After enduring an eight-game losing streak, the team finds itself near the bottom of the standings—second last in the East and third last overall. It's a tough pill to swallow for a fanbase used to fighting for playoff spots, not draft lottery odds.
But Christmas is a time for optimism and hope, so Raptors fans are likely breaking out the wish lists.
They can forget the shiny presents under the tree; what they want this year is for their team to straighten itself out. From rediscovering their rhythm on offense to finding solutions for all that ails them on defense, here’s what Raptors fans are asking for to at least take some Grinchiness out of this season.
A clean bill of health under the tree
Raptors fans are tired of the injury bug this season, and their holiday wish list is filled with hopes for good health.
Scottie Barnes missed 13 games because of an orbital fracture; he's back now, but fingers are crossed that he won't have any setbacks. Barnes is such a key player that everyone wants to see him healthy and leading on the court.
The projected key piece at point guard, Immanuel Quickley, has played only three games so far, and Raptors nation is desperate for his return.
It is apparent that the team needs more stability at the position, and fans are hoping Quickley can finally shake off the injuries and make a real impact. Even the team’s only true big man, Jakob Poeltl, has missed the last three games, a player the team has leaned on all season for his significant contributions inside.
The real Christmas miracle Raptors fans are asking for is consistent health across the roster—players not getting injured and a way to keep the stars on the floor for the rest of the season.
A Christmas miracle (perhaps a Trae Young deal?)
This holiday season, Raptors fans can dream big with a possible trade for Trae Young.
The 26-year-old star brings much-needed playmaking and scoring to a team that has struggled for consistency at the point guard position. Young is an elite shooter who can create his own offense, and his court vision could unlock the Toronto offense while pairing perfectly with Scottie Barnes's all-around game.
With his ability to take over games and hit big shots, Young would immediately make the Raptors playoff hopefuls.
The Hawks could view dealing Young as a positive move if they ever wanted to rebuild or reshape the team. With all the talent in the world, the Hawks have just not been able to put the right pieces around him. Dealing him would help them achieve a more balanced roster and gain valuable future assets.
If the Raptors can somehow swing a deal involving him, it may just be the holiday miracle they need to turn their season around.
Wrapping-up defensive issues
One more gift Raptors fans are hoping for this season is a defensive makeover.
Though they have defensive studs in Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl on the roster, Toronto simply hasn't found the same consistency on defense that it once had.
In their successful years, the Raptors had a strong defensive identity, boasting top talents such as OG Anunoby. Lately, however, their defense has been inconsistent, particularly on the perimeter and in transition, leading to easy baskets for opponents. If they can tighten up defensively, that could be the key.
What the Raptors need this holiday is a return to their defensive roots. Adding a veteran defensive anchor or someone who offers similar skills to what Jakob Poeltl provides off the bench will help solidify their interior.
With the increased communication and energy on that end, they are on their merry way to rising in the standings.