Editing Toronto Raptors (section)

===2006–2010: Chris Bosh era===
The [[2006–07 NBA season|2006–07 season]] represented a watershed year for the Raptors franchise. The roster was overhauled, including the selection of [[2006 NBA draft]] number one pick [[Andrea Bargnani]], the acquisition of point guard [[T. J. Ford]] in exchange for Villanueva, and the signing of shooting guard [[Anthony Parker]] and small forward [[Jorge Garbajosa]].<ref name="signs">[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/CP_bosh_071406.html "Raptors re-sign star forward Chris Bosh to contract extension"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509070614/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/CP_bosh_071406.html |date=May 9, 2020 }}, nba.com, July 14, 2006, accessed May 9, 2011.</ref> Bosh was given a three-year contract extension,<ref name="signs" /> while [[Maurizio Gherardini]] of [[Pallacanestro Treviso|Benetton Treviso]] was hired as the club's vice-president and assistant general manager.<ref>[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/pressrelease_062206.html "Raptors Name Gherardini To Basketball Staff"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220083859/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/pressrelease_062206.html |date=February 20, 2010 }}, nba.com/raptors, June 22, 2006, accessed June 17, 2007.</ref>

[[File:Toronto raptors 0607z.jpg|thumb|left|[[Anthony Parker]] (No. 18) and [[Jorge Garbajosa]] (No. 15) with the Raptors during the [[2006–07 NBA season|2006–07 season]]. Parker and Garbajosa were signed by the Raptors in the 2006 off-season.]]
The first half of the season produced mixed results as Toronto struggled towards the .500 mark.<ref name="rebirth">Smalls, Anthony, [http://www.nba.com/aroundtheassociation/raptors_revival.html "The Rebirth of the Raptors"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070517011556/http://www.nba.com/aroundtheassociation/raptors_revival.html |date=May 17, 2007 }}, nba.com, April 12, 2007, accessed June 16, 2007.</ref> After the All-Star break, Bargnani continued to work on his defence and shooting (averaging 14.3 points per game and 3.9 rebounds per game in 12 games for the month of February 2007), and he was selected as the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for the second straight time on March 1, 2007.<ref name=rotm2>[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/pr_bargnani030107.html "Bargnani Named NBA Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116010950/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/pr_bargnani030107.html |date=January 16, 2009 }}, nba.com/raptors, March 1, 2007, accessed March 23, 2007.</ref> Bargnani became the third Raptor ever to win the award twice, joining Vince Carter and Damon Stoudamire.<ref name=rotm2/> Toronto ended the regular season with a 47–35 record, securing the third seed in the Eastern Conference for the [[2007 NBA playoffs]] along with the Atlantic Division title, as well as homecourt advantage for the first time in franchise history.<ref>[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/postup_041507.html Raptors Post Up] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021022846/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/postup_041507.html |date=October 21, 2020 }}, nba.com/raptors, April 15, 2007, accessed June 17, 2007.</ref><ref>[http://www.nba.com/standings/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Div.html 2006–07 Standings] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108044514/http://www.nba.com/standings/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Div.html |date=January 8, 2012 }}, nba.com, accessed April 22, 2007.</ref> Bosh was voted to start in the [[2007 NBA All-Star Game]].<ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/raptors-bosh-voted-all-star-starter-1.658705 "Raptors voted all-star starter"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026142635/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/raptors-bosh-voted-all-star-starter-1.658705 |date=October 26, 2020 }} cbc.ca, January 25, 2007, accessed June 16, 2007.</ref> The Raptors were also praised for their improved defence, ball-sharing and tremendous team chemistry.<ref>Schuhmann, John, [http://www.nba.com/features/schuhmann.html "Testing the Bosh Theory"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070512192930/http://www.nba.com/features/schuhmann.html |date=May 12, 2007 }}, nba.com, March 23, 2007, accessed June 16, 2007.</ref> Colangelo, Gherardini and Mitchell were credited with Toronto's turnaround this season,<ref>Feschuk, Dave, [https://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/205725 "Italian building block"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926120001/http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/205725 |date=September 26, 2012 }}, thestar.com, April 21, 2007, accessed June 16, 2007.</ref> which was one of the best in NBA history in terms of league standing and defensive ranking.<ref>Pelton, Kevin, [http://www.nba.com/sonics/news/preview070311.html "Insider Preview – Sonics at Toronto"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824095941/http://www.nba.com/sonics/news/preview070311.html |date=August 24, 2017 }}, nba.com/sonics, March 11, 2007, accessed June 16, 2007.</ref> Mitchell was subsequently named the 2006–07 [[NBA Coach of the Year Award|NBA Coach of the Year]], the first coach in Raptors history to receive the honour,<ref>[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/samcoy_042407.html "Sam Mitchell Named 2006–07 Coach of the Year"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220084621/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/samcoy_042407.html |date=February 20, 2010 }}, nba.com/raptors, April 24, 2007, accessed June 16, 2007.</ref> while Colangelo was named 2006–07 Executive of the Year.<ref>[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/colangelo_eoy051407.html Colangelo Named 2006–07 NBA Executive Of The Year] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220084133/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/colangelo_eoy051407.html |date=February 20, 2010 }}, nba.com/raptors, May 14, 2007, accessed May 16, 2007.</ref>

