The 2010-11 edition of the Toronto Raptors will be very different from those that fans have been used to watching in the past.
They will be trying to defy the odds in a sense. They lost the face of the franchise that gave them an average of 24 points and almost 11 rebounds each night and yet they hope to be better.
At present, there are more questions than answers but everything will come out in April. So as we work our way through the season, here is the “skinny” for each guy on the roster.
Division previews: Central | Atlantic | Southeast | Pacific | Southwest | Northwest
Solomon Alabi, Centre
May not see much time this season but he’s a project that the Raptors coaches are working on daily. Has the wing-span of a 7’5″ player and a soft touch for a big man. He could be a player that alters shots when he is in the game and will eventually be a better defensive player than offensive player.
David Andersen, Forward
Could be a valuable rotation player as he is able to step out and make shots consistently from 15- 20 feet and can knock down three pointers as well. Defensively, he’s better-suited to guard bigger players that play away from the hoop as opposed to bulkier, inside grinding-type forwards. He has been a winning professional, which will be important for the Raptors.
Marcus Banks, Guard
A back-up guard that will have to wait for his chance to play but when he gets it, he will work hard at the defensive end and run the team on the floor. He’s not afraid to be a vocal leader on the floor. Has an expiring contract that could be a bargaining chip when trade talks get serious.
Leandro Barbosa, Guard
A former NBA Sixth Man Award winner, he is one of the fastest players in the NBA. A good standstill jump shooter, particularly in the draw-and-kick game. Will come off the bench for Toronto early in the season as coach Jay Triano has said he is presently comfortable in that role watching the game unfold before entering. He will need to be a good defender on the perimeter for the team to be successful.
Andrea Bargnani, Forward/Centre
He’ll get his chance to be featured in the offence this season. Outstanding shooting touch and range for a big player but for the team to be successful he will have to score inside and rebound better as well. His defence on the ball is good but needs to have better awareness defensively when in help position, particularly with the team’s new defensive philosophy. Will probably face some double-teams this season and his learning curve with respect to decision-making will have to advance quickly.
Jose Calderon, Guard
Always does a great job of running the team by valuing the basketball, possessing a high assist-to-turnover ratio. A good shooter and decision-maker in screen roll situations. He is becoming more of a selective risk-taker with the ball which is a positive since it may lead to more easy baskets for the team. Defensively, he will have to better this season and he may get some help from the new system. He will be counted on for some leadership as well.
Ed Davis, Forward
He was a windfall for the Raptors in the draft as they did not think he would be there when it was their selection. Like Alabi, will eventually be a better defensive player than offensive player. And for those who like to inexplicably think he will immediately take up the slack for Chris Bosh as a rookie, he won’t. Missing training camp with knee surgery has set him back but he is a couple of weeks away from returning to action. His defence will most likely be better than Bosh’s which is what this team will eventually need. A good rebounder who needs to work on his offence to play at the this level.
DeMar DeRozan, Guard/Forward
Has improved from last season but the question is how much on a comparative scale? With Bosh gone, he is one of the players that can get to the free throw line. Has worked on his jump shot and ball handling and will look for selective opportunities to create his own shot. The biggest need the team has for him is to be a good defender on the perimeter as his opposing number will most likely be as athletic a player as he is for Toronto.
Joey Dorsey, Forward
A slightly undersized but “wide body” that has the potential to be a good rebounder for the team. Will have to improve his offence but only in a small way as he won’t have many plays run for him. In truth, his role model should be Reggie Evans. If rebounding the basketball becomes an issue, look for Triano to call his number.
Reggie Evans, Forward
Your “Blue Collar Worker” that will be called upon to do the dirty work inside as a rebounder. He’s not going to block or change shots but his interior defence — by having active hands and making opposing post players work — will be a key for Toronto. Like Banks, he has an expiring contract and could be part of a future deal but for now, he’s the grit in the starting line-up.
Jarrett Jack, Guard
Will be counted on for leadership this season and has discussed the fact he wants to be a 24-hour leader for the team both on and off the court. Will need to do a better job of defending at the point but has the potential do so. A good shooter who can get to the basket and play with effort and intensity, something he’ll have to do consistently. He is very capable of big games in the scoring and assist department.
Amir Johnson, Forward
Signed a big contract in the off-season and has to play within himself and not try to “show or earn” his money. He’s another effort- and intensity-type player who has worked on his offence and has seen improvement under the tutelage of Hall of Famer and assistant coach, Alex English. He will pose problems for opposing defences by simply running the floor. If he stays on the floor and away from unnecessary fouls, he can have an impact.
Linas Kleiza, Guard/Forward
Could be the most versatile and complete offensive player on the team. He can score from inside by posting up on the block and the outside as he possess a good jump shot. If he has a big year, the team may ultimately be very successful. He has a business-like attitude when he is on the floor and will be a leader by example. Don’t undersell his grittiness and toughness as he is not afraid to play a physical game.
Sonny Weems, Guard/Forward
One of the most athletic players on the team. Has a solid mid-range game as he can consistently make jumpers from 15-18 feet. He will be a key contributor in the second unit and needs to effectively guard his position on the perimeter to help create offence and easy baskets as a result of good defence. Weems has the opportunity to have a breakout season and if he plays his role, it could all fall into place for him.
Julian Wright, Forward
A former lottery pick obtained from the New Orleans Hornets in the off-season, he is young and athletic. Unfortunately, being with a team that had visions of the playoffs in the “Big Easy” he did not have much of a chance to play. Seems to have a good attitude and is still learning and waiting for a chance. He is an asset in an up-tempo game.
Jay Triano, Head Coach
He is as technically sound as they come. After some reflection and a summer with Mike Krzyzewski and the gold medal USA basketball squad, he seems to have undergone a change from last season. With no star to “cater” to, Triano has been more outwardly demanding than last season and is holding players accountable. It has always been said the biggest weapon a coach has at his disposal is playing time. Triano will use that this season. Devoid of a star player, and with depth and the ability to have multiple line-up combinations, look for Triano to use that weapon this season.
