I was shocked when I first heard the rumors that Memphis is indeed looking to trade that leading scorer. I grew to like Memphis and in my eyes this team was franchise to look at closely. I started to follow most of the matches where they have proven to me that the Grizzlies are indeed one of the best teams in the West today. Now putting it as a financial move I can understand the move, but from a future main playoff appearance I don't. I really can't see how possibly the Grizzlies will be as good as they were without Rudy. On the other hand is still too early to judge if he effects the Raptors team that much. Sure we saw Toronto beat the Los Angeles Clippers, but that team was playing without Chris Paul. Still I think with only one key player missing from the season's starting lineup a nearly 30 point loss can't be because of him. Lucas, Gay and Amir Johnson had a brilliant game and I still wonder if it can become a standard. I could also understand the player frustration coming from Rudy as h went from one of the best teams with a playoff spot to a lot less successful franchise. One thing is for certain this makes me interested in the Raptors's future games. As far as playoffs go, I really don't see Rudy be as successful in the Raptors in the future as he was in Memphis.

It's easily a deal Toronto won. They got one of the best small forwards in the game, with a multi dimensional game. Rudy can defend his position as well as move with the ball and make his own plays. I'm not saying he doesn't need a point guard, but he does not need to depend on a support as much as for example a veteran Pierce had to. Though I see Lowry and DeRozan stepping their game up and Lucas is impressive. It will take some time to see how it all goes, but for now it seems the Raptors are becoming more effective with this change. I'm also thinking about not making Rudy come off the bench. He was always a starter and can get into the game mode quickly. As soon as the usual lineup is back in the team, Rudy should start, for now it's better to play him off the bench.