Raptor Rap: Immediate Chemistry Has Toronto Fans Excited

By Louis “King of Roncesvalles” Pisano

So Shaq, who’s the Rupaul of the NBA now, huh? Let me ask you something else—how does Chris Bosh’s butt taste? Butt enough with the trash talk.

Toronto came out and fed it to the Cavs, which I am sure no one expected, aside from a few blind Toronto faithful that still think the Leafs will make the playoffs. The fact of the matter is that Bryan Colangelo has again put together, at least on paper, a team that can compete with any in the NBA—but haven’t we seen this before?

Last year’s roster, with the additions made in the offseason, looked formidable, yet it failed miserably due to injury, a lack of cohesiveness, and poor fundamentals on the defensive side of the ball.

Welcome to the 2009/10 Toronto Raptors!

It may be but one game and that‘s not a true telling of what the rest of the season holds, but there is something to be said for getting that first win, and in this case, a huge win against many media members and fans' choice to go to the show. Confidence goes up and the feeling that all the offseason work has paid off (and in this case, beating Cleveland) tells them that they can beat anyone. Huge boost for a team trying to establish an identity.

Andrea Bargnani’s huge contract seemed justified Thursday night and the addition of another Italian player, Marco Belinelli—who looked great coming off the bench—should be good for El Mago’s comfort level on this multi-cultural team.

Chris Bosh was tough on the boards and showed an improved touch with his jump shot and should also have a new level of comfort with the addition of his college buddy, Jarret Jack, who looked good in his debut.

Hedo Turkoglu, the biggest offseason pickup for the Raps, was outstanding in the fourth quarter. He continued where he left off with the Orlando Magic last year, being that guy who holds it together when the time is ticking away.

The return of fan-favourite and veteran player Rahsho Nesterovic brings added depth and he’s a guy that can bang with the big boys under the hoop, like he did on the floor dealing with Shaq daddy. Once Reggie Evans is healthy, he will be another body that can fill that role of rebounder and banger.

Rookie DeMar DeRozen, in his regular season NBA debut, had eight points, five rebounds, and a block; showing his speed, hands, hops, and scoring touch. He played a pretty good defensive game and should continue to improve as he becomes more comfortable.

Antoine Wright made his presence felt, as well, with five rebounds, five points, and an assist in his 18 minutes of playing time.

So the sun is shining in Raptorland and Torontonians have something to cheer for, at least for the time being. More tests for this team lay just around the corner; they host the Orlando Magic Sunday and then go on the road for a three-game stint against some of the tougher teams in the West, including New Orleans, Dallas, and San Antonio.

Go Raps, Go!