By: David Kay and Paul M. Banks
2008-09 Season Summary:
Last year was a rough one for “Canada’s Team.” The Toronto Raptors front office thought they significantly improved a playoff team this last off-season when they made a blockbuster trade for Jermaine O’Neal. Despite O’Neal’s arrival and much improved play from former #1 overall draft choice Andrea Bargnani, the Raptors were bad. They started 8-9 which cost Coach Sam Mitchell his job. Replacement and long-time assistant Jay Triano (who was already given a three-year extension since the season ended) tweaked the starting line-up, but the Raptors fell to 21-34 by the All-Star break. In a move mainly to help Toronto shed some salary, the dealt O’Neal and Jamario Moon to Miami for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. Still, the Raptors were eliminated from playoff contention with seven games left.
Check out the complete Raptors season preview, other NBA previews, and power rankings.