TORONTO RAPTORS
Makeover mandate: Keep Chris in Canada
Smartest move: Snaring Hedo Turkoglu away from Portland required a little luck but gives the Raptors another scorer, 3-point shooter and decision-maker, all in one package. Don't be surprised if they use him the same way Orlando did, running the late-game offense through him on occasion to take some pressure off Chris Bosh.
Biggest setback: Hard to find fault in what Bryan Colangelo has done this offseason, although it can be said that he hasn't added much defense. The Raptors still seem a bit soft. Maybe Reggie Evans can change that.
Feeling the draft: Taken ninth overall, DeMar DeRozan has a great chance to start at shooting guard. He has the size and athleticism to play both wing spots, although more minutes will be available at the 2.
Summer fun: DeRozan, who is just 19, averaged 17 points per game in Las Vegas but also showed restraint on the court and maturity off it. Patrick O'Bryant got a look as a backup center but still needs to play with more force and aggression.
Sleeper move: Combo guard Jarrett Jack may be one of the best signings of the summer. If DeRozan isn't quite ready, he can fill the minutes at shooting guard. And when Jose Calderon needs a breather, he can fill in at point guard. Trading for Marco Belinelli as a campare for Andrea Bargnani wasn't a bad move, either.
Biggest risk: Colangelo gave a five-year, $50 million contract extension to Bargnani, which could end up being a huge bargain or a huge mistake. He is only 23 and figures to get better, but how close is he to his ceiling? And how much of his recent development is from playing alongside Bosh?
Vacancies: None, really. There's one roster spot that likely will go to a small forward of little impact.
Overall grade: A. The Raptors appear to have a playoff team.
http://probasketballnews.com/story/?storyid=677
