This is the 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="Red"><u>Projected Roster</u> </font> <font color="Red"><u>Starters</u> </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"><u>Bench</u> </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"> 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">With the situation looking more and more likely that Bonner wouldn't be re-signed, Pape Sow will be asked to be the hustle guy who will do the dirty work off the bench; rebound, block shots and push out the opposing bigs. He has the physical tools and the athleticism to be a dominant defensive big man and he should only improve, if what we've seen from him so far are any signs of things to come. He needs to work on his low-post moves and stay away from that fade-away jumper. </div></font> <div align="center"> Jose Calderon</div> <font size="1"><div align="center">He will now be the backup to Rafer, due to Ukic staying in Europe. He loves to feed the rock to the post (in Tau Ceramica's case, Scola got the most benefit) and Bosh, Villanueva and Graham would all benefit from that. He has played in the Olympics with Pau Gasol on the Spanish national team and he is definitely a pass-first point guard who loves to pass into the post. He shot 46.6% from the three point line last season playing for Tau Ceramica. </div></font> <div align="center"> Alvin Williams</div> <font size="1"><div align="center">Alvin Williams. Would he be able to make a comeback? And if he does, would he be able to play at the level that he was 2-3 years ago? I honestly hope he can. But the truth is, he might not be able to come back and we've seen the best and the last of Boogie Williams. Even if he beats all the odds, he shouldn't play more than 10 MPG at the most and anything we get out of him is a bonus. I would like to see him as an assistant coach if he decides to retire. A guy like him is always good to have around young guys.</div></font> <div align="center"> Loren Woods</div> <font size="1"><div align="center">With the new 14-man active roster, Woods should be able to keep his spot as the 3rd or 4th big man off the bench. As much as most of us think that he's a waste of a roster spot, he brings a few things that we could use - 7'1 length, rebounding, blocking shots and an insurance in case one of the other big men go down with an injury. </div></font> <div align="center"> Lamond Murray</div> <font size="1"><div align="center">Once a serviceable swingman, he's turned into nothing more than a chucker who can't defend. This is the last year of his contract and Babcock might as well waive him to open up a roster spot or trade him for a second round pick. Again, anything we get out of Murray is a bonus. </div></font> <div align="center"> Aaron Williams</div> <font size="1"><div align="center">If it weren't for the 14-man roster, he'd be spending the last year of his contract on the injured list. He is serviceable, but he will need to buy into Mitchell's system and understand that he will not get a lot of playing time. Again, it'll be ideal for Babcock to find a suitor to take all three of Lamond Murray, Aaron Williams and Eric Williams (their salary in total mounts up to a sizeable $15 million and will come off after the season). </div></font> <div align="center"> Eric Williams</div> <font size="1"><div align="center">Eric Williams would most likely be the odd guy on the injured reserve list until he gets traded elsewhere. It's either him or Murray, just a matter of who Mitchell thinks could help the team better - if at all. </div></font> <u><font color="Red">On the Bubble:</font></u> <div align="center"> Roko Ukic</div> <font size="1"><div align="center">Ukic is on the bubble since he elected to sign with Tau Ceramica and won't be on the Raptors roster for at least another season. I sincerely hope that he will become a better player by playing for the elite European team. </div></font> <div align="center"> Omar Cook</div> <font size="1"><div align="center">Since Ukic won't be joining us this season, I think it's safe to say that Cook will get a roster spot as the 3rd PG. He's shown that he can pass the ball with precision and that he is a floor general. </div></font> <div align="center"> Matt Bonner</div> <font size="1"><div align="center">With much of the mid-level exception unused, Bonner could be re-signed or matched if any other team signs him to an offer sheet. I'm hearing rumours of him demanding a 5-year $15 million deal, and if that's true, it's as good as "Good-bye Red Rocket". </div></font> <div align="center"> Devin Brown</div> <font size="1"><div align="center">Another intriguing free agent that the Raptors are rumoured to be chasing. With Ukic gone for a season and the possiblity of Alvin retiring, it'll be a solid signing for the Raptors.