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
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.
Raptors question No.2: Is it time to part ways with Kyle Lowry?
It’s a question that every Raptors fan fears to hear. Kyle Lowry is undisputedly the greatest player in franchise history, and it’s become nearly impossible to imagine the team without him on the court. However, as a new era is on the horizon, it isn’t a foregone conclusion to assume that Lowry will remain a Raptor for the rest of his career.
When looking at the current starting lineup for the Toronto Raptors it consists of Lowry, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, and Khem Birch. The biggest issue with Lowry returning is, what will happen with Gary Trent Jr.?
Trent has shown already that he is a future star in the making, with an incredible 44-point performance on an absurd 90 percent shooting from the field vs the Cleveland Cavaliers as an example.
With Lowry in the lineup, there is no room for Trent to start. Siakam could be pushed to the five and OG to the four, which would allow Trent to see action as a starter, but that would leave the Raptors with an incredibly undersized frontcourt.
Should the Toronto Raptors pick Gary Trent Jr. over Kyle Lowry?
If Lowry is comfortable with coming off the bench, which may have to be the move going forward, then the issue is resolved. The timelines of Lowry and the Raptors just don’t line up, which isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes change is needed for both parties.
There are a great number of examples such as former Raptor Marc Gasol with the Memphis Grizzlies. Although he isn’t with the team, he will always be known as one of the greatest Grizzlies players of all time. The same will go for Lowry, no matter what decision is made in the offseason.
Raptors question No. 3: Should Khem Birch be the starting center?
To the surprise of many, Khem Birch has flourished as a starting center for the Raptors. One may even argue that if Toronto had Birch from the beginning of the season, the Raptors would definitely be positioned for a playoff spot. With the great play of Birch it becomes a question of if the Raptors trust Birch to be the starting center long term?
Some fans might jump and proclaim that Chris Boucher should be the starting center next season, which is valid, there are many reasons as to why Boucher shouldn’t. Although Boucher is an amazing shot blocker, his thin frame is a liability on defense at times, as it allows more physical players to use it to their advantage.
Boucher averages 2.8 fouls per game, which is only 0.4 behind Siakam, who leads the team in that category. The major difference is Siakam plays 36 minutes a game, which Boucher plays 24. With more time on the court, it’s only logical to assume that number will only increase.
The Raptors bench thrives with Boucher on it, so it wouldn’t make sense to remove him from where he’s been successful.
Khem Birch should start over Chris Boucher.
Birch, however, has brought tremendous energy, and is a big that fits the Raptors playstyle perfectly. He’s athletic, mobile, and doesn’t require the ball in his hands to leave a mark on the game.
Regardless of if Lowry returns with Birch or not, VanVleet can definitely uplift Birch the same way. Birch has emerged into a new player with Toronto, and it’s a possibility that there’s another gear for him to reach.
With this past season being much different than what the Raptors are used to over the past few years. The front office will have a lot of work on their hands. These questions along with many others will need answering, and once they’re done, we could be looking at a Raptors team that we’re not familiar with.