[IMGl]http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/nba/sml/trans/tor.gif[/IMGl]<font color="Red"><font size="5">2004-2005 Toronto Raptors Season Outlook</font></font> <u>2003-2003 Numbers</u> Win-Loss Record: 33-49 Team Scoring Leader: Vince Carter - 22.5 PPG Team Rebounding Leader: Donyell Marshall - 10.7 RPG Team Assists Leader: Jalen Rose - 5.5 APG Team Steals Leader: Vince Carter / Donyell Marshall - 1.21 SPG Team Blocks Leader: Donyell Marshall - 1.58 BPG Team Turnover Leader: Jalen Rose - 3.42 TPG Team minutes Leader: Jalen Rose - 39.4 MPG FG% Leader: Donyell Marshall - 46.7% 3PT% Leader: Donyell Marshall - 40.3% FT% Leader: Jalen Rose - 82.2% Team Games Played Leader: Morris Peterson - 82 games Team Stats: 85.4 PPG, 39.6 RPG, 19.2 APG, 14.2 TPG, 41.8% FG, 35.6% 3PT, 75.0% FT <font size="4"><u>The Offseason</u></font> The Raptors went into the off-season after a dissapointing season in which they had no PG, and no Center.They were looking for almost a total behind the scenes team makeover, as they hired a new GM, Coach, Assistant staff, Scouting staff and even Training staff. Last season the Raptors playoff hopes were cut short, when Jalen Rose, Alvin Williams and Vince Carter all went down in about the same peroid of time. Chris Bosh though playing was also visibly struggling as he had just come off an injury during that period. The Raptors lost all 6 games without those guys, and even when Carter returned the team had hardly an depth to be able to make a push. Without Carter last year the team went 0-9, and it was a telling factor on their bad season. The Raptors finished last season with a 33-49 record, and were 3 games short of making the playoffs. <u>Raptors Draft</u> 1st Round: [8th Pick] Rafael Araujo, C-F, BYU 2nd Round: [39th Pick] Albert Miralles, PF, Italy The Raptors had two needs coming into this draft, a point guard, and a center. Most fans were leaning on them pulling out a PG or getting the best play available as their weren't really any 8th pick worthy centers after Okafor who was the 2nd pick. The Raptors surprised everyone by picking Rafael Araujo a 6'11, 290 lbs center from BYU who was expected to go between the 14th at most, and 18th pick or higher. Many have come to like the 290 lbs beast, but many are still dissapointed that the team missed out on getting Andre Iguodala an athletic F/G from Arizona, who can do it all and is a good defender. In the second round, the Raptors drafted Albert Miralles, and traded him to the Miami Heat for Pape Sow, an athletic PF/C who has been invited to the Raptors training camp, but his future as a Raptor is uncertain. <u>Offseason Player Movement</u> <font color="Green">July 14th, Raptors sign Rafer Alston July 30th, Raptors re-sign Morris Peterson August 18th, Raptors sign Loren Woods</font> Free Agents - Rod Strickland, Michael Curry [Retirement], Corie Blount, Dion Glover Acquired Players - Rafer Alston, Rafael Araujo [Draft], Pape Sow [Draft], Matt Bonner, Loren Woods Returning Free Agents - Morris Peterson <u>New Additions</u> <font color="Purple">Rafer Alston </font> - Alston is a speedy PG with good handles, a vastly improved three point shot, and good passing ability. Alston was a Raptor two seasons ago, and was brought in on a 10 day contract and later signed for the season. He dazzled Raptors fans with some great games towards the end of that dissapointing season, and many expected him to be re-signed, but it didn't happen. <font color="Purple">Rafael Araujo</font> - Rafael Araujo was the Raptors first round draft pick. He's a 6'11, 290 lbs center who has a decent shooting touch, is a pretty good rebounder, and has soft hands around the basket. He's also a decent passer, and he can run the floor fairly well. He's known as a bull, and a tough and aggressive player, but can he be the solution to the Raptors center problems? Araujo is not a person you would relate defense to, as he's not that quick laterally, has short arms, and doesn't have the jumping ability or timing to be a shot blocker. His post game will be limited in the NBA as his short arms prevent him from being able to shoot over now taller defenders than when he was in College. <font color="Purple">Loren Woods</font> - Loren Woods is a player that has dissapointed a lot of people as he had potential to be pretty good, but hasn't shown the willingness. Woods is a 7'2, 255 lbs Center who can also play the PF. He is one long player who has a good shooting touch, very good speed for a 7'2 guy, and can rebound and block shots. Woods is nothing for Raptors fans to really get too excited about, but he could help the team as a backup big man. <font color="Purple">Matt Bonner </font> - Matt Bonner was one of the Raptors second round picks in the 2003 NBA draft. Bonner is a very good spot up shooter, okay rebounder, and not really anything special on the defensive end. He played in Europe last season, and if he remains on the Raptors lineup