After an ugly 2020-21 campaign, the Toronto Raptors looked more like their recent title-winning squad this year. The team was able to push themselves into the postseason, where they fell in the first round to the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Raptors feel like a team on the rise with a solid young core. One of the most questioned decisions of the previous offseason was the selection of Scottie Barnes with the fourth overall pick. He quickly silenced the doubters, earning Rookie of the Year accolades.
Other members of the team’s core are Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, and Gary Trent Jr., a quietly solid crew. Additionally, the franchise has one of the best head coaches in Nick Nurse, and personnel in president Masai Ujiri.
5 important goals for the Toronto Raptors this offseason
Nevertheless, some hard decisions may need to be made this offseason. The playoff debacle at the hands of the Sixers showed this Raptors team is not ready to compete again for a championship or even an Eastern Conference crown. And much to the dismay of fans, Kawhi Leonard isn’t walking back through the door.
The Raptors don’t have a lot of big free agents set to hit the market. The one that requires the most watching is big man Chris Boucher. Otherwise, the Raptors will likely return the same roster next season. Is that enough to get them to the next level, or should the team be trying to do more this summer? Here are five goals for the Toronto Raptors this offseason.