This is a first time I've done this so bear with me and please do point out what you think is incorrect. <div align="center"><font color="Indigo"><font size="4"><font face="Impact">Toronto Raptors 05-06 Season Preview</font></font></font></div> <font color="DarkRed">Projected Roster </font> <font color="DarkRed">Starters </font> <div align="center">Centre Charlie Villanueva</div> <font size="1"><div align="center">I know that there is a sizeable notion that believes Villanueva can't play centre, but I went against the grain and decided to put him at C. He has a big frame that can easily fill up and he can rebound on both ends of the court with his length. He needs to develop low-post moves and a back-to-the-basket game but he has the speed and lateral quickness to beat most NBA bigs with ease. His ability to step out and hit the 20-footer should create matchup problems for the opposing teams. </div> </font> <div align="center">Power Forward Chris Bosh</div> <font size="1"><div align="center">Coming off an impressive sophomore season averaging 17ppg and 9 rpg, Bosh is slowly stepping into the role of being the franchise player for the Raptors. He will be the go-to guy for the Raptors this season but must improve his strength and on-the-ball defense. He must also be more aggressive in crunch time. </div> </font> <div align="center">Small Forward Jalen Rose</div> <font size="1"><div align="center">I believe that Jalen Rose would most likely keep his starting spot for the beginning of the season until Joey Graham steps up and prove that he's a starter. We all know what Rose can do, but he must stay away from chucking contested jumpers - although that likely won't happen - and give room for the younger guys. If he doesn't do that, look for Babcock to trade him when his value is still high. </div></font> <div align="center">Shooting Guard Morris Peterson</div> <font size="1"><div align="center">After showing a sign of consistency and a high level of intensity near the end of the last season, he should look to build on that performance. If he plays anywhere close to where he was during March-April last year he will keep the starting assignment. If not, Rose will start at SG and Graham will take over as the starting SF. </div> </font> <div align="center">Point Guard Rafer Alston</div> <font size="1"><div align="center">He struggled at times with his shot selection and decision making, but that should improve in his second season as the Raptors starting PG. He was nothing short of being excellent prior to the VC trade, but after the trade he somehow convinced himself that he was the number one option on offense and started jacking up shots instead of looking for open teammates. There were a few stints when he showed that he could be a great slash-and-pass PG - like the game against Timberwolves when he had 11 assists and 1 turnover - and he should look to do more of that this upcoming season. The presence of Roko Ukic and Jose Calderon could only help the cause, because now Rafer knows if he doesn't play the right way he'll be replaced by one of the two younger guys. </div></font> <font color="DarkRed">Bench </font> <div align="center"> Joey Graham</div> <font size="1"><div align="center">He will get on his teammates if they don't play hard. I believe he will be more of a vocal leader, whereas Bosh would be the 'quiet' leader who leads by example. He's automatic from anything closer than 18 feet with the ability to knock down threes when he gets his feet set. He is also quicker than most people give him credit for - he was ranked 1st in pre-draft camp physical test - logging 10.62 seconds for lane agility and 3.05 seconds to run 3/4 court. Those numbers are better than that of the point guards that were present. His ballhandling and first step also improved since his last game as a Ok. State Cowboy. Look for him to replace Jalen or Mo as the starting SF as the season progresses.</div></font> <div align="center"> Roko Ukic</div> <font size="1"><div align="center">This guy can flat out play. He's a pure point guard despite his 6'6 height and has an outstanding quickness, even at an NBA level. He looks to slash and pass on every opportunity and is excellent at finding teammates anywhere on the court. He is a little flashy when it comes to ballhandling and tends to overhandle the ball a little bit as a result, but that was due to him being the best player on his team (KK-Split) and when he played for the Croatian National team he was much more under control. Most NBA point guards would have a nightmare playing Ukic on both ends of the court because of his height and quickness. Look for him to get about 15~20 MPG in the beginning of the season and slowly work his way up to replace Alston. </div></font> <div align="center"> Rafael Araujo</div> <font size="1"><div align="center">He had a tough time as a rookie, consistently getting in foul troubles and looking lost on the court at times. He should seize the opportunity to play for the Brazillian national team and use it to his advantage to develop his game. His problem could be as simple as not understanding his role on the team but I'm optimistic that he will eventually figure out his place and learn to play the way Mitchell wants him to - which is being that 'bruiser' inside. </div></font> <div align="center"> Pape Sow</div> <font size="1"><div align="center">He had a tough time as a rookie, consistently getting in foul troubles and looking lost on the court at times. He should seize the opportunity to play for the Brazillian national team and use it to his advantage to develop his game. His problem could be as simple as not understanding his role on the team but I'm optimistic that he will eventually figure out his place and learn to play the way Mitchell wants him to - which is being that 'bruiser' inside. </div></font>
Not bad, im lookin for Graham to get into a big role as 6th man at the beginning, C is questionable, but if C Vill can handle that, we will be a quick team at the big positions.
