5 Pieces Raptors must find to become true title contenders

2. Shooting

The Raptors finished 28th in 3-pointers made and 3-point percentage last season. Their struggles to space the floor played a key role in Toronto rating 27th in true shooting percentage and 28th in effective field goal percentage. Things slowed down in the half-court because of the team’s lack of shooting and inability to get past their defender.

Toronto selected arguably the best shooter in the draft in Gradey Dick, but one player isn’t going to fix the problem. Their other primary additions were Dennis Schroder and Jalen McDaniels, who are both below-average and inconsistent shooters.

There will be times when Rajakovic is forced to run a lineup featuring Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, Schroder, and McDaniels. The best 3-point shooter among that group last season was McDaniels, who made 33.2 percent of his 3-point tries. In the modern NBA, that lineup just does not work, and it underscores the Raptors’ desperate need for shooting.

If Toronto plans on making the playoffs and going on a deep run, they need immediate contributions from Dick and to add a shooter or two before February’s trade deadline. Improving the floor spacing would do wonders for the Toronto Raptors’ half-court offense and overall success, but can they find the right deal?