2007-08 NBA Preview: Atlantic Division

3) Toronto Raptors

Last season, the Raptors overachieved to capture a very high playoff seed. They were unprepared for playoff basketball, though, and were dumped by a mediocre Nets team.

Have they done enough to get over the hump?

The Raptors still don’t have the power players needed to win in the playoffs. The closest they come is Chris Bosh—whose moves originate mostly from the high post and include mostly turnarounds and baseline spins—and Joey Graham—who drives strong and can knock down jumpers but is still very raw.

Instead, the Raptors are almost exclusively a finesse team that relies on superior speed and size mismatches to create open jumpers.

Jorge Garbajosa and Andrea Bargnani are two examples. Both are 6'9" or taller and blessed with tremendous agility. Both excel in screen/rolls, both create matchup nightmares, and both do little else besides score.

Since Garbajosa is a tougher rebounder, a more willing and able passer, and a more crafty scorer, he may be better suited for the present than Bargnani. But Bargnani has more of an upside.

Either way, is it in the best interest of the Raptors to carry two virtual clones  on the roster?

T.J. Ford is ultra-quick, ultra-weak, and far too shot-happy to adequately lead a team—to say nothing of his nonexistent defense.

Jose Calderon has less quickness, but is a better decision maker and jump shooter.

Jason Kapono needs the right players to set up his sweetly-stroked three-point shot.

Anthony Parker is crafty and versatile and can create his own shot, move the ball, and defend.

Carlos Delfino has sticky fingers with the ball, and can’t function without it.

The Raptors still have enough to make the playoffs—but until the team gets more muscle, and better point guard play, they’ll be extinct well before June.

 

4) New York Knicks

The Knick circus rolls into the 2007-08 season with Zach Randolph as the latest high-priced, high-maintenance attraction.

Since Isiah Thomas has vowed to center the offense around Eddy Curry, it will be interesting to see whether Randolph stays happy with his number of touches.

Randolph does bring some intriguing possibilities to the Knicks offense. Thomas can run a series of cross and diagonal screens to set up Curry on either box (preferably the right) and Randolph on the opposing high post. Most defenses will need to double Curry, and having Randolph at a diagonal angle will achieve two things:

First, it will make it easier for Curry to pass to Randolph if the double comes from Randolph's man. Second, given the threat posed by Randolph from the high post, it will force most teams to bring their double teams from farther away.

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