Toronto Raptors: 10 Reasons They Can Still Remain Relevant Without Chris Bosh
The Toronto Raptors suffered a massive setback when they were told that Chris Bosh would not be returning.
Chris Bosh was without a doubt the franchise player for several years and became beloved by the fans who loved his playfulness and his passion. Bosh made several All-Star appearances while with the Raptors and was putting up numbers that received minor consideration for the Most Valuable Player award.
Everything changed when he left for south beach. Bosh left on terrible terms with not only the fans but with the organization as well. Both Bosh and the organization exchanged verbal blows using different media and the wounds have not fully healed.
So far this season, the Raptors have been close in almost every game but, have not pulled out many victories as their 9-17 record would reflect. The Raptors have struggled to find an offensive game without Bosh and have been very poor on the defensive end.
But, there is hope. Because the future is bright and even now, the Raptors have the right tools to turn this ship around before it sinks. Here are the reasons I believe they can do it.
Bryan Colangelo
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Bryan Colangelo is a wizard in my mind. An absolute wizard!
Although same may not agree, I truly believe that BC is one of the smartest and craftiest general managers in the National Basketball Association. Colangelo is always thinking and has a knack for making the small moves that pay off huge. Examples you may ask?
How about the trade that sent the useless Roko Ukic and Carlos Delfino to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for two relatively unknown guys named Sonny Weems and Amir Johnson.
I also would point out the deal with New Orleans which was highlighted by the basic swap of Jarrett Jack for the really talented Jerry Bayless.
Even though the Raptors are in a bit of a rut now, I honestly believe that BC can cook up a deal which could truly turn their season around.
The Fans
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The Toronto Raptors have never been consistent, but unlike the Blue Jays, one thing that has been consistent has been the fan support and the attendance numbers. No matter how bad things seem to get in Raptorland, the fans still come out and support their favorite team. Which is nice to see considering how bad they have been.
The fan support is important in my mind because I think it really helps a team like the Raptors. Young players especially feed off of things like the noise and the die hard fans. Not only do they feed off of it but it is vital for a young team like this to have big crowds even when there struggling because if your in the midst of a losing streak and no one shows up to your arena, you can get pretty disheartened.
Almost all players who have been to Toronto have said that they love the city and the fans, and that they are both very accommodating.
Jerryd Bayless
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Jerryd Bayless is the X-Factor when it comes to the future success of the Toronto Raptors.
Bayless was picked up by Colangelo along with three point master Peja Stojakovic in a deal that saw the departure of Jarrett Jack, David Andersen, and bench warmer Marcus Banks. So far, the deal has really paid off.
The addition of Jerryd has given the Raptors somewhat of a new life. He has become a catalyst and a leader for a team that desperately needed both. Bayless is still very young (23) and has a very bright future ahead of him.
He has proven himself to be an offensive threat as he has a wonderful shooting stroke and has the ability to drive to the hoop and isn't afraid of contact. Bayless has had several monster games and has been a model of consistency in his short time with the Raptors.
Jerryd Bayless may very well be around for a very long time.
The Eastern Conference
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Even with a terrible 9-17 record, the Toronto Raptors are still very much there when it comes to the playoff picture. That really says something about the "strength" of the Eastern Conference.
The Toronto Raptors are fortunate to play in the Eastern Conference and should consider themselves very lucky that they don't have to try and climb the difficult Western Conference ladder.
The Eastern Conference is easily broken down. Each year (from now on) there will Orlando, Boston, Miami, Chicago, and Atlanta in no particular order atop the East Standings. Now, my math tells me that that means there are three open spots left for the playoffs. My math tends not to be wrong.
One of the other teams to sneak in on the occasional basis will be the Knicks of course but then, there are the two final spots. Currently occupying those spots are the Indiana Pacers (11-13) and the Milwaukee Bucks (10-14) whom the Raptors are close. In the Western Conference right now, no team below .500 occupies a spot in the early playoff picture.
I am not saying it is easy to make the playoffs but, if the Raptors can maybe even crawl to .500 there is a chance at the playoffs and perhaps a chance to get revenge against Bosh.
