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3 possible solutions to fix the Raptors’ terrible half court offense

By Mike Luciano

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 02: Head coach Darko Rajakovic of the Toronto Raptors reacts during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 02, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 02: Head coach Darko Rajakovic of the Toronto Raptors reacts during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 02, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Raptors have plenty of positives to look at early in the 2023-24 season. The Raptors have beaten contenders like the Bucks, Mavericks, and Timberwolves while watching Scottie Barnes take the step forward everyone expected. Having said that, Darko Rajakovic and Masai Ujiri have some work to do.

The Raptors have the most puzzling offensive attack in the league. Their transition offense has ranked at or near the top of the league for most of the season, and it’s easy to see Rajakovic’s fingerprints all over it. However, their half court offense is as bad as the “Trust The Process” 76ers.

While Rajakovic has restored the vibes and elevated Barnes, the fact that an offensive-minded coach coming from a very productive scheme in Memphis is having trouble getting the Raptors out of the bottom of the league in this area should be a cause for at least some concern.

Rajakovic and Ujiri need to try anything and everything to give this offense the boost it needs, including some bigger wholesale changes. One of these three points of difference might be the spark this team needs to finally start putting up respectable numbers.

3 possible fixes to poor Toronto Raptors’ offense

3. Speed things up

While Nick Nurse’s offense might be gone, one of the big problems from last year is still quite prevalent. There’s too much standing around and moving slowly in a league that is playing at a faster, more breakneck pace with each passing year. A nitro boost to speed up the clock might be needed.

The Raptors don’t think as much in transition. They’re taken to Rajakovic’s directive to always make the extra pass, and their natural athletic ability shines. When they have to play at a slower pace, plays take too long to run and there’s too much passing around without much purpose.

The Toronto Raptors need to play with more pace.

While the idea of playing more recklessly with a team that already lacks shooting could make for some very ineffective nights, the Raptors offense isn’t working right now anyway. Why not at least try to get a little more chaotic, especially if they seem to thrive in chaos?

Barnes seems to play well in Rajakovic’s system and make quick decisions, so he could be the perfect triggerman for this philosophy. If the impressive Dennis Schroder also adapts to this mindset and Anunoby stays hot when he comes back from injury, the Raptors might overcome their poor start.

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