DeMar DeRozan, Sonny Weems Ready To Become Toronto's Latest Dynamic Duo?

Taken 39th overall by the Chicago Bulls, Sonny Weems was never really thought of as a main cog in an offensive system in the NBA. First Team All SEC in 2008 and an All SEC Tournament member in 2007, Weems accumulated a very respectable college resume.

Blessed with jaw-dropping athleticism, Weems was always a threat on the offensive end in college, but once he was drafted into the NBA, his talent got lost in the shuffle.

Weems was past over by the Bulls, Nuggets and Bucks as Weems' career started out very rocky in its first two years. On August 18th 2009, a trade between the Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors would change the career of Sonny Weems for the better; not to mention the career Amir Johnson.

The move saw Weems along with power forward Amir Johnson traded by the Bucks then to the Toronto Raptors for small forward Carlos Delfino and point guard Roko Ukic. 

Going into training camp last year, Weems was thought of as the 5th wing player amongst a talented group of forwards such as Hedo Turkoglu, DeMar DeRozan, Antoine Wright and Marco Belinelli. 

As the season progressed, Weems started to gain playing time and exposure. Weems by the end of the season would take over for Hedo Turkoglu as the Raptors starting small forward. Some may argue that he earned the starting spot by default due to Hedo Turkoglu's off-court issues, but the fact remained, Weems helped the Raptors win and deserved minutes. 

This past July, Weems played for the Raptors in the Vegas Summer League where he enjoyed a breakout week. Sonny would go on to average 17.1 points per game and improve his overall game greatly. 

Sonny Weems, if he continues to progress the way he is, could garner consideration for most improved player in the NBA.

On the other hand, fellow sophomore and best friend, DeMar DeRozan, was the more heralded player coming out of college. 

Taken 9th overall by the Raptors in 2009, DeRozan was arguably the best player in his draft class in terms of potential. DeRozan was easily the most athletic swing-men in the draft and the Raptors felt they stole a great player at nine.

In college, coach Tim Floyd said during a preseason function that "DeRozan was as talented as any freshman he’d ever been around". And this included recently drafted O.J Mayo. 

DeRozan's college career would start out slowly and had many critics doubting his talents. Still, Floyd, who said he stood by his preseason assessment of DeMar added, “You can’t rush greatness.”

By the end of the season, DeMar would go on to average 19.1 points-per-game on nearly 60% shooting in his final seven games. He would lead his Trojan squad to a Elite Eight run in the NCAA tournament eventually succumbing to the Tom Izzo led Michigan State Spartans.

His career in the NBA would start much like it did in college, a roller coaster ride of good and bad performances. 

Highlighted by a finals appearance in the Slam Dunk Competition in Dallas, DeRozan would delight many Raptors fans, and basketball fans in general with his awe-inspiring dunks. He would eventually lose the competition to fan favorite Nate Robinson in an effort I personally felt was better than what Robinson put forward. 

DeRozan on most nights was regarded as the last option on the floor when he started along with Bosh, Turkoglu, Andrea Bargnani and Jarrett Jack. DeRozan would finish the season averaging 8.6 points-per-game on 50% shooting, a very good sign for a rookie swingman.

DeRozan would also participate in the Vegas Summer League where he would earn an All-Tournament Roster spot and catch the eyes of many around the NBA. He would finish the week averaging 21.6 points-per-game on better than 50% shooting, just affirming the belief that he has the ability to be a first or second option on a team.

With superstar power forward Chris Bosh and point forward Hedo Turkoglu now gone from the Raptors roster, other players will need to step up to fill the void left by these two. 

The stepping up will have to come from many within the Raptors team, but most notably Andrea Bargnani, DeMar DeRozan and Sonny Weems. 

Can these two players evolve into another Raptors dynamic duo of years past like Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady were?

That question still remains, but for all Raptors fans out there, I'm hoping for half of what Carter and McGrady brought to the Raptors.

If the Raptors can get 15 points-per-game from each of them, the season might not be as dreadful as one might think. If the Raptors do lose, it won't be for a lack of excitement and development amongst their young stars