The AltRaps Blog

globesports.com: Bargnani making strides on and off the court
There is the case to be made that if Toronto is to build on its surprising 47-35 season a year ago, Bargnani is the primary variable.

If he continues the nearly monthly improvements he made during his rookie season, the Raptors will have a player befitting of the No. 1 pick in the 2006 draft and a potent running mate for Chris Bosh.

A slower pace of growth will likely slow the Raptors, as the multitalented seven-footer is projected as the starting centre on a team whose glaring deficiency was toughness and rebounding last season.