The Toronto Raptors begin the new season with an almost entirely new cast. The overhaul which began a year ago with the Damon Stoudamire trade has been completed, the final pieces falling into place with the signings of free agents center Michael Stewart and point guard Alvin Williams. Only Doug Christie, John Wallace, Reggie Slater and Tracy McGrady remain from the team which started the 1997-98 season and stumbled to a 16-66 record. But has GM Glen Grunwald built a better team, or will the Raptors be just as weak this year?
The starting lineup will likely be Kevin Willis at center, Charles Oakley at power forward, Tracy McGrady at small forward, Doug Christie at shooting guard, and Alvin Williams at the point. In my opinion, the most important person is Willis. For the first time in their history, the Raptors have a dependable inside scoring threat to go to when the offense breaks down. This should dramatically improve the team, if Willis can stay healthy healthy. He had a great season last year in Houston, but he will have to carry a heavier burden this year as the primary offensive option. Oakley, the second big-money vet brought to Toronto, gives the team a solid rebounder who can play defence. Any offence beyond the occasional mid-range jumper will be a bonus.This trade looks like a mistake to me, as I think that Marcus Camby may still develop into a star with good coaching.
Tracy McGrady's future performance is hard to predict. He had a frustrating rookie season, but showed enough glimpses of excellence to whet the appetites of Raptor fans. He arrived at camp this year an inch taller and ten pounds heavier, ready to put his mark on the team. If he doesn't progress quickly, John Wallace is ready to step into his spot.
The captain and supposed star of the team this year is Doug Christie. Christie's athleticism and talent is undeniable, and we have all marvelled at his defensive skills and slashing drives to the basket. However, his shooting is streaky, though that may improve this year, as the presence of Oakley and Willis inside should keep defenders honest. The weakest link in the starting five is undoubtedly Alvin Williams. While injuries last year limited his playing time, he has yet to show that he has the tools to be a starting point guard in the league.
The Raptors bench looks quite weak. John Wallace will get the most minutes, as he has the ability to score almost at will, and should provide 15 points a game off the bench. Former Sacramento King Michael Stewart should get substantial minutes to relieve both Oakley and Willis. I haven't seen him play, but the word is good defence, no offence. Top draft pick Vince Carter will probably be shuffled around between shooting guard and small forward until his best position is found. Dee Brown is a dime-a-dozen shooting guard, and won't do much to hurt or help the Raptors. Reggie Slater, John Thomas and Michael Williams will likely see lots of pine time, barring a rash of injuries like the Raptors seem to suffer through every year.
The Raptors should be a better team than last year, but the shortened season will hurt them. The Western Conference has six terrible teams: Golden State, Denver, Dallas, Vancouver, Sacramento and the Clippers. This year Toronto has only two games against these six teams to fatten their won-lost stats. They have had a horrible record inside the Eastern Conference over their history, and there are really no bad teams in the conference. I think the playoffs are out of the question this year. Which brings us to the real question: has Grunwald sacrificed the team's long-term future to ensure respectability this year? Willis and Oakley don't have many more years left, and there is no one on the horizon to replace them. The negative atmosphere the last year in Toronto and the weak dollar have made it difficult to attract top free-agent talent. I can understand the need to present a decent team this year, as basketball is still a new thing in Toronto, and short-term respectability will do much to bring attendance back to the levels of the inaugral season. I just don't know if it will be the best strategy in the long run.
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