Last Season: The Raptors traded for Jermaine O'Neal during the offseason but injuries prevented him from becoming a factor. The Raptors were a mess and took a huge step backwards after consecutive playoff appearances.

Acquisitions: F Hedo Turkoglu, G DeMar DeRozan, G Jarrett Jack, F Reggie Evans, G Marco Belinelli, C Amir Johnson, G Antoine Wright

Departures: F Joey Graham, F Pops Mensah-Bonsu, C Jake Voskuhl, G Anthony Parker, F Jason Kapono, F Shawn Marion, F Kris Humphries, C Nathan Jawai, G Roko Ukic

Starting Five: F Chris Bosh, F Hedo Turkoglu, C Andrea Bargnani, G Jose Calderon, G Jarrett Jack

Bench Mob: Marcus Banks, Demar DeRozan, Reggie Evans, Amir Johnson, Rasho Nesterovic

Most Interesting Man in the World: Chris Bosh – Was there ever any doubt? He is probably the most interesting person in the NBA. He produces crazy videos and has his own iPhone application. And while he’s not at LeBron level, it will be interesting to see his every word be scrutinized leading to his free agency at the end of the year.

Over the Hill: Hedo Turkoglu – He took a step back last year, with his stats, and more importantly, his shooting percentage, decreasing. Turkoglu definitely makes this team better but his best days are behind him.

Ready to Break Out: Amir Johnson – The Raptors are soft. Soft like a baby wrapped in cashmere in a vat of goose-down pillows. They need an enforcer and Johnson can fit that role. It’s not like he’s going to be an all-star but he could become a consistent starter that can grab eight rebounds a game and block a couple of shots.

Outlook: The addition of Turkoglu automatically makes them better than they were last year but that’s not saying much. How quickly DeMar DeRozan can develop and become a factor will go a long way in determining how good the Raptors can be this year. On paper this team isn’t very threatening but word that Bosh has put on 20 pounds of muscle is a good sign. They might be battling for a playoff spot but most likely this is a farewell tour for Chris Bosh with the Raptors.

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