Raptors draft pick Roko Ukic has signed with Italian team Lottomatica Roma after playing last season with the Spanish side Barcelona (where he was on loan from Tau Ceramica).

Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo said Wednesday that the move to Roma should bode well for Ukic's development, but added that the Raptors have no plans to bring him to North America in the immediate future. Colangelo said the amount the Raptors would have to pay to buy Ukic out of his contract is "restrictive" (reportedly more than $1 million US).

Bryan Colangelo had seen the reports concerning the minor knee injury Carlos Delfino sustained in Puerto Rico last week.

He had spoken with the doctors and with the newest Raptor himself about the injury -- the same knee that Delfino had surgery on earlier in his career.

All concerned told Colangelo that the injury was not significant. But that didn't prevent the feeling of relief he felt when he saw Delfino sprint the length of the court at full gallop for Argentina in a FIBA Americas tournament game here Friday night against Puerto Rico.

"He had that burst of speed where he went up the right side and made a nice pass. He looked like he was fully healthy," Colangelo said. "Every time you step on the floor with these guys, you're concerned about someone getting hurt. But it's the nature of the sport.

"These guys have to listen to their bodies and be truthful and if something is really bothering them and puts them in a position of further injury, they should stop."

Carlos Delfino had 20 points and 11 rebounds and was one of four Argentina players with at least three 3-pointers in a 104-83 victory over Mexico on Saturday night that clinched the top spot for the South Americans in the first-round pool of the FIBA Americas tournament.

Paolo Quinteros added 18 points for Argentina, which finished 15-for-31 from 3-point range and shot 50 percent overall (33-for-66) from the field.

The Raptors have ruled forward Jorge Garbajosa out of playing for Spain at the upcoming EuroBasket tournament, the club announced yesterday.

"Despite Jorge feeling and looking ready to play, the medical findings suggest otherwise," Raptors president and general manager Bryan Colangelo said in a statement.

Garbajosa suffered a broken fibula and torn ankle ligaments during a Raptors game in Boston in March.

The Raptors said Garbajosa was recently evaluated in Toronto by Raptors medical, training and coaching staffs, and was able to perform on-court drills proficiently and without pain. But a detailed review and assessment of the various images and scans taken have revealed insufficient healing of the fractured fibula.

Combined with the inability to obtain adequate insurance coverage, the Raptors would not consent to Garbajosa's participation in the upcoming European Championships, Sept. 3-16 in Spain.

"We have consulted with a number of foot and ankle specialists and have concluded that there is an elevated risk for Jorge to compete at this time," Colangelo said in the statement. "Regarding his eventual return to competitive basketball, we are currently evaluating and discussing treatment options with Jorge and his representatives which include both surgical and non-surgical paths.

"We know this decision is disappointing for Jorge and the Spanish Basketball Federation, but we feel strongly that this is in the best interest of Jorge Garbajosa to continue a long term and productive basketball career."

Bryan Colangelo told the Toronto Star on Monday night that there is no serious injury to Carlos Delfino and that he should be able to play for Argentina during the tournament.

He may need a couple of days off to rest, and Toronto physicians are getting the MRIs and exam results, but he should be back on the court no later than the end of the week.

Toronto Raptors guard Carlos Delfino injured his knee over the weekend and may miss part of the FIBA Americas Championship, according to a report in an Argentine newspaper.

Delfino injured his knee in the Tuto Marchand Cup and could sit out Argentina's game against Uruguay in Las Vegas on Thursday.

"It is the same knee I underwent surgery on two years ago and that's what makes me worry most, as I cannot stretch the leg too much," Delfino told La Nacion newspaper on Sunday.

"I know it's not serious, but I worry because I cannot get out of my mind memories about how much I have suffered with this knee."

Toronto forward Chris Bosh withdrew from U.S. training camp Wednesday because of a left foot injury.

Bosh has plantar fasciitis and will not play in the FIBA Americas tournament that starts next week, USA Basketball spokesman Craig Miller said.

The 6-foot-10, 230-pound Bosh will remain on the team and under consideration for a spot if the Americans qualify for the 2008 Olympics. His withdrawal leaves the Americans with 15 players.

The Toronto Raptors examined Jorge Garbajosa over the weekend but have yet to approve the Spanish forward's participation in next month's European championship.

Garbajosa is recovering from a broken fibula and torn ankle ligament ankle suffered during an awkward fall in a game against the Boston Celtics in March.

He was due to join the Spanish national team in Madrid on Monday to prepare for the Sept. 3-Sept. 16 EuroBasket tournament in Spain.

Toronto Raptors forward Jorge Garbajosa has recovered from ankle and leg injuries and should be ready to play for Spain at next month's European championship.

"The medical scans and workouts Jorge Garbajosa has undergone show his ankle is in perfect shape," Jesus Bueno, the executive director of the Spanish basketball federation, said Sunday. "Once all tests are passed the evaluation will be positive, however we need to wait in case complications exist."

"It's nice to be returning to Spain feeling positive, but I have to be prudent because we're still waiting with hope on the final evaluation," Garbajosa said.

Spanish doctors credited the Raptors medical staff for getting Garbajosa fit in less than the expected six months.

Charley Oakley, one of the most beloved players ever to wear a Knicks uniform, believes there are plenty of teams that could use his toughness, leadership and defense.

He specifically mentioned the Knicks, Nets, Cavs and Mavs. "Look at how bad Cleveland was in the NBA Finals," said Oakley, proving his tongue is still as sharp as his elbows. "They had big guys who couldn't move and can't shoot. They never knocked Tony Parker on his butt.

"I'm not saying I'm better than guys who play every day. But I can play 20 minutes a night. I understand the game. I can shoot, make free throws and defend. A lot of teams don't have a general on the floor. I'm not trying to steal from anybody. Give me a tryout and if you don't think I can do it, then just cut me."

Since telling the Toronto Star last week about his plans to play again, Oakley claims that he's attracted the interest of several teams but declined to name any.