The Toronto Raptors are off to a 2-6 start in 2024-25, but while moral victories don’t show up in their wins and losses, it seems like the Raptors are a much better team than their record reflects.
The Future Looks Bright For Darko Rajakovic’s Raptors
Raptors second-year head coach Darko Rajakovic, who was instrumental in the development of players like Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane in his time as an assistant, is getting the best out of his guys individually and as a team. RJ Barrett, Gradey Dick, Jakob Poeltl, Ochai Agbaji, and Davion Mitchell are averaging career-highs. Rookies Jonathan Mogbo, Jamal Shead, and Jamison Battle have —more or less —hit the ground running.
RJ put that dude on SKATES#Raptors #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/X5hDjhwDin
— Pensare Basketball (@PensareBBall) November 5, 2024
They’re scrappy. They hustle. They play to their strengths.
Gradey Dick looking like more than just a spot shooting specialist to start the season…
The 6’6 20yo weaponizing the threat of his shot to straight line drive into the middle game where he has been extremely efficient getting to his pull-ups and floaters. Impressive start! https://t.co/yR5YOAX9eg pic.twitter.com/K2iJAAyReR
— NBA University (@NBA_University) November 2, 2024
That shows up not just on the film but in the data. This season, the Raptors are third in total deflections (139), tied for second in total charges drawn (7), and seventh in total contested shots (306). They rank fifth in total steals (73) and are tied for fifth in total blocks (47). They lead the league in total miles run (158.6) and are second in average speed (4.46 miles per hour).
These are among the reasons why four of Toronto’s losses were by single digits. This includes a pair of two-point losses to the Denver Nuggets, a title-contender that won the NBA championship in 2023. The Raptors also pushed the Los Angeles Lakers to the brink of defeat in a comeback attempt on Nov. 1.
Looking at their pair of wins, they’ve actually beaten two other title-contenders in the Philadelphia 76ers and Sacramento Kings. To be fair to the Sixers, Joel Embiid and Paul George were out. However, the Kings had their entire Big 3.
This is all while missing Immanuel Quickley, who only played 14 minutes in the season opener and has been out since with a bruised pelvis.
Masai Ujiri Should Be Excited
As a rebuilding team, the process is a bit more important than the results for the Raptors. With that being said, Raptors president Masai Ujiri should be excited about the team’s future.
Toronto is doing relatively well without two of their top players (Scottie Barnes has been out since Oct. 30 with an orbital fracture). They’ve gotten extended looks at depth pieces. Yet, this isn’t because they’re missing players. Rajakovic just isn’t afraid to put guys out there regardless of their experience level.
Ujiri has hired a teacher in Rajakovic. He’s acquired players with untapped potential and a warrior’s heart. Barrett, a Toronto native, is playing for team and country.
Frankly, the Raptors might have one of the 14 worst records in the NBA this season, landing yet another lottery pick. It’s not necessarily a talent issue so much as the fact there are over a dozen teams with more talent, chemistry, and experience. However, Toronto doesn’t need to be focused on the lottery. Their team doesn’t need Duke forward Cooper Flagg or Rutgers forward Ace Bailey.
They just need time to gel and develop.
(Writer’s note: A prospect like 7-foot stretch-center Eric Reibe, who could be drafted as early as 2026, does fit their needs.)
