Raptors: 3 lessons we learned from Toronto’s first 3 games

3. The Raptors need more shooting

As mentioned, the Raptors’ offense lacks consistency. Regrettably, the only thing that has been consistent about it so far is how poorly the team is shooting.

While it’s a credit to Barnes that he’s leading the team in field-goal percentage, it’s just as much an indictment on the rest of the team that no other rotation regular is shooting better than 44.4%from the floor. Of the nine Raptors who have played at least 45 minutes, six have a field goal percentage of 37.5% or lower.

This brick-laying demonstration has been most pronounced from 3-point land, where Toronto is a miserable 28-106. It’s no coincidence that the Raps’ one win came when they went inside most frequently. Even in the winning cause against Boston, Toronto shot just 42% from the field, including 28.6% on threes.

The Toronto Raptors shooting woes are killing this team early in 2021.

There is no shortage of blame to go around. The experienced hands that Nurse should be able to rely on – Anunoby, Dragic, and Fred VanVleet – have all struggled with their shot. Gary Trent Jr. is still showing some inconsistency, and the closest thing Toronto has to a three-point shooting big right now in Chris Boucher is only 2-15 from downtown.

With frontcourt fixtures Achiuwa, Barnes, and Khem Birch combining for just 10 three-point attempts, Toronto has been unable to stretch the floor and keep defenses honest.

While this team-wide shooting slump won’t continue to such a sharp degree, it has exposed this team for its lack of reliable shooters with range, an issue that may need to be addressed if Toronto has designs on chasing a playoff spot in 2022.