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Toronto Raptors: 3 questions Toronto need to ask themselves in offseason

By Nickeem Khan

TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 27: Head coach Nick Nurse of the Toronto Raptors reacts during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Amalie Arena on April 27, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 27: Head coach Nick Nurse of the Toronto Raptors reacts during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Amalie Arena on April 27, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Raptors are currently sitting at the 12th seed, still holding out hope that they can squeeze into that final play-in tournament spot. Regardless of whether or not the Raptors are able to secure their eighth straight playoff appearance, Masai Ujiri, along with the rest of the front office, have many questions they need to ask themselves ahead of this offseason.

The Raptors have seen significant change to their roster throughout the past season. Norman Powell was dealt for Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood, in an attempt to get younger without jeopardizing their winnow mentality.

It’s evident that the trade was a win for Toronto, as Trent has been nothing short of spectacular during his brief time with the Raptors.

It’s common knowledge that Masai isn’t scared of making bold moves. The same could be in store for the Raptors this offseason, as they need to ask these three tough questions about the state of their roster.

3 questions the Toronto Raptors must answer

Pascal Siaka, Toronto Raptors
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – MARCH 29: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

Raptors question No.1: Do you trust in Pascal Siakam as a number one option?

It’s been a bumpy ride with Pascal Siakam in the driver’s seat, to say the least. The 27-year-old forward is in his fifth season and for the first time in his career, he hasn’t increased his points per game totals from the previous season. Ever since the NBA season shutdown on March 11, 2020, Siakam just hasn’t been the same player.

Up until the suspension of last season, Siakam was averaging 23.6 points, 7.5 rebounds along with 3.6 assists per game. When looking at his stats in the bubble there’s a huge drop off in overall productivity. In the remaining eight games of the season, Siakam averaged 16.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.

He would only get worse in the playoffs, especially in the Raptors second-round series against the Celtics in which Siakam averaged a measly 14.9 points on 38 percent shooting from the field.

Pascal Siakam has struggled at times for the Toronto Raptors

Although Pascal has been better this season, inconsistencies continue to be a major flaw within his game. Siakam has had three games this season scoring in the single digits, which he hasn’t done since his third season. In a league where superstars bring you championships, is Siakam enough to bring the Raptors into title contention?

The original plans of signing Giannis Antetokounmpo in free agency got ruined when the star signed a supermax deal to stay in Milwaukee, but the Raptors still have a large sum of cap space available to sign someone this summer.

There could definitely be a scenario in which Toronto could potentially bring in a new star. Should Bobby Webster and Masai Ujiri look into pulling the trigger? It’s worth the consideration no doubt.