The Toronto Raptors finished the 2021-2022 season with a 48-34 record securing the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. This gave the Raptors their eighth playoff appearance in nine seasons (missed 2021 playoffs).
In the postseason, Toronto lost in six games to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round. The team put forth a valiant effort rattling off consecutive wins after falling down 0-3 in the series.
Entering their fifth season under head coach Nick Nurse, there is much optimism surrounding the Raptors this upcoming year. Contending for a championship may seem overzealous but it is not too far-fetched.
Here we will take a deep dive into the Toronto Raptors’ chances of being a contender as we preview their 2022-2023 season.
Best Case Scenario
The Raptors may not be a championship contender at this very moment, but they are very close. This is a team that is good enough to win 50 games or more.
One of the biggest keys to success for the Toronto Raptors this season is the development of their young star forward Scottie Barnes. The reigning Rookie of the Year made a huge first impression in his first NBA season averaging 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists.
Barnes was unable to make a full impact in the playoffs after going down with an ankle injury in the team’s first game. He was still able to persevere playing a role in the team’s two wins over the 76ers.
The Raptors star Pascal Siakam continues to be one of the most underrated players in the NBA. Siakam is coming off a career year in which he amassed 22.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. He maintained this level of play in the postseason with 22.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.8 assists.
It was Fred VanVleet who represented the Raptors in the All-Star Game the first appearance of his career. In 65 games, VanVleet posted 20.3 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.4 rebounds. He was forced to miss the team’s final two playoff games with a hip flexor.
One aspect of Toronto that makes them so dangerous is they are deep with productive role players. These include Gary Trent Jr., OG Anunoby, Chris Boucher, Thaddeus Young, and the recently acquired Otto Porter Jr.
With this team at their best and healthy, they could be a darkhorse team in the Eastern Conference.
Worst Case Scenario
Before the Raptors can worry about being a title contender, they will need to contend with their own conference. The Raptors held a 30-22 record in 52 games against the East last season. This included losing three games against the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Detroit Pistons.
Not to mention the Atlantic division is much improved from what it was last season. The Brooklyn Nets will have Ben Simmons in their lineup after sitting out all of last season. The Philadelphia 76ers will have a full season of James Harden and Joel Embiid along with PJ Tucker and Montrezl Harrell.
The New York Knicks added Jalen Brunson who had a breakout performance in last year’s playoffs. Last but not least, the reigning Eastern conference champion Celtics bolstered their bench adding Danilo Gallinari and Malcolm Brogdon.
The Raptors will need to more efficient to have a chance to be more competitive. Toronto ranked 25th in the NBA in field goal percentage, 28th in two-point field goal percentage, and 23rd in free throw percentage. They also ranked 20th in three-point percentage.
Another issue the Raptors faced was scoring depth with the team struggling to put points on the board off the bench. Toronto’s primary starting lineup accounted for 68% of the team’s total points playing 47% of the team’s total minutes.
If the Raptors are unable to get consistent production from their bench, they will not live up to their true potential.
Prediction
Projected Starting Lineup: Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr., OG Anunoby, Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam
Record: 47-35, 7th in Eastern Conference, 3rd in Atlantic Division
Awards: All-Star- Pascal Siakam
Playoff Finish: Eastern Conference First Round
