3 important takeaways as Raptors lose insane game on national TV vs. Bucks

3. Masai Ujiri must trade for a shooter soon

Ujiri sitting on his hands and doing nothing at the trade deadline would be as blatant a case of front office negligence as anything we’ve seen in years. The Raptors were 9-46 from 3-point range in a game they lost by three points, and seven of those nine makes were either Gary Trent Jr. or the hot-and-cold Fred VanVleet

While the Raptors could clearly use a center that can defend the rim to complete their aggressive defense, the lack of shooting has been a problem for the last three seasons. If Toronto wants any shot of competing for a play-in spot, they need to plug the hole that has plagued this team for years.

The Toronto Raptors need more shooting.

When the Raptors found themselves in an early hole, the offense quickly devolved into alternating isolations and some of their best perimeter players chucking up shots from deep. Nurse and Ujiri have been around the block long enough to know that games can’t be won that way.

The Raptors have enough star power and scoring to beat most of the teams that are knocking them down in the Eastern Conference. However, their lack of shooting is making that goal almost impossible. Big changes, perhaps even fundamental ones, are needed.