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TORONTO RAPTORS 2007-2008 SEASON ANALYSIS
If I were to do a survey on the streets of Toronto asking what name they associate with their team, I would hear one name, Chris Bosh. Taking the same survey about five years ago would have yielded a much different response. I guarantee that ninety percent of the local residents would have mentioned Vince Carter as the face of the franchise. Carter’s abrupt fall from franchise leader to the most hated NBA player in Canada was the consequence of him demanding a trade and his proceeding lack of effort as a Raptor from that point on. A breath of fresh air was needed, and management snagged Chris Bosh with the fourth pick in the historical 2003 NBA Draft. Bosh’s energy and enthusiasm for hoops has elevated the Raptors to new heights. Toronto has clinched the 6th spot in the playoffs this year and has plenty of potential to upset Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic in the first round. The Raptors will, without a doubt, follow the example of All Star forward Chris Bosh and give it the old college try once again this postseason. TORONTO RAPTORS -- TOP 3 PLAYERS1. Chris Bosh — 22.3 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2.6 apg, .9 spg, 1 bpg, 84.4% (FT%), 40% (3p%), 49.4% (FG%), 36.2 mpg
Without a shred of doubt, Chris Bosh is the pride and joy of the city of Toronto. His affable personality outside of basketball and his excellent play on the court act as a magnet to local NBA fans. He truly is irresistable; the Toronto Raptors fill in the 9th highest number of seats each night (19, 463 to be exact). As long as Bosh is receiving his paychecks from the Raptors they will be winning basketball games.
2. Jose Calderon – 11.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 8.3 apg, 1.1 spg, 90.8% (FT%), 42.9% (3p%), 51.9% (FG%), 30.3 mpg
In a momentous December victory, Raptors’ starting point guard T.J. Ford was hammered while slicing through the air for a reverse layup by Hawk’s forward Al Horford. Ford landed on his back, smacked his head on the hardwood, and was out for several months. Opportunity not only knocked for point guard Jose Calderon, but it kicked the door down! The number one point guard from the Spanish National Team, Calderon, was ready. His stellar play during Ford’s extended absence has evoked memories of a young Steve Nash, and Calderon has earned the trust (and playing time) of Head Coach Sam Mitchell.
3. Anthony Parker – 12.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1 spg, 81.6% (FT%), 43.8% (3p%), 47.6% (FG%), 32.1 mpg
Sorry, Shawn Kemp. I am officially stealing your nickname and giving it to Raptors guard-forward Anthony Parker. The man makes it rain from three-point land with the accuracy of a heart surgeon. Parker is the representative of France on one of the most multi-cultural clubs in the League. If only the rest of France would learn to shoot a basketball half as well as they drink wine and smoke cigarettes!
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