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Toronto Raptors: 3 potential outcomes for the 2021-22 season

By Avishai Sol

TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 05: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates with teammates after scoring a 3-point buzzer beater to defeat the Washington Wizards 103-101 at Amalie Arena on April 05, 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 05: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates with teammates after scoring a 3-point buzzer beater to defeat the Washington Wizards 103-101 at Amalie Arena on April 05, 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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TAMPA, FLORIDA – MARCH 19: OG Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors  (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – MARCH 19: OG Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors  (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

Option 2: Raptors make the playoffs, contend for a Top 4 seed.

I say pseudo-contender because I’m not about to say they can beat the Bucks or Nets. Still, it’s fun to go through the entire team and fantasize about the best semi-realistic scenario for everyone.

If the key contributors on the roster hit all of these checkpoints, the Raptors could end up making it to the postseason in a convincing fashion.

Best-case future for every member of the Toronto Raptors roster.

Pascal Siakam: Returns to the All-NBA player he was two years ago, has a career year averaging 24+ points per game, and finding his 3-point stroke again.

Fred VanVleet: Transitions nicely into the Lowry role as the primary distributor. Gets his FG% into the mid-40s. Contends for the All-Star game.

OG Anunoby: Takes a big leap as a shot creator. New scoring personal best on offense while continuing to be one of the best defensive players in the world. All-Defensive team.

Gary Trent Jr: Has another positive developmental year as a microwave scorer. Averages 16+ PPG.  Get’s his FG% into the mid-40s.

Precious Achiuwa: Takes a step forward during his sophomore year. Becomes the versatile defensive center and rim-runner Toronto is hoping for off of the bench.

https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1426699039689510916

Scottie Barnes: Makes All-Rookie first team as he continues to look like a 6-9 Draymond Green. Starts to stretch his range to the 3-point line.

Malachi Flynn: Becomes the heir to the VanVleet role as he puts his full array of passing/shooting/defensive talents on display. Forms a dangerous young core with Barnes and Achiuwa. Improves his efficiency from the field

Chris Boucher: Keeps dominating off of the bench while adding some weight in order to stick at center if the need arises.

Khem Birch: Averages 8 and 8 with some cool alley-oops in there for good measure.

Goran Dragic: Decides he loves Toronto and uses his wily talents to push the team to the playoffs.

It requires a ton of luck and developmental leaps, but it could happen.