The Raptors are watching the finals from afar, following the Knicks’ 13-game win streak and the rise of the Spurs’ young stars. Victor Wembanyama, who took his team to the finals as a 22-year-old in his first playoff run, has been the story of the postseason. The Knicks also rely on a strong frontcourt to fuel their playoff success with Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby putting together strong postseasons.Â
But—and this is where the Raptors should pay attention—neither team would have gotten this far without their elite guard play. Jalen Brunson is averaging 26.6 points and 6.3 assists per game for the Knicks, and Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, and Devin Vassell are four of the Spurs’ five most productive players. Elite guard play matters when it comes to winning at the highest level.Â
The Raptors have solid guard play—Immanuel Quickley is a key offensive contributor, and Jamal Shead proved his worth when he had to fill in for the former to close out the regular season and in the playoffs—but they do not have elite guard play, like most of the current top teams in the league. Toronto’s roster-building process has largely been focused on big, versatile two-way wings and forwards.Â
This playoff run is a reminder that the Raptors must significantly improve their guard play to become a contender. If they cannot accomplish that this offseason, they will have to do it in the future.Â
Some elite offensive guards could become available this offseason
Judging by Bobby Webster’s end-of-season interview, the Raptors’ offseason strategy will be to take advantage of any good trade opportunities that present themselves but not force anything just for the sake of making a big move. Some of those opportunities should involve guards who could take the Raptors’ offense to the next level.Â
The Mavericks are rumoured to want to move on from Kyrie Irving, and the Raptors know the team’s new GM, Masai Ujiri, very well. After a disappointing playoff run, the Nuggets may be desperate enough to move on from Jamal Murray, and the Cavs could look to move Donovan Mitchell if he doesn’t sign a contract extension. Moreover, Dylan Harper’s rise with the Spurs could quickly make De’Aaron Fox obsolete in San Antonio.Â
The Raptors own all of their first-round picks for the next few years and most of their second-round picks. They also have contracts to match a superstar’s salary. So, there is definitely the possibility of a guard upgrade coming in this offseason.Â
However, it’s not just about star players. It’s also about depth. The Raptors lack that, too.Â
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