This Raptors Season Was a NIGHTMARE.

This Raptors Season Was a NIGHTMARE.

Every basketball season has its own story. For some teams, it’s about chasing a championship. For others, it’s about rebuilding and preparing for the future. The Toronto Raptors were somewhere in between. The 2024 to 25 NBA season was not about lifting a trophy for the Raptors. It was about shaping a new identity, developing young talent, and taking small but meaningful steps forward. It was a year of questions, experiments, lessons, and progress. How did the Raptors handle the transition? Who stepped up when it mattered? What rivalry stood out? And what can fans expect next? This video is a full breakdown of the Raptors journey throughout the season with simple facts, clear analysis, and an honest look at how the team performed from beginning to end. Let’s start from where it all began, the offseason. Before the first game tipped off, the Raptors had already made big changes. Pascal Siakum, once an all-star and the face of the team, was traded to the Indiana Pacers. It was a major shift, but also a sign of a new strategy. The front office made it clear the team was focusing on youth. Fred Vanvle had already left the season before. Kyle Lowry was gone before that. The 2019 championship core was now officially in the past. The Raptors were turning the page. And leading this new chapter was Scotty Barn. At just 23 years old, Scotty wasn’t only expected to grow, he was expected to lead. The pressure was real, the potential was high, and everyone was watching to see how far he could go in this role. One of the most talked about moves of the season was the trade that brought RJ Barrett to Toronto. It’s great. You know, it’s great. I’m really, really happy, really excited to be here. Um, I’m thankful and blessed. Barrett, born in Canada, had spent the first part of his NBA career with the New York Knicks. While he had some strong seasons in New York, many fans felt he hadn’t reached his full potential. Coming to Toronto gave him a chance to reset. He was welcomed with support and high expectations. A Canadian star playing for Canada’s only NBA team. It was a special connection. Barrett brought strength, size, and experience. But the question was, could he become a consistent scorer and defender for this young Raptor squad? He didn’t have to wait long to prove himself. Alongside RJ Barrett came Emanuel Quickley, another piece from the Nick. Quickley was a different type of player, a fast, smart point guard who played with urgency. He was known for pushing the pace, finding open shooters, and playing with a calm but confident approach. The Raptors had struggled with offense the season before, especially in half court sets. Quickly gave them new options. He could score, create, and most importantly, helped make Scotty Barnes’ job easier by sharing playmaking duty. R.J. and Quickley weren’t just trade pieces. They were part of the new core. As the season started, the Raptors showed a mix of excitement and inconsistency. In some games, they moved the ball well, defended hard, and looked like a team on the ride. In others, they struggled to score, made mistakes late in games, and looked like a team still learning how to play together. They beat strong teams like the Miami Heat, but lost to lower ranked teams in back-to-back game. It became clear that the team’s biggest challenge would be consistency. Scotty Barnes had a good start. RJ Barrett showed flashes of scoring. quickly was adjusting quickly, but the team’s chemistry was still developing, especially on defense. One of the biggest questions of the season was, can Scotty Barnes become a leader? The answer slowly began to show yes, Barnes didn’t try to be loud or force leadership. Instead, he led with his performance. Game by game, he improved. He took better shots, passed more smartly, and was more active on defense. He had a few standout games that made fans pay attention, including a near triple double against the Indiana Pacers, and a 30 plus point game against the Milwaukee Bucks. He also stayed calm during tough losses. That maturity stood out. He wasn’t just playing. He was thinking, adjusting, and improving. This season wasn’t just about numbers for Scotty. It was about becoming the face of the franchise. RJ Barrett had something to prove this season. After years of being doubted in New York, he came to Toronto with a point to make. In several games, he showed exactly what he could do. He scored efficiently, especially when attacking the paint. His size helped on defense, and he rebounded well for a guard forward. His best games came during rivalry matchups, especially against the New York Knicks. In one game, he scored over 25 points and helped the Raptors stay close until the final minute. The crowd gave him a loud cheer. Barrett was still learning the system, but he was already becoming a reliable option. He wasn’t trying to be a star, just a strong everyday player. Emanuel Quickley may not always lead in points, but his value was easy to see. He pushed the ball fast, looked for open teammates, and played with a calm mind. When the game was close, Quickly made smart decisions. He didn’t rush. He didn’t panic. His assist numbers improved as he adjusted to his new team. His defense also got better with time. In some games, he came off the bench and made an instant impact. In others, he started and controlled the tempo quickly. Didn’t try to do too much. That’s what made him important. Beyond the big names, the rappers had solid contributions from their supporting cat. Yaka Purle as a steady rim protecting big man, Grady Dick as a potential X-factor shooter waiting in the wing and other players like Ochai Abaji, Jamal Shed, and Jacobe Walter. These players