Anthony Parker and Kris Humphries are off to good starts in December for the Raptors. Starting shooting guard Anthony Parker has been hot so far this month. He has started all 5 games this month for the Raptors and he has averaged 29.2 minutes, 15.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Parker also is shooting a smoking 50.8% from the floor this month. Humphries is getting increased minutes due to injuries across the front line of the Raptors and he’s making the most of it. He has played in 4 games off of the bench so far this month. In those 4 games, Humphries has averaged 17.8 minutes, 11.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game. He is also shooting an incredible 65.4% from the floor in December!

Jose Calderon is good enough to start for many teams but the Raptors resisted trading him because starting point guard T.J. Ford has been fragile in his career. Calderon has played in 15 games so far this season and he’s averaged 24.6 minutes, 9.6 points, 2.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game. Look for Calderon to keep the fast paced offense of the Raptors purring when he’s on the court this season.

Chris Bosh improved on his career averages across the board as he had the best season of his young career.  In 69 games last season, Bosh averaged 38.5 minutes, 22.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.3 blocks per game.  Bosh’s shooting also improved as he nailed 49.6% of his shots from the floor, 34.3% from the three-point line and 78.5% from the free throw line. 

Bosh’s career numbers improved across the board due to his fine play of last year.  In 295 career NBA games, Bosh has averaged 37.1 minutes, 18.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 blocks per game.  Bosh has hit 48.5% of his shots from the floor, 27.8% of his three pointers and 77.5% from the free throw line.  Look for Bosh’s career numbers to continue to improve as he’s just scratching the surface of his potential.

With all the injuries the Raptors have suffered lately they really needed someone to step up and Anthony Parker and Chris Bosh have answered the bell.  Bosh has been incredible his last 8 games as he’s averaged 23.4 points, 13.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.0 block per game.  Anthony Parker has been fantastic in those same 8 games.  In those games he’s averaged 17.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.4 steals per game.  He also has nailed 25 of 55 (45%) of his three point shots, which is very good.

The trade that sent Charlie Villanueva to the Bucks for Ford is the biggest reason that the Raptors are in first place in the Atlantic Division this season.  T.J. Ford is the man that makes the fast paced Raptors offense go.  His numbers this season (except for rebounds) are very similar to the numbers Jason Kidd is putting up for the Nets this season.  That is amazing seeing how this is the first year that Ford has really started in the NBA.  He’s averaging 14.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game this season.  He also has shot well for a point guard as he’s hitting 44.5% from the floor, 34.2% from three-point range and 80% from the free throw line.  As long as Ford stays healthy, the Raptors will be in the playoffs this season.