The Toronto Raptors have faced a brutal start to their 2024-25 season, turning what began with optimism into a campaign marred by injuries, losses, and defensive struggles. As the Raptors sit close to the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a dismal 2-6 record, it’s clear that their best option is to pivot toward a rebuild. With their young roster getting valuable minutes and the 2025 NBA Draft boasting top-tier talent, Raptors tanking now could mean reaping big rewards down the line.
Why the Raptors Should Embrace Tanking This Season
A Season Already Defined by Injuries
The Raptors entered this season hoping to make a playoff push but were quickly derailed by an overwhelming wave of injuries. Key players like Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and rookie standout Ja’Kobe Walter have missed every game, while Immanuel Quickley went down in the season opener. RJ Barrett only recently returned, but in a cruel twist, Scottie Barnes, one of their primary assets, suffered a fractured orbital bone and will miss at least three weeks. These absences have left the team in a difficult position, struggling to compete against healthy squads.
Their recent loss to the Charlotte Hornets was a low point despite career-high performances from players like Gradey Dick, the Raptors’ defense collapsed, allowing lesser-known players like Tre Mann and Cody Martin to lead the Hornets to a 138-133 victory. The team’s defense, which seemed promising in a narrow win over the Denver Nuggets, crumbled against Charlotte, giving up big plays to Nick Richards and others. This defeat, coupled with other “bottom-tier” teams picking up wins around the league, now pushes the Raptors to reconsider their direction.
Raptors Tank: A New Chapter Begins
Sitting close to the bottom of the conference, Toronto has been averaging 125.0 points allowed per game, putting their defense among the worst in the East. One of their two wins came against a depleted Philadelphia 76ers squad missing Joel Embiid and Paul George. With a point differential of –5.6, the Raptors aren’t just losing—they’re losing by sizeable margins. This reality, paired with an upcoming stretch against teams with winning records, has made it clear that competing for a playoff spot may be unrealistic.
A November schedule that includes games against heavyweights like Nikola Jokic, LeBron James, and Giannis Antetokounmpo only further cements the bleak outlook. The Raptors could easily find themselves going 3-11 or worse over the next few weeks. Instead of hoping for a miraculous turnaround, the Raptors would be wise to embrace a tanking strategy and focus on future success.
Development Over Wins
The decision by the Raptors to shift to a tanking strategy allows the team to prioritize player development over winning games. Rookies like Jamal Shead, Jonathan Mogbo, and Jamison Battle are already gaining valuable on-court experience, while second-year player Dick is taking on a more significant scoring role. These young players wouldn’t see as many minutes if the Raptors were focused on a playoff push. This shift not only accelerates their growth but also helps management assess who could be a future building block for the franchise.
Letting rookies and young players develop while building chemistry is invaluable, and it sets up a path for the Raptors to establish a stronger core for the future. Additionally, by embracing this direction, Toronto could position itself well in the 2025 NBA Draft, which includes elite prospects like Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey, Nolan Traore, and VJ Edgecombe.
Drafting a Potential Game-Changer
If the Raptors secure a top-five pick, they have a shot at landing a franchise-altering player. The most coveted prospect, Flagg, would add immense value to Toronto. Pairing him with Barnes could create a dynamic two-way forward duo, elevating the team’s ceiling dramatically. With an infusion of high-upside young talent, the Raptors could go from bottom-feeder to playoff contender within a few seasons.
This isn’t the first time the Raptors have turned to the draft to rebuild. Just a few years ago, they pivoted mid-season and used their high pick to draft Barnes. With the right moves, they can leverage another disappointing season into a successful draft and quickly rebuild around a new core.
Trade Assets for Future Flexibility
Tanking also allows the Raptors to reassess their veteran assets. Jakob Poeltl, a stabilizing presence in the paint, could fetch valuable draft capital or young talent on the trade market. Similarly, Brown and Olynyk, both of whom bring veteran experience and skill, are prime trade candidates. Moving these players could help Toronto accelerate its rebuild by acquiring more assets and creating more opportunities for its young roster.
Trading veterans won’t just benefit the Raptors in the long term—it also helps ensure they stay competitive in the race for a high draft pick by limiting their ability to win games this season. This could give the Raptors a better shot at landing a transformative player, ultimately building a brighter future.
A Tank is a Difficult Decision but a Necessary One for the Raptors
Historically, Toronto’s front office under Masai Ujiri has avoided tanking. However, when a season turns sour, they have shown a willingness to change course, as they did to land Barnes. By leaning into this strategy early, Toronto can position itself as a serious contender for a top draft pick and keep pace with other rebuilding teams.
While tanking is never easy, the potential rewards could make it worthwhile. With a promising young core, an influx of talented rookies, and a potential franchise player in the 2025 Draft, the Raptors can use this season to lay the groundwork for a brighter future. This painful stretch could ultimately give Toronto the competitive edge it needs to return to contention.
