DeRozan Symbolizes Raptors Struggles.

Last year the Raps were considered to be a weak team on the wings. This year hasn't changed much which is why the Raptors record is only marginally better. There is more depth at the 2 and 3 spots compared to last year but the play has been inconsistent to say the least. Hedo has taken baby steps in developing a chemistry with the starting unit. Though small it has been significant enough that I believe Jose Calderon upon his return should be relegated to a back up while limiting his minutes with Hedo on the floor. Both players demand the ball and any positives Hedo has made could potentially fall by the wayside if Jose goes back into the starting lineup once he recovers from his sore hip.
The more pressing issue in my opinion is what to do with DeRozan. While I understand the need to develop a top 10 pick I'm puzzled why the team needs to start him. The initial argument was that he could hide for lesser of a better word within the starting unit. That it would alleviate the pressure he may place on himself and allow him to more easily defer to his teammates. However, every night when the ball is jumped Demar has been placed with the responsibility of guarding on most occasions the other teams best player. Would he not benefit from playing more against the other teams back ups. If you were to project scoring from the individual positions on a given not, the Raptors are easily down 15 to 20 points between what they get and what they give up from the two spot. With such a glaring hole the Raps will continue to struggle putting long winning streaks together. Every night they run the risk of being lit up by consistent and proves NBA wing men and unfortunately so far they have.

Afer 10 Games...

As the Raptors get ready to fall below .500 after tonight's game in Denver it's time to make an early assessment of the team. Chris Bosh and his free agent status for next season continues to be the elephant in the room. Every loss that keeps the Raps from becoming an elite level team probably means that Chris Bosh seeks greener pastures next summer. The dilemma for the Raptors is do you continue to try and improve the team now in an attempt to accommodate Chris Bosh? After 10 games 2 issues must be dealt with if this team is going to enjoy real success.
1. This team must address its lack of explosiveness on the perimeter. It's an asset that every good team has. The NBA is about match ups and this team can't guard elite level players. Therefore I'm calling for a trade with Golden State that see's Jose Calderon dealt for Monta Ellis. This deal so clearly works for both teams that it doesn't need to be explained. Raps get an elite level athlete that will truly push the ball the way the GM wants and the Warriors get a very solid player of high character.
2. The Raps don't have enough toughness on the interior. Andrea is a match up problem on the offensive side of the ball but both he and Chris Bosh are average defenders at best. Since CB4 is the better player, Andrea has to go. For who? What about an Andrew Bogut type. You'd just be flipping #1 picks but you're now a whole lot tougher. Realistically, I know that trade has a snow balls chance in you know what. But, I propose it nonetheless, it was great that toughness was added with complimentary players, but eventually the core needs to embrace that characteristic as well. Are teams like the Celtics and Lakers just more talented. Maybe. But they're also tough as nails. Are the Raps? Not yet.

My Predictions

43 wins. BUT if things start to go awry, start the Jose Calderon rumours (he just can't guard his position) and someone is really going to have to convince me that a front line of Bosh and Bargnani can really be successful. Offensive mismatches yes, but perhaps much too frail.

2009-2010 Predictions

Well its time for the moderators of this site to weigh in on the upcoming season after a long hiatus. Its going to be fun to return to gameday report cards, and assorted complaining. As the first salvo of the season, I'll go on record as saying the Raptors will finish with 46 wins which will put them in the 5 seed.

Off we go...

Raptors Make a 4 Player Trade

Maybe Brian Colangelo needs a hobby. But then again when your rolling along the way I believe he is maybe you don't want him to stop. The most active GM in the offseason stayed busy with a 4 player trade that sees the Raptors acquire Amir Johnson and some dude named Weems for Roko Ukic and Carlos Delfino. This trade won't change the balance of power in the East but it's still a good deal for the Raptors. Ukic was buried on the bench behind Calderon and Jack. Douby will now be the third point on the team. Delfino wasn't going to get any minutes behind Hedo, Demar, and Marco B.

Johnson is an under developed Al Horford. A big with tons of athleticism and a good defensive mindset. While Rasho and Evans will still be the first bigs off the bench, there are going to be certain match-ups against some teams where Johnson will be the better option. To top it off his contract expires at the end of next season.

Triano will have his work cut out for him in training camp with role definition and minutes for this entirely new team. Bosh, Bargnani and Calderon are the only players returning from last years opening day lineup.


UPDATED DEPTH CHART

PG; CALDERON, JACK, DOUBY, BANKS

SG; DEROZAN, BELINELLI,

SF; TURKOGLU, WRIGHT, WEEMS

PF; BOSH, EVAN, JOHNSON

C; BARGNANI, NESTEROVIC, O'BRYANT

Updated Depth Chart

PG: Calderon, Jack, Ukic, Banks

SG: DeRozan, Belinelli, Douby

SF: Turkoglu, Wright

PF: Bosh, Evans

C: Bargnani, Nesterovic, O'Bryant

Bellini a Raptor

The Raptors traded Devean George to the Warriors for Marco Bellini. That gives the Raptors 3 shooting guards in DeRozan, Wright and Bellini. Bellini can also play some PG and thus gives us three options in either Guard position. Suddenly the Raptors went from razor thin depth at the guard positions to a veritable bounty. We don't have anyone at the three to back up Turkuglu, but the Rap coaches, according to Doug Smith's column, think Wright can defend some threes.

Anyhow, given how little we gave up, gotta say this is yet another positive move for the Raps. On any given night, between injuries and guys running cold, the Raptors should have 3 solid players each night to rotate at the two guard positions.

It also looks like the season opener for the Raps will be against the Cavs. That's a great way to test how good the Raps are right out of the gates.