Toronto Raptors: Are the Playoffs Out of Reach in 2010-11?

After Chris Bosh left the Toronto Raptors, it has left many wondering if the Raptors are going to be a lottery team.

To put a simple answer to that question, no.

On media day, fans got to ask many questions to Raptors players and they all seemed pretty optimistic on the upcoming season, and think they have a good chance of making the playoffs.

With no significant superstar, the Raptors will have to play as a team night in and night out in order to be effective.They will also have to play a run and gun game, and beat teams on the fast break.

But we know the Raptors can score. The key to this season will be defense.

Do the Raptors seriously have enough talent to make the playoffs? Let's take a look: 

Point Guard: Jose Calderon/Jarrett Jack

Jose Calderon almost got traded this offseason, but it was a blessing in disguise that he didn't. Calderon realized that he needed to wake up, and the Raptors will still keep their only playmaker left on their roster.

Calderon is needed because he's perfect for the run and gun system, and has excellent chemistry with the team.

Calderon once again claims his hamstring is 100 percent healthy, and says that his defense will be better this season.

That is a big statement. If Calderon can improve, and go back to his old form, the Raps already have a legitimate starting point guard.

Jarrett Jack will likely come off of the bench, and this is a good thing for the team. Jack is a great scorer, and can put up points in bunches.

It is always good to have a point guard you can count on every night, but if you have two, it can't be all that bad.

Shooting Guard: DeMar DeRozan, Leandro Barbosa, Sonny Weems 

DeRozan is heading into his sophomore campaign with high hopes.

This summer, DeRozan worked on his jumpshot, and seems to be ready to compete.

Leandro Barbosa was traded for the disgruntled Hedo Turkoglu this offseason, and he will fit perfectly with the Raptors run and gun system.

Leandro says he's healthy and ready to compete, and the Raptors can only hope that it's true.

Sonny Weems is another young player who can run. He's a solid defender, and is improving his overall game.

Sonny can be a great role player for the Raptors.

Small Forward: Linas Kleiza, Julian Wright

Linas Kleiza was a very underrated pickup by the Raptors, and could end up starring in the NBA.

He was unbelievable in the FIBA worlds, and says he wants to keep playing the same way for the Raptors. If Kleiza can play up to his standards, the Raptors will be set at the wing position.

Julian Wright is almost a carbon copy of Antoine Wright. A good defender, decent shooter, and can drive the ball. He's a bit more athletic, and younger, and should serve as a decent back-up wing player.

Power Forward: Amir Johnson, Ed Davis

Criticize Amir Johnson's contract all you want, but there are many worse contracts, and the Raptors could have done much worse with the money.

Johnson is a good defender, great rebounder, and claims he's improving his offensive game.

Johnson certainly has high expectations for himself. His goals for the season are: to average a double double, play in the all-star game, and make the playoffs

Minus the all-star status, those seem pretty reasonable.

Ed Davis is entering his first season in the NBA, and the Raptors got a steal when they took him. Davis was projected to go in the top 10, and the Raptors snagged him at 13th.

It seems like Davis will come off the bench, and this will probably affect his development, but has tons of potential.

If Davis blossoms the Raptors will have a legitimate starting front court.

Center: Andrea Bargnani, Solomon Alabi, Joey Dorsey, Reggie Evans

Andrea Bargnani is the main piece of this Raptors' offense.

We already know that he can score the basketball, and should easily average over 20 points per game this season.

The problem with Bargnani is on the other end of the court. Bargnani has been marked as "soft" by many critics and he certainly needs to improve his rebounding. Bargnani has actually improved on defense bit by bit and is a pretty good help defender.

Bargnani is probably the biggest factor on the Raptors' playoff hopes.

Joey Dorsey is definitely a strong presence in the paint. With a similar body to Dwight Howard, Dorsey and Reggie Evans are both gritty post players the Raptors have.

Solomon Alabi is a tall, lean rookie who the Raptors acquired on draft day for a future second round pick.

It was a pretty good pickup, and Alabi has tons of potential. Don't expect him to make a huge impact in his first season, but he could end up being a solid center for years to come.

Overall, the Raptors don't have a great team on paper, so chemistry will be huge. Many say Bosh wasn't a great locker room leader, but now everybody will have a chance to step up.

This will be an interesting season to say the least. 

Maybe I'm being too optimistic, but I seriously think this team can compete for a playoff spot.

Best Finish Possible: 47- 35

Worst Finish Possible: 32-50