Chris Bosh

Most of the report cards are out on the Toronto Raptors season, over far too soon for most, and the results are fairly much in that ‘could have done better’ range that even the most optimistic fans would have gone for.

A drop from the 29-23 halfway point to missing out on the post-season in the final game was hard to take for most, but now it’s time to look to the future, which sadly most scribes are not being very positive about.

Of course, as it seems to be here most weeks, much of the talk is about Chris Bosh’s future, but rather than go over old ground, let’s just move on and start thinking about what needs to be done – be proactive rather than reactive!

Bosh’s return would of course be massive for the Raptors, but come July 1 when he can opt out of the last year of his contract, expect Andrea Bargnani to be the man the franchise is looking to build its future around.

It’s not all bad thinking in those terms as well because the Italian has become a really solid player at both ends of the court over the last two years. He scored 17.2 points per game last season, rebounding well on his ventures into the post and providing a sweet shooting style both inside and out.

If Jay Triano, should he return, gets him to spend a little more time banging, well he could just become even more effective, especially if he continues to put the time in down in the weight room and adds a few pounds to his still fairly streaky 7-foot body.

His back seemed to hold up well this season, and if those growing pains are all behind him, then NBA Betting experts expect him to become a star in the NBA and something that the Raptors can really build around.

Sonny Weems and DeMar DeRozan did plenty in streaks this season to show they can become serviceable defender, and if they can both progress next season then great – it means the trading team can look elsewhere, because one of them would certainly start at shooting guard.

The big problem for me is the point guard position, where Bryan Colangelo and company must concentrate and get a top ball-handler, something it has clearly been proven Jose Calderon isn’t and Jarrett Jack can’t be consistently.

Calderon had a shocking season, although not as bad as Hedo Turkoglu, and could well be heading off this summer if a buyer can be found – I doubt very much he would be happy sitting on the bench hearing those boos from Raptors fans close up while Jack or someone else starts.

Get a top-class passer, add a big man if Bosh goes, and there is no reason why the NBA Odds next season won’t back the Raptors to avoid their late heartbreak!

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