How many Wins for the 2012-13 Raptors?

Back at this again. I usually get some good responses on this.

Feel free if you want to be more exact and/or state a reason for your call.

I am going to say 41 and a playoff spot!

Not sure I've ever called this with anything close to accuracy. Maybe this time!

44. 7th seed.

jackpurcell wrote:44. 7th seed.

Wow! Someone more optimistic than myself!

In the very low 40's if they are generally injury free.

But I don't think that will happen so my guess is 37.

If Calderon gets traded for a good piece then its uphill

This is a deeper team this year, with a legit second unit. Three point guards, including a guy who probes into the paint (Lowry) and an energy source off the bench (Lucas). Depth in the post (JV, Amir, Gray), and DeRozan is progressing very nicely and put in a lot of work over the summer. Solid role player in Anderson, who is a swingman stopper off the bench.

I don't see Acy or Ross making a major impact this year. Ross can shoot it, but his defense is substandard, like that of a lot of rookies. No real minutes for Acy, barring an injury. He could learn in the D-League.

Other concerns are Bargs still shooting too many 3s, and getting too few boards, bad starts to games, and Fields is too streaky with the J.

They had some creampuffs on the exhibition schedule, so that record, while impressive, has to be taken in context.

Mid 30s for wins, I'd say, with an outside chance at the playoffs at best -- but this team has more upside for sure and more options for the coach.

If the oft-rumoured trade for a top-caliber wing were to be worked out how does that affect our outlook?

Possibly available may be Calderon, Davis and Kleiza who are all reasonable NBA players. Could we parlay that into a good NBA 3-man?

That may mean more minutes for Ross which may not be a bad thing. It would compromise our strength at PG a little but open up more for Lucas III. We would still be deep because we would add a good piece from the trade.

Am I just dreaming up a tree or what?

I think this roster is pretty much set, with only one roster move left to get down to 15.

DeRozan and Fields will man the swing positions.

Perhaps a team with an injury will make a bid for Calderon. The Mavs seemed like a good fit but opted for a younger and cheaper option in Darren Collison.

Steve Nash has been playing with a mixed up lineup, and is dealing with a new system in LA, but based on the preseason, he appears to be in decline. He looks slower in everything he does. Not surprising at age 38.

Interesting team report/analysis, from SI:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/basketball/nba/10/24/raptors-nba-season-preview/index.html

Fields and Kleiza are by far the worst players the raptors picked up