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Off-Season at a Glance: Toronto Raptors

By SheedsWeed, Rashod. / Bballcentral.com Writing Staff
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Toronto Raptors

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Toronto Raptors
After missing the playoffs for consecutive years since the 2001-02 season, the Raptors look to be turning things around in the NBA. As of this point, the Raptors have had one of the biggest off-seasons yet, signing multiple players to contracts, signing key free agents, drafting players, and even making a somewhat surprising draft. The off-season began as the Raptors won the draft lottery, officially making them the holders of the number one draft pick. After about a month preparations, watching workouts of players, traveling to Italy to scout, and just reading over stats, the Raptors went with the seven foot Italian Andrea Bargnani, making him the leagues first "Andrea," and the first euro to be selected number one. The Raptors then selected Texas' P.J. Tucker with the thirty-fifth pick in the draft. Tucker is a good ball handler, and has a long wingspan so he can play bigger than his listed size. But with the drafting of Bargnani, Toronto's front court seemed stacked. Maybe too stacked.

That's when Toronto pulled the trigger on the TJ Ford deal. Bringing in TJ was a smart move on the Raptors part because if TJ wasn't traded for, Jose Cauldron would have been the starter as Mike James went to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The deal seemed to make sense for both teams. The trades didn't stop with TJ. Soon after, they Raptors wheeled and dealed first round bust Rafael Araujo to the Utah Jazz for Chris Humphries, and Robert Whaley. Toronto then traded Eric Williams, and Matt Bonner for Rasho Nesterovic of the San Antonio Spurs. As for free agency, the Raptors signed Anthony Parker. Not only that, but later on, Fred Jones, the former dunk contest winner, and Indiana Pacer, signed a three deal after the John Salmons trade didn't work. Toronto has only one free agent, Loren Woods, and even if they lose him to free agency, they will still have one of the best stacked front court in the league. The Toronto Raptors will most likely be the sleeper team of east.

Players Added
Draft - Andrea Bargnani (draft pick number one), P.J. Tucker (draft pick number thirty-five)
Free Agency - Anthony Parker, Fred Jones.
Trades - Traded Charlie Villanueva and cash considerations to Milwaukee for TJ Ford. Traded Rafael Araujo for Kris Humpries, and Robert Whaley. Traded Eric Williams, Matt Bonner, and a 2009 second round draft pick for Rasho Nesterovic.
Free Agents - None.
Players Lost - Charlie Villanueva (trade), Rafael Araujo (trade), Eric Williams (trade), Matt Bonner (trade), Andre Barrett (waived), Mike James (to Minnesota, via free agency)

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