On April 24, 2007, the Raptors won their first playoff game in five seasons, with an 89–83 victory over the New Jersey Nets,<ref>[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/postup_042407.html Raptors Post Up] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070510192133/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/postup_042407.html |date=May 10, 2007 }}, nba.com/raptors, April 24, 2007, accessed June 16, 2007.</ref> but lost the series 4–2.<ref>[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/postup_050407.html Raptors Post Up] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106095359/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/postup_050407.html |date=January 6, 2009 }}, nba.com/raptors, May 4, 2007, accessed June 16, 2007.</ref> The series was notable for pitting ex-Raptor Vince Carter against his former team. The Nets took home court advantage in Game 1, holding off a late Raptors rally in the fourth quarter. The Raptors pulled away in another tight game to even the series at one game apiece. When the series shifted to [[New Jersey]], the Nets took charge of the series, winning Games 3 and 4 in routs. New Jersey had a chance to win the series in game 5 in Toronto, but the Raptors took a 20-point lead after one quarter. Still, New Jersey chipped away and had a chance to win the game, but [[Boštjan Nachbar]]'s three-pointer missed at the buzzer. Needing to win in New Jersey to force a game 7, Toronto held a one-point lead with under a minute to play in game 6, but [[Richard Jefferson]] hit a layup with eight seconds left to play. Toronto attempted to try for the game-winning shot, but Jefferson intercepted a pass to seal the series for the Nets.

{{multiple image
| align = right
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| image1 = Jorge Garbajosa.JPG
| width1 = 146
| image2 = Chris Bosh.JPG
| width2 = 110
| footer = Jorge Garbajosa (left) and Chris Bosh (right) during the [[2007–08 NBA season|2007–08 season]]. Injuries to both players during the season derailed the possibility for the Raptors to defend their [[2006–07 NBA season|2007]] [[Atlantic Division (NBA)|Atlantic Division]] title.
}}
Several changes to the roster were made before the [[2007–08 NBA season|2007–08]] campaign as Toronto sought to reproduce the same form as the previous campaign. Most notably, the Raptors acquired [[Carlos Delfino]] in a trade with Detroit for two second-round draft picks,<ref>[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/release_061507.html Raptors Acquire Carlos Delfino From Pistons] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210130219/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/release_061507.html |date=February 10, 2012 }}, nba.com/raptors, June 15, 2007, accessed July 22, 2007.</ref> and signed [[Jamario Moon]]<ref>[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/moonpr_071007.html Raptors Sign Jamario Moon] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220083709/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/moonpr_071007.html |date=February 20, 2010 }}, nba.com/raptors, July 10, 2007, accessed July 22, 2007.</ref> and three-point specialist [[Jason Kapono]] as free agents.<ref>Ulmer, Mike, [http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/kaponoulmer_071207.html "Kapono Happy to be Joining Raptors"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106064609/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/kaponoulmer_071207.html |date=January 6, 2009 }}, nba.com/raptors, July 12, 2007, accessed July 13, 2007.</ref> On the other hand, veteran [[swingman]] Morris Peterson joined the [[New Orleans Pelicans|New Orleans Hornets]].<ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/hornets-ink-morris-peterson-for-4-years-1.659052 Hornets ink Morris Peterson for 4 years], cbc.ca, July 23, 2007, accessed August 9, 2007.</ref> Despite being defending division champions, the Raptors were widely tipped as outside contenders for the division and conference titles.<ref>Feschuk, Dave, [https://www.thestar.com/Sports/NBA/article/272155 "Raptors will defend crown"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020163803/http://www.thestar.com/Sports/NBA/article/272155 |date=October 20, 2012 }}, thestar.com, October 31, 2007, accessed November 1, 2007.</ref> However, Toronto quickly fell behind Boston in the division, as Bargnani's inability to play well consistently, along with injuries to Garbajosa (75 games), Bosh (15 games) and Ford (31 games), derailed the possibility of a smooth campaign.

