Toronto Raptors Fans: Put On Your Scouting Hats For CSKA Moscow

The Raptors have been making an interesting habit of playing Euroleague clubs during preseason. Usually, they've beaten them. There is always the chance, however, that there could be a repeat of 2005, and they run into another Anthony Parker buzzer-beater which would be the source of embarrassment, and the talk of the media for weeks to come. But give the Raptors' brass some credit. They don't waste these games at all from a scouting perspective. In fact, an impressive showing could mean an NBA contract for the players in the road jerseys—or a draft selection. Note in 2004-05, the Raptors played Benetton Treviso in a preseason exhibition game. The game featured Chris Bosh, Vince Carter, and a young Italian named Andrea Bargnani—who two years later ended up being the Raptors' first-overall selection in the 2006 NBA Draft. In 2005-06, the Raptors played host to Euroleague powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv, and anyone who had watched them in Europe knew that they were more capable than ... (link)