Expiring Contracts
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The Toronto Raptors are fortunate to have a few expiring contracts on their team. Marcus Banks who had an expiring contract was recently traded to the Hornets. The expiring contracts the Raptors have now are the recently acquired Peja Stojakovic and Reggie Evans.
Bryan Colangelo has said that he has about $25MM coming off the books next season. What does that mean? It means that the Raptors are going to have a lot of financial flexibility and can pursue the heavily sought after free agents and can suck up good players with large salaries from other teams.
The Trade Exception
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Even though Chris Bosh walked away from the Toronto Raptors, the Raptors did not walk away from Bosh empty handed. In the deal that signed Bosh and traded him to Miami, the Raptors received two draft picks and a very interesting $16MM trade exception.
This trade exception allows the Raptors to acquire a player or players with salaries up to $16MM without having to give up any players. The catch is, that it expires one year after the date of the trade in which it was sent, maybe not a catch, but you get my point.
It would seem silly for Bryan not to use it in the near future. Many teams are looking to dump salaries and even though the Raptors are young, as I have said, they still have a legitimate shot at the playoffs. Colangelo could use the exception to acquire one or two big named guys who could help the team. OR he could wait until the offseason and use it. I would personally go with the first option.
Andrea Bargnani
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When one door closes, another one opens. Such is the case with Andrea Bargnani.
With the gaping hole in the offense created by the departure of Chris Bosh, someone needed to step up. Most assumed Andrea would be the one to be that guy, and most were right to pick him.
Andrea has always had enormous potential and was a versatile big man who could shoot the three. There was always criticism that Bargnani didn't drive to the hoop or of course play defense and grab rebounds.
Bargnani was terrible to begin the season but has really evolved as a player since. He has shown more love and passion for the game than ever before. His numbers reflect it as he has been averaging near 20 points a game. His rebounding numbers could still use some work but, it is nice to see him coming into his own. The future is bright for Bargnani.
Amir Johnson
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Amir Johnson was a steal in a trade that Bryan Colangelo made with Milwaukee the offseason before last. Immediately Amir's impact was felt as he was an electric and passionate player who came of the bench for both Andrea and Bosh.
With the departure of Bosh, Amir has been thrust into an odd role. Amir will be swapped in and out of the starting lineup in what will be a revolving door with Ed Davis. Either way, Amir has to live up to his potential. Johnson is a phenomenal offensive rebounder with shot blocking abilities and even some scoring potential.
But, if there has been one knock on Johnson, it is his inability to stay out of foul troubles. Everyone knows what he can do on the floor, but when your sitting on the bench soaked in fouls, it is hard to be productive. If Johnson can stay on the floor and live up to his interesting contract, the Raps are in for some good times.
The Young Gunz
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Sonny Weems and DeMar DeRozan. Two of the most talented players on the Raptor team.
Both have enormous amounts of potential and need to embrace it. The Raptors are depending on the Gunz to be good now and be great in the future. Sonny Weems had a breakout year with the Raptors last season after being a virtual nobody and DeRozan wasn't too bad.
This year, both have struggled a bit to reclaim their progression. Weems has tried too hard and has tried to force his game, even when it isn't there. But, he has shown flashes of his "former" self and has had some good games for the Raps in which he has been key.
DeRozan, has been the same as last year. His role has once again been shortened with the Raptors because of a lack of production but this has motivated him to work harder.
The Young Gunz will soon come into their own and when they do, the NBA better watch out because they are going to be great.
The Chemistry, The Passion, The Hard Work
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The Raptors have been one of the few teams in the NBA who have always seemed to have good team chemistry. This year is no different, except this year is actually better. The Raptors have created a beautiful mix of both European players and American players that has diversified the team and created a nice atmosphere.
The players get along and compete with each other to get better. They work well on the floor together and they have fun while maintaining a winning attitude. They work hard and even though the results aren't there now they will soon come.
The chemistry is important especially for a young team with a fragile confidence level. It is still early and their chemistry will only further develop as they learn more and more about each other and become better and better as the season progresses.
It is also notable that it is fun to watch the Raptors play because of their spirit, fun, and chemistry. That is something true basketball fans have loved seeing over time and that they should appreciate.
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