The Raptors finished 41–41, six fewer wins than the previous season, but still good enough for a playoff spot as the sixth seed. They were pitted against Dwight Howard and the resurgent [[Orlando Magic]]. In Game 1, [[Dwight Howard]] gave the Magic their first playoff win since [[2003 NBA playoffs|2003]] as they practically led the entire game.<ref>[http://www.nba.com/games/20080420/TORORL/recap.html Dwight Howard's 20–20 Game Leads Magic Past Raptors] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102234046/http://www.nba.com/games/20080420/TORORL/recap.html |date=November 2, 2012 }}, NBA.com</ref> Howard would put up a 29–20 in Game 2, as [[Hedo Türkoğlu]] scored the final four go-ahead points to give the Magic a 2–0 lead. The Raptors would respond with a strong Game 3 victory keyed by great point guard play from Ford and José Calderon. However, [[Jameer Nelson]], [[Rashard Lewis]] and [[Keith Bogans]] keyed strong three-point shooting in Game 4 and overcame Bosh's 39 points and 15 rebounds to bring the Magic out of Toronto with a 3–1 lead. Howard would finish off the series in Game 5 as impressively as he started: 21 points, 21 rebounds, 3 blocks.<ref>[https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2008.html 2007–08 NBA Season Summary] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101163900/https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2008.html |date=January 1, 2021 }}, basketball-reference.com, accessed May 4, 2008.</ref><ref name="rev78">Ulmer, Mike, [http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/ulmerendofseason_043008.html "Raptors Head Home For The Summer"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106165154/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/ulmerendofseason_043008.html |date=January 6, 2009 }}, nba.com/raptors, April 30, 2008, accessed May 4, 2008.</ref> Whereas the preceding season was considered a success, the 2007–08 campaign was considered a disappointment. Weaknesses in Toronto's game—rebounding, defence, and a lack of a swingman—were brought into sharp focus during the playoffs, and changes were expected to be made to the roster.<ref name="rev78" />

As it turned out, a blockbuster trade was agreed in principle before the [[2008–09 NBA season|2008–09 campaign]]: six-time All-Star [[Jermaine O'Neal]] was acquired from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Ford (who had become expendable with the emergence of Calderón), [[Rasho Nesterović]], [[Maceo Baston]], and [[Roy Hibbert]], the 17th pick in the [[2008 NBA draft]], giving the Raptors a potential boost in the frontcourt.<ref>Smith, Doug, [https://www.thestar.com/Sports/NBA/article/449548 "Blockbuster deal for Raptors"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020163908/https://www.thestar.com/Sports/NBA/article/449548 |date=October 20, 2012 }}, thestar.com, June 26, 2008, accessed June 27, 2008.</ref> Meanwhile, Bargnani, who had spent the summer working on his interior game, was projected to come off the bench. The Raptors also introduced a black alternate road jersey for the season similar to the earlier purple design that was dropped a few seasons ago. It had a [[maple leaf]] featured on the back neck of the jersey, symbolizing the Raptors as "Canada's team".<ref>[https://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/506400 Raptors unveil new alternate road uniforms] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020163955/http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/506400 |date=October 20, 2012 }}, thestar.com, September 25, 2008, accessed October 14, 2008.</ref> Despite the introduction of O'Neal, who brought home the rebounds and the blocks, and a much improved Bargnani, the Raptors were too inconsistent. Following an 8–9 start to the season, Mitchell was fired and replaced by long-time assistant [[Jay Triano]].<ref>[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/mitchell_120308.html Mitchell Relieved Of Duties, Jay Triano Takes Over On Interim Basis] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206081910/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/mitchell_120308.html |date=December 6, 2008 }}, nba.com/raptors, December 3, 2008, accessed December 3, 2008.</ref> Triano tweaked the starting line-up to no avail as the Raptors fell to 21–34 prior to the All-Star break. O'Neal and Moon were then traded to Miami for [[Shawn Marion]] and [[Marcus Banks]],<ref>
Aldridge, David, [http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/david_aldridge/02/13/heatraptorstrade.20090213/index.html "Raptors trade O'Neal, Moon to Heat for Marion, Banks"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215212758/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/david_aldridge/02/13/heatraptorstrade.20090213/index.html |date=February 15, 2009 }}, nba.com, February 13, 2009, accessed February 14, 2009.
</ref> but with the losses mounting, the Raptors soon fell out of the playoffs picture and were eliminated from contention with seven games of the regular season remaining.<ref>[http://www.nba.com/games/20090405/NYKTOR/recap.html Chandler scores 17, Knicks beat Raptors 112–103] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409065205/http://www.nba.com/games/20090405/NYKTOR/recap.html |date=April 9, 2009 }}, nba.com, April 5, 2009, accessed April 11, 2009.</ref> The Raptors eventually finished with a 33–49 record<ref>[https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2009.html 2008–09 NBA Season Summary] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604203051/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2009.html |date=June 4, 2011 }}, basketball-reference.com, accessed April 16, 2009.</ref> and headed into the next season with a potential overhaul of the core: Marion could become a free agent; Bosh could become one after 2009–10; Parker would soon turn 35; and Bargnani had his breakthrough season. On May 12, 2009, Triano was given a three-year term for the position of head coach.<ref>Smith, Doug, [https://www.thestar.com/sports/article/632678 "Raptors hand the reins to Triano"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020164026/http://www.thestar.com/sports/article/632678 |date=October 20, 2012 }}, thestar.com, May 12, 2009, accessed May 13, 2009.</ref>

