NEW YORK — Not so long ago, Andrea Bargnani said to Raptors president Bryan Colangelo, "What's going on? Why is everybody looking at me like I can't play? All I need is 30 minutes a night to be effective."
How quickly we forget; the league's pick of the litter averaged 11.6 points and 3.9 rebounds in 65 games (25.1 mpg) two seasons ago after a slow start. It was good enough to finish second in rookie honors to Brandon Roy.
Last season a sinus infection, personal problems and inconsistent daylight reduced his efficiency to 10.2 and 3.7 in 78 games (23.9 mpg). Off-season surgery to correct a deviated septum, as well as plenty of time in the weight room (bulked up 7-9 kg) and on the floor restored his confidence.