Toronto Raptors: 3 goals down the stretch of the season

The Toronto Raptors have had a very sharp fall from grace. They were the NBA champions in 2019 and were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs last season in seven games by the Boston Celtics.

This season is not going as well for the Canadian franchise. Due to COVID-19, they have been playing in Tampa Bay, away from their incredible home fans. On top of that, the Raptors have suffered some significant loss of key personnel over the last two seasons.

The offseason after the Raptors won their championship, Kawhi Leonard held out until most of the free agency period was done before announcing that he was going to sign with the LA Clippers, making sure that the Clippers traded for Paul George before his signing.

The Toronto Raptors have not had a good season in 2020-21. Here are three goals down the stretch to get a headstart on next season.

In the offseason just gone, the Raptors then lost both of their centers to free agency. Marc Gasol took his talents to the Los Angeles Lakers. What made matters worse was Serge Ibaka went to the LA Clippers as well.

The Raptors then tried to replace this talent with Aron Baynes and Alex Len. It is safe to say these two players were underwhelming, with Len being cut early in the season. Neither player had Gasol’s defense and basketball IQ nor Ibaka’s presence in the paint. Chris Boucher has done everything he can at the center position but it is not enough.

The Raptors are sitting down the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings but let’s look at three goals for them down the stretch.