</div></font> <font color="Red"><u>Outlook</u> </font> The focus of this season should be developing the young guys and finding out which pieces fit and which pieces don't, and make moves based on the assessment. Babcock's plan is to build youth with talents throughout the roster, and I believe that he succeeded in his first phase by drafting 3 talented and fitting youngsters who could step in right away this season, and one solid late second round pick in Slokar who could come and help out in a year or two. Matt Bonner seems like he's out of the picture now, but him not being on the roster, along with Marshall's departure, should open up more minutes and opportunity for Sow and Araujo. That being said, the Raptors aren't likely going to make the playoffs this year. I have no problem with that though, as I'd rather watch our rookies develop and show promise rather than watch veterans steal minutes away from the rookies and have another 30-win season with no progress or future. In my opinion, when the fans see the rookies on the floor on the opening night and see that Bosh has made another stride towards the superstardom, they will embrace what Babcock and co. is trying to establish and come out to support their team. <font color="Red"><u>Trade Scenarios</u> </font> With the Ukic situation looking like he's going to be staying overseas for a year or two, Alston would again be asked to man the lead guard position. I'm hoping he will improve his attitude and work on finding Bosh low in the post, because if he doesn't, there is now a man called Jose Calderon who will. Teams that need salary cap relief could use the trio of expiring contracts in Lamond Murray / Eric Williams / Aaron Williams. Like I mentioned above, their salaries all come off the book after the season and will total roughly $15 million. We can ask for a pick or a couple, along with an expiring contract like Mashburn's. This would open up roster spots for us and still give us the massive cap relief, considering Jalen's contract is also expiring in 2 years. I don't exactly have any idea how to unload Jalen's contract via a trade, since it's so massive but I guess we could trade him for another expiring contract, draft picks, and if possible a youngster with upside who doesn't have the room to develop in the team we're trading with.
The season is so far away I wasn't even thinking of a preview at the moment, but I guess we've all assumed we're not doing much in the FA market anyways. I don't know abotu Charlie starting at center, while he might get minutes there, either Arajuo or Pape will start at center. Bosh will likely be the one playing center when him and Charlie are on, and defensively, they'll guard whoever is a better matchup for them.
Yea, the fact is we don't have much flexibility to do anything in the FA market. Aside from possible trades, I think the roster is pretty much set for the upcoming season. I hope Araujo can start at centre, as that will make it easier for everybody else and let them play their natural positions. The bad thing is that when they're on defense they're going to give up 20 +/- lbs to opposing bigs night in and night out, but the good thing is that only a handful of bigs in the NBA can beat either of them off the dribble. When Bosh and Villanueva are on the court together, I hope that Mitchell puts in Graham at the 3 or even the 2 spot to help them out.
nice preview neways, i really like that childress trade cuz hes an up and comin player with that reggie miller feel which is always a plus... i hope ukic really can play so we can find a way to deal rafer
Villanueva is actually closer to 6'9" so I don't know about him playing center, at least not in the beginning anyway. Plus, I think Sam will give Araujo another shot in the beginning and try to improve his confidence. Rafer should be trade ASAP for, like you said, a draft pick and a young up-and-comer or a center, b/c the Raps lack an actual center on their entire roster excuding Woods. Joey should and will replace Jalen in the starting line-up about midway through the season. Is Bonner restricted and unrestricted? Does ne1 know how much he'll go for? An don't the Raps still have most of their MLE left?
I still have faith in Rafer though, we just need a solid veteran like Alvin in there to keep him under control at the point. Rafer bring alot of positives to the team and is a very good PG.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting virve119:</div><div class="quote_post">Villanueva is actually closer to 6'9" so I don't know about him playing center, at least not in the beginning anyway. Plus, I think Sam will give Araujo another shot in the beginning and try to improve his confidence. Rafer should be trade ASAP for, like you said, a draft pick and a young up-and-comer or a center, b/c the Raps lack an actual center on their entire roster excuding Woods. Joey should and will replace Jalen in the starting line-up about midway through the season. Is Bonner restricted and unrestricted? Does ne1 know how much he'll go for? And don't the Raps still have most of their MLE left?</div> Yeah i think they have the possibility to sign a player on the Mid Level Expansion, i thought about PG Keyon Dooling for the MLE we have to sign a player... and close our PG position with Dooling/Alston/Ukic.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting virve119:</div><div class="quote_post">Villanueva is actually closer to 6'9" so I don't know about him playing center, at least not in the beginning anyway. Plus, I think Sam will give Araujo another shot in the beginning and try to improve his confidence. Rafer should be trade ASAP for, like you said, a draft pick and a young up-and-comer or a center, b/c the Raps lack an actual center on their entire roster excuding Woods. Joey should and will replace Jalen in the starting line-up about midway through the season. Is Bonner restricted and unrestricted? Does ne1 know how much he'll go for? An don't the Raps still have most of their MLE left?</div> CV is 6' 9 1/2" without shoes and 6'10 3/4" with shoes. Bonner is restricted and I believe his agent is asking for $3 million a year, similar to Scalabrine's deal. There's no way he'll get that kind of money from the Raptors even though we still have almost the full MLE remaining.
