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Toronto Raptors
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Toronto Raptors vs. Houston Rockets: Raps look to overtake a wavering Rockets team
Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/2025/2/9/...raps-look-to-overtake-a-wavering-rockets-team
John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
With a rest advantage, Toronto will try to overcome a Rockets team that has dropped six straight
The Toronto Raptors continue their 3-game road trip in Texas, facing the Houston Rockets in a midday matchup that tips off at 2 pm. This will be their second and final matchup against the Rockets this season, where they will look for redemption after dropping the first one by only four points in late December. While the Rockets were at full strength, the Raptors were missing a number of key players, and while RJ and Jak will remain on the bench again tonight, this time Quickley will join the lineup, who could be a difference maker.
Houston has had an excellent season, jumping in the standings considerably from last season, and even spending time in the top 3 in the West. They’ve dropped six straight now, half of which were by double-digit margins, and even a pair to the Brooklyn Nets. It’s not for lack of trying, with Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, and Amen Thompson all having massive performances in that stretch. There were notable absences though, with Sengun sitting with a calf contusion for some of those matchups, and Fred VanVleet also missing time with an ankle sprain. Now that they are starting a home stand and their lineup is more complete, they will likely come into this matchup at full force, trying to find their way out of the rut they have been in.
Toronto is seeing a similar trend, having won 8 of 10 before dropping the last three. In fairness, those losses came at the hands of the 1st and 2nd ranked teams in the west and the 3rd in the east and Toronto had its own injury problems without Poeltl and RJ in the lineup. After the trade deadline, the Raptors are also down two of their rotation players. Ingram is still suffering from an ankle injury, so Shead, Mogbo, and Robinson should see an uptick in minutes. The key for Toronto will be playing the brand of defence that was so successful in their winning stretch to bounce back from the last three losses.
For two teams that both love operating and scoring in the paint, Toronto (ranked 4th in the league) and Houston (ranked 7th) will both be relying on their big men in this matchup. The issue for Toronto, is that Poeltl is injured and Olynyk was traded, leaving Boucher, rookie Mogbo and two-way Robinson as their options. Shutting down Sengun and the string of athletic and explosive scorers that Houston has will be no easy task. It will require a joint effort, good help defence, and denial of any second chance opportunities to shut Houston down at home.
Where to Watch
On TSN at 2pm ET
Probable Starters
Toronto: Scottie Barnes, Ochai Agbaji, Jonathan Mogbo, Gradey Dick, Immanuel Quickley
Houston: Tari Eason, Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks, Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green
Injury Status
Toronto: RJ Barrett (Out: Concussion protocol), Ulrich Chomche (Out: G League), Brandon Ingram (Out: Ankle sprain), A.J. Lawson (Out: G League), Jakob Poeltl (Out: Right hip pointer)
Houston: Cody Zeller (Out: Not with team), Fred VanVleet (Out: Ankle sprain), Jabari Smith Jr. (Out: Fractured left hand)
Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/2025/2/9/...raps-look-to-overtake-a-wavering-rockets-team
Toronto Raptors
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Changing Brandon Ingram Trade Grade after Webster Talks
Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/2025/2/7/...ster-toronto-raptors-trade-deadline-nba-grade
Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
After hearing a bit more on the thought process and plans for Ingram, it only feels right to adjust his grade appropriately.
In the haze of the NBA Trade Deadline Thursday, the Toronto Raptors solidified their trade to acquire Brandon Ingram in exchange for Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, a 2026 first round pick and a 2031 second round pick.
Prior to the trade, while it was happening, and yesterday, I will admit I was a little skeptical. Was the plan to try and get him into the rotation ASAP and try and revive the season? Would the Raptors even re-sign him this summer? Could they make his salary work among the rest of the Raptors contracts?
As I detailed my doubts, giving this trade a C+ in my immediate grading piece from yesterday, I was actually sitting at the Raptors’ practice facility in Toronto. I did say in that one that I would be curious to see what Bobby Webster said about this trade, and that the results could ultimately change my opinion.
Well, we waited. And waited. And waited... if you don’t know how the NBA Trade Deadline works, I’ll give you a little crash course.