will likely be an IL and practice player, unless he pulls out some surprises. <font color="Purple">Pape Sow</font> - Sow is an athletic PF/C who is a great hustle player that can crash the boards and do some little things. He's not much of an offensive player and that's not what he'll be used for. If Sow remains in the Raptors lineup he'll likely be in the same situation as Bonner playing as an IR and practice player. <u>Offseason Rumblings</u> <font color="Red">The Vince Carter Story </font> - A factor that could affect the state of the team is the Vince Carter situation. Vince, after hinting, but not admitting many times that he wanted a trade, finally came to terms with it in September when he officialy announced it. He waited till close to the start of training camp, and a time where not too much could be done. The situation is quieting down, but will Vince have the dedication and determination as a Raptor this season? <u>Raptors Projected Rotation</u> C - Rafael Araujo | Chris Bosh | Jerome Moiso | Donyell Marshall PF - Chris Bosh | Donyell Marshall | Jerome Moiso SF - Jalen Rose | Morris Peterson | Lammond Murray SG - Vince Carter | Morris Peterson | Alvin Williams PG - Rafer Alston | Alvin Williams | Milt Palacio Other Players in 12 man lineup: Loren Woods and Roger Mason Jr. <u>Raptors Starters Breakdown</u> <font color="Magenta">Center</font> Rafael Araujo 6'11, 290 lbs Outlook: Araujo could/should get the starting job solely based on neccesity. He should fit in well as a banger and rebounder, and on offense just be there to set screens, and knock down open jumpers. Araujo will need to improve his stamina, and it's already been reported that he's been working as toning his body. Don't expect Araujo to contribute too much on offense or to block any shots, but expect him to crash the boards and work hard. <font color="Red">Projected Numbers:</font> 18.1 mpg, 5.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 0.19 bpg, 47% fg, 75% ft, 80 games played <font color="Magenta">Power Forward</font> Chris Bosh 6'11, 230 lbs Outlook: After an impressive rookie campaign even while playing center, Bosh will be looking to improve on that as he returns to his natural position of PF. Bosh has been working in the summer and has gained strength which will help him a lot. He's still much more of a face up than back to the basket PF, but the post up skills will come in time. Bosh will continue to start and will be an important part of the team and and expect him to be an important option in the offense and also to lead the team in rebounding. It will be interesting to see if his off-season training has really improved his strength which will help him in getting into position down low, and in taking the ball to the basket. <font color="Red">Projected Numbers:</font> 34.6 mpg, 14.1 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.5 bpg, 48% fg, 73% ft, 78 games played <font color="Magenta">Small Forward</font> Jalen Rose 6'7, 217 lbs Outlook: Jalen Rose was playing with a broken shooting hand for the whole of last season, and when it was finally unbearable, he opted for surgery. Rose's shooting percentage, and overall play were hampered by the broken wrist, and though his defense and contract aren't going to get any better, the healthy hand will help his offense a great amount. Look for Rose to be a leader and enforcer on the team, and to be an important part in maintaining a good offense. He'll still pick up his occasional dumb technical foul, and play weak defense, but he'll be a good option on offense. <font color="Red">Projected Numbers:</font> 38.7 mpg, 16.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 4.8 apg, 3.0 tpg, 45.1% fg, 35.0% 3pt, 83.5% ft, 79 games played <font color="Magenta">Shooting Guard</font> Vince Carter 6'6, 225 lbs Outlook: After all his complaining, whining and inability to be clear on his intentions, Vince is still a Raptor, and recent reports have said he now wants to stay a Raptor for now. The Raptors not so impressive coaching, inability to run an offense, lack of an actual PG, and vast amount of offensively challenged players hurt them last season. This also hurt Carter's production as he was the main focus of the defense, and the Raptors coach really didn't install the right system for the players he had. Look for Vince to play a little better than he did last year, with better shooting numbers, but not anything major. Their is no certainty he will be more agressive, play better defense, and take the ball to the basket the way he's capable of, but his numbers in the second half of last season were 25-5-5 with 6 free throw attempts a game. A lot of the Raptors hopes lie in his hands, so if Carter doesn't produce, the Raptors likely won't either. Expect him to miss a few games, but not anything too significant, about 4-8 games in the year. <font color="Red">Projected Numbers:</font> 39.7 mpg, 24.