By RaptorTalk


Preseason is done for the Toronto Raptors and there remain more questions than answers with the squad. While I am generally apt to put a positive spin on events in Raptorland, my Jalen-Rose colored glasses are a little clouded as the season opener approaches.

Here are list of 6 questions (one for each preseason loss) that concern me, followed by the answers – which don’t necessarily fill me with confidence, either.


     

Q1: Should a 2-6 preseason record concern Raptor fans or does the preseason mean nothing?

A: While the preseason doesn’t count in the standings, the Raptors certainly are not entering the regular season firing on all cylinders. On balance, the preseason was a major disappointment. At no point did the team show even a glimpse that they are ready to start the season as even a semi-cohesive unit.


Q2: Is Bryan Colangelo pleased so far?

A: I don’t have a clue, but he shouldn’t be. His absence from the media spotlight since the team broke camp in Ottawa has us speculating that BC may not be all too happy right now. The media-savvy Colangelo has laid low for the past three weeks. Certainly I can’t imagine that anyone involved with the Raptors is excited about how training camp and preseason have played out to this point.


Q3: Is Marco Belinelli a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year?

A: Prior to training camp, Colangelo expected that Marco would be a serious candidate for the award. Based on what we saw in preseason, the answer is “no damn way”. Outside of a decent game versus Washington, Marco and his shot have regressed since the early days of camp. Hopefully his extra work after practice pays off sooner than later – because Marco has plenty of talent.


Q4: Can anyone score off the bench?

A: Without Marco, the answer seems “no”. Jarrett Jack is more of a distributor and defensive specialist, while Antoine Wright is not on his third NBA team because he’s a lights-out shooter.  Amir, Reggie and Sonny are very limited offensively. Rasho will give you his usual 4 to 6 points a game. This lack of bench scoring could be something Bryan needs to address during the season if the Raptors are going to make a serious run.


Q5: Have the Raptors lost the Magic touch beyond the arc?

A: For the Raptors to succeed, they need to bury their shots from beyond the arc. It’s a strategy that worked for the Magic and one which the Raptors may want to emulate. Problem is they shot a league worst .244% in preseason from three point range. Unless they start shooting between .370% to .400% from deep, their ability to stretch defences and put points on the board will be in question. If they continue to hit only one-of-four, then you can kiss the team's three point streak goodbye. I don't know why, but I don't ever want the Raps' three point streak to end.


Q6:  Is Jay Triano truly an NBA –caliber head coach?

A: While we really like the coach from Niagara Falls and fondly remember his playing and coaching days with the Canadian National Team – Jay has still not proven he can win at the NBA level. Look, we respect his work with USA Basketball and we understand he’s trying to integrate nine new players, but some of the disappointing results from the preseason have to fall on Jay’s shoulders. Let’s hope he can show a degree of leadership that hasn’t appeared yet.

Is the sky falling? No. Are panic buttons in the ready position? No, it's way too early.

But, let’s be honest. While I am still optimistic about the depth of talent on this roster, I am adnitedly concerned that the team still seems far from where they should be as the regular season approaches. The core talent is definitely there. Now Triano needs to develop the chemistry and hope the team gels - sooner than later.