Teams need to negotiate and settle trades by 3pm ET, but just because Shams reports it, doesn’t mean the deal is done. At 3pm, all the trades that have been “filed” are then put into a queue, and teams wait in line to speak to someone from the NBA league office. Eventually, all parties involved in whatever trade is being processed will end up on the phone, where some lawyers and such will process the trade on the league’s end — making sure the money and everything works. After that call, the trade is official.
Subsequently, team officials can’t speak on trades until they are official. Since there was so many trades that happened yesterday, including the 6-team deal starring Jimmy Butler, the line was long. So, we waited.
Eventually it got to the point where we had been sitting around in the media room for hours and there was no sign of the Ingram trade being processed in the immediate future. Shoutout to Bobby Webster though, he was apologetic despite it not being his fault at all. We were sent home with the promise of getting some intel from Webster in the morning.
Circle back to 10am Friday, when the media was finally able to speak to Webster, getting some clarity on their process this week. He then spoke to Blake Murphy and Matt Bonner on The Raptors Show on Sportsnet. Here are some of the main takeaways:
Brandon Ingram is here for the long haul
One of the arguments against the Ingram trade initially was that he is going to become a unrestricted free agent this summer. Webster pretty immediately eased the worry on that topic, saying that Ingram not only had input on his trade destination, but is enthusiastic about re-signing in the summer. Webster assured that they were able to talk to Ingram’s reps as well about what kind of deal he is hoping to sign, and they all felt comfortable with the conversation.
Webster then went on to say on The Raptors Show that they are in the process of putting together a contract extension for Ingram. Whether he ends up signing that or going into free agency, that is to be determined.
Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy also reported that Ingram turned down his $2.1 million dollar trade bonus. A contract stipulation that would have been added to the Raptors’ cap this season, Ingram does the team-friendly move and scrapped it. Anthony Davis did the same with the Dallas Mavericks earlier this week.
So, it seems like Ingram wants to be in Toronto and sees himself as a long-term member of this team.
Webster also expressed how the team likes to treat the deadline like “pre-free agency” in getting these players in before they become UFA’s. They get to learn about who they are, see the fit, get a trial run of sorts. As Webster said it’s “good due diligence.”
What are the #Raptors' top priorities moving forward?
#WeTheNorth GM Bobby Webster shares his thoughts with @BlakeMurphyODC and @mattbonner_15.
LIVE
https://t.co/SqK7M993Jz & @Sportsnet 360
https://t.co/tEtiRUWyip pic.twitter.com/V6MfmfoO5z
— Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) February 7, 2025Ingram’s struggles with health
Brandon Ingram has been out since December with an ankle sprain. During our campout in the Raptors’ media room Thursday, there was a search into the latest info on Ingram’s injury. Last the Pelicans updated in late-January, he was set to be re-evaluated.
Now, if you were around during the Kawhi Leonard days, you know a thing about the Raptors’ medical team. They are pretty revered around the league for being good, getting lots of praise from Leonard, DeRozan, Lowry and many other former Raptors.
While Webster did say that they would not rush Ingram’s return to play, he was optimistic about Ingram’s status. Ingram met the team in Oklahoma City today, where he was set to be evaluated by the Raptors’ medical staff — so we should get an update soon.
As for the trade, Webster did say that the injury (and Ingram’s history) did affect the price of the trade, and could affect the contract negotiations. He also chalked it up a little to recent injury woes on the New Orleans Pelicans side too, and is confident in Ingram’s future health.
Are the Raptors still tanking?
Lastly, one of the biggest points around this trade was the idea that the Raptors are supposed to be tanking this season. The 2025 draft boasts high-level talents like Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey and more, and Toronto fans are hoping one of those talents ends up in a Raptors jersey.
The concern around getting Ingram was that this changed those plans, and the team would want to win more this year. Getting a GM or team official to talk about tanking in itself is pretty hard, simply because they can’t talk about it — yet Webster toed the line pretty well today.
He was clear on the Raptors’ intentions to continue their rebuild this year (aka tank), and specifically mentioned the “desire to focus on the young players and rookies.” Again, another tongue and cheek way to say tank.
Later on The Raptors Show, Webster urged fans to “pray to the lottery gods.”
