The Toronto Raptors’ 2021 season was one to forget. Some may say it was doomed to fail from the start, but the events that proceeded really put the nail in the coffin. Moving to Tampa for the regular season doesn’t seem like a big deal, but for professional athletes, it really can be and their record to start the season cemented that fact.
Then just when they were starting to find a groove, COVID-19 ravaged the dressing room, and the Raptors never really recovered. The ended up missing the NBA Playoffs for the first season in nearly a decade in a bitter ending to this season.
The 2022 season can be extremely different if management plays their cards right. There are a ton of questions to be answered that can truly change the future of this organization in the short and long term.
The Toronto Raptors are a better team than their 2021 record shows and it is far from a stretch to say that this team could be a competitive team in the Eastern Conference by as early as next season. Here is a simple 3-step plan to get back.
These 3 steps can help get the Toronto Raptors back to the postseason.
1. Get as much as you can for Kyle Lowry in a sign-and-trade
When the GROAT wasn’t moved at the NBA Trade Deadline there were certainly a few eyebrows raised. Masai Ujiri stood firm on the value he wanted for Kyle Lowry and wasn’t willing to budge. Looking back now, maybe he should’ve.
If the Raptors hope to get anything of value from such an important player now, their last hope looks to be a sign-and-trade. Doing so could help ensure that Lowry’s first post-Raptors team gives him a puncher’s chance at winning a championship, which he likely won’t have in Toronto.
The Toronto Raptors should have plenty of suitors for Kyle Lowry.
A player like Lowry will have plenty of interest in a sign-and-trade market, and the Raptors should field offers from all teams in order to get the most back.
The Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers have been the favorites to make a deal for Lowry from early on in the 2021 season. This offseason though, there should be plenty more interested organizations for the veteran guard.
Lowry no longer fits in the young core that the Raptors have decided to build around. Not so secretly wants to compete with a championship-caliber club. The Raptors should try and get as many assets as possible in return for Lowry to use themselves or to eventually flip into something even greater.
2. Pay a premium price for a point guard
If Lowry is leaving, somethings got to give. Via trade, free agency or draft, the Raptors need a new stud at the point guard position. You’re not going to replace some of the intangibles Lowry brings to the table, but the statistical outpoint could be replicated.
Lucky for the Raptors, this free-agent class is loaded and there are plenty of options that Toronto should discuss. Getting that one stud to replace Lowry might be the surest way to guarantee that the Raptors can start piling up the wins next season.
The Toronto Raptors need a new ‘guy’ at PG.
The Raptors still have quality players at the guard position, but don’t necessarily have a true PG that could be relied on as a full-time starter as early as next season.
Fred VanVleet would appear to be the guy, but many argue that he is better suited at the shooting guard position. Malachi Flynn has played great basketball down the stretch, but he is still young and inexperienced, especially if this team wants to compete for real next season.
Free-agent names like Devonte’ Graham, Dennis Schroder and Spencer Dinwiddie are all intriguing. One of those three, with Schroder standing out in particular, could end up making the Raptors a force once again.
Toronto Raptors ideal guard depth chart next season.
PG: (insert player here) SG: Fred VanVleet
PG: Malachi Flynn SG: Jalen Harris
3. Add a center with a high offensive ceiling
The talking point of the majority of the 2021 campaign, the Raptors are still in need of help at the center position. Especially when it comes to rebounding and finishing on the inside, this team could use some reinforcements.
Khem Birch has been a great addition to this group and has made an instant impact on both ends of the court. The Montreal native has played some of his best basketball down the stretch and will hopefully be locked in by the front office as soon as possible. However, in case he bolts, the Raptors need to look at other options.
The Toronto Raptors still need help at center.
As great as Birch has been, a proven starting center would be a huge addition to this team. Freddie Gillespie has been good on the second unit as well, but Birch sliding to the backup role would be the ideal scenario. Chris Boucher could also shift to his natural position at PF, increasing depth behind Pascal Siakam.
Free-agent names like Richaun Holmes and Montrezl Harrell could all be huge boosts. They can give the Raptors a big with a true post game that could get easy buckets down the stretch while providing enough physicality to hold their own in the post.
Toronto Raptors ideal frontcourt depth chart next season.
SF: OG Anunoby PF: Pascal Siakam C: (insert player here)
SF: Gary Trent Jr. PF: Chris Boucher C: Khem Birch
The Raptors aren’t that far away from being back in the postseason mix.
This offseason will be a monumental one for the Toronto Raptors organization. There are a few directions that the front office could take, but if they want to immediately be competing again – they should follow this blueprint to start rebuilding the roster.
The Raptors have a solid core and some great developing pieces. A couple of solid players added into this group could have them competing in the Eastern Conference as soon as next year.