Many Raptors fans were crushed when fan favourite Charlie Villanueva was traded to Milwaukee for T.J. Ford in June 2006. And now, almost two years from that day, T.J. Ford has been sent to Indiana along with Rasho Nesterovic, 17th overall draft pick Roy Hibbert and a player to be named later – in return for seven-time All-Star center Jermaine O'Neal and 41st overall draft pick Nathan Jawai.
Critics of this trade note that O'Neal has missed an average of 30 games in the last four seasons and that his scoring numbers have declined in each of those seasons. Fortunately, Colangelo didn't acquire O'Neal for his scoring. He will provide an immediate presence in shot-blocking, rebounding and overall team defence and will pair with Chris Bosh to form one of the most imposing frontcourt duos in the NBA.
The gamble that Colangelo is taking with O'Neal is the same one he took with Ford – if he's healthy, happy and motivated in Toronto, there should be little doubt who will benefit more from this trade. With the Raptors, he will not be expected to be a primary scorer and whatever you think of Sam Mitchell, he is the ideal type of coach for O'Neal – honest, forthright, and easy for players to respect.
Some of you would have preferred Colangelo to hang on to the draft pick or to trade Ford for a "safer" player (or to trade Calderon instead – although that wasn't really an option), but Colangelo understands that you're not likely to win an NBA championship by playing it safe.
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