A Toronto Raptors Christmas Wish List
By Walter DubowecAs we move into the NBA Holiday break, here is a list of items I'd like for the Toronto Raptors to add for Christmas:
1. Wing Scorer:
Raps need a 35 minute per game, athletic wing player who can create his own shot and ignite the offence. This is particularly apparent when the offence gets stagnant or the opposition decides to double Bosh down low. This will take the pressure off Bosh and makes our offence less predictable. We can get back to playing more of a running game which is where we succeed. In an ideal world, this new wing becomes option #2B along with Andrea as #2A.
2. Tighter Rotation:
Establish a more well defined and tighter rotation. Sam's quick hook is hurting everyone's confidence. Let guys play through mistakes. The Raptors won't be successful with a 10 and 11 man rotation. Sam needs to cut it back to 8 or 9 at most.
3. Start Bargnani:
Well, I got an early Christmas gift on this one, with Sam's announcement that Bargnani was back as a starter and an integral part of the future. Now, Sam must make Bargnani part of the offence again. Since his 26 point night, Sam has ran virtually no plays for Bargnani until the Suns game. In fact, Andrea looked much more comfortable and assertive against Phoenix than he has in a month. He's certainly not the stiff that some have painted him to be. I saw glimpses against the Suns that are very exciting.
4. Healthy TJ:
Raps need a healthy TJ. Lets face it, TJ provides a change of pace to Jose which confounds defences. While I want to keep Jose - with Jose, the offence is sometimes a little slow and predictable. In order to win, the Raptors need the TJ and Jose tandem to be healthy and on top of their game.
5. Bye Bye D-Mart:
Its time to add Darrick Martin to the coaching staff and release him as an active player. Bryan must find a young, quick point guard who can give the Raptors better minutes than D-Mart provides.
6. More Uptempo Basketball:
Let the players, play ball. Last season we were looser and more fluid. Now we appear too slow and deliberate. Our offence seems more structured and predictable. Lets bring ball movement back. In the preseason we saw a glimpse of excellent perimeter ball movement which led to plenty of wide open looks for our three point assassins. The Suns schooled the Raps in this regard. The Raptors need to follow suit. Right now we are nowhere being Phoenix East.
7. More Hump:
The continued development of Kris Humphries and his improved offensive game are a pleasant surprise. Lets hope he continues to get better, which may then open up the possibility that Bryan can use Rasho in a trade. I really like Rasho, but he could be the piece that Bryan moves to bring in the athletic wing player we need.
Santa gives the Raptors #1 Sign
The core of the Raptors is solid. When healthy, this is a 50 win team. However, the chemistry is a little off and Bryan and Sam must make some Christmas adjustments to get the Raptors firing on all cyclinders again.
Get 'er done, Santa!
good list man, i was planning on doing something similar as well, and mine was going to look really similar to what you put. my biggest wish is to get rid of dmart!
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Having Parker and Moon get back on track would'nt hurt the offense or defense either. TJ is the missing link to continuity on offense for 48 mins.
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