Top Ten Positives From A Toronto Raptors Season Full Of Negatives
By RaptorTalkYes, no doubt it was a very disappointing season for Raptor Fans - maybe the most disappointing ever based on the high expectations from last fall. No one can argue with that.
However, there were some positive signs that emerged from an otherwise dismal season which ended less than two hours ago.
In no particular order, here are our Top Ten Raptor Positives from the 2008-2009 season:
#1. It’s over!!!
That’s it. This awful season is officially behind us.
#2. Jose Calderon
Jose shattered the single season NBA free throw record by shooting a remarkable 98% from the charity stripe
#3. Andrea Bargnani
Il Mago proved all the naysayers wrong by consistently being a 20 pts/ 6 boards guy since mid-December and the calls of Bustnani are no more!
#4. Three Pointers
The Raptors kept their NBA three ball shooting streak alive for another season. Some games – that was all there was for Raptor fans to cheer about
#5. Chris Bosh
CB4 finished the season averaging 22.7 pts and 10.0 boards after a remarkable 19 rebound game versus the Bulls
#6. Draft Pick
By virtue of a horrible 33-49 record, the Raptors secure a top ten pick in what may prove to be a half decent draft
#7. Late Acquisitions
Bryan Colangelo made three solid, low ticket, late acquisitions in Pops Mensa-Bonsu, Patrick O’Bryant and Quincy Douby who could all be back next year
#8. Shawn Marion
If the Matrix returns, he could provide the ‘glue’ the Raptors have been missing since the days of Jorge Garbajosa. Solid end of season run for Marion showed he has lots left in the tank.
#9. Strong Finish
The Raptors closed the season by winning 3 straight and enjoyed a season ending stretch of 9 wins and 4 losses.
#10. Jermaine O’Neal
When it was apparent that the JO experiment wasn’t working, Colangelo moved him and got Shawn Marion and valuable cap space in return that can accelerate the rebuilding process.
Certainly, the negatives outweighed the positives. Having said that, there are many reasons for optimism as Raptor fans look forward to a very exciting off-season and hope for a major turnaround in 2009-2010!
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