Andrea Bargnani soars high with Raptors

2009 has started out very well for the magician Andrea Bargnani. The “Triano cure” by the Canadian coach called in to replace Sam Mitchell at the beginning of the season seems to be paying off. Since the start of the season, the Roman centre has been averaging 21.2 points per game, and his defensive skills have also improved.
There are two reasons for this metamorphosis and much-improved play: The first is the ‘restorative’ treatment required by Toronto Raptors president Bryan Colangelo last summer that resulted in a regenerated and physically stronger player; the second is the coaching change and current focus on re-launching a player who otherwise risked being forever relegated to the bench.
Coach Triano – also thanks to the injury to Jermaine O’Neal – has improved the Magician’s stock value by throwing him into the mix and placing the faith in him that was so lacking during the player’s first two seasons. Mitchell, in fact, considered Bargnani a reserve, and over the months continued to reduce his playing time. This put extra pressure and responsibility on the former Benetton Treviso player to perform immediately upon being sent onto the floor, in his attempt to change the coach’s mind about him. But in the long run, Bargnani’s psychological state wasn’t holding out – as is evident from statistics in the first part of this season.
Then the coaching change was quickly made, and the results are evident. Triano put his faith in Bargnani, making him understand above all that missing one shot doesn’t necessarily mean compromising an entire game. The only request the Canadian coach had was for more intensity and aggressiveness on the floor, and the opportunities would come. And that’s just what happened.
The Magician is now playing without pressure, passing the ball more frequently, looking for the best play, and not forcing shots he would have previously attempted. The problem then, wasn’t Bargnani’s somewhat introverted character and his inability to get close to his teammates, as was previously claimed. The gnarl to be untangled was in Bargnani’s head, through no fault of his own – he was paying for Mitchell’s mistakes. Former coaches such as Ettore Messina, for example, swore to the character and determination of the young player, and were prepared to bet on the player’s talents.
Now it’s up to the Raptors to make their choices: faced with a more mature yet still young 23-year-old, it appears a given that president Colangelo will count on the Italian centre for the next few years. This means that there’s the possibility of a trade with Miami Heat, sending O’Neal to Florida in exchange for Shawn Marion and Markus Banks. The negotiations may be finalized by the Feb. 19 treading deadline.
First of all, both teams need to evaluate the physical conditions of their players. The Raptors could use strengthening on the perimeter, which during the course of the current season has been the team’s Achille’s Heel. Then the Chris Bosh situation needs to be resolved – he becomes a free agent next season. His confirmation is tied to plans to reinforce the Canadian franchise. A departure by the All Star and Olympic champion could force Colangelo to establish Bargnani and the Spaniard José Calderon as franchise players and build a more European-style team.
The coaching issue will also have to be resolved next season. It is not yet known who Triano’s successor will be. There could be surprises here as well. With the Raptors, anything can be expected.