2007 NBA Season Preview - Toronto Raptors

A Look at the Upcoming 07-08 Season

Toronto Raptors
'06-'07 Record/Standing: 47-35 (.573); Atlantic Division Champs
'06-'07 Postseason (if applicable): Lost in Eastern Conference quarterfinals (4-2 to New Jersey)
Coach (Record): Sam Mitchell, 4^th season overall (107-139)
Key Additions:

SF Jason Kapono (FA; Miami); G Carlos Delfino (trade; Detroit); PF Maceo Baston (FA: Indiana)
Key Losses: n/a

We saw last year that the Toronto Raptors are in the middle of a rebuilding project. Of course, we also saw them take a huge leap and go from a bottom-dweller and lottery winner to a division champion. It all ended with a disappointing showing against the New Jersey Nets, but it was the groundwork for what is to come. This team wants to take another step forward. They got themselves a strong point guard capable of leading this team through the tough waters and a strong inside presence. Now, it will go from getting into the playoffs to contending for an NBA championship. It's not as far away for the Raptors as you think when you consider that the Eastern Conference could be wide open for the taking. They've made moves to get better and contend with the better teams in the conference.

Can they get to that next level? Will teams be able to see the Raptors coming now and now get caught off guard with the recent losing history of the Raptors? Will they get through the Atlantic Division again or will the struggle? Will the additions they've made on the roster be enough to get them over the hump and into a better position to contend?

Projected Starting Lineup ('06-'07 Stats)
PG: T.J. Ford (75 games, 14.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 7.9 apg)
SG: Anthony Parker (73 games, 12.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.1 apg)
SF: Jason Kapono (w/Miami: 67 games, 10.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.2 apg)
PF: Chris Bosh (69 games, 22.6 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 2.5 apg)
C: Andrea Bargnani (65 games, 11.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 0.8 apg)