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 5.0 apg, 1.43 spg, 0.93 bpg, 2.9 tpg, 44.1% fg, 39.1% 3pt, 81.5% ft, 78 games played <font color="Magenta">Point Guard</font> Rafer Alston 6'2, 175 lbs Outlook: Rafer Alston will be inserted as the Raptors new starting PG filling a need the Raptors have had for a long time. Some questions arise though, Rafer has never really been a full time starting PG, and will he be able to handle running the offense on the team effectively? Look for Rafer to have a pretty good season as it will be his first official starting job, and look for him to produce fairly effectively. Rafer will be able to keep the team running, and also find the open man on the break. He'll get the players easy baskets, and when the ball is kicked out to him, he's capable on knocking the shot down. <font color="Red">Projected Numbers:</font> 32.1 mpg, 11.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 6.3 apg, 1.45 spg, 2.8 tpg, 40.1% fg, 38% 3pt, 75% ft, 82 games played <u>Breaking down the Bench</u> <font color="DarkOrchid">Donyell Marshall - 6'9 230 lbs PF</font> Outlook: Toronto will get a boost with Marshall being one of the best guys to have as your 6th man. Marshall was the Raptors most consistent player last season, and look for him to continue that again this season even while coming off the bench. Marshall will be a spot up player like he was last year, benefiting off passes from Carter and Rose, and this year from Rafer Alston too. <font color="Red">Projected Numbers:</font> 26.1 mpg, 10.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.03 bpg, 47% fg, 37% 3pt, 82 games played <font color="DarkOrchid">Morris Peterson - 6'7 215 lbs G/F</font> Outlook: Morris Peterson was the Raptors best perimeter defender last year, but was also one of the most inconsistent and frustrating offensive players. Look for MoPete to flourish if the team plays an up and down style, and expect him to do better than last year offensively, and maintain his defensive intensity. He will be on the recieving end of a few alley oops, and the players will look for him on the break as he's a good finisher in the open court. <font color="Red">Projected Numbers:</font> 17.6 mpg, 7.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 82 games played <font color="DarkOrchid">Alvin Williams - 6'5 185 lbs G</font> Outlook: Alvin has been injury prone, and tried to play through injuries everytime. In the end he just made it worse, and he likely won't be playing the whole season this year. Last season it was clearly evident that his quickness had declined, and so had his speed, which in turn took away his very good defensive abilities. Alvin can still score some points, take care of the ball well, and make some nice passes, and when healthy he'll be good for the team. <font color="Red">Projected Numbers:</font> 15.1 mpg, 4.5 ppg, 2.1 apg, 42% fg, 32% 3pt, 55-60 games played <font color="DarkOrchid">Jerome Moiso - 6'10 250 lb F/C</font> Outlook: Look for Moiso to be the last man in the rotation, and help out down low assisting the big men. Moiso is still and athletic guy that has some skill, and many feel that Kevin O'neil just didn't give him a chance last season. Expect Moiso to get his points on garbage buckets, and maybe on the break, but hardly ever getting to create himself. His defensive awareness is still a question, but if improved it will be great for the team's interior defense. Moiso has also bulked up in anticipation of playing center, and this should be a decent season for him. <font color="Red">Projected Numbers:</font> 13.2 mpg, 3.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 0.9 bpg, 51% fg, 60 games played <font color="DarkOrchid">Lammond Murray - 6'7 235 lbs F/G</font> Outlook: Lammond Murray get's a new start with the new coach, and though he won't be getting a handful of minutes, expect to see him on the floor, and get a little more minutes filling in for injured players. Lammond is known as a pretty selfish player, so don't be surprised if you see him chucking up a few ill-advised shots. Lammond should be able to knock down some shots, and just be another offensive option for the team on the bench. <font color="Red">Projected Numbers:</font> 10.1 mpg, 4.2 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 43% fg, 37% 3pt, 77% ft in 35-45 games played <u>Rest of Bench and Injured List Players</u> <font color="Plum">Roger Mason Jr - 6'5 200 lbs G:</font> Though RMJ has shown that he's a decent player, their just isn't room for him to get minutes. His minutes will come in garbage time, and filling in if an injury occurs. <font color="DarkRed">Projected Numbers:</font> 8.6 mpg, 2.6 ppg, 0.9 apg, 30 games played <font color="Plum">Loren Woods - 7'2 261 lbs C/F:</font> Woods is in the same situation as RMJ, he might be able to snatch Moiso's spot, but unless he's really improved, don't expect him to see the floor much except for during garbage time, or as an injury replacement. <font color="DarkRed">Projected Numbers:</font> 12.1 mpg, 2.