Though he averaged 25.6 points per game as a senior at Michigan State, Shawn Respert needed seasoning when he entered the NBA in 1995. He didn't get it with the Bucks, who traded the 6'2" shooting guard to the Raptors last February. Respert averaged 1.4 points in 5.9 minutes and shot 32% from the floor in Milwaukee last year, but in 27 games with the Raptors, he averaged 5.6 points in 15.3 minutes and shot 44%. Though Respert broke his left (nonshooting) hand playing pickup ball in August, he should be ready for the season. Toronto is counting on him to back up both guard spots. "I'm getting playing time," says Respert. "I'm getting a chance to make mistakes and a chance to play through them. That's what is making me a better player. Confidence is the biggest key."