Fresh off of a promising playoff appearance, Toronto looks to take the next step in a tough Eastern Conference.
Despite a first round exit, Brandon Ingram playoff hoops, and literally everything about Jakob Poeltl, last season was incredibly promising for Toronto. Really, getting yourself entirely too excited over a 46-win season is what it means to be a fan right now.
As always, context is key! The Raptors have been a pretty tough watch the previous several seasons. It really doesn’t get much worse than having a play-in appearance be your goal for the year.
Although fans were never really convinced Brandon Ingram hoops would bring the Raptors back to the finals, there were many memorable moments for the Toronto faithful to enjoy.
The star of the show was fifth-year forward Scottie Barnes, who returned to All-Star form. His strong transition play, paired with some game-changing defensive performances, earned him his second all-star nod. Barnes was also named to the All-Defensive Second team, leading the Raptors to the league’s fifth-ranked defence.
His running mate, Brandon Ingram, was a crucial element of the team’s offense. Ingram could create his own shot off the dribble, something the Raptors had desperately needed in previous seasons. His 21 points per game earned him a trip to All-Star Weekend and were essential in fueling a Raptors offense that often ran cold.
The young core were essential to the success of the team. Ja’Kobe Walter’s sophomore campaign saw him make an outstanding 40 per cent of his three-point shots while providing solid on-ball defensive production.
His fellow bench guard Jamal Shead grew into a fan favourite throughout the year. Shead’s playmaking sustained the Raptors’ second unit on offense, and, though undersized, his tenacious defense made him a very impactful player.
The team’s first-round pick, Collin Murray-Boyles (CMB), was a defensive force in his rookie season. CMB earned an All-Rookie Second Team appearance and made it clear why in his playoff debut, putting up 14 points per game while playing lockdown defense.
Strong contributions from veterans such as RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Sandro Mamukelashvili pitched in to round out what was a very promising young squad.
What went wrong?
Making the playoffs is cool, but getting past the first round is even cooler. Unfortunately, the Raptors couldn’t get it done, falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a hard-fought, seven-game series.
The squad put up an incredible defensive series, but in the end, the offence let them down.
Despite both Barnes and Barrett averaging over 20 points per game for the series, the squad lacked the firepower to win close games against the likes of James Harden and Donovan Mitchell.
The starting five was hit hard by injuries, with Quickley missing the entire series and centre Jakob Poeltl playing limited minutes. Poeltl struggled to contribute when on the court, as a lingering back injury clearly affected his mobility.
Most notably, Brandon Ingram played through a partially torn Achilles tendon. His production plummeted, only managing 12 points per game on abysmal 32 per cent efficiency.
Throughout the season, Ingram’s fit within the offence was clunky. Although the Raptors needed his self-creation abilities, his tendency to slow down what was a fast-paced, transition-centric offense put the team in a tough spot.
Best offseason ever!!!
Following the tough playoff loss, Raptors new general manager Bobby Webster recognized that changes needed to be made.
The most notable move of the offseason was the addition of a familiar face. The Raptors moved Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and a handful of draft picks to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for 2019 Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard.
Kawhi is a dream fit for the current Raptors roster. He provides a much more efficient and reliable offensive game than Ingram while fitting perfectly with the team’s fast-paced defensive identity.
Additionally, the Raptors got off of Ingram’s two-year, $80-million dollar contract, widely regarded as one of the worst assets in the league, in exchange for an All-NBA caliber player coming off of a career high scoring season.
Although Leonard has a history of injury, his availability for the Clippers last season was very promising. Across 65 games, he managed 27.9 points, to go along with 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.9 steals per game.
Webster wasn’t finished yet.
Although the Raptors lost Sixth Man of the Year candidate Sandro Mamukelashvili to free-agency, they made several additions to replenish their bench depth.
With the 19th pick in the draft, the Raptors selected Allen Graves, a 6-foot-9 forward from Santa Clara University. Although Graves mostly came off of the bench in college, his production in limited minutes was outstanding.
Graves cashed in on over 40 per cent of his shots from three-point range and showed elite defensive instincts. His 7-foot wingspan helped him tally 2 steals and a block per game in college.
Additionally, the Raptors picked up veteran forward Kyle Anderson in free agency. Although Anderson likely won’t crack the rotation, he brings several years of NBA experience and serves as a strong locker room presence.
Jakob Poeltl is ruining my life
The Raptors have transformed themselves into Eastern Conference contenders over the offseason, but the front office still has their work cut out for them.
Jakob Poeltl’s contract is literally the worst thing that has ever happened to the Raptors. The 30-year-old center is already on the decline, with a back injury that has followed him over the last three seasons. When Poeltl does play, he struggles to get himself up and down the court, with the only benefit he provides being mediocre rebounding.
A veteran player showing signs of age really shouldn’t be that huge of an issue, except of course if said veteran is due to earn $84 million over the next three seasons.
Getting out from under Poeltl’s contract should be a priority at the trade deadline this upcoming season.
Toronto’s financial problems don’t end there. Starting guard Immanuel Quickley is owed roughly $98 million over the next three seasons and hasn’t exactly lived up to his contract so far.
Quickley is an important player for the Raptors, with three-point shooting at such a premium on the roster. However, his contract, combined with the fact that he doesn’t really run the offence as a lead guard, makes him a problematic fit on the team.
Should the Raptors find upgrades to these roster spots, the team could be a perennial threat in the Eastern Conference.
Looking ahead
Speaking of the Eastern Conference, the Raptors chose a great time to get competitive. The Philadelphia 76ers added both Jaylen Brown and public enemy #1 LeBron James in one offseason. With the reigning champion Knicks and the consistently dominant Pistons, Cavaliers and Celtics, the East is looking tough this year.
The Eastern Conference is looking stronger than it has in years! Luckily, Raptors fans can take comfort in the fact that their roster is up there with the very best in the league.
With the Raptors developing young talent and trading up from Ingram to Kawhi, a 50+ win season might be on the horizon. Still, there are no guarantees in the NBA. This Raptors squad will likely go as far as Scottie and Kawhi will take them, but real ones know Scottie’s getting us a ring.