didn’t always get headlines, but they played their roles and helped the team stay competitive. The Raptors may not have been a top-seated team, but they had some intense game, especially against old rivals, Boston Celtics. The Celtics were one of the best teams in the East. The Raptors didn’t beat them often, but the games were physical and competitive. Scotty Barnes always brought his best against Boston, Philadelphia 76ers. These matchups are always interesting. Even though Joel Embiid didn’t play every game, the tension between these teams is still real. The Raptors won one close game at home led by strong defense and fast breaks. New York Knick with RJ Barrett and quickly facing their former team. These games had extra meaning. The matchups were close and both sides played with energy. Barrett’s motivation was clear. These rivalries helped the young Raptors get used to pressure which will help them long term. The Raptors coaching staff had a tough job this season. They had to manage a changing roster, develop young players, and keep the team competitive all at the same time. The focus was on player development, team defense, smart rotation, fast-paced offense. They also gave players freedom. Barnes had the ball in his hands more. Barrett got chances to create quickly was trusted to run the floor. Mistakes happened. The team lost games they could have won, but the coaching staff stayed patient. By the halfway mark of the season, the system looked more stable. That’s a good sign for the future. As the season crossed the halfway point, it became easier to evaluate the team’s progress. The Raptors were not leading the Eastern Conference. In fact, they were closer to the bottom half. But their performance wasn’t only about wins or losses. It was about growth. Players were getting more comfortable in their role. Chemistry between Barrett, Barnes, and Quickly had improved. Turnovers had slightly decreased. Ball movement was faster and smarter. Yes, there were still struggles, especially in close game, but the improvement was visible, and that’s exactly what fans hoped to see from a young rebuilding squad. At this point in the season, some fans believed that the Raptors might sneak into the playin tournament. Others were fine with letting the team focus on the long-term project. Either way, the Raptors had found a direction, and they were sticking to it. No NBA season is complete without the challenge of injury and the Raptors weren’t spared. Scotty Barnes missed a few games due to a wrist sprain. RJ Barrett had some minor back soreness that kept him out temporarily. Yaka Purle, the team’s main center, missed multiple games with an ankle injury. This tested the team’s depth. Younger players had to step up. In some games, the team’s performance dropped, especially on defense and rebound. When the trade deadline came, fans were curious. Would the Raptors make another big move? The front office kept things simple. They didn’t trade Barnes, Barrett, or Quickly. That showed trust in the core, but they did make smaller moves. Dennis Schroeder, a backup point guard, was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. Otto Porter Jr. was also moved to make space for more development minutes. Bruce Brown was acquired as part of the original Seakum trade earlier, but he was later moved to the Pelican. The Raptors clearly chose patience. They weren’t rushing to chase wins. They were giving their young players time to grow. That strategy may not please everyone, but it showed consistency in the long-term plan. Even though the team didn’t have a winning record, Raptors fans stayed loyal. Scotia Bank Arena was filled for most home game. The crowd brought energy, especially when the team played well against strong opponents like the Cavaliers or Knicks. Canadian fans also appreciated having RJ Barrett on the roster. His presence helps bring a deeper connection between the team and the country. In online spaces, fans often debated team direction. Some wanted more trade. Others wanted to tank for a better draft pick. But the one thing everyone agreed on was that they cared about the team’s future. That support made a difference in close games and gave confidence to younger players who were still finding their place. The Raptors lost several close games during the season. Some of these were against top teams. Others were against teams that the Raptors should have beaten. These losses were frustrating, but they also showed where the team needed to improve. late game decisions. In tight games, the team sometimes rushed shots or didn’t communicate well on defense. Free throw shooting in a few games missed free throws made a huge difference. Turnover, especially under pressure, the Raptors still gave the ball away too often. But rather than getting discouraged, the team seemed to learn from those moments. By the last quarter of the season, late game execution improved. Barnes became more confident in clutch moment. Quickly handled the ball with more calm. RJ Barrett took smarter shots. These are the small steps that build long-term success. Grady Dick, the Raptors rookie, had a slow start to the season, but by mid-season, fans noticed a change. His shooting got better, his defense improved, and most importantly, his confidence grew. He had a few games where he hit four or five three-point, helping the team stretch the floor. His movement without the ball also created space for teammates like Barnes and Barrett. While he still needs to improve on defense and strength, Grady showed that he can be a key rotation piece in the future. The Raptors gave him playing time even during losses, which helped him adjust to the NBA’s pace. The Eastern Conference had several strong teams this season. Boston