Dwyane Wade Has High Praise for Rudy Gay, New-Look Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors are just 1-1 in the Rudy Gay era, but what we've seen from the likes of Gay and DeMar DeRozan makes it seem like the Raptors have made themselves a nice deal and might have a good basis for the future.

Sure, they might have tied up a lot of money in Gay, but what they have in youth and talent is a solid combination, and another move could easily make them a playoff team.

There are more than a few people starting to take notice, too, as Dwyane Wade had a few words to say about the new-look Raptors after the Heat put together a huge fourth quarter to beat the Raptors 100-85 in a game that was closer than the score told.

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As Rudy gets more comfortable and as they get more comfortable with him as a player…man. Rudy is a very good player. He's a guy who can get his shot off at any point. He does a good job of mixing it up inside outside and they're getting even more athletic.

This team right here is one of those teams that's going to continue to get better, especially if they get their confidence going in the second half of the season. It'll be tough for the next time we play them. We'll have to come with our hard hats again.

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The Raptors have definitely handcuffed themselves in terms of financial flexibility, but they still have a few young players who are going to continue to get better, plus they've got a few trade chips left yet to move around.

Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo is going to have to prove that he's the guy who can bring this team into the future, because they've got a good basis for a team as it is.

Hopefully they do find a way to turn the corner. With a great fanbase in a fun city, Toronto has been begging for a good basketball team, and it's finally looking like that's a distinct possibility.