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4 reasons Raptors could contend for a championship with Damian Lillard

By Mike Luciano

PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 28: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers shakes hands with the bench during the third quarter against the Toronto Raptors at the Moda Center on January 28, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. The Toronto Raptors won 123-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 28: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers shakes hands with the bench during the third quarter against the Toronto Raptors at the Moda Center on January 28, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. The Toronto Raptors won 123-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Raptors went from an average team with some interesting players to a squad that has the potential to singlehandedly turn the NBA upside down. They could pull off a trade for Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard and send the rest of the basketball world into a frenzy.

The Raptors have reportedly leapfrogged the Miami Heat in the race for Lillard, as Toronto’s combination of assets seems to be much more appealing for Portland than the limited collection of names Pat Riley is dangling. The impact Lillard would have on this team is titanic.

Lillard averaged over 32 points per game last season while still being efficient and clutch. The age (33) is a concern, but his style of play should age gracefully on a Raptors team that is pivoting to an offensive-minded style of play under new head coach Darko Rajakovic.

Toronto would instantly become a contender, especially if Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam stick around. Even in a conference that features names like Jayson Tatum, Joel Embiid, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Raptors could have enough magic under their belt to pull off a run to Dame’s first NBA Finals.

4 reasons the Toronto Raptors can contend with Damian Lillard.

4. Improved shooting

Even a fundamental analysis of what went wrong for the Raptors last year shows that Toronto simply couldn’t get it done beyond the 3-point line. Toronto graded out as one of the worst teams in the league from deep, while names like Barnes failed to take steps forward.

The Raptors recognized the problems on this roster, drafting Gradey Dick No. 13 overall and refusing to give up on an experienced shooter in Otto Porter Jr. Adding Lillard to this roster would be such a massive addition that the Raptors could become a top-half shooting team due to his threat alone.

Damian Lillard gives the Toronto Raptors a terrific shooter.

Lillard has made 37% of his 3-pointers with the highest non-Steph Curry volume in the league during the course of his career. Lillard taking the shots that VanVleet sucked up last season would give Toronto a much more potent offense that isn’t as prone to stagnation.

When Lillard gets hot from 3-point range, there aren’t that many players in league history who can hold a candle to him. Imagine that first trademark Lillard scoring barrage in Raptors colors. Scotiabank Arena’s roof might get blown off from pure noise.

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