<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'> After a stunning turnaround in the 2006-2007 season, the Raptors now face a newly revamped division that they will have to fend off if they intend on keeping their Atlantic crown. With Boston and New York importing some serious heft for their frontlines, many believe the Raptors divisional reign will be sort lived. </p> The biggest key to their fate this year will rest on the shoulders of second-year centre Andrea Bargnani, who will now inherit his intended spot as the team's starting big. Last season Rasho Nesterovic more than adequately manned the position for the Raptors and while Bargnani brings many of his own unique weapons to the position this season, he must be ready to replicate much of what Nesterovic brought to the position first. That includes maintaining rebounding position in the post, setting solid screens at the top of the key, making smart passes and playing defense against some of the best bigs in the league. </p> None of those things are assured from the 21-year-old seven-footer. Bargnani was rarely asked to play down low last season - he was often played as a small forward - and will need time to adjust to getting and maintaining position there for scoring opportunities and, more importantly, for fighting for rebounds. He'll have to demonstrate an evolution to his game if the Raptors are to maintain their forward momentum with him in the starting five. Of course, opponents will have as much adjusting to do as the Raptors with Bargnani's unlimited shooting range and surprising athleticism, but it remains to be seen how those attributes will be balanced against the traditional needs of an NBA centre. </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="right"><tbody><tr height="8"><td></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table> The only major addition the Raptors have brought on is the six-million-dollar-man Jason Kapono, who will start at small forward for the club. While Kapono is a smart NBA player who can get his shot off with the best of them, he too will have to put in some time bringing to the table some of what his predecessor offered, like exceptional team defense, pass deflections and a willingness to fight for the ball. If Kapono comes into the starting five as merely a spot-up shooter, head coach Sam Mitchell may be forced to return Jorge Garbajosa to the position he is uncomfortable with just like he was forced to do last season.</div></p> http://www.tsn.ca/nba/news_story/?ID=217700&hubname=nba</p>
Haha what are the odds? They are using the same title as I am for my season previews (linked in my blog).
Lol, that's pretty cool. </p> I love our starting line-up though. We improved in every position, and have the tools to win more games then years before. With a bench of Delfino, Calderon, Garbo, Rasho, Graham, Humphries, Baston, Moon we are in amazing shape.</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticBalla32)</div><div class='quotemain'>Haha what are the odds? They are using the same title as I am for my season previews (linked in my blog).</div> </p> I'd rather read your season previews, anyways, CB. way more in depth than this preview.</p> </p> I think Maceo Baston will help more than people think, with his defensive play and inside offensive play. he could add some toughness to this team.</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Arrpy)</div><div class='quotemain'> I can't wait for the season to start!</p> Im so excited!</p></div> </p> Me too! Man, just to see Bosh and co. would be awesome. I think big things are coming out of this year. We have all the right tools, and all we need to do is mesh.</p>
Honestly I don't think Moon is going to do anything majorly productive. We have way too much depth in front of him in the frontcourt. He'll play as much as Uros Slokar.
^ That is what is so great about our depth. That we can have a guy like Moon play limited but he still has a chance to be effective. Our end of the bench is better then Boston's bench and other teams. It just makes us so dangerous.
I really want Moon to contribute to the Raptors as the next fan but truefully speaking he isnt going to do anything for this team, he will just warm up the bench for Bosh and Bargnani and show off some of his dunking abilities during the pre-game warmup.
