Steadfast and loyal, Raptors fans have been through thick and thin for a franchise that seems on the cusp of becoming playoff contenders. The new Jermaine O’Neal-Chris Bosh’ tandem could be the wave that pushes the Raptors over the edge—or the weight that sends them crashing down like Vince Carter did.
With Raptors fans, including myself, brimming with anticipation, it’s a good time to look back at the three major eras the Raptors have been through:
(audio) Jack Armstrong
(audio) Jamario Moon
Moon had some bold words on the airwaves on Friday … when he told me that he believes the Raps are now the #2 team in the Eastern Conference … behind only the Boston Celtics. He believes the acquisition of Jermaine O’Neal has vaulted Toronto ahead of teams like Detroit, Orlando, and Cleveland … at least on paper.
Moon said the biggest thing that stands out for him RE: O’Neal joining the team … is the big man’s defence, low post scoring and attitude. His presence alone – according to Moon – will make teams think twice about strolling down the lane. The 1-2 punch of O’Neal and Chris Bosh should provide some D this town hasn’t seen in quite some time.
Whether or not Toronto truly is the 2nd best team in the East is a moot point right now; the fact that Moon believes it is all that matters. It’s that kind of confidence that he – and his teammates – will need when Training Camp opens in about 8 weeks. If you believe in yourself and believe as a team, you’re already halfway there.
Other than his thoughts on O’Neal and the Raptors overall, Moon told me he’s spent most of his summer playing ball every day – either in workouts or pick up games – and lifting weights. Apparently Sam Mitchell told Moon to work on getting stronger this summer so Moon is pumping a little iron. I’m not sure if we’ll be seeing a pose-down with Joey Graham anytime soon though!
Chris Bosh, the face of the Toronto Raptors, is known for his small forward like versatility. He is a prototypical power forward rebounder averaging between 7.4 and 10.7 rebounds throughout his five-year career thus far. Chris Bosh is a potent scorer with superior athleticism and ball handling for a big man.
He can take it to the rack and play the perimeter very well against other bigs, and has a repertoire of reliable moves in the low post as well. Chris Bosh is known to be really unselfish and is a good passer out of double teams. Being only twenty-four years old, Chris Bosh has yet to peak, and he’s already a solid twenty-and-ten player who’s best years are yet to come. Though not a superior interior defender like some other elite power forwards, Bosh is an above average defender who can block shots should the occasion arise.
Career Averages: 19 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and one block.
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Note: I am back in Toronto for part of the day, then travelling to a few different US cities between Sunday and Wednesday. Linkage will be up every day (fingers crossed), but probably at strange times, and maybe not as far reaching as usual. Should be back to normal Thursday or Friday.
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