The Toronto Raptors have gone global to fill out its roster. With nine foreign-born players on its current roster, even the Raptors' style of play has an international feel about it. It's apparently worked, as Toronto improved to a 47-35 record last season, which was good enough to win the Atlantic Division. They hope to repeat that feat and make a bigger push in the playoffs.
Chris Bosh leads the squad, averaging 22.6 ppg and 10.7 rbpg last season. The unique combo of T.J. Ford and Jose Calderon, two pin-point passers and floor generals, make the Raptors' run-n'-gun offense work.
The Raptors have been criticized about not having a significant interior defensive presence and not being very adept in the half court game. Still, they're better than they've been in years and hope to continue the streak of winning seasons.
Statistics Projections/Depth Chart
- Center: Chris Bosh 23.0 ppg, 10.5 rbpg (back up: Jorge Garbajosa)
- Power Forward: Andrea Bargnani 14.9 ppg, 5.2 rbpg (back up: Kris Humphries)
- Small Forward: Jason Kapono 9.3 ppg (back up: Luke Jackson)
- Point Guard: T.J. Ford 13.6 ppg, 8.1 apg (back up: Jose Calderon)
- Shooting Guard: Anthony Parker 10.4 ppg, 3.5 rbpg (back up: Carlos Delfino)
Key Losses
Morris Peterson is their biggest loss. He's a solid defender who can hit open shots and will be missed. However, the Raptors fill his spot with some talented up-and-comers.
Key Additions
Jason Kapono will be a good fit for the Raptors, as he's one of the league's most prolific young shooters.
Team Rumors
No rumors to note. At one point, Jose Calderon was thought to be on the trade block, perhaps for Cleveland Cavaliers' perimeter shooter Sasha Pavlovic. However, the Raptors signed Kapono instead and opted to keep the young point guard.
Prediction
Many fans are counting the Raptors out as contenders to win the Atlantic because of the additions of the Boston Celtics. Yet, Toronto's well-built for a regular season run. The Raptors will finish with a record of 46-38 to tie for first place in the Atlantic Division. Yet, because of ill-timed injuries to the Celtics during the season, the Raptors will win the season series between the two teams and secure home court advantage. As the third seed in the East, Toronto will face off against the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2008 playoffs. Boston will get its revenge and win the series in six games.
Fantasy Spin
Chris Bosh should be a top twenty pick in most fantasy leagues. However, it would be nice if he could block more shots. 1.3 per game is kind of sad for a player of his length and athletic ability.
Andrea Bargnani should see a spike in numbers this season with more responsibility. However, he's not a stat filler, so don't expect him to be a huge fantasy find in the later rounds.
T.J. Ford will be a great contributor for assists and Jose Calderon is one to watch closely on waivers. Don't be surprised if Calderon starts a lot of games at the two guard spot like he did last season.
Jason Kapono's numbers should dip slightly, though he will be good for three pointers.
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