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 0.5 bpg, 25 games played <font color="Plum">Milt Palacio - 6'3 195 lbs G:</font> Milt Palacio and RMJ will both be alternating IL appearances through the season. Milt will also be recieving garbage minutes and minutes as an injury replacement. Expect the same sloppy shot clock using Milt without a jumper, so basically, don't expect too much from him. <font color="DarkRed">Projected Numbers:</font> 11.1 mpg, 2.1 ppg, 1.7 apg, 35 games played <font color="Plum">Pape Sow - 6'10 250 lbs F/C:</font> Don't expect to see Sow and the floor too much unless some major injury problems arise. Sow will mostly be used as a practice player, and he's not likely to give us a Ronald Murray or Marquis Daniels surprise. If and when he finds his way on the floor, expect him to hustle, and maybe show us a nice highlight play sometime during the season. <font color="DarkRed">Projected Numbers:</font> 5.4 mpg, 1.1 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 50% fg, 8 games played <font color="Plum">Matt Bonner 6'10 240 lbs - PF:</font> Matt Bonner is in the same shoes as Sow, we won't be seeing much of him on the floor unless some major injury problems arise, but expect him to be on the recieving end of some drive and dish passes whenever he makes his way onto the floor. <font color="DarkRed">Projected Numbers:</font> 6.7 mpg, 1.8 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 45% fg, 34% 3pt, 12 games played <u>Position Ranking:</u> Point Guard: Rafer Alston, Alvin Williams, Milt Palacio, Roger Mason Jr: C+ Shooting Guard: Vince Carter, Morris Peterson, Alvin Williams: A Small Forward: Jalen Rose, Morris Peterson, Lammond Murray: B- Power Forward: Chris Bosh, Donyell Marshall, Jerome Moiso: A Center: Rafael Araujo, Chris Bosh, Jerome Moiso, Loren Woods: C+ <font color="Red"><u>Head Coach</u></font> Sam Mitchell Outlook: This will be Sam Mitchell's first season as the Raptors coach, and look for him to get the team playing a high tempo game, pushing the ball, and getting themselves easy baskets. Mitchell will be able to relate to the players better, and the atmoshpere within the team should be improved from last season. <u>Keys to a Succesfull 2004-2005 Season</u> <ul>Healthy Team: The team needs to stay healthy, especially Vince Carter, Jalen Rose, and Chris Bosh. Their will always be some form of injury, but key players need to play 75 or more games. Carter showed improvement last season, and he would've only missed 3 games if not for the accident involving Bruce Bowen[/list] <ul>Frontcourt Defense: This is still a concern as Araujo is not known for his defense, and Bosh is still a small guy and can get abused by bigger players. Donyell Marshall is also not the best defender, and Jerome Moiso's impovements are still in question. These players are really going to have to work hard on defense, and interior defensive rotation is going to be key for the team defense. They'll have to work together, help out on tougher post players, and Araujo should help in battling the big big men.[/list] <ul>Keeping up the Tempo: The team needs to maintain the fast paced game in order to be succesful, slowing it down and grinding the ball down low or running isolations will not play to this teams strengths. Vince, Bosh, MoPete, and Rafer are all players that can play very well on the break, and Rose himself can join in on the action, but he isn't as good as the other guys. Donyell Marshall can also spot up or cut to the hoop on the break, and running will benefit the team.[/list] <ul>Vince coming to Play: The success of the team is still in Vince's hands, and if he doesn't come to play, that success won't come. Vince needs to be more agressive, and maybe a little more selfish on offense, he needs to keep getting to the line 6+ times a game, and now that the coach doesn't restrict crashing the offensive glass, he needs to keep doing that like he was before. Vince also needs to add a little more defensive intensity to his game, he's not a bad off ball and team defender, but on the ball he's not good, and let's his man beat him easily many times.[/list] <u>2004-2005 Season Predictions</u> The Raptors have a chance to make the playoffs as a 7th or 8th seed, but right now it doesn't seem like the team is ready to make a push into the playoffs. The Raptors will make a run and will be in the playoff race, but in the end will fall short of making the playoffs. Record Prediction: 40-42 and 9th in the East
best prediction i've seen yet...realistic, info packed everything is perfect although i could use a few pictures...but yeah great job
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Eclipse:</div><div class="quote_post">Why is Vince listed as a shooting guard? He's always been a forward right?</div> He's both, he was SG for a while, SF for a while, but they said last year he played most of his minutes at SG....
