FanHouse Preview: Raptors

FanHouse previews all 30 NBA teams in advance of the 2009-10 season.

The Raptors made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason by signing free agent Hedo Turkoglu. That move alone upgrades the Raptors' talent level and should make them better.

But perhaps as important are the lesser, more-under-the-radar acquisitions Toronto made since the end of its 33-49 season. On their own, these moves didn't register very high on the impact meter. But when taken collectively, they should dramatically improve the team's depth, which was a problem area a year ago.

We already know Turkoglu, Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani form an interesting frontcourt trio, heavy on skill and finesse and short on physicality and muscle. That's a different kind of front line, and one that will likely be a challenge for opponents to match up against.

What hasn't gotten as much attention is how the additions of Marco Belinelli, Jarrett Jack and Reggie Evans are going to make the Raptors more well-rounded than they were in 2008-09.

The Raptors got Belinelli from the Warriors for Devean George, a player who looks to be on the brink of retirement. While he hasn't proven yet he's got NBA starter's pedigree, Belinelli has shown he can be a rotation player.

Jack gives the Raptors some point guard insurance, something they could have used a year ago because Jose Calderon missed time with injury. Among Jack, who can play both guard positions, Belinelli and rookie DeMar DeRozan the Raptors at least have the two guard spot covered.

As for Evans, while you don't want to overestimate what he can do, it's also plain as day that he's one of the few Raptors who has toughness and an edge. So his uniqueness alone will likely get him onto the court.

There are two main objectives for the Raptors. First and foremost, it's to get back into the playoffs, and that certainly seems plausible considering their undeniable improvement in talent.

Objective No. 2 is to re-sign Bosh, a free agent at season's end. That might prove more difficult for Toronto than making the postseason. Then again, making the postseason would likely go a long way toward Bosh wanting to stay.

Last Season By the Numbers

Record: 33-49 (8-9 under Sam Mitchell, 25-40 under Jay Triano). Finished 4th in the Atlantic Division, 13th in the Eastern Conference.

Offense: 107.0 points per 100 possessions, 22nd in the NBA. 20th in shooting, 11th in turnover rate, 29th in offensive rebounding, 20th in free throw rate.

Defense: 110.0 points per 100 possessions, 22nd in the NBA. 22nd in shooting defender, 23rd in opponent turnover rate, 14th in defensive rebounding, 3rd in opponent free throw rate.

Top Performers: Chris Bosh led the team in scoring and rebounding with 22.7 points and 10 rebounds per game. Jose Calderon averaged 8.9 assists and 2.1 turnovers per game. Jermaine O'Neal, who was traded at midseason, led the team with 2 blocks per game; Andrea Bargnani averaged 1.2 blocks per game.

All statistics via Basketball-Reference.com.

Player to Watch

FanHouse's Matt Moore and Tom Ziller preview one player to watch from each team. Here's a snippet of Ziller's post on Raptors point guard Jose Calderon.

While Calderon's gaudless production of 13 points and nine assists per game hasn't brought much acclaim, Toronto knows the value of the efficient manner in which Calderon gets those numbers. Specifically, 13 points on only 10 shots and nine assists with only two turnovers. If Calderon makes a play, there's a better chance than usual it will produce points. That's such a boon.

See Ziller's full post on Calderon.

Offseason Tracker

IN: Hedo Turkoglu (sign-and-trade), Antoine Wright (trade), Marco Belinelli (trade), DeMar DeRozan (draft), Jarrett Jack (free agency), Reggie Evans (trade), Amir Johnson (trade).

OUT: Kris Humphries (trade), Shawn Marion (trade), Nathan Jawai (trade), Jason Kapono (trade), Roko Ukic (trade).