The Toronto Raptors and their fans could be in for a long year. If the season-opening 136-106 loss
to the Cleveland Cavaliers was an indicator of the type of campaign that the Raptors will have in 2024-25, the outlook does not appear to be positive.
Obviously, trying to read too much into a one game sample size is a fool's errand. The Raptors were down several key pieces like RJ Barrett, Kelly Olynyk, and Bruce Brown. They also lost Immanuel Quickley to injury before the night was over. This made it somewhat easy for the Cavaliers' potent defense to give Scottie Barnes and company their fair share of trouble.
A close win over a Philadelphia team without its stars and a significant defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves doesn't do much to reset the balance, either. Some players stood out and other disappointed, but nothing screamed "playoff contender" in the early going for the Raptors.
Whether onlookers choose to put considerable weight onto the first results of the season or not, most would agree that the expectations for the Raptors are modest this season. Perhaps the team will end up in the NBA Play-In Tournament by year's end. However, few truly expect them to compete for anything of significance.
The Raptors will be looking to the NBA Draft
The most important competition that the Raptors will likely find themselves in is the NBA Draft Lottery. Luckily for the organization, this projects to be a great year to be there.
On top of having a highly-touted projected number one pick at the top, there looks to be an opportunity to grab franchise-altering talents all over the lottery. Should the Raptors find themselves near the top of the 2025 NBA Draft, they may be able to find the piece who will accelerate their rebuild.