2006 Toronto Raptors Preview

Welcome to the 2006 Toronto Raptors NBA Preview page. At the time of publish the preseason games are underway with the regular season to open soon. If you regularly do bet on the NBA use Maddux Sports for NBA Picks and Live NBA Odds to increase your winning percentage this season.

2006 Toronto Raptors Basketball Season Preview

In 2002 the Raptors made the playoffs. It’s been downhill ever since with 22, 33, 33 and 27 wins from 2003- 2006. Former Phoenix mastermind Bryan Colangelo is the club’s new G.M. and is looking to turn the Raptors around like he did the Suns. It won’t happen overnight, but he’s determined that it will occur.

Former Buck, T.J. Ford (12.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 6.6 APG, 41.6 FG%, 75.4 FT%) enters his third year in the pros and first season with Toronto. Ford, at point guard, can manipulate the open court and penetrate inside, changing the tempo and complexion of a game. Expect to see either talented shooting guard Fred Jones (9.6 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.3 APG, 41.7 FG%, 76.3 FT%) or versatile swingman Morris Peterson (16.8 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.3 APG, 43.6 FG%, 82.0 FT%) across from him.

Power forward Chris Bosh (22.5 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 2.6 APG, 50.5 FG%, 81.6 FT%) can score, bang inside and ignite an offense. The star player will be teamed with the year’s all-around first draft pick-- Andrea Bargnani. Bargnani, from Italy, has a host of offensive skills but must develop better D. There’s a lot of potential here. The flexible Peterson will probably be utilized to relieve the rookie.

Former Spurs center Rasho Nesterovic (4.5 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 0.4 APG, 51.5 FG%, 60.0 FT%) has put in two sub-par seasons. He comes to Toronto looking to prove that he can still be a strong force inside as a shooter and rebounder. This is the team’s weakest position on he court.

Toronto played up-tempo ball last year and should be even more committed to that style in 2006-07. Coach Sam Mitchell is a screamer who openly criticizes his players, which can cause more problems than it solves. Mitchell (60-104 with Toronto) is working under new G.M. Colangelo, which means he’s got a short leash. If his way doesn’t work, it will be the highway.

This is still a young team that is not quite ready to breakout. Colangelo has done a good job upgrading the team. The future looks much brighter.

For more info on the 2006 Raptors basketball team visit the Raptors official website from NBA.com or keep reading up on their division rivals including the Nets, 76ers, Celtics, and Knicks.