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I like what Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo has done this offseason. It hasn't been as noisy as Boston, Cleveland or Orlando, but Toronto isn't in that threesome's class anyway.So while Colangelo might not have turned the 33-win Raptors into a conference champion in one summer, he has given them an intriguing identity and put them smack dab in the middle of the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
He's also put the ball in Chris Bosh's court.
Bosh, of course, is a rising free agent in 2010, and he's made it clear that everything has to be just-so for him to re-sign with the Raptors next summer. Well, Colangelo has set the table quite nicely for Bosh, thank you.
Now, let's see what Bosh has got.
Colangelo brought in Hedo Turkoglu, a legitimate upgrade to the frontcourt, and extended the contract of Andrea Bargnani, who is beginning to find his niche as a player. Sure, the quibblers might suggest Colangelo paid too high a price for them, but, hey, good for Toronto to be spending money in this economy.
That's three 6-foot-10 guys or taller, all of whom happen to be able to shoot it, pass it and put it on the floor a little bit. No, it's not a perfect trio, but it's a lot more than most teams have in the East.
Colangelo also is in the process of upgrading the point guard spot, and should know shortly about whether Indy will match the offer sheet for Jarrett Jack. The Raptors were a shell of themselves after Jose Calderon went down last season. Jack not only gives them a solid backup one but also someone capable of playing shooting guard.
In early June, Colangelo traded Jason Kapono to Philly for Reggie Evans, a move obviously designed to appease Bosh and lessen his dirty-work load.
Colangelo likely still has another move left in him, and the roster is calling out for a two guard or small forward who can shoot it a little bit. Maybe a Linas Kleiza or Matt Barnes type. Although, what if DeMar DeRozan emerges more quickly than expected?
But any way you slice it, Colangelo has had a heck of an offseason. No. the Raptors still aren't at elite level in the East. But they're right there with that second tier.
Bosh said recently that "without a doubt" he thinks of himself as a max player. But he didn't look like one last season when he was unable to bring out the best in a sketchy supporting cast.
This year, Bosh has some players around him. In other words, if the Raptors are mediocre -- or worse -- it's going to say more about Bosh and his supposed "max game" than it will about the rest of his team.
More Steinmetz on Twitter: @matt_steinmetz
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