Toronto Raptors Tickets

The Toronto Raptors were hopeful a big offseason addition would push them to the next level, but instead they find themselves still stuck in neutral.

Actually, I'm not sure neutral is the way to put it. The Raptors have been a consistent first round playoff flameout in recent years, but at least they were reaching the postseason.

This year, Toronto somehow finds itself in the cellar of the Atlantic Division, which means they trail such teams as the rebuilding New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets.

It certainly isn't Chris Bosh's fault, as he is averaging 22.8 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Unfortunately, the team might end up trading him as it is unlikely he will return to Toronto once he becomes a free agent.

The Raptors dealt point guard T.J. Ford, who was outplayed by his backup all the time anyway, for Indiana Pacers forward Jermaine O' Neal.

Instead of getting a multi-time All-Star who felt like his knee would completely heal in the offseason, the team has received a mostly unproductive player who now seems like he wants out of Toronto.

The team will likely make good on that request if they are able to find another team willing to trade for O' Neal. The forward is averaging just 13.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, which isn't terrible but certainly not enough production considering his salary.

Much of the problem with the Raptors is the fact that they have too many role players, great guys coming off the bench that every winning team needs but not enough stars.

Jose Calderon is a solid point guard that most teams could win with, but the Raptors need some other impact players on the wing who can shoot from long range and also take the ball to the basket.

It could be a long second half of the season for the Raptors, who might very well be entering a period of rebuilding if they can't somehow right the ship in a hurry and make a push for the playoffs.