2023-24 season: 25-57
Highlight of the season: When the organization realized, on December 30, the need to turn to a youth movement after years of being stuck in the mud.
How it ended
Optimistically. The Raptors may have been bad this year, struggling to put together a cohesive offense while boasting a defense made of Swiss cheese, but their midseason trades gave Raptors fans hope for the long-term future. Parting ways with OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam wasn’t an easy decision, especially after losing Fred VanVleet last summer to the Rockets, but the trade returns of Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett lifted the spirits of the organization and a frustrated fan base.
Barrett, famous for his inefficient scoring as a Knick, found new life after returning to his native Canada while also undergoing a position change. The 6-foot-1 lefty, who was primarily used as a guard in New York, saw significant minutes as a power forward, allowing him to operate with more perimeter flair on the floor. The result? A huge increase in offensive efficiency, as Barrett made over 55% of his shots and increased his playmaking ability.
As for Quickley, the Raptors found their replacement for VanVleet after initially signing Dennis Schröder during the offseason, which was never a long-term solution. The 24-year-old guard went from coming off the bench in all 30 games he played for the Knicks this season to starting all 38 games he played for Toronto. He made leaps in both rebounding and playmaking while also establishing himself as a starter. Quickley’s production — 18.6 points, 6.8 assists and 4.8 rebounds — has made him a key free agent this summer when he hits restricted free agency.
Trades aside, the Raptors also saw internal improvements from Scottie Barnes, to the point where he made his first All-Star team. The 22-year-old had 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists while becoming one of the most effective defenders in the NBA. It remains to be seen whether Barnes will ever become a top-level scorer, but his current trajectory indicates that he will, at worst, be a formidable second option on a good team. If next season Barnes can take another step forward, Toronto should be in good shape.
Where the Raptors will need to improve next year is the play of Gradey Dick, their rookie lottery pick. Although he came alive in the second half of the season, averaging 12.4 points in his last 32 games, the rookie struggled initially, and it’s fair to wonder how much stock should be invested in March and April, at least from a competitive standpoint .
Lost in optimism about the future of their young players, the Raptors need to admit that they did not produce well enough. They went 6-21 after the All-Star break — in part due to injuries, but also a lack of quality depth, which should be on the priority list as they enter the offseason. They are still unsure whether they will be able to keep their lottery pick, as they owe the Spurs a protected top-six selection via the Jakob Poeltl trade. They currently sit in 6th place, but a bad lottery could see them bag a new teammate for Victor Wembanyama.
Greater need in the off-season
In addition to keeping Quickley, the Raptors need quality depth and to add even more to their youth movement. Dick isn’t ready for a major role yet, and the team could lose Gary Trent Jr., which means a point guard should be at the top of the list. Unfortunately for the Raptors, the best young point guard on the market is Trent Jr., but they don’t have matching rights if he receives offers elsewhere.
Focus on the draft
The Raptors have two first-round picks and one second-round pick and will look to add a variety of talent at all levels. For some inside rim protection, they could target a Canadian hero, Purdue star Zach Edey. Also in the middle of the first round is 7-foot-2 Duke center Kyle Filipowski. With the early second-round pick, Toronto could take a swing at 6-8 Kentucky wing Justin Edwards, who could end up being the Peyton Watson of this draft class – not very productive in college, but his game translates better to the NBA . -Krysten Peek
Projected draft picks (pre-lottery): Nos. 6, 17 and 35
Salary cap details
The Raptors find themselves in a complicated situation. Quickley’s cap hit ($12.5 million) is much cheaper than the contract he will end up signing, so Toronto will need to do its business before re-signing Quickley. However, if a team like the Spurs shows up on Day 1 to offer Quickley the most, time will not be on the Raptors’ side if they are to match — which they should, given what they gave up to get him in the first place.
Given that Trent Jr. is responsible for $27.8 million on their books until he is re-signed, signs elsewhere or his rights are waived, this further complicates the number the Raptors actually have to deal with. If Trent Jr. is retained, and for a number lower than his cap hit mentioned above, the Raptors need to act quickly, so the lower contractual – and actual – number applies.
Regardless, the Raptors are not anticipated to have much cash on hand and, acting as an over-the-cap team, they will maintain use of the full non-tax mid-level exception, worth close to an estimated $13 million.
Top free agents:
Immanuel Quickley (RFA)
Gary Trent Jr.
Goal for next season
Develop alignment symmetry. There is considerable talent in Toronto, and now that talent needs to find a way to become more cohesive. Acceptance of the role will be a big part of this team next year, especially since all three of Quickley, Barrett and Barnes can handle the ball and all look to make plays from time to time. Finally, the Raptors hope no other fringe talent on their roster receive a lifetime ban by the NBA for placing bets on its own games.
What can move the fantasy needle
Subscribe to Quickley – quickly. He will become a restricted free agent this summer unless the Raptors extend him a $6.3 million qualifying offer. However, his production in 38 games justifies a new and lucrative deal. What’s more encouraging is that in 25 games with Barnes in the lineup, Quickley averaged 17 points with six dimes, four boards and one action, proving he’s capable of running the show alongside one of Toronto’s most valuable assets. . -Dan Tito
