper
dropped in fifteen points one coming on a running dunk where he shot Murray
a satisfied nod. Clark also lit it up defensively hauling down seven boards
and blocking five shots. Willis finished with two points and four
rebounds.
By
obtaining Murray the Raptors got another outside threat along with Dell
Curry to open up the lane for Raptor cutters. Clark brings spectacular
shot-blocking ability to the floor and provides offensive relief for Vince
Carter. N'diaye is on the injured list and has yet to play for the
Toronto. Willis was a good team player with playoff experience. Raptors
GM Glen Grunwald said Kevin Willis is a player that you don't want to trade.
Let's face the facts: Willis is past his prime and does not have
many years left in the NBA. His Playoff experience would have been an asset
in May but the added explosiveness and emotional play of Clark along with
solid outside shooting more than compensates for the loss. Radojevic
has not proven he can play at the pro level and Joseph has not seen too
many minutes. Fans in Toronto are definitely smiling about this trade.
