Mendez Declines Raptors Summer League Offer

There were many who wanted Juan Mendez to be the first Canadian ever drafted by the Toronto Raptors, however, it was widely known that the forward from Niagara might not have the full skill-set to compete in the league. This did not stop the Raptors from making Mendez an offer to play in their summer league to which Mendez declined, opting to play for the Miami Heat.

Mendez's agent, Merle Scott, told The Associated Press. "We appreciate their interest and consideration," Scott said, referring to the Raptors. "But Juan's going to accept the Miami Heat invitation."

Miami Heat general manager is happy to have Mendez on the summer squad.

"If we got him, that's great," Pfund said. "That kid can play basketball. If he doesn't make it in this league, he'll make a whole lot of money playing in Europe or someplace else."

Via SLAM Sports

Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat

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Payton Could Face Up To 10 Years In A Canadian Jail

Gary Payton, along with Sam Cassell and Jason Caffey, are due to appear in a Canadian court on Monday to face assault charges stemming from an incident outside a Toronto strip club, according to court documents obtained by Reuters on Wednesday.

The incident occurred in April 2003 after a Bucks/Raptors game with Payton being charged with one count of aggravated assault causing bodily harm and two counts of simple assault.

Cassell, who now plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves, is charged with two counts of simple assault, while Caffey, a free agent, faces one count of simple assault.

Via ESPN

Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves, Toronto Raptors

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Source: Raptors Tried To Trade Down

According to a source close to the team, the Raptors attempted to trade down in the draft where they could still have obtained Charlie Villanueva, but there was little interest in their position at No. 7, mainly because the picks in the teens had so many high quality players.

Villanueva said he was surprised he was taken so high.

"It definitely feels good to be the seventh pick, Toronto definitely saw something in me and they believed in me," he said. "All my life there's been people doubting me. One thing about me and that's I always believed in myself and I know what I'm capable of doing.

"All my hard work paid off."

Babcock said he only made his decision to take Villanueva on Monday.

"He can play the four spot and the five spot," Babcock said. "He runs the floor very well, he can go outside and shoot the ball and he can put it on the floor and take it to the hole. He can post up and he passes the ball very, very well. He's a good rebounder and he's an improving player and he's only 20 years old."

Via The Globe Mail

Toronto Raptors

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