When the Raptors drafted Chris Bosh just under six years ago, scouts billed him as "an extremely long and athletic young power forward who needed a little time to develop into a franchise calibre player." Indeed, Bosh did develop over his first five years with the Raptors, and has grown into the franchise player that some scouts foresaw when he was dominating the Atlantic Coast Conference at Georgia Tech. One of the premier power forwards in the NBA today, Bosh has averaged between 22.3 and 22.6 points, and between 8.7 and 10.7 rebounds per game over the past four seasons.
But the Raptors have had a dismal season this year. The team fired 2007 NBA Coach of the Year Sam Mitchell in December after an 8-9 start to the season, and replaced him with Jay Triano, a rookie NBA head coach and former Raptors assistant coach. But the losing continued. Now seven games out of the playoffs at 27-45 in a weak Eastern Conference, the Raps don't seem to be headed in the right direction. Bosh's contract expires at the end of next season, and he has expressed a desire to leave the Raptors after his contract expires after the 2010 season. He's frustrated with the way the Raptors have played this season, and wants to play for a winning team. If CB4 continues to rebuff Toronto General Manager Bryan Colangelo's contract extension offers, the Raptors will be faced with the difficult decision of whom to trade him for.
There are many different potential destinations for Bosh over the next year. It's rumoured that the Golden State Warriors have made an offer for Bosh in exchange for Anthony Randolph and Andres Biedrins, who combine to average 28 points and just under 20 rebounds per game. With a swingman like Shawn Marion and a little time to gel, Randolph and Biedrins could form an imposing presence down low. Another interesting destination for Bosh is Cleveland: a deal for a duo like Mo Williams and Ben Wallace would be very propitious for the Raptors (some other principals would need to be thrown in to make the numbers work, but the deal is still a real possibility). The team could maintain its inside presence and strengthen its interior defence through Wallace, while picking up an offensive-minded, all-star point guard who can score and distribute the ball effectively in Williams.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 6
G-Money
posted 3/31/09 @ 6:44 PM EST
At what point did Bosh express his desire to leave Toronto after next season?
That's an important part of the article, and from what I can tell, you made it up. (Continued…)
chris
posted 4/02/09 @ 10:16 AM EST
Why would the raptors even consider trading for Mo Williams since we already have a starting point guard in Calderon. Isnt the reason why we traded away Ford is so Calderon can be the main point guard? Your article is based on pure speculation and not much basketball sense. (Continued…)
dami
dami
posted 4/02/09 @ 10:17 AM EST
months ago, stephen a. smith (the espn analyst) reported that chris bosh wanted out of toronto. here is a link to the source i used. http://stephenablog. (Continued…)
chrismail
chris
posted 4/02/09 @ 10:20 AM EST
Why would the raptors even consider trading for Mo Williams since we already have a starting point guard in Calderon. Isnt the reason why we traded away Ford is so Calderon can be the main point guard? Your article is based on pure speculation and not much basketball sense. (Continued…)
dami
dami
posted 4/02/09 @ 10:39 AM EST
Considering mo williams` recent form, i`d rather have him as my starting guard than jose calderon. it wouldn`t be the first time the raptors have changed directions in a short time, just look at jermaine o`neal. (Continued…)
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