Toronto Raptors 2025-26 Season Outlook

The NBA offseason has pointed to a highly competitive Eastern Conference this year. The Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks are aiming for the title, but several other teams, including the Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons, and Miami Heat, are also making moves in response to injuries to key players like Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton.

In contrast, the Toronto Raptors have remained relatively quiet, focusing primarily on their draft picks, Collin Murray-Boyles and Alijah Martin (who has a two-way contract). Their major adjustment came earlier in the season with the acquisition of All-Star Brandon Ingram at the trade deadline. Unfortunately, injuries sidelined him for the 2024-25 season, but with his return, the Raptors are looking to 2025-26 for potential growth.

Strengths of the 2025-26 Toronto Raptors

With Ingram back in the lineup, the expected starting five consists of Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, and Jakob Poeltl. The current roster has faced challenges, as injuries limited these players to just 374 minutes together in the past two seasons but managed to secure a +3.9 net rating during that time. Despite the small sample size, their collective performance hints at substantial potential.

Defensively, the team boasts a wealth of size and athleticism, particularly with Quickley standing out at just 6’8″ in wingspan. They also have players capable of creating shots for themselves and others, with four of them having averaged over 17 points per game in past seasons. The young roster, featuring players like Murray-Boyles and Gradey Dick, provides further promise as they are on affordable contracts and could develop significantly next season.

Weaknesses of the 2025-26 Toronto Raptors

Despite their talent, significant questions persist around team chemistry and strategic fit. While the starters are adept scorers, outside of Quickley, shooting efficiency poses a challenge as Barnes and Barrett both have career three-point shooting percentages below 35%. Poeltl’s shooting record shows minimal attempts, and while Ingram has shown a willingness to take threes, many of his shots were self-created, which can hinder team spacing.

Coach Darko Rajaković has successfully promoted a movement-oriented offense, yet the Raptors finished 25th in offensive rating last year. Even with the addition of Ingram, major improvements in this area seem uncertain. Young talents like Ochai Agbaji, Dick, and Walter could help provide balance, but there’s a risk that they may take time to realize their potential, leaving the bench relatively weak.

The Importance of Gradey Dick

Gradey Dick emerges as a key player for the Raptors, known as a capable shooter with a college three-point percentage of 40.3%. He offers significant potential without compromising the team’s defensive strengths due to his 6’9” wingspan. In his initial seasons, Dick has shown glimpses of promise, and if he can maintain consistent performance, he will be vital in helping the Raptors contend for a playoff spot.

Conclusion

The Raptors are a youthful team with considerable size and potential. If they can maintain health, harmonize their core players, and receive meaningful contributions from their younger prospects, a mid-40-win season is within reach. However, this outcome would be more of a surprise than an expectation. Realistically, the team may land as an above-average defensive unit, struggling with spacing challenges and depth, but still better than teams like the Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets.