Mid Season Grades By Richie

Since we have now reached the NBA All-Star break I find it a fitting time for a first half recap and a look into the Raptors future.

In general the Raptors have been a MAJOR success. What they have done since the beginning of 2007 is truly incredible. The betting odds for them winning the Eastern Conference get lower every day. They went from 20-1, to 18-1, to 17-1 just this week. Do I think they will accomplish it? No, probably not, but the fact that anyone is discussing it is truly amazing.

Here is my player by player breakdown of the Raptors:

Bosh - He has improved every year and is showing himself to be a truly exceptional player. Missing those 12 games in fact helped the team and him to improve their offensive flow. He has never looked better. I hope Mitchell plays him less than 40 minutes a game from here on out to keep the wear and tear to a minimum. A+

TJ Ford - His shot is improving and so is his decision making. He carried the team when Bosh was hurt and has proven to be worth Charlie V. He is young and if his shot continues to improve he may even become a top 7 point guard in the league. A

Jose Calderon - Who would have thought this guy was gonna be this good? Best thing Babcock ever did was sign him. The stats that he and Ford put up together are jaw dropping. The Forderon Monster is averagin approximately 25 points and 15 assists over the last few weeks. Lets hope they keep the good relationship going and do not develop any sort of rivalry. A

Anthony Parker - Started slow but is now a solid 'glue guy' that does everything well. Great addition to the team. A-

Andrea Bargnani - His offensive skills are unreal. Silky three point stroke and his inside moves are noticably improving already. Better than expected shot blocker and defender so far - I wish he got some more rebounds though. His ceiling is fuckin high. Compare him to other big rooks like Tyrus Thomas or Lamarcus Aldridge. Damn glad the Raps didn't pick them. Lets hope he doesnt hit a rookie wall. A

Jorge Garbajosa - His shot is streaky but he does the little things to help teams win and he has the best post game quotes. B

Rasho Nesterovic - Solid guy. The best center they have had in a while. He is there when you need him and hopefully that wont be too often in the future. C+

MoPete - Started like shit but has been good lately. Will he be with the team in a few weeks? Im guessing the answer is yes. Everyone likes him and Im bettin the Clips are regretting not trading Maggette for him when they had the chance. B-

Joey Graham - Continues to be elusive and flash the potential from time to time. He is a good chip to have and at least has shown some signs of progress. He doesn't kill the team when he comes into games a la Fred Jones. C-

Fred Jones - The only bust thus far. His fall from grace reminds me of the year the Raps signed Hubert Davis who then forgot how to hit 3's. F

Kris Humphries - Has played ok in limited minutes. Needs to improve shot selection. Thank god he is not Arraujo. C

Darrick Martin - He is ok as a 12th man I suppose. Wouldnt want him to play much though. C-

Pape Sow, PJ Tucker, Uros Slokar - Who knows, not enough minutes to tell. Incomplete