Raptors News: Vince in Hall of Fame, failing preseason, trade ideas

A Failed Preseason

All summer long the Toronto Raptors looked ahead to October. After completely rebuilding the roster via four significant trades last season, the new core barely got to play together before injuries struck. Then there was the addition of five rookies to the roster this summer to build out the depth and upside of the roster. "Just wait until October."

Unfortunately for the Raptors, October is here and the band is not together. RJ Barrett was incredible for exactly one half before he went down with an injury. Immanuel Quickley and Bruce Brown haven't played a single minute. First-round pick Ja'Kobe Walter hasn't been cleared to practice yet.

Not only have the Raptors not been able to build any sort of chemistry, they have been absolutely embarrassed in their last two preseason games. They were demolished by the Washington Wizards, who will be overachieving if they win 15 games this season, and two days later the Boston Celtics' scrubs wiped the floor with them.

Seriously, the Raptors were down 32 at the half to a Celtics team not playing any starters, and only came back by playing their normal rotation palyers against the Celtics' two-way guys. They essentially lost to the Maine Red Claws of the G League. It was an embarrassing showing.

It also highlighted the Raptors' fatal flaw in that they are extremely shallow in players ready to contribute now, in shot creation, and in shooting. Lose Immanuel Quickley and the shooting is compromised; lose RJ Barrett, and who is supposed to create a shot? The Raptors need to stay healthy to compete in the East, and they are already hurt. It's not a good sign.