by Chuck Swirsky
--raptors.com
April 13, 2006

(TORONTO) -- Is it me or does it seem like the Raptors have been on the road forever. Wait. Didn't the Raps recently just play four-straight home games? My bad.

Morris Peterson is known as "Mr. Raptor" to his teammates and his wrapping up his best season as a pro. (NBAE/Getty Images)

Perhaps the losing streak has brought the tail end of the season's pace to a screeching halt. Do not get discouraged Raptors' fans. The best is yet to come. Honestly, this isn't just me being a "homer". There are positives believe me.

The Raptors are in good hands with Bryan Colangelo. The man's credentials, resume and reputation around the league are second to none. In past years, when visiting writers and broadcasters greeted us from other NBA locales, the conversation was generally about another Raptors player or coach. Not any longer. It's about Colangelo. To say the Raps got a "steal" is an understatement. Thank you, Phoenix!

Some quick thoughts on this season's edition of the Raptors
• Chris Bosh: Fantatsic upside. Enough said. Already a star, he has room to grow and wants to get better. Intelligent, humble and respectful. That's good enough for me.
• Mo Peterson: Has taken his game to a different level this year. Fatigue is now a factor after playing a ton of minutes, but he loves playing in Toronto and Toronto loves him.
• Charlie Villanueva: Solid rookie year. Wonderful attitude with a thirst to be a great talent. I am convinced he'll work on his game in the offseason. The best is yet to come.
• Joey Graham. I am not giving up on this kid. Were we expecting more? Maybe. His pre-draft build up where many basketball pundits predicted Graham to be a mid-lottery pick led us to believe he would be an instant contributor or starter. I think he could be a double-figure scorer next year and improve his defence as well.
• Mike James: He has surpassed everyone's expectations. When the Raptors picked him up from Houston, the general concessus was that James would probably average 12-16 a game . But James got it going early and has made the most of the Raptors favourite play call: the screen and roll with CB4. His future is unclear depending on his contract demands.
• Offence: Can't argue with the style of play. The Raptors can score anytime, anywhere. They are too "outside-inside" but that's the result of the current make up of the roster. If the Raps can acquire a low-post threat in the offseason that will take some pressure off Chris Bosh and perimeter players.
• Free-throw shooting: Outstanding. Franchise best. It's old-school thinking all the way, but good things happen when you make your free throws.
• The unknown: Let Colangelo work his magic adding a big man and a pass-first point guard. This will enable James (should he re-sign) to move to the two guard. The Raptors are averaging 37 rebounds per game and next to last in blocked shots per. An upgrade is needed.

Ben, Chuck is truly disappointed in you - repent! (NBAE/Getty Images)

A few quick thoughts:
• Miami's bench should be healthy enough when the Heat open the playoffs in 10 days, but to be honest with you I just don't see anyone beating Detroit. That's not to say the Heat, Nets, Cavs or a sleeper can't win the Conference, but in all probability it's the Pistons in the East. They're remarkable run is an amazing feat. I am disappointed in Ben Wallace, however. I understand he wants to play. I understand how competitive he is. But to take a verbal swipe at Flip Saunders upon his removal from a game and then refuse to re-enter the contest has me completely puzzled. I never expected that from Ben Wallace. We all have bad days and I will just chalk this one up to one to frustration.
• Hopefully this will be the last time I write about an episode like this one.
• Miami's dance team won the NBA.com award for best in the business and, aside from my personal favourite - the Raptors Dance Pak, I can't disagree with the people's choice.
• Regardless of what happens to the Pacers in the playoffs, I expect Larry Bird to be extremely busy in the offseason.
• Ditto: Chris Mullin in Golden State.
• I can't believe how Portland's franchise is crumbling. It saddens me. It really does. This was once a jewel among NBA organizations.
• On second thought maybe the NBA should get rid of those retro Heat uniforms.
• I would keep the old-school Baltimore Bullets bright orange uniforms .
• NBA MVP: Steve Nash. If he doesn't win it, I hope Chauncey Billups does.
• Coach of the Year: Tough, tough call. Flip Saunders. Avery Johnson and Byron Scott. Unfortunately I take Gregg Popovich for granted. Mike D'Antoni of Phoenix is very, very good.
• Rookie of the Year: Chris Paul, Charlie V., Raymond Felton.
• Sixth Man: Speedy Claxton.
• Most Improved Player: Chris Bosh. Boris Diaw, David West.
• Defensive Player of the Year: Ben Wallace.
• Executive of the Year: Bryan Colangelo(Phoenix), Jeff Bower (Hornets).
• Biggest Disappointment: Knicks, Pacers, 76ers, Warriors.
• Best Interview: Elton Brand and Antawn Jamison.
• Team in transition from North to South: Minnesota (West), Indiana (East)
• Team in transition from South to North: Chicago (East), Hornets ( West).
• Best city other than Toronto: I'm taking three... ( hey, it's my column!) -- Seattle (my hometwon), Chicago and New York.
• Best nightlife other than Toronto: New York, Boston and Los Angeles.
• Best arena to call a game other than ACC: Madison Square Garden.
• Best Public Address Announcer: ( Herbie excluded) Mason-Pistons.-Deeeeeeeetroit Basketballllllllllll. -original and fits the team and style of play. -Gary Sussman - Nets. Old school all the way.
• Best hot dogs on the road: Cleveland and New Jersey.
• College coaches ready to make the jump to the NBA: Tom Izzo - Michigan State. Billy Donovan - Florida.
• Top assistants ready to become head coaches: Tony Brown, Boston. Marc Iavaroni - Phoenix. Scott Brooks - Denver.

Send me your thoughts at cswirsky@torontoraptors.com. Call me at 416-815-6189. It's always a pleasure communicating with our fans.







Chuck Swirsky

Don't forget to catch the Chuck Swirsky Show weekdays from 1 until 4 p.m. on the FAN590.