What do you think of the Toronto Raptors?

Question

Their 10-9 record isn't amazing or anything right now, but than again they had a 2-8 start last year, and ended up with a 47-35 record, winning the Atlantic. Players such as Anthony Parker, Jose Calderon, Jamario Moon have been great (but unnoticed by many), and who would've thought Delfino (who we got for two 2nd round picks) would be playing the way he is right now (defensively and recently his offense). With core players in Bosh, Bargnani, and Ford, and the Vet Rasho, I feel that the Raptors are going to be one of the top teams in the East for a while. But I also feel that we are overshadowed by Boston's "Big Three", Orlando's jump out of the gate, Lebron's hype, and Detroit's vets. I also think we don't get the NBA attention because we're in Canada.
So my question to all you NBA fans out there is, what do you think about the Raptors?

I've read your answers so far, and here are my comments:

To: "Nothing"great to see some Raps fans out there!

To: "Pistons">glad to see I'm not the only one that's NOT on the Celts/Magic band wagon

To:Yap>I agree

To:Mike J>Appreciate the comments

To:Nicky B>Same as for Mike J

To:Craig S>I agree with you that we do have the deepest team in the East (maybe even the West), and that we'll probably finished at 4th, but let me ask you this regarding losing to Boston in the playoffs (if we face them), with the team living and dying by their 3 players, with those 3 (who are 30+ in age) logging 40+ mins everygame, do you think they'll have anything left come playoff time? That's when the Raptors depth begins to work at their advantage. Remember, it's a marathon not a sprint. And with the Ford VS Calderon, they both bring a different style, & that works to our advantage. ALOT of people in TO complain about FORD all the time, frankly I don't agree. I won't talk about it now though.

to bucky> no comment

to Jamian B> I agree, they are a young and solid team. A lot of people also feel that the one piece Toronto is missing is another gritty low post player, but the question is who are you going to give up? As for Juan Dixon, I don't see him being apart of the Raptors long-term. In regards to Jamario Moon, he's been phenominal for the Raptors, like you said, blocking shots, rebounding, excellent defence (defends the best player on the other team every night) and hec, he can even score! I think it'll only be a matter of time before he starts getting the attention around the league. And about Boston, like I said to Craig S, it's a marathon not a sprint.

to Bob J> I agree, thanks for the comment

"Learning", I agree with you that we might need another low-post player, but I don't think that we need a low-post scorer. What Bosh lacks in strength (compared to the guys you listed), he makes up for in his speed and quickness. With Bargnani, he's beginning to take it to the whole this year more than he did last year. Remember, Bosh is only 23, and Bargnani is only 22.
What I mean by top team, is that they're gonna be up there for the next 5-10 years, where as Boston and Detroit, are probably going to last only a few more years due to aging. And the whole Ford Vs. Calderon, they each bring a different style, and this is the best PG combo in the league, so everyone stop complaining!

Answer 1

I'm from Toronto. They are definitely improved talent wise since Colangelo got here. Bringing in Bargnani, Delfino, Moon, Garbajosa, Parker, Ford, Kapono, and Humphries.

I think this team is a talented team, good shooting, good scoring, above average perimeter defense.

However I think we really are lacking a tough Power forward or center, that can score down low. We are way too reliant on the jumpshot. Bosh, Bargnani, Rasho are all big men that tend to like shooting deep 2s (or 3s in Bargnani's case). Bosh sometimes works down low, but he isn't the strongest guy that can outmuscle other PFs and Cs.

Guys like Brand, Boozer, Yao, Shaq, Dwight, TD, Bynum, Gooden, Amare, Oden, Curry, Horford, Okafor, Kaman, Pau Gasol, and Andrew Bogut.

Things I agree with you:
1) I really like Calderon, Anthony Parker, and Moon. Just like you. They are awesome team players, probably my 3 of my favourite 5 players on the Raps, throw in Bosh and Garbajosa before his injury.

2) I agree that the Raps have never gotten much American media attention being in Canada. Except for some highlight reels that Carter would put up.

Things I disagree
1) This kind of depends on what you mean they will be a top team. I see the Raptors being anywhere from 3rd to 6th when pretty healthy and 6th-9th if there are major injuries. I think until they get a center who is tough on both ends of the floor they will not be a top 3 team on a yearly basis.

2) I think Ford does cause to many TOs, and is not as good a distributer as Calderon. Although he is a better individual scorer.

Look forward to your comments

Answer 2

They're my favorite team, but I think they're the fourth-best team in the East.

The Celtics are loaded with their big three, and the Pistons remain as tough as ever. The new kids on the block are the Magic, who made huge strides by signing Rashard Lewis and having another year of experience for Howard, Nelson, and some others.

I think the Raptors have the deepest team in the conference, but some other teams will beat us because they have a far superior starting five. And I believe the Raps would also be better off starting Calderon instead of T.J. Ford. They look like a different, better team when Jose is running the floor. T.J. seems to be out of control half the time, and puts up a ton of bad shots.

I'd bet that we get a four or five seed (the Cavs will start rolling once Lebron returns and Varejao gets in shape), and we'll have a shot at making it out of the first round. At this point, though, I can't see us beating the Celtics, Magic or Pistons in a playoff series.

Answer 3

This is a good solid team, and the thing that I love about this team is that they are young. The reason why I love that is that these guys are just going to get better. They also have some people on their team that have some experience. Like Juan Dixon, Anthony Parker, and Rasho Nestorovic. Andrea Bargnani is getting better. Why is no one talking about Jamario Moon he is a solid rockie who can score rebound and block shots. Once this team gets Chris Bosh back they will be a team to be reckoned with in the East. Also let's not forget about the reigning coach of the year Sam Mitchell. How can you not love him as a coach. He goes to bat for his players, and he understands the game. He's very enthusiastic have yo seen him on the sidelines. His players always play hard for him. I say that they finish behind Boston in their division, and get a 4th seed in the playoffs. They win their first round series against whomever, but they unfortunately draw the Celtics in 2nd round and lose a hard fought series in 6 games. The sky is the limit for this team, and they will only learn from coming up short. This team I would say is probably needs one more solid low post presence and they will raise hell in the East.

Answer 4

I think they're a solid top 4 seed in the East. Their record right now doesn't really reflect them as they've been fighting through some injuries so far this year. Boston and Orlando will come back down to earth before too long.

Answer 5

they have their very own followers yet they are going to continuously be overshadowed by using the Leafs & Blue Jays till they finally get their act mutually. they are the Clippers of Canada (the Clippers till now this season). in the event that they folded up and headed south like the Grizzlies did in 2001, no longer too a lot of people could be dissatisfied.

Answer 6

Raps are a great team. Lots of depth. We need CB4 back though.

Answer 7

THE RAPTORS ARE TOO SICK. ONCE THEY HAVE BOSH BACK THERE GOING TO GO ON A SERIOUS RUN. THEY CAN BEAT BOSTON ANY DAY. THE LAST GAME BOSTON WAS LUCKY RAY ALLEN WAS OPEN. THEY CAN KILL CAVS, DETROIT AND ORLANDO. THERE THE BEST IN THE EAST!!!!!

Answer 8

chris bosh,adrea bargnani,jose calderon,moon...
they're on the right track...
just need more experience

Answer 9

lol, canadians are SAD, Raptors are a OK team at best, they will not be higher than a 6th seed this year, and probably will get their *** kicked again in the playoff that is if they make it.

Answer 10

They are just an average team.