So, rest assured — the Raptors aren’t suddenly trying to make the play-in. Especially with Ingram’s rehab and Quickley’s lack of playing time this season, the goal is just assessment. They definitely need to be scouting for back-up centers, which will happen through 10-day contracts. They also just signed Jamison Battle to a standard NBA deal as well.
Updated Grade: A
With all of this being said, I feel confident enough to upgrade this trade from a C+ to an A. That gives some room to grow into an A+ with time and seeing how Ingram ends up fitting into this system. It also reflects the planning that has gone into the timing of the deal as well as Ingram’s interest in staying on the team long-term.
Turns out, the Raptors were buyers at the deadline after all.
Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/2025/2/7/...ster-toronto-raptors-trade-deadline-nba-grade
Toronto Raptors
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The Rap-Up: A Landmark Anniversary approaches
Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/2025/2/10...s-of-the-week-february-10-16-sixers-cavaliers
Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images
Toronto’s final two games before the All-Star break include a reunion with Nick Nurse and Kyle Lowry, and another celebration of Vince Carter.
There’s been a lot of talk throughout Toronto sports media and this site about the Brandon Ingram trade. With the initial shock and subsequent statements by the front office out of the way, Toronto’s direction is taking shape.
- The tank is still on. Bobby Webster spoke openly about wanting a high draft pick and ensuring the young players and rookies get more opportunities to develop.
- Ingram is the latest “pre-agency” acquisition for the Raptors. Masai Ujiri famously said in his Media Day presser that “free agency is dead.” The NBA’s worst-kept secret is that players are still reluctant to play for the league’s only Canadian team. Since Scottie Barnes was drafted, the biggest free agent signings have been Dennis Schroder and Otto Porter Jr. They played a combined 74 games with the Raptors and were salary-dumped to lottery teams. Meanwhile, Ingram, Jakob Poeltl, and Ochai Agbaji are all deadline-day trade acquisitions. Forgoing a bidding war (they’d likely lose) for Ingram and getting him for the low, low price of 1 expiring (Bruce Brown), 1 player not in the team’s future (Kelly Olynyk), a second-round pick (2031) for someone that’s currently 12 years old, and a first-round pick (Indiana’s) that won’t be in the lottery.
- Get ready for eyebrow-raising lineups. Michael Grange reported that Ingram is likely out for at least a month. With the departures of Brown, Olynyk, and Davion Mitchell, we’re about to see a whole lot of Jamal Shead, Jonathan Mogbo, Jamison Battle, and even Ulrich Chomche — all rookies, and none of them drafted in the first round (or at all).
- Slim Reefer extension coming? Webster was also forthcoming about contract extension discussions with the former All-Star. Depending on what numbers they land on could determine the team’s next steps in the rebuild. Inking Ingram to an annual salary below $40 million should give the team enough wiggle room to fill out the roster without dipping into the luxury tax. If over $40 million, the proverbial countdown clock will have started on RJ Barrett’s time with the team (if it hasn’t already). RJ’s large contract ($57.3 million over the next two seasons) and role redundancy with Ingram make him the latest trade machine favourite.
With the outlook of the team crystalizing, we can all go back to enjoying competitive losses and watching the young players grow. We also get to enjoy watching the 25 other teams that made a trade and figuring out who went where.
February 11 @ Philadelphia 76ers
The Raptors’ final road game before the All-Star break is against the Philadelphia 76ers, a.k.a. the Phoenix Suns of the East, a.k.a. When Big 3s Go Wrong.
I understand why Daryl Morey leveraged the Sixers’ future by signing Paul George from the Los Angeles Clippers. It was ridiculously poor asset management by the Clips and Morey swooped in to steal the 9-time All-Star.
Crowning the Sixers as legitimate title contenders always felt.....off. Nobody would have predicted that Philly would be out of a play-in position heading into the All-Star break, but adding a player with a checkered injury history to a lineup with Joel Embiid carried significant risk. Adding the max contract of said player to a payroll that’s already giving max money to Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, thus filling out the rest of the roster with ageing veterans (Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, Kyle Lowry) also carried risk.
The result is a lottery team with (likely) no lottery pick. Five years ago, the Sixers needed to shed salary, so they dumped Al Horford 4-year / $109 million contract on the Oklahoma City Thunder.....along with a top-6 protected pick in the 2025 draft.
The thought of tanking and ensuring a top-6 pick in a stacked draft was not in the Sixers’ plan for 2025. It’s now too late to start throwing games and producing phantom injuries. Philadelphia is pot-committed on Embiid being healthy for the postseason, George improving on stats far below his career averages, and Maxey having energy (2nd in minutes per game) for the stretch run.
Fun fact that may only interest me
You know I love throwing out some player comps!
Player 1: 16.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 43/37/82 shooting splits
Player 2: 21.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 47/35/66 shooting splits
Player 1 is Paul George. Player 2 is RJ Barrett.
Before you mention George’s injuries this season and lack of games played, consider this: PG has almost played as many games (32) as Ochai Agbaji has started (35).
Prediction
Toronto has lost its last 4 visits to Philadelphia. While there is always motivation to beat Nick Nurse and/or Embiid, the Raptors are facing a desperate Sixers squad that views this game as a cure to its 3-game losing streak. As of Monday morning, Philadelphia “only” has Jared McCain (out for the season) on the injury report — which is a borderline miracle for the 6th-oldest roster in the league.
The Sixers cover the -6.5 spread.
February 12 vs Cleveland Cavaliers
While the Raptors have been celebrating 30 years of existence, you could argue that the team didn’t arrive until Vince Carter’s iconic Slam Dunk performance during All-Star Weekend in 2000.
On the 25th anniversary — a dunkaversary — the Toronto Raptors will celebrate the occasion at Scotiabank Arena.
Dunkaversary : February 12
Celebrating the anniversary of Vince Carter’s iconic All-Star dunk that changed the game
Read morehttps://t.co/1CTaRusbRV pic.twitter.com/vZN3SxliT3
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) February 7, 2025
As for the Cleveland Cavaliers, they’re the only title-contending team to make a significant move at the trade deadline. After cycling through various options at Small Forward, from Isaac Okoro to Caris Levert to Dean Wade to Max Strus, the team was able to nab De’Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks. The emergence of Hunter’s University of Virginia teammate, Ty Jerome — Most Improved Player AND 6th Man of the Year candidate — lightened the blow from losing Levert and Georges Niang. Hunter, also a 6MOY candidate, offers another offensive threat (league-leading 19.0 points off the bench) who can knock down an outside shot (39.3% from three) when Donovan Mitchell or Darius Garland or Evan Mobley are eventually double-teamed. The Cavaliers will enter the break with a comfortable lead over the Boston Celtics, with eyes on a bigger prize in the playoffs.
Fun fact that may only interest me
Trae Young was just announced as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury replacement and LaMelo Ball is surely next in line. The Cavaliers already have 3 All-Stars. Jarrett Allen probably won’t be named an All-Star. That’s a shame because he deserves a spot.
Allen currently ranks...
- 1st in Win Shares among all East players
- 1st in Offensive Rating in the NBA
- 3rd in Defensive Rating among all East players
- 3rd in Rebounds among all East players (the other 2 are All-Stars)
- 1st in Field Goal Percentage and Effective Field Goal Percentage among all East players
- 1st in True Shooting Percentage in the NBA
Prediction
Cleveland has won each of the last four and six of the last seven meetings between the teams. Kenny Atkinson and his coaching staff will be headed to All-Star weekend alongside Mitchell, Garland, and Mobley. The Cavaliers started the season with a 30-point drubbing of the Raptors and will look to end the first “half” of the season with a similar result, as Toronto will be without as many as 4 key pieces: Ingram (ankle), Poeltl (hip), Barrett (concussion protocol), and Gradey Dick (concussion protocol).
Toronto covers the +17.5 spread but the Cavaliers come away victorious.
ENJOY ALL-STAR WEEKEND!
********
Last Week’s Record: 1-3
Season Record: 23-30
Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/2025/2/10...s-of-the-week-february-10-16-sixers-cavaliers
Toronto Raptors
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Immediate Grades on the Toronto Raptors Trade Deadline Moves
Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/2025/2/6/...s-on-the-toronto-raptors-trade-deadline-moves
John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Raptors made several moves ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline, let’s give immediate grades.
As 3pm and the NBA Trade Deadline passes us by, we now wait to hear from Raptors General Manager Bobby Webster. That may take hours, so let’s go through the reported moves the Toronto Raptors have made.
