Last season's fatal flaw has returned to plague the Raptors once more

The Toronto Raptors' inaugural game of their landmark 30th anniversary season can best be described as an absolute masterclass—though not for the Raptors themselves, but rather for their opponents, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

What initially started as a competitive matchup between Toronto and Cleveland swiftly transformed into a one-sided contest. The Cavaliers capitalized on the Raptors' evident vulnerabilities, ultimately securing a dominant 136-106 victory. The Raptors experienced a disappointing start to their season, suffering a 30-point loss in their opener. This defeat represents the franchise's largest margin of loss in a season debut, surpassing their previous record of 29 points set in 2001 against the Orlando Magic.

It is evident from the statements of both players and front office personnel that the current iteration of the Toronto Raptors is not solely fixated on achieving victories on a nightly basis. Furthermore, it is crucial to acknowledge the significant absence of key players due to injury. Notable names such as RJ Barrett, recent first-round draft pick Ja'Kobe Walter, Bruce Brown, and Kelly Olynyk were all sidelined for their matchup against the Cavaliers. While the absence of key players in their rotation is significant, it does not excuse the lackluster effort exhibited by the team, particularly in terms of their defensive performance.

The Raptors' defense was terrible

Defense has emerged as a critical focus for the Toronto Raptors, particularly as the team has gradually lost many of its primary defenders in recent seasons. In their efforts to reclaim their defensive prowess, the Toronto Raptors have sought to acquire players with robust defensive skills. Franchise star Scottie Barnes has taken on a leading role in that regard following the trade of OG Anunoby last season.

Furthermore, the team has enhanced their lineup by incorporating defensively-oriented guards such as Davion Mitchell and Jamal Shead. Shead consistently demonstrated his prowess as a formidable defender, showcasing a relentless "dog" mentality. He proved to be an unwavering presence on the court, effectively neutralizing opposing players and making it challenging for them to score. This development is undoubtedly a positive sign for Toronto's future, particularly as Shead continues to enhance his overall skill set.

These roster adjustments demonstrate that the Raptors are acutely aware of the need for improvement in this area. However, persistent deficiencies in their team construction as a whole continues to be exploited, as evidenced by the Cavaliers' effortless dismantling of the team on October 23rd.

Jakob Poeltl was acquired to strengthen the Toronto Raptors' interior defense, a role that has been underwhelming since the days of Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol. However, during the recent game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Poeltl's presence was called into question as he struggled to impressively command the paint. Smaller opponents were able to navigate around him with ease, showcasing a troubling lack of respect for his size and effort. Even when Poeltl attempted to contest their shots, many still found success, raising concerns about his effectiveness in the pivotal role the Raptors had envisioned for him.

The previous season highlighted the challenges faced by the Raptors when their interior defense faltered, particularly during Jakob Poeltl's extended absence due to injury. It has become increasingly clear that relying solely on Poeltl as the primary anchor for interior defense may not be sufficient. The front office must recognize that he may be better suited for a role coming off the bench. Moreover, adjustments to the starting lineup may be necessary to address the deficiencies that arise when Poeltl is on the court for extended periods.

The Raptors faced significant challenges navigating Cleveland's formidable defense. Compounding their struggles were ongoing issues with spacing, which hindered their ability to effectively distribute the ball to outside shooters when opportunities to score in the paint were limited. Gradey Dick’s impressive ability to sink three-pointers raises a crucial question for the Toronto Raptors: who else can step up to bolster the team’s long-range shooting efforts?

Nonetheless, as it is the inaugural game of the new season, fans and analysts alike should refrain from being excessively pessimistic in response to a single underwhelming performance. However, it is important to acknowledge that the defensive challenges present in the current configuration of the Toronto Raptors are likely to hinder their pursuit of success throughout the season. One thing is clear for the 2024-25 Raptors: they are facing a long and demanding 82-game schedule ahead.