Raptors Report: Preseason

If you have read my Raptors Report—Offseason, then you will know that when the season starts I will be doing a Raptors Report every week. 

Raptors predictions have been ranged from 4th in the East, up to 50 wins and also have been as low as not even making the playoffs. While 50 wins is probably reaching a bit too far, I do not think that there is any way that the Raptors WONT make the playoffs. Now lets take a look at the team, position by position. 

Point Guard—Jose Calderon is very, very efficient with the ball in his hands. He's a great shooter, passer and a good overall point guard. He's fairly quick and creates plays off the dribble. He will be the starting point guard for the Raptors, no doubt. Jarret Jack is probably the most underrated pickup for the Raptors, he will back up Calderon. He's quick, he's a good defender, and he can score. He's can play both guard positions and will help out a lot in the back court. The third string point guard is Quincy Douby, and this guy is actually a pretty good scorer, and is an underrated player. Marcus Banks is also on their roster but he most likely won't see any playing time. 

Shooting Guard—This is a position that is up for grabs. DeMar DeRozan appears to be the starter, but Antoine Wright and Marco Belineli could easily wind up with the job. DeRozan is aggressive and athletic, but needs to work on his jumper. Antoine Wright is a solid defender, and a decent scorer, but he will likely backup Turkoglu. Belineli is a great shooter and scorer, and he would be my pick for the starting job. Sonny Weems is also a player like DeRozan, very athletic, and he is going to come off the bench. 

Small Forward—Hedo Turkoglu was the Raptors biggest offseason acquisition. He's a point forward who can create his own shot and shots for teammates. He has the starting spot locked up. Antoine Wright will likely be his backup, along with Sonny Weems. 

Power Forward—Hmm, I wonder who goes here. Oh yeah, the All Star, Chris Bosh. Bosh is in a big contract year this year and look for him to be competitive and increase his leadership ability. In order for the Raptors to succeed, they need Bosh to perform at a high level. Amir Johnson, who has proven to be a tough guy off the bench, along with Reggie Evans should make solid backups for Bosh. 

Centre—Andrea Bargnani has the starting job locked up as the Raptors want him to continue his development. Bargnani has a sweet jumpshot for a big man, and if he can toughen up he can star in this league. Patrick O'Bryant and Rasho Nesterovic are the backup centres, but likely won't get much time because Amir Johnson and Reggie Evans are going to take the backup roles. Rasho is a proven veteran and is a solid player off the bench, and O'Bryant is developing into a nice role player. 

The Raptors have had a decent preseason, playing their backups, but when they have been playing their rotation players I have seen signs of hope. 

Prediction—Defense still seems to be pulling them away from the elite. 47 Wins, 5th in the conference, 2nd round loss to the Cavs.