While Jermaine O'Neal continues to deal with knee and ankle issues, the Toronto Raptors have received a boost thanks to the play of Andrea Bargnani this season.
The former number one overall pick struggled mightily last year as he saw his numbers decrease across the board. In the off-season, however, the Italian-born big man added 15-pounds of muscle to his lean frame in an effort to compete night-in and night-out in the NBA.
While his team mates have noticed the difference, the coaching staff realizes that there is still some work to do.
"Andrea's getting much more comfortable,” said Raptors head coach Sam Mitchell. “Mentally he's getting better and tougher. [But remember] he's still a young player."
Since being re-inserted into the Raptors starting lineup in place of Jamario Moon on November 16th, “Il Mago” has really picked up his play. As a starter Bargnani has averaged 17 points and nearly 6 rebounds a game and set a career high with 29 points in a loss to the New Jersey Nets earlier in the week.
His much improved play has certainly been noticed by his team mates.
"[Andrea's] playing much calmer now that he's got his role,” stated Raptors point guard Jose Calderon at practice Wednesday.
To take the next step in his career, Bargnani must prove that the recent numbers are no fluke.
"He's struggled in the past, but he's been working real hard,” said Raptors forward Chris Bosh. “Next thing he's got to work on is his consistency, [which] he's also gotten better at."
Working in Bargnani's favour is his versatility as he can play all three frontcourt positions. While he has been slated in at small forward when the entire lineup is healthy, the 23-year old could see minutes at centre if O'Neal is out for any extended period of time. He may get his first chance tonight against the Charlotte Bobcats as O'Neal might not play.
Mitchell told reporters that Bargnani would likely get the start at centre in O'Neal's absence, but he could also see time at small forward when Kris Humphries is in the game.