Toronto Raptors Previews

by Jeff Clark on Oct 5, 2009 6:14 PM EDT in NBA Previews

Say what you want about Colangelo, but the man is not shy about making moves. I think the Raps improved. The question is how much?

NBA Previews - The Toronto Raptors - Raptors HQ

The Raptors were active early and often this off-season. Right off the bat Colangelo dealt free-agent bust Jason Kapono to Philadelphia for rebounder extraordinaire Reggie Evans. This highly applauded move was just the tip of the ice-berg. The "biggest" acquisition in the eyes of many was the four-team mega-deal that really boiled down to the Raptors sending Shawn Marion to Dallas and the Raps acquiring Hedo Tukoglu. Originally it looked like Turkoglu was simply going to sign with Toronto outright after having backed away from the Portland situation. Fortunately for the Raps, with some serious capology work and willing trade partners, things changed. As a consequence of the deal, the Raps not only acquired Turkoglu but also maintained their exceptions and kept their rights to Carlos Delfino (who had spent last season overseas). Keeping the exceptions and the rights to Delfino allowed the Legomaster to make far more moves than anyone could have expected.

Toronto Raptors Season Preview | Hoops Addict

What are the team’s biggest weaknesses? I’m going to sound like a complete homer here but the team doesn’t really have a weakness heading into this season. Do they have a franchise player playing hungry with a sense of urgency because he’ll be a free agent next summer? Check. How about a starting point guard who is finally healthy and one of the top assist men in the NBA? Check. What about a deep roster in case the injury bug strikes? Check. How about throwing into the mix the addition of one of the top free agents from last summer? Check. And, for good measure, a general manager willing to pull the trigger on a deal if needed at any point during the season? Check. Unless this teams star players get completely ravaged with injuries I don’t see what could prevent this team from having a strong season.

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A physically soft team.

by liamail on Oct 5, 2009 7:22 PM EDT reply actions

No Weaknesses

Raptors 09-10 Champs !!!

by CelticPride18 on Oct 5, 2009 7:55 PM EDT reply actions

Bosh and Bargnani are too soft

to have as a good team’s starting 4 and 5. Last year every opponent got to the rim at will, and this year won’t be much different.

"People don't understand, if you can't live the rest of your life off one year in the NBA, you can't live off 21." -- Keon Clark

by Eeyore III on Oct 5, 2009 8:34 PM EDT reply actions

- a franchise player with a sense of urgency.
- a healthy point guard who is one of the top assist men in the NBA.
- a deep roster in case the injury bug strikes.
- the addition of one of the top free agents from last summer.
- a general manager willing to pull the trigger on a deal if needed at any point during the season.

which one of those is going to stop them from being worst defensive team in the league again?

by IJMcG on Oct 5, 2009 8:38 PM EDT reply actions

Watch their PG's assists go down

when Hedo dribbles the ball for 18 seconds on the shot clock.

- the addition of one of the top free agents from last summer.

That isn’t saying a lot for this summer.

by wondahbap on Oct 5, 2009 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Toronto is one of the best

cities in the world, but their basketball team will finish third in the Atlantic.
Eight seed at best.

by Black Bird on Oct 5, 2009 9:37 PM EDT reply actions

bosh is a sure 20 pts. and the rest of the team will score as well. if the c’s stay healthy, their d will shut them down.

by nazzbo on Oct 5, 2009 11:34 PM EDT reply actions

has anyone ever thought it funny, that chris bosh actually looks like a raptor?

by latin on Oct 6, 2009 9:09 AM EDT reply actions

I normally love Hoops Addict, but no weaknesses? Absolutely ridiculous. I’m a Raps fan, but it’s plain to see what the weaknesses are: Defense, rebounding, toughness, and depth. The team will be improved, but let’s not go crazy here.

by Vittorio De Zen on Oct 6, 2009 3:14 PM EDT reply actions