In a recent interview, Chris Bosh admitted he does think about where he might be playing in future years and acknowledged putting down permanent roots in Toronto is something he would relish. If the conditions were right.

"I do think that far ahead," Bosh said. "You look at a lot of the great players in the NBA who played for one team and it's a good thing. You keep your feet planted and you develop a long relationship with everybody in the organization."

It's a tribute to his ability that Raptor fans are already wringing their hands over the fate of the club's outstanding young power forward.

Speculation has run wild recently over whether Bosh will jump ship when his contract expires following the 2007-08 season.

Many NBA insiders believe it's a given that Bosh will leave Toronto when he has the chance, given the chaotic state of the team in recent years. The Raptors have not qualified for the playoffs for the past three years and have the worst record in the NBA (6-21) this season. Interest around the league in the 21-year-old is sky-high. Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson was recently fined $25,000 US for violating the NBA's anti-tampering rule when he publicly expressed interest in Bosh.

Bosh, however, said that speculation on his departure following the 2007-08 campaign is premature, adding he would love to stay -- if (and it's a big if) the team begins to turn the corner in terms of improving on the court.

"It's all about progress," he said. "You can always say, 'We're getting better. We're getting better.' But unless you really see it, unless you see the rookies coming along, to start to get a feel for the NBA, it's a totally different thing."