| Toronto Raptors: How Good Are They? |
|
|
| Written by Inaki Angulo | |
| Friday, 29 August 2008 | |
 After this step back, the front office has made many key decisions. They finally trusted in Sam Mitchell again. There were many rumors saying that he is going to be sacked, but at the end they gave him his last chance. They also solved their point guard dilemma, selecting Spaniard Jose Calderon as full time starter. Toronto sent T.J. Ford and Rasho Nesterovic in a multi-trade to Indiana, receiving former all star Jermaine O’Neal. This is absolutely a risky move, but sometimes, you have to take risks in order to step forward. O’Neal has had health problems during the previous seasons, and he has missed 122 games in the last four years. However, if he stays healthy, he is one of the best inside players in this League. He has made the all star five times, and he has had back to back 20+ppg and 10+rpg per night. He is also a big intimidator, and is considered one of the best blockers in the league. At Toronto, he will play at center position, letting Chris Bosh, the best player of this team, play at the power forward spot. In my opinion, if O’Neal stays healthy, he will be a difference maker, and this tandem will be the best in the Eastern Conference. We shouldn’t expect a tremendous season from O’Neal. He won’t be the same as his early years in the League; nevertheless, he will be a key part of this team success. His presence will put pressure off Bosh’s shoulders. He will have more freedom, and he could focus in the offensive issues. O’Neal will have to grab many rebounds, be a defensive power and put about fourteen points on the board. It’s obvious that O’Neal’s presence will be great for Bosh; but not only for him. Jason Kapono and Jose Calderon will have many open jumpers from the perimeter because of the double teams at the low post. Kapono and Calderon are smart shooters. While O’Neal’s move is a risky one, Calderon’s is quite safe. As I wrote in a previous column, the Spanish point guard is the real deal, and with more talent around him he will be able to make the all star. He has an outstanding basketball IQ and will bring to the table the best choice for his team in each play. Jamarrio Moon will play at small forward, and Anthony Parker will share the backcourt with Calderon. These two players will provide aggressiveness and rebounding support as well as scoring. Coming off the bench will be Andrea Bargnani, former first overall pick of 2006 NBA draft. He has to have a breakout year, and support his team as a role player. People should forget the background and expect a new role for this player. Some other unproved players complete the rosters. Backing up Calderon will be European rookie Roko Ukic. I know him since his time at TAU Vitoria, former team of players such as Nocioni, Scola, Oberto and Calderon, and I think that he is able to do a good job as second point guard. He has outstanding athletic abilities and a speedy way of playing. He can be used at the shooting guard spot too. Well, these are their weapons. Are they so good? They can be at least. They are a solid and settled team, and they are better than in 2007. They also have experience. In my opinion, Chris Bosh is the leader of this team, and he has to build around him the momentum which will guide them to the Eastern Conference Playoffs second round.         Set as favorite Bookmark Comments
(0)
|
Subscribe to this comment's feed
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
