NBA Predictions – Toronto Raptors - 2007-2008

Recap: (47-35) Nobody really foresaw the Raptors dominating the Atlantic Division the way they did, but with New Jersey falling out of the running with all of their injuries, the Raptors took advantage and became a force with the development of Chris Bosh. General Manager Bryan Colangelo (formerly of the Phoenix Suns) had brought in T.J. Ford to convert the Raptors into a Phoenix Suns type of offense, but that was not working and Coach Sam Mitchell quickly turned to Bosh. Bosh emerged as a dominant power forward, and although a lot of his points come out of the paint, he still commanded a double team and the other team’s best defender.

Off-season: In an effort to recommit to the spread, attacking offense of the Suns, GM Colangelo went out and signed people to fit the system. The Raptors signed Jason Kapono, hoping his shooting percentages from last year will carry-over to the 2007-08 season. They then signed Maceo Baston and re-signed Darrick Martin. The draft pick was Giorgos Printezis, a foreign big man that nobody knows about. The Raptors also pulled off a trade for Carlos Delfino from the Detroit Pistons.

Starters:

C – Andrea Bargnani: Proved he can shoot the three, but at 7+ feet, can he dunk?

PF – Chris Bosh: He may emerge as the premier big man in the East this season.

SF – Jason Kapono: They brought him here for his shot, because he does not offer much else.

SG – Anthony Parker: Another Suns’ Philosophy acquisition, hopefully he will find the range.

PG – T.J. Ford: His ability to push the ball will be key in the Raptor’s attempt at an efficient Suns-like offense.

Bench: Jose Calderon, Darrick Martin, Carlos Delfino, Joey Graham, Luke Jackson, Jorge Garbajosa, Maceo Baston, Kris Humphries, Jamario Moon, Rasho Nesterovic.

Philosophy: As if I haven’t alluded to it enough, the Raptors want to push the ball. However, there is still a question as to whether or not they have the personnel to do it. T.J. Ford has the ability to push the ball, but he is no Steve Nash and he is not very efficient at creating his own shot. The Raptors really need to perfect their pick-n’-roll game to make sure that Bosh is not forgotten about in this offense. But in all honesty, I see them foregoing this approach at some point this season, in favor of a more Bosh-oriented philosophy.

Projection: The Atlantic is tough, and even though the Raptors are probably a better team than they were last year, their record probably will not show that at the end of the season. They have a chance at making the playoffs, but they will not have a top-four seed like they last year.

Prediction: 41-41; 4^th place in the Atlantic Division

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