Eastern Conference Team #2: The Toronto Raptors
The Raptors were a surprising fifth seed after an initial rough start. With the play of All NBA Third Team member Pascal Siakam and Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes, Toronto was able to make their way into a crowded Eastern Conference bracket and give the 76ers a scare in the first round of the playoffs. Despite this success, low activity in the offseason, aside from some rounding out of the roster, may be more of a hindrance in Toronto’s case.
All the playoff-contending teams below Toronto improved their rosters, like the Hawks, Cavaliers, Nets, and Knicks. All these teams can also point to someone they can say is a bonafide superstar. In a league driven by such talent, the Raptors are putting a lot on Scottie Barnes’ shoulders in hopes of him taking them to the promised land. These are high expectations for a second-year player with a questionable shooting stroke.
OG Anunoby has been on the trading block all summer, which seems like a peculiar choice for a team trying to compete for a championship. Anunoby is a 3&D big wing with some upside; aside from a superstar haul, it would seem illogical to trade him away. This roster certainly houses some talent with the aforementioned names alongside Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr., but the limited star power with short depth makes their situation in this bolstered Eastern Conference more precarious than last year.