Top 5 Questions Facing The Raptors This Offseason…

   1.       Can the Raptors enter the season with Joey Graham starting at both SF and SG?

Answer: No, obviously not.

Analysis: Not only can the Raptors not survive with Joey Graham as their only currently signed wingman for 09/10, they, as well as the other 29 GMs in the league, don’t see Joey Graham as a starting player in this league. Unfortunately for the Raptors, with Anthony Parker and Shawn Marion both free agents and Jason Kapono recently traded to the Sixers for Reggie Evans, the inconsistent yet lovable guy called Joey G stands as their only wing player for the upcoming year. Which leads us to our next question…

2.       Do the Raptors resign Marion and/or Parker?

Answer: Only Parker.

Analysis: There is very little question Anthony Parker will resign with the Dinos, seeing as he is comfortable in Toronto, has a solid spot in the Raptor’s rotation, and won’t command too much money in the open market. He may test the waters, but in the end, he will be back. Marion on the other hand, will probably be gone. Although Colangelo seems optimistic about the possibility of resigning Marion, and though the current economic conditions coupled with Marion’s age will lower the salary he demands, in recent interviews Shawn has alluded to wanting to play for a contender, a category the Raptors do not currently fit into. In the end, Marion most likely is gone, leaving the Raptors a whole to fill via free agency or the draft.

3.       Are the Raptors active in Free Agency?

Answer: No.

Analysis: The word “Canada” tends to scare off quite a bit of potential NBA signees, but that won’t be the only factor in the lack of free agent signings this year, aside from Carlos Delfino, whom the Raptors are reportedly close to a smaller deal with. Last year’s two big acquisitions, albeit through trades, didn’t pan out for the Raptors, and Colangelo is undoubtedly feeling the heat for his team’s fall out of playoff range. This won’t, however, push him to make a splash, in fact quite the opposite, as he will be more hesitant to pull the trigger on any major maneuvers this year. Coupled with the rather weak crop of free agents this year (Anybody want Jason Kidd…no? Sure?) and the fact that the Raptors would rather not tie up salary in advance of Bosh’s free agency next year, no big acquisitions are expected.

4.       Annnd Chris…How long does he last?

Answer: All year.

Analysis: Some of you probably expect the big Texan to ride off into the sunset mid-year, as he has not been shy about his unhappiness with the Raptors shortcomings, and his desires to appeal to a larger market such as New York.  However, due to the fact that Bosh would be merely a “Rent-A-Player” for the year, with his contract expiring in 2010, many teams would be hesitant to take him on at the deadline, as the economy has teams hesistant to make any big moves that won’t benefit them in the long run. No team wants to trade prospects for a half year rental only to lose in the playoffs and see him leave the next year…

5.        Will the Raptors finally do something worthwhile in the draft?(No offense Mr. Jawai, we see big things in your future)

Answer: Yes

Analysis: The Raptors have the 9^thoverall pick this year, leaving them with, surprisingly, many options. The Raptors are expected to, and will, address the SF/SG spot in the draft, with many candidates available to them at 9. DeMar DeRozan (USC) brings exceptional athleticism at his size, and star power potential, yet he has expressed concerns about playing in Canada. Gerald Henderson (Duke), Earl Clark (Louisville),Tyreke Evans (Memphis) and Jrue Holliday(UCLA) are all also possibilities, with the most likely of the bunch being Henderson, who brings toughness, intelligence and athleticism to the SG spot. As for their lack of a second-rounder, look for Colangelo to make a move into the mid-second round to pick up a big body to take some fouls for Bosh.

Here’s to the Dinos finally regrouping and maybe showing Bosh that all has not gone south North of the Border.