3 reasons the Raptors will be better than the Nets in 2023-24

1. Star Power

The Raptors can’t claim to have the edge over many teams in this area, but a team that features an All-NBA workhorse in Pascal Siakam at the tip of the spear might have enough quality and experience to overwhelm Bridges and a Nets depth chart that is still finding their way.

Bridges is a phenomenal player and is worthy of getting the chance to develop into a star in Brooklyn. His post-trade scoring numbers were phenomenal. However, there’s a lot of project involved with the expectations for Bridges in Brooklyn, as we have no idea if he can shoulder a primary load for a postseason team.

The Toronto Raptors have more stars than the Nets.

Johnson got a nice nine-figure contract in the offseason, but has his production ever been worthy of a deal like that? Given Simmons and Claxton’s offensive limitations and Spencer Dinwiddie’s wild inconsistency, who will be the No. 3 scorer if Bridges or Johnson have an off night?

Not only is Siakam the best player on either side, but the presence of the emerging Scottie Barnes, reliable OG Anunoby, and dynamic Gary Trent Jr. give the Raptors more firepower and postseason experience. Bridges is terrific, but is he alone enough to save an average roster?

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