c2c basketball

North of the Border is the Toronto Raptors’ team report written by Kyle Ng.

Team reports are articles written by the General Manager of each franchise. Whether it is weekly, monthly, or after every trade or game, c2c’s team reports are an inside look to each franchise. Maybe an explanation of a trade or a week in review of how the team has faired in games, either way, these are the words of the league and owners.

Brace yourselves.

Kevin Garnett will be depended on in Toronto.

As other teams have been making big trades for superstars and picks, the Raptors have stayed put and relaxed. With their roster looking older and older by the moment, one has to wonder what Kyle Ng is going to do this off-season. With no guys under 30 on this team right now, they are easily one of the older teams in the league and their age may be exposed when they play a faster team.

“Yes we’re getting older and everyone is playing small ball nowadays but in the playoffs, what wins you games is veteran experience. We have a group of guys that have been in the playoffs and have gone far in the playoffs so they know what it takes to win.” says Kyle Ng.

He however quickly added that they will be looking at FA’s to add on to the team of veterans and start the next season the same way the playoffs started when they upset the #1 seed Orlando Magic in the first round.

“With everyone focusing on a young star like Monta Ellis, people will forget about the lesser known players. This is the perfect opportunity for us to steal someone in the FA for a bargain and help our team out. It doesn’t matter if the player is an old vet or a young stud, if we feel the player fits our team, we’ll take a look at him.”

And what about FA Jason Kapono?

“Our first priority is going to be resigning Jason Kapono because shooters like that don’t come often and with our two bigs, someone will always be open. We know a lot of teams will be interested in him but we feel confident he’ll return to our team.”

And for team needs?

“The one position that probably concerns me the most right now is the point guard situation. Last year we had Sam Cassell start during the regular season and ended with Grant Hill. You could see Sam was burnt out from playing all those extended minutes so we’re going to need someone to lead this team and get the ball to our bigs and also make shots. Everyone is talking about we need a scoring wing but I think Bonzi did a fantastic job in the playoffs especially against Orlando. His contract is up after next season so he’ll probably play better than usual.”

Even if there are no significant changes, expect the Raptors to perform better than what they did during the regular season last season. Duncan and KG with a training camp together will change a lot of things and hopefully start their quest for a championship.