Excellent preview, very well done. I'm sure Chuck Swirsky would start going nuts if he saw the projected ninth seed there.
I actually liked how the Raps don't have any expectations from the media or NBA experts. They predict us to be one of the worse teams in the league, and I'm liking this. I know the Raptors like it, as players like Mo', Marshall, Bosh, Rafer and VC have said so. We're much better than the so call experts think we are. We were actually a playoff team, before VC and Rose went down. This year we improve like many teams, and I believe we can contend for a playoff spot, and our division.
I think the team has the ability to make the playoffs, but I don't know, Vince will be a big part of the team making the playoffs, and unless he plays really well it'll be hard, but these are the teams I think will be ahead of us: Detroit Indiana Miami Philadelphia Cleveland Washington Milwaukee Then I think us Boston and New York will have about the same record and we'll lose on a tie breaker
Yeha thats about right...face it guys the East is bad but its still 10 deep This is how i see it Detroit Miami Indiana Philadelphia Washington New York Cleveland Millwaukee Boston Toronto
Milwaukee? Sorry but I got to put them below the Raptors. Ford is out until Decemeber or so, and a big piece to their sucess, Damon Jones, is gone. Mike James will now be their Point Guard. The lost of Skinner was also very significant. I just don't see this team better than the Raps. The only teams I can for sure will have a better record than the Raptors are the Pacers, Pistons and Heat, the remaining 5 spots are wide open, especially in the Atlantic Division.
^ I agree with Banks about Milwaukee, we have much deeper and more talented roster then them, plus we have the same signifcant players from last year contrary to Milwaukee, who have lost Skinner, Damon...not to mention TJ Ford is gone till December. As for last year, many people forget that the Raptors had the 6th seed (or so) before coming to a freefall due to the fact that Rose, Carter, Williams and Bosh were all injured in THE SAME WEEK-SPAN. I'm pretty sure it's tough to win when your main scoring option is Donyell Marshall and the rest of the lineup is most of the players that aren't used to playing more then garbage time. If we don't go on another freefall like we have in the 2002 season and the '04 season, I think we will fare well and maybe even win the Atlantic. It all depends on Vince and healthyness.
I think the atlantic is all based on chemisty and health. the emphisis on health. if all teams are healthy, NY is the best on paper. However, if marbury gets injured, look for them to have a freefall. Same can be said for iverson, carter, pierce. For the nets, they are already banged up and have lost depth. Honestly, Carter has the most chance of getting hurt, so the raptors are on the radar and must be careful.
wow...you really see cleveland moving UP to the 5th spot? thats quite a jump. They lost booze who lets face it was a huge part of their success...raps added rafer and you think they'll stay the same? i gotta be honest, with a decent point guard, another year of bosh's development and the raps bringing mo pete, alvin and donyell all off the bench, the raps look like a playoff team for sure. especially in the east. only thing that could hamper us is injuries, but thats law for any team. miami is one shaq broken leg away from the lottery cant see the cavs moving up so much and the raps continuing to suck. i dont think they are going to win the east, but they should be a playoff team
That wasn't a ranking, I just listed the teams, not in order, but I listed Detroit, Indiana and Miami first because they were the first to pop into my head.
