Bryan Colangelo had a conversation with the Fan590 to to talk about a myriad of things including Linas Kleiza, Chris Bosh and the potential for more deals this summer.

Without further adieu here is some analysis, if you want the verbatim transcript give the interview a listen.

On Linas Kleiza

Bryan Colangelo said he sees Linas Kleiza as the starter at 3 and that he also sees him as a player capable of playing some power forward. He went on to say Kleiza is the starter for now which indicates he is looking for another small forward to add to the team (as we have learned from failed deals for Diaw and Barnes).

Kleiza is a decent fit and the truth is one of either Barbosa or Kleiza need to start or we risk losing out on the maximum value Kleiza and Barbosa have to offer the Raptors. If they are not a starter they need to be the 6th man, any other role would limit their effectiveness.

On Chris Bosh

Colangelo also intimated that Chris Bosh likely checked out on the Raptors after the all-star break when it was decided he was going to join Wade in Miami and decided against risking further injury in a contract year.  Colangelo said there were ‘voices speaking to him at all star’, and that now ‘it is pretty obvious who those voices were’.  Colangelo also said that Bosh was cleared to return from injury but chose not to play; likely in an attempt to save his body in a contract year…this is disheartening to hear because it means Bosh gave up on the Raptors and mailed it in…much like Vince Carter.

Colangelo is just echoing long held sentiments that were never confirmed: Bosh did quit on the Raptors, the Miami plan was hatched when LBJ, Wade and Bosh signed their deals; and the Raptors were never really in the running to retain Bosh’s services.   If you haven’t gave the interview with Bob McCown a listen yet, when you get 10 minutes give it a listen.

Are any deals on the horizon?

Bryan Colangelo stated that there are some deals being considered and deductive reasoning and a little reading between the lines leads one to believe that he is currently looking to address the small forward position; which also indicates he does not see DeRozan as a small forward in this league.

We also know that Colangelo is looking for an additional big with starting center potential. There aren’t many of them available but Okafor would appear to be a good fit, but any deal for Collison and Okafor would likely start with Colangelo favorite Andrea Bargnani.

BC indicated that there is a mini trading lull while teams try to reorganize themselves and perhaps also inquire about the availability of Chris Paul.  There was a trade last night so deals are still possible.

This was a solid and candid conversation Bryan Colangelo had with the Fan590’s no-nonsense interviewer Bob McCown…maybe the two factors are related.  In any event it is good to hear from BC’s mouth that Bosh was indeed an issue down the stretch and that he did indeed check out after all-star break.

How does this interview make you feel Raptors fans? What is your opinion of Bosh now knowing he checked out on the Raptors? We want to hear your comments and thoughts! Leave a comment below or send us an email at raptorcity@raptorsdigest.com

Raju Byfield is a Senior Sports Writer for Raptors Digest.

Raju Byfield also writes for Win My Fantasy League as a Senior Sports Writer/Fantasy Sports Analyst.