Toronto Raptors Past, Present & Future

Most people look at the 07-08 season to be a failure for the Toronto Raptors. They did take a step back from last years success but who expected them to finish the season 47-35 and win their first division title? In my eyes the Toronto Raptors had another successful year under Brian Colangelo. Brian came in and swiftly turned this franchise around with some genius moves on and off the court. Just look at 2 seasons ago the Raptors were in a horrible situation finishing the 05-06 Season 27-55 and having a diminutive hope for the future. If you look at the Raptors now their situation and position for the future looks promising. The key pieces of the team (Bosh, Bargnani, Ford or Calderone) are young and heading towards their prime.

Colangelo has set the team up with valuable pieces he can deal, plus he has no lingering contracts to hold the team back. Look for Brian to pick up a stud this off season to take the pressure off Chris Bosh and I’m sure he will deal with the PG situation as well. With Calderone maturing and becoming an elite PG in the league, why not sign him to a reasonable contract and trade Ford’s 8mil a year contract away. Jose is a team first/win first kind of player so I’m sure he will take a hometown discount to stay in Toronto and be the future starting point guard of the Raptors. Another hole that needs to be filled on the Raptors roster is a need of a big man who can rebound and add toughness to the inside presence of their defense. The Raptors lack of rebounding and toughness under the net cost them many games this year so look for them to pursue a strong PF or C. I’m sure by now you’re wondering who the Raptors can pick up this off season. I gathered a list of Free Agents and Restricted Agents who I think would help the Raptors.

Unrestricted Free Agents

Elton Brand (ETO)
Jermaine O’Neal (ETO)
Corey Maggette (ETO)
Ron Artest (ETO)
Antawn Jamison
Josh Smith

Restricted Free Agents

Emeka Okafor
Andris Biedrins
Luol Deng
Ryan Gomes
Andre Iquodala

(ETO= Early Termination Option)

Free Agents Raptors should STAY AWAY from

Gilbert Arenas
Jamall Magloire
P.J. Brown
Ben Gorden
Juwan Howard
Baron Davis
Mickael Pietrus
Kwame Brown
Nenad Kristic
Grant Hill
Adonal Foyle
Rasho Nesterovic


Toronto Raptors Salary Cap/Free Agent Situation

Restricted- Jose Calderone, Carlos Delfino(Qualifying Offer)
Unrestricted- Rasho Nesterovic(Player Option), Darrick Martin, Primoz Brezec
Limited Salary Protection- Jamario Moon

Toronto's CAP

2007/08 2008/09


Chris Bosh
$13,041,250 $14,410,581

TJ Ford
$8,000,000 $8,000,000

Rasho Nest.

$7,840,000 $8,400,000

Jason Kapono
$5,356,000 $5,784,480

Andrea Bargnani
$4,838,88 $5,176,440

Anthony Parker
$4,350,000 $4,550,000

Jorge Garbajosa
$4,050,000 $4,350,000

Primoz Brezec
$2,750,000 ----

Kris Humphries
$2,522,913 ----

Jose Calderon
$2,471,604 ----

Carlos Delfino
$1,868,141 $2,744,299

Maceo Baston
$1,830,000 $1,970,000

Joey Graham
$1,596,600 $2,449,184

Darrick Martin

$1,219,590 ----

Jamario Moon
$427,163 ----

Linton Johnson
$55,069 ----


TOTALS:
$62,217,210 $55,090,685

07/08 NBA Salary Cap $67,865,000 and 08/09 could be higher.


I think that is enough info for everyone to swallow, cya until my next post.

Don’t forget to post comments/replies……
Hamed .K.