The Toronto Raptors off-season may not have been as exciting as the Knicks, Nets or Celtics, but their acquisitions will create battles for playing time which will benefit the team. In my opinion Chris Bosh and Anthony Parker are the only guarantees for starting spots this season.

TJ Ford will most likely start at point guard again, but look for Jose Calderon to continue his strong play from the Euro Championships and put pressure on Ford for minutes. Juan Dixon, who was acquired at the trade deadline last year, is capable of playing the point guard position, but is better suited at shooting guard.

Anthony Parker should be a lock at the shoot guard position, but look for Carlos Delfino to keep him honest and give the Raptors some quality minutes off the bench. Jason Kapono, Juan Dixon and Joey Graham can also give quality minutes at shooting guard.

After the departure of long time Raptor and Iron man Morris Peterson, the small forward position is up in the air. It’s tough to tell who Coach Sam Mitchell will go with. Newly signed 3 point specialist Jason Kapono will most likely start, but look for Jorge Garbajosa, Carlos Delfino, and Joey Graham to step up if Kapono falters.

All-star Chris Bosh is the franchise and the starting power forward. There isn’t anyone on the Raptors roster that is ready to challenge Bosh for the starting job. Garbajosa and Humphries will provide the team with quality minutes while Bosh takes a breather or finds himself in foul trouble. Maceo Baston will most likely challenge Humphries for those extra minutes at PF while Garbajosa will see minute’s at all three forwards positions.

Bryan Colangelo didn’t address the need for a big man during the off-season, so the Raptors will have to rely on veteran Rasho Nesterovic for a bulk of the minutes. At 6ft9 Garbajosa can step in and play, but will have trouble in the post against some of the NBA’s premier big men. Many websites have Bargnani penciled in at centre, but he is more of a finesse player and not ready to start for the Raptors just yet.

The Raptors bench is filled with versatile players. Guys like Garbajosa, Bargnani, Delfino, Bosh, Dixon, and Kapono can play more than one position on the floor. It will be difficult for Sam Mitchell to spread minutes amongst his players, but the spirit of competition will only benefit the Raptors this season.

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