The Toronto Raptors have to turn it around, 2021 free agency depends on it
By Jack Long
The Toronto Raptors are off to a historically bad start, and turning things around is a necessity. Not just for playoffs, but the broader future of the organization.
It has been truly tough to watch. The Toronto Raptors just can’t seem to find a way to win. Sitting at a 2-6 record, tons of questions are starting to come to the forefront about the makeup of this roster and what is the best plan of action going forward.
The playoffs are far from the only worry for the Toronto Raptors organization at this point. Some of their big guns have just not had it to start off this season, although improvements are being made.
The center position has been a major issue as Aron Baynes has been miserable as a starter for the Toronto Raptors. In Baynes’ defense, he really is meant to be a solid big off the bench instead of a starter who is being depended on for big minutes.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors bench has just up and disappeared after fantastic preseason performances.
Playoffs are still in the realm of possibility as the Toronto Raptors are only seven games into the regular season. Not reaching the postseason would be a substantial failure for a team that although wasn’t predicted to reach similar totals they did last year, should still be a lower-tier seed in the Eastern Conference.
Not turning their play around and missing playoffs for the first time since 2013 is one thing. The long-term impact it could have on the future fortunes of this franchise is another beast.
Toronto Raptors need a big 2021 offseason
Although it is slowly thinning as future UFAs lock up with their respective clubs, the 2021 free-agent class is still one of the most loaded we’ve seen in years.
The Toronto Raptors creating cap space for a run at a few of these future free agents is one of the worst kept secrets in the NBA. Last season, the Raptors would’ve looked like a wicked destination for any upcoming UFA. They surprised the league by finishing second in the Eastern Conference whilst finishing with the second-best win percentage in the entire NBA. They didn’t have a ton of salary on the books and had a ton of up and coming young talent.
This season is a whole other story. Any free agent looking at the Toronto Raptors situation right now might see the bones of a good team, but in the NBA of all leagues, players drift to organizations they see give them the best chance to win.
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The Toronto Raptors have a foundation of young players who if they play to their potential can be a good team. In the NBA though, you need that star power. If the Raptors want to convince these All-Star UFAs they are only a few pieces off, it would be a big help to have a winning record and compete in the playoffs this upcoming season. Superstars don’t usually love playing for the lottery.