I see the lineup more like this: C: Sow or Araujo PF: Bosh SF: Villanueva SG: Rose PG: Alston (Ukic eventually) 6th man: Morris Peterson Great work on the preview.
Nice preview. Even though I disagree with you on CVill being our starting 5, I hope the experiment works out and he is able to play there. IMO, he'll play like Radmonovic if he doesn't develop some moves in the post. I also think that Eric Williams shouldn't be the odd man out. He can still play, and its true that he's fine playing here again, then I'd rather have him as a 3rd SF, instead of Lammond. What would everybody in this forum consider a successful season for the Raps? I don't expect the playoffs either, and think this season should be about individual accomplishments. If our rookies, Bosh, Hoffa, and Pape grow and begin to feel comfortable with one another, then I would consider the season a success.
Nice preview. Came out earlier than I anticipated, but it's not too early since no major roster changes are expected to be made. About CV, I agree with him starting at the 5, but just not right away. Pape or Hoffa, or maybe even Woods will start there, but I believe CV will eventually start there with him and Bosh alternating on defense based on matchups. I don't think Babcock drafted Graham so he can play the 2 and have CV play the 3.
I can't see the Childress trade panning out... Alston isn't getting any younger and the whole Atlanta starting line and bench is young... they are aiming for youth and the future. A way of getting rid of Roses' contract is buying it out, since that option is feasable with the new CBA. Similar to what the Mavs are doing to Finley.
Why would we want to buy his contract? He's the best scorer on the team. His contract is up at the end of the 2006-2007 season, so he'll be hot player to trade for at the deadline (if he doesnt decline instantly).
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Mr.Wade:</div><div class="quote_post">I can't see the Childress trade panning out... Alston isn't getting any younger and the whole Atlanta starting line and bench is young... they are aiming for youth and the future. A way of getting rid of Roses' contract is buying it out, since that option is feasable with the new CBA. Similar to what the Mavs are doing to Finley.</div> I have to agree with Banks on that one. It will make absolutely no sense to buy Rose out. It won't do us any good because his salary will still count against the cap and we're not in the luxury tax territory anyway. Mavs and the Knicks are only doing it because Allan Houston and Michael Finley, respectively, still have 3+ years to go at an average salary of more than $18 million. They both are in the luxury tax territory and if they waive them, it will save them tens of millions in luxury tax. It won't, however, take their salaries off the cap.
I didn't say that we should buy Jalen Rose out... I just said that's a scenario if we wanted to get rid of him. I just mentioned it... About this season... I'm 50/50 on it. Not sure if we're going to be a decent team, or a dispaointing team.
Very good read. Might be a little early considering we are in the Free Agent Period right now. But, its nice article. I don't think it will be a great season in toronto. They are very young and have an ok future, but with Villanueva at center, they might get whooped on by some of the better centers in the Eastern Conference.
Better centers like who... All I can name are Shaq and MAYBE Big Z... I think C-villy can take most other ones... maybe not this year but next year definatly.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Mr.Wade:</div><div class="quote_post">Better centers like who... All I can name are Shaq and MAYBE Big Z... I think C-villy can take most other ones... maybe not this year but next year definatly.</div> Ben Wallace, Brendan Haywood, Eddy Curry, hell, maybe even Samuel Dalembert or Jeff Foster could probably do a number on Charlie V.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting asdf:</div><div class="quote_post">Ben Wallace, Brendan Haywood, Eddy Curry, hell, maybe even Samuel Dalembert or Jeff Foster could probably do a number on Charlie V.</div> Um Jeff Foster...you're pushing it. Samuel Dalembert as well, he's not a offensive player that will kill you in half court sets. As for those other players, Hoffa, and Pape would also get killed. CV won't start right away, but he will at some point during the season, and it'll be at the C. Him and Bosh will alternate in posistions based on matchups. How is Big Ben going to kill him? His offensive game is taking it to the hoop. I'm not sure if Hoffa could guard him, or if Pape could do a much better job than CV.
