10 Questions On Raptors 08/09

After a few days of covering Team Canada it is time to get back to the main focus of this blog. The Toronto Raptors and the NBA. It is said the Raptors are going to look to sign Hassan Adams. The former Net was part of the free agent camp recently held by the Raptors. Also finally coming to Toronto it seems will be Roko Ukic. Raptors are said to be going with a light roster this season. Teams in the NBA can carry up to 15 players on their roster. But the Raptors are said to be looking at carrying just 13.  Nathan Jawai the second round selection that is coming back as part of the Ford/O’Neal deal is also going to get a chance to make the roster. Some had thought he may remain in his native Australia or perhaps Europe. But it seems that will not be the case. Aussie Shaq will be heading to Toronto and in fact as already been here. Eric Smith had the chance to meet the man. Here is a link to read about it.

So here is 10 Questions I have based on what we know so far:

1. Injuries are a real concern for this team should this be the plan going forward. Can they remain healthy through this season?

2. Jose Calderon is now the man, how will he respond to it?

3.  Jermaine O’Neal and Chris Bosh together will be interesting to watch but what will be their impact together?

4. Last chance for Andrea Bargnani, will he respond to his new role as the Raptors 6th man coming off the bench?

5. The Defense should be improved but is it enough to win in the post season?

6. Something about all of this says to me their will be a move made in the season to complete this whole make over. Who will come and who will go?

7. Roko Ukic, How good and how fast will he fit into the NBA?

8. Who is going to step up for Raps? Kris Humphries and Joey Graham this means you.  Graham especially as he has never lived up to his prior billing when he was drafted.

9. Will the Olympics have impact on Bosh and Calderon?( Also Delfino should he return which is not likely at this point )

10. Sam Mitchell how will he address this new group on the offensive end of the floor?

These are key questions that all we need to be answered before anyone can figure out what this new pack of Raptors is going to be. Last year the Raps were a team that had a lot of depth in the eyes of many. They now seem to be very thin and have to hope for people to remain injury free. July 9th we will finally get to hear from Bryan Colangelo on what he has been doing. It will be interesting to hear what his thoughts are FINALLY.

What Is Going On Around The Rest Of The League?

Davis Heads South To The Clippers?

The Golden State Warriors were surprised that Baron Davis opted out for free agentcy and they now will be with out the star point guard. He said to be taking his show on the road to L.A to play for the Clippers. There is a 65 millon dollar contract that has been agreed too. For More Read Here

Maggette To Celtics?

Keeping with the Clippers. Cory Maggette is on the way out and could be heading to Boston if he wants too. The defending Champion Celtics have said to have offered him a contract for the full mid level they have to offer (5.7 million). Maggette seemed surprised to have Celtics interested in him. For More on this story Click Here 

Sixers In Talks With Josh Smith

The Sixers are now a playoff team and looking to stay that way. Josh Smith is a Restricted Free Agent and it is thought the Sixers may try and increase cap space to make an even larger one from what they can currently offer. The Hawks still could match any offer the Sixers put out there. Read More On This Topic Here

That is a quick tour of what is being talked about around the NBA. One thing that everyone is starting to think is the NBA needs to fix the rules to allow these deals to be announced when they happen. Instead of this waiting till July 9th and learn about all of the things we already know. It is becoming something that needs to get fixed. Yesterday the NHL was announcing deals being signed and teams talking to the press. This needs to be the case in the NBA as well. It is something David Stern should look to address so we do not have to go through these things next season at this time of year. We Want The Truth and We Can HANDLE IT…the same day it happens!!!

Tags: Andrea Bargnani, Baron Davis, Celtics, Chris Bosh, Clippers, Cory Maggette, David Stern, Hassan Adams, Hawks, Jermaine O'Neal, Joey Graham, Josh Smith, Kris Humphries, Raptors Off-Season 08, Roko Ukic, Sam Mitchell, Sixers, Warriors