Way too early prediction of Raptors’ 2023-24 starting lineup

The Toronto Raptors, if we are going to believe what Masai Ujiri hinted at during his postseason media availability, are willing to make all sorts of changes as they try to figure out the right combination needed to shake off last season’s disappointment and get back in the postseason hunt.

The Raptors have been linked to some earth-shattering trade ideas, including a move that flips OG Anunoby or Pascal Siakam to the Portland Trail Blazers for the No. 3 pick in the draft. No matter what happens, Ujiri is expected to make enough meaningful changes to his group.

How much different will the starting lineup look? Well, if Ujiri comes out guns blazing to start the offseason, he could end up with a new-look group that puts Toronto in a much better position this year and the next.

https://twitter.com/TheNBACentral/status/1659656444491210767

Projected Toronto Raptors 2023-24 starting lineup.

PG: Scoot Henderson

The Raptors could send Anunoby and multiple bench pieces to Portland for a package headlined by the No. 3 pick. If they pull that move off, they could end up with a dynamic star point guard who will immediately become a franchise cornerstone in the explosive Henderson.

SG: Anfernee Simons

Simons is not going to be an amazing defender, but the young shooter has shown he can score 20 points in his sleep while shooting well from 3-point range. His skills are exactly what this team needs right now, meaning that an Anunoby-centric trade surrounding Simons and No. 3 needs to go down.

SF: Scottie Barnes

The Raptors are destined to go down with this ship and milk every single ounce of potential out of Barnes. Even though he has his faults on the offensive end, he has shown more than enough for Toronto to base their decision-making for the next few seasons around him.

PF: Pascal Siakam

He’s a popular trade target right now, but it would be very difficult to envision a world where Toronto trades Siakam away and doesn’t get an absolute king’s ransom in the return package. Still a fringe All-NBA talent, Siakam would be the best player on the team once again.

C: Jakob Poeltl

Poeltl is a free agent, but all signs point to him returning to Toronto on a deal that locks him in for the next few seasons. While not a versatile offensive threat, he can be a productive finisher and rebounder that helps the defense play like one of the best in the sport when he’s locked in.