Toronto Raptors 2007 Draft Preview

The playoffs were a different story for the Raptors. The Nets knocked out the Raptors in six games in the opening round of the postseason.

All-Star forward Chris Bosh led the club in scoring (22.6 ppg) and rebounding (10.7 rpg), while point guard T.J. Ford, who was acquired from Milwaukee last offseason, finished second on the team in scoring (14.0 ppg) and dished out a club-high 7.9 assists per game.

Bosh has developed into one of the best power forwards in the league and is the cornerstone of the franchise. The lightning-quick Ford is a solid point guard and is a big asset for the Raptors in transition.

Forward Andrea Bargnani, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, averaged 11.6 points and 3.9 rebounds in 65 games during his rookie campaign. Bargnani should continue to get better, while Anthony Parker, Morris Peterson, Juan Dixon, Jose Calderon, Jorge Garbajosa and Joey Graham are all role players who can contribute.

The Raptors don’t have any picks in this year’s draft. If there is a player they are interested in, it would not be surprising to see them make a move with one of their role players involved in the deal.

Bosh could use some help on the boards, and another threat from long distance would help extend the opposition’s defense and open up the low post for Bosh.

Bryan Colangelo, who was Executive of the Year, and 2006-07 Coach of the Year Sam Mitchell will look to improve the team during the offseason. Bosh and Ford are the building blocks. Colangelo and Mitchell will most likely be spectators on June 28th.

Key Player(s): Chris Bosh (Forward), Jose Calderon (Guard), Carlos Delfino (Guard), Juan Dixon (Guard), T.J. Ford (Guard), Jorge Garbajosa (Forward), Joey Graham (Forward), Rasho Nesterovic (Center), Anthony Parker (Guard), Morris Peterson (Forward/Guard).

Team Needs: Scoring, rebounding help for Bosh and a threat from beyond the arc.

Draft picks: NONE.