Sonny Weems – Guard – 2009-10 Stats

Games Played: 69 (+57)
Minutes Per Game: 19.8 (+15.2)
Points Per Game: 7.5 (+5.9)
Rebounds Per Game: 2.8 (+2.5)
Assists Per Game: 1.5 (+1.2)

Offense

On the offensive end, Sonny Weems quickly established himself as one of the most consistent mid-range shooters on the Toronto Raptors in 2009-10. Yes, a lot of his shots looked ill-advised and selfish but I at times felt a lot more comfortable with him taking them over the likes of either Jose Calderon or Hedo Turkoglu. In addition to shooting the ball well, Weems also displayed his incredible athleticism both in running the floor for fast break opportunities and being on the receiving end of numerous alley-oops.  Sonny already stated that he plans to work on his three-point shot in the off-season, hopefully he doesn’t fall in love with it, because his explosiveness and mid-range game were more than beneficial to the Raps.

Grade: B+

Defense

On the defensive side of the floor, Weems also became one of the more steady wing guards only behind Antoine Wright in his capabilities at the position. Weems is incredibly athletic and that’s what allowed him to stay in front of his man somewhat effectively, and helped his cause in getting inserted into the starting line-up for 19 games. Weems just needs to work a bit on his defensive fundamentals, and once he does that there is no reason he can’t be a big part of this team’s much needed defensive improvement.

Grade: B-

Highlight of the Season – Sonny Weems

Weems quickly established himself as a highlight factory in Toronto. But his best performance of the season came on March 31st when the Toronto Raptors took out the Los Angeles Clippers at the Air Canada Centre. Weems shot an astounding 8 of 8 from the field for a total of 17 points, which included a three-pointer which left the entire Raptors bench smiling after it went down. I look forward to what next year brings for this member of the young guns.

Contractual Status: Team option for 2010-11, no doubt will be exercised
2010-11 Earnings: $854,000 (+$118,000)

Antoine Wright – Small Forward/ Shooting Guard – 2009-10 Stats

Games Played: 67 (+2)
Minutes Per Game: 20.8 (-2.1)
Points Per Game: 6.5 (-0.8)
Rebounds Per Game: 2.8 (+0.7)
Assists Per Game: 1.1 (-0.1)

Offense

Antoine has never been known to be much of a threat on the offensive end, but at times in the 2009-10 season Antoine seemed to try and change that. Whether it was an array of three balls or an attempt to create something aggressive on the interior, Wright always managed to get his fair share of looks when he was on the court, no matter who he was playing with at the time.  When the shots were falling, Antoine’s production was a blessing, but when they weren’t they often led to easy rebounds for the opposition which almost always led to a fast-break opportunity. Even though his point total went down from last year, I think Antoine made some positive strides in his offensive game this year but still requires a lot more work before he is considered any sort of a true threat.

Grade: C+

Defense

You do not need me to tell you, but I will anyways, the Toronto Raptors absolutely sucked at playing defense in 2009-10. Outside of Reggie Evans, and possibly Chris Bosh, Wright was the only guy on the Raptors roster coming into the campaign with a reputation with being able to keep his man in front of him. In 2009-10 Antoine did a relatively good job at doing that. Whether the Raptors were playing the New Jersey Nets or the Los Angeles Lakers, Antoine found himself matched up against the oppositions most prolific scorer in the 4th quarter. Even though he isn’t exactly Ron Artest, Antoine’s defensive effort in a Raptors system that seems to neglect the concept entirely was more than admirable.

Grade: B+

Highlight of the Season – Antoine Wright

Antoine’s best performance of the campaign undoubtedly came on February 20th at the Air Canada Centre against the Washington Wizards. Antoine was on fire from the field putting up 19 points, which included making all three of his attempts from beyond the arc. ‘Get up bird!’ I think re-signing Antoine will be a difficult thing for the Raptors to accomplish this off-season, but I would love to see him back.

Contractual Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
2010-11 Earnings: To be determined