In years past, the Toronto Raptors have been a team that few NBA ballers wanted to play for (snow, Canadian taxes, the metric system). Now they’re a team few NBA ballers want to play against. And this year’s edition may be the best yet: the 2007–08 Raps are young, fast and fearsome. And, unlike certain other Hogtown teams, they have real post-season hopes. A brief guide to the squad’s top four on—and off—the floor.

Chris Bosh, forward

NICKNAME: CB4.
STATS: 23, 6' 10", salary $13 million (U.S.).
PROFILE: The NBA’s next great power forward. Terrorizes opponents with his scoring, rebounding and shot-blocking skills.
SEASON EXPECTATIONS: Bosh heard a few “MVP” chants from the crowd last season; the title is too much to expect (for now), but bank on a third trip to the all-star game.
SARTORIAL SENSIBILITY: Off-court, he dresses like a stretched-out version of T. J. Ford—picture XXL-sized everything.
LAST WORD: The reason no Torontonian should miss Vince (Half Man) Carter. Bosh is a bit less sizzle, a lot more steak.