The inevitable roster shakeup for the [[2009–10 NBA season|2009–10 season]] began when Kapono was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers for the aggressive veteran [[Forward (basketball)|forward]] [[Reggie Evans]].<ref>[http://www.nba.com/sixers/news/090609_Kapono.html Philadelphia 76ers Acquire Forward Jason Kapono From Toronto] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090612112231/http://www.nba.com/sixers/news/090609_Kapono.html |date=June 12, 2009 }}, nba.com accessed June 15, 2009.</ref> Toronto then [[2009 NBA draft|drafted]] [[DeMar DeRozan]] with the ninth pick, enabling them to fill a spot on the wings.<ref>[https://www.espn.com/nba/draft2009/news/story?id=4287558 Griffin top pick in NBA draft], sports.espn.go.com, June 26, 2009, accessed June 27, 2009.</ref> This was followed by the signing of free agent Hedo Türkoğlu, which in turn led to a sign-and-trade agreement involving four teams, with Toronto landing wing players [[Devean George]] (later traded for [[Marco Belinelli]]) and [[Antoine Wright (basketball)|Antoine Wright]], while releasing Marion, [[Kris Humphries]] and [[Nathan Jawai]].<ref>Stein, Marc, [https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4316885 "Four-team trade gets league OK"], sports.espn.go.com, July 9, 2009, accessed July 10, 2009.</ref> Around the same time, Parker headed for the [[Cleveland Cavaliers]],<ref>[http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2009/07/10/sports/nh1154945.txt Cavs, Parker have a deal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090714161146/http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2009/07/10/sports/nh1154945.txt |date=July 14, 2009 }}, news-herald.com, July 10, 2009, accessed July 12, 2009.</ref> while Indiana point guard [[Jarrett Jack]] was added and Nesterovič brought back to provide cover for the big men. Finally, Delfino and Ukić were moved to the Milwaukee Bucks for [[Amir Johnson]] and [[Sonny Weems]].<ref>[https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4412174 Bogut aiming for training camp], sports.espn.go.com, accessed August 24, 2009.</ref> It became increasingly clear that Colangelo, in securing a credible nucleus for the future, was doing this to persuade Bosh to stay beyond 2010.<ref>Grange, Michael, "Jack could provide fringe benefits for struggling Raptors", ''The Globe and Mail'', July 12, 2009.</ref> While the Raptors were off to a sluggish start, they picked up the pace around the All-Star break, reaching a season-high seven games above .500 and standing fifth in the Eastern Conference.<ref>[https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201002200TOR.html Washington Wizards at Toronto Raptors Box Score] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230025948/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201002200TOR.html |date=December 30, 2017 }}, basketball-reference.com, February 20, 2010, accessed May 9, 2011.</ref> Bosh was recording career-highs in points and rebounds per game.<ref name="boshbio" /> However, a season-ending injury to Bosh after the break coincided with Toronto's descent down the standings from the fifth seed to the eighth, and they ultimately relinquished their spot to [[Chicago Bulls|Chicago]] a few games before the regular season ended.<ref>MacKenzie, Holly, [http://www.nba.com/games/20100411/CHITOR/gameinfo.html "Bulls top Raptors in showdown for last Eastern playoff spot"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091126142335/http://www.nba.com/games/20100411/CHITOR/gameinfo.html |date=November 26, 2009 }}, nba.com, April 11, 2010, accessed May 8, 2011.</ref>