Brandon Ingram for Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, picks: C+
In the grand scheme of everything the Raptors did ahead of the Trade Deadline, my opinion stays the same as it was this morning. It will be interesting to see how this works out in the grand scheme of things, but immediately I am skeptical of the salary implications this will have on the team vs the level of commitment Ingram has to re-sign in Toronto.
For this season in particular, the implications of this trade make the vision a little murkier. It really all depends if Ingram will play at any point for the rest of the season. If he doesn’t, the current track of “tanking” for a top draft pick continues, and you aim to hit reset next season with Ingram + new pick + current core. That I am down with.
If he does intend to play this season, do the Raptors then head into the 7+ area of the draft?
On first glance this trade is a little confusing, but I have hope it will turn into something good with time.
Davion Mitchell for PJ Tucker, pick, cash: A
This one is very much a roster/salary move. The Raptors will likely buy out Tucker, opening up a roster spot. They gain a pick from Miami, and you get some cash in your pocket.
Mitchell wasn’t getting minutes and the team was clearly prioritizing Jamal Shead’s development over him. Why waste the spot/money.
It’s one of those quick, beneficial trades that help with the book keeping side of things. Also doesn’t harm the team at all.
James Wiseman to the Raptors: Inconclusive.
This one came in at the final buzzer. The Pacers send Wiseman and cash to the Raptors, and the buzz going around right now is that the Raptors are sending back a pick. Pacers clear some salary/a roster spot. Wiseman is out for the season anyway with a torn Achilles.
The question here is if the team plans on keeping Wiseman, buying him out, or what this move was for. Until we know that, it gets an inconclusive grade. For now, he’s not playing though.
Chris Boucher stays: D
Bro. He’s probably going to walk in free agency, and now you get nothing for him? Not even a pick? I’m confusedddddd.
Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/2025/2/6/...s-on-the-toronto-raptors-trade-deadline-moves
Toronto Raptors
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“No Class” Raptors Coach Rajakovic Slams Tristan Thompson after scuffle
Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/2025/2/13...ajakovic-slams-tristan-thompson-after-scuffle
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
One thing about Uncle Darko is that he is gonna stand on business.
Sure, the Toronto Raptors lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers by 23 points on Wednesday night — but what’s making headlines is what happened at the end of the game.
In the final seconds of the buzzer, Tristan Thompson decided to take the shot instead of respectfully dribbling it out as is custom. Scottie Barnes and the Raptors did not like that, which led to an altercation on the court where Thompson and other players had to be held back and escorted off the court. The fans at Scotiabank Arena boo’d Thompson off the court, and that was the end of that.
For five minutes, anyway.
Immediately following the game, in his routine post game press conference, Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic was asked about the scuffle. He said it was a “no class” move from Thompson and reiterated his usual stance that he will always support and protect his players.
Of course, comments like that will always go viral, especially with Darko’s reputation of spicy postgame press moments. Remember the Los Angeles Lakers rant of 2024?
Thompson then decided to retaliate with a statement of his own, saying the Raptors asked for it by putting on a full court press at the end of the game. He then told Darko to “stay warm in MY city” — which is confusing because I didn’t think Darko was travelling to Brampton anytime soon...
Our friends over at Fear the Sword shared what Cleveland’s head coach said after the game, that he “was not sure what [Thompson] was thinking,” and also did not think there was any bad intent with Thompson’s move. As bystanders to the tumultuous relationship Thompson has shared with his home country’s team’s fans over the years... we beg to differ.
Now, one way to piss off people in Toronto is to claim it as “your city” when you’re from Brampton — touchy subject. It’s like claiming New York City as your city, but you live in Albany. It’s not the same.
It would be one thing if Thompson was leading this excellent Cleveland Cavaliers team to their impressive 44-10 record... but he’s not. Toronto-based statistician Keerthika Uthayakumar made sure to get the facts straight by quoting Thompson’s tweet:
Mic drop from Keeks there.
Anyway, the Cavaliers won the game, so big ups to them. They are having a great season and now have swept the season series against Toronto. Wishing them good luck and see ya next season.
Of course, if you’d like to rewatch the Darko LA rant again, I wouldn’t leave you hanging like that:
Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/2025/2/13...ajakovic-slams-tristan-thompson-after-scuffle
Toronto Raptors
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Tanking 101: So you want the Toronto Raptors to tank, welcome!
Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/2025/2/25...n-lottery-draft-nba-flagg-tank-boston-celtics
Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Tanking is confusing, and you’re not alone if you don’t know what is going on! Turns out a handful of ping pong balls are holding our fragile mental state together...
It’s been an interesting season for the Toronto Raptors, to say the least. As we trek on in the final third of the 2024-25 season, we are getting to the point where every win — but more important, every loss — really matters.
“Tanking” is really precarious idea in NBA Basketball. Lose now, win at the draft. Yet, it has to be done so strategically that no one can truly prove you’re tanking. Also, even when you tank as hard as you can, the odds aren’t spectacular when it comes to getting the no.1 pick in the draft.
Let’s take the Raptors, for instance. Right now they have the 5th best draft odds in the NBA, with a record of 18-40. That means they have a 42.1% chance at getting a top-4 draft pick, and a 10.5% chance of getting the no.1 overall pick. The Washington Wizards currently have the worst record in the NBA, and therefore the best draft odds. Even so, they still only have 52.1% chance of getting a top-4 pick, and a 14% chance of getting the no.1 pick, at the moment. It really is all up to the lottery ball gods.
In simple terms, the worse your season record, the better your odds — which is why fans of teams that are “tanking” want them to lose so badly. Yet, even when you lose the most, there is no guarantee you get a top-pick.
So here we are in (nearly) March, 18-40 for Toronto and it’s still not good enough to get into that top-3 odds conversation. It does not help that Toronto also has one of the easiest schedules to end the season in comparison to other teams, which leads to another factor — players generally don’t want to tank. They want to win. If they can, they will.
Tanking isn’t something that is executed by the players, because they have the mentality of going out on the court and trying to win. They want to get better, they want to be good. They are thinking of the present, not the future.
It’s all a very intricate balance.
Plus, the development of the team in a year like this matters too. You want Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett to build chemistry. You want the rookies to get better, and players like Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji to approve. So, some wins need to happen.
The Raptors lost against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, in pretty much a wire to wire loss — but they also won against the reigning NBA Champions earlier in the season.
Toronto also has wins against the Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic, LA Clippers and Phoenix Suns, and went on a winning streak in early 2025 that had many pro-tankers scratching their heads in confusion.
While no one can fumble this NBA season like Nico Harrison fumbled with trading Luka from the Dallas Mavericks — being in a tanking position and then making the play-in would come close.
So, are they tanking? The easy answer is yes. The moves the front office has made, the way injury protocol is being administered (so like, they are not rushing anyone back). The point they are at in their rebuild. The way Bobby Webster emphasized the upcoming draft after the trade deadline. It all points towards the desire to get as high in the draft as possible.
The more complicated answer is yes, but don’t expect them to have the overall best odds in the draft. Scottie, IQ and Barrett are going to get time to build some chemistry, they are playing teams worse than them, and wins are going to happen.
Where do the Raptors go from here? Well, once the regular season is over (barring an unlikely push into the NBA play-in tournament), all attention turns to the draft lottery. That happens in May (they have not announced the date yet).
Once the order of the draft is finalized, the mocking, scouting, and theorizing can begin. If the Raptors get the no.1 pick (manifesting here), the choice seems pretty easy. You draft Cooper Flagg out of Duke — who is by far the best prospect in the class. Once you start getting farther up into the draft, the choices can vary. Plus, the Raptors have an interesting history in the draft, which honestly has been trending upward in terms of working out in recent years — despite keeping everyone on their toes.
The 2025 draft is on June 25-26, as the NBA does the two-day format for the second year. Once we draft our new players, they will head to Summer League and likely travel to a few destinations for team camps like Darko and the coaching staff planned last year.
The goal is that next NBA season the Raptors can be competitive. Brandon Ingram is healthy, and he along with the new lottery pick are integrated into the system with Scottie Barnes. The goal is to be a playoff team NEXT season. Patience now, good times ahead.
It took 24 years for the Raptors to get their first NBA title, but the goal is that it doesn’t take another 24 to get their second. For now though, it will be nice to be competitive again.
Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/2025/2/25...n-lottery-draft-nba-flagg-tank-boston-celtics