Toronto Raptors 2006 Draft Preview

All-Star forward Chris Bosh is the cornerstone to this franchise. He averaged team-highs in scoring (22.5 ppg) and rebounding (9.2 rpg) last season. The 22- year-old Bosh continues to get better and will soon be mentioned as one of the elite power forwards in the league.

Charlie Villanueva had a solid rookie campaign this past season. The Connecticut product contributed 13.0 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Villanueva is part of the big picture in Toronto.

Guard Mike James averaged 20.3 points and a team-best 5.8 assists in 79 contests, while swingman Morris Petersen played all 82 games and registered 16.8 points and 4.6 boards per game. The Raptors also like small forward Joe Graham, who averaged 6.7 points during his rookie season in 2005-06, and point guard Jose Calderon.

LaMarcus Aldridge of Texas, Italy’s Andrea Bargnani, Adam Morrison of Gonzaga and Tyrus Thomas of LSU are all possibilities for Toronto with the No. 1 pick. The Raptors could also trade down if they feel the player they are targeting will be available with a later pick.

Key Player(s): Chris Bosh (Forward), Jose Calderon (Guard), Joey Graham (Forward), Mike James (Guard), Rasho Nesterovic (Center), Morris Peterson (Guard), Charlie Villanueva (Forward).

Team Needs: Outside shooting and scoring.

Draft picks: 1st round (1st overall), 2nd round (35th overall), 2nd round (56th overall).