Short-Lived Draft Lottery Journey
While they haven’t openly stated it yet, subtle cues suggest that they anticipate a brief stint in the draft lottery: acquire a top-tier talent and move on.
Indicators of Intent
The recent trade for Brandon Ingram, now secured with a three-year, $120 million extension, further indicates their ambition.
Potential for Improvement
As the current season approaches its end, they reflect on how differently things might have unfolded. If the Raptors had maintained better health at the start, they might have recorded a 16-23 record instead of 8-31 by January.
Projected Success
Following their 117-105 defeat against the Detroit Pistons, who secured a playoff position with that victory, Toronto has a record of 20-19 since hitting their low on January 12. With a focus on winning rather than tanking for draft odds, envisioning a finish of 31-12 in their final 43 games seems plausible.
Future Aspirations
If the Raptors were to achieve a 47-35 record, they would rank fifth in the Eastern Conference. Would they embrace that outcome next season? It would be unwise not to; the Pistons, after a dismal last season, are one of the NBA’s top stories, showcasing the possibility for dramatic turnarounds.
Coach’s Outlook
Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic expressed optimism about a potential turnaround similar to Detroit’s, emphasizing the importance of player development and hoping for significant improvements in their younger players, particularly with Ingram’s addition.
Key Player Development
With Ingram aiming to regain his All-Star form and a promising rookie class adding depth, there is cause for optimism. However, the Raptors may need to adopt a different approach than the Pistons, who bolstered their roster with veteran talent amid salary cap flexibility and strong team culture. While adding new players may be challenging due to existing contracts, they still have hopes of creating a competitive team through development and wise selections in the draft.
