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Pros and Cons of the Toronto Raptors tanking for a star in 2022

By Matthew Eichhorn

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 25: Toronto Raptors huddle up ahead of their NBA game against the Chicago Bulls at Scotiabank Arena on October 25, 2021 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 25: Toronto Raptors huddle up ahead of their NBA game against the Chicago Bulls at Scotiabank Arena on October 25, 2021 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors, Scottie Barnes
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 19: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Pro: Lineup Experimentation.

Due to both injuries and all of the offseason turnover, the Raptors have the luxury to experiment with several different lineups this season. By utilizing their unique roster to the fullest, the Raptors organization will be able to analyze where certain players fit best in specific rotations and sets.

One of the biggest question marks in the Raptors lineups currently comes from Pascal Siakam starting at center. At 6-9, Siakam is one of the smallest centers in the league, putting the Raptors at risk to be dominated on the boards. This is an issue they struggled with all of last season and are still struggling with now.

Having him at the 5 isn’t all negative, however, as this does give the Raptors the ability to spread the floor as well as move quickly in transition. By testing out multiple options on the court the Raptors can focus less on the final score and more on how to build their roster into the future. While this may hinder them short-term, it could be beneficial for their future.

Pro: Youth Development.

Lineup experimentation allows younger and unproven players to showcase their skills. This could hurt the Raptors win total this season, but it will also put them in a better situation to win next season.

The Toronto Raptors need to help their young players perform.

With six players on the active roster in their rookie or sophomore seasons, there is ample room for growth on this team. By giving these young guns like Scottie Barnes and Dalano Banton a chance to run the floor and come into their own, Toronto may be setting itself up for success in the coming years.

The downside to this idea comes down to the fact that while having potential is an asset, it does not help a team’s short-term outlook. More often than not we will be seeing some ugly basketball with on-brand “rookie mistakes” happening at large.

If the youngsters hit their stride, Toronto’s young guns could lay the foundation for a contending team in the future.