The Raptors took a back seat last season compared to the 2007 season when they had 47 wins and won the division title. One of their main problems was the lack of inside scoring and inside defence.
To help fix that problem general manager Bryan Collangelo brought in Jermaine O’Neal from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for T.J. Ford. Hopefully the experience and inside game Jermaine O’Neal possesses will pay big dividends for the Raptors. One of the intriguing storylines for this year will be J.O. and Chris Bosh playing together in the post. Right there is a problem for other teams trying to match up defensively. Another aspect these two represent is one player plays more of a low post game, J.O. And Chris Bosh plays a high post type of game. Look for both of these players to make cutting passes to each other. It will take some time for them to get some chemistry going, but once they start clicking the possibilities are endless. The health of Jermaine O’Neal is another question too, and his health will determine the outcome of the trade. It would either be a good trade or a bad trade; I see no middle ground to this.
Chris Bosh should be an improved player and leader after winning gold at this past summers’ Olympic Games. He was also on the court during crunch time, led the team in rebounding over Dwight Howard, and has experienced winning at a high level, and knows what it takes.
Two players on this team that should have improved seasons if this team wants to go far in the playoffs are Andrea Bargnani and Jamario Moon. The former number one pick in the draft has shown signs of improvement over the summer and in training camp. Some things he is currently working on are his dribbling, defence, shooting touch and he bulked up. Bargnani is the key to the Raptors success, because he is a seven footer that can shoot three’s and if he can start cutting to the rim regularly, then the floor and space to work with will open up. Now if J.O., Bosh and Bargnani are playing at high levels now that will be fun to watch and the opposition will have defensive nightmares.
Then there’s Jamario Moon, the sophomore who showed his defensive abilities last season but lacked on the offensive. He is a talented young athlete with plenty of hang time and can be a game changer. If he can develop more of a ‘slasher’ type of game then the Raptors will be better for it. And a player in his position or in Anthony Parkers’, those are usually for high scorers. That could be the one thing holding the Raptors back from further success.
If there is one guarantee on this team it is Jose Calderon. He takes care of the ball and his teammates when he distributes the ball. He has shown he can shoot the ball at a consistent level, work off the high screen and drive to the net.
This year will also determine the future of head coach Sam Mitchell, who will have two years remaining on his contract at seasons end. There is much more talent on this team with J.O., and it will be Mitchell’s job as to how he will utilize the talent and if the Raptors can go to the second round. If the Raps. don’t make the second round and everyone stayed healthy, Mitchell should be the first to go.
Overall, the Raptors need to improve on the defensive end, while the offence is go to go from the starting 5 to the bench. Jason Kapono is one of the first options off the bench, a sharp shooter. Rookie Roko Ukic and Will Solomon will battle for the back up PG position. So far, Roko Ukic has shown he is better of the two. Joey Graham seriously needs to find his game; he’s been given way too many chances to succeed.
POSITIVE --> ALL-STAR CHRIS BOSH AND JERMAINE O’NEAL IN THE MIDDLE
NEGATIVE --> JERMAINE O’NEAL’S KNEES. CAN THEY HANDLE AN 82 GAME SHEDULE, AFTER ONLY PLAYING 50 OR LESS GAMES IN THE PAST THREE YEARS?
X-FACTOR --> ANDREA BARGNANI. HAS TO GET BETTER AND NOW, IF THE RAPTORS WANT TO BE A SERIOUS SONTENDER.
SLEEPER PICK --> ANTHINY PARKER. ALWAYS TURNS IN A SOLID SEASON, BOTH OFFENSIVELY AND DEFENSIVELY.
PREDICTION --> PLAYOFFS, BOOK IT, AND IN THE 4-6 SEEDS. WILL IMPROVE ON 41 WINS.
OVERALL --> IT WILL BE AN INTERESTING START TO THE SEASON. ALL EYES WILL BE ON JERMAINE O’NEAL AND CHRIS BOSH.
The opinions and thoughts expressed in this or any other article written by 12nadnuk are of his thinking and what he thinks is correct or close to it in the sporting world. If there are any problems by anyone, 12nadnuk is open for rebuttal and what not, and honest criticism. There is also a comments section, so feel free to post what is on your mind about the article. Thank you for reading.
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