Raptors' core in need of refinement?

[Mr.Raptorsingh]

Coming into this season, we all had a good idea of who our core players are. I think we can all agree that the guys the Raptors are counting on for the future are Chris Bosh, Andrea Bargnani, T.J. Ford, and Jose Calderon.

Now, obviously Chris Bosh is the 'franchise' player. We're building our team around him. Guys like Andrea Bargnani and T.J. Ford/Jose Calderon give the Raptors a strong foundation around CB4 for many years to come.

I look at the core of players and I see some issues here. For one, T.J. Ford is probably the biggest issue. His status for the years ahead is really questionable due to his health. Can we count on T.J. Ford as our PG of the future? Is he really one or two falls away from retirement? I sure hope not. (By the way, I think BC is trying to answer these questions w/ the help of specialists who know more about T.J. Ford's condition. That is probably the main reason why T.J. Ford has not started practising yet.)

The T.J. Ford uncertainty really puts Jose Calderon into the limelight. As a tandem, both Ford and Calderon give the Raptors fantastic production out of the PG position for 48 minutes. You take Ford out of the equation and the PG play is not as bright for the future. Calderon is 26 yrs. old, and ASSUMING he re-signs w/ the Raptors, he could be forced to start on the team like he is now. Can we count on Calderon as a starter for the future?

I personally think Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani are great guys to build around for the future. They just got to keep growing together and we'll all see a dominant frontcourt come to fruition.

But, again, for this core to be successful in ultimately bringing home a championship to Toronto, T.J. Ford must prove to be healthy and reliable. If this is not the case, then the Raptors are stuck owing Ford 8 Mil over the next 3 yrs. For all we know, BC might be trying to get insurance from the NBA on Ford. To me, it really puts the Raps in a bit of a limbo going forward.

I decided to make this post on the basis of what I heard from Bryan Colangelo on ESPN last night. From the sounds of it, there is a lot of HOPE regarding T.J. Ford. In other words, it seems as if Ford will not be back any time soon.
Thoughts on whether or not a possibe change is needed to the overall core of players? Sorry for the long post.

[AB_21]

Your title lead me to think that the Raps need a complete overhaul. But it turned it "we just need TJ back" and that seems to be agreed upon across the board.

[Grizzled]

I definitely think that Calderon can be a top tier starting PG in this league. Losing TJ has been a huge loss, though, and I don

[curryfries]

The Raptors core is young, you do not give up on that until you see how they all play together fully developed. What may need refining is the players around them or an added piece to that core.

[Trilogy]

The biggest questions for this core are:

1. Can we rely on TJ from a health perspective?
2. Can Bargs & Bosh coexist?
3. Can Bargs play Centre effectively?

#1 is an issue that just recently came up. Unfortunately, trading Calderon for another player (which was an extremely likely and necessary step for us to evolve as a team) becomes extremely risky. TJ's value also has plummeted tremendously due to injury concerns making Calderon the more ideal choice in terms of value.

If TJ comes back to begin with, it might be a big risk we end up taking. Hopefully someone like Roko can become a good backup PG in that scenario.

2 & 3 have been discussed so often I'm going to just leave it for now.

[RockTHECasbah]

4. Can Bargs play effectively? (not just a game or two)

[Ill Mago]

I think Parker is in need of retirement.




I wish i was kidding.

[DIEHARD_005]

I think Parker is in need of retirement.




I wish i was kidding.

We're definitely not seeing the AP of last year. There is no doubt that he is on the decline. I think BC is going to have to look into replacing him sooner rather than later.

[J Dilla]

I don't see any decline from Anthony Parker. He's been the same as last year. His defense was overrated last year. I'm happy with Anthony Parker. Im just not happy with rest of the wings.

[rise of raptors]

I believe a piece has to be added to the core. That athletic wing that can create his own shot and provide solid D discussed throughout the off season (by both BC and the fans) is still a need IMO. Moon has been a pleasant surprise that exceeded all expectations, but this 27 year old rookie does not appear to be the long-term solution.

In terms of role players we are in good shape with young guys like Kapono, Delfino (if he resigns), and Hump. And to a lesser extent Joey G (btw, have the Raps given up on him???).

In light of TJ's injury, keeping Jose seems to be of greater importance now. At first, I thought BC would look to trade Jose and bring in Roko, now that's kinda risky. Even if TJ comes back, will we see the same fearless little engine? It seems more that ever, it will be the PG duo of Forderon that will bring the championship home.

Bargnani is really the big question mark. We know that he has to reach an all-star level for the Raps to be contenders. But hoping that he will be able to do well the things expected of centres i.e. post presence and rebounding might be wishful thinking. But at the same time, he is able to create a lot of mismatches with his quickness and unlimited range. So Bargs is really a trade-off. If Bosh and 'X' player can help fill those voids then the Raps are set.

[kingr]

Problems I see is T.J's health.
And Bargnani.

[TribeZulu]

Personally I am a big believer in the Raptor core. With this core we've won better than 50% of our games in the last two seasons, and we're still young. Consider Bosh, Bargnani, Ford, Calderon, Moon, Delfino, Graham and Hump are all relatively young and or inexperienced.

Instead of refinement I think we need to focus on the development of these players. As is, we're a pretty good team. But we can be a contender if these guys develop themselves and learn to play together.

[PopAGat]

Ford is our biggest concern, for sure and its obviously because of health issues. Then comes Bargnani...if he can co-exist with Bosh and play consistently for us.

On a side note, if Ford does retire due to injuries then we still have Ukic..

[deknow]

Great post Singh.

I for one know the ket to any success that Raps have going forward is directly linked to a healthy Ford. If he is unable to play it will set the franchise back for a number of years.

I do think they are being patient given the nature of the injury and will not give any timetable on a return until Ford and the Doctors feel he can come back and play without suffering another setback this season