1) Jermaine O'Neal. You know about the player he once was. 6 time all star. MVP candidate. Led his team to an NBA best 61 wins in the 03-04 season. Yes he has an injury risk, and has missed significant parts of the past 4 seasons...but he's still Jermaine O'Neal. He says he is healthy for the first time in 4 years, and he is motivated to regain his all star form. He addresses two dire needs on the Raptors - Rebounding and Interior Defence. See the update on his thoughts on the Raptors and his goals for the new season here.
2) Chris Bosh. The 3 time all star has blossomed into one of the best power forwards in the East. Playing alongside O'Neal will allow his stats to increase, as he now has a tough partner-in-crime to do the dirty work down in the paint. O'Neal will also assist him in policing the locker room and holding each other accountable, which can only help Chris develop as a leader.
3) Jose Calderon. No TJ Ford means more Calderon. This pass-first point guard has a decent outside shot, and he used it effectively last year in TJ's absence. He rose in profile around the league and helped lead the Raptors to a number of victories. The big sub story next season will be who lands an All Star appearance first ? TJ or Calderon ? This should spark renewed TJ vs. Jose debates across the internet.
4) The return of Andrea Bargnani. Most have given up on the Italian forward after his disastrous 2nd campaign last season, but the talent still lies in this baby faced big man. The question remains whether he can regain his rookie form where he primarily worked from the perimeter. His critics point to his lack of speed on defence, and his soft style of play, especially in the post (both offensively and defensively). His terrible shooting percentages last season certainly didn't help his cause, and he lost the confidence of his coach and the fans. Why the optimism then ? Well for starters according to the Caliper test, Bargnani rated off the charts. Pressure and what other people think of him, does not affect him in the least (which may account for his blank stares during most games). Why is this a big deal ? Read more here and check out Lebron's quote, "He's like a junior Dirk, he's going to be a very, very, very impressive player in this league."
5) X-Factors stepping up: Hassan Adams & Roko Ukic. These two individuals should bring effort and athleticism to the Raptors backcourt. Adams, a former college team mate of Philadelphia 76ers' Andre Igoudala is a leaper and a lock-down defender. Although a little short at 6'4, he brings some much needed hustle to the position. Look for Adams to have a breakthrough campaign similar to Jamario Moon's last year. Ukic, (drafted in 2005) has finally been signed and should provide a steady hand at the backup point guard spot. With Calderon as a mentor, he will be in good hands as he adjusts to the NBA game.
Look for the Raptors to take a huge leap forward from last year's 41 win club. With a bit of luck, this team will stay healthy and will be primed to not only win 50 games, but make the second round for the first time in franchise history as well.
JJ Freddy
Writer - Hot Jewlz Entertainment
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