Spooked Writer

Have to start with our number 1 pick and Italian saviour. Most fans in Toronto were skeptical abt Andrea Bargnani as our no.1 pick. He's silenced us critics, and showed why he was chosen number 1. He's got a cold killer stroke and improved his defence which was evident against the Nets in our playoff series. Rookie of the year runner-up, he's gonna go far for us.

Jose Calderon was perhaps the finest signing of ex-GM Rob Babcock. A starting point guard for the Spanish National team, he led them to the championship trophy. He's our back-up point guard, but he's so good, he could be starting for any NBA team. He's our Steve Nash-lite.

Jorge Garbajosa, Jose's friend and Spanish national team-mate, came a year after Jose. He embodied the spirit and hustle of the Raptors. Though it was his rookie season, he played like a veteran and was rookie of the year candidate despite his advanced age, until his leg fractured and cut his season short. Hopefully he'll be ready for nxt season.

Pape Sow was to be our potential Senegalese poor-man's Ben Wallace. That hasn't happened. Fans predicted a breakout season this year but he suffered a neck injury during the summer league and missed virtually the entire season except for a few games at the end. He has an appreciative unique hustle and heart.Let's hope he comes around and reaches his potential

Uros Slokar didn't get to play in most of the games and when he did it was hardly a few minutes. I first saw him play in the summer league and he looked good. Too bad that didn't translate to the Slovenian national team. But he's got potential and a mentor in Rasho Nesterovic. Maybe he'll get some serious burn instead of smiling at the end of the bench.

Rasho Nesterovic may have a hefty contract and in decline because of his advanced age, but he was the defensive anchor and leader for this team. He's the true center that we haven't had for a loooong time. He's slow but what he lacks in speed, he makes up with smarts. He's really been appreciated by every1 in Toronto. Let's hope he doesn't decline any further otherwise he'll be one expensive player sitting on the bench nxt to Uros Slokar

Anthony Parker was drafted in the NBA but because of on-going injuries he got cut. So he continued his career in Europe. He ended up with Maccabi Tel Aviv leading them to the championships and earning MVP honours. Now he's back in the NBA thanks to Bryan Colangelo rolling the dice on him, despite his advanced age. Parker plays the most flawless game amongst the Raptors with offense and defense. Not the most athletic,but really intelligent at both ends. This was his redemption and I'm glad he did it with the Raptors.