2006-2007 Finish: 20-62

What went well

The biggest thing to happen to the Raptors this season was the hiring of GM Juvenile404. Without a doubt one of the longest suffering clubs in the NLL with one postseason appearance in 2003, the Raptors needed something, anything to energize fans by making basketball exciting again in Canada.

The season began with some personnel changes. Veterans Antonio Daniels and Brendan Haywood were shipped out to the Sixers for Chris Mihm (who would be injured and released shortly after) and Damien Wilkins. In another controversial move, they sent team star Richard Jefferson to the Nuggets for Desmond Mason. Some inconsequential FAs were signed. Finally, the Raptors made their biggest and most important move of the season. They signed draftee Brandon Roy to a rookie contract.

The season began and the Raps did just like everyone expected to do each season. They stank. Roy sat out hurt and the team dropped games just like the Raptors did each season. Near the trade deadline, GM Juvenile404 made more deals. In a three way deal, the Raptors sent away expiring FA Mason and promising forward Andres Nocioni and got back David West and cap-filler Wally Szczerbiak. They also sent Wilkins and James Augustine to Denver for Eddie Jones in a head-scratcher.

With the acquisition of West, the Raptors now had a good nucleus of young players. With West, Roy and Raymond Felton to build around, GM Juvenile404's plan become to gel. Even though the Raptors finished poorly, there is one bright spot. Roy beat out the heavily-favored LaMarcus Aldridge to become the NLL Rookie of the Year.

What didn't

The Raptors finished with their worst record yet. Some say they may have been tanking for the draft, but any way you look at it, 20 wins just is not respectable at all. Keeping Wilkins, an up-and-coming power dunker, would have served the team better than the venerable Jones. Though the team now has a bright future, it will take a lot to bring fans back to the arena anytime soon.

Star

- Raymond Felton, PG-

In just two quick years, Felton has become the undisputed star of the Raptors. Last season he kicked major butt, averaging 23.2 points and 6.8 assists per game. Many called him overrated and undersized when draft and Felton has worked hard to prove the nay-sayers wrong. Though his decision-making and shooting skills need more work, this guard has lots of time to improve. There have been rumors that the team may trade Felton before the season starts but it would be extremely unwise to move this fan favorite, especially when trying to woo them back to games.

Goat

-Wally Szczerbiak –GF

Well at least his contract is expiring. This guy played in only 24 games last season and pocketed a cool $12 million in doing so. He went through three teams before the season ran out. He did well on Utah and then just fell apart. Maybe next season he'll earn his money.

Looking to the future

With such a dismal final record, there really is nowhere to go but up for the Raps. They have some money to sign free agents now, but West is looking for a huge contract extension and the always-reliable Jerry Stackhouse will be making some cash too. Look for them to have about $20 million to use on players. That's a good bit of cash, considering prizes like Gilbert Arenas and more could be out there. Besides West and Stackhouse, the Raptors would be better served letting all of their other unsigned players walk.

The biggest and most exciting news is that the Raptors drafted Kevin Durant. Surprised I didn't mention anything until now? I bet myself I could make it to the end of the column without mentioning him. Without a doubt one of the most anticipated rookies since LeBron and Melo took to the court, Durant will be in the spotlight now that Greg Oden has taken a powder. By adding Durant to the lineup of West, Felton and Roy, the Raptors now have four of the most exciting (yet injury-prone) young men in the league. Basketball mania may not come back to Toronto this season but with this much potential, only poor management could keep this team from becoming something special.