Its true the raptors are still recovering from the post "Bosh Era" after he left the team to join the Miami Heat at the end of the 2009-2010 season, but the teams luck looks like its about to change.
After another disappointing record (23-43) in the 2011-2012 season, the Toronto Raptors have made some interesting moves this off season that can bring them back in the playoff picture.
Rookie stars like Terrence Ross, Jonas Valanciunas and Quincy Acy are some promising players that can give a needed lift for the raptors. Other significant additions include Kyle Lowry and Landry Fields.
Another positive to look out for is the return of Andrea Bargnani. Before he got injured, he was putting up near all-star numbers averaging 24 points, 6 rebounds that could of eventually got him his first all-star appearance.
The No. 8 pick Ross, during the 2012 NBA Draft was a terrible pick to most because analysis projected him to be a mid round pick, anywhere between 15-20. Toronto's Head Coach Dwyane Casey thinks that this pick was necessary because of his defensive background, his shooting form and is very athletic. With Casey's "defense first" mentality, it was a no brainer to pick Ross so high.
Valanciunas, coming from the 2011 NBA Draft with the No. 5 pick, is a great add for the raptors. Analysis projected him to go as high as the No. 2 pick. Mostly the reasons feared to pick the 6'11 Lithuanian was because of his locked contract with his former team that would skip the 2011-2012 season. Valanciunas fills a need the raptors desperately need, a true center. The Toronto Raptors do have a 7 footer in Andrea Bargnani, but doesnt play like a center.
Landry Fields and Kyle Lowry can really change the dynamic of the raptors. Fields, coming from the 2nd round in the 2011 NBA Draft, had a break out season with his former team, the New York Knicks. Toronto originally try to lure Canadian native and all-star Steve Nash by taking away trade assets such as Fields, so the knicks would not pursue him. After the knicks received Carmelo Anthony via trade, Landry's numbers started to decline. With Landry on the team, he has a chance to a fresh start and play like he did in his rookie season.
Lowry can be the deciding factor on whether the raptors can have a successful season. Lowry was traded from the Houston Rockets via trade. In the past, the raptors have always had a logjam at the point guard postion that have been experiments for years. Pairs such as T.J Ford with Jose Calderon, Jarrett Jack with Calderon, Jerryd Bayless with Calderon...there is a pattern, isnt there? Calderon has been with the team for awhile now and is still putting up decent numbers, but the raptors are not successful with him winning games. Lowry will be starting over Calderon at the beginning of the season.
All in all, the Raptors look ready to become a playoff team this season because of these significant young pieces that will make them successful in the future.
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