Originally Published: 2008-05-11

His goal is to acquire a 20-point-per-game player, as well as players who can defend and sacrifice themselves for their team. Toronto Raptors Vice President Maurizio Gherardini talks about the season just ended, and about future plans for bringing reinforcements to a team that has not yet been able go beyond the first round of playoffs.

This season ended worse than last season. What went wrong?
“I’d say this year brought to light certain weaknesses that we were already well aware of. We made the playoffs with a record that certainly should have been better than it was. Off the top, I’d say playing against a tough team such as Orlando we lacked a level of desperation and aggressiveness. This lack was especially evident in game one and in game two, which was the decisive game of the series.”

Losing on the last throw isn’t the best way to go out. Maybe the players had lost confidence?
“If we had tied the series 1-1, it would have been a different story back in Toronto. Instead, we played OK in game three but in game four we let ourselves be surprised, although we didn’t play badly. We got to the playoffs with some shortcomings. Throw in a bit of bad luck and one can quickly explain a four-to-one series loss.”

Coach Sam Mitchell is being blamed as one of the reasons for the team’s lack of success. Will he be back next season or will it be Mike D’Antoni?
“Mitchell’s contract had been renewed and I think it would be wise to have him continue his work for next season as well. Media rumours are one thing; the facts are another. In other words, he’s not leaving Toronto.”

What were the team’s shortcomings this past season?
“We were lacking in several areas – but we’re working on improving the team. We need to strengthen ourselves under the basket and we’re looking for a good re-bounder who can score points. With some luck we’ll recuperate an important player such as Garbajosa, a key player for us.

His absence was really felt this season.

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