Celtics were title contenders with great depth. Milwaukee Bucks had Giannis and Dne, a tough combo to stop. Cleveland Cavaliers played great two-way basketball. Indiana Pacers with Hallebertton and Pascal Seakum were rising fast. Against these teams, the Raptors weren’t always able to keep up for 48 full minutes. But they often stayed competitive in the first three quarters. These games were useful. They gave Barnes and Barrett a chance to test themselves against top tier talent. And even though the Raptors didn’t win many of those matchups, they learned valuable lessons about speed, spacing, and defense. Those rivalries also added fuel to the team’s growth. As the season moved forward, one thing became clear. Scotty Barnes and R.J. Barrett were learning how to play off each other. When Barnes drove to the basket, Barrett spaced out and waited for the open shot. When Barrett attacked the rim, Barnes cut into free spade or set screen. Their chemistry wasn’t perfect, but it improved every month. In one game against the Orlando Magic, both scored over 20 points while sharing the ball smooth. In another game against Atlanta Hawks, they combined for 12 assists and 17 rebounds. Their connection is now one of the team’s biggest hopes for the future. In the final 15 to 20 games of the season, the Raptors played with a bit more fire. They were still outside the playoff zone, but their ball movement improved and turnovers were lower. Some fans still hoped for a miracle run to the playin. Highlights during this stretch. A strong win against the Chicago Bulls. A very close overtime game versus the Miami Heat. A comeback win over the Brooklyn Nets. Even though they didn’t make a big jump in the standings, the team’s effort level stayed high, which is a good sign for next year. By the end of the 2024 to 25 season, the Raptors had a clear identity. a young core, Barnes, Barrett, Quickley, Grady, Dick, a solid supporting cast, Jacobe, Walter, Yaka, Purle, Abaji, a growing coaching strategy focused on development and team defense. The team didn’t make the playoffs. They improved their spacing, chemistry, and overall effort. That’s progress. There’s no shortcut to building a great team, but this season proved that the Raptors are heading in the right direction. Let’s talk about individual growth. Scotty Barnes averaged around 19 points, eight rebounds, and five assists per game. Became more confident in handling the ball under pressure, took on more responsibility late in game. He’s clearly turning into the leader of this team. a two-way player who can do a little bit of everything. RJ Barrett played his best basketball since joining the NBA, looked comfortable in Toronto. His mid-range and driving ability improved, averaged about 18 points per game. His chemistry with Barnes gives hope for the next few seasons. Emanuel Quickley showed poise and vision as the starting point guard, made smart passes, and kept the offense moving, shot well from the perimeter. He looks like a long-term piece in the back court. Baka Purle provided a strong inside presence when he was healthy, good at setting screens and protecting the rim. Rebounding and help defense were reliable. Each player had areas to grow, but also made progress that will help the team build a strong future. Head coach Darko Rayakovich had a tough job this season, leading a young team through change. Some things he did well gave young players more minutes, allowed Barnes and quickly to run the offense, built a better ball movement system, emphasized the team defense, areas for improvement, end ofame decision, delay timeout usage, adjustments against stronger team. But overall, Rya Kovich showed patience. He stuck to the plan and avoided rushing things for short-term win. If he continues this path and if the team keeps listening, he could become a strong long-term coach for the Raptors. Every team has matchups that feel personal. The Raptors had a few of those this season. Raptors versus Pacers with Pascal Seakum now on the Pacers. Every game between the two had more emotion. Fans watched closely to see who won the trade. Barrett and Barnes were often compared to Seakum. In one matchup, Sakum scored 25 plus, but the Raptors won, and that felt sweet. This rivalry is still new, but expected to grow overtime. Raptors versus Knicks. The Barrett and Quickly trade came from the Knicks. So every game against New York had extra fire. Barrett played with something to prove. Fans wanted him to outplay his former team. The games were close and physical. These matchups were exciting and showed how trades can fuel new rivalry. Facing top teams like Boston and Milwaukee gave the Raptors a chance to test themselves. Even though they lost more than they won, the effort was there. Fans saw the gap between rebuilding an elite. These games built hunger and motivation for the Raptors young core. These rivalries may not be balanced yet, but they’re real and they push Toronto forward. The 2024 to25 season didn’t end with a playoff run or a trophy. But it wasn’t a failure. The Raptor found a new identity, developed young players, rebuilt chemistry, gave fans hope, took early steps toward future success. And that’s what a rebuilding season should look like. Raptors fans can be proud of the progress. It wasn’t flashy, but it was real. And if the team continues to move forward, the wins will come.

The 2024/2025 NBA season was one to forget for the Toronto Raptors. From injuries and inconsistency to roster issues and underwhelming performances, nothing seemed to click. In this video, we break down what went wrong, key moments that derailed the season, and what needs to change if the Raptors want to bounce back next year.

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