The Raptors took a big risk in trading their first round pick of last season Charlie Villanueva for TJ Ford.  Ford is a great floor leader and is a classic, pass-first point guard.  Ford has averaged 31.7 minutes per game in his NBA career, so he can handle the heavy workload that he’ll be given.  Ford has averaged 10.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.3 steals for his career to date.  Ford does create mis-matches when he penetrates with his great speed, and often dishes the ball instead of trying to score.

Jose Calderon has proven to be a decent back-up point guard.  Calderon is also a pass-first point guard, but that is by choice because he’s a decent mid-range shooter.  Calderon averaged 5.5 points, 2.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists as a rookie last year.

Darrick Martin will be the #3 point guard and he also is a decent passer.  He has to be, because he’s not a good shooter.  Martin has averaged 7.3 points, 1.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.

Reserve center Pape Sow is still recovering from a broken neck he suffered last season.  There is no timetable for his return.

Sam Mitchell is firmly on the hot seat in Toronto.  Mitchell has a 60-104 record after two seasons on the job.  Alot of new people in management have come onver from the Phoenix Suns and want to have a similar playing style.  Mitchell is one of those play tough defense kind of coaches, but he better watch his back because Alex English is on his coaching staff….and he excelled in the up-tempo game as a player.