By RaptorTalk


Even though it’s only preseason, the Raptors delivered pizza to the faithful on Thanksgiving Sunday afternoon by scoring an improbable 30 points in an exciting 4th quarter to finish with exactly 100 points.

I came away from the ACC very excited about this newest incarnation of your Toronto Raptors. I can't quite put my finger on it, but this team is very different from any Raptors squad we've seen in years.

While turkey is on the menu today, Sunday's game was not a turkey (even though I did buy a new black #26 Turk jersey for my youngest son at the game).
             
The new Raptors look, feel and smell different - if you know what I mean.  It’s like they've undergone a complete personality and identity transplant.

These new guys don't know how to play old style Raptors ball, which is refreshing. They are the new Raptors who believe that athleticism, no quit on defence and energy will win games. To a degree, they are all cast-offs from other teams and they have something to prove.

In fact, it was the three old school guys - Bosh, Bargnani and Calderon who seemed somewhat out of sync with the new blood.

There is a lot of hustle with these guys. Even when they played stretches of bad basketball, it was not for lack of effort. I don't see this team as a group of quitters who will wilt whenever they fall behind like the old Raps often did. They have a swagger and a youthful exuburance that will make the Raptors a fun team to root for again.

As a fan, I really like this team and I can't say that's always been the case over most of this decade.

Finally after 15 years, this is not just a jump shooting team anymore! The new Raptors drive and slash to the hole a lot. When they have a chance to run – they run! Back door cuts and movement off the ball has replaced the old predictable half court offence that often lulled fans to sleep.

There's a lot more defensive intensity, too. Everyone has quick hands, long arms and tries to disrupt the passing lanes. Plus, the new Raptors battle for rebounds and loose balls like they haven’t done since the days of Charles Oakley.

     

Here are some random observations from the Raptors vs. Wizards game:

- Chris Bosh is bigger across the shoulders and rusty ... very rusty. CB4 was very loud and vocal on D, moreso than usual. I could hear him clearly from centre court, 23 rows up.

- Jarrett Jack is a hard nosed, confident dude and I think better suited to run the offence than Jose right now. Defensively, he puts pressure on the point unlike anyone we’ve seen in years. I know it’s early (and I have no interest in another point guard controversy), but I'm not sure Jose is yet entirely comfortable with this new cutting, slashing, driving offence.

- I loved DeRozan's fearless determination to get to the rim even though he got hit every time. Best of all, he's a good free throw shooter. DeMar is nowhere near as athletic as Vince, so the comparisons are not valid. But, he’s going to be a solid wing player for many years to come and he will be better than anyone we’ve had since Vince left.

- Amir Johnson brings defensive intensity, rebounding and athleticism. While I like Rasho, Amir fits better with the Raps' new personality. I see lots of DNPs for Rasho because it looks like Amir and Reggie will be the first bigs off the bench.

- No doubt that Marco Belinelli is better than Carlos Delfino and he's younger and less expensive. Marco is relentless on defence.  Unlike Anthony Parker who was always a step behind the other team's 2, Marco is usually right on his tail. I’d rather have Marco than either Carlos or AP.

-Marco Belinelli for Devean George was a steal. While Marco is still a little undisciplined offensively, he's more than willing to run and attack and not always settle for jimmies. Plus he is a better defender than any 2/3 we had last season. The only downside I see in his game is that he often drives left to the hole and yet always tries to finish with his right hand. He's got to use his left hand because he's missed a few easy layups because the angle isn't there using his right hand.

- Kudos to Bryan Colangelo. The acquisition of Marco and the subsequent trade of Delfino and Roko Ukic for Sonny Weems and Amir Johnson sure looks good right now.

- Reggie Evans is a pure energy guy on the court, but he’s also a great guy on the sidelines and during breaks. As a vocal veteran, he can get the young guys fired up and ready to go all out. His hustle is contagious.

-The announced crowd of 11,500 was more like 5,000 fans and 6,500 no-shows which boggles my mind. I'd wish season ticketholders would donate unused preseason tickets to charity, kids groups or Big Brothers/Big Sisters. There is no excuse for unused Raptor seats when youngsters all across the GTA would love to have those tickets - even in the preseason. End of rant.

Time to solidify the rotation

Now, if I'm Jay Triano (which I’m not), I'd focus on getting a lot more reps for the rotation so that they can get comfortable with each other.  I'd also try to get Hedo Turkoglu back sooner than later. Because they have all yet to play together, the core of the Raps seem somewhat out of sync and unfamiliar with each other.
 
This looks like it can be a high octane team with a solid defensive commitment - but they need more time together to gel. While all signs are positive, I’d like to see the starting rotation have at least three preseason games together as a unit before they face Lebron and the Cavs in the season opener.