Quiet Week, But Lots Happening...

July 4, 12:01 p.m. As the summer rolls on, little heavy lifting remains for the Toronto Raptors. Jose Calderon has announced, via his web site, that he is coming back. No surprise there. Somewhere, Jermaine O’Neal is training for this leg of his career. Observers say his troublesome left knee has been brought to heel. If so, he is expected to arrive in Toronto next week as the best centre the Raptors have ever had. Hakeem Olajuwon had a better CV, but there wasn’t much of The Dream left. O’Neal has two years remaining on his deal and a new lease on life. A six-time all-star, he is only 29 and he and Chris Bosh should give the Raptors a fearsome twosome in the paint. Suddenly, the Raps interior game should allow them to power the ball inside, but O’Neal’s greatest contributions will come on defence. There are media rumblings that Hassan Adams will arrive to bring more athleticism and explosiveness to the three spot. All that is left is O’Neal’s official unveiling, which should come at midweek. A discreet makeover is in place.