Toronto Raptors, Andrea Bargnani, Anthony Parker, Chris Bosh, National Basketball Association - CBSSports.com
Toronto is the favorite,” Kidd said of last season’s Atlantic winner. “Everybody forgets about them. If they can stay healthy, they’ll be right there.”

I must confess, I’ve forgotten about the Raptors once already. Annoyed T.O. fans angrily wrote in to point out that during an Eastern Conference finals column writing off the Pistons, I’d omitted their 47-win team as one of the squads on the rise.

My apologies, Canada.

You’re absolutely right about being slighted, picked on and cast aside. In this case, the chip on your shoulder is merited. In fact, those who choose to feed the inferiority complex fix might opt to believe the savvy Kidd was just giving Toronto its just due simply to avoid fanning the likely rivalry with the Celtics.

Whatever the reason for his answer, expect it to be among the minority. The Raptors are still the youngest team among the Eastern Conference’s true contenders, taking that baton from the not-so-baby Bulls.