Raptors News: Poeltl disaster, losing streak, draft gems, summer trades

Losing Streak

The Raptors as of Tuesday morning have now lost seven-straight games. In a season where three different teams have had a losing streak of at least 16 games that seems like small potatoes, but it's significant for the Raptors.

The Raptors have not lost as many as seven games in a row since May of 2021, the "Tampa" year that saw them bottom out and chase the pick that ultimately became Scottie Barnes. The last time the Raptors have had a losing streak of more than seven games...was earlier that year, nine games in a row. The similarities in those seasons have never been more apparent.

If the Raptors continue this losing streak for another few games, it will be the longest losing streak for the team since 2011, when the Raptors lost 13 straight games in January and February. They would finish that season 22-60 under head coach Jay Triano and land the No. 5 pick, which they would use on Jonas Valanciunas.

Draft Gems

The NCAA Tournament kicks off this week, making it a key time for fans of the Raptors to tune in and track some of the draft prospects that the Raptors could make a move for in June's NBA Draft. There are certainly stars at the top, and if the Raptors retain their frist-round pick they could be in prime position to add a difference-maker.

Further down the board, however, the Raptors know just as well as anyone how a late-round prospect could be an undervalued gem. Fred VanVleet was a March warrior for Wichita State before the Raptors scooped him up; so was Oregon big Chris Boucher.

Our newest writer at Raptors Rapture, Clayton Maurice, looked at three second-round draft gems that Raptors fans should be watching in this year's Tournament. You can also check out our look at three Duke University players to keep an eye on.