5 Things the Toronto Raptors Can Do to Improve This Season

Hello Fellow Bleachers!

Welcome to the first article that I have written for Bleacher Report. The focus of this slideshow will be what things that I think could help improve the Raptors season this year.  Feel free to agree or disagree with what I have to say or even critique my writing itself. My aim in writing is to inform and entertain, and hopefully I accomplish both.

With that being said, I again welcome you all to the first of hopefully many articles that I will be writing, and if some of you become fans of my writing, I would like to thank you in advance.

Justin

Replace Andrea Bargnani with a True Center and Keep Him on the Perimeter

Andrea Bargnani naturally gravitates to the outside as he is more comfortable there. Put someone else down low in his place so Andrea can work from the outside like he does best.

He has improved his post game, but it should be used sparingly, such as when he has a smaller player guarding him.

Moving him to the outside where he is able to drive and create openings for other players when the defense collapses would add a great dimension to the Raptors. Just look at what Dirk Nowitzki has accomplished by doing this.

Start Jerryd Bayless over Jose Calderon

I know I'm probably gonna catch a lot of heat for this one so let me start by saying that I think Jose is a great point guard. He has good leadership, good court vision and is a pretty good passer.  

My issue with him is his defense. He needs to be inspired to play hard on the defensive end of the floor and if Bayless starts the game off with some great defensive plays, when Jose comes in to relieve him, he will play that much harder on the defensive end.

This would also allow Bayless to take more of the pressure off of Jose during the season and Jose could be his mentor.

Once the Roster Is Set for the Seaon, Leave It Alone!

Okay, this falls more into what the Raptors can do to improve this season AND the next few seasons. The Raptors need to build chemistry for more than one season. Two words: Chicago Bulls. 

Now considered to be one of the greatest dynasties in the NBA, it took a few years for the Bulls to reach the heights they did after they acquired Jordan, Pippen and Paxson. Bryan Colangelo needs to trust his instincts, as he usually has pretty good ones, and let it ride for a few years.

I understand the scrutiny he is under with the Toronto media, but the fans are who he should be worried about. We Toronto fans are a patient bunch Mr. Colangelo, just look at the Leafs. We still love them and it's been a long time waiting for them too.

Pick Up the Intensity!

Probably the biggest complaint I have with the Raptors is that they don't have anybody that exudes intensity on the floor that makes the other players want to play harder.

Chris Bosh had some of that, but he left for warmer climes.  Pops Mensah-Bonsu had it in spades but he got dealt. Reggie Evans brings a bit of it to the table, but needs to display it more. Someone needs to step up and accept that role, or since Leandro Barbosa has seemingly parted ways with the team, use that money to bring in someone with the intensity the Raptors desperately need.

Be Confident in Their Abilities.

The Raptors have 11 players on the roster with five years or less in the NBA. Many of them are in their early to mid 20's.

This can possibly translate into not being confident in their abilities when they step on the floor against teams like the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers or the Dallas Mavericks, each of whom have numerous veterans on their rosters. I know if I stepped on the floor with Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, or Dirk Nowitzki on the opposite side, and I was a young player, I would be nervous at the very least.

The Raptors are loaded with young talent, and all of them need to remember this when they hit the floor.

Conclusion

These are just a few things that I feel the Raptors could do this season to add some more wins to their record. I for one, am looking forward to the next few years. Feel free to comment on things you feel would add to the rise of the Raps!