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Coach: Sam Mitchell (2nd year, 33-49)

Last season: 33-49, missed playoffs.

Projected starters: C Rafael Araujo, F Chris Bosh, F Jalen Rose, G Morris Peterson, G Rafer Alston.

Key subs: F Charlie Villanueva (r), F Matt Bonner, G Joey Graham (r), F Eric Williams, C Loren Woods.

New Faces: G Jose Calderon (Spain), Villanueva, Graham.

Key Losses: F Donyell Marshall, G Milt Palacio, F Lamond Murray.

Strengths: Chris Bosh. Once out of Vince Carter’s shadow, Bosh had a ‘come to Jesus’ moment and morphed into a leader on the floor, demanding the ball and barking out orders. With a little bit of bulk, he could become a legit 20 and 10 player. The only other major positive is Jalen Rose’s pimp wardrobe and the mouth to match. Right now, he’s the best quote in the League.

Weaknesses: Where do we start? Loren Woods is still the Raptors' best center, Rafer Alston remains their best point guard and Jalen Rose is their top scoring option. Both the GM and possibly the coach are in over their heads and the home crowd is still feeling jilted over the loss of VC. They are going to rely heavily on a group of players with little or no pro experience. As it stands, this team couldn’t beat their PlayStation counterpart.

Outlook: Yikes! For once, general manager Rob Babcock may be on to something. His statement that this team is going nowhere is likely right on. The next two seasons are critical. If Bosh, Graham and Villanueva can gel before CB4 is due a contract extension, and Pape Sow really is a poor man’s Ben Wallace, then the Raps just may have something to hang their hat on. In two years when Jalen Rose and his 16 mil come off the books, local hero Jamaal Magloire is a free agent. This year, if they’re going to get a whiff of the postseason, both Bosh and Rose need to average 20-plus a night.

Sure Sign of Trouble: Rob Babcock is still in charge. Either someone runs the Babcock brothers out of Toronto or Steven A. Smith’s head will explode next year on draft day. Take your pick.

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