For the Toronto Raptors and their fans, this time of year is all about speculation. Nothing is going to happen until the NBA postseason ends and the free agent frenzy begins July 1. Those looking at sportsbook patterns regularly note how this of course depends on whether there will be a lockout once the current CBA ends.

Regardless of what happens, sports betting pundits note how the Raptors need a lot of work before the start of a new season. One of the most pressing needs is new leadership, on and off the court. Sure, Bryan Colangelo is the head of the whole organization but it is now time for a new voice on the bench.

Whether you think Jay Triano is a good coach or not, the simple truth is, his message has run its course. This team is ready for a new voice, a new coaching style and most importantly a new outlook that says the playoffs are an attainable goal.

Jay Triano knows his basketball and his love of the game is unquestioned, but is he a NBA head coach? Maybe a great assistant coach but the token Canadian guy coaching Canada’s team has to end.

Throughout these NBA playoffs, many former Raptors are playing much better than they did with Toronto. Is that the players lack of motivation or were they not being used right? It is hard to watch guys like Jermaine O’ Neal and Shawn Marion contribute in ways that they did not with the Raps. Yes, they are on better teams but still.

The Raptors have talent, there is no question there. But are they being coached at a level to bring out that talent? How would Doc Rivers or Gregg Popovich coach the exact same group and how many extra wins would that be worth? Do the Indiana Pacers or Philadelphia 76ers have that much more talent than Toronto?

Of course the argument can be made that injuries stripped Triano of having any real shot with this team.

As for on the court, the Raptors also need a leader. Chris Bosh used to be that guy although he was not your typical leader type. Looking over the roster, most of the players are quite happy to play second fiddle when it comes to stepping up and being the guy. DeMar DeRozen is still young and right now appears to be that guy in the making.

Jose Calderon can be considered a leader just by his position but just like Triano, that story is getting old. Can the draft produce a new leader in town? Kemba Walker maybe? He certainly put the UConn Huskies on his back during the NCAA tournament.

For the Raptors to move forward and grow back into a playoff team, leadership is vital. A new coach and a new leader on the floor will go a long way in doing that. Otherwise the Raptors could become one of those teams that is good for 50+ losses each year and slowly become a joke.

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