Raptors Opening Night Brings Optimism, Old Friends, and the King

While opening night is still two months away, Raptors fans can’t help but look ahead in anticipation at what could be one of the finest Raptors squads assembled. On October 28, 2009, we shall see if all of Bryan Colangelo’s roster changes can mesh together to create a winning basketball team. The ACC will no doubt be packed for the arrival of the King, LeBron James, and his new bodyguard, Shaquille O’Neal. The Cavaliers were the best team in the NBA last year, but choked in the playoffs. They will be out to prove that last season was no fluke, and will be on their quest to “win a ring for the King” as Shaq puts it. This game will also mark the return of some old friends, as Jamario Moon and Anthony Parker are now sporting a different kind of red in Cleveland. Both bring a defensive presence that the Cavs were missing last year, and should help to limit the damage newly acquired Raptor Hedo Turkoglu should bring. The Raptors starting five of Bargnani, Bo...