Can The Raptors Actually Compete With The East’s Elite?
The Toronto Raptors are having a strong season overall, but there’s a clear trend worth examining — their struggles against the top teams in the East.
So far this season, the Raptors are 0-3 vs. the Celtics, 0-3 vs. the Knicks, and 0-1 vs. the Pistons. Is this just bad luck, or a real sign of a ceiling when facing elite competition? In this clip, we break down the Raptors’ performance against the Eastern heavyweights, what it reveals about their roster and strategy, and whether fans should be concerned about their ability to compete in the playoffs.
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5 Comments
If we stay 5 or 4th we could compete with Cavs because they are soft too. Top 3 if they are mostly healthy we have “no chance” Boston assuming Tatum back at 70% first round.
Offseason maybe next 2 years have to decide on keeping 1 of IQ and RJ and that person is in the role of bench scoring. We need an upgrade like Dillon Brooks for RJ where we get more of a 2way player that is physical. If you keep BI that needs to be your only soft starter. We need to replace Jak with younger more physical big. Need to work to help CMB be a big wing back fill for SB and BI. Sandro can give you stretch big.
Next 2 years Out: RJ, Gradey, Jak with IQ to bench 6th man role.
In bigger 2 way PG Starter, Starting 2way SG, New Starting C more physical. Can Ja’Kobe step up to that role of SG? Rest you will need to turnover via trades and draft picks.
Short answer: not this year… but it’s intentional. We’ll get there
Boston Cleveland Detroit, New York will be difficult teams for us to compete with and unfortunately we didn’t get much better following the trade deadline so we’re essentially stuck until next season. Maybe we get lucky and get some extra pieces in free agency and draft but currently not good enough to compete with the top teams in the east. Need a center and better shooting.
Look, I think these talks need a little more balance. In a season where the Raptors are already exceeding expectations, channels like yours need to be showing them respect and mostly talking about the positives. To address these issues; Raptors are 5th for a reason. They have also weathered some injuries already. Priorities are; improve 3%, improve half court game, improve rebounding. The old style NBA is fading (high 3's, small ball) and the next dynasties are all focused on a balance game and tough D with ball pressure to anchor scoring. This is the model of the current Raptors make up for the most part. Raptors have a solid shot at the 4 seed and can likely finish around 48 wins. That is already a huge jump from last season. I'd love to see them match up in the 2nd round against any of the teams above them and those teams could also suffer an injury or two and that changes everything. Great season to be a Raptors fan, still lots of progress to be made.
Not this year, sorry folks.