by Robert Seagal… 
Through the disappointing 2008-2009 campaign, Raptor fans had very little to cheer.
They’ve seen their offseason acquisition traded mid-season for a player who will likely sign elsewhere next, a franchise player who’s failed to show up, a point guard they anointed an All-Star turn into the source of the team’s woes, and two coaches fail to inject this team with anything that even resembles pride, desire, and heart.
But through the dark, there is generally some light. While there may be up to seven or eight Raptors returning to Toronto next season, these are the three that will not be moved come hell or high water.
The We-Won’t-Move-’Emables
Andrea Bargnani
If you were one of the fans who questioned this guy’s desire, what Andrea Bargnani has shown this season should certainly put to rest those doubts. Since stepping in for O’Neal, he’s been a 20-point per game scorer, improving his rebounding and actually playing solid defense.
Furthermore, far too many times over these past season, he’s looked like the only Raptor who even cared.
He’s shown emotion that was lost in translation through his first two seasons, he’s shown the ability to show up in key moments, the mental toughness to fight bad starts and he’s shown that given a full season under the role—he’s an All-Star.
There are few player’s in this league who are less likely to be moved this summer than Bargnani. Lebron, Kobe, Wade, Durant, Paul, Deron Williams, Yao, Duncan, Rose, and Brandon Roy come to mind.
For all the mistakes Colangelo has made as a GM—Bargnani has proven that he wasn’t one of them.
His talent, size, and potential make him a player the Raptors will likely have around for the foreseeable future.
Furthermore, credit Colangelo for not succumbing to the temptation of pleasing Bosh by trading Bargnani for immediate help. The vultures had sensed blood in the air and put in offers for Bargnani this offseason.
Had Colangelo given in, I certainly can’t imagine how many Raptor fans would be on suicide watch given what Bargnani has become this season.
Roko Ukic
While his numbers aren’t staggering, his place on this team is cemented in stone. There is nothing short of him being a deal-breaker for a superstar that is going to see him in another uniform next season.
His work ethic, creativity, size, and coveted defensive ability at the lead guard spot, make Ukic an indispensable asset.
When Bryan Colangelo became the GM of the Raptors mid-season nearly three seasons ago, his first question was “Do we have enough to bring Ukic over?”
This team has been extremely high on him and if he can improve his jump shot, he’s capable of being a contributor on a good playoff team.
Pops Mensah-Bonsu
I remember commenting to my girlfriend before Pop’s first game as a Raptor that he was my third favorite player on the team already.
“But you havn’t even seen him play!” she remarked.
Actually, if you’ve been watching the international scene, or the NBDL, you’re all too familiar with what Mensah-Bonsu can bring. He’s worth signing for a multi-year deal this offseason, and I certainly hope the Raptors stop showcasing him so much because some team going to throw some substantial cash his way if the word gets out.
He’s an ideal hustle guy off the bench, and can easily be the Raptors’ version of Chris Anderson, Anderson Varajao, or the handful of other energy guys who have destroyed this team over the past three seasons.
I would keep him here at something close to three years, seven million. He’s more than worth it, and it’d be great to see him have a chance to stick with one team. I have not seen a standing ovation for any player this season prior to the response Pops received from the fans as the Raptors blew out the Pacers.
It was genuinely heartwarming to see the fans recognize him. I’m sure he’ll carry that moment with him.
You’ll Be Back, Unless Someone Else Wants You Enough
Jose Calderon
The Raptors won’t have the resources to replace him unless they acquire a point-guard for Bosh. He’s signed to a fresh deal, and considering this season was spent with a bum hamstring, perhaps Calderon can return to being the player the Raptors thought they re-signed last summer.
Jason Kapono
This move is mainly due to the fact that his contract is brutal. Considering what he brings, and he’s had among the worst seasons of his career shooting this ball this season. He would likely go in a trade with Bosh, but this would only lessen the value of what the Raptors were getting back.
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