Raptors Gear, High Hopes
Hey Toronto fans! The 2024-2025 NBA season is about to kick off, and as we shake off the dust from last season’s bumpy ride, there’s a ton of chatter buzzing around the Raptors. After a rough record of 25-57 last season that left us on the outside looking in during the playoffs, it’s clear this team has some major work to do.
This summer, the Raptors have been making moves. They said goodbye to some familiar faces, including Gary Trent Jr. and Jalen McDaniels, but added some fresh legs and new energy to the roster. Meet the new guys: Ja’Kobe Walter, Jonathan Mogbo, Jamal Shead, Ulrich Chomche, and Davion Mitchell. Add in Branden Carlson, and you’ve got a mix that has potential!
And how about that Anunoby trade that brought us Immanuel Quickley? He just signed a whopping $175 million deal for five years! Meanwhile, Scottie Barnes got the ultimate vote of confidence with his max contract. These guys are the heart of this team, and they could bring the noise!
During some limited minutes together, Barnes, Quickley, and RJ Barrett announced their arrival by outscoring opponents by a whopping 65 points. That’s not just a fluke; it’s a sign of what could be if they can figure things out together. Barnes, the versatile playmaker, can do a bit of everything. He’s been rubbing shoulders with some elite company, joining the likes of Jokić, Antetokounmpo, and Dončić after a remarkable season last year.
But hold on, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The Raptors are still figuring out their identity after losing a bunch of talent over the past two years, including Pascal Siakam, and even coach Nick Nurse is no longer in the picture. What’s left is a need for additional players to step up and contribute – which means there’s a lot of experimenting ahead.
Raptors’ head coach Darko Rajaković is going to have his hands full. He’s got to figure out who from the new bunch fits best alongside our core quartet. Young guns like Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji have some proving to do on the court this season, so fans are feeling the excitement mixed with a little anxiety.
The question is: Are we looking at a building year, or could this squad surprise us all? Masai Ujiri, our mastermind behind the curtain, has been vocal about this being a rebuilding phase. That’s fine and all, but how long before the Raptors start making strides toward deep playoff runs again?
Let’s be honest – you can’t have a strong four without a solid five. The Raptors need to round out their roster with some dependable guys to ensure a competitive edge in a weak Eastern Conference. There’s talk they could shuffle some of their veterans out if it means landing some promising young talent in return.
For all you fantasy sports fans out there, this roster is shaping up to be juicy. Barnes should be a shoe-in for your second-round pick if you’re on the hunt for a stat stuffer. Quickley is on the verge of a breakout season, averaging nearly 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists. Barrett is a classic points-league player too. With all this young energy, making smart picks could pay off big this season!
Mark your calendars: the Raptors are set to kick off their season against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 23. As we gear up for action, let’s cross our fingers that the Raptors find their rhythm and give us something to cheer about this year!
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